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Central Hudson Valley Chapter, AGO

 Chapter News

Newsletter
November 2024

Click here for the Newsletter Archive

Click here for a printable copy of the current newsletter


Thoughts From Your Board about Election Day

It has been hard to decide whether or not, and if so, how, to acknowledge the events of November 5 in our chapter newsletter. Your board has exchanged many messages back and forth about how to accomplish this in the most non-partisan way possible, since we know that our chapter consists of individuals who have strong opinions on both sides.

We have decided to quote from some of our emails, and from other sources, in the hope that our openness will help strengthen our chapter’s unity. We would greatly appreciate any feedback that you might care to give. You can always reach us at CHVAGOboard@gmail.com.

Laura Russell wrote: I … feel that everyone, no matter who they voted for, is super aware of how divided our nation is right now. … I think we need to speak to the moment we are in currently in some kind of hopeful, uniting way.

Kari Maschhoff wrote: I am a military chaplain and though I speak openly with my vote, I must guard my public words to ensure I remain politically neutral and approachable to all. … My thoughts and prayers this morning have certainly been focused on finding unity and hope through music. I shared with our Soldiers during a Spiritual Resiliency event last week how, as a musician, I see that my purpose in life includes bringing peace and healing to our broken world through music, giving glory to God who gave us this precious gift that nurtures, comforts, and unites our souls.

Susan Guse shared a prayer from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Lubbock, TX, which reads in part as follows:
When others hate, may you love.
When others curse, may you bless.
When others hurt, may you heal.
When others divide, may you unite.
When others rage, may you calm.
When others deny, may you affirm.
You are a servant of the light.
You need not be afraid of darkness.
God strengthen you to carry on with your work and
faithfully live who you are in Christ:
Love for stranger, love for enemy, love for neighbor
- Amen
(Based on a prayer by Steven Charleston, Native American Theologian and former Episcopal Bishop of Alaska)

John Corrie wrote: I will continue to provide music that is as uplifting as I can make it for anyone who will listen.

Each of us feels the way we feel about it, and we should not presume to tell anyone else how they should feel. We each have to move on in our own way.

May all of us continue to offer beautiful music to our congregations and to each other, and may we never let political differences come between us.

Veterans Event Tonight!

Don’t forget! Tonight at 7:30 PM: Veterans’ Event - Silent Movie with Live Organ Accompaniment. CHVAGO and the New York Theatre Organ Society will present The Big Parade, a silent movie classic from 1925, with Brett Miller providing live organ accompaniment on the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. Click here for a printable flyer. Sponsored by the Dutchess Count Division of Veterans Services (Veterans Microgrant Program). Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Admission is free. Info: 845-473-2072

A Visit with Gregory Citarella

- by Susan LaGrande
On October 31, John Vanderlee, Susan Guse and I paid a visit to Gregory Citarella at the Fishill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, where he currently resides after having been injured in a fall nearly a year ago. Welcoming us into his bright, airy room from his wheelchair, he looked well and spoke with his usual positive energy.

The occasion for our visit was to present Gregory with the certificate inducting him into the League of Distinguished Service. This award was announced at the Bach to Broadway concert, but since he could not attend the concert, we wanted to present the physical certificate to him in person. Gregory received the honor with grateful humility, recalling that it was during his term as Dean that the first certificates of appreciation were awarded.

There followed about 45 minutes of reminiscences on all sides about our chapter and its members, past and present. We left with confidence that Gregory’s current treatment is having good effect and that he will soon be able to return to the instrument that we all love.

As of today, Gregory is still in rehab. You can reach him by US mail at: Fishkill Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, 22 Robert R Kasin Way, Beacon, NY 12508, or you can call or text him at 845-559-4013.

Deadline for Next Newsletter

We are always glad to receive input for the chapter newsletter in the form of calendar items, reviews of recent concerts and events, biographies, letters, photographs, etc. In order to make sure these submissions can be processed in a timely fashion, please make sure they are received by the 23rd of each month. However, material such as calendar items may be submitted at any time; even if the material may not make it into the printed newsletter, it can be quickly posted on our web site at www.chvago.org. You may submit newsletter or web site material by mail, e-mail, fax or phone. Just contact the editor, Susan LaGrande, using the information given above. Remember, the deadline for the next printed newsletter, to be available the first week in December 2024, is November 23.

Editor’s Corner

This newsletter is published by the Central Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The editor is:
Susan LaGrande
12 Montrose Lane
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Phone: 845-235-7203 - e-mail: CHVAGOboard@gmail.com

Website by Dan Long