News for February 2012

Thanks to all our volunteers for offering their time and talent to promote Partners’ mission of “Bringing People and the Arts Together.”

From the Desk of Your Partners’ President: Amidst all of the running around that I did last Christmas, I ran into one of our Partners in the lobby where she works.   I hadn’t seen her since last summer, and sometimes I have to do a “double take” to recognize folks when they don’t have that familiar green work shirt on.  I started up some small talk about the holidays and looked forward to seeing her next season.

She looked away from me, and sheepishly said that she didn’t think that she would be coming back.  The information booth, she lamented, was hot, tempers ran short and mostly, she said sourly, her feet hurt.  I could see that she was definitely showing signs of “volunteer burnout.”  “It’s just not worth the $50 for all of the hassle,” as she shuffled her files around in her arms.

Really? I thought. Does it really come down to a $50 membership fee or was there something more.

After talking about her feelings for another 20 minutes, it became clear that she felt she wasn’t appreciated to the time and commitment she made.   And therein lies the problem.  We all get out of our volunteer experience exactly what we put into it. For many, it’s simply a way to trade one’s time to get in to The Pavilion to see live performances for free. For others, it is the satisfaction of knowing that your effort made a difference.  A difference in helping the “seniors” from the local Assisted Living Centers find their seats at the symphony. Or, maybe it’s helping out with the children’s programs that reach so many in our community.

But for many of our Partners, they are looking for something more.  They want to make new friends, use their professional skills or creative talents. Make a contribution and make a difference.  If this sounds like something that you are looking for, then we are looking you.

Partners has many different committees that work behind the scenes to accomplish a myriad of tasks that need to be done.  Committees are small purpose-driven groups.  It’s a chance for you to show off your talents and make some lasting friendships.  It lets you get involved on an entirely different level than just working the events.

So… if you have skills and talents that you would like to share, and have a lot of fun at the same time, then get involved with a committee this season!  Come to our Partners Annual Meeting this Friday and find a group to get involved with!

I look forward to seeing many of you this Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the Wood Forest Bank Club at The Pavilion.

Diane Nielsen

Annual Meeting – Partners will hold its Annual Meeting on Fri., Feb. 24 in the Woodforest Bank Club at The Pavilion.  The social time begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting at 7 p.m.  This is a great way to meet and greet fellow Partners.  Come hear the latest updates on the new 2012 season.  There will be opportunities to sign up for the educational outreach events, wine dinner and a variety of committees.  Watch for an evite with additional information.  See you there!

Membership Fees Due by March 1 – If you have not already returned your membership fee, please visit us online at www.woodlandscenter.org for complete membership information.  The membership fee must be paid before volunteers may log on to the staff calendar or volunteer for an event.  Thanks for your support of Partners.

Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival - Approximately 1,000 volunteers are needed for The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival in Town Center on April 14-15, 2012.   Volunteers are asked to work a four hour shift and, in exchange, receive free admission to the festival and a commemorative t-shirt featuring artwork by Amos Amit.  Volunteer positions include artist relations, festival admissions, gate monitor and greeters, entertainment assistants, children’s art activities, souvenir sales and student art exhibit.  Volunteers must be 18 years or older.  For details, visit www.woodlandsartsfestival.com.  The online registration form is now available.

Please indicate that you would like your volunteer hours to benefit THE PAVILION PARTNERS when you report for each shift. Partners is one of the festival’s charity partners and receives a percentage of the WWAF community donation based on its volunteer hours.  You do not need to be an event volunteer or even a member of Partners to participate.  Event volunteers will receive one event credit per volunteer shift.

Please sign up for The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival through their website and not The Pavilion event staff calendar.    

14^th Annual Wine Dinner -   Partners 14^th Annual Wine Dinner will be held Sun., March 25 on the main stage of The Pavilion.  Come enjoy hors d’oeuvres, dinner and premier wines while offering your support for Partners’ scholarship program and The Pavilion’s educational outreach programs. It’s time to make your reservation by contacting Christine Scully at cscully@woodlandscenter.org.  The ticket price is $200 per person and tables may be reserved to seat eight guests. Seating is limited.

Auction items are needed for this event.  If you have access to sports tickets or memorabilia, condos for skiing, fishing or the beach, special golf packages, boat trips, spa packages, etc. please contact committee co-chairman, Randy Lowry, at wrl47@comcast.net.  Donations are tax deductible and would be greatly appreciated.  

Woman of Distinction – Partners will honor Leslie Williams at the Montgomery County Women’s Council of Organizations 2012 Women of Distinction Luncheon on Fri., April 27.  The luncheon will be held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott beginning with a silent auction at 10:30 a.m. followed by the luncheon.  The program will feature the “Heart-Lites” who will perform Hit Parade songs from 1911-1938 as well as songs from the 50’s and 60’s.  The cost is $50.  To make a reservation, please contact Keith Ferry at ferry_keith@hotmail.com by March 8.

Congratulations to JoAnne & Randy Lowry – Service of Excellence Award recipients.  The Lowrys will be honored at the Interfaith “Five Who Share” Spring Luncheon on March 9 beginning at 11:30 a.m.  The luncheon will be held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel.  The cost is $125.  To reserve a place at the Partners table, please contact Keith Ferry at ferry_keith@hotmail.com.

The Pavilion Buzz - Sign up to receive The Pavilion Buzz, your link to the nerve center of The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, home of The Pavilion!  This periodical source of information will give you insight about “hot” topics and events at The Pavilion.  To join, visit www.woodlandscenter.org. 

Again, thank you for your loyalty and dedication to The Pavilion. Partners looks forward to your continued support in 2012.