Hello members and supporters
Well here we are in our fifth year of work toward saving the hall. What we had optimistically hoped would be a quick and decisive restoration and conversion of the hall into the new Centre for Culture and Well Being has turned into a bit of a marathon. It has become obvious that determined long term work will be the only way that we can achieve the goals that together we have set out to achieve. Therefore it is so very important that we continue to have your support as it will not only indicate to those decision makers the depth of community backing we have but also give those of us working in the front lines the moral support necessary to continue. Renewing your membership is the simplest way of doing this. The membership form is enclosed. Perhaps you might consider a family membership and/or a membership in the name of another so that our numbers stay up.
Another way you can assist us if you have the time and desire is to volunteer for one of our committees or for the board of directors. For example we are currently looking a board member to head up the facility committee and others are needed for communications and maintenance.
This past year has seen us benefit from a job creation program that has provided us with our first full time employee. David Towns, an experienced administrator as well as band musician, has provided us with organizational continuity, something so difficult to attain on a volunteer basis alone. This position has become invaluable to our development plans and so we will be trying to find ways of maintaining such a position when his project is completed.
This administrative position has allowed us to further develop the ways we can serve the community through programming. The Concert Series announced in this newsletter is only one example of the value of administrative consistency. On the capital side David has led the board in the development of our organizational framework and policies as well as keeping our case actively in front of potential funding sources.
Over the past year we have also felt the need to do serious maintenance to the building while we await restoration funding. To that end we have repaired a corner of the bell tower entrance, replaced deteriorating sills along the front of the annex, replaced the roof on the east side of the main hall and replaced some siding. In the spring you can look forward to a new coat of paint, the original colours, on the street side.
All in all it’s been a very busy year. On behalf of the board I’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all those who have lent a hand with the many many aspects of keep this project working.
Michael Fuller
Chair – Board of Directors
Here is a good example of the craftsmanship that went into the building of the annex section of the building. These pins secured two sections of sill timber together in a lap joint. We still don’t have a construction date of the annex. If anyone can help with the dating please let us know. This deteriorated timber was rescued from the repair debris during the replacement procedure for rotting sill sections where the annex and main hall join.
Have a look at the Renovation page to see what’s happening.
Thanks so much to all the great supporters that went the extra mile to help us get into the top twenty of our round. Unfortunately we needed to be in the top twenty of all three rounds of voting and we just didn’t have the time ( we only had nine days) to get the numbers up. The momentum everyone helped to build was tremendous and if we’d the same time frame as others I feel we would have been there for sure.
You can help the hall by voting for us on the following link. There is $50,ooo at stake.
Aviva, an international insurance company, is contributing a large sum of money to worthy and popular causes across Canada. We can be one of those but we need your vote. In fact we need a great number of votes. For more information and how to help please go to the renovations page on our menu to the right or click on the more info at the bottom. With your help we can win!!
http://www.thehall.ca/renovations/
Or go directly to Aviva to read our submission and to vote.
Vote every day until November 30th. Your help is appreciated and very necessary. Please forward to as many people as you can. Everyone can help.
The Board of Directors has initiated an emergency campaign to stabilize the building while capital funds are sought for the Renovation/Restoration project.
Please click on the Renovations link to the right to view the plans and how you can help us out.
Although they may be facing in the opposite direction than the final design intends we are very happy to have received these new seats from the Sobey’s Group who own Empire Theatres. Perry Kossatz, a great friend of the Hall was wholly responsible for the acquisition and even delivered them!! What a guy. Many thanks Perry.
The board of directors through support from Service Canadais pleased to announce that David Towns is joining the campaign to save the hall as Project Manager for Capital Development.
Loyal supporter, Marion Wasson drops by and gives Patricia Burke a few tips on how to rake leaves.
Shannon Kieler and Hughie Lint donated their time to paint the basement washrooms
Gene and John Roberts put the last coat of wax on the main hall floor. The Aeolian Singers will be able to see their face in it this!
