Nile
Shriners

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

I have two trees in my back yard, a Douglas fir and a Madrona. The Douglas fir keeps its needles in the winter, sways in the wind, and bends with the weight of the snow. It is considered a softwood, grows quickly, and is prevalent in our area. The Madrona on the other hand is nearly the opposite in every way, it loses leaves in the winter, stands firm to the wind, and breaks with the weight of the snow. The Madrona is a hardwood that grows slowly and only in select areas along the coast. I am fortunate to have a Madrona in my back yard but have lost two shed roofs to falling limbs. Of the two trees, the Douglas fir holds up to adversity better. Unlike trees, we can choose to be flexible to hold up to the current adversities or not.

Over the past few years, we have been working hard to stabilize our finances here at the Nile. Entering this year, we had a bit of a nest egg to help with our anxiety during the tough times. I intended to try lots of new things to build membership and bring some different fun events to the Nile that are more appealing to our newer members. Things have not gone as planned, but we have been flexible. In doing so, we have capitalized on some deferred maintenance, increased golf revenues and decreased expenses overall.

Many have shared condolences that my year did not go “as planned.” My flexibility has allowed the Nile to thrive while other businesses are going under. While it is true that I did not get all of the pomp and circumstance that normally comes with being Potentate, I have made a difference and the Nile is better for my time here. I am not sorry that 2020 was my year. Many great things were accomplished, and I have had the opportunity to work with some wonderful people, and the year is not over.

Nobles, please continue to take care of yourselves both mentally and physically. Use this time to work on those uncompleted tasks and love those around you.

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