Pacific Edge Chorus - Feeling Positive and Punny
We want to express our gratitude to the women who produced and delivered Region #26, 2023 Convention and Competition in Saskatoon this spring. A huge job done well done – hats off to the Committee that made it happen after such a long drought. Like a wedding, there’s always something that happens to make the event extra special and memorable for years to come.
Kudos to West Coast Harmony (WCH) members who took a detour to the basement in the traffic pattern, but managed to find their way to the stage lights, unfrazzled, to capture the Gold of the whole contest. So proud of our sister chorus, and our two members Julie and Teresa, in winning first place with them.
Prior to contest weekend, we donned our beautifully altered costumes, by Bev Price and Shirley Nicholson, and performed our contest package, then submitted a video for evaluation only. We feel we achieved so much through that process bringing us closer to our delivery plan. The wheels are in motion in our energized circle at Pacific Edge Chorus, as we navigate the pattern to a place on the east side of our neighboring country. We’re all geared up with a schedule of coaching sessions that includes our personalized PEC music team, Anne Downton (for a 2nd time), Judy Pozgay and our Marcia Pinvidic – with more sessions in the works.
On May 16th, we held our annual installation dinner and events, and no horsing around, the essence of the event theme was evident. Everyone ‘shoed’ up rosy in floral, fluffy head gear, to represent Kentucky – home of the infamous Kentucky Derby. As you can see from the photos, there were bonnets, pillboxes, cloche, and fascinators - even a glorified lampshade adorned our Norma Ritchie’s wavy crop. Not one topper was too ‘tacky’ for this galea occasion.
Luck would have it that the weather was beautiful, the food was over the top from our Toni Lee’s kitchen, Chef on the Run, and everything planned went off without a hitch. Our new board was installed by Karen Sorchinski in a creative fashion using props that more than described the positions in this meaningful governing chorus group.
Recognition and SAI longevity pins were awarded. Our director Julie was awesomely surprised when she received a basket of love in gifts and certificates and an edible care pkg, to honor her 25th anniversary as Director of our chorus and SAI. We have been so lucky to have her at the helm in our midst - Segway to even more luck, for capturing the interest of our newest member Colleen Lindholm – beautiful bari.
Our ‘Unsung Heroes’ program is so enlightening. It’s amazing to see all the bits and pieces that go into running a successful chorus. Celebrating members weekly lets us all know that each contribution is extremely important to the survival of our chorus. We are grateful to the Cheer Squad for implementing the program because it demonstrates how meaningful each person is in moving us forward.
We forgot to mention that we have a contest mascot. Her name is Lucky Lucy. She’s a classy, animated figure who we’ve allowed to come along with us on our international ride, to remind us of our status of poise and elegance as Sweet Adelines. Our Cheer Squad created her and named her appropriately to represent the luck of the Irish and a horseshoe of luck in Kentucky. She doesn’t say much but her presence is eloquent.
A huge shout out and thank you to Jena Eichenlaub for taking photos and video at our Installation dinner and events night. And thank you Teresa White, Sue Rees, Fran Errington, Judith Sibbald for answering the call for photos when I sent out a request – although Jena did not hold back with her shutter-bug eye, I did use 1 or 2 received from the rest of you. What a wonderful crowd to be a part of.
An Ode to Lucy
Lucy is a creation of Pacific Edge Chorus
Cause we all know our director wants more from us
She’s brave and sassy, caring and fun
Committed and confident when alls said and done .
Lucy is bodacious with lots of bright sparkle
Her communication skills are really remarkable
She’s energized and positive and tells a great story
Her eyes and her smile are much like our Lori.
Our Lucy stands tall with posture relaxed
Her enthusiasm bubbles… through good times and troubles
She’s prepared and compelling when Tuesday arrives
Through singing together,our special Lucy thrives.
Dynamic and willing Lucky Lucy is us
We all get er done with no muss and no fuss
Let’s learn from this gal, we described her ourselves
The traits are within us , the glow’s from yourself.
We hear Louisville calling we’re ready we’re proud
The stage and the lights and the simmering crowd
They cheer and they clap then silence will fall
We’re Pacific Edge Chorus, and we‘re having a ball!