Le Daily du Jour - 2026 Festival News updated each morning...

Friday, July 24

Congratulations to Sarah, Kathryn, and Jérôme for a fantastic concert last night — what a musical and emotional journey. Tonight, we move from the madness of love to celebration and lament with our Choral Workshop concert. We can't wait to see you there! 

Happening Today:
7:00 PM Madrigals (Outside Center for the Arts Main Entrance)
7:30 PM Choral Workshop Concert: Music of Celebration and Lament (Empie Theater, Center for the Arts)
After concert:

• Post-Concert Reception (Empie Galleria, Center for the Arts)
• NLA English Country Dancing (Dance Studio Theater, Trexler Pavilion)

Von Huene Workshop: Today is the last day for making purchases or settling your bill at the Von Huene Workshop. Visit and your last purchases before it's too late!

Housing Information:
Student Housing Office Hours (M-F):
8:30 – 8:50 AM
1:15 – 1:45 PM
5:15 – 5:30 PM

Week 2 Check-out Procedures:
Check-out is from 7:30am - 9:00am on Sunday in the Seegers Lounge. Don’t be late!!

Empty linen carts will appear in the lobby of your dorm by Friday evening. Deposit your used linens (sheets, towels, blankets, etc.) bundled inside your pillow case into one bin and your pillow into the other.

Take everything out of your room and don’t leave anything in the bathrooms, whether shared or private. If you are able to empty your trash/recycling bin into the dumpster by the dorm, please do. If you moved any furniture, move it back to how you found it! Double-check that you haven’t left anything!

Bring back ALL borrowed items to the check-out table in the Light Lounge in Seegers — lamps, fans, hangers, extension cords, and anything else that you borrowed from the housing office. 
Hand in your name-tag with key and access card to get back your deposit.

Checking out BEFORE Sunday?
Get in touch with Danny or Lisa by Friday in the Amherst Housing Office (Seegers 110) to coordinate your check-out time! 
Office hours UNTIL FRIDAY are: 8:30-8:50am, 1:15-1:45pm, 5:15-5:30pm
Office hours ON SATURDAY are TBD.

For people who are leaving in the very wee hours of the night or morning, let us know and we’ll coordinate your key-drop and return of your deposit. Commuters need to turn in their swipe cards on Saturday if they don’t want to come to check-out on Sunday — you will be charged for any un-returned cards.

Follow all the same procedures as above! (Room empty, pillows and linens in their respective bins, and lamps/hangers/etc. back to the housing office)

Photos and Videos: We've noticed lots of people capturing memories of the Festival! Share your photos and videos here! The form requires a Google sign-in so you can submit them to a Google Drive. If you don't have one of those, you can send your pictures/videos to me at Click here to show mail address!

Tell Five Friends (TFF): Tell 5 friends about your day and win a free AEMF t-shirt from a past year!

Thursday, July 23

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, or bid at the fabulous AEM Auction last night – we made quite a racket! Congratulations to Amy and our distinguished auctioneers for a great event.

Happening Today:
5:00 PM Salon Event: Meet the Rocking Melodeon, a Unique Historic Keyboard Instrument from New Hampshire (Seegers 113)
7:00 PM Madrigals (Outside Center for the Arts Main Entrance)
7:30 PM Fantasy and Reality - The Madness of Love, Sarah Jeffery (Empie Theater, Center for the Arts)
9:00 PM Drop-Ins:

• Early Notation with Doug Young (Seegers 113)
• Drop-In: Sacred Harp with Kevin Devine (Event Space)

Von Huene Workshop: The last day for making purchases or settling your bill at the Von Huene Workshop is Friday – visit today to see what delights are available!

Housing Information:
Student Housing Office Hours (M-F):
8:30 – 8:50 AM
1:15 – 1:45 PM
5:15 – 5:30 PM

Student Housing Office Hours (M-F):
8:30 – 8:50 AM
1:15 – 1:45 PM
5:15 – 5:30 PM

Week 2 Check-out Procedures:
Check-out is from 7:30am - 9:00am on Sunday in the Seegers Lounge. Don’t be late!!

Empty linen carts will appear in the lobby of your dorm by Friday evening. Deposit your used linens (sheets, towels, blankets, etc.) bundled inside your pillow case into one bin and your pillow into the other.

Take everything out of your room and don’t leave anything in the bathrooms, whether shared or private. If you are able to empty your trash/recycling bin into the dumpster by the dorm, please do. If you moved any furniture, move it back to how you found it! Double-check that you haven’t left anything!

Bring back ALL borrowed items to the check-out table in the Light Lounge in Seegers — lamps, fans, hangers, extension cords, and anything else that you borrowed from the housing office. 
Hand in your name-tag with key and access card to get back your deposit.

Checking out BEFORE Sunday?
Get in touch with Danny or Lisa by Friday in the Amherst Housing Office (Seegers 110) to coordinate your check-out time! 
Office hours UNTIL FRIDAY are: 8:30-8:50am, 1:15-1:45pm, 5:15-5:30pm
Office hours ON SATURDAY are TBD.

For people who are leaving in the very wee hours of the night or morning, let us know and we’ll coordinate your key-drop and return of your deposit. Commuters need to turn in their swipe cards on Saturday if they don’t want to come to check-out on Sunday — you will be charged for any un-returned cards.

Follow all the same procedures as above! (Room empty, pillows and linens in their respective bins, and lamps/hangers/etc. back to the housing office)

Photos and Videos: We've noticed lots of people capturing memories of the Festival! Share your photos and videos here! The form requires a Google sign-in so you can submit them to a Google Drive. If you don't have one of those, you can send your pictures/videos to me at Click here to show mail address!

Tell Five Friends (TFF): Tell 5 friends about your day and win a free AEMF t-shirt from a past year!

Wednesday, July 22

Hear ye! Hear ye! Come one and all! Tonight is the fabulous AEM Auction! Viewing will begin at 7:00 PM in Event Space (Seegers) and bidding will begin promptly at 7:30 PM.

Thank you to Rotem Gilbert and the performers last night for a fantastic lecture! And congratulations to Saskia Coolen, Wouter Verschuren, and Kathryn Cok on their concert in honor of Mary Maarbjerg – Mary, we're grateful for everything you've done to make Amherst Early Music what it is today.

Happening today:
7:00 PM Auction Item Viewing begins - Seegers Event Space
7:30 PM Auction Bidding begins - Seegers Event Space
9:00 PM Billings and Revolution with Wendy Powers, Seegers 113
9:00 PM NLA English Country Dancing, Dance Studio Theater, Trexler Pavilion

Parking: 

• If you are parked on 26th Street, remember to move your car. There is street cleaning today from 12:00 - 3:00 PM. You will be ticketed.
• The Front Circle Drive will be closed this morning until approximately 11am tomorrow due to construction.

Schedule Updates: Refresh the Week-At-A-Glance for the most up to date schedule of events. One notable change: the Medieval Project Concert will now be Saturday at 1:15 PM in the Miller Forum in Moyer.

Von Huene Workshop: The last day for making purchases or settling your bill at the Von Huene Workshop is Friday – visit today to see what delights are available!

Auction Information
The Instant Gratification is now available in the Light Lounge! Items can be paid for and taken right now.

Payment Options:
-Find Amy with Cash or Check (payable to Amherst Early Music)
-Pay online: QR code on table or go to www.amherstearlymusic.org 
-Put "IG" or "Instant table" in the Memo

Questions? Message Amy (auction@amherstearlymusic.org)

Tuesday, July 21

Good morning! We hope everyone had a great first day of classes and delightful time at the Ice Cream Social and many merry activities of the evening. We can't wait to see you at tonight's events, too! Please see the locations below, since there have been a few changes.

Check your classes and classrooms – yes, you! See the updated Class Posting Sheet to find your classes for the day. Even if you didn't change classes, you might have a new room. 

Happening today:
5:00-5:45pm –  Learn the basics of English country dance with Val Medve! First Floor Rehearsal Hall, Trexler Pavilion 
7:00pm – Madrigals, Center for the Arts Front Main Entrance
7:30pm – Lecture: Rotem Gilbert: Susanne un Jour, Recital Hall, Center for the Arts
9:00pm – Salon Concert: Music for Mary with Saskia Coolen, Wouter Verschuren, and Kathryn Cok, Empie Galleria (CFA lobby)
9:00pm – Dance: NLA English Country Dancing with Andrew Shaw and Victoria Yeomans, Dance Studio Theater, Trexler Pavilion

Schedule Updates: Refresh the Week-At-A-Glance for the most up to date schedule of events, including new drop-ins!

Auction Information
The Instant Gratification is now available in the Light Lounge! Items can be paid for and taken right now.

Payment Options:
-Find Amy with Cash or Check (payable to Amherst Early Music)
-Pay online: QR code on table or go to www.amherstearlymusic.org 
-Put "IG" or "Instant table" in the Memo

Join us at the Auction on Wednesday in the Event Space. Viewing begins at 7pm. Bidding begins at 7:30pm. We will be done before all the wonderful drop-ins!

Questions? Message Amy (auction@amherstearlymusic.org)

Learn to Dance!
Val Medve will be offering a special Drop-In on Today at 5:00 PM to teach the basics of English country dance! As mentioned in Orientation, the evening dances are intended for folks with experience in English country dance, so this is a great option for beginners! The Drop-Ins will be in the First Floor Rehearsal Hall. To get there, go to the Box Office level of Trexler Pavilion, then take the ramp (by lockers). Rehearsal Hall is on your right at the end of the ramp.

Monday, July 20

Happy first day of classes! Check the Class Posting sheet for a reminder of your classes for the day, and use the Campus Map to find them. After classes, celebrate the start of the week at the Ice Cream Social! There will be music and merriment!

Schedule Updates: Refresh the Week-At-A-Glance for the most up to date schedule of events, including new drop-ins!

Happening today:
5:15 PM - 5:00-5:45 PM: Learn the basics of English country dance with Val Medve! First Floor Rehearsal Hall, Trexler Pavilion 
7:00 PM - Ice Cream Social! Lawn between Seegers, Taylor, & Brown Hall
Rain Location: Light Lounge, Seegers Union
8:00 PM - Dance: NLA English Country Dancing with Andrew Shaw and Victoria Yeomans, Dance Studio Theater, Trexler Pavilion

Class Sorting Announcement: Class changes are due at 7:00pm today.
Important note on class changes from the Class Sorting Team:
If you need to change a class, please fill out the class change form (light pink, half-page-size form in a paper pocket on the bulletin board where the classes are posted), and give it to Na’ama Lion, Ann Bies or Teresa Deskur by 7:00 PM today (beginning of the Ice Cream Social). You need to give it to the Class Sorting Team in person to explain why a change is needed, so we can resolve the problem for you. We will be around at coffee time, mealtimes, and the beginning of ice cream social. We will have class change forms with us too. If you can’t find us, please email me before 7:00 PM on Monday (Click here to show mail address) and I’ll come to meet you and get the form from you.

Learn to Dance!
Val Medve will be offering a special Drop-In on Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 PM to teach the basics of English country dance! As mentioned in Orientation, the evening dances are intended for folks with experience in English country dance, so this is a great option for beginners! The Drop-Ins will be in the First Floor Rehearsal Hall. To get there, go to the Box Office level of Trexler Pavilion, then take the ramp (by lockers). Rehearsal Hall is on your right at the end of the ramp.

Auction Information
Donations for the Auction are due at 7:00 PM tonight. Donation Items can be given to Amy OR placed in the clear Auction Donation Bins in the Light Lounge, Seegers Union.
Please take a moment to fill out a paper form or the online form (click here for online form) 
Questions: email Amy Click here to show mail address 

Sunday, July 19

Congratulations to all on a fabulous day of music making yesterday! 

We bid goodbye and safe travels to those departing campus today — it has been wonderful spending the week with you, and we can't wait to see you next year!

For those arriving today, welcome! We can't wait to begin another week of music and festivities!

For Week Two folks checking in: When you arrive on campus (2400 W Chew St, Allentown, PA, 18104), park in the loop driveway and check in at Seegers Union. You can enter through the door behind the picnic tables. 

Happening Today:

7:30-9:00 AM: Week One Check-Out

1:30-5:00 PM: Week Two Check-In

2:00 PM: Salon Concert: Jason Priset with Sian and Tracy - Lutany, Lute Songs and Laments (Recital Hall)

3:30 PM: Drop In: Instruments and Voice with Saskia Coolen (Seegers 113)

7:00 PM: Orientation (Seegers Event Space)

8:00 PM: Medieval Project and Choral Workshop Meetings (Seegers 113 and Event Space)

8:00 PM: Reception (Light Lounge)

8:30 PM: NLA English Country Dancing

8:30 PM: Late Check-In

8:45 PM: Work-Study meeting (Seegers 113)

Saturday, July 18

Congratulations to all involved on a positively ribbiting performance of Platée!

Today is marathon concert day! Make beautiful music and support your friends in concerts all day.

10:00 AM: Central Program Baroque Orchestra and Collegium, Empie Theater
11:00 AM: Dance Presentation  — From Folio to Studio, Dance Studio Theater, Trexler Pavilion

11:15 AM: Ensemble Singing Intensive Concert, Recital Hall, Center for the Arts

1:00 PM: Baroque Academy, Empie Theater

3:00 PM: Central Program Concert, Empie Theater
7:00 PM: Madrigals, Entrance of Center for the Arts

7:30 PM: Gala Faculty Concert, Empie Theater

After concert: All-Festival Week One Party!!!

Photos and Videos: We've noticed lots of people capturing memories of the Festival! Share your photos and videos here! The form requires a Google sign-in so you can submit them to a Google Drive. If you don't have one of those, you can send your pictures/videos to me at Click here to show mail address!

Essential Check-Out Information:
Week 1 Check-out Procedures
Check-out on Sunday is from 7:30 am - 9:00 am in the Seegers Lounge. Don’t be late!!

Empty linen carts will appear in the lobby of your dorm by Friday evening. Deposit your used linens (sheets, towels, blankets, etc.) bundled inside your pillowcase into one bin and your pillow into the other.

Take everything out of your room and don’t leave anything in the bathrooms, whether shared or private. NEW: If you are able to empty your trash into the dumpster, please do — if not, it may stay in the bin in your room. If you moved any furniture, move it back to how you found it. Bring back ALL borrowed items to the check-out table in the Light Lounge in Seegers — lamps, fans, hangers, extension cords, and anything else that you borrowed from the housing office. Hand in your name-tag with key and access card to get back your deposit.

Checking out ON SATURDAY?
NEW: Housing Office Hours in Seegers 110 (Saturday, 7/18): 9-9:30am, 12-12:30pm, 1:15-2pm, 3:30-4pm, 5:30-6pm, 6:45-7pm, or briefly after the faculty concert ends.

This is also for people who are leaving in the very wee hours of the night or morning! Let us know and we’ll coordinate your key-drop and return of your deposit. Commuters need to turn in their swipe cards on Saturday if they don’t want to come to check-out on Sunday — you will be charged for any un-returned cards.

Staying for week 2?
Deposit your used linens (inside your pillow case) in the proper bin and get a fresh set. If you have the meal plan, lunch on Sunday is included.

Auction: Thank you to all who participated in the Silent Auction! Grab your items in the Light Lounge and coordinate payment with Amy before you check out!
 

Tell Five Friends (TFF): Tell 5 friends about your day and win a free AEMF t-shirt from a past year!

Friday, July 17

Congratulations to our incredible Baroque Academy faculty for their performance last night! This kicks off an exciting few days full of music! 

Tonight is the much-awaited Opera! Empie Theater at 7:30 PM – Platée by Jean-Philippe Rameau. Maybe we'll get some intel on that lyre that went missing...

Earlier, we have two very special events!

• 1:15 pm in Seegers 113: Lunchtime Surprise Story Salon with Larry Rosenwald - Something about a cat in hat in Lat(in)... Bound to be an unforgettable event! (that is over before third period)

• 5:15 pm in The Chapel: Amherst Kids Concert! (With some related grown-ups)

Parking: The Front Drive (loop), will be closed through Friday, July 17.

Auction: Last chance! The Silent Auction (Light Lounge) closes tonight at 10:00 pm. Winning bidders may pick-up their items at the Friday Post-Opera Party or at Check-out. Don’t let your favorite item get away!
 

Housing Announcement about Week 1 Check-Out:

Week 1 Check-out Procedures:
Check-out on Sunday is from 7:30 am - 9:00 am in the Seegers Lounge. Don’t be late!!

Empty linen carts will appear in the lobby of your dorm by Friday evening. Deposit your used linens (sheets, towels, blankets, etc.) bundled inside your pillow case into one bin and your pillow into the other.

Take everything out of your room and don’t leave anything in the bathrooms, whether shared or private. Trash may stay in the bin in your room. If you moved any furniture, move it back to how you found it. Bring back ALL borrowed items to the check-out table in the Light Lounge in Seegers — lamps, fans, hangers, extension cords, and anything else that you borrowed from the housing office. Hand in your name-tag with key and access card to get back your deposit.

Checking out BEFORE Sunday?
Get in touch with Danny or Lisa by Friday in the Amherst Housing Office (Seegers 110) to coordinate your check-out time.
Office hours (M-F) are: 8:20-8:40am, 1:15-1:45pm, 3-3:30pm, 5:15-5:30pm

This is also for people who are leaving in the very wee hours of the night or morning! Let us know and we’ll coordinate your key-drop and return of your deposit. Commuters need to turn in their swipe cards on Saturday if they don’t want to come to check-out on Sunday — you will be charged for any un-returned cards.

Staying for week 2?
Deposit your used linens (inside your pillow case) in the proper bin and get a fresh set. If you have the meal plan, lunch on Sunday is included.

Tell Five Friends (TFF): Tell 5 friends about your day and win a free AEMF t-shirt from a past year! 

Happening Today:

1:15 PM: Lunchtime Surprise Story Salon with Larry Rosenwald (Seegers 113)

5:15 PM: Amherst Kids Concert! (With some related grown-ups) (The Chapel)

7:00 PM: Madrigals (Center for the Arts Main Entrance)

7:30 PM: Opera - Platée by Jean-Philippe Rameau (Empie Theater)

After Opera: Reception for one and all! (Empie Theater Galleria)

10:00 PM: Silent Auction Ends

Thursday, July 16

Midday Update: The Front Drive (loop) will be closed beginning today (July 16) at noon through Friday, July 17. 

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, or bid at the fabulous AEM Auction last night! Congratulations to Amy and our distinguished auctioneers for a great event!

Important Campus Use Announcements:

• Look both ways! Be careful when crossing the street – W Chew Street is a thoroughfare, and a lot of cars go fast.

• No smoking – no buts, no butts: It's campus policy and a safety issue, since there was a mulch fire started by a cigarette butt.

• Open Containers: If you want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with friends, please do so in a room or private space. (We know the Adirondack chairs are so inviting, but they're public!)

Keeping Classrooms Open: Like our dorm rooms, the classrooms can easily get locked behind you. Please leave classroom doors open when you leave, so the next group can get in!

Tell Ten Friends (TTF): Tell 10 friends about your day and win a free AEMF t-shirt from a past year!

Happening Today:

7:00 PM Madrigals (Outside Center for the Arts Main Entrance)

7:30 PM Baroque Academy Faculty Concert: Les Goûts réunis (Empie Theater, Center for the Arts)

9:00 PM Drop-Ins:

• Conducting Early (Vocal) Music with Michael Barrett: Seegers 113
  Michael Barrett, director of the Ensemble Singing Intensive program, will lead a session about conducting early music vocal repertoire, including a masterclass for conductors. Our test piece will be Palestrina's chestnut Sicut cervus. Join us to sing, discuss, or just listen!

• ForScore Tips and Tricks with Tish Berlin: Red Door, Seegers Union

Stolen Lyre! There's a thief (and possibly a lyre!) afoot! The God Apollo has reported that his lyre was stolen! Campus Safety checked the cameras, and they suspect the Goddess Folie! If you see the lyre or the mischief maker herself, please report to the Festival Directors. We really need it for tomorrow night's opera...

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Wednesday, July 15

Hear ye! Hear ye! Come one and all! Tonight is the fabulous AEM Auction! Viewing will begin at 7:00 PM in Event Space (Seegers) and bidding will begin promptly at 7:30 PM. Our auctioneers will be Wendy (Super) Powers, Lady Sian Elizabeth, and his (Un)Holiness, Kevin Devine.

Following the Auction, make your way to the Recital Hall (Center for the Arts) for the Baroque Academy Open Mic beginning at approximately 9:15 PM.

A special thanks to Loren Ludwig for a great lecture and to all who brought the music to life last night! We're including some pictures below.

Street Parking: If you are parked on 26th Street, remember to move your car. There is street cleaning today from 12:00 - 3:00 PM. You will be ticketed.

Housing

Student Housing Hours this week M-F

Seegers Room 109

8:20-8:40 AM

1:15-1:45 PM

3:00-3:30 PM

5:15-5:30 PM

Updated Keyboard Locations: (Click here for keyboard locations)

Happening Today:

7:00 PM Auction Item Viewing begins - Event Space (Seegers)

7:30 PM Auction Bidding begins - Event Space (Seegers)

9:15 PM Baroque Academy Open Mic - Recital Hall (Center for the Arts)

9:30 PM Harpsichord Maintenance Part 3 with Adam Hou (CA 166)

New Drop-Ins Tomorrow at 9pm:

• Conducting Early Music with Michael Barrett

• ForScore Tips and Tricks with Tish Berlin

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Good morning! We hope everyone had a great first day of classes and delightful time at the Ice Cream Social and many merry activities of the evening!

Classes: See the updated Class Posting sheet to find your classes for the day.

Happening today:
5:30-6:30pm - Meet and Eat with the AEM Directors and our Board President - Questions and Ideas Welcome! Dining Hall
7:00pm - Madrigals Parents Plaza (coffee hour patio)
7:30pm - Lecture: Loren Ludwig: Nothing New Under the Sun! Red Door, Seegers Union (basement)
9:00pm - Drop-Ins!

• Early Notation with Doug Young, Seegers 113
• Negotiating the Cliff - Singing Low for Treble Voices with Pamela Dellal, Seegers 111

Schedule Updates: Bookmark the Week-At-A-Glance for the most up to date schedule of events, including new drop-ins!

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Happy first (full) day! We hope you got some rest after your travels and are ready for a wonderful week. Tonight, get a sweet start to the week at the Ice Cream Social, where there will be ice cream and merriment!

Schedule Updates: Refresh the Week-At-A-Glance for the most up to date schedule of events, including new drop-ins!

Happening today:
7:00pm - Ice Cream Social! Lawn between Seegers, Taylor, & Brown Hall
Rain Location: Light Lounge, Seegers Union
At the ice cream social - Drop-In: Shape Note Singing with Kevin Devine
8:00pm - Salon Event: Harpsichord Maintenance with Zhengyi Hou, CA 166
8:30pm - Drop-In: Le Phenix by Corrette for celli, bass viols, bassoons, basses at A=415, The Fishbowl, Trexler Pavilion 

Classes: Check the Class Posting sheet for a reminder of your classes for the day, and use the Campus Map to find them. Class changes are due at 7:00pm today.

Important note on class changes from the Class Sorting Team:
If you need to change a class, please fill out the class change form (light pink, half-page-size form in a paper pocket on the bulletin board where the classes are posted), and give it to Na’ama Lion, Ann Bies or Teresa Deskur by 7 PM today (beginning of the Ice Cream Social). You need to give it to the Class Sorting Team in person to explain why a change is needed, so we can resolve the problem for you. We will be around at coffee time, mealtimes, and the beginning of ice cream social. We will have class change forms with us too. If you can’t find us, please email me before 7 PM on Monday (Click here to show mail address) and I’ll come to meet you and get the form from you.

New Tuesday Event:
Tuesday at 5:30-6:30pm - “Meet and Eat with the AEM Directors and our Board President - Questions and Ideas Welcome!” Dining Hall

Welcome to the Amherst Early Music Festival 2026! We're so excited to see you!

Check-In: When you arrive on campus (2400 W Chew St, Allentown, PA, 18104), park in the loop driveway and check in at Seegers Union. You can enter through the door behind the picnic tables. 

Happening today:
3:00pm - Drop-In: Instruments and Voices with Rainer Beckmann, A=440, Seegers Union 111
5:15pm - Salon Concert: Saskia Coolen and Hsuan-Wen Chen, CA Recital Hall
7:00pm - Orientation Meeting and Reception, Seegers Union
8:00pm - Baroque Academy and Ensemble Singing Intensive Meetings, Seegers Union
8:45pm - Work-Study Meeting, Seegers Union 111