Shriner's Expo

[Bill Howell]

A fellow Shriner sent me this and it looks like a great event. I plan to attend and anyone close in North Carolina might want to check it out.
http://www.raceworks.com/coverage/2007/expo/ad1/

[ProdigyCustoms]

Hummm!

[69keith]

This is a great cause. I'm a Shriner and our unit raises money to transport the kids to Greenville for FREE care of crippled and burned children. Money is no good at this hospital, the care, transportation,meals, and lodging is FREE. It is paid for by donations and special events like this one. Support your local Shriner Event when you can...
Keith Crigger
Kazim Shrine Center
Kazim Character Unit
2007 New River Shrine Club President

[Bill Howell]

Hi Keith, finally another Shriner on the board. It was getting lonely in here.
This is good info to know.:twothumbs

[69keith]

Bill,
When is SASA coming back to Pigeon Forge?
Keith

[Bill Howell]

Sept. 2008

[6'9"Witha69]

I can just see Bill on a little scooter wearing the hat!! lol

Now we need a photochop . . .

Or the real picture . . .

[68fusion]

It's a good show ....mostly local stuff. We take about 5 cars every year and has been good for biz.

Hey Bill would like to meet you and let you check out some of our work!

[DJ Mabe]

I'm from Greensboro and I will probably be in town then. I would love to swing by the show, check out the cars, parts and meet some of you guys. Do I have to find someone that will let me borrow one of those funny looking hats so that I can get in?:naughty:

[69keith]

The're called a FEZ... your just jealous because you don't have one...LOL

[Bill Howell]

I look cute in my FEZ....

[go-fish]

Are Shriners like Masons or something? What is the society's main function, secret? I think it's pretty cool what they do for the sick kids. I always told my wife if we hit the lotto St. Judes is getting half. It's all about the kids. Thanks guys.

[ProTouring442]

"Why she come runnin' right through the dinner with nothin' on bu your fez coy"

"Coy, you the only one's got a fez with a propeller on the top"

"Yeah, yeah, and she was yellin' out the secret code too, coy; we gonna have to change it now"

I love that song!

I am such a geek!!! :geek:

I'll have to see if my dad can go, looks like fun!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442)

[jfman]

I'm curous about the shriners too ? All I know is that they wear funny hats.

[Damn True]

Bill, are you the "Illustrious Potentate"?

"How did you get that big 'ol Harley up on the high-dive?"

[Bandit]

Aren't they the ones that have been hiding the Holy Grail? Oh wait, maybe that was the Illuminati...:hmm:

[Damn True]

Now I've got that dang song stuck in my head.

Here they come down main street, drums a flailin' and the sirens a wailin', what a roar
Bands are a playin' and flags are a waivin, and the Vanguard's and Motorcycle Corps
Clowns are a clownin' to the crowd and pinchin' every pretty girl who dares to smile
It's a glorious mess, everybody wears a fez the parade stretches out for a mile

Chorus

It's a typical American phenomenon where all the members have a fine old time
It's the forty-third annual Convention of the Grand Mystic Royal Order
Of the Nobles of the Ali Baba Temple of the Shrine
Girls

Meanwhile back at the Motel.....
Spoken

"Hello, Operator, give me room 321, please, thank you Hello, Noble Lumpkin? This here is the illustrious Potentate. I said it's the illustrious Potentate. The illustrious...Coy! Dad blame it! This here's Bubba! Coy, why an't you at the parade?! What?! Well, how'd you get that big Harley up there in your room? What?! I can't hear ya' Coy! Quit revvin' it up, son! Turn it off! Listen I just want you to know one thing. You have embarrassed us all, the whole Hahira Delegation! Now I'll see you at the banquet tonight, son. And you be there Coy, you hear me? Black tie! Seven o'clock! Be there! And Coy, don't answer the phone, udden udden! Mercy"
Well, it was all arranged by the Ladies Auxiliary in the downtown Convention Hall
Cold Roast Beef, String Beans, Mashed Potatoes and nine boring speeches in all
And all the tables looked fine with their Mogen David Wine and Chrysanthemums on each side
And the Hahira leaders in their rented Tuxedos made the local hearts swell with pride

Chorus

It's a typical American phenomenon where all the members have a fine old time
It's the forty-third annual Convention of the Grand Mystic Royal Order
Of the Nobles of the Ali Baba Temple of the Shrine
Girls

Meanwhile back at the Motel.....
Spoken

"Operator, 321, please. Thank You. Hello, Coy? What are you doin'?! What do you mean, who is this! This is Bubba? Why wasn't you at the banquet? What do you mean all you had to wear was a Hawaiian flowerdy shirt? Well, you may think you're foolin' some people, but I know what's goin' on. Yeah, Ever'body seen the little redhead. That's right, ever'body! Why she come runnin' right through the dinner, right in the middle of the pineapple sherbet. Didn't have nothin' on but your fez, Coy! Coy, you the only one's got a fez with a propeller on top!! Yeah, yeah and she was a yellin' out the secret code, too, Coy. Dad blame it we gonna have to change it now, Coy! We gonna have to have a special meetin', we get back to Hahira, about your conduct at this here convention. Embarrassin'!! Now Coy, you be at the secret conclave tonight! You hear me?! And Coy, keep it a secret! Hah!"
Well, it was a secret meeting in the dead of the night with mysterious sanctimony
In accordance with prescribed rituals of time honored ceremony
Matters of grave concern were weighed with dedicated caution
Like whether or not to raise at stud or draw or spit in the ocean

Chorus

It's a typical American phenomenon where all the members have a fine old time
It's the forty-third annual Convention of the Grand Mystic Royal Order
Of the Nobles of the Ali Baba Temple of the Shrine
Girls

Meanwhile back at the Motel.....
Spoken

"Operator, room three-twenty...How'd you know? Oh! Hello! Coy? Where have you been? No, you wasn't at the meeting! Well, I found out that at three o'clock this mornin' you was out there in your Fruit of the Loom's in the motel swimmin' pool with a bunch of them waitresses from the cocktail lounge! I just hope your mama don't find out about this, Coy! What? Well, how'd you get that big motorcycle up there on the high dive, Coy? Now Coy, dad blame it, that ain't no way to act. We supposed to be pillars of the community. When we get back to Hahira you can just turn in your ring and your tie tack 'cause Coy, heh-heh, you are out of the Shrine! You gonna be blackballed, boy! That's right! You might even have to pack your bags and leave town! What do you mean you might join the Hell's Angels? Coy! Don't you hang up on me! Hello, hello...Don't you crank that motorcycle! Who's that gigglin' in the background, Coy? Hello, hello operator! Yeah, we's cut off! Rroom 321. Dad blame it Coy! You don't hang up on the illustrious Potentate! I said the illustrious Potentate! This is Bubba! Bubba! Coy!............."

[69keith]

Bill,
I don't think we're going anywhere with this one...
Keith

[Bill Howell]

Are Shriners like Masons or something? What is the society's main function, secret? I think it's pretty cool what they do for the sick kids. I always told my wife if we hit the lotto St. Judes is getting half. It's all about the kids. Thanks guys.

I will take the high road here and try to answer the best I can.
Sure, sometimes Shriners get a bad rap as far as being partiers, but the truth is, Clowning, riding go carts or whatever else you see a Shriner do is serious business, and is all about the kids. As Keith has said, we offer medical services to burned kids and kids born with orthopedic (sp?) problems. Color, race, creed, or social status has nothing to do with who comes or who is gets treatment. And above all, your money is no good at a Shriner's hospital. Yes, Shriners are all Masons. Not all Masons choose to become a Shriner, but all Shriners must first be a Mason.
There are no real secrets to Masonary, except ways we can recognize one another and our obligation to each other. We do have monthly meetings and talk about upcoming events, fundraisers and about others that need assistance. The big difference between Masons and say the local Rotary Club (of which I am also a member) is that a Masonic organization will help someone annonymously and the Rotary Club will take pictures and post it in the newspaper. For exsample, a couple years ago, our lodge heard about a child that needed a special car seat because of a birth defeat, as I remember it was MS or something similiar. We passed the hat for the $900, one of our members bought the car seat, delivered it to the family and that was it. No dog and pony show, just got business done. The down side of this is people do not realize what we do unless they are directly effected so we get accussed of being some secret society or something. Of course, here in the Bible belt, we get a bad rap in some church groups too, but that is because they are ignorant to the facts. Masonry does nothing that you would be ashamed of, nor does it interfere with your duty to your family, neighbor or self.

One question that has not been asked but I am sure will be is this, we do not solicit new members. To be one, you must ask.

Shriners then are just an extention of Masonry, with a focus on helping Children that need us get the help they need to have a better life.

So, to conclude this, I am proud to be a Mason and a Shriner. I do take it serious. I promise you this, you may see me cut the fool, you may even see me take a sip of an Adult beverage now and again.
However, I promise you this, it will never be when I am wearing a FEZ or when I am representing the fraternity.
Thanks for asking though. Our fraternity is getting older by the day because the younger generation is either too busy or never hear what I have just said here. I hope both the Shrine and Masons in general can learn how to tap into the younger guys coming behind us or the kids that count on us now will not have the support they need one day.

How was that Keith??

[Bill Howell]

Bill, are you the "Illustrious Potentate"?



No, this is a very serious responsiblity and I am not committed enough to give that much time and money to be Potentate on the local Temple.

[Damn True]

Bill,

Just want you to know that I have nothing but respect and admiration for Masons and Shriners (I didn't know there was a link between the two) and the things they do in their respective communities. The above was simply joking around.

True

You gotta post a pic of you in your Fez though.

[Bill Howell]

Bill,

Just want you to know that I have nothing but respect and admiration for Masons and Shriners (I didn't know there was a link between the two) and the things they do in their respective communities. The above was simply joking around.

True

You gotta post a pic of you in your Fez though.

I knew that True, but I did want to answer the questions asked.
The old way of thinking among Masons was to never say anything about the fraternity. The sad thing with that train of thought was no one knew anything about us, good or bad. That has always lead to the Secret Society thing.
As far as the Fez thing goes, I will see what I can do....:)

[Bandit]

I just want to drive one of those mopeds and wear one of those cool hats...

[jfman]

Can you become a shriner if youre not a Mason ?

[Bill Howell]

Can you become a shriner if youre not a Mason ?

No, all Shriners are first Masons.

[69keith]

Wow, This might be the new generation of masons we're bringing up Bill... Like Bill said alot of Shriners get a bad rap. Sometimes we do step out of line, but we have brotherhood to straighten us out. Did you know you can go anywhere in the world and be recognized as a Mason?
Did you know that Hitler recognized Masons, alot of our soldiers that went to Germany became Masons berfore they left. Hilter did not kill the POW's that where Masons. There is no higher honor than being called a brother. Masons take a good man and make him better..
Keith

[Bill Howell]

During the Civil War, when the Northern troops raided a southern town(sorry if this is not PC, however, read your history books, it is the truth) they basically raped and pillaged a community. Anything was fair game, and it was a sad time. However, more than once a soldier would come out of a house with a Masonic apron. If another soldier was a Mason, even though he was on the opposite side of the war, he would demand that house, family and belongings be left alone and nothing would be touched.
Just as Keith said, Masonry takes a good man and makes him better.
Brotherhood is a very good description, the relationship among Masons is much deeper than an annual dues card.

[catfish]

im new here but i live in hope mills nc

[catfish]

hey im catfish and i live in hope mills nc

[69keith]

Alot of Shrine Centers have car units.

[69keith]

Hello catfish

[Bill Howell]

Welcome Catfish.

[Bill Howell]

Alot of Shrine Centers have car units.

Yeah, but being in Tennessee, ours is more of a rat rod unit.....lol
Hillbilly style cars/trucks/junque

[ProTouring442]

No, this is a very serious responsiblity and I am not committed enough to give that much time and money to be Potentate on the local Temple.

Ray Stevens asked for permission before writing/singing that song. I think the cool thing is that he was given permission. Any group that can make fun of them selves, or give permission for someone else to do so is OK in my book!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.fquick.com/ProTouring442)

[ProTouring442]

A question... Does anyone know if there will be wheelchairs available at this show? My wife cannot walk long distances anymore (Multiple Sclerosis) and we would like to attend.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.fquick.com/ProTouring442)

[Bill Howell]

Bill, I am not sure, however, you can probably inquire at their website to see. Also, I plan on coming over, and have a wheelchair from when Melinda was wheelchair bound for three years(wreck). Let me know if you need it and I will bring it. Also, local medical suppy houses rent them really cheap, and your insurance may even pay it. Check with her Doctor.
Let me know if you need anything.

[ProTouring442]

Bill, I am not sure, however, you can probably inquire at their website to see. Also, I plan on coming over, and have a wheelchair from when Melinda was wheelchair bound for three years(wreck). Let me know if you need it and I will bring it. Also, local medical suppy houses rent them really cheap, and your insurance may even pay it. Check with her Doctor.
Let me know if you need anything.

Just a thought... do you still need the chair? More to the point, if you do not, would you want to sell it?

Kristy only needs one at show and such, but as of late we have been considering buying one.

Anyway, just let me know.

Thanks!
Bill & Kristy

[Bill Howell]

Melinda has thought about it from time to time, but just doesn't want to sell it. She has loaned it out from time to time when someone broke a leg or had surgery, but she just don't want to part with it. It is not a cheap rental type chair if you are familar with cars, it is a quickie, pretty high dollar car and custom fit for her.
Long story shortened, no, but she doesn't mind loaning it out.

[JChristian1835]

A question... Does anyone know if there will be wheelchairs available at this show? My wife cannot walk long distances anymore (Multiple Sclerosis) and we would like to attend.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.fquick.com/ProTouring442)

I'm very sad to hear about your wife... my mother has MS and she's gotten to the point where after so long she gets exhausted, tired and her legs quit working. I hope things go well for her and I hope that she stays in good health as long as possible.

[ProTouring442]

Melinda has thought about it from time to time, but just doesn't want to sell it. She has loaned it out from time to time when someone broke a leg or had surgery, but she just don't want to part with it. It is not a cheap rental type chair if you are familar with cars, it is a quickie, pretty high dollar car and custom fit for her.
Long story shortened, no, but she doesn't mind loaning it out.

Got ya. Thanks for the offer for a loaner, I haven't heard back on the availability of a chair at the show, but after looking over the Coliseum's web site, I can't imagine they don't have them available.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442)

[ProTouring442]

I'm very sad to hear about your wife... my mother has MS and she's gotten to the point where after so long she gets exhausted, tired and her legs quit working. I hope things go well for her and I hope that she stays in good health as long as possible.

Sorry to hear that your mom is having trouble. Kristy's legs will get very heavy and she starts to do the "Kristy stagger" (her words, not mine) after a while. Fatigue is the hardest part to deal with, as her stamina has become an unknown entity. Some days she could walk a mile without being exhausted, other days it could be a few hundred feet.

Fotunately for those diagnosed in the last 10 years, the disease modifying drugs do help quite a bit. Kristy also takes a med that helps her with the fatigue, and it seems to work quite well. Also, there are some very promising drugs currently in testing, including at least one that seems to be very effective for people with walking difficulties. While there might not be a good time to have MS, the truth is that there has been no better time than now.

I hope I haven't pulled this thread too far off its intended course. To bring it back a bit, I will ask; who from the list might be at the show on Saturday morning?

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.fquick.com/ProTouring442)

[68fusion]

Did anybody go?

[DJ Mabe]

I was trying to get back down there to see my folks but it didn't happen. I know a few of these guys were there for sure? Someone post up some pics if you have them. At least let us know how the event went.

[ProTouring442]

The event was very nice! While I didn't meet up with anyone from the forum there, I did have an experience that I have to share!

My wife loves blue grass gospel music, and there was a blue grass band there called The Jones Brothers. Now, as you have read previously, my wife has MS and used a wheel chair at the event. So, I pushed her over to the band, and went off to see a few more cars. When I returned, the band member were chatting away with her as if they had known her for 30 years! They relayed all sorts of stories, absolutely great guys. They even played her a special "concert" consisting of a gospel song when they realized they had forgotten to play one during the concert! So, my wife decides to purchase a couple of CDs, and the guys absolutely will not allow her to pay! I just can't get over how nicely they treated her.

Anyway, there were some very nice cars there. We were glad we went, and will definitely go again next year!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442)

[DJ Mabe]

Bill that is so great. I'm glad you and the wife had a good time down there. Those NC people are so nice. I also noticed you are local to me in Maryland. Do you ever get up to Jimmy Cone in Mt Airy during the spring and summer months? We'll have to meet up sometime. Glad you guys enjoyed the event.

[ProTouring442]

Bill that is so great. I'm glad you and the wife had a good time down there. Those NC people are so nice. I also noticed you are local to me in Maryland. Do you ever get up to Jimmy Cone in Mt Airy during the spring and summer months? We'll have to meet up sometime. Glad you guys enjoyed the event.

As often as I can! We will definitely have to meet up sometime!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.FQuick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.fquick.com/ProTouring442)