RANGELEY — Men of the Rangeley Region, do you sing? Does your husband or dad sing? Do your co-workers sing or whistle on the job? Statistics say that for the majority of the men in the Region, the answer would be “Yes.” However, most of them have never sung in a men’s chorus usually “hiding their light under a basket.” It’s time to correct this.

In 2003, a number of men joined together to start the Rangeley Region Men’s Chorus. They rehearsed a few times starting after Thanksgiving and performed at the annual “Walk to Bethlehem” a couple of weeks later. The group was very well received. At the 2004 “Walk” they were introduced as the “World Famous…” because one of the Rangeley residents had extolled about them during a trip to China.

Participation in the “Walk to Bethlehem” has continued each year since and will continue this year on Dec. 13, 2009.

Rehearsals will start after Thanksgiving in the early evening (6:30 to 8 p.m.) and be held at the Rangeley Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. The current plan is for rehearsals to be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. “It’s just a short commitment of time so please plan on singing with the group,” a spokesperson for the group said.

Les Hoekstra is compiling a list of participants so sufficient music can be ordered for the first rehearsal. Neither experience nor music reading skills are necessary –-just a joy of singing. Those who have sung call it a most enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Call Hoekstra at 864-2963 or email him les.hoekstra1@ myfairpoint.net. Jeff Ellinwood is the director and he can best be reached by email: jellinwd@localnet. com.