[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 59-01, January - March, 2005 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]
[Submitted by Clarke Edward, editor of Newmarket Chapter’s Notes for the Chordsmen]

Valentine Day wear-out

By Rita Butt

My Old Fellow is worn out with Valentine passion, not for me of course, but for all those lucky people who were the lucky recipients of a couple of great barbershop quartet serenades.

He and his three buddies spent the whole day warbling to selected lovers who seem to enjoy his antics and voice in the company of three other retirees. They really give it their all.

It would be interesting to know which side of the serenade is enjoying it the most. The quartet appears in front of the unsuspecting love idol who is busy at the work station trying to be business-like and efficient.

It must be quite a shock for the fellow-workers to realize their buddy and longtime friend is really a sex-object in disguise. Hopefully, the recipient won’t have any doubts about the well-wisher but will probably try to disguise their complete embarrassment by being cute and coy.

These quartets do not always single out females. They have sung to high school principals, office managers and even a burly Tatoo artist. It must be difficult not to laugh. Of course, they amend the words to suit the gender of the love idol.

They have found these loving demonstrations are not always for lovers. There have been times when a manager wanted to let his staff know how much they were appreciated, and others appreciate kindness and fellowship.

An old couple living in a Retirement Home were the recipients of a love song from their large family. What a wonderful idea to convey your love when your vocabulary cannot articulate your true feelings.

My Old Fellow is absolutely surprised to see so many with faces and figures only “A Mother Could Love” be serenaded while telling the world they are so greatly loved. So, you see, true love is not only for skinny blonde models or tall handsome hunks. All of us have our moments even though sometimes it is hard to remember so far back.

The very favorite songs are “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “Heart of My Heart.”

If you should witness any of these demonstrations of great love for someone you think is undeserving, remember you have not seen the sender. All you know is there is also great love between folks who are not movie stars. Thank goodness.

For all you recipients of barbershop quartet Valentines, I hope it has proved you are loved, mended a rift and reassured you all is forgiven.

This quartet will continue to practice to cheer you all again next year.  k