Scimitar The - RI Shriners and Imperial Room at Rhodes ...rishriners.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ScimitarJune2016.pdf · Scimitar The Volume 17 Issue 183 ... Voice of Kenya, Nairobi,

ScimitarThe

The Rhode Island Shriners NewsletterJune 2016Volume 17 Issue 183

Shriner of the Year ~ 2015 ~ Jerry Plemmons

Professional Activities

• Microwave and carrier systems technician, Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co., Oakland, CA• Studio engineer, KGO-TV, channel 7, San Francisco, CA• Director of Engineering, KQED-TV/FM, KQEC-TV, Channels 9 and 32, San Francisco, CA• Charter member, National Association of Broadcasters Engineering Committee• Granted an Award of Appreciation by the Public Broadcasting Service for his work on the PBS Engineering committee.• Life Member, Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers• Life Member, Society of Broadcast Engineers• Industry Advisory Board, College of San Mateo, CA (KCSM-TV)• Senior Staff Engineering Advisor, Voice of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa (U.S. State Dept.)• Vice President-Engineering, Outlet Communications, Providence, Rhode Island (overseeing 17 owned radio and television station engineering and operations). Designed and built 7 radio and TV stations. • Vice President-Engineering, Multimedia Broadcasting, Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio (overseeing 13 owned radio and television station engineering and operations) • Manager of Systems Engineering, Harris Broadcasting, Mason, Ohio

continued on page 3

June 2016 RI Shriners2

The SCIMITAR is published monthly

by the Rhode Island Shriners One Rhodes Place,

Cranston, Rhode Island 02905.Editor-in-ChiefRobert O’Brien

RHODE ISLAND SHRINERSOne Rhodes Place, Cranston, R I 02905

Toll free 1-888-A CHILD 5Web Site: www.rishriners.com

Telephone: (401) 467-7100

Office Extensions:Potentate/CEO, Glenn Medeiros, Sr................#14Recorder, Paul Healy .....................................#16Secretary, Pat Deitch ......................................#10Treasurer, Bryan Martin..................................#15Bookkeeper, Elaine Williams..........................#18Sales, Hillary Williamson................................#13Bar..................................................................#11Kitchen............................................................#12Patrick Gordon................................................#17Chef Chris.......................................................#19Charities (Leon)..............................................#25

ELECTED OFFICERS 2016Potentate...........................Glenn E. Medeiros Sr.Chief Rabban........................Domenic DiStefanoAssistant Rabban..........................Louis ShermanHigh Priest & Prophet...........Donald Williamson Oriental Guide..............................Robert St. JeanTreasurer.........................................Bryan Martin Recorder..............................................Paul Healy

APPOINTED OFFICERS 2016First Ceremonial Master........Christopher DilorioSecond Ceremonial Master.......Timothy CulhaneMarshall.................................Norman Messinger Captain of the Guard......................David BradleyChief Director..................................Robert ChasePersonal Aide..............................Frank DiMascioChief Aide.................................Michael BarbozaPublic Relations Chairman..................Clark Cate

From the Potentate Greetings Nobles and Ladies, We participated in our first parade of the 2016 season in Millville,

MA and it was a really fun time had by all. The sidelines were full of people screaming “We Love the Shriners”. What a great feeling it was to hear that. The Memorial day parade is just around the corner so polish up those parade shoes nobles its time to march the summer away. At this time I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our new Grandmaster of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Most Worshipful Stephen T. McGuire. I look forward to working with Most Worshipful

McGuire for the remainder of my term as Potentate and traveling to Tampa with the Grand Master and his Lady Maureen. I have been friends with Most Worshipful since the first day I became a Shriner and continue to enjoy his magnanimous personality. I wish you a very successful year. I would also like to wish our Junior Past Grand Master Raymond E. Hassell a hearty “GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!”. Lady Kerrie and I would like to say thank you for all you did for us this past year. I loved the times sitting and listening to all you have accomplished in Freemasonry throughout your long and Grand career. Lady Lynn is an inspiration to us all by supporting you all these years. I have learned so much from you and look forward to a lifelong friendship with you both. The 6th Annual Chopstick auction was a great success this year with over 200 attendees and over 100 baskets. This is a great undertaking and takes all year to plan such an event. I would like to thank our First Lady Kerrie Medeiros for all of her due diligence in planning this event and to all the ladies of the Shrine that helped with hundreds of hours of preparation making baskets, cooking, seeking donations, running around picking up donations and donating items themselves; THANK YOU THANK YOU. Great news from our Springfield Hospital, our strategic plan is starting to take shape and the numbers are showing a 400% increase in patient referrals. Imperial Sir Gary Bergenske was present at last month’s Board of Governors meeting and complimented the board on doing a great job and setting a high mark for other hospitals in our system to try and promote outreach. Our mission as Shriners is to help children in need and here in Rhode Island we have been doing so for 128 years and will hopefully continue to do so for another 128 years. This can only be accomplished by increasing our rolls with new members and retaining these members as well. Please talk us up at your lodge meetings and by all means mention that we have a membership presentation that myself and some of the other Divan members would be more then happy to come show the lodge. In closing Nobles, I must say that I love this fraternity so much and I hope you do as well, remember you are always a Mason first, God Bless and have a safe summer. Fraternally yours, Glenn E. Medeiros

The Ladies/Men’s Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 8 at 12 Noon. Choices are:• Bowl of Chowder and Clam Cakes• Chicken Francaise Entrée• Meatball Grinder with French Fries


From the Shrine Ladies

Masonic Activities and Offices (upon retirement, since 2001)Rhode Island Masonic Grand Lodge (Statewide offices)Senior Grand Steward, 2016-2017Junior Grand Deacon 2011-2012; Member of the Grand Lodge Charities Board of Governors;Past Chairman of the Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee; Past Chairman of the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee; Member of the Grand Lodge Youth Committee; Member of the Grand Lodge Masonic Constitution Review Committee;Member of the Masonic Veterans Association of Rhode Island;Associate Editor of the Rhode Island Freemason magazine; Twice awarded the Grand Lodge Exemplary Service Medal, in 2008, and again in 2012;A founder and Executive Producer of a the weekly television series called Spotlight on Freemasonry;Co-Founder and player-manager, Masonic Softball League;St. Johns Masonic Lodge, No. 1 Providence, RI25 Year Member;Past Master;Member of the lodge Scholarship Committee;Daylight Masonic Lodge, No. 48 Cranston, RIPast Secretary;Member of the Rhode Island Masonic Secretaries Guild; Chairman, By-Laws review and rewrite committee, 2000;Elected Honorary Past Master;Scottish Rite Masonry, RIAwarded the 2015 Meritorious Service Award medal;Chairman of the Scottish Rite Scholarship Committee; Occasional speaking parts in staged degrees;Rhode Island Shriners• Named Shriner of the Year, 2015• Past Chairman and now member of the Board of Directors of the Shriners of RI Charities Trust; • Past President and currently Secretary of the Shriners Directors Staff, and Guardian of the Still of The Grand and Glorious Order of the Hillbilly Degree; participate in many Shrine parades

Shriner of the Year ~ 2015Continued from Page 1

Shriners Hospitals for Children-BostonMember of the Hospital Board of Governors;Past Chairman and now member of the Marketing and Public Relations Committee;Member of the Development committee;Member of the Human Resources committee;Member of the Plant and Facilities committee;International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, RIMy Wife and I received South Carolina’s First Award for Exemplary Service to their Grand Assembly.Awarded the Rhode Island Grand Cross of Color in 1991;Former Board member of South Kingstown Assembly; Former Rainbow Dad at South Kingstown Assembly; Former member of the Rainbow Grand Assembly committee;For 22 years prepared and published the 80 page Grand Assembly program;Inducted as an Honorary Rainbow Girl;International Order of DeMolay for Boys Former DeMolay Boy, Oakland, California;Inducted into the DeMolay Legion of Honor in 2006;General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, RI My wife and I were awarded the Adult Leadership Medal in 2008 for Rainbow leadership work;

Non-Masonic, Civic Activities, and Honors Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop #1 East Greenwich, RI; Member of the Town Planning Committee, Newtown, Ohio;President of the Homeowners Association in Newtown, Ohio; First president and later secretary of the Harbor Ridge Home Owners Association, in Rhode Island.

Honored by the Governor of Rhode Island by having a day named in my honor, 1991, and proclamation personally presented it to me by the late Governor Bruce G. Sundlun.

The Shrine Ladies are so thankful to everyone that supported the 6th Annual Chopstick Auction, making it our most successful so far. Thank you,Lady Kerrie Medeiros

The winners of the Chopstick raffle are: $500.00 to Jim and Geri Rapson$250.00 to George Morgan, Sr.

$100.00 to Bryan Martin


News from the Grand Lodge of RI

Dear Nobles,The “All-Units Picnic” at Buttonwoods will be held this summer on Saturday, July 16th. I mention it now because over the past few years it has evolved into a very popular event, so I want each of you to mark your calendars to hold open this date as a family day of fun and relaxation. We again have exclusive use of the pavilion, so the picnic will be held rain or shine. Starting time is 11:00 AM, and we’ll go until late afternoon or early evening. The “last man standing rule” will be in effect. I will coordinate the picnic again this year. Each unit head should contact me over the next month to let me know what their respec-tive unit intends to provide in terms of food and on-site assis-tance. My e-mail is [email protected] and my cell phone is 401-529-0707. The menu will consist of hamburgers, hot dogs, assorted condiments and water/soda. This will all be provided by the units. Attending families are thereby encouraged to bring a complimentary dish or desert for sharing at our buffet table. Chips and snacks would also be appreciated.Although this is a Temple event, the cost will be shared on a pro-portionate basis by the units themselves. Each unit should keep receipts for their related expenses and submit them to me the day of the event. I’ll calculate the proportionate (attendee-based) cost-sharing, and either bill or refund monies to each participating unit sometime after July 16th. Buttonwoods’ fields and courts are open for use by Nobles and their families, but once again our big contest-of-the-day will be The Boat Race. Cardboard, duct tape, scissors, etc. will be pro-vided to each competing unit. The race rules are the same as past years: Units will build their own boat using only the provided materials and within the allotted time, each unit will choose an oarsman (Nobles only), single elimination heats will be run in the pool, with the ultimate Champion being the winner of the final heat. Appropriate trophies will be awarded.Again, the date is July 16th. Please make every effort to attend along with your lady and family. I guarantee that everyone will have a wonderful day. Oh, and it’s BYO in terms of adult libation.

The Oriental Oculus Fraternity & Fun . . .

Congratulations to Most Worshipful Brother Stephen T. McGuire

on his ascent to the Grand East as our 161th Grand Master

From the Recorder's Desk Finally the sun is out and the thermometer is rising, parade season is here. These festive events allow us to show the public who we are. It allows us to have personal contact with hundreds of fellow Rhode Islanders. As we participate in parades there are several points that should be present in our thoughts. First and foremost is safety. We operate several large and many small vehicles, carts, trailers, and other motorized or manually propelled conveyances. We must be mindful of small children along the parade route and their ability to quickly dart out into the parade route. Extreme vigilance should be used when operating the vehicles during the parade, all hands should be on the lookout for any dangerous situations. Additional assistance should be

The Supreme Rainbow Girl Assembly and Conference will convene in New England for the first time ever this summer. Virtually all of the girls will be staying at Hotels in Providence and the majority of the sessions and other events will be held in the Dunkin Donuts Center. As a way to welcome the members of the Supreme Assembly The Grand Lodge of Rhode Island will host a picnic at our Masonic Youth Center in Warwick on Saturday, July 30th. In conjunction with this, we are moving the Grand Lodge Picnic from its usual Sunday in August to Saturday, July 30th. As part of the Grand Lodge’s 225th anniversary celebration, and as entertainment for our guests, there will be fireworks shortly after dusk.

used when backing a vehicle, always have a spotter assist you in this endeavor. Nobles marching with a Unit should also be aware of where the vehicles are in relation to their position. Nobles operating vehicles with an occupied trailer should be aware of what can happen with sudden starts and stops. Predetermined communication signals with drivers and trailer passengers should be established prior to the start of the parade. There are several radios available for parade use, please utilize them during these events. With the cooperation of all participants we can have a safe and enjoyable parade season.

Fraternally Yours:Paul M. Healy / Recorder

Robert St. JeanOriental Guide


Shiner’s Night at Seekonk Speedway~Clown Unit

Rhode Island Shrine Visitation

Rhode Island Shrine Visitation

Grand Lodge Picnic with The Supreme Rainbow Girl Assembly

Shriners International Imperial Sessions

IndependanceDay~Bristol Parade

Oriental Band7:30 pm





Artisan’s/Motor Corps7:30 pm

Clown Unit9:30 am

Temple Guard11:00 am

Divan6:30 pm

Legion of Honor7:30 pm

Director’s Staff7:00 pm

Queen of Hearts-6:00 pm




Strawberry Festival-6:00 pm

Gaspee Day Parade

Father’s DayBreakfast

Submission for the July Scimitar DueTomorrow

Ladies Luncheon11:30 am

Mazol Temple Visitation



All-Units Cookout11 am til Dusk

Clown Unit9:30 am

Divan6:30 pmLegion of Honor7:30 pm


Ladies Luncheon11:30 am



Artisan’s/Motor Corps7:30 pm

Temple Guard11:00 am




Director’s Staff7:00 pm

Submission for the August Scimitar DueTomorrow


Dear Nobles and Ladies,

It is my pleasure to inform you that The Rhode Island Shriners will be hosting the Potentate’s Reception on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the beautiful Imperial Room, located at the Shriner’s Temple, One Rhodes Place, in Cranston, Rhode Island.

For Guests that wish to extend their weekend, we will be making arrangements for accommodations at the Hampton Inn & Suites for $150.00 per night for a single King or Double Queen Room. Suites are also available for $165.00 per night as well. All applicable taxes are included. In addition to elegant amenities, the Hampton Inn offers a fitness center and complimentary hot breakfast buffet, and is located at 2100 Post Road in Warwick, Rhode Island. Please indicate on your response forms your preferred room type (available on a first come, first served basis). Due to a busier than anticipated summer season, reservations MUST be received by June 30, 2016 to ensure availability. Thank you!

Please also note that the Rhode Island Shriners’ will be hosting their hospitality room for Friday & Saturday, and the hours will be posted upon your arrival at the hotel.

On Friday, July 15, 2016, the evening will feature a fabulous Steak Fry, prepared by The Rhode Island Shriners’ Artisan Unit. In addition to Steak, please note that a Chicken, Vegetarian, and Gluten-free Option will be available as well. Please make certain to indicate your choice of entrée on your response form. The price per person is $35.00. The evening is casual, and includes dancing to DJ Sergio.

On Saturday, July 16, 2016, the Shriners will be hosting a cook-out at the Masonic Youth Center, located at 116 Long Street in Warwick, Rhode Island. A complimentary shuttle service (running from the hotel to the Masonic Youth Center) will be available. The cook-out will take place at the Pavilion, overlooking beautiful Narragansett Bay, and is free of charge (reservations are required). In addition, please note that this location features a pool with lifeguards on duty, horseshoe pit, walking trail, and indoor changing and bathroom facilities. The cookout will take place rain or shine, and will run from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (luncheon scheduled for 12:00 pm). Although some picnic seating is available, we are respectfully requesting that Guests provide their own beach chairs if possible. Dress is casual.

Our “Rocky Point Night” will take place on Saturday evening at 6:00 pm. Rhode Island’s beloved Rocky Point featured an amusement park and the famous Shore Dinner Hall (1840 – 1995), renowned for its lobster rolls, and clam cakes and chowder. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane, and sip on Del’s Lemonade and Autocrat Coffee “Cabinets”. Play carnival games in the “Midway”, our comfortably appointed lounge area, feast on a delicious buffet, and dance under the “stars” in The Imperial Room. Dress is casual with Fez, and the price is $40.00 per person.

We appreciate your kind consideration, and hope that you may be able to join us for a festive weekend filled with friendship and camaraderie. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you should have any questions, or if you require additional information. I may be reached at 401.467.7100, or via email: [email protected].

Sincerely, Paul M. Healy Paul M. Healy, Recorder Rhode Island Shriners

THE RHODE ISLAND SHRINERS One Rhodes Place ~ Cranston, Rhode Island 02905


Temple Guard Captain Tom Piscopio along with retired Captain Don Thornton has taken our newly purchased golf cart to be customized on the front panel with the Shrine Emblem: “The Crescent as the jewel of order. The Claws of a Royal Bengal Tiger, united at their base in a gold setting. In the center is the head of a sphinx, on the back a pyramid, urn and star. The Jewel bears the motto: “Robur et Furor” meaning “Strength and Fury”. Today, the Shrine Emblem includes a Scimitar from which the Crescent hangs and a five Pointed Star beneath the Head of a Sphinx. Above the Shrine Emblem will be: Rhode Island Shriners and Below the Shrine Emblem will be: The Temple Guard Unit. The side panels will have The Shriners Hospital Logo and the Freemasons Logo…Square, Compass and G within. According to both Captains the golf cart will appear “SPIFFY”!Retired Captains Art Fletcher and Don Thornton “cleaned out” the Temple Guard Unit Room’s Closet of our old Temple Guard Uniforms “light blue with gold trim”, that were determined to be approximately 25-40 years old. However, we did set aside the best looking uniform (with all the brass, emblems etc.) of the bunch and donated it To the Rhode Island Shrine Museum. On May 1st the Rhode Island Shriners marched in the 100th Anniversary Parade of Millville, Massachusetts. Temple Guard Retired Captain Art Fletcher along with Legion of Honor Commander Gregg Hajder was selected to escort Ill. Potentate Glenn E. Medeiros Sr. during the 3-5 mile parade route. Now, I cannot speak for Commander Hajder, but I felt that I was a Secret Service Agent for Presidential Candidate Donald Trump. Thank goodness I recalled some of my 1st level Blue Belt Karate techniques from the late 70’s and early 80’s to get me thru the day. TEE! HEE! OTTIE’S KORNOR (REPEAT):*A Florida senior citizen drove his brand new 2016 Corvette Convertible down (I-95) up to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing thru whatever hair he had left…he pushed the pedal down further. Looking in his rear view mirror he spotted a Florida State Trooper on his tail. For a moment, he thought he would try to outrun the Trooper. But then said to himself, “what am I doing? I’m too old for this”, and pulled over to the side of the road.Pulling in behind him, the Trooper walked over to the vehicle, looked at his watch and said, “Sir my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a NEW reason for speeding, I’ve never heard before-I’ll let you go”.The old gentlemen paused then said: “Three years ago, my wife ran off with a Florida State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back!” “Have a good day, Sir,” replied the Trooper, and left.That’s all folks! OTTIE.

The 142nd Imperial Session of Shriners International Will Be Here Soon

The 2016 Imperial Session of Shriners International is scheduled for Sunday, July 3 through Thursday, July 7, 2016, in Tampa, Fla.

While in Tampa, plan to include a tour of Shriners International Headquarters and check out our memorabilia room and vintage mechanical Shriners

parade. Also allow time for a visit to the Tampa Shriners Hospital. Staff members at the hospital are eager to welcome you during your visit to Tampa.

In addition to the tours and important business portions of the 142nd Imperial Session, there will be a classic Shriner-style parade, Walk for LOVE, ballyhoo through the streets, Representatives Ladies Luncheon, Representatives Evening, competitions, marketplace, kids camp, church service and more.

For more information about the upcoming Imperial Session, please visit tampa-2016.com, facebook.com/2016ShrinersImperialSession, or download the free app by searching “2016 Shriners Imperial Session” on your smartphone or tablet.

The SCIMITARRhode Island ShrinersOne Rhodes PlaceCranston, R I 02905

Up-Coming Events:

Don’t Forget The Queen of Hearts

Friday Nights6-8 pm

Friday, June 10thStrawberry Festival

Sunday, June 19thFather’s Day Breakfast

Saturday, June 25thClown Unit: Seekonk Speedway for Shriner’s Night

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 15 -17thRhode Island Shrine Visitation

June 2016

ParadesSaturday, June 11 ~ Gaspee Day ParadeMonday, Juyl 4 ~ Bristol Independence Day Parade Sunday, October 9 ~ Federal Hill, Columbus Day Parade.

Documents

Scimitar The - RI Shriners and Imperial Room at Rhodes ...rishriners.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/ScimitarJune2016.pdf · Scimitar The Volume 17 Issue 183 ... Voice of Kenya, Nairobi,