The Executive Board

top row (l to r) Jim Heaberg, Larry Becker, Rod Pirtle, Pete Snider, Frank Frazier
bottom row (l to r) Bill Williams, Ned Startzel, Glenna Stone-Morgan, Herb Kamm

 

It is said that when the conscientiousness of several hold the same thought, a manifestation takes place, making the thought a reality. So it was with Ned Startzel and the members of the Follies Executive Board.

 

Ned Startzel
During his college days in Pennsylvania, Ned was active in theatrical productions, musical composition and performing. Ned had, and continues to have, a love for the performing arts. Although a more traditional path was chosen as a career, he remained active in the arts community. Upon retirement, the lure of his hidden desire once again surfaced; but now, he was in a position to actively pursue his dream. With destiny’s approval, people began appearing in Ned’s life who also had a dream.

Herb Kamm

Herb had long been a member of the Rotary organization’s choir and had performed many times with his colleague, Ned. During a casual conversation, both discussed the lack of opportunities and venues for performing and doing what they loved.
Herb was born, raised and educated in Nebraska.  He enlisted in the USAF upon graduation from York College in 1952.  Flying for 20 years and serving 10 years in the USAF Intelligence Service, he ritired as a Colonel in 1980.  Since that time, his life has been spent primarily in educational efforts.  He has served two terms as president of the Rotary club of Duncanville, Rotary District Governor and as president of the local Air Force Association.  He married Mary Fae Duff in 1955 while serving at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, TX.  Mary Fae and he have two adult chilldren.  Ned Startzel was responsible for his involvement as a member and board member of both the Greater Dallas Rotary Chorus and the Spectacular Senior Follies

Listening to the discussion was Pete Snider, former Governor of Rotary District 5810, another member of the choir. Although his time was divided between his successful business and choir activities, he sympathized with their yearnings and urged them to do something about it. Now there were three, soon to be five with the addition of Frank Frazier and Bill Williams.

Frank Frazier considered Ned a mentor and an invaluable advisor as he was forming his now thriving business. Even though Frank was not an entertainer, he agreed there should be a venue to display the talents of mature performers as talented as those in the professional industry, but who chose another career path. With Frank’s backing, the conversations became serious and action was the next step.

Bill Williams

 

 

 

 

 

In 2009 Glenna Stone-Morgan volunteered to be our Treasurer. She has been a practicing CPA for over 30 years and works with several non-profit organizations. She has been a member of the Dallas Tap Dazzlers for over 12 years and is committed to proving that dancing, especially for senior women, will not only keep your body healthy, it will keep you mentally sharp. She had so much fun being a Piano Leg Girl last year that we couldn’t keep her away.

Jim Heaberg

 

Rod Pirtle

Rodney's beginnings were in Coleman, Texas, where he was an all-state basketball player and honor graduate. He played basketball at  Texas A&M University and holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin (BJ), Stephen F. Austin (MS), New York University (Ph.D.), and Perkins School of Theology at SMU (Master of Theological Studies).

He retired in June 1990 after 18 years as an administrator with the Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD). In 2006 Rodney was honored by HPISD with its Distinguished Service Award for his service as an administrator in that school system for almost 20 years. He and his wife of 52 years, Beth Weems Pirtle, have three grown children—Rod, Dotti and Jim—and five grandchildren.

Music has always been an important part of Rodney’s life, not only as a hobby but, since 1980, as a professional. He sings with big bands and musical combos in and around Dallas.  He sang with the Singing Cadets and the Aggieland Orchestra while at Texas A&M in the 1950’s and was a member of the 1975 International Champion Vocal Majority.  He has performed as vocalist with the Guy Lombardo Orchestra.  He and Beth often make concert and after-dinner appearances as a duo. They are in their 15th year as performers in Young Audiences, a national organization which takes the arts into public schools. They have been singing the National Anthem at Texas Rangers baseball games since 1991.

 

Larry Becker

Larry created the website and has been the webmaster and a board member since 2008.

In 2009 he was elected secretary and is presently serving in that capacity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The circle was now complete, each with a common cause and desire to make dreams come true for all the creative and talented “seniors” among us who placed their talent on a shelf for career and family.

The Follies Executive Board members share the knowledge, like millions of others, that now is indeed a wonderful time of life and the best is yet to come.