by Jill Fedon
In the beginning of March, the board met in New Jersey for its annual spring board retreat. Besides summer events, we usually try to meet in person twice a year.
Jill Fedon
National Board President
This board retreat was a particularly unique one as it was the first and last time this board class was all together in person due to the pandemic, illness, and travel restrictions. It was the first time I met our executive director, Linda Onorevole, and board member Carlos Rivera-Aponte in person. While I am grateful for the video conferencing tools that allowed the board to continue its work, meeting on a screen is simply not the same. Our March meeting was truly special, and the energy in the room was electric.
Sitting around a conference table with Handbell Musicians of America’s mission, vision, and values statements written out in front of us, we visioned and brainstormed for the future of our organization. Everything we discussed was viewed through the lens of these statements. For the first time in a while, our vision was not so near-sighted and concerned with the impact of the pandemic or hiring a new executive director. The four pillars of solo and ensemble, faith-based, schools, and community ringing, along with our partnerships with Areas and the Handbell Industry Council were all thoughtfully considered. The result of conversations was a list of Ends (goals) for Linda and the staff to work towards in the coming fiscal year. In my six years on the board, I can’t remember being so excited for the Ends and all of the potential that lives within them.
This board class has been hard-working and creative despite the challenges we faced and working with each one has truly been an honor. Four of us will step off the board in September and a new class will be welcomed to continue the work we and the many board classes before us have begun. Congratulations to Kathryn, Lynn, Dave, and Kath as you embark on your new journey. Best wishes to Greig, Gillian, and Tracey, and thank you to Linda, Bill, and Carlos for your dedication, time, and passion. We all volunteer to run for these offices because we believe in Handbell Musicians of America. We believe in the artform and the mission of our organization and wish to help guide it into the future. And today, with Linda and the board’s leadership, there is much hope for the future of Handbell Musicians of America.
Jill Fedon
[email protected]
This board retreat was a particularly unique one as it was the first and last time this board class was all together in person due to the pandemic, illness, and travel restrictions. It was the first time I met our executive director, Linda Onorevole, and board member Carlos Rivera-Aponte in person. While I am grateful for the video conferencing tools that allowed the board to continue its work, meeting on a screen is simply not the same. Our March meeting was truly special, and the energy in the room was electric.
Sitting around a conference table with Handbell Musicians of America’s mission, vision, and values statements written out in front of us, we visioned and brainstormed for the future of our organization. Everything we discussed was viewed through the lens of these statements. For the first time in a while, our vision was not so near-sighted and concerned with the impact of the pandemic or hiring a new executive director. The four pillars of solo and ensemble, faith-based, schools, and community ringing, along with our partnerships with Areas and the Handbell Industry Council were all thoughtfully considered. The result of conversations was a list of Ends (goals) for Linda and the staff to work towards in the coming fiscal year. In my six years on the board, I can’t remember being so excited for the Ends and all of the potential that lives within them.
This board class has been hard-working and creative despite the challenges we faced and working with each one has truly been an honor. Four of us will step off the board in September and a new class will be welcomed to continue the work we and the many board classes before us have begun. Congratulations to Kathryn, Lynn, Dave, and Kath as you embark on your new journey. Best wishes to Greig, Gillian, and Tracey, and thank you to Linda, Bill, and Carlos for your dedication, time, and passion. We all volunteer to run for these offices because we believe in Handbell Musicians of America. We believe in the artform and the mission of our organization and wish to help guide it into the future. And today, with Linda and the board’s leadership, there is much hope for the future of Handbell Musicians of America.
Jill Fedon
[email protected]
Jill Fedon
National Board President
