One could say, I’ve been working on this message for nearly thirteen years. So, thank you Donna Briggs for allowing me to take over your column this month. Makes me happy!
Many of you don’t know me, but certainly many of you do. I’m Britt’s Director of House Operations, Bow Seltzer, and I’m retiring in a few months.
Jacksonville is not my home, but it has certainly felt like my home away from home during my years on the Hill. Working in Jacksonville has no downside. You’re greeted with charm as you make your way through this beautiful historic town and you rub elbows with a mixed bag of people who either live here, shop here, dine here and/or come here for entertainment. Jacksonville…you are one of those lucky small towns!
Over the years, I’ve worked with many dedicated and talented individuals who end up feeling like family. Whether these individuals are permanent staff, seasonal staff or Britt Society volunteers, (it doesn’t matter) they have made my life on the Hill joyful, meaningful and memorable. Collectively, we have all worked hard over the years to make upgrades and improvements in the office and at the venue to help ensure that generations to come will continue to enjoy fun evenings in your town and on the Britt Hill.
Let me finish with one of my backstage stories. In 2010, Steve Martin came to perform on the Britt stage. In days prior, I couldn’t help but fantasize about sharing belly laughs, becoming best friends and eventually writing screen plays together (worthy of Academy Awards). Remember… this was just a silly thought. That day, when I got to the venue, Mr. Martin was already there sitting in the greenroom with his dog. I walked by with no eye contact and continued my way to the production office. I was quickly told by production, “We are not to engage Mr. Martin (at all) and please spread the word to staff and volunteers.” Privately I thought, there goes my fantasy… …right out the window. I continued to walk past him several more times throughout the day, and then it happened: Mr. Martin suddenly jumps up from his chair and confronts me face to face. His first words were, “Excuse me, you look like someone who could help me.” I thought to myself, how did he know, and then he said, “When I arrived, I was told someone would iron my clothes.” Darn, I said to myself and then I told him, “You certainly don’t want me to be the person to iron your clothes but let’s go find someone who is good with an iron.” So off we went and eventually his clothes were ironed and mine were still wrinkled.
Friendships and memories have been made… that’s for sure!