MADISON TOWNSHIP — Need a smile? Look no further than Dick Gahm.
The 93-year-old Madison Township man is full of joy and isn’t afraid to share it with others — especially in the form of singing.
Gahm is a charter member of the Fun Center Chordsmen, a local a cappella barbershop chorus that formed in 1974.
Gahm got his start in barbershop at the encouragement of a friend and fellow square dancer.
“We’d sing Christian songs when we went square dancing, and he asked if I wanted to come sing with the Country Gentlemen barbershop in Bucyrus,” Gahm recalled. “I asked him, ‘What’s barbershop?’”
It didn’t take long for Gahm to see what fun can come from singing with others unaccompanied by instruments. And so began a hobby that’s spanned nearly half a century.
For Gahm, the social aspect is one of his favorite parts.
“I enjoy singing and the fellowship,” he said. “Once in a while we’ll go out and sing and then when we get done singing we’ll all stop and have a drink or sandwich. It’s good fellowship.”
Performances have taken Gahm and the group all over Richland and surrounding counties, including their annual show at the Renaissance Theatre.
The Fun Center Chordsmen will make an appearance at Malabar Farm this Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. The group will sing Christmas carols during Malabar Farm’s Candlelight Holiday Tours. Click here for event details.
Asked to reflect on his experience with the Fun Center Chordsmen, Gahm said he doesn’t have “one favorite memory.”
“They’re all good memories,” he said with a smile.
Gahm, a World War II Navy veteran, spent 39 years working at Westinghouse in Mansfield. In 1952, he built his family’s home, where he still resides, for $7,000. He and his late wife, Betty June, have two daughters and several grand and great-grandchildren.
Gahm said he’s thankful for his health, which, perhaps could be boosted by singing. According to an article in The Conversation, singing is linked to a number of health benefits, including improving breathing, posture, muscle tension, and one’s sense of happiness and wellbeing.
Group singing, in particular, is said to have its perks by promoting social bonding.
“Even if we don’t necessarily talk to everyone in our choir, we might experience a general feeling of being connected with the group, leading to our sense of increased community and belonging,” the article states.
Gahm believes he and his fellow barbershoppers have a good bond.
“We all get along well,” he said. “I’m pretty slow walking anymore, but they all take good care of me.”
Trevor Garrabrant, Fun Center Chordsmen front line director, has nothing but respect and admiration for Gahm, whom Garrabrant called “one of a kind.”
“There are not too many gentlemen his age that can still manage the vocal production and tone quality he brings to the chorus,” Garrabrant said. “I hope I can sing as well as him when I am in my 90s.”
Garrabrant added that Gahm is very caring.
“Every year he makes a donation to our Youth in Harmony program to provide funds for students to attend Ohio Harmony Xperience every summer,” Garrabrant said.
“He is a true treasure to the Fun Center Chordsmen.”
Gahm was awarded the Lifetime Service Award for his longtime service to the Fun Center Chordsmen.
“I’ve never thought about quitting,” he said of the group. “I hope to keep singing for as long as I’m able.”
