You probably remember the Daytimers quartet that used to sing from our chapter. That quartet varied from time to time and performances usually were done by who ever was available. Presently we have a similar situation with the Backyard Boys. This name is applied to the Wednesday evening VLQ that sings at the Oakland Veterans Hospital [see following article] and also to other quartet combinations, usually brought together by Jim McCarthy.

On September 6, a Backyard Boys quartet consisting of Bill Amos, Jay Garber, Tom Koch and Jim McCarthy joined a large group of disabled veterans and their families aboard the Gateway Majestic on the "Sharing and Caring Inc." annual boatride for hospitalized veterans. The quartet entertained topside and on the main dance floor throughout the three hour cruise on Pittsburgh's rivers.

Continuing this "anybody" theme, on September 21, the "Boys" entertained at the Presbyterian Senior Care facility in Oakmont, Pa and this time the group consisted of Tom Koch and Jim McCarthy from Greater Pittsburgh and Dick Boch and Bernie Sipple from the North Hills Chapter.

Residents in the audience included Ada Buzzelli, wife of Don Buzzelli and Alice Barr, aunt of Jim McCarthy.

"Backyard Boys" Celebrate Seventh Year of Entertaining Disabled Vets and Shut-ins
by Jim McCarthy

On the fourth Wednesday evening of each month, the "Backyard Boys" VLQ (very large quartet) meet at the Oakland Veterans Hospital, warm up for twenty minutes, and then wander the wards visiting and singing to (and with) the Vets for the next hour and fifteen minutes.

"The expressions on the faces of those disabled veterans when we sing to them is very rewarding to me," observed baritone Bob Parker.

Tenor Skip Gillis, who has been singing with the "Boys" for the past two years, has also expressed his joy singing for these Vets on-the-mend.

Another bari, Ken Ernst, noted that, "It's especially gratifying when we're singing to a Vet surrounded by some of his family and loved ones."

One of the original "Backyard Boys" singers, Bass Fred Donofrio said, "Sometimes the patients join right in with us and sing. It's a great experience."

The current "Backyard Boys" VLQ consist of the following Three Rivers Chorus members: Tenors; Bill Amos, Skip Gillis, Leads; Fred Dean, Rich Finch, Jim Hughes, Jim McCarthy, Tom Steimer, Baritones: Ken Ernst, Bob Parker, Basses: Don Buzzelli, Fred Donofrio, Vaughn Eggert, and John Eichmiller.

Back in July of 1988, the "Backyard Boys" VLQ began singing to shut-ins at the three Penn Hills, Seneca Senior Home facilities, then changed their venue to the Oakland VA Hospital in the summer of 2000.

All Greater Pittsburgh Chapter members are encouraged to come and sing with the "Backyard Boys" VLQ on the fourth Wednesday of any month. The "Boys" report to the Activities Room of the Oakland VA Hospital at 7 PM, warm up for a few minutes, and then sing on the 4th 5th and 6th floors until 8:30 PM. Can't make it every month? That's OK- come when you can.