SEPTEMBER 2014
the newsletter for Nuçi’s Space, a nonprofit musicians’ support/resource center
WHY by Linda V. Phillips, Nuçi’s mom and founder of Nuçi’s Space
T
he death of Robin Williams has shocked us all. Funny man extraordinaire, acclaimed dramatic actor, pure genius. I still smile when I remember him as Mork welcoming his new child Mearth played by Jonathan Winters. But there are no smiles when I remember him in Dead Poets Society. His talent knew no emotional limitations. Almost simultaneously with the announcement of his “apparent” suicide, the questioning and suppositions began. As in any well-written news story we were told the who, the what, the when and the where. But then in such cases like this, we transgress from straight news into an area that infringes on common decency and morphs into the salacious material that so many in our society thirst for—the WHY. It has been well documented over the years that Robin Williams suffered from addiction and Depression. That’s Depression with a capital D. According to his wife his addiction was controlled but he continued to struggle with Depression. His life and finally his death remind us that no matter our circumstances in life, no matter how much money we have or how many people love us, this brain condition we call Depression can take root and grow in the best of us. There’s a principle dating back to the 14th century called Occam’s Razor. It states that when we have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is better. It has been reported that Robin had early symptoms of Parkinson’s, that he had financial problems, that he was a malcontent and I am sure there’s someone out there who claimed that he was cowardly and selfish to end his life the way he did. Some of the things I’ve read that some talk show hosts suggested are in my opinion not only ignorant but also cruel and irresponsible. One might say even cowardly because Robin is not here to set
the record straight. Such comments can even be seen as self-serving to garner publicity. I choose the principle of Occam’s Razor for the WHY. We know for a fact that Depression is a disease enhancer. We know for a fact that Robin struggled and sought help for Depression. If one has heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s or any other condition plus Depression, the outcome will be much bleaker. But then consider Depression alone, a brain condition that affects every part of the sufferer’s life. It is a dirty filter that clouds one’s reality and perception letting in only dark and distorted thinking producing pain of extraordinary intensity. Can we for a moment conclude that such an illness by its self is enough to make someone take his or her own life? To be clear, people kill themselves not because they don’t want to live, not because they don’t love their families and friends but because they cannot bear to live with the excruciating pain. And there is the WHY which seems to be the simplest theory to explain Robin’s suicide. According to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 90% of people who die by suicide have been diagnosed with mental illness. But this WHY will not be acceptable to many. I attribute this to sheer ignorance and to the fact that many still deny that mental illness is a real thing in a real organ called the brain. Because of such ignorance, the stigma still exists and stands in the way of many to seek help. I implore each of you—if you know someone who suffers from a mental illness, show some compassion, help him or her to get help, be a real human being in the true sense. As the Dalai Lama has said, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” To Robin Williams, I say rest in peace and thanks for the memories. The good ones always get away…
nuçi’s space 396 Oconee Street Athens, GA 30601 706.227.1515 space@nuci.org www.nuci.org www.facebook.com/ nucisspace Newsletter Contributors
Bob Sleppy Chris Byron Lesley Cobbs Betsey Franck Dave Chamberlin Glenn Reece Marisa Mustard Photos
Lesley Cobbs Design & Layout
Larry Tenner
Recent Donors
Nuçi Phillips
Memorial Foundation
Board of Directors
President: Helen Herring Vice President: Julie Cheney Secretary: Ellie MacKnight Treasurer: Helen Pinson Lisa Allen David Barbe Barrie Buck Todd Emily Jon & Nadine Forché Patterson Hood Rebecca Hood Jack Jones Bill Orr Anna & Ken Zankel
Mannign, Ashlynn McCampbell, David McRae, Funmi March 24, 2014 – Mejias, Erin & Sergio August 15, 2014 Nicholson, Dr. Peter Pattavina, Denise Roberts, Don Akridge, Ben & Joi Smith, Walter E. & Rosie O. Anonymous Starrs, Chris Bryan, Philip & Jane Charitable Trust, Ron and Lisa Thomas, Kecia Uhler, Marie Brill Victoria, Donna Chattahoochee Cutlery Club Watson-Brown Foundation Community Wood, David & Rosalle DBT Recording Inc. Drs. Marc van Iersel and Lynne Williams, Kevan Seymour In Honor of Betty Imrich Duderanch Group Boyles, James W. & Sandra Give, Just Glikin, Eddie In Honor of Fontaine Family Heidebrecht, Brian Jackson EMC Foundation, Inc. McGinness, Jimmy King, Harold In Honor of Harold Williams & Kitchens, James the Jesters Koone, Jeffrey Knox, John & Pamela Kroger Community Rewards Team In Honor of Drive-By Truckers Lester, David & Jane Stettler, Allison Lines, Rand Mantione, Kelley
In Honor of Trish Scurry & Jeff Whatley Loften, Lisa
In Memory of Craig Lieske Kalkunte, Suresh Henderson, Sarah
In Honor of K.P. Devlin Houston, Carol
In Memory of Doug & April Bachtel Crawford, Jerry & Judy
In Honor of Staff & Volunteers Kea, Betty Meyer In Honor of Neal Nealson Nelson, Joann In Memory of A. Nuçi Phillips Phillips, Dr. & Mrs. Pierre In Memory of Brian Crane Barbe, David & Amy Christopher, John Goldin, Jerry & Ruth Siegel, Andy Sommers, Tonya & John Spratt, Tom & Deborah
In Memory of Edith Royal Petty Bachtel, Bonnie In Memory of Elissa Hadley Hadley, Cecilia In Memory of Gretchen Nelson, Neal In Memory of Milos UkropinaCrawford Ukropina-Crawford, Zvezdana In Memory of Robbie Furter Mayfield, Jerry & Lynn
In Memory of Bruce Cooper Mark & Cindy Nash
In Memory of Rosalie McGill Sleppy, David
In Memory of Casey Nettles Clark, John E.
In Memory of Sherrill Lackey Roberts, Don
Founding Family
Linda Phillips Pierre Phillips KP Devlin Executive Director
Bob Sleppy Legal Counsel
Jim Warnes Nuçi’s Space Staff
Chris Byron Dave Chamberlin Lesley Cobbs Betsy Franck Heather Heyn Matherly Marisa Mustard Glenn Reece
Brit Pop The British Invasion is making its presence felt all over Nuçi’s Space. First it was just Lesley commandeering the Spotify account with dodgy 80s goth and the best of old school Brit punk, but now you are just as likely to be greeted in an English accent each Tuesday by Tom who will likely be found listening to a frothy mix of Libertines, the La’s and some fine, cool, laidback jazz. Tom found his way to Athens when his wife took a position at UGA. He started looking for a volunteer opportunity online and happened to come across a Nuçi’s Space advertisement for volunteer photograph archive creator. Thankfully, Tom was flexible as we started making use of his many talents from day one. He has been involved in most aspects of Nuçi’s office life, in fact if it’s well organized and focused; it was probably Tom that made it happen. What is his superpower? He makes a belting cup of tea. Cheers Tom!
Bob Sleppy
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 7 years since the last time that I “introduced” myself to the readers of our newsletter. A lot has changed for me personally during this time. Most importantly, Rachel (my wife of 13 years) and I welcomed our daughter Finley into the world in October 2008. She started kindergarten just a few weeks ago and loves every minute of it so far. With the support of my co-workers and family, I completed the MBA Program at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business in 2010. This achievement paved the way for an opportunity to become a part-time lecturer at UGA’s Institute of Nonprofit Management in 2012. My responsibilities include designing curriculum and teaching courses in Nonprofit Leadership, Management of Nonprofit Organizations and Social Entrepreneurship to graduate students in the Masters of Nonprofit Management Program. I thoroughly enjoy working with the students in this program and playing a small part to help them prepare for a career in the nonprofit sector. Oftentimes I feel as if I’m learning as much from them as I’m teaching them. I am very proud that December 2014 will mark my 15th anniversary as Executive Director of Nuçi’s Space. Although it was the death of a close friend to suicide many years ago that drew me to this incredible organization, it has been the Phillips family, my co-workers, volunteers, donors, customers, clients and most of all, our collective success stories that continue to drive me.
Chris Byron
Hello, my name is Chris Byron and I have been working at Nuçi’s Space since April of 2005. My involvement with Nuçi’s Space started around 2004 when my brother was working here. I soon joined the volunteer team and focused on running sound at benefit shows and general “helping out” when I was needed. As of January 2012 my current role has been the Operations Manager of the Space. This job involves maintenance of the equipment and building, handling donations of instruments, and providing excellent customer service to anyone who walks through the door. When I’m not at Nuçi’s Space you can find me recording music at various studios in town. Some of the more notable Athens bands I’ve worked with in the past are R.E.M, Widespread Panic, and The B-52’s.
Lesley Cobbs
I arrived in Athens in 2007 with a volunteer and employment history steeped in music and mental health which of course led me straight to Nuçi’s Space. When I first walked through the door I knew I had come home. Our mission inspires me, our family won my heart and when needed, our services helped me. Now in my role as counseling advocate I am privileged to serve our wonderful creative community and welcome people into our Nuçi family. In my free time I am the queen of great unfulfilled creative ideas and if I had the opportunity to send a message to the world it would be— Love, it’s all about the love.
Heather Heyn Matherly
I’m the newest employee of Nuçi’s Space! My position here is Development & Events. This organization stands for everything that I believe in and couldn’t be more proud to be a part of such an amazing organization and team of people. I’ve lived in Athens for 15 years, during which I’ve played music in a variety of bands around
town. When I’m not playing music, you’ll find me personal training at the YMCA or Bishop Park. I’m currently getting my teacher training certificate so that I can teach yoga some evenings and weekends. Health and wellness is an essential part of my day to day life. All in all, I feel right at home with the Nuçi’s Space family and very excited to see what my addition to the team will bring over the next few years.
Dave Chamberlin
I’ve been involved at Nuçi’s Space for 2 years starting as a volunteer, and now as a part-time staff member working at the front desk 3 nights a week and trying my hand at organizing/editing the newsletter. I got involved here after moving to Athens from Indiana when my wife accepted a job opportunity at UGA. I didn’t know a soul in town, but had heard of Nuçi’s Space from the Drive By Truckers fundraisers and reading about the band’s involvement here. I showed up to volunteer soon after moving and immediately enjoyed having a place to be while getting to know people in town . I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work for an organization that stands for a great cause and brings healing and relief to so many people.
Marisa Leilani Mustard
I got involved with Nuçis space in 2008. I attended Camp Amped and it was probably the best thing I did as a child! When I was a junior in high school I started volunteering at Nuçis Space because it was (and still is) one of my favorite places to be and got hired in May of this year as a part-time staff member. I am going back to school in the spring majoring in Spanish. My hobbies consist of painting, playing guitar and going hiking with my two dogs.
Glenn Reece
I began coming to Nuçi’s Space to practice with my first band in middle school. I am lucky enough to not remember a time without Nuçi’s Space, though I do have vague memories of the transformation of the building from the old and seemingly abandoned state to the Space it is today. Besides using the practice rooms here, I attended Camp in the summer of 2009 and volunteered from 2012 until I became a staff member last March. I am gearing up for my first semester at UGA to pursue a degree in horticulture and a minor in jazz, after attending University of North Georgia for two years. My time working here has only been positive and I am truly grateful to be a part of Nuçi’s Space.
Betsy Franck Hughes
My name is Betsy Franck Hughes, and I have been in Athens for (13) years. I am a singer/songwriter, band leader, and session vocalist. I have led Betsy Franck and the Bare Knuckle Band for most of my time in Athens, and I have been affiliated with Nuçi’s Space since the moment I moved to town. I have been a counselor for Camp Amped for the last (6) years. In March I began working as Youth Programs Coordinator, and have had the unique and challenging opportunity to have my hand even deeper in the Camp Amped Program. As a musician, I have very much appreciated the services that Nuçi’s offers, and as a part of the Nuçi’s family I am eternally grateful for the friendships I have made and experiences I have had. I love this place!
Volunteer Profile: Cindy Nash There’s an energy pulsing at Nuçi’s Space when Cindy Nash is volunteering at the front desk. It’s not only due to the sugar buzz caused by her generous gifts of excellent homemade desserts either; Cindy’s cheery demeanor and smile bring sweetness to the space, too.
It’s not just the staff that gets to enjoy her food. If you were a participant in Camp Amped this summer or the most recent Athens Business Rocks, then you, too, were likely served some of Cindy’s delicious treats, as generously supplying events with food from her kitchen is another way Cindy spreads cheer and demonstrates her willingness to help.
Cindy started volunteering here in August of 2013 when a combination of life changes presented the opportunity. Most of her time had been spent raising her four children, but as they were reaching the ages where they were more independent, she wanted to find another outlet to serve and help in the community. She enjoys greeting visitors in person as well as having the opportunity to be the first person someone talks to on the phone when seeking help for medical reasons. After losing an uncle to suicide and experiencing her own mental battles during a transitional phase in her life, she is able to empathize with the people we serve day to day. Cindy notes that even though she’s not the typical Nuçi’s Space client, being led here has helped her through some personal struggles. She expresses, “My week is not complete without a dose of this place. Nuçi’s makes a difference in this community to a variety of people in ways that we don’t realize.” Any organization knows the importance of first impressions on the people it serves, and our counseling advocate, Lesley Cobbs, summarizes Cindy’s contribution: “Cindy is a ray of sunshine; she warms up cold dreary days and makes me smile. I do not believe there is a single person she has ever met who she doesn’t care about, and that’s what makes her so special to us.”
Adopt a Highway Here at Nuçi’s Space we are always looking for opportunities to develop stronger ties to our wonderful Athens community and so joining in with ACC AdoptA-Highway and Keep Athens Beautiful was always in our minds. When we applied it was doubly exciting to discover that the 1.2 mile stretch of Oconee Street from S. Williams to Oak Street was available as it runs right by our building.
To date staff and volunteers have completed two cleanups and surprisingly it’s a lot of fun. Working side by side is a great way to get to know someone and a great way to strengthen ties between our staff, our volunteers and our organization. To join us on our cleanups and help make Athens just a little more beautiful contact lesley@nuci.org subject “Adopt-a-Highway”
nuçi’s space Recent volunteers
Madeline Bates Janet Brown Francine Bryan Joey Carter Marcos Coltar Elizabeth Finger Tom Garne Victoria Glover Caleb Hunter Sallay Jabbie Joe Linehan Andrew McCrary Gerda Mostonaite Cindy Nash Shane Quinter Kate Sadeski Elizabeth Stipe Justin Unbehaun Stella Zine Stephanie Brown Alex Nash Hailey Nash Leanna Floyd Laurence Black Debbie Watson Sascha Smith Nick Bradfield Caitlin Cameron Jordynn Abernathy Emma Jacoby
14th Annual Anniversary Party! It’s that time again for our annual anniversary party! It’s been 14 wonderful years here at Nuçi’s Space and we’d love to have you celebrate with us. We will be hosting a free, open to the public party at Nuçi’s Space, October 10, 2014 from 5:30–9:30 p.m. There will be an awesome silent auction and food and libations will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Survivors of Suicide Support Group Meets at Nuçi’s Space Third Wednesday of the Month 5:30 p.m.
And is open to anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide
Upcoming Dates: September 17th October 15th November 19th
Call 706-227-1515 for further information
Upcoming Events at Nuçi’s Space Be sure to check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nucisspace for updates on all the exciting things happening around the Space.
CAAS (Camp Amped After School) program will be meeting again this fall from Sunday 10/16–Sunday 10/26. The after school program is a smaller scale version of our summer two week sessions with the focus on quickly learning a few songs and how to perform them, learning how to be in a band, and most of all learning about Nuçi’s Space and the resources that we offer the community. We want all of our campers to come out of a camp experience with a better understanding of their instruments, and knowledge of all that we do here at Nuçi’s. The “Rocktober” Grand Finale will be held October 26th @ 7 p.m. @ Nuçi’s Space, so mark your calendars!
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right side glows the newsletter for nuçi’s space, a nonprofit musicians’ support/resource center