Greetings everyone from the Office of your Recorder!!
The latter part of February and March thus far have been extremely busy for me here at Bektash. There is a lot to cover so I will get right to it.
I’ll start off with the Stated Meeting which was just a few days ago as I write this.
Treasurer Walters reported that our finances are in good shape even with what is occurring with the markets and our current situation in the Middle East. Yes, we, like everyone, have taken a hit but all in all we remain in a good financial position and are in contact with our advisors on a regular basis.
Our per capita obligation to Imperial has been processed for this year along with our building taxes to the City of Concord. Please remember that here in Concord, they are paid quarterly.
Our Insurance Committee has been working with our insurance providers, and these obligations have also been fulfilled for this year.
We have four new candidates in the ”pipeline”. We just have a few more “paperwork” items to be completed and we’ll be welcoming them to our Oasis. Looking forward to their participation once everything is completed and we get them sworn in.
It was great to hear that all 3 of our hospitals continue to thrive. The common theme was that our census on the outpatient care we provide continues to grow.
Renovations at the Boston Hospital are continuing. Patient rooms have been completed. Current ongoing improvements are being made in the pharmacy and HVAC upgrades.
The Montreal hospital continues their efforts with adding 2 more clinic locations to the 2 already operating. They are also seeing more international patients due to restrictions on travel to the US.
New England (Springfield) also continues to provide clinic services and a new 3 D printer is truly having an impact on the services they provide.
As I write this, Team Fortier has begun the building repairs that encompass removing the texture 111 paneling on our building façade. They are replacing that siding with a more durable product which will not only make the building look better but add to the integrity of the facility. It will be much more durable for keeping weather, insects and other concerning problems out of the building. As part of this project the repair of entryway adjacent to the Nobility Room will also occur.
We have resurrected and or updated the “Projects Board” which was located right outside the entrance to the Nobility Room. On it are the upcoming action items we have in the works.
First on the list is the Spring Clean-up. This will most likely occur towards the end of April, once the weather breaks. An email blast will go out to all once a date has been determined. Obviously, we’ll provide refreshments and fare once we get the work done!!
To say that Bektash doesn’t recycle would be such a false statement given one of the other projects in the works. As I hope you all have noticed, and saw in the Bektash News a few months ago, our new sign is up! It looks great!! The old sign was carefully removed by Ills PP Mark and Lady Linda Simard’s son Tyler. He did a great job of preserving it!! A trailer has been donated to us and plans are in the works to put the old sign on this trailer. This will allow us to tow the sign during parades and also moved out in front of the building when the time is appropriate for announcing events here at Bektash. Ills. Ken, Treasurer Walters and I are heading up that project, but we can always use some extra help!! Reach out if you are interested.
It’s not too early to talk about the weekly mowing of the lawn here at Bektash. Agan, as we get closer to the time when we need this help, we’ll make sure you all are aware and what will be needed.
We have received notification from the Montreal Hospital that they are looking individuals interested in filling an open position on the Board of Governors. There is one vacancy at this time which will need to be fulfilled for the upcoming year. Should this interest you, please reach out to us here in the office. There is a packet we can provide that explains the requirements, duties, and process for becoming a Board member.
Ills. Thoroughgood and Chief Rabban Hunter recently attended the Northeast Shrine Association Mid Winter Meeting. Our position in the parade during the field days is #6!! Let’s start talking about having a lot of participation for this event. More information as to accommodations, etc. will be forthcoming.
As for upcoming events, on April 18 th there will be a Units and Club event here at Bektash. Unit and Club heads, please make sure you attend!! Our Marshall, Dave Vachon, who also heads up the Legion of Honor, is spearheading this event. I am sure he’ll be reaching out to you Unit and Club heads if he hasn’t already to ensure everyone is well represented. The more participation the better!! Come see what Bektash has to offer!!
Our first Fun and Fellowship night will be on Friday May 8th , commencing at 5:30PM!! Tacos and Tequilla!! Sounds like a good time!! Hope to see everyone there!!
Finally, Treasurer Walters and I are preparing to leave for the annual Treasurer’s and Recorder’s conference in Amarillo, Texas. We are looking forward to connecting with our fellow officers and learning more about how we can improve what we do for all of you. I am quite sure from the tentative program we have received, we’ll come back with much information to share.
So, until next month, I hope to see you all soon at our upcoming events and thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve you here at Bektash Shrine.
Fraternally,
Lloyd