From the Chair — Julian Ullman

Dear Docents All:

In some ways this has been a quieter 2 months into the new year as we have been able to benefit from the enthusiasm and intellectual stimulus of the 08-09 docent class without worrying about new faces on the block! Not to demean the long-term establishment that has done such splendid work over the years. You know who you are. We all thank you and know you are always there with support, history and enthusiasm even if you have opted to take a lesser role.

Desk duties seem to have grown and grown. Many more tours both scheduled and last minute. SSO visits, led by Teaching Actors, and the Secondary School programs are flourishing. Dee Starnes has been wonderfully enthusiastic and helpful with all the school events.
I mustn’t omit a pat on the back to E.J. Truax for planning, cajoling and organizing the Hoitsma Lecture. Barbara Mowat was an inspiring, interesting and informative speaker. Caitlin has become an ever greater tower of strength. She keeps us all on our toes and is now hurling us into the Folger digital world. Personally, I owe her (a debt of gratitude) for her patience and understanding—actually, that applies to my Board too!

And then there is Bob, who runs us all with quiet efficiency and understanding. I, most of all, thank you Bob.

Docent Board of Directors By Steve Krawczel

Every year there is an election for your Docent Board of Directors. A question that some of you may have asked is what does the Board do. A quick summary of its responsibilities is as follows:

 Serves as the direct liaison to the Folger Education Department
 Submits the annual docent budget to the Education Department and approves/monitors budget expenditures
 Oversees docent participation in major activities like the Elementary School/High School Festivals, 12th Night Celebration and Shakespeare’s Birthday Bash
 Tracks docent membership, maintains the monthly schedule and collects hours worked
 Arranges for new docent training
 Reviews changes to docent policy

Just as importantly, the Board seeks to keep you informed and serves as a forum for your ideas and concerns. Your input is welcome! Please contact any Board member with your thoughts, ideas or questions at any time or feel free to attend the Board Meeting the first Tuesday of every month. A list of the board members is provided below:

Julian Ullman , Chair (julianmullman (at) hotmail.com)
Louise Wheatley, Vice Chair (lswdc (at) aol.com), Docent Dispatch December 2009 Page 7
Otice Sircy, Treasurer (ocsircy (at) verizon.net),
Mary Seidell, Secretary
Nancy Howard, (idodrma (at) hotmail.com),
Diane Shages (Diane.shages1 (at) verizon.net),
Helen Urquhart (h_urquhart (at) juno.com),
Steve Krawczel (rex2rex1 (at) cox.net)