Thomas A. Kvamme, Scope

Attention: Musicians without a band wanted! That's the message being signaled by the Williston Cowboys Drum & Bugle Corps, as they seek new members to help bolster the organization for the 21st Century.

The invitation goes out to anyone, including all high school and college students and any new members to this community and region, who might be interested in taking part.

If you have some band experience and the desire to continue your musical endeavor, you will be a welcome addition.

The numbers are down somewhat, and it's time to reinforce the troops to keep this group marching on. Instruments and uniforms are furnished, while travel costs to various events will be reimbursed.

Rehearsals are held each Monday from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., in the lower level of the Post 37 American Legion clubrooms.

Plans call for rehearsals to begin the first Monday in February and to continue through November.

Throughout the summer, this group represents our city at a number of events.

You can contact the group at any time prior to that if you would like to check out instruments or music.

For more information, contact Floyd Miller at 875-4280 or Charlie Robinson at 572-3883.

REPLACEMENT NAMED

We told you earlier that after some 50 years, Virgil Syverson has decided to step down as the leader.

In our Sunday Scope we will bring you the name of his successor and tell you more about the Corps that has served as ambassadors for our city for a very long time.

In addition, we will let you know about some of the veterans that have been keeping in step.

TOOT FOR VIRGIL

Showing strong support for the “Toot for Virgil” campaign, members of the Williston Cowboys Drum & Bugle Corps have also donated a sum of $4,500 to assist with the building of the Virgil Syverson Performance Center in Harmon Park.

With that generous donation, from a number of individuals who have played under the direction of Syverson, funds raised to date have passed the $50,000 mark.

Funds have been added to that total, while the drive continues.

Plans call for construction of this center to begin as soon as weather conditions allow.

We send out a Scope salute and a tip of the hat to the members of the Corps for this contribution, and we encourage others to step forward and make this become a reality.

Once this center is complete, it will provide a unique setting for the performing arts and other activities.

You can forward a note, or get in touch with John MacMaster or Mark Stenehjem if you have any questions on the project.

BERRY BENEFIT SET

Beginning at 6 p.m., on Jan. 28, you can drop by the basement of DK's Lounge to take part in the Vivian Berry Benefit Auction.

The Lindsey Brothers will be on hand to conduct the auction. Friends and family are sponsoring this event to help with family medical expenses.

Donations can be brought to DK's on Jan. 27-28.

Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be available.

SCHAAN FUNDRAISER

Plan now on attending the benefit pancake and sausage breakfast for the David Schaan family.

That breakfast is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 29, in the St. Joe's gymnasium.

Economart of Williston is donating the food items, while others helping out include NDAD and the Williston Jaycees.

Thrivent Financial will also be providing additional funds to assist the family with medical expenses.

Donations can also be dropped off at Gate City Bank in downtown Williston.

If anyone would have items to donate for a silent auction, you can call 774-0748 and leave a message.

LET IT SNOW

Well, a little white stuff never hurt.

Mother Nature finally decided it was our turn to get dumped on and add a little white to brighten things up.

This is also a time for drivers to realize it's winter and conditions tend to change.

Like always, it takes some time for everyone to adjust to what is dished out.

While we are by no means out of the woods, we can't complain about winter to date.

With January nearly complete, the thoughts are already turning to spring.

Hey, there's nothing wrong with looking ahead.

SPORTS & REC SHOW

Speaking of looking ahead, we remind you the dates for the 21st annual Williston Sports & Recreation Show are March 17-19, at the Raymond Family Community Center.

Plans are progressing, and we will have an announcement on the entertainment lineup and featured guests in the near future. If you are interested in securing exhibitor space for this show, contact the Williston Convention & Visitors Bureau at 774-9041.

BASIN UNITED WAY

Beginning at noon on Thursday, you will have an opportunity to attend the annual meeting of the Basin United Way.

The luncheon will be held at the El Rancho and is open to all contributors.

Recognition will be handed out to businesses and individuals who have played a major role in achieving the goal. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Medrein Sandvold at 774-4106.

MEDORA TRYOUTS SET

It's time to let you know the search is on for talented individuals to perform in the 2006 Medora Musical.

Auditions will be held from noon to 6 p.m., on Jan. 29, on the campus of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.

The auditions will take place in the music building's South Choral Room.

If you are interested in auditioning, you are requested to arrive at noon to register.

StageWest Entertainment will be casting for male and female Burning Hills Singers.

“We look for performers who are able to sing, dance and light up the stage,” said Curt Wollan, who serves as producer of the Medora Musical.

Wollan encourages those who have auditioned in the past to give it another try.

For more information about the auditions, call Wollan at (612) 333-3302.

Over the years, a number of area performers have been featured, and it's great to see them on stage.

FORD SEEKS PRIZE

Meanwhile, we remind you Miss North Dakota 2005 Ashley Ford will be on stage in Nashville on Thursday when she competes in the Colgate Country Showdown.

A top prize of $100,000 is on the line, and a future in the recording business is also up for grabs.

This program will be broadcast in March on CMT. Watch for details.

scope@willistonherald.com|572-2165