1. society
2. welfare
3. healthcare
4. hospital

Volume 48 Issue #3 Tacoma, Washington April, 2012
Potentate’s
Message
Walter Woodward
“And the children shall lead us!”
What is it to be a Noble Man?
William: Now tell me, what does that mean to be noble? Your title gives you claim to the throne of our country,
but men don't follow titles, they follow courage
-Bravehart
March has paid witness to the tragic loss of Noble Merle Caflin, Treasurer of the Nile. Merle was a true mentor and a man whom I, without
exception, regarded as a noble man. He listened intently, spoke with gentle understanding, and always exemplified a courageous honestly
that is not often found among men today. With certainty I can proudly say, a noble man who defined nobility of purpose has touched my life.
As I reflect on the meaning of “noble” I am reminded of the virtues & accolades that are required to be a man of nobility, or a noble man
if you will. Alan McGinnis writes, “There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being - to help someone
succeed”
As Shriners, we have an opportunity to unequivocally help children! We have a clear platform waiting for us to rise to the occasion. When
we as Shriners, brothers of masonry, allow the past to stand in our way we loose our nobility. A noble man approaches challenges as a
sure sign that he must overcome it, not through reckless abandon but through concerted, concentrated effort knowing that just beyond
the dark days the doors of achievement and enlightenment welcome the noble man.
Abraham Lincoln said, “We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it.” It takes courage to work through our differences,
strength to stay true to the honest word, & a noble heart to unconditionally stay focused on the reason we became nobles of the greatest
philanthropy in the world.
It is time for all members of our great Temple to rise to the occasion and find our “nobility”. I believe every member of our Temple has a
noble heart and without reserve is ready and willing to serve the children. Let us come together “And the children shall lead us!”
Afifi Shrine . . . “Update”
April 2012
Daffodil Court Visitation—Open Meeting—Thursday April 5
Columbia River Shrine Club—Crab & Oyster Feed—April 7
Daffodil Parade—Tacoma—Puyallup—Sumner—Orting—
Sat Ap 14
Al Kader Potentate’s Ball—Wilsonville, OR—April 21
Divan Days—Portland Hospital—Sunday April 22
Portland Hospital Board Meeting—Monday April 23
May 2012
Afifi “Stated” Meeting—Thursday May 3
Loyalty Days Parade—Long Beach May 4—6
PNSA—Nanaimo BC—May 17—20
Hazeldell Parade—Vancouver WA—May 19
June 2012
Shriners Int’l Imperial Session—June 29—July 5
Recorder’s
Message
I.S. Doug Baker, P.P.
It’s nearly Daffodil time in the Afifi jurisdiction, and today, snow continues to fall!
The Daffodil Court Visitation and the Daffodil and Marine Parades are merely a few weeks
away. Afifi Shriners is the oldest participating organization at these great traditions, and
they deserve all our Nobility’s full support. This year’s Daffodil Festival theme is “Don’t Stop
Believing” and I strongly support that statement.
The Daffodil Festival Royal Court is a group of 24 charming young ladies, princesses, who are
picked from 24 Pierce County high schools – White River High School is new this year – in
advance of the Grand Floral Parade and many other festival events in April. The princesses
and one who shall be Queen, over the years have always proven to be very entertaining in
their presentation at our annual Daffodil Court open meeting. This year the Daffodil Royal
Court visit is on Thursday, April 5 starting with Zem Zem at 5:00 pm, dinner at 6:00 pm and
the Royal Court introductions and performance starting at 7:00 pm.
When the biographies of the princesses are read, you will be amazed how focused,
enthusiastic and goal oriented these young women are. We could well afford to have some
of that rub off on us here. Our April meeting is our premiere open social gathering of the
year. Invitations have been extended to our ladies organizations, Masonic Brethren, friends
and neighbors and reservations are a must. It would really be wonderful to fill 24 tables with
Nobles, ladies and guests as hosts for each high schools princess and chaperones. Many
of the Daffodilians, officers of the Royal Daffodil Festival, as well as community leaders will
be in attendance.
The Daffodil Grand Floral Parade is Saturday, April 14 and Afifi Units plan to participate in
all four parades this year. We are planning to have the Divan and the Antiques & Classics,
Oriental Band, The World Famous Afifi Shrine Clowns and the Calliope, and the Greeters
ever popular “Cannon”.
Your Divan will travel to Portland on April 21 to attend the Al Kader Potentate’s Ball and
participate in the Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland “Divan Days” on Sunday, April
22 and the Hospital Board Meeting on Monday.
Nobles, as a Mason and a Shriner you are the most important individual in Masonry and
Shrinedom. There is no one more important than you, because it is you the Nobility that
elects the leadership, whether it is the Afifi Shrine Officers or the Club/Unit Officers. Everyone
must work alongside the leadership, if the goals and dreams are to be accomplished. It will
take the help of everyone if we are to succeed.
I hope to see all of you, your ladies and friends at the April meetings; please help me by
making reservations at 253.565.2055 or e-mail at astemple@qwestoffice.net
Special Meeting Notice
On Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 5:00 pm, Illustrious Sir Walter
Woodward, the Board of Directors and the Nobility in
attendance will hold a brief meeting in the ASC Boardroom
to review changes to the Afifi Shrine 2012 budget, and vote
accordingly, as prescribed by the by-laws of Afifi Shrine Temple.
Birthday Club Donations
The below listed Nobles have generously donated to the Birthday Dues Support Program
James R. Frye
Joe McBee
G.H. “Snuffy” Smith
Mike Clemenhagen
IS Doug Bates
IS Wm. H. “Bill” Scott
Bob Hicks
James T. Roberts
Morris W. Paulson
Col. C.H. Melby (Ret.)
Marvin Reiner
Giro Nakagawa
Louis A. Aries
Charles H. Lewis
Larry Wetterhus
Unknown Noble
Unknown FLA Noble
“Thank You Nobles”
AFIFI NEWS
USPS 008-860
Published Monthly (except July and
August) by Afifi Shrine,
Shriners International
(253) 565-2055
Fax (253) 565-3580
astemple@qwestoffice.net
815 South Vassault St.
Tacoma, WA 98465-2097
Web Site: www.afifishrine.org
Subscription Rates:
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$15.00 per year
POSTMASTER
send address changes to:
Afifi News, 815 South Vassault St.
Tacoma, WA 98465-2097
PUBLISHER
Walter Woodward, Potentate/CEO
EDITOR
Larry “Poppi” Nelson
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS/
PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS
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ADVERTISING MANAGER
Walter Woodward
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DISTRIBUTION/MAILER
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SHRINE HOSPITALS
Toll Free
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USPSANEWS
Afifi Shrine
2012 Elected Officers
Walter Woodward.......................Potentate
Zachary Hill.....................Chief Rabban
Ralph Cristler.................Assistant Rabban
Daryl McLaughlin.....High Priest & Prophet
Kenneth Keesler..................Oriental Guide
I.S. Barry C. Bede, P.P..............Treasurer
I.S. Doug Baker, P.P.................Recorder
2012 Appointed Officers
Larry Newsham....1st Ceremonial Master
David Montonye.....2nd Ceremonial Master
Benjamin Schatz.................Director of Units
Gerald G. Burg...............................Marshal
Ed Woods..........Captain of the Guard
Clint Brown.......................Outer Guard
Thomas Dow, Sr.......................Chaplain
Chaplain’s
Message
Tom Dow
I am the Rainbow Dad for Faith Assembly No. 145, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG). I have been getting reacquainted
with its ritual, one of the most meaningful in all of Masonry. At one point in her travels during the ritual, the candidate is stopped by the
Worthy Associate Advisor. The candidate is informed that she must not carry any burden because, the way to Hope is difficult. She is
reminded that “with God’s help, every burden may be lifted” (IORG Ritual page 66). A supporting Bible verse is Matthew 11:28 “Come
to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” If your duties, obligations, and responsibilities are burdensome and
make you weary in well doing, remember the lesson of the Worthy Associate Advisor and the words in the Bible. If you feel hopeless,
remember the teaching that the way to hope is difficult. Perhaps Hope is not lost, she unseen, hidden behind those burdens. Seek rest,
with God’s help, by laying those burdens down.
AFIFI SHRINE GREETERS
NOBLES IN LIGHT BLUE BLAZERS
Last year the Afifi Mount Tacoma Shrine Club
gave up their charter. Most of the Shrine Club
members were already members of the Afifi
Greeters. As a result, the overall Greeters
membership did not increase, but those who
were not on the Greeters Roster joined.
The Greeters have the responsibility for
manning the Afifi Cannon in ALL the various
parades Afifi Shrine Center is expected to
appear in and the Daffodil Float during the
Daffodil Festival. Additionally, the Greeters
are required to man the Sign-in Table and
a table to collect monies for all Afifi Shrine
meetings, dinners and refreshments.
From this you can visualize that the Afifi
Greeters are expected to perform a large
number of duties in and around the Shrine
Center. And, as a result, the Greeters will
welcome any and all Nobles who might be
able and willing to help and at the same time
have lots of FUN.
Please contact Recorder, I.S. Doug Baker
and tell him you want to help the Afifi Greeters
do their JOB.
The Afifi
Greeters
NEED YOU!!!!!
DONATIONS TO PATIENT
TRANSPORTATION FUND
Through March, 2012
Southwest Washington Clowns
Milton Ray Benson Trust
John & Diane Armstrong
Doug & Diane Baker
In Memory of Lucitlle Vorak
On behalf of the children, we thank you
April Social Meeting
2012 Daffodil Court Visitation
Ladies & Guests Welcome
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Cabiri Meeting (Past Potentates) 4:00 pm
Nobles Budget Meeting - Boardroom – 5:00 pm
Attitude Adjustment – 5:00 pm
Club & Unit Head Meeting – 5:15 pm
Band Concert – 5:30 pm
Dinner – 6:00 pm
Daffodil Court Musical Revue – 7:00 pm
MENU
Breast of Chicken Chardonnay
Rice Pilaf
Tossed Green Salad
Green Beans Almandine
Pasta Salad
Warm Rolls – Butter
Carrot Cake
Coffee
$20 per person
Reservations are a must
By April 3, 2012
253-565-2055
astemple@qwestoffice.net
AFIFI FINANCIAL FACTS
CLOWNING AROUND
The Afifi Shrine Clowns continue to have
“Nothin’ But Fun. All of our Joeys are
making preparation for the five April Daffodil
Parades-Proctor Kids, Tacoma, Puyallup,
Sumner and Orting. The Calliope is being
inspected, clown costumes cleaned and
vehicles overhauled. Our fearless leader
Looney is under the weather and Billy Bob
has assumed the AfifiClown Director’s
responsibilities for the next few months.
On the immediate calendar in May are joint
appearances with the Southwest Washington
Clowns at the Long Beach and Hazel Dell
Parades and possible participation at the
PNSA clown competition in Nanaimo, British
Columbia. We had great spaghetti feed with
the Greeters on March 22nd and look forward
to opportunities to help out other Afifi units
and clubs with their events.
All Afifi Clowns also available to entertain
at birthday parties, community fundraising
event and any other fun occasion where
clowns are needed. All you have to do is call
a real clown and we will be there.
Speedy
Afifi Shrine is about to complete the first financial quarter of 2012. We are very optimistic
that the 2012 books will be balanced and the severe deficits of the past can be avoided.
Your Board of Directors has hired a new accountant and bookkeeper to immediately right
the financial ship and keep all Nobles aware of our financial position. The new accountant
Steven Bass has significant experience with Masonic non-profit organizations and 5-years
ago assisted Nile Shrine in achieving financial stability. Donna Loomas will be serving as a
part-time Afifi contracted employee to help your Recorder and Treasurer maintain up-to-date
accountants on our Peachtree system and avoid any financial surprises.
The major expenses to be paid in the spring are a $17,000 insurance premium and the
first half installment of our $26,000 property tax assessment. In previous years money
often had to be borrowed to pay these expenses, but not this year. Your leadership team
is working hard to cleanup 2011 expenses that were not paid and passed into the present
year. On many occasions 2012 dues were used to pay 2011 expenses and this put Afifi
Shrine in a difficult accounting position to know exactly what was spent and taken in during
the calendar year.
Although optimistic about 2012, we fully realize revenue needs to be generated to meet
expenses during the rest of the year and keep our Shrine Center in the black. A new 2012
budget has been written and will be presented to the Nobility for acceptance at our May
Stated meeting. The assistance of Afifi clubs and unit is needed to insure all of our fun
activities at least break even. On the 2013 horizon is also repayment of the $350,000 loan
taken out in 2009. We need to be prepared and make sound financial decision to assure
Afifi Shrine has a bright future. Please support all coming activities, generate the, money
we need and let’s have fun being Afifi Shriners.
Barry C. Bede-Treasurer
Legion of Honor
Afifi News
By Jack Taylor
Your Shrine Unit
For Military Veterans . . .
Ah April, the promise of spring, baseball, daffodils and taxes. Is there anything more American?
It’s also the month of Easter this year, Earth Day (why isn’t there a Moon Day?), Arbor Day (which started in 1872 in Nebraska City, Nebraska
by J. Sterling Morton – yes, the Morton of Morton Salt); when the Spanish-American War started (1898); when the U.S. entered World
War I (1917); and when the Vietnam War officially ended (1975). So…dye an egg, salt it, plant a tree and file your federal tax return. By
the way, did you ever think about what our attitude would be about income tax if we didn’t have payroll withholding?
We met on March 22nd at King Oscar’s. We sent out 30 notices reminding you to pay your ’12 dues and inviting you to attend the meeting.
As of this writing I have no idea how many showed up since this issue of Afifi News is circulated after that date. I do know that we are
finding it hard to sustain a unit what with so many of us unable to participate anymore. The question is, how many of us are needed to
have a viable unit?
Al Peringer’s remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on April 18th, which is also the day and date when his wife, Lottie, was
buried in Arlington in 1990. Al and Lottie were married in 1944. Al requested to receive Masonic ritual at his burial, however, the policy
at Arlington is only the military ceremonies are held since there is limited time and so many burials each day. (There was a three and a
half month wait for his burial date.) However, a Masonic observance will be held outside of the allotted time for his military honors. If you
happen to be back east that day, check the time and graveside location with the people at Arlington.
A friend told me recently that you do not need a parachute to skydive. True! He said you only need a parachute to skydive twice!
We’re trying to find the specific officer’s sword donated to the LOH by Bruce Moehring when we started the unit. His sword had a gold
tassel attached to the hilt. Dorothy Moehring tells me that his sword was also engraved with his name. I can find none with his name on
it. I do have an older sword which I think is his, but it’s not engraved, it’s missing the tassel. It is longer than any of the others. If anyone
knows anything about the tassel or where there is a sword with his name on it, please let me know. Also, we’re selling most of our “gently
used” Navy officer’s swords at $250 each, to include the belt. Makes a great souvenir or gift. Help me find interested buyers especially
among any soon-to-be Navy officers/NROTC graduates, retirees, etc.
I took my annual physical the other day. When I filled out on the pre-exam form in the part that says, “In case of emergency, notify:” - I
put “DOCTOR.”
Remember . . . Use our Website for updates:
www.afifishrine.org
A Message from the Imperial Potentate
March 2012
Greetings my fellow Nobles,
It’s been another fun and busy month!
I would like to start this message by reminding you about the Imperial Potentate’s trip to Alaska from May 28-June
11. Patty and I had a fantastic time with 60 Nobles and their Ladies during the European Holiday Riverboat Cruise
in November, and this trip promises to be just as spectacular. The exciting itinerary features a six-night inland
excursion, a train ride from Denali National Park to Anchorage and a seven-night luxury cruise to Vancouver. For
more information, contact Cheryl Sheehan with Vantage Deluxe World Travel at 800-994-6321, ext. 714 or view a
presentation at www.brainshark.com/vantagetravel/imperial_shrine_alaska.
Speaking of colder climates, I had the pleasure of attending the Midwest Shrine Association business meeting in
Grand Forks, N.D. More than 230 Nobles attended and the Kem Shriners could not have been better hosts. While
in the area, I was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the hockey arena at the University of North Dakota. A little fun
fact you might enjoy is that Imperial Sir Dale Stauss is a former goalie for the Fighting Sioux. There has been talk he
might make a comeback, but I think he is enjoying retirement too much. My next stop was a visit to the newly rebuilt Shriners Hospitals for Children® —Honolulu. I met with the hospital’s
wonderful staff and we discussed the idea that an efficient way to transport more patients from the Pacific Rim would
be to use a portion of the 3.3 million air miles our health care system received from earning the most fan votes in the
United Airlines 10 Million Mile Charity Miles Giveaway in December.
Later in the month, I also visited Shriners Hospitals for Children — Lexington and was impressed by the knowledge,
attentiveness and care of the hospital staff. In fact, I am always impressed by the staff at every hospital I visit!
We had a great turnout at the Pacific Northwest Shrine Association in Medford, Ore. Representatives from Shriners
Hospitals for Children — Portland, Spokane and Salt Lake City each gave terrific presentations and I would like to
thank the Hillah Shriners for hosting the event. As it does every year, Shriners International sponsored the Frank S. Land Memorial Breakfast at the Conference of
Grand Masters, which was held in Atlanta. The event was a great opportunity for me to renew relationships with
many Grand Lodge officers. This year, the breakfast commemorated the 100th anniversary of Frank S. Land joining
the Masons. For those who may not know, Frank S. Land was both the founder of DeMolay International and Past
Imperial Potentate of Shriners International. In addition, he was a personal friend of Noble Harry S. Truman and was
a trustee for Truman’s Presidential Library and Museum.
I also traveled to Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa for the Daughters of the Nile $3 million plaque
presentation ceremony. In attendance were Supreme Queen Laura Richardson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Doug Maxwell and Imperial Treasurer Gene Bracewell. Throughout their history, the Daughters of the Nile have
raised many millions of dollars for our health care system. I cannot thank the organization enough for all their
dedication and support. At the Shrine Recorders Association Seminar in San Diego, Calif., the Al Bahr Shriners gave a presentation
previewing the new clinic in Tijuana. Having a physical clinic location in that part of Mexico would be more cost
effective and allow us to treat more patients.
I would also like to thank the Al Bahr Shriners for their generous donation to Patty’s fundraising program “Stepping
Forward Toward a Brighter Future.” Burn awareness is a subject that is extremely personal and important to her;
she greatly appreciates all of your support. To find out more about Patty’s program, please visit http://support.
shrinershospitals.org/site/PageNavigator/FirstLady.html.
While in San Diego, I also had the pleasure of going on a gorgeous scenic motorcycle ride from Imperial Beach to
Ocean Beach with two other Nobles. Harley-Davidson is a big supporter of the fraternity and was gracious enough to
loan me a bike. I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again… The life of a Shriner sure is fun!
“Remember Why You Became a Shriner!”
Yours in the Faith, Michael G. Severe
Imperial Potentate
Chairman of the Board of Directors
AVAILABLE FOR RENT:
AFIFI SHRINE CENTER
FULL KITCHEN FACILITIES
SECURE WELL LIGHTED
WITH ADEQUATE PARKING AVAILABLE FOR
RECEPTIONS
PARTIES – BANQUETS
DANCES – MEETINGS
SEMINARS – TRADE SHOWS
Contact: Afifi Shrine Office
253-565-2055
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“Afifi News” Via E-mail
Your publication staff is reviewing the
possibility of sending the “Afifi News” via
E-mail. We are hoping that in the near future
the “Afifi News” will be delivered via E-mail to
subscribers on its publication date. You will
be able to store the issue on your computer
and/or print it out. So that we can determine
how many Nobles wish to receive the “Afifi
News” in this manner, it will be necessary
for you to send an E-mail to astemple@
qwestoffice.net with the following message:
SUBSCRIBE TO “AFIFI NEWS” with your
name. Every Noble who has access to the
Internet is encouraged to avail himself of this
opportunity to help save funds by minimizing
postage costs. Those Nobles desiring to
continue to receive the “Afifi News” via the
postal system, as they are now, need not
do anything.
UNIT HEADS ATTN:
Donations & Memorial
Contributions
Donation (In Memory of) (In Honor of):
Name_______________________________________
___ Afifi Shrine Hospital Patient Transportation
___ Shriner’s Hospital for Children
___ Paper Crusade/Hospital Appreciation
Please make checks payable to agency selected above
Mail to: Afifi Shrine Center
815 S. Vassault
Tacoma, WA 98465-2097
Donation made in the name of:_________________________
UNIT HEAD MEETING
THERE WILL BE A UNIT HEAD
MEETING FOR ALL UNIT LEADERS
ON THE FIRST THURS. OF THE MONTH
PRIOR TO THE STATED
OR OPEN MEETING AT 5:00pm ASC.
All Unit Leaders should make every effort to
attend. This meeting will be conducted in the
meeting room upstairs in the Zem-Zem area.
This meeting is one of the best ways to learn
what will take place and what is being asked
and expected of each unit.
COMMUNICATION:
The exchange of ideas, messages or
information. Communication should always
move both up and down.
Columbia River
Shrine Club
Annual Crab & Oyster Feed
Amount $___________ Given By_________________________
Address_____________________________________________
City___________________State_____ County______________
Send Card to: ________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________
City ___________________State_____ County_____________
Saturday, April 7
Zem Zem – 5:00 pm
Dinner – 6:00 pm
Only $20 per person !
Kelso Eagles
609 South Pacific Ave
Reservations Required
President ‘Bob’ 360.423.5806
Grays Harbor
Shrine Club
Crabbiest Club in the Realm
2nd Friday
Various Harbor Restaurants
COLEMAN
MORTUARY
INC.
Afifi News
(USPS 008-860
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID
AT TACOMA, WA 98465-2907
AFIFI SHRINE
A.A.O.N.M.S.
815 South Vassault Street
Tacoma, Washington 98465-2097
April
April 2012
2012
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
Pipes & Drums
1
Pipes & Drums
2
Brass Band
2
Brass Band
8
Pipes & Drums
8
Pipes & Drums
3
4
6
11
12
Clowns
12
Lewis
County SC
Clowns
Lewis County SC
13
Grays Harbor SC
13
Grays Harbor SC
14
Daffodil Parade
14
Daffodil Parade
17
18
19
17
18
19
20
Gateway SC
20
Gateway SC
21
Al Kader
21
Potentate’s Ball
Al Kader
Potentate’s Ball
24
25
25
27
Thurston-Mason Co.
27
SC
Thurston-Mason Co.
SC
28
24
26
Greeters
26
Columbia
River SC
Greeters
Columbia River SC
4
9
Brass Band
9
Brass Band
10
Antiques & Classics
10
Provo Guard
Antiques & Classics
Provo Guard
11
15
Oriental Band
15
Oriental Band
16
Brass Band
16
Brass Band
22
Divan Days—
22
Portland Hospital
Divan
Days—
Pipes &
Drums
Portland Hospital
Pipes & Drums
23
Portland Hospital
23
Board Meeting
Portland
Hospital
Brass Band
Board
Meeting
SW Wash
Clowns
Brass Band
SW Wash Clowns
29
Oriental Band
29
Oriental Band
30
Brass Band
30
Brass Band
6
Sat
7
Columbia River SC
7
Crab & Oyster Feed
Columbia River SC
Crab & Oyster Feed
3
5
Ritual Section
5
Open
Meeting
Ritual Section
Daffodil
Court Visit
Open Meeting
Daffodil Court Visit
Sat
28