This has been a very challenging year for us. We have been through a lot. COVID-19 has
affected everyone as well as every business and non profit. Our meeting space and Gallery are in
limbo while the Rines Center remains off limits. Because of the impact of COVID-19, we will
not be awarding the Artist of the Year Award or the High School Scholarship in 2021. This is
unfortunate but the Board agreed it is the safest decision. We hope to resume these two important
programs in 2022.
Life must go on and so must MAA. As we celebrate 54 years, I am grateful for the members
whose continued support sustains us. Many of you are long time members and some lifetime
members. Your past membership dues have helped us accomplish so much. We could not have
done it without your support. MAA is strong because of you.
The activities of any organization are dependent on the support of its members. Unless dues are
regularly paid by every member, we cannot carry out the programs to which our organization has
committed itself. MAA membership dues were down 40% in 2020. However, our expenses
continue and now our funds are at an all time low. If you have not yet sent in your dues for this
year, please do so. You can mail a check for $35 to MAA, P.O. Box 16713, Hooksett, NH 03106,
or renew on line. Your dues help fund important things like the newsletter, website and
insurance.
MAA is a VOLUNTEER organization. Volunteers are the greatest resource any non-profit can
have and just as important as raising funds. Currently, there are several open positions – Vice
President, Treasurer, Publicity, Programs and Website. None of these would involve a lot of work
or time on your part. Please let me know if you would like to fill one of these positions. We need
your involvement in order to continue with our activities. Thank you for your continued support
during these challenging times.
Good news. Starting in April, and for May and June, the monthly meetings will return but will be
held remotely via ZOOM. Some of you are already familiar with this service. To kick off the
return to monthly meetings, please join us virtually on April 5, at 6:30 pm for a socially distant
and safe MAA meeting when we host our very own Howard Muscott of Amherst for a
presentation of his trip photographing wildlife and landscapes in Costa Rica. Howard was in
Costa Rica in December 2019 where he was able to photograph many beautiful birds, monkeys
and other wildlife and many of these images will be included in his presentation. He’ll share tips
on Wildlife photography and answer questions.
If you have given Membership an email address for receiving the Newsletter, you will be
receiving an email from Howard, with a link, inviting you to virtually attend the meeting.
However, to plan accordingly, please RSVP me at sntjm1@comcast.net, or call 603-858-1461. If
we do not have an email address for you and you want to attend, please get me an email address
so we can send you the link to access the program. If you have used Zoom already, you know
what to do. If not, when you get the email from Howard, please click on the LINK a few minutes
before the start of the meeting to set up your video and audio. If you know of a member who
does not have access to a computer, please let them know about the meeting and perhaps you
could share your computer with them.
More good news. Anthony Williams has generously offered members a chance to show off their
artwork on his local TV program “Art Expressions”. Each show would be dedicated to MAA
and highlight two member’s work. It is a COVID safe studio. Future show dates are March 23,
April 6, April 20. The show airs on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm on Channel 23. You can reach Anthony
at: amwpaints26@yahoo.com or call (603) 625-4936.
