During this time when the Palladium family is not together at the theater, I wanted to bring us together online by featuring some of the volunteers who donate their time and talents to help make the Palladium such a special place.
We asked volunteers to fill out a questionnaire. We’ll be sharing stories from all the folks who replied. Look back at previous blog posts for more profiles.
If you’re a volunteer and didn’t get a chance to reply to our survey, please reach out to Nancy Jones and she’ll get you included!
Did I mention how much we love our Palladium volunteers? We look forward to seeing them all back in the theater soon.
BOB SERVETTER & MIHO UMIGANE
Miho and I will answer in tandem as we volunteer this way.
Where are you from?
Miho and Bob
We are from Fukuoka, Japan and San Diego, California.
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
We moved to Pinellas County four years ago and were regularly enjoying shows at the Palladium. After speaking to several volunteers there, wanting to see and listen to more shows, we approached Nancy, the Palladium’s volunteer coordinator, one of many hats that she wears at the theater. We began part-time and now love to volunteer throughout the year as we live here full-time, in Indian Rocks Beach.
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
3+ years.
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
Miho enjoys cooking and she is a fantastic chef, when she’s not working alongside me with our business. I enjoy nature and bike riding on the beach with my fat tire bike.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
We both have a lot of favorite memories and stories We truly enjoy each event and talking with repeat performers such as Diego Figueiredo and Damon Fowler. We also love meeting everyone at the holiday dinner each year.
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
Over 20 years ago I had a dream to open a small B&B or vacation rental business, so I could meet people from all over the world. Why not as I have lived 20 plus years overseas in over 45 countries? Miho joined me in my vision to continue to travel and to work with me to open my dream business. Miho and I left Japan six years ago, and four years ago we started Indian Rocks Beach Suites, which has been a lot of fun and hard work. We have welcomed guests from more than 20 countries and from most corners of the US. We hope to welcome you and your family someday soon.
PAULA INDRISO
Where are you from?
Born and raised on Long Island, NY.
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
While a snowbird, I enjoyed attending opera performances. Just fell in love with the place — told my late husband that when we moved here full-time, I was volunteering here.
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
Started volunteering in 2003 — will be 17 years this fall.
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
Walking on the beach.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
I fondly remember the support shown to me by both staff and volunteers when my husband passed away.
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
Got certified in diving when I was 60!
VERNON SETCHELL
Where are you from?
Chetek, Wisconsin.
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
Vernon Setchell
Paula Indriso.
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
8 years.
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
I am an author of seven books, five are novels. Visit Amazon under Sam Black books for more info or to order in either Kindle or paperback.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
Just sitting in the lobby admiring the beauty.
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
I’ve visited 43 countries and have a few more on my bucket list.
BILL SHIPLEY
Where are you from?
Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Went to Michigan State University to study Microbiology then graduated with a degree in TV and Radio. I lived in Lansing, Michigan until moving to Florida 6 years ago.
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
My love of the arts and volunteering.
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
Bill Shipley
5?
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
Reading, gardening (orchids), volunteering at four area theaters.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
One memory is of Nancy (Jones, Palladium Volunteer Coordinator) asking me to change the light bulbs in the wall sconces ‘cause I am tall. Oh and the patron who tried to pick me up when I was operating the elevator…I was flattered😊
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
I was a puppeteer on a local kid’s daily television show back in the 1970s. The puppet was “The Professor.” I would do my regular job as Film Manager at the station, then at 4 p.m. go to the studio to perform The Professor. Eventually I was promoted to direct the show so we made it look like The Professor was directing. The Professor would speak to the talent during the live show via a microphone in the control booth. Fun times.
MARTHA SPERANDIO
My given name is Martha, but I’m better known as Molly.
Where are you from?
Born and raised in Lancaster, PA.
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
I was volunteering with the Florida International Museum and knew Cory Leidersdorff. Because it was nearby the Museum, Cory suggested I consider volunteering at the Palladium. She encouraged me call Nancy Jones, so I did, and shortly afterward, began volunteering there.
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
Almost 16 years.
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
We certainly have our leisure time now! I like to read, knit, play games on my cell phone and watch TV.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
I have a lot of good memories of shows I’ve seen, but probably what I will remember most is the night of December 10, 2018 when I fell – rushing to run the elevator if needed between the variety of Christmas vignettes that were showing that night. As is typical with good Samaritans, many came to my rescue, but one was a nurse who stayed with me, took me downstairs to clean up my bloody arms, wrapped me with paper towels, admonishing me to see a doctor as soon as possible. Nancy was my support during this and had to find someone else to take over the elevator.
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
Something that gives me a lot of pride in my family is that we are all veterans! I served in the Air Force. My husband was career Army as was our oldest son. All were Airborne except for me, but I did fly in the planes that my husband jumped from!
NANCY PREIS
Where are you from?
I was born in Toledo, Ohio, but have lived in Ann Arbor, MI (5 years), New York City (11 years), and St. Pete for nearly 30 years.
In a few words, what brought you to volunteer at the Palladium?
Nancy Preis
I was in the original Palladium volunteer cohort when the founding community philanthropists purchased the building – I’ve volunteered ever since. And I’ve outlasted every executive director!
How many years have you been volunteering at the Palladium?
20+.
What leisure activity do you most enjoy?
Gardening and reading, but who has leisure? I am still working full time as the General Director of the Opera in the Ozarks.
Briefly, tell us what comes to mind when you think of a favorite Palladium memory or story?
One of my favorite Palladium memories is the Tibetan throat singers that performed in the early years. I would have bought a ticket to hear throat singing but found it fascinating and even went down to Eckerd College the next day to see the monks make their mandala. I loved how the Palladium brought in oddball events like that. I also enjoyed a tuba concert with Jay Hunsberger years ago. Who woulda thunk that a tuba concert could be so interesting?
What one fun thing would you like to tell us about yourself that we might not know about you?
I have been known to dress up in a hot pink wig and cheap jewelry and have appeared in several parades as Miss Pinky. I was also a tour guide (in the pink wig) at Sunken Gardens for the Miss Florida pageant.
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