THE ALEPPO TEMPLE (AAONMS) SHRINE
ORIENTAL BAND NEWS FOR THE YEAR
2001
The above is the official logo of the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS)
Oriental Band.
After surviving the year 2000, we recommenced our practice
sessions on the first Thursday in January, 2001 and found ourselves facing the
need to prepare for a unique Ceremonial on short notice - hopefully, we will
have more time to prepare for other things this coming year and it does look
like another busy one for us.
The above is a picture of (PAST) IMPERIAL POTENTATE, ROBERT
N. TURNIPSEED.
Computer related problems continued to plague our
HomePage, but WEBSHEIK(c) set aside his cymbals and took up the challenge with a
steadfast determination to get everything back in place within a reasonable
period of time. Threats of reduced Oriental Band pay, revocation of his National
Cymbals Standing and hiding of the cymbals were also "instrumental" in bringing
about the renewed effort. Can you imagine trying to perform with only one
cymbal! There's only one person we know that would even try that and that is
because he gets too much sun each year in Sarasota! (Can anyone guess who we are
referring to?) Even our NILE friend, Norm Wold, knows better than to try that
trick (or, at least, we hope so)!
On January 27, 2001 the BAND
participated in an Aleppo Temple Ceremonial which saw the installation of new
officers for the Temple for the ensuing year. Our congratulations go to the new
Divan, headed by ILLUSTRIOUS SIR ALTON MOORE as POTENTATE, whom we look forward
to working with. The Imperial Potentate was present to attend and participate in
the Ceremonial and we feel that he had a good time and enjoyed our performance
as well as the other events of the day which included what we were told was only
the second presentation of the ARCH PRODUCTION and the first presentation of it
outside of Tampa. Everyone was pleased with the performances of the day -
especially ours.
On February 13, 2001, many members of
the BAND attended the annual Aleppo Temple Uniformed Units Re-Enlistment Dinner.
This is an opportunity for all the uniformed units of the Temple to get together
on an informal basis. It is also when officers are announced for the upcoming
year - no changes in our ranks, we still have to put up with Charlie Salie for
another year as DIRECTOR. This Dinner is also an opportunity for the new Divan
to present their plans for the year and it does look like an enjoyable year with
some differences.
On February 22, 2001, the Band held its Annual Business
Meeting at a local restaurant which was a new location for us and at which we
all had a great time, heard such business reports as were scheduled to be made,
and set about making plans for the upcoming year.
On April 16, 2001, the
Oriental Band commenced its more formal parade schedule by participating in the
Patriots' Day Parade in Arlington, Massachusetts - yes, ARLINGTON, not Lexington
this year. The Arlington Parade is very similar to the Lexington Parade and
usually occurs in the morning before the Lexington Parade. There have been years
when we have done both parades. But this year the call came from Arlington and
we all looked forward to returning to the Town to show them our stuff. The
Parade went off without a hitch - weather was perfect, dressing facilities were
fine, parade route was relatively level and the crowd was happy to see us back.
Uncertainties of timing precluded a BAND get together after the parade, but now
that we have a better feel for the parade, perhaps next year. As a BAND we very
much enjoyed the parade and hope that our return brought some renewed vigor to
the parade. Everyone enjoyed the parade and we enjoyed doing it - it doesn't get
much better than that. If we should do the parade again next year, and, if you
are in the neighborhood, please come by. Meanwhile back in Lexington, the town
was abuzz with disappointment that we did not do that parade as well and many
people confided that they did not go to the parade simply because the BAND was
not participating. Next year, who knows - we may wind up doing both parades, if
invited.
From May 1, 2001 to May 6, 2001, the Circus was in town and we
did our bit to support and assist in this wonderful fund raising event including
participating in the opening ceremonies. The Circus is always fun and
entertaining and we would like to encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the
show whenever it is in town.
TOWARDS THE END OF APRIL, THE BAND WAS
SADDENED TO HEAR THAT THE BLACK CAMEL HAD VISITED THE HOUSEHOLD OF HERBERT
NICKERSON AND HAD TAKEN HERB TO THE ETERNAL OASIS - HERB WAS A WELL LIKED
MUSETTE PLAYER, WHO, IN HIS LAST FEW YEARS WITH THE BAND MADE SOME STRONG
EFFORTS TO TEACH SOME OF OUR YOUNGER MUSETTE PLAYERS HOW TO PERFORM. HERB'S
LEGACY CARRIES ON AND HE WILL BE MISSED.
ON MAY 17, 2001, WORD WAS
RECEIVED FROM THE GIBNEY FAMILY THAT THE BLACK CAMEL HAD VISITED GEORGE GIBNEY
AND TAKEN HIM TO THE ETERNAL OASIS. GEORGE WAS (TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE)
THE LAST SURVIVING ORIGINAL MEMBER OF THE BAND. HE HAD PUT IN SOME FIFTY (50)
YEARS WITH THE BAND. HE WAS A GREAT MUSETTE PLAYER AND MADE SOME OF THE MEANEST
COFFEE YOU COULD IMAGINE - "NAVY BREW" HE CALLED IT. IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS
BEFORE HIS DEMISE, GEORGE'S COFFEE MAKING AND CONCESSION ROLE HAD BEEN ASSUMED
BY OTHERS - IRONICALLY, ON THE DAY OF GEORGE'S DEATH, WE RAN OUT OF COFFEE AND
CONCESSIONS. WHEN HE WAS ACTIVE, GEORGE MADE EVERY EVENT AND EVERY REHEARSAL -
HE SET A STANDARD THAT NO ONE WILL EVER BE ABLE TO MATCH - HE WAS A TOTALLY
DEDICATED BANDSMAN - AND HE WAS LAID TO REST IN HIS BAND JACKET AND TOOK HIS
MUSETTE WITH HIM! WE SUSPECT THAT GEORGE HAS JOINED WITH MANY OF HIS FELLOW BAND
FRIENDS WHO HAVE PRE-DECEASED HIM AND HAS PUT TOGETHER THE BEST ETERNAL ORIENTAL
BAND IMAGINABLE. GEORGE WILL BE MISSED FOR HIS AFFABILITY, DEDICATION AND
COMMITMENT TO THE BAND - THEY JUST DON'T COME BETTER THAN GEORGE. COFFEE WILL
NEVER TASTE THE SAME.
On May 28, 2001, we performed in a Memorial Day
Parade in Wilmington, Massachusetts. It is always our pleasure to participate in
this parade and contribute in honoring those people for whom the day is set
aside. It is also our pleasure to assist our hometown of Wilmington,
Massachusetts. This year's parade initially took on an ominous outlook as
weather reports were for rain. Fortunately the weather held off, but many of us
overdressed and were somewhat overcome with the oppressive humidity that
prevailed. Fortunately, one of our newer members, Robert Johnson (not Robert
Johnston) had us over to his house for a most enjoyable picnic luncheon after
the parade. Everyone was most appreciative and this year's post-parade get
togethers are now well under way.
On June 2, 2001, we participated in the
350th Anniversary Parade for the Town of Medfield, Massachusetts. The day
started off ominously, with heavy rains which continued throughout the morning.
There were some serious concerns voiced about even doing the parade, but the
decision was made to go ahead. The parade started roughly on time and it was
still raining, but by the time we rounded the first corner, the weather cleared
and stayed that way throughout the rest of the event. Much to our surprise the
crowds came out to show their support and they were enthusiastic about it. The
parade route was fine and organization was generally good. Overall, the parade
turned into a fine one which we enjoyed doing and believe all enjoyed having us
there.
On June 9, 2001, we participated in a Shrine Ceremonial
(initiation) event. Everyone enjoyed our performance and all went
well.
On June 10, 2001, we participated at the Grand Master of
Massachusetts Masons Country Fair in Charlton, Massachusetts. The Masonic Home
where the Fair takes place is something which we are proud to be associated with
and something that is well worth seeing. If you are ever around the Charlton
area when the Fair is being done make it a point to come by - it is always a fun
day and we think that you will be quite impressed with the facilities.
On
June 12, 2001, word was received that the STORK had visited the residence of one
of our DIRECTOR'S daughters and left behind a new son, ANTHONY JAMES CASINO.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL. Rumor has it that CHARLIE already has his grandson
signed up for the BAND and has already begun musette lessons with him.
On
June 24, 2001, we participated in a 275th Anniversary Parade in Stoughton,
Massachusetts. This was a new event for us and we anxiously looked forward to
doing it. As the day commenced, clouds lingered and drops of rain greeted our
early morning preparations - however, by the time we lined up, everything had
cleared up and the parade went off quite nicely. The crowd was enthusiastic and
the route was about as level as they can come. We hope that everyone enjoyed the
parade as much as we did and it was our pleasure to perform. After the parade,
one of our BAND members, LESTER OSHRY, who lived in the neighborhood of the
parade, had us over to his oasis for a collation. Food galore and good
camaraderie prevailed for the rest of the afternoon. Everyone left with some
goodies and we are told that the OSHRY tribe survived the rest of the week on
some of the other goodies that had been prepared. We are all considering asking
Stoughton to have another parade next year - just so we can all get together at
the OSHRY oasis again!
From July 8, 2001 to July 13, 2001, a small
contingent of BAND members participated in the SHRINE IMPERIAL SESSION in Las
Vegas, Nevada. It was our privilege to finally bring to that Town some "good"
entertainment - and that we did. The flight from Boston to Vegas was long and
circuitous, but in final preparation for competition, a rehearsal was called for
on Sunday night. After the lengthy flight to Vegas and without having had a
chance to adjust to the new time zone, we sounded pretty bleak. Threats of
having to walk home worked miracles. We showed up for competition and were
placed in the Small Band category - where we managed to win First Place Awards
in both the Fantasy and Parade competitions. We had our doubts, but we were able
to prove our versatility and we were happy with the outcome. Members who went to
Vegas also indicated that overall competition was good - our congratulations go
to all who participated and to all who prevailed as well as to PAUL GLUCK from
MELHA TEMPLE (our sister TEMPLE in Massachusetts) on his year as President of
The Association of Shrine Oriental Bands (ASOB).
Success at the 2001
IMPERIAL has already stirred thoughts of going to VANCOUVER next year for the
2002 IMPERIAL - talks are tentative, BUT our Director REALLY, REALLY wants to go
on the post-session Alaskan Cruise - so the prospect exists of our being there -
take due notice!
On Saturday, August 4, 2001 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS)
Shrine Oriental Band took part in the parade which precedes 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 precedes the game sees many units from many
different Shrine Temples throughout New England, the Northeast Shrine
Association and other places parading. Included in those units are other
Oriental Bands from the region. The Band always looks forward to supporting this
Shrine effort and we enjoy seeing our fellow Bandsmen from other Shrine Temples.
A good time is always had by everyone including the spectators - and this year
was no exception. If you should find yourself in the Hanover, New Hampshire area
when the Parade is scheduled, do yourself a favor and take in the day's
events.
On August 11, 2001, the BAND got together at a local sea
food restaurant for what is turning out to be an annual summer get together.
NICK MARKOS was instrumental in putting the event together and we all enjoyed
the event. Food and entertainment (local yarns of Gloucester, Massachusetts
history) were good. We are already looking forward to next year's summer get
together.
On August 19, 2001, the BAND
participated in the annual SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS Parade which was also the 375th
Salem Anniversary Parade this year. We tried hard to determine if the ending
point of this seemingly never ending parade moved this year, but were unable to
do so. Weather was great except for a bit of humidity and we all managed to get
to the finish line more or less in one piece and undoubtedly spurred on by the
prospects of a picnic get together at Charlie Salie's whom we had prevailed upon
to make amends for not having us over last year after the parade. Food was
plentiful and good and camradarie was great - we always have a good time at
Charlie's and look forward to being invited back again next year - hint, hint!
We do continue to believe that steak and lobster would be nice!
On or
about September 1, 2001 the Aleppo Temple newspaper came out featuring a great
picture of ARTHUR FINK, ROBERT GOODWIN and RUSSELL STOUFFER parading in Las
Vegas on the front cover and a very nice article by one of our newer members,
ERIC HOLT, about his experiences with the BAND to date. The enthusiasm voiced in
the article is something that we try to take pride in with our BAND and
encourage every other ORIENTAL BAND to try to emulate the same. The opportunity
to participate in a good cause with a good group of individuals who are also
engaged in having a good time is something that every UNIT should try to foster
and ERIC'S article gets that point across and provides some insight as to why we
have been able to maintain the membership and standards that we do and of which
we take considerable pride.
At our September 6, 2001 practice a
preliminary vote was taken on the prospects of going to VANCOUVER for the 2002
IMPERIAL SESSION - depite CHARLIE SALIE'S fondest wish to participate in the
post-session Alaskan Cruise, overall cost considerations seem to be gravitating
the BAND to a decision to not make the trip, much to our disappointment. By the
same token, preliminary indications are that the BAND will not be attending the
MOUNTAINEER JAMBOREE next April to which we have been invited. If all that comes
about then our travel schedule for next year will not be too extensive, but we
will be looking into going to St. John, New Brunswick for the Northeast
Association Meeting if the Temple will be going - a decision as to our
participation remains pending but we have a year before that event and a lot can
happen in the meantime.
This year logistical matters will be precluding
our participation in the 2001 Northeast Shrine Oriental Band Association
(NESOBA) Meeting in Connecticut. It is our understanding that there will be no
Oriental Band competition this year at NESOBA and we are quite disappointed to
hear that. We have always had fun at these get togethers and hope that future
plans will include competitions for us to participate in and opportunities for
us to perform.
ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 THE IMPACT OF WORLD
EVENTS WAS VERY MUCH FELT BY THE BAND AND THAT CAST A BIT OF A PALOR OVER OUR
VERY FUTURE AS A UNIT OR HOW WE MAY BE CONDUCTING OUR BUSINESS IN THE
FUTURE.
On September 29, 2001, the BAND performed at
the TOPSFIELD FAIR, by agreement, out of uniform. We did this Parade last year
and had a lot of fun doing it. After performing, most of us stayed around to
enjoy the FAIR - it always is a nice one.
On September 30, 2001, the BAND
participated in a parade in SHREWSBURY, MASSACHUSETTS. JIM HARVEY had us over to
his place following the parade and we all enjoyed that - JIM always throws quite
a spread and never disappoints and this year was no exception. Here is an event
that should motivate those who are considering joining the BAND - join before
the annual SHREWSBURY parade and plan on going to JIM's place after the parade -
extra large portions can be reserved for prospective musette players!
On
October 7, 2001, the BAND participated in the EAST BOSTON COLUMBUS DAY PARADE.
There are few places in this country where Columbus Day is taken more seriously
than it is in East Boston and it is truly a privilege to participate in this
Parade for that community. If you are ever in East Boston on the Sunday before
Columbus Day, make it a point to partake of the festivities.
On November
10, 2001, the BAND participated in a Shrine Ceremonial which included the new
ARCH DEGREE PROGRAM - which is something that all should see.
Following
the November, 2001 CEREMONIAL, we took a break for the rest of the year other
than to get together for our ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY which was an enjoyable event
in itself as usual.
DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR YAHOO TOOK OVER
GEOCITIES, THE HOST OF THIS WEBPAGE, AND THAT HAS FRUSTRATED OUR ABILITY TO
UPDATE AND MAINTAIN THE PAGE THOUGH EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO DO
SO.
THE IMPACT OF SEPTEMBER 11th REMAINED WITH US AS WE
CLOSED OUT THE YEAR AND, THOUGH IT IS HOPED THAT THINGS WILL NOT CHANGE
APPRECIABLY, AS THE YEAR ENDS, "UNCERTAINTY" REMAINS.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BEST WISHES TO ALL!
The song which accompanies this PAGE is called
AVINU SHALOM. WEBSHEIK(c) humbly respects all rights to the song and no effort
is made hereby to circumvent those rights by including the song herein.
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