ROADRUNNERS

The Sesostris Roadrunners Officers - 2006

*Director*	*Noble Edsel Grove*

*Assistant Director*	*Noble Loren McNeil*

*Assistant Director*	*Noble Arthur Nicolai & Bob Foreman*

*Secretary - Treasurer*	*Noble Scott Knispel*

Approximately thirteen years ago, Imperial Shrine seeked to find a way to transport our kids to the hospital. They established the club Roadrunners and left it up to the individual temples to organize these clubs.

The earliest history of the Sesostris Roadrunners was recalled by Noble Wilber Hibberd, and others, who used their own vehicle in 1988, to transport our kids to the hospital in Minneapolis. Meanwhile, Sesostris Temple looked for a way to purchase a van. This was finally accomplished in1992 when by donations by nobles, clubs, one of which was the Flying Fez, and benefactors, a Cheverolet Lumina Van was purchased. On February 10, 1992, an organizational meeting was held at the Activities Building for the purpose of organizing the Roadrunners. These Nobles were in attendance: Nobles Wilber Hibberd, Jay McMasters, of Liberty Lodge, Ray Cain, Howard Morris,James Scharton,Flying Fez, Bob Starr, John Turner, and Dean Van Zandt, Flying Fez. On March 11, 1992, the By-laws were approved, and the Roadrunners were formed. Noble Dan Roth, was appointed as Divan Representitive. Charter Members were: Nobles Ray Brown, Bernie Dow, Chanters, Dana Cole, Deb Hartman, Mel Kailey, Bud Newcomer, James Bowers, W. W. Cook II, Jerry Dewitt, Levi Dodge, Lewis Grosshans, Donald Kiewan, Dale Leggett, Jim Meyers, James Nichols, John Rhodes, Bob Sargent, Frank Smith, Roge Weber, John Williamson, and James Winchel.

At this present time, according to Noble Don Boice, there are 73 members serving 430 patients. The trips are usually made by two members changing off driving usually to Minneapolis sometimes to other hospitals like Chicago. We average from 10 to 20 trips every month. At present we have 2 vans that are on the road most of the time sometimes at the same time.Presently we have a 1999 and a 2000 model Dodge Vans.

The Roadrunners work closely with the kids and their parents and many friendships are formed. It is a very rewarding experience for those of us who are privileged to do this work. Even though, sometimes we have to travel in all kinds of weather and traffic, we feel a great responsibility toward those who depend upon us.To those Nobles who make these trips, we of Sesostris Temple are indebted.

Wings and Wheels of Hope: ( This from the FEZtivities). Wings & Wheels of Hope was started in 1993 by Ill. Sir Jack Lorenzen P.P. The 93 Divan was concerned about transportation costs. This program provides an opportunity for Nobles, Clubs, Units, families, and individuals who share these concerns to provide these funds by giving a tax deductible gift of $100 annually. A one time gift of $1000 will provide a lifetime gift. A perpetual membership of $500 can be given in memory of a loved one. Ill. Sir Sam Nelson, P.P. and the 1995 divan converted the Wings & Wheels Fund so only the interest is used annually. This program is growing at $20,000 per yr.

In 2005, we continue to take our charges numbering 260 patients to the Twin Cities Unit in Minneapolis having at our disposal one 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan and a 2003 Ford Windstar. We continue to do these trips without hardly a fender bender since 1992, a record which we as roadrunners are extremely proud. There are presently 110 members in our Roadrunners.

Our system works because people care. From Nobles and Ladies who are our drivers, to financial gifts from our Clubs and Units and others, to donated complete vans by our Ritualistic Divan, continue to allow new and safe equipment. Safety in transportation is our number one concern.

Editorial by Roger Miner, Director 2005

Roadrunners Meeting Saturday, October 15th, 2005

There will be a meeting of the Roadrunners on Saturday, October 15th, 2005 at the Shrine Center on Yolande commencing at 12:30 p.m. with a catered dinner. The meeting will commence after the dinner. This will be an election meeting so everyone is invited to attend. Ladies are also invited. Please plan on attending this important meeting.

SESOSTRIS ROAD RUNNERS SHRINE CLUB ANNUAL MEETING

October 15, 2005

The Road Runners annual meeting was held at the Yolanda St. Shrine Center, Lincoln, NE. After prayer by Director Miner, a luncheon of Chicken, Potato Salad, Corn, rolls, coffee and tea was enjoyed by all. There were eighteen members and guests plus the Divan representative in attendance.

The meeting was opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag of our country at 12:35 pm. Because of the need for one or two members to leave early, the first order of business was the election of the new officers for the ensuing year. Elected were: Director, Edsel Grove; Deputy Director, Loren McNeil; and Secretary-Treasurer, Scott Knispel.

Our Divan Representative, Noble Bill Nelsen, having other business out of town, Noble Steve Hanneman was introduced by Roger Miner as his substitute for the afternoon. Steve commended Director Miner for his leadership of the unit for the past three years and Roger was given a hearty round of applause by the group.

Steve then covered a number of items of interest, including:

	A questionnaire is being mailed to the members to update driver license information, addresses, phone numbers, and other pertinent information. He requested these forms be completed and returned as quickly as possible.
	The need to increase membership was discussed. Larry Cook had obtained a breakout of members and their general location by area. There are 106 names on the list but not all are active drivers. Active members were thirty from the Beatrice area, twenty-eight from the York-Columbus area, and twenty-three from Lincoln. Several are only able to drive occasionally because of work or other commitments. A number of members no longer feel able to drive but maintain their membership.
	Around 150 members of Sesostris were suspended during the last year. They need to be replaced or reinstated.
	Recognition night this year is November 9.
	It was suggested by the Potentate that donations to Sesostris be designated with 50% to the general fund, 15% to the transportation fund, 15% to the building fund, and 20% for the hospitals.
	Noble Steve also discussed the status of the new building. The East "O" street location was originally 72 acres, of which 50 were sold this past year after a vote of the membership approved the sale. The area there is developing rapidly and many "high-end" homes are being built nearby. There is some concern that such development may result in complaints from future residents of noise from unit practices on the space designated for such activities, and a developer has suggested that we might consider a trade for property at a location to the west of the city. It has also been discussed at a meeting with Lincoln Parks officials about securing a site near West Van Dorn and Coddington Ave. (South of Lee�s Chicken) and near Pioneers Park and Golf Course. This is still in negotiation stage and no action will be taken without vote of the membership. Steve also reported there is a ready buyer for the Yolanda site at a price somewhat over $800,000.00. There is also hope of developing a possible soccer field on our property, which may not be possible at the East "O" site.

Roger Miner then reported on a number of items of interest to the group, including:

	Our drivers made 38 trips with the vans this past year. During the period of Aug 5 through Sep 5, there were 7 trips by Shrine Van and 32 where the families drove themselves. When a family drives, the Shrine furnishes the hotel room and gives them $100 for gasoline and food. For the entire year, Sesostris sponsored patients were driven 38 times by our drivers and there was a total of 190 patient appointments. The hospital is seeing more patient use this year than in the past year or two. Roger reported that around 50 drivers are currently active.
	The Four Points Sheraton Hotel in St. Paul has been sold to Target and will be torn down. The last date we can stay there is October 31, 2005. After that, we will be staying at the Best Western Kelly Inn. Mary Ann is preparing directions for the drivers.
	The vans have mobile phones and the phone numbers for each van is kept in all the vans, so that we can call between vans if we need.
	Roger Miner, Bob Foreman and Art Nickoli arranged most of the required maintenance on the vans this year. Roger left it up to the new Director to appoint someone to help with the scheduling and taking of the vans in for maintenance.
	Vans need to be left clean after trips. While it is not possible to always vacuum the van, all papers and other trash should be removed. In this regard, Larry Cook suggested that the vans should be detailed periodically. Jack Blocker moved, and Larry seconded that the vans be cleaned inside, windows washed, rugs cleaned, etc. every six months. The vote passed.

Treasurer�s Report: (As of Sep 30, 2005)

	Unit fund $2411.80
	Transportation fund $58,845.84
	Wings and Wheels Endowment fund $170,679.48.
	On the recommendation of Roger Miner, it was moved by Homer Fishwood, seconded by John Reed, that we donate $500.00 to the Sesostris General Fund. Passed.
	Roger reported that he has been using area callers and feels it works well. These are: Beatrice, Horrocks; York, Wyant; and Columbus, Grassmeyer and one other.
	Sesostris Road Runner shirts are still available for purchase.

Larry Cook suggested that the Road Runners consider having a meeting every four months and rotating the location between Beatrice, Columbus and Lincoln. This was left to the desecration of our new director.

Roger thanked all for the excellent cooperation he received during his three years as director. No further business coming before the group, the meeting was closed at 1:45 pm.

Fred O. Wyant,

Secretary, Pro Tem

Roadrunners Meeting November 27th 2004

Noble Roadrunners:

This is to notify all Roadrunners of the meeting to be held at Sesostris Shrine Center, 1717 Yolande, Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, November 27th, 2004 commencing at 12:00 noon with dinner at 12:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to hold election of officers and to cover other details. This meeting is primarly a business meeting but ladies are invited. Please RSVP to Roger Miner 402-421-1674, 1121 West Burnham Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68522-2124 or e-mail minerland@neb.rr.com .

Roger Miner

Director

ROADRUNNERS MEETING OF NOVEMBER 27TH, 2004

Noble Roger Miner extended a welcome to the group of Roadrunners comprised of 18 men and 4 women including our Divan Representative Noble Steve Hanneman at the Sesostris Center on November 27th, 2004 at 12:20 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was given to our flag and the Invocation by Roger followed. A meal of sloppy joes, baked beans, and potato chips prepared by Roadrunner Noble Bob Foreman was enjoyed by the Roadrunners.

The history of the organization was reviewed with some changes made by our group. It was also noted that the number of trips to the hospital were down somewhat compared to other years. We had a total of 59 trips taken this year compared to 78 trips in 2000.

At the Shrine Recognition Night, we presented a check for $500.00 to Sesostris Temple to be given to the Transportation Fund. This comes out of the treasury paid into by the Roadrunners. It was also noted that Nobles who drive not only give of their time but it usually cost the nobles something extra per trip for incidentals.

A clarification to the rules also was mentioned as to who pays for what on the trips. The Shrine pays for all the meals on the road including breakfast at the hospital, while the patient pays for their own meals at other times when they are not on the road.

Many thanks go to Nobles Darrell Grassmeyer and Bob Wilber in Columbus, Noble Loren McNeil in Utica, and Noble Doug Horrocks in Beatrice for helping contact members in their areas.

A special thank you goes to Noble Duane Butler who for some years took care of the vans. He resigned this year as it was becoming harder for him to get around and to take care of duties at home.

As director of the Roadrunners, it was my pleasure to present to Noble Loren McNeil of Utica, Nebraska a plaque for the Roadrunner of the Year. When a driver was needed on short notice, Loren usually volunteered.

Election of officers for 2005 was next on the agenda. The following officers were elected: Director for 1 year - Roger Miner, Assistant Director - Loren McNeil, Assistant Director of Vans - Arthur Nicolai, and Bob Foreman - Secretary, Treasurer - Scott Knispel.

Next: Noble Steve Hanneman , Assistant Rabban and our Divan Representative was then introduced. He thanked Bob for preparing the food and the ladies for coming. He also reminded us the importance of membership and said there is a fund for Nobles who are in a destitute condition who will pay their dues if the noble can not. He also said that the Awards Night was moved to the Stated Meeting of December 8th, 2004. He also stated that Chief Rabban Noble Dick Vosteen was planning a very fine 2005. He asked that everyone who can, help with the 2005 Circus, as much help will be needed. He also reminded everyone that the Stated Meeting is on December 8th, Sesostris Shrine Kids Christmas Party is on the 9th, the Hospital Patients Christmas Party is on the 11th, and finally the Shrine Nobles Christmas Party is on the 15th. With that he thanked everyone for coming.

Meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.

Notice to all Roadrunners: A copy of the Cell Phone Numbers of each of the Vans are now carried in each of the bags. This makes it possible to have communication between vans when both vans are on the road.

ROADRUNNERS MEETING OF MARCH 1ST, 2001

Noble Doug Horrocks called an organizational meeting of the Roadrunners at Sesostris Center on March 1st, 2001, Nebraska's Birthday, at 6:00 P.M. There was 35 members present including our Potentate, Illustrious Sir Noble George Hunt and our Divan Representive Noble Rob Kinsey.

Before the Business Meeting, a meal of fried chicken was catered by the Roadrunners Assistant Director, Noble Roger Miner. Noble Doug opened the meeting, and after introducing the 2001 Staff, brought up problems that needed to be addressed and asked for comments from the Nobles. Noble Doug then introduced our Hospital Administrator, Rhonda Hunt, who presented the Nobles with her duties and offered her suggestions. Then Noble Doug introduced our Divan Representive Rob Kinsey, and after offering the Temple's upcoming programs, Introduced Illustrious Potentate Noble George Hunt who gave us his address.

Our guest speaker was called upon to give his presentation. The Roadrunners were pleased to have with us one of the members of the Nebraska State Patrol, Trooper Kieth Simonson, who gave us a very fine program on "Defensive Driving". After his presentation, the Nobles offered up a spirited discussion on defensive driving and other matters. Trooper Kieth was vigorously thanked by the Nobles.

Before the meeting was adjourned, Noble Doug held a demonstration of how properly to secure a wheel chair in the vans. Noble Doug Horrocks thanked the members of the Roadrunners for coming and wished them a safe journey home.

Noble Roger Miner, Correspondent

Thanks to all of you--it works!

A very special Thank You to the Nobles and Ladies who give their time to assist our kids.

UPCOMING DATES:

ROADRUNNERS SUMMER MEETING

There will be a meeting of the Roadrunners on Thursday, July, 25th, 2001, at the Shrine Center. This meeting will be for Nobles AND THEIR LADIES. All interested Nobles take notice and govern yourselves accordingly. The Social will begin at 6:00 P.M. with dinner served at 6:30 P.M. Their will be a special program for the Nobles and their Ladies. Plan on attending this special meeting. RSVP to Noble Doug Horocks at 402-228-3002 in Beatrice or Noble Roger Miner at 402-421-1674 at Lincoln.

ROADRUNNERS SUMMER MEETING ON THURSDAY, JULY 25TH, 2001

The Roadrunners met at the Shrine Center on Thursday, July 25th for the purpose of holding their 2nd meeting of the year. The ladies were invited to attend. Our Director Noble Doug Horrocks welcomed everyone to the meeting and without further ado, asked Noble Roger Miner to give the invocation. After the invocation, everyone was invited to partake of Fried Chicken, Macaroni Salad, and coleslaw, rolls, coffee or iced tea, and ice cream for dessert.

After dinner, Noble Horrocks introduced Craig Hansen, our Sesostris Shrines' Administrative Director who discussed some of the trials and tribulations that come up at the office. He reminded everyone to always keep the child in mind when traveling or communicating with the guardian or parent and to help them in every way.

Then it was Noble Doug's turn. He gave the record of how many trips were taken and by who. He also held a discussion concerning at what time the drivers should leave the Shrine Center. Noble Craig, during his talk, reminded everyone that the office does not open until 8:30 but usually Rhonda is there before that when she knows that someone will be leaving. A discussion ensued whether it was proper to leave later in the day, such as 10:30 A. M. Noble Doug could not see any reason why it would not be all right except as Craig mentioned on the notices sent out to Patients and Drivers, the time of 8:30 A.M. is stated. If another time is agreed upon by Patient and Drivers, the office needs to be aware of the new time so that they would not be wondering why the van has not left. Doug then asked some of the drivers to relate some of their experiences while transporting the kids to the hospital.

Then Assistant Director Noble Roger Miner was called upon to introduce the Program. Worthy Past Matron Sister Donna Hurst gave some of the history of Eastern Star, who is eligible to belong, and the many philanthropies the members of Eastern Star supports.

Noble Doug Horrocks then introduced Assistant Rabban Noble Rob Kinsey, Jr., our Divan Representive, who reminded us that the heads of all three of our young women's groups joined Eastern Star this year and our heads of DeMolay joined Blue Lodge. He also pointed out that our own Imperial Sir, John D. Vermass was again elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shriners Hospital for Children at the Imperial Session at Las Vegas. He also informed the group that Noble and W. B. Niel Henry of Beatrice Lodge #26 is going to hold a One Day Three Degree and Shrine Ceremonial at Beatrice for 17 new petition candidates on September 22, 2001. After these words Noble Rob introduced our Potentate, Illustrious Sir George Hunt.

Illustrious Sir George mentioned the Shrine Bowl Ceremonial that took place on Saturday, July 21, 2001 and said we took in 7 new nobles, 6 from Hastings and 1 from Lincoln. He also reminded everyone of the Stated Meeting on August 8th, 2001. He then presented to Noble Wilber Hibbard a Life Membership Award for his many years of service to the Roadrunners. Noble Don Boice was also to receive a Life Membership Award, but do to his recall to the Hospital to receive a Heart Pacemaker, He will receive this at another time. With this Illustrious Sir wished everyone a safe trip home.

Roger Miner,

Correspondent

FALL MEETING OF THE ROADRUNNERS ANNOUNCED

Roadrunners Director Noble Doug Horrocks announces a meeting of the Roadrunners to be held at Valentinos Pizza in Beatrice, Nebraska on November 28th, 2001. There will be a discussion on policy issues and Election of Officers for 2002. The Social Time will begin at 6:00 P.M. with Dinner at 7:00 P.M. Noble and Ladies are invited to attend. Cost will be $3.00 per person. Plan on being at this last meeting of Roadrunners of 2001.

PICTURES TAKEN FROM OUR FEBRUARY TRIP

AT OUR BEAUTIFUL TWIN CITIES UNIT HOSPITAL

Main Front Entrance to the Hospital Receptionist desk with view of the Patio

View from the Patio into the Main Lobby Main Lobby, Glass Elevator, & Fez Case

Our prot�g�s. These guys will keep you busy. Imperial Sir Kenneth Smith & Fez Case

Director - Noble Roger Miner - minerland@neb.rr.com

Hospital Patient Coordinator/Secretary - Mary Ann Townsend - maryann.townsend@sesostrisshrine.org

or call Sesostris Shrine Center - 402-474-6890

Visit the Home Page of the Roadrunners at Sesostris Home Page at http://www.sesostrisshrine.org/.

Webmaster: Roger W. Miner at minerland@neb.rr.com

Last modified : January 1st, 2007

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