In the last issue of Pitchburgh Press, my "Snow Bird" article covered the Florida/PA activities of Bob Poxon and Fred Dean and mentioned that Fred may soon become a member. I am happy to report that Fred Dean did officially become a member, having received his new membership package at our 7-29-03 weekly meeting.

If you refer back to that May-June article, I already filled you in on some of Fred's dual activities in Barbershop. While he wasn't yet an official member, Fred has been singing with the SPEBSQSA Key West Chapter not far from his quarters on Big Pine Key.

Fred is singing lead with Greater Pittsburgh. He reports he has no previous music background; although in High School he played a bit of trumpet before he switched over to football. His only previous singing was limited to his shower stall (don't we all like to sing in the shower?). Prior to becoming an official member, Fred has been a regular attendee at meeting and singouts. This year he joined the group traveling to the Heilwood Sportsmen's Club in Indiana county for our annual sing at the ICW handicapped picnic.

Fred is a native born and raised Pittsburgher who worked in the West Mifflin and Gateway school districts in various health, physical education and management positions.

Fred's home in Pittsburgh is on Duff road in Penn Hills where he resides with his wife Patricia. Fred and Pat have raised three children (1 daughter, 2 sons) and currently have 3 grandchildren. During his teaching days, Fred implemented and coached swimming programs and reports that his daughter is a champion barefoot water skier. Fred is an avid fisherman and has demonstrated an ability to tell "fish" stories that almost match the talents of Bill Amos.

Welcome aboard Fred!

Contest Approaching - by Prez, Russ Keyser

Are we ready? Let's take stock. What does it take to win a contest? Several things. The selection of songs is important. We have two good songs. How well we sing them and sell them to the audience [and judges) depends on each man on the risers. Each of us must be willing to be prepared to do our best. If we do that, we are winners no matter where the judges rank us.

Recent international contests have proven that, while it can be an asset to have 150 men on the risers, a chorus with 49 or 50 on the risers can make some big waves. The name of the game is still good singing.

So, in preparation for the coming contest, let each of us do our best to sing up to our potential. Sing from the heart and have fun! And let's make waves!!