A VERY SAD DAY

Hi everyone-

I hope you all are doing well. I thought that I would pass along a important announcement to everyone who has worked at Day Camp and that is that Mount Hermon has decided they are going to eliminate the Human Resource Director position, which means that Bob Russell is no longer going to be part of Mount Hermon. Bob, Lisa, Bill Fernald and the interns all meet yesterday where Bob revealed this news and then during a staff wide breakfast the news was revealed to everyone. Obviously this has been very hard on the intern staff because Bob was the one running the program and because most of us worked so closely with him. I was pretty shaken up yesterday and am still struggling today.

The reason for this decision, as it was explained to us by Roger Williams today and by Bob yesterday, is based on the need to cut financial expenses. Out of all the "General Administrative Expenses" Roger (I think he was the one who had to make this decision) felt that the Human Resource Director position was the one that made the most sense to elliminate.

Bob brought so much to the table, whether it was working with summer staff or interns. I feel it is rare to find someone like him who can be a boss and a friend with so many people so easily. He was a mentor and friend to me and so many others. As someone who understands business and the need to cut costs it is impossible to place a dollar value on Bob because of everything he brings to the table. Sorry that I'm rambling. Just know that this decision was done with lots of prayer and thought and that it wasn't a easy one to make.

Bob has interviewed at three different places, two in Santa Cruz area and one San Francisco and he is waiting to hear back from them. He is mostly likely going to be at Mount Hermon for the next couple of months unless his new job, if and when he gets hired, wants him there earlier. He will not be part of Summer Staff this summer. Ron and Jackie Demolar are going to be more involved this summer and are stepping in for now for recruiting and interviewing. Brandon (Mr. Crabs who is the HR intern) is going to be doing more and exactly how everything is going to be brake down. I do know there isn't a long term plan to hire anyone else or restablish that position.

Anyway, I'm burn't out on talking about this and I just wanted to pass this along to you guys. Hope you are all well. You can Pray for Bob and the staff. I feel by Bob leaving he is going to be able to minister to many more people and no doubt God has a plan for him. We just have to trust him.