The story behind...

It's quite a story:

After being felled by a stroke, Elbert Ford came up with a goal. He now has achieved it.

When Elbert moved to Traverse City in the early '70s, he saw a sign in a music store window advertising the barbershop chapter's meeting time and place. He joined immediately and continued to be an active and productive member.

But about four years ago, on a Thursday as he was about to head to a Pioneer District convention in Lansing, he suffered a stroke that paralyzed his right side.

"We got reports throughout the weekend from Elbert's wife, Pat, and the prognosis did not sound good," said Al Bonney, chapter president at the time. "When we returned, we all tried to do what we could to visit and support Elbert, but he was hurt pretty badly by the stroke and his attitude was beaten up badly as well."

After the stroke, Elbert retired from a career as a maintenance supervisor for appliances and technical products. But he didn't quit barbershop.

"Elbert has three pillars in his life -- God, family and barbershop," Al said. "Each played a strong part in his wonderful recovery, and we must not discount the role barbershopping played."

Several weeks into his rehab, Elbert spoke to Al about the chapter bulletin, "The Chorister." Al recalls: "He wanted to resurrect it, but only on the condition that it would win the district in three years and place well internationally soon after that. I assured him that was a worthy objective."

During that first year as editor, he had not completed enough bulletins to be eligible for the contest held by PROBE, the Society's Association of PR Officers and Bulletin Editors. But he submitted copies anyway for evaluation; his score would have placed him second in the district.

In the succeeding two years, he placed first in the district contest and was entered at the international level.

Last year, he placed 22nd at international with a 1401.8 score.

This summer, at the Society convention in Nashville, he was announced as Most Improved Editor among some 30 entrants from all districts.

And he placed 5th with a 1740.3 score, up 339 to reach 87% of a perfect 2000.

Goal achieved.

Elbert also continues as baritone section leader and even puts out the bulletin monthly while he is in Florida for the winter.

"I am firmly convinced that barbershop contributed significantly to saving Elbert's life," Al said, "and to supporting the wonderfully constructive and positive attitude he displays in his daily life."

After he won the district contest last spring, Elbert sent PioNet, the district e-mail list, a note of encouragement to all bulletin editors: "You're doing your chapter a big favor. I'm sure anyone who edits a bulletin will tell you that it's a very important job in chapter -- sometimes discouraging when you're hoping for that column from one of your guys to complete an issue."

He added: "Being able to return something to the hobby that I love makes it worth my while alone. The fact that I can do something to contribute, with my handicap ... is truly a blessing from God. Bulletin editors, don't be discouraged!"

Elbert isn't. At least, not any more.