To the editor
Dec. 31, 2001, marked my last day as commissioner and chairperson of the Hillsborough Cultural and Arts Commission. I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to the many wonderful commissioners I have worked with over the years, all who generously volunteer their time and talents. Their dedication, support, and hard work truly made these years outstanding.
There is another group who richly deserves both thanks and praise. It’s the people of the Township of Hillsborough, and the businesses in our town. For without them all our efforts would have been in vain.
I recall the philosophical question: "If a tree falls in an empty forest does it make a sound?" Otherwise stated, if the people and businesses of Hillsborough did not support the activities of the HCAC by their contributions and attendance, did the HCAC make a sound?
The fact that it did was evidenced by the attendance records, by restaurants showing the works of local artists, by the dollars contributed by local businesses and corporate sponsors to help defray expenses, and by the funds allotted to us by the Hillsborough Township Committee, all which enabled us to bring in both outside talent and take advantage of the rich pool of talent of the citizens of Hillsborough.
This year new members, drawn from a broad spectrum, are joining the HCAC and departing members are going on to perform other township services. This should not affect the HCAC, whose only agenda should be to serve the interests of the citizens of Hillsborough: to enrich our living experiences through art, music, theater, activities and entertainment for all ages.
On a personal note, I leave with mixed emotions. Joy for the many new friends I have made and the experiences I have shared, and sorrow because there are so many people I will miss, and so much more I would like to do with the HCAC. What I may not miss are those last minutes before an event when everything that could possibly go wrong did: when the weather defied all predictions and decided it was time to rain, when we found the doors to a school locked and no key available moments before the scheduled event, when lights intended to illuminate artists barely penetrated the gloom, and when despite it all "the show went on."
My hope is that this commission continues to grow and flourish, and to serve the people in our town without thought of self or political party or personal preferences.
Hillsborough