On the first Wed of June, a beautiful sunny day, our membership came together. Greg D was at the desk and Scot S smiled and shook everyone’s hand. Deanna presented meatballs, gravy and mashed potatoes along with green beans, watermelon and a chocolate chip cookie for our nourishment. Pres. Steve brought us to order and we sang the National Anthems of the USA and of Canada. Bob R provided the invocation quoting from First John and giving us some insight on where we should find God and followed with a brief reading to observe the 74th anniversary of D-Day. We were led in “This Land is My Land”, “When Irish Eyes are smiling” and “Smile’ by Stan C.
Guy Olson was the only visiting Rotarian and since school is out for the summer Pepe was the lone student guest. Lori L hosted her son Logan and Lt Anthony N brought daughter Debra. Pres Steve asked for a volunteer to drive Pepe to Fargo this coming Sat. Bob R agreed to take on the task. There will not be a meeting next Wed noon rather all members are encouraged to attend the 5:00pm social hour and dinner following the golf tournament next Thru. Mike reminded us to sign up for the dinner so a reasonably accurate count is available for the cater. Kati J informed us the annual Rubber Duck Derby takes place Thru July 12 at 5:00 pm and that tickets for presale and a signup sheet for helpers will be at the June 20th meeting.
Brags and Fines: Steve A informed us a Sat morning PBS show featured his spouse teaching Mandarin to fourth grade students in New York City. Kati J parted with $2.00 for missing the last two meetings: the first to prepare for her sons graduation party-he will attend Montana State; the second to attend to the presentation of four $5000. scholarships by the Health Care Foundation. Keith O claims his three daughters are all beautiful and certain they will each present him with a new grandchild this year; in his exuberance he invited us to their high school graduation parties. Katy A helped her parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and attended a niece’s college graduation. Speaker Michal Burgraff has officiated at three wedding ceremonies at AC4TA. Dave J contributed $20. in honor of his and Dolly’s 54th anniversary, another $20. for a brother’s 52 years of marriage and a third $20. for another brother’s 51 years. Pepe’s two week exchange student trip includes stops in Philadelphia, Washington DC, Buffalo, Albany and New York City. Wally C and Marcy will celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary soon and attend a Cole family reunion at St Josephs. Pres Steve’s grandson who attends college in Ohio recently became a resident of that state. Last, guest Guy O contributed because of his early departure and invited us to consider the consider the morning club if we need a makeup.
Program: Bonnie D introduced AC4TA Executive Director Michael Burgraff with the note that he brings the arts to the community and the community to the arts. Michael began by reminding A Center For The Arts (AC4TA) has been a part of the community for a quarter of a century. He challenged us to view it not only for it’s efforts to host touring and local performers in music, dance and theater but to think of it as a $420,000. local downtown business that is offers much and is an integral part of the community.
The Fergus Fall arts community is somewhat of an anomaly in the state; activity ranks well above what would be expected in a community of this size. Indisputably AC4TA and Michael are key to its success. A recent studied showed AC4TA brings $3,000,000. of economic activity to the city each year. It is not without it’s challenges however; a large part of Michael’s work involves securing the funds necessary to keep the place in business.
AC4TA offers a range of opportunities to provide support; ticket sales are perhaps the most obvious, they solicit and accept donations, individuals may become members and most activities have sponsors. If you have need the facilities are for rent. We were reminded of the Fall Fundraiser coming up on Sept 22 featuring Dueling Pianos wine and hors d’ oeuvres, tickets are $75.00. Should you be inclined to host a group the former sound and lighting room has been remodeled and is now the Presidents Box, accommodates 8 well behaved folks, and is available for this event for $1500.00.
Michael spent some time on upcoming events and for the best and most accurate information the editor would encourage to go to www.FergusArts.org. We were informed that this summer’s Children’s Theater presentations of Peter Pan will have 206 kids involved, they have been divided into two for separate shows and all will appear on stage. The summer musical is Music Man; the cast will be local community members. Concerts and movies in the park are being held on Thru evenings. The Center Series is in place and there is a lot of activity at AC4TA. Thanks Bonnie and Michael, think we came away with a renewed sense of what AC4TA does for the vitality of the community and understanding of the effort to keep it current, fresh and in operation.
