March Update
As March ushered in a new spring, so too did the volunteer program go through a lot of changes in short order! As April rolls in, we have a bunch of opportunities going live. Biggest of all is of course Muiskfest’s 40th anniversary; but Concerts on the Grange, Upper Mac Days, and the Levitt Pavilion 2023 season cover so much of the summer as well. It’s going to be months of warm sun and great music, and we hope that you’ll join us for these great events. Be sure to review the calendar in the first section of this newsletter so you know exactly which days to check back on the portal for new positions!
Our volunteer program has had a few shakeups this month, the biggest of which is that Sarah Yost has left ArtsQuest to finish out the rest of her college semesters as a full-time student! While we are sad to see her go, we know that she’s going on to accomplish great things and will be a dream hire for whatever opportunity comes next. Sarah had an undeniable impact on our volunteer program as a strong leader and a fierce friend. She streamlined and improved several procedures and practices that made our lives easier not just in this past year but for years to come. It’s always tough to say goodbye to a friend but I know she’ll be back again—maybe to enjoy a mug at Musikfest, if not filling it!
Even with the departure, we have new arrivals as well. We have finally filled our full-time vacancy, and I am happy to announce that Parker Ryan will be joining the team as our Volunteer Program Assistant Manager. He will represent the department at ArtsQuest events and meetings and be the primary point of contact for our amazing volunteer group partners.
Parker has a lot of transferable skills working as a manager in the service industry, and he is no stranger to large events having previously coordinated art shops at amusement parks and other similar venues. I’m excited for what he will bring to the table and for you all to meet him. Be sure to review his introduction in this newsletter to learn more.
While we search for a third member of the team, I am also happy to say that we have new volunteers to our Volunteer Committee for 2023. Alan King, Kim Letourneau, and Miriam Pitkoff have all joined the committee to offer new ideas, expert feedback, and generally keep me in line! As with all new additions to the committee, you’ll get to hear from them in a committee spotlight in next month’s newsletter. Remember that the Committee is your voice within ArtsQuest’s committee and board structure, so be sure to congratulate Alan, Kim, and Miriam when you get the chance and pass feedback their way when something comes to you onsite.
April showers don’t just bring May flowers: April will also bring a ton more opportunity for YOU to get involved with ArtsQuest Programming! Between the new positions going live, the Musikfest application, and Volunteer Appreciation Week, there will be something to enjoy every single week. There’s never been a better time to hop on board if you’ve been on the fence. You won’t want to miss the show.
Thank you for everything that you do,
Cory Stevens
Volunteer Program Manager
