President's Message
Cherish yesterday… dream about tomorrow… live today.
It’s always exciting to take a step back and see where we’ve come from and look ahead to where we are going. But it’s equally important to enjoy the moment at hand, for it is the thread that binds the other two. This is as true for an organization as it is for an individual. It is time to look back at our wonderful association and those that have made it what it is today. A heartfelt Thank You to Diana Brandt for steering us with such passion and love these past two years as President. She has seen to it that KESNE is strong, motivated and poised to move into the future. We must also thank Tim Brandt, Meredith Napolitano, Charlie Eirmann and Jeff Rhone for their continued guidance and support as we greet the New Year. However you look at it, It takes a whole village… or Many hands make light work… it takes all of us, including you, to move this organization to be the best that it can be.
We look ahead with a dream to add to this firm foundation by reaching out in ways, both large and small, to serve your needs. As you grow, we grow. Be on the lookout for some new exciting features in the coming months. Here are a few of our new endeavors:
THE KESNE KEYS
Monthly musings by your board members on topics large and small; but always important and pertinent. Our first one concerns the ins and outs of the audition process for OAKE National Honors Choir. It is a timely. well written piece by Keira Brown, our Member at Large, full of great information that will calmly and logically guide you through the process.
MINI REPORTS
These will be up-to date postings on timely topics, job opportunities, concerts,
or anything that may be of interest to you. Be sure to e-mail Donna Menhart (menhart@hartford.edu) if there is anything you would like posted.
MEET, GREET, AND EAT
Stay and continue our workshop discussions over a complimentary lite lunch and beverage; sometimes subs, sometimes salads, sometimes soups, but always fun, informative and delicious.
MINI TAG SALES
Summer is the time to clean out our cupboards anyway. This is a great way for veteran teachers to clean out their duplicates and for students and new teachers to build up their library. Please bring your treasures to any workshop. Contact Colleen Olson at colson@windsorct.org with any questions.
RAFFLE DRAWINGS
Some for membership, others for special registrations and some,
just for the fun of it.
ARCHIVE/HISTORY SECTION
Look for this new feature to be added to our website. It is most important for us to know where we came from and the founding ideals that are still strong today.
KESNE’S BIRTHDAY
There will be cake!
WORKSHOPS
We have a great series of workshops planned for you. Check them out on the KESNE website, which has been updated a little; let us know what you think.
NEW MEMBERS
This would also be a most appropriate time to introduce the new members of the KESNE dream team, who with Diana, Tim, Meredith, and Charlie will continue to bring you the very best. We would like to most warmly welcome Colleen Olson, who has graciously agreed to be our Vice President/President Elect, Donna Menhart, who brings her considerable skills to the position of Newsletter Editor and Member at Large, and Keira Brown, also a Member at Large. Please check out our website to learn more about these wonderful people. Please feel free to contact any one of us at any time. We welcome your views and your input.
This brings us to the today portion of our quote. Even though you have just begun your summer vacation (complete with classes to take, classes to teach, papers to write, degree and certification programs to finish, lessons to design and additional materials to master), take a moment to enjoy right where you are; proud of your past year but energized by future possibilities. It is also time to pause and enjoy right where we are, at the crossroads, proud of what has been accomplished and delighted and excited by what the future holds. As we head into this new school year, don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy right where you are, and the work and vision that has led you to this point in your journey. And celebrate those who have made and are making the journey with you. Ours is a collaborative art.
We look for and appreciate your comments, questions, suggestions, and most of all, your camaraderie and collegiality. We are your organization. See you on the website and at a workshop.
Enjoy the moment and enjoy the day.
Lillie