To celebrate Ann Lord’s 90th Birthday; family, friends, neighbors and the Naperville Municipal Band organized a car parade honoring her joyful optimism and witful spirit. Ann turned 90 on January 18, 2021.
Ann Good Lord has served as emcee for the Naperville Municipal Band for 62 years. And anyone who has ever attended a concert through the years will instantly remember her iconic voice, musings and entertaining narratives that lead into songs.
At the car parade, despite a few flurries, Ann remarked, “At least it’s not snowing … it’s just an artistic snow.”
She added, “This is a once in a lifetime experience … then (again) everything you do happens (just) once.”
After the car parade, Vicki Keller presented the birthday girl with a large shopping bag filled with birthday greetings that had been mailed to Ann Lord in care of the Naperville Municipal Band, P.O. Box 474 Naperville, IL 60566.
Update, December 2021 / Ann Lord had considered stepping down from her historic role on stage to emcee Naperville Municipal Band Concerts. In fact, she said that timing just seemed right as she anticipated celebrating her 90th birthday.
Then she was inundated with birthday cards and well wishes. The love she felt from the community changed her mind. And thanks to her friend Vicki Keller, son Steve and his wife Pat, and daughter Cathy, all of whom have provided transportation to and from rehearsals and concerts, Ann hasn’t skipped a beat. She says as long as she has a ride, she’ll continue to share her memorable narration at every Thursday evening summer band concert in Central Park and indoor concert on stage at the Wentz Concert Hall. Cheers!
