Kathie Fink
A Legacy Remembered
West Coast Tour (Spring '07) East Coast Tour (Fall '07) Germany Tour (Winter '08) December Tour 2009 West Coast Tour 2010
Midwest Tour (Fall '08)
Tuesday, October 14
Home again!
By Linda
I had a blast “on the road” with Kathie and the Legacy Tour. The weather was beautiful! It was wonderful to be welcomed and hosted by new friends, “old” friends, and family. The “handbell world” we share is a fantastic community!
It was a pleasure to be a part of Kathie’s life for a few days. We have known each other since 2004 – when AGEHR-Area XI invited Jim Meredith and SONOS to direct the Festival/Conference in Durango, Colorado. Kathie and are were “roomies” at the 50th Anniversary Celebration in Norfolk. We have stayed in touch during the past several years – my primary role (in addition to “friend” and “sounding board”) has been to help locate venues for the Legacy Tour.
I now have an even greater appreciation for Kathie and all that she does. How does she do it ALL? It seems almost impossible to accomplish what Kathie does! And with such great attention to detail! And she makes it look so easy! I was amazed every day – as we traveled the road of the Midwest together. How could this one woman do the following in less than 5 minutes on the road???????
1. Steer the car
2. Punch the buttons on Paula LuAnn (the GPS) to obtain directions, phone numbers, the nearest location for McDonald’s, where's the nearest gas station, and search for a nearby visitor’s site to visit
3. Signal for a turn
4. Make a call on her cell phone
5. Munch on a handful of nuts and dried fruit
6. Put on the breaks
7. Read a text message
8. Re-do the polish on her fingernails
9. SEND a text message
10. Order, Pay and Drive through McDonald’s
11. Dig in her purse for her cell phone - purse is located BEHIDE her seat after the McDonald's stop
12. And sip on the Coffee Latte that was just picked up at Micky D’s
And she rings bells, too!
Thank you Kathie, for the ride of a lifetime!
Germany – here we come!
Thank you for your comments.
Saturday, October 11
Loveland, OH
by Kathie
What a wonderful way to end this tour – in my own “new” backyard. Susan Eltringham was so excited to take Linda and I out to dinner beforehand. She invited along two of her best ringers(Amy and Wendy), and her music driector, Chester. We enjoyed a wonderful Italian dinner agreeing that everyone had to chomp on a garlic roll before returning to the church, so that our garlic breath would be universal!
Linda and I celebrated the end of our tour with an ice cream run on the way home (to Kentucky).
Linda will visit the Creation Museum tomorrow, before flying home to Wichita on Monday. We've had a great time, and our friendship is surely growing(NOT groaning!)
Thank you for your comments.
Friday, October 10
Friday, October 10
By Linda
FINALLY! A concert in Indianapolis! The entire time I have helped Kathie locate venues for The Legacy Tour, I have tried to book her in Indy. It just didn't work out for one reason or another. Andy and Julie Peralta and Resurrection Lutheran Church were wonderful hosts. And yes....another very appreciative audience.
Indiana and Area V are lucky to have Andy on board as the AGEHR Indiana Chair. His attention to detail rivals that of Kathie's (here un-named) accompanist!
I had the opportunity to visit and catch-up with friends at this concert. First, the father of a good friend (we have remained good friends for over thirty years – even though she lives in Germany and I am Stateside). Also, the Bradshaws – Jerry and I knew them when Jack was the Nuernberg Community Commander in Germany. It was a special time with them – a time to remember Jerry.
We are surprised to find out that a couple has driven SIX HOURS to attend this Legacy Concert! They have some ideas – and it sounds like Kathie can't “retire” live performances of the Legacy Concert just yet.
I should also mention here that Kathie and I did our “oops!” review in record time (meaning in less than a minute) as we drove to her home in Kentucky. Kathie gets to sleep in her own bed tonight....I have three more nights to go 'til I am home.
Thank you for your comments.
Thursday, October 9
Thursday, October 9
Indianapolis, IN
By Linda
Another day off. We don't depart Elkhart until the early afternoon. Kathie enjoyed a LONG morning jog around Simonton Lake, while I visit with Denny and Ann. A portion of Jerry's ashes were scattered on this lake last July. It's a beautiful, sun-shiny day and a good time for conversation on the swing by the lake.
We've made arrangements to rehearse at the Indianapolis venue tomorrow morning. That will be the time to get the muscle memory back after a two-day “vacation.” We're anxious to get back to performing again.
Thank you for your comments.
Wednesday, October 8
Wednesday
October 8
Elkhart, IN
by Kathie
Yes! A day off! Went to visit the “dunes” along the Lake Michigan coast. What fun running down a giant sand pile. My memory was jogged, and I am pretty sure my family had done this before while on a bell tour in the summer of 1965 en route to Detroit. Only. we kids probably careened down the side of Mt. Baldy, which is currently fenced off because the sand dune is moving inland too fast, and part of the reason they believe that sand dune is moving so fast, is because of all the tourists climbing on the dune
Then, we visited Shipshewana, and went SHOPPING at the Yoder Hardware Store. Oh, we also saw the Amish horse carts, and ate at the famous Das Essenhaus. The raspberry sweet cream pie was to die for.
Linda's husband's brother and his wife have been delightful hosts.
Thank you for your comments.
Tuesday, October 7
Elkhart, IN
by Linda
Linda and Stan Skinner and Elkhart's JUBILEE BELLS are celebrating 20 years of performance. Kathie performed her “short” version of the Legacy Tour allowing time for the Jubilee Ringers to ring four selections. The audience enjoyed the contrast of Kathie's arrangement of “Jesu Joy” (rung by a single ringer), and Cynthia Dobrinski's arrangement of Jesu with “Blessed Assurance” (rung by a complete handbell choir.
When I told Kathie that a drummer and an instrumentalist would be available in Elkhart, she was delighted. Then I dropped “the other foot,” and told her it would be trumpet with a Harmon mute to play the solo line of "I Left My heart in San Francisco", I could sense her “cringe” during the phone conversation. I sent a note to arranger Jim Meredith – asking his opinion. He told us that there should be no problem and to let him know how it went.
NOTE TO JIM M. - Jim, the trumpet with Harmon mute worked! Surprisingly well, although the instrument looked like a very strange clarinet (Bb instrument that is normally used). It worked! And it was perfect – in Elkart, IN – the town that Conn Band Instruments built!
Host Charlene Potterbaum and her daughter Jan yet another Artist Reception! More delicious homemade cookies!
I spent the bulk of the time after the concert visiting with friends and family – my husband Jerry, was born and raised in Elkhart. Jerry's Memorial Celebration was here last July.
During the reception, Kathie shared stories about the many performances she has seen of “Plink, Plank, Plunk” - the Jubilee Ringers closing title for their mini-concert.
Charlene had told me about a phone call she had received – from Thelma - a lady in Ohio who was going to bring her 97 year old mother to the concert. We learned during the reception that Thelma had marched in the 1988 Rose Bowl Marching Handbell Choir with Kathie!!!!!
Thank you for your comments.
Monday, October 6
Monday
Barrington, IL
by Kathie
What a wonderful reunion with Karen Maxwell, my sister's best friend in junior high. She was so excited to host the Legacy concert when she learned it was coming to her area. She and her husband Ray returned from a cruise the day before the concert, but that didn't stop her from agreeing to this concert!
I loved the way she introduced me. She said she took “umbridge to the dinosaur mention” in my autobiography. She was concerned what that made her, since she told the audience that she babysit my brother and me when we lived in New York! And the big revelation for me, was when she announced that she had a crush on my older brother, Cyril!
Thank you for your comments.
Sunday, October 5
Sunday, October 5
Coon Rapids
By Kathie and Linda
Carolynn Mathis directs at a Lutheran church in (can you believe it?) Coon Rapids! Bill was quick to explain that the town is considering a name change – something that keeps the “initials” - maybe Creek Rapids?
Arriving early for the first service, I discovered I did not have my accompaniment track for Prayer Medley with me. No problem! I would use my laptop and sound system instead of using the church sound system and sound man.
Things went extremely well for the first two services. The third service had some major surprises. It all began when the praise band needed to reset the stage. That required transferring our power cords to a different outlets.
Glitch #1 – Linda discovers during the introduction for the Call to Worship - “I Will Enter” - that the piano is now amplified. “How quietly can I get this grand to play????”
Glitch #2 – Kathie is playing the offertory - “How Great Thou Art” - to an accompaniment tape from our laptop. The accompaniment cuts out in the beginning measures of the third verse....just before a key change. Kathie “recovers” nicely and finds a great ending spot! Just like a cat – landing on all fours! We discover that the laptop has been operating on battery mode as the outlet was “cold.” The connections are changed out – and we're “live” for............
..........the “Prayer Medley” during Communion. Absolutely beautiful!!!!
Then, Glitch #3 – In order to operate the laptop, Linda is “hiding” in the enclosed pulpit. That's the only free space available after the praise band set up. Linda “believes” she has stopped the chapter on the laptop.......NOT! The laptop continues to run. There are about 10 seconds of silence between the chapters......just enough time for the pastor to say a short prayer and announce the Benediction. Before a word can be said – the next chapter on the laptop runs - - - - - “Well, I guess it's time for me to bring this to a close.....” Those of you who have seen the Legacy Tour will remember this narration as Bob is sitting at a desk writing a letter home – looking forward to snow for Christmas. We can only imagine what the congregation thought when then heard that “proclamation” from the church's sound system.
Kathie and I departed Minnesota in the rain. Once the weather cleared, we altered our route to allow for a visit to the Effigy Mounds National Park along the Mississippi River....en route to Galena, IL. We hiked the 2+ mile trail near the Mounds' Visitor Center 'til dusk. Linda is getting used to sight-seeing by dusk and dark.
P.S. (by Kathie) I think Linda should have said, that we departed Minnesota "on the run". After that hectic morning, I am sure Carolynn must have been happy to see us go!
Thank you for your comments.
Saturday, October 4
Minneapolis, MN
by Kathie
I could not leave Austin without showing Linda the SPAM museum. If ever you are close to Austin, don't miss this museum. There are games shows, puppets, Spamettes, and Hormel Girls' history. Serious stuff that keeps you giggling all the way through the museum.
SPAM stands for shoulder pork(SP) and ham(AM). Of course, Linda is wondering why junk mail on the Internet is called Spam. Could be a logical connection there.
Arrived at Bill Mathis' stunning cathedral by 4 PM, in time to be squeezed around weddings flooding out from the his church and the church across the street. We visited the sculpture garden next door, and discovered photographers taking pictures of yet three more weddings in the park. Beautiful day outside. I'm not sure I'd like my wedding pictures by the gigantic cherry on the giant spoon – one of the featured pieces in the sculpture garden..
Our concert was in the Art Gallery of Hennepin UMC. I think Bill did not know what to expect. You could measure his interest though, by when he would stand up from his seat in the back row, and stare...usually shaking his head at the end of the piece. I hope that was not a negative response he was showing!!
Thank you for your comments.
Friday, October 3
Friday, October 3
Austin, MN
This concert venue is the one that started this whole Midwestern tour. Ann Flisrand contacted me over a year ago asking, “is Minnesota was too far out of the way?” It was at that time. A small group attended, but again, so appreciative.
Linda's piano locations have been a challenge. This time, she needed to jump over a partial brick wall in order to reach the keyboard entrance in time for “Jesu Joy.” I have learned how to “vamp” on “Jesu” until Linda reaches the piano. Bach would not appreciate that addition to his music.
Dinner was from Subway – via a three-way phone call – NOT in person. Linda thought she was being easy by ordering a French Dip sandwich. This Subway did not have the sandwich. She thought she was being easy when she then ordered a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich - and by not asking for extras on it. The sandwich arrived “bare naked”. My sandwich was great, with all the fixings and oil and vinegar, salt and pepper. You know the routine. I think Linda will be less accommodating in the future.
Ann provided an artist reception after the concert, complete with home made cookies. I tasted everything chocolate...and the lemon bar! Ann made homemade cranberry nut bread for us fresh from the oven in the morning. Yum, yum.
I am so glad this tour is only two weeks long. I need to get back to exercising at the gym when I get home.
Thank you for your comments.
Thursday, October 2
Thursday, October 2
Marshalltown, IA
By Linda
Kathie travels - presenting the Legacy Tour patterned after the way her family traveled to performances – a pillow for their heads, a meal, and a free-will offering. We try to book a performance every night. That way we have no hotel expenses and we have a good meal.
Kathie and I planned to “take off” on October 2 – so that we could attend the SONOS concert in Marshalltown. I found it difficult to book a concert a Wednesday night (aka “church night”) in the Des Moines area. That left us with two “open” nights....and a budget buster!
We contacted Jim Meredith and SONOS offering to serve as “roadies” and loaning much of Kathie's equipment (foam/bells) for their use. Our thought – Kathie's stuff is here! SONOS could fly with less equipment.
Jim added us to the SONOS rooming list – and we went to work!
Once the morning Master Class was completed, Kathie and I toodled off to Gladbrook, IA and the home of Matchstick Marvels! AMAZING! (
www.matchstickmarvels.com) What Pat Acton does in his spare time is UNBELIEVEABLE! The U.S.S. Iowa took 800 hours to make and nearly 137,000 matchsticks were used to create this work of art!
What a beautiful facility at Marshalltown High School. 1500 capacity. Hard to believe this is a high school. No graffiti or chalk smell anywhere. The concert series has a 950 membership with reciprocal agreements with three other arts series. Last guess at attendance was “a 1,000+” for this concert!!!!!! This is a terrific number – considering this concert was playing opposite the Vice Presidental debate!!!!
This was like a “reunion” for me. With the exception of the “new additions” Tess and Patti, I knew all of the SONOSians. Some observations: It was good to hear Jim's wonderful North Carolina voice – LIVE! I miss him every time I hear his recorded comments during the Legacy Concert. Ruben likes to take “behind the scenes” pictures and videos. It's good to see/hear Melissa Rossi and Diane Tiller ringing with SONOS again. Kathie performed on two of the selections. Missy, Jukka, and Cheryl mentioned super ideas during the Master Class. Michele is a fantastic “jill of all trades” - equipment wrangling, instrumentalist, and ringer. Jason's back is still made of rubber! I so love to watch him ring!
Thank you for your comments.
Wednesday, October 1
by Kathie
Marshalltown, IA
Linda and I were leisurely strolling toward Des Moines to pick up the vans for Sonos and meet them at the airport at 11 PM. We had hoped to see the bridges of Madison county by daylight, but when we realized we had to pick up the vans before 6 PM, we altered our sight seeing schedule to see the covered bridges by....dusk?? Well, the last bridge required using the headlights of my vehicle to see the bridge. As we walked out the other side of the bridge, we were able to see the big dipper SO clearly. Do you know anyone else who has seen a covered bridge and the Big Dipper at the same time? (Teenage couples don't count!)
So how does one pass time in Des Moines until 11:45 PM arrival flight time? Linda and I ate a late dinner, worked on our laptops, and drank Margaritas at Applebees until they closed!
By Linda
It was nice to have a day off – and to do some “touristy” things. Our first stop on the way to the SONOS concert in Marshalltown, IA was Mason City – and The Music Man street scape. We were greeted by friendly docent volunteers in period costumes – including a man playing a harmonic serenade.
Then on to the Bridges of Madison County – as Kathie has already mentioned above. However, Kathie has NOT told you “the rest of the story” about our adventures on this lovely afternoon. Kathie's comment about the “leisurely stroll toward Des Moines” is true. It's where we were “strolling” and what we were doing at the time on our way to Des Moines that is of interest. It was quite an afternoon!
I would love to tell the story right here – right now – but, Kathie has requested that I not disclose the details about that lovely afternoon until after her FINAL concert with SONOS in November. Kathie is a good friend. I shall honor her wishes. If you are interested in hearing “the rest of the story,” please email (newmexhandbells@msn.com) or call me after November 8, 2008.
If Kathie and I were out looking at Bridges and the Big Dipper at the same time - - - - you must know that we did have an interesting day!
Thank you for your comments.
Tuesday, September 30
Lincoln, NE
by Kathie
What fun to meet old friends. I mean OLD friends. Had dinner at the retirement home with Mary Kettelhut (93) and Harry Kettelhut(97). Mary was the mover and shaker that made it possible to have a concert in Lincoln.
Mary is amazing. SO sharp. She is this petite thing now. She chuckled when she told us that for the first time in her life, she can eat whatever she wants and not gain weight! She also told me that she rang solo handbells until about 5 years ago!! Oi Vey! I still have 25 more years to keep ringing....I will be exhausted.
What a wonderful turnout and an appreciative audience. They even got all my bad jokes! We had great “roadies” to help us load and unload. The only problem with setup so far on tour has been getting Linda “out of the dark”. I'm speaking about light on the piano. Anyone who knows Linda Maloney, knows she is NEVER in the dark about anything!
By Linda
What an honor to meet and spend precious time with Mary and Harry. I felt as though I was attending “Handbell History 101” as Kathie, Harry, and Mary visited. Oh, the names and the stories that were shared!!!! It's amazing to hear about the communication between the members of the Guild – before email. It is difficult to imagine planning events, contacting directors, ordering music, contracting with venues using SNAIL MAIL!
Mary told one particular story that was interesting to me. She told us that when she planned her first festival – way back in the old days – that she had been given notice of the planning responsibilities about six months before the event. Even in the Guild of today, I'm sure that that must happen occasionally. But, get this!!!! The seed money – the budget for the festival – was a mere $60!!!!! No, I did NOT leave out any “zeros!” Mary had just $60 to get the festival going! Way to go, Mary!
Thank you for your comments.
Monday, September 29
Monday, Sept. 29
Concordia, KS
by Linda
Kathie and I did not overnight in Stillwater last night. We returned to my home so that we could have a head start on the drive to Concordia, KS for the next concert.
Our first concert was behind us. The ride from Stillwater to Goddard provided some time to review and critique how concert had gone.
An essay - THE HISTORY OF THE “OOPS!”
You do know about the “oops!” don't you? The occasional clinker on the piano – the air bell – the not-together cut-off – the missed accidental – missed notes due to an un-memorized page turn?
When Kathie and I rehearsed at my home, I missed some notes! OK. I will admit it. I missed A LOT of notes. The cut/paste versions of the accompaniments were a challenge. Kathie knows the accompaniments as well as she knows the bell parts. She has rehearsed and recorded with Jim Meredith for sometime – producing her new DVD. Kathie wants to hear exactly what Jim has played in the recording sessions. Sometimes Jim's notes are on the printed page – sometimes not.
If I played a “clinker,” I just kept playing – following Kathie – leaving the “clinker” behind....and making a mental note to myself that that must not happen again. Kathie wasn't sure that I knew I had played a “clinker.” She wanted some acknowledgment that I knew I had played the “clinker.” Our rehearsal sessions now had a new vocabulary word - “oops!” I said “oops!” so that Kathie knew that I knew I had made a mistake. So long as I acknowledged the mistake with the uttered word “oops!,” she could continue to ring, confident that I knew I had hit a “clinker.”
The “oops!” is now part of our concert review and personal evaluation. We consider Kathie's performance and my work at the piano and computer. We total the “oops!” - first for the individual score on bells, piano, and computer. Then, we combine the scores for a grand total – the overall concert score. Our goal is to continue to decrease the number of “oops!”
The grand total for the Stillwater concert was 24 – 11 for Kathie and 13 for me. We must tell you that this was NOT a sloppy concert – we were just VERY critical of ourselves.
I have lobbied Kathie to please consider credit for “recoveries.” I'd like to think that if an “oops!” occurred, and we recovered, that should be worth something to our grand total. NOT! Kathie says we'll talk about the “recoveries,” but, the “oops!” will remain our only tally.
by Kathie
At Concordia, we encountered our first communication problem. It appears the radio show interview told the community the concert was 7 PM and the church pastor told the congregation the starting time was 7:30 PM. Fortunately, it was a small group that appeared.
The church had also forgotten to print the programs, but no problem! Linda and I were traveling with left over programs. What we didn't realize until half way through the program, was that 3 different programs had been passed out to the attendees. It became quite humorous, as Linda prepared for one number while I would be busily setting up for another.
Ah, life! But wonderful fellowship with Linda's friends, and great beds to sleep on!
Thank you for your comments.
Sunday, September 28
Sunday, Sept 28
Stillwater, OK
by Kathie and Linda
Church this morning required a parka in order to not turn into an icicle before the service was over. The air conditioning must still be operating in summer mode.
However, our spirits were “warmed” by the wonderful hospitality provided by Nancy's ringers. These Oklahoma folks can cook! A buffet of salads, grilled chicken, and CHOCOLATE dessert was waiting for us at the conclusion of the two morning services. Nancy asked each ringer at the dinner table to introduce themselves by giving their name and little bit about themselves. We found it interesting that two of the ringers had met their spouses in college marching band!
One of the challenges of a tour like the Legacy Tour is “what is the sound and projection setup going to be like?” Every venue is different. Kathie relied on churches providing much of the “electronic” toys during the early days of the Legacy Tour......but, for only a few concerts. She purchased a portable sound system and projector that can support the concert – should equipment not be available.
At Nancy's church in Stillwater, we used the rear-screen projection unit in the church and Kathie's sound system. We were glad to have a local “techie” help with the setup. You can't go wrong when a “twenty-something” is around! So we will ask two questions when we first arrive for future concerts - “Where is the restroom?” and “Has the “techie” arrived?”
Small turnout for the afternoon concert. Kathie appreciated the trek her cousin made from Oklahoma City to see the concert. He had roomed during his college years with her brother, Larry (who died in 2004). As Kathie finished the last number, her cousin was all teary-eyed! She guesses he is a softie, even though he usually attacks everything in life with brute force!!
Thank you for your comments.
Saturday, September 27
I guess the tour starts officially now. We took Linda's dogs to “doggie camp”, packed up, and headed to Stillwater, for our concert tomorrow. What a delight to meet Nancy Crenshaw and her husband Jerry. After enjoying a wonderful home cooked meal of pot roast, potatoes, and fresh green beens, we headed to the church to set up. Everyone was tuned into the football game, and everyone was wearing orange. Apparently OSU is doing well so far this season, and has won 4 games in a row. We managed to visit Braum's for some wonderful ice cream before being invaded by the college students who flooded the place after the game.
Thank you for your comments.
Wednesday, September 24
by Kathie
Wichita, KS
I showed up at Linda's in the early evening, and set up the bells in her living room so we could practice the Legacy Tour. I assumed we'd start to practice the next day, but oh no! Linda wanted to start that night. Even though she had just finished sweeping up the dust from her remodel in the kitchen that had JUST been finished as I drove into the driveway. This lady is going to kill me!! And I thought I had energy.
Thank you for your comments.
Sunday, September 21
Tulsa, OK
by Kathie
It's wonderful to play “tourist” in the State where one resides. I have just spent a wonderful week visiting Kentucky favorites while en route to Tulsa.. We (my friend Christine from Seattle) started out by running out of gas after I picked her up from the Dayton Airport (enjoying the gnats at the side of the road), as we waited for AAA to rescue us. The rest of the week included a visit to the Creation Museum, a whiskey (Maker's Mark!!!!) tour, a visit to 4 race tracks, the Stephen Foster Mansion at Bardstown, and the Corvette museum and assembly plant tour in Bowling Green. (Did I really put the Creation Museum and the whiskey tour in the same sentence??)
Christine flew home from Tulsa and I checked in to the hotel where I proceeded to set up my bells and tables in my room so I could rehearse. I needed to remind myself of the numbers I was to play in Hart Morris' church the next morning.
I asked the staff to give me a wake up call at 6:15 AM. I was to meet Hart at 7 AM to set up for the 8 AM service. At 7:10 AM, my cell phone was ringing, and I aroused myself to hear Hart asking me if I was in the parking lot. Oops!!!!
Fortunately, I was only 7 minutes from church, and I was having a good hair day. I made it there by 7:35 AM, rehearsed with a wonderful piano accompanist and solo ringer, Sheryl Cory, and managed to add some lipstick before the 8 AM service. Meanwhile, Hart had just received notice that his drummer for the praise band couldn't make it, so Hart asked his wife, Marty, to meet him half way to his church office and bring his “sticks”, hiked his choir robe, and drummed the prelude, with his stoll bouncing to the beat. Of course, this is after Marty had misplaced her church keys and had to borrow Hart's, and after Hart had mistakenly locked the garage door that he was supposed to leave open for his daughter-in-law who was calling from her cell phone in a panic.
With this comedy of errors, we were still able to praise and worship God. And what a blessing to sit at the feet of Hart's senior pastor, Tom Harrison.
Hart and Marty took me to lunch at Macaroni Grill, and the errant drummer,( their son Brad!) joined us as well. We had quite a laugh repeating stories of our unusual morning.
I visited the Philbrook Museum and Mansion in the afternoon before heading west to meet my accompanist, Linda Maloney, in Wichita.
Thank you for your comments.
