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'Speaking words of wisdom'
The Prez waxes philofophical
By Gaye LaCasce, International President
2025. Wow. Who among us, around New Year's Day, doesn't reflect on the passage of time? "Time flies when you're having fun," is a common idiom. It's so true - but in my experience, time flies regardless of what I'm doing! What does the passage of time look like? While I don't perceive the incremental changes in me, I look at my kids, my granddaughter, and maybe my high school classmates... that's where the passage of time is most visible.
There are innumerable erudite quotations about time, wisdom, and the inevitability of change; many of them speak serious and important truths. For me, however, watching the calendar pages turn inspires only one philosophy, and that is to live in and enjoy the moment.
Spring contests are looming; the first quarter IBOD meeting is in two weeks; we have lots of travel in the offing; my professional responsibilities are heightened in the next few months. Does it bother me? Am I stressed? Nope. I'm not saying that my outlook is the best... or even normal! But it is the reason I can spend a lot of time volunteering for Harmony, while being an active singer (and having a full non-barbershop life, as well.)
So what's the take-away here, from my presidential musing? It's more idioms (or idiomata, for you word-lovers!) Take time to smell the roses. Be thankful for small favors - even in the face of adversity. Put things in perspective. Find opportunities to be a happy camper. Make someone's day. And above all, sing. I hope that's music to your ears! |
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How many people belong to Harmony, Inc.? Which Area has the most Associate members? How many of our members are youth? The answers to all these questions and more can be found in the interactive Membership and Financial Dashboard available on the Harmony, Inc. website by logging in and visiting the Harmony.Stronger page.
The International Board of Directors (IBOD) is committed to using accurate, relevant data to make strategic decisions for the organization. This dashboard is a visualization tool used to observe trends and intersections in things like membership numbers, geographical distribution of members, and ensemble participation. Our IBOD uses this information to prioritize programming, streamline policies, and better support our members, Chapters, and Areas.
Take a few minutes to explore the content at https://www.harmonyinc.org/harmony-stronger-2023. Look for the Membership & Financial Dashboard link near the bottom of the page. Remember, you’ll need to log in with your member ID and password.
If you have questions or suggestions about the dashboard, please contact Executive Director Kelly Peterson. |
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How and why to calculate new member dues
We’ve rung in a brand new year, but the membership year for Harmony, Inc. is drawing to a close. As we get closer to annual membership renewals, chapters are reminded that new members added in the last quarter (January through March) are charged pro-rated dues for the current year plus the full dues amount for the coming year. This policy saves the new member money, prevents the chapter from needing to ask new members to remit corporate dues twice in quick succession, and eases some of the workload in the corporate offices at a very busy time of the year.
The Record of Membership form will calculate the correct amount based on the month the new member joins. Members added to the chapter during these three months will be in good standing through March of 2026.
Below is a breakdown of corporate dues for members age 26 and up for your reference; youth and Affiliate member dues are less and can be calculated exactly in the Record of Membership form.
| Quoted in USD: |
First Month of Membership |
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January |
February |
March |
| Pro-rated 2024-2025 |
$18 |
$12 |
$6 |
| Full 2025-2026 |
$75 |
$75 |
$75 |
| New member fee |
$15 |
$15 |
$15 |
| Total Corporate Dues |
$108 |
$103 |
$96 |
Area dues for 2025-2026 are also payable at this time.
If you have any questions or need help, please reach out to Kelly or Angie at info@harmonyinc.org.
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| Corporate Office Announcements |
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NEW VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
Seeking volunteer for new Marketing Team Manager position
Harmony, Inc. is seeking a Marketing Team Manager. This volunteer position reports to the Executive Director and oversees the operations of the Marketing & Communications Team.
The ideal candidate has experience in project management and is capable of creating and executing marketing plans from start to finish. This individual will work closely with the Marketing & Communications Team, coordinating efforts among team members to create and present compelling, informative campaigns highlighting Harmony and its members and programs. The role will likely require an average of 5-10 hours of work per week.
If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Executive Director Kelly Peterson.
SEEKING Facilitator Program Coordinator
Harmony, Inc. has identified the need for a Facilitator Program Coordinator. As we continue to achieve the strategic goals outlined in Harmony, Stronger, 2023, it is time to develop a team of facilitators to help our Councils, Committees, and Teams meet their strategic goals.
The Facilitator Program Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting and managing a team of facilitators. The individual works to recruit HI members with previous facilitation skills and experience and/or individuals who are interested in developing these skills. This individual should possess a passion for supporting teams and program success. Our Strategic Advisor will support the coordinator as they recruit and match facilitators with program needs. The plan is to start slowly and incrementally building the program, meeting priority needs as they arise.
For more information about this exciting opportunity check here or contact Linda McMaster, Strategic Advisor.
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Hello Harmony, Inc.! I am very excited to have rejoined the International Board of Directors (IBOD), returning to the position of Vice-President Finance for the coming year. My previous term ended in 2021 and since that time, I have served as Harmony, Inc.’s Financial Advisor.
I'll be serving on the Executive Committee and chair the Finance Committee as well as working closely with Executive Director Kelly Peterson and Finance Assistant Judi Johnston as we oversee the finances of Harmony, Inc.
I have been a member of Harmony, Inc. since 2001 when I joined New England Voices in Harmony, where over the years I served in most positions on the chapter board, including Treasurer.
In my work life, I work for a local CPA firm, where I have worked for 36 years, and am in charge of multiple audit engagements, both Corporate and Non-Profit.
I look forward to serving Harmony, Inc. in my area of expertise and am excited for the year ahead!
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| Sue Trenchard Nominations Open |
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| Corporate Office Words of Wisdom |
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Did You Know?
You can order pins and SING magnets from the Corporate Office?
Have you lost your pin? Does your chapter celebrate membership anniversaries or Barbershopper of the Year? Order all of your pins using form HAR-089
Have you misplaced (lost) your chorus or quartet medal? Order a new one using form HAR-089.
Looking for a small token of appreciation or a way to share with the world about our organization? Order your SING magnets using form HAR-089.
Did you know you can update your Mailchimp preferences? Instead of unsubscribing, which removes you from all the mailings (HI Note, HIVE etc.), you can change your preferences to select which items you would like to receive. At the bottom of this HI Note you will see (in very small print) [update your preferences] or [unsubscribe from this list]. To make sure you don't miss out on an article/news that is important to you we suggest you update your preferences instead of unsubscribing.
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Your donations to the For Love of Harmony program enable you to identify individuals or groups to receive special recognition, while at the same time providing a monetary gift to Harmony, Inc.
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Patricia Wall
Linda Parviainen in memory of our booming bass, Connie Thompson
Mitchell International (Employer Matching)
Harmony Heritage in memory of Pauline DellaVentura
Angie Morton (new monthly recurring donation)
Amanda Cornaglia (new monthly recurring donation)
Catherine Blankenship (new monthly recurring donation)
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- to friends and family of Char Berndt, former Director of Sound Celebration (formerly The Chord-a-lettes) and 1976 Harmony Queen with Relections
- to Josie LaFrance (Harmony Heritage, Area 2) on the passing of her sister Pauline DellaVentura
- to the California Note Catchers on the passing of their long time honorary member, Mayra Bee
- to Sound Celebration (Area 4) on the passing of former member Ruth Jaeger, who was with the chapter for 20 years.
- to the family, friends and members of Surround Sound Chorus (Area 2) on the passing of cherished, lifetime member Connie Thompson.
- to Mary Hamilton (Northern Blend Chorus, Area 3) on the loss of her husband Del Hamilton
- to Q Lethbridge (Northern Blend Chorus, Area 3) on the loss of her father, John Lethbridge
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Administrative Coordinator to be recorded. Thank you. |
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The Contest Information Forms for AC&C are now available.
HAR-061 Official Area Quartet Contest Information Form
HAR-063 Official Area Chorus Contest Information Form
Note there has been a change in the Song Registration Form deadline from 2 weeks prior to contest to 30 days prior to contest. Best to get it in early. |
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| International Convention & Contests |
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2025 NOVEMBER 5-8, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY, PA
2026 NOVEMBER 11-14, GALT HOUSE, LOUISVILLE, KY
2027 NOVEMBER 10-13, NIAGARA FALLS CONVENTION CENTER, NIAGARA FALLS, ON
2028 NOVEMBER 1-4, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY, PA
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The next issue of the HI Note comes to your inbox January 20. What would you like to see covered in our pages? Drop a line to editor@harmonyinc.org and we'll tell the world. Next deadline is January 13.
See you again, soon!
Copyright © 2025 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved.
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