In the 10th installment of our “Where are they now” series we interview
past member, staff member and Executive Board member Helen Taylor
What years were you involved with the Crusaders (taught, marched, admin staff, support staff, fan)?
I joined in 1976 and marched 3 seasons, ending in 1978. I was in the flag line for '76 and then the rifle line '77 and '78. I started teaching the Color Guard in 1988 and taught until 1990. In 1991 I was asked on to the Executive Board and stayed on for 2 years.
How did you get involved with the Crusaders?
I was marching with the Sir Thomas More Cadets of Braintree, MA and in 1975, Ginny Pitts started working with the colorguard. I had been a baritone player from 1972 thru 1975. At that point I decided to try the rifle line and met Ginny. Ginny told us all about the Crusaders and at the end of the season, myself and 2 fellow Cadets (the late Susan Bulger and Mary Croteau) decided to give Boston a try. Since none of us had a car, we were lucky to have Bob Bedard and Frank Healey drive us to the practices.
What are your fondest memories?
I had so many memories of marching with Boston. One of the most vivid memories was during an outdoor 1976 practice in Norwood. It was a hot summer day and we had been practicing for hours when George B. came over to the colorguard. He told us to get into a straight line and then told us to do an 'about face'. As we stood there, I wondered what George's plan was. At that moment, I felt something bounce off the back of my leg. All of a sudden I heard a loud boom and it turned out to be a firecracker. George's test was to see if we would still stay at attention even with a loud noise. Well, we all passed the test; however I couldn't hear for a few hours since the blast was right behind me. I realized I was truly a Bad Ass Crusader!!
What are you doing now?
After working for a newspaper for many years and being laid off due to budget cuts, I decided to make my part-time job of teaching fitness classes into a full time career. I am now an AFFA certified Personal Trainer and certified Fitness Instructor. I teach Boot Camps, Kickboxing, Strength Training and work with runners. I am also a 1st degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
What are your favorite BAC traditions?
I feel marching with the Crusaders was a huge part of growing up. It was more a family than just a group of kids. I loved when we all got into a circle before competing and sang "Giant"! It made me feel so powerful and ready to go on the field and do the best job I could. I still get chills when I hear the corps sing it.
Who do you keep in touch with?
I keep in touch with Linda (Cummings) Heffernan, Ginny (Cummings) Pitts, Michelle Dion, Patty (Marshall) Stein, and, thanks to Facebook, I have touched base with: Frank Healey, Bob Bedard, Lisa and Jean Martorano, Mary Croteau and others
What is your favorite show of all time?
This is a tough question - mainly because I have 2 favorite shows: 1978 and 1990. In '78, I was marching and in '90 I was teaching (and pregnant with my first son). I have to say, though, that I have enjoyed all of Boston's shows.
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