Life would be impossible without connections. From the small to the large it is the same. The neurons of the brain make the connections that enable us to function as human beings: railways, airlines, roads, telephones, the internet - all connect us up. It's the unexpected connection in the "punchline" that makes us laugh. E.g., One day Satan challenged Heaven to a baseball game. Peter took a quick look at the rosters and accepted, warning Satan that Heaven had all the greatest players who ever died. Satan acknowledged this, but told Peter, "Don't worry, we have a secret weapon". On the day of the game Peter asked Satan who his secret weapon was. Satan responded, "We have all the umpires".

Connections are important in a Society, too. Newsletters look after the macro-connections, but sometimes the micro-connections get shortchanged. John LeBoldus used to head up our Ways and Means Committee. After a meeting, he'd get up at the next chorus practice and say "We had a very successful ways and means meeting". Then he'd name everyone who had turned up to brave the smoke, and finally he'd announce the sum of money that they had come away with, as a result of their hard work, and he'd thank those who had worked it. Such a report makes a person feel connected, whether part of it or not.

I have been trying to nudge my fellow brothers in harmony to take a more aggressive role in supporting the local charity that most closely resembles our Society's charity, Heartspring. We need to take ownership, and become identified with the Regina Early Learning Centre, which, like Heartspring, teaches kids to speak (among other things). We need such a focus because it is important when people ask "What do you need money for?", to have an appropriate response. And here is a suggested reply: "We support a unique charity based in Wichita, Kansas, that teaches kids to speak, and in fact, we have a song that tells about it. And locally, we support an agency that teaches disadvantaged kids to speak - it is the Regina Early Learning Centre".

Because of our difficulty, often, in getting enough men out for our Ways and Means undertaking, I have been informally encouraging the Board of the Regina Early Learning Centre to create a roster of available back-up people, to help us out. We haven't needed them yet, but it could be a sensible way to solve our manpower problems occasionally.

By the way, do you know how much we send to Heartspring in any given year? (Besides soup labels!). Do you know how much we give to the Regina Early Learning Centre? Neither do I. But I am going to do my best to find out, and publish it next time. We may be horrified at how little we are doing, but I hope not.

For the fall, let's have a brain storming session to see what else we should be doing in the field of service and charities. E.g., what sing-outs should we strive for? Who's in charge of that program, anyway?

Most importantly, though, at this juncture, have a Good Summer! And concentrate on how to improve our inter-personal connections. The success of our hobby depends on it.

Ron Evans has been busy preparing music binders for each chorus member. You should receive a binder and inserts and a cover complete with our chorus name, SPEBSQSA emblem and your name. Please ensure that you put all your music for our current repertoire (list is on the back of the binder) into your binder and bring it to every meeting. (Opening your binder between meetings is OK too.)

Tentative plans are underway for a summer steak fry. Date, time and place to be confirmed (although current leanings are towards Friday August 8^th). Expect a phone call once the details are worked out.

We still have learning tapes for most of our repertoire. Purchase tape 1 and 2 for $1.50 each. If you have an 'old' tape, turn it into Ron and get a new one.

Don't forget to save Campbell labels and UPCs for Jared!

Articles in this bulletin do not necessarily reflect the views of the chapter. Unless carrying a byline, they are those of the editor. Items received may be referred to the executive before publication. All chapter officers and members are encouraged to submit articles to the Sharp Notes. Submissions will be credited to the author. Please address any comments, suggestions or submissions to the editor -- Bruce Fish.