Rajah News - April

Garrett
Newhartz
BETHLEHEM SHRINE CLUB
Greetings from Bethlehem Shrine Club. WE'RE BACK, and we apologize if you haven't heard from
us in a while. We are very happy to announce that we plan to engage in more fundraising activity this
year and hope to build our membership whenever possible. We ask that you please enjoy.
Bethlehem Shrine Club, with its undebateable legacy and indivisibility with the Bethlehem Steel
Corporation, is one of the remaining vestiges of the great iron age, and it serves as a reminder to the great
contribution Bethlehem made to the building of our great country. BSC, chartered in 1939, was originally
formed by and for the Nobles of the Bethlehem Area, particularly the once large work force at Bethlehem
Steel. Now our membership base includes Nobles from the entire Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.
We meet at various locations throughout Northampton County and our meeting include speakers featuring
a wide array of interests and careers, also beer and wine aficionados, as well as cigar enthusiasts. Our goal,
of course, is serving the Childrens Hospitals.
With a workforce of up to 13,000 in its heyday, garnering membership for the club was a bit easier
task than it is today. That being said, it is with great hope that you the members of Rajah Shrine, and the
existing members of BSC, can help us again become a shining jewel in Rajah’s Crown.
Our meetings are usually held the first Monday of the month unless otherwise specified. Ladies are also welcome to attend the
meeting when specified. The following meetings are scheduled: Monday, April 2nd, The Wooden Match • Tuesday, May 1st, The
Palace Restaurant • Monday, June 4th, The Wooden Match
RAZZLE AT THE CIRCUS
By Sam Ellis
For this writer, one of highlights of the Rajah Shrine Circus each year
is seeing Rajah’s Mascot, Razzle, entertaining the children. The towering
yellow figure draws the interest and fascination of children of all ages.
The 10-foot-high Razzle has a long history with Rajah Shrine. It appears
at the circus every year and at occasional parades with Hospital Services
where it is worn by Paul Shaw.
At this year’s circus, the costume was worn by Ted Werkheiser. Ted is
Treasurer of the Oriental Band.
Ted has been piloting Razzle for 15 + years. In the professional mascot
world, Ted would be known as a mascot “performer.” He says getting
into Razzle takes about 15 minutes. Once inside he releases an air pack to
help inflate the costume to its full height. An air compressor keeps Razzle
inflated. He also has a battery to power the compressor. Obviously, the
costume is heavy, and movement is restricted. He says leaning
forward takes practice as does operating the
big bulbus nose. You can get an idea of the
overall height and size of Razzle in the picture
on the right with Sam Beam as “BEAM-O
“the clown standing next to the Rajah Mascot.
Ted says he can stay in the costume for
about 45 minutes max and less on hot days if
he’s outside. But to Ted all the fuss is worth
it, especially at the circus. He said he enjoys
watching the children’s faces light up when
he interacts with them by waving, leaning
forwards, or just puffing Dazzle’s nose
Thank you, Ted, for bringing Razzle to life
and adding another dimension of fun to this
year’s circus. Ted Werkheiser
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