This day's guest speaker was Eric Cherches, a local lawyer and member of Mather Hospital's Board of Trustees. He visited today, though, as a representative of the Board of Directors of Theater Three. Eric came to remind us about the significance of this gem of a theater on Main Street, a 501c3 entity that has been the cherished home since 1969 to theatrical and other productions at the historical Athena Hall (more than a century old). He reminded us, too, that Theater Three relies on fundraising to cover its overhead. Over 50,000 people have been drawn to this theater, which creates a huge economic impact on village businesses, as the theater's clients frequently visit the restaurants and patronize other businesses, as well, before and after performances. Eric pointed out that Theater Three, which brings live, affordable theater to the masses, is doing well enough financially but could always do better. In addition to the Main Stage, Theater Three also is the home of Griswold's Cafe, where wine & beer are served to patrons at pre- and post-performance gatherings, where local organizations are welcome to hold their events, and where private parties are held. In addition, this is home to a popular children's theater. Aside from highly acclaimed Broadway-type musicals and dramas, Theater Three also presents well-received educational plays such as "Voices From the Holocaust" and "Class Dismissed" (re. an anti- bullying project), a one-act play contest, a concert series, and Monday night documentaries (with the Greater Port Jeff Arts Council and SUSB). The regular theater season runs from September to June. Past blockbusters included "Shrek, The Musical" and "Les Mis". This year's much-anticipated shows include "Legally Blonde, The Musical", the annual production of "A Christmas Carol", "Sylvia" by A.R. Gurney, "Respect, a Musical Journey of Women", Managing Director Jeff Sanzell's own comedy, "Where There's a Will", and "Saturday Night Fever, the Musical". Eric reminds us that all sorts of season ticket packages are available (and would make a great gift), and that it's important to support local theater, which benefits the entire community. The Summer '16's Concert Series has already presented tribute bands (like The Doors, Beatlemania Now, and The Beach Boys), a comedy festival, and a Psychic Medium. Coming soon: The Amazing Kreskin, the Duprees, The Brooklyn Bridge, and Woodstockmania, other tribute artists, celebrity impersonators, and the LI Comedy Festival (check out a more complete listing on our club's events calendar). Eric also mentioned that the marvelously innovative Jeff Sanzell has a number of special projects in development, including a sensory program targeting autistic people. We are invited to become acquainted or re-acquainted with Theater Three and to help spread the word about our local gem of an entertainment venue.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/REMINDERS: There's now $257 in the pot waiting to be won. YOU could win it. Next opportunity: our August 2nd luncheon at Cafe Spiga. The next Stuff-A-Van will take place on September 10th. Can you help out? ***Our Habitat Build has been moved to the fall- new date to be determined and announced soon.*** Have you sold all of your RAFFLE TICKETS yet? If not, please do so IN A TIMELY FASHION. Dennis reminded us that the money earned via the ticket sales not only helps us help our community but also enables our club to pay 1/2 the cost for members to participate in many of our favorite activities (ie., The Habitat Build).The Comsewogue Public Library will host its 5th Annual Volunteer Fair on September 20th from 4-6PM. Please sign up with Archana or Debbie if you can help out. Sharon pointed out that this week's TBR newspapers published a Most Motivated Student Award article. Also, she reminds us that our Past President's Dinner & Raffle Drawing is September 22nd. Ed spoke of an upcoming Rotary fundraiser in September that will involve a golf outing at the hard-to- get-into Atlantic Golf Club on the east end, which will involve a cost of $5,000 for a foursome. Interested? See Ed for specifics. Congrats to Ed on his being awarded a gold alarm clock watch from ESSEX for his many years of service and devotion to the Youth Exchanges. (By the way, he reports that the Youth Exchange programs are alive and well. )Susan reminded us that OUR Back Pack Project should be accomplished in mid-August.
***Please visitour club's Face Book Page and Like it. Debbie posted many photos taken at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. Who do you recognize?
If you missed today's meeting, kindly inform Yvette about make-ups in a timely fashion.
***The following is a list of donation "assignments" for members' once-a-month donations via the Club to the Open Cupboard:
Betts, Judi: Toilet Paper
Bossert, Ken: Shampoo/Conditioner
Brennan, Dennis: Canned Fruit
Brennan, Sharon: Spaghetti Sauce
Berner, Cynthia: Rice
Curry, Bill: Apple Juice
Dinunzio, Ed: Diapers
Engelhardt, Debbie: Juice Boxes
Gautam, Archana: Baby Wipes
Hanson, Susan: Baby Formula
Hohler, Yvette: Beans
Jaeger, Bill: Canned Vegetables
Janhsen, Karl: Milk (Dry or Boxed)
Jurasits, Erika: Cereal (Hot or Cold)
Kopcienski, Al Cereal (Hot or Cold)
Lund, Amy: Canned Chicken
Murray, Kevin: Tuna
Rhatigan, Jim: Diapers
Sabo, Pat: Beans
Sceiford, Michael: Grape Juice Boxes
Vigliante, Paul: Milk (Dry or Boxed)
***Check the list for your name and assigned item. (If you are not listed, you may donate any listed item. Corporate members are encouraged to donate individually. If you would like to be listed with a specific item, contact Debbie and specify your item of choice.)
***Bring contributions to the Heritage Diner on the 2nd Tuesday of the month or give to another Club member who will be attending.
*** If you would like to be reimbursed, bring receipt(s) to the meeting.
...RICH BENNETT, who celebrated his birthday on July 15th; WARD CLARKE, whose birthday was July 16th; CYNTHIA BERNER & JIM RHATIGAN, whose birthdays were July 18th; KARL JANHSEN, who had a birthday on July 24th; BOB NEIDIG, who celebrated his anniversary on July 4th; BILL JAEGER, whose anniversary was July 18th; and ED DiNUNZIO, who is celebrating his 38th year in Rotary this month!
