Member of Note 2019
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Meredith Butler • Capitaland
Joanne Burdick • City of the Hills
Pat McCann • Evergreen
Dr. Anastasio Rossi • Golden Apple
Alaina Tutrone • Greater Nassau
Trish Martini • Harmony Celebration
Marianne Savage • Heart of Long Island
Esther Krutzel • Heart of New Jersey
Ginny Plumaker • Hickory Tree
Sally Hausner • Island Hills
Kat Britt • Jersey Harmony
Nancy Duke • Liberty Oak
Chris Becker • Long Island Sound
JoAnn Borden • Saratoga Soundtrack
Peggy Morris • Seneca Soundwaves
Sam Bunting • Sirens of Gotham
Pat Meade • Song of the Valley
Alicia Caron • Spirit of Syracuse
Marilyn Vokoun • Twin County
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Click here to view the full Member of Note profiles.
And here are some excerpts for a quick look at this year’s honorees:
Meredith Butler • Capitaland
“[We have] many reasons to be grateful to Meredith…. Her leadership abilities… [She’s] active in the financial well-being of the chorus…. [She] is kind and helpful to her riser mates…. She schedules and periodically leads our participation in physical warm-ups! Meredith truly embodies the essence of a Sweet Adeline!”
Joanne Burdick • City of the Hills
“We can always count on Joanne’s wonderful organizational skills …. [She] passionately cares for her fellow chorus members…. always supportive and compassionate.... When it is time to organize our biennial show... Joanne’s creativity comes shining through…. [City of the Hills is happy] to recognize her for the many and unique ways she continues to serve us.”
Pat McCann • Evergreen
“When there is a job to be done, [Pat] is always up to the challenge! During her 23 years with Evergreen Chorus…. Pat seems to have done it all.... Evergreen is sure of one thing – When there is a job to be done, Pat McCann is a willing member. When asked if she’s having fun, the reply, ‘YES!’ Thank you, Pat, for your love, support and dedication to Evergreen.”
Dr. Anastasio Rossi • Golden Apple
“Stash is the hardest working member of our chorus. His energy is boundless…. The Golden Apple Chorus is eternally grateful to Stash for sharing his talent, enthusiasm, creativity and good humor. We are so lucky to have Stash as our wonderful director, and our 2019 Member of Note!”
Alaina Tutrone • Greater Nassau
“She is the epitome of everything that Greater Nassau stands for – passion, professionalism, energy, leadership, and dedication. Alaina works tirelessly for GNC… and approaches all her responsibilities with a grace and quiet confidence that is reassuring to every GNC member…. There’s nothing she can’t do, and her enthusiasm and joy of singing are infectious!”
Trish Martini • Harmony Celebration
“Music mentor. Creative visionary. Tireless chorus evangelist. Those are a few of the roles multitalented Harmony Celebration lead Tricia Martini has played — and continues to play — within the complex script writing the chorus history…. This lovely lead brings her high-wattage smile to every rehearsal and performance…. [Tricia is] one of HCC’s most treasured ‘LEADing’ ladies.... We are so grateful for YOU!”
Marianne Savage • Heart of Long Island
“Marianne seems to have endless energy; always going the extra mile for our chorus…. Over the past year, she has really stepped up to the plate, taking on both Marketing and Membership responsibilities, remaining a diligent section leader, and quartet singer on top of regularly volunteering to help organize chorus events…. She is truly an inspiration.”
Esther Krutzel • Heart of New Jersey
“Esther is a powerhouse of energy and works tirelessly for our chapter. She has truly been a positive influence in the chorus, continuously giving of her time and talents…. Esther’s heart clearly beats for the Heart of New Jersey Chorus.”
Ginny Plumaker • Hickory Tree
“Ginny is the quiet worker bee who gets things done behind the scenes, no fuss, no muss…. Ginny has a great sense of humor, is a loyal friend and good listener. She does so many tasks in such an unassuming style, it can be easy to take her contributions for granted. No Longer! We are shouting from the rooftops – thank you Ginny, we are so proud of you and feel so lucky to have you as a member!”
Sally Hausner • Island Hills
“Over the course of 40 years, I have been blessed to sing in three different chapters of Sweet Adelines…. Music has always given me pleasure and a sense of calmness…. As my children grew older, I started my own business... It was this business experience that came in very handy…in helping the Island Hills Chorus book many paying performances and earn needed funds…. At age 80, my clock is still ticking!”
Kat Britt • Jersey Harmony
“Kat is an extremely dedicated director that brings her talents and knowledge to us each week, always providing an uplifting spirit and humor along with a myriad of information to consistently bring the chorus new challenges and the ability to raise the level of our performance…. We are so proud of our director and friend, Kat Britt, a Sweet Adeline that truly sparkles!”
Nancy Duke • Liberty Oak
“During her time with Liberty Oak Chorus, Nancy has been a very important role model for all of us, devoting her time without hesitation…. Nancy treats everyone she knows with unconditional kindness and care! A true Sweet Adeline and a genuine role model for all! So well deserved!!”
Chris Becker • Long Island Sound
“Her beautiful heartfelt smile is the kiss of spring for everyone in our tight knit chorus…. Chris’s influence on the chorus is foundational, inspirational…. It is with wholehearted and unanimous agreement that the Long Island Sound Chorus declares Chris Becker our 2019 Member of Note.”
JoAnn Borden • Saratoga Soundtrack
“JoAnn has been very active in the chorus since she became a member. She is the treasurer of the chorus and a baritone section listener. These are responsibilities to which she is fully committed…. There is always a smile on her face. She is a fine example of a Sweet Adeline…. We are proud to present JoAnn as Saratoga Soundtrack’s Member of Note.”
Peggy Morris • Seneca Soundwaves
“Shortly after joining the chorus in January 2016, she took on Section Leader responsibilities for the leads, eventually becoming Assistant Director and member of the music team, management team and membership committee team…. Peggy will be our new Director effective October 1. We are excited…and hope that she continues to challenge us and make us a better chorus.”
Sam Bunting • Sirens of Gotham
“As a singer, musician, administrator, and friend, Sam contributes to Sirens of Gotham on every level…. She exudes positive energy that boosts morale and dedication--a walking embodiment of our core values: joy, ambition, authenticity…. She consistently goes above and beyond to help the chorus…. [Sam is] a dependable friend, inspiring leader, and all around rock star human!”
Pat Meade • Song of the Valley
“In choosing Pat as our Member of Note, members mentioned…the fact that she is always willing to step up to the plate when a need arises. [When she fills in to run rehearsal, she makes it] ‘fun and challenging, always smiling and patient…. She gives us confidence…. She is a true asset to our chorus’…. She exemplifies a real Sweet Adeline… She is kind, fun-loving, and a good role model.”
Alicia Caron • Spirit of Syracuse
“Alicia began singing barbershop with the chorus when she was just 15 years old. When it was time to go off to college, Alicia…majored in music education [and then]… acquired a master’s degree….. To everyone’s delight, she returned to…sing with us once again…. She takes on all challenges with a smile and shares her knowledge willingly.”
Marilyn Vokoun • Twin County
“Marilyn joined in 2008, and almost immediately became one of our hardest working, most friendly, and dedicated members…. Always with a sweet smile…Marilyn lovingly and generously shares her many talents with our chorus…. Always working with careful, meticulous attention to detail, nothing is too small or too big for Marilyn to handle…. Marilyn always brings her dry humor and cheerful manner to everything she does.”
[Marilyn was presented with her Member of Note award on August 14, 2019. She passed away on August 28.]
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