Work (I'm at the Office Today) - plus Volunteer Award
I'm at the office trying to catch up on the work that needs to be done here (rather than from home). There's quite a bit of it, so I've barely scratched the surface, I'm afraid. (sigh)
It's nice to see everyone! (I do miss the rest of the Staff when I'm away for so long.)
I really should mention that I'm going to receive a special
Volunteer Award
at the Summer Board Meeting, next Thursday.
Apparently it's a Lifetime Achievement Award for my volunteer service to the festival.
I couldn't help joking with Marilyn mistressmarilyn about it, as there's something a tiny bit ominous (smile) about getting anything that has the word 'lifetime' attached to it! But perhaps that isn't exactly how they plan to actually phrase it. I'll have to wait and see, I guess...
Anyway, joking aside, it's an incredible honor, no doubt about it. And I have spent a good chunk of my life doing volunteer work for the festival -- which I'm very proud of.
Marilyn had said this was the year she didn't think she could block me getting the 'Volunteer of the Year Award.' But instead of getting that award, I was told I was 'in a category all my own.' (I even had the nerve to directly ask if I was getting that award, which was probably brash of me, I guess. But I guess I was trying to clarify what was happening in advance...)
The phone call came from a festival Director, who invited me to attend the Summer Board Meeting. I told her I'd be there anyway, considering I was a Staff member -- which the woman in question didn't happen to know. Really? (She's clearly a bit out of the loop. Actually, that was confirmed for me by something that was said during lunch today...)
The thing is, at the festival Staff and Volunteer just don't work together in one category. You're either Staff (which is a paid position), or you're a Volunteer (which clearly is unpaid). Joining the Staff and remaining a Volunteer isn't the model for the festival -- and I suspect I may be the only one who has both titles, unless there are drastic changes in the future. (Never say never, after all.)
After work today we'll be going to Macadam's Bar & Grill to say 'goodbye' to Jenny...
As I've mentioned before, Staff changes are hard -- whether we're talking seasonal Staff or those who have been here for a long time, like Jenny. I knew this was coming, but I'm still sad. (Especially for Marilyn.)
Well, I need to get back to work!