Sigma Alpha Iota

6 Spring 2023 • sai-national.org Music Notes By Suzanne Gauvreau, Pontchartrain Alumnae Chapter 2020 brought unique challenges to many aspects of our lives, especially personal interactions between households. Our chapter meetings became virtual functions and we learned how to use technology, Zoom became our buzzword and our outlet to the world. Would the annual Holiday Luncheon survive? Indeed, it became virtual; with two vibrant sisters to the rescue, it became the "Holiday Extravaganza." This day was full of fun games, scavenger hunts, music playlists, best hat, best dressed, best lunch, and submission of favorite family recipes. For the two years of lock-down, in community living centers such as senior living arrangements, our chapter had put together concerts via zoom, which were then broadcast to residents for viewing over their in- house televisions. We found a way to reach an audience in those difficult times without actual contact. Fast forward to 2022 and we began venturing out of our homes, masking optional. Changes had occurred among our membership and the old ways were no longer feasible. It was time to think outside the box of tradition. I wanted to bring in-person music back in a less formal way, in conjunction with sisters joined together for our annual Holiday luncheon. Since everyone was already on a time crunch with holiday concert activities, I decided a resident's tea with background music immediately following our lunch might fit. Two senior sisters had moved out of their longtime homes into a beautiful Senior Living Community. Why not combine a welcoming visit by our sisters, joining them for lunch and hosting a Musical Tea Reception to meet residents and make new friends? The idea was accepted and planning began. December 3, 2022, fifteen members of the Pontchartrain and Detroit Alumnae Chapters gathered, plus our Alpha Province Officer, Marie Bonello. The venue was Fox Run Independent Living Community in Novi, MI. We enjoyed a fabulous buffet luncheon in the beautifully decorated Derby Dining Room, concluded by cheesecake covered with strawberries. YUM! Members Kay Bruns, Lauren Walter, and Suzanne Gauvreau turned the multipurpose room into a beautiful holiday showplace with tablecloths and runners, a tea setting, holiday decorations, and sparkles abounding. All it required were the two guests of honor, Ida Mucciante and Mary Monroe, our sisters new to the residence and the queens to head the tables for the duration of the event. Our sister Pat Tait, an excellent Harper, provided music and singing while the sisters served tea and cake with other goodies to the 50-60 guests who arrived, many more than the 25-30 anticipated. With quick thinking sisters, napkins and more hot water with hot beverage cups appeared from the kitchen, and not yet affiliated sister Lauren Perugi quickly assumed tea making duties. Phyllis Releya commanded napkins and cake, while sisters passed cups of tea and napkins of cake and sweets to our guests seated at two long decorated tables. Our beautification of the multipurpose room allowed the participants to choose something to decorate their apartment for the holiday. Many residents paused before leaving to express their happiness, hoping we will visit again to spread joy and music. A beautiful day, a beautiful way to spread joy to the residents and our sisters in their new home. A Moving Holiday Extravaganza

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