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It is time to give a big hand to one of Dayton's real treasures, the Gem City Chorus of the Sweet Adelines.

The multiple award-winning chorus returned home after competing in the International female barbershop harmony competitions in Las Vegas on Oct. 14, according to chorus member Nancy Duffee.

This time around, the chorus came in fifth in a competition that featured 33 choruses from around the United States and the world.

Five is the lucky number since the chorus has won five first-place gold medals since 1974.

The chorus members would have preferred another gold medal, but were proud of the fifth place finish, "considering the incredible competition," Duffee said. She said it was the toughest time yet for the chorus since they competed against six other choruses that had earned gold medals in recent years.

The first place winner in the 2006 international competition was the Rich-Tone Chorus from Dallas County in Texas.

Dayton's Gem City chorus was honored as being "the best example of a Sweet Adelines chorus in the world" when they last earned a gold medal in 1991.

In 1996 the chorus was featured in a television tribute to barbershop singing. The special, called More Voices in Harmony, was shown on public television stations around the nation.

About 160 women belong to the chorus and there have been members in the ranks from teenagers to those in their 80s. They have a rehearsal hall in Centerville where they meet on Tuesday evenings. Among the singers are nurses, lawyers, teachers, homemakers and business executives.

"Women come from miles around to sing with our Gem City Chorus," said Duffee, who is one of five members of the chorus who helped win all five gold medals. "We have women who travel all the way from Fort Wayne, Wapakoneta, Cincinnati, Springfield, and one member, Sue Dessner travels all the way from Toledo to compete with us."

The singers went through some difficult times this past year when director Jean Barford, who led the chorus to the five gold medals, had to miss several months of rehearsals.

"Jean was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and wasn't able to be with us when she was going through chemotherapy," Duffee said. "Our associate director, Kay Seymour, stepped up to the plate and has filled in when Jean could not make it."

Duffee said Barford is in remission now. "It was a great day when she returned to us."

The Dayton chorus has won more gold medals than any other in the competitions, and according to Duffee, they are already beginning to rehearse in preparation for the next round of competitions.

"Members of the chorus come and go," Duffee said. "But we always remain committed to the same thing. We share a common denominator and that is a passion for singing and entertaining. It is nice to win awards, but the big joy is uniting our voices in song, and making others feel good."

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend that you find touching or humorous. This column is for you. Got a tale about your child? Have you seen the works of a good Samaritan? Do you want to share a special day coming up in your life? Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 45 S. Ludlow St. Dayton OH 45402. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.