Banana day west chester university 2022
“She is very positive and uplifting,” said Sandi Haftl, a member of the church.įair has published three books of poetry, and she donates all of the proceeds to the church. Members of the church will be celebrating her birthday on Sunday, Jan. It was like a family store in those days.”įair, a lifelong Democrat who moved to Downingtown 12 years ago, said she enjoys the friendships she has formed with members of the church she attends, Marshallton United Methodist Church. “I worked in 1944 and never stopped,” she said. She finally quit her job in 2001, when she was 82. She worked in a tobacco factory and then went to work for Sears, in the women’s clothing department. She began work in 1944, because she said she couldn’t raise a family on what little government assistance she got. They had three children, one of whom died. And that was for our entire family.”įair’s husband served with the Army in Italy during World War II. It was really just a big pot of water, but I used my imagination to make it taste like oyster stew. She put it in a bowl of water with an onion and one potato she had. I remember one time when we ran out of groceries, a man who was fishing in the neighborhood gave my mother an oyster. “During the Depression, I was in my teens and it was tough getting food,” she said. She can still vividly remember her childhood, because during the Great Depression that began in 1929 she didn’t know where her food would come from. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged.“I thought there was going to be a shortage of bananas,” she said.įair was born and raised in Reading and later moved to Wyomissing. Parking is also available in West Chester’s M Lot, just a short walk South. Limited parking is available across and along the street just outside the Philips Memorial Building. Sándor Kádár, the organist at First Presbyterian Church in West Chester, will accompany on the historic Skinner organ.Īdditional selections include Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” Ralph vaughan Williams’s “Benedicite,” selections from Bach’s “Magnificat,” and Ildebrando Pizzetti’s “Sanctus.” To honor the 100th anniversary, this year’s program also includes a commissioned work by San Francisco composer, David Conte, of a festival setting of “Gloria” for choir, brass and organ. This year’s winning vocalist is Coatesville-based senior Music Education and Vocal Performance major, Sydney Szwarc. It was traditionally awarded to the best female soloist but now spotlights either a male or female vocalist. Participating in the concert are many of the Wells School of Music’s ensembles including the WCU Symphony Orchestra, the Criterions Jazz Ensemble, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Cantari Donne, and Mastersingers.Īn event highlight is a rendition of “O Holy Night,” sung by the winner of the vocal honors competition, who is chosen by a faculty panel. Asplundh Concert Hall with lit candles and adorned in white gowns. 18, 1921, as the “Christmas Carol Service.” The Senior Girls’ and Junior Girls’ Glee Clubs would sing choral and sacred music and process down the hall of first, Old Main Chapel, and then the Emilie K. You’ll hear recognizable vocal, choral and orchestral holiday favorites, as well as pieces that are programmed with the Season in mind.” We invite all members of the West Chester community to celebrate this momentous occasion with us and to jump-start their holidays with joyful and melodic music. This year West Chester University also celebrates its Sesquicentennial. Kelly says, “Our Holiday Program is a time-honored tradition for now 100 years. High St., West Chester.Īssociate Professor and Associate Director of Choral Activities Ryan Kelly directs the program. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. WEST CHESTER - West Chester University’s Wells School of Music celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the annual Holiday Program with a celebratory concert on Saturday, Dec.