This article was started before the Imperial Session but won't be completed until after the session is finished. I will wait until I have something to report concerning our hospitals. I know rumors have been flying about what is going to happen. We will put all the rumors to bed, and everyone will know what is going on with the hospital system.

June Happenings

     We had a very successful Gaspee Days Parade with over a hundred Nobles on the street. I was also pleased with the number of Motor Corps cars on the street. The Artisans, the Legion of Honor and the Clowns were well represented on the street. We missed the Oriental Band, but we all understand why they weren't on hand. If anyone knows of a Noble or potential Noble who would be interested in joining the Oriental Band, please point him in the right direction. The Brass Band was present to keep us in step.

     The Strawberry Festival is always a success – a good meal with entertainment is a combination that can't be beat. Bogie did an outstanding job setting up the event. A good time was had with the karaoke singing.

     Lady Ann and I, along with Lady Jeanne and Chief Rabban John Mello, attended the Tunis Temple Potentate’s Reception at Perth, Ontario. The reception was well done and enjoyed by all who attended.

July Happenings

     Our top three officers were in San Antonio for the Imperial Session from July 4 thru

July 9th. The Bristol July 4th Parade was handled by the Oriental Guide Bob O'Brien. The Shrine was in the second division and moved out early in the parade allowing many to make it home in time to see much of the parade on television.

     Now to the Imperial Session. There have been many, many rumors about the decisions that were going to be made regarding our hospitals at this Imperial Session. Well, we can now put those rumors to bed. We will not close six of our hospitals. The resolution to close the six was amended out of existence. An amendment to remove the six named hospitals from the resolution effectively made the resolution ineffective, so it was withdrawn. Other resolutions having to do with the six named hospitals were withdrawn also.

     The resolution to accept third-party money passed with the recognition that it could take at least three years to get the third party money into full operation.

     A resolution to allow family members to take part in civic parades failed. Personally I voted for it thinking about our Lady Hillbillies.

     Two new Shrine Centers were voted in: Puerto Rico and one in the Philippines. We’re pleased to welcome them into the Shrine Association. A Shrine Center for Heidelberg, Germany was rejected.

     That’s it for now . . . be sure to check out the many events coming up in August and September.