Dean’s Column
October 2019

Being an unabashed Anglophile since my college days, I’ve been a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and his writings. My dog is even named Strider, after Aragorn, the future King in Lord of the Rings. I’ve appreciated Tolkien’s quote, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” It sounds simple – but is rather profound.

For me, that means striking a balance between accomplishing my goals towards what really matters in life and enjoying the day-to-day journey.

Fall schedules have indeed kicked in. A glance at your calendar confirms that. I hope we are all deciding for ourselves what to do with the time given us. It’s so easy to react to the urgent things and miss opportunities to spend time doing what brings us life and joy. I consider our AGO chapter events in that last category!

Once again, thanks for getting involved. We miss you when you don’t.

Warmly,
Judy Kohl

Past Overtones

Dean’s Column | May 2026

Passing the Baton This is the final Overtones newsletter of my 2-year term as Dean. I want to thank all of the board members who I’ve served with for their time, dedication, and energy in support of organ music here on the North Shore. I especially want to thank...

Dean’s Column | March 2026

A Christmas Carol February 28, 2026 marked one year since the passing of long-time member and former NSAGO Dean Morgan Simmons. I hope that many of you are already acquainted with his “Prelude on Christmas Carol” published by MorningStar...

Dean’s Column | January 2026

Join us on February 1 for our next chapter event at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston: our NSAGO Members’ Recital on February 1 at 3:00pm in observance of Black History Month. Our Sub-Dean Marianne Kim is coordinating this program and performers include Bridget de la...