19th Skytop Retreat, Outstanding!
On the drive up I had visions of the foot of snow that I’d heard was dumped in the Pocono’s (from the previous Monday’s nor’easter) so I was pleasantly surprised to see that the foot of snow was only on the tops of the highest ridges… Whew! And by Friday even that reminder of winter was gone, replaced by a spectacular spring day of clear sky and strong sun. The natural beauty of Skytop Lodge and the surrounding grounds always compensates for any inclement weather in my view, but when the weather is perfect…? It doesn’t get much better than that.
For fifty-some attendees this year, “The Human Connection, Bring Your Presentations to Life!”, conducted by Carol Doscher and Rich Swingle of Graceworks, Inc. was a remarkable interactive “how-to” exploring the methods of public speaking and the pitfalls of using slide presentations and other forms of media. We could have easily gone into the topic for a third day. I’m really sorry that we didn’t have more time because it was a fascinating exploration of the psychology and physical mechanics that makes the difference between a speaker who keeps you riveted to your seat and one that has you checking where the “Exit” is. Trust me, there was not a yawn in the house when Carol and Rich were in action. It was a great program brought to us by our Member-at-Large for Education, Mike Brewer. Thank you, Mike.
Our next Meeting will be in June at Philadelphia University (dates to be announced) and the Fall meeting tentatively set for September at the Academy of the New Church. As a point of information the June Meeting is traditionally the annual Business Meeting when the board election results are announced. It is the intention of the current board to run again, but this is not to mean that we need to run unopposed. We currently have a Member-at-Large opening for Technology & Communications. Institutional Members are encouraged to participate and becoming a board member or member-at-large is a great way to connect to the larger organizational issues that affect us all. Volunteer or nominate: it’s that easy.
Cordially,
Ralph Thayer, President DVAPPA
p.s. - A special plea to institutional members: We need to build up our membership so that we can remove the barrier that prevents patient and deserving business partners from joining our organization. We all know at least one school, college or university that may not be aware of the benefits of DVAPPA... for that matter may not even know we exist! I am throwing out a challenge for every Institution to bring just one new member into the fold this year. Please contact Bob Morrow with the name of a contact in an interested institution or plan on bringing a prospective member to one of the upcoming events.
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