Barbershop show will be extra special

When planning began for the 2007 barbershop show, members of the Prairie Statesmen Chorus knew it was going to be special. All they had to do was look at their calendars, which showed 2007 would not only be McCook's 125th Anniversary; but also the 35th anniversary of the Prairie Statesmen Chapter.

What the Prairie Statesmen didn't know, however, was how fortunate they were to have booked Vocal Spectrum as the lead quartet for the 2007 show. The Statesmen knew the Vocal Spectrum singers were outstanding performers; but they had no idea the young quartet from the St. Louis area would be selected as the 68th International Quartet Champions..

Wow! What a bonus for the 2007 Barbershop Show, which will be Saturday, April 14, at the McCook Memorial Auditorium.

Don Blank, a longtime Prairie Statesmen barbershopper, had heard Vocal Spectrum during their college days, and knew from the start they were destined for greatness.

That's why he and other members of the Prairie Statesmen worked so hard to bring the quartet to McCook. And, boy, were their efforts rewarded.

Vocal Spectrum formed in 2002 in Lindenwood University. At the time, Jim Henry was the director of choral programs at Lindenwood, and immediately recognized the talents of Jonny Moroni, the baritone, and Eric Dalbey, the lead. Later, when Tim Waurick, tenor, and Chris Hallam, bass, arrived at Lindenwood, the quartet was complete.

In rapid order, Vocal Spectrum has been honored as College Quartet of the Year, District Quartet of the Year, and -- in 2006 -- International Champions!

What a show-topping -- and show-stopping -- pinnacle for the 2007 McCook show.

But, there's more. As an added touch for the April 14 show, the Prairie Statesmen are expanding their chorus, inviting male singers from throughout Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas to join them for the barbershop show.

"The size of our chorus will at least double in size, going from 25 or 30 to 50, 60 or more," said Bill Graves, the show chairman.

Any man who loves to sing is welcome to join the group, which has been named "the Q Chorus" in honor of McCook's Quasquicentennial (125th anniversary) celebration. All that's necessary to take part is attendance at the Prairie Statesmen's rehearsals, held each Tuesday evening from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Nazarene Church at 801 West First Street.

Other features of the show will be appearances by the Jurrassic Larks of of Atlanta, Ga.; Key of Gee from McCook; and a high school quartet, being put together by Sandy Weigel.

Get your tickets soon. They will go fast. Prices are $12 (reserved) and $10 (general admission) in advance. Tickets may be purchased at Hershberger Music, Farrell's Drug or from any member of the Prairie Statesmen.

It's hard to believe it's been 35 years since the Prairie Statesmen Chorus was organized in McCook.

They have brought us delightful programs of harmonizing, and we look forward to their 2007 tribute to McCook's Quasquicentennial.

Helen's 100th Birthday

While speaking to the DAR -- Daughters of the American Revolution -- about the Gazette's 125th Anniversary picture book, I heard about a very special lady.

"You need to meet Helen Meyers," the DAR ladies said. "She's been around this area for many years and she's still sharp as a tack."

How right the DAR women were. Soon after hearing about Helen, I heard that she was celebrating her 100th birthday, so I gave her a call to visit about her century of life.

"What's the secret?," I asked Helen. "To what do you attribute your long life?" Her answer came quickly: "Never give up," she said. "Do as much as you can every day of your life."

What a wonderful philosophy, and Helen's friends and admirers tell me that is exactly how she has approached life. She still lives in the house which has been her home for the past 72 years. It's located north of Southwest School.

"I still do some housework, but I get help from Dixie Kofler, who comes out three afternoons a week, and my son, Kent, who lives nearby."

Helen, whose maiden name was Loomis, was born south of Haigler just over the Kansas line. Her family moved frequently during her childhood years, including time spent in Lebanon, Ore., and Trinidad, Calif.

She graduated from high school in McCook in 1924, and started teaching in rural schools at age 17.

In 1935 she married Hugh Meyers, who farmed and worked for public power. They had two children, Kent Meyers, who continues to reside in Red Willow County, and Marilyn Bohl, who is retired from the telephone company in Colorado. Helen has 11 grandchildren and twin great-grandchildren.

Helen was a member of the Red Willow Ladies Club for 71 years and treasures a book which tells about her father coming to Red Willow County in 1872.

"He was one of the earliest settlers. There were still Indians here at the time."

As she begins her 101st year, Helen's advice is the same as she's been giving for years: "Keep going," she said. "Keep doing all you can every day."