Happy Independence Day!

Yesterday, we celebrated the 244th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America as a free and sovereign nation, rejecting colonial British rule. May the federal republic we forged thereafter under our Constitution endure forever!

2020 CASH Give-A-Way Lottery Fundraiser

By Randy Hobaugh, Second Ceremonial Master

I would like to share with you a new Syria Shrine fundraiser that will replace our long-standing Car Raffle. For the past couple of years, the raffle ticket sales have been declining, and it’s time to introduce something new. With that said, this year we will be kicking off a $25,000 HOLIDAY CASH GIVE-A-WAY.

This lottery fundraiser will be given away during the week of Christmas.

Syria Holiday Cash Give-A-Way Ticket will be sold for $10 per ticket, with a total giveaway of $25,000.

The prizes will be awarded on the PA Lottery 7pm Daily Pick 4, and two numbers will be printed on each ticket. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

• December 21 - $ 500
• December 22 - $ 1,000
• December 23 - $ 1,500
• December 24 - $ 2,000
• December 25 - $20,000 Grand Prize

We really need to sell all 5,000 tickets to optimize this fundraiser. We are very much hoping that everyone can buy and/or sell tickets to support this effort. Please do your best to help reduce our deficit, and avoid dues increases. 

Proceeds benefit Syria Shriners. Ticket price is NOT tax deductible

Tuesday, June 23, the Syria Shriners Board of Directors reluctantly reached the decision to cancel the Sportsmen's Bash for 2020. We felt we had no choice but to cancel, given the restrictions limiting large gatherings.

If you have checks or cash you can return to folks who bought a ticket from you, please do so, as it will save us postage and labor in processing refunds.

Simply write on the back of the stub "REFUNDED" and send the stub to:

Syria Shriners
1877 Schriners Way
Cheswick, PA 15024

We will be issuing refunds to all ticket holders whose stubs and payments have been previous received. We will process refunds as soon as possible, but ask for your patience as we work through the orders we have received.

We'll be back next year, bigger and better than ever, on Saturday, June 19, 2021.

Save the date! Mark your calendar now!

The Big Band is Back!! Swing Time Nights Return July 17

Swing Time Nights, featuring the Syria Shriners Stage Band, return to the Pittsburgh Shrine Center Ballroom, Friday, July 17, The band was just ready to kick off its 2020 season when Shrine activities were suspended, so the July date marks the band's 2020 debut. The music starts at 7pm, and admission is $5 at the door. Come on out and swing!

Butler Luncheon Club Resumes Activities

Dear fellow Nobles:

After a three month hiatus, we have finally received the approval from Syria Shriners to resume our weekly meeting for the Butler Shrine Luncheon Club! Hallelujah!

Accordingly, WE WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, at 11:30 AM at American Legion Post #778, Kohler Ave., Lyndora.

We will necessarily be following the distancing guidelines as set forth by the Shrine and other authorities. We do ask that you wear a mask, except, of course, when we’re eating.

In addition, we are pleased to report that our Potentate will be our guest on July 29. That will be Ladies Day, and we’ll be meeting in the main room at American Legion Post #778.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact Secretary George Bonnett, at 724-287-5345.

We are certainly looking forward to resuming our meetings!

Yours Truly,
John R. Stokes
President

​​In Case You Missed It

With continuing support from Shriners Children's^TM, last night, for the 4,931st consecutive Saturday night, the show went on at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville with a very special Independence Day show, featuring The Oak Ridge Boys, Sara Evans, and Mark Wills, keeping the music playing in Music City, once again without a live audience. Click the image to the right and enjoy the show.

SC has kept the music playing the last 16 Saturdays. See all the shows here.

THIS YEAR'S BIG BUTLER, FAYETTE COUNTY, HOOKSTOWN, WASHINGTON COUNTY & WESTMORELAND COUNTY FAIRS HAVE BEEN CANCELED.

THE BUTLER FARM SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED.

FORT LIGONIER DAYS HAS BEEN CANCELED.

THE WASHINGTON-GREENE COUNTY COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELED.

WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY AWARE OF ANY PARADES THAT ARE STILL SCHEDULED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS YEAR.

Happy Independence Day!

This Saturday, we celebrate the 244th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America as a free and sovereign nation, rejecting colonial British rule. May the federal republic we forged thereafter under our Constitution endure forever!

2020 CASH Give-A-Way Lottery Fundraiser

By Randy Hobaugh, Second Ceremonial Master

I would like to share with you a new Syria Shrine fundraiser that will replace our long-standing Car Raffle. For the past couple of years, the raffle ticket sales have been declining, and it’s time to introduce something new. With that said, this year we will be kicking off a $25,000 HOLIDAY CASH GIVE-A-WAY.

This lottery fundraiser will be given away during the week of Christmas.

Syria Holiday Cash Give-A-Way Ticket will be sold for $10 per ticket, with a total giveaway of $25,000.

The prizes will be awarded on the PA Lottery 7pm Daily Pick 4, and two numbers will be printed on each ticket. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

• December 21 - $ 500
• December 22 - $ 1,000
• December 23 - $ 1,500
• December 24 - $ 2,000
• December 25 - $20,000 Grand Prize

We really need to sell all 5,000 tickets to optimize this fundraiser. We are very much hoping that everyone can buy and/or sell tickets to support this effort. Please do your best to help reduce our deficit, and avoid dues increases. 

Proceeds benefit Syria Shriners. Ticket price is NOT tax deductible

Last Tuesday, the Syria Shriners Board of Directors reluctantly reached the decision to cancel the Sportsmen's Bash for 2020. We felt we had no choice but to cancel, given the restrictions limiting large gatherings.

If you have checks or cash you can return to folks who bought a ticket from you, please do so, as it will save us postage and labor in processing refunds.

Simply write on the back of the stub "REFUNDED" and send the stub to:

Syria Shriners

1877 Schriners Way

Cheswick, PA 15024

We will be issuing refunds to all ticket holders whose stubs and payments have been previous received. We will process refunds as soon as possible, but ask for your patience as we work through the orders we have received.

We'll be back next year, bigger and better than ever, on Saturday, June 19, 2021.

Save the date! Mark your calendar now!

Please be mindful of your social media presence and your posts

By Robert T. Addleman, Jr. PP, Recorder 

I recently received a call at the Shrine Center office from someone wanting to call our attention to what they believed to be inflammatory and racist posts on Facebook from one of our members whose profile picture portrays him wearing a fez, and who prominently wears his Masonic affiliations on his sleeve on his Facebook page. The caller believed that our member was speaking on behalf of all Syria Shriners with his posts. Of course, that is NOT the case, yet the implication is there.

While we are all entitled to freely express our opinions on any subject matter, I would ask that you keep a few things in mind;

1. Does your profile picture and bio mention Shriners and Masonic organizations? If not, no worries. Flame away (but is it REALLY necessary as a Shrine Mason to do this?). If so, think long and hard about number 2 and number 3 below.
2. Does your post reflect the values of Freemasonry and Shriners International? Not what you think they are or should be, but what our Grand Lodge and Imperial Council publish and what they teach. Chief among the teachings of both is the principle of tolerance and respect for others.
3. Keep in mind that, as Masons and Shriners, we are particularly admonished never to discuss politics or religion in the Lodge or Temple. When we make public posts to social media we might well consider following the same guidelines.

Govern yourself accordingly. So mote it be.

Click the Grand Lodge seal above to read a recent letter from Bro. Thomas Gamon IV, Right Worshipful Grand Master, discussing this subject.

Butler Luncheon Club Resumes Activities

Dear fellow Nobles:

After a three month hiatus, we have finally received the approval from Syria Shriners to resume our weekly meeting for the Butler Shrine Luncheon Club! Hallelujah!

Accordingly, WE WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, at 11:30 AM at American Legion Post #778, Kohler Ave., Lyndora.

We will necessarily be following the distancing guidelines as set forth by the Shrine and other authorities. We do ask that you wear a mask, except, of course, when we’re eating.

In addition, we are pleased to report that our Potentate will be our guest on July 29. That will be Ladies Day, and we’ll be meeting in the main room at American Legion Post #778.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact Secretary George Bonnett, at 724-287-5345.

We are certainly looking forward to resuming our meetings!

Yours Truly,
John R. Stokes
President

​​In Case You Missed It

With continuing support from Shriners Children's^TM, last night, for the 4,930th consecutive Saturday night, the show went on at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, featuring Country superstar and Osiris Shriners Noble Brad Paisley, and legendary bluesman Keb' Mo', keeping the music playing in Music City, once again without a live audience. Click the image to the right and enjoy the show.

SC has kept the music playing the last 15 Saturdays. See all the shows here.

THIS YEAR'S BIG BUTLER FAIR FAYETTE, WASHINGTON, AND WESTMORELAND COUNTY FAIRS HAVE BEEN CANCELED. 

AT THIS TIME, THE BUTLER FARM SHOW REMAINS ON THE CALENDAR AS SCHEDULED, AUGUST 10-15, and FORT LIGONIER DAYS REMAINS SCHEDULED OCTOBER 9-11

Happy Father's Day

Today is the day we set aside each year to honor our fathers and other important men in our lives. If you're fortunate enough to still have your father with you, and even though you may not be able to see him in person this year, please give him at least a virtual hug from all of us, and offer him the best wishes of all of us at Syria Shriners!

2020 CASH Give-A-Way Lottery Fundraiser

By Randy Hobaugh, Second Ceremonial Master

I would like to share with you a new Syria Shrine fundraiser that will replace our long-standing Car Raffle. For the past couple of years, the raffle ticket sales have been declining, and it’s time to introduce something new. With that said, this year we will be kicking off a $25,000 HOLIDAY CASH GIVE-A-WAY.

This lottery fundraiser will be given away during the week of Christmas.

Syria Holiday Cash Give-A-Way Ticket will be sold for $10 per ticket, with a total giveaway of $25,000.

The prizes will be awarded on the PA Lottery 7pm Daily Pick 4, and two numbers will be printed on each ticket. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

• December 21 - $ 500
• December 22 - $ 1,000
• December 23 - $ 1,500
• December 24 - $ 2,000
• December 25 - $20,000 Grand Prize

We really need to sell all 5,000 tickets to optimize this fundraiser. We are very much hoping that everyone can buy and/or sell tickets to support this effort. Please do your best to help reduce our deficit, and avoid dues increases. 

Proceeds benefit Syria Shriners. Ticket price is NOT tax deductible

Please send all of your sold stubs and accompanying money immediately to:

Kenneth D. Stuart 1185 Astronaut Circle Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Our early bird drawing is Saturday, July 11. You will want to get your entry in for that drawing. Additionally, we need to get a better idea of where we stand with ticket sales at this point. Pandemic pandemonium has severely hampered our ticket selling efforts, along with all of our other fundraisers, and we need to make certain we maximize this critically important activity aimed at balancing our budget.

If you have tickets you don't think you can sell, please return them, so we can get them to someone who can get them sold before the early bird drawing. Please buy a ticket if you can afford it, even if the Sportsman's Bash is not your thing. Ken Stuart can mail you a ticket if you send him a check. Tickets can also be purchased through our website. Click the image above to get yours now!

Please be mindful of your social media presence and your posts

By Robert T. Addleman, Jr. PP, Recorder 

I recently received a call at the Shrine Center office from someone wanting to call our attention to what they believed to be inflammatory and racist posts on Facebook from one of our members whose profile picture portrays him wearing a fez, and who prominently wears his Masonic affiliations on his sleeve on his Facebook page. The caller believed that our member was speaking on behalf of all Syria Shriners with his posts. Of course, that is NOT the case, yet the implication is there.

While we are all entitled to freely express our opinions on any subject matter, I would ask that you keep a few things in mind;

1. Does your profile picture and bio mention Shriners and Masonic organizations? If not, no worries. Flame away (but is it REALLY necessary as a Shrine Mason to do this?). If so, think long and hard about number 2 and number 3 below.
2. Does your post reflect the values of Freemasonry and Shriners International? Not what you think they are or should be, but what our Grand Lodge and Imperial Council publish and what they teach. Chief among the teachings of both is the principle of tolerance and respect for others.
3. Keep in mind that, as Masons and Shriners, we are particularly admonished never to discuss politics or religion in the Lodge or Temple. When we make public posts to social media we might well consider following the same guidelines.

Govern yourself accordingly. So mote it be.

Click the Grand Lodge seal above to read a recent letter from Bro. Thomas Gamon IV, Right Worshipful Grand Master, discussing this subject.

Butler Luncheon Club Resumes Activities

Dear fellow Nobles:

After a three month hiatus, we have finally received the approval from Syria Shriners to resume our weekly meeting for the Butler Shrine Luncheon Club! Hallelujah!

Accordingly, WE WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, at 11:30 AM at American Legion Post #778, Kohler Ave., Lyndora.

We will necessarily be following the distancing guidelines as set forth by the Shrine and other authorities. We do ask that you wear a mask, except, of course, when we’re eating.

In addition, we are pleased to report that our Potentate will be our guest on July 29. That will be Ladies Day, and we’ll be meeting in the main room at American Legion Post #778.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact Secretary George Bonnett, at 724-287-5345.

We are certainly looking forward to resuming our meetings!

Yours Truly,
John R. Stokes
President

THIS YEAR'S BIG BUTLER FAIR FAYETTE, WASHINGTON, AND WESTMORELAND COUNTY FAIRS HAVE BEEN CANCELED. 

AT THIS TIME, THE BUTLER FARM SHOW REMAINS ON THE CALENDAR AS SCHEDULED, AUGUST 10-15, and FORT LIGONIER DAYS REMAINS SCHEDULED OCTOBER 9-11

MASA Convention Canceled

With all the uncertainty regarding public events, parades, and large gatherings in the Commonweatlh of Virginia, and the City of Virginia Beach, the officers of the Mid Atlantic Shrine Association reluctantly reached the decision yesterday to cancel this year's convention, scheduled for Virginia Beach, VA, from September 9-12. This is such late-breaking news that we do not have further information at this time. We will process refunds as soon as possible. Details on a virtual meeting to elect officers and conduct MASA business will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

THUNDER THURSDAYS KEEP ON ROCKIN' THE PAVILION
THIS WEEK: THE SHINERS @ THE SHRINERS!

Watch this space every week for more information on the bands, vendors, and other fun stuff in store.

Please do your best to support this series. Mark your calendar, tell your friends, and be sure to share on your social media accounts!

WE CAN ALWAYS USE HELP. IF YOU CAN VOLUNTEER, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

UPCOMING SHOWS

• June 18 The Shiners
• June 25 Shot O' Soul
• July 2 The Nied's Hotel Band
• July 9 The Shiners
• July 16 Tina Daniels Band

2020 CASH Give-A-Way Lottery Fundraiser

By Randy Hobaugh, Second Ceremonial Master

I would like to share with you a new Syria Shrine fundraiser that will replace our long-standing Car Raffle. For the past couple of years, the raffle ticket sales have been declining, and it’s time to introduce something new. With that said, this year we will be kicking off a $25,000 HOLIDAY CASH GIVE-A-WAY.

This lottery fundraiser will be given away during the week of Christmas.

Syria Holiday Cash Give-A-Way Ticket will be sold for $10 per ticket, with a total giveaway of $25,000.

The prizes will be awarded on the PA Lottery 7pm Daily Pick 4, and two numbers will be printed on each ticket. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

• December 21 - $ 500
• December 22 - $ 1,000
• December 23 - $ 1,500
• December 24 - $ 2,000
• December 25 - $20,000 Grand Prize

We really need to sell all 5,000 tickets to optimize this fundraiser. We are very much hoping that everyone can buy and/or sell tickets to support this effort. Please do your best to help reduce our deficit, and avoid dues increases.

Please send all of your sold stubs and accompanying money immediately to:

Kenneth D. Stuart 1185 Astronaut Circle Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Our early bird drawing is Saturday, July 11. You will want to get your entry in for that drawing. Additionally, we need to get a better idea of where we stand with ticket sales at this point. Pandemic pandemonium has severely hampered our ticket selling efforts, along with all of our other fundraisers, and we need to make certain we maximize this critically important activity aimed at balancing our budget.

If you have tickets you don't think you can sell, please return them, so we can get them to someone who can get them sold before the early bird drawing. Please buy a ticket if you can afford it, even if the Sportsman's Bash is not your thing. Ken Stuart can mail you a ticket if you send him a check. Tickets can also be purchased through our website. Click the image above to get yours now!

Billy Price Brings His Soulful Blues Sound to the Pavilion Sunday July 26

After first gaining international attention recording and touring with the late, great guitarist Roy Buchanan, Billy was a Pittsburgh mainstay for many years, and was a 2016 inductee to the Pittsburgh Rock N' Roll Legends hall of fame. After retiring from his "day gig" at CMU, Billy now hangs his hat and sunglasses in Baltimore, so he doesn't play too often in our area any more. You'll want to catch him while you can, and we've got him!

Billy is touring in support of his current release, Dog Eat Dog, which has garnered him two nominations (Best Soul Blues Album, Best Male Soul Blues Vocalist) for this year's Blues Music Awards.

General admission tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. Showtime is 4pm. General admission opens at 3pm. Early entry tickets, at $25, get you in at 2:30pm, and your first drink is on the house!

A special guest will join Billy to open the show. Stay tuned for more details.

For more info on Billy, click the photo above.

Early entry, and advance tickets are available below.

Proceeds benefit Syria Shriners. Ticket price is NOT tax deductible

THIS YEAR'S BIG BUTLER FAIR HAS BEEN CANCELED. 

AT THIS TIME, THE FAYETTE, WASHINGTON, AND WESTMORELAND COUNTY FAIRS REMAIN ON THE CALENDAR AS SCHEDULED.

THE BUTLER FARM SHOW REMAINS ON THE CALENDAR AS SCHEDULED, AUGUST 10-15.

Our Readers Write

It’s amazing how some of the most beautiful things in life can come to you by total accident.

by Charlie Zurcher

As a new way of life to get through these unprecedented times, the Zoom platform has been something many of us have learned and actually gotten used to. Old goats can learn new tricks. The email notice that we were going to have a virtual June Quarterly meeting was quite a surprise and certainly welcomed by me. I couldn’t wait.

On that first June Monday, I was getting ready in the comfort of my home office and looking forward to logging into Zoom and enjoying the brotherhood that’s been really missed as of late. Earlier, I had been exercising and had to make a mad dash home to be on time for that 7pm meeting. Hardly dressed for the occasion, didn’t have time to change my t-shirt and jean cutoff shorts. The humidity got to my long uncut hair and it was quite the sight to say the least. All set, logged on, admitted to the meeting, the 7pm meeting. No, but wait! No, it’s not a 7pm meeting but rather a 7:30 meeting. All that rushing for naught. Now I had some time and probably should have at least changed clothes.

As the Zoom matrix began to populate, I was comforted by the familiar faces and smiles of some of my Brothers that I’ve dearly missed through all this. The background music played, and we sort of stared at each other and there was some back and forth conversation going on. My t-shirt and unruly hair were definitely noticed and commented on. It’s all fun and games! Just killin’ time ‘til the start of the meeting.

The background music continued to play, and then it happened. I was stopped cold. In total awe, I had absolutely no idea what just hit me. Perhaps one of the most beautiful and inspirational songs and videos I’ve ever heard and seen in my life just started playing. I just stared at the video and listened to the lyrics, totally blocking out the rest of the world. It just went right through me straight to the heart. Totally unexpected and without any reason. This music and video is everything we are as Shriners. WOW!

“The day that I invested so proudly with this ring
I divested the old lifestyle and all the loneliness it brings
Now I walk upon the level with a brotherhood of pride
There’s compassion that we all share deep inside”

So inspirational, so deep, so powerful, so real.

It’s “I’m a Noble of the Shrine,” by Howie Damron. Who? I had no clue who he was and certainly not aware he’s one of us. Learn something new every day, even sometimes by accident! If I would have logged into the meeting on time at 7:30, I would have missed it. I’m sure some of you are aware, but I was not.

Since becoming a Shriner, I’ve had many different and mixed feelings and emotions going in different directions. I’ve been in the trenches taking kids and their families to the three hospitals we work with, seeing the positive results at first hand. I’ve been in that parade in my Patrol Unit uniform with those pointed up shoes, bringing that split second smile to an unknown child as he watches with his family at the curb. I’ve been to a wide variety of our social events just simply to relax and take in the brotherhood. Listening to this song and watching the video seemed to put all these emotions in perfect organized perspective.

Please, if you have not seen and heard it before, you need to do this. Every Shriner should watch the video and hear this beautiful song. It’s truly exactly what we’re all about. Search for it on You Tube. (We've saved you the trouble. Click the video link above to see Noble Howie's video. Ed.) It will touch you.

Brother Damron, you’ve left an everlasting impression. A heartfelt thank you.

I will wear my Fez with honor.

I’m a Noble of the Shrine …

Special thanks to my close friend Martha for helping provide the inspiration to write this. Thank you for being You!

Noble Charlie Zurcher is First Lieutenant of the Syria Patrol. He is also Junior Warden of Pittsburgh Chapter of Rose Croix at the Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh.

​

WE ARE ... SHRINERS CHILDREN'S^TM

Shriners Hospitals for Children® is rebranding our pediatric health care system to reflect current realities in our facilities, delivery model and commitment to serve and treat "more children in more places" than ever before. Our philanthropy is now known as Shriners Children'sTM Click the image to the left to watch a video announcing the change.

THUNDER THURSDAYS DEBUTS WEEKLY AT THE PAVILION!!

Please send all of your sold stubs and accompanying money immediately to:

Kenneth D. Stuart 1185 Astronaut Circle Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Our early bird drawing is Saturday, July 11. You will want to get your entry in for that drawing. Additionally, we need to get a better idea of where we stand with ticket sales at this point. Pandemic pandemonium has severely hampered our ticket selling efforts, along with all of our other fundraisers, and we need to make certain we maximize this critically important activity aimed at balancing our budget.

If you have tickets you don't think you can sell, please return them, so we can get them to someone who can get them sold before the early bird drawing. Please buy a ticket if you can afford it, even if the Sportsman's Bash is not your thing. Ken Stuart can mail you a ticket if you send him a check. Tickets can also be purchased through our website. Click the image above to get yours now!

THIS YEAR'S BIG BUTLER FAIR HAS BEEN CANCELED. 

AT THIS TIME, THE FAYETTE, WASHINGTON, AND WESTMORELAND COUNTY FAIRS REMAIN ON THE CALENDAR AS SCHEDULED.

THE BUTLER FARM SHOW REMAINS ON THE CALENDAR AS SCHEDULED, AUGUST 10-15.