MAHIMAGAZINESPRING 2020 MIAMI, FLORIDA

ILLUSTRIOUS SIR JORGE L. & EVA FILGUEIRAPOTENTATE AND FIRST LADY OF MAHI FOR 2020

MAHI SHRINERS 2020 CALENDAR OF MAJOR EVENTS (TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

MAY 202023-27 GRAND LODGE ANNUAL COMM. - ORLANDO

JUNE 20206 BOURBON TASTING - BROWARD SC11 STATED MEETING - MIAMI SPRINGS CC - 7:30 PM12-14 BAHAMAS CEREMONIAL - NASSAU26 TOP GOLF OUTING

JULY 20205-9 IMPERIAL COUNCIL SESSION - KANSAS CITY18 MAI KAI OUTING24 AXE THROWING OUTING

PARADES

MAHISPECIALEVENTS

ALL EVENTS CANCELED THROUGH MAY BY ORDER OF THE GRAND MASTER.

ALL EVENTS CANCELED THROUGH MAY BY ORDER OF THE GRAND MASTER.

MAHIMAGAZINE

Official Publication of

MAHI SHRINERSP.O. BOX 668977

MIAMI, FLORIDA 33166-8977FOUNDED 1943 - PUBLISHED QUARTERLY

Volume 78 No. 1SPRING 2020

Illustrious Sir Jorge Filgueira..............PublisherJohn W. Borsa Jr...................................Editor

Elected and Appointed Officers and Committees2020 Elected Divan

Illustrious Sir Jorge L. Filgueira.............................………...…….…....PotentateMichael F. Taussig......…..............…...…………………...………....Chief RabbanHerman Gonzalez..........................………………….…………Assistant RabbanByron C. Smith......…................……....…………………..High Priest & ProphetWilliam E. Craig..........................…………………….......……...Oriental GuideJames S. Ewart......................................................………………..…..TreasurerJohn W. Borsa Jr. ….………........................………………..…….…….Recorder

MAHI HOLDING CORPORATION OFFICERS/FINANCE COMMITTEE ARE THE ELECTED DIVAN

2020 Appointed Divan1st Ceremonial Master……………...............………........…….......Esteban Lazo2nd Ceremonial Master….……….....................…….……...........James LazaroDirector of Work………………..........................…………....Alberto LaguardiaMarshal…………………………............................................Dennis E. AsburryCaptain of the Guard……………..........................................Ken F. Asburry Jr.Outer Guard………………………..................……...……..……....John GomezChaplain……..……..………….......................……..………..Robert D. Roslund

2020 Potentate’s AppointmentsHospital Chairman Miami-Dade…..........…..………........…....William E. Craig Hospital Chairman Broward………........…….…................……..James PappasChief Attorney/Insurance Chairman……................…........….Kurt Von GontenMembership Chairman……...….......................................…....Armando MitatAsst. Membership Chairman Broward..................................…......Dick BrownAsst. Membership Chairman Monroe...................................…......Robert BritzAsst. Membership Chairman Bahamas.........................…......Mitchell ThurstonParliamentarian/Executive Aide......................................Ill. Sir Rob Latimer PPMasonic Liaison Miami-Dade........................................................Sergio Perez Masonic Liaison Broward..................................................................Phil SlackMasonic Liaison Monroe/Aide....................................................Vernon LewisChief Aide………………...............….…....................…Ill. Sir Dale A. Spear PPAide.....................................................................Ill. Sir Stephen G. Rosean PP

2020 Shrine Club PresidentsIll. Sir Dan Fierimonte, PP.….....................................………………....BrowardMark McNamara….……...............................………..…...…...…...HomesteadJeremiah Shafer..……....………........................………..……….……..Key WestRobert Britz..............…….………..................…………………..….....MarathonLevone Moxey......…………….......................………………………..…..NassauLuis A. Gonzalez……….…….......................………………………...Upper Keys

2020 Unit PresidentsConch Riders……………………….......................………………..Luis GonzalezDirector’s Staff…………………………...................……..………Michael SloninKeys Clowns…………………………….......................…..……...Thomas CaseyMahi Clowns……………………….........................……..……....James JacksonMotor Corps………………………......….................................……...Jeff GoinsSharp Shooters...........................................................................Ron Kopplow

2020 Finance Advisory CommitteeHoward Friedman……........................................................………..........2020Dan Tasciotti............................................................................................2020Barry Deutsch...........................................................................................2021Ill. Sir Al Lourido PP.................................................................................2021

MAHI SHRINERS BUSINESS OFFICE5526 NW 72 AVENUE - MIAMI, FL 33166

All mail to: PO BOX 668977, Miami, FL 33166Phone: (305) 883-9766 • Fax: (305) 883-9767

E-Mail: mahishriners@bellsouth.net • Website: mahishriners.comIllustrious Sir Jorge Filgueira.........................................................................PotentateJohn W. Borsa Jr.............................................................Recorder / Business Manager

MAHI SHRINERS HOSPITAL PATIENT’S OFFICEPhone: (305) 883-9766 • E-Mail: bcraig@icorintl.com

William Craig.............................................................Hospital Chairman Miami-Dade Jim Pappas.......................................................................Hospital Chairman BrowardIll. Sir Alvaro Lourido P.P.........................Member-Tampa Hospital Board of GovernorsDan Fierimonte............................Assoc. Member-Tampa Hospital Board of GovernorsEva Filgueira....................................................................Mahi Kids Party Chairperson

Potentate’s Message

Illustrious Sir Jorge FilgueiraPotentate 2020

Nobles, I hope everyone had a great holiday season and I wish all a very healthy and happy new year. Well, we made it to 2020, we are in the fu-ture so to speak. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave me a vote of confidence to be your potentate this year. I did vow that there were two items I wish to accomplish this year and they are “unity” and “home”. First and foremost is our Shriner family. With the help of my wife, we have planned out a year’s worth of functions and events with the hope of bringing all of us together as one. Fellowship is very important in our fraternity and I truly hope that each and every one of you make an effort to attend as many of the events we have planned throughout the year. Not only will they be fun but will give us all an opportunity to interact with and learn more about each other. Who knows maybe a new best friend is just a meeting or event away? The other item I mentioned is “home” which seems to be a hot topic. Whether we are for or against one, it appears that disputes and negativity abound. Mahi sold their home on the Miami River 6 years ago with the understanding to find a home to better suit our needs in the future. Well, as I stated in my opening remarks, the future is here and we need a home. Most of us forget that we have a very large jurisdiction and, not including Jamaica, the Bahamas and Cuba, Mahi goes from the Palm Beach County line all the way to Key West. What better sense does it makes than to have a home centrally located in our jurisdiction? We have a Shrine Club building in the north and we have one in the south, why not have a building in the middle that we can all enjoy and call “home”? In closing let me just say that I am very honored and proud to be your new potentate for the 2020 year and I hope to see you at all or many of our events. If you don’t have a copy of the yearly calendar please let me or the recorder know and we will get you one. I also hope that we can agree on a location for a home and finally have a place where we can have no contention but that most noble contention of who best work and best agree. Fraternally, Jorge

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MARATHON SHRINE CLUBFLORIDA KEYS STEAK & LOBSTER

MEETS MOST FRIDAYS

NASSAU SHRINE CLUBLODGE ST. MICHAEL - NASSAU

MEETS 3RD FRIDAY

UPPER KEYS SHRINE CLUBFLORIDA KEYS LODGE - TAVERNIER

MEETS 2ND TUESDAY

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HIBISCUS FELLOWSHIP UNITCALLED MEETINGS

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MAHI MEMBERSHIP

Mahi Membershipas of March 1, 2020

Regular: 1044Associate: 13

Total: 1057

MIAMI SHRINE CLUBMAHI OFFICES - MIAMI, FLORIDA

MEETS 1ST MONDAY

DEPARTMENTSCALENDAR.................................2POTENTATE’S MESSAGE.............3UNIT / CLUB DIRECTORY...........4NEWS.........................................6COMMENTARY..........................16MAHI HISTORY.........................17HOSPITAL NEWS.......................18DONATION REPORT.................19UNIT / CLUB NEWS..................22DEATHS....................................23MASONIC NEWS......................24MAGAZINE BOOSTERS.............26FEATURES.................................30KNOW THE NOBLE..................31FUN PHOTOS...........................32PET PAGE.................................34

The Filgueira Tenure Commences..........6

Marathon Unlocks Keys Spirit...............9

A Unfulfilled Mahi Dream...................12

An Arabian Fantasy, The Sequel...........14

The End of an Era................................19

Putting Freemasonry on Pause.............24

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUEEDITOR’SMESSAGE

JOHN W. BORSA JR.

This issue begins my 18th year of producing this magazine. Its been quite a run with years that had lots of activities to cover and some with not much. In the early years there was more time to devote to the content of the bi-monthly issues and definitely more information to work with. More Nobles and outside businesses were willing to take out ads as well. As the years have passed our activities and par-ticipation have ebbed and flowed and the magazine has adapted to the times. One thing that has been constant is the kind words and support from the Nobility which has never waned. For that we thank you immensely and hope that we have informed and entertained you in some small way. Thank you.

SPRING 2020

6

MAHI NEWS2020 Installation begins Mahi's 99th year Hope and excitement on deck for a new year of ShrinedomBY JOHN W. BORSA JR. Mahi officially began its 99th year of existence as the 2020 Installation of Officers was held on January 5th at the Miami Springs Country Club. A large crowd of Nobles, Ladies and guests attended the afternoon function which includ-ed a buffet luncheon and the swearing in of the Elected Divan, Appointed Divan, Club & Unit Officers and the Potentate’s Appointees. Illus-trious Sir Jorge Filgueira of Miami Springs was installed as Mahi’s 95th Potentate and gave an impassioned speech outlining his goal of unify-ing Mahi as one organization moving forward and building a new shrine center. “When we have factions, we fail. When we are unified, we succeed” said the new leader. Filgueira and First Lady Eva have planned an active year filled with events in Mahi’s entire jurisdiction. Aside from the regular meetings, ceremonials, and parades, several social outings are planned including concerts, dinner cruises and shows, theme nights, bowling, axe throw-ing, mystery train trip, additional kids parties and more. “The more opportunities we have to gather in fellowship, the better chance we have of building unity” said Filgueira. A U.S. West Coast Cruise was planned for May but had to be canceled due to the Covid-19 Virus Pandem-ic. However, a New York City weekend trip is scheduled for October in which the Potentate will have a homecoming of sorts since he was raised in the Big Apple. The Potentate also looks forward to successful sojourns to the Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida at Orlando in May; the 146th Shriners Interna-tional Imperial Session at Kansas City, MO in July; and the Southeastern Shrine Association Convention at Pigeon Forge, TN in August. It is hoped that the nobility will get behind Filgueira’s programs and do their part to help make 2020 a success. If every local noble attend-ed just one event this year we would be on the move towards success for this year. If even a fraction of the nobles brought in a new petition we would be on the move towards a successful year and bright future.

With the Elected Divan behind him, 2020 Potentate Illustrious Sir Jorge L. Fil-gueira gives his first address at the Installation of Officers in January.

The 2020 Mahi Elected Divan fezzes are lined up and ready to be placed on their respective office holders heads in this poignant photo at the installation.

The Nobles composing the 2020 Mahi Potentate's Appointees are installed to their respective vital positions which will insure success in the coming year.

MAHI NEWS

7

BY JOHN W. BORSA JR. Mahi Shriners' new Illustrious Po-tentate for 2020 is Noble Jorge L. Filgue-ira of Miami Springs. He becomes the 95th Noble to lead the chapter since its inception in 1921. He is a well known, beloved and highly respected brother in the Miami Masonic community where he has excelled in leadership positions. He was born on December 24, 1964 in Havana, Cuba to Ignacio and Bertha Filgueira. He has an older brother, Ig-nacio. The family moved to the Astoria, Queens section of New York, NY when Jorge was very young. He attended local schools and graduated from St. John's Preparatory High School. He then studied at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, Long Island. The family moved to Miami in 1987. He is currently the President of HH Construction Group Inc. specializ-ing in concrete shell contracting. Filgueira is a Past Master of Hialeah Opa Locka Lodge No. 391 F.& A.M. and has served in various Grand Lodge of

Jorge L. Filgueira is Mahi's 95th Potentate

Bill Craig is new Oriental Guide for 2020BY JOHN W. BORSA JR. Noble Bill Craig is the new Oriental Guide for 2020. He was born in Miami on May 30, 1968 to William E. and Mary Ellen Craig. Although his parents were not involved in the Freemasonry, his grandparents were. Robert & Ruth Craig served as Worthy Patron and Matron of Allapattah Chapter Order of the Eastern Star in 1973. Bill attended local schools and grad-uated from North Miami Senior High in 1987. He attended Broward Com-munity College and George T. Baker Aviation School where he learned aircraft design and maintenance. He later joined the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, Local #519 as an apprentice. He learned valuable skills and was on his way to a plumbing career until his uncle was killed on a job site which discouraged him from proceeding in the industry.He then became involved in the elec-tronics field, specializing in display

CRAIG

Florida Committees. He was recog-nized for his leadership skills and was elected to board of the Masters' and Wardens' Association of Miami-Dade County, where he is scheduled to serve as Chairman in 2021. He has been the head of all three Miami York Rite Bod-ies, a member of Everglades York Rite College, the Valley of Miami Scottish

Rite and the Mi-Am-I Grotto where he is serving as Venerable Prophet. He was created a Noble of Mahi in 2015 and has been active ever since. After being en-couraged to seek office, he ran for and was elected Oriental Guide for 2018. Because of an unexpected vacancy and other timing conflicts within the elected Divan, he was elevated to Chief Rabban in 2019 and was elected Potentate for 2020. He cherishes the opportunity to lead the Nobility and is determined to leave his temple a better organization than it was when he began. Filgueira has made a strong commitment to find-ing a new home for a Shrine Center and has scheduled numerous social events in which the members and their fami-lies can participate. Outside of the fraternity, Filgueira enjoys motorcycling, shooting, golf and visiting his property in Georgia. He is married to Eva and the couple have three grown children; Danielle, Jorge and Michael. They live in Miami Springs and are a close knit family.

FILGUEIRA

applications in public places. He be-came a systems engineer in low voltage commercial applications and mastered design/construct systems for airports, stadiums, arenas, hotels, schools, uni-versities, television studios and other similar commercial applications. This led him to work at Hard Rock Stadium, Marlins Park and FIU Stadium. He is currently a co-owner of Icor Interna-tional Systems and serves as President

of its United States operations. Bill also has an ownership interest in LouBert Jewelry in Cooper City, a 40 plus year local retail business. He was initiated, passed and raised a Master Mason in Hurricane Lodge No. 401, F. & A. M. in 2015. He is also a member of the Ft. Lauderdale York Rite Bodies, Miami Scottish Rite Bodies and Mi-Am-I Grotto. Bill was created a Noble of Shriners International during the famous "Bus Ceremonial" at the Broward Shrine Club in April 2016 and has been active ever since, being elected Oriental Guide in December 2019. Anyone who knows will tell you Bill can do anything. He has tremendous knowledge of mechanics and loves to work on old cars, welding, custom fab-ricating, engineering, aerial mapping and photography with drones. Bill and wife Flor reside in Pembroke Pines and have two children; Kaitlyn and Mason. The family enjoys outdoor activities and showing feature films outside in their yard.

MAHI NEWS

9

Marathon Shrine Club keeps rolling on BY JOHN W. BORSA JR. Despite a crushing blow to the Middle Keys by Hurricane Irma in 2017, followed by the death of club president Noble Chris Clauss in 2018, the Marathon Shrine Club has remained intact thanks to the hard work of its dedicated mem-bers. The Category 4 hurricane wrecked many winter homes and some Nobles who were snowbirds decided not to return. Then Clauss, the noble who worked so hard to hold things together, passed suddenly. But most nobles rebuilt and resumed life in paradise and trudged forward maintaining the good name of the club in the area. The nobles held fast and succeeded under the leadership of Club Presi-dent Noble Bob Britz. Since the 1970's the club has been one of the most recognized organizations in the Middle Keys. Their paper drives and plaque sales to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children are legendary and public

Chief Rabban Noble Michael Taussig receives a check from Marathon Shrine Club President Noble Bob Britz at a recent luncheon.

through the years. When coupled with the extensive fundraising of the Keyettes, the club's ladies auxil-iary, the figure is probably doubled. Each year it is not uncommon for the club and the ladies to raise over $10,000 to help shrine kids. In December, members of the Elected Divan visited a club lun-cheon and a check for $5000 was presented to the Transportation Fund. In March, Key Colony Beach day was held in the seaside com-munity just north of Marathon. A ceremonial was held at the home of Noble Chet Dunn bringing in four new nobles. Prior to the ceremony, Britz presented a another check for $10,000, again to the Transportation Fund. "We were overwhelmed once again by the hard work and charita-ble spirit of the club" said Mahi Po-tentate Illustrious Sir Jorge Filgue-ira. "These nobles and ladies work harder than anyone else in Mahi and we cannot give them enough heartfelt thanks."

relations are no problem in the tight knit community. "Everyone knows our paper drive each February and most businesses have one of our plaques up on their wall" said Britz. It is estimated that the club has donated over $250,000 to the Mahi Shriners Hospital Patient Transpor-tation Fund and Shriners Hospitals

Mahi donates $100,000 to Shriners Healthcare - FloridaBY JOHN W. BORSA JR. Mahi Shriners made its largest contribution ever to Shriners Healthcare for Children - Florida (formerly Shriners Hospitals for Children - Tam-pa) in the amount of $100,000 at the recent Hos-pital Day held for the elected divans of member temples. Several years ago a suggestion was made to do-nate $1,000,000 to the facility, but it was decided that it would be more prudent and long lasting to establish a Mahi held segregated investment fund instead, with the interest and dividends being donated to Tampa each year. "Our goal is to con-sistently donate at least $100,000 each year while keeping the fund growing to insure the income" said Chief Rabban Noble Michael Taussig. The Tampa Unit on the campus of the Univer-sity of South Florida was recently altered to an "outpatient only" facility, with surgeries to be per-formed by Shriners' Hospitals for Children physi-cians at several hospitals around the state includ-ing locations in Tampa, Gainesville and Miami.

Seen at the recent Tampa Hospital Day check presentation are (L-R) Chief Rabban Noble Michael Taussig, Patient Ambassador Zoe Spanos, Administra-tor Fleury Yelvington, Ill. Sir Jorge Filgueira and Chairman Ill. Sir Jim Rocha.

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SUPPORT YOUR SOUTH FLORIDABLUE LODGE & MASONIC ORGANIZATIONS

List of Lodges & Organizations within Mahi's JurisdictionParticular Lodges Biscayne Bay No. 124 2nd & 4th Thursday 7:30pm Miami Scottish Rite - 471 NW 3 Street, Miami, FL 33128 Clyde S. McLaren No. 305 1st & 4th Wednesday 8:00pm Miami Scottish Rite - 471 NW 3 Street, Miami, FL 33128 Coconut Grove No. 258 1st & 3rd Monday 7:30pm South Miami Lodge - 7090 SW 61 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143Coral Gables No. 260 1st Wednesday 7:30pm Coral Gables Lodge - 41 Valencia Avenue, Coral Gables FL 33134Coral Springs No. 373 2nd & 4th Tuesday 7:30pm Eureka Lodge - 101 SE 1 Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004 Doric No. 140 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:30pm Doric Lodge - 401 SE 15 Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Eureka North Shore No. 269 1st & 3rd Thursday 7:30pm Eureka Lodge - 101 SE 1 Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004 Florida Keys No. 336 2nd & 4th Tuesday 7:00pm Florida Keys Lodge - 284 Tavernier Street, Tavernier, FL 33070 Fraternidad U.D. 1st & 3rd Wednesday 8:00pm Fraternidad Lodge - 910 NW 22 Avenue, Miami, FL 33125 Hialeah Opa Locka No. 391 1st & 3rd Thursday 7:30pm Hialeah Lodge - 150 W. 20 Street, Hialeah, FL 33010 Hibiscus No. 275 2nd Tuesday 7:30pm Miami Scottish Rite - 471 NW 3 Street, Miami, FL 33128 Hurricane No. 401 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:30pm Oleeta Lodge - 142 S. Royal Poinciana Blvd., Miami Springs, FL 33166J. Dewey Hawkins No. 331 2nd & 4th Thursday 7:30pm J. Dewey Hawkins Lodge - 555 NE 42 Court, Oakland Park, FL 33334 Key West No. 64 2nd & 4th Thursday 7:30pm Dr. Felix Varela Lodge - 909 Fleming Street, Key West, FL 33041 Luz de America No. 255 1st, 2nd & 3rd Tuesday 8:00pm Miami Scottish Rite - 471 NW 3 Street, Miami, FL 33128 Marathon No. 323 1st & 3rd Monday 7:00pm Marathon Lodge - 110 89 Street Ocean, Marathon, Fl 33050 Memorial No. 27 3rd Wednesday 5:30pm Miami Scottish Rite - 471 NW 3 Street, Miami, FL 33128 Memorial No. 926 Called Meetings Doric Lodge - 401 SE 15 Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Miami-Dade Hispano-Americana No. 411 1st & 3rd Thursday 8:00pm South Miami Lodge - 7090 SW 61 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 North Broward No. 404 1st & 3rd Thursday 7:30pm J. Dewey Hawkins Lodge - 555 NE 42 Court, Oakland Park, FL 33334 North Star No. 405 3rd Tuesday 7:30pm Eureka Lodge - 101 SE 1 Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004 Oleeta West Dade No. 145 1st & 3rd Thursday 7:30pm Oleeta Lodge - 142 S. Royal Poinciana Blvd., Miami Springs, FL 33166Perseverancia No. 413 1st & 3rd Thursday 8:00pm Perseverancia Lodge - 600 W. 29 Street, Hialeah, FL 33010 Renacer No. 410 2nd & 4th Wednesday 8:00pm Oleeta Lodge - 142 S. Royal Poinciana Blvd., Miami Springs, FL 33166Roe Fulkerson No. 299 1st & 3rd Thursday 7:30pm Roe Fulkerson Lodge - 811 Glen Parkway, Hollywood, FL 33021Royal Palm No. 100 2nd & 4th Thursday 7:30pm Royal Palm Lodge - 33 NW 15 Street, Homestead, FL 33030 South Miami No. 308 2nd Tuesday 8:00pm South Miami Lodge - 7090 SW 61 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 Village No. 315 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:30pm Village Lodge - 9855 NE 2 Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33138 West Broward No. 253 1st Thursday West Broward Lodge - 927 NW 178 Avenue, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029

Masters & Wardens Assoc. Broward 4th or 5th Wednesday 7:30pm Rotating Lodges Masters & Wardens Assoc. Miami-Dade 2nd Monday 7:30pm Oleeta Lodge - 142 S. Royal Poinciana Blvd., Miami Springs, FL 33166

Allied & Appendent Orders Eastward Riders Widow's Sons 1st Wednesday 8:00pm Duffy's Tavern - 2018 SW 57 Avenue, Miami, FL 33155 Feramo Grotto MOVPER 2nd Friday 7:30pm Broward Shrine Club - 2900 Taylor Street, Hollywood, FL 33020 Ft. Lauderdale York Rite Bodies 1st & 3rd Monday 7:30pm Eureka Lodge - 101 SE 1 Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004 Hollywood Assembly No. 12 Rainbow 2nd & 4th Monday Eureka Lodge - 101 SE 1 Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004 Lakeside No. 271 O.E.S. 3rd Thursday Village Lodge - 9855 NE 2 Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33138 Maestros Low Twelve Riders 2nd Thursday 7:00pm Cuban Crafters Cigars - 3604 NW 7 St., Miami, FL 33125 Mi-am-I Grotto MOVPER 4th Wednesday 7:30pm Miami Fire Fighter Hall - 2980 NW S. River Drive, Miami, FL 33125 Miami Scottish Rite Bodies 3rd Wednesday 7:30pm Miami Scottish Rite - 471 NW 3 Street, Miami, FL 33128 Miami York Rite Chapter & Council 3rd Monday 7:30pm Oleeta Lodge - 142 S. Royal Poinciana Blvd., Miami Springs< FL 33166Miami York Rite Commandery 4th Monday 7:30pm Hialeah Lodge - 150 W. 20 Street, Hialeah, FL 33010 Nahum Temple No. 75 D.O.N. 1st Monday 7:30pm Oleeta Lodge - 142 S. Royal Poinciana Blvd., Miami Springs< FL 33166National Sojourners No. 357 3rd Tuesday 11:30am Homestead Air Reserve Base Oleeta West Dade DeMolay Chapter 2nd & 4th Tuesday 6:30pm Oleeta Lodge - 142 S. Royal Poinciana Blvd., Miami Springs, FL 33166South Broward Scottish Rite Club 4th Wednesday Noon Picadilly Cafeteria 4500 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Fl 33020 Tri-Gate No. 276 O.E.S. 2nd & 4th Wednesday Doric Lodge - 401 SE 15 Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Westside DeMolay Chapter 2nd Wednesday Eureka Lodge - 101 SE 1 Avenue, Dania Beach, FL 33004

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MAHI NEWS

12

The Mahi Shrine Center that never was

Mahi Shrine Club

BY JOHN W. BORSA JR. In 1925, during the height of the Florida Land Boom, an outrageous land proposal found its way to Mahi. Representatives from George Merrick’s Coral Gables Land Company appeared before the Nobility with a grandiose offer. The Gables, a visionary city and Miami suburb developed by George Merrick out of his family's fruit groves, was one of the first planned cities in the state and had strict codes and restrictions, one of which was requiring Mediterranean or Spanish architecture. It quickly became "the" place to live in the Miami area. Merrick wanted Mahi to call his city home. Proposals were made and sketches were drawn for a clubhouse. Mahi was becoming very important in Miami circles and claimed some of the city's biggest movers and shakers on its rolls. The Gables developers felt that the influence of these men could be valuable to help sell land in the new Riviera section locat-ed in the southern section of the city. Their proposal was to convey 53 acres of land to Mahi at approximately 1200 Hardee Road, just south of the University of Miami, across the South Dixie Highway. (Today the area is occupied by single family homes.) The land would be leased to Mahi at $1 per year for 99 years provided they built a clubhouse and 18-hole golf course. The land company would then, in turn, pay Mahi a commission on the 60 home sites adjacent to the links upon their sale to help finance the construction costs. The renderings of the clubhouse were

University of Miami

Ponce Middle School

U.S. 1

A full page ad that ran in newspapers nationwide promoting the Mahi Temple & Sports Center, the focal point of the new Riviera Section of the burgeoning Coral ables.

MAHI NEWS

13

grandiose and nothing short of amazing. They reflected the very best of the Mediterranean architecture desired by Merrick and, if built, would have been a historic landmark by today's standards. Although no cost estimates are on record, it is safe to assume the building would have cost $300,000-500,000 in 1925, $4.5-$7.5 million in today’s costs. To give a scope of this type of building, the Miami Scottish Rite Cathedral, which had been completed in 1923, was built for $350,000. A Miami News announcement at the time claimed an investment would be made of $2 million, which was probably inflated for marketing purposes. However, the clubhouse, golf course and land costs may have ultimately reached that figure. There is no doubt that Mahi could have raised the funds to at least start such a project with its roster of members who were free with their checkbooks. This had been demonstrated in ear-nest with the construction of the Scottish Rite which was unofficially a joint effort by the Valley of Miami and Mahi Shriners. Still it was clear that many nobles felt that Mahi needed its own home and supported any efforts to build a clubhouse apart from the cathedral. But there were signs that things were changing in Miami, thereby threatening its good fortunes. The con-struction boom had created such a demand for build-ing materials that the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) was overwhelmed and could not ship the materials fast enough. A report at the time claimed it was taking six days for cargo to be shipped from Jacksonville to Miami. Rail yards and every available siding in South Florida were filled to capacity with box cars that could not be unloaded fast enough. In response the FEC raised freight rates and imposed an embargo on freight traffic in August of 1925, effectively putting the brakes on the out of control situa-tion. The following January the Prinz Valdemar, a 241-foot steel-hulled schooner, was overturned during a wind-storm in the Miami Harbor channel effectively blocking all shipping for six weeks. This, together with the freight em-bargo, slowed development even further. For the first time real estate prices were falling and Miami was receiving

A rendering of the Mahi Temple Clubhouse, Golf Course and Sports Facility that was proposed for 1200 Hardee Road in the Riviera Section of Coral Gables in 1925. If built it would have likely rivaled the Biltmore Hotel, City Hall, Venetian Pool and other famous landmarks in the city.

negative press in northern newspapers. The changing situation may very well have placed doubt in the minds of the nobility. After much consideration, it was decided that Mahi did not have adequate funding to build and main-tain such a facility. Therefore, the lucrative proposal died just before the September 1926 Great Miami Hurricane that effectively ended the Florida Land Boom. To this day some maps, including Google, show the south fork of the Coral Gables Waterway as the "Mahi Waterway" and an official plat map in the lobby of the Coral Gables City Hall shows the Mahi Country Club. This indicates that this proposal must have been taken very seriously by the City at that time. A second proposal from Merrick's company came in October of 1927 involving the development of a fishing re-sort in North Key Largo. Again, the land would be leased to Mahi, providing they built the resort and the sale of the adjacent lots would pay a commission. Merrick, nearly ru-ined by the collapse of the boom, had envisioned another Coral Gables on this, the largest of the islands composing the Florida Keys. After the bust, there was little interest in this project by buyers and Mahi apparently felt the same with no further mention of this proposal in the records. As for Merrick, he ended up building the Caribee Fishing Re-sort on Upper Matecumbe Key in Islamorada which, iron-ically, was destroyed by the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. With both his dream city of Coral Gables and the fishing club having been doomed by hurricanes, Merrick was left bankrupt and wiped out. Many of his friends and business contacts rallied and secured the position of Postmaster of Miami for him in 1940. He passed in 1942 at the age 56. It's interesting to think what might have been if Mahi had moved forward with the Coral Gables project. It may have been as famous today as the Biltmore Hotel or Vene-tian Pool. Mahi did end up building a well known and fa-mous building in 1963, the great Mahi Shrine Auditorium. Although it is fondly remembered, it was not the architec-tural gem that may have been built in Coral Gables, but it did nicely for Mahi for 50 years.

MAHI NEWS

14

2nd Annual Arabian Nights fund raiser is heldBY JOHN W. BORSA JR. The second annual Arabian Nights Fund raiser was held on March 14, 2020 in the main ballroom of the Doubletree by Hilton Miami Airport Hotel. Over 300 tickets were sold to Masons, Ladies and guests who came from all over the state to participate in the exciting event and enjoy the food, fun and fellowship. The eve-ning, which was black tie, included a lavish Middle Eastern dinner, music, dancing, and even a belly dancer. Ad-ditionally, a silent auction was held to help boost the proceeds for the event. Mahi Shriners and Mi-Am-I Grotto were the co-sponsors of the evening. The purpose of the gathering was to raise money for the Grand Lodge of Florida’s First Ladies’ Charity. For 2019-20 the First Lady is Sudie Westerman, wife of M:.W:. John W. Westerman III, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Flor-ida. Her project is the renovation of the library at the Masonic Home of Florida in St. Petersburg including new displays, computers, readers and the addition of electronic volumes. A former librarian, Westerman found the facilities to be out of date and saw a great opportunity to update them in her field of expertise. Some of the ma-chines in the library are 30-40 years old and there have been so many advancements in library technology that she wanted the residents to have the latest tools to work with, especial-ly those who are computer savvy. R:.W:. Tali Atala, Senior Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge, and wife Angie spearheaded the effort for the second year. “The first year was conceived as a tribute to our late Grand Master M:.W:. John Karroum and his cultural background. It ended up being such a huge success that we decided to do it again and are resolved to make it an annual event” said Atala. Although the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic coincided with the event and kept many away the evening was still a great success and raised over $8000 for the First Lady's project.

Happy Nobles shown at the event were (L-R) Sergio Perez, Luis Meurice, Harold Peter-son and Illustrious Sir Richard E. Lynn PP & Past Grand Master of Florida.

One of the evening's entertainers, an authentic Middle Eastern belly dancer, shows that Shriners aren't the only people who can dance and use scimitar simultaneously.

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Isn't it great to be a Shriner?JHBJr

COMMENTARY

16

BY JOHN W. BORSA JR. impossible because of health concerns, we are effectively temporarily out of business. Out to lunch. Gone fishing. Back in 15 minutes. Each of us looks forward to the day when we can press the "play" button and resume our masonic lives. The one positive thing that has emerged from this terri-ble situation is the "proof of brotherhood" as I like to call it. Each of us has been contacted by someone in the fraternity who shared their concern for us and offered support and as-surance. Whether it has been by telephone, social media or personal visit (at a distance), the best merits of brotherly love and affection have shone through. What a wonderful feeling to know that there are brothers out there who genuinely care about each other and stand ready to prove it. We here in Flor-ida are somewhat more familiar with this process than other regions because of what we endure during the threat and/or passage of a hurricane. But isn't it nice to know it works for other circumstances? So, to coin a phrase, thanks to all who have "reached out and touched someone". Keep it up!

As I write this all of us are living in un-precedented times. Never before in any of our lifetimes has a pandemic affected the world like the Covid-19 Virus. We are told to not to gather en masse, keep six feet away from each other, wear protective breathing masks or just plain stay home. Not since the Spanish Flu in

1918 has the United States faced a widespread outbreak that endangered tens of thousands of lives. Our govern-ment is doing what it can, with both praise and criticism, to mitigate the situation and thus far the projected infec-tion and death numbers have, thankfully, not panned out. As for Freemasonry, a fraternity whose definition blatantly uses the word "group", the situation is paralyz-ing. The very nature of our orders are large gatherings for meetings, degrees and social events. If those gatherings are

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A LOOK BACK INTO MAHI'S HISTORY

There was a time not so long ago that group singing was a large part of American entertainment. Groups would harmo-nize together in college fraternities and sororities, fraternal groups, churches and mainstream entertainment. Acts such as Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians to The Ray Conniff Singers to Mitch Miller and the Gang sold millions of records and ap-peared on both television and in concert. As for Mahi, there was the Chanters Unit. This group of Nobles was formed to perform at meetings, special concerts and community events. The premise was simple. Songs would be sung in harmony and to the best of the members abilities. They often sang a capella but were also accompanied by a piano or the Mahi Band on occasion. Seen above are the Chanters in 1935.

In the days when cities had multiple newspapers, the Mi-ami Daily News was Miami's afternoon or evening paper. Each year the News would designate one day a year as "Old Newsboys Day" and let members of non-profit organizations go out and sell newspapers with a portion of the sales going to Variety Club of Miami which ran Variety Children's Hospi-tal. Since Shriners Hospitals for Children patients were treated at the facility, Mahi would always support the effort. Seen above in April of 1955 are (L-R) Nobles Ben Lanier, Ill. Sir Hal Ingoe, Ill. Sir Norman Howard and Noble Robert Booth.

South Florida is, obviously, one of the boating capitals of the nation. It was and is only natural that many Nobles were interested in boats, fishing and all things related. From the 1960's through the 2000's Mahi had two boating units, the Mariners in Miami and the Seafarers in Ft. Lauderdale. Each had trailered boats that were used in parades. The two units are seen above in 1975 during the Homestead Rodeo Parade. It is puzzling why there is no interest in these units today.

During the 1990's and 2000's Mahi had a full time Public Re-lations man, Noble Irwin Kirby. Kirby was a retired writer for Amusement Magazine, a division of Billboard that followed the business of carnivals, circuses and sideshows. His knowl-edge of the press served him well and his industry connec-tions helped him get the word out about Shriners Hospitals for Children. He was able to get proclamations from city and county governments, airtime on local television stations, billboards and placards on buses and bus stops. Illustrious Sir Woodland "Woody" Deringer, Mahi Potentate in 1995, was a firm believer in Kirby's work and fully supported his efforts. Seen above are (L-R) Nobles Barry Rosenthal, Deringer and Kirby accepting a proclamation from Broward County Com-missioner Lori Parrish designating February 6-10, 1995 Burn Prevention Week. Kirby retired and moved to the Masonic Home in St. Petersburg before his passing in 2008.

GET YOUR PAPER HERE

25 Years Ago...

COMMUNITY AWARENESS

A SONG IN THEIR HEARTS

85 Years Ago... 65 Years Ago...

45 Years Ago...

WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

HOSPITAL NEWS

18

News from Cincinnati

SHC-CIN_Media Resources.OCT_2019

Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Cincinnati is one of only four freestanding hospitals in the country dedicated to the treatment of pediatric burns and specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Our physicians’ experience and expertise in pediatric burn treatment, cleft lip and palate, complex wound and skin conditions, and plastic and reconstructive surgery makes Shriners Hospitals for Children – Cincinnati a first choice for care.

If you know a child who could benefit from our services, share our information: shrinershospitalcincinnati.org

or call 855-206-2096 to make an appointment; no referral is needed.

We bring hope to children needing plastic and reconstructive surgery... Cooper’s Story

Conditions Treated

All Services Provided Regardless of a Family’s Ability to Pay

BurnsCleft Lip & Palate

Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeryComplex Wounds & Skin Conditions

One summer day at the Georgetown, Ohio fire department, Emergency Medical Technician Nickie responded to a call reporting a dog bite injury. When she arrived on the scene she discovered that the injured child was her 12-year old son, Cooper. “It looked like half of his face was gone,” she said later.

The boy was airlifted to the nearby children’s hospital, where he received

Shriners Play a Big Role in ReferralsWhen it comes to finding medical help for children, Shriners are now more important than ever. Members of the fraternity have always played a critical role in helping families in their communities get connected with Shriners Hospitals for Children – Cincinnati, and now it has become even easier with a website and referral cards.

WebsiteShriners Hospitals for Children – Cincinnati continues to make referring a patient and obtaining an appointment for care easier than ever through the website: shrinershospitalcincinnati.org

Follow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ ShrinersHospitalCincinnati

more than 200 stitches to his face and neck, and another 40 to his back. The process took six hours, after which they were sent home. At a follow-up visit two weeks later, Nickie learned that the plastic surgeon’s services to repair Cooper’s

facial scarring wouldn’t be covered by insurance, meaning the family would have to pay out of pocket. Nickie recalled the devastating news, saying “I felt like I didn’t protect him when he was injured; now I couldn’t fix him.”

Frustrated, Nickie began sharing their story on Facebook. Someone suggested they reach out to Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Cincinnati. She only knew the hospital for its world-class pediatric burn care, but soon learned that Cincinnati Shriners Hospital is also a destination for

plastic and reconstructive surgery, and treats children regardless of a family’s ability to pay. She was able to schedule a visit that very week.

At the appointment, they met plastic surgeon Scott Rapp, M.D., FACS, who agreed that Cooper needed reconstructive surgery. He also suggested it be followed by laser treatments. Using lasers for scar reduction is a relatively new procedure; the reconstructive surgeons at Shriners’ specialty hospitals have perfected its use to improve the appearance of the scars from burns as well as many other injuries.

“Dr. Rapp was so reassuring,” Nickie recalled. “He quashed all our fears and spent a lot of time talking with Cooper to make sure he felt comfortable.”

After Cooper’s outstanding outcome, Nickie spread the word about Cincinnati Shriners Hospital using social media to reach out to mothers with similar situations. “I don’t want another parent to ever have to feel like I did,” she said.

Recent Donations to the MAHI SHRINERS HOSPITAL PATIENT TRANSPORTATION FUND

Gary Bird In memory of Jean McNamaraJ.L. Wynne In memory of Larry Cauthen Mark McNamara In memory of Jean McNamaraForest Ridge Holly Day Parade & Fair Peter Nefsky Ron Hoffmann Barry Deutsch Scott Burnette John Leisenring Manny Vila Illustrious Sir Earl Higginbotham Robert Geith Rene's Barber Shop PemAir In memory of Ken AsburryElias Vasquez In memory Ken AsburryMarathon Shrine Club Community Service Foundation of Broward

Ruth Murray In memory of Zeb Blanton, Ill. Sir Al Siegel, PP & Bob MurrayMichael Slonin Charles Ward In memory of Jean McNamaraCharles Ward In memory of Leonard HamkerHelen T. Foden J.C. Smith Linda Lee Thweatt Beth Gopman Marteen Longo John W. Borsa Jr. In honor of the Elected Mahi DivanKen Asburry Jr Chetan Rao Carl J. Garcia Homestead SC Mahi Director's Staff Raytheon Company Gay Noland

19

Mahi Roadrunners group is disbanded BY JOHN W. BORSA JR. Due to an increasingly complex situation, the Mahi Roadrunners, the volunteer nobles that drive Shriners Hospital for Children patients back and forth to Tampa, has been dis-banded. As of December 31, 2019 Mahi is no longer providing physical transportation to the facility. During the past several years the number of trips has steadily decreased, but more importantly the number of available drivers has plummeted. Of late it has been an almost insurmountable task by the transportation chairmen to find volunteers drivers on a regular basis. Like many before them, these dedi-cated nobles often had to repeatedly make the trips themselves. "As our membership ages many are no longer able to make the tiring trip. Those who are qualified are often tied down by family and work related obliga-tions, which leads to less available drivers" said Miami-Dade Chairman Bill Craig. The lack of drivers coupled with increasing liability exposure led

the Potentate and Divan to heed the recommendation of Shriner's Inter-national Risk Management Office and cease transportation. "We were having difficulty finding drivers to-gether with the potential for accidents and legal action so something had to be done. Many Nobles may disagree with this action but it is what's best for Mahi and the families at the same time" said Potentate Illustrious Sir Jorge Filgueira. All patients are still getting to Tampa when needed even without Shriners physically getting them there. Many families go in their own vehicles and are paid a stipend by Mahi to cover fuel and incidentals. Others are provided transportation through Medicaid and other disabil-ity services. Still others have no need to physically go to Tampa because of telemedicine in which the physician can examine the patient via closed circuit television. "Because of the medical advances and research that our hospitals have accomplished there is less need for major services

at Tampa and that is the main reason the facility no longer has overnight patients. It is now strictly an out-patient clinic with surgeries being performed by our doctors at different hospitals around the state" said Tam-pa Board of Governors member and Mahi Past Potentate Illustrious Sir Al Lourido. "By branching out through outsourced operation rooms and tele-medicine we will be reaching more children who may not ever set foot in our building" added Lourido. As mentioned, Mahi continues to support our patient families by providing financial assistance for self driving to Tampa and covers all airfare for patients and one parent or guardian who need to be seen and/or treated at another hospital in the system. "We still need everyone's donations to the Mahi Transportation Fund so we can keep helping our kids" added Filgueira. As for the two hospital vans kept in Miami and Hollywood, they are being retained for now until a further decision is made on their use.

HOSPITAL NEWS

20

NOBLES - 2020 Dues are now past due. If you have received a dues reminder lately that says you owe $115, then you owe for 2020. If it says you owe $230 then you have not paid for

2019 or 2020 yet. Check your Gold Membership Card. Does it have a 2020 sticker? Please get current today or contact the office if you need assistance.

Alvaro (Al) LouridoBoard of Governors

6416 SW 14 StreetMiami, FL 33144Cell: 305.431.8774Home: 305.266.2502e-mail: aalourido@gmail.com

YOUR AD HERE305-883-9766

YOUR AD HERE305-883-9766

Shriners International

Dr. Jerome F. JacobsPotentate of Mahi Shriners 2010 - Miami, Florida

3201 East Stonebrook Circle, Davie, FL 33330Home: (954) 476-4433 Cell: (786) 251-4880Fax: (354) 476-4666 E-Mail: jeromej4@aol.com

UNIT & CLUB NEWS

22

MAHI SHARP SHOOTERSIf you are interested in Firearms and Shooting then

this new unit is for you. Meeting 2nd Wednesdays in South Miami-Dade. For more information contact:

Noble RON KOPPLOW - 305-252-6078

MOTOR CORPSDo you have a motorcycle? Why not join the Mahi Motor Corps? If you like bikes and would like to

show your riding skills, this unit is for you.

Noble JEFF GOINS - 954-981-4802

Director's Staff maintaining parade vehiclesBY JOHN W. BORSA JR. Many Nobles take for granted the amount of work needed to maintain Mahi's fleet of parade vehicles. Most just show up and want to drive or ride but there is much more going on be-hind the scenes. An aging fleet requires constant maintenance which may include oil and battery changes, parts replacement or just general tune ups. This work is completed by the members of the Director's Staff under the super-vision of Director of Work Noble Alber-to Laguardia. Work nights are held on Mondays and sometimes on weekends. Thanks to these hard working Nobles the fleet is able to be used in an average of 14 parades per year. So what's in the fleet you may ask? The backbone of the vehicles are the three dune buggies. These are kit cars with Volkswagen engines the oldest of which is 50 years old. Next comes the go-carts. These are custom made fiberglass rides outfitted with small engines. There are three NASCAR like cars and a tractor-trailer combination. There are also two India-napolis 500 (Mini Indy's), a 1930's Ford Model B and a red Ford Model T truck. Then there's the two fire engines, a red 1976 Ward LaFrance Pumper and a green 1990 Pierce Pumper. Both are in full working order and are always a fan

favorite with spectators. The oldest vehicle in the fleet is a red 1967 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck. Aside from being quite a classic, its claim to fame is its two air horns obtained years ago from a Florida East Coast Railroad GP-7 diesel locomotive. When the air pressures up, they are the loudest thing around. The strangest member of the group is a 1975 Cadillac Coupe DeVille with a

plywood body. Affectionately called "Woody" the unit is currently in need of restoration. Rounding out the fleet is a Scoot Coupe, trike motorcycle, and a few golf carts. There are also a few units under the care of the Tin Lizzies Unit of Homestead including the Doodlebug, a two wheeled unibody vehicle that spins around and shoots out smoke, and several lizzies.

When someone dear to you passes from this life what better way to remember them than by helping a child in need? Why not send in your donation to the Mahi Hospital Patient Transportation Fund in memory of the departed? Your contribution is tax deductible and the survivor or whomever you desig-nate will be notified by letter that you cared enough to send in a donation. You will feel good, the sur-vivor will feel good and you’ll have done something wonderful to honor someone’s memory…..you will have helped a child in need!

MAHI SHRINERS HOSPITAL PATIENT TRANSPORTATION FUNDPO Box 668977—Miami, FL 33166

IN MEMORIUMThe following Nobles were summoned to mount the Black Camel and cross that sublime desert since our last publication

Jack W. FlemingCharles R. LampardAlexander G. MellPatrick C. PalmerGlenn W. Phillips, IIHarry W. Wardlow

MASONIC NEWS

24

Grand Master responds to Covid-19 PandemicBY JOHN W. BORSA JR. The COVID-19 or Corona Virus began in China in the fall of 2019 and has spread worldwide. The illness is respiratory in nature and is mainly spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets and secondarily through surface contact. As the pan-demic grew, it became clear that social distancing was a necessary preventa-tive step. Federal, state and local gover-nments began closingpublic facilities and mandating social distancing and no gatherings of over 10 people. Multiple businesses began to close and all non-essential offices and retailers cur-tailed operations as well. In response to the crisis, on March 17, 2020 M:.W:. John W. Westerman III, Grand Master of the Most Wor-shipful Grand Lodge of Free and

BY JOHN W. BORSA JR. On January 26, 2020 the City of Hialeah held their annual Jose Marti Commemorative Walk/Parade on West 29 Street. Local community and cultural groups, high school bands, City of Hialeah first responders and local masons joined in the procession honoring Marti, a 19th century Cuban writer and folk hero, who is considered a Cuban national hero because of his role in the liberation of his country. The walk proceeds west on 29th street, past Perseverancia Lodge No. 413, to 8th avenue where a bust of Marti stands at the coiner. This year the walk was more important because of the Perseverancia's inclusion in the Grand Lodge of Florida. "We have been participating in the parade for many years and now that we are part of the 27th district we wanted to include any brother who wanted to participate" said Worshipful Master Manny Olmedo. Brethren from many lodges, together with a full parade contingent from Mahi Shriners, came out to lend their support. Lodges parad-ed with banners and plenty of marchers, followed by several Mahi dune buggies, go carts and the fire engine. Illustrious Sir Jorge Filgueira was invited to lead the group along with the officers of Perseverancia. At the conclusion of the walk a ceremony was held at the bust. There is also a masonic monument erected by the city in honor of the Grand Lodge of Cuba in Exile.

WESTERMAN

Hialeah Jose Marti Perez Parade gains momentum

Accepted Masons of Florida issued an edict suspending all masonic activities in the state until May 4, 2020 pertain-ing to all particular lodges, allied and appendant bodies/orders meetings, degrees and social events. This sus-pension included, but was not limited to, all Masonic Education/Masonic Leadership Training classes, Secretar-ies and Treasurers Seminars, Child ID Events, Social Gatherings, all Allied and Appendant Orders and Masonic Youth Groups that meet in any Lodge build-ings, and Lodge building rentals. For Mahi this meant cancelling the April Stated Meeting, Hospital Patient Easter Egg Hunt and Havana Nights Social. It was hoped that by following the guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control, the suspension of activities could help the Freemasons of Florida do their part to curtail the spread of the virus in our state. It is likely that no one alive has ever experienced this type of pandemic since nothing approaching this event

has happened since the early 1900’s. Although the pandemic produced un-precedented times for most, the spirit of cooperation and community that has exhibited itself is a bright spot in a dire situation.

Westerman's directive from March 17,

Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez flanked by W:. Manny Olmedo and W:. Esteban Padron at the 2020 Jose Marti Commemorative

HELP YOUR MASONIC HOMEWhen it’s time to renew your auto tag please consider pur-chasing the Florida Freemasons Tag seen at right. The Code to purchase the tag at your agency is FQR. All of the proceeds from the sale of this tag will go directly to the Masonic Home Endow-ment Fund. To do our part, Mahi Shriners has put one on all our registered vehicles. Won’t you?

Please attend your Blue Lodge regularly in 20209. Your Lodge needs your support. It is also a place that you might run into a brother who you wish to invite to join our order. So if you attend, you are definitely supporting your lodge and you may even be supporting Mahi. Let’s agree to see each other in lodge this year.

It’s every Shrinemason’s obligation.

MAHI BOOSTERS MAHIM A G A Z I N E

OCTOBER 2020George and Maria VakalopoulosIll. Paul & Yvonne Voight, PP, PIC

FEBRUARY 2021Dennis AsburryEwell Menge

MAY 2021Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Allen

AUGUST 2021Ill. Joe & Beth Grayson, PPRoger & Linda LevineSandi Richman in memory of PaulWalter & Mary Venable*

DECEMBER 2021Lyle Johnson*Ben & Donna Otteni

JANUARY 2022Henry DeGraffRonald Gene Elliott

OCTOBER 2022Patricia DeringerTheodore Ficken Ill. Earl Higginbotham, PP Sybil Mulhauser in memory of Harold Mulhauser

FEBRUARY 2023Carlos A. ArmengolKenneth F. Asburry Sr.* Mark & Sandi McNamaraCharles & Sarah Ward

Become a Mahi Booster and help keep Mahi Magazine coming to you! Just clip the form below and mail with your $10 donation. This will make you a booster for one year. Send a donation for one or multiple years!

JANUARY 2024Mr. & Mrs. Frank D. Demery

MARCH 2024Mr. & Mrs. William Hutchinson

SEPTEMBER 2024Davis & Brenda LillardStanley MurrayIll. Stanley T. Mykytka, PP

MAY 2025Sam BloomBill & Moynette MartiWalter A. Thornsbury

JANUARY 2026Brenda E. Smith

SEPTEMBER 2026Chet & Hope DunnCharles "Warren" & Sherryl Wolfe

SEPTEMBER 2027Lampard Properties L.L.C.

JANUARY 2029Tommy Perry

APRIL 2030Mr. & Mrs. A.V. Harrison Jr.

SEPTEMBER 2030Dale & Pat BakerGene TorekyPierce Tudor*

SEPTEMBER 2034Philip B. Rodman

MAY 2035Walter A. Thornsbury

SEPTEMBER 2038Hans Hesselberg Vern Lewis

APRIL 2062Betty & Mack Roper

* = Deceased

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Always remember that you are first and foremost.....A MASON

I'm like stayin' home Doc. Being safe for me and all of my associates, dig? But when this thing like scrams, I'll be back and better than ever. Here's hopin' you'll like be in attendance daddy O so we can do our Shrine thing again! That's all folks.

FEATURES

30ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

Shriners in Film (Part 1) The following are appearances/references to shrinersinmodernfilm(withthetimeinthe filmifprovided)courtesyoftheGrandLodgeof Vancouver.

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)WhenBettyGrablereturnsfromwhatshehadexpect-edtobeanElksconvention[00:50:04],shetellsLaurenBacallthatshehadgotmarried.Laurenexclaims"NottothatShriner!"[01:40:05]

Gypsy (1962)BasedonGypsyRoseLee'sautobiography,thefirsthalfhourofthismovieemphasizestherelianceRoseplacedonherclaimedfraternalassociations.ThemainfocusisontheElksandBuffalo,buttheShrinersarementionedinthesong,"SomePeople".

Bye Bye Birdie (1963)JanetLeighwalksintoabackroomwherefez-adornedmenarediscussingcharitywork.[01:28:00]

Kiss Me, Stupid (1964)Hangingonacupboarddoorinaroadhousesextradeworker'strailerisalargeShrinercrest.[00:46:00].

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967)Nearthemovie'sendRobertMorsesings:"Now,youmayjointheElks,myfriend,andImayjointheShriners.AndothermenmaycarrycardsasmembersoftheDiners.StillotherswearagoldenkeyorsmallGreekletterpinbutIhavelearnedthere'sonegreatclubthatallofusarein.Thereisabrotherhood,ofman.Abenevolentbroth-erhoodofman.Anobletiethatbindsallourheartsandmindsintoabrotherhoodofman."[01:51:52]

"The Commuters"

South Florida History Trivia

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KNOW THE NOBLE - CARLOS CORREA One of the most prominent members of the Miami masonic community and active Noble of Mahi Shriners is Carlos Correa, an accomplished brother who has earned the admiration and respect of all. His dedication to the fraterni-ty is unquestioned and his friendly demeanor endears him to anyone he meets. Correa was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on March 10, 1969. His parents divorced when he was very young and he was raised by his paternal grandparents. He attend-ed Colegio Bautista De Carolina and graduated with Honors from High School Class “Caminantes” in May of 1987. After graduation, he moved to Miami in and started as a full-time student at Miami-Dade Community College, graduat-ing with an Associate of Science in Management in 1991. He then attended the University of Miami, graduating with a Bachelors of Business Administration in 1994. During his college years he worked full time at UM School of Medicine eventually attaining the position of Assistant Director of Patient Finan-cial Services for the University of Miami Medical Group. In 2002 Cor-rea moved on to the private sector as a Senior Practice Administrator of a family practice medical group in Miami. A new opportunity arose in 2015, when he joined the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine as a Practice Administrator and was later promoted to Director of Op-erations and Revenue Cycle of the FIU Healthcare Network where he remains today. Correa’s first interest in mason-ry was when he saw a billboard advertising Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. He began researching the fraternity and reached out to an as-sociate, Noble Dr. Marc Umlas. He was delighted that Umlas’s lodge

was named “Hurricane” since he was a naturally a UM fan. He soon met with Hurricane No. 401’s secretary, Noble Joe Basler, and was soon initiated an Entered Apprentice, later passed to the degree of Fellowcraft and finally raised a Master Mason on September 2, 2006. He immediately became active and moved through the chairs serving as Worship-ful Master in 2009/2010. From there he served as Chairman of the Masters’ and Wardens’ Association of Miami-Dade County in 2010. In 2016, Correa served Grand Master Most

Correa was created a Noble of Mahi Shriners on June 7, 2006 and became active right away as a regular attendee of the Stated Meetings. Once he was Worshipful Master, he joined the Past Master's Unit and served as its President in 2011, then secretary until its demise. He has also supported countless Mahi social events. A resident of Miami, Correa enjoys sleeping when he can, trav-eling and libations with friends. He often reflects on his high school days at Caminantes which trans-lates to “Walker(s)” in English. The school adopted a poem from Span-ish Poet Antonio Machado. The lesson of the poem is found in its title, “Caminante no hay Camino, se hace Camino al andar” (Walker there is no path, you make the path as you go). Correa feels this is a true statement of real freedom, and each of us should pursue goals and ideals as we feel free to do, making our own path. By his own admis-sion he has tried to live his life this way always looking to do right to as many people as he can, more especially a brother mason.

Worshipful Stanley L. Hudson as the last District Deputy Grand Mas-ter of the 34th (now 27th) Masonic District before Miami-Dade Coun-ty was combined into one district from two. He is a member of the Valley of Miami Scottish Rite and served as Venerable Master of the Knights of St. Andrew. Later he was invested as a Knight Commander Court of Honor in 2015 and is currently serving as Master of Kadosh of the Miami Consistory. He is also a member of the Miami York Rite Bodies where he has served as Em-inent Commander of Miami Com-mandery No. 13 Knights Templar in 2018, Illustrious Master of Adon-iram Council No. 10 Royal and Select Masters in 2019 and currently Excellent High Priest of Jericho Chapter No. 11, Royal Arch Masons in year 2020. Correa is a member of Mystic Tie Council No. 3 of Allied Masonic Degrees, Everglades Col-lege No. 149 and the Red Cross of Constantine Miami Conclave. His memberships also include Mi-Am-I Grotto MOVPER where he served as Monarch in 2015.

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