Message from Miki 

 

What I did on summer vacation

Returning to school after an all too short vacation, many will remember the first class assignment to write or talk about our summer vacation.  Even the smallest everyday adventures were worthy of note. 

All too often as adults we focus on the "big" events -the trip to Europe or the cruise to an exotic land.  Remember the joy in the small surprises and invitations that summer brought and the childhood pleasure we felt. 

We should all hold tight to those little pieces of time that lead to precious memories and a well-balanced life that, in this challenging environment, help us to be effective and wise leaders of our non-profits.  In giving back to ourselves, we are refreshed and can better give back to others.  Then as the summer draws to an end, take time to reflect on "What I did on my summer vacation."

"Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." --Sam Keen  

         

Message from Roxann 

 

Pause - Play - Forward

When leaders face stress over the long term and cannot find ways to manage its downside, he or she may find that things begin to slip at work and/or at home, small problems may seem more than usually troublesome, relationships may become strained, self-confidence may slip and physical health may suffer.  

How does a leader quell the everyday, inner conflicts caused by the heavy responsibility of charting new paths, inspiring people, imparting clarity of vision and optimism, and solving the inevitable crises - and still remain an effective leader? One could answer, "Not easily," and be right.

Leaders cannot sustain their effectiveness if they cannot sustain themselves.   

This is why I encourage each of you to use your personal vacation days, disconnect for a time from the internet and cell phones, and to plan to come to our Fall conference in Winter Park, Florida (November 5-9) where we will pause (some) - play (some) - and (prepare to) move forward. 

                                       

A Client of MAB Community Services was Guided by NPR Radio Host Peter Sagal 

 

Peter finished running the Boston Marathon last year about four minutes before the bombs went off. This year he wants to reclaim the race - and he did it as he guided Erich Manser  down the course and across the finish line.

 "I've been running marathons for about 10 years, and after a certain point there's a diminishing return in terms of what can motivate you," Sagal said. "In contrast, I get to do this for somebody else, and it feels effortless."

Sagal said he and Manser used a tether for the first half of the race when it is most crowded, then dropped it for the second half and just use Sagal's voice as a guide.

Peter Sagal host of  Chicago-based show  "Wait, Wait . . . Don't Tell Me!"

Manser, who describes his vision as "a cloudy keyhole . . . like looking through wax paper," will be running his 11th marathon. He said the benefits of running with a sighted guide are "too numerous to mention." A guide can read a watch and keep you aware of your pace, keep you safe, and get you water.

"I'm so appreciative of Peter, and of guides in general, who really give up their own race so I can run mine," Manser said. "It takes what might not be possible and makes it possible."   

An interview with Dr. Alan R. Morse and Mark G. Ackermann

Discussion on the Merger of

Jewish Guild Healthcare and Lighthouse International

by Dr. Alan R. Morse and Mark G. Ackermann

at the American Foundation for the Blind Leadership Conference

March 1, 2014

In one of the closing plenary presentations of the 2014 American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Leadership Conference, Carl Augusto, President and CEO of AFB interviewed Dr. Alan Morse, President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild International and Mark G. Ackermann, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Lighthouse Guild International and President, Lighthouse Guild Progams and Services Corporations. The wide ranging discussion centered around the recently completed merger between two venerable vision organizations Lighthouse International and Jewish Guild Healthcare.

The following is a compilation of the questions asked by Mr. Augusto and the responses by Dr. Morse and Mr. Ackermann:

Click here to read the full Interview