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From the Theatre Director

Community Media Center (CMC) extends thanks to all who made "The Wealthy Experience," such a hit.  A party for the neighborhood, this 4/18 event was also a "thank-you" to the many donors who helped us successfully complete our capital campaign in late 2007. 

At a table proudly representing Grand Rapids Police Department were Chief Kevin Belk, Deputy Chief James Farris, Captain Eric Payne, and Baxter Neighborhood Community Officer Jim Wojczynski.  What an all-star lineup from GRPD!  We were equally honored to have on hand representatives of Grand Rapids Fire Department, who greeted neighborhood attendees, and even took in some gospel music. 

We were also happy to see City Commissioner David LaGrand, a longtime leader in the neighborhood and in the city. 

An event for every age, right in the neighborhood, on one of the first warm nights of the season - you can't do much better! 

Normally, community members program Wealthy Theatre; but once in a while, CMC likes to throw a party.  "The Wealthy Experience" was such an occasion.  Thanks to all who made this night so special.

The word "community" can mean many things.  For one, the word defines Wealthy Theatre: we are a venue for use by the greater community.  We are a reflection of our community.  

There are no boundaries to this word.  In January we played host to a group of fly-fishing enthusiasts in an event booked by a firm in Seattle.  That month, we also featured well-known Canadian musicians "Blackie and the Rodeo Kings."  Not long ago, we were home to a Flamenco ballet troupe based out of Miami.  This list goes on...

The month of May, however, is much closer to home, with programming by members who are very local - and overwhelmingly ethnic.  It just happened this way (like everything at Wealthy Theatre).  This month, the community using Wealthy Theatre reflects the most diverse corners of the great city in which we live.

Here's a quick rundown of some highlights.

Tonight we have a "Mother's Day Fashion Show" coordinated by Y.T. Galleria, which is based just up the street in East Hills.  

Tomorrow night (Saturday 5/10) we have the 2nd "New Talent Night" event, produced by the great Glenn Ellis.  The first "New Talent Night" was a blast, and auditions have been going strong since that event, a month ago.  If you ever wanted to experience the excitement of an Apollo-style talen show, right here in Grand Rapids, this is your change -- come check it out!

Next week, we have a four-day booking with El Ministerio Internacional, a Spanish-language series of religious events titled "El Evangelio Eterno."  Although several of us speak Spanish, it's our staff's turn to be the "second language" folks as we work with the event promoters (most of whom actually speak better English than us) to create a welcoming and vibrant environment for many new visitors to Wealthy Theatre.

As we turn the corner into the last part of May, the Grand Rapids Hip-Hop Coalition (GRHHC) is celebrating "Hip-Hop Appreciation Week" with many events at our venue.  GRHCC is partnering with CMC and -- thanks to support from the Sebastian Foundation -- presenting a well-rounded, exciting week of activities, centered around Hip-Hop and African-American culture in Grand Rapids.  There will be seminars for young men (5/19) and young women (5/22) in The Koning Micro-Cinema.  We're hosting the 2nd Annual Hip-Hop Awards (5/23).  And just yesterday, CMC announced a special partnership with GRHHC to show "Dave Chapelle's Block Party" on Thursday, May 22, at 8PM.  This $3 movie will look and sound better than ever, and at that price, it's a chance for folks to come out and experience the new technology, rich tradition and plush comfort of the best old theatre in Michigan.

Finally, closing out the month is a return engagement from "The Moving Company," a dance school based just down the street -- the event is "Dancing To Make A Difference," a charity performance to raise funds and collect food for "Kids Food Basket."  We're very excited to have these dancers back on our stage, in what promises to be an exciting night for a good cause!

We're thrilled about the way Spring has turned out, and proud to serve such a vital function for the community.  

And the local vibe continues into Summer, with local breakout rock band "Four Finger Five" on June 6, and the hilarious Henry Sapp on June 21.  

"The Wealthy Experience" continues and it just keeps getting better...

“Once a new technology rolls over you, if you're not part of the steamroller, you're part of the road.”

-Stewart Brand

In one year, Wealthy Theatre has discreetly wired the facility with HMDI 1.3 cabling and brought high-definition to every corner of the facility.  There was no roadmap for this, and we did it ourselves, from top to bottom.

HDMI is a fickle friend.  We have learned a great deal and the results are outstanding.  

The Koning Micro-Cinema is a technological mirror of our Tech Booth (which provides master control for the Peter Wege Auditorium) but The Koning features digital audio.  At the heart of it is a "Digital Processing Synchronizer" (DPS).  

Unexpectedly, the DPS component failed, recently.  When it did, the order came quickly from CMC Executive Director Laurie Cirivello: "Do whatever it takes, make it right, make it better."

I'm happy to report: it has been made right, and it's waaaay better.  We researched and procured the highest-rated DPS system available within a reasonable budget.  We installed it this week.  

In the process, we've gained an additional 10 watts per channel and a more vibrant High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) processor.  

The Koning is a chrome-plated steamroller.

We've also evolved our playback to include a Sony Blu-Ray playback device (certified 2.0) and a "Networked Media Tank" that interfaces with our Tech Booth via ethernet.  Guests who program the space can connect to the Networked Media Tank via USB2 and playback whatever format they've got.  In testing the Networked Media Tank, we haven't found a HD file format that it won't play.  These include: MPEG-HD, AVI, H.264, MP4, TS, MKV, and many more.

As the cinematic world continues to become more digital, it is more common to playback movies from hard drives or streaming from a network, rather than DVDs.  Our Media Tank is a networked hard drive with HDMI out, connected directly to our projector and audio receiver.  Racked along with our DVD player/recorder, miniDV deck, and Blu-Ray player, the Media Tank is our bridge to an emerging trend in digital media.

We listen and we respond.  Our Micro-Cinema is 100 percent online, fully operational and awaiting your reservation.

Cheers.

Today, Wealthy Theatre played host to a unique educational opportunity, for numerous West Michigan public schools: The Hispanic Flamenco Ballet Company graced our stage, with a series of performances for students who came from as far away as Whitehall.

Performances featured pieces representing nearly every form of Hispanic, Latino and Caribbean dance. The performers concluded each session with an interactive piece, inviting some students and teachers onstage with them.

The dancers performed to live music, performed by members of The Hispanic Flamenco Ballet Company.

The link (below) features a dozen pictures from the event.

Cheers.

Click here for the photo album from this event!

“If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all.”

-Noam Chomsky

This quote by Mr. Chomsky (with whom I share a birthday) is a touchstone for me.  My name is Erin Wilson and I'm the director at Wealthy Theatre.  

I'm writing this as a general response, respectfully, to those opposed to any particular event at Wealthy Theatre.  Occasionally, an event creates strong opinions on all sides -- whether artistic, political or religious.  Sometimes we receive letters or phone calls asking, "Why is CMC providing a forum for this?"

It is hoped this open letter of response will go some distance, to answering that important and recurring question.

In short, CMC provides a platform for anyone to access media, and we consider this an important responsibility in a free society.  For the purposes of Wealthy Theatre, we consider the stage to be a medium, like any other.  As experts in the fields of technology and theatre management, we provide excellent service without imposing our beliefs or opinions.  We are not in the business of censoring, altering, influencing or interfering with your message.  We hold to the belief that free and legal expression is healthy.

In providing a public platform for community expression, CMC is a reflection of the many diverse voices in the greater Grand Rapids area.  This a varied and divergent city.  We have a wide spectrum of opinions, likes and dislikes.  As such, some events here (or songs on WYCE, programs on GRTV, etc.) may hold no interest for you.  Some you may even find objectionable.  

In my capacity as director, I have many excellent and easy relationships with individuals whose views I find objectionable.  I operate under the basic principle that everyone who uses this venue is entitled to conduct their event on their terms, so long as the expression is legal.  Simultaneously, if you disagree with the content of an event, you are entitled to a peaceful protest in the public space outside the venue.  I would support to the death your right to legal assembly.  

Would a sentiment of popular opposition persuade us to shut down an event?  This could never happen.  If you use this venue (and the invitation is yours) and someone wanted your event shut down, there is almost no limit to the lengths we would go, to ensure your event took place.  Our support for your right to free expression is absolute: it is not based on the content or even the perceived validity of your message.  Our commitment on this does not bend, it is not subject to the whims of prevailing opinion.  

LIke you, it would be impossible for me to agree with everything that takes place here.  Last week we were home to an event that poked fun at Christianity, which some people disliked. Next month we have a Christian group discussing global warming and there may be opposition to their views.  The Nation of Islam meets at the theatre (and provides our security during events) and of course some folks dislike them.  An atheist group sponsored a movie premiere in December.  We have a movie upcoming that focuses on issues surrounding homosexuality.  We have events with speakers who oppose homosexuality.  The Kent County Democrats have held events here, and rented our offices.  Conservative organizations conduct events here, and love it.  A local film student showed a movie with an unflattering depiction of Jesus Christ.  A holistic health instructor lectured about the perils of eating meat.  A sketch comedy troupe made a joke about Pres. Gerald Ford that made the newspaper, and folks wanted them canceled - and in fact, another local venue did cancel them.  A gospel comedy event sold out last fall and fart jokes were among the most popular bits.  October saw locally produced - very gory - movies, during a three-day festival.  Any given week there is rock, heavy metal, rap music, folk, jazz, African and more.  A recent "noise" band was five minutes into their performance and the sounds they produced... caused half a dozen attendees to get up and leave.  Those who stayed enjoyed an excellent show.  

The richness of this variety is almost incredible.  It could not be planned or manufactured.  Somehow... it just works.  

I believe there are three, simple reasons for our success and diversity (which are intrinsically linked): CMC takes all comers, we provide excellent service, and we're affordable.  

Wealthy Theatre is meant to be used by the community.  We do not pick and choose.  A musician who played here last month said a historic theatre in Kalamazoo recently banned rock, reggae and rap music - opting exclusively for folk and bluegrass.  I remember hearing that and almost feeling sad about it.  How does one person determine what is "good" for a community?  It would seem that choice is best in the hands of the community as a whole.  This theatre exists at the pleasure of the community, and we are programmed by the community.  As such, I feel secure in the knowledge that our unrestricted support of legal expression... is what the community expects and demands.  

And while I'm very proud of our capabilities here, at Wealthy Theatre, I do not believe we could inject legitimacy to a message (that lacked it).  If someone were expressing an idea that lacked credibility, an exquisite stage cannot cloak this.  Quite the opposite, in fact: I see our stage as a test for legitimacy.  The beauty of an excellent podium mic is the way it picks up exactly what you're saying.  Our premium sound system has one purpose: clarity of transmission.  When a musician plays Wealthy Theatre, our extensive microphone package has one mission: to represent the sound with integrity and precision, to accurately amplify the source.  The quality of the technology lays bare the integrity of the content.  If a musician has no chops, our sound system will make that plain.  If a speaker or performer is unconvincing, our stage will bring this to light (so to speak).  There is no alchemy in stagecraft, it is merely the amplification of the performance -- no amount of makeup can save a poor performance.  Moving pictures cannot make a lie true, no matter how much wizardry in editing and special effects.  

Although the relationship between medium and message is undeniable, the distinctions become self-evident.  Packaging and contents are different entities.  I say this because I have faith in people to think for themselves, to objectively consider the information they are consuming, and to distinguish what is actual, true and compelling.

As for me, I have a responsibility to the medium, and it's one I hold sacred.  We apply a single condition to the message: is it legal speech.  If so, thus ends my involvement with the message.  My focus returns to, and remains with, the medium: ensuring production value of the highest caliber, providing the finest venue available, honoring the history of Wealthy Theatre, and fulfilling the mission of a community media center.  

This is a completely accessible theatre, available for use by the public, with very reasonable fees for booking. We charge very little and provide a great deal, to ensure that all have access to a dignified and state of the art venue, to express their views. My name is Erin Wilson, I'm the director, and I encourage you to call me anytime.

Thank-you,

Erin

__________________________________________________________

Erin Wilson, Director | Wealthy Theatre
Rates & reservations: http://www.wealthytheatre.org
__________________________________________________________

DID YOU KNOW...
-Wealthy Street is named after a woman, Wealthy Morrison.
-There is no "The" or "Street" in our name: simply "Wealthy Theatre."
-The Main Theatre is formally named Peter Wege Auditorium.
-The Koning Micro-Cinema is named after the late Dirk Koning.
-Dirk was the founding director of Community Media Center (CMC).
-Since 2005, CMC has been the proud steward of Wealthy Theatre
-Wealthy Theatre was constructed in 1911 as vaudeville theatre.
-From the mid-1970s through late-1990s, Wealthy Theatre sat closed.
-In 1989, city officials scheduled Wealthy Theatre for demolition.
-Neighborhood organizations saved the theatre; it reopened in 1998.
__________________________________________________________

"The Birth of Michigan's Best Burlesque"

By: Steven Geoffrey de Polo
March 20, 2008

Rapid Growth Media 3/20/08 -- The bebop music rises and a woman takes center stage. She sparkles with glitter, her lips ruby red. She reveals her character while playfully removing her costume. The music ends. She flashes her pasties and skips off stage. Before her there was a magic act by Velvet Dan. After, a comedy skit about politics. That’s the magic of burlesque.

Four Friends - Corey Ruffin, Rachel Finan, Rich Haralson, and Josh Dunigan – established the Super Happy Funtime Burlesque in 2006 to launch a revival of the theatrical entertainment style in Grand Rapids. Yes, churchy, small town Grand Rapids is home to one of the only regular burlesque and vaudeville shows in Michigan.

“It would be impossible to run Super Happy Funtime anywhere else in the state,” says Corey Ruffin, the bandleader who hosts the show as the dentally challenged Mr. Happy Pants.

The Perfect Place to Perform

Grand Rapids has an unusually strong performance base for a city its size. It has a strong theater tradition, vibrant music scene, close proximity to Chicago and Detroit, and a relatively affordable urban lifestyle. As a result, Super Happy Funtime maintains a stable fifteen-member cast with a five person technical crew and 10-member house band, the End of Times Orchestra.

The audience for a burlesque show also exists, if quietly, here in Grand Rapids. Ambitious companies like Steelcase and Herman Miller hire smart and open-minded people while institutions such as Grand Valley State University, Aquinas, and Calvin College recruit professors and students from cross the country who demand a vibrant and challenging arts scene.

Most importantly, the city includes the architectural jewel of the Wealthy Theatre. Built originally in 1911 as a vaudeville house, the theater found new life in 2005 when it became part of the Community Media Center. The merger included $2.4 million in much-needed equipment and programming upgrades. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the neon-lit marquee and half-million dollar sound system, the Wealthy Theatre again is a special place to see a live show.

“Performing at the Wealthy Theatre has been amazing,” says Rachel Finan, the troupe's artistic director and also performs as Lala Vulvaria. “The auditorium is the perfect setting for our performances. We feel like we’re part of a great performance tradition.”

But the road to the Wealthy Theater was not a straight line. The performers earned their chops at some of the livelier venues in town. Most of the crew originally performed as Dr. Toledo’s Amazing Elixir Traveling Medicine Show on the creaky stage behind the old Morning Star 75 coffeehouse. In 2005, they once did four Halloween shows in a weekend with $3 tickets and no air conditioning.

They knew they needed to go in a different direction. Then Rich Haralson entered the picture. The tow-headed entrepreneur had the business savvy and connections they needed. Super Happy Funtime's first official show was performed in August 2006 at Haralson's Heritage Hill home for a house party of 300 close friends.

Partnerships and Practice

That party’s success led the group to book a monthly Sunday night show at the Sazerac Lounge. Owner Brett Alward was very supportive of the group, which with their theatrical lighting and piles of glitter was unlike the rock bands he normally booked.

Around that time, Corey Ruffin and Rachel Finan applied for one of studio apartments developed in the Martineau Building along the strip of Division now emerging as the Avenue for the Arts. They not only could live downtown, but work as artists: Ruffin teaches private music lessons, while Rachel teaches yoga and leads a butoh workshop.

The live/work studio, as well as a rehearsal room in the basement of the building, provided Super Happy Funtime with new practice opportunities. They scheduled weekly rehearsals that allowed the actors and musicians to hone their craft.

“The shows began getting more theatrical, more complex as the performers gained experience,” says Josh Dunigan, who serves as the technical director. “But the physical dimensions of the Sazerac stayed the same. That was a challenge.”

The group began reinvesting its profits in the production. They supported the local business community, thus keeping the dollars local. They bought costumes at vintage clothing stores like Scavenger Hunt. Props were found across the street at Goodwill. The burlesque dancers bought theatrical makeup and spirit gum at Theatricks. They print posters and programs at Screaming Gnat Studios.

Neglected by the major media, they got support from Recoil and Revue magazines. Local companies like Curless Auto Repair, Magnum Tattooing, and Rich Haralson’s Strictly Auto Glass donate gift certificates to the audience.

The group received professional styling support from Fusion Salon and Shanti Salon. Extra chairs were rented at Baker Party Rental. The cast fueled up at the Wealthy Street Bakery and Local Mocha. After the shows, the hungry cast ate late-night meals at the Grand Coney or Z’s Grille and Bar. Even the Grand Rapids Police Department’s Vice Squad has been by.

Eventually, the Sazerac shows began selling out with 175 people squeezing into the bar even as ticket prices rose to reflect all the work that went into each performance.

“We knew we had to find a bigger venue,” says Producer Rich Haralson. “We needed a space that could handle our technical needs while having the capacity for our audience.”

The troupe booked a show at The BOB during their massive 2006 Mardi Gras party. In fact, the End of Times Orchestra has been booked to play their Mardi Gras shows ever since. Then they scheduled a couple shows at the Intersection.

“The Intersection was an amazing experience," says Corey Ruffin. "It’s a rock club with a very aggressive vibe. Our show had to adapt to match the intensity of the crowd."

“Afterward, we realized that we were not a rock-and-roll show," adds Rachel Finan. "We still needed to find an artistic home.”

With a successful track record at the Sazerac and the Intersection, the managers of Super Happy Funtime persuaded the Wealthy Theatre to let the burlesque show take the stage.

Funtime in GR

Now the troupe performs for over 300 people at the theatre and reaches an even larger audience through the Community Media Center’s GRTV and WYCE radio station. They still book private shows at venues like the BOB and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art. And with a sold out show at the Inside Out Gallery in Traverse City, Super Happy Funtime has begun to take their show on the road to progressive cities like Saugatuck and Ann Arbor.

Yet, as Super Happy Funtime continues to grow, the company knows how important Grand Rapids has been to their success. “We need Grand Rapids,” says Rich Haralson. “Just like Grand Rapids needs Super Happy Funtime.”

Adult Bible School, the group's next local performance, takes the stage this Saturday, March 22, at the Wealthy Theatre. Led by the prophesy of Mr. Happy Pants, Super Happy Funtime will put its own naughty spin on the mysteries of the Bible, Torah, the Vulgate, and those secret books that DaVinci wrote about. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Curtain rises at 8 PM.

Steven Geoffrey de Polo, a resident of Grand Rapids, works in nonprofit fundraising. He also serves on the board of the Kids Food Basket and supports the arts through Space vs Time.

Photos:

The Super Happy Funtime Burlesque show (photo courtesy of Steven Geoffrey de Polo)

"Mr. Happy Pants" aka Corey Ruffin (with guitar rehearsing with cast members)

Rachel Finan - founder and artistic director

A recent rehearsal at Wealthy Street Theater

Two photos of cast members in full costume (photos courtesy of Steven Geoffrey de Polo)

Photographs by Brian Kelly (unless noted otherwise) - All Rights Reserved

Click here for the story on RapidGrowth's website

On Mondays, Wealthy Theatre is proud to share the photographic works of Tim Motley (Motley Cat Studio) who has captured the essence of many of our biggest events at Wealthy Theatre.  

Today's slideshow (and picture, above) comes from a 12/15/07 performance by Super Happy Funtime... who, coincidentally, play this Saturday (3/22) at 8PM.

Look for a new featured event from the recent past at Wealthy Theatre, in next Monday's blog!

Click here for this wee's slideshow!

Are we to the point where we can call this a renaissance?

What an amazing Friday night around Wealthy Theatre.

Our mainstage performance: a concert benefiting Baxter Community Center, featuring young musicians from a local high school.  And they rocked.

Upstairs, in the Community Meeting Room, the Nation of Islam conducted a regular meeting, with local men, women and children of all ages.  

Over in the Wealthy Theatre Annex (1110 Wealthy SE) the monthly International Folk Dance event took place in the Front Studio.  At the same time, in the Back Studio, East Hills Theatre presented its third consecutive sellout performance of "Closer."  

Outside, two gentlemen from Fruit of Islam (who provide security at Wealthy Theatre) greeted folks coming in, and kept a watchful eye on things outside, throughout the night.  

Lots of foot traffic, with neighbors enjoying the blast of mid-50s temperatures.  Young people in hoodies and denim pants, punker kids with ripped jean jackets and safety pins.  East Grand Rapids parents of the kids who organized the benefit for Baxter Community Center... walking up to the main entrance of the theatre, looking around, clearly surprised by how safe it all is.  Not depressing, not dangerous.  It has an unscripted vitality, taking its own shape, and somehow... it's working.

The patrons waiting to buy tickets to "Closer" admiringly watched the International Dance group do their warm-ups, which consisted of circular movements around the floor, with everyone locking arms together.  Members of the Nation of Islam folks took in a few minutes of the concert in the main theatre, commenting on the positivity.  The parents leaving the concert thanked us for the professional yet friendly Fruit of Islam presence in the parking lot.  

I was out front during the final song of the Baxter concert: through the West Lobby windowfront I could see the live feed on one of our flatscreen televisions.  The music reverberated through the building and onto the street.  

The bands had been predominantly white, but for this last song, they were joined onstage by three African-American friends, who sang, provided vocal percussion, and rapped.  This collaboration was the event's finest moment.  

One of the organizers of the event walked outside during that song.  He said, "You guys did an amazing job with the sound system, it's not just loud... it has amazing dynamics, it gets every note, it's so much better than other places where the cabinets are big but just have empty volume... this is, like, the whole sound... it's really awesome."

True.  True.

On Mondays, Wealthy Theatre is proud to share the photographic works of Tim Motley (Motley Cat Studio).  

If you've been to a major event in the past couple years, you may have seen Tim prowling around, getting the good shots.  He has captured the essence of many moments at Wealthy Theatre, in still images, and shares them with us after events.  

Today's slideshow (and picture, above) comes from a 12/02/06 show by Jimmy Lee Danger.  

Look for a new featured event from the recent past at Wealthy Theatre, in next Monday's blog!

Cheers.

Slideshow PDF of Motley photos of Jimmy Lee Danger

Motley Cat Studio website

“The stars are not wanted now; 
put out every one,
Pack up the moon and
dismantle the sun.”

-W.H. Auden

February has a weight to it.  For everyone in the community of public access, it's the month when CMC lost its founding director, Dirk Koning.  On a cold and confusing morning in 2005, we learned a truth we could not wrap ourselves around: Dirk is dead. 

Dirk remains a legend in community media.  He grew GRTV into a national model for public access, then expanded CMC to include every existing media (and some that didn’t yet exist.) 

Dirk’s parting vision was perhaps his most inspired: the acquisition of Wealthy Theatre, where I have the privilege of serving as director.  Technologically speaking, the idea seemed unorthodox – the venue is nearly 100 years old.  But it was brilliant. 

We’re just now catching up with his vision for the landmark theatre, and much of the credit goes to Dirk’s successor and current CMC Executive Director, Laurie Cirivello.  Her first two years as E.D. have seen Wealthy Theatre become one of the most technologically advanced theatres in North America, and a common stage for all the services the CMC has to offer: radio, television, internet and education. 

I think about Dirk a lot during a given day at the theatre.  I sometimes utter out loud, “Man, I wish you were here.”  When I’m anxious about a major event, like the upcoming Jammies (2/12), I imagine him smiling and telling me to draw a breath, we’ll rise to the occasion like we always do.  When we recently hosted an original musical (“Old-Time Radio”) and broadcast it live on radio, television and the internet… I imagined Dirk was pleased about that.

Back when we were considering the acquisition of Wealthy Theatre, Dirk included everyone in the exploratory process.  In one of our final staff meeting about the potential acquisition, three years ago, I had the good fortune of sitting next to him, in the theatre's Community Meeting Room.  I was a long-haired manager at GRTV but he wanted to hear all voices, whether supportive or critical.  I didn’t say much at that meeting, I was simply taken aback by the calmness with which he approached the hugeness of it, the ease with which he conveyed a potential that was most plain to him.

Dirk hired me in 2001 and somehow the road has led me here.  We recently finished a new room that serves as a lasting tribute to Dirk: a 60-seat Micro-Cinema named The Koning.  It is a beautiful and appropriate memorial to a man who knew how to listen, and had natural instincts that put our organization several moves down the board.  I miss his clarity, his vision, his ability to convey “what could be.”  And I will always be grateful to the map he provided for us, as we are all dedicated to the ideals he laid down for us.  He was truly, as Ghandi said, “the change he wanted to see.”

I think we’re catching up.  Man, I wish you were here.

Yours Very Truly,
Erin Wilson

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