Well the day finally arrived for my installation ceremony. I feel it went quite well since several of us were working on 30 plus hours of non sleep.
I would like to start off by thanking the nobility for their strong showing of support. It was great to see the upper tiers full again. I would also like to thank the Shutterbugs and Pixels for taking pictures, the Provosts for tiling the doors at the Annual Meeting, the Legion of Honor for escorting the officers and ladies and the Chanters for doing such a wonderful job providing music. Also, I would like to thank the Culinary Unit for the appetizers, Past Potentate Jim Slater as Installing Officer and Charlie Brown as Installing Marshal, Past Potentate John Whitelock, Gail Gustafson, Kent Quail, Lonnie Albers and Scott Denney of the office staff for organizing and arranging all agendas, paperwork, and details and Alan Machmiller Chief Potes Aid and all the Potes Aids for their help.
I would also like to thank all the representatives from other Masonic affiliations; Guardians of Job’s Daughters Lora and Rob Brown, Queen of Daughters of the Nile. Ashrama Temple Dawn Rice, Princess Royal Ashrama Temple Nichole Stoll, DeMolay State Senior Counselor and current Master Counselor Connor Pulling and Chief of Staff Dave Murphy. A special thanks to Most
Worshipful Brother Aaron Zahn Grand Master, Right Worshipful Brother Dane Bloch Deputy Grand Masters, Right Worshipful Brother Brian Pulling, Right Worshipful Brother Reid Jensen for your words and presentations. Thanks to Noble Dick Buechler for nominating me
Potentate and his lovely wife Kathryn for fezzing me. To all the Nobles for making the drive from Nebraska and Yankton. To all others who helped with the Annual Meeting and Installation. Thank you.
Looking forward to serving you all this year and remember to be someones Angel today!
Douglas Kristensen Potentate el Riad 2024
10 ISSUES A YEAR PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF EL RIAD SHRINE DECEMBER–JANUARY ISSUE AND JUNE–JULY ISSUE ARE COMBINED
Shrine Office: 510 S. Phillips Ave., P.O. Box 1203, Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1203 (605) 336-1117 • Fax (605) 336-3059 • (800) 477-3574
Office Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
Doug Kristensen, Potentate Executive Committee Chairman, 2024 Cactus
Mark Richard, Chief Rabban
Exec. Divan, Circus, Membership, Futures Comm., Building & Entertainment Chair, Pote’s Party Chair, Football, Shrine Cup, El Riad ByLaws, 2024 Cactus, 2025 Cash Calendar
Scott Denney, Asst. Rabban
Exec. Divan, Circus, Membership, Futures Comm., Pote’s Party Comm., Corn Palace Shrine Club, Oriental Band, Fife & Drum, Ritualistic Unit, El Riad By-Laws, 2024 Cactus
Steve Haase, High Priest & Prophet Exec. Divan, Hospital Comm., Futures Comm., Clowns, Roadrunners, Dance Club, Motor Corps, Sprint Car Unit, Gopher Shrine Club, 2024 Cactus, Sportsman Classic
John Whitelock, PP, Recorder
El Riad By-Laws, Executive Divan State Donor Relations
Maury Richard, PP, Treasurer Executive Divan
We got a break from the frigid
Bill Thompson, Oriental Guide
Exec. Divan, Unit & Club Seminar Futures Comm., Lewis & Clark Shrine Club, Chanters, Horse Corps, Ski Club, Steel Drum Band, Shriner of the Year
Paul Berndt, 1st Ceremonial Master
Exec. Divan/NV, Futures Comm., Spring Ceremonial, Classie Autos, Legion of Honor, Directors Staff, Culinary Unit, Family Day
Tony Bachman, 2nd Ceremonial Master
Exec. Divan/NV, Futures Comm., Fall Ceremonial, Rickshaws, Parker Shrine Club, Provost, Shutterbugs, Worthington Shrine Club
John Schuety, Marshal Futures Comm., Big Bend Shrine Club, Twin Lakes Shrine Club, Highlanders, Blast & Cast Club, Blast & Cast North, Watertown Clowns
Brian Schultz, Captain of the Guard Futures Comm., Brookings Shrine Club, Outhouse #1, Back 40 Boys
Bruce Norton, Outer Guard
Futures Comm., Rosebud Shrine Club, Big Band
Dave Murphy, Chief of Staff
MSA, Pote’s Aides, Parades, Asst. Chief of Staff, Ceremonials, Imperial pilgrimages.
Aaron Neiman, Assistant Chief of Staff
Attend monthly COS meetings
Jeremy Swenson, Chaplain
Fall Ceremonial – Necrology
Don Laurila, Temple Director Ceremonials – 2nd Section
John Archer, Membership Co-Chairman
Charles Brown, Membership Co-Chairman
Jeff Landborg, Circus Chairman
Rob Angerhofer, Circus Asst. Chairman
Matt Johnson, Football Chairman
Doug Schneider, Shrine Cup Co-Chairman
Ryan Simmons, Shrine Cup Co-Chairman
Ethan Serck, Sportsman’s Classic Chairman
Jeremy Swenson, Sportsman’s Classic Asst. Chairman
Paul Buriak, Shrine Hospital Chairman
John Whitelock, Donor & Sponsor Relations
Doug Kristensen, Pote’s Party Chairman
Steve Haase, Unit/Club Seminar
Jim Dewey, Roadrunners President
Gail Gustafson, Roadrunners Coordinator
James Hoy, Masonic Relations
Reid Jensen, Public Relations Director
David Murphy, Stop Burns Chairman
Gail Gustafson, Front Office assistant
Kent Quail, Unit/Club Support
Shutterbugs & Pixels, Shrine Photographers
Designs by Liz – Liz Lambertz, Cactus Editor & Webmaster
Mark Richard, Cactus Advertising Sales Board of Trustees
David Neiman, PP, Chairman
Loren Eggebraaten, PP
Edward Anstine, PP
Charles Brown, PP
David Lewis, PP
All articles or comments should be directed to the Editor at cactus@elriad.com and advertising matters to the advertising sales manager at advertise@elriad.com
For information concerning Shriners Hospitals for Children, call (800) 237-5055.
Printed by Leader Printing, Madison, S.D.
Back in the saddle as they say, January was quiet for us however, we are getting revved up for our 30th Annual Raffle to be held on Friday, March 22. If you have not purchased your tickets, contact a Motor Corps or Sprint Car member. We only have 500 available and we have sold out EVERY year. Our membership will be hard at work selling tickets and gathering prizes for this event. We need all the help from our members as well as donations from local businesses. If you are interested in helping out or purchasing tickets, contact Lonnie Albers for more information and you can check out the ad on page 20 in this Cactus for details.
Hopefully you didn’t miss out on the Frozen Pub Run this year because if you did, you missed a good time and will have to wait for next year! If you have not been on the Pub Run, we rent the School Bus Inc. buses and tour around the area to local watering holes where we enjoy the day with friends and family. The fee includes a trip back on the school bus plus you get a chance to draw your poker hand for a chance to win cash and prizes.
The month of May will be the Motorcorps’ turn to run the bar and one of the first 3 weeks will be our annual fish fry so once we determine the date, we will put out more information.
Our Road Captain, Jim Slater, will be busy planning parades and the competition routine for the upcoming
“by Jerry Hauff, Commander Kickstand
summer and we are very excited to get back on the course and back in competition form. It’s a long winter and we will all be ready to jump on the bikes and ride. As long as the streets are clear of snow and it’s 30 degrees or warmer, you may see some of the members riding anyway, it’s just what they do! Remember, getting the Pickle is a Badge of Honor, if you’re not on the very of crashing while maneuvering tight corners, you are not trying hard enough! I encourage you to try harder!!!
I want to thank our Past Commander Bill Thompson for his leadership along with the 3 years as Road Captain he had to endure during our transition from a 2-year term to a 1-year term. Bill is definitely a team player. Thanks Bill for your outstanding service and dedication to the unit, we look forward to your leadership going forward. Thanks to Pat Ostemyer for his role in selling the semi trailer trip to Arizona, thanks to Jeff Joneson for selling the most calendars and thank you to all the members who participated in our success as a unit.
Our regular stated meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the main unit room on the lower level so if you are interested in joining our unit or just want to see what we are about, please contact one of our members and we will be glad to have you with us. You can reach me at (605) 261-4736 or jerry@dakotalettering.com
Keep it upright or you will end up with the Pickle.”
Lewis
Chanters 7–8:00 p.m. Provost 7:30 p.m. Sprint Cars 6:30 p.m.
Happy Hour 4 – 10 p.m.
HillbilliesOuthouse 7 p.m.
Shutterbugs 7 p.m.
Happy Hour 4 – 10 p.m.
Oriental Band 7 p.m.
Director’s Staff 7 p.m.
Steel Drum Band 6:30 p.m.
Oriental Band 7 p.m.
Corn Palace
Hillbillies 6:30 p.m.
Steel Drum Band 6:30 p.m.
Motor Corps/ Sprint Car Raffle
Watertown Clowns 6:00 p.m. Supper 6:30 p.m. Meeting
Horse Corps 10:00 @ Shrine Bldg.
Worthington after Lodge Brookings 5:30 p.m. @ Cubby’s
Chanters 7–8:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes Shrine Club 7 p.m.
Rickshaws 6 p.m.
Legion of Honor 7 p.m. Happy
Oriental Band 7 p.m.
Oriental Band 7 p.m.
Motor
Hillbillies
Chanters
Shutterbugs
Thank you for donating to help support the Cactus. It makes a big difference in the amount of space we have available for articles, photos and other news relating to the Shrine, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and El Riad in particular.
Mark Anderson
Rob Angerhofer
John Archer
Mike Archer
Derek Arment
Randy Arney
Tim Bachman
Tony Bachman
Robert Baker
Darold Ball
David Bangasser
Wade Behm
Louis Bergner
Joe Bergsmith
Paul Berndt
Everett Brandenburg
Ryan Brech
Cody Breen
Robert Brenner
Laurence Breslow
Joshua Brown
Kyle Brunick
Dwayne Burckhard
James Burma
Lee Calhoon
Jerus Campbell
Cody Christianson
Andrew Christopherson
Dustin Cole
Kieran Denney
Logan Denney
Scott Denney
Robert DeVaney
Chad DeVries
Adam Drey
Gregory Dubois
Thomas Elliott
Terry Embertson Sr.
William Erickson
Michael Fitzgerald
Mark Fonder
Nicholas Fosheim
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James Goering
Kevin Goff
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David Grant
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Cory Gray
Michael Grubb
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Steve Haase
Michael Halverson
Justyn Hauck
Steve Hauff
Jon Haverly
Alexander Haverly
Steven Hinds
Noah Hodak
Mark Hoffman
Jason Holzwarth
Gregory Jasmer
Randy Jensen
Reid Jensen
Matt Johnson
Greg Kerska
Shawn Kitrell
Dennis Kniffen
Donovan Knott
Ronald Knott
Terry Knutson
Dustin Knutson
Jeffrey Landborg
George Larson
Rodney Larson
Donald Laurila
Matthew Leedom
Adam Loftesness
Adam Long
Dale Long
Brenden Lutz
David Mannes
George Martin
David Marty
Don Maxon
Paul Maxwell
Jerry May
Jerome McNary
Alex Mehlhaff
Timothy Meirose
Larry Miller
Todd Miller
David Mouw
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John Nelson
Todd Nelson
Paul Nester
Scott Nold
Kevin Nyberg
Bill O’Connor
Christopher Olson
Jackson Olson
Kyle Orth
Mike Petterson
Jeffrey Portice
Jeremy Pratt
Kent Quail
Michael Quinlivan
Robert Rauenhorst
Jerome Reinke
Joseph Relhak
Nylis Renschler
Jeff Rentschler
Glendon Rice
Mike Richard
Mark Richard
Maurice Richard
Noah Richard
Bryan Richeal
Ryan Rollinger
Tom Salestrom
Timothy Schendel
Steve Schendel
Dick Schlechter
Brian Schmidt
Douglas Schneider
Todd Schneider
John Schuety
Brian Schultz
Ethan Serck
Lloyd Siemonsma
James Slater
John Snobeck
David Stverak
Merlyn Sundvold
Sinan Taskin
David Taylor
Kjell Turner
Gregory Van Luvanee
Alex Verburg
Dennis Verhey
Cooper Vermeulen
Jared Vilhauer
Timothy Voegele
Bradley Vostad
Dustin Vostad
Steve Walker
Bruce Wentzel
Ernie Wevik
John Whitelock
Scott Wood
Aaron Zahn
Shriners Children’s Twin Cities, located in the suburb of Woodbury, MN is 100 years old!
Shriners Children’s provides orthopedic care for children whose conditions may include: complex conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, scoliosis, limb difference, arthritis and muscular dystrophy; rare disorders such as osteogenesis imperfect, dwarfism and arthrogryposis. Care is available for injuries, whether they are the result of a sporting activity or general play.
To schedule an appointment: 612-596-6105 or intaketc@shrinenet.org.
Second opinions are welcome. All care is provided regardless of the families’ ability to pay.
In Memory of Jeanette Moen
Johnson:
Deb Schmidt
Terry Moen
Brian Moen
Marcia Harnois
Amy Beaumont
In Memory of Scott Maxwell:
Steven & Nancy Kjellsen
In Memory of Lynne Steele:
Dave & Karen Bangasser
Mike & Lorna Fitzgerald
Donation:
Pamela Marburger
Dave & Roni Daale
Roger & Marjorie Larson
First Congregational Church –Clear Lake, SD
Anonymous (2)
License Decals:
Paul Berndt
Randy Arney
Jeremy Swenson
In Memory of Susan Johnson: Darrell Butterwick
In Memory of Scott Maxwell: Paul Maxwell
In Honor of Terry Wingert: El Riad Shrine Clowns
In Memory of Lynne Steele: Bruce & Leslie Norton
In Memory of Lynne Steele: Matt & Laura Johnson
Sioux Falls
Jan. 7, 1976 – Oct. 1, 2023
Created: Nov. 20, 2004
Sioux Falls
April 5, 1939 – Jan. 18, 2024
Created: Nov. 8, 1975
Adrian, MN
Jan. 12, 1940 – Dec. 28, 2023
Created: May 16, 1970
We are sorry to say that Nobles sometimes pass away without our acknowledgement. As they are Brothers, they are due the recognition of their passing. Please assist in notifying the Temple when a Noble expires.
Phone 336-1117 or email office@elriad.com
DeMolay: No, not Frito Lay’s brother, the DeMolay International Fraternal Organization is for young men ages 12 to 21. It was founded in Kansas City in 1919 by Brother Frank S. Land and named after Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar who died in 1314. With our local Chapter of almost 20 young men, DeMolay has over 10,000 members worldwide and is part of the Masonic family.
I recently attended the initiation of 4 young men into DeMolay. It was open to the public, but I was there to support my friend, as his son and nephew were going through their degrees. Caleb Zahn, Stephen Blitsch, Ethan McCoy and Jayden Zeeb were initiated into DeMolay on January 29, 2024. These 4 professed to be better sons, friends and men by living their lives through the 7 Cardinal Virtues of DeMolay. The 7 virtues are considered as the things that distinguish a good leader and a good man. They are worthy of listing:
• Filial Love (the love between child and parent)
• Reverence for sacred things (the belief in a supreme being)
• Courtesy (which is only valid when done with the heart and soul)
• Comradeship (being a faithful friend)
• Fidelity (the strength to follow one’s own values and virtues)
• Cleanliness (purity in soul and heart with a clear conscience)
• Patriotism (respect for and willingness to defend our homeland)
It seems a natural progression for DeMolay members to become more involved in the Masonic family. As we know,
by Ron Brandt
many Masons become Shriners. We always want to grow our fraternity. The DeMolay members, supported by our local Scottish Rite Valley, may be helping us achieve that goal. What a wonderful thing.
Looking into DeMolay shows how unique the organization is. If you can dream it, you can do it in DeMolay. These young men are challenged to embrace new ideas and brainstorm creative approaches to fundraising, service projects, membership drives and fun events. DeMolay chapters have an Advisory Council (Chapter Dads) of Masons who help guide meetings and provide support. The actual meetings are conducted by the DeMolay members, as was the initiation I am writing about. They decide how to use their time, make and spend their Chapter funds. The series of degrees I witnessed had symbolic meaning intended to inspire the young men to be better sons, friends and men. Under the “Advisorship” of adults, leadership skills, civic awareness, responsibility and character development are learned through a variety of self-directed, real world applications and activities. Some of which include serving at the Banquet, fundraising with LifeScape for the developmentally disabled, Shrine Circus volunteering, as well as local and national DeMolay meetings.
In closing, I want to share the DeMolay Symbol, the 5 armed white cross. This symbolizes the purity of intentions and encouragement to always remember the Motto: “No DeMolay shall fail as a Citizen, as a Leader, or as a Man”.
We as Shriners already have a love for helping our patients. If you have ever though of giving a few hours a month to improve the life of a local young man, please consider calling the State Dad – Derek Runge at (605) 222-8143 anytime. He can put you or your son/grandson in touch with a DeMolay Chapter near you.
You’re a brother and a friend. You know you can make a difference. You’re a Shriner.
When you become a Shriner you become part of a brotherhood of men committed to family, engaged in ongoing personal growth, and dedicated to providing care for children in need. While our backgrounds and interests may be diverse, what binds us together are shared values and a desire to have fun, do good, and build bonds that can last a lifetime.
Becoming a Shriner is easier than you may think. The rewards can be far more than you expect. Visit our website.
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Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.
facebook.com/shrinershospitalsforchildren
twitter.com/shrinershosp
youtube.com/shrinershospitals
Bill
Everyone has different financial goals and priorities, and they change and grow as you do. That’s why it’s important for me to get to know you and understand what you’re working toward. Together, we can create a personalized financial plan that fits your needs today and helps you build the tomorrow you deserve.
Dagel, Jakober & Associates, Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams, 2023
Matthew Sowden, MBA Financial Advisor
Dagel, Jakober & Associates
A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
605.332.4600
5120 S Western Ave, Suite 101 Sioux Falls, SD 57108
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The 2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list is developed by SHOOK Research and is created using an algorithm that includes both qualitative (in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings; client impact; industry experience; review of best practices and compliance records; and firm nominations) and quantitative (assets under management and revenue generated for their firms) data. Certain awards include a demographic component to qualify. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. This ranking is based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC, is not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience and is based on data from the previous calendar year. Forbes magazine and SHOOK Research do not receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.
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Doors Open Early at 11 a.m. - ECLIPSE starts at 7:00 p.m.!!
FREE admission all ye day and night! | Reserved tables available
7 p.m.–close
8 p.m.
Green beer, Beer Pong Tournament and Food!
Gordon Bourne 3-1
Robert Helming 3-1
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Dale Long 3-1
George Roberts 3-1
Triston Hanson 3-2
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Marvin Stavig 3-31
Angelina has dedicated her life to empowering amputees all over the world through social media. With each post, reel and story, she shows what is possible.
Angelina’s journey began in a small town in Russia, near the Black Sea. She was born with clubfoot, tibial hemimelia and other health issues that had led to organ failure. With limited healthcare resources to save their child, Angelina’s biological parents made the difficult decision to put her up for adoption. They’d hoped an American family would take her to the United States for lifesaving care.
At about that time, Angelina’s soon-to-be-adoptive parents, Kathy and Danny, were traveling abroad for business. Amazingly, the first leg of the trip landed them in Russia. A colleague found out about a very sick baby in a nearby orphanage and convinced Kathy and Danny to go
meet the child.
As it’s been described to her by her parents, they took “one look at Angelina’s big brown eyes and couldn’t look away.” She was 2 years old at the time.
Angelina needed several very expansive surgeries. However, it took two years to finalize the adoption. That wait kept her parents in Russia, where her mother continued to work full-time. Her father spent every day advocating for Angelina at the hospital while hoping to become her adoptive father.
Once in the United States, Angelina’s parents found Shriners Children’s St. Louis and Perry Schoenecker, M.D. They liked the idea of surgery, rehabilitation services and the prosthetics clinic all being under the same roof, and led by the same team.
Angelina doesn’t remember the start of her care at Shriners Children’s St. Louis. The below-the-knee
amputation occurred in 1996. Then, the hospital team helped her learn to walk using a prosthetic.
Her prosthetics grew in height through the years, and became the tool she needed to be active. Her parents insisted her disability wasn’t an excuse. So, they figured out ways to adapt so Angelina could experience water skiing, swimming, ballet, and even playing soccer, softball and basketball.
Because Angelina was so active, the foot on her prosthetic leg would often break. The prosthetics and orthotics team at Shriners Children’s St. Louis was in constant communication to make sure she had a functional leg.
It was the commitment of her prosthetist, Marvin Hohbein, and the ingenuity that her father modeled in creating homemade adaptable tools for her to play sports and do activities, that led to her earning a biomedical engineering degree from the University of Iowa.
While Angelina knows she was blessed with a great support system, she quickly recognized a need for more amputees to be involved in the creation and building of the devices that help the amputee community.
Degree in hand, Angelina interned alongside Marvin in the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) department, and eventually became a prosthetic technician in Chicago.
Eventually, life took her away from prosthetics as a means of employment. Now 31, Angelina works in electrophysiology in Colorado.
However, in her spare time, she dedicates her energy to creating social media content that empowers other amputees. She wants the amputee community to know that life after amputation might not be easy, but there is a way for each of them. She also wants those with limbs to recognize a prosthetic leg helps her function just like a pair of glasses might help them with their vision.
“When you look at my social media account, I hope you see yourself and what you’re capable of. Cross your own finish line, whatever that looks like to you,” Angelina explained.
Make your own way. Find your own successes.
“You don’t need to sit on the couch all day and make excuses. But you also don’t have to be a Paralympian,” she said.
Date Received: _____________________________ [Office Use Only]
Donation in honor of _____________________________________________________________________________
Memorial in memory of ___________________________________________________________________________
El Riad Hospital Transportation Fund $ ________________ TY: __________
El Riad Hospital Transportation Endowment Fund $ ________________
El Riad Keith Rose Building Fund $ ________________
Shriners Hospitals for Children $ ________________
Unit and Expense Loan Fund $ ________________
Hospital? Twin Cities ___ Chicago ___ Cincinnati ___
$100 Million Dollar Club $ ________________
*Given by:
*Please acknowledge my gift to: ____________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________
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The $100 Million Dollar Club is a way for Shriners and non-Shriners alike to provide a gift of hope for a child in need. It’s an excellent opportunity to personally participate in the “World’s Greatest Philanthropy” — Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The Shriners operate 22 hospitals in North America dedicated to treating children with orthopedic problems and burn injuries. There are 18 orthopedic hospitals, three burn hospitals and one Shriners Hospital that provides orthopedic, burn care and spinal cord injury care. All care and services provided by Shriners Hospitals are totally without cost to the patient or family.
Since the founding of Shriners Hospitals in 1922, about $5.5 billion has been spent to provide quality and compassionate medical care to more than 675,000 children with orthopedic problems, severe burn injuries or spinal cord injuries. Most of these services are paid for by the Shriners Hospitals for Children Endowment Fund.
Without this fund, Shriners Hospitals would not be able to ensure optimum and compassionate patient care. In order to meet the needs of thousands of children in need of the expert care Shriners Hospitals provide, the endowment fund must continue to grow during these times of increasing cost of medical care.
Since approximately 95 percent of the annual Shriners Hospitals for Children operating budget will be spent in direct support of the 22 hospitals, your gift to its endowment fund is a gift to one of the world’s “purest” philanthropies.
Visit our website: shrinershq.org
p Yes, I (we) want to share in the care of SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN.
p I have previously made a will leaving a bequest (of $100 or more) to the Shriners Hospitals for Children endowment fund.
p I have added a provision in my will leaving a bequest (of $100 or more) to the Shriners for Children Endowment Fund.
p I prefer to make a cash donation at this time (of $100 or more).
Make your check payable to:
SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN
Signed _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Temple Member? ________________________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________
City_________________________________________________________________________________________________
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You may give a $100 Million Dollar Club Membership in another person’s name, as a special anniversary, birthday or appreciation gift. Please have the membership certificate read:
By the time you read this, our 26th Johnny Holm event on Feb. 10 will be in the books. This event has been beyond amazing over the years and the second longest running appearance for Johnny next to a High School in the cities. So many people to thank. Ron Fox getting Johnny each year, Cory Gray selling reserved tables, Craig “Roscoe” Ross handling tickets, Randy Ingalls and Dr. Bob heading up the shot bar, our officers, and Gail in the office helping sell tickets and field phone calls are among the many that make a difference in the continued success of this party.
Also, must especially recognize Brad Streich and his Lady Tami for recruiting 12 Backers this year! A Backer makes a $750 501-c donation to Shriner’s Healthcare. In return, we offer visibility to their company at our events as a way to thank them. Ron Fox, Cory Gray, Nathan Streich, and Randy Schilling also secured Backers, making a total contribution to Shriner’s of $12,000.00!! This will be the 7th year of this program and we are so proud to say our total donation generated over that time is almost $50,000.00!!
Please see our thank you flyers in this Cactus listing our 16 Backers. We urge our readers to patronize these companies every chance they get.
We started our 2024 campaign running the bar on January 6 for the South Dakota Air National Guard Christmas party. We had a great crew show up for this and many, many thanks for doing so. This was the first instance of our new Brigadier Dan Nichols leading the Fife and Drum to bar tending victory! Otherwise, January was filled with Johnny Holm, February Bar, and St Patty’s Day Bash! planning. Wednesday night bar in February was be led
SPREAD THE JOY ASK SOMEONE YOU KNOW TO BECOME A SHRINER!
by Scott Streich on the 7, Brad Streich on the 14, Robin and Kevin Tomshack on the 21, and Bethel #38 on the 28. Our food lineup is always the best and certainly, this year is no exception. Brad Streich’s Valentine’s spaghetti dinner is legendary with about 200 meals served!
Cory and Jen Gray were generous enough to open their home on February 2 for a Rush Party. We invited the candidates and their wives to see first hand what the Shrine fraternity and philanthropy is all about. As a result, we secured four petitions with two more likely to sign. This is such a successful way of recruiting new members as it gives the prospects wife a chance to see the fellowship we all enjoy as family’s being part of the Wife and Drum!
Finally, we urge all Nobles to prepare your livers for our big 20th Anniversary St. Patty’s Day Bash! and 13th Annual Shamrock Shootout beer pong tournament. What a milestone for what has become the number one party in Sioux Falls that day. ECLIPSE will once again headline the evening, with our very own Cory Gray performing right after the beer pong tourney. See our flyer in this Cactus on page 30 & 31 and sign up a beer pong team. We expect up to 200 teams to compete this year!
El Riad Shrine
6:45 - 10:30 p.m.
Dance lesson at 6:45 p.m. (free with admission)
Danceable music starts at 7:30
Business casual or dressy attire suggested.
Costs: $15 per person, $7 with a student ID
ElRiad.com
facebook.com/ElRiadDanceClub
facebook.com/BallroomDanceClubSiouxFalls
Presented by the El Riad Dance Club & Ballroom Dance Club
The meeting was called to order by Potentate Leo Baumgart at 6:00 P.M. in accordance with the Special Dispensation granted by Imperial Potentate James Stolze dated January 16, 2024. Potentate Baumgart called upon Chaplain George Hamilton for the invocation. The Potentate led the Nobility in the Shrine Pledge of Allegiance. The Chanters then sang the National Anthem.
Potentate Baumgart introduced the following dignitaries in attendance and who represented the Grand Lodge of Masons of South Dakota: Right Worshipful Brother Dane Bloch, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Master-Elect; Right Worshipful Brother Brian Pulling, Junior Grand Warden; and Right Worshipful Brother Reid Jensen, Grand Secretary. Potentate Baumgart then introduced Most Worshipful Brother Aaron Zahn, Grand Master of Masons of South Dakota. Grand honors were bestowed. MWB Zahn congratulated Potentate Baumgart and the nobility for a successful Shrine year, and encouraged the continued cooperation of the Shrine and the Grand Lodge in growing membership. It was noted that each of these dignitaries is a noble of El Riad Shrine.
The minutes of the December 13, 2023 meeting were, upon proper motion and second approved as printed and distributed.
Potentate Baumgart then called upon Treasurer Ill. Sir Maury Richard P.P. for the reading of the Treasurers report for the month of December 2023. Upon proper motion and second to accept, the Treasurer’s report was approved. A copy of the report is made part of these minutes.
Potentate Baumgart then called upon Membership Committee Co-Chair Ill. Sir John Archer P.P. for the annual Membership report. Ill. Sir Archer commented on the statistics and thanked everyone for their hard work this past year. El Riad had a net loss of 93 members. 45 members were added via: creation (35), affiliation (1), restored (4) and associated (2). 138 members were lost via: demit (2), Black Camel (30), resigned (5), dropped (2), and suspended (99). Ill. Sir Archer encouraged the nobility to continue to seek out and encourage good men to join our fraternity. After proper motion and second the report was approved and is made part of these minutes.
There were no General Orders.
Potentate Baumgart read the Resolution to Shrine Clubs and Uniformed Units. Chief Rabban Doug Kristensen moved for the adoption of the Resolution. Upon proper second and vote it was approved. A copy of the resolution is made part of these minutes.
Potentate Baumgart read the resolution relative to remission of dues for worthy and distressed Nobles for 2023 and for payment of per capita and hospital portions for those Nobles who possess lifetime memberships. These funds will be disbursed from the Membership Fund. Chief Rabban Kristensen moved for the adoption of the Resolution. Upon proper second and vote it was approved. A list of the distressed Nobles is available in the Recorders office for any member who wishes to review it. A copy of the resolution is made part of these minutes.
Potentate Baumgart then reviewed the Annual Report for 2023. Each Noble who entered the annual meeting received a copy of the report. The Potentate asked if there were any corrections. Hearing none, the report is made part of these minutes.
Potentate Baumgart called upon Chief Rabban Kristensen for the reading of the 2024 budget for El Riad Temple. Chief Rabban Kristensen moved for adoption and upon proper second and vote, the budget for 2024 was approved. A copy of the budget is made part of these minutes.
Potentate Baumgart asked if there was any other business from the floor. Hearing none he then briefly recessed the Annual Meeting of El Riad Temple to prepare for the election of officers for 2024.
Potentate Baumgart reconvened the Annual Meeting and called for the nomination and election of officers, four Representatives to the Imperial Council, seven Representatives to the Midwest Shrine Association and one member to the El Riad Board of Trustees, Inc. Nominations for the various positions were made by the Noble so named.
• For the office of Potentate – Doug Kristensen by Noble Dick Buechler
• For the office of Chief Rabban – Mark Richard by Noble Aaron Neiman
• For the office of Assistant Rabban – Scott Denney by Noble John Schuety
• For the office of High Priest & Prophet – Steve Haase by Noble Chad DeVries
• For the office of Oriental Guide – Bill Thompson by Ill. Sir Charles Brown, P.P.
• For the office of Recorder – Ill. Sir John Whitelock P.P. by Ill. Sir James Burma, P.P.
In each and every instance of the officer nominations above, there were no additional nominations. By motion duly made and seconded, each was elected by unanimous acclamation, and the Recorder was instructed to cast a unanimous ballot for each noble elected.
For the office of Treasurer, Ill. Sir Jim Slater, P.P. was nominated by Noble Russ Olson, and Ill. Sir Maury Richard, P.P. was nominated by Ill. Sir Dave Neiman, P.P. Both nominations were properly seconded. Recorder Whitelock conducted an election by written ballot. Serving as election tellers were Noble Todd Schmidt, Noble Dave Murphy, and Noble Chris Morrison. The ballots were counted by the tellers, and it was determined that Ill. Sir Maury Richard P.P. received the most votes. He was declared elected by Potentate Baumgart. The nobility was informed by Recorder Whitelock that the ballots will be retained in his possession for 90 days.
The following four Imperial Session Representatives were nominated by Noble Bill Thompson to attend the 2024 Imperial Session in Reno, Nevada on June 30 – July 4, 2024: Doug Kristensen, Mark Richard, Scott Denney and Steve Haase.
The following seven Midwest Shrine Association Representatives were nominated by Noble Paul Berndt to attend the 2024 Midwest Shrine Association Winter Business Session and Summer Session, both to be held in LaCrosse, Wisconsin: Doug Kristensen, Mark Richard, Scott Denney, Steve Haase, Bill Thompson, John Whitelock P.P. and Maury Richard, P.P.
Ill. Sir Dave Neiman P.P. nominated Ill. Sir David Lewis, P.P. for a three-year term on the El Riad Shrine Board of Trustees, Inc. to expire in January of 2027.
In each and every instance of the nominations for Imperial Representative, Midwest Shrine Association Representative, and Trustee, there were no additional nominations. By motion duly made and seconded, each was elected by unanimous acclamation, and the Recorder was instructed to cast a unanimous ballot for each noble elected.
Potentate Baumgart then made brief remarks regarding his year as Potentate of El Riad Shrine in 2023 and, on behalf of Lady Debbie and himself, he thanked all for their support. The Nobles present responded with a standing ovation for Potentate Slater. There being no further business to conduct, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The motion passed and the annual meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
The public installation of the officers of El Riad Shrine for 2024 commenced at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
John Whitelock, P.P., Recorder El Riad Shriners
Michaela
All cities are in South Dakota unless otherwise noted. (605) is the area code for all South Dakota phone numbers.
BACK 40 BOYS
President: Pat Campbell (Patti)
4705 Ash Grove Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (605) 336-0086 patpatti@sio.midco.net (Meets as called)
BIG BAND
President: John Bayer (Janean)
1511 Riverdale Rd., Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 360-1204 jbayer254@hotmail.com (Unit Meets for Ceremonials)
BIG BEND SHRINE CLUB
President: Claude Olson
26959 Farmers Rd., Platte, SD 57369 (605) 680-0728 claudeolson49@icloud.com (Meeting dates as called)
BLAST & CAST
President: Sam Sommers (Judy)
1704 S. Willow Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 400-0819 aksam1953@gmail.com
(Meets 3rd Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.)
BLAST & CAST NORTH
President: Ron Moehring (Sheila)
315 7th Ave.NE, Watertown, SD 57201 (605) 280-3397 97ronm@gmail.com
(Meets as called)
BROOKINGS SHRINE CLUB
President: Kyle Gustafson (Kim)
505 Hudson Cir., Volga, SD 57071 (507) 380-9811 krgustafson@landolakes.com (Meets 2nd Thursday, 6:00 p.m. @ Cubbies)
CHANTERS
President: Todd Smith (Nancy Henrichsen)
904 E. Pam Rd., Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 941-3344 fjsmithadv@midconetwork.com (Rehearsal every Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m., Social @ 8:00 p.m.)
CLASSIE AUTOS
President: Ron Brandt
47553 Neener Cir., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 212-2415 marathonman2602@yahoo.com
(Meets 2nd Tuesday @ 7:00 pm)
CLOWNS
Big Clown: Darin Groos (Karmen)
6005 S. Cain Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (605) 310-7012 darinkarmen@gmail.com
(Meets 1st Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.)
CORN PALACE SHRINE CLUB
President: Dustin Knutson (Amanda) 25021 402nd Ave., Mitchell SD 57301 (605) 630-0463 dustink@boydsgunstocks.com (Meets last Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.)
CULINARY UNIT
President: Bill O’Connor (Thomy Jo) 3412 S. Grace Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57103-7218 (605) 310-4589 billtjoc@sio.midco.net (Meets as called)
DANCE CLUB
President: Chris Karr (Erika) 7421 W. Luke, Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (605) 695-0391 ckarr@silveradostud.com (Meets as called)
DIRECTOR’S STAFF
President: Ryan McCain 2300 S. Braemer Dr., Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 366-5364 ryanmccain@hotmail.com (Meets 3rd Thursday @ 7:00 p.m.)
FIFE & DRUM CORPS
Brigadier: Dan Nichols (Michelle) 5409 S. Breezeway Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57108 (605) 376-4557 dnichols931@outlook.com (Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 7:30 p.m.)
GOPHER SHRINE CLUB
President: Michael Simon (Marlene) 47373 Co. Rd. 51, Windom, MN 56101 (507) 822-2500 (Meets as called)
HIGHLANDERS PIPE & DRUM
President: David Wooters (Julie) 217 S. Country Club Ave., Brandon, SD 57005 (605) 261-3531 wootspad@alliancecom.net (Meets 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 6:00 p.m.)
HILLBILLY OUTHOUSE #1
President: Matt Gage (Amy) 2420 S. 2nd Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 251-9465 info@mattgage.net
(Meets 3rd Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.)
HORSE CORPS
Trail Boss: Cal Wheeler (Donnel) 229 N. Euclid Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 310-9185 calwheeler53@gmail.com
(Meets last Saturday @ 10:00 a.m.)
LEGION OF HONOR
Commander: Ron Knott (Diane) 1602 S. 1st Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 413-7053 notinphx@gmail.com
(Meets 1st Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.)
LEWIS & CLARK SHRINE CLUB
President: Ben Brandt 40714 – 300th St., Avon, SD 57315 (605) 999-2958 bbrandt81@yahoo.com
(Meets 2nd Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Social/Eat; Mtg @ 8:00)
MOTOR CORPS
Commander: Jerry Hauff (Amy) 2801 W. Bitterroot St., Sioux Falls, SD 57108 (605) 261-4736 jerry@dakotalettering.com (Meets 3rd Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.)
ORIENTAL BAND
President: Hans Christensen (Trish) 221 Sunset Dr., Brandon, SD 57005 (605) 376-7578 christensenhans@yahoo.com (Meets Thursdays @ 7:00 p.m.)
PROVOST
Chief: Bill Rise (Tami) 1000 N. 6 Mile Rd., Sioux Falls, SD 57110 (605) 360-7611 rise_william@hotmail.com (Meets 4th Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.)
RICKSHAWS
Emperor: James Goering (Mandy) 704 Royal Ave., Crooks, SD 57020 (605) 370-3976 james.goering@hotmail.com (Meets 1st Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.)
RITUALISTIC
President: Paul Maxwell
2903 E. Bragstad Dr., Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (605) 370-9920 paulcmaxwell@yahoo.com (Meets as called)
ROADRUNNERS
President: James Dewey (Lisa)
7512 W. 58th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (605) 731-9330 roadrunnershriner@gmail.com (Meets as called)
ROSEBUD SHRINE CLUB
President: Richard Ringstmeyer (Janet) 27968-318th Ave., Winner, SD 57580-6441 (605) 840-0032 rjringstmeyer@goldenwest.net (Meets 1st Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.)
SHUTTERBUGS
President: Steve Haase (Sandra)
315 N. James Ave., Tea, SD 57064 (605) 366-0880 stevehelriad@gmail.com (Meets last Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.)
PIXELS
President: Shelby DeVries (Chad) 300 N. Pennsylvannia Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57107 shelbysundvold@gmail.com
(Meets with Shutterbugs)
PROVOST
Chief: Bill Rise (Tami)
1000 N. 6 Mile Rd., Sioux Falls 57110 (605) 360-7611 rise_william@hotmail.com
(Meets 4th Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.)
SKI CLUB
President: James Goering (Mandy) 704 Royal Ave., Crooks, SD 57020 (605) 370-3976 james.goering@hotmail.com (Meet as called)
SPRINT CARS
President: Noah Richard (Emma)
1010 S. Stokes Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57110 (605) 496-4431 gingyrichard@gmail.com (Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m.)
STEEL DRUM BAND
President: Larry Miller (Merry)
1901 W. Tyler Cir., Brandon, SD 57005 (605) 212-7529 larryfluff1@gmail.com (Meets 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Thursdays @ 7:00 p.m.)
TWIN LAKES SHRINE CLUB
President: TBD (Meets 1st Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.)
WATERTOWN SHRINE CLOWNS
President: Jeff Gamber (Annette) 805 13th St., Watertown, SD 57201 (605) 881-3974 jeff@countyfairwatertown.com (Meets 4th Thursday, dinner @ 6 p.m., meeting @ 6:30 p.m.)
WORTHINGTON SHRINE CLUB
President: TBD (Meets as called)
Chanters finished 2023 with three nursing home sing-outs. The weather cooperated so we were able to make them all. Prairie Christmas (December 17) was a big success with a great time had by all.
Despite the weather delays in early January, we sang the new Pote’s requested theme song at the annual meeting and installation of new officers on the last day of that month. Rock the Shrine was our focus in the month of February. After nine years, we’re still celebrating with Pop Rocks and Karaoke. It’s our big fund raiser for the year and we extend our thanks to the friends and family members that help us out.
Chanters (also known as the El Riad Men’s Chorus) is open to new members. Our director, Libby Gould, directs us on Tuesday nights from 7:00-8:30. Singing with friends and traveling to MidWest (held in Wisconsin in August this year) are among the highlights we look forward to in 2024.
March, I hope is a lion inside and stays a lamb outside as the bitter cold is not one that I appreciate for extended periods of time. The sprint Cars are kicking off another busy year and we are already getting parade requests for multiple locations. We are planning on tending bar and preparing meals this month on Wednesday Night socials. There is still limited amount of $10,000 cash raffle tickets to purchase and walkaway with taxes paid money on March 24. Get them while they are hot from any of your favorite Sprint Car or Motor Corp members. If you do happen to purchase a ticket from a Sprint Car member on Wednesday, we will certainly buy you one free drink that evening. With only a few short weeks until spring according to that Ground hog prediction in February we are going to start figuring out and practicing our routines even if that means walking in circles prior to getting the fun cars out of storage. The Tractor and trailer are prime for parades
and hopefully we will be able to get something besides a blank white canvas added to the graphics of the trailer this season.
With everything going on this coming month with the Cash Raffle and the March bars I would encourage coming on down to the shrine on Wednesday ‘s the month and have a little social interaction out of the winter months and it may help bring warmer temperatures faster. The socializing just may help.
We are always looking for another Person to join the shrine and find that unit that brings out their passion for giving. If anyone would like to see what the Sprint Cars are all about feel free to ask a member when we meet and practice to see if the interest is there to becoming a part of our fun group.
The person who took the time to ask your name, introduce you around or show you the ropes? If we’re lucky, we have one person in our lives who made a positive impact personally or professionally.
Being a Virtual Mentor is your opportunity to make the same difference in the life of a man on his way to becoming a Master Mason and Shriner. All it takes is willingness, enthusiasm and time. Go to shrinersvillage.com for complete details.
