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Greetings from the Sgt. at Arms (pro tem) to the A.S.O.B.

GREETINGS FROM THE SGT. AT ARMS (PRO TEM) TO THE A.S.O.B.

Greetings from the Sgt. at Arms (pro tem) to the A.S.O.B.

I am Ralph Jubb from Al Kader Shrine Center in Portland/Wilsonville, Oregon.

I bring you greetings from the Great Northwest and our Band.  With much of what has been going on throughout the country, we are no different, as all of our events, rehearsals, and parades being canceled.  Our Band has been doing a great job of holding weekly Zoom Calls for the last 5 months.  We have a Booze Bingo each night where the Band gives up to a $50 bottle of booze to the winner, it seems to keep the members joining in the call, go figure.  The Zoom type method of communication is a great way to keep your members involved, and I would suggest something like that to all of our bands and associations.

Just a line or two about my history in the Al Kader Oriental Band.  I have been a member since about 1991.  During my duration, I have been a drummer, musette player, and director along with WASOB President.  I served as A.S.O.B. president in 2010 & 11 and hosted the annual meeting in Denver, Co.

Having gone through the line once, serving as a pro tem position hopefully will only be for a short time.  As a permanent replacement comes along, I will most gladly mentor that Bandsman for the duration of his time on the line.  Please let's step up to help preserve the A.S.O.B.

In closing, I have attached a brief history of our Oriental Band in Portland.  It was penned by Robert Parkhill, who was the A.S.O.B. President in 1959-60, back then we were called Organizers.  This history was written about 60+ years ago.  I would love to see more Bands post their history on our Na Khabar, so please submit.

Until later,

Ralph Jubb

To see that history, you can click on the following link: https://asob.org/al-kader-oriental-band-history/

Sergeant at Arms Update Update

Richard Sobek, Sergeant at Arms

When I first accepted this position, I did not know what to do with this chance. After spending a weekend with our President, Chris Tsaros, I know my work. I would like to start off my year by asking ALL existing Oriental Bands to send the name of their Temple and web address, Music Director and Secretary, including name, address, phone, and email address and Facebook page if used. The files seriously need updating and I have taken it upon myself to aid in this process.

I realize that as members get older, the ranks are getting smaller. As I stepped down as President of ASOBCS, I could only say, IAM-RU. This not only refers to being or becoming a proud Shriner, but to the need to get our younger members into a GREAT unit. This does not take much other than a quick question, “Do you like playing music or are willing to learn, wearing exotic clothing, and making people dance and smile?” Remember, the Oriental Bands do much to raise funds for our Hospitals through Ladder of Smiles events.

Here at Abdallah, Camel Herders run by the OB work year round to raise our annual donation. I look forward to this year and hope ALL of my OB family throughout the United States reading this will aid in keeping and rebuilding one of the BEST parts of any Temple. Please send your information in and let’s get up to date!