Early Valentine's Day surprise Early Valentine's Day surprise (February 10, 2006)

Pleasanton troubadours serenade grieving widow
by Carol Bogart

Eighty-year-old Navy veteran June Green, who lost her husband Bill in July and her legs some years earlier to a rare auto-immune condition, felt her spirits lift as the poignant lyrics of the couple's favorite song, "Always" filled the living room the two once shared in Pleasanton. Bill Green, too, was a Navy veteran. Both served their country during World War II.

A story about the couple in the Weekly late last year mentioned that "Always" was their favorite song. After reading it, a local barbershop quartet began making plans to give June a special Valentine's Day gift: the live rendition of "Always" sung just for her. The Four-tes also sang an assortment of other songs and visited with the lonely widow for well over an hour. June said she was "thrilled."

This will be her first Valentine's Day without Bill. She said she "felt his spirit all around (her)" as the three men and one woman sang for her the war-time sweethearts' favorite song.

Four-tes' baritone Jeffery Asbury said, "It is our pleasure to perform for someone who is so appreciative. June was wonderful to welcome us into her home and to allow us to sing for her." In honor of Valentine's Day, the group even brought her a rose and gave her a CD.

"That was the most beautiful experience I've ever had," said June. She describes the group as "magnificent ... so gracious." She especially loved the Valentine's Day-red shirts they wore.

June said she was so excited she "had trouble sleeping"--and played the CD as soon as she got up the next morning. "June is a wonderful person," Asbury said, "It meant a lot to us to bring back the good memories and lift her spirits."
To book the Four-tes

The Four-tes have performed at several of the Bay Area's Barbershop Chorus shows and most recently at a show at the historic Woodland Opera House. Contact the Four-tes by visiting www.four-te.com. The four are scheduled to perform many singing telegrams on Valentine's Day.

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