Two weeks ago, I wrote my first Then and Now entry -- it focused a bit on what's is been like to have what we were thirty years ago intersecting with our lives today. With the mini-reunion now a reality, the theme is hitting me hard again.
During my marching years - college in particular - I tried very hard to juggle my corps life with everything else that was going on ... studies, working, family obligations, and very importantly, a long-term personal relationship. Thankfully, the guy in question was understanding and patient beyond what I had experienced with anyone else I had dated. Still, there were sacrifices made and opportunities lost because of my first priority: being on the competitive field and floor with all of you.
At a point after aging out, graduating from Douglass, starting my career, ending the relationship many of you have asked about and beginning one with the man who would be my husband one day, I found myself at a crossroads. Dan Fogelberg says it best in his song Nether Lands ... one road was simple, acceptance of life -- the other road offered sweet peace.
After two years of managing public relations for DCA in the early 1980s, I decided it was time to let corps go and give my personal relationships the full attention they deserved.
Richard is certainly aware of my corps history -- after all, we were dating on and off during my DCA days. Still, he's been sheltered from most of it for virtually our entire relationship -- so much so that if someone with a voice he doesn't recognize calls here and asks for Jo, he thinks it's a wrong number!
These past six months, I find myself trying, and for the most part succeeding, to reintegrate what I call the JoAnne and Marilyn parts of my life (sounds a bit like the movie Sybil when I put it that way!). Little by little, I'm bringing Richard and others up to speed on what is, really, one of the most important parts of my life -- my relationship with all of you.
He's unsure about joining me at the reunion, but I really hope he decides to be with us that evening. He knows me well enough that I'll spend very little time at his side while you're all there ... when the situation reverses itself, he's exactly the same way. Still, I'm confident part of him wants to share in the joy I feel that comes from doing all this Saints stuff again with you.
Hope you all get to meet Richard soon!
All for now --corpsdially yours from jo!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Insistence, Persistence, Ownership
Yesterday brought a bit of insight to me about something that I don't think I truly understood before about the phenomenom we know as the Saints.
As part of other conversations we were having, I asked Jimmy Pic what it was about the Saints that attracted him when he joined. Since I signed up for the Saints as an original member without a lick of marching experience, I was curious to see why someone would leave another corps to be part of us -- especially since getting to Fords and Woodbridge for rehearsal wasn't exactly a walk around the block for him [Side note to Pic -- please don't walk along 287 to get to Fords anymore!!!].
Pic was very free and open about sharing his experiences with the Silver Lancers, a corps which was a valid competitor of ours for many years. His primary reason for coming to the Saints was to be on the field -- we were competing that summer, while his first corps was only marching parades.
As we continued our discussion, though, the difference between the corps was much more than a decision to be on the field. To summarize everything Pic explained, it really boils down to three words: insistence ... persistence ... ownership.
I thought the things he described about us happened in all the corps we competed against -- I was wrong! I just know how much the three concepts were such a big part of how we created our excellence ...
Insistence is all about the getting-in-your-face attitude we had when it came to what we did. Be it musical notes, cadence, equipment position, or whatever, we challenged each other to do it right, or to do it better. We weren't afraid to tell each other when things needed to be fixed.
Persistence is when we got together to hold our own rehearsals outside of regular practices. How many of us gathered at each other's homes to go over some particularly difficult piece of music or equipment work? Most of us. Were the instructors there to help us? Probably not.
Ownership is each time one of us suggested something better, something extra we could be doing with drill, equipment work, or whatever. We weren't soley dependent on the powers in charge to create who we were. Our unique stamp as members was found in every part of what we did when we performed.
What a lesson ... thanks, Pic!
All for now -- corpsdially yours from jo!
As part of other conversations we were having, I asked Jimmy Pic what it was about the Saints that attracted him when he joined. Since I signed up for the Saints as an original member without a lick of marching experience, I was curious to see why someone would leave another corps to be part of us -- especially since getting to Fords and Woodbridge for rehearsal wasn't exactly a walk around the block for him [Side note to Pic -- please don't walk along 287 to get to Fords anymore!!!].
Pic was very free and open about sharing his experiences with the Silver Lancers, a corps which was a valid competitor of ours for many years. His primary reason for coming to the Saints was to be on the field -- we were competing that summer, while his first corps was only marching parades.
As we continued our discussion, though, the difference between the corps was much more than a decision to be on the field. To summarize everything Pic explained, it really boils down to three words: insistence ... persistence ... ownership.
I thought the things he described about us happened in all the corps we competed against -- I was wrong! I just know how much the three concepts were such a big part of how we created our excellence ...
Insistence is all about the getting-in-your-face attitude we had when it came to what we did. Be it musical notes, cadence, equipment position, or whatever, we challenged each other to do it right, or to do it better. We weren't afraid to tell each other when things needed to be fixed.
Persistence is when we got together to hold our own rehearsals outside of regular practices. How many of us gathered at each other's homes to go over some particularly difficult piece of music or equipment work? Most of us. Were the instructors there to help us? Probably not.
Ownership is each time one of us suggested something better, something extra we could be doing with drill, equipment work, or whatever. We weren't soley dependent on the powers in charge to create who we were. Our unique stamp as members was found in every part of what we did when we performed.
What a lesson ... thanks, Pic!
All for now -- corpsdially yours from jo!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday Trivia - September 25, 2007
It's Tuesday again!
Before we get underway, here's a Tuesday Tribute ... about 7 months ago, one of our members had an extraordinary idea -- to set up a tribute site to all the members of the Saints. Today, we pay tribute to Mark Chiocchi as he celebrates his birthday -- best wishes Rocky!!!
Now, last week's question and answer ...
Before we get underway, here's a Tuesday Tribute ... about 7 months ago, one of our members had an extraordinary idea -- to set up a tribute site to all the members of the Saints. Today, we pay tribute to Mark Chiocchi as he celebrates his birthday -- best wishes Rocky!!!
Now, last week's question and answer ...
- One of the songs in our repertoire that was NOT used in field competition was the Theme from the Mickey Mouse Club. Why did we learn it to begin with?
The Woodbridge Center management requested it. They were bringing in Mickey Mouse as part of a promotion, and as our sponsor, they wanted us there to provide additional entertainment. It was such a hit that they repeated the promotion several times over the years.
Another regular Woodbridge Center gig for us was playing just before their July 4th fireworks show (held a day or two before since the mall used to be closed for the holiday). That usually involved performing our field show while climbing over spectators who refused to stay behind field markers that were set up.
Winners?
- In first place, Rich (Ferd) Ponik: Wasn't it that Mickey Mouse was coming to Woodbridge Center?
- A close second was Mark (Peanuts) Scotto: If I remember correctly the Mickey Mouse song was played at some function in front of Woodbridge Center Mall. I remember being there, it was 1976 or 77. I also think I had a picture of that day which is posted in the photo section or it may have been someone else's.
- Most creative answer was Billy Meyer: To make fun of the National Judges Association, for their inability to recognize the greatness that was The Saints as compared to some lesser competitors. We played it each time we got sc**wed.
[Side note from jo: While this really did happen, it wasn't the reason we added it to our repertoire. It just came in very handy for those types of situations, and not just in NJA!]
Now, for this week's question, compliments of Goober Chez:
- Name all the rooms in the Annex.
[Side note from jo: Goober just wanted a count. That was WAY too easy! If you don't have a name for the room, a description of where it is and how it was (or is) used is acceptable.]
Submit your answers to joparente.saintsdrumcorps@gmail.com. Please use TRIVIA in the subject line or I may miss your response when it comes time to name the winners!
All for now -- corpsdially yours from jo!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Monday MatchUps - The Wargo Files pt 1
So much to cover today!!!
First, both Gary Deren and Jeff Slater, each mentioned in previous Monday MatchUps, posted contact information this past week. Welcome Home Jeff and Gary!
Next, some folks not at the Menlo Park Mall gathering back in June were with us at the Annex last Friday ... just scroll down for a list of names as well as a group photo. See www.saintsdrumcorps.com for meeting minutes and LOTS more photos!
Finally, Mike Wargo, you're the man! Among other treasures, he brought with him a stack of membership applications and rosters ... many of the names never appeared in any of my previous sources, so I have a pile of work ahead of me to update the roster for the website.
In the meantime, here are ten of the members from the Wargo Files who, up until now, have not been mentioned anywhere on the site. The year and section listed is from the original membership application. If you know how to reach any of them, contact me at joparente.saintsdrumcorps@gmail.com. Thanks!
First, both Gary Deren and Jeff Slater, each mentioned in previous Monday MatchUps, posted contact information this past week. Welcome Home Jeff and Gary!
Next, some folks not at the Menlo Park Mall gathering back in June were with us at the Annex last Friday ... just scroll down for a list of names as well as a group photo. See www.saintsdrumcorps.com for meeting minutes and LOTS more photos!
Finally, Mike Wargo, you're the man! Among other treasures, he brought with him a stack of membership applications and rosters ... many of the names never appeared in any of my previous sources, so I have a pile of work ahead of me to update the roster for the website.
In the meantime, here are ten of the members from the Wargo Files who, up until now, have not been mentioned anywhere on the site. The year and section listed is from the original membership application. If you know how to reach any of them, contact me at joparente.saintsdrumcorps@gmail.com. Thanks!
- Marlene Doscher (color guard, 1975)
- Jamie Mark Farkas (horn line, 1976)
- Katherine Gray (color guard, 1975)
- Laura Grimaldi (drum line, 1976)
- Michael Santa Maria (horn line, 1975)
- Joe Silverstein (horn line, 1975)
- Robin Sterling (drum line, 1976)
- Gerilyn Tomko (color guard, 1975)
- Kevin Ward (horn line, 1974)
- Wayne Ward (horn line, 1974)
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Website Status
Talk about feeling disconnected!
For those of you who have Saints Scribblings directly bookmarked -- www.saintsdrumcorps.com has been down since about 2:15 pm on Sunday, September 23rd (it's 3 pm as I'm posting this).
Rocky and I are monitoring the situation and will post updates here and on the Guest Book as they become available -- the problem seems to be with our provider and not with the Saints site itself.
PS: It's 7 pm and the site is back up and running -- thanks for your patience!
Just so you know -- both Saints Scribblings and the Saints Guest Book are maintained separately from the main Saints website. So, what does that mean? If the Saints site is down, both the Guest Book and Saints Scribblings are still accessible by linking to them directly. Today's a good day to add both sites to your list of Favorites (for Internet Explorer users) or your Bookmarks List (for everyone else!).
Here are the links (if you don't know how to add them, contact me at joparente.saintsdrumcorps@gmail.com and I'll walk you through the process!):
For those of you who have Saints Scribblings directly bookmarked -- www.saintsdrumcorps.com has been down since about 2:15 pm on Sunday, September 23rd (it's 3 pm as I'm posting this).
Rocky and I are monitoring the situation and will post updates here and on the Guest Book as they become available -- the problem seems to be with our provider and not with the Saints site itself.
PS: It's 7 pm and the site is back up and running -- thanks for your patience!
Just so you know -- both Saints Scribblings and the Saints Guest Book are maintained separately from the main Saints website. So, what does that mean? If the Saints site is down, both the Guest Book and Saints Scribblings are still accessible by linking to them directly. Today's a good day to add both sites to your list of Favorites (for Internet Explorer users) or your Bookmarks List (for everyone else!).
Here are the links (if you don't know how to add them, contact me at joparente.saintsdrumcorps@gmail.com and I'll walk you through the process!):
- Saints Scribblings -- http://joparentesaints.blogspot.com/
- Saints Guest Book -- http://users3.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g34-01088-1c
Saturday, September 22, 2007
A Night at the Annex
What a blast!
Whoever said you can't go home again?
A total of 29 of us gathered in the Annex last evening to do some reunion planning and catching up with each other -- 30 if you count Bob Matelski who happened to call Joyce Skibo while we were gathered. [Private note to Bobby -- see, I called you Bob, just like you asked!]
First -- for those in the greater New Jersey metropolitan area (or can be here) ... KEEP NOVEMBER 2ND (OR 3RD) OPEN!!!
In a nutshell, here's the plan ... full meeting minutes will be posted out on the Alumni Page of www.saintsdrumcorps.com later this weekend.
A suggestion was made and accepted to plan 2 reunion events -- regional mini-reunions this year, and a big bash reunion weekend in 2008 (yes, that's next year already!).
We chose the weekend closest to All Saints Day since it seemed appropriate (for those of you lacking access to a liturgical calendar, All Saints Day is November 1st). Main squeezes are invited (spouses optional!). Line up babysitters now -- while children will be welcome at the reunion weekend next year, the dinner in November is, by request of all present, just for the adults.
The reunion committee will be gathering in the Food Court at Menlo Park Mall on Friday, September 28 from 7 pm until they evict us. All are welcome -- come prepared to work! As they secure a site for the November festivities, more details (as well as a confirmation of the date) will be shared.
Pictures from last evening, as well as some treasures from Mike Wargo's collection, will be out on the site soon, so keep watching.
BTW, we checked out every unlocked nook and cranny of the Annex for any leftover Saints stuff -- the only thing we found, believe it or not, were all 9 of our flag line stanchions ...
Here's who joined us:
Whoever said you can't go home again?
A total of 29 of us gathered in the Annex last evening to do some reunion planning and catching up with each other -- 30 if you count Bob Matelski who happened to call Joyce Skibo while we were gathered. [Private note to Bobby -- see, I called you Bob, just like you asked!]
First -- for those in the greater New Jersey metropolitan area (or can be here) ... KEEP NOVEMBER 2ND (OR 3RD) OPEN!!!
In a nutshell, here's the plan ... full meeting minutes will be posted out on the Alumni Page of www.saintsdrumcorps.com later this weekend.
A suggestion was made and accepted to plan 2 reunion events -- regional mini-reunions this year, and a big bash reunion weekend in 2008 (yes, that's next year already!).
We chose the weekend closest to All Saints Day since it seemed appropriate (for those of you lacking access to a liturgical calendar, All Saints Day is November 1st). Main squeezes are invited (spouses optional!). Line up babysitters now -- while children will be welcome at the reunion weekend next year, the dinner in November is, by request of all present, just for the adults.
The reunion committee will be gathering in the Food Court at Menlo Park Mall on Friday, September 28 from 7 pm until they evict us. All are welcome -- come prepared to work! As they secure a site for the November festivities, more details (as well as a confirmation of the date) will be shared.
Pictures from last evening, as well as some treasures from Mike Wargo's collection, will be out on the site soon, so keep watching.
BTW, we checked out every unlocked nook and cranny of the Annex for any leftover Saints stuff -- the only thing we found, believe it or not, were all 9 of our flag line stanchions ...
Here's who joined us: - Patty Antol
- Jackie Bodzas
- Linda Burke Andel
- Stoney Comprido
- Goober Chez
- Pete Chez
- Pete Crafts
- Gary Ragu Chiocchi (and wife, Lisa)
- Pebbles Chiocchi
- Rocky Chiocchi (birthday boy!)
- Karen DeAndrea Aldiero
- Terry Gyorfy Wooding
- Priscilla French Lyons
- Bobby Matelski (by phone)
- Billy Meyer
- Rene Meyer DeLucia
- Denise Normandia Dube
- JoAnne Parente
- Karen Parente
- Jimmy Piccolo
- Ferd Ponik
- Kathy Ponik Donnelly
- Debbie Reybert Bartlett
- Mark Peanuts Scotto
- Tom Seeland
- Joyce Skibo Andrechick
- Darlene Stover Dziowgo
- Red Wardlow
- Mike Wargo
From left to right ...
Standing: Wargo, Peaches, Kathy Ponik, Denise, Goober, Priscilla, Rene, Patty, Red, Karen DeAndrea,
Pebbles, Joyce, Terry, Karen Parente, JoAnne, Linda, Debbie
Sitting / Kneeling: Stoney, Mongo, Ferd, Tom, Ragu, Pete Crafts, Darlene, Peanuts, Rocky, Pic, Jackie
A larger version of this picture can be found out on www.saintsdrumcorps.com, Photo Gallery 8, page 8
All for now -- corpsdially yours from jo!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Weekend Wonderings: Going Home
The Annex was -- is -- a place filled with many significant memories from my teens and early twenties. A few of us can actually claim to have attended school there -- my seventh grade classroom (which became the kindergarten once the New School opened) was one of the few places in the building to which we DIDN'T have access while practicing there with the Saints.
Our growth as a corps was measured by how much room we needed to rehearse. In the earliest days, the cafeteria served us well -- twirlers on the stage, drummers in the Ice Cream Room, big guard in the back, horn line in the center, guide-ons in the side aisle. Soon, we graduated to the Annex, and even spilled over into the New School gym on Friday nights for a lot of years. I still find it a bit amusing that the name of the Annex was changed during those days to the Parish Center -- given that we had sole use for three weeknights during the winter season, and parts of the weekend the entire year, I don't think many in the parish really "centered" there like we did.
While we might have had a vague sense of it back then, having access to the parish buildings was a true gift. In particular, having the Annex as a regular place to gather, rehearse, store equipment, and everything else -- free but for the yearly donations made by the corps back to the parish -- made it easier for us to grow and succeed at what we did for those ten years we were together.
Since our reunion in October 1980, very few of us have had the chance to go back and spend real time in the Annex. The notable exception? Any of the guys who are members of the Knights of Columbus Council associated with Our Lady of Peace Parish -- and I know of at least one!
As I'm preparing for our reunion meeting this evening, my mind keeps wandering, leaving me to wonder ... Will it still look the same? What room will we meet in? Who will show up tonight who wasn't with us at Menlo? Will we get any planning done???
Expect a postscript sometime later this weekend, as well as some additions to the Photo Gallery on www.saintsdrumcorps.com ...
All for now -- corpsdially yours from jo!
Our growth as a corps was measured by how much room we needed to rehearse. In the earliest days, the cafeteria served us well -- twirlers on the stage, drummers in the Ice Cream Room, big guard in the back, horn line in the center, guide-ons in the side aisle. Soon, we graduated to the Annex, and even spilled over into the New School gym on Friday nights for a lot of years. I still find it a bit amusing that the name of the Annex was changed during those days to the Parish Center -- given that we had sole use for three weeknights during the winter season, and parts of the weekend the entire year, I don't think many in the parish really "centered" there like we did.
While we might have had a vague sense of it back then, having access to the parish buildings was a true gift. In particular, having the Annex as a regular place to gather, rehearse, store equipment, and everything else -- free but for the yearly donations made by the corps back to the parish -- made it easier for us to grow and succeed at what we did for those ten years we were together.
Since our reunion in October 1980, very few of us have had the chance to go back and spend real time in the Annex. The notable exception? Any of the guys who are members of the Knights of Columbus Council associated with Our Lady of Peace Parish -- and I know of at least one!
As I'm preparing for our reunion meeting this evening, my mind keeps wandering, leaving me to wonder ... Will it still look the same? What room will we meet in? Who will show up tonight who wasn't with us at Menlo? Will we get any planning done???
Expect a postscript sometime later this weekend, as well as some additions to the Photo Gallery on www.saintsdrumcorps.com ...
All for now -- corpsdially yours from jo!
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