Nobles and Ladies, Rameses Shriners are moving forward! Our Executive seminar in March was well attended and well received. We had approximately 90 Nobles from a large majority of our clubs attend to hear the presentations and have their questions answered. Thank you to our recorder for all his work putting the program together, Nobles Herb Koch for his presentation on membership and marketing, Noble Mike Laceby for his update on Shrine Hospital Referrals and Procedures, and all members of the Divan for assistance to make the day a great success. The comments received afterwards were only positive. We were told that our content was good, the presentations were interesting and informative, and the Nobles went home feeling that the time was well spent. I expect that this event will happen again next year. Your Divan found that as an organization that we did not have a mission statement. Steps were taken to develop one and the following was approved at a recent Divan meeting. Rameses Shriners’ Mission Statement: To be the premier fraternal organization in central Ontario for men of good character, fostering self-improvement based on the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth, while providing attractive, quality services for our members, their families and their friends in a spirit of fun, fellowship, and social camaraderie in support of our philanthropy, Shriners Hospital for Children. This mission statement is a reminder of who we are, what we believe, what we do, and why we are part of this incredible international organization. Let this statement guide our path to a very successful future. The 2025 version of the Potentate’s Gala is now in our history book. Thank you to our Chief Rabban, John Slessor and Lady Barbara, for memories that will last forever. About 200 attended the event at a new venue, The Montecassino Hotel in Downsview. We enjoyed a fun filled weekend of fellowship with visitors from the N.Y.O.S.A. Shrine Centres, three Canadian Shrine Centres, the local leaders of the Daughters of the Nile and the Lady Shriners of North America, a table of friends from our Canadian Shrine Hospital, two tables of family, and many Rameses Shriners and their ladies. The meal was scrumptious, the entertainment was excellent, and a great time was had by all. The hotel staff worked way beyond the norm to make sure that all was perfect for us. Thanks again to Noble John and Lady Barb. We are still moving forward on several initiatives at Rameses. Our new Strategic Planning Committee has announced the additional regional members that have been added to address our needs. The committee is moving forward and I expect that you will see a report on another page of this publication. Also, the Membership and Marketing Committee is moving ahead with the new website. Our goal is to build a new site that will be of interest to everyone (not just Shrine members), and be a tool to attract and expand our membership. I expect that by the time you read this, the website will be up and running. Thank you to Noble Herb Koch and his team. First Lady Peggy and I look forward to greeting you at the Spring Ceremonial in Belleville. Noble Ralph Bullock (Ceremonial Director General) and his team have worked very hard over the last three years to arrange a fantastic weekend for you and our new members to enjoy. Mount your camels and join the Caravan to Belleville. We are only a few weeks away from attending the Imperial Sessions in Atlanta, Georgia. It will be a busy week as we review and decide on the pending Imperial Legislation, elect a new Imperial Divan, and install a new Imperial Potentate. We will also join several other meetings, including the annual meeting of the International Shrine Aviation Association. We will attend the annual Canadian Breakfast, take part in the Imperial parade, attend the several entertainment activities, and enjoy fun and fellowship all week with Shriners from around the world. There are many more events coming this year including Golf Tournaments, BBQ’s, Fish Fries, Picnics, and more. Please enjoy the summer sharing some fun and fellowship with your friends. Peggy and I will join you as our calendar allows.