Page 12 - HCMA 2021 Summer

Executive Director’s Desk
With Mixed Emotions
Debbie Zorian DZorian@hcma.net
Life at best is bittersweet - Jack Kirby
Your last child leaves home...mov- ing from your hometown to accept a job opportunity elsewhere...retiring from an enjoyable career after many years...downsizing from your lifelong family home to a condominium for two.
These are just a few examples of what can be labeled as bittersweet.
We all know the definition of bittersweet is producing or expressing a mixture of pleasure and sadness. Bittersweet mo- ments have touches of poignancy, nostalgia, and sentimentality, sometimes leaving us wondering how we really feel. Are these moments felt simultaneously or
sequentially?
Many think of bittersweet as two feelings conflicting simulta- neously. According to the Pauli Exclusion Principle, two things cannot occupy the same space at the same time. This line of reasoning would imply that the human psyche cannot be in two different states. Since it is rare for someone not to experience a “dominant” emotion, it may be more likely that conflicting feel- ings are experienced sequentially.
Since most emotions can throw logic and reasoning to the wind, while they might not be felt at the exact same time, con- flicting feelings are nonetheless bittersweet.
As many of you are aware, the HCMA building was put on the market at the beginning of the year. Within ten weeks, five offers were received, one was accepted by the HCMA Board of Trustees, and the closing took place on March 17th without in- cident. The HCMA administrative staff has until June 30th to vacate the premises.
It wasn’t until I started looking for alternative office space on behalf of the HCMA that reality sunk in. After over 35 years, I
will no longer be driving to 606 S. Boulevard where I have spent my days and countless evenings working for and serving the HCMA and its members.
The HCMA Board met last night (April 20th) and after a lengthy meeting discussing pertinent topics regarding our move, the meeting was adjourned after choosing one of several options for the relocation of HCMA’s administrative office. As of July 1st, our office will be located at 3001 W. Azeele Street.
While the sale of the HCMA building was a decision that was made in the best interest of the Association, waves of bit- tersweet sentiments took over as I drove home last night. On one hand, the immediate objectives and long-term goals are refreshing and exciting. On the other hand, this historic build- ing which was purchased by HCMA in 1977 has served as the
icon of your Association. Nos- talgic comments have also been shared by leaders who have spent an abundant amount of time at- tending meetings in the HCMA Boardroom.
Not only has the HCMA office been my home away from home for the last three and a half de- cades, my assistant, Elke Lubin, has called the office her “home” for over 33 years. We both won- dered how long we would keep driving on autopilot to “the of- fice,” rather than the new one. I kept taking the wrong exit off
the Selmon Expressway to go home for quite some time after a move to a new house in 2002. And that was only after 17 years!
The staff has started the process of going through file cabi- nets, storage rooms, desks, file cabinets, bookcases, closets, and more file cabinets. We have come across highlights of events and accomplishments, memorabilia, photos, articles, and inter- esting, historical items. Many of the things we have found made us laugh and our hearts smile. Some have made our hearts hurt.
Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion - Truvy (Steel Magnolias)
The HCMA building has helped identify who we are and has
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HCMA BULLETIN, Vol 67, No. 1 – Summer 2021