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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: Wednesday, November 06, 2002
Each year as the months of November and December appear on the calendar, I get just a little nostalgic and very much thankful. November 1st of this year marks the beginning of my 17th year as the Arts Center’s Executive Director. Wow - has time gone fast! I always reflect back to 1986, on the very first day I walked through the doors as a new employee. I was terrified! The Arts Center was in the middle of constructing the Performing Arts Wing, we were majorly in debt, and the staff was at a real low - both in numbers and in morale. All I knew was I strongly has supported and believed in the Arts Center literally almost all of my life, and I knew a lot of others felt exactly as I did. In retrospect, I guess I’m glad that I didn’t know then what I know to be true now - the very long hours necessary to keep programming smooth and constant; the necessity to be continuously “begging” for money and the “politics” that go hand in hand with being a not for profit. On the other hand, there are definitely aspects I would never wish to miss or exchange - the absolute dedication of the staff, volunteers and supporters; the spontaneous tears of joy when you see a student who has matured, grown and excelled through one of our programs; the everyday fun and challenges of constantly fresh and changing offerings, faces and aspirations; the elation of an audience rising to its feet at the end of a show. Yes, it’s been fun and rewarding more than anything else. I have so much for which to be thankful. Over the years the support of the Board of Trustees, Women’s Service League, the Civic Development Corporation and my staff has been absolutely wonderful! I have grown so much in this job - it has taught me a lot about myself, both the strengths and the weaknesses. It has given me a much deeper appreciation for my community. My love of the arts has gone from appreciation to understanding, from merely entertainment to education. Yes, the Arts Center has much to be thankful for, but, in many ways, I feel I have even more to be thankful for just having been a part of it. Thanks for the experience, the memories and the ups and downs. I can’t wait to see what the next few years have in store! As we head into our 50th year of life in this wonderful organization, I can only dream of what the next half century might bring. That’s the beauty of it - while we may be getting older and a little worn down, the Arts Center can look forward to continual beginnings and growth! Happy Holidays from all of us at the Arts Center. Here’s to another 50 great years! | ||||