It is hard to believe my term is almost half way over. Where has the time gone? I guess time does fly when you’re having fun, Leading the Best and Oldest Showmen’s organization. Phase #1 of our building project is completed. The offices are set-up on the third floor along with Conference/Board room. A kitchenette was also in-corporated on the third floor for our office staff. The second floor (The social floor) is also complete, with our Buffalo Bill Portrait prominently hanging on the wall making sure our members and visitors are sure to see it when entering. The second floor consists of a newly remodeled kitchen, along with a bar, and also a roomy deck where you can view part of the Chicago skyline, including the Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower). I want to give a special thank you to past President Jeff Blomsness for donating a new Weber Grill which will get put to good use this spring. The last project of Phase 1 is hanging our plaques to preserve our history. Paul Kasin (Building
Chairman) has been doing a great job keeping the building right on track. Also, thanks to Dave Jaros and Patty Grillion for keeping the club room clean and ready for all events. I also found time to visit the St. Louis SLA Spring meeting in April. They had a nice turnout and it was great meeting some new friends, and catching up with old friends before most of us start our busy season. I ap-preciated the welcome I received when visiting, and the opportunity to speak on behalf of our SLA Chapter. Finally, a special thank you to Mary Johnson who is orchestrating the annual t-shirt fundraiser that benefits our scholarship program. If you haven’t already committed to being a part of the 2011 T-shirt fundraiser, make sure you contact Mary or Diane at the SLA office. Before we know it, August 5th (Showmen’s League of America Day) will be here and I encourage all shows to send in pictures of their crews with their SLA shirts on display. Also, thank you to the OABA staff, Chairman Bill Johnson, and the OABA Directors that stopped by our “Open House” while they were here in Chicago for their Spring meeting. It was very nice to hear all the positive comments on the new SLA National Headquarters, and something that all SLA members can be be proud of. Wishing all a great season,President Donnie Massie III
2011 President Donnie Massie III
President’s Letter
2011 is Under Way Already!
NEWSLETTERS h o w m e n ’ s L e a g u e o f A m e r i c a
I am SO Happy to report that our own Harry Heftman is still “hustling” those hot dogs at 101 and counting !! Former Executive Secretary Rick Haney and I stopped by the East of Eden Res-taurant last week to say Hello and find out when Harry’s 102nd Birthday Bash is scheduled for. March 15th is the day and Harry says he has NO PLANS of retiring yet.
I am also, VERY HAPPY to report all the snow is gone on Fulton Market and Spring is trying very hard to happen. Our remodeling has begun and things are going along very well.They are saying that ev-erything should be done by the time you get this newsletter!
Diane’s Office Update
1023 W. Fulton Market StChicago, IL 60607p 312.733.9533f [email protected]
continued page 2 The League would like to thank All Weather Insurance for their donation to the SLA/OABA Luncheon
April/May 2011
We are sorry to report the loss of long time loyal member Mr. David Friedman. Dave passed away last month in his hometown of Anniston, AL. and will long be remembered from his wonderful writings of the Showmen’s League and it’s activities when he was Chairman of our Press Committee. He is also the one who gave the League that beautiful Brown Book full of League history. His service to us since he joined in 1956 has helped the League to remember our past with his golden words.
A call from Canada let us know that Dottie Marco passed away on Feb. 14th. Many Chicago members remember her from many a Fair.
Theresa Hardy, from Florida, called to let us know of the passing of Richard Palmer, a 40 year member who has been ailing for quite some time.
Our most sincere sympathies to Deanna Payne, Margaret Atkins and Carolyn Hanschen and their families at the passing of their mother, Marvis Thomas. Marvis, wife of the late Past President Bernard Thomas, passed away on February 28, at the age of 87. She and her husband operated the Thomas Shows for over four decades.
Just before press time we were saddened to learn of the passing of George Bujalka, long time member, past board member and board member-elect. The arrangements included interment at Showman’s Rest. A story about George and his life will be included in our next newsletter.
The League Office received this handwritten letter from JoAnn Davis dated Feb 2, 2011, addressed to Mike Featherston, Officers and Members of the Showmen’s League of America; Dear Friends, I am very honored to have been chosen to be in the Hall of Honor. You have made me very proud. The evening was wonderful with so many of my family and friends at the banquet. The video was fun and I appreciate all the work. I want to thank you very much for the honor. My beautiful crystal elephant will be treasured along with Larry’s elephant. It was certainly a night to remember. Sincerely, JoAnn
Shares and Cares
Our Banquet was made possible in part by a generous donation from Allied
Diane’s Office Update
There was a St. Patrick’s Day Party here at the club on Thursday, the 17th and attendanceWas great for our first party. So glad to see everyone coming back together again. Hopefully President Donnie would like to have one meeting before everyone hits the road to start the sea-son. We will pass on all meeting info as soon as it becomes available.
Don’t forget our usual Veteran’s Day Service at Showmen’s Rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in No. Riverside at 1:00 p. on Monday, May 30 th. .
Executive Secretary/Director Joe Burum and I would like to take this time to wish everyone the very best for the beginning of a safe and prosperous season.
continued from page 1
Showmen’s LeagueMember Sinclairnamed IAFEChairman
President Donnie Massie is currently working with Dave Jaros to see if we can update our website a little bit better and faster. So make sure that you share your stories and pictures with us so we can get them posted.
Announcing the 2011 Showmen’s League of America Day & Show T-Shirt ProjectAUGUST 5th, 2011
President Donnie Massie III is very, very happy to report that Mary Johnson and her husband, Past President Bill Johnson, have graciously accepted the call to head up the 2011 Showmen’s League of America Day T-Shirt Fundraiser. Under Mary’s direction, this fundraiser works like a well-oiled machine and is the big-gest fundraiser for our scholarship year in and year out. Chestnut ID Apparel has also agreed to work with us again this year and 100% of the profits from the sale of the shirts goes to the SLA Scholarship Fund. Here’s the information on how to get involved:New Sponsorship Fee - $ 250.00Returning Sponsorship Fee - $ 200.00(The Sponsorship Fee includes artwork and shipping cost and is due with your commitment)
Show Shirts are $10.00 each with a MINIMUM order of 50 shirts per showOr, for Independent Concessionaires or manufacturers, the minimum is 25 shirts.
Shirts will be delivered to your shipping address for the weeks of July 3rd and July 10th, so please include your contact name and telephone number.Final payment is due no later than September 1st so that a presentation can be made at our Las Vegas Convention. We want YOU included!
Note: These T-shirts can be sold to all staff members, if you like, for the $10.00 fee and everyone is encouraged to wear them on August 5, Showmen’s League Day. We especially want pictures of your entire team to post on our website and to publish in our yearbook. All in all it’s a great way to show your support for the League and its history.
Call Mary Johnson for details at 847-259-9090 or email: [email protected]!
Website Updates
Jim Sinclair, deputy general manager of the Minnesota State Fair, joined the Showmen’s League of America in 1977. Jim says: “I was signed up by Tim Talmadge of the Royal Ameri-can Shows. Tim assisted Peter Andrews with the show-operated concessions. I remember that CJ Sedlmayr was there, too. I was visiting the Royal at the Louisiana State Fair in Shreve-port. Looking back, it was a proud moment in my career to be considered for membership in the League.“
Sinclair was named Chairman of the Interna-tional Association of Fairs and Expositions in November of 2010 at the annual convention in Las Vegas. Sinclair says: “I am in the middle of an exciting year serving our association. I have traveled across the county and met thousands of wonderful folks in the fair industry. My wife, Judy, and I even got the chance to attend the Royal Agricultural Society of Commonwealth Nations meeting in Edinborough, Scotland. Sinclair is a Scottish name--my family has historical ties to Scottish castles in Orkney and Rosslyn. When the immigration officer saw my name, he welcomed me back home to Scotland! What a great experience! And when we returned home to Minneapolis-St. Paul, it was July 4, and the U.S. officer gave us a hearty welcome home--to our real homeland. It was positively thrilling.”
The Sinclair’s daughter, Brienna, attended St. Paul’s St. Thomas University funded in part by a scholarship from the Showmen’s League of America. Jim says that Brienna has always been grateful for the support. She performed in the dance performance at President Jean Clair’s banquet and ball in 2009. And Jim says: “The Showmen’s League has great programs, and I am proud to renew my membership each year. The IAFE and SLA work very well together, especially at their annual meetings each year in November. SLA past presidents who have served on the IAFE board include: Ron Burback, Jeff Bloms-ness, and the current associate member for the carnival industry, Tom Atkins.
PP Jean Clair, PP Jeff Blomsness, PP James Conklin, 3rd VP Ron Porter Loretta Aldrich, Bill Morton, Keith Anderson, Patricia VanderVorste, Todd Armstrong, Dave Becker, Gerald Iverson, Jamie Deggeller, Mark Salerno, Graham Putnam, Janice Burton, Robert Gill, Danny Glosser, Joseph James, Brian Jones, Frank & Kay Kastl, Bobby Leaonard, Boyd Newton, Don Tyree, Frank Bennethum, Bob Drewke, Terry Pennington, Singura Anita Reynolds, Karen Salerno, Dan Allan, Dr. Chrisopter Brake, Barry Stipe, Veno Berosini. Jessica Besette, Melissa Erasmus, Dennis, Bossman, Jeff Brady, Kris Brojevich, Hugh Price, Karen Burris, Richard Hosier, Richard Normant, Janice Burton, George Frey, Robert Lapin, Harold Case, Jack Keough, Donald Massie Jr., Terry Slattery, Dave Caval-laro, James Russell, Jerry Combs, Ryan Vawter and all our members who are celebrating their special day in April or May.
Birthdays
Ron Porter was born in April of 1959 in DuQuoin, Illinois, the son of Raymond and Carolyn Porter. He graduated from DuQuoin High School and attended Southern Illinois University. Ron’s father, Raymond, started the family business in 1958 under the name Porter Foods; however, the business primar-ily focused on restaurants and schools. Ron decided to pur-
chase the family business along with his wife, Laura, in 1990 after
Ron’s father decided to retire.
Ron’s has always been passionate of the fair industry. As a child, he lived close to the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds where he attended the annual fair. He would go with his father to the fair and assist him in taking orders from many concessionaires. This is where he gained the knowledge of the food concession business.
It was at the DuQuoin Fair where some concessionaires asked Ron if he would deliver supplies to them when they went to the Tulsa State Fair in Tulsa, Oklahoma. When Ron drove up onto the fairgrounds in Tulsa, he was also met by other concessionaires asking where he was from and when he was coming back to make another delivery. At this point, this is when Ron’s business outlook changed and the idea of delivering to the outdoor amusement industry became his main focus. This was the beginning of Fare Foods.
Today, Fare Foods has warehouses located in DuQuoin, Illinois and Tampa, Florida. With their own fleet of trucks, deliveries are made to over 40 states and Canada. The business has grown each year since it was established in 1990. Ron is a member of OABA, IAFE, Showmen’s League Chapters of St. Louis, Chicago, and Gibstown. He is also a member of the Federation of Fairs as well as NICA. Ron coordinated one of NICA’s first food shows. Today, Fare Foods is responsible for producing one of the best food shows in the industry during Florida week each year.
Ron has served on the Illinois Tourism Board, the DuQuoin Tourism Board, and was also responsible for bringing the Street Machine Na-tionals to DuQuoin, Illinois. Ron and Laura reside just outside the gates of the DuQuoin State Fair. He always said, “One day, I want to live right outside the gates of the fairgrounds.” They have two children, Trampas and Jennifer.
New Third VP - Ron Porter
New 3rd Vice President Ron Porter
Patty Sullivan, CEO of Eli Bridge Co., and manu-
facturer of popular amusement rides like the
Scrambler and Eli Wheels, slipped while hiking
on April 10that Red Rock Canyon, Nevada, badly
breaking her right ankle. A search and rescue
team was called and arrived in about an hour.
They immobilized Patty’s foot and leg, and then
called in a Huey helicopter. She was airlifted
to a nearby parking lot and transferred to an
ambulance and then to the Summerland hospital
in a suburb of Las Vegas, where numerous x-rays
were taken. The dislocated ankle was reset and
bandaged. Sullivan said: “The search and rescue
team couldn’t have been nicer or more caring. I
was on vacation with my brother, Paul. His girl-
friend, Deb Steele, is an orthopedic nurse and she
stayed with me at the emergency room, and took
topnotch care of me for the next 48 hours until
I flew home.” Patty returned to Illinois waiting
for the swelling to subside. A week later, Patty
had surgery in Springfield to set the fracture and
place plates and screws. Her pain is now subsid-
ing but Patty is homebound for the next 6 weeks.
Patty’s cousin, Julie Gaines, who suffered the
same type of break last summer, is helping with
Patty’s recovery, along with other compassionate
friends, and her father, Lee Sullivan.
“I am really blessed to have such wonderful
family and friends to help me through this—you
don’t know how helpless you can feel in your
own home until you can only get around on a
walker or in a wheelchair”, said Sullivan. She also
said that she has been very appreciative of all the
calls and notes from friends in our industry.
Patty Sullivan is the soloist at the League’s annual
memorial service, and has delivered the national
anthem at our banquet and ball.
League Soloist Sullivan Takes Vacation, Suffers Broken Ankle While Hiking
2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DONNIE MASSIE IIISAM JOHNSTON
CHRIS ATKINSRON PORTER
MIKE FEATHERSTONJEAN ANNE CLAIR
Chaplain : Fr. John VakulskasCounsel: Ronald Heftman
Parliamentarian: Ronald BurbackSecretary Emeritus: Robert Drewke
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Kristin AtkinsPaul Atkins
Gary Bohlander Danny BrownSharie Davis Rick Haney
Carolyn Hanschen Dave Helm
Wendy Hauser Ronald Heftman
Chris Hoss Barry Jamieson
Dave Jaros Robert Hauser
Paul Kasin Peter KasinJeff Lapin
Tony LoweryJeanne McDonagh
Deborah Powers Graham Putnam
Pat ReppStan Rozmin
Andy Schoendienst Lorelei Schoendienst
Terry SwyearMary Talley
Tom ThebaltRobert Thorson
Julie Gemar- Williams
SCHOLARSHIPChairpersons
LORELEI SCHOENDIENSTBILL JOHNSON
Christopher AtkinsTom Davis
Wayne KunzRobert Hauser
Peter Kasin
SCHOLARSHIP/SLA DAY T-SHIRTS
ChairwomanMARY JOHNSONMichelle Massie
Diane Burmeister
SCHOLARSHIP/SILENT AUCTION
ChairmanTOM DAVIS
JoAnn DavisBill Johnson
Debbie HelmPeter Kasin
WAYS & MEANSChairwoman
DEBBIE POWERSTom Thebault
Ron PorterPat Repp
Jeannie McDonaghBrad Piche
Katherine PetreeWELFAREChairman
ALAN KAYEBuzz BartonChris Atkins
YEARBOOK/MANUFACTURERS& SUPPLIERS GUIDE
ChairmanRON PORTER
Vice ChairsJeff Blomsness Ron Burback
Joe BurumMichelle Massie
Ron PorterDiane Burmeister
BANQUET & BALLChairwomen
MICHELLE MASSIEJEANNIE MCDONAGH
Mary JohnsonDeborah Powers
Julie Gemar- WilliamsMary Chris Piche
Connie Featherston
BUILDING/BUILDING SEARCHChairman
PAUL KASINRon Burback
Jeff BlomsnessBill Johnson
Sam Johnston
CEMETERYChairman
RICK HANEYBob ThorsonBill JohnsonDave Jaros
Patty GrillionJeff Lapin
Judy Lipinski
CHRISTMAS PARTYChairmen
PETER KASINDONNIE MASSIE IIIChristopher Atkins
Kristin AtkinsRon Porter
Bob ThorsonDave Jaros
Patty GrillionJeff Lapin
Judy Lipinski
CONVENTION &EXHIBITOR’S LOUNGE
ChairmanJOE BURUM
Mike Featherston Jr.Peter KasinRick Haney
Diane Burmeister
FINANCEChairman
GRAHAM PUTNAMRon Burback
Jeff BlomsnessChristopher Atkins
Peter Kasin
FUNERALChairman
FATHER JOHN VAKULSKASAl DeRusha
HALL OF HONORChairpersons
CAROLYN HANSCHENAL DERUSHA
Katherine PetreeJohn HanschenRichard Hanson
HOUSEChairmen
DAVE JAROSBOB THORSONPatty Grillion
Jeff LapinShel Newman
MEMBERSHIPChairman
SAM JOHNSTONChristopher Atkins
Mary Chris PicheRon Porter
Debbie PowersSharie Davis
Jeannie McDonaghMEMORIAL SERVICE
ChairwomanWENDY HAUSER
Fr. John Vakulskas
PRESS-PUBLICITY-WEBSITEChairmen
JOE BURUMDAVE JAROSBob ThorsonTom PowellAl DeRusha
2011 Committees
Mike and Connie Featherston with Jamie and Andy Deggeller in the Board Room.
Our Chance Elephant graces the front window.
Our Chance Horse is on display in the western window.
Donnie & Michelle Massie with Jeff and Patty Blomsness.
David Norton, Jeff Blomsness, Guy Leavitt and Ron Burback on the deck.
Mr. and Mrs. Karen and Paul Kasin, Building Chair.
SLA/OABA Reception at SLA National Headquarters
Phone: 847/259-9090
Fax 847/392-1589
SHOWMEN’S LEAGUE OF AMERICA
Showmens Day Tshirt Order Form 2011
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Quantity Units Description SPECIAL SIZES IF NO SIZES ARE LISTED, AN ASSORT-MENT WILL BE SHIPPED
Unit Price Total
Subtotal
Tax Incl
Shipping Incl
Sponsorship
Balance Due
Purchase Order
Ordered by:
Phone Number
Cell Phone Number
Bill To: Ship To:
PLEASE NOTE: SPONSORSHIP FEE DUE UPON COMMITMENT. BALANCE DUE SEPT 1ST TO: SLA DAY TSHIRT FUND C/O MARY JOHNSON, 629 N FORREST AVE., ARLING-TON HEIGHTS, IL 60004 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
NEWSLETTERS h o w m e n ’ s L e a g u e o f A m e r i c a
1023 W. Fulton Market St.Chicago, IL 60607
2011
June 14
September 13
November 27-30
The SLA Calendar of Events
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Annual meeting & Convention
To add an event email [email protected]
The Showmen’s League of America is a 501 c(10) Non-Profit Social & Fraternal Organization, founded in 1913.
Non Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage
PAIDFramingham, MA
Permit No. 179