Third, as you think back over your involvement in the organization, what roadblocks have been most challenging?
The most challenging roadblock has been the transition within the board. Continuing challenges include the need for funding to pay our staff competitively and to continue growing our organization. However, I still have some board members who are very conservative about how we should budget next year for staff and artistic director compensation. There is some tension about this, but it is not impeding us greatly. Of course, it would be nice to have a large endowment, as our endowment is quite small.
Fourth, what experiences within the organization have given you the most meaning and satisfaction?
Without question, getting through the earlier board crisis with minimal breakage has been very satisfying. Another is that our artistic programs are growing significantly in quality and audience appreciation. It is extremely satisfying to see our community’s interest in chamber music grow. The flip side is to avoid becoming a victim of our own success. Having our first sell-out ever (audience of 475 for the Vienna Boys Choir concert) enables us to see what staffing will be required to manage the large concerts and attendance. Success always brings another set of challenges.
10. I want to ask you three additional questions about your civic life:
First, what motivates or inspires you to engage in civic activities and causes?
I am motivated by the fun of seeing things happen as the result of the efforts of others and myself. It gives me great personal satisfaction. And it feels good to put my shoulder to the wheel and help make this a better community. There is a lot of need. The carrot and the stick both apply. I hate to see needs in the community unmet. I would like to do more with kids in the future when I have more time.
Second, do you feel that you are sacrificing anything in your life by being deeply involved in our community’s civic organizations?
Yes and no. My answer is “no” in the sense that I do what I do by choice, and “yes” when my involvement conflicts with things I need to do around my property or other business to attend to. I am probably over-committed right now in volunteer activities and feel a need at times to wind down a bit. But I remind myself that I chose to commit at this level of activity. So fundamentally I don’t feel a sense of personal sacrifice, and I enjoy what I am going.
Download Article 1K Club
