The State of the Nuts

CHORD-INATOR 1 FEBRUARY

OFFICIAL BULLETIN OF THE MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, CHAPTER **** A CHAPTER WITH AN ENVIABLE PAST - AN UNBOUNDED FUTURE **** 10,000 LAKES DIVISION - LAND O’LAKES DISTRICT FEBRUARY 2015 - VOL.71 - NO. 2 THE STATE OF THE NUTS – 2014 SALES DRIVE Nut Tsar Dick Riemenschneider reporting! It has been an extremely successful Nut Sales Campaign in mann, Dan Cole, Gene Heupel, Rollie Neve, Rich On- 2014. The numbers are not all in yet gna, Mark Ortenburger, and but here is what is known at this time: Glenn Retter. $11,000 has already been contributed Also deserving special recognition to the Commodores treasury; 78 cur- are those members that own a busi- rently active Commodores sold prod- ness and used the Nut Drive to pro- uct this year, up from 69 last year; vide our product to some of their 2,680 bags of product were sold, up customers or staff. HOBO Incorpo- 160 bags from last year. The show rated owned by Ken Wentworth sales were successful with 97 pounds purchased 132 bags of product and being sold at the Christmas show. the foil gift bags. HOBO is a chemi- I have not yet tabulated the individual cal formulator and manufacturer sales for this year but it appears that providing development, manufactur- the top salesman sold over 200 bags ing, and logistical services to sales, of product. That, gents, is a great sales service, and manufacturing organiza- effort. tions. McClellan Sales Inc., owned by Terry McClellan., purchased 40 So on behalf of all the Commodores I bags of product and foil bags. would like to thank the 78 members McClellan Sales supplies products that sold nuts this year. This is a very and services to technicians and trades important fund-raiser for the chorus people who have specific needs for and it is wonderful to see the rising tools, supplies and hardware items enthusiasm shown by the members for used to install systems and equip- this annual event. ment. Broadway Rental and Broad- And, while I am thanking members, I Tsar Riemenschneider (foreground) with one of his way Party Rental owned by Guy would like to give a special thank you agents behind, suggesting to the Editor that he seems St. Martin purchased 27 bags of to be smelling some quid pro quo here; say SUBma- to those members that made the trek rine sandwiches for nuts.? product and the foil gift bags. Broad- to Haus Riemenschneider for the nut way Rental has the motto “Name bagging. All 2,100 pounds of nuts in the first order were it…We rent it.” Broadway Party Rental rents quality party bagged in three shifts of three hours each. That is an aver- and event equipment for large corporate events to small age of 233 pounds of nuts per hour. You can bet that no intimate gatherings. peanuts had a chance to sprout under the feet of those stal- These corporate partners increased our sales a total of 199 wart baggers. Those working two bagging shifts were: pounds. Thank you Ken, Terry, and Guy. Neal Mortenson, Jim Richards, Guy St. Martin, and Rod Vink. Those working one shift were: Gordy Au- Go to Tsar, Page 2, Column 1

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Three Commodores were corporate sponsors of the nut drive. From left to right are Guy St. Martin of Broad- John Carlotto, 2014 Champi- way Rental Companies, Bill Ward, a multiple Subway franchisee, and Ken Wentworth, owner of HOBO Inc., a on Nut Salesman admires his chemical formulating and manufacturing company. trophy. A-cad-e-nut Awards 2 0

Dick Riemenschneider instructs Jim Richards to 1 take that Century (100 lbs. or more) trophy to Ebie, the real sales-person in the family. Tsar from Page 1 4 Gentlemen, get ready for the 2015 Dick Riemenschneider is shown here presenting the final sales-proceeds Staff check to Past-President (2014) Dan Williams (ctr.) and 2015 President drive. The sales effort will kick off on Photos Gordy Aumann. Total proceeds s for the 2014 sales: $11,000. Tuesday, September 1. New for this year, the plastic Ziploc ® freezer bags will be replaced with food grade Kernel Riemenschneider presiding! heavy-duty clear-plastic “stand bags” complete with heat-sealing, tear notches for easy opening, and zip clo- sures. Like the consistent improvement and professionalism of our singing and presentation skills, these bags will elevate the level of professionalism of our sales effort. Anyone having suggestions for the improvement of this important fund- raiser please get your comments to me. In the meantime and as always….It’s Great To Be A Commo- dore! Other Century Club Members (left to rt.) Denny Rolloff, Dan Cole, and Carl Pinard.

CHORD-INATOR 3 FEBRUARY

Minneapolis, Minn. Chapter Land O’Lakes District, BHS The Circus is Coming Meetings every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. FROM THE TOP House of Prayer Lutheran Church By Gordy Aumann, President 7625 Chicago Avenue South to Town! Richfield, MN 55423 On Sunday, March 1, we will be Chapter Officers performing in a By Jake, 2015 Show Chairman President ………...…Gordy Aumann 952/935-8869 Past Pres…………...…Dan Williams 952/974-0026 benefit concert for First, let me thank all the people help- Exec. VP………………Denny Maas 952/447-8012 the Intercongrega- ing out with this Co-Marketing/PR VPs.... Russ Born 406/670-2098 tion Communities show. The Show Pete Jarnberg 651-765-9580 Association food- Committee is meet- V P Music /Perform……Carl Pinard 612-927-9363 shelf. We will be V P Membership……..Harvey Weiss 763/439-4447 ing regularly and Program V P .………….....Dan Cole 612/376-0779 joined by the Faith plans are moving Secretary……...... ……...Bill Warp 763/531-2290 Church Choir and along quite well. Treasurer ……..……...John Carlotto 952-925-0886 Gordy Aumann one or two small Board Members The songs for the Through 2015 groups from Min- show have all been Ben Hancock……………………….. netonka High School. The ICA introduced and learn- Jerry Koch………………….…….….952/929-5069 foodshelf provides services to seven Vince Trovato…………………...…..952/937-8824 ing deadlines estab- Through 2016 communities in the West-Metro Ar- Gary Jacobson lished. Now comes Andy Cook………………………….651-688-6459 ea: Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, the fun work… Blake Wanger………………….……414-699-4950 Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood, SELLING THE SHOW. Nate Weimer………………………..316-204-8756 and Shorewood. Directors Men, we can fill Benson Hall (twice) Director…………………………….….Paul Wigley ICA's mission is to offer hope as Assistant Directors if you go out, talk up our show, and Gary Jacobson they provide assistance to people in get your ticket orders in to Diana Pi- David Speidel need. Their vision is to uphold the nard so she can get them to you and James Souhan dignity of these people as they strive Section Leaders you can finish the sales. Another Tenor Section Leader ……………...…Rollie Neve for self-sufficiency in partnership “pure gravy” concept is the selling of Lead Section Leader. ……………....Gary Jacobson with church congregations, organi- sponsorships and show ads. We will Assistant - Dan Smith zations, businesses, and individuals be having more program presentations Bari Section Leaders …...... ….…...….Dave Speidel Assistant - Pete Villwock in the area. ICA's programs include: related to those challenges in the next Bass Section Leaders……...……….....Jim Richards 1. FOOD: In FY 2014, ICA distrib- month. This is a show for the whole Assistant -.Dave Casperson family. Get out and talk it up! Committee Chairmen uted l.7 million pounds of food to Altruistic Programs Chairman……...... Denny Maas individuals, families, schools, senior Groups singing in the show (quartets, Audio/Visual Mgr…………...…...…..Kirk Douglas centers and other services agencies. 2014 Show Chairman…………...…..Blake Wanger VLQs, Brigadiers, etc.) should give 2015 Show Chairman…...……….....Gary Jacobson The number of Food Services has Go to Big Top, Page 4 Column 1 Afterglow Chairman………….….....Travis Wuttke increased by 154% since December Attendance/Sgt.-at-Arms……..…..Loren Berthilson 2007 and has continued to climb. The specialist works with clients who BOTY Party Chairman....…………...…...Dan Cole Chord-Inator Staff ICA also offers specialty food to are unemployed/under-employed to Editor ……………….…………Dr. Hardin Olson meet the allergic, medical and ethnic increase their chances of securing Senior Columnist…….…………….Jim Erickson needs of its clients. employment. Artist…………….…….…………...Glenn Retter Chorus Performance Managers…….…..John Lloyd 2. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: 5. FOOD SUPPORT OUTREACH: a Bob Ostergaard multilingual staff met with 463 Groupanizer Manager…………...…...... Jerry Koch ICA provided $217,838 in financial Harmony Foundation…...…...... …...... Jack Beaver assistance benefiting 1,310 individu- households to provide resources to Historian ……………….…….....Mark Bloomquist als in FY 2014. ICA assisted with SNAP (food support), Hennepin Learning Tracks…….………...……..….Dan Smith rent, mortgages, utilities, bus passes, County services, and other resources. Librarian………………..……...……….Carl Pinard Name Tags ……………….………..….Dan Slattery bus tokens, transit-link passes, and 6. SEASONAL PROGRAMS: In FY Nut Sales Chairman……...... Dick Riemenschneider miscellaneous items. 2014, ICA gave 943 Thanksgiving Northern Pines Brigade President…...Dave Speidel turkeys and fixings. Performance Mgr………….….….....Paul Swanson 3. MOBILE FOOD SHELF: Over Presentation Chairman…...…….….……..Dan True 90,000 pounds of food were deliv- I hope you will all be able to perform Quartet Promotion…………...…..…Gary Jacobson Riser Boss……………………….Dan Cole (Temp.) ered in FY 2014 to 232 individuals, for this great community outreach Roster ……………………..……..Dr. Jim Richards primarily senior citizens, at five low- program. Admission will be a non- Singing Valentines……..………....Neal Mortenson income housing units. perishable food item food or a mone- Sunshine ………………….…….…..…Rich Ongna tary donation. Swipe Editor ………..……………..…...... Bill Warp 4. EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST: Tickets/A-Commodears President…...Diana Pinard 111 Individuals met with ICA's Em- It’s great to be a caring Commodore! Transportation Mgr.………………..Dick Hartmann Uniform Committee Chaiman……………...Vacant ployment Specialist and 78 individu- Uniforms (Dress & Casual)……….…Dan Williams als secured employment in 2014.

CHORD-INATOR 4 FEBRUARY

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS SUNSHINE 01/14 Paul Martz 01/15 Bill Warp HOTLINE 01/22 Loren Berthilson By Rich Ongna, Sunshine Chairman 01/23 Candice Hojan Chapter members are always wel- Phone: 952-829-7009 come to attend the Board meetings. 01/26 Shirley Retter Email: [email protected] From the meeng of Jan. 15, 2014 01/26 Karen Richards 02/03 Violet Bifulk Bob Dykstra had heart surgery on By Bill Warp, Treasurer 02/04 Ray Ensrud January 28, two  Treasurer’s report: accepted; valve repairs and a 02/06 Jeff Culp (30) members author- bypass. The sur- ized to handle 02/06 Martha Smalley gery went well. money for the 02/06 Judy Windey Editor Doc Har- chapter are, John 02/07 Paul Paddock 25) din (the Chapter gynecologist) and Carlotto, Carl and 02/08 Glenn Retter (80) Diana Pinard, Dick later Jim Richards 02/07 Karen Wentworth and Bob Spong Riemenschneider, Rich Ongna Dan Slattery, and 02/08 Sherry Machen Ostergaard (the two represent- Dan Williams. ing FLBTMOT) stopped in to see Bob on the 29th and found him tired Bill Warp  Membership: but in good spirits. I’m sure he’d ap- more Riser Buddies needed; Board preciate your cards of encouragement. members should take the lead in wel- 01/22 Bob&Sherry M Ostergaard (5) coming guests and new inductees; 02/04 Daniel J & Sheila Cole John Odden, Leo’s son is scheduled visitors will be introduced immedi- to receive a kidney transplant on Feb- ately after the warmup sessions. ruary 19.  Music: Al Matchinsky’s proposal Romana Jorgensen, Jim’s wife re- for implementation of the Inner tumes for characters in the show. turned home on January 16. Unfortu- Game of Music program was accept- nately Jim fell on the iced sidewalk Show posters are available. Please ed and will be set in motion; search is the day before that. He didn’t break check Mark Ortenburger’s “No Mail ongoing for a 2016 Annual Show anything but was feeling the afteref- List.” And get the corrected infor- Chairman. fects. mation to him ASAP. We hope to  Altruistic Purposes: there is an save money on postage. If you feel Remember: Please keep me in- AP link on the Chapter website offer- that sending an early mailing would formed about who is ailing and don’t ing a summary of accomplishments be beneficial, go ahead and keep assume that I already know because in 2014; the U of M is looking at our your customers on the list. generally I’m in the dark. Help me recent proposal; Chairman Denny brighten the days of our ailing mem- Maas is working with Nate Weimer We are going to try to get as much bers. Just a short note of encourage- on a possible grant for a trailer to re- information as we can out to the ment or a brief phone call can make place our truck. public about Under the Big Top, the day of a person who’s not feeling through broadcast, print, social me- well.  Next Meeting: February 19 dia, and our website. Bring your cell phones, take some fun pictures Northern Pines and post them on Facebook. That Big Top from Page 2 will help to get the word out. Harmony Brigade me the titles of your songs. This is an easy show to sell. Our An eXtreme We are going to start reading through March 1 performance at the ICA quartetting experience. scenes of our show script in the next Foodshelf performance at Gordy week or so, to get you performers in Aumann’s church will give us a February 20-22, 2015 the mood. Start thinking about the wonderful opportunity to promote Crowne Plaza Hotel circus characters you may want to our show. It is a Benefit Perfor- mimic. Brigade guys for the most mance, but we can certainly give the Plymouth, Minnesota part will be clowns; talk to Dan Wil- audience a short teaser for our BIG Register Now! liams who is working with cos- SHOW!

CHORD-INATOR 5 FEBRUARY

was eager, so eager, to tell you about one would want to use such small, Georgia Grind... my findings. Only through tough dis- incremental steps forever. Only me, I cipline did I restrain myself from guess.) Still no response. Clever dog, Celebrates Ten Years making a premature elucidation. that Doc. Eventually I went back to By Jim Erickson, Beginning Baritone Sneakily, though, I did write tidbits the less-harassing smaller font. With You may have been able to withstand about my ever-expanding search. never a mention to this very day! the wailing pleas And, Editor Doc was always eager to [Alright, now you have your editor’s of a then future publish whatever I submitted as long response; a compromise, back down award-winning as it showed I was inching closer to to 21 point!] edtor Doc Hardin. the Big Reveal. I do think, however, that the good So pitiful to see a Oh, I made things infinitesimally grown-man grovel. Doctor may have had an accomplice more difficult for him occasionally. in the conspiracy of non-reaction. Begging, begging, Almost forgot that some time ago I begging, for some- One of Doc’s lowly Chord-Inator had done this, but on the monthly proofreaders is the little known Bob one, anyone, to article drafts I sent to troubled editor, scribble a little Dykstra. My sense of him is that he Jim Erickson Doc, I began slightly increasing the sits cloistered in a small, dank base- something to help fill his otherwise size of the title, “Georgia Grind,” on faltering publication. I couldn’t take it ment “office” poring over the future my column heading. It may original- chorus publications only to arise tri- any more. It was about ten years ago I ly have been a font size of 12—an succumbed and looked for a subject. umphantly upon spotting a dangling ordinary size—but then the next participle, a past pluperfect utterance A lyric in one of the songs we were rehearsing hauntingly called to me for or even just a common missed com- explanation. Asking other Commo- ma. But I believe my scribbling's dores about what that lyric meant led have made his surroundings even to blank stares. “Aw heck, we just danker, darker, and drudgerous. sing the junk. We ‘don’t know nothin’ In complete exasperation with having ‘bout what it means.” [I want the to proof the mysterious ways of my names of the Commodores who spoke writings, he finally capitulated, I ven- like that!] ture, and just wrote off any variation from good, solid, understandable, and OK, to paraphrase the Little Red Hen, even readable material by telling Doc, “I’ll find out about it by myself.” Re- “Oh, that’s just Erickson being Erick- search the lyric, that is. Intrepid re- son.” Easy way out, don’t you think? searcher that I am, I scoured all refer- He may be nonplussed (or even ences I could lay my hands on. What plussed for that matter) to learn that I was the lyric, you say? “Do a little take that as a compliment, particularly jiggle with a Texas Tommy wiggle.” month’s draft I decided to increase to since compliments in this writing Result? I wrote an article on just what 14. Getting no response from Doc, business are few and far between. those words were all about. (See a increased it to 16, then 18. And more Luckily, the pay is extraordinarily reprint elsewhere in this issue.) And, every time. (Still no response. Was bad. [And much too generous!] in the process, happened to discover he sleeping?) Did he have unending the words, “Georgia Grind.” That trig- patience to put up with my obnox- So where was I? I guess this is just gered my decade long search for the ious font growth? Was he just plain my way of saying the last ten years origins of that catchy phrase. oblivious? And why did I do it? Was writing with these guys looking over I just trying to get at him for the my shoulder has been hugely fun. And, what a search it has been. My years of editorial abuse? Then 28 and Sometimes I have chuckled as I eyes have itched from poring over 36. Well, I was approaching the end wrote, anticipating their reactions. Or, dusty tomes for hours in distant librar- of larger font sizes. as I tweaked them a bit; fun, fun, fun! ies. My fingers became bloody Thanks, guys. But much more im- stumps in the most intense times of Now Microsoft Word provides many portantly, I want to thank all of you recording my notes on an ancient, options but has rationally limited just readers for sticking with me, some for clackity typewriter in places where how large any “normal” font user can all ten years. Each of you seems to electricity was years away. There are go. Yeah, right! Shortly, I reached have come up with your own ap- whole frequencies of my hearing the largest font size (72), I believe. proach to what I have offered. Some, range that are now dead after listening (After a few small steps in font in- a replacement for sleeping pills. Oth- for hours to archival recordings hop- crease, the software began to make ers, for a chuckle or two. Lots, for ing to hear just something about the seven-league-boot-size leaps, per- Grind. (And so much more.) But, I haps programmers believing that no Go to Grind, Page 6, Column 1

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Grind from Page 5 than ten years) might not know how regularly played the Texas Tommy the Georgia Grind Column got start- song primarily for dancing. Who orig- stretching intellectually. And proba- ed. In late 2004 we began rehearsing inated the Texas Tommy is obscure, bly multitudes making these words a new song for concerts and contest. but most likely it was being done and into a multiple “outhouse” read. “At The Ball, That’s All.” It told all someone capitalized on it. Some say Whatever. My purpose from the start about the excitement and suave Johnny Peters developed the Texas has been to write something to dis- techniques when dancing at a grand Tommy in the pre-1910s in San Fran- tract you from having to read each “ball.” There were many deciphera- cisco. Peters and Ethel Williams were month, “Don’t talk on the risers.” Or, ble lyrics, but one phrase had quite a masters of the dance seen regularly at “Get off the charts faster.” Or some shady past, not immediately evident. the Fairmont. of those other ultra-boring, anal- More about that later. The Texas Tommy, however, may go retentive, incessantly repeated Bar- At The Ball became the up tune to way back to the Civil War. A famous bershop-singing rules. I may have be performed at contest. But there dancer named “Tom from Palestine, said this before, but if I have bored, was to be a unique wrinkle. Mem- (Texas),” was known for “putting a offended, angered, confused, or diso- bers of the River City Chorus of glass of water on his head and making riented you while just hoping to en- Mason City, Iowa, became Commo- his feet go like trip-hammers, sound- tertain a little, then I have surpassed dores for the 2006 district contest. ing something like a snare-drum.” He my goal of the past decade. Now, on With 150 singers on the contest would “whirl around and such” while to the next decade. With a solemn stage, the Commodores won the all his movements were from the promise to make the Big Reveal chance to go to 2007 International. “waist down, without spilling a drop sooner than you think. And at International, they took of water.” He was known as “The In the meantime, I truly believe you eighteenth place in the world. Jigginest fellow ever was.” Although should hold ever so fast to that which this doesn’t sound like a swing dancer Here’s “later.” The phrase that was is good. Cherish the present and live because he danced alone, he may soil for sprouting the Georgia Grind in it. Time really does fly. And do have had something to do with the was “Do a little jiggle with a Texas keep on recruiting. Other men should rhythms and style. Tommy wiggle.” My article told have a chance to live the fun you and about that jiggle/wiggle phrase and The 1913 Broadway Musical “The I do every time we get together. ending with a reference to the Darktown Follies” spotlighted Ethel A footnote: I am sorry for Rollie Grind...a small beginning and below Williams and others, doing the Neve who has suffered some pain is how it read back then: “Texas Tommy” as couples with the as mentioned in his last article. He Texas Tommy Wiggle? basic step of a “kick and a hop three must have experienced what they call times on the same foot” followed by a “slow-news month” and was left By Jim Erickson, Beautiful Baritone whatever they felt like doing. with no alternative but to write about “Do a little jiggle with a Texas “Tommy,” by the way, was a slang his suffering in dealing with all mat- Tommy wiggle!” in “At the Ball, term for a British infantryman in the ters Erickson and Baritone. To my That’s All.” Sounds hot, but what 1800-1940s, and the song title could surprise, though, through his own the heck is a Texas Tommy wiggle? be describing a Texas soldier. A writing he seems to have unwittingly Maybe someone in the chorus “Texas” Tommy was a female prosti- come up with a remedy to his pain. knows what this is from their youth, tute who worked the trenches and/or He said he was driven to take a but being relatively young, I had walked the streets in the early 1900s. sleeping pill for relief. Good idea! never heard of it. So, going to the One description of the basic dance Too, Rollie, if you continue to suffer Internet, here is what I found – con- steps said that during the break-away pain, might I suggest two sleeping densed and sometimes paraphrased. you should do the “Georgia Grind, pills? Or even, dare I say, two am- (See www.streetswing.com) and wiggle the hips, (the woman ple handfuls? Sleep tight, Rollie... dancing provocatively [for the man] And pay attention to Wigley’s di- The Texas Tommy is said to be the first swing dance. Around 1909, and a few improvised steps) and you rective: “Don’t let the bedbugs bite.” have the Texas Tommy.” ************** dances were done in “closed” position, and this may have been the Now, I suppose you want to know Origin of the Grind first modern dance to include the what a “Georgia Grind” is. I’ll save By Jim Erickson, Beginning Baritone “break-away” step (open position) that for later when you’ve had a while using the basic eight-count chance to settle down from day- Now you don’t really think I was rhythm of swing dance. dreaming about the “little jiggle with going to make the Big Reveal here. a Texas Tommy wiggle!” You did? Sorry about that. But I did The Fairmont Hotel in San Francis- think some of the more recent read- co reportedly gave birth to the Texas It’s great to be a Wig(g)ley Commo- ers (those with the Commodores less Tommy. The hotel’s house band dore.

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those special moments will add to birch wood outhouse where our cele- Quartet Quaffs your memory bank. The Four Sea- brated celebrity sits singing. There is Four Seasons sons will enjoy the valentine experi- no denying that there is only one ence with Mark Ortenburger filling voice singing, that can only be con- Undoubtedly the high point of Febru- the bass part. Our baritone, Rich, strued as singing solo. All we can ary is our Singing vetoed the onus of singing romantic hear, of course, is what escapes the Valentines program. baritone solos. confines of his enclosure. If we don’t Surprising a valen- Which brings me to the ongoing sa- detect it as a solo rendition, but rather tine recipient with ga of the search for the answer to the as a song with all four parts present, candy, card and chord-ringing, overtone-series caper we must deduce that some supernatu- chord-ringing love fomented by gentleman, and founda- ral force is in play. songs creates an tional baritone, Jim Erickson. You Pondering this powerful possibility emotional high that remember in our last episode that the brings to mind the connection this touches recipient and Rollie Neve terrifying prospect of a BARITONE unique baritone has with Baritonia. quartet alike. The SOLO exploded on the scene. Cer- This relationship, outside of his men- ladies respond much more positively tainly this is a milestone develop- tal fantasizing, is clearly supernatural to that kind of harmonious stimulus ment in this ongoing and intriguing in character. Picture in your mind the than do the gentlemen. investigation. It does appear, how- power of Baritonia as it engulfs Jim That particular feminine trait brings ever, that this electrifying possibility and allows him the joy of singing back some memories of a previous did not resonate with our chorus BARITONE SOLOS in all of his Bar- presentation when one year we were leadership, because no action from bershop songs while answering na- delivering a valentine greeting to a the board, the music committee or ture’s call, while outside all one hears male recipient at a health club. See- the membership chairman, Harvey is all parts and no predominant BARI- ing us coming, he ran away and tried Weiss, in the form of emergency TONE PART. to hide. It didn’t work. We nailed sessions, were called to deal with this dilemma. His solo singing would be arcane him in a corner and proceeded to through the power of Baritonia. It bathe him in four-part harmony. kind of boggles the mind. Further- Sheepishly he accepted his fate, all Let’s put the more, no Commodore team visiting the while warily looking around the the site with recording instruments area for any of his buddies, anticipat- capital would find anything out of the ordi- ing the embarrassment that he would “B” nary, and would have nothing to re- suffer from their relentless ribbing port. The brick wall of a BARITONE and teasing. in Barbershop SOLO that arose in our investigation, A similar incident comes to mind therefore, has been dissolved, and the when we delivered a valentine to a investigation can proceed to explore sailor on board a naval warship another avenues of inquiry. That inno- chored on the river in the port of New Not even, I might add, was a team cent birch wood outhouse of un- Orleans. His shipmates had a blast sent to the scene of the crime with known manufacturer’s identity can kidding him as we left. recording devices to authenticate the remain an innocent monument to sol- facts and evidence. This bespeaks of On the other hand, the women more ace and contentment bathed in the the respect and reverence the chorus blessings of Baritonia. often than not shed a tear or two as holds for our esteemed baritone, Jim they savor the moment. One incident Erickson. Surely, they must be- The relief, my dear readers, of this will stay with me forever. We sang to lieve that Jim would never do such a revelation is immense. The purity of an elderly couple as the husband gift- thing. That being said, of course, ringing Barbershop chords remains ing the valentine stood next to his does not deter from the need to bring intact, and increases our commitment bride, holding her hand. She shed this investigation to a conclusion. to the advancement of our craft and of some tears, and the beauty and tender- We must proceed with the realiza- our Society. The investigation can ness of the moment was very touch- tion that a BARITONE SOLO will continue without the specter of the ing. Their love for each other not affect chorus operations. I can above turmoil resurfacing itself. In warmed our hearts and blessed all of only conclude that there are enough the meantime keep singing, learn your us. What better combination is there internal safeguards in place to miti- words and music, and prepare for a than cupid coupled with a Barbershop gate against this phenomenon occur- smashingly successful show in April. love song? ring. It’s GREAT to be a Commodore! So get your quartet together and savor So our attention returns then to the the loving times you will have. And source of our concern, the venerated Rollie Neve for Dan, Rich, and Tom

CHORD-INATOR 8 FEBRUARY

Calvary Center Cooperative in Gold- In fact, I took over from them in More Quaffs en Valley. The Calvary Center Coop 2007. Bill and Eunice were great Easy Listenin’ is a 116 unit senior condo. Among mentors as I got acquainted with how the owners is Eunice Hamre, the the nut program works. On Saturday, December 13, the Easy Listenin’ Quartet had a performance Our set included 16 songs and the 65 at a private residence in the Irving people in attendance were very appre- Park neighborhood of Saint Paul. ciative of our efforts. It seemed that The house we performed in was a high points of our set for the audience restoration of an 1860s-period upper- were I Believe in Music and our win- class house and the restoration was ter songs, Winter Wonderland and magnificent. We sang for seven peo- Jingle Bells. They also liked our clos- ple in the living room of the house at ers of This Little Light / Do Lord a holiday party and our 20 minute Dick R. photo Medley and Run, Run, Run. The set performance was met with tremen- Eunice Hamre (center) flanked by Easy Listen- concluded as January birthdays were dous enthusiasm. The performance in’ (left to rt.) Dick Riemenschneider, Rod Vink, announced and we lead the crowd in a was a surprise from the host to all Dan Slattery, and John Carlotto. rousing rendition of Happy Birthday. present, including his wife, and the It so happened that Eunice Hamre wife of a long time Commodore Bill surprise unfolded without a hitch. was one of the January birthday cele- Hamre. Old timers will remember brants. After the show we enjoyed On Tuesday, January 23 the Easy the Hamres as the coordinators of mingling with the residents and shar- Listenin’ Quartet had the pleasure of the Commodores nut drive and Bill ing birthday cake with them. performing a 45 minute show at the as a Commodores BOTY recipient. Dick for Rod, Dan, and John SUPPORT HARMONY FOUNDATION Chord Candy #130 by Dr. Jim Richards, Der Tagmeister This is February, and on the 14th of this month many a Barbershopper will be singing a Valentine across the Society to someone’s very special person. This issue of Chord Candy features one of Burt Szabo’s inventive crea- tions that is appropriate for Valentines Day but not for the harmonically timid. However, if it can be mas- tered there is much enjoyment to be had by both the senders and the receivers. The Tenor sings the melo- dy, the Lead’s part is very easy in that intervals, up or down, are all half steps. The Bass has the fun of experiencing chord progressions by downward intervals of thirds in Measures 1 and 2. The Bari’s part, on the other hand, is one that, sung by itself, brings nausea to the other three parts. (Baris: Remember that interval from F# to Ab in Measure 1 is just one whole step.) Jim Richards The first two chords are classic Barbershop, a C7 and an F-Major, respectively. The 2nd and 3rd chords in Measure 1 are a D9 and a Bb9, respectively, each without a 5th. The half-note in Measure 2 is a G9, also without a 5th. The last chord in Measure 2 is a Barbershop C7 with the 5th in the Tenor. If you have made it this far you are home free. In Measure 3 and 4 the Tenor and Bass have a two-octave spread on F while the Lead and Bari share a duet “tiddley” that starts and ends on an F-Major. Remember: The purpose of the gorgeous collection of chords is to deliver the timeless universal message from the heart. Enjoy!

CHORD-INATOR 9 FEBRUARY

A Brief Bloomington larly. Our yearly Parades of Quar- pledge was made by the Minneapolis tets touted many International Commodores to host and perpetuate Chapter History Champions (the Buffalo Bills, Auto- the Bloomington Comedy Quartet Towners, Mark IV, Gentlemen's Contest—a generous and most fitting By Wayne Rasmussen with contribu- Agreement, Happiness Emporium, tribute I believe. tions by Jim Angell and others. Note Cracker Sweets, Grandma’s Our annual "fishing trip" took place at Boys, Chicago News, Music Gallery, Imprimatur a resort on Eagle Bay Lake near Park Interstate Rivals, Sidekicks, Western Why, you ask, is a Bloomington- Rapids and some guys even fished! Continentals, Gas House Gang, chapter-history piece appearing in Over the years this event rotated to Keepsake) to name a few. Other the Minneapolis Chord-Inator. Don’t Richmond, Minnesota, on Horseshoe greats were the Night Hawks, and we have a sufficient stable of accom- Lake, to Albany, Princeton, and even plished, deadline-meeting, Breezy Point Resort (all in reporters and columnists Minnesota) in some of the who, each month, race to later years. The wives were be the first to get their mel- often included. Camping lifluous prose to their trips with extended Barber- flagging Editor’s desk? shop families were quite Well, none of the above! common during the 60s, As you begin this historical 70s and 80s, times when journey you will read that our children were growing the Bloomington Chapter up. Whitewater State Park was chartered by the Com- was a favorite destination modores and that our for many years. A small chapters have been closely tornado came through our camp sites there in 1970, entwined over the years The early Lamplighters Chorus with Richard Dick Directing and that a great number of but we all escaped major injury although Jane Angell, Jim’s our legendary heroes were their he- the Hut Four. Many of our parades wife, was tossed and rolled around roes, too. and shows were held in area high the campground ensconced in the schools like Bloomington-Kennedy. Ironically, the first official registered Angells’ tent. stop in SPEBSQSA of our much-loved Roll Out The Barrel was the theme Meetings started in members’ base- brother-Commodore, Wes Hatlestad, song of the Bloomington Chapter ments and as the group grew through was in the Bloomington Chapter. Jer- during the 70’s and was even used in the years, moved to various VFW and ry Hatlestad, Wes’s dad, was a mag- contest before it was outlawed. The American Legion clubs in Richfield, nificent bass and an early Minneap- tag is likely still echoing in a few of Bloomington, and St. Louis Park as olis-Chapter recruit, if not a charter those buses we chartered to contests the group grew. Our final home on member. Jerry never heard Wes per- around the LOL District. form with the Salty Dogs but it is a Tuesday evenings was the Eagles safe bet that he is hearing Wes now. Aerie 3208 in Bloomington. So enjoy the read and if you have the Our membership peaked under the opportunity thank Wayne Rasmussen tutelage of Richard Dick in the 60s for his fine work. and early 70s. ************** Show scripts were written by members and the productions presented at The Bloomington Lamplighter Chorus Richfield, Bloomington and Edina was chartered in 1957, having been schools over the years. There were sponsored by the Minneapolis Com- also a few roadshow collaborations modores. Bruce Churchill was promi- Vintage Knights of Harmony with, clockwise with the Little Falls and Minnetonka nent in this endeavor and remained a from top-left: Tenor Mike Stump, Bari Bob Griffith, Bass Dan Topel, and Lead Merrill chapters. Our longest chain (20 years) close friend and supporter of the of road engagements was for the Red Bloomington Chapter throughout his Comedy quartet contests for novices Wing Lions Club at the T.B. Sheldon Barbershop life. were hosted by Bloomington during Opera House. We were known as THE Fun Chapter, most of my [Wayne Rasmussen] 45 In our 57 chartered years there were years with the group. All of the local yet we competed every year, had two countless parades, fairs, parks-con- or three registered quartets at any giv- chapters participated in this success- en time and learned new songs regu- ful event over the years. A recent Go to Bloomington, Col. 1, Page 10

CHORD-INATOR 10 FEBRUARY

Bloomington from Page 9 there. The list of Bloomington directors is a certs, hockey, baseball and basketball About 1970 we became the Bloom- little longer than the rosters of basses games. Don’t forget our many shop- ington Sportsmens Chorus to fit bet- in the Knights of Harmony and of ping-center appearances in the south- ter with the sports image of the area. baritones in the Happiness Emporium metro area either. I can recall singing the Tiger Rag at and includes from the beginning: Twins’ games on more than one oc- Tom Tjornholm, Richard Dick*, Les Some of our most memorable shows casion. Sometime after the teams Dergan, Jerry Stenstavold, Kermit included 1969’s Felice Nativitas Cae- moved downtown we decided our Hansen, Harold Ulring*, Gil Stam- sar, 1971’s Frisco-A Far Out West- penchant for fun fit better with the mer, Nate Rickertson, Al Matchin- ern, 1975’s Barracks Bags & Barber- Good Times Chorus moniker. sky*, Jerry Larson, Roy Johnson, shop, 1994’s Not So Quiet On The Barbara Wack, Carol Stenstrom, Al Western Front—just a few of the A roster of our better quartets in- Matchinsky again, Jim Hall*, and memorable moments over the past cludes the Knights of Harmony (that Patricia Ostrander. They were appre- fifty-plus years. ciated by all of our members We all have our favorite and by the audiences who shows, but the spoof of listened to our performances. Fibber McGee & Molly, [* Are or were Commodores Happy Days Are Here at one time or other.] Again, in 1989 was one of In 2011 Bloomington joined my favorites. Fibber’s fa- forces with the Chinese mous closet was featured Minhua Chorus and learned with a special surprise. The some Chinese numbers to audience, the cast, and perform with them at the even our director, Gil O’Shaughnessy Auditorium Stammer, lost it com- and on our own show in pletely when a battered, Bloomington. It proved to be flattened trumpet was Commodores in a recent Bloomington Comedy Quartet Contest, the Norski a challenging, but extremely pulled out of the McGees’ Fourskies ,with, left to right: Tenor Ken Knutsen; Lead Gary Jacobson; Bass rewarding effort for everyone mysterious conglomera- Ray Ensrud; and Bari Bob Griffith. Editor’s Note: The large block letter at involved. This was certainly tion. Kim Dykstra was fea- the far left most certainly must be a “P”, don’t you think? the first performance of its tured as Molly. later with new bass, Dr. Jim Rich- kind in this area. Summertime (1987) was our last ards, earned the 1990 Seniors In December of 2013 we said our show with our popular director, Har- Quartet gold medal as Grandma’s official goodbye, with a little wine old Ulring, and it left a lasting im- Beaus in Tucson, Arizona), Sands and with songs by Random Sample pression on the chorus and audience of Time, Friends (the quartet), Ran- and Medallion, to our memorable as well. In 1995 Bloomington came dom Sample, Mississippi River Ram- Tuesday evenings with our fellow up with a Minnesota Hospital skit that blers, Jubilaires, and Old Spice. Barbershoppers. Most of us will still became a classic for all of us. Thanks keep in touch and try to “Keep the to Doug Larsen’s expertise many of Whole World Singing.” Some will our shows after 1982 were recorded join other local chapters but all of us on video and now provide us with the will remember the “Good Times” in opportunity to enjoy those moments song and fellowship forever. over and over. If you are persistent and contact the right people you may It’s great to be a Barbershopper! be able to view one or two someday. The Good Times history is more com- pletely documented online with Chapter quartets have sung and com- Early Random Sample in Comedy-Contest peted in almost every venue imagina- mode from left to right: Tenor Harlan Mellem; SMUGMUG. You can view the gal- ble (Auto dealerships, weddings, fu- Lead Jerry Larson; Bass Jim Hedding; and leries at: Baritone Allen Gray (Thanks, Harlan and Jim!) nerals, anniversaries, corporate- th http://waynelr.smugmug.com/ training sessions, ice cream socials Our 50 Anniversary Party was cel- Barbershop/Good-Times-Chorus. and hundreds of singing valentines). ebrated with many of our past mem- Christmas holiday seasons produced a bers, friends and directors in 2007 at tradition of entertaining seniors in the the Eagles Aerie 3208 in Blooming- SUPPORT south-suburban area and at the Veter- ton. There were a lot of stories re- HARMONY ans Home. If someone wanted a little called that evening and a truly good FOUNDATION a cappella music, Bloomington was time was had by all.

CHORD-INATOR 11 FEBRUARY

the challenge remains; how to keep Doc’s their interest and more to the point 8th Annual how to woo them into becoming en- thusiastic and dedicated members of Bag the Barbershop Harmony Society. BHS Open By Dr. Hardin Olson, Editor Thus...a huge task looms before us! ************** benefiting It was a sad day when the members of the Bloomington Dateline: 2/4/15 Time: 2030 Harmony Foundation Good Times Chorus I just returned from Mercy Hospital made the painful de- having visited Bob Dykstra. He is Elk River Country Club cision to surrender now seven days post-op and suffer- their charter to Inter- ing some minor complications; Monday national in Nashville. namely loss of appetite and atrial fibrillation. He takes liquids like En- August 10, 2015 Unfortunately this Hardin Olson sure and his GI tract is working. He may become an ever- is on anti-arrhythmic medications so 12:00 p.m. start occurring trend as the average age of far without success and is somewhat Register on line at Society membership continues to rise discouraged at the lack of more rap- without the commensurate attraction id progress. bhsopen.com of zealous young singers into our Cards and prayers are most wel- ranks. come. He is in Room 4006 in the main cardiovascular building. I sug- Granted, the Society with its Y outh In Harmony program has reached a re- gest calling before you visit. His markable number of young men but direct number is 763/236-8806.

CHORD-INATOR 12 FEBRUARY

Dr. Hardin Olson, Bulletin Editor 3020 St. Albans Mill Road #109 1st CLASS Minnetonka, MN 55305 952/229-4525 POSTAGE [email protected] HERE All copy and photos herein without a byline as well as those opinions Neither shared with the Girl and commentaries under his byline Scouts nor dumped by the Sweet are the sole responsibility of the Adelines. Chord-Inator editor and do not Logo courtesy of Bob Clark necessarily reflect the views of those of the Minneapolis Chapter RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Board or its officers. Chapter Quartets To: EASY LISTENIN' Dan Slattery……………………... 651/747-6384 FOUR SEASONS Rollie Neve…………………….....952/470-2129 HOT COMMODITY Dave Speidel…………………..….612-437-4325 MINNESOTA GO-4’S Harvey Weiss…………………….763/439-4447 NOTESWORTHY Harvey Weiss…………………….763/439-4447 SKYPE 2014 Barbershopper Of The Year Mark Bloomquist………………...952/541-0232 My Most LOOKING Unforgettable AHEAD SOUNDS of RENOWN…………...……….VLQ Rod Vink Mark Ortenburger…………….…..952/942-8382 CommodoreChapter LevelCharacter TRIPLE Q………………………………….VLQ Commodores and others * By March Bob 1,Dykstra, Food Shelf Historian performance, pro tem. Faith Dave Speidel……………………...952/941-7153 contributing to this issue. TURNING POINT ManyPresbyterian, of us Minnetonka.remember a regular fea- Judd Orff………………………….651/439-3108 ture of Reader’s Digest entitled “My Jim Angell* Most March Unforgettable28, 10,000Lakes Division Character” Contests in Gordy Aumann Jim Erickson which April 9, guest2015, Tech contributors rehearsal for would“Under write about some unusual person in Jim Hedding* the Big Top”, Benson Hall, Bethel Uni- Gary Jacobson theirversity. lives. I often remember thinking that I should nominate a truly Rollie Neve Hardin Olson unforgettable April 11, 2015, fellow “Under member the Big of Top”. the Rich Ongna MinneapolisBenson Hall, Bethel Commodores, University. Dr. Rob- ert Browne. I never got around to Jim Richards CHORD-INATOR District Level Dick Riemenschneider 1st Place Bill Warp 2013 PROBE HARD-COPY International Level INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN CONTEST

CHORD-INATOR MINNEAPOLIS COMMODORES Minneapolis Chapter of SPEBSQSA The Chord-Inator is available on MEETING EVERY TUES –7:00 p.m. the Minneapolis Chapter’s website House of Prayer Lutheran Church minneapoliscommodores.org 7625 Chicago Ave. S. beginning with the January 2006 Richfield, MN 55423 issue. GUESTS ALWAYS WELCOME