New Horizons Band of Summit and Stark Counties
Providing Life Enrichment Through Embracing Music
Guess who turns 93 years old on June 19th? Harmonica legend, Al Smith, a former member of our New Horizons Band. You wouldn’t believe how many of his arrangements are in our music library.
If you would like to send a card or good wishes, his address is: Al Smith, 453 Overwood Rd, Akron, OH 44313.
About two weeks ago Harvey Jackson thinks a black folder and a red folder of his fell out of his case at practice. We haven’t found anything at the church, so I was hoping everyone could check their music bags in case they were accidentally picked up. Or perhaps someone took them for safe keeping knowing Harvey had left already. The black folder has music in it and the Red folder has some New Horizons documents in it.
Let’s cross our fingers that these are found!
We received an email from Mindy requesting transportation. We are hoping that someone can help. The following is the email we received:
Hi Members!
I would love to participate more in New Horizons, but now that our rehearsals are primarily at FEC I find it difficult to go there on a regular basis (I am from Canton).
I have double vision at a distance, which is corrected by glasses, but it makes driving at night hazardous. I would need someone to pick me up unless there is a meeting place perhaps 5 minutes away. I would be more than happy to contribute for gas.
Please email me if you are interested. I would like to be involved more in the band, if possible. Thank you.
Her email is mindybeth27@yahoo.com
One of our members wanted this event to be posted. They will be playing at the Goodyear Theater this Sunday December 17 at 3 pm. Tickets are now between $25-$35. Apparently Dave Banks played in Vegas for 20 yrs. Don Truso is also playing in this. Perhaps some of you know of him.
It was announced in practice Monday that Andy did pass away on Saturday November 25th. Andy was a longtime member of New Horizons. He played the viola with us, but most of us know him as the guy who allowed New Horizons to enter the 21st century. He was integral in helping us set up the web-site and trouble shooting its issues. He helped us go from paying by mail to paying online. He set up zooming during COVID, and we are still using it. He did our taxes. There’s probably so much more he did that those of us who are technologically challenged don’t even know. Whenever any one of us had a problem with technology, he was the go-to guy. And this is why every one of us knew him. We all needed him.
Andy did not want a funeral or an obituary. Likewise the family does not want any cards, texts, or emails. True to his nature Andy, was an unassuming man … a quiet thoughtful man. He loved New Horizons. And to be honest … he was one of the most significant and respected individuals of our group. He will be so missed.
John Burkey is the husband of Sue Burkey who plays violin with us. It has been awhile since we have seen Sue, which is understandable; family comes first. Unfortunately John originally had Parkinson’s disease and within the last 2 years he developed multiple problems. As the number and frequency of issues increased, it became apparent that recovering was not possible. He passed away Thanksgiving morning. John left behind Sue and two of his siblings. Please pray for God to provide peace and comfort to this family
Below is John’s obituary:
John H. Burkey, age 73, passed away on November 23, 2023 at Aultman Hospital.
He was born on January 29, 1950, in Alliance, to Frank and Edna (Simmons) Burkey.
John graduated from Marlington High School in 1968. He was employed for 35 years servicing and installing elevators and escalators. He was a member of The Chapel in Marlboro.
John loved to fish and did so year round. He also enjoyed camping, hunting, gardening and riding his motorcycle with his wife, Sue.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Sue (Myers) Burkey; his sister, Susan Haase; and brother, Frank.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert; and nephew, Glenn.
Per John’s wishes, no services will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21740.To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John H. Burkey, please visit our flower store.
For those of you who were not at rehearsal tonight, Jim shared that unfortunately Andy is now in hospice. This illness has progressed very quickly. Please pray that they can keep Andy as pain-free as possible, and that God will wrap His arms around Andy and his family, comforting them during this time.
Jim mentioned that the Andy and the family do not want any cards, texts, e-mails, or visits at this time. Although this is hard, it’s important that we respect their wishes.
Hi Fellow New Horizon Members:
It’s been another exciting year for New Horizons, full of practices, improvements, performances, and even paid performances. I can’t even believe the holidays are creeping up on us.
First of all, I just want to thank all of you who either attended the 1st E. C. Church Harvest Home dinner, or donated money towards this year’s project. The church truly appreciates your generosity.
Secondly, this time of year also means showing our appreciation for our instructors. As a Christmas gift, we ask members to make whatever contribution they feel comfortable with. We will be presenting them with their monetary gift at the last rehearsal on Monday December 4. They do so much for us! It’s not just practices and performances. It’s scheduling performances, making connections in the community, keeping us financially afloat, moving equipment, writing up music parts … and much of it is unpaid. The list goes on and on. So let’s show Jim, Bev, and Cal how much we love and appreciate them.
You can either give your money to myself, Marilyn Katzmark, or Kathy Jesser. If you prefer to mail it to one of us, our addresses are the following: Marilyn Katzmark, 2058 Lavada Drive, Akron, OH 44312, and Kathy Jesser, 2943 Pepper Hill Circle, Akron, OH 44312.
So, I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s , full of God’s blessings.
Marilyn Katzmark
Most of us know that Carrie had her knee replaced last week. For those of you who have gone through this surgery, I’m sure you’re more than aware of the pain involved. Unfortunately, Carrie has been experiencing shortness of breath and pain in her calf. She was admitted the Cuyahoga Falls Western Reserve Hospital Tuesday for blood clots in her lungs and a DVT. Needless to say, between post-surgical pain, calf pain, and not being able to take a deep breath, Carrie is frustrated.
It would be appreciated if you could pray for her blood clots to dissolve quickly and for her pain to be manageable. Once that’s accomplished, she would appreciate a speedy recovery. Hang in there, Carrie, we’re all rooting for you!
You must be logged in to post a comment.