Posted on Wednesday April 20, 2016
Members of the York Regional Police Male Chorus celebrated an incredible quarter-century of musical service on April 15.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Chair of the York Regional Police Services Board, and board member John Molyneaux attended the event at Oakview Terrace in Richmond Hill, while Chief Eric Jolliffe personally congratulated chorus members on their achievement.
"Your songs have brought warmth to the cold hallways of hospitals and nursing homes and your voices have been the highlight of hundreds of premier events," said Chief Jolliffe. "Your dedication to musical service and the perfection of your craft has remained steadfast for 25 years and that alone is an outstanding achievement."
The Male Chorus was formed in 1991 as part of a community-policing initiative and delivered its first performance at the Markville Shopping Centre on May 15, 1991. YRP Superintendent (Ret.) Lowell McClenny, a founding member of the chorus, still serves as its co-ordinator.
"Lowell’s leadership has truly made a positive and lasting impact on the group, York Regional Police and our community," Chief Jolliffe said.
Last year, McClenny was also inducted into the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame for his contributions to minor hockey and for giving sports a voice in Aurora, as he hosted his own local sports show called Sportsbeat Aurora from 1982 to 2008. He is one of several chorus members who were recognized in 2011 with an Ontario Volunteer Service award.
Members of the chorus have long embodied the spirit of volunteerism, donating 17,000 hours and performing an average of 25 events each year.
Their voices are heard annually at the Canadian Police and Peace Officers' Memorial on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and at the Ontario Police Memorial Ceremony of Remembrance in Toronto. Chorus members have travelled on four goodwill tours, three across the United Kingdom and one in Newfoundland and Labrador.
