There has been some confusion because posters and the online notices have indicated a start time of 1:00 PM for our January 19th clothing exchange whereas our event calendar shows that it is to be at 2:00. It’s a bit of both really. Those with clothing to donate should be there at 1:00 so the items can be appropriately hung and/or displayed. By 2:00 we should be ready to “shop.”

I want to thank everyone who was involved in our Christmas concert from the performers, choir, dancers, readers who shared their cultural childhood background, stage hands, sound techs, camera, videographers, piano, vocal soloist (and friends), piano duets, the “Sisters”, program layout and printing, charity donations, room set-up and take down, Chelsea Social Committee, MC, my assistant and her assistant, and on and on it goes it seems. Some 50 volunteers by my last count and I would like to send a special thanks to Jeremy Ferland, our professional violinist who entertained us with his solos as well as complimented the choir and attendees during the sing-a-long. I have already booked him for next year!

The feedback from Chelsea has been amazing and is much appreciated by all. It was evident that everyone gave their best performance. Some 20+ year residents of Chelsea told me this was the best Christmas concert ever – something we should all be proud of.  We were all treated to some very interesting information on Christmas’ in other countries represented within Chelsea. Hopefully this stimulates future learning from each other and broadening of our horizons. The new advancements within the concert would not have been possible without our resident sound technicians – Zenon and Ashley who made it possible to incorporate pictures and videos on the TV and within the sound system.

I hope all of the performers are looking forward to next year. I already have some ideas to incorporate as we strive to meet expectations and entertain all of us at Chelsea. Once again thank you for being involved and/or attending the show.

Marilyn Thomas

TH168