By: David Updegraff
2007 BOTY
I was astounded, honored, and nearly speechless (not a common state for me, as you know!) when I was awarded the Barbershopper of the Year award for 2007. It is one thing to volunteer in an organization, a hobby, a lifestyle that one loves; it is quite another thing entirely to be given an award for doing what one loves. The Barbershopper of the Year for the previous year is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the nomination process for the current year’s recipient. It is highly gratifying to report that 12 men were nominated this year, nearly 25% of the active membership of the chapter. This indicates how many men contribute significantly to the ongoing work of our growing and improving chapter and chorus. The recipient for 2008 has been a barbershopper for over 20 years. He is a very active member and has made significant contributions to the improvement of the chapter in recent years, as well as having been active for the length of his membership in the chapter. He is a doer, ready to volunteer for assignments. He is often a high ticket and ad seller, and if he can’t sell tickets, often buys them and gives them away. He has served as President of our chapter two different times, and received more votes this year than anyone else. May I present your Barbershopper of the Year for 2008, Ed Johnson.