Meara McGinn

Congratulations to Bernie and Scarlett! Meara McGinn was born in the wee hours of Saturday morning, July 22. She was just under 5 pounds but 19 inches "tall!"
Meara now assumes her place as the FIRST second-generation progeny descended from those of us once known as the Benson girls. She's the first of a new generation and very unique since the generation prior to hers is ALL MALE.
It remains to be seen as to how long it will take Cheryl to get used to being called a grandma. I'm still struggling with the "great" that's suddenly preceding my aunt status. We all know that Mom will have NO problem with her "great-grandmother" label. She's very excited about Meara.

More photos of Bernie, Scarlett and Meara may be found here

"Black Friday" named album of the month on WERS

Cooper's focus during his senior year at UMass Amherst was a studio CD of music by "The Doo-Wop Shop," the 7-man a cappella group he'd been singing with since his sophomore year. Cooper secured funding for the CD by arranging a song at the request of the vice chancellor for use in university promotions.

The recording took place here during spring break. We had guys sprawled all over -- wherever a decent place could be found for sleeping :~) Meals were like a camp mess hall -- the table was full. It was such a treat to have those guys here.
Cooper arranged all of the music for the CD. Ed Boyer, from Hyannis Sound did the recording and engineering. I did the graphics. The discs were completed in May and Cooper rushed them out to Amherst for the group's final concert.

"Black Friday" was named "Album of the Month" for July, 2006 by WERS, 88.9 Boston (or on the web at WERS All A Cappella Program
We are very proud of Cooper and the rest of the Doo-Wop Shop for the work required to bring this project to fruition.