Long Island Harmonizers’ annual show attains new level of success

Two glittering performances—two enthusiastic audiences

The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter’s 62nd annual show, “A Musical Time Machine,” on the stage at Carle Place High School on April 14 and 15, was an unqualified success, artistically and financially.

The 2012 Show Committee owes its success to the cooperative effort of everyone on it—from the Chairman, Steve Brausa, down to those in charge of the smallest details. This list includes a new Script Committee, composed of Charles Muscarnera, Ray Shotter and Steve Brausa; Chorus Director Maurice Debar; the Music Committee, consisting of Jon Ayers, Vinnie Colonna, Maurice Debar, Gene Kammerer, Bob Miraglia, Bill Ruth, George Seelinger, Steve Stojowski and Harold Verity; Publicist Bob Heim; Ticket Chairman Harold Verity; Afterglow Chairman Joe Massaro; Journal and Flyer Creator Bob Miraglia; Emcee Nancy Massaro; Lobby Decorations Dave D’Antonio, Joe Massaro and Rich Stein (Carle Place custodial staff); Grand Dads & Braggers Chairman Bob Roth; Boosters Bob Miraglia; Lobby Ticket Director Lois Verity; Raffle Chairpersons Joe Massaro and Lois Verity; Stage Managers Pete McArdle and Bill Grieshaber; and the innovative Slide Show

team of Wayne and Carol Lazar, who were ably assisted by Rich Greenberg and Patti Lewis of the Carle Place High School staff in their technical guidance and support in the development of the slide show.

A vir tual kaleidoscope of barbershop h a r m o n y l i t e r a l l y “ r a n g ” t h r o u g h t h e aud i to r ium, l ed by ou r f r i ends— Larry Bomback, Wayne Grimmer, T. J. Carollo, and J e f f G l e m b o s k i — m e m b e r s o f t h e internationally acclaimed ‘Round Midnight, the show’s guest quartet. The supporting cast of chapter quartets, All In A Chord, Cloud 9, the AfterGloWorms, 4Gone Conclusion, and Classic 5 (the world’s largest quartet), were worthy supplements to the headliners. All of these vocal combos provided the full spectrum of barbershop harmony to its fullest and drew raves from our enthusiastic audiences.

For comments and a visual slide show of the event, continue to pages 3 through 5.

TOOSDAY TOONS

Nassau Mid-Island Chapter, Westbury, Long Island, New YorkHome of the Long Island Harmonizers, Maurice Debar, Chorus Director

VOLUME X, NO. 5 POST-SHOW EDITION MAY 2012

www.longislandharmonzers.org

TOOSDAY TOONS

A monthly publication of the Nassau Mid-Island C h a p t e r o f t h e Barbershop Harmony Society, a nonprofit, c h a r i t a b l e a n d educational society.C h a p t e r m e e t i n g s Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. at Winthrop Hall, Church of the Advent, 555 Advent St., Westbury, New York.A l l a r t i c l e s n o t accompanied by a byline have been written by the e d i t o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinion of the members nor of the officers of the N a s s a u M i d - I s l a n d Chapter. Opposing points of view are welcomed and encouraged.

Editor and PublisherCharles Bell

Associate EditorRobert Heim

heimbob@aol.comAssistants to the Editor

Bess Bell Wayne Lazar

Steve StojowskiPhotographyRobert Heim

Eva MilauskasWilliam Vesely

CHAPTER CENSUSLife 1Regular 28Senior (L) 20Senior (N) 5Youth 1

TOTAL 55

FROM THE CORNER OFFICE

MembershipLike any organization we need new members in order to prosper. Your board decided to treat this as a business problem and applied itself to that end over several meetings earlier this year. We agreed that before we did anything, we should organize our own thoughts, and that process goes something like this:

1. What is our target market? 2. What is our product?3. Who is the competition?4. What differentiates our product from others?5. What’s our message?6. How do we reach our target market?

We determined that our target market is men aged 40 or more. Experience tells us that really young men are not comfortable joining a group with an average age of 60+. Men over 40 are generally more settled in their lives and have time to devote to a leisure activity if they so choose.

Our product, that is, what we make, if you will, is vocal harmony. That may seem a little broad, but that’s really what we’re all about.

The competition in vocal harmony is glee clubs, church choirs. Karaoke, the local saloon, all other singing opportunities.

The difference is we teach vocal harmony, which none of the competition does. Voice production, vowel matching, pitch accuracy, tuning to the other parts, and yes, even how to present each song visually to the audience. We teach these things every week, and no other singing organization does that.

Our message must be simple, but as we all know, the subject is not. We distilled a lot of ideas, and what it boiled down to is that we do what we do because we enjoy singing, and singing together, and so that’s our message – if you enjoy singing, consider hitching your wagon to ours. We boiled that down to Like to sing? So do we Simple, but it evokes a positive response and suggests a friendly welcome.

(Please continue on page 13.)

PAGE 2 TOOSDAY TOONS MAY 2012

President Jon Ayers

MAY 2012 TOOSDAY TOONS PAGE 3

REFLECTIONS OF A SHOW CHAIRMAN

Steve Brausa2012 Show Chairman

I was very relieved when the annual show was over and that it was successful. The chorus and quartets sang well, the slide show went smoothly, and ‘Round Midnight was as entertaining as I had hoped they would be. The audience seemed to have a good time. A successful annual show is a group effort, and I think that we should feel good about what we accomplished. Ticket sales and revenue

from sales of journal ads showed a comparatively substantial profit. These financial outcomes are critical for the chapter to continue to operate throughout the year. Recognize that the expenses of the chapter are such that with the combined profits from the show, Singing Valentines and from future singouts, the chapter will just about break even financially for the year.

After the show I watched a DVD of the Sunday performance that one of the technical staff at the high school had graciously made for us. While I was generally happy with the performance, I was struck by how small the chorus looked compared to five years ago when I first joined. At the same time, the work of making the chapter function has not diminished. Maurice sometimes asks whose job is it to sing in tune or to know the lyrics and music. We all know that the correct answer is that “it’s my job.” Each of us is responsible for contributing to the best of his ability to the musical quality of the chorus. As we have gotten smaller and have sung in shotgun formation, it is more obvious which members step up to the challenge of really learning the words and music we sing. As we have gotten smaller it has also gotten more apparent that more of the work of operating the chapter has fallen on fewer shoulders.

As we start into another year of activity leading to the 2013 show, I think that each of us should reflect on our own efforts in the past year and set personal goals. Maurice gives us material that we are supposed to master between rehearsals. Making time for regular practice is part of my job as a chorus member. Actively working to sell tickets, ads or valentines and participating in singouts is part of my job as a chorus member. Giving time to help the chapter operate, whether it is taking on a board function or pitching in on the myriad of routine tasks needed for the chapter to function is part of my job as a chorus member. Importantly, working to find new members for the chorus is my job as a chorus member.

Thanks again to all of you who worked to make our 62nd annual show a success! ♬

Steve

PAGE 4 TOOSDAY TOONS MAY 2012

SHOW PICS FROM OUR PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERTS Photos by Sharon Schwarz and Wally Smith

Lobby Activity “Sit back, relax ...”

4Gone Conclusion

Cloud 9 AfterGloWorms

All In A Chord

THE MASSAROS RUN THE 50/50

MAY 2012 TOOSDAY TOONS PAGE 5

The Star Attraction—ʻRound Midnight

Outfits courtesy of Brooks Brothers

HONORED—Maurice Debar (right) shown with Nassau Mid-Island Chapter President Jon Ayers, receiving a plaque during intermission onstage. The award signified the chapterʼs gratitude for Debarʼs 15 years as the chapterʼs distinguished Musical Director (and still going strong).

LOTS OF TALENT AND ACCOLADES

! Photo by Wally Smith

Photo by Sharon Schwarz

Left to right: Tenor Larry Bomback, Baritone T.J. Carollo, Bass Jeff Glemboski, and Lead Wayne Grimmer

BILL RUTH INTERVIEWS BERNIE GENZER

Bernie , our f ront l ine thespian, was born in Bethel Hospital in Brooklyn, and through the years, resided in E a s t N e w Yo r k , C r o w n He igh t s , Sunnys ide , and presently lives in Rockville Centre. (Is this a case of “ u p w a r d m o b i l i t y ” o r avoiding the process server?)

H e a t t e n d e d t h e prestigious Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan and then on to Brooklyn College and

Boston University where he majored in speech, arts and drama. (To say that he makes Shakespeare come alive is an understatement; or is it just one of his magical tricks?)

During his education interlude, Bernie was drafted into the Army, went to Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he learned to be a “radio operator,” and then volunteered to go overseas. (Those radio waves must have affected his medulla oblongata,) Luckily, “overseas” turned out to be Germany where he became a connoisseur of their beer.

Subsequent to his military service, Bernie went back to school, took education courses, and became a teacher in the New York City School system. (One of his specialties was teaching fencing, which came in handy in controlling his classroom.) In 1991 he retired as a teacher after spending his last 15 years in Springfield Gardens High School in Queens.

Both in school and during his off-duty hours, Bernie was heavily involved in all aspects of the theater, including acting, lighting technician and directing. Two shows which he directed were “Damn Yankees” and “Dreamcoats.” Presently he is connected with the Lantern Theater in similar capacities. Do we have a budding Orson Wells in the wings?)

Bernie became interested in barbershopping when he was told of a group of barbershoppers that would give free voice lessons if he came down to their meeting. Unfortunately, or fortunately, it turned out to be a chorus of Sweet Adelines. (He sent several weeks with them before they suggested he join a male chorus.) They referred him to our chapter, and he became a member in August, 2000.

B e r n i e p r e s e n t l y s i n g s b a s s i n t h a t outstanding quartet, All in A Chord. (Is this poetic license gone awry?) Previously he had sung with “The Enchantmen.” Idleness is certainly not one of Bernie’s traits. ♬

Bill Ruth

Name this Long Island Harmonizer

Send in your photos from the past to the editor. We are trying to revive a feature that Bob Heim introduced over a year ago. Each photo submi t ted wi l l ea rn i t s donor a year ’s subscription to Toosday Toons gratis.

Speaking of the past, do you remember this famous cartoon?

Future barbershopper with his dad.

PAGE 6 TOOSDAY TOONS MAY 2012

LOOKING TO THE BIGGER WORLD OF BARBERSHOP! ! ! ! ! ! --Chorus Director Maurice Debar

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !

Some people like to be a big fish is a small pond. They never look beyond the glass bowl in which they find themselves. Within our bowl, we are f a n t a s t i c . We h a v e g r o w n i n s i z e a n d matured in our sound. W e j u s t p u t o n a fantastic, entertaining

show, but it is now time to look beyond the footlights to the bigger world of barbershop. We do this by seeing what other, even larger, choruses can do with the art form. We can never duplicate what the Westminster Chorus in California does, no matter how hard we try. Their members are all in their 20's and 30's. Can you can remember what that was like? I seem to recall a time—a time with high energy

without afternoon naps and pants with 36 inch waistbands.

To be ready for next year’s show, we begin today! We have less than two months to learn each of the 4-5 new songs we would like to introduce to our eager audience next year. We have performances rolling in. Yes, we may even reject a $400 job, simply because we are doing too much! Plus we have contest and a very productive Christmas season. We are active senior citizens. We, that includes me—I am 70. We have all sung at those retirement communities or at nursing homes. If you give up activity, if you don't have plans for tomorrow and the tomorrow after that, you have given up life. Life is gift we should not waste.

Singing prolongs life and makes it better. ♬

Did you ever wonder:How to sell a song better?

by Tom Wheatley. staff reporter and former editor of the Dundalk Charivari

There have been many descriptions of this concept, but I like to use the comparison of that old spiritual, “Dry Bones.” Basically it tells us “the foot bone connected to the ankle bone; the shin bone connected to the knee bone” and so forth, right on up to the head bone.

To sell any song, we need to use a similar concept. Think of it as “the body bone connected to the head bone, and the head bone connected to the voice bone.” If you concentrate only on getting the voice bone to work right, the body and head bones will just stand around like corn stalks. However, if you get the the body bone working, there’s a good chance that the head bone will get into the act. When the body bone and the head bone are telling the story, the voice bone seems to automatically follow. Try it. The audience will like it! ♬

Keeping your voice healthyFrom the Dundalk Charivari, Jan/Feb 2011

Jim Botelle, editorA vocal health seminar was offered by the

Johns Hopkins system at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda on Nov 3. Dr. Lee Akst, assistant professor and director of Johns Hopkins Voice Center and Heather Starmer, a speech language pathologist, presented a series of slides and videos, demonstrating how vocal cords work and what conditions can damage them.

In addition to this editor, M-AD President Dick Powell attended, representing others like us who depend on our voices.

One of the major tips presenters gave was one we hear a lot: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The rule of thumb they gave is to drink greater than 60 ounces per day.

(Continued on page 8)

MAY 2012 TOOSDAY TOONS PAGE 7

THERE COMES A POINT WHEN IT JUST "HAPPENS"

(LESS THINKING...MORE DOING)

Bob HeimNassau Mid-Island Chapter

Associate Editor(A Public Relations Practitioner For Close to

60 Years)

A little story, if you will, to illustrate a p o i n t . A c e n t i p e d e w a s w a l k i n g i n a rainforest one afternoon when a tropical bird, peering down from a tree, asked, "With over 200 legs why is it you never ever trip?" Replied the centipede, "After a while it's easy. You just do it."

The prospect of "just doing it" and doing it right is the goal of every barbershopper. It doesn't happen overnight. Every time proper voice placement is achieved, every occasion when unity of sound is accomplished, or when that sought after "ring" is produced, it makes it easier for it to happen—to reoccur more and more.

Maybe you can recall the feeling of

nervousness when, for the first time, you became a contributor in a barbershop foursome as opposed to finding yourself in the relative comfort of singing with the entire chorus. The second time, the third and fourth in that quartet, with the responsibility squarely on your shoulders, you'll remember that the unease began to evaporate. Watch and listen to the Society's top quartets. They "just do it." Training and experience shows.

Apply that to any new and unfamiliar roles. Reluctant to call a feature editor to pitch a barbershop story idea? Feel hesitant to stand u p i n f r o n t o f a m e n ' s c l u b a n d persuasively plead the case for new members? Have a super idea you've held back in telling the Chapter? Do it once, do it twice. It will soon be second nature and, like the centipede, you won't give it a second thought at all. ♬

Continuation of article on Keeping your voice healthy (from page 7)

A real treat was seeing the vocal folds of Steven Tyler as he was singing.

To see this seminar, go to:www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthsemnars/

s e m i n a r _ v i d e o . h t m l . C h o o s e OTOLARYNGOLOGY and click on Keeping Your Voice Healthy. You then can enjoy the seminar at your own leisure and pace. Best of all, it’s free! ♬

PAGE 8 TOOSDAY TOONS MAY 2012

Your Chapter Business -- by Steve StojowskiSteve is a CPA specializing in accounting for exempt organizations. He is the Assistant Musical Director of the Long Island Harmonizers, Treasurer and former Secretary of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter, a current member of the Board of Trustees of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter, an instructor in the Society’s Leadership Academies and Harmony College East, and is now serving a second year as Chairman of the Joint Audit Committee of the Barbershop Harmony Society and Harmony Foundation International, Inc.

ABOUT THOSE MILEAGE SLIPS

Every organization has numerous hidden, unappreciated, administrative tasks that must get done so that the rest of us can enjoy the fun stuff — often with minimal awareness of what it takes to keep everything running smoothly. When there’s no one left to carry out the task (such as Public Relations or Uniform Manager), it may take a while for the void to be felt by the average chapter member. Those who feel it first are likely to be still other under-recognized workers whose jobs just got a little harder. One such unsung hero is Bill McCoy who for as long as I can remember took care of collecting and organizing the mileage slips and dry cleaning receipts, and processing all that paper into contributions enhancing our Social fund. He also took care of collecting the money, fulfilling mail orders, and organizing all of our annual show ticket sales. Bill is retiring from both of these jobs. The mileage slips and cleaning receipts for donation back to the Social fund are now being handled by John Brolly, and the show ticket mail order job has been taken over by Hal Verity.

In connection with the changing of the guard on the mileage slips, we are also adding some new features and slightly modifying the design and function of the form. The slips can still be used to designate contributions to go to the Social fund, but that is no longer the only fund you may designate. If you wish, you may designate your expense reimbursement to go to our Chapter’s newest fund, the Chorus Competition TRAVEL Fund (CCTF).

The new mileage slip (see samples on the next page) will be available electronically as an Excel spreadsheet (you drop in the miles and it does the math) or as a PDF to be filled out by hand as before. Enjoy!

Here’s an interesting wrinkle involving mileage slips and personal income tax deductions. As a volunteer providing services to a charitable organization, if you itemize your deductions and you are not compensated for your personal auto mileage, you may claim a deduction of no more than 14¢ per mile. The “Volunteer” mileage reimbursement rate is set by

statute, and is not periodically updated like other IRS rates.

If you are compensated, you get no deduction (nor do you receive taxable income, even if you were reimbursed at a little more than 14¢ per mile). If you are compensated and donate your reimbursement back to the Social fund, you get no deduction because it’s the Social fund. However, if you donate to the CCTF, you are entitled to a tax deduction, but how much?

If you incurred 1,000 volunteer miles in a year, were reimbursed $200 by the Chapter at 20¢ per mile, and wrote a check for $200 to the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter’s Chorus Competition Travel Fund, you would clearly be entitled to a $200 itemized deduction. If you were not compensated, you could only claim a $140 deduction (1,000 miles x 14¢ per mile).

But what if you filled out one or more of the new mileage slips? You did not directly receive the $200 expense reimbursement into your hands, and you did not write out your own personal check to the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter’s CCTF. Do you get a deduction for $140 or for $200?

I am not supposed to be giving out tax advice, but in my humble opinion you get the $200 deduction because you were reimbursed a full and reasonable $200 for your expenses (even though indirectly), and that is the amount you legitimately donated back to the CCTF. You should not be penalized for having a third party handle some of the details, and the documentation will be available in case an IRS auditor wants to see it. Thank you for your support. ♬

MAY 2012 TOOSDAY TOONS PAGE 9

PAGE 10 TOOSDAY TOONS MAY 2012

About Music—Wayne Lazar, Program Vice President

For those of you who like to take things apart, I'd like to follow up on a comment I made at one of our Tuesday rehearsals when I mentioned that all songs are constructed in standardized parts. Our barbershop songs are part of the American popular song book, so the main parts of our songs are the familiar Verse and Chorus.

Right at the start, however, I'd like to make it clear that although interesting and with one exception that I'll mention at a different time, all this won't help you learn the song. It won't substitute for memorizing your part or for getting a feel for how your part fits into the song. It's just fun for those who like to get inside things. It's fun like knowing that our government has three parts—judicial, executive, and legislature—each with a specific function. Fun, like knowing that a sonnet has fourteen lines, a specific rhyme scheme, and ends in a rhyming couplet.

There used to be multiple numbers of verses for each song, and they were important parts of the story told in the song. One reason that verses aren't popular anymore is because the three minute time limit that records placed on recorded music in the twenties, thirties, and forties. There just wasn't enough time for the musicians to s h o w o f f a n d t h e s i n g e r s t o s i n g . Barbershoppers like verses and sing them all the time much to the pleasure, I think, and to the surprise of the audiences.

The chorus is the most familiar part of the song and this needs no discussion. There are two other less familiar parts of our songs. One is the Introduction and the other is the Tag. The introduction shouldn't be confused with the verse. Not all songs have introductions. When they're there, I think of them as short segments that set up the verses. If You Knew Susie has an intro, two verses, two choruses, and a Tag.

The Intro of Susie is, “What a gal, oh, what a pal. Susie that's her name. Believe me.” The first verse starts with “I have got a sweetie….” The second verse comes after the first chorus and starts with, “Susie has a perfect reputation....” The first chorus starts with the familiar, “(If) you knew Susie....” The second chorus starts after the second verse with the same, “(If) you knew Susie....”

I suppose the tag is not quite unique to barbershop, but at least we use it to display our vir tuosi ty rather than just for a convenient way to end the song. The tag for If You Knew Susie comes at the last eight measures with, “Oh, what a gal....”♬

MAY 2012 TOOSDAY TOONS PAGE 11

Could we use a historian?

In the words of Grady Kerr, Historian for the Barbershop Harmony Soc ie ty, “The historian is too often overlooked and considered unimportant in the life blood of the chapter. Truth is, this job is one where a member can easily exceed expectations, gain a great deal of personal satisfaction and provide a wonderful service to the members past, present and future.”

During the 42 years the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter has been in existence, the designation of a historian has never been declared, to my knowledge. Isn’t it time? Too many significant events, requiring a great deal of concentrated effort on the part of many dedicated members, have occurred not to deserve being chronicled in some fashion or other.

Grady Kerr goes on to write, “The common misconception is to appoint or expect this position to be filled by one of the more veteran members. This is NOT a requirement, and truth be told, the chapter may be better served if this is done by a member with li t t le or no barbershop experience. There is also no term limit to this position. The longer one person serves, the better he becomes at it and the chapter is better served.

“The job of historian has several layers and areas of responsibilities. These tasks are, but not limited to:

Observing / Recording / Reporting / Researching /

Collecting / Gathering / Promoting / Reuniting /

Perpetuating

The chapter historian often determines the priorities of this list and customizes the job based on the needs of the chapter. He can make this position as much or as little work as he can handle. In a perfect world ALL of these areas need to be covered and there is no need to force oneself to do ALL of this without help. Don’t be afraid to delegate. In most cases, those who help will appreciate being a part of this and enjoy learning and helping.”

Do you think that our chapter should follow up on this matter? If so, you should make your ideas known to either the president or one of the members of the board of directors. ♬

MAY BIRTHDAYS 2 Bess Bell

2 Eva Milauskas

3 Laura Leone

4 Ed O’Connor

11 Bill Ennis

12 Iola Andreassen

28 Tony Paruolo

30 Susan Szaluta

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

May 4, 1946 Bill & Florence Schlageter

May 5, 1956 Bill & Mary McCoy

May 20, 1956 Marvin & Marilyn Goodman

May 25, 1974 Steve & Kathe Stojowski

PAGE 12 TOOSDAY TOONS MAY 2012

MAY 2012 TOOSDAY TOONS PAGE 13

Jon Ayers on Membership (Continued from page 2)We then designed and produced a series of materials, all using this theme. We have business cards, a brief brochure—both inviting people to visit our web site—and we modified the web site so the first thing the visitor sees is our message and, of course, some additional information. We also have a new banner and a table display, which we’ll use at all our performances (or any other opportunity that presents itself). We joined Operation Harold Hill, and have gotten a couple of good ideas from our contact. We’ll be considering those in the near future.

We considered several ways of reaching out to our target marketplace. The classic move is to stage a guest night and design a program to fit that event. The problem here is that the next few weeks will necessarily involve (but not be limited to) contest preparation, and shortly after that we move to Baldwin, where there are no risers, nor does the venue lend itself to entertainment. We could manage a guest night in the early fall, but that would require some advertising, which we have found not particularly effective, at least for shows, and expensive, so we put that on the back burner. Our best opportunity is to replicate the program Steve Brausa put in place for our show: enlist the members to place our material around the area, and that’s where you come in and play a vital part. We have lots of business cards, and we need you to take a small bunch and tack them to every bulletin board you can find, tape them to store windows (with permission, of course), leave some on deli counters, car washes, every place you go. When you run out, come back for more; we make them ourselves, so the cost is not an issue. You don’t have to do any contact sales, host a party or anything else. Just help your chapter get the word out. At some point in the near future we’ll consider reinforcing this effort by using the

card as a newspaper ad, but that will only be effective if we’ve spread the word around the community, and that’s what we’re asking you to do

We’re justifiably proud of what we do. As the man said, “If you can do it, it ain’t bragging.” I’ve been doing this for a long time, and like many of you, I’ve experienced the joy of making a difference in someone’s world with the music we make. Invite others to join in that. You may never know when that simple gesture will bring someone else into our wonderful fraternity, but it’s worth a try, isn’t it? ♬

WEʼRE IN GENE KAMMERERʼS CORNER

For over two weeks Gene Kammerer has been fighting a courageous battle in Winthrop Hospital as a result of a terrible traffic accident while he was en route to our dress rehearsal at Carle Place High School on April 13.

Gene’s progress, albeit slight, has been channeled through Bill Ruth, his closest friend, who, in turn, has relayed the news to George Seelinger for electronic transference to the membership.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gene’s wife, Dorothy, and their five daughters and two sons, who are supporting Gene in the best traditional family manner. Out of respect for their wishes, members are advised to limit contact with the family to a minimum, relying on the bulletins issued by Bill and George instead.

The best thing we can do, as members and friends of Gene, is to pray daily for his recovery and his return to the risers in the days ahead.

Gene, this plea is for you:GET WELL SOON!

PAGE 14 TOOSDAY TOONS MAY 2012

George Seelinger and Chiz Bell can attest to how great this district program is. If you think you might be interested, particularly you newer members, please consult them for their take on Harmony College East.

Where Our host is: Salisbury University 1101 Camden Avenue Salisbury, MD 21801

WhenFATHER’S DAY WEEKEND (the second weekend in June). Why not introduce your family member — son, grandson, dad or granddad — to our great art form?

Dates as follows:

June 14-17, 2012

June 13-16, 2013June 11-15. 2014June 17-21, 2015

CostTuition is around $200, which includes a 3-night stay, 6 meals, all courses, two barbershop shows.

What you can expect• When you arrive on Thursday, you

will be given your room assignment.

• Classes start Thursday evening.• Everyone starts Friday morning with

breakfast at the cafeteria followed by vocal warm ups.

• You wil l be involved in either classes or coaching (quartet or chorus) all day Friday and Saturday with breaks for lunch an dinner.

• There is a Friday night show where some of the quartets being coached get to strut their stuff.

CHAPTER QUARTETS

AfterGloWorms Harold Verity, Tenor Bob Miraglia, Lead

Steve Stojowski, Bass Maurice Debar, Baritone

Contact: aftergloworms@aol.com

All In A ChordBill Ruth, Tenor

Steve Brausa, LeadBernie Genzer, Bass

George Seelinger, BaritoneContact: Sbrausa@verizon.net

BBQKevin Montevirgen, Tenor

Shawn Geller, LeadGerald Tabaosares, Bass

Andrew Jorquera, BaritoneContact: montevik@bxscience.edu

Cloud 9Jon Ayers, Tenor

Vinnie Colonna, LeadJohn Brolly, Bass

George Seelinger, BaritoneContact: vinmar9@optonline.net

4Gone ConclusionHarold Verity, TenorSteve Brausa, Lead

Maurice Debar, BassGeorge Seelinger, Baritone

Contact: Sanman991@verizon.net

Long Island ExpressBill Ruth, Tenor

Gene Kammerer, LeadJoe Massaro, BassBob Roth, Baritone

Contact: bjr52@optimum.net

No Treble At AllTommy Barone, Tenor

Bill Vesely, LeadKen Wunsch, Bass

Wayne Lazar, BaritoneContact: wvesely1@aol.com

QuatrainBob Kelly, Tenor

Steve Marrin, LeadAl Fennell, Bass

Paul Santino, BaritoneContact: Smarrin1@aol.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012OFFICERS:President Jonathan Ayers (631) 223-2911 jayers1@optonline.netVP Music & Performance Harold Verity (516) 208-3483 Sanman99@optonline.netVP Chapter Development John Brolly (516) 938-4272 brollys@optonline.netVP Program Wayne Lazar (516) 292-0021 jwayne314@aol.comSecretary Kenneth Wunsch (516) 328-4716 kensroom@hotmail.comTreasurer Stephen Stojowski (516) 747-4715 Stephen.Stojowski@gmail.comImmediate Past President Harold Verity (516) 208-3483 Sanman99@optonline.netTRUSTEES:Class of 2014 Charles Muscarnera and Ray ShotterClass of 2013 Robert Heim and George Seelinger Class of 2012 Steven Brausa and Robert Miraglia

Chorus Director Maurice Debar (631) 587-8694 mjdebar40@aol.comAssistant Chorus Director Stephen Stojowski (516) 747-4715 Stephen.Stojowski@gmail.comSection Leaders: Tenors: William Ruth and Harold Verity Leads: Vincent Colonna and Eugene Kammerer Baritones: Robert Miraglia and Robert Roth Basses: Stephen Stojowski

Librarian George SeelingerUniforms David D’AntonioAttendance Eugene KammererShow Chairman Steven BrausaWeb Site Robert Heim Bulletin Editor Charles BellMid-Atlantic District Delegate Harold VerityChapter Counselors Stephen Marrin, Vinnie ColonnaMAD Northern Division VP George “Oley” OlsonBHS Leadership Academy Instructor Stephen Stojowski

2011 BARBERSHOPPER OF THE YEARSTEVE STOJOWSKI

TOOSDAY TOONS5th Place, 2011 PROBE International Bulletin Contest

4th Place, 2011 PROBE Electronic International Bulletin Contest

MAY 2012 TOOSDAY TOONS PAGE 15

BACK PAGE TOOSDAY TOONS MAY 2012

NASSAU MID-ISLAND CALENDAR

June 1 & 2 Northern Division Convention, Morristown, New Jersey.

Quartet Semi-Finals, Friday Night - Jun 1, 2012, 6:00 PM

Chorus Contest, Saturday Morning - Jun 2, 2012, 9:00 AM

Sunday, June 3 - 2 p.m. - Farmingdale Strawberry Festival

Sunday, June 10 - 3 p.m. - Great Neck Park District

June 14 - 17 Harmony College East (See page 14.)

July 1 - 8 International Convention of the Barbershop Harmony Society

July 29 - August 5 Harmony University is chock full of opportunities to immerse yourself in the barbershop experience! Register now and enjoy this week of world-class education - you'll never be the same! From July 29 to August 5, 2012, at beautiful Missouri Western State University, you can choose from Harmony College, Directors College, Quartet College, Coaching College and Private Vocal Instruction, all taught by masters of barbershop. See Old School perform, and enjoy the keynote address by the future new Society CEO. (If you think you might be interested in the ultimate of barbershop musical education, ask Chiz. He’s been to three of these schools, and it has been the epitome of his 22 years in barbershopping.)

Sunday, August 5 - 8 p.m. - Our Lady of Mercy Summer Fair, Hicksville

Sunday, August 26 Scottish Games at Old Westbury Gardens, Old Westbury - 2:30 p.m.

October 12 - 14 Mid-Atlantic District Convention, Ocean City, Maryland