5 Year Anniversary: March 2 - Tony Fills In, Chapter 1

This post first ran on March 2, 2009.
(by Jack Bodzas)

(Editor's Note: There are lots of times that Tony Cataneo filled in for one of us over the years. To keep all the stories straight, I labeled this one Chapter 1).

In the first season that the Saints fielded tymps, Eric, for probably a better-than-damn-good reason, could not make a show. Tony Cataneo stepped up to help.

He just so happened to have a uniform left over from the previous color guard season (there is a picture in the Photo Gallery to prove this), so we taught him most of the parts on the bus ride to the show (I think it was Moonachie). He taught the marching drill to us originally; therefore he already knew where to go. If he was about to forget a drum part, he just signaled, shot me a frantic look, and I reached over and banged a few notes on his drum.

Ahhh, the good old days +/-.

Interested in submitting your own favorite memories for March Moments? Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com.

All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!

5 Year Anniversary: March 1 - Off The Line

This post first ran on March 1, 2009.
(by jo)

Call it cliche, but I think we can have some fun with this.

It's March, as in MARCH. How lucky are we Saints - a holy day of obligation named after us (All Saints Day on November 1 each year, on Mr. French's birthday no less), and a WHOLE MONTH named for the thing we loved to do together for about 10 years.

Here's what I'm suggesting - a WHOLE MONTH of your trivia, memories, whatever.

Call it a month of March Moments.

Submit your favorite marching moments. The only two restrictions are that is has to pass my editing sensibilities in a public forum (don't worry - I can clean up MANY a story), and it must be about your time with the Saints. After all, it's only fair. If you have a favorite marching moment that came from another corps or band, submit it to their blog.

• It can be a big deal, a small (up until now) private thing, or anything in between.
• It can be written or a photo
• It will have your name associated with it unless you ask to submit anonymously (I'd offer your name with big shiny lighting, but that's what Sue Brady does for a living and I don't want to compete with an expert!)

I'd rather that your ideas fill up each of the days - if I have nothing from you to submit, you'll be stuck with my insignificant special moments. Trust me - yours are better.

Click here to submit, or if that doesn't work, send them to joparente DOT saintsdrumcorps AT gmail DOT com. I think you get how to connect the pieces together for the e-mail (trying to keep the amount of spam to a minimum).

All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!

Encorps: Heard a Horn Before Christmas - first time with video!

Yes, I'm making this posting for you in great haste.
With audio too - please don't think it's a waste!

jo

(This version is a tad better.)

Saints: Heard a Horn Before Christmas
by JoAnne Parente

Heard a horn before Christmas, still asleep in our house. 
Then my husband yawned, and puzzled, mumbled to me, “It’s Mouse.”

“Jo, get to the Annex, with no time to spare.
They’re letting us march again, and I know that you care.

“We have lots of horns, and drums with new heads,
And flags, rifles, sabres, SO GET OUT OF BED!”

My only reaction was, “Mouse, is this crap?
If you woke me as a joke, I’ll give you a slap!”

“Jo, just listen to all of us making a clatter.
The cops are here now to find out what’s the matter.

“Your uniform’s here - don’t get into a crash -
The cadet blue and gold finished off with a sash.

“It’s not black and orange, you’ll be relieve to know
Since we left that stuff behind long, long ago.

“You really must hurry to see who are here
Saints one and all, our family so dear.

“There’s Rocky, and Bluto, and Mongo, and Pic,
And Peaches, and Pebbles, and Goober, and Mick.

“You realize, of course, there’s too many to name,
But we put the word out, and by hundreds they came.

“We’re playing and twirling and marching so tall
We’ll top all the captions, and walk away with it all.

“What’s slowing us down is the buses need fixin’
Jackie’s going to paint them – 50 gallons he’s mixin’.”

 

I shook my head slowly, trying to recall
When it was that we aged out, once and for all.

The pain in my head – thought I’d poked out my eye.
To march again at this age? Should I give it a try?

Got down to the Annex after drinking a few
Cups of tea, of course (what, did you think I meant brew?).

Folks were outside, and inside, and up on the roof
Rifles holding their mouths ‘cause each knocked out a tooth!

Each face looked so young, an image to astound.
Was I the only one here who’s age didn’t turn around?

Wait a minute now! The trick must be in the boot!
So I struggled and struggled to stick in my foot.

Someone inside the hall yelled, “Everyone, back!
It’s time to stop practicing – we all have to pack.

“The buses aren’t dry, so we’re taking a ferry.”
I said, “Going on tour – isn’t that a bit scary?”

“Of course it makes sense, Jo, everyone knows
It’s the best way to travel when going to shows.”

My boots didn’t fit, my brain was like jelly
The jacket and skirt didn’t cover my belly.

What gives? All the rest were their same old self
As they each grabbed their shakos from up on the shelf.

Wait! Who was that there, just a bit up ahead?
“Uncle Walter, is that you? I thought you were dead!”

He stood with the drum line, his life’s love and work.
“Watch what you’re saying – they’ll think you’re a jerk!”

“I’m here to help Bucky, George Lopez, and Rose,
And Ralph, Tony, Frank, and ...” Then, I just froze.

What a dream I was having, what a wish I was making.
The time of my life was just there for the taking.

I awoke Christmas Eve, just a bit after seven.
My dream was a gift that came straight from heaven.

We still have great photos and memories too
And we talk with each other ‘til our faces turn blue.

Still, what can I get you, with Christmas tomorrow?
Lots of love, luck, happiness, and no trace of sorrow!

May your gifts include health, wealth, and absence of strife
As the New Year unfolds – wishing you a great life!

With love to you all -

jo

Christmas Party Memories ...

The image above has pictures from at least four different Christmas parties we held in the Annex ... if any of you have pictures from any of the Christmas parties, forward them along and I'll continue to make collages from them.

Trivia question - What did we do with the tree after each Christmas party?
Bonus points - How did we procure the tree each year?

BTW, there's an active Facebook page for Saints Alumni ... come join us!

jo

Encorps: Heard a Horn Before Christmas

Yes, I'm making this posting for you in great haste.
Recycling this entry - please don't think it's a waste!

jo

Saints: Heard a Horn Before Christmas
by JoAnne Parente

Heard a horn before Christmas, still asleep in our house. 
Then my husband yawned, and puzzled, mumbled to me, “It’s Mouse.”

“Jo, get to the Annex, with no time to spare.
They’re letting us march again, and I know that you care.

“We have lots of horns, and drums with new heads,
And flags, rifles, sabres, SO GET OUT OF BED!”

My only reaction was, “Mouse, is this crap?
If you woke me as a joke, I’ll give you a slap!”

“Jo, just listen to all of us making a clatter.
The cops are here now to find out what’s the matter.

“Your uniform’s here - don’t get into a crash -
The cadet blue and gold finished off with a sash.

“It’s not black and orange, you’ll be relieve to know
Since we left that stuff behind long, long ago.

“You really must hurry to see who are here
Saints one and all, our family so dear.

“There’s Rocky, and Bluto, and Mongo, and Pic,
And Peaches, and Pebbles, and Goober, and Mick.

“You realize, of course, there’s too many to name,
But we put the word out, and by hundreds they came.

“We’re playing and twirling and marching so tall
We’ll top all the captions, and walk away with it all.

“What’s slowing us down is the buses need fixin’
Jackie’s going to paint them – 50 gallons he’s mixin’.”

 

I shook my head slowly, trying to recall
When it was that we aged out, once and for all.

The pain in my head – thought I’d poked out my eye.
To march again at this age? Should I give it a try?

Got down to the Annex after drinking a few
Cups of tea, of course (what, did you think I meant brew?).

Folks were outside, and inside, and up on the roof
Rifles holding their mouths ‘cause each knocked out a tooth!

Each face looked so young, an image to astound.
Was I the only one here who’s age didn’t turn around?

Wait a minute now! The trick must be in the boot!
So I struggled and struggled to stick in my foot.

Someone inside the hall yelled, “Everyone, back!
It’s time to stop practicing – we all have to pack.

“The buses aren’t dry, so we’re taking a ferry.”
I said, “Going on tour – isn’t that a bit scary?”

“Of course it makes sense, Jo, everyone knows
It’s the best way to travel when going to shows.”

My boots didn’t fit, my brain was like jelly
The jacket and skirt didn’t cover my belly.

What gives? All the rest were their same old self
As they each grabbed their shakos from up on the shelf.

Wait! Who was that there, just a bit up ahead?
“Uncle Walter, is that you? I thought you were dead!”

He stood with the drum line, his life’s love and work.
“Watch what you’re saying – they’ll think you’re a jerk!”

“I’m here to help Bucky, George Lopez, and Rose,
And Ralph, Tony, Frank, and ...” Then, I just froze.

What a dream I was having, what a wish I was making.
The time of my life was just there for the taking.

I awoke Christmas Eve, just a bit after seven.
My dream was a gift that came straight from heaven.

We still have great photos and memories too
And we talk with each other ‘til our faces turn blue.

Still, what can I get you, with Christmas tomorrow?
Lots of love, luck, happiness, and no trace of sorrow!

May your gifts include health, wealth, and absence of strife
As the New Year unfolds – wishing you a great life!

With love to you all -

jo

A tad delayed, but no less sincere ...

Yes, it's been awhile since I've posted out here in Scribblings. Those who have been in touch know all about what has slowed me down this year. The important thing is that we have a roof over our heads, a turkey ready to go into the oven, and a wonderful support system of family and friends to laugh, cry, and share memories with. To that end, here's a Saints version of Over The River, sent with a hug to each of you ...

Over Ford Ave and King George’s Road
To OLP Annex we go
We’ll fill up the bus with all of our stuff
And onto the contest we’ll go.

Over Ford Ave and King George’s Road
To OLP Annex we tread
When after parades, we drank the Kool-Aid
With ham and cheese slapped on white bread.

Over Ford Ave and King George’s Road
With so many friends in our ranks
The Saints family, with our memories
To all - we send blessings and thanks!

jo

Saints - Heard a Horn Before Christmas

Since I wrote my last entry, it's been quite awhile
Thought I'd recycle this posting - hope it gives you a smile!

With love to you all - hope we might gather soon
March is a good month - but warmer in June!

jo

Saints: Heard a Horn Before Christmas
by JoAnne Parente

Heard a horn before Christmas, still asleep in our house.
Then my husband yawned, and puzzled, mumbled to me, “It’s Mouse.”

“Jo, get to the Annex, with no time to spare.
They’re letting us march again, and I know that you care.

“We have lots of horns, and drums with new heads
And flags, rifles, sabres, SO GET OUT OF BED!”

My only reaction was, “Mouse, is this crap?
If you woke me as a joke, I’ll give you a slap!”

“Jo, just listen to all of us making a clatter.
The cops are here now to find out what’s the matter.

“Your uniform’s here - don’t get into a crash -
The cadet blue and gold finished off with a sash.

“It’s not black and orange, you’ll be relieve to know
Since we left that stuff behind long, long ago.

“You really must hurry to see who are here
Saints one and all, our family so dear.

“There’s Rocky, and Bluto, and Mongo, and Pic,
And Peaches, and Pebbles, and Goober, and Mick.

“You realize, of course, there’s too many to name,
But we put the word out, and by hundreds they came.

“We’re playing and twirling and marching so tall
We’ll top all the captions, and walk away with it all.

“What’s slowing us down is the buses need fixin’
Jackie’s going to paint them – 50 gallons he’s mixin’.”

I shook my head slowly, trying to recall
When it was that we aged out, once and for all.

The pain in my head – thought I’d poked out my eye.
To march again at this age? Should I give it a try?

Got down to the Annex after drinking a few
Cups of tea, of course (what, did you think I meant brew?).

Folks were outside, and inside, and up on the roof
Rifles holding their mouths ‘cause each knocked out a tooth!

Each face looked so young, an image to astound.
Was I the only one here who’s age didn’t turn around?

Wait a minute now! The trick must be in the boot!
So I struggled and struggled to stick in my foot.

Someone inside the hall yelled, “Everyone, back!
It’s time to stop practicing – we all have to pack.

“The buses aren’t dry, so we’re taking a ferry.”
I said, “Going on tour – isn’t that a bit scary?”

“Of course it makes sense, Jo, everyone knows
It’s the best way to travel when going to shows.”

My boots didn’t fit, my brain was like jelly
The jacket and skirt didn’t cover my belly.

What gives? All the rest were their same old self
As they each grabbed their shakos from up on the shelf.

Wait! Who was that there, just a bit up ahead?
“Uncle Walter, is that you? I thought you were dead!”

He stood with the drum line, his life’s love and work.
“Watch what you’re saying – they’ll think you’re a jerk!”

“I’m here to help Bucky, George Lopez, and Rose,
And Ralph, Tony, Frank, and ...” Then, I just froze.

What a dream I was having, what a wish I was making.
The time of my life was just there for the taking.

I awoke Christmas Eve, just a bit after seven.
My dream was a gift that came straight from heaven.

We still have great photos and memories too
And we talk with each other ‘til our faces turn blue.

Still, what can I get you, with Christmas tomorrow?
Lots of love, luck, happiness, and no trace of sorrow!

May your gifts include health, wealth, and absence of strife
As the New Year unfolds – wishing you a great life!

One photo says it all ...

Stories from our gathering during Memorial Day Weekend 2010 will follow as the week progresses - in the meantime, here's the photo which, for me, best describes the day ... for those of you on Facebook, stop by my profile to see a full album.


All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!

Quick Notes: Memorial Day 2010

We're back!

Energized by gathering with some Saints Sibs over the weekend, it's time for a couple quick notes.

There hasn't been a new Scribblings entry since the beginning of January, yet some (many) of you keep visiting every day to see if I've written something. Not sure what to make of that, but I do gather some reassurance from it.

There's a lot going on corps-wise these past few weeks - and I'm not talking about on the field. While I won't get into the whole G7 vs DCI hoopla here, I will say that it has resurrected a WHOLE bunch of stuff inside me about the role DCI played in corpsdom when we marched together ... 'nuff said on that.

ANYWAY, there are stories to tell from the gathering down the shore over the weekend. I'm moving around my photos storage on my hard drives right now, so once that's stable and I process the images from the weekend, I'll be back.

All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!

Looking Ahead in 2010

Ever see the movie 2010 with Roy Scheider, Helen Mirren, and others? Written as a sequel to 2001: A Space Odyssey, space exploration was portrayed in ways still beyond our technological capabilities.

So, what in the world does this have to do with Saints Scribblings???

Plenty. Or maybe not.

I'm not much of a New Year's resolutions kind of person. Never really have been. I do set personal and professional goals, though, and that's what I'm asking each of you to do. Arthur C Clarke had a vision of the future, and described it well enough for multiple books and movies. How about us, in this place that you visit?

What do you want Saints Scribblings to become by the end of the year? I have some ideas, but want to hear yours first. I know there are PLENTY of you out there who check in regularly (daily or more often), even during the extended periods of time when life has gotten in the way of my postings. Don't worry - I'm not asking you to contribute (although it's always welcome!).

What would you like to see here?

All for now - corpsdially yours from jo!

Twelve Days of Saints Christmas 2009

Since it took me two years
to write this - so sad
It's posted again
Gee, I hope you're not mad ...

Even though it's recycled
Not embarrassed to say
I hope you enjoy this
On your Christmas Day!

Patty Antol, Maureen Fastuca, and Lorraine Fastuca with their Festivus Poles


For Christmas again this year, the Saints Drum Corps gave to me ...

Twelve mellophones
Eleven snare drummers
Ten years in Wildwood
Nine dancing girls
Eight flags a flashing
Seven Swan arrangements
Six baritones
Five parades in one day ...
Four rifles spinning
Three lost bus drivers
Two shiny cymbals
and a website from Rocky Chiocchi.

Merry Christmas - corpsdially yours from jo!

Happy Holidays 2009

I've been missing, I know -

Scribblings just a tad stale.
But I'm back, on this Wednesday
To share an old tale ...

It's time for what's become our own Saints Classic: Heard a Horn Before Christmas.

Enjoy!

jo

Saints: Heard a Horn Before Christmas
by JoAnne Parente

Heard a horn before Christmas, still asleep in our house.
Then my husband yawned, and puzzled, mumbled to me, “It’s Mouse.”

“Jo, get to the Annex, with no time to spare.
They’re letting us march again, and I know that you care.

“We have lots of horns, and drums with new heads
And flags, rifles, sabres, SO GET OUT OF BED!”

My only reaction was, “Mouse, is this crap?
If you woke me as a joke, I’ll give you a slap!”

“Jo, just listen to all of us making a clatter.
The cops are here now to find out what’s the matter.

“Your uniform’s here - don’t get into a crash -
The cadet blue and gold finished off with a sash.

“It’s not black and orange, you’ll be relieve to know
Since we left that stuff behind long, long ago.

“You really must hurry to see who are here
Saints one and all, our family so dear.

“There’s Rocky, and Bluto, and Mongo, and Pic,
And Peaches, and Pebbles, and Goober, and Mick.

“You realize, of course, there’s too many to name,
But we put the word out, and by hundreds they came.

“We’re playing and twirling and marching so tall
We’ll top all the captions, and walk away with it all.

“What’s slowing us down is the buses need fixin’
Jackie’s going to paint them – 50 gallons he’s mixin’.”

I shook my head slowly, trying to recall
When it was that we aged out, once and for all.

The pain in my head – thought I’d poked out my eye.
To march again at this age? Should I give it a try?

Got down to the Annex after drinking a few
Cups of tea, of course (what, did you think I meant brew?).

Folks were outside, and inside, and up on the roof
Rifles holding their mouths ‘cause each knocked out a tooth!

Each face looked so young, an image to astound.
Was I the only one here who’s age didn’t turn around?

Wait a minute now! The trick must be in the boot!
So I struggled and struggled to stick in my foot.

Someone inside the hall yelled, “Everyone, back!
It’s time to stop practicing – we all have to pack.

“The buses aren’t dry, so we’re taking a ferry.”
I said, “Going on tour – isn’t that a bit scary?”

“Of course it makes sense, Jo, everyone knows
It’s the best way to travel when going to shows.”

My boots didn’t fit, my brain was like jelly
The jacket and skirt didn’t cover my belly.

What gives? All the rest were their same old self
As they each grabbed their shakos from up on the shelf.

Wait! Who was that there, just a bit up ahead?
“Uncle Walter, is that you? I thought you were dead!”

He stood with the drum line, his life’s love and work.
“Watch what you’re saying – they’ll think you’re a jerk!”

“I’m here to help Bucky, George Lopez, and Rose,
And Ralph, Tony, Frank, and ...” Then, I just froze.

What a dream I was having, what a wish I was making.
The time of my life was just there for the taking.

I awoke Christmas Eve, just a bit after seven.
My dream was a gift that came straight from heaven.

We still have great photos and memories too
And we talk with each other ‘til our faces turn blue.

Still, what can I get you, with Christmas tomorrow?
Lots of love, luck, happiness, and no trace of sorrow!

May your gifts include health, wealth, and absence of strife
As the New Year unfolds – wishing you a great life!

Annex gathering, September 2007

With love to you all – corpsdially yours from jo!