Date: November 13, 2000

Ron Dawson home for a while. Our Tenor Buddy is home for a while, since his doctors are going to learn how to do operations at a convention in New Orleans. Ron agreed to let them go, so that they would be better prepared for him. He will be going back into the Royal Vic on November 20 (or there about) for his operation. Ron tells me that they are growing him a valve of natural material, and the pigs are safe.

He thanks everyone for their support and prayers, and asks the members of Key of Eh? to continue to provide news of his progress. We will do our best to keep you informed of our friend's progress.

Here is Your Revised Chanukah and Christmas singouts schedule. Rudi Flaig has done a great job with the Christmas Singout Schedule. We are going to be able to bring in some much-needed money to help finance the operation of the Chapter.

In general, singouts will be for one hour. The full chorus is required for December 6 and December 9. PLEASE LET ROB MANCE KNOW IF YOU WILL MISS ANY OF THE SINGOUTS! Check each date for changes!

You should make sure that you have Scarlet Ribbons, Go Tell It On The Mountain, Carol of the Bells and Eight Candles, along with our other seasonal music.

Have you "Shared the Dream!" It's as easy as 1-2-3. Here is a challenge to from me to you. Can you remember what got you into singing barbershop? I am betting that in most cases it was because a friend, neighbour, co-worker, family member etc. asked you to come out once. After that first encounter, you were probably hooked. We are at a stage where we want to attract good singers to add to the great sound we are producing. Take the time to ask a friend to come and share our hobby. They will need to be motivated and able to sing, obviously, but the rewards are many and fun. Sharing is a good thing, so let's do it. It's as Easy as 1-2-3.

Entertainment Books. Ron Schurman has obtained 100 Entertainment Books 2001 for us to sell. These offer excellent savings at restaurants, movies, dry cleaners, and many other locations in the Montreal area. Bring your money in TONIGHT.

Pay-as-you-go Joe. Don't forget the easiest way to pay your annual dues is in small instalments. The $14 Monthly payment hardly hurts. (Nor does the $42.00 quarterly payment, if you prefer that.) This is encouraged for all members of the Chapter. If you pay $14.00 at the first rehearsal every month, you save a couple of dollars, and make the payment process painless. Start NOW. Post-dated cheques payable to Island City Chorus can be given to Ray Watkins, Chapter Treasurer. All members who have December 31 as their renewal date should bring in a cheque for $170.00 within the next three weeks. They can then start to pay $14 per month for 2001. This helps us with our current cash flow problems, and makes the bite less painful.

We are entertainers. The Chapter is in need of funds, and good fund raising ideas. Obviously singing is an ideal way to raise money. If you know of a group that is looking for some excellent entertainment at a reasonable price, refer them to Alan Kenley at 514-341-7171.

Cheese it! Please talk to Jerry Silverberg about the gift cheeses project, and any other fund raising ideas you may have. Since the show didn't quite bring in as much as we budgeted, we need to have some successful fundraisers.

•The headline says, "Bush, Gore Swap Barbs" I've heard of Barbara Bush. Who is Barbara Gore? (Frank in Ottawa)

•November is when we close our eyes, bow our heads and give thanks for the turkeys we are about to receive. Then we vote. (Becky Shiles)

•Deadlocked election Dracula rises from grave Time for a re-count (Gary Hallock)

•The voters in this country seem to have electile dysfunction. (Jay Leno)

•"She's a SENATOR!!! From NEW YORK!!!" said Tom hilariously. (Conrad L. Macina)

•Florida's voters Rename capitol city Now Tally-hassle (Ken Pinkham)

•So the election results will be delayed until they're certain they haven't been Tampa-ed with. (BBC 10 O'Clock News)

•Florida has the Keys to the election. (Gnu Bee)

•If Lieberman-who's Kosher-gets in, does that mean the US budget will finally eliminate pork? (Cynthia MacGregor)

Q: How many West Palm Beach Democrats does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A: Several thousand because they can't find the right hole!

Practice is something we do at home, every day, between rehearsals!

Rehearsal is where we reinforce what we have been practising every day!