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GAIL DOWNEY'S THANK YOU SURPRISE
September 30, 2005

A special surprise was in store for Gail Downey as she
concluded her term on the AGEHR National Board on September 30, 2005.
Gail and Jim
Gail visits with Jim Hinde - husband of ENCHANTMENT Bell Captain, Lea Ann Hinde -
before ENCHANTMENT performs at Sunport Serenades.
Looks like Gail doesn't have a clue as to how this day will end.
ENCHANTMENT is ready to say "thank you" on behalf of Area XI
as Gail's term as a National AGEHR Board member comes to an end.


setup
ENCHANTMENT sets up to perform at the Albuquerque Sunport for Sunport Serenades.
Got bells? Yep! Got music? Sure do? Got mallets, Marilyn? Got 'em!


bagpiper
A bagpiper arrives to help ENCHANTMENT say, "Thank You, Gail Downey,"
on behalf of AGEHR - Area XI.



flowers
Who's that in the lime green shirt? That's Linda! (Maloney, Area XI Chair)
And who's that behind the beautiful bouquet
of one dozen gorgeous yellow roses? THAT'S GAIL!!!!


choir
Bagpiper Gary Bender (brother of ENCHANTMENT ringer Marilyn Large)
and some members of ENCHANTMENT say "THANK YOU, GAIL!"

Piper Gary serenades Gail Downey.
Look who showed up for the party! ERIN!!!! Erin arrived at the Albuquerque Sunport from California - to spend a quiet vacation week at home.....and enjoy the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta! Welcome home, Erin! Please note the bagpiping "kokopelli" on Gary's shirt!




More About Gail
samplerGail Downey was elected to serve on the National Board of AGEHR (the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers) in 2003. During a two-year term, she worked with the Board as the Guild transitioned to a new governance model. The Board reviewed and approved new Bylaws for many of the AGEHR Areas. Gail served as the chair for the Honorary Life Member committee. Gail's filing cabinets are full of printed email exchanges with the national Board. Much of the Board's business was conducted during many, many, many telephone conference calls. It has been said that Pete and Molly (Gail's pet birds) were very entertaining during the calls as they "chatted" in the background.

September 30, 2005 was Gail's "last day on the job." (At least the National AGEHR Board Member job.) How did she celebrate? Doing what we all know Gail loves to do - she directed a handbell concert! ENCHANTMENT - Albuquerque Handbell Ensemble performed two concerts at the Albuquerque Sunport as tourists from around the world arrived for the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. And one of those tourists was a VIT (Very Important Tourist)! Erin flew in from Alameda, California to enjoy a week at home.

Gail has directed handbell programs in the Albuquerque area for the past 27 years. She created and directed the Manzano High School handbell program which was awarded the first place in the prestigious New Mexico "Quality in Education" competition for outstanding educational innovations. Gail has been a member of AGEHR (the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers) since 1978.

AGEHR Area XI is very proud of Gail. She has served Area XI and New Mexico in many ways including New Mexico Chair, New Mexico Chime Chair, Area XI Chair, Area XI Chime Chair and probably others we don't even remember or never knew about. With all her experience, she is a great resource person and will continue to chair the AGEHR Curriculum Resource Committee, which develops new curricula for AGEHR events.

We wish her much happiness in her "new" life! Gail and her business partner, Leila Norris, enjoy great success with From the Top Music. Their catalog continues to grow with handbell titles for solos, ensembles, hymn accompaniments and music for full choirs. Gail directs the adult handbell choir at Central United Methodist Church in Albuquerque and ENCHANTMENT - an auditioned community choir.

Good luck, Gail! We wish you happiness and health for many years to come!
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Page revised 10/02/2005
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