It's too bad that the news doesn't cover any of the good things our soldiers do. Here is a brand new, and young Shriner, making friends with a couple of kids from Iraq - what do you suppose they were thinking when those noses came out, for them to put on?
I understand he doesn't get as much computer time as he would like, so a real letter, or just a note, or card, might do more for him. he's a good Shriner, and gonna be a good Clown - we are anxious to get him back here!
Speaking of a good Shriner, and a good Clown, our own Doug "Raggs" Jennings asked us to turn out for Cancer Survivor's Day, on June 6th, and be our Clown-selves. We did so, and in support of "Raggs", and the American Cancer Society, six Clowns were there, in costume, to do what we enjoy doing - baloon tying, and just entertaining everyone.
As the Shrine Temple goes dark for the Summer, the parades begin, and that means lots of action for the Clowns. Even so, some Mystery Trips will pop up here and there, and the next thing you know Central States will be upon us, and on with the show!
CLOWNS - January 2007
Nick Roach, Antics Reporter
I want to begin this article with an apology to Eddie Van Hon. Eddie worked hard, on the Mystery Trip, delivering libations up and down the bus he was on. I omitted him from the list of folks I thanked in the article on the Mystery Trip, and I know better than to start listing names, because you can leave someone out. Eddie has not been upset by his exclusion, but I feel badly, land I wanted to take this time to acknowledge his great help.
In October, the Clowns held our meeting at Carlo’s O’Kelly’s, and we enjoyed fine food with our ladies. Our meeting discussions included action to donate $500 to the Travel Van Garage Fund; and who would bring what on the 27th of October, when we hosted the Lounge Lizards, at the Shrine. As usual, our ladies brought a lot of food, and we had our usual good time, along with those who consumed with us.
The All-Temple Halloween Party was attended by several Clowns, including all the Clowns on the Divan, as well as others. It was a very good party, and those who didn’t go missed a good time. Pat and Linda Devlin, Bob and Sharyl Whitehead, and Roy and Becky Sullivan were excellently costumed as the Sisters of Something or other; and also in costume were Bob and Diana Swafford, and Kurt and Bev Lawson. Terry and Chris Wilson, Larry and Charlene Bryan, and Nick and Carol Roach were not in costume, but did not let that hold them back.
The Fall Ceremonial was great, although the number of Novices was small, eight in total. The Clowns, as usual, staffed a hospitality table, and worked the crowd in our typical fashion. We believe we have at least one Novice coming into the Clown Unit, out of the eight, and look forward to that. During the presentations portion of the Ceremonial, we presented Illustrious Sir Ron Scrinopskie with his Emeritus Clown award, signifying 15 years of service to the Clown Unit, including his years on the Divan, and we expect to see him much more next year, when his time will allow him to return to the Clown Unit.
Our November Clown Meeting found us in Maple Hill, at Puffy’s, with our ladies, again enjoying good food (does that sound familiar) and our own company. James Munholland, one of the new Shriners from the Fall Ceremonial, was there as a guest, and it’s good to see the new guys getting involved – that’s what it’s all about.
On Saturday, November 11th, our Director Terry Wilson, and his lady Chris, led a delegation consisting of Keith and Beth Lawson, Larry and Charlene Bryan, Bob and Sharyl Whitehead, and Nick and Carol Roach, and we traveled to Abdallah Temple, to attend what is expected to be the First Annual Clown Multi-Temple Gathering. Hosted by Abdallah Clowns, Ararat and Arab Temples each had Clowns in attendance. We agreed to host the Second Annual Gathering, in Topeka, in the early Spring, and we hope to see Mirza, Isis, Midian, and Moilla Clowns in attendance, as we gather for food and libation (of course!). Bob and Sharyl Whitehead came to Overland Park by way of Emporia, where Bob paraded with the L’il Chops.
Regretfully, many of us attended the funeral of Bob Shepard, on December 7th. Bingo Bob was not a Clown, but he should have been, and could have been – what a great guy!
When you can get a Methodist minister to talk about Bingo, shots, dancing and parades, you know he had woven his spell around her, and she did a wonderful job. Virginia will always have a special place in the hearts on many of the Clowns. And the Shriners were there, en masse, to see him off.
Our annual Christmas Party, with the Provost Guard, and other units, preceded by our December meeting, with annual awards was held on December 9th, and I know you’ll be surprised to hear that we had a great time, and we ate, and we presented awards. Seven Clowns were recognized for their perfect attendance at the 2006 Shrine Ciircus – all performances. The god looking Clown is really Sharyl Whitehead, the patient Lady of Bob Whitehead, who was unable to attend the party due to a previous commitment – he was skiing, in Colorado. Alan Barrett (Smoky) won the Rookie of the Year Award; Doug Jennings was the Clown of the Year; several Clowns won “OOOPS” awards, as Director Terry created a new category of awards that will undoubtedly continue in years to come; and the very patient Chris Wilson was presented the Clownette of the Year award, recognizing that putting up with us, and with Terry, requires a person with a great combination of skills. She always is a resource for the Unit, and we appreciate her work this past year. Nobody won the Raspy award, as nobody messed up as much as Raspy did, and others have done since, but I’d be willing to bet the award will not sit dormant very long. A nice party, with the Provost Guard, Escorts, and 32 Roadsters, along with us drank, ate, and danced until 11 PM. When the party ended, it was almost all Clowns and Divan and Past Potentates, and their ladies – just like usual ! The Two Classics did their usual great job of keeping the dance floor rocking.
On December 15th many of us attended the retirement of Sharyl Whitehead, who now will be able to better cope with the upbeat actions of her Clown, Obob, who probably has never experienced a bad party.
As we move into 2007, we congratulate our own Ron Scrinopskie for his year as Potentate, we look forward to his return to the Clown Unit, and we look forward to helping the Potentate for 2007, Paul Clarkson and his lady Diana, and we know it will be a fine year for the Shrine, and the Clown Unit, as we continue to work on our great philanthropy, the Children’s Hospitals.
____________________________________________________________________________________
CLOWNS - October 2006
Nick Roach, Antics Reporter
Seems like a long time ago, but the Clowns made their annual pilgrimage to Wamego for one of the best parades we participate in annually. Curb to building people for the entire route; a great fireworks display, and in between, and prior to, hospitality at Chris and Terry Wilson’s. In fact, this year the hospitality was so good, most of us missed being in the parade, leaving that to our good clown, and current Captain of the Guard, Bob Whitehead, who put on his stilts, and represented us quite well. In addition to Bob and Sharyl, Ross and Mary Lou Spencer, Doug and Mary Ann Jennings, Leroy and Jean Conley, Larry and Charlene Bryan, Paul Oldham, and Nick and Carol Roach spent a great afternoon, and into the evening, with Chris and Terry. The Arab Escorts stopped by, as did Renee Kenworthy (not in her official capacity, of course). Past Potentate, and Emeritus Clown, Al Jackson, and his lady Vivian were also there, along with Frank and Sally Seufert, so the group was not small, by any means.
Our next major activity was the Shrine Bowl, were we had Clowns in the Parade, Clowns working the down marker chains, and a Clown working as Line Judge (you’ve probably thought that several times at games). Jim Blaauw, who officiates all Fall, was the Line Judge in the second half; Terry Wilson, Kurt Lawson, Keith Lawson, Roger Elsbury, Jim Blaauw, Bob Swafford, and Bob Whitehead (who made the Sunday paper in Pittsburg) paraded as Clowns; Larry Bryan drove a car, Paul Oldham rode with the Scooters, but not in clown regalia; and Terry Wilson (for the 25th year!), Kurt Lawson, Keith Lawson, Bob Swafford, Alan Barrett, and a non-Shriner, Kent Hilliard, worked the chains. Terry has worked the chains since before he was a Shriner
The annual Clown Picnic took place at the Lake Sherwood clubhouse, and a fine group of attendees were there – 9 Past Potentate’s, 10 Divan members, former First Lady Harriete Scrinopskie, and the Clown’s were out-numbered by either group. Long-time Clown, Bill Zirger and his lady Millie, were there, all the way from Overland Park, and Bill and your writer had the “opportunity” to receive pies from Past Potentate Larry Pressman, and Illustrious Sir Ron, and his Lady Frayna, also got “pied” – suppose that will be a new tradition, or maybe she was filling in for the Marshal, and Clown, Paul Oldham who “had to leave early”- yeah right! As you will remember, it was hot, so the pies actually felt good, or at least I feel better saying that.
In August (we don’t like to work too far ahead) we started practicing skits for Central States, and when we got to St. Louis we had Alan Barrett, Larry Bryan, Pat Devlin, Doug Jennings, Larry Pressman, Terry Wilson, and Bob Whitehead in costume. Having two Divan members in costume, and two Past Potentate’s in costume, is probably unique to this unit. Frankly, we came away somewhat humble, but committed to get clowning back into our collective vocabularies. Terry Wilson took 3rd place in Senior Whiteface, our Unit Skit took 3rd place, and Bob Whitehead got Best Clown in our unit in the parade, and that was it!
We provided Clowns for the Macy’s opening in mid-September, and had 5 Clowns in costume for that. We’ll use that event to get us ready for the Fall Ceremonial, as we wind down the year of Illustrious Sir Ron Scrinopskie, who as you know, was a member of the Clown Unit.
The Potentate’s Mystery Trip is set for October 20, 21, and 22, and at this writing, 56 Shriners and their ladies will debark for – wherever - and we’ll tell you more about all that next time.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
CLOWNS July 2006
Nick Roach, Antics Reporter
The Clowns held our second Wine Tasting Party on April 1, 2006, and despite the date, people believed that it was really gonna happen, and about 70 people were there, sampling 8 different wines, and learning something about the wines. Stacy Young did his usual great job of explaining about the wines, and he and his Lady, Gracie, served the wines. Rick Moody deserves mention for his efforts on this event, as well as Pat and Linda Devlin, and Bob and Diana Swafford. We had another Silent Auction in conjunction with the Wine Tasting, and were able to auction over 25 items, ranging from a KU Basketball Team autographed basketball, to hand-made Boas in either KU or KSU colors; several restaurant gift certificates; Cookie Lee jewelry; Marie Kay variety basket; Marion Lane candles; as well as an autographed picture of Emmett Kelly, fixing the clown make-up on Emmett Kelly, Jr.; a Ron Lee Clown figurine, and lots of other items. Food was provided by the Clown Ladies, who did their usual good job of providing variety and quality. This is a great event, with lots of fun during the course of the evening, and is good event for the Unit, as well.
The Potentate’s Ball was very nice, and with the Clowns celebrating “one of our own” we did our best to carry luggage, with the associated, and now obligatory, Jello shots. We also decorated the Temple Hospitality Suite, and Kip Meyers idea of how to do it was well received, and looked great.
The May meeting of the Clown Unit, at Timberline Steakhouse, was a good time – good food, and good fellowship. While attendance was off a little, those who were there enjoyed the evening.
Heath Lawson held a balloon-tying session, attended by Tom Theis and Larry Heinrich on Saturday, May 13th, and the beneficiary of that session was the 50’s dance that evening, where the tied balloons were used as table decorations. Speaking of the 50’s dance – what a great evening. Attendance was light, but those who were there were treated to good music, and great fellowship. Bob Griffin sang, and “The Trashette’s danced to one of my favorite songs, and it was one of the highlights of the evening. A Nerd and a Prom Queen took first place; Elvis and Priscilla took second place; and a Zoot Suit and a Poodle Skirt took third place, in the costume competition, but lots of rolled-up jeans were there! Not a Clown Unit event, but if you are reading this, and were not there, you messed up!
The Clown Mystery Trip was a great time, and if you didn’t attend, it was your loss! We started out going South on the Turnpike, getting off at Emporia, then West on US 50, and then North on KS 177, to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, where we saw an amazing limestone Barn and House – very impressive. We then went on to Council Grove, where dinner at the Hayes House was waiting for us, after a libation or two. Nineteen travelers, including 5 Divan members and spouses; 2 Past Potentates and spouses; Bill and Nancy Eicholtz, Lela Montgomery, and our Clown Director Terry Wilson, and his lady, Chris. All considered, we had only 6 Clowns and their ladies, and we wished we would have had more, but timing presented problems for some, but we’ll expect you to be there next time – the fellowship, and friendship, is great on these trips, and this one was no exception.
What a great Ceremonial – 26 Novices! My good buddy Robert Gifford stole the show with his new Unit – and their little choppers. They were not even on the horizon last Ceremonial, and now, low and behold, they have over 20 in the Unit, with 8 choppers in the parade, 10 more in their inventory, with riders, and 5 in the Novice Class, ready to join them. They are truly showing the way! We could all learn from that, and I bet some will. A long day, but the excitement was in the air at Arab Temple, and it was a fun day. We were low on parade Clowns , with our Director, Terry Wilson, Doug Jennings, Kurt Lawson, Keith Lawson, and Bob Swafford. Any other parade, and Larry Pressman, Larry Bryan, Bob Whitehead, and Paul Oldham would have been “suited up,” but they all had other duties, and were in the parade, just not as Clowns. When you add in Pat Devlin, and Nick Roach, the Clowns were well represented, just not too noticeable. But, a lot of our good Clowns had other commitments, and were not able to be there – maybe next time!
Larry Pressman received the award as Noble of the Year, and very well deserved it was – Larry has given Arab Temple about 17 consecutive years of Divan involvement, and exemplifies what Shrinedom is all about. You can read about him elsewhere in the Antics. I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to note that Larry, Kip Meyers, and Doug Jennings have all been “on the wall” at Arab Temple, either as Noble of the Year, or Shriner of the Year over the last year, a great recognition for these fine Clowns.
Next up for us is Central States, and we are already working on skit selection, but first the Wamego 4th of July parade. This year it’s on July 4th (Roger!) and what a good one it will be – wall to wall crowd, short parade route, and great hospitality at Chris and Terry Wilson’s after the parade, or even before the parade, if you get there a day early. The Lecompton parade is also a good one, and the Clowns will be there as well – great hospitality there also! We’ll talk about Central States in the next issue of the Arab Antics. Have a safe Fourth of July!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
CLOWNS -April 2006
Nick Roach, Antics Reporter
As noted in the last Antics article, the Clown Unit did work hard on the Potentate’s Reception, not the least activity of which was getting a “cut-out” of Illustrious Sir Ron in clown costume and clown makeup – finding a picture was the toughest part, but the result was worth the effort. The cut-out is not very tall, but . . . never mind!
A pre-Circus session, with the Topeka Chamber of Commerce, was attended by several Clowns in costume, and several more in regular attire, “working the crowd,” as we made sure that the Chamber members know about the Circus, and the United Way, represented by Nancy Perry, who is a daughter of Past Potentate, and Clown, the late Harold Jasperson, was presented with 5,000 free Circus tickets, to be distributed to the United Way agencies, and their clients.
On January 26th, the Clown Unit hosted their annual Chili Feed at the Shrine Temple, feeding about 300 people some of the best Chili they ever tasted. The kitchen crew, headed by Ray Thurlow, ably assisted by Billy Chambers, Ross Spencer, Kurt Lawson, Keith Lawson, and Bob Swafford, did their usual great job. This year, they had a rookie working in the kitchen – Chief Rabban Paul Clarkson, coming up from Waverly to help, was a great carrot slicer, and celery chopper, and his efforts were greatly appreciated by the Clowns. And, with Tom Theis ladling Chili, and then cleaning up the kitchen, ably assisted by Clowns and wives, the event was a great success. The Clown ladies again provided desserts, almost selling out; and all totaled, sixteen Clowns and their ladies, were there to share in the work, and the fun. What a hard-working bunch!
At the Ladies Luncheon in February, our Director, Terry Wilson, did a great job of telling the ladies about the Clowns, and the differences between the various categories of Clowns. The Clown wives in attendance noted that he did not talk about the personality change that comes over their Clowns as the makeup process takes place.
In preparation for the Circus, the Clowns made-up two local kids on live TV on Saturday, February 18th, on Channel 12, WIBW. What a great exposure for The Shrine, The Circus, and The Clowns! On February 19th, a group of 18 Clowns and Clown ladies judged the Circus Coloring Contest, and after much consideration – the entries seem to get better every year – selected the winners of the bicycles that will be presented at the Circus. Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Camel’s Milk, was provided to the judges after completion of their work.
As for the Circus itself, 22 Clowns were there for one performance or more, with an average of 16 Clowns per performance in costume, with 12 Clowns being there for all 6 performances. Signing the autographs just brings ‘em out – Clowns and kids – it doesn’t get any better than that! And, the Clowns did a great skit, with Ray “Tiny” Thurlow doing a superb job as the Master Hypnotist, and plying his work on Larry Bryan, Dave Holmberg, Keith Lawson, and Kurt Lawson – those guys made all the performances, and were in the skit every performance. Alan Barrett, and Larry Heinrich were in costume for the first time in an “appearance” venue, and were great. We even had second and third generation Clown Kids assisting Dad and Grandpa a couple of times. Doesn’t get any better than that! After the Saturday afternoon performance, Ron Buchanan took individual pictures for the Unit, and also a Unit picture that was a big a group of Clowns as I have seen from Arab Temple in my almost 20 years with the Unit. Between the afternoon and evening shows on Saturday, some of the Clowns visited a nursing home, and others drove to Perry to visit with Kent “Casey” Gates, and his lady, Bernice. Ken is an Emeritus Clown, and seemed like he always placed in the Top Three at Central States, as one of our Tramp Clowns.
The Clown Wine Tasting event was held on April 1, and that’s the date for submitting this article, so while I don’t know how it went, I know it went well, and we’ll say more about it next time.
There is a Clown Mystery Trip scheduled for May 20th, and this is a heads-up for all Clowns. No telling where Director Terry Wilson and his lady, Chris, are taking us, but if we don’t have a great time, I’ll be surprised. That, too, will be in the next Antics.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
CLOWNS - January 2006
Nick Roach, Antics Reporter
It is appropriate, I believe, that we begin this article with comments about Past Potentate Leslie Scrinposkie, who passed away on December 22, 2005. Les Scrinopskie was a wonderful person, and to know him was to love him, as the song goes. Les was a resource for any Shriner seeking information, always accessible, and in particular, was the source of much early information on the Arab Shrine Clown Unit. His charm and wit were the ultimate! He will most definitely be missed! The eulogy presented by Past Potentate Don Horttor was one of the best I’ve ever heard, and I’m sure most would echo that without hesitation. As Chief Rabban for Potentate Les, Don Horttor shared stories that not many had ever heard. The service itself was one that will be remembered for some time by those who were there, and the place was jam-packed!
Going back to where we left off in 2005 takes me to the October Unit Meeting, at Aboud’s, with 27 Clowns and spouses in attendance. The food was, as usual at Aboud’s, excellent. We had hoped to recognize Wayne Bennett who made the shoes that most of the Clowns wear, along with shoes for Ringling Brothers Circus Clowns, but Wayne didn’t want the attention, and while we regretted that, we respected his wishes.
The Fall Ceremonial found about a half dozen Clowns ready to be in the parade, along with Clowns presenting the “hardware” won at Central States; Clowns staffing a hospitality area for the new Nobles; and perhaps the highlight of the day for us, the selection of our own Doug Jennings as Shriner of the Year. Doug recently retired from Capitol Federal, and while a soft-spoken person, until he has to write a check for Clown stuff, or “duffs” a shot on the golf course, a person of great compassion for the plight of others less fortunate then himself. Doug has been very active with the American Cancer Society in their Cancer Survivors activities, for many years; active in his church, St. David’s Episcopal Church, and a very active, participating Clown, placing in the Top Three at Central States almost every year, for many years. When paired with Kip Myers, who is presently Arab Temples Noble of the Year, it brings great pride to the Clown Unit to have two of our long-time members being recognized in the same year.
Another highlight for the Clowns – the return of J. Harlan Edmonds “to duty” after an absence of perhaps over 15 years. J. Harlan, and his four wheeler were also ready to parade, but as we all know, the squirrel took care of that, and “the parade” consisted of going to the Judicial Center Parking Lot, and returning to Arab Shrine, after about a 45 minute wait. We all look forward to J. Harlan participating with the Clowns, at all events – stated meetings, Clown meetings, and parades, from here on – his experience, and his long time membership in the Clown Unit, are of great benefit to all of us, and he brings a perspective that few bring to us.
November begins the holiday season, and the Clowns once again greeted Santa at the Fairlawn Mall, with Kip Myers, Doug Jennings, Kurt Lawson, and David Lawrenz in costume, along with our fearless Marshal, Keith Heuman, in costume for the first time. Every one enjoys that project, but Keith really seemed to have a good time, as did all the kids waiting for pictures with Santa. Keith appears to be a natural Clown (nah!), and even handled taking off the makeup with ease. Terry Wilson and Nick Roach were also there, but not in makeup. And, lo and behold, the Chief Aide, Bill Eicholtz was also there, probably seeing if Keith survived the Mandarin Degree at Abdallah Temple the previous evening. Chris Wilson and Nancy Eicholtz were also there, lending moral support to all of us. Pictures of Keith are available! On the first weekend of December, members of the Clown Unit performed at the Goodyear Family Christmas Party, when the Lawson family Clowns – Kurt, Keith, and Heath participated, along with Kip Myers and Bob Swafford.
The Clown Christmas Party was the usual fine evening. Joining with other Units gives all of us an opportunity to have a holiday party of greater magnitude than might otherwise be possible. The Two Classics did their usual excellent job of providing music, and the Clowns, and their ladies, danced and danced. At our earlier meeting that evening, we presented out-going Unit Director, Bob Swafford, with a watercolor painting of himself, in costume, and jolted him into a state of composure that we’ve rarely seen. Good for him! Ross Spencer was named Clown of the Year, and Carol Roach was awarded Clownette of the year, for helping Bob, and putting up with someone – I didn’t catch the name. Tom Theis was awarded Rookie of the Year, highlighted by his trip to Overland Park, in costume, only to return to Topeka without competing to attend a trial; and, on a humorous note, Roger Elsbury won the Raspy award, for showing up for a parade, in costume, 24 hours early. Arab Shrine Clown Medallions were presented to David Holmberg, Kurt Lawson, Kip Myers, Paul Oldham, Bob Swafford, Bob Whitehead, and Terry Wilson for performing in costume at all six shows of the 2005 Arab Shrine Circus. Billy chambers received his Clown Emeritus Award for 15 years with the unit. Bob Swafford has done a fine job as Director the last two years (and a partial), and the Unit is better for his efforts.
Terry Wilson is again the Clown Director, as you read this, and Terry returns to that role bringing experience, and many years of participation in the Clown Unit. Fortunately, his past experience as Clown Director will stand him in good stead, as January finds the Clown Unit working hard on the Potentate’s Reception; The Clown Chili Feed; and a pre-Circus session with the Topeka Chamber of Commerce; followed by the six Circus performances. The Clowns are fortunate to have had good leadership over the years, even with regularly loaning guys to the Divan for varying terms. Larry Pressman, Nick Roach, Larry Bryan, Terry Wilson, and now Bob Swafford, are all former Directors of the Clown Unit, and still are active within the Clown Unit. It is always impressive to see two Past Potentates in costume, competing and parading. Not many times does that happen, let alone with two Past Potentate’s actively involved.
As we close this article, we know that the last year has been a great one for Arab Temple, with Illustrious Sir Lynn Holt, and his lady Andrea, leading the way. Now, as we throw our support to Illustrious Sir Ron Scrinopskie, and his lady Frayna, we again have the opportunity to support a fellow Clown in the significant responsibilities of being Potentate of Arab Temple, and we’ll be there when he
needs us.
_____________________________________________________________________________________