Dean’s Column | November 2023

November has arrived!
November is the month of “Remembrances”!

Obviously at the beginning of the month are “All Saints”, “All Souls” and “Day of the Dead”. This is the time of the year when we sometimes say “here comes the Requiems” as I so often see on Facebook and other concert media so many musicians with choirs, organs and orchestras are presenting their offerings of the many Requiems including those of Faure, Durufle, Rutter and many others on these very special days of remembrance of the many relatives, friends and others who have passed on to another life!

November 11th – Veteran’s Day or formerly Armistice Day is a sacred time to remember the many people who served and gave their lives in the various World Wars actions of people searching for freedoms of their countries!

Finally near the end of the month is the traditional “Thanksgiving Day” – obviously a wonderful time to remember what we all have been given in life and especially for the bountiful harvests each year!

November is the eleventh and penultimate month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars and the last of the four months with 30 days along with being the fifth and the last of 5 months with fewer than 31 days. November was also the 9th month in the calendar of Romulus c. 750. Hence, the name November comes from the Latin word novem, meaning 9.

November meteor showers include “Andromedida” from September 25 to December 6. The “Leonids” generally are from November 15 – 20 while the “Alpha Monoderelids” are from November 15 – 25 along with the “Northern Taurides” of October 20 – December 10.

Zodiac signs signs for the month are the Scorpio and Sagittarious.

Birthstone for the month is topaz which symbolizes friendship along with the citrine stone.

The flower for the month is the chrysanthemum.

There are so many special observances for the month some of which are the following:

  • Academic Writing Month
  • Native American Heritage Month
  • Annual Family Reunion Month
  • COPD Awareness Month
  • Lung Cancer Awareness Month
  • Epilepsy Awareness Month
  • National Novel Writing Month
  • Military Family Month
  • National Adoption Month

So as we continue on to the Advent, Christmas and other seasonal Holidays of the this time period, please remember each day of the month of November the many ways that we can remember these very important times of the month!


North Shore Board News:

Rich Spantikow

It is with very sincere regrets that the North Shore Chapter Board has accepted the resignation of the Sub-Dean, Rich Spantikow. Rich has spent several years in various capacities in serving work on the Board. He was always available to serve the Board in so many ways and to solve all situations. We will miss his presence on the Board but hope to see him often at coming Chapter events!

Thank you for your years of service, Rich!


North Shore Chapter 2023-2024 Programs/Events:

November 18, 2023 – Combined AGO/OHS Organ Tour of Evanston/Wilmette Churches
10:00am – 3:00pm Lunch on your own (see separate article herein)

January 07, 2024   – Annual Epiphany Party
6:00pm – Home of Andrea Handley, 516 Greenwood Street, Evanston

February 11, 2024 – Members’ Recital – Music of Epiphany, Transfiguration Season
3:00pm – Winnetka Covenant Church, 1200 Hibbard Rd., Winnetka

April 21, 2024   – David Schrader – Workshop on Continuo Playing
3:00pm – First United Methodist Church of Evanston

May 19, 2024   – Annual North Shore Chapter Banquet
4:00pm – Location TBD

Hope to see everyone at each of these coming events!

Past Overtones

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Dean’s Column | June 2024

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