To the Editor:
We hope most of the residents of the Creston Valley have now had the opportunity to enjoy the new seats in the Prince Charles Theatre. You can now enjoy a concert without suffering from aching backs, sore seats and numb legs.
The Creston Community Auditorium Society could not have done this without the many volunteers who dismantled old seats and installed new ones. Students helped us with moving seats and unloading the freight truck. Special recognition goes to Tim Vogel, who was the journeyman carpenter on-site. He did this without remuneration, thus saving us a lot of money that we have been able to put toward other theatre projects. It was truly a community effort to raise the necessary funds in two years to replace the old seats.
We would like to thank the local residents and businesses for purchasing seats at $250 each, raising over $ 25,000. The Creston and District Credit Union matched the first 100 seats for a contribution of another $25,000.
Regional District of Central Kootenay directors were instrumental in topping up our funds to bring our project to completion. Gary Jackman, who has been such a tremendous supporter of our theatre in the past, spearheaded the acquisition of funds from a Canadian federal government Community Works grant of over $57,000. We could not have received this grant without the support of directors Larry Binks and Tanya Wall.
School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) also contributed to our project by refinishing the floor at a cost of over $10,000. Maintenance director Larry Brown and maintenance supervisor Bruce MacLean had many meetings with our committee and provided carpenters and painters for our theatre project. Maintenance staff responded quickly and efficiently to our requests.
Creston municipal services director Ross Beddoes also provided advice and helped us manage our seating plan.
We greatly appreciate the Prince Charles Secondary School staff for putting up with the disruptions. Principal Scott Cobbe and Penny Jackson fielded many requests and helped us with the fine details of purchase, work orders and emergencies. Brooke Douma handled the disruption of her classes with aplomb and grace. Physical education instructors were able to work around the old seats while they were in storage.
Annette Smithson was head of our chair campaign and with the help of Brian Lawrence, managed the myriad details and red tape of ordering and purchase of the new seats.
Other committee members who have stuck with us though thick and thin and provided physical and emotional support were Jason Smith, Jean Mutch, Pat Smith, Margaret Lavender and Alex Ewashen. Jason, also the auditorium co-ordinator, has recently put in countless hours ordering and installing new sound and light equipment.
We appreciate your support for this worthwhile community project.
Joanna Wilson, President
Brenda Brucker, Secretary-Treasurer
Creston Community Auditorium Society