Posted December 21, 2004
IN GEAR—December 17—Throughout the meal, holiday music with an Irish theme was provided by Norman Grey, brother of Sandy, uncle of John, of the fabulous Musical Greasy. Norman performs with Richard Johnson as a group called Ash Grove. Norman sings, plays pennywhistle and fiddle besides having a deft touch on the hammered dulcimer.
President Mary Joan Pugh called the meeting to order with the ringing of the gong. After the Pledge of Allegiance we remained standing while the Park Street Vocal Ensemble sang our National Anthem. Jim Finison called upon us to be mindful our blessings and sensitive to the true meaning of Christmas, which, he said, was the sharing of resources.
Sergeant at Arms Carole Gilliam had a full time job introducing guests to day. With Barron Mills were Barbara Mills, Ginny Dunn and Maggie Dunn. Lee Phoenix brought his wife Anita. Betty Myatt in a candy-cane sweater accompanied Don Durham. Sherri Freeland joined husband Mike Freeland. Frank Horton was the guest of Jaci Betts. Dale Lambert brought his daughter Amanda. Ann Grey (of the fabulous Musical Greys) dined with Sandy. Diane Frost brought Derek Robbins. Cathy Grey joined John Grey (yes, that crowd again). Wanda McDowell came as the guest of her husband Maxton.
From the Randolph Club we welcomed Michael Trogdon, Ed Bunch and Tom Pugh. Jerreelene Walker visited from the Tarboro Club. (Jerreelene is Maxton “Doug” McDowell’s sister. Ed Kizer came to us from the Charlotte Club. Whew! And Welcome to all!
John Toledano introduced our student guests from Asheboro High School. Melanie Camp has a mixed bag of interests. She is in Mock Trial, Park Street Players, and has worked with RSVP Community Theatre. She volunteers at the wildlife rehab center and plays in the wind ensemble. She hopes to attend UNC-Asheville to major in biology.
Laura Buhrman is in FCA, Park Street Players, Key Club, and is vice president of Teenage Republicans. She is in the National Honor Society and is treasurer of the Student Council. She is considering a career in the medical profession as an emergency room doctor. She has applied to the University of Georgia and UNC-Chapel Hill.
President Mary Joan asked us to keep Gene Johnson in our thoughts. His mother died this week.
PDG Wilbert Hancock announced that he had taken in $6500 towards our contribution to the Rotary Foundation. He will return to the rear table after our holiday hiatus to receive the remaining donations.
NO MEETING DECEMBER 24 OR DECEMBER 31. Next meeting, January 7, 2005.
Rotary Fact: Jim Culberson’s GSE committee is planning arrangements for our incoming German GSE team.
Green—Recycle. Recycle. Recycle.
President Mary Joan called on John Grey, Chairman of the Music Committee to introduce our program. John informed us about the Park Street Vocal Ensemble. It is an auditioned group performing accompanied and a capella music for school and civic events. The group is made up of Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors at Asheboro High School. Park Street Vocal Ensemble sings the National Anthem at all AHS basketball home games. Delores Crutchfield conducts the group. She has a Masters degree in music from UNC-Greensboro and has been teaching for twenty years. She has recently received her National Board Certification. Originally from Statesville, she is married to Robert Crutchfield, Major (retired) in the Asheboro Police Department.
Without a prefatory word the group assembled for their first number, Carol of the Bells. Their singing attire is bright red dresses for the ladies and black tie formal wear for the gentlemen. Park Street Vocal Ensemble is made up of eleven women and seven men.
Carol of the Bells emulates the tintinnabulation of Christmas bells. In this song, as indeed in all the others selections, the singers followed Ms. Crutchfield with sensitivity for the details of musical dynamics and balance. In other words, they were very careful craftsmen with their tasks.
It was very pleasant to hear the rich fullness of the men’s contribution because often there are not enough men to make a good sound.
The ladies carried the day in I Wonder As I Wander. Their high notes were sure and true. The AVS room is a difficult one to sing in, especially without amplification, but it was no trouble for these young people.
Two spirituals followed: Good News A-Comin’ which featured a contrasting center section that sounded like an entirely different song and a version of Swing Low Sweet Chariot that had a distinct swing delivered sharp as a finger snap.
The men did a number by themselves: Little Saint Nick, a Beachboys tune. The ladies did a sassy song called
Santa Baby (Slip a sable under the tree…). This was followed by Jazz Jingle, which was Jingle Bells in a scat mode.
To conclude the program Ms. Crutchfield directed the group in musical Christmas card to us and our guests. The words described the very best of a Christmas celebrated for all the right reasons and with all the trimmings.
The singers were: Sammie Joe Baltes, Abby Jarrett, Karla Butler, Katie Wyatt, Taylor Phillips, Melissa Robbins, Elisha Robbins (sisters they be), Carrie Trogdon, Ana Torres, Kendyl Millikan (grand daughter of Past President Frank Redding), Alyssa Lowe, Patrick Osteen, Nathan Reynolds, Clinton Cooper, Ryan Hunter, Will Lamb, Tyler Sparks, Chris Akins.
Written melodiously by Philip Shore
