FROM THE CHAIR…. BUILDING ON THIS YEAR’S SUCCESSES, PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

It has been a very busy and successful year – and I expect our successes to continue into 2011 and beyond. None of these successes would have been possible without the hard work of and staunch support from the board of directors and I heartily thank all of them – Wayne Kay, Meriel Child, Roely DeVries, Bonnie Marentette, Jack Vance, Maril Swan, and Richard Rashotte. There are also many committee members who have worked hard this year to bring the events and programmes to fruition. Without these volunteers the T&AAC could not function.

There have been many highlights this year, among them-
• the first season of performances at the Marble Church Arts Centre
• the addition of drapes and magnetic windows to not only beautify the centre but allow the heat to be kept in during the winter;
• the donation of a great sound system by the Young Family;
• the Jack Vance Classic golf tournament;
• Art in the Park
• another successful yard sale
• the installation of a wheelchair ramp and paved drop off lane making the facility completely accessible;
There is much work remaining to be done on the MCAC:
• complete the work required in the lobby room so it can be used as a box office and theatre office;
• build a storage and dressing room facility on the east side of the building;
• install a permanent lighting system;
• build a lighting and sound booth at the back of the theatre;
• installing a security system;
• and of immediate importance, install air conditioning and finishing the stairs to the basement to make them safe. The future of the T&AAC and of the Marble Church Arts Centre will depend on the continuing hard work of the board and the committees and of individuals who, when called, come out to work on the arts centre and on special events. But we will need new people with new ideas and new expertise to move the organization forward.

Get involved. You won’t regret it.
Respectfully submitted
Don Herbertson, Chair.

Eugene Smith/Virginia Slager Concert -
August 7
An appreciative audience enjoyed the dance stylings of Virginia Slager who was accompanied by a medley of George Gershwin classics. Though the stage is small, the duo made good use of the space with an energetic performance.

Eugene Smith, in his relaxed style, chatted and sang through a large number of well-known songs and some that he composed. He kept the audience laughing with his jokes and singing along with his songs.

Art in the Park - August 14 & 15:

Crafters set up in Tweed Memorial Park for the two-day event which was well-attended. Several vendors made good sales over the weekend, bringing reasonable commissions to the Kiwanis and T&AAC. Music, presented by Scott & Cory Pettigrew and Cliff Andrews, enhanced the event

An informal survey by Maril Swan showed that the vendors were very satisfied with the event and would return next year. Maril will be the facilitator for the 2011 Art in the Park and will be assembling a committee very early in the new year. Anyone interested in assisting with the Art in the Park 2011 is asked to contact marilswan@yahoo.com or call 613-478-5003.

Jack Vance Golf Classic - August 29 at the Poplars:

A slate of over 40 golfers teed off with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. after Jack Vance and MP Daryl Kramp officially opened the golf tournament. The weather co-operated wonderfully with a bright sunny day and cooling breeze.

The annual golf tournament will run June 12 next year to avoid conflicts with other tournaments.