Ed Hoffman

With President Greg’s ringing of the Rotary bell, all stood to proclaim “God Bless America” to the accompaniment of Tom Strode’s and Deanna Relyea’s wonderful piano. Steve Pierce came to the podium to give a stirring Inspiration, complete with many quotes by leaders having to do with the environment, politics, and on developing (and maintaining) […]

After Tom Strode’s marvelous prelude and accompaniment to the national anthem, which everyone sang with that 1970s equivalent of enthusiastic approbation — gusto — Barbara Niess-May came forward to share the day’s inspiration. “I’ve been thinking lately of a vision of hope,” she began. “I’d like to read a poem by Anne Lamott; author of […]

Joan Knoertzer began the proceedings with a wonderful prelude. From her keyboard came beautiful renditions of “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “You’re the Top,” and “I Get a Kick Out of You,” among others; all designed to extend a musical red carpet to our STRIVE students, their parents, and our speakers. Dave Keren, STRIVE Committee chair, gave […]

I was conquered at age 12 when I first saw Calamity Jane. Her song “The Deadwood Stage,” heroic both in length and its sudden melodic shifts, ascents, and harrowing plunges, was a revelation to me; a masterpiece; a full-throated anthem coursing through several contiguous scenes in a state of almost impossible energy: When I learned […]

President Greg struck the Rotary bell, and everyone rose to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” to Tom Strode’s delightful accompaniment. Along with the prelude, this would be just the opening salvo to a remarkable meeting filled with music. Inspiration: Jim Irwin, tanned, rested, but clearly still overheated by Florida’s sun, bounded to the podium. “Here are […]

Editors note: Due to size of articles- there is a limited amount of images that can be placed. For additional pictures of our very special event: The Robert S. Northrup Humanitarian Award- Holocaust Survivor Dr. Irene Butter— please click on:    https://photos.app.goo.gl/kYL7wzqdeZGZhWms8 Joan Knoertzer’s dulcet chords provided the perfect prelude to our meeting in Weber’s large […]

Joan Knoertzer’s piano prelude drifted gracefully through the ballroom, providing, like Dante’s Virgil, a soothing guide to the ceremonious rattle of the Rotary bell. All stood to sing “God Bless America,” and a fine rendition it was. President Greg, who would deliver the day’s Inspiration, quoted historian Jon Meachum on the Civil War: “as ‘a […]

Past President John Ackenhusen’s piano was as beautiful as always. The Weber’s ballroom was crowded, with everybody enjoying lunch, though it seemed less animated than usual — probably the result of losing fellow member, Howard Cooper. President Greg said it best: “Since the first of the year, it’s been my sad duty to ring the […]

Editor’s Note: Reporter Ed Hoffman wanted to provide a follow up to last week’s speaker,  Dr. Patrica Hall, on her presentation:  Music Making at Auschwitz Comes Alive Again.  Ed has provided pictures to the right and below. Also, Holocaust Survivor Martin Lowenberg will be speaking May 1st- at 7:30 pm at Beth Israel Congregation in […]

President-Elect Rosemarie Rowney struck the Rotary bell, concluding Allison Pollard’s beautiful piano prelude. “America the Beautiful,” which hadn’t been sung for a while, was given full-throated emphasis by an enthusiastic assembly. Amy Goodman came to the podium and shared a moving, and often funny, Inspiration. “For over three quarters of a century children have been […]