There were 76 band members, spouses or guests at the Recognition Dinner on Sunday, September 11.  The event was held at Hotel Stebbins in downtown Algoma.  Special guests were Lynn and Kerry Nichols and Bill Dennee.  Kerry was instrumental in starting the Algoma Community Band in March of 1978.  He felt a great deal of pride that after thirty-three years  the band was still in existence.  Bill was one of the former directors who has a very successful band program in the Denmark, WI school system.  Also among the attendees were Brian Van de Water and his wife, Vickie.  Brian is General Manager at WS Packaging Group, Inc.  He received a ‘thank you’ plaque recognizing WS Packaging Group, Inc. for their  support and sponsorship.

Each band member, who has played in the community band for five years or more, received a pin.  The pin included a 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 year dangler signifying how many years they have played in the band.  Charter pins were given to Linda and Dennis Andre, Fran and Fred Grasley, Donna Lou Lawrenz, Pat LeBotte, Kay Lee, Dave Meyer, Mary Novak, IdaKay Orsted, and Karen Schmidt.  Director pins were given to Kerry Nichols, Bill Dennee, and John Nielsen.  Fran Grasley, Minnie Holsbach, Gerald Holtz, Earl Krueger, and Stuart Storm retired from the band; they were recognized for their dedication and service to the Algoma Community Band.

Former director, Dale Wahlers, was absent but will receive a director pin and a 25 year pin.  David Kopetsky will also receive a director pin plus a 5 year pin. 

 

Photos  – click on the photos below for a larger view