LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Dorothy
Welch Choral Society

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those musical organizations that have brought entertainment and
cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 40th Anniversary of the Dorothy Welch Choral Society; and
WHEREAS, The Dorothy Welch Choral Society began in the town of Mechan-
icville, in 1976, as the Bicentennial Choir to honor the nation during
the towns celebration of the Nation's Bicentennial year; it was formed
by David Johnson, a native of Mechanicville and a prominent music teach-
er and choir director; and
WHEREAS, After the celebration, many residents wanted to keep the
Bicentennial Choir going; it was decided then to change the name to the
Dorothy Welch Choral Society; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Welch, a music teacher in Mechanicville for over 40
years at four elementary schools as well as the Junior/Senior High
School, was well-known for bringing talented vocal musicians together,
whether bass, tenor, alto and soprano, she taught harmony; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, Dorothy Welch passed at the age of 65, but her
husband, Joseph Welch, felt it was a great honor for his wife and
approved the name change; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 40 years, this magnificent choir entertained
thousands of people who love music; it began as an all women's choir but
men were soon welcomed into the group; in 1979, in addition to their
regular performances, the choir performed for Channel 13's Toys for
Tots; and
WHEREAS, David Johnson was the Director for the first five years;
after he left, there has been five different directors including Vern
Hellijas who has been the director for 16 years; the members have
expanded from Mechanicville to folks from all over the capital region;
and
WHEREAS, While the choir may perform at special occasions, there are
two main performances, one in the spring to honor the nation's military
and the other to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season; during the
holiday season, the Dorothy Welch Choral Society are very active in
fundraising for community groups; and
WHEREAS, While over the years hundreds of singers have given their
time and talent there have been two members since the inception; Jackie
Johnson Morrell and Nancy Johnson Capen have both performed with the
group every year for 40 years; and
WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be overestimated; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when musical
societies of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Dorothy Welch Choral Society;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Dorothy Welch Choral Society.