Additional Hurricane Katrina recovery funds distributed.

Music teachers in Louisiana and Mississippi received additional financial aid in June from the MTNA Hurricane Katrina Recovery Fund. In total, MTNA members have contributed nearly $44,000 to the fund, in addition to hundreds of boxes of music that were shipped to both states. All of these contributions have gone directly to those most in need in these two states that were most affected by the August 2005 hurricane.

When MTNA member Mildred Dickson of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, received her check, she was overwhelmed by the concern and generosity of MTNA members. Since the hurricane, her heating and cooling system had not been working properly, and no repairman would fix it. With the money from the fund, Dickson was able to purchase an air conditioning unit to help regulate the humid climate in her studio. Dickson, like countless others, wanted to thank the MTNA members for their kindness, so she sent an e-mail expressing her gratitude. She ended her heartfelt e-mail with a thank you to the numerous MTNA members and their students who were so generous. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all my fellow musicians--the stars are collecting in your crowns."

Dozens of additional thank you letters and e-mails have been received by Louisiana State MTA President Sue Steck-Turner, Mississippi MTA President Joanna Burnside and the MTNA National Headquarters, all expressing thanks to MTNA and its members. The notes also have expressed appreciation for the tireless efforts of both state presidents in the recovery efforts over the past year.

While progress is being made in both Mississippi and Louisiana, there are still many months of rebuilding ahead. The journey back to "normal" is a long and costly one. Because of this, MTNA is continuing to collect donations to the MTNA Hurricane Katrina Recovery Fund until December 31, 2006. Contributions to the fund may be made phone at [phone] or by U.S. mail to MTNA, The Carew Tower, 441 Vine Street, Suite 505, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Please specify "Hurricane Katrina Recovery Fund" when you call or write.