Thank you all for electing me to this office, I joined the line when WASOB was in need of officers (a fate we are running into again).  I am proud to be here and following the tradition of our past presidents, including my father who was installed 11 years ago, Joe Lambert (who is the General Chairman for WASOB 08), the others who were introduced earlier and the Presidents while I was in line: Dave Hobbs, Ralph Jubb and Norm Tinkham. 

WASOB has been integral in my life as about to be noted.

My thanks goes out to ASOB President Joe Brewton and his Lady Theresa from Texas for installing me.  Norm Wold and Grandma Sarah who came down from Seattle.  It was who first approached me as the ASOB Webmaster at WASOB in 2002 after seeing the work on www.wasob.com and I have treasured each friendship despite sometimes giving them a little grief.  I am pleasantly surprised to see Paul Gluck ASOB Past President from Massachusetts here tonight.  He came out for the weekend – not sure if to earn more frequent flyer miles or what.  Thank you for being here.

Thanks to the Potentate of Ben Ali, Dan Scott and his Lady Patty, for taking time out of their busy schedule – they made sure the PV this afternoon was done with enough time to come down and support us and present me with my fez.  They head back tonight for another event tomorrow.

Before I forget and get into trouble, I would like the Members and Ladies of the Ben Ali Oriental Band to stand.  Let me introduce my family in attendance: My Lady: Kathy (whom I proposed to 521 weeks ago at WASOB) and daughters Karenza and Adriane – Thank you all.  I could not fulfill my duties without their support.

I have adopted a theme for the year: “Drum up some…”.  You see the pins at your table.  Please take them home with you.  I have extras if you need a few more.  Share them with those who could not be here.

·    Drum up some enthusiasm!  We have a blast at the Jamborees. Children of all ages enjoy seeing us perform at the parades and events.  We promote Shrinedom!

·    Drum up some participation.  I want to know all of the activities of your band.  Please communicate with myself and your ASOB Ambassador to WASOB, Dave Hobbs.  My goal is to attend a function for each band this WASOB year packing my travel drum and having the bandsmen and ladies in attendance sign the drum head.  And I want to post and promote your activities on the WASOB website.  We all should be visiting the other bands for something outside of the Jamboree whenever possible.

·    Drum up some membership.  I really don’t have an answer for that one.  Most of us are hurting for members.  We have all heard ideas to generate membership, so I will not repeat them. 

·    Drum up some dollars for the Ladder of Smiles.  To help us get 100% participation, I have my travel drum here for your donations and some drum heads for those who have made donations to sign.  There will be a paper to note from what band and how much is donated.  These drum heads will be hung in my office showing how proud I am of the Shrine Oriental Bandsmen and Ladies.  Earlier this month, The Ladder of Smiles Chairman, Mike Hartup collected $8000 from the Central States Association.  I would be just giddy if we generated $800 tonight.

o   Kathy has already started in this effort.  She was inspired at our visit to the Imperial Sessions to create the unique evening handbags.  We have some available here (and online in the near future) on my left at the quilt which was first made for my Dad when he was WASOB President.  Kathy has adjusted it to now include my year.

o   I am sure that most of you are aware that when we reach the 2 million dollar mark during Joe Brewton’s year, Joe will be wearing an earring for the following 12 months.  If we have 100% participation from our member bands and have donated at least $6200 to the Ladder of Smiles for this ASOB year, I will present myself at the Draggin Lady Degree - in Drag - for WASOB 2008!

Let me wrap this up with my appreciation for all of you and this commercial message: It will be great at WASOB 08, October 2^nd to the 5^th in Sacramento.  I hope to see all of you – and more!  Registration forms will be out in February and details, as they are available, will be posted on www.wasob.com

Copyright Western Association of Shrine Oriental Bands

Last saved 08/23/2008   Webmaster: Dave Glass  dave@wasob.com