The meeting room was packed with Rotarians and guests for the annual Christmas Concert. After our singing of The Star Spangled Banner, Amy Goodman, sporting a sequined Christmas cap, told us the history of letters to Santa and read several.  These letters are usually the first missive of children and remind us that children are the same through the years.  Some letters were funny, some were peppery and some were poignant.  Shelley MacMillan lead us through Let There Be Peace On Earth and we did very well although we had no song books or song sheets.

President Rosemarie thanked the usual suspects and announced the one birthday.  Guests were introduced, including two guests of Don Deatrick who had contacted us through the website and are interested in membership.  One New Member was introduced and three ‘friends of long standing’ were reinstated.  Mark Froelich, Susan’s brother, was introduced by Richard Ingram.  Peter Fayroian, Mike James, and Christina Ferris were welcomed back to the Club.

Peg Talburtt introduced three representatives from organizations which received Community Allocations Grants this year.  These grants are for new or innovative projects in local nonprofits and are funded with our Community Service Assessments, monies raised by the Golf and Tennis Outing, and earnings from the Club Endowment.  Judy Vindisi told us how our $5000.00 grant was spent in complimentary therapies in the Arbor Hospice Pediatric program.   These therapies include pet, music and massage therapy.  Kasia Bielak-Hoops told us a bit about the Community Music School of Ann Arbor.  This organization focuses on collaborative music making, sponsoring musicians of all ages and developing life skills along with musicality among participants.  Our grant was used in their Bridge Program which provides subsidized services.  These services include private lessons so poorer children can have the advantages wealthier peers have, transportation, and sometimes even food.  Rachael Secord talked about the Michigan Foster Care Closet.  This is a statewide organization that provides clothing and school supplies to children in foster care.  Community Allocations successfully applied to the District for matching funds for the Foster Care Closet and this year the group was able to provide new school clothes, outerwear, underwear, socks and shoes as well as new backpacks and school supplies for the children.  They also have gatherings of the foster families so children can see other kids and families in their same situation.  The Back To School party was a big hit, and everyone is looking forward to the Christmas Party.

President Rosemarie then turned the meeting over to the beautiful young people of the Pioneer High School A Capella Choir.  Led by Choir Director Steven Lorenz, this award winning choir touched our spirits with five beautiful pieces.  Everyone felt happier and in the holiday mood when we left. Click here for a video clip from the beautiful performance.