The following letter to the editor appeared in the December 19, 1999 issue of The Community News / Towne Courier. We thank Editor Sam Black and Assistant Editor Linda Jones for granting us permission to reproduce a portion of the content of this letter for your enjoyment.

"What a wonderful community in which we live."

Dear Editor,

I just wanted to write and let you know how proud my husband, Hank, and I are to be residents of Okemos and Meridian Township. We have been here 35 years and wouldn't be anywhere else.

We attended the concert at Chippewa Middle School; "A Grand Sousa Concert" put on by the Meridian Community Band, Thursday, Oct. 26. It was absolutely wonderful. It was an event you wished all your family and friends could experience. From the printed program, the band itself, the directors, the guest artists, it was first class. It made you feel so good to be hearing the inspirational music. There were standing ovations for many of the numbers.

Judith Evans, soprano was great and did a happy encore. Roger Braun, xylophone soloist, is the co-principal percussionist of the Lansing Symphony, and he was SUPER - he got two standing ovations. I can't wait until next year's concert, and believe me, I will encourage everyone I know to attend this wonderful evening performance. What a wonderful gift to the community, and it was free.

….. Betsy and Hank Bowers, Okemos