There are years, and then there are milestones. In 2027, the Syria Shriners will celebrate something few organizations ever reach - 150 years of brotherhood, charity, and impact. Generations of Nobles have carried this organization forward, each leaving their mark so that the next could build upon it. Now, it is our turn.

• Visit www.syriashriners.org/150-prizes/ and complete the form.
• Or submit your sponsorship using the form at the bottom of this article.
• Or download, complete and return the paper form found here.

To honor this extraordinary moment, we are setting out to do something that reflects not only our history - but our ambition for the future: The 150th Anniversary Sportsman’s Bash Featuring 150 Prizes. This will not be just another Bash. It will be the largest, most ambitious, and most talked-about event in our history.

Why This Matters

The Sportsman’s Bash has grown into a cornerstone event, bringing together friends, families, and supporters for a day of camaraderie, excitement, and purpose. But this anniversary gives us something rare: A chance to elevate the Bash from a great event to a legendary one.

As James Elmer Jr., Sportsman’s Bash committee member shared, “The idea is simple, and twofold: pay homage to 150 years of Syria Shriners and our incredible philanthropic mission, and to also promote our premier fundraising event in an extravagant and unforgettable fashion.” That is exactly what this effort represents. Not just celebration - but intentional growth.

How You Can Be Part of It: You Must Act Soon!

To make this vision possible, we are inviting (at least) 150 supporters to stand with us and help bring this historic event to life. These are not advertisements. These are anniversary supporters — individuals, businesses, units, clubs, and families who want to say: “We were part of the 150th.” For a contribution of $150, you can become one of the 150 Anniversary Supporters. Your name - or the name of someone you wish to honor - will be recognized as part of this milestone celebration, including:

• Placement on the official anniversary recognition display
• Inclusion on commemorative event materials
• A permanent place in the story of this historic Bash

Many will choose to support in memory of a loved one, in recognition of their unit, or simply as a statement of pride in what Syria Shriners represents.

More Than an Event: A Statement

This initiative is about more than prizes. After 150 years, we are not slowing down. We are willing to think bigger. We are willing to invest in our future. And that when we celebrate, we do it in a way worthy of our legacy.

As James put it: “We encourage Shriners (and friends) to be a part and exercise that famous Shriner generously. This is a tremendous opportunity to support the Shrine we all love in a memorable way and announce to our community that we intend to be here for another 150 years.”

The Opportunity in Front of Us

Moments like this do not come often. In fact, for most of us, this will be the only time in our lives we will experience a 150th anniversary of something we are part of. Years from now, when people talk about this event, the question will be: “Were you part of it?” This is your opportunity to say: “Yes, I helped make it happen.”

Join the 150, Contribute Today

We are seeking (at least) 150 supporters to bring this vision to life. If you have ever felt pride in this organization… If you believe in what we do… If you want to be part of something truly memorable… Now is the time.

Be one of the 150. Visit  www.syriashriners.org/150-prizes/ , or complete the form below, or complete the paper form found in the Spring 2026 issue of the Voice of Syria. You can also download the submission form found here.

The end product? “I think it comes off a little crisper, a little lighter in the body of the beer," says Adam, "which I think is nice. I think the peppers come through even more too.” Lori finds it a bit hoppier too. “The lightness and crispness comes from it being a little more filtered than we do at home."

FROM CRAFT BEER FAN TO VP of T.R.A.S.H.

It was Christmas 2013 when Adam's dad bought him a starter kit for making home brewed beer. Hi father obviously noticed his son's potential to become a champion beer brewer. He hasn’t stopped since.

2022 NHHBF Tickets & Brewer Registration Click Here!

HOW BASH BREW BEGAN 

Although he's a Pittsburgh-native, Adam used to live in Washington DC for a few years right around the time he began brewing beers as a hobby. To gain knowledge on home brewing, he did a lot of research online, and a local brew shop helped to fill in with guidance and equipment.

However, something was lacking. He credits the home brewing scene and participants in Pittsburgh as an important part of his craft.

"Especially (having) been in Washington DC for a couple years, not finding that brotherhood, and that family-type atmosphere.. but upon coming to Pittsburgh and finding it immediately," says Adam. "The home brew family never leaves. Some go pro, but they continue to give back. As more of the Pittsburgh home brewers go pro, we support them and the brewers that went pro come back and support the home brewers.  I really like the city and what we’re doing with beer."

LIFE SINCE WINNING

Reaching the pinnacle of home-brewing achievement in Pittsburgh has been great for the Bashlines and their nascent brewing project 'Bash Brew'. There's been incredible buzz on social media. Adam happily shares that the local craft brew scene has caught on, and eagerly want to know what he and Laurie have cooking.

"People in our circle know us," Adam says. "Slowly but surely making a name for themselves. We brewery hop all the time, and we’re asked 'when’s it coming out'?!" 

EXPERIENCE WITH PENN BREWERY

Brewing at Penn Brewery at scale may have more pumps, filters, and bigger equipment.

It was a cool day. I wasn't sure how it was going to work coming into a very large, very established brewery. I thought, I might just stand off in the corner and  take pictures. We came in, sat our coffees down, Lori went to cutting peppers, I started dumping grain for the mash. We were super hands on the whole day. It was great, it was a really cool day.

Adam and Laurie participating in the brewing process for their 2021 NHHBF Championship entry Tortuga en Fuego at Penn Brewery.

CREATIVITY ADDS TO THE RECIPE

It's impossible not to notice the artistic illustrations that Bash Brew applies to its labels and the creativity they use to name each brew. This dynamic duo has brewing expertise and branding all under one roof.

Sporting an Art Degree from Clarion University, Laurie, the first lady of Bash Brew, handles all the design work for merchandise, beer signage, and their social media presence has grown a lot over the years. With such attention grabbing graphics, it's easy to see why.

Pastry Beers?

Laurie's artistry extends to the kitchen as well. She's come up with some of Bash Brew's most popular recipes.

Laurie is an expert when it comes to the spices and flavors that make some of the unique brews. This reporter almost fell out his chair while listening to her describe a pumpkin stout dessert beer which included an entire pumpkin roll pastry added in post-fermentation. Adam calls it his “A Warlock Stout tribute” made it a few times before.."

BEER FESTIVALS

Adam credits the persistent persuasion on behalf of North Hills Home Brew Fest founder, Bryan Llewelyn, with getting him to compete. (Let that be a lesson to all you up and comers, you can't win if you don't show up!) Adam missed the first NHHBF by not competing. The second edition he was on vacation and the 3rd edition was preempted by getting married. But by the time of the 4th edition - first attempt - Bash Brew was declared winner.

Before Covid, Adam and Laurie met their production capacity of 5 gallons at a time and went to beer festivals as often as they could. Right around May 2020 they finished up a ten 10 gallon set-up to double their production.

You can tell from talking with him that Adam is not only an exceptional brewer, but he's a pretty special guy, too. Adam's kindness towards the home brewing community is evident. He says that if there's a charity or good cause involved like supporting the NHHBF, or Brewing up a Cure, for example, he's there.

ADVICE FOR THE NOOBS

So the glitz, glamour and regional notoriety of a North hills Home Brew Fest Championship sounds appealing to you, eh? Well the Champ says it's easier than you think to earn a chance to rank among the local brewing nobility. 

"Come to a meeting at BASH, TRASH, WAZE, TRUB, Adam says. "Meetings are open to the public, and you can come and talk to members and get their opinions. Start small, start cheap. You can make good beer in plastic buckets. We ferment in stainless now, but the first 5 years I was in plastic. It’s completely drinkable and knocks the pants off of the big commercial brews.  It will get you a fresher, brighter beer."

Like most hobbies, there's a low barrier to entry to jump into the home brewing game. Adam and Laurie say to chase your beer brewing dreams you'll eventually want to step up your game.

"It does get to be an investment, but if you start cheap and you like it, that investment is going to be worth it. And you can always reach out to us at BASH BREW."

The smaller local craft breweries in PGH, you can catch their head brewer, at the end of the day, I have yet to meet a bad person in Pittsburgh craft brewing. They’ll answer our questions, they’ll answer your 11:18 questions. They’re more than happy to talk about it.

2022 North Hills Home Brew Fest

Don't miss Adam and Laurie's campaign to retain their crown as they and other past champions compete against Pittsburgh's best home brewers at the 2022 North Hills Home Brew Fest, held Saturday August, 27th. Learn more about the event, and get your tickets right here:

https://www.syriashriners.org/north-hills-home-brew-fest 

Nobles and Ladies across the Oasis! Enjoy footage and exciting announcements from the 2022 annual kick-off party for Pittsburgh's Syria Shriners' newly installed Illustrious Potentate, Terry N. Steinheiser!

I was a Tampa, FL Shriner's patient in the 90s and 00s. I have so much to thank Shriner's staff and to the Masons that help support the hospital and the cause. 

12/2019 I injured my back in a car accident. My doctor encouraged lumbar spine surgery in hopes it would help alleviate the pain. I underwent a discectomy in 09/30/21.

When I asked my surgeon if he thought I could run a marathon he said "you're very determined and I know if you want to you will." I said, "doctor, you can say I'm stubborn." He smiled and said "you can do anything you set your mind to, and I know you'll modify if/when you need to because you're very aware of your body." I like to think it was all the years I spent as a Shriner's patient, where I had to learn to verbalize my pain and my soothers.

As a result, I decided to set up Fundraise for LOVE — Florida as a way to dedicate my run to an organization that gave so much to me.

Well, Shriner's family, I accomplished my goal to run a marathon on 09/12/21, just 18 days short of 1 year since my spine surgery. My back is fantastic, although my feet/ toes beg to differ.

I'd just like to say thank you for everything you've ever done for kids that started like me. Living in Pittsburgh now, it's always a joy when I'm reminded of the Shriner's family that will always be a part of me.

Thank you,
Mariela Benitez

Our 2021 Illustrious Sir, Noble Donald I Green is a longtime fan of Mariela and tremendous spirit. Green was quoted as saying, "This is what Shriners do - Helping Kids."

Above: KDKA Sports Anchor Rich Walsh is flanked by Pittsburgh Syria Shrine members (left to right) Todd Green, Al Tedeschi, Randy Hobaugh, Illustrious Potentate Don Green and Scott Green.

It was our privilege to recognize KDKA's Rich Walsh with the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Annual Potentate Stag this past Saturday!

Rich's exemplary work in Pittsburgh sports media and in our local community earned him this lofty recognition.

Rich was kind enough to mention his acceptance on the Nightly Sports Call, and you can view that clip here: