THE - 2000 - BAND - NEWS
THE ALEPPO TEMPLE (AAONMS)
SHRINE ORIENTAL BAND NEWS FOR THE YEAR 2000
The above is the official logo of the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Oriental Band.
After making sure that everything was Y2K compatible, The Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band approached the year 2000 with a great deal of anticipated enjoyment knowing that NOBLES throughout would be coming to visit us in Boston, Massaachusetts this year for the Shrine Imperial Session. Accordingly, we recommenced our practice sessions on the first Thursday in January, 2000 and it took little time to realize that it was going to be a busy year for us.
The above is a picture of IMPERIAL POTENTATE, RALPH W. SEMB.
Though everything seemed to be in place for a spectacular year, we did overlook the havoc that the Yahoo takeover of Geocities would have on our WebPage for the year and belated efforts were made to rectify that matter. NOTE should be made that, as a result of the Yahoo takeover, and because of the passage of time, certain archived links associated with the Oriental Band HomePage may no longer work. It has been decided that, rather than go back and correct those links, it made more sense to leave the historical record of the links as they existed at the time when created. It is also felt that such links as are no longer operative do not materially affect content.
One other thing that we had no control over was the comings and goings of the BLACK CAMEL. On January 3, 2000 we were informed that the BLACK CAMEL had made a visit to KARNAK TEMPLE and had taken WILLLIAM A. PASKARUK to that great oasis in the sky. BILL was a most revered member of the Northeast Shrine Association and a Past President of the Association of Shrine Oriental Bands (ASOB). We last saw BILL in Portland, Maine during our Northeast Shrine Association get together. BILL was a most dedicated member of the Shrine and ASOB and he will be missed.
The above is a picture of WILLIAM A. (BILL) PASKARUK.
ON JANUARY 25, 2000 WORD WAS RECEIVED THAT THE BLACK CAMEL HAD VISITED ROBERT BROWNE'S FATHER-IN-LAW, EDWARD P. WRIGHT. ED was not well known to the BAND however we hope that his association with one of our members made his life that much more enjoyable.
On January 29, 2000 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 W. WARREN RICHARDSON 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. Another highlight of the day was the introduction of our new uniforms (see some of the below pictures for what we currently look like). People greeted us with mixed emotion - glad that we had new uniforms, but nostalgic for the old ones that we had for so many years. In the end, we have decided to retain our old uniforms as spares.
The above is a picture of ILLUSTRIOUS SIR W. WARREN RICHARDSON, POTENTATE 2000-2001.
On February 24, 2000, the Band held its Annual Business Meeting at a local restaurant 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 17, 2000, the Oriental Band commenced its more formal parade schedule by participating in the 225th Patriots' Day Parade in Lexington, Massachusetts which commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord which were at the start of the American Revolutionary War. The Weather cooperated again though there were threats of showers and it was a relatively brisk day and the crowds were as enthusiastic, if not more so, than ever and they were in far greater numbers than usual because of the special nature of the day. Additionally, there were many more marching units this year than in the past and that made for an enjoyable but somewhat lengthy and slow parade which was nonetheless enjoyed by all. If you are ever in the Lexington, Massachusetts area around Patriots' Day, please be sure to take in the parade - it really is something worth seeing.
Following the Lexington Parade and in anticipation of its being a long day, WEBSHEIK had invited the BAND to come over to his place for a catered sit down meal. A good number of paraders and some other members of the BAND along with spouses and some family members showed up and a good time was had by all. One thank you note pretty much summed it all up by saying that there was a wish that we could parade in Lexington every week! Amazing what steamship round of roast, breaded cod, twice baked potatoes, hot and cold appetizers, and numerous desserts can accomplish. Suffice it to say, we are a well fed BAND and we believe that we have some members who can out-eat anybody!
On April 29, 2000, the Oriental Band participated in a One Day Scottish Rite Class in Foxboro, Massachusetts. We provided music for one of the ritualistic skits and some general entertainment. Everyone had an enjoyable time and the event was well orchestrated.
From May 15, 2000 to May 21, 2000, the Circus was in town and we did our bit to support and assist in this wonderful fund raising event. 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.
On May 29, 1999, 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. The weather and crowds cooperated and the Parade went off well.
On June 10, 2000, we participated in a parade celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts. We strongly support the Hospitals and their work and feel privileged to be associated with them. The parade went off well and everyone enjoyed our presence there.
On June 18, 2000, we participated at the Grand Master of Massachusetts Masons Country Fair in Charlton, Massachusetts. It was an enjoyable and our last event before turning our attention to the upcoming IMPERIAL SESSION.
On June 29, 2000, Band members LENNY KELLEY and FREDERICK POULIOT, put together a pre-practice barbecue for us. It was a great idea and everyone enjoyed it - we hope to be able to do something similar each year.
JUNE, 2000 came to an end and months of preparation came to the fore as thousands of Shriners arrived in Boston, Massachusetts for the IMPERIAL SESSION. They came by truck, car, plane, motorcycle, camel and any other means of transportation that you can imagine. The stage was set for the 126th IMPERIAL SESSION and we were called upon to participate in so many events that it seemed like we lived in our uniforms for the week.
On July 1, 2000, the BAND participated in what was billed as the CEREMONIAL OF THE CENTURY, the first Open (public) Ceremonial ever. An outside audience, television crews and other reporters made the event a well covered one and one in which we got our due share of notice. It was our pleasure and privilege to participate and we believe that everyone enjoyed our performance.
On July 3, 2000, the BAND participated in IMPERIAL competition. Though the turnout was less then expected, competition was still keen in each class, and we managed to take FIRST PLACE AWARDS for both our PARADE and STAGE performances and missed winning the OVERALL AWARD by a matter of few points. NEXT YEAR IN VEGAS!!
On July 4, 2000, a small group of BAND members awoke at about 4:00 AM, donned their uniforms and headed off to do a televised promotion of the pending Shrine Imperial Parades and other events. HOWEVER, someone forgot to tell the people at the Shrine Building that we would be needing access to it early in the morning to get some instruments - WHOOPS. You can just imagine the sight of several men dressed in Oriental Band uniforms trying to get into a locked building at dawn. Fortunately the police did not arrive before someone else did with the key and the day was saved. We had a great time promoting the Shrine events and our DIRECTOR, Charlie Salie, realized a life-long dream when he had an opportunity to ride a real camel which had been brought to the promotion by ZOR TEMPLE. Those of us in the BAND who were present were only disappointed that the people from ZOR showed CHARLIE how to get off the camel as well. If anybody would like to trade us some camels for CHARLIE, please let us know!
BOB JOHNSTON (C) being questioned by two of Boston's finest at 5:30 AM on July 4, 2000 in Copley Square, Boston.
On July 4, 2000, the BAND participated as the lead BAND in the Day Parade for the IMPERIAL SESSION.
THE BAND PARADING in the July 4, 2000 Imperial Day Parade.
On July 5, 2000, the BAND also participated in the Evening Parade for the IMPERIAL SESSION and thereby concluded their involvement with the IMPERIAL SESSION. The SESSION was a most enjoyable one for us and one which we will not forget for some time to come. We hope that everyone enjoyed their visits to Boston. Having essentially lived in our uniforms for about a week, we believe that we would have won the SMELLIEST BAND AWARD, had there been one to be had - but that's all part of the fun!
On August 5, 2000 the Aleppo Temple (AAONMS) Shrine Oriental Band took part 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 precedes 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 enjoy seeing our fellow Bandsmen from other Shrine Temples. A good time is always had by everyone including the spectators. This event is regularly scheduled for the second Saturday in August (though this year it was held on the first Saturday), so if you should find yourself in the Hanover, New Hampshire area on the (first or) second Saturday of August in the future, do yourself a favor and take in the day's events. A special attendee this year was Past IMPERIAL POTENTATE, RALPH W. SEMB.
On August 20, 2000, the BAND participated in the annual SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS Parade. This being an election year, politicians were out in droves as was a nice crowd of spectators and participating units. The parade went off well and everyone enjoyed the day though many of us kept saying to ourselves that it seems like they keep moving the finish line for this Parade farther and farther away from the start. In anticipation of a visitation from the stork to one of his daughter's, CHARLIE SALIE reluctantly had to cancel our traditional get together at his place after the Parade (we are never going to forgive you CHARLIE!!).
On August 24, 2000, our DIRECTOR'S daughter, KIM, gave birth to a daughter. We were all hopeful that, becoming a grandfather, might do something to mellow out CHARLIE - unfortunately, no such luck! Undoubtedly wishful thinking and unreasonable expectations on our part! Nonetheless, there remains another promising possibility and that is that there now is the prospect of another female SALIE marriage in the future. We, as a BAND, had such a great time at the two weddings thrown by the SALIE'S over the past two years, that we would encourage anyone to join up with the BAND and make the 20 to 30 year commitment anticipated before the next SALIE wedding - it will be well worth your while - and musette players can be guaranteed front row seats! Our CONGRATULATIONS go to all involved in this event.
A Confused Charlie Salie and new Granddaughter, Kaylee.
From September 14, 2000 to September 17, 2000, the BAND participated in the Northeast Shrine Oriental Band Association (NESOBA) Competition in Montreal, Quebec celebrating KARNAK TEMPLE'S 100th Anniversary and continued its streak of winning performances by taking first places in all categories in which it competed. The weather was a bit raw and the atmosphere surrounding the Oriental Band Competition was clouded by the loss of BILL PASKARUK, but we all performed to our best and a good time was had by all. We hope that everyone who came by enjoyed the festivities.
From September 17, 2000 to September 19, 2000, a portion of the BAND that went to Montreal continued on to Quebec City, Quebec where they took in the sites and had a few days of relaxation. Weather had improved and the prospect of not having to do anything other than what you wanted to do in Quebec made for a most enjoyable time. The BAND members who did go go to Quebec City did arrange to do a dinner together before leaving the City and we all concurred that the combined excursion was one of the better trips that we had experienced in a long time - our congratulations go to all who planned it.
On September 30, 2000, the BAND participated in the TOPSFIELD FAIR, which is one of the larger regional FAIRS had each year around here. It was lot of fun to do and we believe that everyone enjoyed us as well.
On October 8, 2000, 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 October 29, 2000, the BAND participated in the WOBURN HALLOWEEN PARADE. This is one of our regular parades and one that we always enjoy doing. Crowds are large and enthusiastic and often dressed in costumes of their own. The surprise snow and cold of the day did not deter any spirits, but we were all glad that we wore an extra layer of clothing. The vagaries of New England weather are making it more and more likely that the Woburn Parade will be our final outdoor parade for future seasons. We have done parades later in the year, but when you turn the calendar into November, weather becomes an increasingly large factor in our neighborhood and Woburn is always guaranteed to leave us with a positive feeling. This year Woburn was our last parade but not our last performance.
On November 11, 2000, the BAND participated in a Shrine CEREMONIAL which included a Tribute to Veterans' Day and Veterans. Those in attendance were impressed with the performance and we were happy to be a part of it.
Following the November 11, 2000 CEREMONIAL, it was decided to break early for the year and take the remainder of the year off. We don't think that anyone would have argued that we didn't deserve the break.
On December 16, 2000, the BAND held its annual Holiday get together at a new location. Everyone who attended enjoyed the event as our thoughts started to turn to next year.
As the year wound down, word was received from the SALIE FAMILY that their other daughter was also expecting a visit from the stork sometimes next year. The prospects of yet another SALIE FAMILY planned wedding loom - unless the child should turn out to be a boy - in which case, we then have another prospective member of the BAND. In either event we win one way or another and our congratulations go to the prospective parents, grandparents and relatives.
BEFORE CONCLUDING THIS YEAR, it should be noted that, though many Shrine Temples, affiliated groups, and units are currently experiencing dramatic down turns in membership, we are proud to be able to say that we are holding our own and are even attracting new members to our fold. Over the past two years or so, we have brought in about 10 new members, we have also had one member drop out because of health issues, three members have been claimed by the Black Camel and one has had to drop out because of work concerns. All of this has given us a positive infusion of new talent. Our roster remains in the approximately 40 member range of which approximately 25-30 are active marching members. We rarely get everyone out on the streets for a parade, but we have always been able to make a credible showing and we have fun doing it. We hope to be able to continue to do this for many years to come and we wish other Oriental Bands and Shrine units at least as much, if not more success than we have been experiencing. Thanks to all who came to BOSTON this year and making it the special event it was meant to be.
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.
To return to the MAIN PAGE either hit your BACK button (or equivalent) in your browser or the BACK icon below.
