Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords celebrating 31 years

MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords will celebrate their 31st anniversary Feb. 13.

The Vocal Chords were founded in1990 by Joyce Ghent, a registered nurse at Middlesex Hospital. Ghent had a dream of helping others through music, after observing a seriously ill patient respond when singing softly to him. Gathering a few hospital employees, she started the very special group.

“Since that humble beginning, MHVC has grown to more than 90 voices strong,” members said. “Ghent’s energy, passion and dedication has kept this group alive for 31 years. Although the recent pandemic has sidelined us for awhile, we look forward to returning in 2021 to continue our mission of relieving stress, lifting spirits and healing souls through music.

“The Vocal Chords have been blessed to have been led for the past 31 years by Gina Fredericks, an acclaimed and accomplished musician, piano teacher and vocal coach. Fredericks also serves as music minister at St. Sebastian Church in Middletown. As the group grew, musician Jean Samolik joined as assistant musical director. Shealso serves as the music minister at St. Mary's Church in Portland.

The group is recognizing its long term members for 2020 and 2021. 2020 members: 30 years – Gina Fredericks, Joyce Ghent, Louise Russo and Barbara Stone; 25 years – Betty Pear, Phyllis Chiodo and Tricia Blanks; 20 years – Diane Abdul, and Sandy Zajac; 15 years – Mary Foreman, Christine Gregorio, Linda Seferlis and Judy Sundell; 10 years – Debbi Listro, Jan Minor and Rita Phillips; 5 years – Diane Amici, Julie Dickinson, Kathy Kavanaugh, Debi Messina, Teri and Rod Schlosser and Loretta Tringali. The group is also honoring instrumentalists John Moisuk (bass) – 15 years and Jim Stavris (drums) – 13 years.

2021 members: 30 years – Allene Kalisz; 15 years – Ellen Woodward; 10 years – Amy Jensen and Jerry Perrone; 5 years – Elaine Ackley, Jessica Carlson, Sue Mantie-Paul, Christopher Rasmussen and Jane Sterry.

For more information, go to vocalchords20.org or find the group on Facebook.