When the news came earlier in this year that the opera company which we collaborated closely with for such a long time would cease operations, our “NS”SF Board of Directors and staff members immediately huddled to strategize a future that would see us in new space adequate to our needs and affordable within our budget. Now, after months of leading a transient existence in very nice quarters provided us by Board member Harold Mills and the good folks at ZEROCHAOS, we are in the process of moving into a new office home where we hope to be for some time to come.
Our newest physical location is in an office park west of downtown Orlando and south of Interstate Highway 4 near the John Young Parkway exchange, along 33rd Street. The interior of our suite is spacious and well-laid out, giving us room for a library/archives room, music practice studio, central office modular working hub with six stations, and a large flexspace suitable for meeting and/or chorus rehearsal purposes. Added amenities include an interior restroom, a break room, adequate parking, easy off-road access, and full security. We have our good friend and realtor Craig Kesler to thank for negotiating our access to this space, along with our Board member S. Allister Fisher who guided us through the lease agreement process with great skill. JCB Construction President/CEO and board Treasurer Brian Butler must be acknowledged for providing us with access to storage space during the interim period. Volunteers Christopher Wilson and Edward Washington II respectively donated transportation and sweat equity to aid the move.
In a few weeks, after we settle in properly and arrange space and furnishings to our satisfaction, we will schedule an “open-house” opportunity to have you visit and inspect our new digs if you care to do so. Remember that while our physical location is changed, the avenues by which you have contacted us in recent months all remain the same, meaning that our postal box continues to be the principal and ordinary mailing address for the Foundation, our telephone number stays the same, and our respective e-mail addresses do so as well. Please stay in touch!
Our dear friend and National Spokesperson soprano Marquita Lister will visit Central Florida to sing a closed recital to benefit the Foundation on Sunday 15th November, featuring a selection of songs that are among her personal favorites. We thank Steve and Kathy Miller for hosting this special gathering at their Winter Park home. Their gift of hospitality is a priceless one. With any luck, we will be able to post some images from this event to our website very soon, so be on the lookout. You should also keep in mind that Miss Lister will return to Orlando early in 2010 to sing as Bess in the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra concert staging of the Gershwin classic Porgy and Bess. You must plan now so as not to miss what will surely be a fine performance by a stellar cast of soloists and chorus!
In earnest,
Rudi Cleare
