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President: Rob Schimmelpfennig Executive Vice President: Judy Robson Vice President: Mike Fedler Vice President: Bill Kline Treasurer: Rich Vanek Secretary: Debbi Waring BOARD MEMBERS: Baerbel Baginski, WSL Steve Candella Neroy Carter Arnie Esterer Adele Herzog Mary Ellen Higley Ken Johnson Mark Jones Randy Jones Gloria Kaull Kim Laurello Ed Looman Chris McClure Tom Picken Scot Sinkler Linda VanBuren Joseph Varckette Ellen Winer Phyllis Duffy-Zala | ||
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Executive Director Cindy Rimpela Business Manager Pamela Hammond Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator Shelagh Dubsky Dance Coordinator Lyn Savarise Music Coordinator Meeghan Humphrey Visual Arts Coordinator Phil Mullet Technical Liason Joe Ford Maintenance Coordinator Marquitta Mollick Evening Desk Coordinator
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 2928 West 13th St. Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 phone: 440-964-3396 |
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Posted: Tuesday, August 27, 2002
As we head into the fall season of the year, I believe all of us will have in our thoughts the remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001. The world as we knew it certainly has been changed by the events of that fateful day. While I believe the initial panic and uncertainty has abated, there is definitely a heightened awareness of security issues and Americanism. Travel and tourism in the United States has changed this past year, and more Americans are now staying closer to home. I believe that is one of the contributing factors to our higher attendance this past summer in Straw Hat Theatre. In spite of the extreme heat we experienced this summer, many times we had near sold out houses. We did put together a summer season with broad crowd appeal and staged excellent productions ... but we do this consistently and don’t always have the same positive results. Thank you. Most Americans have also been financially impacted by the events of 9/11. This has created a trickle-down effect which is hitting all of us. Especially those in business - including the Arts Center. To date over 500 individuals and companies have contributed to our annual membership/fund drive for the fiscal year we are currently in, raising about 75% of the funds needed this year to make our break even budget successful. Normally over 650 contributors are recognized for giving to the Arts Center. We lowered our fund drive goal this year, knowing full well that things had changed in the world of giving. We tightened our belts even further when expenses were planned while structuring our budget. However, some items are beyond our control. For example, our health insurance renewal came in at about a 40% increase over last year. The State of Ohio cut all of it’s agencies’ budgets - which then impacted our grant from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). Two years ago the Arts Center was receiving about $27,000 per year from the OAC; this years that amount is down to about $17,000. Postage costs have also increased dramatically, so we are now in the process of paring down our mailing list and asking if there are recipients who might rather receive their Arts Center News via e-mail. I could go on and on, but I think we all know the status. We are continuing our efforts to increase our fund drive dollars. Therefore, we are asking you to positively consider contributing to the Arts Center. We need your support. Thank you. We at the Arts Center realize that this is a time for reflection. But we also must build for the future. We must not forget, but we must also go forward. Please support your home region. Please join us at the Arts Center for entertainment, education, camaraderie and fun! THANK YOU!! | ||||