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Health & Fitness

Volunteer!

The importance of volunteering, the new GBAC Directory and GBAC at the Winthrop Arts Festival

This month I want to concentrate on the importance of volunteerism. Do you volunteer? How?  

We have become a world of Facebook, e-readers, computer nerds and sedentary souls! Spring is a good time for everyone to step up to the plate and join a group, or become more active in a group you have already joined. 

The board of directors is meant to guide and direct and cannot, or even wants to, do all the work involved to run an organization, support its events, and make difference in the community.   

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For example, the Greater Brandon Arts Council has a board of 14 directors, and an advisory committee of four. We do not create events for this group alone, but want to draw in the community to enjoy the  camaraderie and pleasures of meeting new friends and finding and expanding new interests.    

The GBAC and other organizations urge everyone with a special interest or skill set to join a club, organization. league or group and become active as your time allows. Allot a few hours a week to this endeavor and reap the rewards of helping your community grow and expand its horizons. And, if you are on a board of directors, examine your participation and try to increase your activities to include more time for your group! An organization is only successful  if its participants pitch in and use their talents toward the mission of that group. SO, bottom line: get out and participate and reap the rewards!

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I am sad to say that the Gallery Hop, “Find the Hidden Treasures of Brandon," has been cancelled for September 2012. Because of scheduling conflicts with the participating organizations, we are omitting the Hop this year. It is hoped that it will be reinstated  in 2013 and perhaps even have a different format and schedule. If you have a comment, please contact me at 813-655-2773, Roxanne Tobaison at 813-685-1627 or Dawn Galia at 813-685-8888.   

On to a more positive note, the GBAC online directory is soon to be up and running. Go to the website (info@brandonarts.org ) if you are interested in being included or need to add/change your information. Our web director, Kevin Weilbacher, has worked long and hard on this project and it is going to be a great asset to The greater Brandon area. Check it out!

The GBAC plans to participate in the activities at the Children’s Tent at the Winthrop Arts Festival on March 24 and 25. Call Minnette Webster  (813-689-8041) if you can volunteer some time bringing art activities to our local kids.

Remember, your special skills can be shared and your love of all things art can be spread  in our community by your volunteer efforts!

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