As I get ready to head out to Camp B tomorrow, it seems odd to be writing something that people won’t read until Camp B is long over. Things seem to happen quickly, and the delay from the time of this writing to publication can make this obsolete in the blink of an eye. One of the changes since last newsletter is that we have a new board member/Treasurer – James Tobin. He will be taking over from Carmen Chacon for the remainder of the year and hopefully will continue next year. Speaking of next year, if you would like to participate in running this organization of yours, you can contact Anastasia Miller about running for a Board position. Election time is coming soon. We also have a new webmaster, Sabah Al-Dhaher, so if you have anything you would like to see on our web page, you can contact him. I’m sure there are other changes I should tell you about, but I still have to pack for Camp B. But—wasn’t that way back in July?
For those of you who are new to NWSSA, or those of us who are still trying to keep up with the constant changes of a volunteer organization, I've put together a little overview of our existing structure with the people who help us accomplish all that we do. There are many people who volunteer to help out with our various endeavors who are not listed in this overview, but the intent of this is for you to see who you can contact if you have an interest in helping out in an area for which you have energy or expertise. Due to the fact that we all have busy lives outside NWSSA, there is a constant need for people who have a little extra time to spare helping to keep all of our delicately balanced plates spinning happily. So if you can lend a helping hand in some way, this organization outline will help you get in touch with someone.
Due to a number of circumstances, one event that has been cancelled from our schedule this year is the Thetis Island Symposium in B.C. in September. Although it is not a part of our scheduled events, there are a number of people in B.C. who are trying very hard to make something happen this year, for which we send our best wishes. We'll keep you informed of updates
Since there was no board meeting in February to inspire the president’s message, I thought that I would take this opportunity to share my recent experiences with technological communication.
In the process of trying to get a handle on our organization, I found that communication with our widespread membership is immensely enhanced by many modern marvels. I’m not quite as steeped in the stone age as I used to be, but I found that I wasn’t as technologically current as my fellow board members, and needed to update to stay in the loop. So, I set up an email address through the internet at my local library (for FREE), turned on my fax machine, and hooked up a new printer to my old computer. I still can’t send my “presidents message” by file, through my email to the newsletter committee, but I’m getting closer. Between my telephone, home computer, fax, answering machine, and new email, keeping the communication loop moving through our membership is easier than carting carved stone tablets around. Although my new email capability is a good informational tool, telephone and in-person conversations are still my preferred way of really “communicating”. The technological communication capabilities that are available can really help do the organizational work that needs to get done, but I’d still rather be carving.
Also, don’t forget that our NWSSA web site can help keep you informed about what’s happening between newsletters, and let you share information on your pet interest. Check it out.
I would like to wish you all a wonderful new millennium of stone sculpting and artistic fulfillment. On behalf of everyone, I would like to thank Kirk McLean for his last two years of service as President, and his continuation as board member for the coming year. I would also like to welcome our new board members: June Bloye, Leon White, and Ken Barnes, as well as Meredith Earls, who will be returning to fill the remaining year of Patty McPhee’s term.
As we start a new millennium I feel that we have a very strong NWSSA. Much of the infrastructure of our organization is in place thanks to the energy of many, many people over the past years. Our membership meetings, sculpture exhibits, workshops and symposia, all give us opportunities to gather and share our mutual passions. Our newsletter allows us to share ideas and information with a membership spread out over a vast region of the northwest and Canada. All of this from a bunch of stone sculptors who volunteer their time and energy. Not too shabby. Please give yourselves a hand!
If any of you have ideas, constructive input, overflowing energy, gobs of money, or anything else you would like to contribute to your organization, please contact one of your board members or committee chairpersons to let them know your interests.
