Make New Friends, But Keep the Old!

The saying goes, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold." I love old sayings. One of the reasons why they're still being quoted is because they're so true! 

I've been the Executive Director of Little Theatre of Manchester for four years, and have the privilege of meeting so many people because of our productions, but also because we are the managing organization of historic Cheney Hall.

As I stand at the door and greet patrons, or attend a community meeting, it is a delight to have people tell me about the great things that happen here and their memories of musicals, comedys, dramas, events, music – whatever rings their bell.

These folks become my "gold" as their faces become more familiar and then when I see them at other community events, we recognize that fleeting moment of connection. The one that says "I know you from somewhere" . . .  and then it becomes evident. It's then that we discover that its more than a passing Cheney Hall moment, but we have other things in common and other connections, and create other bonds. Six degrees of separation . . . I don't think so. This is especially true as the family bonding that I have with the actors, crew and volunteers at Little Theatre deepens every year. 

Now, the "silver."  I love the Internet, what an amazing tool to connect with people, especially since we all lead pretty busy lives and having the time for face-to-face conversation is few and far between. On Facebook, there is a site called "Grew up in Manchester," and even though I wasn't born here, I have been a resident since the age of 17, so I think I qualify. 

On that site, people will post questions or comments about their history in this town and I posted one about "Has anyone ever been to Cheney Hall or Little Theatre of Manchester?"

And what a response! Not only did I hear a lot of the "gosh, I've never been there and lived here all my life," but also the tales of the fabric store, the opportunity to walk up onto the stage to look at bolts of cotton and silk with a parent and how it felt a little inspirational to be up there. 

One connection about the silk (manufactured in the mills just behind our building on Hartford Road), revealed that one person on the site had a quilt that their great-grandmother made with her daughters in the mid 1890's. He noted it was in great shape and I inquired about seeing it. Not only did he bring it to the Hall for me to see, but has donated this lovingly made, beautiful quilt for our collection. It will hang next to a similarly sized quilt of original Cheney silk that we've had for quite some time.

So these new :silver" friends extend the relationship of me to this community, and through me the bond of new friends for Cheney Hall and to Little Theatre of Manchester. However you make your connections in this town, or in the world, keep the gold and always look for the silver.