August 2012 Volume 127 • Number 8

Pote’s Notes
Honoring Tradition -
Moving Forward
Boy, nothing like summer in Minnesota. It is
really hot. "How hot is it, Frank?" It's so hot
that the trees are creeping around looking for
shade. (rimshot) The temperature here isn’t
much different than Charlotte, NC, when we
were at the Annual Session of Shriners
International, sometimes called the Imperial
Session. Speaking of the Imperial, you should
be aware of 4 things. The first is that an
investigation took place into the financial
activities at the Annual Session in Denver, 2011,
and that Imperial Potentate Mike Severe was
reprimanded for his involvement. Second,
lengthy discussions took place
on the situation in Arkansas.
The new Imperial Potentate Al
Madsen will lead a delegation
to Arkansas to see if the rift
between the Grand Master
and the Shrine can be worked
out. Third, legislation was
passed to allow wives and
children to take part in
parades as long as they are
walkers or passengers in
vehicles with no less than 4
wheels and have the
permission of the Potentate.
The fourth item is of a
happier note. At the Annual
meeting of Osman Shrine, the
members vote for four
representatives to attend the
Imperial. For Osman that usually means the
top four elected officers including the Potentate.
When our time on the Divan is complete, a Past
Potentate may continue to attend the Annual
Session at their cost and have a vote on Hospital
matters. Osman is fortunate to have several Past
Potentates who have continued to serve Osman
at their own expense. When someone has
attended 15 Annual Sessions in a row, they are
eligible for Emeritus status that exempts them
In This Issue . . .
Cleanup Day
at the Barn - 2
Summary of Imperial- 4
Fall Colors Trip - 5
Membership - 6
Picnic - 7
Gala Weekend - 6-7
Club & Unit Reports - 8
Parades - 18
Pote’s Lady Joan Spevak locks up
hubbie Frank in the clown jail
during barn cleanup
August Birthdays - 20
Midwest Schedule - 21
Osman Womens
Auxiliary - 22
Patient Ambassadors - 23
Daughters of the Nile - 24
Paper Supporters - 25
Calendar - 26
Parade Pictures - 27, 28
from traveling every year.
Until this year, we had only
one emeritus member, PP John
Perkins. This year, another
Emeritus member for Osman was
granted. The recipient was PP
Jerry Plachecki. We were able to
hold a small dinner congratulating
Jerry at a restaurant nearby our hotel
in Charlotte. Osman is very proud of all
the Past Potentates that are able to continue
supporting the Hospital at the Annual
Session and we are especially proud of Jerry
for his achievement. Thank you Jerry for all
your time, talent, spirit and means.
As you read this we will be at the Gala.
Many hours were spent
working on the table
favors and decorations by
Joan and a number of
Ladies. We hope that
everyone that attended
had a great time. Joan
and I are very thankful
that our families were able
to attend. Joan’s mother
is a regular at Osman
events but always glad
when she can be here. In
addition to our children
Kate, Mari and Frank, I
had my father, Frank
from Cleveland, my aunt
Joan also from Cleveland,
my uncle John from
California, my aunt
Evelyn and my brother Ed and my sister-inlaw
Mary, they are from St. Louis, also
attend. The last time we had a mini family
reunion was at my brother’s wedding to
Mary about 2 ½ years ago.
I want to thank everyone that helped
clean up the barn. We
started at 9 AM and
by 9:45 the 30-yard
dumpster was almost
full. We were able to
fit in a few smaller items to top it
off. We will hold another clean-up
in the fall with another dumpster.
Still lots of extremely old, broken down
stuff that needs to be taken care of.
The barn looks great and we should
have a terrific time at the picnic. We
have prizes, a jumping ride for the kids
and a dunk tank. You can buy chances to
Dunk the Divan or Float the Pote. Proceeds will
go to Transportation and Aid. Games, hot dogs,
hamburgers, watermelon, popcorn, soda, beer,
and water will be provided. Remember to bring a
dish to share.
Anders Haugen has planned a terrific evening
at the St. Paul Saints game on Tuesday, August
21. TRAIN! We will have food and tickets for
the game. Send a note into the office to reserve
your spot. TRAIN! Remember that if you bring
a prospect to the event, not only are they our
guest but you will be too.
The trip details to Boston and Maine,
September 27 to October 1, have been finalized
and you will find the information on the trip on
page 5 in this Osman. It is a little early for a fall
color trip but from the latest news reports,
because of the drought conditions that have
persisted, the colors may be much earlier than
usual. We are looking forward to a great time.
Reservations need to be in by August 27.
Lastly, thank you to everyone that participates
in parades. You are representing Osman and the
Shrine to the outside world; letting them know
that we are still here to both entertain and to
support the “World’s Greatest Philanthropy.”
And a very special thank you to all the ladies.
Whether you stay home with the kids letting your
Shriner participate or whether you are able to
attend the parades. It is always great to know that
you are with us.
Es Selamu Aleikum
Frank Spevak, Potentate 2012
Official Monthly Publication of Osman A.A.O.N.M.S.
2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, St. Paul, MN 55121
(651) 452-5660 • Fax (651) 683-0231
E-mail: doreen@OsmanShrine.org
All communications regarding editorial content or advertising
should be addressed to the Editor at the address above.
Published in the interest of Osman Shrine.
Osman Shrine Office Staff
Doreen Lynch
Office Manager
Ellen Maine
Assistant Office Manager
Doreen@OsmanShrine.org Ellen@OsmanShrine.org
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