Nobles, it is a privilege and an honor to be elected as your Potentate for 2010. I would like to thank all of you Nobles that came out to vote.

As you all know, we have had some tough years, and I don’t think this one will be any easier. But, the good news is that we are starting the year with all current bills paid; thanks to many hard working people in 2009. The budgets for 2010 year for the first time ever have been put together by all of your principle officers of the shrine: the Divan, Board of Directors, IGA and the Uniformed Units. We are all responsible for seeing that these budgets are adhered too.

We will be putting together a team lead by Joe Shaver to be responsible for booking events in the Pavilion. As we all know, this is the largest outdoor Pavilion in NE PA and should be our second largest money maker. I would ask that we all support and help to make this project be a success.

With our ever declining membership, membership as always is at the top of our list to improve upon, with the one day man to mason class scheduled for October 30^th of this year, let us all get out there and see if we can bring in one new novice each.  This would give us positive gain on our membership, in place of a declining one.

I know if we all work together as a TEAM we can make it work and work very well, but it will take us all.

Lastly, don’t let us forget the principle reason we are here, and that is to serve and help the children and support our Hospitals.  All other privileges are a bonus of being a member of the Shrine.

                                                                                                                Yours in the Faith 

                                                                                                            W. Roy Smith

                                                                                                                   Irem Potentate 2010