On March 6  @ 7:pm make sure to take in the fun to be had at the 4th Annual Variety Concert organized by our favorite organizers, The Mighty Divas.

There will be music, music and more music. Guitars, keyboard plus the junior band. But it’s not all about the music it’s humour and fun too.

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

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.

The newest members to join the team around the board table are Don Allsion, a native son recently returned and Dr. David Howe, long standing band member.

Beside his youthful vigor done bring a wealthy background in performing art and cultural entrepreneurship to the board.

Kids of all ages and of all generations should enjoy great moments in the ‘Auditorium’, aka ‘The Band Hall’. First grade graduation, first live theatre, first dance, first political speeches, the Grand Ole Opry tour, Sea Cadets; all these precious memories occurred in this building. May my input through the Board of Directors help this institution thrive and serve for many years to come.

Don Allison Smith

Dr Howe has served his community well for many years as general practitioner in Parrsboro. During those years he committed to also play the first flute with the Citizens’ Band and bari sax with the Elastic Big Band. He now takes on the role of director representing the band on the Board of Directors.

Brenda and Lori work the crowd at the dvd release May 3, 2008

My memories are mostly of one person. Bernie Burke. In my time in the band from around 1974-78, it was Bernie. When I look back as an adult today, growing up in the greatest little town in Canada, we had a great marching band and stage band. From Tyne Valley to The Natal Day Parade, and finally two trips to New Brunswick. One to the Maritime Music Festival and to St. Andrews By The Sea and the day it rained all day for the “MUSICAL RIDE”.

Bernie was always there for the kids of Parrsboro who wanted to be in the band and had some sort of talent. He did more for the youth in the town of Parrsboro than anyone past, present, or furture. And I have been truly blessed to have known Bernie Burke.

Keep up the good work and I am ready to help out again some weekend you are having a work party. PS, I think that my sister had a good time in the band as well with Kendra Muir , Kathy Matheson, Susan Boyd and others much older than me !!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeffrey Canning

May 30, 2006

Hello members, supporters and friends of the hall.

It is certainly time, that on behalf of the Board of Directors and the volunteers surrounding this wonderful project, I bring you up to date with the progress we’ve made. Firstly though let me tell you how much we appreciate your support and willingness to become involved in the evolution of the Parrsboro Citizens’ Band Hall from its current forlorn state to what we all hope will become another jewel in the crown of Parrsboro, the Community Culture and Wellness Centre.

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