Recorder’s Annual Report
For the year 2008
Illustrious Potentate, Illustrious Sirs, Nobles all:
The election of officers for the year 2008 was held on December 1, 2007 with the following results:
Potentate: William “Bill” Broughall
Chief Rabban: Lonnie Hedrick
Assistant. Rabban: Ray St. John
High Priest and Prophet: Duane Crapser
Oriental Guide: Joe Shelton
Treasurer: Lawrence Bennett
Recorder: John Blumenthal
These officers were installed on Saturday, January 6, 2007 along with the following appointed officers:
1st Ceremonial Master: Richard Almeter
2nd Ceremonial Master: Daryl Wilson
Cap’t. Of the Guard: Barney Doyle
Outer Guard: Ed Baca
Marshal: Phil Bergey
Chaplain: George Hunsaker
Director: Alvin Johnson
The reception that followed was well attended and the year was off and running.
” Children Are Our Business” was Potentate Bill Broughall’s motto for the year and Membership and Information about our Temple were his goals. In order to accomplish these goals he devised and presented a Power Point program which showed little known facts of our Temple to the Clubs and Units through out the State. Included in this presentation was information as how the various internal affairs of the day to day operation are carried out and who the people were that were responsible for their accomplishment. He further presented information which enlightened the Nobility and presented our financial condition and our new “Quick Books” program.
On January 18 through the 20, 2008 7 Nobles and their ladies went to the Shrine East/West football game, in Houston, Texas. The temperature was in the low teens and the West won.
The Shrine Circus was held at Tingley Coliseum on February 8 through the 10, 2008 and the result was approximately $ 99,000.00 for the General Fund of the Temple.
On February 22, 2008 the Entertainment Committee sponsored a Sweetheart Ball, it was a great success and a good time was had by all that attended.
On Friday February 29, 2008 a new club, The Young Guns, had their first meeting in the Fez Club. This unit is made up of Shriners who are 45 years old and younger.
The annual Memorial Service was held by the Directors Staff, on April 6, 2008, to honor our brothers who had ridden the black camel during 2007.
Western Shrine Association had their annual meeting in San Diego, California, on April 17, 18, and 19, 2008. Eight members of the divan and their wives went. It was agreed to have the 2009 WSA in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The April Vidalia Onion Sales brought in an additional $ 27,021.84 thanks to the help of the Nobility and their Ladies.
The Los Compadres Golf Classic and Auction was held on May 16 and 17, 2008 and netted $12,710.00. A good time was had by all of those who took part in this event.
Imperial was held in St Louis, Missouri on June 30 through July 3, 2008. Once again, Ballut Abyad was well represented by 4 Imperial Delegates, 2 Hospital Delegates, 3 Nobles and their ladies.
On August 20, 2008 the Potentate and 2 members of the Divan attended “Divan Day” at the Los Angles Hospital. This was an impressive experience to be remembered by those who went. After the meeting the Ballut Abyad representatives had a chance to meet with Stuart Wright Chairman of the Board of Governors, Terence Cunningham Hospital Administrator, Jennifer Dearman, Director, Ambulatory Services, and Holly Hamlett, Manager, Care Coordinator. This meeting produced a greater understanding of the responsibilities between the LA Hospital and our Temple.
On September 6 2008 Ballut Abyad was well represented in the State Fair Parade by our Units and Clubs, we received awards and the spectators applauded us all along the Parade Route.
On September 1, 2008 the Potentate and His Lady and 20 Nobles, their wives and friends departed for a 10 day cruise to Alaska. A great time was had by all and they returned relaxed and full of adventurous tails of this exciting trip.
One of the highlights of the year was the creation of two new Shrine Clubs in New Mexico. One in Tularosa and one in Artesia.
It should be noted that the Cash Calendar netted $7,934.37 in 2008.
Hospital Chairman Frank Hager and his helpers directed another successful year for the Hospital Program, with the Outreach Clinics in Albuquerque and Hobbs continuing to save us large amounts of money for our Transportation Fund. The statistics are as follows:
New patients added: _ 44_____
Examined at Clinics__ 139 Albuquerque _50__ Hobbs
Sent to Inter-Mountain, Salt Lake: __3 __
Galveston: __9 ___
Houston: ___ 4___
Los Angeles: _81 __
Other Hospitals: St. Louis _2_ Philadelphia _1_ Chicago _1_ Sacramento _4_
We now have a total of 450 children in the program, with 162 of that number coming from Mexico. The total amount spent on the program this year is $ 174,674.20 ______. Without the Outreach Clinics and Tel-Medicine, the cost would be over $100,000.00 higher. Once again, thanks to the Nobility and their Ladies for supporting this program.
Membership had a high priority in 2008. Membership statistics are as follows:
Creations---------------_21__
Affiliations------------ 11 __
Restorations----------- _10_
Associations----------- __2_
For a gain of ------------------ _44__
Nobles demitted-------- 22__
Nobles suspended------ _75__
Nobles expelled--------___0 __
Nobles deceased------- __58___
Nobles resigned------- 0
Associate members dropped 1
Total deductions---------------- _156___
Total Membership as of December 31, 2007, (including associates)---------_1,365___
Net Loss for the year-----------__47__
To be dropped as of December 31, 2008 for Non-payment of dues ----------- 75
Total for 2008 -------------------------- 1,297
As we close out the year 2008 I submit The Recorder’s Annual Report for your acceptance and I so move that it be accepted.
John Blumenthal,
Recorder