During the past two months your traveling Potentate and his lady have made visitations to our Shrine Clubs in Gillette, Newcastle, Riverton, Thermopolis and Jackson. We enjoyed warm welcomes and wonderful meals and thank you all for your hospitality. Our visit to Jackson coincided with the National Snowmobile Hill Climb Championships at Snow King. This impressive event is coordinated by the Jackson Snow Devils Club and all proceeds from the five day event are donated to charity. A generous portion of this is given to Shriner’s Children Hospitals (over $70,000 in the last three years!). We joined other Shriners in selling raffle tickets for a new snowmobile and enjoyed the races.

Thanks to Rob and Julie Schwartz for coordinating another successful St. Paddy’s Day Party March 16th. The Coleman‘s prepared a delicious meal, assisted by other units and the Horse Patrol kept the dance floor hopping.

I am happy to report that cleaning, painting and reconstruction of the temple from the fire is nearly complete. The most significant changes and upgrades can be seen in the basement corridor, ladies lounge & bathroom. I encourage all of you to go down and take a look – I think you will be impressed! The month of April we will tackle the business office, which involves more asbestos abatement, new paint and carpeting. Speaking of the Business Office, as many of you know, Rick Badgett has recently assumed the dual role of Business Manager and Recorder for the Temple. We appreciate all Rick’s hard work and welcome his new part- time assistant, Carla Browne.

Riley Cooke and the Kefar Shrine Club have put the finishing touches on the “Scoot and Shoot” motorcycle. This is our main fundraiser for the year and we rely on the ticket sales to support the Temple. I am counting on all Shriners and Clubs to pitch in, sell tickets and help reach our goal this year.

Final plans are being made for the Spring Ceremonial and Potentate’s Ball April 5-6th. This will be held in conjunction with Sahida Nile’s 100 year Anniversary and Installation of Offices. Christina Haworth and Lady Laurel have spent a lot of time planning and coordinating a weekend full of activities for everyone (See Schedule). So far RSVP’s have been slow coming in, and we encourage Shriner’s statewide to participate. Let’s show our two visiting dignitaries, Deputy Imperial Potentate John Cinotto and Princess Royal Margaret Ann Risk what great Shrine Clubs we have in Northern Wyoming! We also look forward to bringing in at least five new Nobles. Your support and participation in the event would mean a lot to us.

Fraternally

William (Bill) Hanewald, Potentate