PRESTO!
January, 2021

Happy New Year!

Fellow Members,

The Guild is already at full throttle for 2021 so take a minute to catch up on news.

Our Winter Meeting is coming up on Tuesday, February 2, 5:30 p.m. While we wish we could have a luncheon at Bonterra as has been our custom, we will again have to meet via Zoom. But that's not to say we won't have fun! Guild member and CSO Vice President of Development Michelle Hamilton has volunteered to give a cooking and cocktail demonstration. And, we'll enjoy music performed by a Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra musician. Registration will open in a few days so watch for the announcement in your email.

A number of you have inquired about an updated Membership Directory.

An always up-to-date version is on the Guild website: https://www.symphonyguildcharlotte.org/membership/member-directory/

This is a password-protected webpage so first-timers, you'll need to request a password, then change it to something you can remember. It's a one-time, easy set-up.

We are inclining toward phasing out a printed directory because of cost and how quickly it becomes inaccurate. However, we did print a limited quantity of the 2020-2021 directory. Patrons, we realize that because of COVID, we cannot deliver on all the benefits included in your patron package. Therefore, we have mailed you a complimentary copy of the directory. Anyone else interested in having the printed version can purchase one for $5. Watch for an email coming from the Guild office with instructions on how to buy it.

The Young Artists Competition will be held on Saturday, February 13.

The Fundraising Committee, headed by Staci Marino, has concluded we will not be able to hold either our Taste of the Tour Party/Auction or the Heart of the Home Tour this spring. We hope by fall, we will be able to do so. Meanwhile, we need to hold an alternative fundraiser. The virtual Beethoven race and holiday ornament sale in recent months raised about half of what we need to cover our commitments this year. The Fundraising Committee has plans for a Top Golf event in late spring that will hopefully raise the other half. It's going to be a fun--and COVID-safe--outing that you'll want to be a part of. More information coming soon!

Charlotte Symphony President & CEO David Fisk sent us a letter describing how the CSO has adapted to COVID challenges, as well as saying how much he looks forward to the continuing CSO/Guild partnership. The letter is posted on our website under the Resource Guide tab. You can view the letter here.

Hope to see you at the February 2nd meeting!

Debbie Abels
President