Volume 27, Number 49
Friday, December 3, 2021
www.towntimes.com
Shades of red Newest state COVID report is released Connecticut’s most recent COVID-19 report, which includes two weeks of data, showed 14 positive cases in Durham and 11 in Middlefield.
The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords will perform Sunday, Dec. 12, starting at 2 p.m. at Portland High School.
Longtime musician set to take final bow The first several times Gina Fredericks was asked to be a founding director of the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords, she said she wasn’t interested because of other priorities. But she changed her mind. “I’m a musician. And I knew it would be a lot of work, but I wanted it to be right and do it professionally” said Fredericks, of Middlefield. After 31 years of dedicated service to the Vocal Chords, Fredericks is retiring from the group. Her final concert will take place Sunday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m., at Portland High School. The Vocal Chords were founded in 1990 by Joyce Ghent, a registered nurse at Middlesex Hospital, who pulled together a handful of hospital employees who loved to sing. Needing a musical director, Ghent turned to Fredericks, who came highly recommended.
According to the state reSee COVID, A4
CIAC sets its winter guidelines
“We have endured personal losses, but together we have spent many happy times along with numerous travel adventures and created a bonding friendship that will last forever,” Ghent said looking back on her time with Fredericks.
Record-Journal staff
“With gratitude and thanksgiving, we will be eternally indebted to her. With all her musical expertise, the voices of Vocal Chords have touched thousands of lives.” Since auditions are not required to join the Vocal Chords, some members need help getting concertready. “All I ask is that to be a member one must love to sing and is willing to make the commitment to rehearse every week,” said Fredericks. Broadway melodies are among Fredericks favorites for the Vocal Chords, but the group sings everything from jazz, swing and country, to patriotic
These numbers put Durham in the coronavirus orange zone (10 to 14 cases per 100,000 people per day) and Middlefield in the red. The trigger for top-of-the-chart red status — where most Connecticut towns and cities now stand — starts at 15 cases per 100,000 people per day.
After 31 years, Middlefield resident Gina Fredericks, left, is stepping away from her role as director of the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords. Fredericks is pictured with the group’s founder, Joyce Ghent.
pieces and holiday favorites, and more. The Vocal Chords currently have 75 See Musician, A4
CHESHIRE — A day after completing a successful fall season that saw relatively few team-wide disruptions from COVID-19, the CIAC released its formal guidance for the upcoming winter season. By and large, it reiterates the plan the CIAC unofficially released a few weeks ago. The season will start on time in all winter sports. It can include multi-team events and See CIAC, A11