back row from left: trumpet Evan Volpe, John Marshall in white hat, Fran Danis, Joe Field drummer, Gus Vitale, sax, sitting front row from left: Doug Chambers and Dave D’Emidio
Bring your CAN to the Moose!
by Cate Murway
“A burden heavy to one is borne lightly by many.”
This is at the core of the Loyal Order of Moose organization.
Why a Moose?
The Moose is a large, powerful animal, but one which is a protector not a predator.
This civic organization’s roots can be traced to 1888 with the founder, Dr. [John] Henry Wilson, who successfully established the first Lodge in Louisville, KY, beginning with the modest goal of offering men an opportunity to gather socially. It was reinvented during the first decade of the 20th century into an organizational dynamo of men and women who set out to brighten the future.
Food Banks- where individuals and companies with surplus foodstuffs can “deposit” it in a centralized location, and those in need, can “withdraw” it.
The Bristol Borough Community Action Group, Inc.’s pantry is a hub, distributing food and grocery products to low-income individuals and families of Bucks County, with proof of residency, who find themselves in a no-option crisis. It would be virtually impossible to carry out its mission of embodying the spirit of hope without the support of friends, volunteers, neighbors and community members. ‘Skinny Mamie’ has decided to help the over 200 families who use the Bristol Food Bank on 99 Wood Street, situated between Mill Street and the parking lot. Making ends meet is a tad difficult in this economy and the Community Action Group is quite proud of its impact, and the valuable service it provides. [Open Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.]
The traditional blues rock and jam band, ‘Skinny Mamie’ is once again working together to continue to help provide hope. Join them in this community celebration of friends, music and memories for their ‘Skinny Mamie 2nd Annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive’ at the Bucks Lodge 1169 Loyal Order of Moose, Bristol PA, located on the corner of Green Lane & Radcliffe Street.
Rumor has it that these guys are kicking it old school and not afraid to open up for a round of solos.
‘Skinny Mamie’ covers songs from the 60’s and 70’s; sure to please any true rocker at heart!
The doors open at 5:30 PM and the buffet starts at 6:00 PM. Admission of $25.00 includes the party fare buffet and one well drink or a draft beer, along with the ‘Skinny Mamie’ music entertainment from 7:00-11:00 PM on Saturday, November 21, 2015. There will also be a 50/50 Christmas Bonus cash raffle.
Bring canned goods and/or non-perishables, including canned meats, oatmeal, peanut butter, sauces, canned fruit, beans, pasta, cereal, pudding, canned vegetables, tuna or rice to their 2nd Annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive. Help increase the amount of nutritionally rich non-perishable foods available. Donations specifically geared for Thanksgiving could include boxes of stuffing and potatoes, canned cranberry sauce, gravy or bottles of juice and soda.
Cash contributions will be used to purchase additional food, to keep the Food Bank shelves full.
‘Skinny Mamie’, a seven member male band is heralded as the ultimate throwback/blues group, musicians recreating music from the good ol’ days, bringing back only the fondest memories with the sound tracks of your lives.
The name ‘Skinny Mamie’ originated using the combination of the founding gentlemen’s nicknames.
Lead guitarist John William Marshall IV, BHS ’79 is “Mamie”, dubbed when he was about 15 years old. His dad, John W. III, was a guitar player. “He would sit around the table and play honky-tonk music.”
John, basically self-taught, has played guitar for over 40 years, studied professionally for two years, and taught for 12 years. He also plays a synthesizer and writes ambiance music, using guitar and drum.
Tom Liszewski was the “Skinny”, but he left the group almost 3 years ago.
John and carpentry school teacher, David Michael D’Emidio have always been friends.
“I did sports. John was in the bands.” After HS, bass player, Dave started playing music with a regular guitar, until he saw a Höfner 500/1 violin bass [nicknamed the "Beatle bass"]. Dave began playing again last year, when he and John reconnected at the BHS Class Reunion in June ’14. They hadn’t seen each other since graduation.
Let the music begin……
Listen….they play “Not easy songs.”
The group includes a crop of historic Bristol on the Delaware locals: drummer, Joe Field, John "Junior" Field, “JR” Field’s cousin; former Bristol resident, lead singer Douglas A. “Doug” Chambers, “but everyone sings”; and keyboardist, Fran Danis, “a masterful musician; it’s an honor to play with him”.
‘Skinny Mamie’ provides a “very eclectic” mix of dance tunes; anything from punk, funk, rock and soul.
Listen to progressive and psychedelic Pink Floyd, the staple root rock of Creedence, influential Beatles pop, and Santana Latin rock. The horn section will entrance with Chicago Old-Time Blues.
This is a ‘casual attire’ appropriate, non-smoking event. “Moose is smoke-free.”
Celebrate life together, while helping to serve those in need at the “Skinny Mamie 2nd Annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive” on November 21st.
“Come on out and party with us for a special cause!”
On behalf of the families, children and seniors served every day, thank you for your support.
Bucks Lodge 1169 Loyal Order of Moose
2299 Radcliffe Street
Bristol, PA 19007
215.785.2033
Joseph Field
September 7, 1960 - March 8, 2023
Joseph Field passed away suddenly on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at his home. He was 62. Born in Bristol, son of the late Fred E. and Josephine Field, he was a lifelong Bristol resident. Joe enjoyed all types of music and was the drummer for the band Skinny Mamie. He was also a member of the Bucks County Blues Society.
He is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Field and Rhiannon Field and her mother, Katie Wallace, and two brothers, Fred Field (Lucille) and Bob Field (Wendy). Joe is also survived by his step-children, Jason Bobb (Maia), Veronica Baruzza (John), Valerie Bobb, Dana Homka (Matt), Jessica Field, and Cameron Miller, along with several step-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Virginia "Ginger" Zenzel and his brother, David Field.
Funeral Services will be held privately under the direction of the Wade Funeral Home, 1002 Radcliffe Street, Bristol Borough.
