Military Symposium

Mrs. Snow Queen http://mrssnowqueen.blogspot.com/ already provided a fine account of the first Military Symposium for the Genealogy Center. It was a great two days.

Those of us putting on something like this always have concerns in advance that something will go wrong, that it will be a total failure, and we will question how we ever got the idea that we could do something like this. We worry while the event is going on, while we are running around needlessly making sure everything is going alright. But in the end, all little challenges are met and a few days after it's over, we are looking forward to the next event.

Mrs. Snow Queen and Kay are great to work with because when I have an nebulous idea, one or the other can understand what I mean and help to make it a reality. And Mrs. S. has the ability to make a table, for either registration or food, look well organized. The Genealogy Center Manager is open to new ideas, doesn't place blame if something goes wrong in spite of planning, and is always there (literally) for everything from smoothing troubled waters to hauling water. Sarah copies handouts and compiles our handout folders. ACPL staff in Financial Services facilitate the purchase of those provisions and the various expenses involved with an event like this one, Community Relations personnel provide advertising posters and flyers, and Building staff make sure the rooms are ready and look good. And finally, our colleagues in the department, including Petey's Lighthearted Librarian, support our efforts and provide the time for Mrs. S and I to handle all of the small details.

It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a regiment to pull off this type of event and I am grateful to all of the troops.