Dean’s Column | June 2022

Dear Friends

A passenger with “no idea” how to fly, safely landed a single-engine aircraft after its pilot lost consciousness. An air traffic controller (who also happens to be a certified flight instructor) answered the passenger’s distress call and guided his new student safely to the ground.

As I pass the baton of leadership to your new Dean, I think back to when I first took this role. I remember feeling a bit like this passenger trying to land the plane in distress, without proper navigational experience. Little did I realize there would be an abundance of knowledgeable folks, graciously willing to guide me along the journey to a successful landing.

We indeed have a wonderful chapter, not just because of the programs, but truly because of the friends and colleagues involved. I will greatly miss having the opportunity to be a part of making the NSAGO a vital and warm place to belong.

Recently I attended the funeral service of my neighbor, Gwen. Though she was a bit of a celebrity in our town, she was always humble and unassuming to me. The final blessing in her service was a powerful reminder to each of us, and I thought it fitting as a final blessing from me.

“Life is short, and we don’t have much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk with us. So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind. And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be upon you now and remain with you always.”

Warmly,

Judy Kohl, Dean

Past Overtones

Dean’s Column | July 2026

Please mark your calendar to join us for our first event of our 2026-27 season, a Choral Reading Session and Reception at St. Augustine’s Church in Wilmette on Sunday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m. We’d love to have you with us! We will gather that afternoon to sight-read...

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...