About Cordova Caravan
Seven men from Cordova
have held Supreme Office:
John T. Ryan - Supreme Commander, 1917-25
George J. Klopfer - Supreme Commander, 1945-47
Harry J. Brogan - Supreme Commander, 1955-57.*
Otto Koch - Supreme Vizier, 1957-1959
John H. Stone Jr. - Supreme Captain of the Bodyguard
James C. Hamilton - Supreme Chamberlain, 1967-71
Samuel J. Yannello - Supreme Vizier, 1977-81
*First Supreme Commander to die in office
Five Past Grand Commanders have filled the office of
Regional Director of the Western New York Council of Caravans:
Samuel J. Yannello - 1977-78
Ernest P. Rottner - 1985-87
Victor F. Turchiarelli - 1990-93
Donald H. Webster, Jr. - 1997-1999
Charles T. Esposito - 2001-2005
Deputy Director 2006-2007:
Charles T. Esposito
National Conventions
Cordova #26 and the city of Buffalo hosted two conventions and meetings of the
Supreme Divan of the International Order of the Alhambra, in 1941 and in 1957. During
the 1957 convention the Order dedicated a monument at St. Louis Church as the first
Catholic church in the Buffalo area. The Most Reverend Joseph A. Burke, Bishop of
Buffalo, presided at the dedication and Harry J. Brogan, Supreme Commander and
the first Supreme Commander to die in office was also memorialized on the monument.
Catholic Historical Sites
Cordova #26 continues to recognize other locations of Catholic historical note. In 1961
a plaque was erected on the site of the first Sisters of Charity Hospital, 1848-1876, which was
founded by John Timon, C.M., the first Catholic Bishop of Buffalo. In 1987 a plaque was
dedicated at St. Ann's Church, founded in 1858 and staffed by members of the Society
of Jesus and the Sisters of St. Francis of Stella Niagara.
The Moorish Band
The Cordova Moorish Band was formed in 1963 by PSV Samuel Yannello and the
late PGC Nicholas Rogers, and played at its first international convention in New York
City in 1965 . The band has played at most conventions since its founding, and in
many parades and other events through the years. Peter Zarcone was the first Band
Master and Vincent Scibetta followed in his footsteps as the present able Band
Master. The Band still has a few of the original charter members seen in the first Band
photo, and again the cover photograph of the February issue of the Alhambran
magazine taken at the most recent international convention. The lovely Harem Girls
have also been an integral part of the band through the years.
Cordovan News Letter
The Cordovan, the monthly newsletter of Cordova #26, was founded June 1, 1978 by
the late PGC John Nettina, with PGC and DRD Robert Robinson as Editor. Bob has held
the position of editor for the past 28 years and continues to do an outstanding job.
See MEMBERS ONLY PAGE for a copy of this month's Cordovan Newsletter.
Drill Team
For many years, Cordova has had a drill team which put on the ceremonial run and
induction of new Sir Nobles into the International Order of Alhambra. Many of our
present members from western New York and surrounding states can still fondly recall
this event in their Alhambra careers and the ceremonial ball which preceded the run
on the previous evening. A tip of the Fez has to go to the late Master of the Ceremonial
Arthur Diebold and to PGC Fred Nestle who picked up the torch after Art was called
home by God.
Cordova Caravan Corporation
Formation of the Cordova Caravan Corporation was begun in 1984 by PRD Ernest
Rottner, DRD Angelo Milazzo, and PGC Fred Nestle. The corporation functions primarily
to select Cordova charities and to handle the funds dedicated to this
purpose. Corporation Presidents were: Ernest Rottner 1988-90, Angelo Milazzo 1990-92, Charles Rottner 1992-94, Donald W. Hoch 1994-96 and Donald Webster, Jr. (pictured at right), 1996-2006. These Sir Nobles are all Past Grand Commanders of Cordova #26.
Developmentally Disabled
Like all the Caravans and the International Order, Cordova #26 is devoted to the help and
support of the developmentally disabled. The Caravan has assisted all the groups that
offer support to God's special people, but our major thrust is with the Cantilician
Foundation, school, workshop and homes run by the Felician nuns. For the past 40
years Cordova #26 has hosted a picnic and fund-raiser. The picnic is for all children
and adults with developmental problems, and usually involves several hundred
handicapped persons. They enjoy free hot dogs, hamburgers, pop, ice cream and all
the other picnic goodies as well as a rock band, clowns, balloons, fire and police
equipment and other activities. Each year the Caravan has raised money through this picnic by donations from its members, the Knights of Columbus, and other interested
people and groups. These funds are turned over to the Cantilician Foundation to
help with their work for the disabled.
The Sultanas
The Sultanas of Cordova, comprised of the wives, widows and friends of the Sir Nobles of Cordova, has been in existence for over 50 years. They have their monthly meeting
and social calender, and have raised significant monies for charities related to the
handicapped over the years. Each year, usually in March, a joint meeting and dinner is
held with Cordova #26 and the Sultanas.
|
Chairman: |
Marilyn Robinson |
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Co-Chairman: |
Marge Cole |
|
Treasurer: |
Dolores Sullivan |
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Secretary: |
Carol Rottner |
Man of the Year
This recognition was begun by PGC Thaddeus M. Witka, MD, during his term of office
in 1984-85. The men recognized each year for their service to Cordova were:
Fred W. Nestel, Jr. - 1984
Robert C. Robinson - 1985
Victor F. (torchy) Turchiarelli, Sr. - 1986
Albert E. Robinson - 1987
Angelo C.Milazzo - 1988
Norman L. Gillitzer - 1989
Donald H. Webster, Jr. - 1990
Ronald C. Robinson - 1991
George D. Vigorito - 1992
Donald W. Hoch - 1993
Charles T. Esposito - 1994
Ernest P. Rottner - 1995
Samuel J. Yannello - 1996
Edwin S. Plachta - 1997
Alex McDougall - 1998
Thaddeus M. Witka, MD - 1999
Rev. Clatus E. Snyder - 2000
Vincent R. Scibetta - 2001
Louis R. Malkiewicz - 2002
Jerome E. Deinzer - 2003
Charles R. Rottner - 2004
Alhambra House
of Our Lady
In 1997, the Supreme Divan of the Order of Alhambra awarded a grant of $125,000.00
to the Cantalician Foundation for the purchase of an Alhambra House to be located in
the Buffalo area and under the direction of the Felician Sisters. Already Dedicated to "God's Special People," on Sept. 18, 2001 by Bishop Henry Mansell of Buffalo, NY.
The Living Pledge
 In June of 1979, the Cordova #26 AEF Committee established the Living Pledge
program under the leadership of PDRD Norbert E. Weckerle. Through his untiring
efforts, more than 100 Cordovans, Sultanas and friends became Living Pledges. At the
spring Ceremonial in Buffalo in 1980, 50 additional pledges were made. The late Past Supreme
Commander John Ciccozzi and the Supreme Officers also signed the Living Pledge
and SC Ciccozzi appointed PDRD Weckerle chairman of the living Pledge committee,
a position he held from 1983-1987. The program has raised considerable money for
the Alhambra Charity Fund over the years and is still active for any interested person |
Cordova Meetings
Cordova #26 holds two monthly meetings. The first Tuesday of each month, the Grand
Divan usually has a dinner meeting and always a business session to conduct all
Caravan business. The third Tuesday of each month is devoted to a Caravan meeting
for fun and sociability, and brief announcements of upcoming events or happenings
during the previous month. These meetings are held at K of C halls or other locations,
depending on the season of the year.
Caravan Functions
Founders Day:
In the past, Square dances and other social events were held in late February to memorialize the founding of the Order of Alhambra. For the past 8 years
the Caravan has met with the Good News Club to celebrate a special Mass held on the last
Saturday in February. The Good News Club is composed of developmentally disabled
adults and their parents, guardians or friends. The special people serve the Mass, do
the readings, bring up the Gifts and remember all those they wish recognized in the
Mass. Monsignor Harold Wagner, Director of the Society for the Propagation of the
Faith and Cantalician Chaplain is the Celebrant. A small dinner follows the Mass. It has
proven to be a very memorable event.
Memorial Mass held in late May of each year.
Recognition of the Man of the Year.
July, 3rd Tuesday: Caravan picnic
August. 1st Tuesday: Divan Steak Roast
August, 3rd Saturday: Family picnic
September, 3rd Tuesday: Nominations for Grand Divan
Caravan meeting and Christmas party.
Admission by gift suitable for a 2-4 year old developmentally disabled child.
October, 3rd Tuesday: Election to the Grand Divan
November, 3rd Tuesday: Installation of Newly Elected Officers to Grand Divan
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