Year: 2021

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Hello New Horizons of Summit and Stark Counties! Just a few words of thanks, instruction and information. 2021 was such an exciting year! I really feel that we all worked together creating some of the best performances of our history and without a doubt have enjoyed a huge musical growth. Thank you not only for your dedication, cooperation, commitment, and generosity but more importantly for your desire to grow!

I am very excited about kicking off 2022! Or Spring rehearsal schedule will be posted next week and will contain some very important changes and reorganization designed to offer more small group and sectional rehearsal opportunities. We will continue to rehearse and perform as one large string/ wind/ percussion ensemble as well. Our schedule will begin on Monday January 10th at the First Evangelical Church. Call a friend or former member and invite them back! You have an entire week to warm up and get your parts for “Evil Ways” and “Low Rider” down. That way we can sight read some other new FUN Charts as well!

We are working very hard to improve our Virtual program so that we can continue providing play along options for our classes and rehearsals. Our Board of Directors is presently reviewing our “Safe Health Guidelines” and will post our update of regulatory changes before January 10th here on our webpage. As in the past your cooperation and commitment to the health of all our members is paramount to our success. If you are a wind player, please try to practice with a mask that you have sliced so that you can play with a mask on. It may look silly and be harder to do but, in the end, it may help control and improve your ability to combat this virus. I truly believe that the shots and boosters will continue to prove to be our best defense. Together we can continue to commit to the safety practices that allow us to make music live and, in the moment, as it has always been intended to be.

I look forward to our next downbeat!

Jim

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Holiday Carol Trivia Recital

December 9, 2021

Left-to-Right: Harvey Jackson, Kahn Lee, Art Hensler, Carlos Miller, Sandy Boyes, Andy Rosenberg, Dennis Zerby, Donna Mullins, Marilyn Katzmark, John Rasinski, Kathy Jesser, Sandy Bee Lynn, Connie Stinnett, Valeria DiNarda, Anne Lazzerini, Debbie Huebeck, Jaime Madrigal

P R O G R A M

Harvey Jackson – French Horn
     O Holy Night

Sandy Bee Lynn and Andy Rosenberg – Viola Duet
     Good King Wenceslas

Dennis Zerby – Oboe
     In the Bleak Mid-Winter

Orientation Cello Trio
     Anne Lazzerini, Jaime Madrigal, Debbie Huebeck
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Up on the Housetop

Kathy Jesser – Trombone
     Birthday of a King

Kathy Jesser and Connie Stinnett –
Trombone and Cello Duet
     O Little Town of Bethlehem

Connie Stinnett and Marilyn Katzmark –
Cello and Violin Duet
     Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

John Rasinski – Tenor Saxophone
     Tonight in Bethlehem

Novice Ensemble
     Sandy Boyes, Art Hensler, Marilyn Katzmark,
     and Carlos Miller, Violins
     Donna Mullins and Connie Stinnett, Violas
     Debbie Huebeck, Valerie DiNarda, Cello
     Jaime Madrigal, Bass
     Kahn Lee, Trumpet
Frosty the Snowman
Holly Jolly Christmas

Holiday Carol Trivia Recital Winners

Joyce Evans and John McDowell

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CONGRATULATIONS ON A SUPER PERFORMANCE!

I’m sure that you all went home sharing the same feelings of accomplishment as I did! The audience understood the message that we spoke as an ensemble of MUCISIANS! Thank you for your courage and trust in me as we took another GIANT STEP in our growth. I appreciate your hard work and best efforts. I’m really looking forward to 2022!

Here are some informative notes on Thursday evenings RECITAL! Please arrive before 6:00 and find a seat in the Sanctuary. Unless you are performing in the recital you will not need your instrument. There will be no regular rehearsal. The recital will be very entertaining and last about one hour. Many of your friends will be performing as soloist or in small ensembles. A continuous “Holiday Trivia” game will be directed from the stage by our Host, Jaime. A grand prize will be awarded the highest scoring audience member.

At the conclusion of the recital, we will dismiss you by sections at which time you will proceed to our normal rehearsal area forming a line at the double doors. Please bring your copies of the following four Christmas Concert selections 1. Farandole, 2. Here Comes Santa Claus, 3. Do You Hear What I Here, 4. Charlie Brown. Simply place these masters in the appropriate box. Please stay in line as you cross the room to pick up your new parts for two new selections 1. Evil Ways and 2. Low Rider. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in getting this done quickly! Merry Christmas!

Your Freind in Music!

Jim

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UPDATE ON DAVE SABETT

I’m afraid the string section has suffered another loss. Barb Sabett’s (cello) husband, Dave, was recently placed in hospice. On November 19th, Dave lost his fight with prostate cancer. Although an official obituary won’t be online at the funeral home until Wednesday, I wanted to make sure people knew that calling hours will be 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Friday Dec. 3rd at Hilliard-Rospert funeral home in Wadsworth. The actual funeral will be Saturday December 4th at 11am. For those that want to send condolences, Barb’s address is: 461 Mcentee Dr., Wadsworth, OH 44281.

Below is Dave’s official obituary:


DavidA.SabettWadsworth, OH

David A. Sabett, 74, of Wadsworth passed away Friday, November 19, 2021. He was born April 23, 1947 in Akron, OH to the late Elizabeth and Alphonso J. Sabett.

Dave was a dedicated and loving family man. He was a 1965 graduate of Archbishop Hoban High School and attended the University of Akron. An avid golfer, he was a member of Hoban’s golf team and played every Sunday with his dad, Al, and their traveling group. In retirement he especially enjoyed his morning men’s league at Spring Hills G.C. and couples golf with friends. He was a sports car enthusiast, having owned a Jaguar XKE, MGBs and a Datson 280Z. His last sports car was a bright yellow Ford Mustang convertible, his favorite color.

Dave’s work began in the travel industry, as he was a great support to his father’s business, Mayflower Travel. Mayflower also sold tickets to various entertainment venues, which led to his employment at admissions offices including Blossom Music Center, Akron Civic Theater and Northfield Race Track. He eventually found his calling in outside sales and account management, retiring in 2012.

Dave is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara (nee Thomas); daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer Lynn and David Todd Kollert, Wadsworth, OH; granddaughter, Pvt. Kelsi Lynn Kollert, USMC, Camp Geiger, N.C.; sisters, Laura (Al) Jenkins, Orangevale, CA, Janice (Tony) Parent, Starksboro, VT; and brother, James (Monique) Sabett, Tucson, AZ; and Barbara’s siblings, Lawrence (Katie) Thomas, Norton, OH, Donna Mullins, Tallmadge, OH, Janet (David) Sattler, Akron, OH and Beth, (Thomas) McAlonan, Uniontown, OH. He was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Rick Mullins; nephew-in-law, Don VanBuskirk; and dear grandson and best buddy, Joshua Lyons, who honored him with a folder of his poems, “…dedicated to my grandfather who is always willing to help”.

The family honors and thanks Drs. Teresa Goebel, Oscar Streeter, and Pramila Parajuli and Summa Homecare and Barberton Hospital hospice nurses for their exceptional care of David.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. December 3, 2021 at the Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman St. Wadsworth, where a memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021 with Pastor Adam Marquette officiating.  Facial coverings will be required at all services.

Hilliard-Rospert
(330-334-1501)
http://www.HilliardRospert.com

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TOM BECZE UPDATE

Tom Becze was the significant other of Theresa Heaton from the violin section. Tom passed away Saturday November 13th from lung cancer. There will be no funeral arrangements other than he will be cremated and his ashes will be taken to several of his favorite places. This seems very fitting considering he was an adventurous soul whose work took him all over the world. Please keep Theresa and his family in your prayers as they go through the grieving process.

Below is Tom’s obituary:

Thomas David Becze

Born: 06/10/1948 Passed: 

Thomas David Becze, age 73 of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully, November 13, 2021, after a valiant battle with lung cancer. He was born in Homestead, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late William and Ethel Becze.  Tom was a 1966 graduate of West Mifflin North High School where he sang in many school musicals. He graduated from Bethany College in 1970 where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. While at Bethany his musical and artistic talents were evident in the one-man art show he produced, as well as the musical productions he participated in. His junior year, he studied at Wroxton College in England and created two authentic brass rubbings of a 15th century English knight and lady, which today are collector’s items.

Tom adored Bernese Mountain dogs and was the proud owner of at least four of them over the years. He loved Hungarian food and was immensely proud of his Hungarian heritage. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan and wore his Steeler Polamalu jersey with great pride. He sang with the Bucks County Choral Society and other regional choirs in the various towns in which he lived.

He was the president and founder of Princeton Regulatory Associates, where he specialized in market pharmaceutical consulting services domestically and globally. He was proud of his 30+ years in consulting and pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.

Tom is survived by his beloved partner, Theresa Heaton; his two sons, Christopher (Elizabeth) Becze and Bryan (Kristin Dittmer) Becze of Colorado; three grandchildren, Savannah, Sophia and Sebastian Becze; brothers, Steve (Mary Ellen) Becze and William (Cathy) Becze; sister, Suzie (Alan) Alesius; four nieces and two nephews.

There will be no services, cremation has taken place and his ashes will be taken to several of his favorite places. This seems very fitting considering he was an adventurous soul, whose work took him all over the world. If you wish to send condolences, please direct them to Theresa Heaton, 1331 Village Dr., Akron, OH 44313.Print

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JOHN “JACK” WEAVER

We recently were asked to pray for Kathryn Weaver’s (violin) father-in-law, Jack Weaver, who was struggling with cancer. His fight ended Friday November 12th. Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time, but he will be buried at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Rittman. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

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KATHRYN WEAVER

Kathryn Weaver’s (violin) father-in-law, John (Jack) Weaver, has been maintaining with leukemia for some time. Unfortunately he has developed some new symptoms that indicate his health is spiraling downhill fast. He is unable to eat and his kidneys are shutting down. It is his desire to stay home, so even though hospice will be involved , Kathryn and her husband Bob will be at the house providing much of his care. Kathryn is going to try to make it to the Harvest Home dinner tonight but that may be the last time we see her with New Horizons for awhile. Please pray for strength for Kathryn and Bob and any other family members involved. And more importantly, pray for Jack’s comfort and peace.

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Veterans Memorial Service — Sunday, November 14, 2021

Submitted by Sandy Bee Lynn (viola)

On Sunday, November 14, Jahna Stanton – violinist – will be playing at Emanuel UCC in Doylestown (16 Eastern Road, Doylestown 44230). This will be our Veterans Memorial service which starts at 10:30. All are welcome to come to honor our Veterans and hear the always incredible music of Jahna Stanton. See Sandy Bee Lynn if you have any questions.

Jahna Stanton is a violinist and teacher residing in Kent, OH. She graduated with a Masters Degree in Violin Performance from Kent State University in 2020. Prior to moving to OH, Jahna received her Bachelor of the Arts degree in Violin Performance from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Jahna is a two-time winner of the Patricia Brady-Danzig Concerto Competition, and in 2017, had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall as a member of the New York Youth Symphony. Jahna has been teaching private lessons since 2018, and now has a studio comprised of 24 aspiring young musicians.

Emanuel UCC Location

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JAMES F. LONGFELLOW

As you may remember, Tim Longfellow’s mom passed away in July. Tim accompanies New Horizons on the piano. He can also be seen jamming on the keyboard at the Houston Pub when the guys are doing their jazz night. But not many of you may know that his dad, Jim Longfellow, would often step in for a song or two and play the drums.

Jim passed away on Monday, so needless to say, this family has seen a lot of loss this year. Below, the obituary will be posted. If you would like to send Tim and Donna a card, they live at: 3272 Cherrywood Street, Norton, OH. 44203.Ji

James F. Longfellow

James F. Longfellow, “Jim”, 86, recently of North Canton, formerly of New Franklin, Ohio, peacefully left this Earth to join his best friend and wife, Mary Jane, on October 11, 2021, at his home at Sanctuary Grande.

Jim was born November 17, 1934, in Barberton, Ohio to the late Charles and Helen Longfellow. He and Mary Jane had been residents of Melody Village for over 60 years.
Jim was a Private First Class of the United States Marine Corp Air Reserve, and a machinist by trade, spending many years at Brubaker Gear & Manufacturing Co., retiring from the Will-Burt Co. in 1996. He was also a musician by heart. He played with the band Nite Life as drummer for many years, which included the long-term gig as house band for Bill Lezo’s Gaslight Room at the Brown Derby in Norton. Some of his favorite memories were playing with his son Tim–early days, when he sat in on keyboards during the summers; and most recently the “house band” for Wolf Creek Players in Norton (Tim forced him out of retirement).
Grandpa Jim never missed a Norton High School band performance while his grandchild Gray marched. He was the mastermind of Team Longfellow during Gray’s years of racing Soap Box Derby. Jim also was quite a wood craftsman. Other great memories were traveling through Europe with Mary Jane in 1985, including Germany to visit his son Mike while he was stationed there; however, the perk was seeing his first grandchild, Phoenix as well. Then just a few years ago, they flew to Seattle and spent time with Mike, Jennifer, Allie, Phoenix, Maddie, and their families. Favorite pastimes/adventures included golfing, bowling, camping, traveling, cards, and casinos with his partner of 62 years, Mary Jane. Family truly was his life, and he supported both his sons and their families, as well as the many nieces and nephews. It was a party at Jim and Mary Jane’s, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Their home was always open for visits and gatherings. Jim enjoyed history and tracking the genealogy of the Longfellow Family. Yes, he is a distant relative of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Jim was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church via St. George’s in Clinton. His deep-rooted faith was ever present and never failed him throughout his life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane (this past July); infant daughter, Suzanne Marie; brothers, Carl Longfellow and Clarence Longfellow; sisters Eileen Weaver and Viola Christian. Jim is survived by his children, Michael (Jennifer) Longfellow; and Timothy (Donna) Longfellow; grandchildren, Phoenix (Brandon) Cornwell; Allegra (Jonathon) McFadden; Christopher (Jeweli) Longfellow; Madison (Ryan) Peters; Gray Longfellow; 9 great-grandchildren, Leilani, Hayleigh James, Avalon, Patrick, Hudson, Aryanna, Aiden, Aurora, Alayna; sister-in-law, Joanne Wesley; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime best friends, Bud and Lucy Snow.

Special thank you to Heather Maxwell and all the staff at Sanctuary Grande; Absolute Home Health, especially PT Courtney; and Absolute Hospice, Tara and Tiffany, for their outstanding compassion and care during Jim’s last days. Jim and Mary Jane called Sanctuary Grande their home since October 2020, and we will be forever grateful.

Friends may call at Bacher-Moore Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd., Norton, Ohio on Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 15, 2021, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 4022 Johnson Rd., Norton, Ohio. Interment Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Norton Music Boosters, REF The Longfellow Family Scholarship, c/o Norton Music Boosters, PO Box 1335, Norton, OH 44203.