Units and Clubs

Become a Part of the Uniformed Units of Irem Shrine

The Uniformed Units are the backbone of Shrinedom. It is through participation in a Unit that the Noble becomes active and involved in the workings of his Shrine. Irem Shrine is the host to twelve such Units.

While each Unit pursues its individual goals and purposes, they are united in their support of Irem Shriners, the Shriners Philanthropy, and Shrinedom as a whole. The Nobles of Irem Shriners are encouraged to become a part of the various Uniformed Units.

CLOWNS

Michael Dale, Boss Clown (570-239-6697)

"Bring on the Clown!" Add color to Irem and lend an air of joviality, mirth, and merriment to Irem in general. The Clowns are the Shrine's most visible Unit. They perform at parades, and ceremonials, and appear at various hospitals and community functions. The Unit meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday.

DIRECTOR'S STAFF

Charles Lipinski, President (570-675-9003)

This Unit is the workhorse of Irem Shrine. The Shrine's Director of Work and, as such, The Unit participates in parades and is responsible for the Directors Staff Ladies' Bags and Bling Bingo, which is a major fundraiser for the Shrine. The Unit meets monthly on the 1st Friday.

LEGION OF HONOR

Brian Hospodar, Commander (570-760-3997)

"Hut two, three, four!" The Legion of Honor is a marching unit with a military-style drill team. Its members must be on active or reserve duty or be honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces. The Unit participates in parades, drill competitions, and ceremonials. The Legion of Honor meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday.

MOTOR CORPS

Richard Geary, President (570-903-5906)

"Gentlemen start your engines!" This is a motorized unit with four divisions within its ranks - The Harley Motorcycles, the Dune Cats, Antique & Classic Cars, and the Fire Truck. The Unit practices specialized routines and participates in parades and ceremonials. The group meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday.

ORIENTAL BAND

James Mason, President (570-575-6390)

This Unit is a flute and drum corps specializing in Mid-Eastern entertainment. Its flowing and colorful Arabic garb provides a festive air when the Unit participates in various parades, ceremonials, and concerts. The group meets bimonthly on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays.

PROVOST GUARD

Ronald Rogers, President (570-855-2573)

Irem’s Police - the guardian of the secrets of Shrinedom. The Provost Guard cuts an imposing figure in their uniforms, which are similar to those worn by today’s law enforcement officers. The Unit, in addition to providing security for Irem’s ceremonials, also participates in parades and other Temple activities. The Unit meets on the 4th Friday of the month.

SHEPHERDS

Jim Stewart, President (570-335-2957)

"The keepers of the flock, the herders of the lame and helpless." The shepherds provide a very essential service by transporting patients to and from Shriners Hospitals for Children. The Shepherds meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month, 7 pm in the Irem Clubhouse. Shepherds and guests meet at 5:30 pm for dinner before the meeting.

STAGECRAFTERS

Jeffrey Derocco, President (570-417-1091)

This Unit is charged with the responsibility of props and audio effects used in the ceremonial’s first section. It is also responsible for the audio on the Pavilion for the Potentate’s Ball. The Stagecrafters participate in Shrine parades and other functions called by the Potentate.

STRING BAND

Thomas Aycock, President (570-655-8629)

The String Band provides entertainment at parades, ceremonials, and concerts with “Mummers Style” music. Their repertoire includes singing along with audience participation and Strutters. Shriners and non-Shriners alike immediately recognize their unique style and colorful marching uniforms. Instruments include banjos, guitars, and other string instruments including accordions, Woodwinds such as saxophones, clarinets, flutes, and percussion. For 2024 the band is also looking for members to expand into brass instruments. If you are looking for fun and to entertain stop by, the band meets on the 4th Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm. Experience and Non-experience are welcome. If you haven’t played your instrument in a while this a great way to start having fun.

TRANSPORTATION UNIT

John Grady, President (570-606-7861)

This Unit is responsible for the transportation of Irem Shrine personnel, materials, and equipment as the need arises. It provides invaluable assistance in transporting equipment to and from the circus as well as Shrine and Unit equipment to and from the various pilgrimages. The Unit meets monthly on the 2nd Friday of every month

SHRINE CLUB OF GREATER WILKES BARRE

Walter Volinski, President (570-881-8423)

The Shrine Club of Greater Wilkes Barre has as its purpose to increase awareness and appreciation of the efforts of Irem Shrine concerning physically handicapped children and the Shriners Hospital for Children. The Shrine Club also counts among its purposes to encourage fellowship and understanding among all members who make up the Shrine Club. Lastly for members to provide their sincere effort and support in favor of the civil, ethical, and fraternal advancement of the work and principles of Irem Shrine.

Our year runs from January 1st to December 31st, and the annual dues are only $10. During December, the five officers, President, First Vice and Second Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer as well as members of the Board of Governors are elected and installed. Our Chaplain is an annual appointment, usually the President's choice, and takes office here with the others.

The Board of Governors meets six times per year: January 8, March 4, May 6, July 1, September 2, and November 4 at the Irem Shrine. Planning and preparation for the upcoming six events are done and voted upon at these BOG meetings. The Shrine Club holds three Business Meetings per year; February, April, and October. In addition, your club holds an Annual Ladies Night in June where we recognize and acknowledge our Ladies and thank them for their support of our efforts throughout the year. In August, your Shrine Club conducts a cookout at the Irem Gun Club. This is a real old-fashioned men's type of outdoor get-together with Clam Chowder, hot and mild sausage, corn on the cob, as well as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, all types of salads, and a multitude of desserts. One might think all we did was eat, but we also had fun, several Turkey Shoots, Ask Alex, and a great auction. This is done within the backdrop of the beautiful mountains, the clean fresh air, and the fun and fellowship of your Shrine Club members and male guests. And finally, in December, we elect and install the new club officers. We get an annual report of our year and always make a generous check presentation to the Potentate, who always comes, to be sent to the Shriners Children's Hospital.

In summation, we support Irem Shrine, donate to the Children's Hospital, support each other, and have FUN. Why not come out and join us? There is a membership application on this website, so download it, fill it out, and join today! We do have a good time; you will also.

IREM PISTOL & RIFLE CLUB

Mark Mettler P.P., President (570-760-2334)

Irem Pistol & Rifle Club is now open for membership. We have a 100-yard range with 6 shooting benches and portable targets for handgun shooters who wish to shoot shorter distances. We also have a 25-yard Pistol Range with 6 full-size steel silhouette targets.

Memberships are $25 per year or $500 for a lifetime. There is a one-time initiation fee of $25 (waived for lifetime memberships). You must be an Irem Shriner to join.

We do not have workdays like many other clubs. We simply ask for help when we need it and always get many volunteers.

Members are allowed to bring a shooting guest. The guest does not have to be a Shriner but must fill out and sign the guest waiver in the shed prior to shooting.

We have a monthly meeting, on the third (3rd) Wednesday of every month, rain or shine at 7 pm in the main clubhouse.

If you are a member of Irem and wish to join, simply fill out the membership application completely and mail with appropriate payment to the address listed.

Scott Holbrook

213 Old Lake Rd

Dallas, PA 18612

Irem Pistol & Rifle Club Application

Irem Pistol & Rifle Club Rules