On Turning "60"

Last week, Trice and the members of Five By Design threw a surprise birthday for me. Five By Design's Michael Swedberg whisked me away from my house for a "business meeting" at Mystic Lake Casino. No, I am not a gambler, but we are exploring the casino's theatre as a potential new venue for 5XD. I fell for the ploy completely.

My 60th birthday is very special. When I initially started Five By Design in 1982, I never realized what the group would achieve. The members of the group... Lorie, Sheridan, Kurt, Michael, and Terry hold a very special place in my heart. And now with the addition of Midge and Daniel to our team, we are on the verge of some very exciting possibilities.

When I arrived back at home, my house was turned into a cabaret complete with faux stage, curtains, balloons, and yes... lots of friends. I thought this was going to be a small intimate party until the door bell rang at various stages during the evening and in came Vicki and Joe, Debbie, and Kendall, Dyann and Bill, Nina, Cathy, Todd and Kaysie & Brayden, Dave and Marcy, Dan and Kiell. It was a bit overwhelming. And yes there was singing... lots of singing. Lyrics were changed and altered to provide me with lots of smiles and a tear or two.

Five By Design has existed in some form for twenty-five years and is entering it's eleventh season as a full-time business entity. A special group of people with marvelous talents. There's been a reason that Five By Design has been together for so many years. Many thanks and love to all for making the dream a reality.

—Alton Accola