Shriner Magazine - Summer 2023

Season’s Greetings

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO SHRINER HOLIDAYS PAST

IT’S SUMMER , and things are heating up! Your Shriner Magazine editors thought we’d offer you some cool relief with these holiday memories. Although publication dates do not allow us to include winter celebrations in Shriner Magazine , we often receive submissions about holiday events. So grab a chilled beverage, kick back and enjoy!

NFL SUPERSTAR ROB GRONKOWSKI Thrills Patients Retired NFL superstar Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski made a surprise visit to Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield to spread holiday cheer to patients and their families. Dressed as “Robbie the Elf,” Gronk interacted with patients — shooting hoops, painting, playing air hockey and soccer and even trying his hand at origami. He brought gifts for patients and was generous with autographs. Patient Sam, 11, along with his mother and younger brother, got to meet Mr. Gronkowski. Sam had this message for Mr. Gronkowski: “My brother and I were so excited to meet you! Thank you for all you shared with us and for sharing your time with kids like me!”

Ed Geoffrion, Chairman Emeritus, Board of Governors, and Melha Shriner, and Rob "Robbie the Elf" Gronkowski

SOUTH DAKOTA State Capitol Tree What has 48 Fezzy bears from Build-a-Bear Workshop, 100 Shriners International 150th anniversary ornaments, 100 Shriners Children’s 100th anniversary ornaments and hundreds of hand-decorated ornaments from patients of Shriners Children’s Twin Cities? The Shriners Christmas tree displayed at the Capitol Building in Pierre, South Dakota! Naja, El Riad and Yelduz Shriners collaborated on decorations for the 29.5-foot Black Hills spruce tree that was the focal point of the tree lighting ceremony, hosted by Governor Kristi Noem.

Governor Noem remarked that when she heard the Shriners would be decorating the Capitol tree, she knew it would be fun!

PYRAMID SHRINERS Celebrate with Masonic Brothers

Picture with Santa: Front row, Noble Donald M. Casey Jr., left, and Noble Max Rosenberg as Santa. Back row, Asher Rosenberg, left, Zohar

Pyramid Shriners participated at the America-St. John's Lodge # 8 holiday pancake breakfast in Stratford, Connecticut. Noble Donald M. Casey Jr. twisted balloon animals and hats for the patrons and taught children how to juggle. Noble Max Rosen berg played the role of Santa Claus and distributed gifts to every child in attendance. To make it a multicultural event, he read storybooks about Christmas and Hanukkah.

Rosenberg and Osi Rosenberg

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SHRINER MAGAZINE: PRIDE AND TRADITION