Sweet Adelines throw birthday party for oldest member

Pat Tugas celebrated her 89th birthday with her chorus members Sept. 19.

By Emily Blackwood
| 10:30 p.m. September 20, 2016

Pat Tugas celebrated her actual birthday Sept. 18 (Courtesy photo).

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Though the Song of the Coast Chorus typically has older members, most stop singing around the age of 80, according to President Mary Ellen Stanchfield. But baritone Pat

Tugas recently celebrated her 89th birthday with her Sweet Adelines crew — and her voice isn’t going anywhere.

“The aging voice usually isn’t the most pleasant to listen to,” Stanchfield said. “But she still sings beautifully.”

A Sweet Adeline since 1995, Tugas has made a family of friends among her chorus crowd.

“I think she’s gracious in her maturity,” Stanchfield said. “She’s the epitome of aging gracefully, and never letting her age get in the way. She gets up in the morning, and she has a purpose.”

In honor of her birthday, the chorus through her a party Sept. 19, and instead of presents, Tugas asked every to bring jars of peanut butter and jelly to donate to Halifax Urban Ministries.

Interested in joining the Song of the Coast?

They practice from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Monday at Tomoka United Methodist Church. Visit songofthecoast.org or call 673-4398.