The three City of Lakes Chorus Member Awards honor individuals whose dedication goes beyond participation. Whether stepping into leadership or contributing with creativity and care, these members make our chorus, our music, and our community stronger. Let’s celebrate and thank these outstanding members for their contributions!
1 - Harmony Hall of Fame Award—Formerly Sweet Adeline of the Year (SAY)
Awarded to Liz Miller
9/2025
2025 HHOF
Liz Miller
For giving selflessly of her time, talents, and expertise, for the love and joy of singing, and for having a positive impact on the members.
About This Award
The Harmony Hall of Fame award is a very high honor, presented annually to recognize and thank a chorus member for their significant, substantial, or long-standing contributions to the City of Lakes Chorus.
This award is independent of any other chorus or regional award. It is not based on popularity or on membership longevity. The award process and selection is the responsibility of the previous award recipients, including members who are active, inactive, associate or retired. The recipients also support the award financially through an annual voluntary payment of an activity fee. The award is not part of the chapter standing rules, however, the HHOF Award is partially supported by the City of Lakes Board of Directors with a contribution from the yearly budget.
Previous award recipients volunteer to serve on an HHOF Committee, and will use written HHOF job descriptions to fulfill specific responsibilities, and to keep all former recipients informed. The HHOF Award is presented at a Fall chorus rehearsal and a celebration brunch of all award recipients will be scheduled during November.
- From the Harmony Hall of Fame Committee (Formerly Sweet Adelines of the Year)
Past Recipients
| 2025 Liz Miller 2024 Beth Olson 2023 Ava Hohenstein 2022 Cynthia McLane 2021 Julie Garrison 2020 Judy Carlsen 2019 Judy Langer 2018 Char Holste 2017 Colleen Westlin 2016 Molly Robertson 2015 Anne Stickler 2014 Valerie Salley |
2013 Susie O'Brien 2012 Liz Caye 2011 Lois Beierman 2010 Bonnie Rust 2009 Judi Grover 2008 Nancy Holt 2007 Linda Wetterlin 2006 Elaine Ramberg 2005 Shirley Walker Stinson 2004 Karen Dunn 2003 Heidi Dick 2002 Nancy Anderson 2001 Marilyn 'Jean' Richter 2000 Jackie Rabe 1999 Pat Beaubien 1998 Debra Siegel 1997 Pat Haertel 1996 Joan Grootwassink 1995 Connie Miller 1994 Carol Wiersema |
1993 Durene Jackson 1992 Cathy McCready 1991 Phyllis Smith 1990 Jo Kramer 1989 Bud Madsen 1988 Jane Davy 1987 Jane Peterson 1986 Marcia Starnes 1985 Judy Windey 1984 Betti Lu Mueller 1983 Sandy Bergersen 1982 Janet Johnson 1981 Nancy Hoffman Evarts 1980 Judy Olson 1979 Sharon Beaver 1978 Kathy Traynor 1977 Marsha Shaw 1976 Char Kondrick 1975 Bev Anderson 1974 Beverly Schoenrock |
1973 Marion Olson Fieber 1972 Mary Dick 1971 Lou Ann Dykstra 1970 Flo Carroll 1969 Nancy Paul-Willis 1968 Mildred "Midge" Kent 1967 Jean Spong 1966 Mary Ellen Erickson 1965 Dottie Shaw 1964 Elna Hammer 1963 Marge Fitzgerald 1962 Marge Swaggert 1961 Fern Hoffman 1960 Caryl Hansen 1959 Eunice Hellevik (Hagstrom) 1958 Merri Liepke 1957 Dede Hamlet 1956 Gretta Zumberge 1955 Randine Hatlestad 1954 Kathy Lienau |
2 - Woman Of Note Award
Awarded to Maria Kalin
4/2025
2025 Woman of Note
Maria Kalin
City of Lakes is proud to recognize Maria Kalin as our 2024 Woman of Note. Maria has been an inspiration ever since she joined the chorus, and her positive attitude is infectious. She has served on the Board of Directors for several years, and when leadership was needed, she stepped up into the role of President this year, guiding the chorus with dedication and grace. She has an unending willingness to jump in where needed and works tirelessly behind the scenes to support members and committees. She assists with risers, provides rides, offers musical support, listens to members’ needs, and is quietly always the last to leave rehearsal, ensuring we maintain a good relationship with the venue. This past year, she represented COL well on the Region’s Convention Committee. It was her first time assisting with OPL, and she is doing the same again this year. Maria is a welcoming friend, always willing to lend a hand despite especially trying times in her personal life. She is sunshine to anyone who meets her! No matter the task, whether big or small, Maria is always there and ready to help with a smile on her face.
About This Award
Recognized annually at Regional Competition. This award was established by Region 6 in 2016 and is intended to highlight an exceptional member from each Region 6 chapter so that they may receive special recognition not only from their chapter, but also from our Regional Management Team as well as their peers region wide. Each chorus may design their own criteria for picking their Woman of Note.
The recipients are recognized with a photo and a blurb in the Regional Measures and in some additional way–designated by the RMT– during Regional Contest.
Past Recipients
2025 - Maria Kalin (President)
2024 - Judy Langer (Costume Chair)
2023 - Molly Robertson (Webmaster, Music Team member)
2022 - Ava Hohenstein (Vice President, Director of Marketing)
2021 - Bonnie Plumley (Director of Membership)
2020 - Anne Stickler (Music Team member)
2019 - Rebecca Stueland (President)
2018 - Chris Temperante (Music Team Chair)
2017 - Shirley Walker Stinson (Treasurer)
2016 - Valerie Salley (President)
3 - Chorus Star Award
Awarded to
12/2023
2025 Chorus Star
(Award Not Presented)
About This Award
City of Lakes' Chorus Star Award was established in 2009 to recognize those members that have served the chorus in some exceptional way during the calendar year.
To be considered for the award a member may be a significant influencer in front of the chorus or an unsung hero behind the scenes, they may have spearheaded a new idea or have contributed across many areas of chorus life. Ideally, their impact should include a significant portion of the calendar year and if in a leadership position, their contribution should go above and beyond the duties of their assigned role in some noteworthy way.
The awards are presented at the end of the year, typically at the chorus Holiday party in December, and usually includes 3 honorees. More than 3 Stars may be honored if deemed exceptional service of additional members needs to be recognized. The process in choosing Chorus Stars is a function of the Board of Directors and is currently assigned as a Chorus Awards Committee of 3 and falls under the Director of Membership.
Past Recipients
2025 - (None awarded)
2024
2023 - Laura "Prez" Bordowitz, Judy Langer, Deb Priem
2022 - All leadership teams were called out and recognized for their ongoing support and service to the chorus! As well as all new members for hanging in there for a whirlwind year.
2021 - Ava Hohenstein, Scott Kvigne, Ellen Puffe, Allycia Smith, Linda Wetterlin
2020 - *All chorus members were recognized for the exceptional dedication each of us showed by participating together virtually on Zoom due to the Covid pandemic.
2019 - Mary Johnson, Taffy Peerenboom, Bonnie Plumley
2018 - JoAnn Flanagan, Liz Miller, Beth Olson
2017
2016 - Judi Grover, Ava Hohenstein, Char Holste
2015
2014
2013 - Heidi Dick, Deb Priem, Bettina Schramm
2012 - Polly Heagle, Ashley Lyle, Cindy McLane
2011 - Judy Carlsen, Judi Grover, Bonnie Power, Annette Kisser, Beth Olson
2010 - Nancy Holt, Mary Johnson, Molly Robertson
2009 - Lois Beierman, Judy Carlsen, Annette Kisser
