Anna Grows

Advanced Steel at CCM One of Anna's favorite act ivities is participating in the Vienna Jammers.  This is her fourth year with the group, where she performs with Advanced Steel - a steel pan drum ensemble.  She had to audition to get into this group, which is made up of 8 - 12th graders.  They practice on Monday nights and have a lot of fun.  This year they had the opportunity to perform a concert at the University of Cincinnati's Conservatory of Music (CCM) on January 26.  Check out the concert description here This wasn't just any concert.  It was a joint concert with the university percussion ensemble and featured special guest percussionist Jon Bisesi.  This is how the Jammers got the invitation to perform.  Mr. Bisesi is a percussionist in the Marine Band and a faculty member of George Mason University's school of music.  He is also a graduate of CCM......and a board member for the Vienna Jammers.  That is the connection that made the concert happen.  Anna

Joe celebrated his birthday (you can guess how many years) on January 18.  This year was a low key affair.  He was treated to a swim meet (Anna was swimming not him) followed by a big Italian dinner at a local family-owned restaurant.  Apparently someone else was also celebrating their birthday their....by holding a flapper party in the event room.  Let's just say there were several interesting costumes.  Joe opted not to crash that party.  Anna made her Dad a cake and he was treated to some very thoughtful gifts (like new kitchen shears). What more could he want? Happy Birthday Joe!  Maybe we can do Mexico next year.....

The year 2019 is behind us....along with the end of a decade.  What can we say about the year or even the decade?  There were many challenges over the year, but with challenges come opportunity.  More importantly, challenges often bring appreciation, which is really what 2019 was all about. The driving force behind appreciation in 2019 was Christina.  Her untimely death in January to cancer and courageous final months inspired so much in her family and many friends.  She taught us to appreciate the beauty of life - whether a flower garden, a walk in the woods, a trip to the beach or a concert.  She taught us the power of love and friendship as her entire community rallied around her and her family.  Most importantly, she showed us the positive impact one person can have - something that became apparent in the tributes from her many friends and acquaintances whose lives she touched over the years.  After watching what she endured, how could you not be inspired to appreciate what you h