Guest Comments 2009
My heart is full of joy from this very special week spent in this cozy home, the beautiful chapel,
the breathtaking gorge, and the surrounding countryside. Thank you for all you have done to make this such a paradise for church musicians. I loved looking through all the old hymn and anthem
books, Sunday school publications, etc. The acoustics of the chapel were a delightful surprise. I am quite unable to express the richness of the inspiration that has overcome me this week. Bless you
all for what you have done! Gratefully,
D.B., Philadelphia PA
The most productive week I've had in I don't know how long! What a terrific opportunity to learn new pieces, finish old ones and get a big push on a program coming up in October. Using that
beautiful room made the hours fly by and I can't wait to come back. Thanks so much for making
such a thing possible!
A. G., Redding CT
We had a wonderful time in both the Chapel and the park. Congratulations on a great project.
All the best to you in the future!
J. K., Aurora, OH
What a peaceful and refreshing week. It has been years since I had the opportunity for such uninterrupted time with the piano and the organ. Thank you for the vision that saw the potential
and for all the efforts that made the vision a reality. With three organists in our family, it was a
most remarkable week!
R. P., Pittsburgh, PA
What a blessing! Thank you for this wonderful week of practice for my husband and relaxation for
me. The chapel is beautiful and was a perfect spot for Steve to learn new pieces. The seating area
was a nice touch, so great to listen and read in a cozy little nook. The cottage was very welcoming
and homey. We loved playing Scrabble and Quiddler each night. Thank you for doing this!
B.S., Palmetto, FL
What a wonderful place! I've practiced more in the last week than I have in years. Also had a
superb time with my family in the park. Thank you so much to the Smiths and everyone who
made this possible. What a blessing!
T.S., Royal Oak, MI
Thank you to the Smith family and Board for a marvelous idea for organists to have a retreat.
Thank you for all the work it took to restore the chapel, repair and decorate the cottage and
plant the flowers. Your work gave four adults a productive and restful week. I hope we get to
return.
B.D., Cheraw, SC
What a re-'treat' ... a week of rest, relaxation and wonderful music among great special friends in the quaint village of Portageville, NY. We came here with no expectations and were overwhelmed with the magnificent Schantz organ, the Knabe grand piano, and wonderful acoustics
in the beautiful and simple confines of the Portageville Chapel. We certainly expect to return to Portageville and hope that other musicians get to enjoy the same wonderful experience for many years to come!
G.R., B.R., Tannersville, PA - A.A.,C.A., Columbus, Ohio
What a wonderful time, place and experience. A big thank you to all involved in the
Portageville Chapel project. Enjoyed selecting new music for the coming year. The cottage
is so homey and very well stocked with the necessities and more! The falls and gorge are
spectacular in their beauty. Thanks again to the responsible committee and best wishes to all
who take advantage of this opportunity.
D. P., Albertville, MN
Wow! What a great few days of practice and relaxation. Thanks to all who make this place possible. It was such a blessing to be able to spend time - quality time - with the music.
P. G., Bloomfield, NY
We had a great week here, both with the organ and the surrounding area. The organ
and chapel acoustics complement each other wonderfully. It was cold (40s and 50s) and rainy for
most of the week, but still managed to see some of the area. Letchworth and, a little farther away, Watkins Glen, are amazing. Overall, a great time, setting and implementation.
J.L., Ellicott City MD