April - Harbourfront Centre

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2
April 2014
Interview with Rocco Fazzolari, Director of Finance and Administration
Rocco Fazzolari is Harbourfront Centre’s Chief Financial Officer.
Volunteers have very little direct contact with Rocco and his finance
team, but he is very aware of, and grateful for, all we do. Rocco joined
the senior management team in 2012, demonstrating extensive financial
knowledge, a friendly disposition and rational professionalism.
Rocco was drawn to Harbourfront Centre by the reputation of the
organization. He enjoys the wide variety of ways in which community
engagement occurs here — from education to arts promotion. He also
enjoys the people that work at Harbourfront Centre. Their passion and
varied skills are remarkable. Rocco is pleased to be able to come down
to the waterfront for work each day. He thinks that it is a great part of the
city.
Rocco summarizes his interests outside of work as “food, friends, family,
fitness and fun”. He also has the travel bug and particularly enjoys
discovering new cities and meeting people from different cultures. Rocco
sits on the board of Partners in Health, a charity committed to global
health equity and bringing life-saving care to the marginalized poor in
Haiti and Rwanda.
Rocco and his team make sure that Harbourfront Centre can deliver on
established goals while maintaining the allocated budget. The team is
always looking for effective ways to introduce increased automation where applicable, reduce administrative
processes and eliminate inefficiencies. They are responsible for cash management, forecasting, financial statement
preparation, government reporting, risk management, grant reporting, accounts payable and accounts receivable. In
short, they are extremely busy!
The team appreciates the contribution that volunteers provide. Without the volunteers, Harbourfront Centre could
not deliver as many services. In 2013, for example, volunteers provided 31,122 hours of assistance. This translates
to three and a half years! Now and again, a few volunteers work directly in the Finance Department, but they tend to
be co-op students with a solid knowledge of basic accounting skills.
Rocco assures us that all departments, regardless of whether they have direct contact with volunteers or not,
appreciate the contribution that volunteers make. They provide a very valuable subsidy to the labour force.
Thank you, Rocco, for taking the time to tell us a little bit about the Finance Department.
- Interview by Lynn Allen
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Genevieve’s Update
It seems such a short while ago that we were celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Volunteer Programme
in 2009. Five years have passed very quickly, and on April 10 we paid tribute to our amazing volunteers as
we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Volunteer Programme. To commemorate this very special
occasion, we presented volunteers with a specially designed 30th anniversary pin. Guest speakers Melanie
Fernandez, Director of Community and Educational Programmes, and Martha Hancock, Assistant Vice
President, Philanthropy and Sponsorship, Manulife Financial, addressed the volunteers. This was followed
by a cake cutting ceremony by three of our most senior volunteers: Sybil, Margaret and Elnora (pictured
below).
Volunteers were treated to a lavish South Asian dinner and bar service and were pleasantly surprised to be
served by some of our directors and staff. They were thrilled and touched by this gesture of appreciation
from our staff, who wanted volunteers to feel special and valued. It was an evening of fun and
entertainment, with Bollywood-inspired dance performances and interactive workshops that gave
volunteers the opportunity to let down their hair and kick up their heels. We give a huge “thank you” to our
directors and staff, and a special thank you to the Volunteer Social Activities Committee who helped with
the décor for the party.
Five years ago, when we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Volunteer Programme, it was also time to
revitalize the programme with a new volunteer strategy. This included implementing an open policy, a new
multi-level structure and a new online volunteer management system to manage volunteers more efficiently
and effectively.
Last year, we renewed the strategic plan with recommendations for the future – to address current trends in
volunteerism, volunteer retention, staffing resources for volunteer management and for increased demands
for volunteer involvement.
We are fortunate to have a strong and vibrant volunteer base and among the recommendations for future
consideration is the need to prioritize requests according to agreed upon criteria and to find new ways for
existing volunteers to commit for a longer time.
I am confident that with such a strong and vibrant volunteer base we will continue to build upon what we
have and ensure the programme remains vital, dynamic and valuable.
Genevieve Peng
Volunteer Coordinator
L-R: Sybil, Margaret and Elnora cutting the cake
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Memories Through Time
1972–1981
Remember…?
Canada Day Celebrations
First International Festival of Authors, 1979
First Milk International Children’s Festival, 1981
Volunteer Coordinator
No Formal Volunteer Coordinator
Main Stage
SHIPDECK
1982–1991
Remember…?
WOMAD, 1988-1991
Cirque du Soleil Performance, 1985
Volunteer Coordinators
Walter Lavender, 1984
Nancy Angus, 1986
Shannon Crittenden, 1989
Walter Lavender
First Volunteer Coordinator
1992–2001
Remember…?
First Hot and Spicy Festival, 1997
Volunteer Coordinators
Lara Fellman, 1996
Lisa Compton, 1998
Lisa Rivers, 1998
Suzanne Munson, 2001
Stage names through the years…
Molson Place, 1992
Norigen Stage, 2001
Lisa Compton
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Memories Through Time Continued…
2002 – 2011
Remember…?
First
Ritmo y Color, 2001
Island Soul, 2002
Ashkenaz, 2004
Franco-fete, 2005
Tirgan, 2008
HarbourKIDS 2008
Las
Last Milk International Children’s Festival, 2006
Volunteer Coordinators
Nicole Poos, 2002
Julie Amis Cloutier, 2004
Genevieve Peng 2005 (to date)
Stage names through the years…
CIBC Stage 2006
Sirius Satellite Stage 2008
Harbourfront Centre Concert Stage 2009
WestJet Stage 2011
Christmas Party, 2008
2012–Present
More to come in the next issue!
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Reflections
Joyce Brennan
In the spring of 1993, I remember working at a reception for the Milk
International Children’s Festival (MICF) with Vivian Lusney, a co-volunteer at
Harbourfront Centre.
It was just Vivian and me, and our job was to get the hors d’oeuvres ready for
the MICF performers. Vivian and I had a very efficient short assembly line
going. Vivian got the hors d’oeuvres from the fridge and heated them in the
microwave. I put them on a large plate and ran them over to the reception
area. Back and forth I went. We both got a real workout, but somehow, in
spite of all our laughing, we managed to get the job done with all the hors
d’oeuvres intact. I recall the performers looked happy!
One of the joys of volunteering is being able to share a laugh with your fellow
volunteers. With Vivian, you would always have fun.
Barb McLeod
I have been a Harbourfront Centre volunteer for 27 years. It is my place of
joy in Toronto because I love the performing and visual arts.
To me, Harbourfront Centre is DIVERSITY PLUS! To illustrate this, let me
share one of my shifts from the summer of 2004. It was the weekend of
Omiala – A Festival of New Black Culture. I was to be an Information Host.
But when I arrived, I was moved to a front of house position at Lakeside
Terrace. This allowed me to see two spectacular theatre performances.
By volunteering at Harbourfront Centre events, I am able to help keep the
arts accessible to everyone. I believe that Harbourfront Centre plays an
integral role in encouraging diversity and mutual respect with the arts as a
common meeting ground.
Pauline Morris
I've been involved with Harbourfront Centre since returning to Canada in
1976, when I started sailing lessons. I soon began to usher at World Stage
for what was then a one-week festival. It's been ongoing ever since. My love
has remained for the arts and theatre, and I choose ushering shifts over most
anything else.
One particularly memorable incident comes to mind. Remember the tornado
that almost hit Toronto, about five years ago? That was a Music Garden
night. The sky went yellow-gray, and there was an actual edge to the cloud.
The performers were a Yiddish song duo planning to use an electric piano.
We were terrified that there would be an electrical event as the storm began.
The singer carried on a capella, until the storm became too strong and we all
ran for cover. I was worried that the audience would be in danger, so I made
sure that we were all safe! I got soaked, but it was worth it!
Over the years, there have been many memories made and friendships built
at Harbourfront Centre. Something special holds us here.
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Testimonials From Our Friends
During my shift, I love to
make people happy, share a
smile, help them with
information, and spread how
good it is to become an HFC
volunteer. I love to meet new
friends with different
backgrounds and
nationalities.
I fell in love with this place from
the first time I came here. I’ve
learned cool things about
different cultures from all the
great festivals and have met
the nicest and most intelligent
people right here. I simply feel
great here and I love it!
As a side note, we
will miss Agnese
when she returns to
her home country.
We will remember
her warm personality
and helpful spirit.
Don’t
forget
us,
Agnese, and visit
whenever you can!
- Agnese Z.
- Reynaldo G.
Our very first shift, we were amazed
at the large amount of people who
showed up at Harbourfront Centre. It
was Canada Day and we were
setting up the world record attempt
for the largest Harlem Shake. It was
a beautiful day and such an amazing
experience to get to know people
and to be involved in the community.
- Sulaikha A., Hannah M.,
Shaangavi U.
What I love about
volunteering at Harbourfront
Centre is the diversity of
cultures represented in the
staff, in the festivals and in
the people that come. It’s like
a big world party. You feel
welcome in every corner,
which makes it fun!
- Michelle P.
I remember having my
hair done with coloured
feathers and other things
by Kromatique. My hair
was sticking up in all
directions. Then I
remembered that I had
. to go home on the
subway. Funny thing – no
one even looked at me.
I remember that my first day
as a volunteer at Harbourfront
Centre was terrific. I felt very
welcomed, and I really enjoyed
my experience. The staff and
other volunteers were friendly
and made me want to continue
to volunteer with Harbourfront
Centre!
- Chelly P.
- Ethel S.
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The 30th Year Celebrations
Spice, Henna and Fun at the Volunteer Recognition Party and 30th Anniversary Celebrations
Colour was at the heart of the Bollywood-themed Volunteer Recognition Party, held on April 10, 2014. The
Brigantine Room was decorated with large flowers and multi-coloured tablecloths, and guests had the option of
adorning themselves with bangles, bindis, and even intricate henna tattoos. The spicy buffet was followed by
an energetic dance performance and workshop by Sanskriti Dance Group.
In addition, the party also celebrated the 30th anniversary of volunteering at Harbourfront Centre. To mark this
milestone, each volunteer received a commemorative pin, and Melanie Fernandez, Director of Community and
Educational Programmes, and Martha Hancock, Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy and Sponsorship at
Manulife Financial, gave speeches congratulating volunteers.
Like any good birthday party, the evening was rounded out with a delicious cake.
Here is to many more decades of volunteering!
Brigantine Room was transformed to a Bollywood theme.
Thanks to all the staff who helped out!
Volunteers at the party.
The henna artist hard at work.
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The 30th Year Celebrations Continued…
Sanskriti Dance Group performed and led a workshop.
Volunteers learned Bollywood dance moves.
L-R: Melanie, Sybil, Margaret, Elnora, Kate and Martha.
The food was delicious!
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Craft Corridor Reopening
At the grand opening of the newly renovated Craft Design Studio on April 5, "Animateur Volunteers" were out
in full force. It was a spectacular event that ran from late afternoon into the early evening, with craft people
who had been at Harbourfront Centre as Artists-in-Residence over the past 40 years. It was quite a jubilant
event.
I was particularly pleased to
hear both William Boyle, Chief
Executive Officer and Melanie
Egan,
Head
of
Craft,
acknowledge the volunteers for
their efforts in their speeches.
It was a proud moment!
Instead of a traditional ribbon
cutting to officially open the
new studios, a glass ribbon
had been specially fashioned
and was smashed by invited
artists, including our own
Zuzanna. She is presently the
Coordinator of the Volunteer
Social Activities Committee.
- By Larry Lewis
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Did You Know?
Remember Lillian Wang?
She was the cheerful Volunteer Office Assistant
during the 2013 summer season. Lillian was always
ready to help volunteers out.
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Meet Baby Julia! Mother and daughter are both
very happy and healthy.
We miss Lillian but wish her all the best with
motherhood!
Mark Your Calendar
•
Bring a friend or family member to our
next volunteer meeting on June 7!
Forest of Reading
May 14-15, 2014
Canada’s largest literary event for children,
featuring energetic ceremonies with live
entertainment and workshops with authors and
illustrators.
•
Happiness
is….
HarbourKIDS: The Toronto International Circus
Festival
May 17-19, 2014
The 7th year of this partnership between
Harbourfront Centre and Zero Gravity Circus
yields new twists on old classics, including
Bollywood on the WestJet Stage and
KinderCirque in Lakeside Terrace.
•
Volunteer Meeting
Saturday June 7, 2014
3-5pm, Miss Lou’s Room
… volunteering with “FR-amily”
Bring a friend or family member to our next
We will be taking a super-sized photo of the volunteers at this meeting, so please be there!
Volunteer E-Newsletter Sub-Committee: Lynn Allen, Coordinator/Writer; Lidia Jarmasz, Writer/Editor; Nida Haroon, Winnie Lee, Design/Layout;
Kathleen-Sonja Mooney-Childs, Sean McCluskey, Committee Members; Genevieve Peng, Advisor/Editor
Photos courtesy of Tom Bilenkey, Ricky Yu
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