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Gratitude & grief
Forces that shape us for good
A few months ago, I wrote a message about glimmers, those fleeting moments that spark joy, peace, or a sense of safety. Today’s topic is gratitude, the practice of recognizing the positive aspects of life. It involves actively acknowledging things we're thankful for. While glimmers are about noticing fleeting moments that naturally bring comfort or joy, gratitude is about consciously appreciating what you have. Both can be deeply enriching, often overlapping.
In this context, I also want to reflect on grief, as we all mourn the loss of a cherished member of our Harmony, Inc. family, Lauren Lindeman. Her passing reminded me that grief and gratitude often intertwine.
Many of you have written eloquent tributes to Lauren and her contributions to Harmony; many of you also referred to the song For Good, from the musical Wicked. Its poignant lyrics - "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good” - remind us that true gratitude acknowledges the lasting impact of every relationship. Relationships leave marks on our souls, sometimes subtle, sometimes profound. Whether it’s family, friends, co-workers, mentors, or a fleeting interaction, every person we meet contributes to our growth. The gratitude expressed in For Good is not just about joyous moments but also the challenges that have pushed us to evolve. To be truly grateful is to see the value in every experience, positive or difficult, as a step in our personal transformation.
Harmony, Inc. is more than an organization that celebrates singing in the barbershop style; it is a testament to the power of connection, support, and gratitude. Much like the message of For Good, Harmony unites us in a way that transforms each of us, leaving an imprint on our lives far beyond the music we create. We share a passion for singing, but beyond the rehearsals, contests, evals, and performances lies something deeper - a community built on lasting friendships and shared growth. The lessons we learn, the challenges we overcome, and the harmony we strive to achieve shape each of us, strengthening our confidence and enriching our lives in ways we never anticipated.
Losing Lauren is profoundly sad. But we are forever grateful for all the gifts she gave to Harmony and to so many of us individually. We appreciate the moments spent together, the lessons learned, the encouragement and support unselfishly offered, and the laughter shared. Her presence lingers in every chord and every heart that has been changed for good by having known her. Through song and shared memories, we honor her legacy, carrying forward the joy and love she infused into our lives.
On a personal note, these past few weeks have been marked by other losses, each one a reminder of the impact others can have on our lives. Loss is inevitable, and while some losses may feel more expected or gentle, others strike with a deeper sense of unfairness. No matter the circumstances, every loss is deeply felt, and I imagine each of you reading this can relate. Grief takes different shapes for all of us, sometimes overwhelming, sometimes quietly lingering in unexpected moments. It is personal, yet undeniably universal. In facing these emotions, I find comfort in gratitude - the act of holding close the lessons, laughter, and love shared with those who have touched my life.
As For Good reminds us, the imprint others leave on our hearts ensures that we are never quite the same. We are, indeed, changed for good. In honoring that truth, we recognize that grief and gratitude coexist, shaping us in ways we might not always expect but can learn to appreciate. For that, I am grateful.
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| Area 3: Lights, Camera, Action! |
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CELEBRATING HARMONY AREA CONVENTIONS & CONTESTS
The HI Note is happy to bring to you accounts of the contests and shenanigans at each of our Harmony Area conventions. This week we travel to upstate New York to see who's in the spotlight at Area 3.
A special shout-out to Way She Goes, recipients of the MBHA Mixed Quartet Trophy, as well as The Agency, who also qualified for IC&C. They brought a fresh and exciting dynamic to the stage, proving that incredible harmony knows no bounds!
After a mic-testing set by the 2024 International Chorus Champions Northern Blend, the chorus contest took center stage, with eight incredible choruses delivering exciting performances. The anticipation built as we enjoyed performances by the Area 3 Chorus, directed by Katie Taylor, and the Area 3 Family Chorus, directed by Alexa Beal (with assistance from Dan Signor and two-year-old Bellamy Page!) Ultimately, Bella Nova delivered a show-stopping performance that earned them top honors in the chorus contest and the Area 3 First Place Trophy as well as the Peg Duclos Award for highest scoring small chorus.
Harmony takes center stage
Lights, Camera, Action dazzles in Area 3
By Anita Prather Harvell, Area 3 PR Coordinator
Hello all - your favorite red carpet reporter is still absolutely buzzing from the sensational Lights, Camera, Action Area 3 Convention and Contests! It wasn’t just a contest; it was a full-on production featuring outstanding performances that had the audience roaring with applause!
The spotlight first shone on the quartet contest, where 17 Area 3 quartets and two Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association (MBHA) quartets took the stage, with the 2024 Harmony, Inc. International Quartet Champions Roulette getting things started as mic testers.
All of the quartets came ready to shine, and in the end seven quartets delivered exceptional performances that qualified them for IC&C in Hershey: BACKSTAGE PASS, Ephemeral, Legacy, Sassafras, SölFire, Velvet Crush, and Vivàce. After a performance by the Area 3 Quarus, directed by Sue Melvin, Northern Blend Director Katie Taylor led the audience in a mass sing as we waited for the results.
In the end, the charismatic Velvet Crush delivered a performance that earned them the title of Area 3 quartet champions and the Aspire Award! The Cygnet Award (most improved quartet based on score from previous contest) was awarded to Nexus, with the Novice Quartet Award going to Relative Harmony, from Rochester Rhapsody.
| TOP HONOR - Mixed quartet Way She Goes grins in triumph as they accept the MBHA Mixed Quartet Trophy. |
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A special shout-out to Way She Goes, recipients of the MBHA Mixed Quartet Trophy, as well as The Agency, who also qualified for IC&C. They brought a fresh and exciting dynamic to the stage, proving that incredible harmony knows no bounds!
After a mic-testing set by the 2024 International Chorus Champions Northern Blend, the chorus contest took center stage, with eight incredible choruses delivering exciting performances. The anticipation built as we enjoyed performances by the Area 3 Chorus, directed by Katie Taylor, and the Area 3 Family Chorus, directed by Alexa Beal (with assistance from Dan Signor and two-year-old Bellamy Page!) Ultimately, Bella Nova delivered a show-stopping performance that earned them top honors in the chorus contest and the Area 3 First Place Trophy as well as the Peg Duclos Award for highest scoring small chorus.
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| ACTION! - Bella Nova delivered a show-stopping performance that earned them top honors in the chorus contest and the Area 3 First Place Trophy as well as the Peg Duclos Award for highest scoring small chorus. |
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We have four phenomenal choruses who earned their golden ticket to IC&C - Bella Nova, Crystal Chords, Liberty Belles Chorus, and Rochester Rhapsody. Rochester Rhapsody took home the Most Improved Award (based on rank from the previous contest), while Heart of Pennsylvania snagged both Jean Linn Award (improvement based on score from the previous contest) and Rising Star Award (most improved based on performance score) honors.
But the glitz and glamour didn't end with the contests, darlings! The after-party, er afterglow, sparkled as awards were presented to members, recognizing their incredible dedication and years of membership in Harmony, Inc. We raised a glass to Northern Blend as they celebrated their 40th anniversary with Harmony, Inc. Finally, the applause was thunderous as Area 3 Director Sarah Thorne-Miller, aka Miss Piggy, presented the Area 3 Service Award to Michelle Buckenmeyer for her outstanding contributions to the Area and Harmony, Inc.
Area 3 Director Sarah Thorne-Miller, aka Miss Piggy, presents the Area 3 Service Award to Michelle Buckenmeyer for her outstanding contributions to Area 3 and Harmony, Inc.
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We wrapped up the party with the announcement by 2026 host chapter, Northern Blend, with next year’s theme, Family Game Night. And even before all the stars got into their limousines and headed home, they attended a variety of education classes taught by our esteemed judges, as well as a master class by Roulette and Northern Blend.
So, as the curtains closed on Lights, Camera, Action, we were left with memories of spectacular performances, camaraderie, a shared passion for singing, and a love of barbershop that knows no bounds. Congratulations to all the participants, and a big “thank you” to the host chapter, Niagara Frontier Chord Authority, for a spectacular party. Area 3, you truly know how to put on a show!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear there's still some bubbly to be found, and this reporter needs to file one last dazzling report as we heard that one more chorus, Heart of Pennsylvania, accepted a wild card invitation to IC&C – Bravo! Stay tuned for my next report from Hershey, darlings!
HELPING HAND - Young Bellamy gives a helping hand to mom Alexa as they direct the Area 3 Family Chorus in Joe Liles' arrangement of Fun in Just One Lifetitme, with Legacy taking the part of the featured quartet.
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The Harmony Fest West contest entry process is NOW OPEN! Enter your ensemble today using HAR-070.
Purchase your passes/tickets here
Hotel booking is now open! Reservations can be made here
Come for the singing – stay for the education!
Our mission is “empowering all women through singing, education, and friendship” and we simply cannot host a Harmony, Inc. event without a lot of education and fun! At Harmony Fest West our esteemed panel of judges will be teaching some great education classes that you don’t want to miss – including a Master Class taught by Sweet Adelines Master Director 700, Lori Lyford! Some other sessions include:
Judging Behind the Scenes: This session offers a behind-the-scenes look at the training, preparation, logistics, and duties of judges to provide the best experience for contestants. We'll share some examples of mishaps and adventures and even throw in some “What would you do?” audience participation.
Calming Your Nerves: Everyone has stage fright at some point in their lives. Join us for this interactive class on ways to calm your nerves before a performance, during intermission, or even while on stage.
Music and Musicality: In this session, we'll explore what makes a performance musically compelling, while learning what the Musicality Judges are really looking for in your performance.
Vocal freedom: Embracing your natural voice: What are 'primal sounds' and how are they connected to singing and performance? In this session, we'll experiment with a variety of vocal sounds and show how they may be used to relieve excess tension and release your natural voice.
Never Do Warm-ups: What do you do with your “warm-up” time? Do you actually need to warm up? How should the time be used? In this session, you'll learn how to better utilize “warm-up” time by actively engaging with singers to achieve more unity and vocal health.
For the complete list visit our Harmony Fest West website!
Can't be there in person? Be there in spirit!
Place a Big Screen Ad! Be a part of the Harmony Fest West initiative and support everyone there.
It's simple, for a fee of $35 per ad, you can send everyone a great big "hi there and howdy" from Harmony! Send messages of support, thanks, or a quick advertisement. Help make sure that Harmony's supportive and unique culture is on full display.
Any money collected will help fund the event and anything over and above that goes to Harmony, Inc. to support our mission of empowering all women through singing, education, and friendship.
Ready? Order here.
Questions? Email Shannon at sheltonmullers@harmonyinc.org.
The deadlines are fast approaching for Harmony Fest West!
Join us for a weekend of hot harmonies featuring a festival chorus and quartet contest along with education and coaching from some of your favorite members of the judging community, drawing brilliant talent from across all barbershop organizations!
June 10
Last day to enter the contest
June 11
Draw for Order of Appearance
Last day to book hotel room at group rate
July 1
Last day to purchase AEPs
Last day to order Big Screen Ads
For more information, or to register visit our Harmony Fest West website!
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| International Board Election Results |
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It is with great pleasure that we inform you that the following members of Harmony, Inc. have been elected to the International Board as Board Directors, each by acclamation:
Anne Bureau
Gaye LaCasce
Donna McKay
Julie Schwingbeck
These members will be assuming their positions as International Board Directors immediately following the International Convention and Contests. At that time, they will join the incumbent four Board Directors and the six Area Directors as the governing body of Harmony, Inc. for the coming year.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them and to thank each of them for submitting their name. It is indeed a great honor to serve on the International Board of an organization such as ours and we look forward to their work on our behalf in the coming years.
We look forward to another year of leadership by our International Board, with harmony in our hearts.
Yours in Harmony,
Melissa Hartman, Chair
Sandra Morris, Canadian Teller
Linda Parviainen, U.S. Teller
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| Area Directors Election Results |
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The Elections Committee is pleased to announce the results of the election for Area 2, 4, and 6 Directors, each by acclamation:
Area 2 Director: Cheryl Copeland-Lewis
Cheryl is currently a member of Harmony Heritage and has served in a variety of chapter and board leadership roles since she joined Harmony, Inc. in 2015. She served as a chapter president for Sisters of Sound, and treasurer, hospitality chair, recording secretary, and vice president of Harmony Heritage. She was also the Area 6 Quartet Coordinator and PR/Marketing for Area 2. She spent many years working as a corporate paralegal.
Area 4 Director: Susan Spencer
Susan joined Harmony, Inc. in 1992 and is currently a member of Harmony Magic. During her 30+ years with Harmony, she has held many board and music team positions. She has four years of experience as the Area 4 Director. She is a professional project manager in learning and training.
Area 6 Director: Angie Beatty
Angie joined Harmony, Inc. in 2015 and is a member of Coastal Voices. She has 40+ years of experience in barbershop serving in all capacities. She has been the Area 6 Director for the past four years. She works in the accounting industry and has 30 years of management experience leading teams.
Each will be assuming a two-year term as Area Director and International Board of Directors member immediately following our International Convention.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Cheryl, Susan, and Angie and thank them for their willingness to serve their Areas and Harmony, Inc. in this important way. It is indeed a great honor to serve on the International Board of an organization such as ours. The work will be both challenging and rewarding but is appreciated by all Harmony, Inc. members.
Yours in Harmony,
Melissa Hartman, Chair
Sandra Morris, Canadian Teller
Linda Parviainen, U.S. Teller
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Harmony, Inc. is pleased to introduce Teri Allred as the new Marketing Team Manager. Teri, who most recently served as Harmony’s PR Coordinator, has been a member of Bella Nova Chorus for nine years and has held key leadership roles such as Vice President of Administration, and, most recently, President as of April 2025. She has also served as Stage Manager for Area 3 AC&C and House Manager for IC&C.
A retired federal employee, Teri’s 39-year career included over 25 years advising senior leaders in human capital policy, workforce planning, and enterprise risk management. She holds SPHR and SHRM-SCP credentials, as well as certification as an Enterprise Risk Management Specialist. When she’s not singing, Teri keeps busy with dance classes and community theatre, having served on the boards of Rockville Musical Theatre and The British Players.
Teri brings a wealth of planning experience to the Marketing & Communications team, and we are thrilled to have her on board! Want to know more about Teri? Check out her interview on the Acaville podcast, Vocal HERspective.
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Classes run spring through early fall. We currently have June filled with excellent topics and top-notch instructors:
David Wright
Tessa Walker |
History of Race & Gender in Barbershop
Building an Inclusive Chorus Culture II |
6/3/25
6/12/25 |
| Sandi Wright |
DIRECTORS SERIES - Creating a Chorus Experience |
6/17/25 |
| Debra Lynn |
Mastering the Emotional Body Connection |
6/26/25 |
| Tessa Walker |
Building an Inclusive Chorus Culture III |
7/10/25 |
| Tessa Walker |
Building an Inclusive Chorus Culture IV |
8/14/25 |
| Tessa Walker |
Building an Inclusive Chorus Culture V |
9/11/25 |
Because the HIVE sessions are recorded, we have an extensive HIVE Library that is chocked full of amazing educational offerings covering everything from the history of barbershop to vocal production. This allows our members to find an educational opportunity at a time that’s right for them.
Whether you join us during a HIVE session or chart your own educational journey through the HIVE library, Harmony, Inc. is here to support you on your development goals. We can’t wait for you to join us! |
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Harmony, Inc. relies on the generosity of our members through their donations and volunteer hours. We also have talented members who have given us the gift of music! Recently Jen Cooke and Jennifer Palus collaborated and gifted us with a song and tracks to their creation, Generations of Love! I just had to reach out to these brilliant women to find out more about their reasons for giving us this meaningful gift, one that will last a lifetime!
How did you discover Harmony, Inc.?
Jen: I discovered Harmony, Inc. when my friend, Mo Field, and I formed the quartet Swing Theory and decided to be a part of this organization. I quickly fell in love with Harmony because of its welcoming energy, strong sense of community, and commitment to education. In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, JP and I formed a virtual chorus called Serendipity. When we decided to add a competing chapter within that chorus, we knew we wanted it to be part of Harmony, Inc., giving our members the chance to experience HI’s incredible culture and commitment to education.
JP: I was aware of Harmony, Inc. and its important role in the racial history of barbershop organizations. I had never experienced it firsthand until we chartered Music City Sound and attended our first AC&C. I was blown away by the welcome we received in Area 6! Barbershop singers everywhere, across organizations and continents, are known for their welcoming, generous spirits. Even so, the culture of Harmony, Inc. stands out as something truly special. I also love-love-love the Judge evaluation sessions—what a gift!
What stands out for you as your most memorable moment while you have been a member of Harmony, Inc.?
Jen: There are many, including the story that JP shares below. Another memorable moment was our chartering ceremony. Because we are largely a virtual chorus, covering a lot of geography, our chartering ceremony took place during AC&C. The energy of support and love in the room was palpable and uplifting. The chorus members were so touched, and I know I’ll never forget it!
JP: At our first AC&C there were three newly chartered choruses and through the luck of the draw, we were the first three contestants. Unbeknownst to us, the rest of the chapters petitioned for a special intermission after contestant #3, just so the entire Area 6 audience could be present to cheer on the new choruses before they went into pattern for their own performances. They didn’t want us singing to a nearly empty house. And wow—what an audience they were! Stepping out to that first welcome is something I’ll never forget. Even now, as I write this, I get a little teary-eyed thinking about the empathy and support they showed. That moment perfectly reflects the culture of Harmony, Inc.
What compelled you to be so generous with your time and skills and what impact do you hope to see as a result of your gift of music?
Jen: Barbershop is an inherently giving culture. We coach others, including our competitors; we cheer each other on; we revel in each other’s successes and comfort each other when we’re troubled. Barbershop has given so much to me, and I’m always grateful for a chance to give something back. JP is the primary writer and arranger of this song, and I’m honored that she included me in her creative process and her vision to share this with the barbershop community.
JP: One of my favorite things about barbershop is how it brings people together across generations. You find yourself working shoulder-to-shoulder toward a shared goal with people who might be 10, 20, or even 40 years older or younger than you—a rare experience in most other settings. That idea became the seed for the song Generations of Love. From the start I knew I wanted to give it away so more people could sing it and feel connected through it. We created both a full version and a shortened version to make it easy to use as a sing-around song. I hope people sing it and truly feel the message in the line, “and you’re never alone when you take your part” because, to me, that’s the magic of barbershop. You’re never alone.
Harmony, Inc. is grateful for the generosity of our members, be it through
volunteer hours, financial donations, gifts of music or legacy giving.
Thank You! |
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| MEDAL: Member Experience Toolkit and Library |
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WHAT? Noted Departures, Context for Member Returns
When a member leaves your chapter, whether for a short break or a significant life change, it’s natural to move forward and wish them well. If they reach out again in the future, it helps to have a few simple reflections on hand about their time with the group: what they contributed, what their current needs might be, and how to support a positive return.
SO WHAT?
Taking a moment to reflect helps future leaders (or possibly even you!) remember what worked, what was missed, and how to reconnect with care if a former member returns. It’s not about judgment; it’s about continuity, kindness, and honoring someone’s contribution to your chapter story.
NOW WHAT?
A few thoughtful notes recorded in the right place can support smoother leadership decisions later on. This article offers ideas on what to capture, how to do it well, and how to ensure it stays constructive and confidential. Read Full Article
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| Corporate Office Words of Wisdom |
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Canadian members, please be aware:
Canada Post is on strike again. Therefore, no packages are currently being sent. |
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Your donations to the For Love of Harmony program enable you to identify individuals or groups to receive special recognition, while at the same time providing a monetary gift to Harmony, Inc.
?
Thank you to our monthly donors
Catherine Blankenship
Gail Chartier
Lindsay Chartier
Amanda Cornaglia
Taralee Lashway
Ann McAlexander
Donna McKay
Angie Morton
Jeanne O'Connor
Kelly Peterson
Frances Thomas
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- to Carolyn Marshall (Seaside A Cappella, Area 1) on the loss of her father, Ervin Marshall
- to Michelle Temple (Seaside A Cappella, Area 1) on the loss of her brother, Todd Lohnes
- to Carole MacFarquhar (Sea Belles, Area 1) on the death of her husband
- to Christine Ramus (Northern Blend, Area 3) on the passing of her husband
- to Lynn Randall (Village Vocal Chords, Area 4) on the passing of her person, Lauren Lindeman (Village Vocal Chords, Area 4)
- to the family and friends of Barb Edward’s, longtime supporter of barbershop singing, former member and friend of Nickel City Sound, quartet singer, and one time director of The Delltones
Need to post a condolence notice? Please have the information sent to the Administrative Coordinator to be recorded. Thank you.
Lauren Lindeman
 It is with heavy hearts that the Harmony family and barbershop community mourns the passing of Lauren Lindeman. Lauren was a true light in the Harmony, Inc. community and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her contributions to her chorus, the Village Vocal Chords, as well as being a three-time quartet champion (Villagers-1977, Voices-2002, U4X-2008), Lauren was one of the original members of Harmony, Inc.'s judging community, was certified in the sound category as one of the first group of judges in HI, served as a music (now musicality) category specialist, as well as being a member of the International Board of Directors.
In 2023, Lauren was honored as Judge Emerita, recognizing those who throughout the 39-year history of the Harmony, Inc. judging program have made a positive impact on the judging program, whether through length of service, leadership, innovation or other attributes or accomplishments.
We especially remember Lauren's dedication and passion, which was recognized when she was awarded the Harmony, Inc. President's Award in 2015. Her commitment to our organization and her vibrant spirit left an indelible mark on so many.
Our thoughts are with Lauren's family and friends during this difficult time. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing. |
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| International Board of Directors Meetings |
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IBOD quarterly meetings are open to the membership.
Members are invited to submit items for consideration on the agenda (note deadline for Mid-Year agenda item submission has passed).
Agendas are posted in advance on the Members Only website. Please contact the Corporate Office for details on how to join the virtual meetings or where to attend the live meetings.
Upcoming 2025 meetings are scheduled:
- Q3: August 20
- Annual: November 2-5
Q1 2025 Meeting Minutes have been posted and can be found here.
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Note there has been a change in the Song Registration Form deadline from 2 weeks prior to contest to 30 days prior to contest. Best to get it in early.
NOTE: Harmony Fest West Entry Deadline has been extended to June 10. All late fees have been waived. |
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| International Convention & Contests |
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2025 NOVEMBER 5-8, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY, PA
2026 NOVEMBER 11-14, GALT HOUSE, LOUISVILLE, KY
2027 NOVEMBER 10-13, NIAGARA FALLS CONVENTION CENTER,
NIAGARA FALLS, ON
2028 NOVEMBER 1-4, HERSHEY LODGE, HERSHEY, PA
2029 NOVEMBER 7-11, HALIFAX CONVENTION CENTER, HALIFAX, NS
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The next issue of the HI Note comes to your inbox June 20. What would you like to see covered in our pages? Drop a line to editor@harmonyinc.org and we'll tell the world. Next deadline is June 13.
Copyright © 2025 Harmony, Inc., All rights reserved.
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