New Directory Marks 10th Year of Association
The latest directory for the 33rd ABAA is now being sent to dues-paying members of the association, and, as noted in the Preface to the recently completed booklet, it marks our tenth year. In keeping with the modifications that were made in the January 2006 directory, the one for 2007 not only includes a listing of all 33rd Army Band members, both living and deceased, whose particulars have been provided to us, plus a page devoted to the commanding officers over the years, the lineage of the 33rd Army Band through 1949, an In Memoriam section, and a listing of the band members by decades, it also includes the "Found" 33rd members listed by state. Additionally, of course, the 33rd ABAA Executive Committee members are listed as are the reunions that have been developed for the association. Instead of a single flaming torch representing USAREUR, the cover of this year's directory uses the insignia Dee Tonning, our webmaster, developed for use on our website.
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MEMORIES: THE CAPTURED MOMENTS OF LIFE
One of the major purposes of the 33rd Army Band Alumni Association is unabashedly directed toward refreshing the memories of those days when each of us was a member of the USAREUR Headquarters Band, whether it was in Heidelberg, as was the case for most of us, or in Schwetzingen where the band is presently located. It is manifestly clear that the great majority of the experiences most of us had in our tour of duty in Germany were pleasant ones, and, as a consequence, our reflections on those days are nostalgic ones.
Now, for those of us who have been able to attend the various reunions of the association we have been able to add to the memories of that earlier time by sharing our views with others who were in the band with us, or who, in a different time period, had experiences which were akin to our own. What has proved to be most rewarding has been the story telling at the reunions and in the newsletter. But then, too, haven't we all enjoyed the numerous "Kodak moments" that were caught on film in both the earlier and more recent times?
It's not our intent to get very philosophical about the matter. but when you reflect on the essence of life, what do you have in the later years of your time here on earth but you memories? And for those of us who are members of the 33rd ABAA, aren't we indeed blessed with the memories which are ours?
So savor your memories--and share them with the rest of us.
--Editor
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Don Meyerson (54-56) wrote, saying: "Hi guys! I enjoyed reading the entire news about the band and your endeavors. It is wonderful to see you are staying "more than" active in musical events. You are to be congratulated! We are getting to be real "old timers", but you don't seem to be slowing down...Nothing has changed with me, just a little more arthritis to contend with and still with the low immunity condition of Pemphigus. I am teeing it up today, so I am not sedentary yet. I am busy also watching my 4 grand children grow up. If you ever get to Palm Desert, California area in the winter months, look me up."
Gabe Villani (56-58) wrote to Roger Dickerson (58-59) following receipt of information pertaining to the Jazz Festival. Man, you guys are really doing great things! I really appreciate you sending it to me!" Then. in addition to asking Roger how things are going for him in New Orleans, he wrote: "I KNOW BIG STARS!!!!!!" [Ed. Note: Actually Gabe knows a great many 'big stars'.]
Ken Briden (58-59) sent some photos for use on our website and to provide the editor with pix that could be used in Passing in Review. [See a link to Ken's photos at the end of this newsletter]
Steve Barnhart (74-76) wrote to indicate that selling his house at the end of May and driving to TX, he found out that the move didn't work out. So he returned to Wyoming in August, and now has yet another new address. [See the Directory.]
Col (Ret) Gary Lamb (96-98) is not sitting back in a rocking chair in his retirement. He has continued to work as an adjudicator at band festivals and had occasion to conduct honors bands in South Carolina and Missouri. In his and Alida's annual letter, it's noted that he was named an adjunct professor at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, in the fall. He also spent time performing in " Smokey Joe's Cafe" at the Aiken Community Playhouse. Additionally, he and Alida attended the annual American Bandmasters Association convention in Richardson, Texas, took a 13 day tour between Alaska and Vancouver, BC, attended the Army Band's alumni weekend in Washington D.C., traveled to Colorado and Nebraska to visit family, celebrated the Army Chorus's 50th anniversary celebration and had a four-day golf outing in North Carolina with colleagues from the American Bandmasters Association. At Christmas time their plan was to travel to Colorado and Nebraska and then on to Hawaii. [Ed. Note: It will be interesting to learn if they were able to make it to Denver what with all the snow in the region at that time.]
Dick Hays (57-58) wrote to say that the past year has been a healing one for him since the passing of his wife Shirley. "I am very grateful," he said, "for my family, many friends and all my activities that keep me busy and involved. Sometimes I think I try to do too much, but it is certainly better than not enough. I am still involved with my music, Eastern Star, Shrine and church. I serve as Worthy Patron of my Eastern Star Chapter and was honored to be appointed Grand Warder of Colorado Eastern Star." Dick also referred to his 33rd ABAA family, saying that the reunion in Denver brought back many good memories of 48 years ago. His trips during 2006 included a visit to Texas to see family, another to San Diego, and one to the Mexican Riviera on Carnival Cruise.
Dave Yoshioka (56-57) has now been joined by his wife and son in Scottsdale, AZ. He said he appreciates the quiet neighborhood where they now live, unlike Southern California from where they moved. His only concerns, apparently, are snakes and other wild animals. He's not particularly pleased to have scorpions as part of his environment, and he notes that it is really hot in the summertime. Dave further notes that he has yet to adopt a home team, and until now he hasn't followed NASCAR racing, horse racing, soccer, tennis, or any other sports--- but he may soon change...
Gene Karjala (57-58) indicated that he and Beth have now been in Minnesota for ten years and that they are keeping busy. Gene continues with the Minnesota Oratorio Society, which sings 3 or 4 concerts a year. He volunteers as a Travel Assistant at the MSP airport and meets weekly with his Finnish friends for coffee and conversation (in Finn, of course). He also serves on the Salolampi, Finnish Language Camp board of directors. He and Beth are now into their fourth year in the cities and they still like the location---fifteen minutes to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul for cultural events.
Frank Gomes (55-56) wrote to say they are hoping to attend the reunion in 2008 in Portland. He indicated that because they now "know the ropes of the job we took on last summer at the campground," they feel a little freer to take time off when necessary. Frank said they really missed being at the last two reunions, noting that he had been looking forward in Denver to catching up with Melvin Good who was a good friend while in Heidelberg.
Frank mentioned enjoying the annual letter that the Schlatters sent out to various folks, but he expressed his disappointment that there were no pictures of the Schlatter HO layout. Also a train buff, Frank related the following: "I am progressing slowly on my N scale railroad. I'm in the process of laying the track and doing the wiring as I go along. It's a tedious job. When I have some semblance of a working model, I'll send a picture or two. I wish I had the room to have the size layout you do. As it is with space limitations (no basements here in Florida), my layout is in a spare bedroom and is 8' x 5'. I will have three trains running when I am finished with the track stuff. One of the trains is modeled after the trip we took back in '01 when we joined the Tonnings and Joneses on the trip from Chicago for that reunion. My model engine is the same as the engine that pulled your California Zephyr, and the passenger cars are the same as the Superliners that you rode in. Our '01 trip also was in the Superliners and we had lunch in the dining car. It was fun. I sure wish we could have been there for the rail trip. It sounds as though it was a terrific trip."
In his and Carole's annual newsletter, Frank Schlatter (56-58) brought a number of correspondents up-to-date regarding their 2006 activities, providing some details related to Carole's having been named Roswell Realtor of the Year, the hosting of the Roswell Mardi Gras and Pecos Valley Jazz and Art Festival with Roger Dickerson (57-58); Frank's writing, producing and directing a docudrama commemorating the centennial of the Roswell Public Library; their working together in the late spring (just prior to the 33rd ABAA's Denver reunion) in producing three one-act youth plays---one of which Frank wrote; and, lastly, Frank's adding to his train sets (referred to by Frank Gomes in the previous entry). The addition to his HO trains was accomplished by running a track a couple of feet below the ceiling between the den and the living room. Scenery for the new setup is an extended series of pictures that he and Carole took when they were in Germany a few years ago. Frank has been pleasantly surprised that Carole actually likes having the layout. He thinks it is because she can run this addition and the earlier layout that is located in the den--all with the press of one button--one button and four trains instantly go into motion. She enjoys wowing her real estate clients that she brings to the house.
Gabe Villani (56-58) wrote a second email that is worth sharing here. In mid-January he went to hear Dick Prestage (57-59) play with the Tommy Dorsey Band. According to Gabe, "They played in Homestead, Florida which is about 400 years back from Miami. I got there late because Dick confused 20840 Avenue with 20840 Street and 167th Street for 167th Ave. The confusion only took me an extra three days to find the place he was playing. I actually got there 15 minutes after they started the concert. Of course Dick left a "comp" for me at the door.
"The band was good and "clean". I thought Dick would be the oldest, but the leader, Buddy Morrow of "Night Train Fame" is 88 and didn't look like he would make 88 and a half. The sub leader trumpet player was 83. I imagined that 7 or 8 other members of the band were Dick's age or older."
The only problem, musically was that they had a young LATINO singer who thought he was Frank Sinatra. Well, if he lost 100 pounds, dressed better and sang in tune he would have had a better chance. Of course some of the OLDER ladies in the audience thought he was hot stuff. Actually one took out her teeth and whistled at him."
"I think of the saying, 'I wish Sinatra was alive and all the impersonators were dead!"
"Dick and I got together after the gig for a few drinks and we. of course, talked about all of you. Mostly good stuff! (Except for Ernie! [Ed Note: Ernie Fields--58-59]) (Only joking!) We had a great time. Dick looks fantastic! He looks in better shape than when he was in Heidelberg."
"Today he left for an 11 day cruise with the band. They come back for 10 days then go on another 11 day cruise. Then again, a few days off and on another cruise. The band doesn't work constantly but they do get in a lot of dates.'
Gabe extended his love to all, signing it "Pvt. Villani."
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33rd Army Band Alumni Association Executive Committee
Chief Executive Officer: Frank
Schlatter, 3111 Futura, Roswell, NM 88201, Tel: 505-622 6898 Email: obfusa@rt66.com
Website: Dee Tonning, Webmaster, 2265 Tawny Woods Pl., Boise, ID
83706 Email: dtonning@aol.com
Directory (Membership) and Newsletter: Frank Schlatter
Local Reunion
Arrangements: Scott Phoenix, 1224 Pennington Dr. N., Newberg, OR 97132-1148.
Tel:503-538-1674 Email: sandphoenix@gmail.com
-and- Ken Erion, 6800 Red Prairie Road, Sheridan, OR 97378-9516. Tel:
503-843-2842. Email: KWErion@yahoo.com
Annual dues are $15, payable to 33rd ABAA and sent to the CEO.
Website
address: http://www.rt66.com/~obfusa/33rd
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE PORTLAND REUNION
Scott Phoenix, Local Arrangements Chair for the next 33rd ABAA reunion has forwarded the following to Passing In Review.
This is the first installment of a series of short pieces about the Rose City, Portland, Oregon, host city for the 2008 reunion.
Portland has a relatively small downtown area that is bordered to the west by a ridge of hills and the east by the Willamette River (will-Lah-met). Because it's blocks are 300' long, one can easily walk around the downtown core, and with a fine light rail system, called MAX, that is free in the core area, getting around is easier still. MAX can take you from Portland International Airport to downtown, eliminating the need for shuttle or rental, if you do not desire a car for excursions outside Portland.
Weather permitting, one can see at least two famous peaks of the Cascade range, Mt. Hood, tallest in Oregon at just over 11,000' and Mt. St. Helens (in Washington). Scenically, Portland is hard to beat.
To the north and running by the airport is the mighty Columbia River, over a mile wide in some places. The breathtakingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge begins around 15 miles to the east of downtown and extends miles eastward. It was formed by multiple Ice Age floods from burstings of Lake Missoula, the last of which was about 15,000 years ago. Prior to these floods, the Columbia had helped cut a deep gorge, but not one with the vertical sides visible today. These floods scoured out thousands and thousands of acres in Washington, known as the Scablands, and upon descending upon the Columbia as it separates Washington and Oregon, their debris-laden flows sped along as much as 60 m/h and chiseled through layers of basalt with waters as deep as 800 feet! Astonishing stuff! Flood waters backed up where the Columbia makes a dogleg to the north, thereby scouring out various places in the Portland metropolitan area, one of which is Lake Oswego, and these floods covered the Willamette Valley to the south in waters as deep as 400 feet! Glacial erratics, rocks carried along in ice chunks by the floods, may be found scattered along the flood route where they settled as waters diminished in force or receded.
For those who'd like to know more about these floods and how parts of Washington and Oregon were hewn by them, I heartily recommend the book Cataclysms of the Columbia. You will find it a most interesting read! Order on-line from Powells.com which is the website for the best bookstore in the known universe, which, coincidentally, lies just blocks from where we'll be in 2008! --Scott Phoenix
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