By Sue Staton

Winchester once again showcased its talent this weekend through the beautiful music of the Winchester Chorale. 

The Chorale was under the direction of Michael Dunn with Phyllis James as the accompanist.

The rest of the chorale consists of volunteers from our community.

While I have attended the Chorale’s Christmas program in years past, I do not remember it sounding quite as beautiful as it did this year.

It was evident lots of hard work had taken place. Surely, much of practice had been required to hone the masterpiece that was performed Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

The performance held the audience captive throughout.

The specials by Ann Hensley and Perri Wilson were beautiful. I have often wondered how such a little person as Perri Wilson could belt out songs so beautifully and have such a wide range of her voice. It seems as though her voice comes all the way from her toes when she sings.

Every person in the group sounded as though they were hand picked or made perfectly to fit into Sunday’s performance. It is hard to believe they are just a group of volunteers who enjoy singing. To me, it reminded me of something you would watch in New York City. 

As usual, when Angelina Huguely begins playing the saxophone, the audience becomes spellbound until she completes her songs. She makes it look so effortless to perform and yet it seems she puts her whole soul into each song.

It is no wonder to me she received a standing ovation for her performance Sunday.

If you have never been to a Chorale performance, maybe next year you can go. I am sure it will not be the only time you go.

Also on Sunday afternoon, Holly Rood had its Christmas open house. Clark County is lucky to have been the home of one of Kentucky’s governors. The mansion that housed Gov. James Clark is beautiful to tour at any time of the year but especially at Christmas.

If you have never had the opportunity to stop by and tour the mansion, it is something you should plan to do.

Both of the activities on Sunday — the Chorale and Holly Rood — require volunteers. If you can’t volunteer, at least try to be a part by attending next year. I would like to say a great big “thank you” to all who were involved in making it a wonderful day.

I want add that I was saddened this week by the death of Mrs. Beulah Clay Ware. I have written about Mrs. Ware before. She was as close to being a saint as anyone I ever knew. God blessed her to reach the ripe age of 101 years old.

I was honored to have been asked to speak and eulogize her at her funeral. She has been a part of my life for 64 years.

I thank God for the life she has lived, all she has done for her Lord throughout her lifetime and how she had a part of influencing my life.

Sue Staton is a Clark County native who grew up in the Kiddville area. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who is active in her church, First United Methodist Church, and her homemakers group, Towne and Country Homemakers.