Nobles, Ladies and Friends of the Rhode Island Shriners,

     Welcome! Hope everyone is gearing up for Spring and the warm weather, the parade season, the picnics . . . and all the other fun things to do.

     Let me give you a quick recap of what has happened. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, we had to cancel the Chinese Party. It will be rescheduled for May 16.

     On February 29th, I, along with Lady Jill and the Grand Master for the State of Rhode Island – Most Worshipful Steven Smith – and his Lady Grace, had the extreme pleasure of presenting 12 members of Freemasonry their 50-year pins. What a great honor it was for us and for the recipients who achieved such a milestone!

     On March 7th, we held our Italian Night. Words cannot explain the overwhelming fun that was had by all in attendance. Thank you to Marshal Wayne Sutton for helping make the night a success. It was amazing! If you couldn’t attend, please come the next events. We guarantee that you will have a great time.

     The Mid-Winter Meetings in Manchester, NH on March 13-16 were very informative and of importance for the future of the Northeast Shrine Association.

     The Oriental Guide and Assistant Rabban Seminars were held in March in Tampa, FL. Reports will be given at the Stated Meeting scheduled for April 21st.

     Some of the units participated in St. Patrick’s Day parades held throughout the state. Hopefully, they had a good time and made the Shrine proud.

     The Rhode Island Visitation will be held at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet on April 5th with a Steak Fry the night before on the 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the Shrine Center. This will be a fun-filled weekend. Let us show the visiting Potentates and Nobles that Rhode Islanders know how to have fun.

     On April 16th, we start the Spanish Adult Education classes at the Shrine Center. These classes are open to the public and are free of charge. Space is limited. If you haven’t made your reservations, do so as soon as possible with Pat in the office, 401-467-7100.

     The Backwards Dinner is scheduled for April 18th. If you want to find out what it is about, you need to come to the event. Tickets are on sale in the Members Lounge.

     This month we are starting the bi-monthly publication of the Scimitar on a trial basis. This is due to the increasing costs of printing, publishing and distributing the paper. If you have any questions about it, you may call the Shrine Office at 401-467-7100 x14 and leave a message. I will return your call.

     Don’t forget to attend the May Breakfast on May 4th. It will be held  in the Imperial Room at the Shrine Center. As always, your help with the set-up, serving, etc., will be greatly appreciated. Or just come and support the event. I guarantee you . . . you will not leave hungry. The same day the Ladies are having their Spring Festival/Marketplace. They have many vendors scheduled and activities planned. Stop by and say hello. You may find something of interest.

     As always, please read the Scimitar for current and upcoming events. These success of these functions are possible only with your help and support. Please tell your family and friends about them. I’m sure they will enjoy the events as well. See you soon.

As always, one person can be a crucial part of a team, but one person cannot be a team.

                    So let’s celebrate in o8.