News & Notes May 2014
From the SVA President
Recently my son suggested I read the book Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. I read and enjoyed the book, but, at the same time, I thought “This book is for young people!” As I have observed the SVA chairs, vice chairs, team leaders and active volunteers wrap up their assignments for 2013-2014, I’m thinking:
- These SVA members know exactly what they are doing
- Problems don’t seem nearly as insurmountable one day later
- Delegation of labor really works
- Ignore the small stuff
- Resolve differences of opinion quickly
- Ask an experienced person for their opinion
- A smile and a thank you almost always works
Better yet—I’m going to "steal like an artist" and add the skills and talents that the SVA board, team leaders, and volunteers are using to my set of skills.
Working with the Symphony Volunteer Association is a humbling experience because I am part of a symphony of artists—professional volunteers. Many thanks for a year of extraordinary leadership and hard work from all of you.
Regards,
Sara Fabick
President
St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association
p: 314-822-1183
SVA BOARD NOTES
A Wine and Appetizer Reception for the STL Symphony Staff will be given by the SVA board and team leaders on Thur, May 15 from 4:30-6:30pm. Newly elected SVA chairs and vice chairs will be invited to the reception as guests of the retiring board.
Highlights of the Spring Membership Meeting on Friday, May 2, will be reported in the June issue of News & Notes. The new slate of officers will be presented. At this time all but one of the positions has been filled thanks to the incredible work of Phyllis Traub and her intrepid Nominating Committee.
By Laws Chair Jean Saunders has offered continuous advisory support to the Executive Committee and President throughout the year. The SVA has an excellent but not restrictive set of by laws. Jean considers questions seriously and offers sound judgment in helping with decisions. With an organizational history of almost 90 years Jean is helping to assure that wise decisions are made in the SVA.
EDUCATION
Can you assist Instrument Playground with the Children's Corner at Gypsy Caravan?
Please contact Marilyn Holmes if you can help with one or both of the two shifts on Monday, May 26 at The Family Arena:
9:30am-noon
Noon-2:30pm
FUNDRAISING
Chair Anne von der Heydt had praise for every single member of the Parties of Note Pick a Party! crew after the special evening on Sunday, April 27 at Plaza Frontenac.
Liz Cox’s announced engagement at Pick a Party! added to the excitement for all of the romantics at heart on the rainy, spring evening.
Noteworthy remarks from Anne: “As always, working up to the bitter end, Amee Colvin was still smiling while schlepping items in the rain. Our projects are in no small part a success because of her efforts. To my partner in crime Linda Lee, there are no words to describe the impact your attention to detail, poise and tireless energy have on making the Pick a Party! such a great event. Thank you to all!"
The committee has come up with 26 parties, most are entirely new to the project. Click here to view the 2014-2015 Parties of Note Catalog.
As you can imagine, the Gypsy Caravan crew is hard at work. Anyone who knows Janice Seele knows she’s an artist, but her management skills are extraordinary as she calmly leads the steering committee of Gypsy Caravan.
You have to be in the Centene office listening to Gerry Frankenfeld fielding telephone calls from vendors to see another artist at work. Gerry can make the word “NO!” sound like he’s offering cookies and milk to the caller. Gerry, Dotti Fischer, Jane McNeil and Steve Knapp are the office Gypsy groupies as they process Gypsy business several days a week.
What is Bev Cox’s artistic secret as she fills 250 timeslots in the Gypsy weekend schedules? Bev has many computer skills, but her smiles and thanks when you take one of her volunteer slots are nice, too.
Keep checking your e-mails for updates on Gypsy from now until May 26.
SVA OFFICE
SVA Office Location and Directions
Centene Center for Arts and Education
3547 Olive St., Suite 370
St. Louis, MO 63103
Office Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
SVA committee meetings can be scheduled at the SVA office with Amee Colvin, Director of Volunteer Activities.
A member of your SVA committee should be available in the Centene Center lobby to let you into the building. If you arrive late and no one is there, use the call box at the street entrance. Scroll down to "Symphony Volunteer Association," hit the call button, and Amee will respond. You may also call the office directly at 314-289-4168 for building entrance.
