TERRE HAUTE —
A rose is a rose … until it is sent anonymously in February with a lyrical, heartfelt appreciation. Then the rose with no name is as sweet as the sentimental waltz and lasting memory accompanying it.
Last year on Valentine’s Day, the Tribune Star circulation desk directed a small group of men upstairs to deliver a community news release, or so I thought.
I walked out of the newsroom into the “great hall” on the second floor just as Donn Jones and a quartet from the Banks of the Wabash Chorus exited the elevator. One of the tuxedoed gentlemen set the opening note with a gentle puff on a pitch pipe and the acoustics of the cathedral ceiling sent their four-part harmony resonating throughout the building, commanding a larger audience of co-workers from offices on both floors.
The “Singing Valentine” plucked softly the strings of my heart and brought me to tears. Afterward, the chorus handed me a single red rose with a BOW tag and left for its next assigned performance without revealing the sender.
A few weeks later I learned that my singing valentine was sent by Don Smock in appreciation for my help with publicity for the Banks of the Wabash Chorus.
On Monday and Tuesday, the BOW Chorus quartets again will deliver singing valentines to sweethearts anywhere in Vigo County, Smock said. In the past, the quartets have performed in businesses, factories, homes, schools, hospitals, doctors’ offices, beauty shops — even a veterinarian’s office. And a few of the donors have been women, he noted. “Gals have called wanting us to sing to their valentine guy.”
Cost is $45 and includes two songs and a rose. Donations from the Singing Valentines and proceeds from the chorus’ three shows a year help the nonprofit community organization maintain its Harmony Hall and fund local charities, Smock added.
Call Harmony Hall at (812) 232-4926 to place your Singing Valentine order. The surprise performances will be scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on both days.
Give that special something …
• Now is the time to order a “Singing Valentine” for your sweetheart. Call the Banks of the Wabash Chorus at Harmony Hall, 1257 Lafayette Ave., in Terre Haute, at (812) 232-4926 for scheduling.
• The “Singing Valentines” will be performed from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. The cost is $45 to have four guys sing two songs and present a rose to your sweetheart.
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