|
JOTTINGS FROM HISTORY
Since the nine gathered at the table "had all been actively connected with music in Minneapolis for 25 years or more," Mr. Crosse proposed that they all become charter members of a club called the "Evergreen Club," based on the theory that a man is not old until he admits it."
Charter Members:
Alfred M. Shuey Gustavus Johnson Willard B. Heath Frank H. Forbes Willard Patton Henry S. Woodruff Harlow Gale Heinrich Hoevel William Mentor Crosse 1916 New Member Class:
George B. Eustis (Second Fiddle), Charles B. Eustis, Caryll Storrs, Joseph E. Frank, Bert A. Rose, Fred G. Smith and William Rhys-Herbert. James Lang After an evening filled with memories and good stories and the pleasant association of old friends with kindred tastes...
|
THE STORY OF THE EVERGREEN CLUB These notes are taken from the many handwritten papers that were kept by Evergreeners of the past. Some misspellings and grammar have been updated though others are as they were recorded. I. The Very Beginning It was the evening of April 1, 1916. The scene, eight Minneapolis musicians gathered together at a dinner table in Schiek's Restaurant, downtown Minneapolis. They were Alfred M. Shuey (Evergreen's first First Fiddle), Gustavus Johnson, Willard B. Heath, Frank H. Forbes, Willard Patton, Henry S. Woodruff, Harlow Gale, and Heinrich Hoevel. They were awaiting the arrival of a ninth musician, their host William Mentor Crosse, who had invited them to the dinner. For over an hour they waited and still, there was no sign of him. Concluding that it was just another one of his many practical jokes, and "Quite willing to accept a dinner even if a joke," they proceeded without him. Finally, as the dessert was being served, he appeared and "explained his purpose."
The next meeting was held a little more than one year later at the West Hotel, on February 6, 1918. Fourteen previous members attended along with and seven new invited members: Elmer Brooks, Paul A. Schmitt, C. Ellis Fisher, William MacPhail, Emmet P. Browning, Arthur Stuart, and George L. LaVayea. Alexis J. Fournier, an old Minneapolis painter was a guest. It was decided that any man, active in music in some way in Minneapolis for 15 years or more should be eligible for membership, the only obligation being to meet with the Club once a year at the call of the First Fiddle. George B. Eustis was elected First Fiddle and Henry S. Woodruff, Second Fiddle, and the meeting was adjourned until the following year. II. More Early Meetings In 1919, there were two meetings, one early and one late in the year (perhaps intended to catch up to the "tradition" of averaging one towards the end of each year). The first meeting was held on March 2, 1919, at the West Hotel. Fifteen old members and four new members attended. H. A. Stuart held over as chairman of a committee to arrange for a July picnic for the members and their wives, a venture which never materialized. It was decided at this meeting that the future meetings of the Club should be held on the last Saturday evening of November of each year. This meeting was noted the "most enjoyable" to date. After considerable discussion, it was decided to retain the same First and Second Fiddle officers for the coming year. The second meeting of 1919 was held on November 29, again at the West Hotel. Eighteen past members and one invited member attended. Letters were read from members unable to attend. They had an excellent menu, but "those good old days" were substituted by grape juice, "very pleasant but not exhilarating" quotes from the minutes of the meeting, as found in the old "Log Book of the EVERGREEN CLUB." This second meeting of 1919 was very important in the Club's history. The office of Viola was created. So were many future policies. It was voted that starting next year, the Second Fiddle should be advanced to First Fiddle. It was also voted that all members be assessed one dollar a year, to meet unexpected expenses of the Club. Also, those who do not attend the meetings and past two meetings without letters of excuse should at the discretion of the First Fiddle be dropped from membership. The required amount of professional and semi-professional activity in musical matters in Minneapolis was raised from 15 to 20 years for eligibility for membership. The same officers were re-elected for the coming year. Elmer Brooks was elected the Club's first Viola to keep the funds of the Club. The meeting was closed by members singing the Club song, Hearts of Evergreen, words and music by Willard Patton. The 1920 meeting, which was held on November 27, was also important in the history of the Club. The rules "were suspended" and the first honorary member, James Davies, was admitted, being elected a "member on probation" until time would make him eligible for active membership. Also, "Hearts of Evergreen" was adopted the Club song. The rule of advancing the Second Fiddle to First Fiddle, formulated at the previous meeting, was "suspended" for the first and last time. The previous custom of making the oldest member, and the next oldest, in turn the First Fiddle was followed by Charles B. Eustis succeeding his twin brother, George B Eustis., to the office. A rule was also adopted that all members should call each other by their first names. The meeting was adjourned after the joint singing of "Auld Lang Syne" by all the members, a custom that has been followed at the closing of annual meetings ever since. 3. The Club had by this time grown to a membership of 34. A special feature that evening was a reading of the "Log Book" as prepared during the year by Fred G. Smith, with an introduction by Willard Patton. An invitation to a summer meeting at Zinta Lodge was extended by three of the members. Fred G. Smith was elected First Fiddle for the coming year. Thirty members of the Evergreen Club gathered for a "Summer Frolic" at Zinta Lodge on the Minnesota River during the following year. This was the occasion on which Mr. Heinrich Hoevel spilled the bowl of punch that inspired the notorious "Legend of the Bowie," as recorded in the old "Log Book" of the Evergreen Club. The annual meeting of 1921 was held on December 3. The Club had by this time grown to a membership of 34. A special feature that evening was a reading of the "Log Book" as prepared during the year by Fred G. Smith, with an introduction by Willard Patton. An invitation to a summer meeting at Zinta Lodge was extended by three of the members. Fred G. Smith was elected First Fiddle for the coming year. Thirty members of the Evergreen Club gathered for a "Summer Frolic" at Zinta Lodge on the Minnesota River during the following year. This was the occasion on which Mr. Heinrich Hoevel spilled the bowl of punch that inspired the notorious "Legend of the Bowie," as recorded in the old "Log Book" of the Evergreen Club. The next annual meeting was held, according to custom, on the last Saturday of November, 1923, at the Dyckman Hotel. The Club now numbers about 50 members. Mr. Verbrugghen, conductor of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, was again a guest. First Fiddle Willard Patton, writer of the Club song and the Club's Dedication, presided. Mr. Patton conducted a "memorial service" for William L. Harris, who had died during the preceding year. The remarks therein were to be virtually Mr. Patton's last message to the Club. An historic "debate" was conducted at that meeting as to whether the study and the performance and the enjoyment of music throughout life contributes to longevity or not. The records of the Club are not in agreement as the outcome of that debate, but the bulk of the evidence seems to lean on the side of the affirmative. A few rules and policies were also established at that meeting. From then on, a secret ballot was to be cast on the admission of each new member, with a three-fourths majority required for admittance in addition to the previous requirements, and, the approval of the membership committee. A system of accounting was also devised, and a bank account with the funds of the Club was thereby established. Fred G. Smith, having been active in that capacity some years earlier, was the first man to hold this position officially. After the meeting, word of the serious illness of Willard Patton (and the apparent necessity for some financial aid) spread about. A meeting of the Club was quickly called and a testimonial concert was arranged. Financing was large individual donations. Nearly $1,500 was raised. The concert feature was a mixed chorus singing some of Mr. Patton's compositions. III. The Late Twenties During the meetings of the later part of the 1920's, the members sang, recited poetry, told stories (reminiscences about each other and about the early days of music in Minneapolis), and "cut capers." The meetings were held at the Nicollet Hotel, the Minneapolis Club, and the Athletic Club. Personal and Club donations were awarded to members and other musicians in financial need. Stories about a notorious "Nevergreen Club," composed supposedly of lady musicians around town and also wives and sweethearts of Evergreen Club members sprang up from year to year, but these were just rumors always good for a little merriment. Elmer Brooks retired as Viola in 1927 after eight years of service in that office. (For more information on the Evergreen Club not found in the Club's records, consult the music department of the Minneapolis Public Library for their files on the Evergreen Club.) The old "Log Book of the Evergreen Club" was already a prospering concern in those days. George B. Eustis read to the members from the old book at the 1928 meeting, during which Fred G. Smith, still in charge of the book having been Scribe of the Club since 1923, called upon members who had not already done so, to turn in their histories. During this time, the Club membership more or less stabilized itself around the 50 mark. Emil Oberhoffer, who had been the first conductor of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, was made a member in 1926, but was unable to attend the annual dinner. Three former Minneapolis musicians were elected "guest members" in 1928. They were J. J. Warren Andrews and Samuel A. Baldwin, organists then residing in New York City, and J. Lewis Browne, an organist then residing in Chicago. Also, mention of membership requirement of 25 years, "a quarter of a century" of service in music in Minneapolis was made in 1928, with the stipulation this rule would be strictly enforced. (This reference is in a newspaper article by James DaVies, dated November 25, 1918, which is contained in the old "Log Book," next to the records of the 1931 meeting.) IV. The 1930's The Evergreen Club averaged two gatherings per year through the 1930's. There were, of course, the annual meetings every year, but over and above that, there were banquets given to the Club by individual benefactors during the summer or fall of almost every year. The first of these was a dinner given at the Lafayette Club at Lake Minnetonka by General C. Meg. Reeve, in September of 1932. General Reeve, already well into his 80's, had been the first president of the Apollo Club at the time of its establishment in 1895. He was made an honorary member of the Evergreen Club in 1931. About 20 members attended his 1932 dinner. His 1933 dinner was the outcome of a promise that if the manufacture and sale of beer were legalized by then, he would again invite the Evergreens to dinner at the Lafayette Club. Thirty-six members attended the occasion that year. General Reeve was ill in 1934, but the records show at least 2 more such banquets, one in 1935 at which about a fifth members attended and one later in the 1930's at which about forty members attended. Late in the 30's, General Reeve's dinners gave way to autumn picnics at Jesse Shuman's summer home at St. Alban's Bay on Lake Minnetonka. All of these gatherings of the Club were enlivened by the same jovial singing, story telling and entertainment as were the annual meetings. Most of the regular annual meetings in the 1930's were held at the Minneapolis Club. The Evergreen Club had its own quartette by then. There were also instrumental and vocal ensemble performances by the members at these meetings. Recordings were also made at some of the meetings. The poem, "The Evergreens," now in the pages of the old "Log Book," was submitted by Robert O. Foster in 1932. Usually there were two or three of the original founders (charter members) present at the meetings. They told about the beginning and early days of the club. The membership of the Club, having been fairly stable for about ten years, began to climb in the middle and later 30's. The tendency of growth was especially marked by the admission of seven new members in 1934 and again the same number in 1938. The membership had been limited to 50 men in 1936, but this was raised to 60 men in 1939. Eugene Ormandy accepted honorary membership in the Club in 1932 but was unable to attend the annual dinner. A change in the custom of electing officers became established around 1930, that of electing a new Viola every year and advancing him in turn to Second Fiddle the following year, thus including this office on the "ladder" leading to First Fiddle. Also, it appears that it was in the 1930's that the custom of having a meeting each year of the past First Fiddles and present officers began, the purpose to take care of the Club's business (such as election of officers) before the time of the annual meeting. The first such meeting on records occurred on November 13, 1933. It was decided at that meeting that all future annual dinners of the Club were to be held on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. V. The 1940's The 40's got off to a good start with the usual autumn picnic supper at Jesse Shuman's farm. There is at least one more report on such a gathering, held a year later, in 1941. At the following meeting of officers and past First Fiddles (at Schiek's Restaurant, Nov. 2, nine persons present), Mr. Shuman was appointed "Kellermeister" (master of ceremonies) for the oncoming dinner. The annual dinner of 1940 was attended by 42 of the 60 men in the Club. The entertainment that evening included a wide repertoire of chamber music performed by a string Quartette made up of four of the Club members: J. Rudolph Peterson, William MacPhail, Abe Pepinsky and Carol Fischer. In 1941, the year of the Club's 25th anniversary, a committee was appointed at the annual meeting of officers to draft a set of by-laws to standardize the Club's business and to clarify the duties of the Club's officers. The annual dinner of 1941, the 25th Anniversary of the EVERGREEN CLUB was "splendidly observed." On Saturday, December 13, 6:30 p.m., Otto. S. Zeiner, First Fiddle, asked the Evergreeners gathered there at the Minneapolis Club to celebrate the occasion, to proceed to the Great Dining Hall, where the dinners were generally held. Jesse Shuman was "Kellermeister," two of the three surviving charter members were present: William Mentor Crosse and Henry S. Woodruff. A third charter member, Harlow Gale, was unable to be present. Entertainment for this grand event, the Club's SILVER ANNIVERSARY, was provided by various members. Included were a trio (violin, cello, harp) and much the same string quartet as last year's but with Seddon as cellist. Also, the Andrew Quartet (all Evergreeners) and the string Quartet performed together, William MacPhail conducting. William Undsay played some piano selections and basso profundo Nils Swenson sang for the occasion. The next few meetings of the Evergreen Club continued to take place at the Minneapolis Club. The 1948 and 1949 meetings of the Club were held in the Campus Club in the Coffman Memorial Building at the University of Minnesota. The meetings of the officers and past First Fiddles took place mostly at "The Covered Wagon." At the annual banquets, there were performances by the Evergreen Quartet and the Andrew Quartet, also the string ensembles along or with the voices. Dr. William Card, long-time member of the Apollo Club and father of WCCO personality Clellan Card was the First Fiddle in 1947. At the '47 annual dinner, "one extra guest," Clellan Card, entertained with a "worthy talk." At the 1948 annual dinner, W. Mentor Cross (by then probably the only charter member still living) gave a talk on the early days of the Club. The adjournment was then, as always in the traditional manner, all joining hands and singing "Auld Lang Syne." The membership of the Club had grown in the 1940's. In 1948 seven new members were admitted, raising the total membership to 74. Life memberships (to be ratified by the Club membership) began in about 1947. General Reeve, oldest honorary member, died that year at the age of about 100. Most of the information up to here has been derived from the records in the old "Log Book." From this point onward, most of the information is taken from the "Green Covered Book." VI. The 1950's The annual meeting of the 1950's convened mostly at the Nicollet Hotel. Membership in the Club had risen to 89, including 12 life members, 2 honorary members and 75 "dues paying members." In the 1950's, mention is made in the records of the requirement of "20 years of service in music in Minneapolis." Apparently, this requirement had been changed back again to 20 years since the late 1920's, when it was raised from 20 to 25 years. On December 31, 1955, there were 51 members present plus "five entertainers," considered then the largest number present on record, despite the bad snowstorm which had occurred that evening. During the 1950's, the Evergreeners heard a yearly oration on "The Book" at their meetings, given by C. G. Pingry, urging members to turn in their histories. Late in 1955, the last surviving charter member of the Evergreen Club, William Mentor Crosse, passed away at the age of (about) 92 years. He had been considered at that time the oldest member in the Club. As at that very first gathering of the founders of the Club on the eve of its founding, 40 years ago then, the other eight had to wait a good stretch of time for their host to appear at those "pearly gates." A pioneer piano teacher, pedagogue, and concert artist in his day, the formation of the Evergreen Club was primarily his idea, and it was probably he who gave the Club its name. Perhaps it was due to his own modesty more than anything else that he would not be recognized in his lifetime as the principal founder of the Evergreen Club. For entertainment during the 1950's, the members were annually treated by such elite ensembles as the "Atomic Bums Quartet." In 1953, under the baton of William MacPhail, a dozen "youngsters" from the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, appropriately garbed, "read:" Haydn's "Toy Symphony," and are said to have "played the difficult music with difficulty." Old recordings were played and new one made in 1953. The Club heard a talk by George Grim in 1952. Shortly after, the talk appeared as an article about the Club (in the Tribune), entitled "Friendship is Ever Green in this City." In 1955, on the evening of a snowstorm, honorary member Antal Dorati made a humorous talk about orchestras. The Club also heard the Aquatennial Quartet that evening, and was treated to some "nice arrangements" played by a string quartet. As usually, "Friendship" and "Auld Lang Syne" were sung by the members. It was noted at the 1955 meeting that it was time again to circulate the text of the hymn "Friendship," the Club song, amongst the members. In 1956, the Club was treated to some accordion numbers played by Harry Habata and some violin pieces played by Richard Adams, with Paul Oberg as accompanist. In 1957, Boris Sokoloff, of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, gave a talk to the members about his recent trip to the Far East. Fifty copies of the male chorus arrangement of "Friendship" were directed to be distributed amongst the members in 1959. In the late 1950's, one of the Club's time-honored traditions, the notorious bowl of punch at the annual meetings, was put in charge of the Club's current Scribe (or Cello), Clarence G. Pingry. Among his honored duties in the execution of his responsibility, was the inclusion of the proper quantities of "anti-freeze" in the mix. Mr. Pingry's preparations seemed to cause quite an uproar at the annual meetings, for they are said to have been "either too weak or too strong." Mr. Pingry is on record to have wanted "more superlatives" about him in the minutes of the meetings in this regard. Apparently he earned them later on by becoming quite good at this fine art. VII. The 1960's The modern Evergreen Club indeed took its present day shape in the very beginning of the 1960's. At the 1960 annual dinner, there was a change in the by-laws made to permit one hundred members in the Club. The annual dues, long since called by that name, had been five dollars before 1961. (See the reference made to the dues in Chapter 1, "The Late Twenties"). The custom had been to consider three dollars of the five as payment for the annual dinner and, two dollars as the annual dues, to be used for the Club's miscellaneous expenses. For some years before 1960, the annual dinner had actually begun to climb in price beyond three dollars and, therefore, the deficit had to be paid of the Club's "rapidly diminishing" bank account. The amount collected for the dinner was raised to four dollars in 1961, bringing the total to six dollars for that year. The meetings of the four years preceding the fiftieth anniversary of the Evergreen Club were held in the Minneapolis Athletic Club. In 1962, a list was made of members who had been unable to attend the annual dinners in recent years because of "hardships." These members were to be invited as guests of each of the board members at the annual dinner of that year. Thirteen new members were admitted in 1962, including Tom Hee, Roy Schuessler and Arthur Jennings. The annual meeting of 1963 was called to order by First Fiddle Orin Dahl. A quartet composed of Maynard Saxe, Regs Ellefson, Julian Sletten and Judge Luther Sletten sang a toast to Evergreen, arranged for the Club by the late Otto Zeiner. During the toast, the members of the Club held a spring of Evergreen in their left hands and a glass of wine in their right hands. At the conclusion of the song, they drank to the Evergreen Club. This has been the tradition of opening the annual meetings. The bank balance that year came to $435.09. Although there had been problems with finances occasionally, the Club had not yet, and did never intend to, break its time-honored tradition of always operating in the black, and never in the red. Honorary member Boris Sokoloff was introduced by James Lombard that evening. Honorary member Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, conductor of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, was unable to attend. Honorary guest that evening, Dr. Frederick Fennell, associate conductor of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, gave a talk on the artistic progress that had been made in this area. He gave special credit to past and present members of the Evergreen Club. Cello and Scribe C. G. Pingry pleaded once more for "The Book" that evening, urging all members who had not already turned in their histories to kindly do so. This was to be his last message to the Club. Entertainment for the dinner of 1963 was provided by Skeets Langley on the accordion and by Bob Mantzke's Choralaires. First Middle Maynard Saxe commenced the annual dinner of 1964 in the traditional manner, with the "Evergreen Song," sung by the quartet, the usual toast to Evergreen followed. The Club's treasury that year yielded a balance of $513.38. There were five new members and four members had departed during the previous year including the Club's long-time Cello Mr. Clarence G. Pingry. During the preceding 15 years, this man had done much to complete and streamline the Club's records. It will be a long time indeed before his memory fades among the membership of the Club. For the entertainment of the evening at the meeting of 1964, the Club heard guest Dr. Richard Sieber, violist, and Mrs. Sieber, vocalist. Member Dr. Paul Oberg accompanied both on the piano. Also that evening, the Club heard some selections by Southwest High School Choir conducted by Oscar B. Dahle. The Club's new Cello, Mr. Orin Dahl (who had retired as Frist Fiddle just the previous year), made a progress report on the history of the Club. It was reported that there had been a total of 250 members since April 1, 1916, and that there were presently ten life members, one honorary member and 102 active members. It was also called to the Club's attention that there was still a shortage of pictures of the members (and a few of their histories) for "The Book." The closing of the meeting was in the traditional manner, all members singing "Auld Lang Syne" with hands clasped. On November 16, 1965, 59 of the Club's members attended the annual dinner. First Fiddle Oscar Van Lander called a toast to Evergreen in the traditional manner. The Club was able to boast $556.00 in the bank balance that year. Viola LeRoy Johnson read communications from those members who were unable to attend. First Fiddle complimented him on all the work he had done during the past year in putting the Club's records in shape. Cello Orin Dahl spoke that evening on behalf of "The Book," in the manner of his venerable predecessors. First Fiddle Van Lander also commended him on the work he had done on the Club's records during the past year. According to Mr. Van Lander's report, there were 98 regular members, six new members being accepted that evening, ten life members and one honorary member. There were thus, as of November, 1965, 114 men in full membership in the Evergreen Club. Robert A. Schmitt, as a possible Club project, presented "Music as Therapy" to the Club that evening. Paul Behrend spoke to the Club in favor of the proposed project, urging the members to give their full support. It was decided by the membership that the project would be financed largely by individual donations. On that evening of 1954, the Club heard some music by a chamber group from the Music Department of the University of Minnesota with Dr. Paul Oberg at the harpsichord and (guests) Dr. Arnold Caswell and Charles Boody on recorders. The Club also heard Lawrence Malmberg on the accordion that evening, and there was a vocal solo by Loren Lund accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Lund. An initiation ceremony (not having been used with regularity in the recent past) was administered to new members accepted that evening. It consists of reciting the "Evergreen Pledge" while holding a sprig of evergreen in the right hand. The late C. G. Pingry authored the pledge several years ago. The First Fiddle, shaking the hand of each new member and welcoming him into the Club, culminates the ceremony. The new officers elected that evening for the year of 1966 were Harry Habata as First Fiddle, LeRoy Johnson as Second Fiddle, and Carlton Berg as Viola. Orin Dahl was to continue as Cello and Scribe. Harry Habata, the new First Fiddle, discussed plans for the Club's 50th Anniversary celebration to be held late the following year. It was decided that evening that this banquet would be a "mixed party" (members and their wives), a first in the Club's history. It was also decided that the dress should be semi-formal, and that a "tariff" of $12.00 per couple would be charged, this to include the member's dues. Mention was made of the "writing of a thesis" on the Club, to be done by a University student. Plans for publicity on the Club and this memorable event were also proposed. The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30 p.m. The 1966 Annual Banquet was held at the Shrine Club on 26th and Park Ave., and the wives were in attendance. At this meeting, Orin Dahl introduced John Kaess, a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, who compiled the history of the Evergreen Club. This history was printed in book form and members received a copy as their 50th Anniversary memento. Only one new member was inducted at this meeting. Dr. Joe Jung made a presentation of a music therapy gift, a record player and a cymbal, to Mrs. Louise Fraser, director of the Louise Whitbeck Fraser School. The program included songs by the Atomic Bums and a violin/viola duet by Ajuka Kawai and Akiko Makanisho. The program closed with Paul Oberg conducting Haydn's "Toy Symphony," played by members of the Club. On November 29, 1967, the Annual Banquet was held at the Athletic Club. Three father and son pairs were present and introduced: Edward and Joseph Auld, Paul A. and Robert P. Schmitt, and Donald and David Ferguson. Karl Scheurer was elected to life membership and six new members were inducted. The program was presented by the Atomic Bums, violinist Miss Yuko Nimomiya and soprano Nancy Olsen. The year 1968 saw the Annual Banquet held at the Sheraton Ritz Hotel on November 20th. Following the traditional singing of "Friendship," conducted by Jim Beckstrom, eight new members were inducted. The program consisted of a trio made up to Janet Feisberg on flute, Karen Hinds on clarinet, and Mark Bjork on violin. The Annual Banquet held in 1969 was at the Radisson Hotel Gold Room on November 20th. This year represented the initiation of the scholarship program and the first winner was Leonard Danek, pianist. Unfortunately, Mr. Danek was unable to be present to perform, but the Aldersgate Methodist Church Bell Ringers and the Zuhrah Shrine Chanters gave an excellent program. Eleven new members were inducted. VIII. The 1970's On November 18, 1970, the annual banquet was held at the Normandy Motor Hotel. First Fiddle Orin Dahl presided. O. B. Dahle's Southwest High School Choir presented the program. There were two scholarship winners in 1970: LeeAnn Westrum, a flutist, and Charles MacKay, a French hornist. Both performed and were accompanied by Paul Oberg. At this meeting, a $50 donation was made to the James and Elsie Lombard Performing Arts Grant. Nine new members were received. The 1971 annual banquet was again attended by wives and girl friends, and was held on November 16 at the Golden Valley Country Club. Five new members were inducted. An excellent program included numbers performed by our two scholarship winners, Romona Uncoln and Jeff Bartlett. 1972 saw the annual banquet held at the Sheraton Ritz Hotel. Only one new member was inducted that year. The Aldersgate Methodist Carillon Bell Choir, directed by Mrs. Betty Fletcher, performed as did the Zion Baptist Choir, directed by Mr. Willy Hale. They sang "Negro Spirituals." Scholarship winners were Dorothy Benham, soprano, and Cindy Marvin, violinist. Also at the 1972 meeting, new by-laws were presented by Oscar Van Lander and were approved by unanimous vote. Fifty-nine members convened on November 29, 1973, at the Minneapolis Athletic Club. After the singing of the traditional Evergreen Song, scholarship winner David Gable was introduced. He played several violin selections. The program consisted of the Southwest High School Choir directed by Oscar Dahle. Eight new members were elected into membership. The Minneapolis Athletic Club was again the scene of the Annual Banquet in 1974, on November 15th. For new members were introduced after which scholarship winner John Howarth played several classical guitar selections. The program consisted of a cello selection played by Dave Ferguson and new member Philip Brunelle, after which Mr. Brunelle entertained the group with several piano pieces. The year 1975 witnessed the introduction of a Spring Party with the wives as well as the Annual Banquet in the fall. The Spring Party was held at the Edina Country Club on May 13th with more than 60 in attendance. With First Fiddle Art Olson presiding, a sumptuous dinner of chicken and ribs was served, followed by a program presented by three members of the Minnesota Opera Company. A $100 contribution was made to the Minnesota Opera Company to support its activities. The Fall Banquet in 1975 was again held at the Athletic Club with eight new members introduced. Scholarship winners in 1975 were Daniel Graham, trumpet and Paul Huppert, violin. Both performed for the group. 1976 saw the repeat of the Spring Party with wives. It was again held at the Edina Country Club. A buffet dinner was enjoyed by everyone. The program included the presentation of scholarship winner Neal Bolter, a French hornist. A soprano and a member of the Minnesota Opera Company sang three numbers beautifully followed by a talk given by Stephen Sell, President of the Minnesota Arts Board, on funding for the arts. The Fall Banquet in 1976 was held at the Holiday Inn Downtown on November 16. With 53 members in attendance, First Fiddle Dave Ferguson introduced O. B. Dahl whom the Executive Committee had appointed to replace Al Fischer (due to his illness). Four new members were introduced and a highlight of the evening was Jim Beckstrom's leading of "Friendship." Jim had suffered a serious stroke several months before but found the energy to resume his post as "Friendship Leader." The program this evening consisted of a Sonata for French Horn played by scholarship winner Neal Bolter. Then followed selections sung by new member Vern Sutton. 1977's Spring Fling was on May 24 at the Lafayette Club. Over 50 members heard Miss America, Dorothy Benham, sing and tell of some of her unique experiences. The Annual Fall Membership Meeting was held December 7 at the downtown Minneapolis Athletic Club. Again, over 50 members were present to welcome in five newcomers. David Ferguson was profusely thanked for all his work in updating the Club's "GREEN BOOK." All currently active members received a copy. In 1978, the Spring Fling was at the Calhoun Beach Club on May 23. The most excellent entertainment was provided by the trio of Joe Jung (violin), Dick Norling (bass) and Larry Malmberg (accordion). They were described by Dahle as "Those masters of music, those rascals of rhythm, those sophisticated sons of sweet syncopation." The fall meeting was November 28 at the Women's Club. 60 members attended including ten new attendees. Lauren Green, pianist, presented solos, and received the Club's scholarship award for the year. The 1979 Spring Fling was on May 17 at the Women's Club near Loring Park. After the usual fine dinner, the Augsburg College choir directly by member Leland Sateren presented the evening's entertainment. November 20th was the date of the Fall meeting, again at the Athletic Club. 55 members were entertained by the scholarship winning duet of Flute and Guitar. Seven new members were inducted. IX. The 1980's The 1980 Spring Fling was on June 10th at the Calhoun Beach Club. Arnold Caswell presided as First Fiddle, the Viola was J. Leonard Larson. The scholarship winners presented the musical program. In 1981 the Spring Fling was May 26 at the Lafayette Club. First Fiddle Budnick and Viola Loberg were in charge of 86 regular members and two new members attending. The program featured "The League-Aires" (sponsored by the Junior League of Minneapolis), a service group dedicated to the mission of lifting the spirits of the handicapped, emotionally disturbed and "shut ins." The Fall Annual was November 10 at the Athletic Club. Seven new members and three deceased members were announced. The program presented (1) Gretchen Carlson, violin, accompanied by Thelma Johnson (wife of member Cliff Johnson), and (2) the WCCO Brass Quintet that included announcer Tom Hendrick on Baritone Horn and member Don Stoyke on trumpet. The 1982 Spring Fling was May 18 at the Lafayette Club. The First Fiddle was Len Larson and the Viola was Don Stoyke. The Fall Annual was held November 10 at the Women's Club. There were seven new members inducted. Respects were paid to six deceased members. The program featured an "Evergreen first," a duet by teacher and scholarship winning pupil Reuben Haugen and Richard Darling, both saxophonists. Les Mickelson led the group in singing "Friendship" and "Auld Lang Syne." The 1983 Spring Fling was presided over by First Fiddle Dick Loberg and Viola Dick Byrne. The Fall Annual Membership Meeting was held November 29 at the Women's Club. The vocal Invocation was led by Orin Dahl and the toast, by Ted Miller. Five new members were introduced and inducted. The program presented scholarship winner, harpist Kristen Rubdown and the Evergreen Quartet - Stoyke, Tetzlaff, Rardin and Stamm. The 1984 Spring Ring was May 8 at the beautiful Edina Country Club. Donald Stoyke was our Frist Fiddle and our Viola was Bill Snowden. For the Fall Annual, the membership gathered at the Women's Club on November 28th. Orin Dahl led the invocation. Six new members were present. Two deceased members were fondly remembered. Fourteen 25-year members received their LIFE MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES. The program presented selections by Paige Rodgers, vocalist. The 1985 Spring Fling was presided over by First Fiddle Dick Byrne and Viola Crane Bodine. November 25th was the date of the Fall Membership Meeting at the Decathlon Club. 57 regular members and eight new members attended. Scholarship winner Sara Monsouri sang vocal selections on the program. The Spring Fling, with wives and significant others present was June 10 at the Zuhrah Shrine Temple. The 67 members in attendance received an updated roster, enjoyed a fine dinner followed by a program given by "The Connection," a modern show choir led by Judith Peterson from Bloomington Jefferson High School. 70th ANNIVERSARY YEAR - 1986 The 70th ANNIVERSARY FALL MEMBERSHIP MEETING had an attendance of 55 at the Minneapolis Athletic Club on November 25th. First Fiddle Bill Sowden presented Life Membership Certificates to Cliff Johnson, Paul Behrand, and Floyd Barnard. Twenty five new members were introduced by their individual sponsors. They were then formed into a 20-piece orchestra and a five member vocal group for the program. Second Fiddle Crane Bodine presented Tom Hornig, alto saxophonist, as the scholarship winner, who performed a solo with piano and two improvisations with combo. All members present received a 70th Anniversary Pin as a memento. Those not there received theirs by mail. 1987 festivities started with The Spring Fling at the Edina Country Club. Members and their guests were greeted by THE EVERGREEN STRINGS consisting of violinists Jim Chlebecek, Tim Loberg and Barney Gardner; violist George Chlebecek; cellists David Ferguson and Ed Davenport; bassist Ken Davenport; and pianist Ray Cutting. After a deluxe buffet dinner, the 50-voice Zuhrah Shrine Chanters, conducted by Bill Sowden, entertained. December 8 was the date of the Fall Meeting at the Athletic Club. A trio of new members, Reuben Ristrom and Al Closmore on guitar and Clyde Anderson on bass, welcomed members to the "social hour." After the dinner, First Fiddle Bodine conducted the usual short business meeting and then had Second Fiddle Dan Tetzlaff introduce the first awardee of the Joe Jung Memorial String Scholarship, Michael Sutton, a violinist. As he was at the Julliard School in New York City, he was "presented" via tape recorder and a big, enlarged picture. His father (member Vern Sutton) accepted the scholarship honorarium in his son's absence. Incoming instrumentalists "rendered" a farce version of "The William Tell Overture," conducted with appropriate gyrations by Max Metzger. Each member received a copy of the revised By-Laws, as updated by this year's Executive Committee. A new five-officer line is established. The historian is now "The Bass." Announcement: Member Les Curtiss wills his string bass to the Club's scholarship fund. The 1988 Spring Fling was held Tuesday, May 3rd, at the Interlachen Country Club. The "Welcome music" was extraordinary. Flautist Dave Eagle formed an Evergreen Woodwind Quartette with Dick Wyland, Clarinet, Marv McCoy, French Horn, Jim Preus, Bassoon, and (guest) Steve Savre, Oboe. The main event entertainment was a long overdue return appearance of the Apollo Club Men's Chorus. Member Roger S. Hoel very impressively and dynamically conducted them. We should all review and remember the many contributions of this group to the history, growth and development of the Evergreen Club. November 29th, just after Thanksgiving, was again the time for the Fall Annual at the Decathlon Club. Rev. Waggoner led the opining "Doxology." First Fiddle Dan Tetzlaff asked to waive the rules of order but proceeded to call for all usual reports. Second Fiddle Pederson presented Julia Weiss, organist, and Michelle Carrios, flautist, as the year's scholarship recipients. Each played a solo and then combined in a swing-style duet. Incoming member J. Cloyde Williams, recently retired symphony clarinetist, presented a beautiful solo, sensitively accompanied by Ray Cutting at the piano. Ten of the neophytes formed a "Tijuana Brass Band" (in costume) and gave a rousing, rhythmic rendition of "What's New" and "Brasilia." As a finale all members sang the traditional "Auld Land Syne." Also noted, Robert T. Smith, Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist (Sundays) wrote an article about Evergreen, and our senior member, Orin Dahl. Symphony conductor, Edo deWaart, accepted our honorary membership. The 1989 Spring Fling was held at the Golden Valley Country Club on May 29th. First Fiddle Clarence Pederson and Second Fiddle Bill Stamm presented a wonderful musical program to the members and the wives (or friends). Member Red Wolfe's combo called "Echoes of Ellington" performed. Red's group also included members Dick Norling on bass, Percy Hughes on sax. Member Jim ten Bensel directed his Twin City Trombone Choir in a few selections. Jim's group included Evergreen members Bill Stamm, John Nielsen, Stan Haugesag, Jim Anderson and Fred Hahle. At the September Executive meeting, the past First Fiddles reluctantly decided an increase in dues to $10.00 was necessary to meet increased operating expenses. Another delicate decision was to forego adding new members this year. The fall Membership Meeting was held on November 30th at the Minneapolis Athletic Club. William Stamm became First Fiddle, John Feilly, Second Fiddle, William McKinney, Viola, and Russell Moore, Cello. Our two scholarship winners, vocalist Karen Clift and pianist Stacey Krogstad, played for us. Our 1981 scholarship winner, Gretchen Carlson, told us what it was like to become Miss America, with all the honors and privileges that accompany the title. She attributed that long journey with her violin to the excellent start she got from member Ken Davenport. Gretchen also left a most sizable contribution to the scholarship fund. X. The 1990's We started the 1990's with a Spring Fling at the Interlachen Country Club on May 15th. 122 guests enjoyed Cliff Brunsell's Quartette before dinner. He was backed up by members Al Closmore on guitar, Clyde Anderson on bass, and Bob Pope on drums. After-dinner entertainment was provided by member Bruce Neilson's show singers, "The Schieks Sextette." The fall membership meeting, held in the JAX Cafe Cosmopolitan Room, started with music by the "Dick Roberts Quintette" which is composed of Dick Wyland on sax, Robert Hallquist on trumpet, Norm Herzog on piano, Clyde Anderson on bass and Bob Pope on drums. Later, scholarship winner Stacy Madura (cellist) and Steven Leung (violinist) performed. They were followed by a French Horn Quartette staffed by new member Frank Winsor, John Rielly, Bruce Rardin and Bill Lind. And lastly, a fine combo made up of eight more inductees played. The 1991 Spring Fling was held at the beautiful Edina Country Club on May 14th . Member Jack Carleen serenaded all who came for the social hour with piano stylings of popular favorites. A mixed vocal Quartette, "The Gadabouts," was the after-dinner entertainment. Our officers, First Fiddle John Reilly, Second Fiddle Bill McKinney, Viola Clifton Jackson and Cello Bruce Neilson, presided over the usual Executive meeting in September at the Decathlon Club. Eight new members were approved. Jackson reported "healthy" bank deposits. A motion was made and seconded to maintain the status quo as to incoming members. 75th ANNIVERSARY MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 1991 Elected into office to guide our start into the 4th Quarter-century were: First Fiddle William McKinney Second Fiddle Clifton Jackson Viola Bruce Neilson Cello Stanford Haugesag For this meeting, outgoing First Fiddle John Reilly revived three of the Club's finest (but sometimes neglected) traditions. "Ye Olde Punch Bowie," the singing of "Toast to Evergreen" (while holding "a sprig" and a glass), and the reciting of the old humorous Pledge by the incoming and neophytes. Our scholarship award winners were Amy Hamann, piano, and David Hassel, oboe. Dave Hassel presented the musical part of the program after the deluxe dinner served in the Cosmopolitan Room of Jax Cafe. It was announced that the family of recently deceased member Loren Lund has established an Evergreen Vocal Scholarship in his name. The meeting closed with the traditional singing of "Friendship" for those who have passed on and "Auld Lang Syne" for those who go into "the next 25," On May 15th, 1992, 102 Evergreeners and guests got together for the annual Spring Fling. It was a superb evening. The staff at Interlachen Country Club did an outstanding job. The club provided a wonderful setting with great food, excellent service and beautiful weather. The evening got off to a rousing start with music provided by First Fiddle Bill McKinney, Past First Fiddle Harry Habata, and Evergreener Les Curtiss. Following dinner, the attendees were entertained first by 1991 scholarship winner, pianist Amy Hamann, then by the Wizard of Ah's Bob Condon. He was assisted in his magical tricks by Diane Ristrom, Stan Haugesag and Dave Ferguson. Dave's $50 bill was somehow bummed only to be found later hanging in a sack behind the drapes. To end the beautiful evening, Art Olson directed everyone in singing the traditional song, "Friendship." The 1992 fall meeting was held at the Decathlon Club. Cocktail music was provided by Larry Malmberg on accordion, Cliff Brunzell on violin, Bruce Calin on bass and Dick Bortolussi on drums. Everyone agreed this was as fine a Jazz group as we have ever heard. A short business meeting was held after dinner. The 1992 scholarship winners, Karin Dueffert, Soprano, and Jody Curtiss, Flute, performed for the group. They were both given standing ovations. The new officers for 1993 were announced. They are First Fiddle Clifton Jackson, Second Fiddle Bruce Neilson, Viola Stan Haugesag, Cello Percy Hughes, and Bass Dan Tetzlaff. New members Jim Hamilton (piano), Bruce Calin (bass), Russ Peterson (sax) and Brett Forberg (drums) performed for the attendees. It was another stellar jazz performance. "Friendship" and "Auld Lang Syne" were sung to close the meeting. The 1993 Spring Fling was held May 25th, 1993, at the Interlachen Country Club in Edina. Social hour music was provided to violinist and member John Dennis and a nine piece string ensemble. The Kelley family provided the after-dinner entertainment with some real country fiddlin', which was well received by all including a standing ovation. November 16, 1993, was the date of the fall membership meeting, held at Jax Cafe. Good food, good fellowship and superb music was enjoyed by the attendees. Social hour music was supplied by members Reuben Ristrom on guitar, Russ Peterson on sax, Dick Bortolussi on drums, and Clyde Anderson on bass. New members Don Spangler, trumpet, Buzz Peterson, valve trombone, and Ed Boike, sax, joined the social hour musicians later to provide great jazz sounds. New member Dr. Mark Lammers performed for us, not on his trombone, but with the Elk Horn, an instrument probably heard for the first time at an Evergreen meeting. First Fiddle Clifton Jackson introduced the officers for the coming year. First Fiddle Bruce Neilson, Second Fiddle Stan Haugesag, Viola Percy Hughes and Cello Robert Pope. The meeting ended with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," as usual. June 18, 1996, the Spring Fling was once again held at the Chart House in Lakeville. A large turnout enjoyed the beautiful evening. Members Russ Moore, drums, Jack Wallin, piano, Dick Norling, string bass and Al Closmore, guitar, provided very tasty jazz during the social hour. A 1995 scholarship winner, Bernhard Scully, played a short but wonderful concert on the French Horn. Judith Bettina, soprano, and James Goldworthy, piano, entertained us with a concert of music written by Hugo Wolf, Tobias Picker and Benjamin Britten. Everyone truly enjoyed these artists. First Fiddle Percy Hughes called the Executive meeting together on September 17th, 1996, at Jax Cafe. Current membership was reported at 168 including 29 life members. Nine applications for membership were approved by the board as well as three nominations for scholarships. John Nielsen was accepted as the new Cello for 1997. Back to Jax Cafe in Northeast Minneapolis for the 1996 fall membership meeting. First Fiddle Percy Hughes called the meeting to order. Exceptional Social hour music was provided by members Larry Malmberg (accordion), John Risker (string bass), and new member Paul Mazzacano (drums). Sixty members and guests enjoyed a delicious dinner after which two of the current year's scholarship winners performed. Allison Ahlberg, a student at St. Olaf College, sang Schubert's "Margaret at the Spinning Wheel." She was accompanied on the piano by Melissa Nash. Allison also plays trumpet and violin and was sponsored by Dr. Robert Peterson. Mark Bobnick, trumpeter and student at the University of Minnesota played Purcell's "Trumpet Voluntary" and "Concert Etude" by Alexander Goediche. Mark was sponsorsed by Dennis Malmberg. Both winners were outstanding. Percy Hughes closed the meeting by welcoming the First Fiddle for 1998, Robert Pope. Out 81st year (1997) began with a Spring Fling at the Chart House in Lakeville when 106 members and guests attended. The pre-dinner music was provided by Stan Haugesag, trombone, Percy Hughes, saxophone, Bob Caldwell, guitar, Dick Norling, string bass, and Frank Oliveri, piano. Hoover Grimsby gave the invocation, which he preceded with his fascinating reflections as a student of the organ, his career as pastor and his acquaintance with the world renowned French organist Marcel Dupre. Robert Pope introduced Madge Van Lander, widow of Oscar Van Lander, who died at the age of 103 on September 27, 1996. Oscar had joined Evergreen in 1954, was First Fiddle in 1965. One of our 1996 scholarship winners, Laura -nen-Mel Lee played a memorized performance of J. S. Bach's Second Suite for unaccompanied cello, which was well received. After dinner, First Fiddle Robert Pope presented organist Mrs. June Hudson who talked about and played her four synthesizers in a program of Haydn's Keyboard Sonata in E Flat (1758), Sibleius' Finlandia and music by Debussy. June's presentation was absolutely first class and probably helped many of us to see the great musical possibilities and interest in today's technology. The evening concluded with the singing of the Evergreen "Friendship" song directed by Dr. Robert Peterson and accompanied by June Hudson. The Executive Board met on September 16, 1997, with nine Past First Fiddles and four officers present. The Stan Haugesag Memorial Fund (for brass players) was established from 129 generous memorial gifts. Results of a survey of our members showed that of those responding, 46% are professionally active, 32% are semi-active, and 22% are inactive. Membership and financial reports were reviewed and accepted. At the membership meeting at Jax Cafe, prelude music was enthusiastically provided by the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band. Speaker Dr. Edward Berryman told about his interesting career as a pianist, pipe organ church musician and concert performer. Ten members were inducted and performances were given by three 1997 scholarship winners. Don Eitel played several pieces for classical guitar, Rosalie Norris sang her own composition, and Sara Christine Hamman was joined by her sister Amy Hamman (a previous scholarship recipient) to play on piano, four-hands extended version of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" It was a memorable evening of good food, excellent musical performances and a fine speaker. The beautiful, just opened Minnesota Valley Country Club was the scene of our Spring Fling on June 22, 1998. Present were 133 people (members and their guests, including seven from the Haugesag family) who came for a special presentation of the Haugesag Scholarship Fund for brass players as a memorial to past First Fiddle and talented trombonist Stan Haugesag. The evening began with a social hour with engaging music provided by Evergreen members Frank Oliveri, Russ Moore, Reuben Ristrom and John Fisker. The first Haugesag scholarship winner, Karna England, a trombonist then played "Sonata Vaux Gabrieli" by Sulek for us. This outstanding performance was followed by dinner after which Marian Haugesag, John Nielsen and Ed Boike spoke of their memories of Stan. A tribute to Stan was presented by Jim ten Bensel in the form of a very entertaining tuba quartet called "Tuba Mania." The evening ended with the entire membership singing the Evergreen Song "Friendship" directed by Bob Peterson, First Fiddle. All Past First Fiddles and the present officers were invited to attend a meeting as an "executive committee" of the Evergreen Club on September 22, 1998, at Jax Cafe to review the status and overall activity of the Club. The applications of eleven candidates for membership were presented, fully considered and approved. Scholarship applications from Sean Wesche (piano and clarinet), Heather Johnson (violin) and Charles Lucas (trumpet) were approved. Financial and membership reports were given and the appointment of Jim ten Bensel as Cello for 1999 accepted. General discussion and socializing followed to make for an harmonious conclusion. The general "members only" meeting was on September 17, 1998, at Jax Cafe. Social hour music was provided by Evergreen members Jerry Mayeron, Reuben Ristrom, Bruce Calin, Tom Andrews, Russ Peterson, Bernie Bernstein and Jeff Rudoy. After dinner, the usual reports were given and the new members were introduced. Three scholarship winners were announced and scholarship winner Sean Wesche, pianist, gave an impressive performance. The other winners will perform at a future Evergreen meeting. The speaker for the evening was long-time Evergreen member Harry Habata, who told of his most interesting experiences as a musician over more than 60 years. The Evergreen Club song "Friendship" was joined in by all present to conclude the meeting. The last Evergreen Club "Spring Fling" of the century was held at the Minnesota Valley Club on June 22, 1999. It was a beautiful summer day as the social hour musical entertainment performed by Jerry Mayeron, Bruce Calin and Ed Boike provided a cordial atmosphere. First Fiddle Jim Anderson introduced Second Fiddle John Nielsen who presented scholarship recipients Heather Johnson (violin) and Charles Lucas (trumpet) who played for us. Charles was accompanied by Sean Wesche, a 1998 Evergreen scholarship winner. After dinner we were entertained by Dick Peterson's nationally known "Barbary Coast Dixieland Band," all Evergreen members including Dick Peterson, Bill Butler, Dick Ramberg, Dick Norling, Tom Andrews and Russ Peterson plus our Cello, Jim ten Bensel (vocal) on the final number. A truly memorable performance. Jim ten Bensel then led us in singing the Evergreen song "Friendship," the last item on the agenda. Ten Past First Fiddles and four current officers met as the executive committee on September 14, 1999, at Jax Cafe. Six applications for Evergreen membership were approved: Bill Barber, Hal Uchterman, Al Moe, Frank Peters, Scott Raymond and Dennis Scholtes. Scholarship applications from four young musicians were reviewed and approved. They are Corinne Camillo (bassoon), Ed Sutton (trumpet), Rachel Widen (flute), and Richard Ramberg, son of Dick Ramberg, (bassoon). Cello, Jim ten Belsel reported the balances in the general fund checking account and in the scholarship savings account. After discussion, it was decided to stress the word "voluntary" when suggesting donations to the scholarship fund. As always, socializing was evident and enjoyable. In our 84th year, the Evergreen's members meeting was held November 9, 1999, at the Minnesota Valley Country Club. Clyde Anderson, Ed Boike, Bob Caldwell and Hal Uchterman provided music during the social hour. Then, two scholarship winners played for us. Rachel Widen played a flute selection accompanied by her mother, Holly Widen, and Rich Ramberg, a bassoonist, played accompanied by Andy Novotny. Both are very talented students. Bob Pope's invocation (which received applause) preceded dinner. After dinner, our speaker Cliff Johnson (recently retired after 47 years in the bass section of the Minnesota Orchestra) told us of some of his sometimes humorous experiences as a musician, which included his early years with a dance band, world-wide tours with the orchestra and as an instructor of piano tuning and most recently of piano rebuilding. New members and officers were introduced and the meeting concluded with all singing the Evergreen song, "Friendship." XI. The 2000's The Silver Anniversary Spring Fling was held at the Minnesota Valley Country Club on June 13, 2000. The social hour was enhanced by the delightful music provided by a quartet of Evergreeners (Denny and Larry Malmberg, Roger "Buzzy" Peterson, and Bob Pope). Two scholarship winners, Ed Sutton and Corinne Camillo then made presentations. Ed, a trumpet major at Lawrence University, was awarded the third Stan Haugesag Memorial Scholarship and Corinne, a major in bassoon performance at the Julliard School of Music, has been nationally recognized for her exceptional talent. Their Evergreen sponsors were Denny Malmberg and John Nielsen, respectively. A time of remembrance was observed for Richard Byrne, J. Carlton Berg, and Crawford Foraker. Viola Jim ten Bensel offered well chosen remarks about the thread that joins Evergreeners together and then led us in the singing of "Auld Lang Syne" and the Evergreen song "Friendship." Following dinner, the Minneapolis Commodores Barbershop Chorus entertained us in grand fashion. Their performance concluded with guest conductors Bob Peterson and Robert Spong leading the group. Bob and Robert felt right at home as they had both previously served as durectors of the group. The Commodores joined us in the singing of the Evergreen "Friendship" song and we all went home provided with, as the Commodores like to say, "plenty of good watching and happy listening." The executive committee met at Jax Cafe on September 12, 2000. Ten Past First Fiddles joined the current officers to approve the Evergreen Club Class of 2001. They are Gordon Backlund, Ned Kantar, Dave Magnuson, Richard Reimer, and William Webb. Their sponsors were, respectively, John Nielsen, Jim ten Bensel, Norman Herzog, Ed Boike, and Bob Lake. Also approved were four scholarship winners. They were James Grotz (tuba), Thomas Krochock (trumpet), Edward Niedermaier (piano and composition), and Daniel Ristrom (voice)). Financial reports were presented by Bob Lake. Membership reports were presented by Jim ten Bensel. Including the Class of 2001, the active roster is now at 161 members with 29 listed as Life Members. The name of David Marvin was presented as the candidate for the position of Cello. He, too, was approved. New business included a discussion of seeking a replacement for Dan Tetzlaff in the Bass chair. It was decided that the out-going First Fiddle assume the duties of historian (Bass) on a yearly basis. It was also deemed appropriate to consider applicants for membership in Evergreen from outside the immediate Twin Cities area on an individual basis. Other items of New Business included the possibility of acquiring tax exempt status. This is a possible means of raising funds for scholarships and, in closing, changing the executive committee meeting to a luncheon rather than an evening activity. On November 14, 2000, the annual fall meeting was convened at the Minnesota Valley Country Club. A quartet of our members, Percy Hughes on tenor sax, Bill Barber on piano, Bruce Calin on bass and Dick Bortolussi on drums, provided delightful music to begin the evening in a mood of good fellowship. First Fiddle John Nielsen offered a word of greeting. Following a moment of reflection on the recent deaths of two of our members, David Sletten and Past First Fiddle Bill McKinney, the quartet offered a sensitive presentation of "Body and Soul" as a musical tribute. Ed Boike presented two of our most recent scholarship winners who were introduced by their sponsors, James Grotz by John Nielsen and Teddy Niedermaier by Cliff Johnson. James and Teddy both performed with confidence and poise in fulfillment of the requirements for their awards. After dinner, Cello Bob Lake gave his financial report. Viola Jim ten Bensel gave his report and then introduced the membership class of 2000: Gordon Backlund, Ned Kantar, Dave Magnuson, Dick Reimer, and Bill Webb, which then offered their interpretation (complete with gang vocal) of "The Darktown Strutters Ball" for our musical amazement. Before closing the business meeting, Past First Fiddle Harry Habata recalled his lifelong association with Bill McKinney. Retiring Bass (historian) Dan Tetzlaff then proceeded to delight those in attendance with anecdotal revelations (complete with props) of his musical adventures since producing that first "buzz" on his mail order trumpet mouthpiece. First Fiddle 2001 Ed Boike introduced the officers for the coming year including the new Cello Dave Marvin. Jim ten Bensel, accompanied by Norm Herzog on piano, closed the evening's affair by leading our singing of the Evergreen song "Friendship." Our 85th year, 2001, saw some interesting changes in our normal operations. With a nod to higher technology, we converted our "Green Book" from typewriter-generated to a computer-generated product. We are hoping this will simplify the maintenance and forward production of that venerable book. We also started a rewrite of the By-Laws to modernize and computerize them. The location of our two annual gatherings was moved to Bandana Square, which is more centrally located for our members. As always, we had an outstanding group of scholarship winners to listen to and enjoy at our meetings. And we welcomed three new members into our club: Bob Gilbertson, drums/contractor, Robert Northenscold, clarinet/saxophone, conductor, and Irv Williams, tenor saxophone. Our 86th year, 2002, saw "revised By-Laws" being drafted and passed by an 86 to 20 margin. A secret mailed ballot, such as the Musician's Union uses, was utilized because women were not accepted as members under the same criteria for membership as men were in the past. New members in 2002 were: Steve Blons (sponsor, Roger M. Peterson), Merle Danielson (sponsor, Bob Lake), John England (sponsor, Jim ten Bensel), Charles Forsberg (sponsor, Philip Brunelle), Robert Guck (sponsor, Ed Boike), Kay Hawley (Dave Magnuson), Duayne Malewicki (sponsor, Frank Oliveri), Charles Olson (sponsor, Dick Wyland), Douglas A. Overland (sponsor, Norm Herzog), Kico Rangel (sponsor, Bob Hallquist), Stewart Ross (sponsor, Robert Northernscold), and George Stahl (sponsor, James Robb). The 2002 scholarship winner was flautist David Ross, sponsored by Bob Lake. Dave gave a sterling unaccompanied performance at our 2003 Spring Fling held at Jax Cafe. Cliff Brunzell's Golden Strings were the featured entertainment and gave us a wonderful performance. Our 87th year (2003) saw new members including three women accepted by the executive board at their September meeting. New members Carl Carlson (sponsor Percy Hughes), Wayne Feller (sponsor Gordon Backlund), David F. Hawley (sponsor Bob Lake), Thelma Johnson (sponsor Cliff Johnson), Leonard "Skeets" Langley (sponsor Ed Davenport), Dan Odegaard (sponsor Norm Herzog), Jeanne Arland Peterson (sponsor Crane Bodine), Ron Sandeen (sponsor Clyde Anderson), Martin Segal (sponsor Wilfred Lind), Richard E. Westin (sponsor Bill Sowden). Membership report: 156 active members. Three scholarship winners of $1,500 (passed by the executive board), were Ari Beck, violin (sponsors Cliff and Thelma Johnson), Rachel Serber, trumpet (sponsor Bob Lake), Sean Rickets, oboe (sponsor Norm Herzog). The Fall meeting was held at Jax Cafe on November 11, 2003, with member Henry Charles Smith as the speaker. The title of his talk was "So Who Needs a Conductor?" The year 2004 featured Percy Hughes leading the Red Wolfe Memorial Ellington Echoes band at the Spring Fling. Percy, a longtime member of the Twin Cities Jazz Society, has cemented his status as a local legend in the jazz community. He and Red Wolfe were awarded a Certificate of Commendation from Governor Rudy Perpich for keeping jazz alive in Minnesota. Rachel Serber, a scholarship winner, performed a trumpet selection. At the 2004 Fall meeting, Cliff Brunzell talked about his career as a musician of great local renown. During his tenure with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, Cliff was encouraged in 1963 by Curt Carlson to establish a string ensemble to perform at the Flame Room Cafe, thus the Golden Strings were formed and became one of the area's outstanding entertainment groups. Twelve new members came into Evergreen at the Fall meeting: Mark Bjork, Pete Cameron, Bea Hasselmann, Ron Hasselmann, Nancy Lovegren, Richard Perkins, Richard Sandmann, Norman Staska, Greg Theisen, Romand Olsen, Phyllis (Sue) Opland, and Merle Knutson. Two scholarship winners performed: violinist Ari Isaacman-Beck and violinist Tally Brunfelt. Gordon Backlund succeeded in gaining approval of establishing Evergreen as a charitable foundation for scholarship fund donations. At the Spring Fling in 2005, the Classic Big Band and the Nostalgics provided the entertainment led by member Dan Odegaard, a dentist by day and trumpet player by night. Countless hours have been spent transcribing and searching for the original arrangements as played by Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, etc. John Raymond, trumpet, performed at the Spring Fling. At the Fall meeting , nine new members were accepted. David Nicholas Hirsch, saxophonist and scholarship winner, performed for the group. The speaker, Brad Eggen, talked about "Is Live Music Dead?" In 2006, eight new members came in to Evergreen. Jerry Swanberg talked about Jazz in the Twin Cities at the Fall meeting. Jerry is active in the jazz scene in the Twin Cities. You can hear him on KBEM, the local jazz station, on Sunday evenings. A piano/bell duet of Adam Birdsall, piano and Andy Schultz, bells, entertained the group. The 2007 Spring Fling at the Prom Center featured the Barbary Coast Dixieland Show Band. During the social hour, we were entertained by Cliff Brunzell. The Evergreen Newsletter was sent out for the first time by email. This was in addition to the regular mail. At the Fall meeting, which was held at Jax Cafe, fifteen new members were introduced by First Fiddle Gordon Backlund and accepted. We were entertained by Percy Hughes during the social hour. Scholarship winner Chris Arcand performed on clarinet. Jim ten Bensel gave a brief history of Evergreen. The 2007 Fall Banquet was held at Jax Cafe on November 6. Social hour music was provided by Percy Hughes and friends. There was a performance by scholarship winner Chris Arcand. 15 new members were welcomed in the Evergreen Club in 2007: Maureen Armstrong, Steven Barnett, Thomas Baskerville, Scott Crosbie, Jarja Fleezanis, John Froelich, Jan Gilbertson, Jack Landin, Dick Miller, Judith Olson, Steve Pikal, Bob Rantanen, Don Stolz, Conway Villars, and Joan Wikstrom. The 2008 Spring Fling was held on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park. Reuben Ristrom and friends provided music during the social hour. After the dinner, scholarship winner Esther Peterson provided music for the group. The Traveling Medicine Show (Scott Crosbie's group) provided entertainment. The 2008 Fall Banquet was held at Jax Cafe. Social hour music was provided by Jim ten Bensel, Jack Wallin, Connie Villars, Jack Landin and Steve Blons. Seven new members were welcomed into the Club: Doug Haining, Brad Olson, William Mooers, John Egnell, Reeves Cary, Diane Ristrom, Rich Clausen. Doug Schmitt presented a very interesting history of Schmitt Music. The 2009 Spring Fling was held at Edinburgh USA on Thursday, June 11. After dinner, there were performance by scholarship winners Collin Clauson on jazz piano and Nathaniel Swanson on cello. The Bend in the River Big Band, directed by member Bob Hallquist, provided musical entertainment. The 2009 Fall Banquet was held at the Fort Snelling Officers Club on Thursday, November 12. Social hour music was provided by Denny Malmberg, Connie Villars, Russ Peterson, Doug Haining and Clyde Anderson. After dinner, there was a performance by scholarship recipient Alexandra Tazskazoff, mezzo soprano. Member David Hawley gave a presentation on "Smart Music," the latest in computer music technology. Eight new members were welcomed into the Club: Judy Blomgren, Jeani Brindley Barnett, Jim Field, Michael Hiatt, Jon Kietzer, Karen Lundquist, Richard Sieber and Clarles Stennes. During the summers of 2009 and 2010, an Evergreen Summer Pot-Luck Dinner Bash was held at Scott Crosbie's home in St. Louis Park. Scott and his wife, Winnie, graciously opened their turn of the century, one of a kind, believe it or not, estate for this fun event. Over 60 people were in attendance at these events. You have not lived until you have heard a full blown circus calliope in the middle of the living room or seen a six foot replica of a Rube Goldberg Flying Machine in the dining room. This truly has been a "whiz bang" event for our members. XII. The 2010's The 2010 Spring Fling was held on Tuesday, April 27, on the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. This is a wonderful setting for dinner and conversation. After dinner, scholarship winner Liv Redpath sang for us. Entertainment was provided by the Twin Cities Show Chorus which is directed by Evergreen member Judy Olson. The 2010 Fall Dinner was held on Thursday, November 4, 2010, at the Fort Snelling Officers Club. Reeves Cary and Friends group "Track 29" provided entertainment. Eight new members were welcomed into the Club: Wendy Barden, Mary Brindle, Ralph Brindle, Cynthia Stille, Jack Gillespie, Jeff Goldsmith, John Olson and Carolyn Rosdahl. Duayne Malewicki was First Fiddle in 2011, our 95th year, that included a number of “firsts” for the Evergreen Club. We welcomed our first webmaster, Mary Brindle, who created the web site www.theevergreenclub.org. The other “first” revolved around our public image actually becoming a public image. We held our first Scholarship Fundraiser, with the hopes that it becomes the “First Annual” Scholarship Fundraiser. The 2011 Spring Fling on May 10, on the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. 92 members and guests attended. Scholarship recipient, Ryan McCartan, Minnetonka High School senior planning a musical theater career performed several selections from Broadway Musicals. Scott and Winnie Crosbie again hosted the Evergreen Club members and guests at their home in St. Louis Park for a barbeque on Thursday, July 28th. It was pot luck with Winnie preparing the main courses on the grill: hamburgers, fried chicken, and hot dogs. More than 60 members and guests attended. Those interested were invited to tour the Crosbie’s musically themed Victorian home during the party. After getting permission and encouragement from former First Fiddles by way of email inquiries, the Evergreen board of officers began planning for a scholarship fund fundraiser. Added to the planning committee were Bob Lake, membership chair, and Mary Brindle, webmaster and incoming Cello (2012). The very successful fundraiser was held on Oct. 24, 2011 at the Old Log Theater. 143 people attended the performance at $20 a ticket. Don Stoltz, Evergreen Club member, donated the theater, and many of the performers donated their time and talent to the show entitled: EIGHT O’CLOCK CURTAIN. An option to have dinner at the theater prior to the performance was enjoyed by many of the audience members. Over $3,000 was raised by this event. In September a spirited meeting of Past First Fiddles and current officers was held at Jax Cafe in Minneapolis. Over lunch, the names of the 2011 scholarship recipients were announced and new members were officially accepted into membership. Many constructive ideas were presented for future consideration, including size of scholarships (at the discretion of the serving board) and no change in dues structure for the organization. In addition, the past First Fiddles established a new position of Permanent Treasurer. We are considering calling it the OBOE. Bob Lake, Membership chair has agreed to handle the responsibilities for now. The person in that position will be responsible for filling out State and Federal tax forms to keep the club current in its 501(c)3 status. The 2011 Fall Meeting was held again at the Officers’ Club at Fort Snelling. First Fiddle Duayne Malewicki welcomed the members and a few guests who were family members of the performer. Scholarship recipient, Ben Eide, a senior at Sibley High School, West St. Paul, performed two violin selections. Following dinner, nine new members were welcomed. Their names are followed by their sponsors in parentheses: Dave Graf (Norm Staska), Paula Lammers (Reeves Cary), Jody McCormick (Mary Brindle), Jim Oestereich (Cal Sathre), Bruce Phelps (Carl Lipke), Scott Simpson (Scott Crosbie), Brett Smith (Ralph Brindle). Following dinner Bruce Phelps led the 75-voice Northern Lights Chorale in a 45-minute program of a cappella selections. In 2012, Scott Crosbie was the First Fiddle. The Spring Fling was held on the Centennial Showboat. The Annual Fall Meeting was held at the Old Log Theater. Michael Levine was the guest speaker at the fall meeting. Mike talked about the need to strengthen ties students studying music in schools and senior citizens living in assisted living and nursing care homes. The Dallas Brass travels throughout the United States and, where possible, they look for ways to create multi-generational connections between students and their older community members. The program currently in its pilot stage, is picking up interest with schools, service clubs and senior care corporations. Norm Staska served as First Fiddle in 2013. The Evergreen Club's Spring Fling was held at the Fort Snelling Officers' Club in St. Paul on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. After dinner, there were performances by six scholarship winners (three from 2012 and three from 2013). Their names are followed by their sponsors in parentheses: Violinist Adam Woodward (Richard Perkins), Flutist Hallie Houser (Kay Hawley), French Hornist Kyle Condiff (Mary Brindle), Oboist Patrick Cannady (Robert Lake), Bassoonist Sara Tako (Robert Lake) and Violinist Aria Stiles (Robert Lake). On Wednesday, July 24, Scott and Winnie Crosbie held their annual informal get together at their "one-of-a-kind" house in St. Louis Park. The potluck food was great and a good time was had by all. The Evergreen Club's Fall Meeting was held at the Fort Snelling Officers' Club in St. Paul on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. After dinner, five new members were welcomed into the club. Their names are followed by their sponsors in parentheses: Cheryl Bann (Scott Crosbie), Stan Bann (Ralph Brindle), Richard Carlson (Doug Haining), Michael Haynes (Al Sweet) and Fred Richardson (Jim tenBensel). Two other members were also approved by the Executive Board (Past First Fiddles) and the 2013 Board of Directors, but were unable to attend the Fall Meeting. They were: George Maurer (Bea Hasselmann) and Paul Wigley (Judy Olson). Don Stolz, former owner of the Old Log Theatre and an Evergreen Club member, gave a most humorous talk about his many years in the theater business. For our entertainment, we were treated to an all-Evergreen performance led by Doug Haining on woodwinds with friends Dave Graf on trombone, Richard Bortolussi on drums, Steve Pikal on upright bass, and Rick Carlson on piano. The evening concluded by singing the Evergreen Song conducted by Jim tenBensel along with Duayne Malewicki on piano. Tom Zitnak served as First Fiddle in 2014. Mary Brindle was First Fiddle in 2015. The theme was "The Evergreen Club is in need of some sprucing up!" Meetings are lightly attended. Some new members attend the Evergreen meeting at which they are inducted and don’t come back. Others have fallen away and do not respond when called or emailed. It’s time to look at the By-Laws. There is a clause that calls for attendance as a requirement in order to remain a member. During 2015, The Evergreen Club instituted a few changes to help reinvigorate the membership. Members need to have 20 years in the music business and reside in the Twin Cities, but their 20 years don’t all have to be in the Twin Cities. If someone moves here and settles here, and they have a dedicated career in music, music teaching or music marketing, they are a prospect for membership. The Evergreen Club will begin inducting new members at all meetings. It has been the custom to induct new members only at the annual Fall Meeting. In some cases, long-time Evergreen members have missed the deadline to submit their nomination form and they have to wait an entire year to induct their new member. Also, members can propose more than one new member. It has been the club's custom to allow a member to propose at most one member each year. To make it easier to join Evergreen and grow the club, this limitation was lifted. Members of the The Evergreen Club are getting older. Some members, who have been faithfully attending Evergreen meetings, can no longer attend meetings that are held in the evening. Going forward, if meetings are held in the evening, members who can drive must contact those who need rides to get them to meetings. During 2016, The Evergreen Club held two midday meetings. Both were on Sunday afternoons and were lightly attended. Beginning 2016, The Fort Snelling Officers Club, longtime location of The Evergreen Club Annual Fall Meeting, is closed to public meetings. The two 2016 meetings were hosted by Schmitt Music Company in its Brooklyn Center location (Spring) and McNally Smith College of Music (Fall). A survey was taken in 2016 asking a variety of questions. Is liquor essential at an Evergreen meeting? Is a sit-down meal essential at an Evergreen Meeting? How much is too much for annual dues? How much is too much for a meal at a meeting? The survey was returned by 21 people. Respondents provided the following answers: Liquor is not essential. A sit-down meal is preferred by a narrow majority. $40 is too much to pay for a meal at a meeting. $20 is not too much to pay for annual dues. Evergreen leadership settled on a dues increase to $15. It was decided that a member mailing was go out in 2016 announcing the $15 annual dues. New members in 2015: Michael Levine (Scott Crosbie sponsor), Steve Lyons (Al Sweet), Edwin Sand (Dewey Kloos), Dean Sorenson (Bruce Pearson), Lorna Wilhelm Livingston (Carl Carlson) Andrea Sieber, Ed Schaeffle and Debbie Fields were not in attendance and will be inducted in 2016. Members who died in 2015: Crane Bodine, Percy Hughes, Bruce Rardin, Don Stolz, Don Stoyke, Joan Wikstrom, Frank Winsor Wendy Barden was First Fiddle in 2016 – Our Centennial Year! Our Spring Fling at the Chester Bird Legion Post in Golden Valley was attended by more than 100 people (including members and guests). This was the highest attendance since our days at the Officer’s Club, and there was room for a few more people! It was a Tuesday evening in May, at a central location, and the price was right at $30 per person. Following a delicious dinner buffet, we inducted five new members: John Lace (Michael Hiatt, sponsor), Gary Bird (Dick Miller, sponsor), Barbara Stender (Duayne Malewicki, sponsor), Richard Burt (Carl Carlson, sponsor) We awarded $1,500 scholarships that evening to two very talented high school seniors. Both students performed for us—Joshua Anderson, jazz piano (Michael Hiatt, sponsor) and Russell Sweet, alto saxophone (Jim ten Bensel, sponsor). The Dean Sorenson Sextet performed several original compositions to finish off the program. Great music by young and old alike! For years we’ve been closing our meetings with our friendship songs… read from photocopies. No more, thanks to the collective efforts of Scott Crosbie, Duayne Malewicki, Bruce Pearson, Doug Schmitt, and Dean Sorenson! Our Evergreen “Friendship” song was originally copyright in 1905 by G. Schirmer, the copyright was renewed in 1932, and it’s confirmed to be in public domain. Our songbook has a new SATB arrangement of “Friendship,” plus “Auld Lang Syne” and “Oh, Evergreen.” A “Centennial Gala” marking our 100th anniversary was set for October 1 at Orchestra Hall—an evening to both honor our past and look ahead to the future. Norm Staska researched many photos, articles, original music manuscripts, and other pieces to create a display of our history. Dinner and a special program were set for the Target Atrium including the premiere of Evergreen Centennial Fanfare, composed by James Olcott and performed by the Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble; a performance by one of our first scholarship winners, Dorothy Benham; and the keynote by Kevin Smith, President and CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra. We also had the option to attend the Minnesota Orchestra concert featuring Mass for a Sacred Place by Stephen Paulus. In contrast to the high turnout at the Spring Fling, however, the “Centennial Gala” evening was cancelled due to limited reservations. Special thanks to all who invested time, energy, and expertise over the last 18 months in the planning: Mary Brindle, Scott Crosbie, Kay Hawley, Michael Hiatt, Duayne Malewicki, Doug Schmitt, Dean Sorenson, Norm Staska, and Wendy Barden. (If your name was missed, my sincere apologies.) Time to push “reset.” At the 2017 Spring Fling we hope to bring back some program elements planned for October 1 and kick off the next 100 years! Aside from planning our two gatherings, the Executive Quartet and the Past First Fiddles met more often than usual in 2016. At the top of our agenda each time was how to engage more members in Evergreen Club. Out of our roster of 180 members, fewer than half have attended one of our events in the last two years. We’ve experimented with different days and times for our gatherings, continued looking into different locations, kept meal costs as low as possible, opened all meetings to guests, gone back to sending newsletters via U.S. mail (in addition to email notices), increased email reminders. We know there are scheduling or family conflicts sometimes, and challenges that come with aging… what else? We’re still looking for the magic combination that will bring Evergreen Club members together. Our condolences to the family and friends of Evergreen Club members who passed away in 2016—Jim Anderson, Eric Giere, Burt Johnson, Charles Olson, Richard Perkins. Mike Hiatt was First Fiddle in 2017. Doug Schmitt was First Fiddle in 2018. 2018 was a special year for me to serve as our First Fiddle. It marks the 100th year of my family’s involvement in Evergreen! I also have the great good fortune to be a fourth generation Evergreener! I am also my family’s second First Fiddle, following my father who served us in 1977. I did a little research into our past First Fiddles and found some fun facts concerning the number of years it took each of us to reach the podium. The current world record is a tie between Mary Brindle and Scott Crosbie who each made it in just FIVE YEARS! Go figure! Bill Webb should get some bonus points to his nine years because he brought us Scott Crosbie who then brought us Mary Brindle! Go figure! I next noted my dear old dad, Robert P. Schmitt who reached our podium in 13 years, the exact same number for me! Go figure! The funniest thing I noted was that my family came in absolute last because it took us collectively 61 years to finally reach the podium!!! Go figure! 2018 Executive Quartet & Directors: · Second Fiddle: Kay Hawley · Viola: Jerry Luckhardt · Cello: Dean Sorenson · 2019 Cello: Sandy (Merry) Homb · Bass/Historian: Jim ten Bensel · Membership Information: Mary Brindle · Webmaster: Mary Brindle Spring Fling: May 8 at Crooners Lounge and Supper Club Scholarship Winners: Andrea Kloehn, Flute; Anna McGlone, Horn, Voice Fall Fling: October 30 at Crooners Lounge and Supper Club Entertainment: The CC Septet: Larry Neumann (alto), Paul Peterson (tenor), Scott Snyder (trumpet), Ralph Brindle (trombone) (member), Tim Lackas (piano), Greg Stinson (bass), Brett Smith (drums) (member) New Members inducted: Leigh Kallestad by Dean Sorenson, Mavis Kallestad by Dave Hawley, Pat Peterson by Brett Smith We closed the night with beautiful Four-Part Singing under the direction of Duayne Malewicki! 2018 Obituaries: John Nielsen, age 89, died Sept 27, 2018. John joined us in 1987 and was our FF in 2000. John also was my Junior High Band Director at Valley View Junior High in Edina! Go figure! Bob Dean, age 93, died September 9, 2018. George Chlebecek, age 82, died June 11, 2018 Orchestra director at St. Louis Park High School. Kay Hawley was First Fiddle in 2019. What an enjoyable four years it has been serving on the Evergreen board! Special Thanks to Doug Schmitt, past first-fiddle, for his excellent work, for recruiting me, and for being such a wonderful friend and mentor. I also can’t say enough about the current board i.e. Jerry Luckhardt, Dean Sorenson, Sandy Homb, and Leigh Kallestad. They are ALL rock stars! We have made a terrific team. One of the highlights of being involved with this organization has been getting to know more of the members. They are such a passionate, accomplished group of musicians. Some I have known for years, others not at all. It has been rewarding enjoyable spending time with them at our Spring and Fall Flings. Some goals during my tenure on the board and especially this past year as First-Fiddle have been to improve communication and PR in the club, establish a calendar to help the board with planning and a time line for sending out information (dues, Spring Fling, Fall Fling). Sandy Holm has been a wonderful addition to the board. Her administrative back ground is very helpful. She set up Evergreen on “Google Drive” which allows any board member to access Evergreen information i.e look at minutes, projects, make changes, keep each other in the loop. In the future, Evergreen officers have easy access to templates, minutes, scholarship letters, scholarship forms, new member letters, etc. Current categories include: Agenda/Minutes, Newsletters, Scholarships, Financial, Membership/Dues (Life Members, New Members, Obituary, address labels), Fall & Spring Flings, Communication, Timeline, Forms, email/letters, Crooners. Warmest Regards to all Evergreen Members past, present, and future! Kay Hawley Jerry Luckhardt was First Fiddle in 2020. Dear Evergreen Club, My final act as First Fiddle of the Evergreen Club is to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve. It has been my distinct pleasure these past four years to work with the following members of the executive team; Wendy Barden, Mike Hiatt, Doug Schmitt, Kay Hawley, Dean Sorenson, Sandy Homb and Leigh Kallestad. A very special thank you to Mary Brindle for her continued service as membership chair and webmaster. I now stand in a long line of past First Fiddles, company I will forever cherish. Our Fall 2020 gathering was anything but ordinary. I want to thank those who were able to join us for the virtual Zoom Fall Fling. We had a wonderful time getting to know our new members and hearing from our scholarship recipients through pre-recorded interviews. We then took a few minutes to reflect on those we have lost in memoriam, enjoyed photographs from previous gatherings and of course socialized. Our Facebook Page If you were unable to join us, I invite you to catch up by viewing our website and joining our “members only private” Facebook page. To access our Facebook page you must have a Facebook account. Once someone asks to join the page, only your board members can approve that request. And only Evergreen members will be approved to join. First, search Facebook for "The Evergreen Club". Here is the link to our page. https://theevergreenclub.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a05a55a050b2966531b4c1128&id=f654455daf&e=9845000574 You will first see the 'rules' of membership. Then, scroll down until you see the "Join Group” button. Once you hit that button members of the Evergreen Club board will receive an email with your request, you will be approved within a few hours. Our Website Our website hosts information about membership, meetings, our history, obituaries and more. This is also the place to find copies of the current Scholarship Application and Nomination for Membership forms. A new addition to the website are links to Twin Cities performing groups and venues. To keep our membership relevant and growing I want to encourage you to nominate new members. If you have someone in mind, please go to our website and complete a nomination form or contact Mary Brindle. To keep our member roster current, please send any change of address, phone number or email to Mary Brindle. In closing, it is my absolute privilege to “pass the baton” to our 2021 First Fiddle. Dean Sorenson and his wife Dawn are close friends and I can think of no one better to lead us forward. Dean’s many musical talents are only matched by his qualities as a person. Please join me in welcoming Dean Sorenson as First Fiddle! Be well, stay safe and keep in touch. Dean Sorenson was First Fiddle in 2021. Sandy Homb was First Fiddle in 2022. Dear Members, It has been an honor to lead the Evergreen Club this past year. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of you through emails, zooms, phone calls, and, finally, in person! 2022 was a busy year for your Quartet, meeting 14 times to work on making our Club and gatherings a success. There is no downside to making and spending money for the good of future musicians! I’d like to share with you some of the work the Quartet has accomplished this past year:
And speaking of the future, you should have received a letter and a form to return about attending the Spring Fling, paying your dues, and contributing to the scholarship fund. If you didn't receive it, or have a question, please respond to this email, and someone from the Quartet will get back to you. I look forward to greeting many of you, in-person, at the Spring Fling next month! Sandy Homb 2022 First Fiddle Leigh Kallastad was First Fiddle in 2023. Leigh Kallestad, Past First Fiddle Dear Evergreen Club members, It’s been my pleasure to be in the Evergreen Club these past several years and to serve as the Evergreen Club First Fiddle for 2023. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many of you. I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events. Our Evergreen officers spent many hours this year doing the work of the Evergreen Club. Multiple Zoom meetings, several meetings in person, keeping track of our duties and deadlines, putting together our Spring Fling, Fall Fling and organizing our scholarship program for students. Your Evergreen officers had a busy 2023!
SPRING FLING was held at the new Flagship Schmitt Music Store, Bloomington, MN. We enjoyed social time in this beautiful store. Four students were awarded $1,500 scholarships and performed in the Schmitt Music Recital Hall: Grace Weitzel, Violin; Leo Goodwin, Piano; Kalina Lee, Oboe and Arlo Hollander, Trombone. Our 2022 Dr. Robert Peterson Vocal Scholarship winner, Soprano Grace Fink also performed. We inducted new members Gretchen Chilson, Sue Nelson, David Mitchell and Tom Owens. Special thanks to Doug Schmitt and Margit Schmitt for hosting us at the Schmitt Music Store. FALL FLING was held at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, Bloomington, MN. We enjoyed social time, dining and the induction of new members Bill Henry, Conrad Miska and Brian Grivna. Entertainment was provided by the Brian Griva Quartet. The In-Memoriam 2023 video paid tribute to Merle Danielson, Tom Andrews and Michael Hiatt. EVERGREEN CLUB FACEBOOK (Private Group) I would encourage everyone to join our FaceBook Group. Currently, we have 44 members! In 2023, 45 events were posted to our Evergreen Facebook page. These posts shared information about Evergreen members performing in concerts and other events. In addition, In Memoriam Videos for 2022 and 2023 are posted here. If you would like to join our FaceBook group, just send us an email at - [email protected] - and we will get you signed up. The Evergreen Club is in good hands with our 2024 officers:
In the meantime, I wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous new year and look forward to seeing you at the Spring Fling. Sincerely, Leigh Kallestad, 2023 First Fiddle The Evergreen Club |
