[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 59-02, April - June, 2005 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

2006 COTS (a la carte) January 6,7,8,

By Don Pyper, COTS Co-ordinator 2005/2006

If you have never been to an Ontario Chapter Officers Training School, or Chapter Operations Team Seminar, ask your chapter president if you should attend. If he hesitates, let me know.

Each year in the snowy realm of Lake Couchiching on the grounds of the YMCA Geneva Park Conference Centre near the famous Orillia Opera House, over 200 Barbershoppers from all over Ontario arrive for a superb weekend of singing, learning, food, and fellowship, second to none other. You owe it to yourself to be there.

This is a reminder that next year’s COTS is already in the planning stage and looking better than the ultimate experience it was last year. We’re on a roll. Don’t just take my word for it. Ask anyone who was there. There should be about 250 of them somewhere in the shadows of your chapters.

Set up an Education Fund now!

It is most important that chapters set up an Education Fund  now to support the attendance of chapter leaders and others interested in discovering the MAGIC KINGDOM of four-part barbershop harmony. I know that many chapters do help their members attend and set up fundraising activities throughout the year to make it happen for their members.

This is a legitimate chapter expense and I thank  all of the chapters who plan ahead to make this the best COTS on the planet.

We made some great changes to the format and content last year and will capitalize on those successes. I can only promise you that you will enjoy this weekend like no other.

Please be reminded that registrations will be out early this year and you should start saving your nickels now. Further information will be sent to your chapters in July.

Any questions, contact Don Pyper, at 519-782 4425, or e-mail at dpyper @ Lweb.net. k