Greetings Nobles and Ladies,
By the time this issue of the Scimitar reaches you, we will have already held
our annual meeting and also our Installation Banquet. The annual meeting went very well with over 60 Nobles in attendance. Our officers
were elected, including our new Recorder, PP Frank DiMascio. I look forward to working with Frank this year. He has the experience
of serving as Potentate in 2008 and 2010 and has already been a big help to me. I am counting on him to keep me in line.
My appointment for 2011 is Domenic DiStefano who is one of our hardest working Shriners. Domenic and his Lady Keri Lyn are a welcome
addition to our line of officers. On January 7th of this year, Domenic was installed as Master of Jenks Lodge, and I offer him my
sincerest congratulations and best wishes for a successful year as Master.
The Installation Banquet
will be a night that Lady Jan and I will always remember. One of the happiest moments of the night was to see our Chief Rabban David
Nelson and Lady Donna escorted in. David received a well-earned standing ovation and brought tears to the eyes of many a Noble
and Lady . . . including Jan and myself. It meant so much to have them there to share in our special night. Please continue
to keep David and Donna in your prayers.
I also want to congratulate Robert Correia for
being selected as Shriner of the Year for the second time. He is a hard worker and always willing to lend a hand. I would once
again like to thank Past Potentate Joseph Wilkinson for appointing me in line and giving me the opportunity to serve as Potentate
of the Rhode Island Shriners.
Also in attendance were our three wonderful children, family members, and close
friends who have been there for us and supported us as we moved up through the line.
It was a great honor
and privilege to present a plaque to RW Deputy Grand Master Leon Knudsen distinguishing him as Recorder Emeritus for his ten years
of service as Recorder of the Rhode Island Shrine. Lady Jan and I wish Leon and Helen the best of luck as he prepares to become Most
Worshipful Grand Master of the State of Rhode Island.
There are so many people I want to thank for making
the night such a success. Hillary and Pat did a wonderful job. Bob Stark and his staff served a delicious meal which was enjoyed by
all. I'd like to thank my Chief Aide, Bryan Martin and also my Personal Aides, Tom Holton and Joe Andrade, for all their help and
assistance. And of course, Jim Rapson, for serving as my Master of Ceremonies and doing such a splendid job as always.
2011 is going to be a very busy and exciting year. In this issue, you will see an overview of our planned events and activities.
Please try to come out and support the Rhode Island Shrine. I guarantee you will have a good time, meet some new people, and make
some new memories. As you know, the slogan on my pin this year is “Making Memories While Helping Kids Smile”. 2011 is
a new year to make new memories, and at the same time we have the opportunity to make kids smile. Lady Jan and I invite you all to
be part of our memories.
Fraternally,
Andrew B. Hencler
Potentate/CEO 2011, RI Shriners
