What a terrific month May has been for Zelzah. The Ceremonial held on May 3rd brought us 12 new Nobles. The entire Ceremonial was classic. Noble Michael Rhinehart and the Ritual Divan conducted the usual outstanding event and the Wrecking Crew headed up by Noble Jack Haney presented a memorable ceremony. In the evening our Tres de Mayo Party was fun-filled and allowed us time to Fez our 12 newest members. Chief Rabban Tom Welsh chaired the evening party.

       On Monday, May 5th, our Onion Master for 2008, High Priest and Prophet Roy Sargent, aided by his Chain Gang unloaded 30,000 lbs of Vidalia Onions. The other 10,000 lbs of Onions went west to Pahrump where they were sold almost immediately. The Onion Sale was finally concluded on May 27, when the last 10 lb bag was sold. Noble Roy did an outstanding job of monitoring and pushing the Onion Sale for this year. Noble Roy and Noble Bill Walsh spent the better part of two weeks on duty in an effort to dispense Onions. Thanks Roy and Bill.

       The Stated Meeting on May 27th was truly an honor and a privilege for Zelzah as we were able to recognize another of our hard working Units, the Van Drivers. It was also an opportunity to present our thanks and gratitude to one of our "silent" partners, Mrs. Judy Pixley. Past Potentate Bill Burger was on hand to assist in distributing Achievement Awards to several Van Drivers who have made 25 to 170 van trips to the Los Angeles Hospital. Also, at this meeting it was announced that Past Potentate John Pennington had been named Volunteer of the Year by the Los Angeles Hospital. Along with the Award presented at Zelzah, there is a recognition plaque with Ill. Sir John's name on it at the Hospital. Ill. Sir John's name and Noble Don Smits' name, who won the Award two years ago, are now permanently inscribed at the Hospital.

       The month of June promises to be as exciting as was the month of May. Our MAJOR effort now is to sell 900 tickets to the Lance Burton Benefit Show to be held on August 10 th at the Monte Carlo Theater at 7:00 PM. Since there will be no Circus this year, Noble Phil Pupanek suggested that he would gladly donate his "Circus Daddy" ticket money to the Shrine for our children to attend. He handed the Potentate a check for $50.00 on the spot. Thanks Noble Phil.

       Assistant Rabban Bob Norton is the Chairman of the Lance Burton ticket sale and has several "volunteers" on his committee. Nobles Myron Young, Jim Matthews, and Joe Alvarado all jumped at the chance to help the Assistant Rabban. As always, Carol Ewing and Mary Morris in the Shrine Office are handling the tickets for this program. Should you have any questions, please call one of these people. Since July is dark for us, the Office will be open, it becomes more important that these tickets be sold as soon as possible.

       Nobles, please remember to check the Shrine web site for new and up to date information. We will be publishing the costs and plans for the Hospital Trip on Saturday, August 23rd and 24th to Los Angeles as soon as the plans are finalized. Our 12 new Nobles have all promised to attend this function and this will be our chance to meet and get to know these new members.

Yours in the Faith,

Mike Barry, Potentate