June, 2008
Dear Nobles and Ladies,
The Shrine year has gained some speed. Spring has sprung and summer is upon us. I am visiting many Clubs and Units. My thanks go to the Ulster Shrine Club for all their courtesies given to me and Lady Maureen during my Potentate visit. We also had fun with the Dutchess Shrine Club, where we had a great time reminiscing about old-time television. The Legion of Honor had their first meeting, and we are off to a good start! The Legion is going to visit the Albany Veterans Hospital on June 3rd to visit with the patients.
A big thank you to our Temple Attorney, John Scott, who provided the hard work and legal expertise to complete the loan closing on Cyprus’ new temple building. For those who don’t know, our loan is with the First National Bank of Scotia; a long established local Bank with many assets and branches throughout the Capital District. The Spring MASA meeting in Longhorne, Pennsylvania was attended by Chief Rabban Ray Struck, Lady Dottie, Assistant Rabban Bob Zenter, Lady Pat along with myself and Lady Maureen. We enjoyed visiting with Nobles from other Temples as well as the Imperial Officers and Jim Cain, a candidate for Imperial Outer Guard.
Membership continues to be a great concern for Imperial and also here at Cyprus. I want to thank everyone who has paid their dues for 2008 and ask those who haven’t paid to please send in your dues soon. I want to make a plug for our 2008 Membership Program. Cyprus is offering a special pin to everyone who signs up a new Member. Please try to recruit at least one new member. I will travel to your Club or Unit meeting to initiate him there. At MASA in Virginia Beach this Fall there will be an All Star Ceremonial open to the public.
Our Virginia Beach trip for MASA is fast approaching. I realize the cost is a bit higher, but due to hotel and dinner prices, I have to charge a certain rate. We must look at more methods and programs through which we can generate funds to help subsidize more functions for the Nobles and their families.
On behalf of myself and Lady Maureen, I want to thank everyone who assisted with my Potentates Ball on May 17th at the Best Western Hotel in Colonie. There were 120 people in attendance, including all but one of the Potentates from the NY/Ontario Shrine Association, together with each President of NY/Ontario Shrine Association and MASA. GREAT FUN!
In closing, I want to thank all of you for allowing me to serve our Shrine. It is exciting and I am enjoying my trips to our Units and Clubs, as well as to other Shrine Temples. I am always available if you need assistance or have a new idea. I am just a telephone call away!
Till next time, enjoy the coming seasons.
Yours in the Faith, Bud Abare, Potentate 2008
