When Joe Rodriguez retires on October 31 from his role as Director of Operations, he will leave with many stories of change and accomplishments at Spreckels Organ Society.

   Joe has been working with SOS since its beginnings in the home of Vivian Evenson, Founding President. With Joe by her side, plans and programs  were put in motion that set the groundwork for what SOS was to become. As space became available at El Prado, SOS moved to a larger office and the scope of Joe’s responsibilities grew; greeting daily visitors, giving information, and taking phone calls became part of his daily routine. Years passed, SOS continued to flourish, and responsibilities and tasks expanded to include trustees and volunteers. As ideas and plans for program activities to promote SOS have grown, so have Joe’s duties. From planning the Summer Organ Festival to fundraising, from special events to managing the gift shop - these are all activities to which Joe has dedicated his time and attention.

   As with any growing organization, sometimes the unexpected and unscheduled occur, but Joe has always dealt with these emergencies with calm and composure. At one recent movie night, systems did not work. Another time, a heavy rain fell during a concert. People did not leave thanks to the  umbrellas, and after the rain the concert continued. One time, the printer was late in delivering the programs for the Summer Festival Concert. People coming for the concert were handed a fresh booklet still warm from printing - a new meaning to “hot off the press”. All of these events were a testament to Joe’s flexibility, and his ability to turn potentially negative situations into positive ones - he truly helped save the day!

   Joe’s connection to SOS also transcends into his personal life, and is just one of the places for his living and loving music. In fact, music is prominent in his life. He is the founder and director of the San Diego Harmony Ringers. His position as organist and choir director at Faith Presbyterian Church continues. As an organist, Joe has a reputation for creating wonderful organ improvisations. More than one person has expressed their hope that he will publish these as well as new works he considers.

   Now, after serving under four presidents, and dedicating fourteen years of hard work, Joe is ready to move on. He will certainly be missed by many people, from park rangers to Trustees and concert visitors, and especially by all of us at the Spreckels Organ Society.  We know that he will not be far however, and look forward to seeing him and hearing him as he directs the Ringers, hear his new organ improvisations, or catch him at a Sunday concert at the Pavillion.

   Best wishes Joe, we will be listening for you!