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Costume and Set Design Funds ― The City of Sanford paid for the set design and all of the costumes used in the Tajiri Arts
production of Homecoming at the Olde Landmark: A Folk Opera of Georgetown. This original opera was based on a book

written by Sanford’s African-American historian, Mrs. Altermese Bentley. We developed the concept for the production.

Annye L. Refoe, Ph.D., Dean of Arts and Sciences at Seminole Community College wrote the Libretto. The Children’s
Community African-American Orchestra performed an overture with Ronald Nathan, Principal of Altermese Bentley

Elementary School, serving as Musical Arranger and Conductor. Gloria Williams played piano, and Ingrid Nathan played

organ. Sally (Gordon) Saunders, Tajiri Arts Choral Director, composed the music and wrote the lyrics for the theme song,
“Georgetown Jubilee” and “Theodesia’s Anthem (I’ll Always Remember).” In fact, some of the musical principals wrote the

lyrics and music for their scripts.

Tajiri Presents Nationally Acclaimed Artists ― Tajiri Arts produced another outstanding performance to honor Floridians

who had achieved national acclaim called, A Night of Stars. It featured Classical, Broadway, and Sacred music with

performances by Curtis Rayham, Roslyn Burrough, Harry Burney, and Vernon Jones. The Pastor of New Life Word Center
church, Dr. Ronald W. Merthie, gave us permission to hold the program at his beautiful facility. A TV Channel 4 personality,

Mr. Bill Shafer, hosted this unforgettable night of musical entertainment (a miracle in itself). Bonita Sherman McClendon,
then a member of New Life Word Center, served as co-host. We honored the City and County Commissioners at this event

and introduced the Julia B. Merritt Scholarships—established in honor of my mother. That night, several awards were given

to students to attend Tajiri Arts classes of their choice for one year. Following this production, Julia B. Merritt Scholarships
were given annually to ten deserving students. I salute Dr. Ronald W. Merthie for his graciousness in granting us permission

to use their church for the event. The sanctuary’s “orchestra” seating and its balcony seating accompanied over 800 attendees,
making Tajiri’s first attendee-paid production a phenomenal success.

Funding from a National Organization ― Into the Lives of Urban Princes, was an all-boys play conceived and written by
Vickie Felder. It was adapted and directed by Levather Whitby. It debuted at Seminole High School. This all-boys production