An Unusual Sing

This afternoon, a group from Hallowell did a very unusual "bedside sing" - not for a dying person, but for a dying pharmacy. The Hotel Pharmacy, which has been an important feature of Brattleboro for probably 80 years or more, is going out of business tomorrow. It is the last locally-owned, independent pharmacy in this region. Its closure leaves us with just Rite Aid and Walgreen's in Brattleboro. That is sad. It was originally located right on the central intersection of Brattleboro - Main Street and High Street - a part of the Brooks House Hotel. When the Brooks House closed decades ago, it moved to Elliot Street (but keeping its name), and when the Methodist Church across the street on Elliot Street closed its doors, the Hotel Pharmacy acquired that building and moved into the sanctuary area, making for an unusual venue for a pharmacy. The balcony in the back, with its large rose window, was retained when rhe pharmacy took over, and it was there that we gathered today, looking down on the pharmacy aisles and a few patrons and staff who were sitting and standing to listen to us. The inspiration for this sing came from Robin Davis, and there were about eleven of us able to gather today, led by Fred Breunig. A remarkable number of pieces from our repertoire fit the occasion very well, and the acoustics were very good, singimg from the balcony, and it was clear from the response that our singing touched people. We may be the only Hospice-related choral group anywhere to have sung for a dying Pharmacy!

TJhe Original Hotel Pharmacy in the Brooks House Hotel on Main Street, Brattleboro, Vermont

The Hotel Pharmacy in the former Methodist Church building on Elliot Street- where it is today, and has been for three decades or more.

The balcony with rose window - where we sang from today.

Sign in the window announcing the closing of the Hotel Pharmacy

Part of our group posing for a picture today.

Fred Breunig leading the group in the balcony.

Singing in the balcony *********************************** Yesterday, we went to the Guilford Church and it was a super-wonderful service featuring Peter Amidon giving the story of how he became a folk musician, and there was not a dry eye anywhere. His son, Stefan, led the choir. Saturday was John Wilcox's funeral at the Dummerston Church - all went well. The choir sang Over the Rainbow and Be Still My Soul to the tune FINLANDIA by Jean Sibelius. There was a good congregation at the funeral, and my John was there; he came back to our house and we had a good visit in the afternoon. *************** Peter Amidon and I are having breakfast together at Chelsea Diner tomorrow. We'll be talking about the event I want to put on to mark the 25th Anniversary of Shirley's death on May 24th this year. A story-telling and music event. And of course, I'm preparing for Bible Study on Wednesday: topic, "Women in the Gospel of John." Life continues to be full, full, full!