There were so many happy and familiar faces at the Potentate’s Ball on Saturday, 13 April in Toronto at the Crowne Plaza Toronto Airport Ballroom.  The food was excellent and the evening entertainment with a country and western band only added to the enjoyment of the evening.  Hopefully these photos will make you want to attend next year’s Ball so that you can create your own memories.  The photographer recognized many faces but wishes he could remember all of their names.   With so many pictures taken we have to publish this event in two parts.  Here is the first half of the photos.

There certainly was a lot of enjoyment feasting on Noble Brian Cook’s prime rib roast with all the fixin’s as well as the many who sat on the edges of their chairs waiting to see if they would be in the finals for the winning draws of $100, $200 and $600.  Others just wanted to win the many other prizes available in the silent auction.  Everyone had fun and left with full bellies.  Thank you Noble Chief Camel Herder Jim Preston and your stable of Camel Herders for an excellent evening on 6 April 2019.

On Saturday Noble Bill Black and Noble Stephen Shirk sat in the cold continuous drizzle while selling chocolates at Fosterholm Farms Maple in the County festivities.  While on Sunday Noble Jack Hellberg and Noble Calvin Thomas could be found selling chocolates at Hubb’s Sugarbush during the intermitent snow fall.  The Lake Lodge brethren were very busy at Hubb’s making and selling pancakes, sausages with maple syrup, coffee and hot chocolate to the many visitors.  Well done to all this wet and snowy weekend.

Our guest speaker for the evening was our District Deputy Grand Master for Prince Edward District Right Worshipful Brother Doug English on 27 March 2019 who was accompanied by his wife Bonnie. Doug gave a nice walk down through memory lane outlining many of the important events from the 50’s to the current date. He expressed the importance for Nobles to remember their relationship with their Masonic Lodges and to keep in mind that we need to look to the future for our memberhship numbers to improve. Congratulations to our President Noble Ken Campbell for another excellent dinner meeting.

Congratulations to Noble Ken Campbell installed as our President for 2019. His Lady Erika has proven that she will be his greatest supporter. There were 96 Nobles and Ladies in attendance to show their support for Ken and his new Executive. Ceremonies were conducted by Rameses Potentate Illustrious Sir Noble Jed Handy accompanied by First Lady Christine. Other Divan Nobles in attendance were Chief Rabban Noble Bill Sweet and his Lady Barbara, Oriental Guide Noble Joe Johnson and his Lady Joyce as well as other Nobles who are member of our Club. The Chief Rabban conducted the election of Noble Jim Preston as our new 1st Vice President. Also in attendance representing the Mayor’s office was Ward 2 Councillor Bill Sandison with his wife Christine. We would like to thank the Nobles and Ladies from the Kingston and Trent Valley Shrine Clubs who attended to also show their support. President 2018 Noble Stephen Shirk and Lady Kathleen were happy to give up this position. Noble Stephen will continue as the Secretary for the Belleville and District Shrine Club for 2019.

This was an opportunity for Noble Stephen Shirk to try out his fancy new digital Canon Camera with bluetooth, etc.  Had to delete many pictures that were not so good however still managed to find some good photo opportunities.  Congratulations to Illustrious Sir Noble Jed Handy on being installed as our newest Potentate and the best to our outgoing, now Past Potentate, Illustrious Sir Noble Thomas Woodrow.  Also to be congratulated was the election and installation of our newest Oriental Guide Noble Joe Johnson who comes from both the Oshawa and Belleville Shrine Clubs.  Now we have to find a new 1st Vice President for Belleville.  The weather was great and the ceremony was again memorable.