The March 20, 2025 meeting of the Twentieth Century Club of Garrettsville was held at the Garrettsville United Methodist Church and harked back to the group’s founding principles involving bringing culture to the community, namely, in this instance, music.
Members responded to roll call by declaring their favorite musical instruments; the range was broad–banjo, accordion, ukulele, saxophone, guitar, trumpet, violin, clarinet, organ, flute all had to take a backseat to the piano; a tambourine and the voice got their due as well.
Regular business chiefly revolved around the upcoming Spring Party–invitations, cost, menu selections, venue, etc. Then it was on to the evening’s program in the sanctuary.
Patricia Amor was slated to present a selection on the organ, but atmospheric fluctuations ( We all know about those lately) caused the instrument to be beyond temperamental, so this will have to come at another time.. It was on to music of the handbells
This was presented by the Garrettsville United Methodist Church’s Chancel Bell Choir II (There is also a Chancel Bell Choir I), consisting of Christina Bell, Lydia Ellerhorst, Mandy Duncan, Kristina Cupples, Elise Edwards, Colin Cupples, Joe Tarnoski and Kat Berry… and their director, of some thirty-seven years, Jeanette Poole. There was a brief outline of the history of the inception of this group as well as handbells in general and some explanation of the technology involved. The opening act–you know how these pop star acts do– showcased Gale Lane & Kathy Countryman–with intro by Jay Byrne–in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”. More serious fare followed as the bells rang out “How Great Thou Art”, “Abide With Me” “El Shaddai”,
‘“You Are My Hiding Place,” and “Let there Be Peace On Earth”. Heads nodded and toes tapped as the familiar tunes rang out. Warm applause followed each selection and many thanks at the conclusion of the program.
Refreshments for the group followed downstairs where Leah Schultz (plus ex officio, Jack) went simple with ice cream sundaes and cookies, enjoyed by all.
It could have been 1901 all over again–excellent entertaining and food for all.
