Tilted Planet Press
Recently, I resigned as president of Friends of Barton Springs Pool, effective at the next board meeting. This marks a turning point for me, and for FBSP. But the work goes on.
I launched FBSP almost six years ago to rescue the pool from neglect. Devoting all my spare time and a good part of my work week to the pool was not in my personal plans, but I saw the need and I answered. While sometimes frustrating, the work was tremendously enjoyable. I made a lot of friends, learned a lot about the pool, got in the water a lot, and met with interesting people in some of the finest beer joints in town.
I took a sabbatical from FBSP in 2008 to run for office. That was even more intense. Steve Barnick served as president during that period, and he is now my ideal for what an ex-president of FBSP should be.
My personal pattern, through the years, has been to move from thought to action, thought to action. The past six years have given me a pretty strong dose of action, and I’m more than ready for some contemplation. Besides, my family is more than ready for me to give them some of the attention they deserve.
A friend once asked me how long I would stay as president, and I said: until FBSP is strong enough that I can set it free. It’s time. The Friends is well-established.
Our board is filled with strong and effective leaders who know how to get things done. We have built up a strong tradition of stewardship and voluntarism. We’ve developed a profound understanding of the springs and the pool. I look forward to watching the board take the organization to the next level.
The Master Plan projects continue their slow progress, and while many may give their input, the Friends bring a consistency, preparedness, and positive can-do attitude that keeps things moving. When some can see only problems, the Friends keep their calm and their eye on the goal. We have a vision bright and clear.
The work is important. Those came before us harnessed this wonder of nature for our enjoyment. Yet it is a dynamic place. Nature is powerful, and our puny man-made structures require constant maintenance. Moreover, the facilities surrounding this place ought to be of a beauty to complement the natural inspiration.
It’s up to us to carry on the work. Each of us can do our part. Our part is not just to enjoy this wonderful place. We can’t simply be heirs of the past. We must also be benefactors of the future.
For most of the past six years, I’ve done my part as well as I could. Now, I’m stepping aside. Other members of the board are stepping up, and others are moving up to the board. I’m proud to see that. We always need new energy. To those of you who hear the call, please answer.
Thanks for the memories
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Quick Dips
My departure from the board will be one of two coming at this time. Treasurer Maria Ines Weber has also announced her intention to step aside. When all is said and done, there will be one or two vacancies on the board. Board elections are coming up in April, but I want to find folks to fill the vacancies sooner than that. We need the strength of a full board.
I’m grateful to Gary Beyer, vice president, for agreeing to step into the top job. When I asked him to serve, it was with the understanding that he would step up some day, and he is manfully living up to that. Gary has worked hard on essential projects, and he’ll make a great president.
Service director Jonathan Beall will step into the vice presidency. Jonathan has done yeoman work supervising our First Thursday Springs Cleaning Parties, and has lent his hand to many other FBSP projects. Thomas Schiefer, one of our strong volunteers is stepping into the service chair.
Mary Yarrington has consented to step into the office of treasurer. She’s the one who has done such a great job as Fun Director, securing food and refreshments for the cleaning parties and other events. She’s hard at work now planning the Fall Social, but she’ll take the treasury after that. We’re looking for a new Fun Director. Email me at robin@robincravey.com
There will still be a Cravey on the board after I’m gone. Emma Cravey, in whom I am well pleased, will continue in the vital role of communications director.
Amid all the shifting chairs and a couple of new board members, some board members will continue in their offices: Tom Weber at advocacy, Mike Cannatti at fundraising, Jesse Malone at membership, and Jennifer Malone at secretary.
