THE ALEPPO TEMPLE (AAONMS)
SHRINE
ORIENTAL BAND NEWS FOR THE YEAR
1997
The above is a picture of the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS)
Oriental Band Team that went to the Shrine Imperial Session in Saint Louis,
Missouri in 1997.
The Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Oriental Band began the
current calendar year by participating in a Shrine Ceremonial at the Aleppo
Temple premises in Wilmington, Massachusetts. At the Ceremonial, the Oriental
Band was proud to present to the newly installed Potentate of Aleppo Temple four
first place trophies which the Band had won at the Northeast Shrine Association
Meeting which was held in September, 1996 in Worcester Massachusetts. The
trophies represented first place awards in all categories of competition. At the
Ceremonial, the Oriental Band also had the privilege of conducting the
candidates who were being initiated into and around the Ceremonial Hall. A good
time was had by all and several of the candidates expressed interest in joining
the Band.
The winters in the Northeast are not too conducive to
performing, nonetheless, that does not diminish our practice efforts - "practice
makes perfect" - so says our Director.
In February we had our annual
business meeting at which a new slate of officers was elected for the current
year. We wish the officers the best in their respective offices and look forward
to a productive and fun year under their guidance.
The Oriental Band
commenced its parade schedule by participating in the Patriots' Day Parade in
Lexington, Massachusetts which commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord
which were at the start of the American Revolutionary War. At the start of the
parade route lives a group of families who traditionally welcome the Shrine
paraders (including the Oriental Band) to a picnic. This year was no exception -
food and friendship were both quite good. Our thanks go to our hosts whom we
look forward to seeing again next year. The Patriot's Day Parade in Lexington is
always well attended and received. Weather this year was exceptional which made
things that much more pleasurable. The Oriental Band looks forward to the
Patriots' Day Parade as a semi-official start to each new parade year. If you
are ever in the Lexington, Massachusetts area around Patriots' Day, please be
sure to take in the parade.
On May 26, 1997 the Oriental Band performed
one of our (becoming increasingly more common) "double-headers" when we
performed in two Memorial Day Parades in Wilmington, Massachusetts and Medford,
Massachusetts. As hectic as these double-headers often are, we take solace and
comfort in knowing that our efforts support the noble and worthy objectives of
the Shrine. In the case of the Memorial Day parades, we also feel privileged to
participate in honoring the memories of those people for whom the day is set
aside. We also take considerable satisfaction in feeling that, based on crowd
response, we gave two winning performances for the day.
On June 7, 1997
we performed at an Aleppo Temple (Initiation) Ceremonial and had the privilege
of escorting the new Shrine candidates into the ceremonial hall for
initiation.
On June 8, 1997 we performed at the Grand Master of
Massachusetts Masons Country Fair. We always enjoy our trips to the
Massachusetts Masonic Home in Charlton, Massachusetts where the Fair is held.
Weather has occasionally been a problem for the Fair, but this year the weather
came through for us. In addition to a formal performance, many of the members of
the Masonic Home and the visitors for the day also enjoy a bit of camraderie
with the Band members. We are always happy to accommodate and explain to people
that we are able to wear our curled up gold shoes "only because our toes also
curl up!" So, if anyone out there has curled up toes then you are a natural
candidate for the Band - please contact us at your earliest
convenience.
The only thing consistent about our schedule is that it is
ALWAYS - SUBJECT TO CHANGE! Due to a number of scheduling conflicts and other
reasons, several of the events previously anticipated to be performed at have,
unfortunately, been cancelled. We did not participate in the June 15, 1997
Charlestown Parade commemorating the 200th anniversary of Old Ironsides (USS
Constitution). Also, our participation in a parade at Kennebunkport, Maine for
June 21, 1997 was cancelled because of logistics involved in preparing for the
Shrine Imperial (National) Convention. Indications are that Middle Eastern Night
is also going to be cancelled because of some conflicts. We are a bit
disappointed that we will not be participating in these events, however other
opportunities will undoubtedly arise.
Just as some opportunities to
perform are cancelled, others presented themselves. The Band firmed up its
commitment to perform for the 150th anniversary of the Town of Orleans,
Massachusetts on August 31, 1997 as well as for the Marblehead, Massachusetts
Firemen's Muster Parade on September 6, 1997 and some others.
The Aleppo
Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band left Boston on June 28, 1997 to participate
in competition at the Shrine Imperial (National Convention) Session in St.
Louis, Missouri. Many friendships were renewed or made there and competition was
stiff. Despite an exceptional performance on stage, the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS)
Shrine Oriental Band failed to place in that competition. Fortunately, we
redeemed ourselves with a second place finish for our parade performance. We all
enjoyed our trip to St. Louis and especially enjoyed meeting fellow Oriental
Band players and listening to their Bands. Our congratulations go to all who
prevailed in competition.
Having returned from St. Louis on July 3, 1997,
the Oriental Band pursued and scheduled a number of events throughout the
remainder of the year.
On August 9, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS)
Shrine Oriental Band took part in the parade which preceded the Shrine Maple
Sugar Bowl Game in Hanover, New Hampshire. The Maple Sugar Bowl Game is a Shrine
sponsored football game of high school all-star athletes from Vermont and New
Hampshire. The parade which preceded the game saw many units from many different
Shrine Temples throughout New England and other places parading. Included in
those units were other Oriental Bands from the region. The Band always looks
forward to supporting this Shrine effort and we enjoyed seeing our fellow
Bandsmen from other Shrine Temples. A good time was had by everyone including
the spectators. This event is regularly scheduled for the second Saturday in
August, so if you should find yourself in the Hanover, New Hampshire area on the
second Saturday of August in the future, do yourself a favor and take in the
day's events.
On August 31, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine
Oriental Band performed in Orleans, Massachusetts in a parade commemorating the
150th anniversary of the founding of that Town. Though the weather was quite
warm and humid, the breezes off of the Cape reminded us of why Cape Cod is a
mecca for summer enjoyment. The Band's performance was enthusiastically received
enhancing our enjoyment of the day that much more. On the way back from the
Cape, the Band stopped at one of the Cape's infamously fabulous restaurants and
ate heartily and well - no complaints were heard from anyone, except as to the
extra weight that a few members put on as a result of the repast.
On
September 6, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated
in the Firemen's Muster Parade in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The weather was hot
and humid and a new parade route, which tested our hill climbing ability, made
for a challenging day. Nonetheless we always enjoy going to Marblehead and
participating in their parade. We are always intriqued by the old fire equipment
which also participates in the parade and later in competition - they are
fascinating to see and watch. This year saw a team from Kloten, Switzerland
making their first international appearance - they were most interesting people
to talk with. What also makes Marblehead so enjoyable is the wonderful
hospitality put on by PHILANTHROPIC LODGE, AF&AM and we would be remiss to
not thank them for it. Their home becomes ours for the day and they provide us
with refreshments before and after the parade. They did an exceptional job again
this year and we are most appreciative of that.
On September 6, 1997 the
newest member of the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band made his parade
debut in the Marblehead parade. We were all delighted to see Robert Lemerise
join his father, Richard Lemerise, and march side-by-side with him. Robert was
heard to say, after the parade, "I do a lot of trail hiking and this parading is
a lot tougher than it looks - I never realized it, I'm sore all over!" Despite
the comment, Robert came back the next day for the Norwood Parade described
below and put in a fine performance there too. The Band extends its most sincere
welcome to Robert and its congratulations to his father on his decision to join
the Band. We are confident that Robert will make a good contribution to the Band
and look forward to his participation in our many events.
On September 7,
1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band paraded in a 125th
Anniversary Parade in the town of Norwood, Massachusetts. The weather continued
to be hot and humid and it was threatening to rain throughout the parade and a
few sprinkles did seem to make it through. That didn't dampen our spirits or
that of the crowd and a good time was had by all. Following the parade, a very
nice collation was prepared for us and the other marching units and all enjoyed
the goodies and were appreciative of the same.
The above is a picture of GERARD (JERRY) NEAULT and his
wife, DORIS.
PRESIDENT and FIRST LADY of NESOBA, 1997-1998
The above is a picture of GERARD (JERRY) NEAULT and his
wife, DORIS.
PRESIDENT and FIRST LADY of NESOBA, 1997-1998
The above is a picture of CHARLES SALIE (left) and ROBERT
BROWNE
Accepting the FIRST PLACE AWARD for a DUET PERFORMANCE at the NESOBA
Competition in Bangor, Maine -
1997.
The above is a picture of WEBSHEIK (ARRON BUDNITZ) -
also known as: THE WORLD'S GREATEST CYMBALS PLAYER
and THE SUPREME
CYMBALS BEING -
taken in uniform in St. Louis, Missouri at the 1997 Shrine
Imperial (National Convention) Session.
THE ALEPPO TEMPLE (AAONMS) ORIENTAL BAND MOURNS THE PASSING AWAY ON
SEPTEMBER 28, 1997 OF SOPHIE MARKOS, WIFE OF NICHOLAS MARKOS, A MEMBER OF THE
BAND.
On October 5, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in a parade in Roslindale, Massachusetts. Advance information indicated that the parade route had two gradual areas of incline. What they didn't tell us was that it was really two or more areas of constant climbing. The parade route was more like climbing a spiral staircase with twists and turns and inclines at every corner. Clearly such a route was not conducive to our best performance, but we took on the challenge and persisted. In general everyone seemed to enjoy us despite the difficulties we had and we enjoyed putting forth the best effort we could for the day.
The stress of parades such as the one in Roslindale, had been gradually getting to one of our senior members, GEORGE GIBNEY - SEE THE AUGUST, 1997 BANDSMAN OF THE MONTH - for a while and, at our first rehearsal following the Roslindale parade, George announced his retirement from parading. George alluded to retiring from the Band altogether arguing that if he could not parade then his usefulness to the Band was marginal - we quickly set him straight, pointed out the many opportunities to participate on stage, indicated our continuing need for someone to keep making the coffee which fuels our rehearsals, and pointed out to him how useful he could be in keeping some of the other musette players in line. So, in essence, we refused to let him resign - we are a mean bunch of guys and we aren't about to let as good a musette player as George just walk away without a fight. Needless to say, George agreed to stay on for stage performances and to do whatever he could for the Band - for which we were all most appreciative and thankful to him.
On October 12, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in a 100th Anniversary Parade in Westwood, Massachusetts. After our experience in Roslindale, we were quite skeptical of advance reports indicating an easy parade route. Westwood does not do parades too often and we were told that they hadn't done a major one for some 25 years. We were also told that there would be good bus service to strategic drop off points and coffee and donuts before the parade. Well, the weather was perfect (maybe a little on the warm side, but not bad at all - a great New England fall day) and bus service from parking facilities to strategic points seemed to work fine. We arrived at our initial dressing area to find coffee but no donuts - a bad sign - even if everything else was going great. Lack of donuts cast a palor over the morning hours and shades of Roslindale haunted us for a while. After dressing we were taken to our staging area - on the way down the crowd looked thin and we were beginning to wonder what we were doing in Westwood. We got to our staging area and mingled about for a while before stepping off. By the time we did step off the crowd had grown significantly and had become quite enthusiastic. The parade got under way and, to our surprise, the route was relatively flat and straight and the parade itself moved along at a reasonable pace. It turned into one of the best organized and coordinated parades we have seen in a while. The route was great, the marching and performing units were plentiful and entertaining, the crowd was enthusiastic and receptive, the weather was fine and the collation at the end made up for the lack of donuts in the beginning. We congratulate Westwood on putting on such a nice event and urge them to not wait another 25 years to invite us back - we enjoyed the parade and the crowd enjoyed us - you can't ask for too much more from a parade. Our only regret was that this was our first parade without George Gibney and that is going to take us a little time to get used to.
On October 19, 1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band entered into a horrid conspiracy to surprise one of its members at a special Surprise Birthday Party for him which was contrived and sponsored by his wife. Congratulations go to Philip Keane, our Secretary, and his wife, Pat, for reaching this milestone of life and for the wonderful time put on. It was also our pleasure to be able to informally perform at this special event and everyone enjoyed accordingly.
The above is a picture of CHARLES SALIE (left) and PHILIP
KEANE (right)
taken at PHIL'S Surprise Birthday Party.
On October 26,
1997 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in the annual
Woburn, Massachusetts Halloween Parade. It was an ideally cool autumn day with
temperatures in the 50's and some threatening overcast which held off for the
entire day. The Band had a good turnout and the crowd, many dressed in Halloween
costumes, was large, enthusiastic and receptive. Woburn is and always has been a
fun parade, it is also relatively flat and straight, which makes things that
much easier as well - we enjoy doing the Woburn Parade and insisted on doing it
this year when others were thinking otherwise of our participation - we
fortunately prevailed and had a great time and think that the crowd enjoyed our
presence as well. Following the parade, the Band assembled at WEBSHEIK'S humble
oasis for a cookout - which many of the older members (by way of longevity) said
was reminiscent of some past times when the Band was much larger and even more
active than it currently is - though it is a bit hard imagining being more
active than we have been in the last few weeks. The occasion was also the
birthday of the wife of one of the Band members and we were all happy to be able
to join her for this event. Everyone had an enjoyable time and expressed an
interest in similar get togethers in the future.
On November 1 , 1997 the
Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in a unique Shrine
Ceremonial (Initiation) which permitted candidates to advance through the
Scottish Rite Bodies and become a Shriner in one day. There were approximately
850 candidates who showed up for this event - bringing back some fond memories
for many present. The Band's performance was appreciated by all in attendance
and we hope some of the new inductees might be interested in joining us as
members as well.
Some of the Ladies of Aleppo Temple put on something of
an annual fair to raise funds for a variety of reasons. This year that event was
scheduled for November 16, 1997. The Band traditionally plays for the assembled
crowd during this event and this year was no exception. We enjoyed helping the
Ladies in their efforts, appreciate those efforts on our behalf and recognize
that they reciprocate those feelings.
On November 22, 1997 the Aleppo
Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in a Thanksgiving Parade in
Plymouth, Massachusetts. The weather was ominous throughout the days leading up
to the Parade and there was some concern as to whether the Parade would be
cancelled. Though there was some rain, snow and sleet shortly before the Parade,
it nonetheless was held and we were delighted to participate in it. Thanksgiving
at Plymouth, Massachusetts is a very different experience and one that everyone
should partake in if given the chance to do so. Parading past Plymouth Rock and
the replica of the Mayflower that sits in the harbor are impressive reminders of
the sacrifices and hardships endured by the early settlers to our shores. We
enjoyed the parade and were impressed with the number of other participants in
it. We also believe that everyone enjoyed our presence as well and that made our
Thanksgiving Holidays a little more enjoyable knowing that we had made others'
holidays somewhat more pleasant in our own way. The Plymouth parade also marked
the return to parading of our Business Manager, Hiram Shorter, who had been away
from parading since shortly after the Hanover, New Hampshire Shrine Maple Sugar
Bowl Parade. It was great to see Hiram back in the ranks and we look forward to
his continued recovery from a knee procedure.
On November 30, 1997 the
Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band participated in the 45th Holiday
parade in Quincy, Massachusetts. We have been doing this parade for the last
several years and traditionally regard it as the conclusion of our outdoor
parade schedule for the calendar year and this year will be no exception to that
rule. We have done the Quincy parade in some of the worst of weather, so we
always look forward to it with a bit of trepidation. This year our concerns were
unjustified and the weather held out for us and provided us with a very pleasant
marching day. The crowd was as large and as enthusiastic as it has ever been -
that is usually the rule for Quincy and that is what makes the parade so
enjoyable. This year we were led by our Parade Director, William Manchester,
because our regular Director was ill - this is a rare happening for Charlie, but
this has been a strange autumn season in New England and the efforts of some
last minute leaf removal got the better of him and his back.
With the
conclusion of the parading season and the onset of the Holiday Season, we will
not be practicing through the month of December. We also have no formal
performances planned during that period of time.
On December 12, 1997 the
Band got together for its annual Holiday Party at a local restaurant and had a
tremendous time. The turnout was one of the largest in recent years and everyone
was in a festive mood. Hiram Shorter demonstrated that his recovery from knee
surgery was continuing to do well as he entertained us with his belly dance
rendition. The food and other entertainment were also exceptional.
Congratulations go to our Vice President, Thomas Short, Jr., and those people
who helped him for arranging such a nice event. The only cloud lingering over
the event was recognition of the fact that one of our Bandsmen, John (Jackie)
Shallah, was grievously ill.
The above is a picture of JOHN (JACKIE) SHALLAH taken in
1997.
On
December 13, 1997, notice was received from the SHALLAH family that the BLACK
CAMEL had visited them and had taken our Fellow Bandsman, JOHN (JACKIE) SHALLAH
to the eternal oasis. There to be re-united with his brother, GEORGE, and
undoubtedly to set the groundwork for another Oriental Band.
THE ALEPPO TEMPLE (AAONMS) ORIENTAL BAND MOURNS THE PASSING AWAY ON DECEMBER
13, 1997 OF JOHN (JACKIE) SHALLAH, A MEMBER OF THE BAND.
We
anticipate doing an impromptu performance at the Boston Shriners Burns Hospital
when the young lady we have adopted as our special cause goes there for some
procedure - she is making good progress and we are hoping to get a chance to
meet her more formally and cheer her on - no date has been determined for
this.
This HomePage will be next updated in January, 1998 unless
circumstances warrant otherwise.
In January, 1998 we will be beginning
our new year with a Shrine Ceremonial where we will have the pleasure of
awarding our new incoming Potentate with five (5) trophies which we have won
over the past year.
In the meantime, we would like to wish all HAPPY
HOLIDAYS AND SEASON'S GREETINGS.
The above is a picture of JOHN (JACKIE) SHALLAH taken in
1997.
The above is a picture of THE MEN IN THE BAND who attended
the December 12, 1997 Holiday Party.
As we archive each year those archives provide us with
memories of preceding years - accordingly, the song which accompanies this PAGE
is called MEMORIES from the play CATS. WEBSHEIK humbly respects all rights to
the song and no effort is made hereby to circumvent those rights by including
the song herein. Please wait for the song to load. If you should encounter an
error message while the song is loading then please hit "RELOAD" or its
equivalent in your Browser and, if that fails, please check to see that you are
using Netscape 3.0+ or an equivalent Browser - if not, consider upgrading.
To return to the MAIN PAGE either hit your BACK button (or
equivalent) in your browser or the BACK icon below.
This site is maintained by a FELLOW of the:
http://www.chaumont.com/IGofMW.html
The Author is a MEMBER of
.....
This page hosted by MYSITE.COM. Get your own Free Home Page
Copyright
© 1997-2009 WEBSHEIK © Productions. All Rights Reserved.
As we archive each year those archives provide us with
memories of preceding years - accordingly, the song which accompanies this PAGE
is called MEMORIES from the play CATS. WEBSHEIK humbly respects all rights to
the song and no effort is made hereby to circumvent those rights by including
the song herein. Please wait for the song to load. If you should encounter an
error message while the song is loading then please hit "RELOAD" or its
equivalent in your Browser and, if that fails, please check to see that you are
using Netscape 3.0+ or an equivalent Browser - if not, consider upgrading.
To return to the MAIN PAGE either hit your BACK button (or equivalent) in your browser or the BACK icon below.
This site is maintained by a FELLOW of the:
http://www.chaumont.com/IGofMW.html
The Author is a MEMBER of
.....
This page hosted by MYSITE.COM. Get your own Free Home Page
Copyright
© 1997-2009 WEBSHEIK © Productions. All Rights Reserved.
The Author is a MEMBER of
.....
This page hosted by MYSITE.COM. Get your own Free Home Page
Copyright
© 1997-2009 WEBSHEIK © Productions. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright
© 1997-2009 WEBSHEIK © Productions. All Rights Reserved.