Persons of the Week: Men’s Chorus brings musical cheer to area’s seniors

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Singers (from left) Don Spampinato, Jim Beckwith and Charles “Skip” Wissinger, members of Greater Johnstown Retired Men’s Chorus, are Persons of the Week for entertaining seniors year-round. Todd Berkey

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December 6, 2009

By FRANK SOJAK The Tribune-Democrat Sun Dec 06, 2009, 10:36 PM EST

The members of the Greater Johns-town Retired Men’s Chorus speak in one voice when it’s time to cheer up others.

The 15 members and their pianist put on dozens of performances throughout the year, mainly at personal care homes and senior citizen centers.

This month will be extra busy for them as they increase the number of performances to bring yuletide greetings to as many people as possible.

“We just love doing it,” said Don Spampinato, who has been a member of the chorus for 19 years. “The people love listening to us.”

It’s a joy to see the smile on their faces when they perform, the Dale Borough resident said.

“I tell them that I don’t know who gets more enjoyment out of it – them or us,” said the retired mail carrier.

Spampinato, past adjutant for Johnstown Post 1 of the Korean Veterans Association, said there are many groups such as the Men’s Chorus who donate their time to cheer up folks at personal care homes and senior centers.

“That’s the name of the game,” Spampinato said. “You’re supposed to do things for people.”

He said they are always looking for more members.

Charles “Skip” Wissinger, who joined the group 10 years ago when he retired from the Conemaugh and Black Lick Railroad, said he joined the Men’s Chorus because the organization does much good in the community.

“The residents appreciate what we do, and oftentimes, join in the singing,” said Wissinger, who sings in the choir at Visitation Roman Catholic Church in the 8th Ward.

He said all the men do a good job of singing and that they are blessed with two dedicated pianists – Kathy Bumbernick and Mary Spenger.

“In my lifetime, I’ve had many good things happen to me,” the Roxbury resident said, adding that because he has been blessed, he wants to give to others.

Jim Beckwith, a former Mifflin County commissioner, joined the Men’s Chorus shortly after he and his wife moved to Upper Yoder Township

10 years ago to be closer to their daughter, who relocated in that municipality with her family.

After moving here, he wanted to be involved in the community and joined the Men’s Chorus and the Korean Veterans Association.

Beckwith, who entertains the audience with his storytelling before the singing begins, said it’s a rewarding experience being able to entertain others.

“The chorus has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life,” he said. “I fully believe that some of the greatest men I’ve ever been associated with are in the chorus.”

For their efforts, the three are the Persons of the Week.

Lois Holliday, activities assistant at The Atrium – A Choice Community, located in downtown Johnstown, said the Men’s Chorus is very good.

“They harmonize beautifully,” she said.

“They talk, laugh and joke with the residents. They put the residents at ease and then put on a wonderful performance.”

Spampinato and his wife, Betty, have a daughter. Wissinger and his wife, Mary Ann, have five daughters and 18 grandchildren. Beckwith and his wife, Marlene, have three daughters and four grandchildren.

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