Updated
08/20/2008
Our 58th Annual Show
Photos - Click Here
STREET
SMARTS -- A
"Drive For Membership" approach by the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter
takes the form of magnetic stickers bearing the words "Singers
Wanted" and the website address of the Long Island Harmonizers
chorus. To be placed on cars of members (here, Bob Heim adds
his) the stickers are expected to be an effective vehicle in
expanding the organization's current roster.
SETTING
THE TONE FOR A SUPER PARTY
for
members of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter, wives and
other guests, are pitch producers (from left) John Laughlin,
George Seelinger and host Hal Verity, who along with his wife,
Lois, served up a summertime afternoon filled with song and
conviviality (not to mention lots of food). With them is Bob
Kelly, talented tenor with Quatrain Quartet.
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER, BUTTTTTTTTTT when
it reaches one hundred, as it has for Sister Mary
Loyola Engel shown with "You Four-A-Ya" barbershop
quartet with the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the
Barbershop Harmony Society, it is excusable
to pay special attention in recognizing the
milestone. A July birthday celebration for Sister
Mary (her dad loved to hear barbershop singing,
she reminisced), took place at Villa St. Joseph
convent located at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville
Centre.
.
VISITING "OURS" -- Several
members of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter had the distinct
pleasure to spend some time recently with Tom
McElraevy Jr. , past director of the chapter for 37 years
and continuing member, bringing him up to date on chapter
activities, providing Tom with the organization's new logo'd
golf shirt, and allowing (of course) for some singing time.
With him (left to right) are Maurice Debar, current musical
director; as well as George Seelinger, Steve Marrin, Bernie
Genzer, Bob Heim, Bill Ruth and Chiz Bell.
TIES
THAT BIND:
The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's annual "Ladies' Night" (held
this year at the Swan Club in Glenwood Landing), provided an
opportunity for the membership to express their
great appreciation to the organization's biggest fans
-- the supportive ladies in their lives. Here, Bill McCoy's
wife Mary, pictured with (from left) Bob Roth, Bill Ruth
and Bob Crochere, proudly shows that barbershop ties
involving the Long Island Harmonizers chorus most
certainly include her.
VOCAL
IN THEIR APPRECIATION: Acknowledging a "key factor" in
their enjoyment of barbershopping, members
of the Long Island Harmonizers chorus offer an appreciative
serenade during a "Ladies' Night" tribute to their biggest
supporters.
"RED-Y"
(WILLING AND ABLE) -- New for active members of the
Nassau Mid-Island Chapter are these shirts bearing the
distinctive logo of the Long Island Harmonizers
chorus. Pictured distributing the bright red shirts to Gene
Kammerer (center) and Bob Miraglia (right) is Will McCoy,
who arranged for their production.
STRIVING
FOR PURR-FECTION
-- Songs that make up the "Barberpole Cat" repertoire
came in for Steve Stojowski review in early July when he
admirably assumed the full-rehearsal role of assistant
musical director in the absence of Maurice Debar (away
at B.H.S.'s International Convention in Nashville).
Thanks Steve.
CLASSY?
WHY, OF COURSE:
The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's You Four-A-Ya quartet (from
left) Bart Peluso, Bob Heim, Will McCoy and George Seelinger
received two full days of intensive coaching, and member Peter
Kenny benefited from a number of specialized classes in
barbershopping at Harmony College East 2008, held in mid-June at
Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD. Representing the chapter
as well (but not pictured) were Bill Ennis and Bill Grieshaber.
The quartet also performed at one of the evening shows.
UNDER
THE WEATHER --
in this case sizzling ninety degree temperatures produced by an
unsympathetic sun -- were Nassau Mid-Island Chapter members,
shown performing in (somewhat) protected comfort on grounds
adjacent to Farmingdale Village Hall -- part of the community's
2008 Strawberry Festival. The mid-afternoon heat did not deter
the enthusiasm of listeners that gathered to also hear
selections by two of the chapter's quartets and a bit of banjo
strumming/singing by Bill Hardman accompanied by bass-playing
Steve Stojowski.
HEY
- THOSE JACKETS LOOK AWFULLY FAMILIAR: Steven Ritz (left)
and Harry Forrest of The Pine Barons Chorus from Cherry Hill NJ
proudly wear bright red jackets that once served as a uniform
option in the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter, finding them a perfect
fit for their annual show with the theme "River City Reunion."
The borrowed jackets, observed Ritz (who still retains
membership status in our L.I. chapter) performed admirably
"despite being louder than the combined output of our bass
section."
'SLICE
OF LIFE' -- In this case, it's represented with a piece of
birthday cake expressing great affection by the Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter for 18-year member Chiz Bell, and the
celebration of his 90th birthday. Doing the honors on behalf of
the organization at a chorus rehearsal is Steve Brausa,
program vice president.
FOCUS
GROUP: Kayla Frost (second from left), producer, and
Melissa Meditz, a co-producer for a Hofstra University
television show entitled "Four Your Island" (FYI), join Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter musical director Maurice Debar (left) and
chapter president George Seelinger for discussions and initial
filming at a recent rehearsal, leading up to a segment devoted
to the Long Island Harmonizers chorus and the enjoyment of
barbershopping. FYI -- focusing on the arts, culture and
entertainment -- is the creation of Hofstra's TV production
students.
THE
DOCTOR WAS IN:
Dr. Anthony Capobianco (seen at left) was on hand at his Glen
Cove office along with staffer Nancy Casazza as recipients of a
Singing Valentine -- one of 26 personally delivered on Feb. 13
and 14 by quartets from the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the
BHS. Filling the prescription for pleasure in this instance,
were barbershoppers (from left) George Seelinger, Joe Massaro,
Steve Brausa and Hal Verity. This year's program, under the
direction of chorus member Joel Fairman, proved to be the most
successful in recent years, raising more than $1,300 for chapter
needs.
HE'S
"ACCEPT-TIONAL": Hal Verity (left) receives a well-deserved
"Beyond the Baton" award (for noteworthy non-singing
contributions) from the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the
Barbershop Harmony Society. With George Seelinger, president,
performing the honors, Verity was formally thanked for his wide
range of "get ready" efforts relating to the organization's
rehearsals and in-performance appearances during the year.
GETTING
WITH THE PROGRAM
at the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's annual January dinner at
which the organization's officers and trustees for the new year
are officially installed, is George Seelinger, incoming
president for 2008
HONORED
AS BARBERSHOPPER OF THE YEAR FOR 2007 by
the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society
is Bob Heim (right), seen accepting the award from George
Seelinger, president and the 2006 recipient of the award, at the
organization's annual installation dinner. Heim was recognized
for efforts in publicizing the activities of the Long Island
Harmonizers chorus and helping to increase its membership.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDS FOR 2007 acknowledging the
significant contributions during the year by two longtime
members of the Long Island Harmonizers chorus, were bestowed on
plaque-holders Bill Schlageter shown with Gene Kammerer of the
awards committee (photo at left) and Bill Vesely (photo at
right) with the committee's chairman, Sam Glicksman. The presentations took place at the chapter's installation dinner
held in January.
A
GIFT FOR THE GIFTED: Holiday frenzy and the prospect of
being mauled at the malls did not deter the Long Island
Harmonizers chorus from purchasing a litle gift for Maurice
Debar, its talented music director, and presented at the
chapter's final rehearsal for 2007. Showing appreciation on
behalf of the entire membership for a year in which the
organization was named Northern Division Plateau A Chorus winner
at the Mid-Atlantic District Northern Division Convention (among
other major musical strides in '07) are Vincent Colonna (right),
president for 2007; and George Seelinger, new president for
2008.
CLAUS
FOR CELEBRATION:
Despite pressures back at the North Pole to get ready for "the
big night," Santa himself understandably placed the Caroline and
Dave D'Antonio holiday party (given for neighbors, relatives,
close friends as well as members of the Long Island Harmonizers
chorus), on his must-be-at agenda. Also pictured with St. Nick
as he took time to enjoy some of the great food, is George
Seelinger (left), incoming chapter president for 2008.
PREPARING TO SING FOR "THEIR" SUPPER -- in this case, a
sumptuous full-course meal enjoyed by the Rosary Society in the
Carriage House of Jericho's Milleridge Inn, is the Long Island
Harmonizers chorus as well as several of its talented quartets.
The annual dinnertime sing-out for a filled room of attending
society members has become an end-of-the-year tradition for the
chapter -- an annual December affair for which the organization
has been invited back to perform for several years.
ALSO
LIT FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON (thanks
to bright wintry afternoon sunlight streaming through the large
windows of the magnificent Charles II-style mansion located on
the grounds of Old Westbury Gardens in Westbury) are members of
the Long Island Harmonizers chorus -- brought together to
provide appropriate music for a delighted audience.
PASSING
THE (APPROPRIATE) HAT to receive a $1,000 contribution to
his association's foundation from the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter
of the Barbershop Harmony Society (a portion of the proceeds
from the barbershopper's Annual Show given in 2007) is Michael
Mascari (left), executive director of AHRC. Doing the honors on
behalf of the Long Island Harmonizers is Vinnie Colonna, the
chapter's president (right), along with member Dave D'Antonio.
Known for over half a century as the Association for the Help of
Retarded Children, the agency devotes its energies in enriching
the lives of children and adults faced with developmental
disabilities.
SHOWING
GOOD TASTE with a $1,000 donation presented to the board
members of Friends Assisting Nassau Seniors (F.A.N.S.), and in
particular for its Meals On Wheels program are Vinnie Colonna
(center, left), President of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of
the Barbershop Harmony Society; and Chapter Board Member Dave
D'Antonio (center right). The charitable contribution is a
portion of proceeds from admissions to the barbershop group's
57th Annual Show given in 2007
INTER-CHAPTERING:
Among the more than 50 guests recently on hand for an
evening of inter-chapter vocal and convivial pleasures hosted by
Long Island Harmonizers (Nassau Mid-Island Chapter) were (from
left) Ron Anderson, The Queensmen (Jamaica Chapter); Dan George,
Big Apple Chorus (Manhattan Chapter); George Simolin, Five Towns
College; Don Cohen, Kings Chorus (Brooklyn Chapter); Jerry
Morsch, Twin Shores (Western Suffolk Chapter) with Mid-Islander
Steve Brausa.
FRANKS
FOR THE MEMORIES: (From left) Sal
Iorizzo, Jamaica Chapter
of the BHS; Herb Mordcoff (North Brookhaven Chapter) and Bart
Peluso (Nassau Mid-Island Chapter) do their own version of the
singing group "Three Dog Night" during time for refreshments as
part of a recent Inter-Chapter evening that joined close to 100
voices in barbershop singing and good fellowship.
TAG...HE'S
IT!!!: On the occasion of his final Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter rehearsal attended by member Don Paris before his
departure from the Long Island area with his wife Adriana to
become resident Carolinians, the organization expressed its high
regard for his "devotion, hard work, contributions and
fellowship" with a "personal tag" at the end of his six year
membership, also extending "heartfelt wishes for enjoyable
encores" whoever he may be. With Don (center) as he accepted a
plaque bearing those thoughts were chorus musical director
Maurice Debar (left) and V.P. Program, Bill Ruth.
EXHIBITING
ONE OF THE "KEYS" TO BARBERSHOP TOGETHERNESS with a pitch
pipe "at the ready" is enthusiastic Nassau Mid-Island Chapter
supporter Mary Colonna, shown with her husband and 2007 chapter
president, Vincent, as well as Bob Roth (left) and Gene Kammerer
(right) at a late-summer party given by the Colonnas for
members, following an afternoon singout by the Long Island
Harmonizers chorus and several of its quartets.
"AHHHH
MEN"...in this instance, appreciation for the musical
talents shown by members of the Long Island Harmonizers chorus
and quartets at Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church, in Lynbrook,
where parishioners were recently treated to an hour of
barbershop harmony. Here, m.c. Bill Ruth (left) introduces one
of the songs.
CLOTHES
ENCOUNTER OF AN HONOREE KIND: Dave Antonio (right), whose
Long Island Harmonizers responsibilities include that of
uniforms procurement and maintenance, holds a "Beyond the Baton"
award acknowledging his hard and tireless work insuring that
Nassau Mid-Island Chapter members "uniformly look their best" at
all times. Doing the honors on behalf of the chapter is its
president, Vinnie Colonna, holding one of the organization's
blue blazers now bearing the new logo for the chorus.
MARIAN
THE LIBRARIAN?: No -- make it Nadine Connors, Cultural
Program Specialist with the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library,
shown finding out about barbershop "tags" from Long Island
Harmonizers Musical Director Maurice Debar prior to an outdoor
summertime singout by members of the Nassau-Mid Island Chapter
chorus, three of its quartets, plus the special inclusion of two
songs offered by banjo- and bass-players Bill Hardman and Steve
Stojowski.
APROPOS:
Nassau Mid-Island Chapter chorusters, gathered recently for an
annual summertime party hosted by member Hal Verity and wife
Lois, offered a rendition of (Grand) Daddy's Little Girl, as
six-month-old Allison was affectionately held aloft by a proud
grandpa.
"NET"
WORKING: Following operating-team meetings of the Barbershop
Harmony Society's Mid-Atlantic District recently held in
Roanoke, VA, Steve Stojowski (standing at right) Events
Treasurer for M.A.D. (and member of the Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter) joined (standing from left) Lee Roth, the District's
V.P. Marketing and Public Relations; Chuck Harner, V.P. Contest
and Judging; and Allan Dean, the District's new Youth in Harmony
V.P.; for some impromptu hotel-lobby barbershopping -- and in
the process, the applause and admiration of several delighted
youngsters that had just captured a basketball State
Championship for their age group. A photo naturally ensued (with
the good chance that new fans were added insofar as our
cherished art form).
ON
THE ROAD AGAIN: Larry Bomback of Roadtrip Quartet, fresh
from its 1st place triumph in Bank of America's Collegiate
Barbershop Quartet Contest held in conjunction with the
Barbershop Harmony Society's 69th annual convention and
contests, gets an assist in a victory gesture from Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter President Vinnie Colonna (left) and Immediate
Past President Bart Peluso, at a recent rehearsal of the chorus
during which the talented tenor took over the reins as guest
conductor. (Roundtrip won its gold medal by besting a field of
23 other collegiate quartets from Australia, New Zealand, the
U.S., and Canada.)
"YUL"
TIDINGS:
The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's chorus director Maurice Debar
offers a fully costumed "King and I" dance surprise along with
his elegantly-dressed wife Mary Jane as part of Ladies' Night
'07 recently held for the organization's members and guests at Bedell's
at West Wind Restaurant, Freeport.
HERE,
HERE!!!:
Ladies' Night '07 organizer Will McCoy checks in his wife (Mary)
as "present" for the annual get together that brings members of
Long Island Harmonizers and their guests together in honoring
their wives and "significant others" that support the
organization's endeavors throughout the year.
A
BENNY FOR THEIR THOUGHTS:
In a musical spoof in which a bewigged Bill Ruth (left) explains
to his Long Island Express barbershop quartet that "Benny's From
Heaven," the tiny tot also takes center stage during a recent
performance at M.S. 172 (Altman Beacon School) in Bellerose,
Queens. Long Island Harmonizers and several of its quartets
entertained for about an hour .
ADDING A SPECIAL "GLO": Bob Miraglia (second from left)
makes his musical debut as the new lead of the Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter's AfterGloWorms quartet during a late-June
chorus and quartets performance at M.S. 172 (Altman Beacon
School) in Bellerose, Queens sponsored by Queens Coalition For
Parks and Green Spaces and Citizens Against Graffiti Everywhere.
EASY
TO CONCLUDE:
The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's You Four-A-Ya quartet (formerly
named Enchant Men) turn in their room/meal cards as a final
simple step prior to departure from Harmony College East 2007,
held over several days at Salisbury University in Maryland.
Smiles attest to their gratifying learning and social experience
at the annual mid-June barbershop offering organized by the
Mid-Atlantic Division of B.H.S. Also in attendance to take
courses at this year's Harmony College was Long Island
Harmonizers' bass Steve Stojowski, M-A-D's Events Treasurer, who
also acted as one of the selected M.C.'s for the chorus/quartet
performances the final night.
CATCHING
A RISING STAR: The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter of the BHS
was privileged to have Jeff Glemboski, talented bass of 'Round
Midnight (recent winner of the Mid-Atlantic District's Northern
Division Quartet Competition), as guest conductor for one of its
May rehearsals. Glemboski's exuberance and instructional talents
provided a fresh and youthful dimension in reflecting
barbershop's musical "beat generation" of today.
MARKED"
MEN: Maurice Debar (third from left) and several members of
the Long Island Harmonizers take a moment at the 2007
Mid-Atlantic District Northern Division Convention held May 4-5
in Elizabeth, NJ. to scrutinize scores of judges relating to
its performance and other choruses. The Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter was named "Plateau A Chorus Champion" in the
competition. Enchant Men and Lighthouse also participated during
the two-day event as first-time quartet competitors.
THE
"RATE" STUFF:
Steve Stojowski (right), representing the Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, is shown at the 2007
Mid-Atlantic District Northern Division Convention accepting
congratulations and plaque on behalf of Long Island Harmonizers
for being named Northern Division Plateau A Chorus winner. Doing
the honors is Bruce Koepcke, president of the Mid-Atlantic
District.
JUST
DESSERTS:
Stan Squires (left) of Long Island Harmonizers
enjoys a bit of sunshine and some well-deserved cake following
the performance of the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter at the 2007
Mid-Atlantic District Northern Division Convention held May 4-5
in Elizabeth, NJ, as fellow chorus member Dave D'Antonio
anticipates a taste. Two of the chapter's quartets (Lighthouse
and Enchant Men) were also on hand to perform.
APPLE
OF THEIR EYES:
Joe Hunter, director of Manhattan's prestigious Big Apple
Chorus, recently received the gratitude (and attentiveness) of
Nassau Mid-Island Chapter members, as he offered his
considerable expertise in showing how to musically heighten
emotional expression in several in-rehearal songs. Carefully
listening as well is Maurice Debar, director of the Long Island
chorus.
"CONCERT(-ED)"
EFFORTS: Scott Brannon (left), lead of the highly praised
"Our Town" barbershop quartet, recently gave (from left) Hal
Verity, Frank Dmuchowski, Steve Stojowski and Maurice Debar
(collectively known as the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's "AfterGloWorms")
some useful pointers in advance of a regional competition set
for May 2007. Brannon also offered helpful suggestions regarding
the scheduled participation of the chapter at the full rehearsal
of the chorus that followed.
"HEART-FELT" PERFORMANCE:
Enchant Men (left to right) Bob Heim, Bart Peluso, George
Seelinger and Bernie Genzer were among the Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter barbershop quartets to perform at the organization's
57th Annual Show -- in their case, singing (You Gotta Have)
Heart from the Broadway production of Damn Yankees.
AT
THE "FOUR-FRONT"
to "do their thing" at the 57th Annual Show of Long Island
Harmonizers were Lighthouse Quartet, featuring (from left)
show chairman Hal Verity, Vinnie Colonna, Ed Andreassen and
Chiz Bell.
YOU
CAN MAKE THIS UP!
Long Island Harmonizers member Ed O'Connor receives an assist
in putting on a happy face with the help of Pat Laughlin
before taking the stage for the organization's 57th Annual
Show offered in late March.
MUSICALLY SPEAKING - EIGHT
(MAKE THAT TEN)
TO DEBAR: Public acknowledgement of dedication and
great contributions in the musical strides of Long Island
Harmonizers over the course of ten years came in the form of a
special plaque presented to chorus director Maurice Debar (left)
by Nassau Mid-Island Chapter President Vincent Colonna at the
organization's 57th Annual Show.
MUSIC OF OUR LIVES
focusing attention on songs from Broadway theater to music
featured in Hollywood films was the theme of the Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter's 57th Annual Show presented to enthusiastic
audiences March 30-31 at Mineola Middle School.
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FEELING
GREAT BEING
GREEN
in honor of St. Patrick's Day during a party-time break at a
recent rehearsal of Long Island Harmonizers were members (from
left) Will McCoy, John Laughlin, Chiz Bell, and Bill Ruth.
APPLE SOURCE:
Ron Meixell, singing coach for the highly acclaimed Big
Apple Chorus over the past 3 years and much sought after
performer and voice teacher, is shown bringing his singing savvy
to the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter in advance of the L.I.
organization's Annual Show (March 30-31, 2007) at Mineola Middle
School. With him at the keyboard during the rehearsal is Long
Island Harmonizers musical director, Maurice Debar.
HIGH HONOR:
Tom McElraevy Jr. (right), past director of
the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter for 37 years and continuing
member, receives a prestigious Distinguished Career Award from
President Vincent Colonna during proceedings at the chapter's
Installation Dinner for officers and trustees held in January.
MEADOW 'LARKS': Patrons of the East Meadow Public Library
were recently treated to an hour-long concert by members of Long
Island Harmonizers as a calendar kickoff to the Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter's singouts to be scheduled in 2007. The
concert also included performances by several of its talented
barbershop quartets. 
HEREEEEE'S LOONG ISLANNND HARMONIZERS:
The events planner
for the Farmingdale Public Library on Long Island offers a
chorus introduction to patrons and area residents moments before
the start of an hour-long, end-of-year performance by the group.
'TWAS THE SEASON:
Scheduled singouts during December '06
by the Long Island Harmonizers included community-service visits
to a senior citizens facility in Glen Cove as well as chorus
visits to several Nassau hospitals including Winthrop, St.
Francis and Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre (pictured here)
to spread some cheer. In the hospitals, holiday songs (and even
a rendition of "Baby Face" in the maternity ward) were
personally provided to both patients and delighted staff at
nurses stations along the way. 
IN-TENT:
Enthusiastic attendees at the 10th Annual City of Long
Beach Fall Festival were treated in late October to an afternoon
concert by the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's chorus and quartets.
The Long Island Harmonizers, led by its dirtector, Maurice
Debar, offered an outdoor hour-long "singout" under the
Festival's main tent. 
HOW'S THIS FOR "OPENERS???"
The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's Bill
McCoy (left) and Bob Roth (at right) receive the gratitude of
fellow member Sam Glicksman for their significant 2006
participation as chorus members in providing the greatest number
of aluminum pop-tops -- now approximately 60 pounds between them
-- in a program that operates under the aegis of the Transplant
Department at Long Island's Stony Brook Medical Center. The
salvagable pop-tops (and monies generated) from them are used to
send indigent youngsters with kidney diseases to summer camp for
two to three weeks. Glicksman, who has continued to enlist the
help of Long Island Harmonizers in the effort, began collecting
pop-tops in his childhood, and has made it his life's work.
A "WIN, WIN" SITUATION:
Chiz Bell (center) is shown accepting
the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's second "Beyond the Baton" award
from the organization's first winner, Bill Ruth, as President
Vinnie Colonna proudly looks on. The honor, which recognizes
major non-singing contributions to the chapter, was presented
with deep appreciation for Bell's "unswerving dedication as
publication editor, excellence in reporting and writing (since
1990 with "The Voice," later called "Toosday Toons"), and for
his continued chronicling of chapter activity."
DESERVING OF A HAND (...AND AWARD):
WE'RE NUMBER 1: Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's John Rampola,
proudly wearing a (David Wright) Met's shirt and buddy Bob
Miraglia celebrate the baseball team's first place status in
2006 as well as the joys of being at the annual outdoor party
for chorus members/guests presided over by Gene and Dorothy
Kammerer.
HEARTFELT GESTURE:
A portion of the Long Island Harmonizers
shown in performance at Merrick Library in mid-July, 2006.
HAIL, HAIL THE GANG'S (ALMOST) ALL HERE:
Ten Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter participants at this year's Harmony College East held in
Salisbury, MD, sat for a group photo (following one of the
lunches) to record the rewarding experience. Also at Salisbury
University for classes as well as Saturday and Sunday night
performances (but not pictured) was member bass, Steve Stojowski.
DUAL IN THE SUN:
(Umm, Make That Inside): Steve Ritz, who holds
dual membership in our Mid-Island Chapter as well as one in
Cherry Hill, NJ, shares smiles with Vinnie Colonna and Hal
Verity while at Harmony College East 2006.
YA GOTTA HAND IT TO HIM: Nassau Mid-Island Chapter Musical
Director Maurice Debar delightedly accepts the first piece of a
celebratory cake from the organization's president, Vinnie
Colonna in observance of Debar's 10 years of directorial service
to the chorus -- now Long Island's largest in the international
Barbershop Harmony Society.
ENCORE! ENCORE!
Long Island TV News 12 reporter Chauncey Howell,
who last year taped an aired barbershop segment with Nassau
Mid-Island Chapter foursome (sitting, left to right) Chiz Bell
and Bart Pelluso, along with (standing, left to right) Bob Heim
and Maurice Debar; was back for another round of four-part
singing (and subsequent news channel use), on the streets of
Huntington, LI in early May '06.
STAGE PRESENCE:
The Nassau Mid-Island Chapter's chorus performs
at its Annual Show in 2006.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY...TO US:
Rick Spencer (at left holding cake),
Director of Music and Education for the Barbershop Harmony
Society (SPEBSQSA, Inc.), apppropriately celebrated the 68th
birthday of the international organization (April 11th) in a
coaching session with Long Island, New York's Nassau Mid-Island
Chapter, in preparation for the chapter's 56th Annual Show.
Pictured with Rick in advance of the celebratory taste treat are
several of the chapter's members and (left to right) Alan Wile,
President of the society's Mid-Atlantic District, Bill Ennis,
MAD V.P. - Northern Division, and the chapter's Director,
Maurice Debar.
MILESTONE YEAR RECOGNITION:
FUN(D) RAISER:
Marci Miller was among those on hand at an Old
Mill Road Elementary School Goods and Services Auction in
Merrick as it raised $8,000 towards a new playground for the
school. Miller offered the top bid for a "Singing Telegram" that
was to be personally delivered to her named recipient by a
quartet from the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter. 
LIBRARY 'BOOK' WITH A HAPPY ENDING:
Thanks to the good work of
Herb Oshrain who was responsible for bringing our chapter to the
Peninsula Public Library in Lawrence, some 35 patrons were
rewarded with an afternoon presentation that included some old
and newer songs by the chorus, performances by two of our
quartets and a bit of Bill Ruth humor.
GOING BY THE BOOK:
Nadine Connors, cultural specialist and event
planner with the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, shows Bart Peluso and Joe Massaro one of books in the library's collection
devoted to the joys of barbershop singing, just prior to an
outdoor performance when a delighted audience listened to the
real thing offered by members of our Nassau Mid-Island Chorus.
LIGHTS, ACTION, CAMERAS: A professionally-produced 27-minute
taping showcasing the Nassau Mid-Island Chapter performing nine
of its songs has had the double benefit of subsequently reaching
a Long Island cable television audience via "Nancy's Corner" (a
TV series hosted by Joe Massaro's talented wife), as well as
eventual use as a demo tape to be furnished to organizations
considering barbershop entertainment presented by the group. 
'PITCH' FOR A NEW MEMBER:
It's never to young to start 'em in
barbershop, right? Three-month-old Jonathan gets into the act
with the help of granddad Hal Verity, at the Verity's annual
summertime deck party for our Mid-Islanders. Next comes some
coaching in choreography.
SUNDAY SERENADE:
The chapter's Tom Carroll introduces a
barbershop song as The Chorus of the Mid-Islanders prepares to
serenade residents and guests at the Sands Point Center for
Health and Rehabilitation in a scheduled singout.
THAT'S ENTERTAINNNNNNNNNNNNMENT!!!