Luck!

"I don't know anything about luck. I never banked on it and I'm afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: hard work - and realizing what is opportunity and what isn't." - Lucille Ball, Actress-comedian (1911-1989)

     The people of Western New York know Lucy Ball well. She came from our southern tier area, where they maintain a museum and hold an annual event celebrating her life. So when I saw this quote from her the other week I was curious about the latest on the redheaded comic. (Our local paper runs many of these, so I look for them.) Words to this effect have been stated otherwise many times, and isn't it true enough - to a greater extent, we make our own luck!

     Most members realize the Association is going to take substantial hard work for a better outlook. The current difficulty is finding those who will assist the progress at their level. It is all too easy for anyone to stand on the sidelines and say what is wrong. We need some to get in the game and work with what is right, or making it right for a better game. I have asked for volunteers to step up to the task previously, but little has emerged in the way of help. Maybe the word isn't getting out enough and maybe the masses are deferring for a better opportunity. Folks, there aren't better vacancies than this. Your best bet to aid the cause is today. Talents of all measure are useful to the Association right now in just about any area.

     I recently posted an announcement of Doug Farley appointed to Chair the Recruitment, Promotion and Publicity Committee. Members from every district are needed to help. The committees all need assistance if you're interested, and the thing is; if you are not interested, who is ... how will the work get done?

     I was concerned about doing work at the level I am now committed to, I have enough problems within the NYP District to keep me occupied. Retirement was supposed to get you out around new scenery meeting new people and doing the things you had "put off". Well ... that is some of what is happening! It might have been different if I had no interest in the administrations of the Association prior to retirement. My desire stems from our Glee Club activities which have been so much a part of my life, and I wish to give back some of the benefit I gained. I, like many others, have just worked my way to this place now. Not to begrudge any others from gratification of just hanging out, I happily indulge them. My observation, however, is that the "normal percentage" of leaders has not shown themselves for any duty yet. There is due justification for concern.

Love!

"Who so loves believes the impossible" - Elizabeth Barrett Browning, English poet (1806-1861)

     It was a good sign to have many of the familiar leaders step up to the task for reorganization. It's great to share that confidence with them, to have their conviction. Also good to have people like Bob Torburg and Paul Carlton joining the grind, new to me and already displaying solid effort. You may have noted the recent posting of Doug Farley to a committee chair (Recruitment, Promotion and Publicity) responding to new work and adding to our efforts. All of us need people to help with the work and it doesn't have to mean giving up a lot to support the area you choose. Now is usually the best time to offer your help but some of us hesitate. Dave Thomas stated it quite well:

"I guess many people complain that AMCA offers NOTHING but they probably don't consider that each of us is AMCA. AMCA is the members and not some unknown entity "out there somewhere". If members do not "get involved" and contribute things, there is no AMCA." (Thanks, Dave!)

Work!

     Was that kismet? ... karma? What brought the above statements together at this time for me to write another article? Probably nothing more than the areas of interest I keep at the center of my thoughts for the Association - the themes of what to do next and how to get members interested in helping. And some people have asked, over the years, that same question holding back many of us from just doing something, from getting involved - What makes you think you can make a difference? Well, another quote just arrived with the paper:

"Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed." - Mark Twain (1835-1910)

Best regards Ric Addenbrooke