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When someone mentions the Shriners, it brings to mind funny little cars, clowns and the pageantry of men in red fezzes proudly marching down their hometown streets. Very few know that from these wonderful, dedicated men also comes the opportunity for their ladies and daughters to become part of an organization whose members wear distinctive white fezzes and one of our purposes is to assist in the support of the World’s Greatest Philanthropy—the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children. The Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America is not an auxiliary of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. We are a separate and distinct Order. What an honor it is to serve as the 58th High Priestess of Hawaii Court No. 60. And what an exciting year it has been so far, starting with the Installation in March, which for the first time ever, had a High Priestess go to the East through an Arch of Swords presented by the York Rite Honor Guard. Before my fez even had a chance to get warmed up, we held our first initiation for the year, followed shortly after by a marvelous Bon Voyage Party put on by our Princess, which sent me merrily on my way to Grand Council. Five of our members accompanied me, and the highlight of the entire week in Pittsburg for all of us was when our newly-formed Pacific Pearls Unit performed for the very first time ever in public, and was the only Unit to receive a standing ovation for its efforts. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life. This year’s class is called The Joyful Jesters, with our class colors representing “Mardi Gras”…..purple, Emerald green and gold, and each Jester proudly wears them in honor of the Grand High Priestess, Lady Patricia “PC” Mabray. In the middle of August we held our annual summer fund raiser, which everyone seems to really enjoy, consisting of lunch and “Bunco” games. Our Court was proud to be a part of the first Screening Clinic held in September at our brand new Shriners Hospital for Children. It is such a pleasure to be able to host parties in it for the children. Monthly we hold a Bingo Party, and this year for the first time we celebrated Halloween with them…all of us in costume and all the kids in adorable costumes. The other big event we hold every year for the children on Easter. We fill hundreds of eggs and hide them all over the grounds for the children to find, help them decorate eggs, and generally assist the Easter bunny most of the day. For the first time we attended a WAUOM, this one in Redmond, WA in October, where the Pacific Pearls again performed to a standing ovation. Another exciting moment was putting on a skit as our Intent to Bid to hold a Meet here in HI in 2012. This seemed to be well received, so our fingers are crossed that we will win the bid next September. In November we held our 2nd initiation of the year, which was followed by having Hawaii Court No. 60 participate with the Aloha Shriners in two large parades. Another new venture this year was the formation of the Past High Priestess’ Hui (group). This Hui has already had two successful outings and has a third planned for March 6th. Another first is that the Pacific Pearls were asked to perform at various Shrine events, and the word spread, so that now they have performances coming up for OES, and the Grand Lodge Installation. It’s so nice to be appreciated after all the hours or hard work they all put in. The Court just held its big Christmas Party at the Marine Corps Station with a Mongolian BBQ, and everyone is looking forward to the Coffee and Conversation Party on January 30th for prospective members. Four big events will be happening in the next few months. First we have the Official Visit of the Grand High Priestess on Jan 17 and 18, with a visit to the Hospital, a luncheon, a banquet and a luau. Then in February we will hold our 3rd initiation for the year. March is the month we are all looking to with anticipation as we will be hosting our first (and we hope annual) Murder Mystery Party Fund Raiser on the 14th at the Shriners Beach Club. And of course, our Installation will be on March 28th. It’s been a busy year so far, and will be till the end of my term. If you are planning to visit Hawaii and are a member of LOSNA, we would love to have you attend one of our sessions. These are held the first Wednesday night of the month at 7:30 preceded by dinner at 6:30 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Kewalo Street in Honolulu. If you are not a member and would like to speak to someone about becoming one, please contact our Court and someone will give you a call. All of us would like to share our Aloha with you!
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Joyful Jesters |
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