Alexander's Fire Dept Band. Always a Treat

Alexander's Fire Dept Band gave the residents of 400 Towers a full blown concert that lasted over a hour after they marched in the St. Joseph's Parade. They are such a talented group. For those in the know, they did a great job with The Thunderer even though they didn't have a trombone in sight. They had a right handed baritone player and a left handed baritone player, which matched perfect, like bookends.

This young man could certainly have a part in any production of Music Man!

Five, count them, Five Sousaphones (but no trombones) 

The percussion, as usual, had fun.

I wish you could see this guy twirl those sticks

I'm a sucker for 'real' marching band music.  I enjoyed listening to Byron/Bergen and Pembroke's bands, but I still prefer a Sousa march in a parade.  I still hum the low brass part of any piece that is played.  I guess I always will.

There was a new band that led the parade, I have the guy's card.  They have an eight piece big dance band that I would love to get for our Christmas party.  I'll have to pin a note on the wall to remind me to call him.

 

One Door Closes, Another Door Opens

I have made a decision to take a three month leave of absence from our little shop effective Feb. 1.
It is time to step away and clear my head.  I wasn't sure what I would plan to do with the extra time, but fate has a way of stepping in to make a clear path.
I received an email from a friend asking if I would help his brother tell his story.  Intrigued, I left a message for his brother to call me.  This should be fun. 
There are four men who had a band when they were in their late teens.  They had some success in the field of pop music then, as it often happens, they graduated from high school, went on to different colleges and devoted their time to growing up.
Fast forward thirty years when they meet in Batavia to have fun with a reunion concert.  One from Rochester, one from New York City and two who make their home in Batavia.  Their concert clicked and offers are coming in for them to perform.
This is the story in a nutshell.  Of course, there is much more to it.  Telling it, for them, will be a challenge I can undertake while on my own hiatus.
The good thing about this project is that it can be done anywhere.  If I chose to travel, I can work on it while on the go.  My deadline is mid March.  The clock is ticking and the calendar is marked.  Ready, set, go.

Care-A-Van Celebrates Christmas at 400 Towers

I received a phone call from Paul Olsen asking if Care-A-Van could come to the Towers on Tuesday evening to entertain our residents with carols, home made cookies and brownies, hot chocolate and deliver gift bags.
It would take an entire week to describe the good that Care-A-Van does in our city.  Their outreach ministry makes a huge difference in the lives of many.  Of course, they could come on Tuesday night.
Tuesday morning found me down in the office making posters that would let the residents know of the unexpected Christmas party.
I also had to tell the chair of Tuesday night bingo that I had usurped the community room.  He would have to cancel bingo for the night.  A poster had to go up for that as well.

The Snack Shop team was alerted so they could let our customers know.
Fortunately, the kitchen was serving their monthly breakfast so I asked them to tell everyone who came down about Care-A-Van's Christmas event.
Last but no least, arrangements were made to make an announcement just before the appointed time to remind the residents to join us.
That took care of the short amount of time I was allowed to be on that right knee for the morning.
The quick plans must have worked.  We had over 50 attend.

It was a great evening.  The folks really got into the spirit of the season.  The pictures are courtesy of Robin Walters, from Care-A-Van.  She was busy all evening.

I found myself stationed at the front door to let their volunteers in.  The wind was blowing.  Robin never gave me an opportunity to pull a brush through my hair before we had our picture taken together. 

Thank you Care-A-Van for a beautiful evening.

It's almost time.
Are you ready?