horsemen drive-by surprise party for 95-year-old bill...

VOLUME XCIII • NUMBER 6 JUNE 2020 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA • www.zuhrah.org

A Message Concerning Upcoming Arabian Issues

Horsemen drive-by surprise party for 95-year-old Bill Leadens

Bill Leadens surprise birthday drive-by Drive-by birthday party arranged by Hopkins family Verl Raap, Bill Leadens, Chris Mullin, Marilyn Leadens

Bill’s own horse “Cash” came for a visit. Jon Huber, Art Hart, Marilyn in window, Bill with Cash MPD attend to honor retired MPD and Detective Bill.

View Zuhrah Arabian at http://zuhrahshrine.org/arabian

1,461 TOTAL ZUHRAH MEMBERS – 129 NOBLES OWE FOR ONE YEAR – 82 NOBLES OWE FOR TWO YEARS

Phil and Jane Smith brought their horses to the party. All enjoyed the party and the horses, too. Friends stopped by to the party.

Chris Mullin brings a gift to Bill Leadens Photo on sign shows Bill having fun!

Learn more about Zuhrah Horsmen Bill Leadens

in Potentate Verl Raap’s messageon page 3.

Party guests included Potentate VerlRaap and Lady Jeanna

Chris Mullin and Lady Leslie

Dear Nobles, Ladies and FriendsDue to the extraordinary circumstances the world is facing at this

moment, the Zuhrah Divan has made the difficult decision to suspendthe printed version of the Zuhrah Arabian for the months of June, Julyand August as a cost-saving measure.

Please consider a donation to help us keep the Arabian running for thefuture.Your contribution of $20 or more is most appreciated.Payments on-line at www.zuhrah.org or your personal check can be mailed to the office.

We thank you for your continued support of Zuhrah Shriners,Verl Raap, Potentate

2 ZUHRAH ARABIAN JUNE 2020

IN MEMORIAM

Sunshine Committee

When you hear of a noble who has been ill,hospitalized, convalescent,or shut-in, please contactZuhrah Shriners, 952-426-3023. It is important to provide the noble’s address,name of hospital or nursinghome.We now have a new e-mail address,you can contactthe committee [email protected].

A new sign-out system hasbeen implemented forwheelchairs on loan fromZuhrah Shriners. If you haveobtained a wheelchair in thepast and are not using it, wewould appreciate having itreturned.We have had manyrequests for wheelchairs thisyear. If you return a wheel-chair, kindly return it throughthe office for our recordkeeping. Donated wheel-chairs in good condition willbe accepted, too.

Zuhrah Shrine CenterHours of Operation

Zuhrah Shriners administrative office:Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

VoiceMail and Email AddressesZuhrah phone 952-426-3023

You may also email comments and questions as follows:

[email protected] [email protected]




In an effort to make your Divan more accessible to the Nobility,we have created an email address: [email protected].

Please put this in your address book. If you want to ask the Divan a questionor make a suggestion, or if you are concerned about something, send an emailto this address and the entire Divan will get a copy.The Divan has committed

to follow up with all emails that we receive.

Send changes of address to

6120 Blue Circle Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55343-9109

Units and ClubsWhen you have news to include in an issue of the Arabian,please send it by email, if possible, to [email protected]

NEWS• Send your news in the body of an email, or attach a Word

document, or attach a PDF – especially for event ads.• Put Arabian in the Subject line of the email.

PHOTOS• Attach JPG photos to an email or a Word document

• Original digital photos are preferred• Set digital cameras to higher-quality file size

• Identify people in photo• Include caption for use with the photo.

DEADLINE: 10th of the monthNews submitted after deadline will be included on a space available basis.

Gerald G EricksonRonald D AlmenCalvin D Barnett

Harold L BloomerFrank J Fay

Kenneth L GluesingCarl R Hanson

Keith D KennedyMerle S Mark

Theodore A Schroeder, Jr.Roger L TonsbergLarry E Wogensen

Members – Send Changes of Address to

6120 Blue Circle Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343-9109

or: 952-426-3023or: [email protected]

UpcomingZuhrahEvents *

(new events are in red)June 12 ................Zuhrah Stated Meeting

Virtual Meeting – VideoConJuly 10 ..................Zuhrah Stated Meeting

Virtual Meeting – VideoConJuly 3-9..............................Imperial Session

CancelledJuly 29..............................Ice Cream Social

** Check with event leaders to knowthe status of all Zuhrah events.

ZUHRAH ARABIAN6120 Blue Circle Drive

Minnetonka, MN 55343-9109

TELEPHONE: 952-426-3023WEB: www.zuhrah.org

JUNE 2020

Zuhrah Arabian (USPS # 699-560) is published monthly by Zuhrah Shriners, 6120 Blue CircleDrive, Minnetonka, MN 55343-9109. Periodicals postage paid at Hopkins, MN and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Zuhrah Arabian,6120 Blue Circle Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55343-9109. Subscription price $20.00 a year.

ZUHRAH SHRINERS DIVANELECTED

Potentate.....................................................................Verl W. RaapChief Rabban ..............................................................Jon R. PavolaAssistant Rabban ..................................................Curtis W. QuastHigh Priest & Prophet .........................................Scott D. HughesOriental Guide .....................................................Timothy R. JirakRecorder ..........................................................Gary W. Sibben, PPTreasurer.....................................................Christopher W. Mullin

APPOINTEDFirst Ceremonial Master ..............................Nathan D. SmithsonSecond Ceremonial Master .........................Ronald L. DeVoll, PPMarshal ......................................................................Loran W. GoffCaptain of the Guard ...........................................Clifton R. BaileyOuter Guard....................................................Steven D. ScheffertChaplain.................................................................Jeffrey M. AnselImperial Representative....................................Todd R. Schwartz

ARABIAN EDITORSend event ads and news items to: [email protected]

Bobbie LampiRSL desktop publishing services

320-251-9115 [email protected] Fairfield Court, Saint Cloud, MN 56303

SHRINERS HEALTHCARE FOR CHILDREN – TWIN CITIES2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Phone: 612-596-6100

Zuhrah Stated MeetingFriday, June 12, 2020

Virtual Meeting – VideoConAttend from your own home

Meeting at 7:00 p.m. – Attendees must pre-registerRegister to attend by June 11 to [email protected]

Connect details will be sent out prior to meeting.

Zuhrah Stated MeetingFriday, July 10, 2020

Virtual Meeting – VideoConAttend from your own home

Meeting at 7:00 p.m. – Attendees must pre-registerRegister to attend by July 9 to [email protected]

Connect details will be sent out prior to meeting.

Future Stated Meeting

locations

June 12, 2020Virtual Meeting – VideoCon

July 10, 2020Virtual Meeting – VideoCon

All events are subject to

change due tothe COVID-19

pandemic.

JUNE 2020 ZUHRAH ARABIAN 3

From the Potentate

Nobles and Friends —Greetings! I hope that you are all

well and looking forward to summerbeing here.As things are beginning toloosen up with the State Guidelinessurrounding these unprecedentedtimes, the Grand Master has givensome updated direction as well.Steps are going in the right directionand we are all looking forward towhat the ‘new normal’ may be forour events, activities, etc.We hope tophysically gather in larger groupssoon. As we are getting out a bitmore and being safe – social distanc-ing does not equal no socializing.Many of us have all now usedFacetime, Zoom, pick up the phone,and even have a social hour in oneanother’s driveway – with distancing.

We need to follow the MinnesotaState Guidelines from theDepartment of Health, and theMinnesota Grand Master edictswhich apply to all MinnesotaMasonry which includes the Shrine.If a Club or Unit can meet and fol-low those items outlined for a meet-ing, an event or an activity, I encour-age the Clubs and Units to gather insmall groups.The ’new normal’ dur-ing this time is developing for us atZuhrah. At this time, we are notmeeting physically at the ZuhrahShrine Center even with smallgroups. When this changes, we willlet you know via email with theZuhrah eRabian. Oasis and patio arestill closed at this time. We arereviewing each of these things regu-larly. Zuhrah Office is open: If you doneed to come into the office for apersonal reason, please use a maskand there is sanitizer available.

Club and Unit Heads were able tomeet at the end of May via video con-ferencing as we had the Chief of Staffcoordinate and reach out to those. Itwas great to see familiar faces andcatch up and discuss various items ofinterest. I have noticed many of youduring this time to have longer hairthan usual, and some have even growna full beard—I have never seen someof you with a beard before! It lookedlike the 1970’s at times.. ha!

We are planning a virtual videoconference for the Stated Meetingon June 12, 2020, and at this time forthe July Stated. Many details arebeing worked out, and you will each

need to register to attend that meetingwith [email protected] by June11th, and further connect details willbe sent via email prior to the meeting.When connecting by Zoom for thismeeting, you should connect by 6:45p.m.Wear your Fez!

Legacy Month is June! Send a pic-ture to [email protected] of you inyour Fez and if you have a son, father,uncle who was also a Shriner – ask usabout getting your Legacy pin.

LASC CEREMONIALWe did have to postpone our Spring

Ceremonial, but you will not want tomiss our next Ceremonial in Litchfieldon August 1st.Zuhrah’s Birthday DinnerParty which was postponed, we arescheduling a new date. We are lookinginto other possibilities to induct newnobles as well.

ARABIANAs I noted last month, the Zuhrah

Divan has decided to suspend just theprinted version of the Zuhrah Arabianfor June, July and August to save costs.These are unprecedented times withour meetings, events and variousfundraisers suspended—as well as manyactivities of our Clubs & Units. If youwould consider a donation to ZuhrahShriners to help offset the ZuhrahArabian costs, that would be very muchappreciated. A suggested donation of$20 or more would really help.You cansend your check to the Zuhrah Officeor pay online.The electronic version ofthe Zuhrah Arabian can always be foundat our webpage of http://zuhrah.org clickon the tab of News & Events, andchoose Arabian Newspaper.The ZuhraheRabian is sent out weekly and you canensure your latest email address isadded by sending an email [email protected].

I have talked to many Zuhrah noblesabout the Arabian who have had ques-tions.The Midwest Potentates talk on aregular basis and I have learned thatother Midwest Shrine Centers havesuspended their newsletter as well forthe summer months to save moneyduring this time as many fundraisershave cancelled. I tasked a committee toreview the Arabian and explore variousitems of cost savings.

ACTIVITIESIce Cream Social is currently planned

for July 29,2020, and we are hoping thatwe will be able to hold this in tradition-al style. Potentate’s Golf Stag is set forAugust 23rd just a short jaunt over toSomerset, Wisconsin, at Bristol RidgeGolf Course—a favorite course formany and we will have a great time.ZorShriners of Wisconsin will join us! Signup at [email protected] Use thisevent for not only fun and fellowshipbut a membership opportunity as well.

Shrine Fundraising Association (SFA,and formerly named SCAFRA) is meet-ing in Bloomington, Minnesota, this fall.Save the date for October 1-3,2020, andplan to attend! One of our own Zuhrahnobles, Kirby Norman, is the 2020 SFAPresident and has a great itinerary andspeakers lined up. Zuhrah pays theirannual dues as a Shrine Center to SFA.This allows any noble in our ShrineCenter to attend the ‘presentationsonly’ portion without additional regis-tration fees. However, there are many

Verl Raap, Potentate

Jennifer’sJottings

Hello!I should probably apologize and say

thank you to those of you who havecalled in recently and I have kept you onthe phone with my babblings. By natureI am a social person. Don’t get mewrong, I am also a huge homebody andlove to have my evenings free and quiet,but I am a talker. My poor husbandwould probably be happy with not hav-ing to talk to anyone for days, includingme, and has been subjected to my non-stop commentary on everything all dayfor a while now. He is much too polite(and wise) to say it, but I’m quite surehe is very happy I am back in the office.

I have one super friend who textedme one day and let me know that shehas a list of people that she is checkingin with and that was my day on the cal-endar. It came at the perfect time andhelped me to connect while we are allliving in our own little bubbles. I knowthat a number of people were doingsome phone calls and checking in withour Nobles but if you know a memberwho you think may need an extra callor two right now, let me know. I wouldbe happy to get someone to help usout on making sure those still at homeare getting the attention that they needright now. I know when I got that texthow I felt and that is a feeling I think weare all capable of paying forward.

Stay safe and healthy until we can allbe together again.

Thank you all!

Jennifer

NOTICES

Imperial SessionJuly 3–9, 2020

Competitions – July 4Kansas City

MSASummer Session

August 12–15, 2020Regina,

Saskatchewan

advantages to registering for noblesand ladies as it includes the Thursdayreception, various meals, etc. Ladieshave a reduced price and includes alady’s excursion.The SFA Conferencewill be held at the Embassy Suites;marketplace vendors are welcome.More information on all of theseitems at:https://shrinefundraising.com/sfa-2020/

FUNDRAISERSA COVID-19 mask is something

we all need – why not have one ortwo that represents us! We have twogreat options for you: 1) maroonoption which is embroidered withZuhrah, and 2) three different fabricoptions of Shrine, Masonic or Orderof the Eastern Star (no embroideryoption).See the flyer for more details.

MEMBERSHIPWe continually strive to stay in

touch with our members as theDivan, Past Potentates and somenobles are reaching out to many ofour nobles.One of our members thatI talked to this last month was NobleKeith Davison of Morris, Minnesota.He turned 97 years young on May13th. He is quite active each day aswell as with his Blue Lodge.He lives inhis own home in Morris and has ahome in Ft. Meyers which he goes toeach winter and still drives daily. Keithis an uncle of noble Tim Davison.Noble Keith is a retired State TrialJudge and in 1966 ran for Congressand was the endorsed Democraticcandidate. Noble Keith will celebratebeing a Zuhrah Noble for 55 years inOctober 2020. When Keith’s wifepassed away three years ago,he decid-ed to bring some laughter and smilesinto his life and for others by buildingan in-ground pool in his backyard andinviting the neighborhood kids toswim in for the summer. Noble Keithensures they have to be accompaniedby a parent or grandparent in orderto take a swim. When the kids aredone, Keith often takes a swim. Keithis still active in the Morris CommunityBand playing the tuba and bass guitar.We discussed the parades that arecancelled as their float is usually innumerous parades each year. Thankyou,Keith, for all that you do, and ‘tak-ing it up a notch’ as part of the prideof Zuhrah and a devout MinnesotaMason each day! Thank you to allZuhrah nobles for your efforts and toeach for your time to keepZuhrahStrong.

Bringing in new candidates to ourfraternity is all of our jobs – as we areall part of the Membership Team!Petitions can be found in yourCalendar Book, as well as on ourZuhrah webpage at http://zuhrah.orgMail that petition to the ZuhrahOffice or email to the membershipteam at [email protected].

We are turning the corner onthese unprecedented times. Ourfraternity will flourish once again.Take care of yourself and your lovedones. Stay safe!

Yours in the faith,

Verl W. RaapZuhrah - Potentate 2020Email: [email protected]

CANCELED

CANCELED

“TAKE IT UP A NOTCH!”

Shriners International Legacy Month has

been moved to June to coincide with

Shriners International Awareness Day (June

6th) and Father's Day (June 21st). This spe-

cial celebration unites all Nobles who make

their fraternal membership a family tradi-

tion - welcoming fathers and sons, grandfa-

thers and sons, uncles and nephews, steps, in-

laws and other instances with multiple

Shriners within the same family. #proudto-

beashriner

Shriners InternationalLegacy Month in June


SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL


ZUHRAH SHRINERSMasonicRelationsCommittee

Please be advised to check all eventsas cancellations due to the coronavirus(COVID-19) have been extended.

As the writing of this article theGrand Lodge of Minnesota suspendedall Lodge activities through the end ofMay, but with the new Stay Safe MNorder’s limitation on group activities toonly 10 individuals it is unlikely therewill be very many Masonic activities.

It has been reported by theMinnesota Department of Health thatof the deaths from COVID-19 havefallen primarily on those who arethose who are age 70 and older.Current data also show that over 80%of the deaths are from residents ofelder care facilities.

This sobering information meansmany of our members are at greaterrisk than the population as a whole.During times like this we need to takecare of our Brothers and help them asit is needed.

The situation is fluid and there willbe other changes.We still have no ideahow long this will last. Stay in contactwith your groups for the latest news.

The Grand York Rite Session at theend of June (25- 27) in Alexandria hasbeen cancelled in favor of a virtual session accessible on your computer orsmart phone. It will require preregistra-tion and will be available on the website.If you are planning to attend the virtualsession for either Royal Arch, CrypticCouncil, or Commandery of KnightTemplar be alert for instructions to bedistributed by your Secretary orRecorder. If you do not preregister youwill not be admitted to the virtual session.

The Grand Lodge is hostingWebinars to provide masonic educa-tion. If you want information on thoseyou can go to the Grand Lodge website at MN-Masons.org to obtain infor-mation on how to attend and checkout the schedule.

Many Blue Lodges and otherMasonic groups are holding virtualmeeting to conduct business, engage insocial intercourse, or provide educa-tion. Check with the groups youbelong to and see what they are doing.If the leadership isn’t doing anything tokeep their members connected, Iwould encourage them to set up a vir-tual meeting.As of now this is the bestopportunity to see our smiling facesand have some good conversationbefore we all go a little stir crazy.

If you need help in getting informa-tion about some appendant Masonicorganizations and don’t know who totalk to, please talk to me and I will helpyou get connected.

The whole fraternity is better off whenwe are all active and together. Don’t justrestrict yourself and limit your activity toonly one or two things. There is a richexperience in Masonry and plenty of philanthropies in need of your assistance.

Carl Lidstrom, [email protected]


SHRINERS HEALTHCARE – TWIN CITIES

The Zuhrah Pipes & Drums

Are Looking for New Members

No Experience Necessary!

Call Jerry Oliver

763-449-9067

Lauren Elm,Director of Public and Community RelationsShriners Healthcare for Children® - Twin Cities2025 East River ParkwayMinneapolis, MN 55414Office: 612-596-6119Cell: 612-214-8589Email: [email protected] www.shrinershealthcareforchildren.org/twincities

Imagine Believe Achieve Gala -October 31

Our 5th annual Gala date has been rescheduled from Friday, May 29, toSaturday, October 31.We hope that you will join us as we celebrate 97 yearsof helping children with orthopaedic conditions, regardless of a family's abilityto pay.The Gala promises to be more than just another fundraiser.We willinspire you to help kids be kids,balancing the right mix of philanthropy and fun.

All proceeds benefit Shriners Healthcare for Children — Twin Cities.6 p.m. – Cocktails and Silent Auction7:30 p.m. – Dinner, Program and Live Auction

Ribbon Cutting & DedicationRibbon Cutting & Dedication is postponed.

Due to COVID-19,we need to postpone the Cornerstone,Ribbon Cutting &Dedication at our new home in Woodbury.We are working hard and makingplans for a future date and will keep you posted as we iron out the details.Thank you for your understanding. Pictured above is the building as of late May.

Address: 215 Radio Drive,Woodbury, MN 55125-5805

September 10, 2020

Aug 28


ZUHRAH SHRINERS – UNITS

Horsemanship – Fraternity –Philanthropy

Brunch on June 14, 2020, Has beencancelled due to COVID-19.In Closing

Search: Zuhrah Shrine HorsemenOur @ShrineHorsemen community

is growing with 800+ followers! We frequently update our site withposts and pictures. Like and share ourpage to stay up-to-date on all the funand happenings.

Please submit your announcementsfor future Horsemen articles to:[email protected]. Find usonline at our new website:www.ZuhrahRanch.com.

Greetings all,I hope this finds everyone doing as

well as can be expected and being safe!After a couple of years of discus-

sion, this current situation has pushedus to combine our two hospitalshoots! It is the first small step tobuilding our shoot program into amuch larger version in the comingyears.

The new date for the shoot isSeptember 12, 2020, at the MinnesotaHorse and Hunt club.

Everything is staying the same as wason the old flyer, but we will be gettingout a new flyer for everyone to share.

The new date for early bird regis-tration will be August 28th.

We are still looking for station spon-sors, but more importantly..... we arelooking for people to put together teamsand get out of the house to get warmedup for the upcoming bird season.

This is mainly a save the date note.We will get more info out in the nextcouple of weeks.

The gun raffle drawing will be onthe day of the shoot as well, so we willhave more time to sell the remainingtickets. Please get a hold of me to getsome tickets to sell or buy!

Please pass this info on to all themembers of your clubs and units,friends, co-workers anyone who mightbe interested in supporting our twohospitals.

More info to come soon.See you all soon.

Bill Vice

Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles

2020 IMPERIAL CANCELLEDOn April 22, 2020, Imperial

Potentate, Illustrious Sir Jeff Sowder,announced the decision to cancel the2020 Shrine Imperial Session to beheld in Kansas City, Missouri, June 29 -July 9, 2020. In his email to all Shrinersand in his Facebook posting theImperial Potentate mentioned theCOVID-19 virus.

He said, “This decision comes aftermany days of careful consideration ofthe data and opinions of public healthprofessionals and the decisions of gov-ernmental acting in reliance upon thatinformation. ...

“A decision of this magnitude is nevereasy but every member of the JointBoards felt this was consistent with themost current public health informationand government ‘Stay at home’ ordersintended to protect the best interests ofeveryone concerned.” He added,“Ultimately it became an issue followingpublic health direction to provide safe-ty—the safety of our members, of theresidents of Kansas City, of those in ourlocal communities once we returnedfrom the Imperial Session and mostimportantly the safety of the childrenand staff in our hospitals that we wouldcome in contact with after the session.”

Imperial Potentate Jeffery L. Sowderand First Lady Cheryl concluded hisstatements with the following, “In spiteof our disappointment, Shriners areencouraged to stay safe, stay strong andLooking to

Clown Around?Join the Funsters!

Contact Gerry Brandt

952-486-1333

stay involved with everything we can donow in preparation for doing more inthe future.”

PARADESAs of this writing the following

parades the Drum Corps had anticipatedperforming at have been cancelled:Friday May 29, Morristown Dam Days,

MorristownTuesday June 16, Northeast

Minneapolis Parade, MinneapolisSunday June 22, North Branch Parade,

North BranchThe possibility of more cancella-

tions due to COVID-19 remains to beseen. The Drum Corps has threeparades remaining on their schedule:

Rush City, Saturday July 18.Little Canada Days, Sunday,Aug. 2 The Defeat Of Jesse James Days,

Sunday Sept. 6.

BLACK CAMELI received an email from a member

of The Zuhrah Band, Dave Larson, aka“Tubamax” dated May 1, 2020, con-cerning sad news about LarryWogensen, Sr., and his family.

In the email, it was stated that LarrySr., is in hospice, after a fall that causedhim to suffer a spinal injury. “He isunfortunately a quadriplegic at thispoint. He has some movement in oneof his arms.Visitation is severely limit-ed because of the Covid19.” The emailwent on to sight another tragedy inthe Wogensen family. “Larry, Jr., wasdiagnosed with lung cancer in March.Unfortunately, the treatment failed andhe died on April 29th.”

Larry, Sr., was a long-time memberof the Zuhrah Drum Corps.The emailcontinued,“Please keep the Wogensenfamily in your thoughts and prayers.They have been a main stay of theBand for many years.”

We at the Drum Corps echo thesesentiments to the Wogensen family.

I am saddened to report that LarryWogensen, Sr. passed away on May 4,2020. Larry was a horn player and a

Lifetime member of the Drum Corps.Larry joined the Shrine on May 5, 1961,and was a very active member for mostof those 59 years. Larry and his wifeCarole often hosted the Little CanadaParade after parade party at their homein Little Canada for the Drum Corps andthe Band for several years. Many fondmemories. Always a great time of funand fellowship at the Wogensen home.

The Drum Corps extends ourdeepest condolences to Carole andthe Wogensen Family.

Alas, My Brother.

NEW MEMBERSOur Captain Garrett has been out

and about talking up the good wordabout our Corps and it looks like hisefforts will bear fruit. He has two hornplayers who are interested in ourCorps and along with the return of atrombone player; things are looking upfor the Corps. If you or someone youknow has any prior musical experi-ence, please be sure to point him inour direction. The Drum Corps is ingreat need of new members.

As things progress and we are safelyable to gather again, our rehearsals willresume on a regularly scheduled basis.

For more information, you can reachus at: [email protected] follow us on Facebook at: ZuhrahDrum and Bugle Corps.

Drum Corps Scribe


ZUHRAH SHRINERS – CLUBS

FORMERLY

DAVID AGENCY INC

DICK DEVINE

6500 CITY WEST PKWY #100

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344

PH 952-277-0610

EMAIL [email protected]

Attn: Online Viewers OnlyThis is the 54th article that I have

written for the Arabian, and it is themost depressing article I have ever writ-ten. In the past, I have tried to have myarticles be informative and entertaining,and sometimes adding a little humor.This month’s article is much different.

Today is May 10. I was starting towrite the article for the June Arabian forMinnesota Valley Shriners Club. I hadnot yet received the May edition in mymail box, so I went online to see ifthere was a May edition. I read theheadline at the top of the front pageand was deeply disappointed to say theleast. The headline was:

DUE TO EXTRAORDINARY CIR-CUMSTANCES IN THE WORLD, THEDIVAN MADE THE DECISION TOSUSPEND THE PRINTED VERSIONOF THE ARABIAN FOR JUNE, JULY,AND AUGUST AS A COST SAVINGMEASURE.

COVID-19 did not make Zuhrahshort of money.The lack of fund rais-ing is the problem not the virus.Zuhrah still had its onion and flowerfundraisers albeit lower results thanpast years. However, onions andflower sales won’t save Zuhrah.

The Potentate’s slogan this year is“Take it up a notch.” Suspending theprinting of the Arabian for three months,in my opinon, is taking it DOWN anotch.

Many nobles do not have a computerso they do not have access to the onlineArabian or E-Rabian. Others like me pre-fer to hold a paper in my hand just as Ido every morning reading the PRINT-ED edition of the Star Tribune. Theonline version might be preferred bythe younger nobles. but the not-so-young nobles prefer the printed edition.

Cancelling the printed edition of theArabian was discussed last year atZuhrah and that idea was put to restafter a lot of negative feedback.

Nobles are receiving less and less

benefit from their $135.00 dues. Iknow only $100.00 goes to Zuhrahand $35.00 to Tampa. One benefit wasreceiving the monthly Arabian andbeing INFORMED on what’s happeningat Zuhrah. The Arabian is a communi-cations vehicle to the nobles andmaintains a “connection” betweenZuhrah Shrine and the Zuhrah noble.

Due to the fact that Zuhrah Shrineis strapped for money, the Divan is ask-ing for a $20.00 donation to supportthe Arabian. Why not charge eachnoble $5.00 for electricity, $4.00 forgas, $3.00 for water, and $2.00 per yearfor grass cutting and snow removal.

We know that fundraising at Zuhrahhas been a problem for the last severalyears but if something on a large scaleis not done soon, Zuhrah will be out ofbusiness in the next couple of years.

The printed version of the Arabian willbe suspended until August. Is Zuhrahgoing to have an influx of money to beable to print the September edition andmonths to follow? This is just the startof things to come. If Zuhrah does go outof business in the next few years, theestimated $325,000 in our trust fund(from Park Avenue sale) will go toTampa. I realize that a vote of the nobil-ity is needed to tap into that account. Iwould suggest that vote be considered.The amount that would be withdrawn($30,000, $50,000, or whatever) wouldserve as a band-aid while the Divan putstogether a plan of action that will allowZuhrah to survive for years to come.

Again, this is the most depressingarticle that I have ever written. Thisarticle probably won’t win me anynew friends but I felt I had to speakfrom my heart.

The COVID-19 virus whileextremely unfortunate and depressingis not Zuhrah’s problem. Zuhrah isZuhrah’s problem.

My streak has ended. I have writtenarticles for the Arabian in 54 consecu-tive months. I always thought it wasimportant not to miss a month as ourmembers looked forward to readingthe news of the Club.

My next article will be when theprinted edition of the Arabian resumes.

Yours in the faith,

Ken ChambersPresident

[email protected]: 952-888-8225

Greetings Nobles,We hope everyone is staying healthy

and safe during these unsettled times.We have been so used to meeting, andgreeting each other on a regular basis,and now it seems the majority of ourcommunication is done by email, text,or a phone call.

As with most all other events, Birakhas canceled our June Shrine Circus;it’s highly probable that the Otter TailCounty Fair in July will be canceled, aswell as most or all of the summerparades we participate in with our KarKor go-carts.

We met as a Board May 9 to goover a few items. Yes, we social dis-tanced, so much we couldn’t see all theBoard members at one time, and attimes, couldn’t hear all the discussionbecause we were so far apart.

In what appears to be our onlyfundraiser at this time, the order foronions arrived the first week in May, andnow the membership will deliver the pre-sold bags and start contacting the public.

Because the various Lodges rely somuch on the commissions they makefrom the ticket sales for the BirakShrine Circus, the Board voted todonate some of our Circus Accountfunds to each area Lodge to be used fortheir Scholarship Funds. This way, thegraduating seniors who have applied willstill get rewarded with a scholarship.

We are moving forward with ourStated Meeting/Family Picnic set forSaturday, June 13.This is an outside affairand and social distancing will not be anissue. This will be at the Otter TailCounty Fairgrounds starting at 4:45 p.m.

Kar Kor- No one is getting too excited yet as

the go-carts are still in storage. ParadeChairman,Russ Duncan,has been watch-ing the web sites from the 20+ commu-nities we parade at to see if any will bemoving forward with their summerevents.Who knows, we might just haveto get the carts out and practice ourroutine in a large parking lot.This mightbe the most fun we'll have this summer.

On a high note, at the end of ourMay Board Meeting, Kar KorPresident, Jon Tamke, presented the2019 “Kar Kor Hall of Fame” Award toDanny Evans, who participates in manysummer parades, and does most of themaintenance on the carts during thesummer and in the off season.Congratulations!

Jon [email protected]

H a p p ySpring! I’mhonored tobring ZuhrahT e m p l eg r e e t i n g sfrom Mat-ShaTemple No.62. I findmyself wish-ing that I wasbringing youg r e e t i n g sunder far dif-ferent cir-

cumstances, but despite the pandemicthere is still a lot going on in our mightyTemple. COVID-19 emerged in theUSA just as our Temples were set tobegin a new Temple year. Due to thepandemic,we had to postpone our Aprilinstallation of officers as well as our Aprilstated session. The elected officerswere installed in Princess Royal AmandaNelson’s living room on March 19th,sneaking under the wire before the Saferat Home order was issued, and keepingour gathering to nine ladies. Despite theimpromptu nature of the installation, itwas an incredibly special moment that Iwill always treasure. Kneeling at thecoffee table altar, it humbled me realizing

Mat-Sha Temple

just how mighty our Temple really is –the women assembled truly risked theirlives to make sure the business of theTemple carries on, and no one hesitatedto participate when asked.

A short couple of weeks later, ourentire organization was stunned by theloss of our Supreme Queen DaleObernolte. Subsequently, our ownPQ Heather Krastins Lambert wasinstalled into the office much earlierthan anticipated. I am grateful thatHeather is leading our organizationright now – if you have met her youknow her to be an incredibly kind andcompassionate woman, and that isshining through in her leadership justwhen we need her most.Circumstances what they are, ourSupreme Session in St. Paul has beenpostponed to Labor Day weekend.Details are still in process and we willkeep you updated as we have them.

Mat-Sha Temple has been keepingbusy despite the safer at home order– we are meeting by Zoom, Skype andWebEx to keep in touch and conductbusiness. We have crafting events,Ladies Day (Inside) Out, and we lookforward to our first online stated ses-sion this week. Several of our eventsonline are open to non-members, andwe would love to have you join us.Please contact me for more informa-tion at [email protected].

I know I speak for all members ofMat-Sha Temple when I say that wewish you and your families continuedhealth, safety, and happiness. We lookforward to the day we can all gathertogether again as friends, working forthe children we serve.

Nile Smiles!

Jennifer Papas, Queen Mat-Sha Temple No. 62

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ZUHRAH SHRINERS

Zuhrah Shriners during the Coronavirus pandemic

Chaplain Jeff Ansel and Lady Betty entertain Potentate Verl Raap andLady Jeanna with social distancing.

Chief of Staff Mike Leier hard at work.

Nate Smithson and Lady Robyn on a family camping trip.

Past Potentate Mike LaVine and Lady Colleen

Nik Wagner and Lady Liz buying flowers and plants

Gordy Backlund with his Model A Ford


BUSINESS LISTINGS Contact Clif Bailey at [email protected]

Business Listings $75 per year

ZUHRAH SHRINERS CALENDARSUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

31 JUNE 1Drum Corps StatedPatrol StatedWillmar ASC

2BEER BREWINGCycle Corps Steel DrumBandMASC Brat Feed

3FlamesTorsk101

4 5 6

7 8Band BoardFunsters

9Anoka ASCBloomington ASC

10Antique CarsHorsemen StatedRod & Gun Stated

11Finance Committee

12ZUHRAH STATEDVirtual MeetingRegister by June 11

13Birak Picnic

14 15Drum Corps Rehearsal

16BEER BOTTLINGCobra Corps Ceremonial UnitCanby ASC

17FlamesGuardian Unit

18Flyers

19Litchfield ASC

20

21Father’s Day

22 23Club & Unit HeadsMembership

Committee

24Marshall ASC Antique Cars BurgerRunLegion of Honor

25 26 27

28 29 30 JULY 1Flames

2 3 4Independence Day

5 6 7 8 9Finance Committee

10ZUHRAH STATEDVirtual MeetingRegister by July 9

11

Auto DealersFreeway FordRob StewartBloomington, MN952-888-9481www.freewayford.comLockwood Motors, Inc.Chet LockwoodBob LockwoodMarshall, MN800-658-2455www.Lockwoodmotors.com

Cleaning ServicesQuick Dry-Tech Carpet &Upholstery CleaningChuck StennesMinneapolis, [email protected]

Computer ConsultantScherstad Systems Inc.Ross E. HjermstadElk River, [email protected]

ContractorsCCRCC CarlsonConstruction Co.David Carlson "Too Tall"St Louis Park, MN952-545-2403

Financial AdvisorsFinancial CompassRobert S. Davis, CFPEden Prairie, MN952-921-2121rsdavis@financialcompass.comwww.financialcompass.com

Jirak & AssociatesAmeriprise FinancialTim Jirak, CFP, ChFCMinnetonka, [email protected]

FuelsWm.W. McCoy PetroleumFuelsJames W. McCoy4030 Brookside Ave S.St. Louis Park, MN952-927-7991

Funeral DirectorsTwin City MonumentsMorrie Toretsky4827 Minnetonka Blvd, Minneapolis952-920-4738John Phillips1133 University Ave, St. Paul651-646-1542

Washburn McReavyWilliam L. McReavy, Sr.William W. McReavy, Jr.Jim EwaldMinneapolis, MN612-377-2203www.washburn-mcreavy.com

Heating & AirStandard HeatingMinneapolis, MN612-824-2656www.Standardheating.com

InsuranceChoice Insurance AgencyOwen R SeeleyMinnetonka, [email protected] AgencyDick DevineEdina, MN612-333-4455www.davidagencyinc.com

Real EstateAmy E. Kerber International President’s CircleRealtor, Graduate RealtorInstitute, Certfied Relocation SpecColdwell Banker Burnet7550 France Ave. S. Suite 100Edina, MN 55435952-844-6062 office 952-844-6000 front desk 952-210-4414 cell phone 952-844-6099 faxEmail: [email protected] Web: AmyKerber.CBIntouch.comEdina RealtyCraig Kamman952-475-2411 / (c) [email protected]

RetailMills Fleet Farm• 763-424-9668Brooklyn Park, MN• 651-779-7725Oakdale, MN• 952-435-3832Lakeville, MNwww.Fleetfarm.com

Osseo Gun Club & Pro ShopChris Williamson22 4th St NWOsseo, MN 5369763-269-6914

RoofingKaufman RoofingDick KaufmanMinneapolis, [email protected]

SecurityCentral Lock & SafeDarryl MetzgerMinneapolis, MN612-788-9024www.centrallockandsafe.comElectronic Installations, Inc.Maple Grove, [email protected]

Senior Home CareServicesIndependent Home Care AgencyAlexander O.Walker, Director763-205-57633300 County Road 10 Suite 300EBrooklyn Center, MN 55429

TravelAAA MinneapolisMinneapolis, [email protected]

Thank the

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for their support

of the Arabian!

All meetings are canceled until May 4. Please check with heads of Clubs or Units for status of meetings after that time.


UPCOMING EVENTS

Save the Date ....Planning Ahead for 2020June 13 Ceremonial & Z Birthday Celebration are

Postponed

July 3-9 Imperial Session – Kansas City, MO isCancelled

July 25 Lake Minnetonka Boat Cruise

August 1 Ceremonial – Litchfield

August 13-15 Summer Midwest Session – Regina, Sask isCancelled

August 23 Potentate’s Golf Stag

September 17-23 Potentate’s London Trip (England Trip)

October 5 Wine Tasting

October 10 Zuhrah Oktoberfest Excursion (New Ulm)

October 17 Potentate’s Pheasant Hunt (South Dakota)

November 7 Ceremonial

All events are subject to

change due tothe

COVID-19

This event has been

rescheduled to October 17

BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS.

horsemen drive-by surprise party for 95-year-old bill...

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