Welcome to 2012 at MOCHA! This is the year to be “Driven to Help Kids”! Yes, that is my motto and also our mandate.

LET’S DO IT! I am humbled, honoured, and privileged to have been elected Potentate for 2012. I will do my utmost to uphold the high traditions of this office and particularly the excellent leadership of our Past Potentates and Divans.

I thank the Installing team, especially Ill. Sir Norm Camp, Installing Potentate and Ill. Sir George Sims, Installing Marshall for an impressive Installation Ceremony.

I thank each Divan member, both elected and appointed for accepting the challenge of leading Mocha membership toward our goals.

I also tender thanks to other appointees for accepting their various supportive roles; overseeing operations, promoting our cause, developing membership, etc.

I would be remiss if I did not offer a most sincere thank-you to my very supportive family, and particularly Lady Patricia for their strong Masonic Family beliefs and encouragement.

Our Banquet Hall Renovation plan is well in hand: the contract has been reviewed, time frames set, overseers decided, etc. A tip of the Fez to Noble Barry O’Brian and his committee for their efforts thus far. Financially, we have over 50% of the goal reached. Have you, your club/unit made a donation? Please consider—Do it!

Ill. Sir Jack Cumming, P.P., Lady Helen, Lady Patricia and I were among the 124 participants in New Years at Mocha. The dinner was excellent, the music kept dancers active, and friendly ambience abounded. Congratulations again to Noble Barry O’Brian and his committee for their fine efforts. NOTE: Word has it that there may be “events” for Valentines, Super Bowl,etc. Keep tuned!

Lady Patricia and I were pleased to attend “Christmas at Children’s” on the 25th with the London Shrine Club, Santa (Bill Butcher), the Concert Band Septet, and other accompanying Nobles and Ladies some 25 strong. What a tour! What an appreciative audience of children, parents and staff! Thanks to Laurie Gould, V.P. of Children’s and Noble Bill Middlemiss, President, London shrine Club for their organizational efforts. It was a most rewarding experience and exemplified the true meaning of Christmas: giving to others-our time and talent-especially for the children. Nobles: Have you attended your Lodge recently? That is where new Shriners are from. YOU are a key in Recruitment, Retention and Renewal. Be active in your Lodge, club, unit.

REMEMBER: MEmbership begins with ME!

Mocha Shrine is our home. We have 2852 members and countless groups and businesses that enjoy our facility for breakfast, lunch and planned dinners, parties business functions, seminars, entertainment, etc. This is good for business, but it equates to maintenance and upkeep costs. Are you, your club/unit supportive? Please consider.

NOTE: Lunch is served daily- Mon-Fri- 11:30-2:00, Breakfast is served Wednesdays-7:30-9:00. Dinners, banquets, etc by arrangement with Delectable Eats and Mocha Office.

We, as Canadian Shriners need to be thankful that the concept of a new Shriners Hospital for Children-Canadian Unit will in fact become a reality in 2015. We, as Shriners also need to be thankful that we are Shriners; for not every man has the opportunity to positively affect the lives , hopes, dreams of a child in need as we do.

I now offer a BIG tip of the Fez to Noble Jeff Brown, Recorder, and Noble Dennis Cook Mocha News Editor for their several years of service and dedication in their respective roles in our organization. We welcome Noble Bill Butcher, Recorder, and Noble Dwight Coughlan, Mocha News Editor.

And, finally Nobles, I extend Best Regards for a successful 2012!

Mocha Shriners 468 Colborne Street London  ON  Canada N6B 2T3 potentate.mochashriners@rogers.com