Cd'A Shrine Club needs new members
We were elated to see the front-page story about the Hayden Senior Center (aka: The Hayden Senior Gems) partnering with the Coeur d’Alene Shrine Club following the sale of their previous venue, which had resulted in a steep rent increase. This was indeed a win-win situation for both groups and an opportunity for growth as well.
The Coeur d’Alene Shrine Club Events Center, 1250 W. Lancaster Road, Hayden, Idaho, was created as our clubhouse, but also as a revenue generator. Our facility, with a capacity of 210 people, has hosted a large variety of events including weddings, receptions, celebrations of life, reunions, professional education, demonstrations and much more. Now, we’ll be hosting the Senior Gems during the week and we’re still able to use the venue nights and on weekends. Like I said, a win-win for both groups! And a rousing THANK YOU to The Press for the article!
Then, just a few days later, we find the editorial applauding the partnership and noting the community spirit and endeavors of the Coeur d’Alene Shrine Club equally exciting! The Coeur d’Alene Shrine Club is a member of Calam Shrine Center in Lewiston, Idaho. There are currently two Shrine Centers in Idaho; ours in Lewiston and El Korah in Boise. Our club has a potluck dinner/meeting every third Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. and members, ladies and the public are invited.
Like all service organizations, ours is struggling with membership. When I became a Shriner in 1977, Calam had more than 900 members. Today, we are about 250 and are in danger of losing our charter in the next two years! We are one of the oldest fraternities in the country and our only mission is helping children with health issues. We need new members! The path to join us begins with the Masonic Lodge nearest you; I am a member of Kootenai No. 24. They, too, need new members and they have a long history of doing very good work in the community as well.
Once you’ve become a Master Mason, you may petition to join the Shrine. It’s a pretty straightforward process and in my humble opinion, very worthwhile! If you would like to attend one of our dinners/meetings, please contact me at: imaflyer69@gmail.com at least three days prior to our dinner. To be a Mason, ask a Mason! To be a Shriner, ask a Shriner! Wearing a bright red fez is a privilege and an honor! I wear mine proudly!
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William L. Hamilton, Past Potentate, Calam Shriners, is a resident of Coeur d’Alene.