May is upon us, and I am happy to say spring has finally sprung. I hope you all enjoyed the eclipse; I know for our family it was uneventful due to the cloud cover. April was a busy month. April 1 was the Dyngus Day Parade – thanks to those who were able to attend. April 9 I had the honor of attending the Gowanda Shrine Club meeting; the Divan along with PP Doug Blajszczak, PP Don Holben, PP Gary Crewson, PP Earl Knauss, & John Markuse traveled to Erie Hospital and presented them with checks totaling $5500.00 for their “Timmy’s Day Out” program. The donation was made possible thanks in part to the Directors staff, the Lockport Shrine Club, the Oasis, and the fish fry wait-staff tip money. The NYOSA conference was April 19-21 and was attended by Chief Rabban James Mirusso and Lady Sue, High Priest and Prophet Ted Clark and Lady Kary, PP Doug Blajszczak, Lady Janet Lachut, & PP Michael Hackford and Lady Kimberly. I unfortunately could not at- tend the spring session as I was recovering from oral surgery. I was however able to represent lsmailia by attending the Lockport Triangles Beloved Queens installation on Saturday April 20. It was an honor to be there and see our Chaplain Brian Ar- cand’s daughter Zooey get installed as Beloved Queen. Zooey chose Sleep in Heavenly Peace as her charity which provides beds and bedding to underprivileged youth across the country, so next time you see Zooey volunteering at the shrine whether it is bussing tables or helping at the Feztival of trees please be sure to con- gratulate her. April 26, I attended the OES Grand Matron and Patron visit to the Niagara Orleans District, and rounding out April was the Rameses Potentates Ball on April 27. Congratulations to Illustrious Sir John Domonkos and Lady Elizabeth. There are quite a few happenings in the coming month. May 8 is our stated session, May 10 is our spring ceremonial – please come and welcome our new nobles and bring your families if you are so inclined. May 18 is the Terry Buchwald concert, and lastly Memorial Day weekend looks to be an extremely busy one this year. May 24 and 25 – not only is there the Amish Relief Auction in the Conewango Valley but there is also the bluegrass feztival to benefit Erie Hospital at the Chautauqua County fairgrounds in Dunkirk. Please if you are able come and attend. Wear your Fez and show your support; the music will run from 5-10 on Friday and 1-10 on Saturday. That weekend is also full of parades across Western NY that our various shrine clubs and units will be participating in. One quick housekeeping item: please if you go into the back garage for any reason make sure the garage door closes before you leave. We have had way too many instances of late where the garage has been found wide open early in the morning, the last time being Friday April 19. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the amazing moms who read this a very Happy Mother’s Day. May your day be filled with love and relaxation. Lastly St. Johns Day weekend is June 20-23 and Deputy Grand Master Steven Adam Rubin has asked for Shriners to be there to march. Not only has he asked for Shriners but he is requesting anyone who has a mini car or is a clown to come and participate. Once I have more specifics I will let you know.

Fraternally, Mike P. Ferraro

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