in 2021 we are
#SVSMoreThanJustAShow
January 15, 2021
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Celebrating Aging Through the Performing Arts |
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Greetings!
Happy New Year, Performers and Supporters of the Arts! Here is hoping that 2021 will eventually find us back in our old venues. But if not publicly, then at least may we be appreciating the performing arts in our living rooms to carry us upward and onward. We at SVS are still hoping to hear how you are incorporating the performing arts in your home as we await the next curtain to rise. Please let us know. Your ideas and attempts just might be the encouragement that the rest of us need! Meanwhile, you are invited to visit our YouTube Channel for SVS acts, old and new, that we have spotlighted recently. Here’s toasting you, my dear friends!
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Twice a month you can find a brand new performance or a favorite flashback from one of our 25 shows on Facebook |
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Hint for our next featured performer. |
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“Blessed are those who laugh at themselves for they will never cease to be amused.”
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What are you doing since the HOLIDAYS (and Covid)? |
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Laurie Hoifeldt: Hi all! I've been painting for a few years with friends, and my reaction to the pandemic shutdown this spring was to give away art! I set a card table in our front yard with a sign that said 'free, take one!' and loaded it with small paintings to help spread some smiles. It was amazingly satisfying to see people stop, and smile, and walk away with a painting. We met new folks this way, and I even got a few commissions. Winter brought many gnome paintings and I started an Etsy shop, LaurieJaneArt, in November! https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaurieJaneArt. Art is essential in all its forms; painting has soothed my soul this year.
Becky Irish: This past year I’ve had some serious health issues, but it did not entirely preclude me from playing my flute. I downloaded hundreds of accompaniment songs so I could play along…for lung and soul therapy. I really miss the Senior Band! (See above photo of flute player Becky Irish.)
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You can send your quarantine projects and ideas to us at storycountysvs@gmail.com and we will share. Building community one project at a time. |
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Spotlight! Heart of Iowa Band
In the mid 90’s Heartland Senior Services’ Director Hope Brown had a great idea of gathering senior musicians to form a senior band. That meant convincing some to dust off an instrument that had been on the shelf for 50 years! Jim Selland, a retired band instructor and trumpet player, agreed to be the first director. By 1997 the band was ready to make its stage debut in the 3rd Annual Senior Variety Show. Don Dobell inherited the baton from Jim and for 21 years the Heartland Senior Band was the “house band” for the show. In addition, it often played throughout the county, including many Ames bandshell and mall appearances. Through Don’s leadership, the band grew from 12 to 30 members who came from various parts of Story County. We hope you have heard the band in several of our YouTube selections… accompanying vocalists, tappers, and other acts as well as opening and closing the show.
Senior Band members, we know you are not able to gather to practice during the pandemic but hope you are keeping those instruments on hand to lift your spirits….and perhaps those of your neighbors! Thanks for your great contribution to the history of the Senior Variety Show.
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If you are at least 60 and have an idea of something you would like to share as a featured performer on our Facebook page just email storycountysvs@gmail.com |
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Social Media and Social Distancing
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We had not heard of Zoom calls a year ago, and now SVS is zooming down the road with an Instagram account, updated website, as well our presence on Facebook. |
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Email Envy
Do you know someone who would like these infomails? (I just made that word up.) We don't necessarily have emails for members of the larger groups that have been in a show, our fabulous audience fan base, or the kids, grandkids, friends, neighbors, dog groomers, chimney sweeps, butchers, electricians, and former accountants of our performers. Forward this to them and they can request being added to our list and getting the scoop on what SVS is up to.
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Stay Safe,
Stay Engaged,
Stay Inspired
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