Rooted

The oldest tree in Missouri is found less than 10 miles from my home in Columbia. It is a Burr Oak that is projected to be 350-400 years old. Its trunk is over 12 feet in diameter, and it reaches 60 feet tall. It stands alone in the bottom lands not far from the Missouri River, surrounded by land that is currently the home of a farmer’s corn fields.

The tree has withstood temperatures from -10° to 110°; it has survived vandalism, and its trunk has been painted on more than one occasion. In the thousand-year flood of 1993, the tree stood for weeks in nine feet of water. With roots reaching deep into the fertile land, the majestic Burr Oak has survived and prospered. Above ground, the oak appears to change with each season: its colors change, the leaves fall and are replaced in the spring, and new branches stretch to the sun while others fall away.

Handbell Musicians of America, like the Missouri Burr Oak, is deeply rooted. It is rooted with a history of wonderful people sharing their time, energies, and talents to create an organization that would unite people through a musical art. Our founders designed a structure for success. They worked to ensure stability, and this organization moved from dining room tables to corporate board rooms, all the while keeping its mission to provide a musical organization for anyone interested in participating. Just like the Burr Oak, this organization has survived its share of challenges, and yet, its deep roots have helped us to prosper. Sure, we look different today than we did 20 years ago—change happens—leaves drop and return in the spring, new branches reach to the sun, while others fall away. We will not look the same 20 years from now either, but I am convinced that our roots are deep and will nourish us as we journey through the years ahead.

As inevitable as the seasons, change comes, and my tenure as president will conclude at the end of September. It is difficult to express the love and respect I hold for Handbell Musicians of America: its leadership, its members, and every ringer it represents. I am honored and humbled to have been a small part of our organization’s journey—to feed and strengthen a few roots while adhering to the ever changing landscape of our art.

As a new team begins their tenure, let me express some thanks. I offer my love and admiration to those who planted this organization and nourished its roots. I am grateful to have known several of our founders and to have heard their stories. I am grateful to Joyce Rosenquist and Marilyn Hines for their encouragement to serve the Guild, starting as state treasurer. I am grateful to Don Brown of William Jewell College, for his encouragement to join the bell choir and have the opportunity to work with Don Allured every year when he came to the college. Thanks to my Area 8 board, friends, and supporters. Special thanks to some of our saints: Otis and Lucille Mumaw, Harry and Mary Kettelhut, and Ione Burham.

What a ride! I have been on the national board now on four occasions. Twice as Area 8 chair, once as Area 8 representative to the national board, and now, as president of the board of directors. My first meeting was unusual—40 type-A individuals dealing with the minutia of the organization. I must say I learned a lot. As Area 8 representative, I was on the board that abolished the board and the Guild’s governing structure. Now that was an interesting meeting! And how grateful I am that the new board structure occurred before I was elected president.

Once I became president-elect, it was with great trepidation that I arrived at my first meeting. I really didn’t know the board members very well, and the whole structure was new to me. But what a wonderful experience this has turned out to be. Lee Afdahl, who was president at the time, was a quiet and incredibly effective leader. Phil Roberts and Stephanie Wiltse were understanding of this group of newbies and most supportive. I am grateful that these three individuals were there for us to watch and learn from. They too planted many a strong root.

The group that I have worked with for six years—Jessica Westgard-Larson, Stephanie Rhoades and Steve Shorney—are the cream of the crop. Their work ethic is incredible, their love for this organization is deeply rooted, they each have wonderful strengths that serve our organization well, and I am honored to have worked with them and to be able to call them friends. The rest of our current board—PL Grove (president-elect), Jennifer Vangolen, and Derek Nance—are well suited to lead this organization into the future. We leave the organization in good hands. These three have been a terrific addition to the board, they have brought wisdom and foresight, and they understand that the future is ever changing. So to all six of these, my favorite people, thanks! (And I may have to do Facebook now just to keep in touch.)

Sincere appreciation to our gifted Executive Director, Jenny Cauhorn. It has been a delight to have worked with you to continue to grow and strengthen our organization. The list of her accomplishments in 10 years as our ED is astonishing. Jenny loves handbells, and it shows in her love for this organization.

Finally, to my kids, Emily and Scott Dahm, Ryan Stoll, and Katie Windle, your support and encouragement is a gift. I am blessed. To Deb Carr, my wife…“there were bells in the air but I never heard them ringing, till there was you!” Loves.

Now, let’s keep deepening our roots and strengthening Handbell Musicians of America! Thanks for the ride!

Anytime you’re travelling down I-70 through Columbia, stop by and say hello. I’ll even drive you by the Burr Oak! (with appreciation to the editor of the Columbia Daily Tribune for the Burr Oak comparison)

Ed Rollins [email protected]