Sifantus to Retire

Founding Director Maddie Sifantus notified the Board and membership of the Golden Tones that she will retire at the conclusion of the Twentieth Anniversary season in August 2008. She said in her resignation letter: “What a wonderful organization we have created together over the last twenty years. As I have spoken many times, life is about change, and we have all seen plenty of it. There comes a time in everyone’s life when decisions have to be made to move on. What with the horrific accident of two years ago that nearly claimed my life and other personal situations, it is time for me to be the one moving on.

My sadness is in leaving this organization and all the people who I love dearly. My joy is in the prospect of discovering what the Third Age of my own life will hold. My experience from the accident taught me that life is precious and can be so quickly over. It is time for me to have more time in my own life for my son and his family; my new grandson will be born in May. It is time for me to take some time off to regain my health, time that has not been available to me while running the very active and vibrant organization we have become. Finally, it is time for me to discover whatever final career I may have during my working years, in preparation for my own retirement. We all know how quickly the years pass.

I am confident that the board and the community will work together to address the leadership of the Golden Tones in the days and weeks to come. I will be with you to celebrate the last days of our time together in this worthy enterprise and pass on the ways I do things to our staff and volunteers. My intention is to say goodbye at the Summer Celebration Concert for the Community which will be held at the Community United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 10.

I am more than grateful to all of you for the opportunity to take this path of twenty years. May we all keep singing through our lives.”