The Effingham Youth String Music Program Receives Donation of Instruments
Last summer, while attending the American String Workshop, at Concordia University, in Ann Arbor, MI, Curt Childress had the good fortune to meet a young strings teacher by the name of Jessica Taylor. This event, held annually, is a week long training workshop for strings teachers, and many new friends were made. A few months ago, Curt received an email from Jessica, who had been very interested in the Effingham Strings Program, saying that she wanted to help us. “What do you need?” Was Jessica’s question. “Everything”, was Curt’s reply, “Instruments, money, music, equipment, we can use anything”. Jessica told the story of The Effingham Youth String Music Program to her fellow members of the Eastern Michigan University Chapter of the American String Teachers Association, explaining that the program was funded largely by private donations. Her colleagues were eager to help the program by raising money to purchase a string bass, to find violins, and other equipment to be donated to the Effingham Program.
The fund raising effort was headed up by a young cellist, Weston Hosler, a colleague of Jessica Taylor. Weston is a delightful young man, who is completing his degree in Music Education at Eastern Michigan University. Weston made regular reports to Curt, for several months, as funds were being raised, and instruments were being located. Finally, December 29, 2004 was designated as the date for the transfer of instruments to take place. Curt drove to Joliet, IL, and met Weston, who had brought the instruments from Ypsilanti, MI. The transfer took place and Curt came back to Effingham with a car load of instruments and equipment, including, a string double bass, 14 violins, 20 music stands, and boxes of music folders.
The Effingham Youth String Music Program, including the Director Curt Childress, and all of our students, express it’s sincere gratitude and thanks to Jessica Taylor, Weston Hosler, and all their fellow members of the Eastern Michigan University Chapter of The American String Teachers Association, for their generosity, their enthusiasm, and their efforts to bring the gift of string music to children. We also express our thanks to the Baroque Violin Shop, of Cincinnati, OH, for their donation of violins and for making a string bass available at a reasonable price. Jessica Taylor and Weston Hosler shown to the left. Weston and Curt pictured to the right with some of the gifted items.
From You
☻ The Schurman family celebrated Christmas Dec. 26 at the home of BJ Schurman in South St. Joe. Attending were Terry & Anne Schurman of Olathe; Katie Schurman of Lawrence; Venita Jo of Effingham; Bill & Pattie West and Kyle Tanner of St. Joe. Everyone was entertained by the interaction of the various family dogs. Bob announced that son, Nate, has been offered a renewal to his contract with the New Orleans Saints practice team.
☻ I want to express my sincere appreciation to Lawrence & Barb Zishka, John & Betty Martin and David & Mary Henry for organizing a Birthday reception for me. I also want to thank Ethel Oswald for the cake and everyone for the many cards and their attendance at the party. I will remember it for years to come. Thanks to all who helped make it a success. Helen Weishaar
☻ Dec. 19 David & Leslie Rader hosted a family gathering at their home in Manhattan. Attending were Steve & Maggie Rader, and Amy & AJ Buhrman of Wichita; Bob, Nancy, Nick & Kayla Rader of Derby; Mike, Belinda, Abigail & Jacob Rader of St. George and Venita Jo of Effingham. Venita was able to attend the Wamego Lutheran Church Sunday School program and see her great grand daughter perform. In the afternoon of the gathering Venita’s son Larry of Glendale, AZ. called and visited with the family.
☻ Wanted to Buy: A Set of Rummy Tiles (domino’s with card faces) from Jim’s Place in Effingham. Contact Kent Wohlgemuth at 913-367-3412 or 913-367-2435.
