Menes Temple, Court making plans for annual joint ball

Menes Temple #32 and Menses Court #164 are making plans for their annual joint ball and weekend celebration Oct. 18-19.

“A Night on the Nile” events will begin at 8 p.m. Oct. 18 with a Boots and Bling dance, the forerunner of a black tie ball that will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 19. In between is a hospitality event, set from 1-4 p.m. Oct. 19 and offering food and fun. All events will take place at Hilton Garden Inn, 135 NW 2nd.

Eric Lofton, illustrious potentate of Menses Temple #32, said the emphasis for Boots and Bling is fun and informal, with participants encouraged to wear cowboy hats and boots for a dance that also is open to the public. The next night is definitely formal.

“Our Saturday night ball is a formal black tie ball, and we want men to wear at least business suits and ties,” Lofton said (although Shriners will be wearing tuxes).

The annual event is the chance for both houses to show appreciation for their illustrious potentate and their illustrious commandress, Sharia Lassiter, who will preside over the ball. But, it also is a celebration of the Menses Temple and Menses Court, and the variety of events and activities they participate in to better the community.

“This is a very active organization and we are thoroughly involved in the community,” Lofton said.

While those activities are broad-based, youth hold a special place in the hearts of Shriners and their Court.

Lofton said the organizations focus on students in schools, buying school supplies, books and backpacks, and also are involved in back-to-school events that offer things such as haircuts for young men. Members also work to raise awareness of sickle cell anemia while supporting their sister organization’s emphasis on raising awareness for breast cancer.

Members work with other local non-profit organizations to support Christmas activities for youth, and a special project is bringing gifts to youth who must spend the holidays in Comanche County Memorial Hospital’s Starlight Unit. Recognizing the cost, Shriners also buy and donate infant seats to mothers with newborns, Lofton said.