Welcome to summer in Buffalo, June already and where is the year going. We have been busy at the shrine. Our divan is receiving help from numerous ladies and Nobles, and we thank you all for your support of Ismailia Shriners.
First, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Terry Buchwald’s family on the passing of his mother, from our Divan, ladies and the nobles of Ismailia Shriners. Terry was scheduled to perform on Saturday May 17th, when his team notified us, he would have to cancel for a family emergency. We then learned of the passing of his mother, Janice Elaine Korczynski-Dwigun. We Pray for your healing, and peace during this painful time.
Our Sportsmen’s raffle tickets are available in the office or, contact the office and we will mail you some at your request. This is another one of our long-standing fundraisers and a large source of funding so all help selling is always appreciated. Illustrious Sir Mike Ferraro continues to foster good relations with our Amish patients and families by attending functions and offering Sportsmen’s tickets. Thank you, Illustrious sir.
May had me representing Ismailia Shriners at the Cyprus Shriners Potentate reception in Albany and the NYOSA regional event in Toronto. Cyprus is always gracious hosts and is the home of Imperial Sir Kevin Costello. Imperial Sir Kevin was not in attendance as he recently broke his foot. His Lady Jill did attend in his absence. NYOSA was visited by Imperial Potentate Richard Burke and his Lady Judy as well as Dr. Leslie Stewart and his Lady Megan. Imperial Sir Burke delivered a message about the fraternity and ongoing membership efforts and he and his ladies personal Shriner journey. Dr. Stewart delivered an inspirational message of the expanding efforts of patient care and numbers as they continue to expand services and locations to treat patients around the world. Any noble and lady may attend the NYOSA sessions as it always carries a message from Imperial Officers.
On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember those who gave so much and continue to give, to guarantee our freedoms in this country. Our team was very busy. Friday May 23rd , many members of Ismailia and area brother masons planted 7300 flags at the Naval and servicemen’s park to recolonize those who gave and represents the roughly 7300 veterans who took their own lives last year. The Legion was at services on Monday again at the Naval and servicemen’s, The Director’s paraded in Kenmore and I joined the Legion in Williamsville at a wreath laying to honor these ladies and Gentlemen who gave all. We all owe a huge debt; I would encourage all to say a prayer for our vets and those we have lost.
On the near horizon is our Potentate reception. I had made an official request of Imperial Sir Kevin Costello to attend. As with many of us older Divan members, we have had a relationship with Imperial Sir Kevin from his start in Tampa. Imperial Sir Costello, thru his wife lady Jill did inform me that, as of now we are on his schedule to attend the Ismailia Shriners Potentate reception July 18th-20th. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the soon to be elected Imperial Potentate.
One of our largest expenses at Ismailia is this publication. We print and mail them, and it is a costly endeavor. Anyone who would like to receive this publication in an email start informing us at the office. We will Make sure we have a good current email for you. This could be a great savings to us if we could print and mail fewer hard copies.
We will be attending Hospital Day on June 1st. Look for information on that in next Smile.
As always have fun, help kids and lets continue to thrive in ’25.
Yours in Faith
James Mirusso