PLATTSBURGH — When it comes to love, sometimes music says it best.
On Friday, Phil Bernard delivered a singing valentine to her husband of almost 59 years, Lou Bernard.
Singing with her were nine other members of the Sweet Adelines, a local barbershop-style singing group.
Lou used to sing bass in the Barbershoppers, a singing group for men similar to Sweet Adelines.
Much to his dismay, Lou has had to give up singing because of his age.
"I regret that I can't sing anymore," Lou said. "My singing voice is shot. I come to the rehearsals every once in a while on Tuesdays but I can't sing anymore. I've tried. My singing voice is gone."
Even though he can no longer sing, Lou spent many wonderful years doing what he loves.
He and Phil helped establish the two musical groups in 1968.
And the Sweet Adelines began delivering singing valentines in the 1980s, Phil said.
To Lou, music is a form of self-expression.
One of the best parts is "The joy of doing something I love and knowing that other people around me enjoy it too and they're having fun."
Phil shares her husband's love of barbershop music.
"I love barbershop harmony," she said.
It's essential for singing groups to interact positively to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, Lou said.
"You've got to show that you're loving what you're doing. Smile at the audience like they did just now," Lou said referring to the Sweet Adelines' serenade a few minutes earlier.
"That makes a big difference in the way the audience feels toward you."
Like Lou, Cherie LaDuke, director of the Sweet Adelines, believes music can express emotions more effectively than words.
"Obviously for us, these ladies, music is one of those things that we absolutely love. And I think it expresses love where sometimes you can't always verbalize how you feel. The music can do that for us."
This Valentine's Day, Lou and Phil are pausing to reflect on their time together.
They have enjoyed their long and happy marriage, Lou said.
"Love means everything to me, to the both of us. And that's why I look forward to Valentine's Day. My wife and I are reminded of the wonderful life we've had together and there's just no substitute for that."
Phil described the significance of love in her life.
"Love means giving your heart to someone that you trust completely and you want to share your life with forever. And 58 years of that, it's kind of exciting," she said.
Jennifer Scofield, another member of the Sweet Adelines, said love is a "Deep and abiding affection that grows as time goes on."
In Scofield's 18 years with the chorus, a specific singing valentine performance sticks out in her mind.
The special performance was for an elderly married couple in their home.
"There was so much love in the house even though we were only singing to those two and their daughter," Scofield said.
Carla Brassard, who has sung bass in the group for 14 months, said she enjoys the companionship of the other women.
"It's like a room full of sisters," she said. "There's something special about singing in a group."
To her, love is something that is unconditional and "carries you through."
"It's the unspoken things that you know won't leave no matter if the chips are down," Brassard said.
As of Friday afternoon, the group had 13 singing valentines booked.
The Sweet Adelines are striving to schedule between 30 to 40 singing valentines, LaDuke said.
On Tuesday, the chorus will split into two groups to cover more ground.
"We've had some as far away as Altona," Phil said.
For the singing valentines, the groups will sing an opening Valentine's Day song and then one or two selections that may include "Cuddle Up a Little Closer," "Fit as a Fiddle," or "That's What Friends Are For."
"We keep it light and not too long," Phil said.
LaDuke said the Sweet Adelines will be delivering singing valentines from about 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Valentine's Day.
The cost for a singing valentine performance is $45.
In addition to the performance, the fee includes a small bag of chocolates and a keepsake picture.
To schedule a singing valentine call Carletta at 566-8302.
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