Seven notable musicians will travel to Frankfort, Illinois, on September 2, 2020, to perform a live, private concert at St. Francis Woods for Sister M. Anna Clare Meyer's 105th birthday. That week, Sister is also celebrating her 85th anniversary of serving as a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart. Trombonist Robert Graham, Sister Anna Clare's nephew by marriage, assembled the band of musicians for this special occasion.
"We will have six trombones and a tuba player,” Graham said. “I think that we will all have a splendid time." Graham is a former instructor at the University of Virginia and former player for the Charlottesville Symphony and Lynchburg Symphony.
In addition to Graham, the musicians include:
* Bass trombonist Heather Miller, the wife of Ryan Miller (Heather plays bass trombone in the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and received her master’s degree from Indiana University where she also served as an associate instructor of trombone.)
* Trombonist Matt Williamson, who studied trombone at Indiana University and now works in the Dean’s office of the music school at IU
* Trombonist Michael Mulcahy and tubist Gene Pokorney from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
* Trombonists Jared Rodin and Ryan Miller from the Indianapolis Orchestra
In her ministry through the years, Sister Anna Clare was a cook at St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin, St. Francis Hospital and St. Vincent Orphanage in Freeport, and at the Bishop’s House in Rockford. In Danville, Illinois, she ministered as a clinical lab aide and by just being with people in their need. Sr. Anna Clare said, “I have always been very connected to people.”
In retirement Sr. Anna Clare still finds daily joy. “I love nature, especially flowers and birds, and I enjoy watching the moon’s phases,” she said. “I like sitting in our sun room. The sun’s rays soothe my aching bones. I don’t hear well, but I listen with the ears of my heart, and I have a genuine interest in others.”
“You pray for me, and I’ll pray for you!” Sister Anna Clare is known for saying.
If the public would like to send birthday or Jubilee greetings to Sr. Anna Clare, notes can be emailed to sisters@fssh.net or sent by mail to Sr. Anna Clare Meyer, 9201 W St. Francis Road, Frankfort, IL 60423-8330.