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April 25, 2007
Hello Again!
I have had more fun looking over your
web site! Congrats to
your success! For those who might remember me, I was a sweet
adeline myself. My good friend
starting taking me when I was just 15 years old. I miss her so very
much, and am so glad to hear that you have
remembered her by having a
scholarship in her name. Patti
Bembry was one of the sweetest
friends I will ever know. To the girls who might remember me, " I
love ya!"
Kathleen Dellinger (formerly
Kathleen Neuman)
Concord, NC
PS-
Suzi (from NY) Are you talkin'
to me? (Inside joke)
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April 20, 2007
Hello everyone, I just got an e-mail from my Mom (Eileen Hughes)
with the news about Daytona Beach...Awesome ladies ! Way to go
! I've seen many of your shows and never once doubted that I
was in the presence of a champion chorus. Hats off to all of you and
I'm looking forward to your next show.
A Fan, Bill Tempe
ps love to mom & alex
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April 12, 2007
It was great to see you all on Tuesday April 3 - so welcoming. A
tryly inspirational rehearsal. Also thanks especially for allowing
me to sing the 'Irish Blessing' with you all. We took away fond
memories of Fort Myers and the Cape Coral area and your glorious
weather!Best of luck to you all for Daytona
- bring it on!
Cathy, Geoff and Steve Ball (UK)
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January 14, 2007
Good Morning - I had the great, good, fortune of hearing your group
for the first time last night in Port Charlotte and you were all
WONDERFUL!! What a super performance!!! I know the time and
hard work that goes into every song and, boy, you gals did a
terrific job!!! Thanks for being so sensational and "flying us to
Las Vegas"!! That was spectacular!! Hope to see you again
sometime and thanks again for a wonderful evening!!
Eleanor Pittman ( former member of Venetian Harmony), Rotonda
West, FL
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October 20, 2006
Dear Karen and the Most Awesome Chorus,
Congratulations on your achievements. I just KNEW your entertainment
package was the best and even though I was not present to see it I
felt your "vibes" all the way from Vegas to Columbus! And as for
your competition songs, well, they were absolutely wonderful.
You'all have made so much progress since I heard you a year ago. I
know you will just keep "soaring!"
Phyllis Brewer
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October 18, 2006
Summer Springs Chorus congratulates your chorus on being #7 winners
in the top ten finalists list in Las Vegas. What an inspiring
performance and we are sure all Region 9 choruses are thrilled.
Also want to congratulate your chorus on being named "Most
Entertaining Chorus" which adds to our applause. How exciting!
Summer Springs Chorus, SAI Region 9
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October 16, 2006
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Aren't you New England ladies thrilled
you have residences in Fla. So happy for all of you especially
director Karen. She is such a bundle of energy and a joy to be with.
Congratulations again...
Rosemarie Mendes, (past member of FVC/SONE)
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October 15,
2006
Congratulations on your top ten finish at international again! Wow,
what a contest. Seventh place finish in a contest loaded with the
world's powerhouses is
not too shabby!
Those of us that were watching in Florida had a frightening
experience when the video portion of the web-cast went down for the
first 3 choruses so all we had was audio. Thankfully they were
able to fix
it by the fourth contestant so we saw you in all your "Spirit Flies"
getups. Ellen (MESH's) bass and I (her mom Nancy) were glued to the
computer for the past three days. It is a privilege to be directed
by one of yours (Pollyann Nanfito) in Venetian Harmony and to know
so many of you personally. Ellen was so excited when you made the
top ten that she was practically bouncing off the walls. You gave
us a little scare by not coming out of the fishbowl until 9th
position, (boy that's a long time to hold your breath from the first
pick to the ninth!) Anyway Ellen and I couldn't be any prouder of
Spirit and Ellen is so excited and thankful for the opportunity
Spirit has given MESH to be able to compete in the rising star
competition. This is a dream come true for her. So thank you,
thank you, thank you to Karen, Pollyann and all the others who made
one young lady's dream come true before she goes off to college next
year. Both Ellen and I are very proud and blessed to know and work
with Spirit.
We love you guys!
Nancy &
Ellen O'Connell
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October 1,
2006
Hi and a BIG THANKS for your Awe Inspiring performance at Estero
High School last night (Sat. Sept. 30). As a long time former member
of S.P.E.B.S.Q.S.A. and several quartets from Lansing, Michigan, I
can really appreciate the hard work all of you Gal's have put in to
achieve the success you've reached. Of course, none of it would be
possible without a Great and Knowledgeable Director and everyone's
cooperation and dedication to her. How fortunately you are to have
Karen and she to have all of you. I wish you the BEST in Las Vegas
and hope you can bring home the GOLD.
Thanks and Good Luck in Vegas.
Larry Horton, Estero
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May 8, 2006
Thank you to each Spirit of the Gulf Chorus member for volunteering
their time during our Region 9 Competition weekend in Orlando. As a
competing quartet and chorus member, I was impressed that everyone
was so helpful and friendly.
Speaking for my quartet, Rhinestones and Rhythm, I would personally
like to thank Suzy "Schwanie" Schwaninger for the generous gift, and
especially for being so nice, helpful, fun and a fantastic quartet
hostess! We felt comfortable and at ease as we moved through the
pattern.
Congratulations on a GREAT performance and WIN! And we hope to see
Suzy in the pattern with us next year!
In Harmony,
Rhinestones and Rhythm Quartet:
Cheryl Phillips Anderson, Lead
Elaine Haugan, Tenor
Dixie Challinor, Bass
Debbie Edwards, Baritone
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April 2, 2006
I'm still on a "high" from attending your spring show yesterday
(April 1, 2006). And what a show it was!! Every minute was spell
binding and wonderful to watch and listen to. Thanks so much to
Marilyn Rose for letting us know about the show and selling us
tickets so we wouldn't miss the opportunity to see and hear every
single song.
The enthusiasm, energy, facial expressions, and, of
course, sound are so contagious. And what a
wonderful experience for those
young ladies to have the opportunity to perform for
the audience. Of course,
barbershop audiences are the BEST, aren't they!!!
Anyway, great job and now we can look forward to December 3. Thanks
for a
wonderful afternoon.
Marie Getchell, Venetian Harmony
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March 21, 2006
I've been wintering at Fort Myers Beach and had read
the wonderful write up on your group. It sounded like so much fun
and I even had my husband interested in attending one of your
rehearsals. As it usually is when we are here, time goes quickly and
we hadn't made it to a rehearsal. I saw the recent article about the
upcoming performance but it is the day we are leaving for West
Virginia, my husband was out of town, so I talked a friend in
attending your rehearsal last evening and am I glad I did. You
certainly live up to your name, I could hardly stay in my seat.
Karen, you are a joy to watch and it is no wonder you get those
wonderful sounds from the girls. Having spent my life around choirs
and show choirs most of my life I could fully appreciate the
dedication and hard work all the members exhibited. It is probably
the most friendly room I have ever entered and the love and caring
you all show for one another it heart warming. I wish you well in
all your future performances and competitions.
Pam Brown
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February 24, 2006
Hi Spirit... gosh I miss you guys!! Just saw the Arizona "Fiesta"
show, and it was good, and so fun to hear a few of the songs I
remember from Spirit (Joint is Jumpin in particular) but of course,
not nearly as exciting as when I was on stage with you! I am so
proud to say that I am a former Bari with Spirit! I am hoping that
maybe I can make it to Vegas to cheer you on in your win at
International! Luv Ya...
Denny Holm
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Marcia S - Congrats to you and all of SotG - we loved the pic of you
all holding up your ribbons. We all miss you. Now go get that medal
at Vegas!
Naomi
Twin County Chorus, Region 15 June 8, 2005
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Hey Karen!!!
Bonnie Fedyski here! First of all, congratulations to you, the Buzz, and to you and your chorus, Spirit of the Gulf!!! What a great contest you had!! I thoroughly enjoyed the chorus and must admit I was a little surprised at your placement!! Guess that's why they pay me the big bucks to stay out of the judging program!!!
Please congratulate your chorus on a fine performance in Indy!!! They rocked!!!!
Thanks so much! And please give my love to all the members of Choral-Aires South!!
Love,
Bonnie
PS. Thanks too for making me get in front of Choral-Aires all those years ago and direct! Thursday night with Western Lights remains my favorite night of the week!!! 11/9/04 |
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What a contest in INDY 04.WOW and I WAS NOT EVEN THERE BUT WAS ON THE WEBCAST.I hope that folks do DONATE to the WEBCAST.It brought us to the Convention even when we could not be there.Ladies of the SPIRIT OF THE GULF GOOD JOB.Also THE BUZZ "BRAVO".YOU WERE FANTASTIC.....THANK -YOU ALL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AT "INDY..LOVE SUE WEBB from REGION ONE 11/1/04 |
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Hi Karen &
Ladies, Just wanted to congratulate you ladies on having a wonderful
year and I cannot wait to see you on International stage. I will not
be down this winter for a visit but hope to come soon. Karen,
congratulations to the BUZZ winning the quartet competition, so we
will get to see your quartet and chorus and also Debbie’s quartet and
chorus at International. Karen, your chorus has so much to be proud
of, you have done a wonderful job and I know that they love having you
as their director. Tell all of the Region 1 ladies that I send a big
hug and hello! Hope to see you soon. Love, Lennis Snowdon, Region
1, West Island Chorus 5/11/04 |
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Wow!
You gals have done a great job. You can be so proud of all your
accomplishments and hard work to put together this show. I am so
sorry I will be unable to attend due to a church pageant commitment,
but I will be thinking about you all day as you prepare and go on
stage to give the best you have. I am certain the audience will be
very pleased with their experience of Spirit of the Gulf and all your
guests. I love you all!!! Break a leg!!!! Julie Vaughn,
12/3/03 |
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Hi! Just
wanted to thank you so much for your visit to our rehearsal in Tampa
Tuesday night. What a wonderful surprise!!! I for one appreciated
your thoughtfulness and support for our upcoming competition in
Phoenix. The song you made up for us was incredible and was performed
with such energy and fun. By the way, your website is fabulous too;
I've really enjoyed it. Thanks again for your visit and we'll do our
best to represent our wonderful state of Florida for one of those
medals! We'll also be cheering you on next year with the same
enthusiasm. PS: The gift was so sweet; I used it that very same
night. Regards,
Jo Miller, Bari, 8/28/2003
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Hi, I am a member of
TOT and I wanted to say a big thank you for coming out to our
rehearsal last Tuesday night. I know how far you all traveled. The
little gifts were so sweet and special! But most of all it was
wonderful to feel the love from a sister chorus as special as yours.
Hope to see you in Phoenix.
Kim DeHetre, 8/29/2003 |
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Hi, this is Kaci Midgett, and I am in
the Davidson Academy Women's Chorus. The music that we sing is Sweet
Adelines International music, and we love it so much. Our chorus would
not be the same if it were not for our director Mrs. Vicki Foltz. She
has tought us so much. Our group went from not knowing how to read
music at all to having 3-4 performances a month, and we have so much
fun in the process of doing so. I love our music and I encourage other
young female singers to get involved, you will have a blast.
Sincerely,
Kaci Midgett, 7/8/2003 |
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Greetings to
my Spirit Sisters: I'm at my son's home in Chicago getting the
messages on his computer. I'm trying to figure this invention! I'm not
a very fast typist so this really could take me a long time. I'm going
back to Ohio this afternoon after bonding with my two youngest
grandsons. Had a blast at the Chicago zoo! I'm not sure when I will be
back in Florida. My children's families will be using our FL house
this summer. I am hoping to be at the retreat. As you probably know
my chorus in Cleveland also won 1st place with a score of 605. I'm
planning to go to Indy with Spirit of the Gulf. I'm so proud of my 1st
place BLUE and our "A" (must be a Karen thing). Thank you,
Karen!!!!! Missing everyone. Love our new songs. LOVE and HARMONY,
Karen Rantala, Bari, 6/8/2003 |
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Hello! What a fantastic website - it certainly showcases your savvy
computer literacy, too. Your organization adds so much color, culture,
and dazzling quality entertainment to our community. Congratulations
on winning your medals most recently and great good luck to you in the
next step of your competitions. Every good and happy wish and gentle
blessings.
Paula Mattras, 5/19/2003
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Congratulations on a stellar performance in Orlando last weekend! We
are very proud that you will be representing Florida at International
in 2004. Best of luck,
Marty King, 5/3/2003 |
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Just wanted
to say CONGRATULATIONS on your win last weekend in Orlando. There was
NO QUESTION that you were the BEST!
Toni & Bill Miller, Boca Raton, FL, 5/3/2003 |
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Congratulations on your win at regional. I was at Peterborough in
England when Karen coached us. You are lucky to have such an
inspiration as your director.
Penny Hay, Lace City Singers, Region 31, 4/28/2003 |
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Your
performance at Competition was outstanding and Oh Yes, your costumes,
hair, make-up and shoes were all right too.
An admirer from Platinum Coast Chorus, 4/27/2003 |
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While
visiting my sister-in-law, Janet Kuhns, this winter, my husband and
I were lucky enough to attend one of your rehearsals. What a
terrific group, such energy and such a beautiful sound!! Thank
you for a most enjoyable evening; we look forward to attending a
concert next winter.
Judy and Jim Milks, 4/11/2003
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How
fun for me to visit your web site. I got a kick out of
listening to 2 of your songs on this site. I hope to visit you
in person this May while on vacation. And maybe I can come up
on the risers and sing a song or two with you all. :-)
In Harmony,
Peggy Boncher, tenor
Region 22
Green Bay, WI
Fox Valley Chorus, 3/15/2003
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What a Great
Chorus!!! What a fantastic director, I could be slightly
partial....she's my daughter... And What a lovely Web site, Naima....you can be proud...!!!
Betty Glenn, 2/14/2003 |
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Hello
from South Florida Jubilee. Thank you Karen for the wonderful
coaching we had with you, it was a blast!!
Lead, Diane Winslow, 2/1/2003
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Carol Browning,
Sorry we missed your singing. We went to help Pat celebrate his
retirement. We hope you win.
Ellen and Joann Dewey and Sonny, 11/7/2002
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Hello from
Christy Hobbs. I am a current Fort Myers resident and former
(if briefly) member of the Pride of Kentucky chorus in Louisville,
KY. I remember Naima Meyer and the other talented ladies of
Swinglish Mix.
Hello to all of you, and congratulations on your success. Have
a wonderful, memorable time at International competition. I am
making plans to come hear the chorus locally sometime soon. I
hope to someday come back to Sweet Adelines - it was such a joy to
be a part of it! Sing on ladies! - Christy
Christy Hobbs, 11/4/2002
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Hi!
Love your music. Terrific and "Good Luck" on
Thursday.
Doreen Kall's Aunt Dot, 11/3/2002
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I
look forward to visiting you all this winter.
Rita Lalumiere CAL#1, 11/3/2002
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Amy
Barton, 10/30/2002
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Hello
My name is Mary Ellen DuPont. I am a former member of Gem City
Chorus. I live outside of LaBelle here in Florida and I am very
happy to hear you are going to your first International next month.
I know you are very excited and can't wait. I know you will do our
state proud. I am looking forward to seeing you in your next show
and if you can use a big mouth lead I may check you out. Remember to
have a great time. Because you are already winners no matter
what. The most important advice I can give you is be yourself and
don't let anyone scare you . Enjoy your time on stage and am sure
you will be the best. With prayers and Wishes,
MaryEllen DuPont,
10/2/2002
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Greetings
from Diane Skipworth, Houston Horizon Chorus. Former member of Fort
Myers Fever.
Diane Skipworth, 9/26/2002
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Hi!
I'm Judy Noe, a member of the Queen Charlotte Chorus. My
husband and I sold our business, and are considering retiring to
Florida, and I'll be visiting your chorus August 27th. I have
e-mailed several very friendly members from your chorus, and look
forward to meeting you in person. Wishing you Health &
Harmony!
Judy Noe, 8/5/2002
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Hi
there, ladies! Heatwave was delighted to see you all again
this week, making wonderful, exciting music and getting geared up
for International Competition in Nashville. Your sound is
fabulous and the energy is high! Give it all you've got!! And
many thanks for your support and encouragement! We love you
guys!
Denise de la Cal
Baritone - Heatwave
Region Nine 2002 Quartet Champions, 7/19/2002
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My
husband is from Florida, and we are definitely going to have to
visit Fort Myers on our next trip down. I sang with Marsha Williams
in a quartet called Charisma in 1985.We lived in Titusville, Florida
and I competed with SOS that year. We have lived in Charlotte, NC
the past 15 years, but plan to retire in Florida someday. Great
site! I added it to my Favorite Places.
Julia Twitty, ( bari ) Double Feature Quartet
Carolina Style Chorus, 7/2/2002
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Hey Spirit Sisters, what
fun to be in contact with you from Montana. I feel I am more
in the loop this year. This website is soooo fantastic.
I miss you all so much and look forward to seeing you in
October.....Love from Big Sky Country,
"Denny" (Sharon) Holm, 6/18/2002
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I
am a friend of Staci White's and attended one of your concerts with
her mother and enjoyed your music very much. Keep up that wonderful
sound.
Best to you all,
Joyce C. Wheeler , 5/27/2002
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Dear All: As a former member of Region # 9 I
am looking forward eagerly to seeing and hearing Spirit of the Gulf
in Nashville. Good luck to you ...
Mary Alice Grothe
Region #15
Greater Nassau Chorus, 5/15/2002
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"Had the opportunity
to hear your fabulous chorus when visiting Brenda Eberline in
February. Looking forward to hearing you on the International
stage in Nashville."
Georgia Easton
President, Sunrise
Harmony Chorus, 5/5/2002
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"Just want to say what a
treat it is to attend your concerts - to know many of you personally - and
to say what an asset you are to our community! Every good and happy
wish to each and every one of you."
Paula Mattras, 5/1/2002
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