I don't know about you but I frequently take myself too seriously. I read serious books, prefer documentary films, like serious classical music. But, really, sometimes it would do to laugh more and take myself less seriously! We celebrated the custom of Laetares last Sunday at my church. Not much known today, Laetares was a time to let ones hair down in the middle of Lent and have a little fun. Well we did. Our Parish minister opined that if we begin with the "Prelude" and end with the "Postlude", what is, exactly, the "Lude"? He thought it was somewhere around where he usually speaks in the service. He expounded on the theme that God is not dead- "Did anyone ever think to just ask?" but that maybe he had resigned. The choir sang "The National Weather Forecast" and wore silly clothes. Being Unitarians we ended with "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee", sung to the tune Nicaea.

I always have something a little fun for the choir during warm-ups. We sing "Peter Piper Picked a Peck, of Pickled Peppers" or "Oklahoma". Many a snowy Sunday morning rehearsal this winter we have started with "Oh What a Beautiful Morning". How will you put a little fun into your life this week?

Fern 

 

You should have received in your inbox by now a notification from AGO headquarters about how to access your personal information on the Oncard system. Please follow the directions to go to the site and make sure your information is correct. We will use this information for our chapter directory so it is important that you keep it updated. We have also added a Cleveland Chapter specific listing for the chapter substitute list.

You should have received by now your chapter ballot for officers and Executive committee for next year. Return ballots are due by April 11. Also the election for National and Regional officials is now open. You will need to follow the link in the e-mail you received from National or printed in the April TAO. The link is not available from the agohq site. That election will close April 30.

What: Holtkamp Organ Company Open House
When: Saturday 5 April, 2014 from 10:30 AM - 12 noon
Where: 2909 Meyer Avenue, Cleveland, OH
What to see: 10 stop house organ to go to Ashland, KY, assembled and ready to play.
How: Call or email to let us know if you will be attending, and the name and number of your party.
216 741 5180 or Office@holtkamporgan.com
Coffee, tea and breakfast snacks will be served

We have received word of the death of Ruth Ferguson, wife of John Ferguson. Here is the obituary that appeared in the Minneapolis paper:

Ferguson, Ruth (Hofstad) Age 71, died peacefully in the morning of March 23, 2014, at the Three Links CC in Northfield, after a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Ruth served as organist at St. John's Lutheran Church for 25 years and taught organ for fifteen years at St. Olaf College as an adjunct faculty member. She was a superb cook and hostess, who will be remembered for her laughter, quick wit, cheerful smile, gracious, gentle, and caring nature, and her "Cantorei Brownies" and Swedish Cream Wafers. Survived by husband, John; son, Christopher (Sarah) of Auburn, AL; granddaughter, Lucy; sister, Ardis Braaton (David) of Grand Forks; brother, Philip Hofstad (Carole) of Bemidji; several nieces and nephews. Preceded by parents, John and Lillian Hofstad. Funeral services 11 AM, Saturday (4/5/2014) at St. John's Lutheran Church, 500 W. 3rd St., Nfld. A reception will follow, visitation one hour prior. Memorials are preferred to St. John's Lutheran Church Music Fund. Benson & Langehough (507) 645-5123 www.northfieldfuneral.com

Gerry Mass, our Cleveland Chapter Placement Officer collects and updates job openings in the area.  Although they are not listed in the weekly updates, there is a link in the "Quick Links" section every week that will take you to the updated list on the chapter website.  Questions or need help finding a position? Email: placement@agocleveland.org

Each week on Thursday, we publish this email newsletter to help you stay informed about activities and programs of the Cleveland AGO Chapter. Questions or comments? Please let us know:

admin@agocleveland.org.

Have a news item for a future issue? Send to: newsletter@agocleveland.org

The deadline each week is Tuesday at 5 PM for Thursday publication.

American Guild of Organists Cleveland Chapter
21600 Shaker Blvd
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
216-751-2320