SALAAM JUL - AUG 2018

Good things are happening in the clown unit. It has been an
active first half of 2018. In March, we had two activities on the
same weekend. With great response from all the clowns, we were
able to split up and attend both. First was this year’s Shrine
Circus. The clowns were well represented and provided great
entertainment to all the kids and adults at the circus. I would like
to thank all of the Clowns and Clown Ladies for helping us out.
We could not do it without your support. On the same weekend,
TSCA Mid-Winter was held in Galveston. Alan (Honey) Jones
was voted in as State President. Al Amin Clowns competed in all
competitions and placed in two categories. Michael (Giggles)
Ashcraft placed 2nd for make-up in the Happy Hobo division. Billy
(Bling Bling) Bird placed 2nd for make-up in the Senior division.
We also competed in the Skits and finished right out of the
running. There were some awesome skits. It was a great time
and we made good friends with other clowns from all over Texas.
We had a great turnout for the Charro Days, Portland Windfest,
Buc Days and Shrimporee Parades. Good crowds!
In May, we held our Annual Clown Casino Night. It was a huge
success and everyone had a great time. I would like to thank
everyone for supporting the clown unit. We look forward to doing it
again next year. I also would like to thank all the Clowns and their
ladies that came out and helped. The Temple Casino Night is
scheduled for October 2018. I want to encourage everyone to help
the Temple make it a hit. We all need to support the Temple, all
the Units and each other. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
In June, we attended TSA in Temple, TX hosted by Sharon
Temple. They did a fantastic job! During the Clown Breakfast,
Alan (Honey) Jones was sworn in as President of TSCA. Past
Potentate and Right Worshipful, Paul Underwood, Senior Warden
of the Grand Lodge of Texas was the installing officer. Paul did an
outstanding job. The installation was a lesson in comedy as the
entire TSCA officers added their own twist to the installation. Paul
was a good sport and fell right in with the shenanigans while
telling a funny story about Alan. It was great!
4
Clown News
Chief Rabban, Tom (Tree) Mehrens, fezzed Alan. Tree had a
huge smile on his face and so did Alan. It was a fun morning to
say the least.
Al Amin had two clowns compete at TSA, Roy (Bingo) Cantu and
Billy (Bling Bling) Bird. Roy is a great clown and represented Al
Amin very well. We placed in all four competitions. We placed 3rd
in Unit Make-Up and Costume, 3rd in Unit Paradeability, 2nd in
Unit Skit and 2nd in Unit Over All. This earned Al Amin Clowns the
distinction of being the second best Clown Unit in the State of
Texas. I am very proud of Roy. He is a great clown and
represented Al Amin very well.
The President of TSCA, Alan (Honey) Jones, is required to host
TSCA Mid-Winter which will be held in Corpus Christi, TX, from
February 28 – March 2, 2019. The host hotel, Emerald Beach and
Conference Center, will be the location of all events and
competitions. This is a large event that will be attended by all
Texas Shrine Temple Clown Units. We will definitely need all the
help we can get to host this event. Let’s show our support by
representing Al Amin and Alan during this conference.
To help fund this conference, the clown unit has two raffles going
on. There is an Academy® gun and sports raffle for the guys and a
James Avery® raffle especially for the ladies. We are also selling
Red “We Clown for Kids” t-shirts. Please see any clown or clown
lady to purchase raffle tickets and t-shirts.
The Clowns look forward helping and attending all functions we
can between now and the rest of the year. We all need to support
the Temple and help wherever we can.
I would like to thank the Divan and the Divan Ladies for supporting
the clown unit. I know that every Divan member is stretched to the
limit and keeps a very active schedule, but every time we have
asked for your support you have been there. I wanted you to know
that you are greatly appreciated by all the clowns for all the
support you have given us. Thank You!
Last, please keep all those who are ailing in your thoughts and
prayers. We know every unit has individuals they are praying for
as does the clown unit. You never know when someone right
around the corner may need you more than you know. If we can
unite, we can support each other in ways unimaginable. Prayers
and much love to all.
Billy “Bling Bling” Bird
AL AMIN SHRINERS | JUL - AUG 2018