Looking Back on the May 28^th Chapter Meeting

 

Well A hard driving rain didn’t seem to reduce the attendance this week – tho some of the guys were soaked when they got into Durant.  Especially the many guys who walked from the King St. Metro Station.  (Like Ken White who shed his shoes and sox vs. sloshing around in water-clogged gear!)

 

And the usual drive and hard work attitude was in place all around.  You couldn’t help but note the orange bandanas on the Class of 13 guys – everywhere.  The funniest use of the scarf was as a sling for a pretend broken arm by Dave Hood. Two new guys got their bandanas this week– Josh DesPortes and TJ Donahue -- swelling the class to 25.  Two more prospects include Dave Ellis and Sean Devine who will get their scarves at the Retreat this coming weekend for a total class of 27.

 

Also congrats to the class president Rich Hewitt who rallied his classmates to work hard and answer the trivia questions posed to five classmates. Each of them was allowed to get a guy off the risers to help answer the questions, but the 2013 guys had worked on the questions and had their answers ready.   Good job. Chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer has given the class more challenges for the retreat weekend, so stay tuned!!  Literally.

Carlos Barillo
Lou Bergner
Dave Branstetter
David DesPortes

Josh DesPortes
TJ Donahue
Randall Eliason
Tom Frederick
Gary Fuller
John Greene
Bob Griesemer
Rich Hewitt
David Hood
Peter Hubbard
Kevin McKenzie
Stan Quick
Ben Roberts
Calvin Schnure
Dean Sherick
Steve Szyszka
Shawn Tallant
Mike Vlcej
Harold Weinberger
Doug White
Duncan Woodbury

The risers were up by six tonite (and the electric fans were out to keep the air moving) and a good crowd of guys worked on their stage moves with Chuck McKeever. We listened to our fellow chapter members in VAUDEVILLE as we took the risers to get to work for the contest. We had a good crowd of listeners too including many FRIENDS OF HARMONY who were in the building to sew new uniform parts for the contest. They are also selling a convention button for $1 each. 

 Associate director Tony Colosimo did the warm ups this week. Later in the evening Troy Hillier conducted a presentation craft session.

 For the first half of the nite we worked on the contest songs – fixing things, adding new things and even making some changes.  Lots of coaching from our director Joe Cerutti and Tony made it a challenge vs. just work.

 Operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the chapter meeting before break.  Retreat chairman Chuck McKeever reminded us that we could check in at 3 pm at McDaniel College but need to be on the risers at 6:50 pm Friday nite, May 31^st.  Everyone should get dinner before they get on the risers! Chuck promised an email with directions and many details.  (Which we all received on Wednesday.)

 President Alan Wile recognized our Operation Harold Hill membership team from last year – Steve White, Shawn Tallant and Phil Ashford –with a silver award from the BHS.

 There were reminders to get 50/50 tickets, pay Normandy fees to Mick Stamps, a bass meeting in Room 2 at break, front row meeting in the office, and get refreshments during the break.

 Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented Man of Note (#3) to Bob Blair for bring new member Dean Sherick who received his membership certificate and other new guy papers, including the chapter’s history book.  A renewal membership card for 21 years was given to Mike Gilmore.

 Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from barefoot Ken White welcomed the guests – some from other chapters in the area, an applicant and a couple first-timers.

 After break, we sang thru the songs for the Jefferson Award performance at 9 am on June 19^th at Arena Stage.

 And then back to work on the contest package.  Joe spoke a lot about our individual performance responsibilities.  We watched a Dallas Vocal Majority performance as an example of personal commitment to the song and performance.  We added more of the visual plan for the ballad. We worked a little past 10.   

 Crews worked to load the Harmo truck to take props, av equipment, risers and such to the retreat.

 Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the May 21^st Chapter Meeting

 

Well there was a lot of action and singing and business matters all set for this week.  The risers were up right after 6, so the front row could practice in the configuration of the risers as well as lean to place new props in the correct spots.  There were also guys on the stage working on stage moves with Chuck McKeever.

 

Assistant director Will Cox did the warm ups. And director Joe Cerutti, fighting a terrible case of poison ivy, worked on “God Bless America” that we will sing on the Jefferson Awards show at 9 am June 19^th.  Joe asked associate director Tony Colosimo to help with directing for the nite.

 

Before we got too far into the evening, chorus manager Mark Klostermeyer introduced the Class of 2013, which included all those members who have never competed at an International convention with our chorus. They were presented bright orange/red/yellow bandanas with the instruction to have then visible on their person any time they are at a Harmo function.  The list will be expanded when additional men are given their scarves to wear.

 

Carlos Barillo
Lou Bergner
Dave Branstetter
David DesPortes
Randall Eliason
Tom Frederick
Gary Fuller
John Greene
Bob Griesemer
Rich Hewitt
David Hood
Peter Hubbard
Kevin McKenzie
Stan Quick
Ben Roberts
Calvin Schnure
Dean Sherick
Steve Szyszka
Shawn Tallant
Mike Vlcej
Harold Weinberger
Doug White
Duncan Woodbury

 

We worked hard on our contest songs. At one point, Joe had the AV team play some clips from past champs choruses and after discussing their most obvious qualities, we worked to apply those points to our music. (We listened to the Ambassadors of Harmony, Westminster, and Vocal Majority.)

Joe and Tony worked as a team all evening and used several educational techniques to help us understand. 

 

Bob Rhome conducted the chapter meeting period and started with reminders to buy scrip for Toronto, get a 50/50 ticket, to turn in your retreat fee payment to Howard Nestlerode, order a Toronto shirt from Roger Day, and turn in your payments for the Normandy trip.

 

Ellen Dellert announced that the FRIENDS IN HARMONY are selling a convention button for $1 each.  Many men got their button before the nite ended.

 

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler presented a Man of Note pin to Mike Kelly for bringing Duncan Woodbury to the chapter.  And Mike presented Duncan his new member packet.

 

There are a bunch of men who have recently renewed their membership – always glad to acknowledge our men who renew.  (There are a few others Chris is bugging to be sure they get their dues paid before Toronto to be eligible to sing!)  Renewal cards went to Rich Hewitt for 2 years; Pete Hubbard 2 years; Kellen Hertz 3 years; Lou Bergner 6 years; Nick Murane 8 years; Craig Kujawa 10 years; Tom Berkey 16 years; Scipio Garling 17 years; Jim Lake 20 years; Bob Wells 22 years; Chris Buechler 28 years; Bob Eckman 29 years; Austin Cotton 38 years; Howard Nestlerode 38 years and Mike Wallen for 41 years.

 

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Ken White welcomed a long line of guests – some family members, some fans, several first timer singers and an applicant.

 

We had a good break (Bob Rhome alerted all that the coffee each week is decaf – for those who need to know!) and the Class of 2013 met to start planning for their year, and the basses worked in the lobby on a couple music spots.

 

After break, Joe invited Chuck Hunter to coach and offer suggestions. Chuck addressed his ideas as choices we could make on word sounds, breathing and tone production.

 

Tony and Joe worked as a team til closing.  We worked on some of the non-singing time points too. There was time for guys to sing for their “listener” for final approval.  And before we ended we did complete sets with the front row. 

 

In other news about chapter members: several Harmonizers will be on the faculty of Harmony College East, June 13-16 in Salisbury, MD, including Bill Colosimo, Mike Kelly, Dean Martin, Bob Wachter, Mike Wallen and Steve White.

 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the May 14th Chapter Meeting

This week the music team decided to use the rehearsal time for recording another song for a possible CD.  So the meeting was at First Baptist Church on King Street in the music suite on the second floor.  Last week, director Joe Cerutti had encouraged everyone to come tonite as the musical leaders planned to use the nite for contest preparation in addition to recording.

 

Assistant director Will Cox did warm ups and turned the ready-singers over to Joe. We went right to work on “Drunken Solider” and after a short sectional to check some spots, it was recorded.  Then we moved on to “Great Day” and followed the same routine.

 

Then to work on the contest package for a good chunk of time.  Special Forces guys present this week included Kevin McKenzie, Mike Geipel and Dave Ellis. We finished our first work period with time for guys to make self-eval recordings of both songs, and also for the last few guys to sing for their “listeners” and get personal feedback.

 

Joe had warned us to dress for summer temps since we turn off the ac and extra lighting in the music suite at First Baptist for recording.  It was warm!!!   So we took a brief break to clear the room and get some air.

 

Since the chapter is so busy with preparations for Toronto and usual chapter matters, there was a quick business meeting conducted by operations vp Bob Rhome.  His reminders included (1) getting Normandy payment to Ken Fess tonite; (2) there is board meeting on Wed. of this week at Durant at 7:30; and (3) buy scrip cards to use in paying for your Toronto housing from Carl Kauffmann. 

 

President Alan Wile reported that Terry Jordan had to have an emergency gall bladder removal, and is recovering in the hospital and hoping to go home in the next day or so.

 

Alan also reported that Ben Roberts school theater group had been honored for their good work and will be performing at a Kennedy Center gala, June 9.  Ben will perform a duet on stage that nite!

 

Finally, Alan presented a donor’s check for $800 to the treasurer that will be made available as an “angel” fund for helping guys with the trip to Normandy.  If anyone needs help, they should speak to Alan or Joe.  Or if you know of someone, you can speak for them.

 

Don’t forget – make plans to be ready for the kick off of the retreat in Westminster, MD, on Fri. eve May 31^st. by 6:55 pm!  Payments for retreat fees can be given to retreat chairman Chuck McKeever tonite and Howard Nestlerode, other nites.

 

Be certain you responded accordingly to the email about new contest shirts for Toronto!

 

Here are important calendar clarifications for a couple June dates: The chapter will be meeting at First Baptist again on June 11^th – working with Cindy Hansen on the contest package. We will use the social hall not the choir suite.  Then we will be back at First Baptist on June 18^th for a recording session and a contest work session.

 

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler reminded all members with dues expirations in the next two months to pay on time or early, to be eligible to sing in Toronto.

 

He presented a Man of Note pin to Craig Kujawa for bring James Sutton to chapter membership.

 

And Chris presented membership renewal cards to Dave DesPortes for 2 years; John Oswald Greene for 2 years; Steve Murane for 11 years; Harold Weinberger for 19 years; and Bruce Lauther for 27 years.

 

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer welcomed our applicant guest.  And Ken White announced that Carlos Barillo had become a United States citizen today – which brought all the men to their feet for a great salute to Carlos! Congrats and welcome.

 

Back to singing and visual work sessions including the ballad. Troy Hillier continued barbershop craft sessions with more Visual Maxims – Your Face Matters, and now adding Your Body Matters.  Troy and Joe suggested that everyone, and especially newer singers, watch some videos of recent chorus contest winners to see what they are doing personally in their packages.

 

To conclude the nite, Joe presented motivational gifts to two – Ben Roberts for his hard work as the newest front row man and catching up to the others so fast; and Mike Geipel for his “totally in the game” efforts at practice tonite.

 

Carlos directed “Keep The Whole World Singing” before we policed the hall and left for the nite.  Some of the regulars went to the afterglow for some chow, some cold drinks, for some visiting and debriefing the meeting, and for some tag singing.  Come join the fun sometime soon.

 

Sequestration has taken its toll on some of our singers. Several men have lost their jobs.  Two actually got new jobs right away – but they can’t get off work at their new job to go to Toronto.  And there are some guys still looking for jobs.  If you know of some job openings in your company – speak with Alan Wile or YeEd.

 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the May 7th Chapter Meeting

No doubt the chapter members were eager to get to work on their performance skills for Toronto.  Most of us participated at the very helpful visual studio sessions this past Saturday. A big thanks to Chuck McKeever, Carlos Barillo, our various visual row leaders and the “face” coach, Randall Eliason.

 

Still there was a big crowd of guys reviewing the stage moves at the 6 pm session on the stage; and the front row guys hard at work in the lobby at Durant.  Seems the list of front row participants had settled to the following 15 guys.  Congrats to all – including the newest addition, Ben Roberts – Ken White, Scip Garling, Doug White, Randall Eliason, Peter Hubbard, Carlos Barillo, Steve White, Josh Roots, Ken Rub, Terry Reynolds, Chuck Hunter, Mike Vlcej, Craig Kujawa and Chris Clark.

 

Assistant director Will Cox did the warm ups this week. When he turned over the chorus to director Joe Cerutti, we were ready to get to work.  Joe welcome former member Bill Conway who sings in a Carolinas district champs chorus who will also be singing in Toronto.  Bill was in town for a work conference, and word is he is renewing his Harmonizer membership too!  Joe also read a letter from our fan Ellen who gave Joe some $25 gift cards for him to award as he wishes to guys who go above-and-beyond at rehearsal. (At the end of the evening, he presented one to Peter Hubbard.)

 

We did a little review for the recording session set for next Tuesday nite at First Baptist Church at 2932 King St. in Alexandria.  NOTE:  Joe asked everyone to come that nite, even if they don’t know the songs to record (he says you can bring the music), cause more the half of the nite will be used to follow up on our work on the contest song.  Joe also suggested we dress in short sleeves etc. since we will have the AC turned off so recording will be better.

 

We started on the uptune and then associate director Tony Colosimo stepped up with some applicable barbershop craft lessons.  Then he and Joe worked as a team to improve spots in the two contest songs.  There were lots of smiles as we locked and rang some important chords.

Tony also touched on some visual points as part of the musical performance skills.  A great session!

 

Before the meeting, there was time for self-eval taping and time for listeners to check more guys on the songs.  Assistant director Terry Reynolds orchestrated this session. Terry also pleaded with guys to make sure their attendance plans are updated on the website – since May sessions are mandatory, we need to know if guys are on business travel, etc.

 

Ops vp Bob Rhome conducted this week’s chapter meeting.  His opening announcements were (1.) Brian Miller recently received his PhD.  Congrats!; (2.) The Pride of Baltimore SAI chorus is having a tea May 18^th – see Sam McFarland for tickets; (3) at break buy scrip cards to pay for your housing in Toronto from Carl Kauffmann who is covering for Ian Poulin, get 50/50 tickets from Dick and Carolyn Hall, order a Toronto polo shirt from Roger Day before cutoff date of May 21, see Ken Fess to pay the current installment for Normandy, sign the sympathy card Bruce Lauther brought in, and if your Society dues expire in June or July you should be sure you pay them early so you are eligible to sing in Toronto.

 

Chuck McKeever announced the final visual studio sessions will be Wed, May 8^th at Lee Center at 7 pm.

 

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer with help from Ken White welcomed the guests for the week.

 

After coffee break, we had sectionals to work on unit sound.

 

And then worked and worked on the contest songs – especially the uptune with and without visuals.

 

We closed at 10 pm, put the risers and props and av equipment away.  Some quartet singing was heard and the section leaders auditioned another prospective singer. And a good crowd made it over to the afterglow at LaPortas.

 

President Alan Wile was on travel this week, but last week he announced he had received word from Gary Mankin about former Harmonizer and assistant chorus director, Dave Barton, who is in the Sunshine District Seniors champion quartet. Congrats Dave (a regular reader of our Looking Back column.)

 

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the April 30th Chapter Meeting and Recent Southern Division Contest

More hard work was in store for this week’s rehearsal and meeting nite.  Cindy Hansen was present to add another spark to the excitement and that she did in spades!

 

Associate director Tony Colosimo did the vocal warm ups and got the chorus ready to work and apply their skills. We welcomed some Special Forces men too – Dave Ellis, Bob Wilson, Kevin McKenzie and Sean Devine.

 

Director Joe Cerutti welcomed Cindy and turned the chorus over to her for comments.  And we jumped right to work on the uptune.  We were given many suggestions on how to do our job as performers with more zing and zip and enough reps to get them under-our-belts.

 

A large crowd of guys had come early to work with Chuck McKeever on the stage to be prepared for the visual workout. The front row had actually worked with Cindy before the meeting started in another room, and then they came into the main hall where they could hear the uptune being played from the stage.

 

At the halfway mark, assistant director Terry Reynolds orchestrated what seems like nearly the final round of vocal qualifications. 

 

Operations vp Bob Rhome conducted the weekly chapter meeting. President Alan Wile thanked all the men and FRIENDS who helped host the division contest this past weekend.  

 

There are 26 Harmonizers singing in division contest quartets April 26^th in Reston.  The weekend actually was a southern division contest and a western division contest – combined to build a crowd.  MAYHEM won first in the southern division contest. That means a quartet from Alexandria has won that contest every year since 2001. The number in the list below is their rank in the contest, with names in order of tenor, lead, bari, bass; and Harmonizer names in boldface.

1^st  MAYHEM – Matt Fellows, Neil Dingle, Mike Pinto, Ken White

2^nd  ACME CHORD COMPANY – Dan O’Brien, Chris Susalka, Paul Grimes, Chris Yates

4^th  THE MONORAIL FOUR – Kellen Hertz, Phil Ferguson, Bobby Seay VI, Andrew Havens

5^th  THE ESTABLISHMENT – John Reece, Bill Colosimo, Joe Cerutti, Dean Martin

6^th  YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT – Hardman Jones, Mike Wallen, Roger Tarpey, Vic Owen

8^th  GOOD GUYS – Jim Lake, Frank Fedarko, Joel Golden, Don Dillingham

9^th  MINT CONDITION – Bob Rodriguez Jr., Kevin McKenzie, Drew Fuller, Arthur Louis

10^th  HANDSOME REWARD – Mike Sengco, Mike Edison, Vince Lynch, Mike Gilmore

15^th  BLARNEY BROTHERS – Pappy DeVoe, Mike Calhoun, Ron Davidson, Tom Pearce

19^th  SOUVENIR – Carl Kauffmann, Brad Jones, Drew Fuller, Roger Day

 

4^th in Western Division   SURPRISE! –  JC O’Donovan, John Grant, Bob Hirsh, Bruce Minnick

Reporters for YeEd noted that many former and even current members sang in 12 of the 20 choruses in the two contests. In the chorus contest, those choruses that score at least a 63.0 qualify to compete at the Fall Convention in Ocean City.   So, at this past weekend, 7 Southern Division and 2 Western Division choruses qualified.  Soundworks (James River) took first place overall, scoring 75.3. The Harmonizers did not compete in this contest as we are going to the International this summer and that entitles us to compete in the fall if we wish and if we do not win the gold. Interesting to note that several of the choruses this weekend were directed by current or former Harmonizers. The mic tester chorus was Harmony Heritage Singer, Mt. Vernon with Bob Wachter directing.  Joe Cerutti was emcee for the chorus contest and Bill Colosimo was emcee for the Saturday nite show.

(For those wondering – the list of quartets that are invited to compete at the District Fall Convention in Ocean City, MD will not be determined until after the combined Northern and Atlantic Division Contest at the end of May.

Also there are a lot of folks helping our chapter host the weekend’s contest.  . Chuck Harner was our team chair. He presented Alan the check for $1300 which we earned as hosts. There were some team captains who helped coordinate various aspects of the weekend’s work: judges services and printing of score sheets – Keith Jones; judges transportation – Joe Cerutti and Dean Rust; judges hospitality – Chris Buechler and Dixie Kennett; staging coordinator, setup, risers and trucks – Bob Blair; auditorium coordinator – Alan Wile; chorus and quartet coordinator – Carl Kauffmann; registration coordinator – Dick Dangel; door monitors and hall coordinators – Ninamaire Maragioglio; sign coordinator – Drew Fuller.

President Alan also promoted the need for us all to buy scrip to use in paying for hotel rooms in Toronto. Ian Poulin added to that plea with the note that Carl Kauffmann will fill in while Ian is on travel as scrip sales person.

Bob Rhome reminded everyone of the visual studios this Saturday at Durant in the main hall.  The first and last groups will have to set up and take down risers.

Randall Eliason gave one last chance for guys to see him about joining the Harmo group to go to a baseball game in Toronto.

Ken Fess gave us a little update on the behind-the-scenes work on the Normandy trip for 2014.  See the recent newsletter he and his co-chairman, Mick Stamps, sent out.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler gave new Harmonizer name tags to Dave Ellis, Dean Sherick and Lou Bergner. Chris presented membership renewal cards to Noah Van Gilder for six years; and Dan O’Brien for nine years.

Membership vp Mark Klostermeyer, with help from Ken White, welcomed this week’s gusts.  Mark reminded all that we should keep bring folks so they can get into the queue for joining and learning the music for fall shows and events.

As a reminder, Rick Wagner and his wife Peggy are hosting the Harmo Hospitality room in Toronto and want to collect party supplies, decorations, paper plates and such – no matter what event or theme - “anything goes.” Give’em to Rick any Tuesday.

After the coffee break, we went back to work on the risers. Cindy made some “enHansenments” for the tag. And she concluded her time with us in remarks about our homework, her thanks for Carlos Barillo and Chuck McKeever for their work to prepare the chorus for tonite, and her eagerness to see us explode.

Before the meeting ended Tues nite we gave a cheer for Sean Devine’s quartet THROWBACK who will be competing in the Land O Lakes District at the International prelims this weekend, hoping to qualify for Toronto.

In other news from the Harmonizer family, we extend sympathies to Josh Roots and his family in the recent passing of his Mom after a 20-year battle with cancer.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)

Looking Back on the April 23rd Chapter Meeting

Tonite we all knew it was gonna be a workout. Especially after many of us had attended the vocal studio sessions conducted by Joe Cerutti or Tony Colosimo with Terry Reynolds on hand to keep the time-clock.

 

The stage was packed with a lot of guys trying hard to smooth-out their moves and get the focals correct for the contest package. Chuck McKeever was there to help all attendees. Carlos Barillo was on hand to work with the front row who were using the main hall floor space.

 

We thank Tony and Joel Golden for working on updated learning materials for the ballad.  We thank TJ Donahue, Carlos Barillo, Mike Vlcej, and Doug White for building the new end caps for staging the uptune.

 

Will Cox did the vocal warm ups and turned the chorus over to Joe, who went right into a review of  “Music Man.”

 

A huge chunk of the nite then was used for the two contest songs.  During the musical work time we did visual reviews and drills, we had vocal sectionals, we allowed men to tape and/or sing live for their listener. Face coach Randall Eliason gave a brief chat about the ballad and then took groups of men off the risers to work in a back room in front of one of our mirrors.

 

When Bob Rhome started the chapter meeting, he and others stressed the need to purchase scrip cards to use in paying for housing in Toronto.   Roger Day was taking orders for the Harmo polo shirts designed for our use in Toronto.

 

President Alan Wile announced a cash gift from Morgan Stanley.

 

Calvin Schnure, quartet promotion guy, called forward the many men singing in the Southern Division contest this weekend in Reston.  President Alan gave a card and recognition to each quartet.

 

There are 26 Harmonizers singing in division contest quartets April 26^th in Reston.  The number in the list below is their singing order; names are in order of tenor, lead, bari, bass; and Harmonizer names in boldface.

2. MINT CONDITION – Bob Rodriguez Jr., Kevin McKenzie, Drew Fuller, Arthur Louis

13. THE ESTABLISHMENT – John Reece, Bill Colosimo, Joe Cerutti, Dean Martin

17. MAYHEM – Matt Fellows, Neil Dingle, Mike Pinto, Ken White

18. SURPRISE! –  JC O’Donovan, John Grant, Bob Hirsh, Bruce Minnick (Seniors Contest)

21. SOUVENIR – Carl Kauffmann, Brad Jones, Drew Fuller, Roger Day (Seniors contest)

25. BLARNEY BROTHERS – Pappy DeVoe, Mike Calhoun, Ron Davidson, Tom Pearce (Seniors Contest)

26. YOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT – Hardman Jones, Mike Wallen, Roger Tarpey, Vic Owen (Seniors Contest)

28. ACME CHORD COMPANY – Dan O’Brien, Chris Susalka, Paul Grimes, Chris Yates

29. THE MONORAIL FOUR – Kellen Hertz, Phil Ferguson, Bobby Seay VI, Andrew Havens

31. GOOD GUYS – Jim Lake, Frank Fedarko, Joel Golden, Don Dillingham

32. HANDSOME REWARD – Mike Sengco, Mike Edison, Vince Lynch, Mike Gilmore

Also there are a lot of men helping our chapter host this weekend’s contest.  Some reporting times were announced for riser crews etc. Chuck Harner is our team chair.

Rick Wagner announced plans for the Harmo Hospitality room in Toronto and the need to collect party supplies, decorations, paper plates and such – no matter what event or theme -
“anything goes.” He and his wife Peggy are collecting the supplies.

Chapter secretary Chris Buechler recognized recent renewals of members: 4 years for Andrew Havens; 8 years for Dave Branstetter; 14 years for Kevin McKenzie; 20 years for Tom Frederick; 21 years for Brad Jones; 21 years for Chris Huber; 46 years for Alan Kousen; and 49 years for Terry Jordan.

Mark Klostermeyer with help from Lew Klinge welcomed a group of guests for the week including some first timers, some family and co-workers, and an applicant.

For the coffee break, we all enjoyed a birthday cake from Dick and Carol Dangel which was also a way to celebrate birthdays for Dick, Dick Hall and Joe Cerutti Jr.

After the break, we got to hear GOOD GUYS quartet preparing to compete this weekend.

The contest preparation continued.

The meeting ended with pointers made about the mandatory attendance staring in May and June; the need to get in those vocal and especially visual self-evaluations; and the need to go onto Groupanizer to code your attendance plans.  If all else fails, be in contact with Terry Reynolds.

Until next time – editorjack!

(This message is prepared for your review if you were there, for your information if you had to miss, and as a historical record of the great things going on each week during the 65^th year of the Alexandria Harmonizer Chapter. —YeEd.)