New Sound System

New Sound System for Shaw Community Building

A Memorial to Phil Deane

As you know if you’ve ever been at an event in the Community Building, its aging public-address sound system left a lot to be desired. The amplification was inconsistent and often very hard to decipher, even for those with pretty good hearing. For those whose hearing was less than good, it often was impossible to make out what was being said, even when the system was working.

In his last few years, when he was troubled with a persistent cough, Phil Deane would sit toward the back of the room so he could make a quick exit if his coughing got too bad. As a result, he often found himself unable to hear what was being said. “Speak up!,” he would holler. “Can’t hear a thing.”

He wasn’t alone. When the Community Building filled for Phil’s memorial service, there were many who had trouble hearing the words being said. It led to a plan:

Let’s honor Phil’s memory and the many contributions he made to the Shaw community over the years by installing a new public-address system in the Community Building.

That now has been done, and what a system it is!

Three speakers provide clear sound in the main room, and outside speakers carry sound clearly to the patio area and the front porch of the building. It can be used for musical performances, movies and audiovisual presentations. It has cabled microphones and wireless ones. And best of all, the system is close to being idiot proof. All one needs to do is turn on the power and set the volume.

The system was designed and installed by Jason Vance, a relatively new islander who makes his living designing, installing and troubleshooting home entertainment systems. Jason donated his professional expertise to the project, as well as dozens of hours to its installation and setup. He got great help from Paul Gingerich, who custom built the cabinet for the system’s components; Matt Miller, who made the door that provides access to the system from the back of the stage, and Hugh Gingerich and John Mason, who helped Jason. The cash value of their contributions is at least $3,000.

A small plaque has been placed on the door to the sound system that says:

In loving memory of
Phillip Gardner Deane
1924-2007

"Support and boost other people,
Stay loyal, and go for the gusto!"

As a memorial to Phil, the sound system is to be a gift to the community. An islander has paid for the system components (about $6,000) in order to get the project completed by July Fourth but expects many islanders will want to contribute to this memorial to Phil. If you would like to contribute, please send your check to Shaw Islanders Inc., P.O. Box 443, Shaw Island, 98286. Note that it is for the Phil Deane Memorial.

In the meantime, enjoy the sound. And thank Jason, Paul, Matt, Hugh and John for all their fine work in Phil’s memory.

- Alex McLeod