CHIEF RABBAN CHIEF RABBAN RAMBLINGS Marty Bartlett
Assistant Rabban Travis Elmendorf
As I write this article, Circus ended just a few hours ago. While everyone is tired, it is a very satisfying feeling knowing that Alzafar put on a very successful circus. Circus is a very large undertaking that requires a large and dedicated team. Thanks go out to Dennis Stevens, Marco and Lori Zuniga, Doreen Bowers, Mike Calloway, Russell Brown, Dale Curry and many others for preparing some great meals for all of us. Roger and Karen Pfeil led an outstanding bar team that always had refreshing drinks available. The Brews Brothers added some great new flavors to our drink menu. Eddy Bowers put together our plans for RV spots while Doreen put together a beautiful circus program for us. Diane Swoboda, Dessie Vargas, and Bert Gonzalez led an excellent program selling team. Garrett Ethridge put together an amazing clown group that constantly entertained their fans. Luis and Dyana Cardenas assisted with the logistics efforts for the Circus Banquet and entertained us by being the DJ on Saturday night. Bryan Hunter kept the strong watch at the gate, while the Golf Unit kept a close eye on the Branding Iron. The Provost Guard watched all our backs behind the scenes. George and Alice Robbins, Joe and Staci Urby, Lee Hubbard, Michael Ethridge, Pat Edwards and Bill Liles worked many, many issues behind the scene that were never seen. Richard Wallace and the band were outstanding while the Honor Guard made us all look great with their presentations. Harry Kinsey and Art Loera did their normal, fantastic job of running the circus parade and capturing the entire circus event in pictures. Alan Ditmore and David Olivares kept everyone interested with their introductions and the Divan and Divan ladies made us proud with their support and actions. Finally, there is Martha Bartlett. She was there to assist in every aspect, from decorating, to putting together the silent auction, to problem solving when needed. You never want to thank people by name since you run the risk of leaving someone important out, which I likely did. You can see just by the group leads – it takes a large, awesome team to make this event a hit. It will take at least a month to see how we did financially on circus. I hope to have numbers for you next month but suffice it to say that the net result will be very good for us again this year.
Greetings Alzafar, each month I always attempt to give thanks to all who assisted with the many going on’s within our Temple. By the time that you receive this edition, Circus, Gala and maybe the Masonic Picnic will be in the rearview mirror. None of this could have come to fruition without the assistance of the Nobility and their families. Thank you all for your continued dedication, support and love for our Alzafar. Many are the names that need to be presented for their generous gift of time and sweat. Top of the list is Lady Doreen Bowers, Noble Steve White, Noble William Wassberg, IS Stu Simms, the Alzafar Divan and most especially my wife Brenda. In putting together this year’s Gala I reached out to many different companies and individuals outside our normal benefactors. Surprised was I by the lack of familiarity of the Shrine and our mission. The contacts have been made, we will need to continue with the dialogue, in our efforts to bolster the Shrine and its mission; we need to look outwards. As our OG has stated, educated while in Tampa during OG seminar- “We must look outside the box.” Our future is in our own hands, we as a team must look into; how to and to whom we can reach out and establish these connections that will benefit Alzafar and our mission of Shrine Hospital support. As always your input is welcomed, the future is ours. Much Love