by Gary ‘Twig’ Branch Shades Of Grey GreatLakesChorus.org/SOG Barbershop Breakfast Club GreatLakesChorus.org/BBC

Feb 19th 2009 Noon at the Marlyn and Bernie Poelman Community Building Punta Gorda, Charlotte, Florida we had a small turnout this year with several missing on account of illness, surgery, etc. Terry Huyge and friend Joy were there from Bradenton, Dottie Talsma from Ft. Meyers, Len and Lee Pachula from Wachula (Lee is a sister-in-law to Bob Jeltema, two of our friends (non barbershoppers) from Grand Rapids, Fred and Karen Barr from Englewood, Ron and Rose Thomet, Gary and Phyllis Branch, Bud Kraft and Bernie and Marlyn Poelman were there. Missing were Jean and Jack Schneider, illness, Ken and Nancy Harr, knee surgery, Dave Knapp, car trouble, Evelyn Copeland and friend Tony, prior commitment, Alverne Sidor, Red Hat Convention.

We discused about not having the picnic next year but decided it would be a great loss if we didn’t continue the tradition. Our Michigan’s Grand Rapids Chapter quartet Shades of Grey entertained the group and later included Terry and Bernie in some pick-up quartetting.

SOG lead Bud directed everyone in some sing-along-songs and we enjoyed a great pot luck picnic lunch. Bud has been snowbirding with Phyllis and I and has been a great addition with his cooking, washing dishes, and general assistance.

Shades of Grey Florida singouts included a sweetheart lunch, a couples retreat, a 60th. Anniversary, a Valentine’s Dance. We also participated in Singing Valentine’s with the Ponta Gorda Chapter, of which I am a dual member. We sang from 12:00 noon until 8:30 that night. We have since sang at the picnic, at a block party which we were the entertainment, at the Ponta Gorda Installation Dinner, at numerous restaurants, on the golf course and every place people would stop and listen.

For high speed internet users the Slideshow function link in the upper right corner of the album is recommended