It’s August. The kids will soon go back to school or are leaving for college. You’re an empty nester. You would really like to help your community grow and thrive. Here is something to think about.
The Arts Council of Greater Weston (ACGW)and the Weston Music Society (WMS) are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help support their mission of enriching our community through the arts. Their Boards and committee members represent a diverse group of people of all ages, backgrounds and, cultures working together.
Laura Dobrzanski, President of the ACGW, says, “Even with two kids under three keeping me on my toes, volunteering with the Arts Council of Greater Weston fills my cup — there’s just something special about being part of a creative community right here in our own town. Playing a small part in something bigger than my own household gives me such a sense of connection, so I try to help wherever I can, whether it’s with the ACGW, the Rotary Club of Weston, or the Weston YMCA.
Toby Feuer, Vice President of Events for the WMS, is also President of the Florida Region of ORT America and President of the Presidents Council of Bonaventure. She notes, “I have always tried to give back to the community. It has been a big part of my life and it brings me such pleasure and camaraderie.” All this at the age of 91!
Each year, the ACGW produces 5 major events – The Weston Foreign Film Festival, the Chalk Walk in the Park, Co-Presenter of Celebrate the Arts, Weston World Fest, and the Student Artists Showcase. There is also an ACGW Advisory Committee that brings new ideas to the Board and helps with all our events. There is great camaraderie among the Board members and the Advisory Committee, and with the many volunteers for World Fest from the country booths, entertainment, and the food court. The ACGW meets monthly on Zoom at 5:00 pm except in July and December.
The WMS hosts 2 major outdoor concerts, the Symphony in the Park Holiday Favorites, and Symphony in the Park, Sounds of Spring, is a co- presenter of Celebrate the Arts, the Summer Sounds Concert and a fall membership event. They sponsor the In-Schools Music Programs to introduce kids to the instruments of the orchestra. For all these events, the Board becomes a team to make them successful. They work to support the high schools’ and middle schools’ performance departments. They meet once a month in person at 7:00 pm except in December.
All of these events and projects are run by volunteers. Get involved. Join us in enhancing the arts in our city. Meet new friends. The organizations and the community will appreciate your efforts and you will find a new outlet to explore.
For more information, please visit 1weston.com for the ACGW and westonmusicsociety.org for the WMS for details and contact information.
