"ANTICS ARTICLES"
Here you are able to read what HAS happened and
what WILL happen during the next quarter.
Antics V
by: 2009 Commander Al Gonzalez
As this issue gets ready for the press, we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Christmas 2009. It will be a not too distant memory when the Antics shows up in your mailbox. Hope everyone had a happy and healthy Merry Christmas and a most wonderful New Year's Day. We will also have had our Christmas party at the Holidome. I am just sure it was beautiful...always is. The entertainment scheduled, Topeka West HS Singers can't be beat! The Choral Director, Nancy Epoch is Hariette Scrinopskie's daughter. Her granddaughter was also in the group.
I thought the previous issue was my last to write but, I now know that this one is for sure! Your new Antics writer will be Eleanor Miller, wife of Past Commander, Bill Miller. Please welcome her to this position when you see her. She will be relying on many resources of information, not the least of which, is you!
The LOH 2010 Installation of Officers will be held at the regularly scheduled potluck and business meeting on January 12, 2010 and, in fact, may have already taken place. Our new Potentate, Larry Tice is on the program to do the installing.
This meeting will be epecially important, not only for the welcoming of new officers, but also to welcome home our new LOH Commander, Tom Gartner. Like so many of you, Tom has been bravely facing cancer treatment. It is hoped that he will be here by then....ready to assume his position.
February is Circus month. Hope we have as good a year at the LOH booth as we did in 2009. It was exceptional.
April 17, hosts our annual fund-raiser "The Spaghetti Feed". Our newest member and officer, Richard Watson, 2nd Lt. Cmdr. will be in charge. Please give him extra support for all the work positions.
We have had good success with our pot luck tables this past year. I thank each of you individually for all the delicious dishes that have been brought. That goes for the Ceremonial tables as well. The Fall, 2009 Ceremonial table turned out really well. It was full of goodies. An experiment aimed at making it a little easier for the ladies to bring in baked or store bought items. We will have to wait to see what the new Commander's wife, Joyce will want to do in 2010.
The 2009 Annual Veteran's Day Tea Dance was well attended. We served snacks and sugar-free punch...a welcomed edition to the open bar. Lots of dancing and socializing was going on.
Well, that's it. As your (now past) Commander, let me say that I have enjoyed serving you. Any call I put out for help was well heeded. I appreciate each and every one of you.
NOVEMBER 11, 2009
Antics lV
by: Al Gonzalez, 2009 Commander
The intention was to cry about the "Dog Days of Summer"...but, hey...there weren't any! One day it was scorching and the next it became gloriously cool and I am just sure that "someone" needed all that rain.
Instead, I'll talk about the 34th Annual Shrine Bowl, Wichita held in July. There was a good contingency of LOH Officers and members present, Commander Al and Lady Laurie, Director and Adjutant Ron Buchanan and Lady Sue, Quartermaster Steve Suchsland and Lady Marge, 3rd Lt. Cmdr. Don McClaflin and Lady Lila, Alan Barrett and Lady Diana, Larry Tice, Chief Rabban and Divan Rep. to our Unit and Lady Phyllis, 8th IALOH Officer, Morris Sykes and Lady Cindy, and CSSA-LOH Cmdr. "Smokie" Siegrist and his Lady Virginia. Bill Coffee drove is convertible in the Parade. The Parade wasn't too long this year, but was still impressive. John Taylor, LOH, ARAB Shrine Bowl Board of Directors, and ARAB Shriner of the year...(boy, talk about a handle - and that's no where near ALL of them!) was there with Lady Gayle The weather could not have been better for the game...which, as you know, we lost. Those kids made us proud anyway. They played their hearts out. It wasn't just the game though. Several players came to the podium and spoke about having visited the St. Louis Shriner Hospital. To hear them speak, you just knew that "they got it". It was quite uplifting.
August brought "The Gathering". (56) ladies gathered in the ARAB Lounge for a beautifully presented, and wonderful tasting Brunch sponsored by Phyllis Kelly, Lady of Larry Tice, Chief Rabban and Divan Rep. to our Unit. This delectable spread was catered by Carol Shaw. Several ladies have requested her phone number. The ladies were treated to a "Fall Trends" fashion show put on by Jan's Attic of Holton, KS. Clothes were flying off that rack for purchase. As I understand it, some ladies had their husbands take them to Holton that very day to shop. Doorprizes were won by Marge Ybarra and Gayle Beal. Phyllis presented a beautiful flower arrangement nestled in a LOH Red vase, to Virginia Siegrist, Lady of "Smokie" Siegrist, CSSA-LOH Cmdr. Virginia was accompaied by Pat Lang, Lady of the LOH Club Cmdr. of Abdullah Temple.
September 08, 2009 is our next Business Meeting and Potluck...this will have occurred by the time you get this Quarterly contribution to the Antics. The reason I mention it is because it was with pride that we will present the Temple with a $2,000 check from the Unit and another $2,000 from the Travel Club...all for the Transportation Fund. (Note: It was decided by the Commander to present these checks at the Fall Ceremonial.)
The very next day, several LOH'ers and lots of ARAB Nobles are on their way to Colorado Springs, CO for CSSA.
Your Commander and Lady Laurie have been working very hard all year on planning the GermanFest, which is a Potentate sponsored event scheduled on Oct. 3rd..if you came, we hope you enjoyed yourself tremedously. Check out the pictures in "Picture Gallery" .
2010 LOH Officer nominations will be on the agenda at the October meeting. Step Up! Make your wishes known and serve YOUR Unit.
October 7th is an important date...the ARAB Potentate will be conducting the Stated Meeting in Emporia. He would love to have as many Nobles as possible there to represent the Shrine. I second that sentiment by asking the LOH Unit to come in full force wearing your uniforms and Fez. We will also be providing a Color Guard. Your interest in this event is crucial to attracting possible new candidates to our LOH Unit. A special bus will be provided by the Shrine. Call: Arab Shrine Secretary at 234-5656 to reserve a space.
The Potentate's Mystery Trip is next up in October with 2 bus loads going. There is bound to be quite a few from our Unit...I and Lady Laurie will be going...everyone have a safe and fantastic time.
The Fall Ceremonial will be held Nov. 07, 2009. As you know, it is a very long day, but your presence is very much requested. Let's make the opening ceremonies flush with a sea of "Red Uniform Jackets" and Fez. The LOH Color Guard begins the opening that morning...it's a short walk inside the hall...if you would like to be a part of the march, please call the Commander 228-2607 and/or Dean Owen, Drill Captain 273-0132. The traditional Hospitality table will be manned by Lady Laurie at 3:00 pm. We will try something new ... an "All Dessert" table will be provided. This is a great place to be to "meet and greet" the new Nobles. Have your best stories and sales pitch ready!
The "Annual Tea Dance" is coming the very next day. Invite your dancing friends to join you, and dance the afternoon away. 1st Lt. Cmdr. Tom Gartner and his Lady Joyce will be in Houston, TX for medical reasons. Lady Laurie will "do Joyce's bidding" by putting out a Punch Bowl and snack baskets for your pleasure.
The "Ladies Appreciation Dinner" is two days after that! It is a very busy November. These are activities we look forward to each year. The fellas work hard planning and preparing for this event. It is their way of saying "Thanks" for those great potlucks the rest of the year.
In December, we will have a marvelous time, as we always do, at our Annual Christmas Party held at the Holidome 6th & Fairlawn. Good friends, good food, and wine will be our treat. The entertainment will be the Topeka West High School Choral Group...led by Nancy Epoch, daughter of Harriette Scrinopski and sister of our Past Potentate, Ron Scrinopski. Nancy has graced us with their presence before...they are a wonderful group. Reservations are a must.
Also in December is the Christmas trip sponsored by the LOH Travel Club. They will be going to the Crown Center, American Heartland Theater to see "It's a Wonderful Life" presented in the venue of a Radio Play, lunch at Milano's and a little time to do some last minute Christmas shopping. Dec. 02 is the date...mark your calendar and call in your reservation to Steve Suchsland 785-379-0892.
$65.00 p/person. 
But there is a waiting list at this time....call Steve!
I hope everyone stays well...stays happy...and stays active in LOH activities. Remember to invite new prospects to a Potluck, an activity, or out to coffee with the Commander...whatever it takes.
Yours Fraternally,
Al Gonzalez, Commander
PS: This will be my last submission to the Antics as Commander. I have enjoyed this task very much but I am ready to let another "wanna be" journalist take a turn at it. If this prospect intrigues you, contact myself at 228-2607 or 1st Lt. Cmdr. Tom Gartner at 272-3940.
Antics III
by: Al Gonzalez, 2009 Commander
The Spring/09 Ceremonial has come and gone...but, was certainly the most memorable in quite some time. The class of incoming Shriners numbered 38! What a sight. Our Unit is looking at a few...hope they are Obligated by the time this article comes out. Gilbert Weidman, sponsored by myself, became a new Shriner that day. He has petitioned the LOH and we welcome him and his Lady Lydia. Gilbert is the present Secretary of Albert Neese, #217.
It was a very long day, but it ended at the beautiful Hospitality Table set out by Eva Young and her "Crew". Sadly, as you've undoubtedly heard by now, Eva and her crew will no longer do the Table Coordination for the LOH. Check with the Commander...if we have not identified "new talent" yet...maybe, you're the one! It takes a Coordinator and a crew...hand picked, of course.
A new batch of spaghetti sauce was well received at the May Business meeting instead of our regular potluck. Around a dozen ladies responded to the call by the Commander to round out the meal with desserts....they did a fantastic job, as usual.
The May meeting brought in another new Unit member...is name is Richard Watson, with his Lady Karen. Richard is a welcome addition to our Unit...When we resume business in September, please take the time to get to know him.
June 9th the Annual Flag Day Picnic ws held at the Goodyear Shelter Bldg. The weather was horrible, and had been all day...but the faithful came out anyway. We were treated to that fabulous homemade brownbread ice cream from Morris Sykes, a real privilege every year....Thanks Morris !
I have to say, as countless others do, "Geez, where has the time gone?" Here it is 6 months into my tenure as Commander. I'm a kind of "the glass is half full instead of...the glass is half empty" sort of guy...but even so...by the time we return to full business in September, there will be just 4 months left. I have to tell you that so far, I have loved every minute of it...thank you for making my job easy.
Here is a quick summary of some of the projects completed so far:
*Up & rnning, the new LOH Website (You need to check it out if you haven't yet): www.arabshrineloh.com
* The ARAB Temple-LOH Unit was host to the Mid-Winter CSSA-LOH Meeting in March...this meeting brought 27 Shriners & their ladies rom all over our District.
* New shelving in the LOH Bar Locker and the LOH Office, graciously constructed by Don McClaflin, 3rd Lt. Cmdr.
* The LOH ladies equipment/decoration locker completely cleaned out and revamped by Joyce Gartner & Lady Laurie.
* Three ANTICS articles written by the Commander
* Three successful trips to various activities by participation on the LOH Travel Committee, the latest of which was attendance at the "Glenn Miller' Festival in Clarinda, IA. 44 riders braved the less than stellar weather and enjoyed - to the absolute max - music that just isn't made anymore!
Bill Baker Glenn Miller Orchestra Solo Crankin' out LOH'ers
from the Trumpet "Chattanooga" enjoying the
Netherlands Choo Choo MUSIC
Have a great summer, be careful when traveling, and remember to come back home to join in on all the planned Fall Fun.
FYI: The LOH Travel Club has planned the Christmas Trip. They will be selling bus seats at $65.00 p/person to travel to the American Heartland Theatre - Crown Center...Dec. 02, 2009. "It's a wonderful Life" ... as a radio play, is on the venue; an Italian Lunch Buffet at "Milano's", which is a stunning glass-enclosed Crown Center restaurant; and perhaps an hour or so shopping time. See or call Steve Suchsland to reserve a seat. The Motor Coach will leave the Temple parking lot at 9am and return approx. 6pm. There are only 45 seats on this trip....reserve earlly !!!!
Antics II
by: Al Gonzalez, 2009 LOH Commander
Well, the new year is here and the good work goes on I, Commander Al Gonzalez, and the other new officers were properly installed by Potentate, Pat Devlin. The audience numbered around 120, and the potluck table was loaded...
Also honored was John Achten as the LOH Noble of the year. 2009 Immediate Past Cmdr. Bill Coffee did the honors. I asked John if he was surprised, he answered "He was so stunned, he forgot to introduce his wife", the lovely Glendora. She is very proud of John, but is still holding him to a shopping trip anyway. "Your friends can tell you, but only your wife can teach you"!
It is extremely difficult to choose only one person per year. There are so many LOH shriners that are faithful to come out whenever anything needs to be done. The way it usually goes, is that there is a solid core of folks that feel a sense of responsibility to keep the traditions pure and true, and I salute each and every one of you for it.
Reservations for the Annual Commander's Ball started out slowly, but by the event itself, we had filled the hall with our Nobles, beautiful ladies, mesmerizing music, and delicious food. Once again, we thank Frank Galbraith and his lady Katherine and Glenn Vernon and his lady Kay for all the planning and accounting they do each and every year to make this event special and successful in every way. It was indeed, a beautiful evening for myself and lady Laurie.
The 2009 Circus was very well attended. The numbers will be in by the time this issue is in print, but there was a "heads up" that the LOH Toy Booth did exceptionally well this year. Not only the weather was in our favor, but the folks that volunteered for work in the booth were there on time, smiles on their faces and an attitude that could not be beat. I am really proud of those who came out...to mention a few, Eleanor & Bill Miller, Don & Donna Richards, Eva Courtner & Gene Foltz, John Gerhardt, Lane Ruehlen, Glenn Vernon, Bill Coffee, Ruth Ensley & George Kunz, Tom Gartner, myself and lady Laurie. (Hope I didn't forget anyone)
Joyce Gartner and lady Laurie spent a couple of hours before the March LOH meeting removing all decorative items from the LOH Office and found a new home for them in one of the equipment lockers. I can't tell you how appreciative the officers and I are. Now, it 's our turn to erect shelving and organize the rest. Don McClaflin, 3rd Lt. Cmdr. got busy and constructed some really great shelving for the bar supplies.....you're on top of things Don...thanks!
All of the LOH members in attendance at the March meeting & potluck, wore their Uniforms and Fez to have a group picture taken for the "Calendar" our Potentate, Pat Devlin is initiating as a fundraising project for the Shrine. They all looked great!
The month of March will also bring the Installation of Roy T. Sullivan...ARAB Shrine's very own...as Grand Master, State of Kansas. Roy is honored to be elevated to this position and we in the LOH are honored to be a fraternal brother to him. There was an excellent showing from Topeka, the ceremony was beautiful in it's ritual, and now, the deed is done....God bless the year ahead for you Roy.
The LOH has their Annual Spaghetti Feed coming up April 18,. Bring the family out for a night of good eating. It's the best bargain in town.
The Spring Ceremonial will once again have the Hospitality Table coordinated by the lovely and talented Eva Young. Eva decorates as if she had just invited you to lunch in her own home. Please stop by and show your appreciation.
Eva will also be coordinating the "Lounge Night" table May 22, 2009. If you have not been to a Lounge Night, please plan to make this your fiirst. Have a drink, see some friends (bring some friends!), and enjoy snacks and finger foods prepared by the LOH ladies.
June is the month for the LOH annual "Flag Day" Picnic It will, once again be at the Goodyear Shelter, thanks to the good work of Alan Holt who procured it for us. Details will be mailed in the monthly bulletin.
FYI: LOH TRAVEL CLUB:
The trip to Clarinda, IA...Glen Miller Festival is almost sold out. As of ths writing, there are only (4) rooms left. If you have not...please mail your balances in. The schedule for Day 1 has changed to accommodate a shuttle back to the Hotel by 3:00 pm...then return to the concerts at 7:00 pm. Makes for a much easier day. If you are re-interested, please call Al Gonzalez for all the details.
There are (41) people signed up for the New Theatre trip May 6..Jamie Farr in "Don't Get Dressed For Dinner" We can take up to (54). The London Daily News says "Hurtling along at the speed of light, this breathtaking farce is a near faultless piece of theatrical invention. It's flat out funny!" It's the story of a husband, a wife, a mistress, a best friend and the cook!
CALL AL GONZALEZ 228-2607 FOR INFORMATION OR RESERVATIONS
Antics I Dec,
Al Gonzalez, 2009 LOH Commander
In the month of October, 2008, Dean Owen, Drill Team Capt. led us in several parades with
a Color Guard, most recent being the 2008 Fall Ceremonial. Marching were Dean,
Ron Buchanan, Steve Suchsland, and John Achten. We SALUTE these guys...every one of
them is 70+...and John...well, let's just say that he's closer to 90 than 80! Thank you gentlemen
for representing this Unit with such dedication...
Did I mention that they WALKED the entire parade?
.
Dean also opens each Stated Meeting with a Color Guard.
Thanks for the fine job you do Dean.
The Hospitality table was manned by Eva Young, Chris Gaston, Eva Courtner, and
Lela Montgomery. They decorated the table beautifully and with the unwaivering support
of some of the other LOH Ladies, furnished the table with wonderful plates of food
and goodies.
November brought the Annual Veterans Day Tea Dance. We celebrated the 25th Anniversary
of the Legion of Honor Unit being established in the ARAB Shrine by honoring six original
Charter members: John Achten, Bill "Roy" Clark, Chuck Wright, Hiram Dickson, Jess Taylor,
and Dean Little. Each was presented a 25th Anniversary framed Certificate and a memento
Trophy showing the same. It was a true pleasure to have these men with us.
Many Topeka Dance Club members filled the dance floor and shared cake, coffee, and punch
served by Eleanor Miller, Joyce Gartner, and Mary Ann Coffee.
A big Thank You: to all who attended this most important fundraiser.
Coordinators Glenn Vernon and Lane Ruehlen were on hand the
entire day just to make sure we got it righ!.
Starting with the exceptional Kitchen Crew, headed by the 2008 LOH Noble of the Year,
Steve Suchsland along with John Gerhardt, and several more asistants down to the
decoration committee:
Here ae some of those "Helpers" I told you about...wrapping silver,
moving chairs and tables, putting out the salt & pepper
... you name it...they do it!
Left to Right: John Achten, Bill "Roy" Clark, and Tom Gartner, 2nd Lt. Cmdr.
Can I tell you what a Bartender we had! George Kunz, 3rd Lt Cmdr.
was all trussed up like a turkey in a cast, due to having had shoulder
surgery a few days earlier. What a trooper! Thanks George !.
The meal was outstanding as usual and was served by the
Rainbow Girls supervised by Jerry and Vicki Hutley.
January will bring the 2009 Installation of Officers
2009 LOH Commander Al Gonzalez
Imm. Past Cmdr. Bill Coffee
1st Lt. Cmdr Tom Gartner
2nd Lt. Cmdr,
3rd Lt Cmdr. Don McClaflin
Capt. Drill Team Dean Owen
Finance Officer, Chuck Greene
Quartermaster, Steve Suchsland
Chaplin, Fred Rausch
Recorder, Cliff Heckathorn
Director & Adjutant, Ron Buchanan.
If the current issue of the Antics reaches you before February 14, 2009,
please plan to join us at the 2009 LOH Commander's Ball.
If it comes after that date...and you attended...
we hope you had an exceptional evening.
In February, several LOH Nobles and Ladies will work the
Annual Circus at the Expo Center. We always have
a great time those three days.
IT'S ALL ABOUT AND FOR THE KIDS
Don't forget the LOH Spaghetti Dinner coming up in April.
This is a major fundraiser. Purchase tickets from any
LOH member, at the Temple Office, or at the door.