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On an impulse, I quickly called a bunch of Pioneer (Imperials of St. Patrick’s) Corps people and said, “Let’s do lunch on St. Patrick’s Day at 1pm ay Meyer’s Restaurant. First of all, I would like to apologize to those who missed not having their phone numbers at my fingertips, to everyone living in Milwaukee. We all had a great Irish meal of corned beef or Shepard’s pie, true to our Irish tradition. But I was shocked! They all matured! Some had gray hair, some put on a few pounds, some were walking with canes, and some had retired from their jobs. No way these “kids” ready to do a parade! It was great to see former Corps Director Sandy Ramos (#406), our first Soprano player, Barbara Momarerts (#115). The longest still involved with the corps Kathy “Kazoo” (Kozewski), Andrea (#112), and Bill Nylund (#159) Drum Major Barbara (Folaron) Syzmanski (#190 “and staffer Henry”, our star soloist, Nancy Lee Goss (#342), soprano Diana “Smoky” Kupinski (#214), and Jesse Reyes #666” who all attended this quickly organized Irish Party on such short notice. They were our foundation who were happy to get-together and enjoyed the “togetherness and friendship we shared” and still do…. |
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Well, it’s a new name for what we used to call Indoor Small Corps years ago. The big difference is that any instrument can be used, and let your imagination go, such as say members playing on wood blocks or garbage can covers. Yes, even color guard equipment. It has a minimum of 10 performers And 1 director of any age. It takes place indoors in a gymnasium with a tarp area of 60’ by 90’. That is the same size that both winter guard and winter drumline contests use to perform on. The performances have a 4 minute minimum and a 6-7-8 maximum depending on the class entered. This brain-child of WGI is highly successful and was growing until the pandemic hit. But once it starts up again, it could steal the spotlight from the other musical youth groups….. Stay tuned to watch for our program building this up for Pioneer…. |
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Despite the law that limits the number of people attending at the Senior Center being 125, we continue to succeed on reaching that number most of the time or might have a few less of that maximum. White it’s not as profitable as using the entire hall’s capacity our profits are paying the electric, telephone, insurance, snow plowing, and utility taxes. This still makes us able to build up a small balance for our upcoming “Winds Corps” Since the Wednesday Evening Lion’s Club’s Bingo continued to be inactive until April 1st, we moved our Wednesday Bingo back to the Senior Center. WOW! It’s very successful! This allows us to fill the hall with 125 members. We added another 50/50 game and started an Attendance Prize. This lady plays 43 faces at one time..... No doubt she’s a professional stakes player. Did you know that Pioneer was the second official licensed group in the State of Wisconsin to certify us to operate Bingo? |
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With all of our frustrations today, it seems that we blame the virus. Lett’s add our Email – St. Patrick’s Day Parade turn-out to our list. We had 2 Baritone players, 2 Drum Majors (both of whom played Mellophone), 2 Bus Drivers, and 1 Flag sign up. For sure, it made a thin impact along a parade route. But being “Better Every Day” isn’t always convenient 2021 VIRTUAL PARADE ROSTER:
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Things are quiet, both for the corps vehicles, the charter company, and the wedding trolley….. The virus continues to hold down groups wanting to go places. Keeping the batteries charged, and the snow removed is all that is happening. |
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We have purchased an upgrade to keep our football fields trimmed and ready for some action. We went to the John Deere Store and purchased a John Deere tractor with a 48” cutting base. It joins the much smaller Troy lawnmower donated by RBJ. We had lots of belt replacement problems and it took a ton of time to mow the fields because it had a very small cutting base. While before the virus, the soccer team cut the grass. They being inactive the work is now being done by Murray, RBJ, and RB. It will be much quicker with the John Deere and look even better. The only use of the field last year was from the police dog training. With no marching or soccer playing, the grass has thickened and especially, field #3 is filling in. The True Green Lawn Service takes care of lawn growth, weed & feed, etc. four times a year on all of our fields. This also encourages the growth and appearance. |
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The first contest we wore our new jackets in Burlington, WI. They were designed by our drum major Larry Madrano. They were a brilliant yellow with white trim, white hat, pants, shoes, “Pioneer Goes Broadway”. Larry was an excellent artist and probably one of the most exciting drum majors when they were part of the show. His decision was influenced by the Bridgemen Corps out East. It was an evening show and we unloaded the boxes from Osterwald Uniform Company. Since the company measured each member, we didn’t expect too much fitting problems, but we were wrong! However, the corps was highly motivated and did an outstanding performance. But an effort to surprise and get the right fit was a challenge for many days afterwards. |
 A celebration o life for Mrs. Bonny Krenz, wife of Joe Krenz who passed away on February 12th, 2021. Bonny and Joe worked for years in Pioneer’s food and uniform departments. They also helped with our Bingo fundraiser for many years. Both Bonny and Joe helped and participated in the Midwest Legends Senior Corps. For years that corps operated and rehearsed at Pioneerland. Bonny was an outstanding soup maker and went on several tours with Pioneer as our head cook. She was very active in her church serving on the parish council, PTA, and Girl Scouts. On May 22nd, after the mass, Bonny’s urn will be placed in the niche next to her son Patrick Krenz. A memorial lunch will be served at Pioneerland beginning at 2:00 pm. All of those who remember and have been together with her are invited. Please bring pictures, memorabilia, and stories to share during the meal. Please to let him know that you will be attending so that he can give a count for the food caterer. Please call Joe at 414-737-2970. Bring your Corps Jacket and see you there! |
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Under the direction of Mr. Ken Norman will be rehearsing at Pioneerland on Sunday, August 1st. More details to come. Mr. Norman has extended an invitation to all Pioneer Alumni who would like to be involved. It sounds like a great opportunity to do “Corps” once again! Call Ken at 262-886-3447. |
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ST. PATRICK’S DAY
WINDS CORPS?
BINGO IS HANGING ON!
DAMN VIRUS!
TRANSPORTATION
PIONEERLAND
REMEMBER WHEN…. 
Mrs. Linda Bishop (Kosek) mother of Jalissa (Bishop) Pier and from a long line of family members who helped and marched in the Pioneer Corps from the 1970’s to the present. She passed away on March 26th, 2021 after a couple of tough months in which Jalissa came home and helped her. Mrs. Bishop is buried in Hartford, Wisconsin and will be missed by many.
CECIL’S MOM! ….as we all knew her, passed away on April 2nd at the age of 97 years. While her son, Cecil worked on Pioneer’s staff for many years he would bring corps members and staff to her home for late night parties with amazing fried chicken as long nights of African drumming in her back yard. Her real name was Geraldine, but we called her Mrs. Austin. The Pioneer students she liked most were those from South Africa, Japan, and England who wanted to witness the black culture of Milwaukee. Her granddaughter Debbie Austin (#929) marched in the color guard in 1984. Dr. Austin and his brothers played their authentic African drums during the celebration of Mrs. Austin’s life.
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