~Lauding Praise on the Social Committee ~ by staff reporter Kerry Montgomery
Do you think its just a coincidence that a large number of the social committee are sopranos? Could it be that they are women? Or they just naturally love to party? Maybe a combination of all three? Actually we tenors love to party too, (Daniel is a tenor after all). Maybe the sopranos are better at organizing the events and the rest of us are just better at coming along for the ride!
Whatever the reason, once again Daniel Folsom and his team of Judy Faulkner, Wanda Griffin, Loretta McCranie, Jim Ingram, Anita Armstrong, Jenn Henefeld, Susan Maul, Becky Mullican, Katrina Price, Kay Vincent, Jane Whitehead pulled off another successful party. Actually Daniel gives Becky the credit for leading this one as, unfortunately, he had to be out of town.
Everyone was greeted by Loretta, who gave each of us a festive green & white Hawaiian lei, and we were included in an interesting (not to mention informative) game where we all learned a little of a new language; Gaelic, "Irish". Ya jammy beggar (don't worry, it just means you're someone lucky or you've had good fortune!)
After nearly stuffing ourselves on the most delicious spicy buffalo dip, crab dip, veggies & dip & and other appetizers, there was barely room for John Mitchell's chili & the corn beef and cabbage and other delectable dishes at the St. Patrick's Day party. Sorry, I can't recall who brought what, but all was greatly appreciated, and quickly devoured, from the appetizers to the desserts.
A contest was held for who had best displayed their "wearnin 'o' the green". Votes for the St. Patrick's Day King and Queen were unanimous; George was crowned king and Princess queen!
Becky gave Drew Carey a run for his money as she hosted her version of "Who's Line is it Anyway" starring several of our guys as the cast playing a king, queen, princess, prince, & and guard all ending with a most entertaining opera for all of us! I still can't decide if I liked it better in fast motion or slow motion!
Once again, we are most grateful to Jim & Josette Ingram for hosting. While attending this social, and writing this review I became curious about just who it is who plans these events for us, so I interviewed a couple of our social committee and would like to introduce them to you.
<Editor's note: In order of interview>
Daniel Folsom
This year after volunteering for the social committee, Daniel Folsom was voted as head of the committee, which he is particularly suited for after throwing billions of parties at home where he lives with his partner and two "boys" Weston & Gentry & cat, Tate. Daniel has been singing most of his life, and also plays the alto saxophone, and a mean version of chopstix on the piano! When not working at Client Tell in Medical Software Sales, Daniel spends his free time volunteering, playing tennis and exercising.
Born & raised in this area, he is the youngest of two boys, and loves wearing the hat of uncle to two and spoiling them rotten. Curious about what he has planned for future parties with the Choral Guild, all Daniel would say was "I have a few ideas in mind, but I'll never tell...laughter & friendship, that's all you're getting from me!" When I asked Daniel why he volunteered for the social committee, he told me he "loves bringing people together & the Choral Guild brings me such joy, I just wanted to give a little back to the group". I believe he certainly does this!
Becky Mullican
The spring season of Choral Guild has proven (to me) that Becky Mullican, is one multi-faceted & talented lady! I'm sure her husband Roger of 40 years already knows this, as do her sons, Bryan & Matthew & their families. We are grateful that they have shared her with us for the past two years, and we hope they continue for many years to come!
A self proclaimed "hillbilly" originally from White Pine, Tennessee, Becky's family moved to Perry, Florida when she was in high school. After high school, Becky went to college in Louisiana where she met and married her husband Roger. They lived there for 12 years before moving east to Tallahassee so Roger could attend FSU. Eventually making their way to Valdosta, they've been here for the last 16 years.
Becky didn't go to Louisiana State University just to meet Roger, but to study, earning a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. She now also has her Masters degree in Music Education from VSU.
Coming from a musical family, Becky doesn't remember a time when she didn't sing, she also plays the clarinet, the french horn & the piano. She admits to even writing several compositions but those are just for herself.
In her free time, she enjoys reading & gardening. She also attends Park Ave. United Methodist Church where she sings in the choir. Becky considers herself a "full-time grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter & is anxiously awaiting the birth of a grandson in July".
Seeing as she has retired from the Valdosta City School system, and that she is a retired Choral director, (which she did for over 40 years!), we can have complete confidence that she will direct our ladies in all 50ish(give or take) verses of Skip to My Lou!!
Jen Henefeld I'd like you to meet Jen Henefeld. We can thank Polly Diamond & Margie & Don Vollenweider for discovering Jen at Gloria Dei Lutheran and getting her to join us for the Christmas 2011 season. Born & raised in Pennsylvania, Jen also went to college & seminary in Ohio before coming to the sunny south to attend VSU as a grad student in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. As school keeps her busy she doesn't have much time for hobbies, but has always enjoyed singing, in fact, she is often caught humming or whistling without her knowledge! Jen has sung in groups and ensembles for 10 years, and yes Jen, "we are glad you chose this as your ONE extracurricular activity!"
Loretta McCranie "Needing to see something outside the four walls of home" after the birth of their first son, and "really missing singing" prodded Loretta McCranie to e-mail then join the Choral Guild just this season, and we're so happy she did! Born in Moultrie, Loretta and her husband Daniel and their 7 month old son now live in Hahira & are excitedly expecting baby #2 in October. A stay at home mom, Loretta also works as an office manager for ASA Engineering & Surveying/ Metro Water Supply & also sells Avon. Loretta has been singing her whole life and in organized choirs since the 5th grade; as many as 4 different choirs at one time during her senior year of high school! If she had more time she would love to "get back to growing vegetables". We just hope that after her second child is born she'll still have time to sing with us for our Christmas concert! If not maybe we'll have to visit them as they "make excellent Christmas memories" living right behind Hambrick's Christmas Tree farm.
Whatever the reason, once again Daniel Folsom and his team of Judy Faulkner, Wanda Griffin, Loretta McCranie, Jim Ingram, Anita Armstrong, Jenn Henefeld, Susan Maul, Becky Mullican, Katrina Price, Kay Vincent, Jane Whitehead pulled off another successful party. Actually Daniel gives Becky the credit for leading this one as, unfortunately, he had to be out of town.
Everyone was greeted by Loretta, who gave each of us a festive green & white Hawaiian lei, and we were included in an interesting (not to mention informative) game where we all learned a little of a new language; Gaelic, "Irish". Ya jammy beggar (don't worry, it just means you're someone lucky or you've had good fortune!)
After nearly stuffing ourselves on the most delicious spicy buffalo dip, crab dip, veggies & dip & and other appetizers, there was barely room for John Mitchell's chili & the corn beef and cabbage and other delectable dishes at the St. Patrick's Day party. Sorry, I can't recall who brought what, but all was greatly appreciated, and quickly devoured, from the appetizers to the desserts.
A contest was held for who had best displayed their "wearnin 'o' the green". Votes for the St. Patrick's Day King and Queen were unanimous; George was crowned king and Princess queen!
Becky gave Drew Carey a run for his money as she hosted her version of "Who's Line is it Anyway" starring several of our guys as the cast playing a king, queen, princess, prince, & and guard all ending with a most entertaining opera for all of us! I still can't decide if I liked it better in fast motion or slow motion!
Once again, we are most grateful to Jim & Josette Ingram for hosting. While attending this social, and writing this review I became curious about just who it is who plans these events for us, so I interviewed a couple of our social committee and would like to introduce them to you.
<Editor's note: In order of interview>
Daniel Folsom
This year after volunteering for the social committee, Daniel Folsom was voted as head of the committee, which he is particularly suited for after throwing billions of parties at home where he lives with his partner and two "boys" Weston & Gentry & cat, Tate. Daniel has been singing most of his life, and also plays the alto saxophone, and a mean version of chopstix on the piano! When not working at Client Tell in Medical Software Sales, Daniel spends his free time volunteering, playing tennis and exercising.
Born & raised in this area, he is the youngest of two boys, and loves wearing the hat of uncle to two and spoiling them rotten. Curious about what he has planned for future parties with the Choral Guild, all Daniel would say was "I have a few ideas in mind, but I'll never tell...laughter & friendship, that's all you're getting from me!" When I asked Daniel why he volunteered for the social committee, he told me he "loves bringing people together & the Choral Guild brings me such joy, I just wanted to give a little back to the group". I believe he certainly does this!
Becky Mullican
The spring season of Choral Guild has proven (to me) that Becky Mullican, is one multi-faceted & talented lady! I'm sure her husband Roger of 40 years already knows this, as do her sons, Bryan & Matthew & their families. We are grateful that they have shared her with us for the past two years, and we hope they continue for many years to come!
A self proclaimed "hillbilly" originally from White Pine, Tennessee, Becky's family moved to Perry, Florida when she was in high school. After high school, Becky went to college in Louisiana where she met and married her husband Roger. They lived there for 12 years before moving east to Tallahassee so Roger could attend FSU. Eventually making their way to Valdosta, they've been here for the last 16 years.
Becky didn't go to Louisiana State University just to meet Roger, but to study, earning a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. She now also has her Masters degree in Music Education from VSU.
Coming from a musical family, Becky doesn't remember a time when she didn't sing, she also plays the clarinet, the french horn & the piano. She admits to even writing several compositions but those are just for herself.
In her free time, she enjoys reading & gardening. She also attends Park Ave. United Methodist Church where she sings in the choir. Becky considers herself a "full-time grandmother to a beautiful granddaughter & is anxiously awaiting the birth of a grandson in July".
Seeing as she has retired from the Valdosta City School system, and that she is a retired Choral director, (which she did for over 40 years!), we can have complete confidence that she will direct our ladies in all 50ish(give or take) verses of Skip to My Lou!!
Jen Henefeld I'd like you to meet Jen Henefeld. We can thank Polly Diamond & Margie & Don Vollenweider for discovering Jen at Gloria Dei Lutheran and getting her to join us for the Christmas 2011 season. Born & raised in Pennsylvania, Jen also went to college & seminary in Ohio before coming to the sunny south to attend VSU as a grad student in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. As school keeps her busy she doesn't have much time for hobbies, but has always enjoyed singing, in fact, she is often caught humming or whistling without her knowledge! Jen has sung in groups and ensembles for 10 years, and yes Jen, "we are glad you chose this as your ONE extracurricular activity!"
Loretta McCranie "Needing to see something outside the four walls of home" after the birth of their first son, and "really missing singing" prodded Loretta McCranie to e-mail then join the Choral Guild just this season, and we're so happy she did! Born in Moultrie, Loretta and her husband Daniel and their 7 month old son now live in Hahira & are excitedly expecting baby #2 in October. A stay at home mom, Loretta also works as an office manager for ASA Engineering & Surveying/ Metro Water Supply & also sells Avon. Loretta has been singing her whole life and in organized choirs since the 5th grade; as many as 4 different choirs at one time during her senior year of high school! If she had more time she would love to "get back to growing vegetables". We just hope that after her second child is born she'll still have time to sing with us for our Christmas concert! If not maybe we'll have to visit them as they "make excellent Christmas memories" living right behind Hambrick's Christmas Tree farm.
