Greetings all!!
Sincerely hope this finds everyone well and enjoying what has already been a warm summer season!!
So much to report so I’ll get right to it!!
The Shrine Center has been brimming with activity lately. In the past weeks we have hosted the NH Eagle Scouts awards dinner, NH State Police Retirees semiannual meeting and dinner, the NH State Police Alumni group summer picnic which included the entire Command Staff from NHSP, a Fun and Fellowship evening, Sunday morning Breakfast with Bingo and a Stated Meeting. Not to mention a couple private family type of events too. To be honest, it’s been awesome!!
While talking about the building, the major repairs have been completed. A couple internal fixes will be done in the near future. I’ve noticed that there are a few screens that need repair, and I will handle that in the very near future. Otherwise we continue to be vigilant with this asset and will continue to what’s best for our image and the asset!!
HP&P Jim Geas is assembling a crew to do some painting of the gazebo and I’m sure if you have a few hours of spare time, he’d appreciate your help!! Please reach out to HP&P P Jim for further information.
As I write this, the State Meeting occurred a few days ago. For those of you not able to attend, we inducted 6 new members and look forward to their participation!! Welcome Nobles Pastor, Gillitano, Calautti, Johnson, Gooze and Lussier!!
On the topic of the Stated, the item most discussed was that of our Pilgrimage Fund and its usage. What everyone should remember is that the first responsibility of your Divan is to be proper stewards of YOUR MONEY. The current and recent Divans have done exactly that and those who currently serve you are like minded on continuing the efforts of the most recent Divans with those efforts.
That being said, I am quite sure that during the upcoming budget process your Divan will take the comments at the Stated and act most appropriately to fulfill the wishes expressed. The goal of more participation when we travel will be what is hoped. Doing that while still remaining vigilant so that funds will be available for the future will remain a consideration to achieving the goals expressed.
And as was pointed out, this was considered in the most past Budget process. Ills. Thoroughgood and Treasurer Walters both remarked that monies were contained within this year’s budget to accommodate some travel assistance for and by the nobility.
Also, during the Stated Meeting, a synopsis of the legislation to be up for consideration during Imperial Session was presented. As usual, there are quite a few articles regarding jurisdictional matters and other house cleaning type issues.
As is always expected, there are articles pertaining to the per diem and travel expenses for representatives and spouses.
There are also 2 articles pertaining to dues and increasing dues from their current rate and how future dues increases would be calculated.
In the next few weeks prior to Imperial Session your Divan will be considering all of these and would very much appreciate your input. Please feel free to reach out to the office and we will be more than happy to get you up to speed with the actual articles. Again Nobles, it’s YOUR MONEY and our representatives need your input so that they may effectively address the matters during Imperial Session. Please know that the philosophy of a steady course and fiscal conservatism remains paramount in our minds.
As you will see in his issue, our Units continue to be very busy with “Parade Season”. If one of these units interests you, please consider reaching out to the heads noted in this issue and have that conversation. Remember, your participation makes Shrinedom fun!!
A lot of events are coming up too!! Fun and Fellowship, Summer Picnic, the NSA Field Days to name a few. Love to see you all at any one of these or at a parade!! And again, participation makes Shrinedom FUN!!
And please don’t forget and or it’s not to early to be thinking about the “Lady Amy Golf Tournament” on Monday September 21 st . More to come very soon!!!!
The Labor Day Holiday and Election will require us to move the dates of the September Finance and Stated meetings. Please pay attention to the forthcoming editions and announcements to when these important meetings will occur.
As I conclude this report to you, as always, THANK YOU for continuing to allow me the privilege to serve you as YOUR Recorder here at Bektash Shrine.
Fraternally,
Lloyd