On Thursday, May 17th, 2007, a farewell party was held in honor of Shirley Chisholm, our beloved Tenor, piano player, past president, past vice president, past treasurer, and forever friend. We are definitely upset that Shirley and her husband have decided to leave the Cumberland area, though we fully understand the wisdom of the move for them.

Shirley Chisholm Receives Her Gift from The Ladybirds

The party was well attended by about 17 members of the Ladybirds. Each person brought some sort of comestible for the party and a card for Shirley. We went around the circle of Ladybirds and each person recalled something special about Shirley. It’s unanimous that Shirley has been an exemplary member of our chorus. She has helped in so many ways, not the least of which has been co-chairing A Night at the Music Box on September 9, 2006; preparing learning tapes for anyone who needed them, regardless of the part requested; playing the piano to help each section learn their part of any song the chorus happened to focus on; singing beautiful tenor (even solos on occasion); chairing board meetings and music committee meetings; participating in singouts; transporting others to various outings and singouts; plus, plus, plus!

What an invaluable gem we have had for ten years, and how sad we are to lose her. Hopefully, she’ll return to the Cumberland area from time to time on occasional Thursday evenings and stop by our rehearsal to sing with us!

Shirley Chisholm’s Farewell Gathering

The chorus presented Shirley with a Melody in Motion wall clock for her new home. We thought that was an appropriate gift for a music lover and a valued member of our group; we sincerely hope that she and Jack enjoy the clock and remember the Ladybirds when it plays the beautiful musical selections on the hour.