[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 51 (Friday, March 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING MRS. CAROL AYER OF SPRING HILL, FLORIDA ON THE OCCASION OF 
                             HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2007

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor Mrs. Carol Ayer, the outgoing director of the Nature Coast 
Festival Singers in Spring Hill, Florida. Carol has served the Singers 
for nearly 6 years with honor and distinction. Soon, she is leaving 
Florida to retire with her family in Wisconsin.
  Carol Ayer has dedicated her life to music. After earning her degree 
in Music Education, Music Performance, and English Literature from 
Beloit Fine Arts College in Beloit, Wisconsin, Carol taught English and 
music to students of various ages throughout her career. First moving 
to Hernando county in 1990, Mrs. Ayer joined the alto section of the 
Nature Coast Festival Singers in 1996. The Singers were originally 
founded to sing The Messiah at Christmas pageants, but have since 
expanded to perform Christian music throughout the year.
  Carol's late husband Peter served as director and conductor from 1998 
until his tragic death in an airplane crash in 2001. Following his 
death, Carol was named the Director and Conductor of the Nature Coast 
Festival Singers, and during her tenure, the number of members 
increased every year, with nearly one hundred members performing in 
this spring's concert. As Conductor the musical emphasis on The Messiah 
maintained the sacred or classical nature of the Nature Coast Festival 
Music's charter.
  The Nature Coast Festival Singers also established a scholarship in 
memory of Peter in thanks to Carol for her years of dedication. The 
group adds to this scholarship fund through the generous offerings made 
at concerts. The singers fund three types of scholarships, two in 
conjunction with the Chocochatti Magnet School and the Brooksville 
Music Club, and one related to the members of the Nature Coast Festival 
Singers. These scholarships provide funds for the study of music to 
elementary age children, and high school and college students.
  Madam Speaker, Carol Ayer's dedication to music and the community has 
served as an inspiration to thousands throughout Hernando County. It is 
clear from the attendance at local performances that Carol's love of 
music has been shared by many others. Carol is to be commended for her 
years of service, her commitment to the Lord, and for giving back to 
the community and its musically inclined children. Carol Ayer is a 
shining example of the good that serving Jesus Christ can bring to our 
friends and families, and she will be sorely missed.

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