Greetings Everyone!

The late spring flowers and gardens are in full bloom.  However, I know that many of us are suffering from withdrawal symptoms!  This is because we are not performing a Flag Day Concert for the US Congress this year.  Nonetheless, it has become abundantly clear that we made the right – albeit difficult – decision, in light of the economy.  In fact, we did garner some unintended positive consequences too.  For example, Congressional leaders have come forward and sponsored our Veterans Day concert in November “Healing for the Nations #2”, in lieu of the June concert.  Already on board are House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Senator Daniel Akaka, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator John Kerry, Chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee Representative Bob Filner, and Co-Chairs of the US side of the British-American Parliamentary Group Representatives Tom Petri and Ben Chandler. 

In addition, a substantially large number of ambassadors of foreign nations are also sponsoring the event – 40 ambassadors (there were 21 last year), and more continue to sign on.  As you recall, Cokie Roberts of ABC News, and Bill Kurtis of A&E host the concert.  Members of the US Congress are anticipated to serve as Narrators in this program of readings and music.   This will be the major Veterans Day Concert in the Capital and we will invite President and Mrs. Obama to attend.

                   
                    Cokie Roberts               Bill Kurtis                 Michael York           Andrew Neil             Jane Asher

As you know, we will perform a twin “Healing for the Nations” concert on the other side of the Atlantic, exactly a week later.  It is in London, England, on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 – the British “Remembrance Day”.  You may recognize this date as that of “Armistice Day” commemorating the treaty between England and Germany at the end of World War I.  It was signed on “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”  In America, this became Veterans Day. 

Theme of both these concerts is “Hands Across the Sea – for Humanity”.  The London concert is also gaining momentum.  Screen Actress Jane Asher (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Asher) has joined distinguished BBC Broadcaster Andrew Neil as cohost (http://news.bbc.co.uk/newswatch/ifs/hi/newsid_3630000/newsid_3639000/3639035.stm).  Screen Actor Michael York also serves as a Narrator.  We are starting to receive sponsorships by Members of the British Parliament, e.g. the Chairman of the Defence Committee Rt. Hon. James Arbuthnot, MP, and the Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee Rt. Hon. George Howarth, MP.  In addition, Ambassadors to the UK from Commonwealth and other nations have begun joining our London Ambassadors Committee.  The US Embassy in London is helping out in many ways too.  We will learn in July whether a Royal will attend the event.    

·         Dates and locations are:

a.       Healing for the Nations #2 – the 2009 Veterans Day Concert.  Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 7:30 pm.  At the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC (www.nationalshrine.com).  Preconcert starts 6:30 pm.  Rehearsal schedule:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31: 2:00 – 5:00; 7:00 - 10:00 pm. 
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1: 2:00 - 5:00 pm and 7:00 - 10:00 pm.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2: 7:00 - 10:00 pm.
All of the above at our DC hotel (to be announced soon).
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3: 7:00 pm. Dress Rehearsal (casual dress) at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, DC, 202-526-8300, www.nationalshrine.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4: 6:30 pm PRECONCERT, and 7:30 pm CONCERT at the National Shrine.   

b.       Healing for the Nations #3 – 2009 Remembrance Day Concert.  Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 7:30 pm.  At the Central Hall of London in Westminster, London, England (www.c-h-w.com).  The London concert celebrates British-American friendship and its contributions to humanity.  Amongst the sponsors is the British-American Parliamentary Group (www.bapg.org.uk) and the Central band of the Royal British Legion (www.centralband.com).  Members from the British Parliament Choir Group (www.parliamentchoir.org.uk), the European Doctors (www.europeandoctorsorchestra.com) and Royal Philharmonic (www.rpo.co.uk) Orchestras will participate.  Members of Parliament are anticipated to deliver narrations in this program of readings and music.  His Royal Highness Prince Philip is invited to attend. Tentative Rehearsal Schedule is: Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 2:00 pm at the Hilton Kensington London; and Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 2:00 pm at Central Hall (this schedule may be modified a bit).  We will also have a couple of rehearsals for the traveling group while we are in DC – To Be Announced.

We hope to tape both programs live for later broadcast.  I am finalizing the repertoire of the two concerts.  There are many factors that impact that this year, and therefore the process is a bit more complex than usual.  Music will be mailed out in August.   

·         The twin concerts advocate for two international healing causes:
(a) Peace in the Explosive Middle East. A great gift to our servicemen and women is to forestall military conflicts which may pull them into harm’s way.
(b) Malaria Eradication in Africa. The UN agency “Roll Back Malaria” is helping us in this anti-malaria quest. 

·         AARP.  We met recently with representatives of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).  AARP is launching a major campaign entitled “Create the Good” emphasizing public service and voluntarism (http://www.aarp.org/makeadifference/volunteer/create_the_good/).  AARP is considering linking our DC concert to “Create the Good” Campaign under their “track” for veterans, the military, and their families.  They said they will also publicize the event amongst their DC constituents.  Dr. Jake Lozada, member of our board, was influential in making this connection, and we appreciate that very much.

·         Fundraising.  As you can imagine, these two grand concerts pose a huge financial burden.  The big items are sound and video, the featured artists (although they charge us extremely low fees compared to their regular rates), stage and concert hall expenses, publicity, plus lesser expenses such as printing, musical instrument rental, etc.  Incidentally, these expenses in our concerts all add up to only a fraction of what comparable concerts of national magnitude cost.  This is largely because our workforce is 100% volunteer. 

We are fortunate to have members of our board face up to this gigantic challenge.  They are led by Dr. Leo Mackay, Vice President of Lockheed-Martin and former Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and Dr. Jake Lozada, former Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  They have been in touch with various corporations, particularly those with binational British and American branches.  We will, of course, end up “living within our means” depending on the generated funds, but hope and trust that we will be able to meet our targets.  We anticipate some revenue from the Hail Britannia trip but that would account for only a small portion of the total sums needed. 

We use our music for a noble cause of national and international ramifications.  So, if you are able to make a financial contribution, no matter how small, I would encourage you to do so (see “Donate” on the sidebar at www.medicalmusical.org).  For those who have already made donations, I offer our collective appreciation and gratitude.

·         Hail Britannia 2009.  We now have 57 travelers on the Hail Britannia 2009 trip.  We are hopeful that more travelers will join us and I encourage you, if you have not signed up yet, to reconsider – with the idea of joining the trip.  There may never come another similar opportunity to visit London, under this year’s excellent circumstances, where the planets seem to be aligned just right!  So, Carpe Diem – seize the day!  Tour details and Trip Registration Forms are on our website www.medicalmusical.org, click on “Hail Britannia”.  Remember that you must be a duly registered 2009 member in order to qualify for the trip. To register on line, go to www.medicalmusical.org, click on “Join”.  Remember also to claim your reward of a free Optional Excursion, except for the Thames River Dinner Cruise, if you register a new traveler on the trip.  For questions, call our office at 202-797-0700, or email vanmmg@hotmail.com.

·         Our 20^th Anniversary – 2010.  It is fitting that we have two grand concerts in 2009 – on the eve of our 20^th anniversary next year.  If you don’t mind, I’ll share with you a little bit of our early history at this time.  Perhaps, if your feedback reveals widespread interest, I’ll share more later.  This, as we get closer to our 20^th Anniversary next year.  There are so many wonderful stories to tell!

We launched the national group in 1990.  A year earlier, in 1989, our “founding fathers and mothers” were huddling together, planning a Christmas concert for homeless veterans at the Luther Place Church in Washington, DC.  These founders were Mary Marienau, Jon Matson, Jamey Nocks, Fred Richardson, and Deb Rollison (nee Marshall).  Incidentally, it is a great joy to have them all still serving on our Board as its cherished nucleus of Founding Members.  The exception is Fred Richardson, who passed on tragically a few years ago in an unfortunate car accident. 

Our first chorus and orchestra were formed by word of mouth.  We invited our friends in the various “primordial” medical musical groups that we were involved with around the country, and from other sources as well.  Deb Rollison was our young and enthusiastic “recruiter” of new members.  The undergirding genius organizing, calling, and sometimes cajoling was our dear Nevart Haley – who passed on two years ago.  We remember Nevart with great affection and fondness at this particular time. 

The VA Central Office took special interest in us and the VA Chief Medical Director made a point to attend the concert, and also to serve food to the homeless with us right after the program.  Meanwhile, our activity caught the eye of the White House, and we were invited to give a Candlelight Christmas performance there!  The response of the audience to both performances was enthusiastic, and the experience of our singers and musicians exhilarating.  Accordingly, we decided that it probably was a good idea for us to explore forming a national group.

What happened next? Aha. . .  I’ll share that with you if I get feed back that you desire it – I don’t want to bore you with uninvited reminiscences – a sign of advancing age!        

Personalia:

1. Deb Crecraft, DDS (Soprano Soloist): Deb, a dentist, underwent a harrowing experience of partial disablement because of illness.  However, she has triumphed and writes: “After enduring several months of disability (for the fourth time in four years), I have been blessed with a new position as a contract dentist for the Army in Georgia.  I am caring for soldiers returning from deployment and it is very satisfying.  My new job also means I will finally be able to join you for the 2009 concerts! “  Congratulations Deb and best wishes for continued health and strength.  We particularly wish you success in your service to our soldiers.  Deb’s email is Deb4teeth@aol.com. 

2. Kurt Klotz (Principal French Horn and Whiz Kid Webmaster): Has befriended a Vietnam War hero, the late Colonel Galen “Mike” Radke and his family for some years.  The Colonel served multiple tours in Vietnam as a Green Beret and a member of the Special Forces.  Colonel Radke passed away recently and Kurt came up from Florida to attend the funeral at Arlington National Cemetery.  Kurt writes “I became friends with this family a few years ago and, due to all my years with VA-NMMG and its mission, I felt close to them. The Colonel and I shared many stories of his long career in the military and it struck home with the experiences and stories that I have experienced while volunteering in MMG events.  My father was a WWII Vet and as I matured, I recognized/respected him for his sacrifice, same with my friend Col. Radke.  Our Veterans have a very important effect on our lives, however are most often not recognized.  I am very appreciative of my past experiences, caring for my father in his later years, and also to have the experience to meet so many other invisible Veterans that have been responsible for our lives and freedom. . . . That's why VA-NMMG members are that much richer in life.” 
   
   Thank you Kurt for your patriotism and your loving care for Colonel Radke.  This is typical, as you do so much for our Group in so many ways.  We honor the service of your late Dad as well – he is another hero.  Kurt’s email is kklotz@yahoo.com.  

3. Tim Miller (Tenor).   Tim is a new member from Denver who joined us after our concert there last year.  Tim has just moved to a leadership position in health Information management.  Tim however requests that we hold him in thought and prayer in facing a family tragedy.  He writes: “My dad was formally diagnosed with Vascular Dementia, and is entering the final stage. I am losing my father that I love so very much...”  Congratulations first Tim on your well deserved new position.  Also, we will keep you and your dad in mind, as you face this difficult challenge.  Tim’s email is 7THM7@comcast.net.   

Enjoy the late spring breeze!  And, think again about traveling with us to England (and Wales!).

Regards to all.