There are several activities coming up where we'll need your help:
-- Radiothon: Contact Becky Lee (Katie Rader's mom) and Karen Schindwolf (Michelle Schindwolf 's mom)
-- Chaperones (a few at least) for the Sat., Nov. 5th, AYS Fall Party: Contact Peggie Findlay (B.J. Dorsey's mom) or Mike Kruchoski (480-5000) .
-- Luminaria Sales Database: Contact Mike Kruchoski (480-5000). More info here:
After the selection and organization of workhouses, timely and accurate luminaria sales data entry is likely the next biggest factor contributing to a smooth Luminaria Day. Consider the magnitude of the task: last year there were over 2,100 customers who ordered more than 11,000 dozen luminarias -- and this year we're aiming for 13,000 dozen! That's a LOT of information to keep track of.
Although the database is complex and robust, it can be hosted on only one computer, which means data entry must be done at one location. Also, data entry must be completed by Nov 19th in order to prepare and distribute the delivery packets to the workhouse hosts a few days later.
We need six to ten people to take several "shifts" doing the data entry, possibly as two-person teams to speed the process, relieve the boredom, and to double check one another's work.
(Corrected, 10-29-2005. Thank you Mary Ellen Ratzer for your "eagle eye".)
First, some important dates to remember:
-- Oct. 31: Last day to turn in folded bags for FULL credit
-- Nov. 7: Return sales packets and orders for FULL credit
-- Nov. 14: Deadline for luminaria orders for HALF credit
-- Dec. 3: Luminaria Day (mandatory participation)
-- Dec. 10: Rain/snow day for Luminaria Day (keep your calendars open)
Above all, be sure to call everyone in your sales packet. They've generously supported us in the past, and chances are very good they will again this year -- if you will simply call them.
When you talk with potential new customers, remind them that Albuquerque is celebrating its tricentennial this year -- and there is a goal to have 3 million luminarias for the citywide "Festival of Illuminiation" on Christmas Eve. (Click here for details.) Buying AYS luminarias would be an excellent way to show their civic pride and their support for the AYS program.
Sometimes, past customers will choose not to order again, but there's no reason to be dismayed about their decision. Thank them for their past support. Their orders, whether large or small, have helped sustain the marvelous musical program you are able to enjoy today.
Occasionally someone may have been unhappy about AYS luminarias in the past and they will tell you so. What then?
Apologize: Set aside your disappointment about a "lost" sale and simply tell them you're sorry we didn't live up to their expectations.
Inquire: Ask what was wrong and how they would suggest improving our service or product. Ask how we might make amends.
Follow up: Tell them you will pass their comments to the parents association and that someone will gladly call them back, if that is okay. Be sure to make a note about it on your call sheet. (Call us if they seem especially upset.)
Please call Mike Kruchoski (480-5000) or Jill Hartman (268-5260) if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions.
Luminaria Day is Saturday, December 3rd. On that single day, 200-400 people, at nine locations through the city, will build and deliver 13,000 DOZEN luminarias to hundreds of customers. It is an impressive feat that requires everyone's full cooperation and commitment to execute smoothly.
How do you fit into this? How can you help make it successful, even enjoyable?
First, be prepared for a full and busy day, starting early and ending only when all work houses are finished. Your participation in luminaria day is not an optional activity. Yes, we understand there are other school and personal activities that conflict with luminaria day. (For example, the SAT is given that morning.) However, it's your responsibility to find substitutes -- relatives or friends -- to take your place, if necessary. There is, of course, a benefit to having a full contingent of friends and family there for the full day: more man-hours mean more credits toward your tour account!
In order to deliver 13,000 dozen luminarias, we need 13,000 "flats" -- those 2x10x16-inch open cardboard trays that are used to hold and deliver four six-packs of soda or beer. The work houses are starting to collect and store the flats we will need, but we need all the help you can give them. Keep your eyes open for potential sources. Gather them whenever you have a chance.
We'll assign families to work houses as soon as possible. We'll try to assign you close to your own home. We'll try to accommodate your desire to work at a particular work house. We'll try to make assignments once and not change them. But try as we might, those things might not be possible. Our task is to balance many competing needs, so we'll have to make adjustments as we go, even as the last luminarias are being built and delivered. Try to stay flexible.
The luminaria order forms and payment checks are accumulating rapidly. We need help to enter these orders into our database on a regular basis. There have been some suggestions about setting up a data entry committee to stay on top of this critical task. If you can help, please call Jill Hartman (268-5260); otherwise we will be calling for volunteers.
As always, if you have questions or comments, please call Mike Kruchoski (480-5000) or any of the AYSPA officers.
We had originally planned to start taking passport photos tomorrow, Monday, October 17th, before and after rehearsal.
Because of a conflict with another school meeting tomorrow evening, we will start taking those photos next week instead. Our apology for this slight delay.
Photos will be taken digitally, then printed on photographic paper (not on an inkjet printer) in one or two orders, probably within two weeks. The AYSPA Board recently agreed to cover this cost.
If you prefer to have photos taken elsewhere, you are certainly free to do so, HOWEVER, we will not reimburse you for that expense, which is typically between $8 and $12.
For more information, please call Mike Kruchoski (480-5000).
Monday, October 17th is the deadline to order in time for holiday season gift-giving. Details here. Order form here. Don't delay!
At long last! -- after many difficult deliberations and a whole lot of phone calls-- we finally have work houses for Luminaria Day 2005 (December 3rd). Here they are:
Parents, Street, City & Zip, Phone
Kathy & George Baldwin, 5917 Canyon Crest NE, Albuquerque 87111, 856-5309
Craig & Gina Fredrickson, 2742 Veranda Rd NW, Albuquerque 87107, 344-1048
Judy & Matt Hankins, 11501 Pino Ave. NE, Albuquerque 87122, 828-1420
Keith & Bernadette Hinds , 1101 Montclaire Dr. NE, Albuquerque 87110, 260-9913
Sheryl Kearby & Dwane Lane, 7537 Richmond Hill Rd. NW, Albuquerque 87120, 898-3679
Susan and Michael Phelps, 12325 Marshall Ct. NE , Albuquerque 87112, 275-8230
Tom & Ronda Schripsema, 11416 Brussels Ave. NE, Albuquerque 87111, 298-8974
Greg & Cordelia Sever, 4084 Dietz Farm Cr. NW, Albuquerque 87107, 342-1913
John & Patricia Wise, 850 Mission Valley Road, Corrales, 87048 890-1960
This was not an easy decision nor a perfect solution. You will find more information about work house assignments here within the next day or two. Please give your full and enthusiastic support to your work house hosts when they contact you so that our students' fund raising is a complete success.
Many of you have already had a chance to see the beautiful photography featured on this year's poster and on the new AYS web site (take a look). Although printing was donated by Cottonwood Printing (thank you, thank you), there were other significant design, production, and printing costs. So, these posters merit some special consideration:
First, they are meant as publicity for AYS, not as personal mementos. The public display of these fine art pieces will bring many benefits to AYS, the least of which is a greater public awareness of who we are and what we bring to our community.
Second, they should be displayed prominently, wherever that might be. I've framed two posters for display in the lobbies of my company's office buildings. They catch people's attention. Let's make sure posters are located where they will do the most good -- whether framed or not -- and will be least likely to be damaged.
Third, businesses that support our program would make good places for poster display. Business owners like their customers to know how they contribute to AYS. Our posters will bring a bit of beauty to their workplaces and a smile to everyone who sees them.
Debi Goyer (898-4278, CalJ at "AOL") has our limited supply of posters available for publicity. She's responsible for working with you to accomplish the above. If you would like a personal copy of the poster, consider framing one for display -- with an agreement that you can retrieve it at year's end. (Or plead your case to buy one from AYS.)
Yes, It's true, we've easily met the minimum number of travelers to make this fantastic opportunity become a reality.
As of this morning, Monday, October 10th, 42 people have signed up. The contract details are being updated by AYS and Ambassador Tours to reflect the new installment payment dates. Watch here for more information as it becomes available. Thank you for your enthusiastic response.
If you are still thinking about joining us, please call soon, because we may have to limit the number of travelers within the next month.
If you've misplaced any of our newsletters -- there have been two so far -- you can find them online here:
August 2005 for Parents (16KB)
September 2005 for Students (190KB)
Did you know the marvelous performance you heard last Sunday, October 2, 2005, at Popejoy Theater was professionally recorded for your life-long enjoyment? Yes, it's true! Professionally recorded and packaged CDs of this season's concerts are available through AYSPA. The three-concert set of CDs costs only $40.00. Single concert CDs cost a mere $15.00.
Whether you are an AYS family wanting to share those wonderful concerts with other family members or friends, or you're an appreciative supporter of classical music in our community who simply wants to contribute to our fund raising efforts while reliving that special performance, you can own the AYS 2005-2006 season CDs for a lifetime of musical listening pleasure.
Remember, the deadline is 10/17/2005 for just one CD (for the Oct. 2nd performance) OR if you want to receive your first CD of the set in time for holiday gift-giving. Don't forget, CDs are normally distributed to students at rehearsals. Under special circumstances, we can arrange for you to pick them up at the AYS office (875-1319) or to request delivery by mail.
Your orders may be mailed to:
Virginia Yen
9916 Guadalupe Tr NW 277-5359
Albuquerque, NM 87114
Home phone: 898-8324
Work phone: 277-5359
vayen at unm dot edu
(Or if you prefer, you can give your order to Spencer Suffling [trombone] at the AYS rehearsal.)
However you choose to do it, please include this order form, with your check made out to to AYSPA.
Happy listening! Thank you so much -- muchas gracias, muito obrigado -- for your kind support and continuing interest in the AYS program.
Thank you for your interest in experiencing Brazil with the Albuquerque Youth Symphony during our marvelous 50th Anniversary season.
Here's all the information you'll need to entice yourself –– and a traveling companion –– to join us on this historic tour to South America.
The first three documents are full-color, tabloid size (11x17") flyers suitable for your workplace or school. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print them. Acrobat is available free at www.adobe.com. Acrobat will allow you to print them in color or B&W, on tabloid (11x17) or letter (8.5x11).
Feel free to share this link with any interested travelers.
Please call me (Mike Kruchoski) at 480-5000, or AYS (Kristine Purrington) at 875-1319, if you would like more information.