Meet Teri Sorg-McManamon, VP of Emmaus Arts Commission

Name: Teri Sorg-McManamon

Where do you live? Emmaus

Tell us about your family.

"My husband, Mike, and I are both from very large families and between the two of us have 11 siblings, 20 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews."

What do you do for a living?

• Advertising Director for BioCycle magazine, an international journal advancing large-scale composting, renewable energy and sustainability

• Co-producer of Indiemade Craft Market, the Lehigh Valley’s first non-traditional craft show that is a platform for up-and-coming independent designers, crafters and artists featuring indie music and do-it-yourself (DIY) craft tables with instructors

Tell us about your involvement in Emmaus.

"I became involved with the Emmaus Arts Commission in 2006 and was then asked to work with the 2009 Emmaus Anniversary Steering Committee. I then started volunteering for the Foundation and . I’m still active with these groups and have recently volunteered to help the with fundraising and the Emmaus Heritage Alliance with their upcoming Student Art Show."

What is your role on the Emmaus Arts Commission?

• Vice President of the organization
• Co-Chair roles on SnowBlast Winter Festival and Marketing Committees

Describe why the Arts Commission is important to you.

"There’s no limit to the richness that art can add to our lives. We have a great arts community in Emmaus and the Arts Commission nurtures most mediums through events such as the , Art in the Garden, and . A vital Arts Commission should be important to all of us."

What makes you passionate about the arts?

"Art transforms us – artist and audience alike. The arts truly are part of what binds everyone together. They provide a forum for expression and communication, a platform for imagination and creativity. The arts build bridges between people."

What motivates you to stay active within this particular community?

"I believe that for someone to thoroughly understand the community they live in, they have to be involved in it. Being active in Emmaus is second nature to me, and I love it.

"The things I do and the people I meet through doing community service always challenge me to do more for Emmaus – we have a wonderful quality of life here, and I want to contribute to keeping it that way and enhancing it even more."

Are you involved with any other groups or organizations in the area?

"I’m a past board member with the former Girls Club of Allentown and the Executive Women’s Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce."

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

"I love to travel, go antiquing, visit area art shows for new artists and crafters, read, hang out with friends and family."

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

"I would like to travel throughout Ireland to research our McManamon roots."

What’s your favorite quote?

“Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.” (Sarah Bernhardt)