Recitalists Andrea Handley, Jill Hunt, Peggy Massello, Randy Manges, David Lornson and Robert Neuenschwander
On Sunday, April 29, nearly 200 AGO members and guests gathered at 4pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Evanston, IL for a recital by six deans, current and former, of the North Shore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. This included Peggy Massello, David Lornson, Robert Neuenschwander, Randall Manges, Jill Hunt, and Andrea Handley. This recital, besides demonstrating the skill and talent of the organists, also celebrated the 60th anniversary of NSAGO, the 60th anniversary of the Aeolian-Skinner organ at First Presbyterian as well as the 150th anniversary of the church! The wide-ranging program pleased the audience and raised expectations for a banquet to follow.
After the recital, there was a short walk to The Crystal Ballroom in Evanston where the remainder of the celebration continued for the nearly 70 attendees. Following an opportunity for the assemblage to enjoy drinks and mingling, The Crystal Ballroom served a buffet supper on an Italian theme. The taste and quality of the food and the level of service in The Crystal Ballroom were excellent!
The core of the program that followed was a skillfully assembled video slideshow showing program highlights, officers, members, guest artists, and many once-youthful members throughout the entire history of the chapter. The slideshow continued right up to the moment, with pictures of the concert and banquet taken just minutes before. You can view the slideshow at this link: https://youtu.be/t0RtiE5RVrE
John and Maggie Kemper, Mary and Morgan Simmons
Morgan Simmons then delivered a rich set of reminiscences, Maggie Kemper received special recognition for her past service as National AGO president, Regional Councillor presented the chapter with a certificate honoring our anniversary, and Andrea Handley was honored for her five years of service as dean. Outgoing officers and board members were recognized, and the new officers and board were presented to the membership. Each attendee was given a copy of the events planned for the coming year.
Deans in attendance – Front row: Maggie Kemper, Peggy Massello, Andrea Handley, Mary Simmons; Back row: Randy Manges, Lee Nelson, David Lornson, Morgan Simmons, Jill Hunt
Members of the chapter demonstrated the richness of their shared love for, and lifelong devotion to the goals and standards of the entire AGO, by singing Peter Lutkin’s The Lord Bless you and Keep You, conducted by Morgan Simmons. A picture of the former deans in attendance was taken for posterity!
Thanks are owed to the outgoing and continuing board for planning the event and making it work. Special recognition goes to Richard Clemmitt who handled the local arrangements, Rich Leasure who managed reservations, and, of course, Andrea Handley who conceived of and executed the entire celebration.
Richard Clemmitt
Richard Spears
Submitted by Richard Spears and Richard Clemmitt