My Nonprofit Reviews
samuel2468
Review for Hanover Arts And Activities Center Inc, Ashland, VA, USA
Many of the community events and activities in this town that bring our community together come from the Hanover ARts and Activities Center. Even though the building itself is a wonderful, historic building that is a lovely place for gatherings and weddings, the Center is much more than the building. It sponsors many of the programs and activities that bring our town and county together. I helped to found and continue to lead the Ashland Musical Variety Show. As far aw we know, we are unique probably in the country in the way that every other year around 350-400 sign up to sing and dance together for rehearsal that last 3 months to put on a show for 3 nights in the Randolph-Macon auditorium. The community building that occurs during those rehearsals is significant for the health and vitality of our area. People from different neighborhoods, businesses, races, economic backgrounds, ages, interests, and experiences sing and dance together--causing a feeling of unity and understanding. We have been doing this since l982. I also work with the Hanover Idols competition--helping to organize the auditions before friendly judges and the show for the Finalists. We had two sold-out shows in the Hanover ARts and Activities Center that allowed people with singing talent to share that talent with their friends and family --in a friendly way. Again, the friendships that were forged through the experience will continue. My first experience with the Center was when our two daughters went to pre-school in the basement and the Ashland library was housed there. Whenever there has been a need in our town or area, the Center has met that need.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the way that people are brought together in family activities and in long-term activities. In addition to the Ashland Musical Variety Show and Hanover Idols, I have participated in the Railroad Run, the Bluemont Concerts, the speakers' series, etc.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
try to be sure that everyone everywhere could be a part of such wonderful community experiences.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I love the community building that occurs in the programs that the Center sponsors. People enjoy working together for a good cause. Everyone is included and welcomed.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
outstanding. The executive director is as good as any highly paid staff person anywhere. And the volunteers are kind, inclusive, smart, and energetic.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
expand its creative, inclusive, valuable services to every artist, student, citizen, and person who had an idea or a need that such a wonderful arts/education center could meet.
Ways to make it better...
even more people could participate--although I am not sure how the auditorium or the show could fit more folks.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the need to continue to meet the needs of the community--to continue what is good and continue to improve. There is a limit to the funds available and the days and nights on the calendar.
One thing I'd also say is that...
every community could benefit from the valuable experiences that the Hanover Arts and Activities Center offers the families in our area.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
