March 24, 2020

Dear Nobles, Ladies, and Friends,
The latest directive from Governor Inslee in effect closes the Nile. His order to stay at home and stay safe and for non-essential businesses to close down causes this action. In our hearts we want the COVID-19/ Coronavirus to be over, as I’m sure all of you do too. However, to reduce and eliminate the risk of infection, we know it will take time. Social distancing, washing our hands, sanitizing surfaces, wearing gloves, etc. We have to keep doing these in our battle to stay safe from the virus.

Nile operations are minimal. Our office is closed and our workers are home and working from there if they have the ability. We will be checking emails and telephone messages and responding as appropriate. The gates will be closed the entire time during this stay home period. The golf course is closed to the public and we will be putting that information out on our website and also the reader board sign by our entrance with the closed announcement. The Treasurer, Noble Arne Ringstad and Recorder, Noble Ken Osborne qualify as essential personnel and will be on-site periodically throughout this time period.

So far, we have had no confirmed cases of Nobles being infected by the virus and hope that trend continues. Please be safe and be prudent with practicing the steps to stay healthy.

We will be keeping you up to date with any developments with the Nile and the operations and if you have any news to share, please contact us.

Yours in the faith,

Michael J. Riley
Potentate

March 17, 2020

Nobles,
Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and the recommendations set forth by the CDC and Washington State’s Governor Jay Inslee, the Nile is making changes to upcoming events:

• March 28th - Potentate’s Roaring 20’s Ball (postponed until September 11th)
• April 11th - Nile Easter Egg Hunt (canceled)
• April 8th – Open Stated Meeting (canceled)
• April 11th – Tulip Festival Parade in La Conner (not a Pote’s Call) (canceled)
• April 17th – Past Potentate’s Dinner (postponed, date to be set later)
• May 1st – Mariners Game (canceled)
• May 2nd – 1st Lady’s Luncheon (postponed until November 7th)
• May 30th – Bellingham Parade (canceled)
• All Unit & Club meetings are suspended until further notice

We are still monitoring the situation which may affect the following additional events:

• May 8th – Potentate’s Dinner at Sequim
• May 9th – Irrigation Festival Parade at Sequim (Pote’s Call)
• May 13th – Closed Stated Meeting

The Golf Course is still open and operating on regular hours. The #19 Bar & Grill is closed until further notice.

These can be trying times, but together we will do what it takes to get through it. Keep safe and remain flexible. If you would like to read more regarding Governor Jay Inslee’s decisions, go to https://www.governor.wa.gov/. You can also find more information on the CDC website, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

If you have questions, please call the office at 425-774-9611 ext. 201 or write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Yours in the faith,
Michael J. Riley 2020 Nile Potentate

Shriners come from all walks of life. We are members of the community who are working or retired, members of the trades, business professionals, business leaders and men who want to just have fun. We are fathers, uncles and sons. We are also brothers. When you become a Shriner, you become part of a brotherhood of men committed to family, engaged in ongoing personal growth, and dedicated to providing care of children and families in need through Shriners Hospitals for Children regardless of their ability to pay.

While our backgrounds and interests may be diverse, what binds us together are shared values and a desire to have fun, do good and build relationships that can last a life time. Is it time for you to learn more about Shriners International? Visit www.beashrinernow.com and find out. You can also go to our Join Nile page for what it will take to join.

Michael J. Riley
Potentate 2020

Nobles,
My first month has been exciting. The installation of officers held in January was the best attended in years, and the energy is high. I have been in the office on average five days a week, including weekends. I have been out visiting the Units & Clubs as much as possible and reaching out to our community.

My focus this year is three-fold. First that we document and archive as many of the processes as possible, so all future Nile leaders will have a reference to follow. It is not fair to expect each new divan member to recreate the wheel from scratch based on their recollection alone. It is counterproductive, wastes time and results in either failures or non-reproducible success.

At the recent Conference of Grand Masters in Louisville, Kentucky, Imperial Potentate Jeff Sowder, along with Scottish Rite Sovereign Grand Commanders David A. Glattly, 33° (Northern Masonic Jurisdiction), and James D. Cole, 33° (Southern Jurisdiction), announced a formal partnership on the Path Forward for Freemasonry.

As part of that initiative, the three leaders announced BeaFreemason.org, which features a wealth of information including an explanation of Masonic terms, lodge life, symbolism, degrees and family organizations. Launched in mid-February, this first-of-its-kind site introduces Freemasonry to men who are looking to "become the best version" of themselves. The site has a "Get in Touch" button, so prospects (in North America) can fill out a short form that will put them in touch with a Masonic leader in their local area. We hope you share this helpful site with men that you know who are committed to lives of honor, integrity and character.

For more information, go to: beafreemason.org