News From Britt Hill – October 2019

I am dedicating this entire column to one man.

Dear Bow, this letter is one way of letting you know how much the Board, staff and most importantly, Britt Society Volunteers appreciate you.

Your tireless commitment as Britt’s House Manager over the past twelve years has been nothing short of extraordinary. We have been impressed and amazed by your gentle-handed leadership skills. Your ability to keep the team of 300 volunteers enthusiastic throughout every season is nothing short of a miracle. Acting as a compassionate guidance counselor, year after year, you succeeded in interviewing and training new volunteers to be productive and cohesive members of the team. Laurin Parker, President of the Britt Society says, “Bow’s approach to managing the Britt Hill has been to embrace us all like family. He is the epitome of understanding and warmth. His presence on the Hill, both in mentoring the volunteers and in enhancing the experience of all concert goers he comes in contact with, enriches everything Britt has come to represent.”

Employing your leadership skills, you pushed management to make the Hill a safer place for patrons, volunteers and staff. Many of the capital improvements made over the last decade are in large part due to your insistence and persistence. We heard you.

We also thank you for agreeing to be a part of the succession plan even when we really know that you just want to be shipped-wrecked in the South Pacific on your big retirement birthday. Your willingness to stay on through June 2020 to train your successor demonstrates your devotion to Britt and our community.

The old saying holds true, you are going to be a tough act to follow. However, I am confident that your Britt Society will rise to the occasion and welcome the new House Manager with supportive and open arms.

We will miss your good-natured charm. We will miss your uncanny ability to bring thoughtful resolution to disputes. We will miss your funny personality and corny jokes. We will simply miss you.

Your contributions to Britt cannot be overstated. You leave Britt better off than when you came. That is something that you can own and can take with you as you begin the next chapter.

Morning has broken, like the first morning

Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird

Praise for the singing, praise for the morning

Praise for them springing fresh from the world

Sweet the rain’s new fall, sunlit from heaven

Like the first dewfall, on the first grass

Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden

Sprung in completeness where his feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning

Born of the one light, Eden saw play

Praise with elation, praise every morning

God’s recreation of the new day

Cat Stevens

Fare Foreword, Donna Briggs