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

The trees at the Nile are painted in their autumn colors. The air is crisp and free from the smoke that once loomed from the summer fires. Daily, I see squirrels giving chase. The birds prepare their winter homes. I find that I am more and more appreciative of a warm bowl of soup and a warmer jacket. The weather is damp but not yet soggy. Days are short. Winter is near; it is beautiful outside.

I have a new hobby. I am learning to play the guitar. I enjoy it and have practiced every day for two months now. I am getting better and Kim can even identify the songs that I play. Most likely because I have played them a few hundred times now. She says that she likes it, which is kind and better than the alternative. I plan on sticking with it.

I also have a new job working for Lumen Technologies. It is doing the same thing only with more of what I like and less of what I do not. I can continue to work remotely, which means that I am in the office at the Nile, most days. The reduced stress is a welcome change.

It is now the time of year where we historically present the budget and elect new leadership. Many Temples and Lodges are keeping their leadership in place for another year. Since we have a full line eager to advance, the Nile has decided not to do that. Unfortunately, we have not figured out a way to do that under the current restrictions imposed by Imperial and the Grand Master. Fortunately, it is not a hardship for me to remain in place for the time being. I plan on dismissing my appointees at the end of this year and formally appointing Larry’s team so they can start planning and attending training events once the restrictions are lifted. Larry and I will be working together, and we will continue to seek out alternatives until I can safely and legally pass the reigns. I believe everyone expected this pandemic to be over by now. I think that realistically we are going to be feeling the effects and modifying how we do things for a while.

January is when most start looking at resolutions for change. A time to learn a new hobby. A time to quit an old habit. A time to get healthier. The one thing this year has given us is time. We have time now, let us not wait to make things better. Let us send out those holiday cards that we seem never to get out. Let us start going on walks and eating healthier. Let us put together the family budget that we always push off. (I should start on my next SWN article now.) Let us not regret failing to make changes, while we have been given this opportunity.

I am grateful for everyone's support. Be safe and Happy Holidays!

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