The 2009 Fall Session of the New York Ontario Shrine Association (NYOSA) was held September 25 and 26 in Lake George, New York. The session included a gala parade, a beautiful lunch cruise on Lake George, a clown competition, and a closing banquet.

 

At the closing banquet, the new 2010 NYOSA officers were installed by Imperial Sir George Mitchell, Deputy Imperial Potentate, assisted by Imperial Sir Chris Smith, Imperial Second Ceremonial Master. Ill. Sir Mel Birnbaum of Mecca Shriners was installed as President. The Vice-Presidents are Ill Sir Steve Behe (Kalurah Shriners), Ill Sir E. Tom Rockey (Ismailia Shriners), Ill Sir Michael Gates (Tigris Shriners) and Ill Sir Lance Ward (Damascus Shriners).

 

The formal evening capped a weekend of fun, fraternalism, and frivolity in lovely Lake George. The weather was superb, the leaves were beginning to change, and the village was active. There was a craft fair in conjunction with the annual hot air balloon festival and fireworks highlighted evening. There were many activities for the attendees in the town and surrounding area. These included sightseeing, shopping, and golf.

 

The luncheon cruise on Friday left the dock at noon and traveled north on Lake George for about 10 miles, turned east and returned to the village of Lake George. During the buffet lunch, we were able to see the glorious homes and vistas along the lake. At the end of the cruise the Association’s officers held a necrology service honoring those nobles taken by the black camel during the year since our last annual meeting.

 

A business meeting was held Saturday morning. At the meeting, Ill. Sir Barry McQuillian presented the new Membership Development Program. He previewed two new web sites—Soyouwanttobeashriner.com and Shrinevillage.com. They will begin operating in October 2009. After the election of officers, Imperial Sir Smith and Imperial Sir Mitchell brought the nobles up to date on the fraternal membership activities and the hospital operating activities.

 

While the meeting was being held, the NYOSA Clowns held an instructional session and contest. The clowns were further critiqued during the afternoon parade. Awards were awarded at the evening banquet. The parade included units from many of the NYOSA Temples and extended a little over a mile down Canada Street (the main street of Lake George, NY). Many citizens observed the pageantry of the Shrine Parade.

 

Lady Deanna Mitchell addressed the ladies and Nobles at Saturday’s lunch. She presented the Imperial 1^st Lady’s program. She is requesting donations to the Imperial Shrine emergency transportation fund for patients. The fund helps Temples to provide burn patient transportation.

 

All of the attendees had a great weekend and expressed an interest in attending the next fall annual meeting in Corning New York in 2010 on October 1 and 2. The spring meeting will be in Nanuet New York on April 30 and May 1 in 2010.