Fraidy Aber is the Executive Director of the Vail Symposium, one of the valley's longest standing nonprofits and a resource for entertainment in the form of educational speakers, workshops and field trips. As you may glean from her answers below, Fraidy is about as involved as a local can be at work AND at play.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Each day I have the "task" of meeting and working with incredibly inspiring individuals. That is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What is your favorite free-time activity?
A: 'Yakin (Editor's note: that's um ... kayaking) on the rivers in Colorado.
Q: What do you think sets the Vail community apart from anywhere else?
A: Vail is developing into a community that is adept at mixing big time
with small time - national performers where you still know the person
checking you in at the show. It's one of the greatest places to
be a local.
Q: How do you view your role/contributions to this community?
A: This community is growing very quickly, and I am honored to be
contributing to growing the intellectual programs and services we
sustain. They are so important to sustain the quality of life and
increase great settlers here.
Q: How would you recommend a visitor spend an ideal weekend in the valley?
A: Early to rise, hike with the sunrise. Find a market or shop for breakfast,
wander around in Minturn (if it's a Saturday), have an afternoon of
horsing, rivering, biking or the like, find a cultural evening activity
or a talk to absorb and introduce yourself to everyone throughout the day. Day two, more of the same. But this time you'll run into lots of people that you met on day one.
Q: What is your motto/approach to life and its challenges?
A: Try it, you'll like it. And ... Put full effort into all things you do.
What is Plum 98? It's a collection of 98 individuals (a nice, round number)
who have etched a mark in the Vail community with positive energy and
vision. Be it in the realm of art, recreation or politics, we at Plum want
to recognize these local stars for their encouragement and inspiration. To
meet more Plum 98ers, click here.
