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Challenges and Perks

Darice Machel McGuire

Blog #70 of 137

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July 6th, 2015 - 04:07 PM

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Challenges and Perks

As President of Lahaina Arts Association there are challenges and perks I'm faced with now and again. Some of the challenges include squashing roomers by people who choose to not get factual information, which is a fun challenge for me. Another challenge is writing and giving public speeches. Neither of which comes easy. The last speech I gave I had to change just minutes before giving it. Adding info about my personal history to give the listeners a brief idea of who I am. Since I wasn't prepared for this "in prompt to" add on, I felt off balance. The next time I agree to give a public speech I'm going to make sure I know who the other speakers are and who I follow in the line up. Following Roz Baker, Senator of Hawaii, was just a bit intimidating to say the least.

As far as the perks go, it was pretty cool to realize I was dinning and speaking with Senator Baker one week and having lunch with the Mayor the next. Yesterday, July 2nd, was the "46th Annual, Maui United Way, Meeting and Recognition" Luncheon. Erin Brothers, LAA's Executive Director and I arrived early for the luncheon. We were given the chance to pick which ever table we'd like to sit at. I chose one that was close to the food and centered to the stage. As the room began to fill, our table attracted other non profit leaders such as Lisa with "Planned Parenthood" and Robert with "Best Buddies Hawaii". I started to think our table was the best table in the room. For it was attracting all the people who focus on helping children, all children including the unborn, handicapped and the disadvantage. As our groups got to know each other, we formed connections for future collaborations. Which brought on a air of excitement. As the room filled up, two more gentlemen joined our table, leaving one chair left, and who should decide to take that chair? The Mayor of Maui, Alan Arakawa. Since he was seated across the table from me I was unable to talk with him and thought it would be bad manors to yell "Hey Mayor nice to see you again. Are you still in Mansanto's back pocket?". So I kept my mouth shut. When the announcement came for the buffet style lunch, we were told that an attendant would come to each table to let us know when it would be our turn to get in line. I figured our table had a good chance of being at least in the center of the line since it was center of the room. And by that time I was more then ready to feed my stomach since it was doing an awful lot of rumbling. I was soon surprised and very happy to learn when the Mayor sits at your table, your table is the first in line. Now that is one cool perk! "Hey Mayor, you can sit at our table anytime."

There are plenty more challenges and perks I'm faced with every month as I plan the agenda for the Board meetings and coordinating the fundraising events. One of my favorite perks is getting to meet the children who benefit from LAA's programs. Their smiles and excitement for accomplishment is the greatest reward.

P.S. Photo credit: David Schoonover.

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