October 2, 2021 marked the 45th celebration of Jaybirds Day!
After the difficult decision to cancel Jaybirds day in 2020 due to the Covid Pandemic, we were thrilled to be able to hold Jaybird’s Day in 2021 outdoors at the Company of Fifers & Drummers HQ and Museum in Ivoryton, CT. Jaybirds Day is our annual celebration of our “Old Timers”(technically, anyone over 60 qualifies) in the Fife and Drum community. Our 2021 Honored Jaybirds are Judy Barrows, Brian Watkinson, Tom bagianelli, John Moynihan, Pete Hubert, and Buz Olsen.
On October 2nd, over 100 people gathered together to celebrate our Jaybirds on what turned out to be a perfect fall day! The morning started with coffee and pastries outdoors. Shortly after people arrived, the jam session started up. It continued throughout the day while people ate food, visited with friends, and toured the museum.
Lunch is served!
After lunch, the jam resumed and included a surprise performance by members of The WBCL Posse!
Members of the WBCL Posse and Chas. W. Dickerson play for the attendees
Attendees Jamming after lunch
At 3pm, after more jamming, the festivities turned to honor our Jaybirds. In appreciation of their dedication and service to the fife and drum community, The Company of Fifers & Drummers recognized 6 Honored Jaybirds. These individuals were nominated by their friends and peers in the community.
Terry Cecil speaks about Honored Jaybird Judy Barrows
Scott Mitchell speaks about Honored Jaybird Brian Watkinson
Danny O’Mara speaks about Honored Jaybird Tom Gabianelli
Danny O’Mara speaks about Honored Jaybird John Moynihan
Danny O’Mara and Honored Jaybirds Tom Gabianelli and John Moynihan from Lancraft
Corinne Mitchell reads a statement from the Colonial Musketeers about Honored Jaybird Pete Hubert
While he was unable to be present, Dave Bender and Linda Delfs spoke about Honored Jaybird Buz Olsen.
2021 Honored Jaybirds - Pete Hubert, Tom Gabianelli, John Moynihan, Judy Barrows, Brian Watkinson (not pictured, Buz Olsen)
After honoring our Jaybirds, Marlene Shea presented the Company of Fifers & Drummers with a Bass Drum Head signed by the 1976 CT Yanks, which was donated by the late Jim Shea.
Marlene Shea presents the CT Yanks drumhead to the Museum
CT Yanks Drumhead, signed by the members in 1976
The Jam Session resumed and the day wrapped up around 5pm. We were glad to resume activities at the Company of Fifers & Drummers on such a great day with a great cause.
Members of the WBCL Posse and Chas. W. Dickerson and their families
This day would not have been possible without the help of dozens of volunteers! A big thanks to the following individuals and all who made the day possible from gardening and cleaning the building to making, preparing, and serving food:
Jaybirds Committee & Volunteers
- Chair: Roberta Armstead
- Co-Chair: Corinne Mitchell
- Pam Sokolosky
- Beth Kiernan
- Bryan Gibbons
- Haley Armstead
- Janet Avery
- Jess Peabody
- Jim Willey
- Joe Guidi
- Joe Perry
- Judy Barrows
- Ken Avery
- Kyle Forsthoff
- Mackenzie Armstead
- Matthew Garland
- Natasha Enos
- Pam Perry
- Scott Mitchell
Special thanks to:
- A.H. Hutchinson Landscaping for keeping the lawns mowed throughout the year.
- Ancient Mariners for the donation of their tent!
Our volunteers having some fun before getting started!
It was a perfect day to celebrate our Jaybirds! Mark your calendars for next year - October 1, 2022!
