by Jill Fedon
I love the way I am able to experience the seasons where I live in northwest New Jersey. Each season brings something unique and colorful and while autumn is my favorite for many reasons, there is also something quite special about spring.
Jill Fedon
National Board President
While many speak of new beginnings and rebirth, for me and my family, spring is the time we emerge from hibernation. In December, I love winter, snow, and the cold air. Cozy sweaters, boots, hats, and gloves are fun, and the prospect of a snow day makes me giddy. But by the end of February, I am over it. This year in particular, winter felt much longer and darker, and I eagerly crawl out from my dormant dwelling to welcome the longer days, warmer sun, and signs of spring.
While normal is not here yet, there are signs that our hibernation is coming to an end in the handbell world as well. Many choirs and ensembles who have been unable to rehearse are making plans to gather again to make music this spring, summer, or fall. Virtual and in-person events are also being planned. Gigs and concerts are being scheduled. Everything may be subject to change but planning for the future continues to give us hope and purpose.
The national board met for a long weekend in March for their biannual meeting. This is our third meeting online and while we are focused and accomplish a lot during our three days together, we miss the fellowship of gathering around a table and are hopeful we can do so again this coming fall. The purpose of the national board and the goal of our meetings is to focus our attention outwardly, on our stakeholders and the future of the organization. Planning for the future is the business of the board.
Besides our financial future, much of our conversation centered around four groups of handbell musicians: education, community groups, church groups, and soloists. Handbell Happy Hours have been a wonderful way to remain connected with each other and some of the future meetings will take shape around these four groups. Committees on community groups and handbells in education have begun meeting and are doing great work to develop benefits and programs in these areas.
As previously shared, the board also accepted the resignation of At-Large Director, Kyle Webber. We are grateful for Kyle’s service to Handbell Musicians of America and the national board and wish him all the best on his future endeavors. In accordance with our bylaws, the board deliberated over numerous candidates to fill the vacancy and are pleased to announce the appointment of Carlos E. Rivera-Aponte. You can read more about Carlos on our website.
A Business Plan Steering Committee comprised of both board and staff members meets with a OneSource team regularly to help us prioritize our needs and initiatives. We are currently working on securing sources of income beyond membership and events. I look forward to keeping you updated on this important work.
The past year has been a great accelerant for change and our “hibernation” has provided an opportunity to assess where we are, embrace the change, and find our way forward. However you greet spring, may you find continued hope and purpose as we refocus our future together.
Jill Fedon
[email protected]
While many speak of new beginnings and rebirth, for me and my family, spring is the time we emerge from hibernation. In December, I love winter, snow, and the cold air. Cozy sweaters, boots, hats, and gloves are fun, and the prospect of a snow day makes me giddy. But by the end of February, I am over it. This year in particular, winter felt much longer and darker, and I eagerly crawl out from my dormant dwelling to welcome the longer days, warmer sun, and signs of spring.
While normal is not here yet, there are signs that our hibernation is coming to an end in the handbell world as well. Many choirs and ensembles who have been unable to rehearse are making plans to gather again to make music this spring, summer, or fall. Virtual and in-person events are also being planned. Gigs and concerts are being scheduled. Everything may be subject to change but planning for the future continues to give us hope and purpose.
The national board met for a long weekend in March for their biannual meeting. This is our third meeting online and while we are focused and accomplish a lot during our three days together, we miss the fellowship of gathering around a table and are hopeful we can do so again this coming fall. The purpose of the national board and the goal of our meetings is to focus our attention outwardly, on our stakeholders and the future of the organization. Planning for the future is the business of the board.
Besides our financial future, much of our conversation centered around four groups of handbell musicians: education, community groups, church groups, and soloists. Handbell Happy Hours have been a wonderful way to remain connected with each other and some of the future meetings will take shape around these four groups. Committees on community groups and handbells in education have begun meeting and are doing great work to develop benefits and programs in these areas.
As previously shared, the board also accepted the resignation of At-Large Director, Kyle Webber. We are grateful for Kyle’s service to Handbell Musicians of America and the national board and wish him all the best on his future endeavors. In accordance with our bylaws, the board deliberated over numerous candidates to fill the vacancy and are pleased to announce the appointment of Carlos E. Rivera-Aponte. You can read more about Carlos on our website.
A Business Plan Steering Committee comprised of both board and staff members meets with a OneSource team regularly to help us prioritize our needs and initiatives. We are currently working on securing sources of income beyond membership and events. I look forward to keeping you updated on this important work.
The past year has been a great accelerant for change and our “hibernation” has provided an opportunity to assess where we are, embrace the change, and find our way forward. However you greet spring, may you find continued hope and purpose as we refocus our future together.
Jill Fedon
[email protected]
Jill Fedon
National Board President
