2020 “Barbershopper of the Year”

Last awarded for the 2020 recipient: Steve Salamin

“Twenty-twenty was a year that the word ‘unique’ doesn't begin to describe.

“In the strict sense of the word, every year is unique. 2020, however, will certainly go down as a historic, world view altering, societal tsunami of a year that has dramatically and suddenly changed the way the world functions day to day and altered our perceptions of what the future holds.  It is as if one minute you are standing on bedrock, and the next minute you are standing on sand, in thin air.   Many, long-standing institutions, accepted standards, procedures, and behavior have, almost overnight, vanished.  The good news, I suppose, is that the curtain has been pulled back on many aspects of commonly accepted everyday life that have been deteriorating slowly for generations but now must be addressed head on.  During these specific and rare moments in history, traditions and institutions that are able to hold on and remain steadfast, become especially critically important to helping keep us from tumbling into hopeless uncertainty.

“Just as there are institutions that fare better than others, so too are there individuals who, for whatever reason of character or fate, seem, in comparison to others, to become stronger and also take on increased importance in turbulent times.  Compared to those around them, they seem more hopeful, more resilient and by default perhaps become a north star for others to look to for hope and guidance.

“I would argue that few social organizations have suffered more this past year than choruses, and perhaps especially barbershop choruses.  Because of that, I think it is especially important this year to acknowledge and honor someone who has been our shining light of hope and optimism this past year;  who has been steadfast in his commitment and taken it upon himself to keep this group together, in multiple ways, until happy days are here again. (I think there's a song in there somewhere.)  I would argue that there has never been a greater need than to honor, this year, a member with the Barbershopper of the Year Award (BOTY) and that individual is Steve Salamin.”

• OK. Just so you know… Posting this, here, for this year, (and last year’s ‘other’ award presented to me, now added) is very difficult for me, as the recipient. Seventeen years after my first BOTY, who would have thought? I don’t “Do This” for the Awards, the accolades, folks... I do this for the “Reward” - what it IS for men and women, for our community, and for how singing brings health and healing, joy and comfort to all. Feels good, too. I feel good!

• Many thanks to Casper Bemis for an amazing presentation. I was surprised - well don. Blew me away.

  ~Steve (4/7/2021)

THE FIRST EVER

DINO HOUPIS
Memorial Award

In honor of the exceptional energies of Dino Houpis, an iconic, founding, Music Director of the Keene Cheshiremen for many years, this award is presented in recognition of a chapter member that has made outstanding contributions beyond the risers.

While being the countenance of the Cheshiremen in our community, the recipient has taken his interest and involvement in barbershop further than his persistent vocal contributions within our organization.

We hereby acknowledge and offer our gratitude for the extraordinary efforts and accomplishments that have improved our chapter life and garnered beneficial recognition of our chorus and our style here and within the barbershop society at large.

Presented January 17, 2020 at the Annual Installation dinner meeting by Mark Brosseau, Music Director.

More Recent Past Keene Chapter “Barbershoppers of the Year"

2017 "Barbershopper of Distinction"

2015 Small Chorus Champions

NED Granite & Pine Division