Sunday, July 11, 2010

Page 2 July 2010 The Oklahoma Squeezins Did you ever hear the phrase, ”It won’t last?” There were those who said the Oklahoma Accordion Club wouldn’t last, but at the OAC Birthday Party on June 13th, 2010, we proved that statement wrong. Our members are truly dedicated to keeping the accordion alive and well. A sincere “thanks” to Oliver Delaney for taking charge of the event. The food was great, and preparations were more then expected. A sincere “thanks” to the board for their wish to celebrate our ten years of growth. A sincere “thanks,” also, to all members who have supported the OAC and, hopefully, your support will continue in the future. I feel a strong sense of pride in our accomplishments, and look forward to what the next ten years will bring. I do know that you cannot go forward until you review the past. illy Henson remembered those members who have passed away: Karl Geppert, Bob Lynch, Al Good, Fred Onken, Judy Cathey, Lillian Leskala, Erv and Millie Biernat. We know their “Squeezin is now Pleasin.” Each of us has a role in the club and each of us should express our thoughts and wishes for the club. I can’t recall any moment in time that a member did not have a voice in the club’s future. Take a moment and think hard about what you feel the club should be doing. We have 55 supporting members. If each of us contributed an idea, there would be 55 new ideas. Who knows, we could even have another “bash.” The expenses for June give a hint for the club to consider a FUND RAISER. We are not in the red (current checkbook balance is $812.32). But, There was no income for June, and our expenses totaled $775.00. Again, if there are 55 supporting members who could give a fund raising idea, who knows what could happen. See you all on July 11th at the Messiah Lutheran Church. PRESIDENT Bill Henson Mustang, OK MustangBilly@cox.net VICE-PRESIDENT Jim Wooley Oklahoma City, OK jimmiewoolly@sbcglobal.net TREASURER Dick Albreski 7109 NW 102nd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73162 405/721-0564 evrich@swbellnet SECRETARY Beth Henson Mustang, OK BHenson1@cox.net HISTORIAN/LIBRARIAN Bob Mansfield Oklahoma City, OK bobmansfield@cox.net PAST PRESIDENT Dan Orza P. O. Box 721320 Oklahoma City, OK 73172 cell: 405/326-1124 fax: 405/722-5525 dano9731@att.net NEWSLETTER EDITOR Frank Gesinski 8035 South Irvington Tulsa, OK 74136-8404 918/492-1715 OKAccordionClub@sbcglobal.net WEBMASTER Diana Richard Diana.l.richard@gmail.com WEBSITE http://www.okaccordions.com/ The Treasurer Sez Dick Albreski A d v e r t i s e n e n t

The Oklahoma Squeezins July 2010 Page 3 June Minutes Beth Henson Minutes Oklahoma Accordion Club June 13, 2010 • President Bill Henson welcomed 25 members and 11 guests to the celebration of the OAC’s tenth anniversary. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful catered Italian meal, funded by the club. • Bill presented a nametag to new member Jocelyn Pederson. • According to the first newsletter, Bob Mansfield performed at the very first meeting of the OAC, and it was considered fitting that he should perform at the tenth anniversary party. He, his son Beau Mansfield, and student Jocelyn Pederson performed several pieces. Solos performed by Bob were “Russian Energy Drink” (composed by Beau), and “81 Rue de Briey (Valse Caprice).” Bob and Jocelyn performed “Bluebird Waltz,” “Copy Cat,” and” Follow the Leader.” Bob and Beau performed “Blue Skirt Waltz,” “La Camparsa,” and “Quisos Post.” • The founding members of the OAC were: Dick Albreski, Richard Butricks, Oliver Delaney, Frank Gesinski, Bob Mansfield, Johnny Sakaly, Kay Stout, and L.D. Todd. • Members who have passed away in the past ten years are: Karl Geppert, Al Good, Judy Cathey, Lillian Leskala, Bob Lynch, Erv and Mildred Biernat, Fred Onken, and Virginia Driscko. • Anne Lopez performed “Tarantella,” “Amoré,” and an Italian medley to go with our Italian meal theme. • Dick Albreski, who was also at the first meeting, performed “Becca’s Request,” “Breanna’s Dream,” and “The Madelyn Polka” in honor of his granddaughters who were at the party. He also performed “I Love to Dance” in honor of his wife Evie. • Norwood and Nina Dunham of Tulsa, Oklahoma were able to attend the celebration, and recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Nina donated musical instruments to the OAC. • Dick said that in the last ten years he was privileged to visit the factory in Italy where his accordion was built; got to attend the Coupe Mondiale in Arlington, Virginia; and has composed two books of music, one of which was recently copyrighted. • The food was delicious, the tables were decorated beautifully, the music was fantastic, the company was great -- it was a festive occasion, and the tenth anniversary of the Oklahoma Accordion Club was an event that will be remembered for a long time to come. Respectfully submitted, Beth Henson