POMPANO BEACH – 9/22/2015 – He is hanging up his cleats, or in this case, his white gloves, black vest and incredible dedication. Recently, John Knox Village resident Ron Davis announced he was retiring from his post as Director of our highly popular Villagers Men’s Chorus.
Since its inaugural season in 2008, with the first performance at John Knox Village’s Annual Spring Scene that year, the Lakeside villa resident has helped the group grow from 38 members to now more than 50 residents.
“This was a difficult decision to make, but my health was more important,” Ron said. “The extra time I have will allow me to explore other interests and spend more time with my family and friends.”
The Villagers Men’s Chorus performs at John Knox Village and throughout the area at local venues that appeal to seniors who would consider moving to our community. These locations have included the Galleria Mall, Annual Broward Senior Idol, places of worship, Broward Retired Educators Association functions and for other organizations both off campus and visiting John Knox Village.
Ron has taught our men to sing nearly 100 different songs. Weekly rehearsals give them a chance to socialize and practice new material, which usually is featured at the Annual Knox Rocks concerts in April.
Organized by the Rotary Club of John Knox Village, the two-night event raises funds (about $10,000 each year since 2011) for our new Health Center, The Woodlands at John Knox Village.
When asked what he will miss most, Ron said, “I will miss the fellowship and friendship and the joy of singing. They are truly fine gentlemen.”
In addition to Ron retiring, The Villagers Men’s Chorus Accompanist, resident Anita Ferguson, had to stop playing for the group.
With Ron’s announcement came the immediate questions, “What is the future of The Villagers Men’s Chorus?” and “Who would take over for Ron and Anita?”
John Knox Village is honored to announce that Christopher Toth, a highly respected freelance musician in Fort Lauderdale, is the new Director. In addition, resident Elaine McNamara, who recently became the Director of The Note-Ables Ladies’ Chorus, will be the Accompanist.
From the Cleveland, Ohio area, Chris earned a Bachelor of Music and an Artist Diploma from The Cleveland Institute of Music. Before moving to Florida, he worked for Brecksville United Methodist Church, Fairmount Temple, St. John Nepomucene Church, The Temple-Tifereth Israel, St. Angela Merici Church, MasterSingers and The Cleveland Messiah Chorus.
Beside excellent vocals, Chris specializes in keyboard instruments – organ, piano, synthesizer and harpsichord. For more information about him, visit his Website at (www.christophertoth.net).
“I am anxious to work with this large enthusiastic group of men who share a passion for entertaining others,” he said. “I also hope to have The Villagers Men’s Chorus get out and be seen and heard in some new places.”
In fact, John Knox Village encourages outside organizations to book the group for performances. For more information, please contact the Public Relations Department at (954) 783-4040 or e-mail (events@jkvfl.com).
John Knox Village is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community that provides a full range of life-care services for those aged 62 and greater. The Village is located at 651 S.W. Sixth Street in Pompano Beach, just east of I-95 and south of Atlantic Boulevard. For more information, contact our Marketing Department, at (954) 783-4040, or visit us at (www.johnknoxvillage.com).
The Villagers have more than 50 members who enjoy singing together at John Knox Village and across South Florida.
Ron and Dee Davis with their daughter and son, Lorrie Weathers (second from left) and Dwayne Davis (far right), at this year’s Knox Rocks V concerts.