Note from the Chair
I’m living in a Virtual World. Little did I know last March how much I would depend upon a laptop, iPad and phone to participate in worship, conduct meetings, gather with friends and family, order food and supplies, read a book, and so much more. By the time you see this message, the virtual version of the Handbell Musicians of America’s National Seminar will have taken place. And in early August, there will be a virtual HMA Leadership Meeting. No airplane trips to be “in the room where it happens” with other Area and National leaders, handbell composers and arrangers, respected clinicians, industry leaders and handbell enthusiasts from all over the country and world. I appreciate that all this technical connection is possible but I miss the human connection. I look forward to the day that we can meet in person again.
On the plus side of staying home, I have taken the opportunity to engage in some of the “old school” ways of connecting with people: by phone and letter. While it seems as though “everyone” has a smart phone or computer, I soon learned that a significant number of my congregation have neither. It’s been nice to have a phone conversation or to send a note to some of the people that I would see sitting in “their” pews each Sunday but who I didn’t always engaged with other than briefly.
Speaking of connections, it was great to connect with so many Area 7 people via email in May! I appreciate the thoughtful responses I received to the questions on ringing safety that HMA Interim Executive Director, Ed Rollins, had requested. Check out the Handbell Industry Council’s website on Covid information. Their “Quick Guide” includes many of the suggestions made by our members. Also included on that site is “A Director’s Perspective” (by Amy Maakestad) and “Resources for Ringing.” Note: My apologies if you did not receive an email. I will continue to update members’ contact information but if you don’t hear from me, please feel free to send me a message ([email protected]).
On September 30, 2020, we will be saying goodbye to two of our Area 7 Board members, Karen Van Wert (6 years Chair track) and Deanna Clemen (4 years Treasurer). Their dedication, thoughtful insights, innovative ideas, and fiscal and organizational diligence are greatly appreciated. While it has been a much quieter end to their terms of service than a Festival celebration would have been, we are no less sincere in our gratitude for all they have done for Area 7. Their knowledge and expertise will always be welcome.
On the journey with you.
Anita Fraundorf, Area 7 Chair