Date: January 22, 2001

We are learning new music -- Quickly!. As of last week You'll Never Walk Alone was officially sounding darn good! Since we have two new pieces to learn over the next few weeks, it would be a great idea to get tapes and make sure we each have the music. It is up to each one of us to learn as quickly as possible. The tools are being provided and we seem to be getting better at it. See our Librarian extraordinaire, Bud Robar is you are missing one of the new songs. Steppin' Out With My Baby and Sixteen Tons are the songs in question.

Ron Dawson is doing well. Ron was sounding quite chipper when I spoke to him this morning. He is still experiencing fatigue, but with all he has gone through, that isn't very surprising.

As usual, Ron thanks each of the members for their concern and best wishes. He hopes to be back with us soon. He wants to be driving himself when he does come. We want to see him soon.

Don't miss the Installation and Awards Night on January 27, 2001 at Le Vieux Kitsbuhel, Île Perrot, QC. We will have a great location, a great meal, and a great time, and all for $32.50 per person. Please plan to be there with your significant other. Please let Walter Mueller know how many people will be coming with you.

Have you got a tie you wouldn't wear on a bet? If your "collection" is anything like mine, you can help John Hatfield help a lady at his church. She is looking for ties that are not being used anymore for a craft project. Bring in a tie tonight, or next week if you don't get this until it is too late!

Dues increase from International! The International dues were increased again effective December 31, 2000. The total dues for a regular member of the Greater Montreal Chapter are $180.00 per year. We pay our dues either once a year for the coming year on our renewal date, or we can use the Pay-as-you-go-Joe system.

Pay-as-you-go Joe - All members who have paid their December 31 dues (in full) can then start to pay $15 per month for 2001. This helps us with our current cash flow problems, and makes the bite less painful. The $15 Monthly payment hardly hurts. (Nor does the $45.00 quarterly payment, if you prefer that.) This is encouraged for all members of the Chapter. Even if your renewal is at the end of March, June or September, you can still take advantage of the system. You can catch up by paying $15.00 for each of the months you have missed.

If you pay $15.00 at the first rehearsal every month, you make the payment process painless. Start NOW.

Post-dated cheques payable to Island City Chorus can be given to Ray Watkins, Chapter Treasurer.

"Have I got a great idea!" Please talk to Jerry Silverberg about any other fund raising ideas you may have. He is willing to consider just about anything that you would like to do (that isn't illegal!)

It would be a wonderful idea for us to have enough fundraisers that we have something that everyone likes to do. That way there would be no nagging from the front each week. That isn't fun for anybody.

We are entertainers. The Chapter is always 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.

"Share the Dream!" It's as easy as 1-2-3. Are you having fun each week? Don't you want to share the fun with others? If not, speak to someone about what would make our rehearsals and chapter meetings more fun! Did you take the time to ask someone to come and try our form of music during the holidays? You know people who would have a great time singing with us. Ask them. The worst thing that can happen is they will say, "No." Then you can ask them again another time. We want to encourage people who can sing, to come and enjoy the fun we have every week.

Remember what got you into singing barbershop? 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.

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

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