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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1995-12-13, Page 13Times -Advocate, December 13, 1995 Page 13 Playhouse holds annual meeting GRAND BEND - The annual General Meeting of the Hu- ron Country Playhouse Inc. and Huron Country Playhouse Foundation was held on Nov. 24 at the Lakeview Cafe. President Shiriey McIntyre reported 1995 has been a very aggressive season, raising the artistic stature 4f the play- house to new heights due to a superb group of theatre art- ists and technicians. The box office boasted for the first time, receipts of over $I million from the main stage alone. Much of the success must be attributed to the Artistic Di- rector/General Manager and playhouse staff. McIntyre said directions for the playhouse have never been more clearly defined by the patrons. Quality family entertainment is the mandate the playhouse intends to follow at it enters its 25th Anniversary Season. Artistic Director/General Manager Max Reimer reported the playhouse successfully mounted the two largest, most spectacular musicals in HCP history and for the first time hit 80 per cent or better attendance for all five main stage productions. The playhouse operated with a balanced budget again with a small surplus of about $7,000. Fundraising efforts continue to move away from operating capital and/or reserves as trip draws become an auction item and donations are being solicited for both re- serves and operation. Reimer said although this is certainly the right focus for the playhouse efforts, it makes opera- tions look relatively less successful. Playhouse II revenue was behind its 1993, 1994 levels. The past season is comparable to the average results of PII throughout its 13 -year history. The Ontario Arts Council grant, given contingently on PII's risky Canadian pro- gramming, put PII "in the black." The future of this grant, and therefore, the future of the all -Canadian playbill, will be uncertain until January at which time the playhouse should be able to assess its options. The Seniors' Com- munity Outreach program, sponsored by Big V Drug Stores, is undoubtedly the most successful program of its type in this region for youth -senior relations. The program "It obvio we n gro slower expanded to a six-week tour of homes, centre and hospitals, reaching a captive audience of over 2,000. Over the last few years, rising internationals paper prices and the additional costs of running a more expensive facil- ity have greatly reduced surplus revenue. Controllable ex- penses, such as sets, costumes, props. actors' salaries, com- puter purchases and aavertising had also risen. "It is now obvious that we need to grow at a slower rate," said Reimer. The success of the playhouse is directly related to the benefit of the tremendous support received from regional and local communities and governments, busi- nesses and friends of the theatre. This strong support is the defining characteristic of the playhouse. The Treasurer's report by Al Skin- ner highlighted the audited financial statements for the year ending Sept. 30, 1995. Review and Expense Statement Net results from operating activities $7,336 Capital fundraising less capital ex- penditures ($9,652) Overall net cashflow results ($2,316) Box office receipts increase $6,586 Theatre expenses increase $78,523 Skinner said fundraising activities continued in a variety of ways, while a new play was set up to create reserves and replace provincial and federal grants no longer available. An on-going capital expenditure program has completely depleted operating surplus accumulated from past years and the current year. Despite this, the playhouse managed to complete $102,236 of required improvements in 1995 to satisfy safety and labor concerns. Until funding is avail- able, further capital projects will be carried out only when absolutely necessary. Guild President Shirley Platt reported the group of 140 women have met their mandate to enhance playhouse op- erations both financially and in many "behind the scenes" efforts. Along with fundraising activities, the guild also plants flowers, holds Marathon Bridge, and operates ca - is now usqatf e to to w at a rate." tering and clerical committees for HCP. The guild was able to present the playhouse with a cheque of $5,000 for a much-needed Public Address Sys- tem. This summer the Historical Committee worked along- side playhouse staff to create an historical archive on the wall leading to Playhouse II. The guild is now planning a 25th anniversary gift for the playhouse and has raised funds to be used for the enhance- ment of the sound system including devices for the hearing impaired and body microphones for actors. The guild is also donating two ticket printers which should help elim- inate long Zine -ups at box office windows. Renovations Committee Chair Bryan Beattie reported the capital expenditures during the 1994/95 fiscal year were re- stricted to renovations and improvements, largely re- sponding to specific safety or comfort needs of patrons and staff. These include a Public Address System as well as improvements to the patron washrooms and upgrades to staff washrooms, showers and actors' dressing rooms. The problem of the rehearsal hall located on the second level of the old barn have yet to be dealt with. The heat build-up in this area is sever at times and it is not practical to incur ventilation or air-conditioning costs to the old building. A proposal is under consideration to erect a new rehearsal hall at the rear of the existing workshops. The prosed building has a price tag of about $135,000 including site preparation, reported Beattie. A problem with the re- quired property setback has delayed the building permit. In addition, the timing of commencing construction is un- certain, pending funding. "It is hoped that these hurdles will be overcome to allow the rehearsal hall project to go ahead and be completed in time for the 1996 season," said Beattie. Executive Board members elected are: Shirley McIntyre, president, Jack Riddell, past president, Bryan Beattie, 1st vice president, Charles E. Baxter, 2nd vice-president, Al Skinner, treasurer, BruceWoodley, secretary and Dr. Linda Steele, executive member. Exeter resident Deb Gardiner takes a break from sorting winter woolies donated to the Huron County Christmas Bureau at the Exeter Pentecostal Tabemacle Friday afternoon. ACW send bales to shutins Word received that St. Nick will be coming to St. Patrick's... Hazel Davis SAINTSBURY - Saturday De- cember 9, nine members from St. ;Patrick's and two guests enjoyed a 'delicious pot luck luncheon at the home of Hazel Davis. Over coffee and dessert they held their Christ- mas ACW meeting, beginning with the members prayer and General Thanksgiving in unison. Psalm 72 was read by Betty Johnson and Ma - 'bel Needham. Meditation was based on the reading "A Prayer for G'd's Anointed One." A prayer for members called to a Higher Life was led by Heather MacGillivray remembering Mar- guerite Greenlee who passed away one year ago December 9. Prayers for sick. remembering Friends Don- na Thompson and Eva McLean led by Rose Cunningham. For church and her work, led by Suzanne Da- vis, for Sunday Schools led by Vi- pla Atkinson, Dominion of Canada led by Margaret Carroll and a brief history on the name Dominion of Canada. "She Shall have Dominion from Sea to Sea" by Mary Davis. The history of Advent and the Ad - Sewer reps chosen LUCAN - At its Dec. 5 meeting, council appointed four members to its new sewer committee. Paul Dale, Steve Jones, George Mawdsley and Councillor Harty Wraith have been appointed to the committee which will also include Public Works Superintendent Doug Johnston and Town Administrator Ron Reymer. vent Wreath was the closing of the devotional period. For roll call each member gave a Christmas verse or hymn. Thank you notes were read also a letter of thanks from the Bishop of Keewa- tin Thomas W.R. Collings for the three bales sent to shutins. A won- derful collection of food for daily bread was collected to be delivered this week. also a cheque to be giv- en as well. Final plans were made for children's party next Sunday during and following the church service. Word received this week by satellite that St. Nick will be. coming to St. Patrick's and will probably have time for a couple of songs. A gift exchange was enjoyed by everyone and the singing of the hymn "Away in a Manger" and prayer was the close of a perfect af- ternoon of fellowship and friend- ship. There was no service at St. Pat- rick's Sunday December 10 due to the cold and stormy conditions. Sunday December 17, Advent 3 (year A) St. Patrick's will hold their Holy Communion Service at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Stanley Jay as officient followed by chil- drens pageant and party. Personals Bill and Betty Johnson were weekend visitors with the Davis's. Jean Richardson and Heather MacGillivray called on grandmoth- er Mary Davis recently. Crystal Davis is participating in .1 ringette tournament this weekend at Toronto. Katie -Scarlett MacGillivray was Saturday overnight visitor with cousin Starr Davis. LORRAINE CAUCHI, RN. 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"I thought I ran a good cam- paign," said Minielly, adding he wasn't surprised at the outcome. Minielly is looking forward to the 400 or more meetings and functions he will attend through his one year term as warden and said his main priority is "survival of the county." "With all these government cut- backs we are facing, I think it's go- ing to be a tough year," he said. 1 Chiropractor Dr. Peter Kravchenko Accepting new patients. No referral required Diversified and Activator Methods, ultrasound Custom foot arch supports 472 Main St.S. (Natures Clinic) Exeter 235-4014 15 -year memberships recognized EXETER - The three Exeter chapters of Beta Sigma Phi met on December 5 at the Exeter Masonic Hall. Following a social time, first courses of a delicious potluck sup- per were served. Order of the Rose for active membership of at least 15 years was bestowed on Beta Theta mem- bers Janice Brock, Joy Darling, Linda Deelstra, Heather Rogers and Dorcas Wein. Dessert and coffee were accom- panied by musical entertainment provided by Leona McBride on trumpet and Audrey Haberer on pi- ano. Chrisbnas ii;s1 Open Daily Cut your own or fresh cut trees in yard if you prefer. No tax t Fields mowed for easy walking. 41 AGATE TREE FARM 666-1603 10086 Hedley Drive (Formerly Cone. 10, Lobo) 1/2 mile east of Popluar HIII Rd. THE CHRISTMAS TREE PLACE 4 4 4 4 4 Not exactly as illustrated We have great savings on our DIAMOND EARRINGS & PENDANTS A 25°"° SAVING JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS "We have the products that you want for the price that you want to pay" "P.S. DON'T FORGET CHRISTMAS LAY -A -WAY" ANSTETT JEWELLERS LTD. since 1950 EXETER STORE j �r} ti /Vat psi 111044/1. 2tie0414t BOOKS Ili BOOKS BOOKS I Children's Books > Richard Starry * Franklin * Berenstain Bears ' Babysitters Club > Riding Academy RL Stine Goosebumps l Mercer Mayer 7 Donnelly Collection i Gwyn Whilsmith ' Danielle Steel * Stephen King * Tom Clancy * Dean Koontz * V.C. 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