Wiser’s Wramblings Welcomes “Women’s Group for Wonderful Music”

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Heartfelt chorus sentiments, poems about birds, what else could you ask for?

By Chuck Wiser, I write the words to share what my eyes see and my heart feels

A few days ago, Norene Ferris contacted me to see if I could help share the “word” of another new choral singing group in the area basking in the light of the Wellsville Sun. The play on words is my idea as that is my interpretation of the origin of the name of this publication when created by owner/editor Andrew Harris, for, or to whom, I am blessed to be able to contribute my writings.

Living up to my mantra used as part of the headline of my writings and often used as a closing statement, gets more and more meaningful to me as I get older approaching “old age.” My entire writing life from poetry for my own enjoyment, poetry submitted to publications specializing in such things, and poetry converted to song by the inspiration of Dave Dunbar (RIP), does exactly as my mantra says, in that… I DO write the words to share what my eyes see and my heart feels.

Given my lifetime love for music and especially being able to sing in the company of many groups starting with the 1976 Bicentennial Chorus, created to celebrate the Bicentennial, which is now known as the Genesee Valley Chorus, the Grace United Church choir and various other venues, such as Barbershop singing. I now want to hi-lite the musical inspiration of Norene Ferris who I met when she was directing the Genesee Valley Chorus. I’m taxing my memory a little, but I almost think I recall having sung with her one year in the Keynote Chorus in the Portville/Olean area, created by Dave and Peg Dunbar and then served by Norene when Dave and Peg retired and headed South to live near other family members.

I now share what Norene’s heart felt as she created a fledgling women’s choral group, and who will spread their love of music in a concert, as illustrated by the accompanying poster. This announcement also includes a brief autobiography of Norene’s former musical history.

The newly formed Women’s Chorus, Mosaic, will present a Palm Sunday Concert at the Obi Community Church on April 13 at 3:00 P.M.  The Concert is free to the public, and a reception will follow. The chorus, directed by Norene, and accompanied by Heather Iantorno, will feature both Lenten and sacred music. The idea for beginning a women’s chorus began last spring when Ferris formed a Bolivar-Richburg alumni group of former students to perform for the Pioneer Oil Days.

The women who participated wanted to continue the experience, and after sending out invites to women from area communities, Mosaic was born this January.

The name “Mosaic” reflects a commitment to uniting women of all ages and diverse musical backgrounds who share a passion for singing. The group currently brings together women from towns throughout Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties, celebrating their unique voices while fostering connection and camaraderie among all members. The goal continues to be performing a diverse repertoire through various musical genres to keep performances engaging and enjoyable for all. No audition is necessary; All are welcome. 

This concert will feature soloists, and small ensembles. A bonus will be the addition of the Obi Community Church Praise Team joining up with Mosaic. Obi Community Church is located at 1948 NY Route 305, between Cuba and Portville, NY.

Mosaic is also slated to host this year’s Bicentennial concert, in Bolivar, on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:00 P.M.  It promises to be a frolicking event, and will include Bolivar-Richburg Central School students, community members, and the Genesee Valley Chorus, under the direction of Matthew Purks-Morris.

Ferris retired from teaching music at Bolivar-Richburg in 2000.  She then went to teach in the music education department of The Pennsylvania State University from 2001-2011.  Upon returning to the area, she directed the Keynote Chorus of Portville, and later the Genesee Valley Chorus in Wellsville.  The new chorus brings her back to her roots, as love of working with women’s voices has always been a passion for her. She added: “Getting acquainted with former students, meeting new singers, sharing a love for music, coming together to deliver beautiful music, to lift each other up is what keeps us all doing what we do, and loving it!”

And now I Wramble on. As an example of how, or why, I selected (and Wiserized) the word Wramble, my thoughts do typically ramble on, and it doesn’t matter if I’m sleeping or awake. Early yesterday evening I had an episode of my Dumping Syndrome, already explained in previous Wramblings and identified by name as such by Dr. Sale. I was forced to miss Grace United choir practice and went to bed early just to take a nap and recover somewhat. When my wife came in to wake me announcing that it was 8 O’clock, I thought it was that time, but it was already Thursday morning. That seemed to fit as when I awakened, I was in the middle of a dream wherein I was writing this Wrambling. As I walked down the hallway from the bedroom, I noticed that it was still rather dark out and the across street neighbors (The Milliman’s) lights were on and Lyn hadn’t yet gone to work. When I mentioned that to my wife, she said it was 8:00 at night.

That puzzled me as I was still slightly disoriented from my previous episode, and having been awakened while in a dream wherein I thought I was working on Thursday’s Wrambling. It took me a few minutes to shake off the cobwebs and disorientation. I fully recovered and yet despite that, or because I can, I still Wramble.

Tis the midst, or nearing the end of maple Syrple season. Whilst driving back from Olean (and Walmart) the other day the thoughts of my twisted Syrup/Syrple terminology made me think of another new name.   

If I write or write about Syrple is it then known as speaking surreptitiously or syrupticiously?  Surreptitiously means “in a way that is secretly or that attempts to avoid notice or attention.

I guess my silly, sarcastic, and/or ironical writing is the direct opposite of that. This morning, last night, when I was putting my socks back on, it reminded me of another pet peeve which I have likely mentioned before. There are only a few feelings as irritating as pulling on a sock and ending up with a thread between your toes. That, I guess, is the sign or characteristic of cheaply made garments. I guess that matches my normal frugality. I do favor “wool like” foot apparel like old “sweat socks” used to be. I don’t think you can buy a pair of the old style “sweat socks” anymore. Today’s “materials” are not an exact match. I have managed to find a decent substitution in a brand-named Fox River. They come closest to pure wool, or at least the characteristics of wool that I like. I just checked the material components of a wool like pair (not Fox River), yet to be worn. The composition is 30% Wool and 45% Polyester. The other lesser components are Spandex and Cotton. These are deceivingly smaller and shorter in comparison to other “wool like” socks that I wear but they stretch to fit comfortably. Their less-than-ideal characteristic is that they are barely ankle high. I typically like socks to come up on the calf a little way as long as they don’t cut the circulation. My size 13-feet need all the blood circulation that they can get 🤣.

As I near the allotted time, or desired file size of my Wramblings, I have barely touched the former planned agenda for this week’s writing. Instead, I substituted what I felt was a more worthy writing topic. I may do a late weekend edition to give you something to shake your head about at the beginning of next week.

As I stand in the window gazing at the lawn which you can almost hear turning green, I am warmed by the sight of more Robins than typically winter here. Paraphrasing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s movie phrase “They’re Baaaack”. As I watched the birds already frequenting the culinary treats that the thawing lawn provides, my mind automagically started composing what may one day become a poem. 

 The Early bird in Lore, might rightly get the worm

 But now to us it’s those just back, who to us now return

I just did a major re-write, changing my mind during proof-reading about something that I started to say. I had used a rather “salty” term that had a little too much “saltiness” for today’s Wrambling. The word/term was typically used between the sailors among which I lived with for nearly 4 years. I now shudder somewhat, at least in my public writing, at the sound of words that just don’t sound proper when used publicly. To me, they “read” when written even more offensively, than when spoken. The infamous “F__”, which origin I’ve never researched (yet), has so many uses it now is becoming “almost” acceptable with its commonality. Had I ever used that word in the presence of my mother I would have ended up on my “ass,” which is another of those borderline words unless you are discussing your donkey.

Substituting the “If” word for the “F” word, it brings to mind a word that I’ve noted on my “to do” Wrambling list for the past few weeks. The word I describe herein is the smallest, but nearly most significant of all the words. The featured Grammar Groan word for today’s Wrambling is “IF.

To use it at the beginning of a sentence adds hesitancy or an escape clause “if” something doesn’t happen or come to pass. It also adds deniability when something doesn’t go just right, by responding; “I said “if” that were the case, or something I did, or meant to do.

If you like my writing, then I have accomplished my goal of sharing those things I have mentioned above. If you have any questions, cares, concerns, or a topic you would like me to look into please send me an email at IM.Wiserdad@gmail.com. I will get back to you, if……….etc.

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