Kathy Larkins
Director
Kathy Larkins has lived a life filled with music; beginning with piano lessons as a youngster, through elementary and high school choirs and marching band, with Capital University’s Chapel Choir on a tour of Europe, to a degree in music education from The Ohio State University, until finally becoming part of the unique world of Sweet Adelines.
Kathy’s early business life was that of a retailer. For 20 years she was one of the owners of The Candle Shoppe, a store devoted entirely to candles. This amazing shopping destination in Columbus, Ohio, eventually grew into a 7,000 sq. ft. wonderland of sights and scents becoming the largest retail candle store east of the Mississippi River. In 2000, she left the world of candlelight to co-found Ducks in a Row, a two-woman handyperson business. The original idea was to be professional organizers. However the focus changed from organizing to actually transforming spaces with paint, tile, hardwood, creative repair solutions, and a knack for thinking outside the box.
Kathy’s first Sweet Adeline experience occurred during high school when she formed a barbershop quartet, “The 4 Kathys”, to perform in a talent show. Afterward, the girls took their show on the road by visiting Columbus Chorus. The quartet was seeking an understanding audience and any guidance the members might be willing to share. The members were encouraging to the young singers and invited them to come back. That was in 1975. It would be 1986 before Kathy returned for a second visit. And when she did she was hooked!
As a member of Columbus Chorus, Kathy has held many positions: Head Riser Setter-upper, President, Membership Manager, and Baritone Section Leader. In 2006 she was named an Assistant Director and began the Directors Certification Program. In 2008 she became a Certified Director, and in 2011, became the Co-Director of the Columbus Chorus with Mary Ellen Guntzelman. Kathy became the Director in 2012.
Kim Lawrence
Associate Director
Kim joined this chorus in 1986. Kim previously served as a founding member of River Magic Chorus in Huntington, WV. Her quartet, the Alumni Association, won the Regional Quartet Contest in 1983. Kim is a section leader in Columbus Chorus and has served as vice president and quartet promotion chair. She and Kathy co-own a small contracting business. Along with working and singing, Kim and Kathy enjoy spending time with Kim’s three children, five grandchildren and those four felines. In 2009, Kim also completed the DCP and is now a Certified Director.
Linda Rightor
Assistant Director
Linda was a charter member of Thames Valley Chorus in Groton, CT and transferred to Columbus Chorus in 1969. Over the years, Linda has served in many ways including president, team manager, show chair and section leader. As an accountant for the city of Columbus, she is well suited for her current position as Financial Manager. Linda is a widow with three children, three step-children and eight grandchildren in OH, TN, MI and FL. When not visiting her family, she likes to spend time with her two youngest grandsons right here in Columbus. In 2009, Linda completed the Director Certification Program becoming a certified director in the Sweet Adelines organization.
Melissa Rizzo
Assistant Director
Melissa joined the Columbus Chorus in 2004 when her mom returned to the chorus after several years away. Throughout her childhood, Melissa always enjoyed singing at church and in choirs at school. In 2004, while a sophomore in college, she realized that she missed singing in a group, and gladly accepted her mom's invitation to visit Columbus Chorus. Melissa love the tenor part from the beginning. A few years later, Melissa became a tenor section leader. In 2015, she joined the choreography team, and in 2023, became an Assistant Director. When she's not singing, Melissa teaches 3rd grade, volunteers at her church, and enjoys reading, gardening, and jigsaw puzzles. Melissa sings tenor in Forever E! quartet.
