July/August Dean's Message

As I embark on a year-long term as dean of the Seattle Chapter, please permit me to express appreciation to those who served as officers and board members during the past program year. David Lepse spent a good portion of his year as dean promoting the “young” organist. His energetic, enthusiastic, and dedicated leadership has been outstanding! As chapter secretary, David Toy kept us on track and separated wheat from chaff from board meeting discussions. Lora Lee Brown, who is moving from the position of past dean to chapter secretary, offered invaluable opinions and insights stemming from her many years on the board. Outgoing board member Carl Kishline, who brightened our meetings with anecdotes and snippets of humor, was always willing to help out with widely varied aspects of running the chapter. I look forward to working with him as he assumes the position of dean-elect and program chairman. Another of our outgoing board members, Howard Wolvington, offered prudent and sensible advice, and was first-rate in his service as liaison between the board and the webmaster maintaining the chapter website. Carol Churchill’s service on the board was crowned by her tireless efforts to raise funds for the reinstallation of the Froula Memorial Organ at Roosevelt High School. We will look forward to the celebration of the installation of that organ this fall. Carol has cheerfully offered to continue her service to the chapter in a new role as editor of the chapter newsletter. A multitude of thanks goes to Lee Suitor for his nearly one and one half years as interim newsletter editor. LaDonna Bowers continues to keep a watchful eye over the finances of the chapter and has been an exemplary source of wisdom and common sense during her tenure as chapter treasurer. The multi-talented JoAn Andenes continues her remarkable service to the chapter as registrar, placement coordinator, and newsletter distribution wizard. Her knowledge of the membership, procedures, and history of the chapter provides us with a sense of who we are. Marion Anderson, Carol Foster, and Jim Van Horn continue as valued members of the board, and their opinions and candor have been and will be most appreciated. Finally, let me thank in advance our incoming board members Jo Baim, David Nichols, and Sylvia Oines. We look forward to your gifts of leadership.

As we anticipate the coming season, you are encouraged to offer your own ideas for chapter programs and events. Planning has already begun, so please forward your suggestions as soon as possible to Carl Kishline, program chairman, or to any of the chapter officers and board members.

Richard Lind, Dean