by David Chapman
Staff Writer
With the holidays fast approaching, the Meninak Club of Jacksonville wrapped up its 2009 year in the same manner it has for the past several years: filled with music, song, students and quite the crowd.
Close to 150 members of the civic organization and their many guests took the last official gathering of the year for its annual holiday luncheon featuring performances by students from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts’ Jazz Ensemble and Show Choir.
It’s an atypical meeting for the group as there is no headline speaker. The time, instead, is devoted to hearing the students perform and enjoying the season — something many members enjoy.
“This in many ways is my favorite program of the year,” said Hickory Fant, former Meninak president and longtime member. “It’s such a treat to hear from some extremely talented young people who are so good at what they do ... They’re great.”
Sam Fricano, known for his own musical talents during each meeting, introduced Ace Martin and Rebecca Loar, directors of the Jazz Ensemble and Show Choir, respectively, while calling the students of Douglas Anderson “one of our great jewels in Jacksonville.”
The performances had many members bobbing their heads and tapping toes, something that’s become synonymous with the final program of the calendar year.
“I can’t believe how fast the year’s gone by,” said Meninak President Bunky Johnson.
Prior to the performance, Johnson also announced and congratulated Mark Hand for his election as president-elect for the 2011 year as well as Dawn Motes, Downing Nightingale and Mike Grogan for their election to next year’s board of governors.
Each, along with 2010 President-Elect Kent Lindsey, will be installed to their new positions during Meninak’s first meeting of the new year Jan. 11.
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