President Mayfield rang the bell to start our meeting at 12:06 pm. David Hartman provided another excellent prayer. The pledge and song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” was led Stacie Cook. The club then had the traditional greeting while Susan played “Rotary”.
Judy Koetter introduced birthdays for the week which included Colonel Bill Miller’s birthday. There were four members not present, so their cinnamon rolls were auctioned off for $100.00 to Brayden Wood.
Visitors and guests: Our Assistant District Governor, Clint Woods, was in attendance.
Sunshine Report: No items.
Announcements: President Mayfield noted that the Rotary District Training Conference will be held on April 26 in Ft. Worth. He also mentioned that Monica Horton is still looking for candidates for Camp RYLA for this summer. David Kelley announced that there will be a club social at his house 1 Joy Court next Thursday, April 17 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Brag Bucket: Assistant Governor, Clint Woods, bragged on our club for the new members that have recently been brought into the club. Josh Phillips mentioned that his son graduated last December with a 3.87 GPA and will be moving to California with a position at Price Waterhouse. Carla Dowlen’s nephew, David, playing for the Memorial Mavericks, had another great game as they defeated Iowa Park 6 to 2. Stacie Cook mentioned that her son had the fastest running time on his team. She also mentioned that her husband James and his band “James Cook Band” had a presale on their new album called “Texican Velvet”.
Blue Badge Presentation: Noros Martin presented the Blue Badge to Dr. Donny Lee.
Program: Josh Phillips introduced the program, the Wichita Theater, which was presented by Dwayne Jackson. Dwayne mentioned that he and his wife, Lisa, are celebrating 30 years with the Wichita Theater. Their original goal was to provide high quality entertainment for the Wichita Falls community and regionally.
The Wichita Theater building is now 117 years old. The Jacksons also own the building next door which was constructed in 1927.
Dwayne and Lisa became interested in the Wichita Theater after a trip to Branson, Missouri in 1995. Upon opening the Theater, they tried Country and Western Shows in the first 5 years. Since then, they have tried a lot of different venues and faced a lot of tough financial times.
In 2003 they brought the production of the Peter Pan Musical which was very popular. Since that time, they have brought 230 productions. In 2017, they purchased the adjacent building which is now the Stage II Dinner Theater. It opened in April 2018.
In 2019 during covid, the Jacksons started developing an exit strategy. They went back to their roots to make the theater a regional attraction. They were able to secure government funding via SBA and covid funds. In their 5-year plan, year one was to get back on the stage after covid.
They will have 16 production this year with 5 full time employees. Although they incurred a loss last year, they are very optimistic about this year and the future. 52% of households attending events live outside of Wichita Falls with 40% living more than 40 miles away.
They continue to ask for support from the downtown district along with support from the community, the City of Wichita Falls and other local Foundations.
Dwayne also noted that the Wichita Theater has had a tremendous impact on children who participate in its programs. He gave two examples with one child having Down’s syndrome and the other one having Asperger syndrome. Kids’ participation in the various programs have had a tremendous impact on their self-image and self-esteem.
Dwayne asked if anyone had attended an event at the Wichita Theater and most members raised their hands. He asked members to try and attend events this year to support the Theater.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm by President Mayfield with the “Four Way Test.”