By Garrick Moritz, Gazette
As you might have seen in the paper the last few weeks, Doreen Rollag is celebrating her 95th birthday this week. Beloved by her fellow congregation members at Palisades Lutheran Church, serving as their organist and choir director for generations, known as a music maker and the Lemon Bar Evangelist, she was also a charter member of the Sioux Falls area Sweet Adeline’s Chorus, first called the Sioux-Per-Cords, now called Sound Cascade.
With the Coronavirus pandemic, visiting a 95-year-old woman could have deadly consequences. Sound Cascade has participated in no contests or events since the pandemic began for the safety of their members and the public. However, these ladies wanted to celebrate not only the birthday of one of their founding members, but also commemorate 47 years of her leadership and fellowship, as she has decided to retire from the chorus this year.
“We couldn’t just do nothing, and let this pass unremarked or uncelebrated,” said Dawn Webb of Sound Cascade. “Doreen is a treasure and we had to do something, so we figured out a way to do this in person.”
They formed a convoy of vehicles, honking as they came in, while Doreen and Dawn waved. They set up a picnic in Doreen’s large garage, everyone wore masks and enjoyed a luncheon sitting apart. Probably the hardest thing was not being able to spread hugs around, but everyone refrained and maintained distance. They did not refrain from a little singing, however. The presented Doreen with birthday balloons, flowers and an award as their 2020 Sweet Adeline Lady of the year.
“Way back in 1973, Leonard Rollag heard a Sweet Adeline's quartet perform and they were promoting a Sweet Adeline chorus which was in its beginning stages in Sioux Falls,” said Webb. “He thought this would be a good way for his little wife to get out of the house and do something for herself! Never mind that she was a full-time farm wife with 3 kids, she helped load hogs (with a tear in her eye!), cooked lots of meals, specialized in homemade Angel food cakes, and was very involved in Palisade Lutheran Church as their organist, taught music to the kiddos, AND directed the choir!
“That quartet that Leonard saw consisted of 4 charter members: Ardith Rang, Audrey Lundquist, Delores Whitney, and Charlotte Himmler, AKA the Sioux-Per-Chords,” Webb said. “The Sioux Falls Sweet Adeline's chartered as a chorus in February 1974.”
“The past several years this chorus, now known as Sound Cascade, has had just 2 charter members left of the original 40 or so members- Jodi Stitt and Doreen Rollag. Both have been more than involved with the chorus over the years,” continued Webb.
“But today we are honoring our dear Doreen, as she has had to make the difficult decision to leave our chorus. She will be 95 in three days, so I would say it is an honorable discharge!
“Doreen has always been a driving force behind our chorus, and has served in every capacity and office. She doesn't take no for an answer—just ask Tony at the Brandon Sunshine Store, or our director Dave, who wasn't looking to direct a Sweet Adeline Chorus when we needed a new director!
“We all have many stories to share about our chorus experiences and I could go on and on but I won't!
“We are here during this crazy pandemic... socially distancing and singing with masks on...to honor Doreen for her longevity with Sound Cascade, and to present her with an award. With her positive attitude, knowledge of music, especially the baritone part, love of performing, and for at least the 4th time in her history with us, we are proud to present Doreen as our 2020 Sweet Adeline Leading Lady of the Year!”
