Volume Springfield, Massachusetts 2, Issue 8 August 2015

InsIdeWrestlemAnIAP14

July 4th eAst longmeAdoW PArAdeP11

ChArlemont 250th AnnV.P8

PVsC Ct. rIVer CruIseP8

d.o.n. suPreme Queen:

St. John Official VisitationP12

PotentAte’s messAgeP2,P14

From the reCorder, BlACk CAmel & $100 mIllIon CluB donAtIons

P3

melhA unIts & CluBsP4 - P8

melhA shrIne lAdIes, rAInBoW gIrlsP12

eVent CAlendArBACk PAge By Michael White

Where do hundreds of circus fans from around the world gather for fun? At the 2015 Worldwide Circus Summit of

course. The Eastern States Exposition hosted this year’s event in July throughout the Big E fairgrounds. Producers, performers and circus fans of all ages came to participate,

educate and enjoy every-thing that is the circus.

Major groups like Ring-ling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, the Big Apple Cir-cus, Hamid and Cole Broth-ers/Clyde Beatty came to share ideas and information on global changes affect-ing the industry. Highlights included performances by Cole Brothers Circus, semi-nars featuring circus greats from yesterday and today, auditions for clowns with Ringling Brothers traveling shows and lots more

Continued on page 6

Circus Summit at the Eastern States Exposition Center

Story and photos courtesy of Michael White. Melha Clowns and Directors Units participate in the Circus Summit at the Eastern States Exposition Center

Melha Highlanders Lead 141st Imperial Parade in Houston

band. Well, that is to say except one, our own Melha Highlanders. They were the

Continued on page 8

This year however, at the 141st in Houston, there were not enough pipe bands of the 152 participating Shrines to field this traditional mass

The SCOTS, an organiza-tion of Scottish Shrine Pipe Bands, have always put to-gether a Mass Band to lead in the Imperial Shrine Parades.

2 Melha Shriners

POTENTATE’S MESSAGE

the oFFICIAl PuBlICAtIon oF melhA shrIners, shrIners

InternAtIonAl

CAmelhA

Available on the Web atwww.melhashriners.com

edItor

Michael RobinsonEmail: ..........editor@melhashriners.com860 748-8128(C) .... 413 567-2138(Hm)

sPeCIAl notICeForward all unit EVENT informa-

tion to the editor for advance pub-lication and public news releases. ‘NEWSPAPER ENTERTAINMENT CALENDARS’ need info submitted 2 weeks prior to event.

All copy submitted for Camelha publication must be submitted by e-mail and received before the 12th of the month preceding publication. All Ads must be submitted by the 1st of the month.

The Editors reserve the right to edit all copy.

shrIners hosPItAls For ChIldren

516 Carew Street - 413-787-2000Springfield, MA 01104

melhA BoArd oF goVernor memBers

David Burstein, Chairman, George Sachs, James Spear Jr., Joseph Surprenant, Edward Geoffrion Gary Surprenant, Associate MemberEmeritus Members: Jack Bethel, P.P.,Robert W. Clarke, Raymond Kalita, Edward B. Briggs, Edward Shore Jr. P.P.Chairmen Emeritus: Allen Zippin, P.P, Charles Weaver, P.P., Philip E. Thomas P.P.shrIners Burns hosPItAl-Boston

51 Blossom StreetBoston, MA 02114-2699617-722-3000

melhA BoArd oF goVernors memBers

Dean WhalenRussell Mitchell, Associate MemberEmeritus Members: Saul Michaelson, Robert Spaulding P.P.

melhA shrIner Center

133 Longhill Street Springfield, MA 01108Tel.: ............................... (413) 736-3647Fax ............................... (413) 731-9572e-mail: ......recorder@melhashriners.orgPhil E. Thomas, P.P.Recordere-mail: .. recorder1@melhashriners.comDebra Collins .......................... Secretary

oFFICe hours8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through FridaymelhA WeB sIte

www.melhashriners.comPAy WIth CredIt CArd

Melha honors Visa, Master-Card and Discover cards. Minimum amount charged must be $20.00. You may also pay online at our web site.

use It For: Dues, Melha Events, Fezzes, Mel-

ha Trips, etc.

2015 dIVAn

Potentate ..................... David Butterfield413-519-5498Chief Rabban .....Edward ‘Brian’ Connor413-636-4270Ass’t Rabban ........... Raymond A. Turrini413-297-8111High Priest & Prophet .............Robert W. Wogatske413-575-7788Oriental Guide ........... Glenn Surprenant413-583-8991Treasurer ................Ronald Gagnon P.P.413-568-4402Recorder ..............Philip E. Thomas P.P.413-736-36471st Cerem. Master ............. Daniel Smith413-531-35422nd Cerem. Master ............ Leo Plourde413-348-3889Chief Director ....................Alan Stratton413-323-0268Marshal ........................Jeffrey Hastings413-896-7548Capt. of the Guard ............. Garth Parker413-265-9996

Greetings N o b l e s and La-d i e s , What a couple of g r e a t m o n t h s Melha has

had! The Divan Ladies Hospi-tal Fundraiser – “Kids Sing-ing for Kids” was a great af-ternoon headlined by some of our own kids including Bella and Sophie Hastings and their very proud father, Noble Jeff Hastings, singing with them. Family traditions and legacies together with new member will keep our Fraternity, La-dies Groups and Youth Groups viable. I am very pleased to recognize the resurrection of a DeMolay chapter back in Western MA. With growth and a strong presence of both Rainbow and DeMolay, all the organizations will benefit. I reach out to each and every

one of you to support both youth groups as often as you can; for they are our future. Nobles please support the Ladies groups as well. These ladies support us in all we do and our efforts as well as supporting our Hospital sys-tem with amazing efforts and dedication. When you hap-pen by one of our ladies whether L.O.S.N.A, Nile or Eastern Star, stop and thank them for all they do for us, the Hospital and most impor-tant- our Kids. A “Thank You” means more than you know.

Melha had some great shows and events in July; The Pro Wrestling Night, The El-ton John Tribute Show, The Oriental Band Golf Tourna-ment, many picnics and the East Longmeadow, Impe-rial and Charlemont parades. There was something for everyone and all the events were very well attended as

were the parades. I know the summer is a difficult time to attend all the events, so I tip my Fez to all of you for sup-porting the events you could , Thank You all!

July found Melha traveling to Houston, TX for the 141st Imperial Session. Melha was well represented with over 50 traveling. The Highland-ers travelled with a very strong presence and put a great band on the street, as a matter of fact, they marched the parade twice. The incom-ing Imperial Potentate Jerry G. Gantt requested the Pipes and Drums lead the parade. Our Highlanders joined the massed band to lead all the Shrine Centers and then double timed it back to lead Melha. Of the 162 or so Shrine Centers on the street that evening, Melha had the only marching musical unit. What a job guys – You made Melha and the Imperial Po-

tentate proud! Melha’s Ori-ental Band won 1st place in the OB competition and our own Jeff Moores was elected President of the A.S.O.B for the year 2015-2016. Con-gratulations to Jeff and the OB, both honors are well de-served for years of hard work and dedication.

With respect to the items of legislation: The reps voted to increase the per capita dues by $15 per year; Ill. Sir Ed Stoltz was elected as Impe-rial Outer Guard and Imp. Sir Dale Stauss was elected as Chairman of the Board of S.H.C by a very narrow margin over Imp. Sir Doug Maxwell. I will take this mo-ment to congratulate Imp. Sir Doug for a job well done and I know Imp. Sir Dale will only continue to build on

continued on page 14

August 2015 3

FrOM ThE rEcOrdEr

What a great time in Hous-ton Texas at the yearly Impe-rial Session. Ill. David had a good plan of action which included the hospitality room set-up so that we could come to grip with the hot weather and high humidity. Then off to the ranch to climb on the hors-es for some trail riding and then enjoying a chuck wagon dinner to the tune of some great live western music. On another evening we headed to the local aquarium for a great banquet dinner. It was tough if you had a fish dinner with these monster fish staring at you, but I turned my back to them. On another evening we were entertained by the Texas Tenors. Now, what an evening that was listening to the as-sortment of their tunes. What a vocal range. Oh, yes up at 6:30 AM your representatives went to work every day rep-resenting Melha. We ended the week with a great parade around Houston. The High-landers provided the music that we all tried to keep in step with. The 2015 session is now over and I hope that those who couldn’t make this trip might consider attending the 2016 package in Tampa, FL for an-other great week.

PAST POTENTATES OF MElhA ShriNE

Name ........................................................ YearCharles Miller * ................................ 1897-1902William H. Titus * ............................. 1903-1904H. Leroy Woodward * ................................1905Charles L. Young * .......................... 1906-1907Robert P. Cunningham * ................. 1908-1909Fred R. Brown * ........................................1910Frank E. Ladd * ..............................1911 - 1912Albert E. Taylor * .......................................1913Hugh J. Buckley * ......................................1914Fred A. Eldred * .........................................1915Albert E. Lerche * ............................ 1916-1917Franklin A. Latimer * ........................ 1918-1919Walter H. Damon * .......................... 1920-1921Fred C. Smith * .........................................1922Harry H. Caswell * .....................................1923Charles F. Watson * ..................................1924Charles A. Frazer * ....................................1925John A. Webster * ........................... 1926-1927Walter S. Pease * ......................................1928George M. Hendee * .................................1929Harry A. Spaight * .....................................1930Carl P. Reilly * ...........................................1931Edward S. Chase * ....................................1932Arlan M. Spencer * ....................................1933Paul H. Hosmer * ......................................1934Henry K. Fruch * .......................................1935Walter E. Perry * ............................. 1936-1937John G. Rose * ..........................................1938Norman P. Dempsey * ...............................1939Alfred J. Bird * ...........................................1940George W. Streeter * .................................1941William L. McCleary * ................................1942George G. Carr * .......................................1943William E. Grobe * .....................................1944Earl C. Daniels * ........................................1945Dr. George W. Gray * ................................1946Donald H. Mudd * ......................................1947Wesley G. Stephens * ...............................1948Otto C. Kuhrt * ...........................................1949Theodore A. Wiel * ....................................1950Donald A Bartlett * .....................................1951James Matthew * ......................................1952Chester W. Haynes * .................................1953V. Frank Greis * .........................................1954Fred S. Conkey * .......................................1955Ralph F. Beaudry * ....................................1956Wayne H. Latham * ...................................1957Bennett W. Benson * .................................1958Norman R. Vestor * ...................................1959Jule Kaufman * ..........................................1960Robert E. Samble * ...................................1961

Richard C. Zoller * .....................................1962Elliot Anderson * ........................................1963John Baird * ..............................................1964Carl B. Martin Jr. * .....................................1965H. Edward Baker * ....................................1966Harold E. Kjoller * ......................................1967George Aronson * .....................................1968Maurice M. Chaffin * .................................1969Dr. Kenneth E. Nicholson * .......................1970Robert W. Nothacker * ..............................1971Jean R. LaCroix ........................................1972Phillip E. Taylor * .......................................1973John M. Samson * .....................................1974Maurice H. Baitler * ...................................1975William G. Kavaney * ................................1976Edward W. Bock * .....................................1977John R. Lundgren * ...................................1978Robert D. Davis * ......................................1979Kenneth E. Emery * ..................................1980Robert A. Meffen .......................................1981Jack A. Butterfield * ...................................1982Allen G. Zippin ..........................................1983John E. Bethel* .........................................1984Joseph A. Harrison ....................................1985Donald J. Lohnes * ....................................1986Imp. Ralph W. Semb .................................1987Gordon J. Smith * ......................................1988Clyde O. Hooper Jr. * ................................1989David Skolnick * ........................................1990W. Douglas Spingler * ...............................1991Richard C. Bewsee ...................................1992Norman T. Maagero ..................................1993Arthur E. Hastings .....................................1994Edward W. Shore Jr. .................................1995Sheldon M. Titcomb ..................................1996Charles H. Weaver ....................................1997Philip E. Thomas .......................................1998Robert G. Spaulding Jr. .............................1999David J. Gates ..........................................2000Edgar W. Gelinas ......................................2001Edwin A. Os * ............................................2002Robert H. Marshall ....................................2003Anton E. Koss ...........................................2004James W. Marceau ...................................2005Tom D. Fielding .........................................2006Kirk E. Burkins ..........................................2007James H. Blevins ......................................2008Ronald R. Gagnon ....................................2009Jeffrey S. Goodless ...................................2010Russell D. Mitchell ....................................2012Edward F Griffin ........................................2013William Faust ............................................2014*deceased

The Shrine center represen-tatives voted in an increase in the per capita tax of $15. These funds go to Tampa headquarters to fund their budget which allows them to support the many Shrine Cen-ters. This will increase Melha dues by $15 dollars for 2016. Also, a new Shrine center in South America was voted in from Brazil, Hikmat Shri-ners. This increased the total number of Shrine Centers to 195. We should be very proud of our premier fraternal or-ganization of men which has given us 22 hospitals to treat children. What an accom-plishment. Speaking of ac-complishments our Ill. Tony Koss P.P. (2004) received a special award from Imperial Potentate Dale W. Stauss in recognition of his continued support of the fraternity and our philanthropy Shriners Hospital for Children. Kudos to Tony.

Hope you all are having a great summer and are tak-ing advantage of some of the temple unit and club special events being offered. Don’t forget, if you are not receiving e-mails from the center please send me your e-mail address so that I can correct the prob-lem. Melha98@aol.com.

stAted meetIng notICe

Wednesday August 26, 2015 7:30 pm, for the purpose of conducting the business of Melha Shriners, as well as balloting on individuals for ini-tiation, obligating candidates, and for the dissemination of information to the membership on matters relating to current Shrine events. All Nobles are invited to attend. Unit and Club leaders are required to attend. Proper attire is required and please wear your Fez.

Ill. David F. Butterfield, PotentateAttest Philip E. Thomas, P.P

melhA shrIne

Beverage Manager ...........Dick MarceauBanquet Manager ............. Debra Collins

trustees

Alan Couture(Chr.) .......... 413-537-1657Jack Greaves .................. 413-527-7355Michael Santos ................ 413-246-2804Kevin LaPlante ................ 413-599-0188Richard MacGreggor ....... 413-896-5447

AdmInIstrAtors

Saul Michaelson: Chair ... 413-537-5759Nick Creanza ................... 413-596-2577 Cary Miller ....................... 413-567-0514 Jeffrey Gopin ................ 1-774-452-2110Ron Gagnon .................... 413-568-4402

4 Melha Shriners

clOwNS

by Jerry “ Fix-It” Ducharme

So here it is another month has past and some things have happened and guess what , I am here to tell you about it so lets see where to start.

July was a busy month for sure. We had some smaller gigs as well as the Char-lemont 250th parade with a small get together at our own :Dimples house following for the clowns that showed up. We also had the World Wide Circus Summit. This event got some mixed reviews due to the fact that it wasn’t very well advertised and not really open to the public so to speak. Melhas’ own clowns were there represented by about 7 of us on most of the days it was held. We were recog-nized and brought up on stage with some of the finest and oldest not to mention famous Ringling Clowns at this event and said to be one of the best Shrine Clown units on the east coast. I think some of us were able to talk with the Pro clowns and hopefully learned a few things, I know I did.

So what else is new you ask? Hmm... well we are work-ing on upcoming gigs such as the 2nd annual Clowning for Shriners Hospital event as well as some of us are in deep thought, well as deep as a clown can get, about acts for next years circus and ev-erything in between now and then.

I guess that’s all I have for you right now. I hope all of you are enduring the heat well

and get out to whatever you can to help support Melha as well as the hospital so that we can continue doing what we love to do.

Until next time “ Bump-A-Nose”

druM cOrPS

By Jim Marceau, PP

Just finished the 4th of July Parade. Great crowd, great weather! Cool with low hu-midity. I’ll take that all sum-mer. Next week we go to Enfield for a gig. Lets hope it went well. Not a lot of ac-tivity for a while. On August 15 we have a short parade at the Sunsetview Farm Camp-ground. Ron would like the Corps to participate, and I agree that we should. We did this before, and it was an enjoyable day. Put it on your calendar.

Roll Out the Barrel: We want to lengthen the drum ensemble, so Ron is bringing back the barrels with some new material. Remember, we are not going into com-petition with it, so can have it as long as we want...or as crazy!

Pun of the Month: Did you hear that NASA recently put a bunch of Holsteins into low earth orbit? They called it the herd shot ‘round the world.

Thanks go out to all who helped in our recent fund raiser for Digger and Sue. We turned over a check to him for over $5,100! They were overwhelmed, to say the least. Editor Mike wrote

about this in the Hand To Back article elsewhere in this edition.

Just Asking: Do infants en-joy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery? Or, when cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say?

Pres. Ron told me he tried to dial 911 but couldn’t, be-cause there was no 11 on his phone. And here’s the guy leading the pack. Oh, well. We take it in stride and re-member to Rock the Fez!

hiGhlANdErS

by Garth Parker

Here we are in the middle of July already. This summer has been a busy one.

We started the month with the Imperial in Houston. A Great job an attendance by the Highlanders. We had the largest group present and a big Thank You to all those who went down and enjoyed some “Real Hot Weather”. The Imperial Parade was lead off by a Massed Band, (which was 75% Melha Highlanders) Dick Mac-Gregor did the Drum Major work and the Imperial offi-cers were impressed with the sight. The guys then rushed back to the beginning of the parade in time to march with the Melha section of the parade. Two parades in one session. Great job. We also participated in the Hos-pitality Room pretty heavily, both behind and in front of the bar. While we were there some attended a tour of the Galveston Shriners Burn

hospital tour, which was out-standing. There were other events throughout the week that were notable and a good time. Travel wise the only real show stopper was Jack and Karen Burns being de-livered to the wrong airport by the shuttle service

for their trip home. Melha was well represented.

Other events have taken place at the Temple during the month that the Highland-ers were well represented such as the Wrestling Match and the Elton John Concert. Both were well represented and the profits went to the temple, so Thank you again from the Pote.

A special thanks to Bill Butman for orchestrating the Annual Highlander pic-nic at Bob Marshalls. A big Thanks goes out to Bob for inviting us to his house again for the event. It was well at-tended and everyone had a good time and nobody went home hungry.

August is upon us and there are plenty of events to choose from. Check the Cal-endar for upcoming events. Remember if we want atten-dance to our unit functions, we need to show our support for the other unit’s events. Please try to do what you can.

Our next big function is the Mehla Golf Touney at Tekoa Country club on 30 August. Put together a foursome of your friends and push the hole/tee sponsorships all the proceeds go to the Temple.

MElhA ShriNE uNiTS

August 2015 5

Photo and story by Miguel Hollander. Yesterday Frank Watson and I were working as drivers at the hospital and took a patient to Barnes to fly home. She lives in Maine and a volunteer pilot donates his plane and time for the 1.5 hour trip every 2 weeks from her home to the hospital. It’s the generosity and caring of people that is so fulfilling and that is why I’m proud to be a Shriner.

See Dick MacGregor for de-tails.

We need to pick up on the rehearsal on Monday night. Please make a special effort to attend. And as always if you know someone who may be interested in join our little group, invite them down.

Other than that Thanks for all you do for the unit and the Temple. See you is the Unit Room

lEGiON OF hONOr

By Richard S Skowron

Well the summer weather is here and hope the heat and humidity is treating you well. The good news, is our vegetables starting to pop in the gardens ,and really worth the wait.

I missed an important Le-gion event in last month’s issue, that was a great show-ing for Melha Shrine, and our Legion members.

The Legion was invited and asked to present the Colors at the National Square Dance Convention, at the Spring-field Conference Center.

The Square Dance Com-mittee was very Proud ,and thankful for the Legions presentation, and how well it was received by all.

Many Shriners and Masons were in attendance, from other Shrines and Lodges, and proud of what Melha did for the convention.

Now again a subject that keeps coming up. The Le-gion purchased, and main-tains a trailer, maintenance

by our color guard captain Pat Moore, who works hard to keep the trailer in tip top shape , and all are little upset that more Shriners that can-not walk the parade routes, are not using the trailer. It’s not only for Legion mem-bers but all Shriners from any unit, or Shrine Center to use. The only request is Proper Shrine Dress and fez. It cost to bring the trailer to the events, so let’s use it for what it was designed for. There is no charge to Shri-ners to use this trailer.

Remember the Fraternal Fund at Melha for any Shri-ner that needs assistance. When you see a uniformed member in uniform, Thank Them for there service.

As always Remember, Free-dom is not free, God Bless and Keep our troops safe, and God Bless the United States of America.

PAST MASTErS

By Richard A. Poudrier

Greetings Nobles,

Our unit’s annual picnic was held at Nonotuck Park in Easthampton this past July. We had 31 sign up for this event. Myers Catering of Easthampton catered the BBQ dinner again this year. And, as in the past, they did a great job. My lady furnished the table herb and flower bouquets plus made the des-ert of a few different home made cookies. After the din-ner a short meeting was

Continued on page 6

Photo by Russ Mitchell. The lucky winner of an Eagles band members autographed guitar at the recent Eagles show at the Hartford Civic Center. The Melha Shriners were there to sell Eagles CD’s with all the net proceeds going to Shriners Hospital for Children.

MElhA ShriNE uNiTS

6 Melha Shriners

MElhA ShriNE uNiTS

Photo by David Waltermire. 17 Nobles of the Berkshire Shrine Club are getting ready for the Pittsfield 4th of July parade.

CIrCus summItContinued from page 1

clowning around.

Even the Melha Shrine Clowns got in on the fun. Many played a tremendous role in both on stage and be-hind the scenes action. There was also a meet and greet with delighted fans young and old outside the Colise-um. “My girls are here with me too. They love to see me perform. And, for me, it’s a great reunion from my days with Ringling. I worked with many of these clowns from here to China and back,” Melha’s own GILLIGAN stated. “There are so many good memories of working with these people.”

The summit offers fun for all ages as it travels around the world. The Big E in West Springfield was chosen as the host location nearly 5 years ago. Event coordinator, Jane Kycia, of the local Cir-cus Fans of America chapter said it took that long to plan but it was all well worth it. The conference was well re-ceived by its participants and attendance was far greater

melhA unItsContinued from page 5

held mainly to vote on the proposed By-Law change. (Our unit would be meeting quarterly instead of the cur-rent monthly meetings). The proposal passed unanimous-ly. We now have to wait for approval from the temple to have this change go into ef-fect.

The Past Masters Unit will be suspending its meetings in July & August. The next scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, September 24th at 7:30 pm. The Shrine , however, will be conduct-ing their scheduled meet-ings throughout the Summer months.

I realize it’s a couple of

months away but our presi-dent, Anthony Langone, wishes to remind our nobles of the Rays of Hope Walk-A-Thon. This event is held in Springfield on Sunday, Oc-tober 25th and our chairman for this event is Andy Tie-man. He will be sending out notices to solicit volunteers to help park cars in the vari-ous major business parking lots in the area. Should you need more information, con-tact Andy at 413-567-6723.

Be sure to check the Cam-elha for upcoming events. On behalf our president, Anthony Langone, I wish all the nobles and their families a happy and health summer season.

than they anticipated.

The summit is an impor-tant educational opportunity for producers and perform-ers to share best practices in this amazing yet ever-changing atmosphere. “It was eye- opening to see all of the behind-the-scenes ac-tivities that made the circus work,” commented Michael White, a Director who spent the week shuttling attendees around the fairgrounds. “I met some great people from all over the world; it’s no wonder it’s the greatest show on earth!”

August 2015 7

MElhA ShriNE clubSbErkShirE ShriNE

club

by John H. Fiske

The Berkshire Shrine Club Potentate’s Reception will be August 8, 2015 at The Bass Water Grill in Cheshire,Ma. The social will be at 1:00 p.m. with dinner at 2:00 p.m.. The dress will be summer casual.

President Dave Waltermire would like to THANK all the Nobles who have turned out for the Parades. We have had 22 to 17 Nobles on the parade routes this parade season. This is great! Lets keep up the great work.

Third Thursday’s are in full swing. We would like to en-courage Nobles to come out and meet the public and spread the news about our wonderful

organization. There are all kinds of food for sale up and down North Street. We have our booth in front of Hot Harry’s. Lets all make an ef-fort to join Kurt and his crew from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 P.m. on Third Thursday. There are three Third Thursday’s left August 20, September 17, and October 15. So mark your calendars and come out for a fun time. I want last month for the first time and I had a lot of fun and wish I had started going sooner.

FrANkliN ShriNE club

by John H. Doughty IV

Franklin Shrine Club meets at Harmony Lodge in Mon-tague on the second Monday of the odd numbered months

with a social event on the even numbered months.

Plans are underway for our Potentate’s Reception at Traveler’s Woods Camp-ground in Bernardston on September 26, 2015. Travel-er’s Woods Campground has donated a lot of Money to our Shriners Hospital in Spring-field and Boston this is our chance to recognize them for their gracious donations.

If anyone is interested in more information about the Franklin Shrine Club please contact Malcolm Corse (413-369-4608), Don Scott (413-256-6980) or John Doughty (508-843-3238).

PiONEEr VAllEy ShriNE club

By Michelle Greaves

Sawasdeeka pheuxn, (hello friends), When we were children, (not that long ago :-)) our parents taught us to always be polite and have manners. Here are a couple things you could use at a Thai restaurant; pord = please, Kob kun mak ka = thank you and yin dee mak ka = your are welcome. This will so impress the staff, try it you

will surprise them and your-self.

By the time you read this it will be the middle of Au-gust, summer is almost over and time for the kids of all ages to get ready to return to school. Work very hard and have a great year.

There are still some open-ings left for the bus trip to LaBelle Winery in Amherst, New Hampshire. We will be leaving Melha on Sunday, Sept. 13th at 9:00 A.M. and returning to Melha around 7:00 P.M. You will have a tour of the winery, have the option to taste five delicious wines. There are also stores and a restaurant on the prop-erty to visit on your own. The cost of this trip, bus and tour is only $49.00 pp. a lot of fun will be had, “tiny bub-bles” don’t miss out.

Another event that we have just booked is on Sunday November 15th we will be going to Exit 7 in Ludlow to see “Jesus Christ Superstar”, the performance starts at 2:00 P.M. Those people that joined us in May for that per-formance had such a great time and enjoyed the show so so much. Don’t miss out reserve your seat now, the cost is only $15.00 per per-son rather inexpensive for an afternoon of fun. The Exit 7 cast is awesome, support our local talent.

Don’t forget our huge event held annually at Melha, the second Annual New Years Eve Party. Put it on your

Continued on page 8

8 Melha Shriners

MElhA ShriNE clubS

Michelle Greaves and her beautiful daughter-in-law

Photos By Michelle Greaves.

P.V.S.C. cruising the Connecticut River on the Lady Bea.

The Shriners having a great time at the PVSC cruise on the CT Rivierabelow: Shriners and their ladies on the top deck

Photos By Bert Krasner.

250th Anniversary Charlemont Parade

shrIne CluBsContinued from page 7

calendar don’t forget and get left out of the celebration.

We are still in the planning stages, flyers will be out soon with all the information.

All our events are open to; Shriners, their ladies, their family, their friends to pro-mote our great organization and fellowship. Therefore invite and join us. For reser-vations to any or all events please call Jack Greaves cell 1-413-627-2679, or Bob Salmon 1-860-623-4511.

La kxn (goodbye)

melhA PIPersContinued from page 1

only marching band in the entire Imperial Shrine Pa-rade.

As fate would have it, be-cause we had the requisite number, the SCOTS came to Melha and requested that might fill in the missing mu-sicians. Dick MacGregor, recounted the rest for me, “We were at a rehearsal and the room was too small to practice in, we were on top

of each other, so we moved out to a long and wide hall-way” Dick went on, “The director of SCOTS saw our entire contingent and came to us to ask our help to fill in the Mass Band.” Dick told him that they had to run it by our Potentate before they could give him an answer. To the relief of the SCOTS, permission was granted and our Highlanders found them-selves at the lead with none other than Dick Macgregor

as the Drum Major. With mace in hand Dick took his place, and then with pride kicked off the 2015 141st Im-perial Shrine Parade.

After the Mass Band passed the reviewing station, the Melha Highlanders had to quickly retreat back to the beginning so they could re-join Melha in their regular marching position. Double duty that day for the Melha Highlanders, who are always up for a challenge.

In other band news: Chris Parker, president of our OB proudly showed off his 2 plaques that his unit won in the Oriental Band competi-tions. One was for first place and the other for first place in the “Fancy” division. Way to go OB!

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Our Ill Potentate at Hadji’s Picnic, being so neat and dainty at a pie eating contest. On the other hand Bonnie Cleveland got right into it. Nether won, the tiniest one there Annalise DiMiero won

Photos by Bert Krasner. July 4th 2015 East Longmeadow Parade

12 Melha Shriners

AhlEM TEMPlE NO. 84

by Audrey Millgate

Ahlem Temple is determined to keep up our end of the Daughters of the Nile mission by encouraging all eligible women to join in and support Shriners Hospitals through their participation in our orga-nization. The more members there are, the less the burden on the few. Each member is only expected to do her small part depending on her time and talent but many do more. And sometimes life gets in the way and we cannot do much for the moment.

Talk about keeping up our end, Past Supreme Queen El-eanor Green certainly held up her end of the Ahlem banner for the whole of the East Long-

MElhA ShriNE lAdiESmeadow 4th of July parade, even turning down Princess Badoura Judy Davis’ offer to take a turn. Thanks to all of the ladies of the household who turned out to represent Ahlem. Our fashion show, planned for July, has been postponed until October. More details later.

Nile Northeast Days will be held at the Portland Marriott Hotel located at Sable Oaks in South Portland, Maine, October 1-4 hosted by Arok Temple. September 1 is the deadline to register.

Fall Craft Fair – Saturday, November 14. All clubs and units will be participating and outside vendor are wel-come. Ah, the times they are a’changing.

by Betsy Beauleau, PQ

Sharon K. St. John, newly elected Supreme Majesty of the Daughters of the Nile is making a historic visit to Springfield MA and its lo-cal chapter member Ahlem Temple 84 from August 6th through August 8th. “All our members are are anxiously awaiting the official visit of Her Supreme Majesty” says Betsy Beauleau, Past Queen,

FOrGET-ME-NOTS

By Edith Sweeney

CELEBRATED ---yes we did, all 19 of us on July 17th at the Monte Carlo. Memo-ries and friendships con-

tinue! Our next meeting is planned on Friday, August 21st at Noon, Olive Gar-den, Boston Rd & Parker St, Springfield. Please contact Corinne Pierson at 413-789-8148, Claire Patruno at 413-596-3251, or Edith Sweeney at 860-749-0403 (E mail es-weeney12@cox.net) to make reservations by August 18th. Hope you will join us!

Supreme Queen Of D.O.N. Is Making Official Visitation“even our current Queen Tra-cy Sousa. We have planned a wonderful weekend.”

Supreme Queen Sharon, having been recently in-stalled at the Annual Su-preme Session held in Albu-querque, New Mexico, will travel throughout the United States and Canada visiting all of the 22 Shriners Hos-pitals for Children® and 139 Daughters of the Nile chap-ter members.

Ahlem Temple 84, the host of this 3 day visitation, starts off the event on Thursday, August 6th with a luncheon at Shriners Hospital for Children - Springfield and a fun visit to the Quadrangle Museum complex and Dr.

Suess Memorial. On Friday August 7th, the Supreme Queen will be attending a Ceremonial for the induction of new members followed by a banquet for for all mem-bers, guests and dignitaries at the Butterfield Auditorium in the Melha Shriners build-ing. On August 8th, Ahlem Temple has planned a day of relaxation with a trip to the Berkshires for lunch and a visit to the Normal Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. During her visit, the Supreme Queen will be dis-cussing her plans for her term and future mission of the organization and it’s phi-lanthropy.

Ahlem Temple 84, Daugh-

ters of the Nile, has been ac-tive in Springfield since 1947 and is a chapter member of Daughters of the Nile Inter-national, a fraternal organi-zation for women 18 years or older, related by birth or marriage to a Shriner, Mas-ter Mason, or Daughter of the Nile, or is a majority member in good standing of a Mason-ic-related organization for girls. or who was a patient at a Shriners Hospital for Chil-dren®. Daughters of the Nile International celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2013 and to date have contributed over 1.7 million annually to the world’s greatest philan-thropy Shiners Hospitals for Children®.

Helma Chapter preparing for the July 4th East Longmeadow Parade.

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Wrestlemania Comes To The Butterfield Auditorium

photos and fun recorded by Bert Krasner

Pote’s messAgecontinued from page 2

your successes.

August and September are so full of events, parades and fund raisers so please contin-ue to watch for the Editor’s Event Notices and support as often as you can. This is how we will keep this Incredible Fraternity that we call Shri-ners alive and well!

With all the new and ex-citing events that are being sponsored by the Units & Clubs, Nile, L.O.S.N.A., the Rainbow Girls and coming soon- DeMolay, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Membership is the key to success! As the Lodges reopen from the summer

break, now is the time for you all to get your candidates in to the secretaries. Please continue our membership drive this year and let’s bring Melha and our Lodges into membership Gold for 2015.

I, together with the entire Divan, thank each and ev-ery one of you for ALL you do. We look forward to be-ing with you on the parade routes and all the upcoming events, just remember, “If everyone carried a toothpick, than no ONE would have to carry the log”.

Yours in the Faith,

David F. Butterfield

Potentate

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Melha calendar of EventsAugust 2015 1 Sat 11:00 AM car, Truck & Motorcycle Show

- Sunsetview camp Ground. reg. 10am - rain date Aug. 2

1 Sat 1:00 PM rehearsal for SQ visit6 Thu 10:30 AM Supreme Queen visit to

Shriners. Tour and luncheon.7 Fri 2:00 PM Supreme Queen Visit.

ceremonial and banquet8 Sat 1:00 PM berkshire Shrine club -

Pote’s reception-bass water Grill10 Mon 6:00 PM Franklin Shrine club10 Mon 6:30 PM board of directors13 Thu 6:00 PM unico Annual cigar dinner

- Storrowton carriage house. dinner 7pm. 15 Sat 10:00 AM- 6pm clowning Around

For Shriners - whalley Park. 15 Sat 10:30 AM Sunset View campground

Parade - Forms at 10:30am Step off 11am. 16 Sun 9:00 AM Melha Vintage Auto car

Show - Moose Family center chicopee MA. rain or Shine 9am to 3pm

16 Sun 10:00 AM Melha riders 9th Annual hospital run. line up at westwood res-taurant & Pub. Westfield. Ride at 12pm. After party at the Butterfield

16 Sun 9:00 AM Vintage Auto car Show - Moose lodge chicopee, MA until 3:pm- call donny Salva for info.413-262-3869

23 Sun 12:00 PM Melha clam bake at Melha Shriners building

26 wed 7:30 PM Stated Meeting- All units and clubs must be represented-Member-ship Meeting to Follow

27 Thu 7:00 PM d of N Patrol30 Sun 1:00 PM Melha Shrine Golf Tourna-

ment -Tekoa country club