2019 Winter Shriner Magazine

Volume 9, Number 4 Winter 2019 MEDINAH SHRINER A Publication of the Medinah Shrine 2019 Potentate’s Trip Fraternal Entertainment Zone

MEDINAH SHRINERS In this issue: 3-4 8-9 Aleikum es Selamu The Potentate’s Message 15,23 Treasurer’s Report 20-21 A non-profit corporation operating under Event Photos the auspices of Shriners International, Thanks For The Memories 24 JUST ONE Program 26+ an Iowa Corporation News of Units, Committees, & Shrine Clubs ELECTED OFFICERS 2019 William M. Kissane Potentate Keith M. Koopman Chief Rabban George E. Stimac Assistant Rabban K. “Tracy” Burcham High Priest & Prophet Joseph “Jay” Alfirevic Oriental Guide Treasurer Eric W. Keating Recorder Raymond V. Kustush REPRESENTATIVES TO THE IMPERIAL COUNCIL 2019 Potentate William M. Kissane Chief Rabban Keith M. Koopman Additional Photo Credits ~ Medinah Photography Past Potentate 2016 Craig C. Stimpert, P.P. Club, Medinah members, Family. 2020 Asst. Rabban George E. Stimac Representative Emeritus Robert O. Kuehn, P.P. ADVERTISING… Representative Ad Vitam Lewis K. Molnar Representative Ad Vitam Charles G. Cumpstone, Jr. If you would like to advertise in this publication, please contact the Medinah Office at 630-889-1400 or email [email protected]. APPOINTMENTS FOR 2019 Advertising prices: Captain of the Guard Frank J. Palella Full page - $150 per issue - $540.00 all 4 issues Outer Guard John Wojciechowski Half page - $75.00 per issue - $270.00 all 4 issues Ceremonial Director Patrick Robin Quarter page - $50.00 per issue - $180.00 all 4 issues 1st Ceremonial Master Dwaine A. Churma Bus. Card - $35.00 per issue - $126.00 all 4 issues 2nd Ceremonial Master Terry Hartl The Medinah Shriner Magazine is for you, the Nobility, and any and all Director of Units & Fraternal Committees articles that you feel may benefit our members will be accepted and John Wojciechowski reviewed for inclusion in an upcoming issue. Parade Marshall Daniel Smith Send your articles to: Director of Shrine Clubs Calvin Tazelaar [email protected] MEDINAH SHRINER MAGAZINE Jodie Keating PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Chief Editor Richard Schak Chief Photographer PURPOSE Medinah Shrine was established in 1883 to provide a social and entertaining Oasis in the Desert of Chicago. The Shrine is a fraternity based on the Masonic Beliefs of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. Medinah was founded to further promote the tenets of Freemasonry, brotherly love, relief and truth. Remembering our creed – Faith, Hope and Charity – the greatest of these being Charity – we founded our own Charity, the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children®. Nobles, support your Fraternity and your Charity. ONLINE PUBLICATION: medinah.org > Members > Medinah Shriner Magazines > (select the issue you would like to view) MEDINAH SHRINE CENTER 550 N. Shriners Drive Addison, IL 60101 Tel: 630-889-1400 www.medinah.org Follow Us On: Volume 9 Number 4 Medinah Shriner Winter 2019 2

The Potentate’s Perspective Medinah Shriners “The Fraternal Entertainment Zone” Thank You for your support in 2018 & 2019 Nobles and Ladies, The Medinah Shriners is a special fraternal family that until someone experiences the comradery, they will never understand the special friendships that are made and there is always something fun happening too! On November 16th, Medinah hosted the Addison Mayor’s Ball and Silent Auction for the first time. We had many Nobles and their Ladies attend. It was a great event and we hope to continue to host it at Medinah. The Children’s Christmas Party was a big hit with the kids and well attended. Thanks to everyone who helped organize it and made the party a major success. The Potentate’s Trip was a cruise on the new Sky Princess out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The weather was perfect and we all had a fabulous time in the Caribbean visiting Princess Cay, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas on a beautiful new ship with great food and entertainment for all. Thanks to all that attended. On January 3rd, we hosted a youth group dance and pizza party for the DeMolay, Job’s Daughters, and Rainbow Girls in the Oasis to show our appreciation for the hard word and support we received from them for the last two years. Rick Miller donated his outstanding DJ skills and equipment to make it a memorable night for all. continued on the next page…. Winter 2019 3

The Ladies of Medinah raised just over $5,000 for the Youth Groups by selling shirts, hosting a purse auction party, and receiving donations from several Medinah units and clubs. The funds raised were distributed to them that evening. The Youth Groups are our future we need to help them succeed. Great job Ladies raising so much money for such great organizations. It takes a team to run Medinah and I want to thank all the Leaders and the units, clubs, and committees that work so hard behind the scenes to plan and participate in the parades, parties, and events the keep Medinah mighty. Debbie Jo and I attended many events in the last two years and made friendships that will last a lifetime. In closing, it has been an honor to serve as your Potentate for the last two years. Being Potentate presents a wide range of challenges and sometimes tough decisions. I want to thank everyone who supported Debbie Jo and me for the last two years. A very special thanks to my wife Debbie Jo for her patience, help, and assistance while I have been on the Divan for the last seven years. Never forget why you joined the Shriners Fraternity, to… “Have Fun and Help Kids” Yours in the Faith William M . Kissane Medinah Potentate 2018 - 2019 2020 Dues are now due. Please pay online at medinah.org. Hover over “Members” at the top of the Home page, and click on “Annual Dues Payments” OR...mail your check made payable to “Medinah Shriners” to: 550 N. Shriners Drive Addison, IL 60101 OR...call the office at (630) 889-1400 to pay by credit card Please remember to include your MEMBERSHIP NUMBER. 4 Medinah Shriner

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE RECORDER As 2020 begins we usher in Medinah’s new Potentate, Illustrious Sir Keith Koopman and his Lady Sharon. Illustrious Sir Keith Koopman is our new leader, with a new way of doing things, who also has a fresh perspective and a Vision for Medinah. I wish him the best on a full year of having fun and helping kids. Our Lady Sharon is selling her new cookbook, “There is a Shriner in my Kitchen!” Many of our members and their ladies have written recipes for the book, including our Potentate’s own, “How to fry an egg in its shell,” plus an age-old secret recipe from Brandon Zears, “Highlander’s Water.” Someone I know wrote one called “Ray’s Hot-Hot-Hot Wings!” that’s about all I can say. If you really want to know what the recipes are…buy a copy. And don’t forget to buy the matching chef’s mitt! All in all, 2020 around Medinah plans to be an exciting year with plenty of things to do. So, grab a copy of the cookbook and a libation, attend else’s club, unit, or committee OV. It’s an excuse to get together with some great friends. Hey, trust me… 2020 is going to be a fun ride! Read all 88 5 pages (yes...88 pages!) of “Together We Can” for the year in review, 2018 - 2019. If you’ve never read this wonderful magazine, now is your chance! Copy the link below into your browser to view this great magazine. http:// flip- book.shrinersvillag e.com/2019Annual Report/html/ Winter 2019

Meet medinah’s 2020 divan George E. Stimac Keith M. Koopman Chief Rabban Potentate Tracy Burcham Assistant Rabban Jay Alfirevic High Priest & Prophet Eric W. Keating Frank J. Palella Raymond V. Kustush Treasurer Oriental Guide Recorder 6 Medinah Shriner

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IN MEMORIAM NOBLES VISITED BY THE BLACK CAMEL Alan E. Anderson Teddy L. Gregory Arthur B. Klaviter Daniel N. Beal Robert M. Langeness Richard H. Henry Lloyd M. McClure IV John C. Bradaric Robert J. Coleman Lope T. Hilado, Sr. Marshall C. Miller Peter J. Popp Bill Constable “God rested them in Peace.” Robert F. Cronkrite To the land of promised rest, Karl E. Rickenbrode Their work is done and the setting sun William B. Rose Daniel C. Deufel Has sealed their life’s request. Ruben Salgado Eldred H. DuSold They have left this earthly strand Stephen J. Elliott For the house beyond the sea. Howard E. Schermerhorn John W. Erickson John Stice Bobby J. Foster Though the past is gone, Arthur T. Garrett They still live on Walter M. Swierk, Jr. Duane D. Gengler To us all ~ John D. Wallace Howard E. Giesen Sweet is our memory. Charles J. Wenderoth James “Jack” Wilson, Sr. Widows of Medinah Nobles Are you a Shriner’s widow or do you know someone who is? Are you looking for a way to stay connected to the Shrine family? Please let them know we are here for them. The Widows of Medinah Nobles was founded in 1982 by Past Potentate Milan Marecek as a way to keep Medinah widows connected. We would love to have you join Medinah’s newest club for a luncheon and meeting where we gather for fellowship, fun, and to support the Shriner’s Hospital. We meet the 1st Saturday of the month (except May, July, & September). If you are interested in joining our group, we will be meeting at 11:30am, June 1, 2019 at the Bloomingdale Golf Club. Please contact Jackie Moline (708) 422-7890 (Secretary/Treasurer) or Shirley McGillivray (708) 269-4068 (President) for further information. We look forward to meeting you! 10 Medinah Shriner

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Update Your Information In WebFez Are you not receiving Shriner Magazine: Pride and Tradition or any other communications from Shriners International? Did you know that all nobles have the ability to log into their own records to update their contact information, view their records, and verify their payments via WebFez, Shriners International’s membership database? We encourage everyone to log into WebFez to review and update their information, including mailing address and email, to ensure everything is up-to-date. To access WebFez, please visit webfez.shrinenet.org. If you need help registering or logging in, click the “Need Help with register/Login” link on the top of the page for a full tutorial. Winter 2019 13

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Activites, Dinners, & FUN! Christmas toy donation to SHC-C from the West Suburban Shrine Club!! Winter 2019 15

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One Noble’s Request… A big THANK YOU to Noble Bob Gillfillan for his simple request, asking us to save pop-tops for our Shrine Hospital patients. Our members have responded by the thousands!! Check out our latest haul. Bob wants you to drink your soda, camel’s milk, and flavored waters - especially during this holiday season - and bring your pop-tops to our office. Winter 2019 17

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THANKS for t 20 Medinah Shriner

he memories! Thank YOU!! Winter 2019 21

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Medinah Events 2019 Karaoke Winner Steve Schenk Winter 2019 Veteran’s Day & Bears Game! 23

JUST ONE During his Imperial Session pageant, Imperial Sir Jeff Sowder announced his new membership program, JUST ONE. As described, if every current Shriner recruits JUST ONE new member, or serves as the top line signer for a restoration, our membership would double. In fact, if every active Shriner brings in JUST ONE through these means, we would be well above our organizational average over the past several years. Involving Every Noble Every One Matters New referral postcards have been Imperial Sir Sowder served in many Masonic designed to aid in the membership process leadership positions in Kansas, and during that by providing an easy way for nobles to time, he successfully led a fundraising effort to collect prospect information, which, after raise $15 million in 4 years for cancer research submission, can be directly linked to the at Kansas University, allowing the school to be noble making the referral. Temples may designated as a National Cancer Institute request these postcards by sending an under the name Kansas Masonic Research email to [email protected]. Institute. When collected, the prospect information When Sowder was working on that fundraising should be uploaded to the WebFez MDS driver, he became aware of the power of one - for status tracking and documentation. the difference one person can make. That Imperial Sowder asks that each temple lesson of JUST ONE has become an integral strive to improve their metrics by JUST part of his life & leadership style. He has used ONE percent across the board. The goal is it to inspire his fellow nobles to, one by one, to have every temple increase the number increase membership, and he will use it of creations, affiliations, and restorations by throughout his year as Imperial Potentate to 1% and to decrease the number of demits remind us all that each one of us matters, has and suspensions by 1%. a responsibility to our fraternity & philanthropy, and can make a difference. Multiply that one by every noble - & it becomes significant. Sowder expects the power of JUST ONE reflected in the efforts of the nobles & the membership numbers, both are extremely important to the future of the fraternity - and the philanthropy! 24 Medinah Shriner

Please join us again in May! Kansas City!! Winter 2019 25

News of Units, Committees, & SC’s FIRE UNIT Greetings from the Fire Unit, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Chief and Leader Karl Nygard on his new position as Chairman of the Membership Committee!!! We wish you the best of luck in your new assignment. This is going to be an exciting year for the Fire Unit. In addition to Karl’s new assignment, we have had a new addition and few Nobles step up to help elevate the Fire Unit to new levels. Scott Haacker Terry Hartl John Brayton New Member Promoted to Captain Promoted to Deputy Chief Fall Ceremonial 2019 HUGE Packer fan!! This photo is from our Christmas Party held on January 10, 2020. Shown (L-R): Scott Haacker, Terry Hartl, Larry Carrera, Chief Emeritus Martin Vilimek, Chief Robert Murphy, Michael Ehle, Andy Ehle, Donald Esser, and Donald Pointer. YITF, Robert T. Murphy Chief, Medinah Fire Unit 26 Medinah Shriner

Jimmy’s Bavarians jimmysbavarians.com 630-543-7899 Winter 2019 27

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HIGHLANDERS Hearty greetings to all from the Highlanders, I’d love to say that to you in person, but well, this is a written message – ha. Us Highlanders are busy on Wednesday nights gearing up for the upcoming St. Pat’s season. We’ll have parades and auxiliary events the weekends of March 7th and 14th so consider joining us for some festivities. Let’s just say we set a standard that is best experienced live. Pipe Major Glenn has us learning a new Irish set for the street we are targeting for St. Pat’s – Twenty Men from Dublin Town, Minstrel Boy, and Wrap the Green Flag. The pics are a reminder that warm parading weather will indeed return. Speaking of Glenn, we’re having our annual meeting after press time, but Glenn will certainly be back as our Pipe Major, carrying on the outstanding leadership he provides and keeping the room loose too. Speaking of outstanding, our Chief of many years “J.T.” aka John Thompson, has taken a job relocation to Phoenix. As someone who has been a member of 4 Shrine pipe bands over the last 39 years, I will attest that J.T. had a rare combination of talents that made leading our sometimes tipsy herd of cats somehow seem easy – and fun to boot. Knowing about his transportation industry connections, we know we will see him back on occasion. Taking J.T.’s place will be true veteran leadership and none other than Fergie. To describe Fergie as veteran (he actually was a Navy guy) is like describing Methuselah as a spring chicken, and well perhaps they both ate spring chickens thus explaining the fountain of youth thing. In any event, hail to the new Chief! And speaking of age, this is the year the Highlanders would be eligible for an AARP card – Yup we’re 50! NOW THIS IS IMPORTANT! We’re having the 50th Anniversary party on October 3rd! EVERYBODY AND THEIR LADIES ARE INVITED! Including the public...the neighbors down the street….and your grandma in Minneapolis. Especially all past, present, and yes – even future Highlanders! You only turn 50 once – join us for the celebration!! More info to follow… Winter 2019 29

HOSPITAL USHERS Hi, 2019 came – stayed for a while – and then decided to go away. 2020 is now here and has begun it’s march forward with some lousy weather. Compared to last year, the Ushers didn’t host too many tours due to the flu quarantine. Even after it was lifted the groups that we have had in the past stayed away as the flu still lingered on. We also had a scare of a possible measles outbreak, but luckily it did not develop. Below is a recap of our activity for 2019. It could have been better and maybe this year these numbers will relate to better tour attendance. We list the closing numbers for 2019: 15 Number of regular tours of 10 guests or less 37 Number of guests on regular tours 19 Number of Ushers available for regular tours 8 Number of special tours of 10 guests or more 403 Number of guests for special tours 27 Number of Ushers available for special tours 743 Number of Ushers on duty 2852 Total hours conducting tours HOSPITAL DAY Sunday, June 7, 2020 Open House - Plan to attend The Blossom Queens from Berrien County, Michigan will visit again in June and also in June the Illinois High School Shrine football teams will tour the hospital. Please plan to stop by and visit with these young individuals. More information about these groups will come later maybe even some pictures. Remember, it is very simple/easy to refer a child to the hospital for treatment. Just call a local phone number that goes directly to the Admissions Department. The number is 1-773-385-KIDS (5437). Conditions treated include, but not limited to, are: :: Diseases of the bone, joints, spine and muscles :: Scoliosis and other spine deformities :: Spina Bifida :: Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) (Brittle Bone) :: Limb length deficiencies :: Club Foot :: Dislocated hips :: Hand deformities :: Dysplasia of the bones and joints :: Orthopedic conditions associated with cerebral palsy :: Cleft Lip and Palate :: Congenital or acquired facial deformities :: Spinal cord injuries :: Sports injuries 30 Medinah Shriner

HOSPITAL USHERS (continued) Remember you are part owner of Shriners Hospital for Children. Why don’t you organize a group for a tour with your unit or club, your Blue Lodge, your company, or even just you and your family. The Ushers would be pleased to show your group and/or just yourself around the hospital, be it during the day or even in the evening. Saturday and Sunday are also available, but by special request. Please stop by for a visit. The Ushers are like the “Marines” – we are always looking for a few good men. If you have a few spare hours and are looking for something worthwhile to do and you like kids, we have the answer! If you and your lady are in that position and would be interested in spending a few hours at Shriners Hospital for Children, stop by to see what we do. Once you have seen what the Ushers do and are interested, please contact our Secretary John Sanger at 708-453-0649. There is no “I” in Usher it is “US”, so until next time, be safe. Respectfully, Yours In The Faith, Bob Gillfillan Usher Director Winter 2019 31

ORIENTAL BAND As of this writing, the harshness of Winter has not been too bad. Maybe we will glide safely into Spring (if there is a Spring)! The Black Camel visited our unit twice last December. Bandsman Steve Elliott and our Director, Howard Giesen were called to their just rewards. Steve was in the band for more than twenty years. He was an enthusiastic supporter of all activities and initiated many of them as well. If a member of our fraternity was in need, it was Steve who would bring him to our attention and lead discussions on what we could do to help. He and Louise were our perennial hosts for wonderful Christmas gatherings in their home. Our hearts go out to Louise and all of Steve’s loved ones. Howard was a true believer in the band. He joined us thirty years ago and was our Director for the last twenty. Some people talk about Masonic ideals - Howard lived them. For years he and his wife Bea would take upon themselves the task of organizing and decorating our venues for the Potentate’s Official Visit. Howard was the glue that kept the band together during the years when we had no Mosque. He was receptive to many ideas on how to improve the club. Howard was teased mercilessly by us and always was the first to laugh. He believed that the band was shored up by its’ members. Each year he would select the “Bandsman of the Year” and out of his own pocket bestow upon that member an exquisite plaque. We wish only the best for Bea and her family during these difficult days of grieving. The void in our unit will be filled with two of our steadfast bandsmen. Jon Comprado and Hammond White will take over the leadership and required tasks for the Oriental Band. Our meeting dates may change so keep an eye out for possibly different dates. Fraternally, Bruce M. Allman Scribe PATROL This past Fall, the Patrol meeting room had a makeover! Thanks to the artistic abilities of Anita R. a mural of our unit as we have progressed through the years now covers an entire wall. You might recognize some of the faces as current members - Patrick Robin, Sam Spector, Eric Keating, Frank Reid, Todd Reid, Jerry Wilson, to name a few. Also honored were those that have gone before us - Don Shewmake and Laddie Janda. If you haven’t seen this wonderful artwork, stop by, take a good look and see who you can identify! 32 Medinah Shriner

PATROL (continued) In January we held our annual Patrol Reunion Brunch at Venutti’s Restaurant in our hometown of Addison. Special guests included Marilyn Janda and Joyce Shewmake who were both presented with a photo of the Patrol mural featuring their husbands. Also honored was Patrick Perry as “Patrolman of the Year” for his never-ending devotion to our group, his wiliness to lend a hand whenever and wherever it’s needed, and for parading on a Segway on those hot days of summer, cold fall days, and chilly spring days. PATRICK! Check out this good-looking group after our tummies were filled to the top after a fabulous brunch!! Great men wear a fez. Winter 2019 33

SPORTSMEN’S CLUB Join us in 2020! We had tons-o-fun this year with our small but mighty group. Range shooting, a Kane County Cougars baseball outing (in a suite!), pheasant hunting in Wis- consin, fishing, a Chicago Hot Dog baseball game, and pistol shooting are just a few of the fun events we attended. To wrap up 2019, we laughed a lot as we enjoyed some pizza and beverages in the company of friends. We’re heading into 2020 looking for new ideas and new members! Pick up your copy of this wonderful cookbook and a matching oven mitt TODAY! They will be available to purchase at most events and they can also be found in the Medinah Office during the week. The cookbook contains 380+ recipes that are time-tested and family approved. $20 for our cookbook $30 for our cookbook PLUS a coordinating oven mitt 34 Medinah Shriner

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LAW OFFICES OF John PeterCurielli, P. C. 126 SOUTH NORTHWEST HIGHWAY BARRINGTON, IL 60010 - 4608 Phone: (847) 381 - 7555 Fax: (847) 381 - 7578 Email: [email protected] Website: www.Curielli.com ESTATE PLANNING WILLS - TRUSTS PROBATE BUSINESS LAW COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS REAL ESTATE PERSONAL INJURY WE ARE HERE FOR YOU ~ GIVE US A CALL 36 Medinah Shriner

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When you buy from Amazon, make sure that part of your payment is donated to our hospital! Shriners Hospitals for Children recently received a donation of $14,173.03 thanks to customers shopping at smile. amazon.com To date, AmazonSmile has donated a total of $173.236.88 to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Thank you for supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children by shopping at smile. amazon.com! FEZ Fraternal Entertainment Zone LET’S HAVE FUN! 40 Medinah Shriner