North Metro's long-awaited 35th Anniversary Party took place on the evening of December 14th - as chorus members and guests gathered together for an evening of celebration. We were also recognizing our wonderful Director's 30th year as our Musical Leader!

June - who is recovering from a bad fall in which she broke a rib - spent the evening laughing and crying (and holding her side) as video and other tributes were paid to her. Her three daughters sang her a song they'd written, recounting what it was like to be a 'Dale Daughter'. Meanwhile, June's long-time quartet member, Roberta Johnston, shared some stories of their quartetting days, which spanned many years and culminated in a fourth-place International Medal!

We also took a retrospective look at North Metro's musical journey - from our beginnings as the Four Oaks Chapter with 17 members - to our present incarnation as the largest Sweet Adeline Chorus in the World. It brought back poignant and happy memories for those of us who have been with the chorus for many years, and for newer members, it gave some perspective to the hard work and commitment which has enabled the chorus to develop and grow over a long period of time.

Also present were many members of June's men's chorus, The Greater Toronto, MegaCity Chapter, and their President paid tribute to both June and North Metro.

It is always exciting for chorus members to actually be in the same room, in a group, wearing DIFFERENT outfits - and the venue was awash with sequins, glitter, beads and bows! Which, one must admit - is very different from our usual stage attire! There wasn't one gold miner in the bunch - although there were three wonderful gold International Trophies on display!

We were pleased to welcome many former members as guests, as well as some members of the Region 16 Regional Management Team who took time out of this busy season to join in our celebration.

As President, Shirley Marconi said at the culmination of the tribute portion of the evening, 'What more fitting way to express our love for June than by her chorus family singing her a song!' With a little help from ABBA we sang a specially written version of 'Thank You For The Music!' - as well as 'Another You!' Afterwards June and the chorus spent time repairing their mascara and makeup, as tears were flowing!

It was so lovely to be together in a warm, loving, social setting, where we could just enjoy each other's company as a chorus - to laugh and chat, share stories and sing and dance and just have fun! Those occasions seem rare lately, and we consider ourselves blessed when the opportunity arises.

As we ended our evening with hugs and kisses for a happy holiday - so I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of North Metro, to wish all the Sweet Adeline Community a happy, safe, and joyous holiday with those you love.

We look forward to seeing you next year at a variety of shows and competition venues. And if you are considering taking in any of those events our first performance will be on April 5, 2003, as guests on the MegaCity Show at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Information about tickets can be found at: Tickets@MegaCityChorus.com

Until we see you next year - stay safe and sing well!

Doreen Pooley