(Chelsea Update would like to thank Loretta Thiry for the photo and information in this story.)
On Sunday, Feb. 10, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, hosted a “Chinese Cultural Connection” event to prepare members of Chelsea House Orchestra (CHO), for a 10-day concert tour of five Chinese cities in March.
The hospital, in partnership with Silver Solutions, Pam Byrnes and Chinese students from U-M’s Michigan Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, offered attendees personalized presentations of the geography, culture, and attractions offered by the cities on the tour: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Ji’ nan, Shijazhuang, and Beijing.
Silver Solutions is a non-profit organization providing opportunities for individuals to make connections and contributions for the benefit of the community.
Byrnes is director of the University of (UM-SJTU JI), and the Chinese JI students who participated were: Mark Jin, Tim Shen, Alex Sun, Angel Hong, Ramsey Zhan, Thomas Tao, Layla Ahao, and Frank Yue. They volunteered their time to assist in the cultural connection.
Fifty guests attended the cultural connection that began with CHO founder, Jed Fritzemeier, directing a high-energy concert of lively, “Celtic with a Kick” music, providing an enticing preview of what Chinese audiences will experience.
Following the concert, the international students fulfilled the JI’s mission to, “foster future researchers and leaders with a global perspective, including internationalization,” by sharing the culture and landscape of China, including historical treasures, travel tips, weather, and food, while encouraging questions from the audience.
During a delicious meal prepared and served by St. Joseph Mercy Hospital staff, the JI students strengthened their growing international relationship with the Chelsea students by sharing their experiences in their homeland, and in the US.
Maurine Nelson, representing Silver Solutions, called the event, “The best of the best”, bringing the City of Chelsea, represented by Mayor Melissa Johnson, the St. Joseph Mercy and University Health Systems, Chelsea School District, and the UM Joint Institute with China, together—through an informal, personal, and social, interaction—demonstrating that communication and partnership are keys to the success of any community.
