"The Chinese have a saying they use as either a blessing or a curse: 'May you live in interesting times.' As a Baby Boomer, I've been fortunate that for most of my life the 'interesting times' have been of the blessing variety... until now.
"Like most people my age I've watched my retirement portfolio shrink and have struggled with the obvious questions. When will the bottom come? What will be required of us to turn the corner of this crisis? Can this patient be saved?
"I've concluded that because no one yet knows the answers to those kinds of questions—and likely won't for awhile—there are other, more important ones we ought to be asking. What does this drastic re-valuation of our financial assets help us recall? What truly enriches life and feeds the soul?
"Like others of my generation, I came of age in the era of JFK. Because of his inspiration I pursued a career in public service. That was over forty years ago. Today his words still speak to me from an inscription on a wall of the Center for the Performing Arts that bears his name in Washington, D.C.
"'After the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.'
"That sentiment inspires me in this time of loss and uncertainty. It reminds me that it is the timeless riches of the arts that truly sustain us. That is why I've recommitted my support to An Appalachian Summer Festival. I hope you will too.
"Our finances will recover in due course, for that is the nature of all things cyclical. The light and joy that only music, dance, and drama can provide is needed now, more than ever... and they depend on us.
"Another Chinese proverb says, 'When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.'
"Thank you."
Ron Redmon
Vilas, North Carolina
