Press Release

Tibbits Annual Meeting

Date:2/1/11

COLDWATER, MI—

While the restoration of the 1882 façade in the front of the Tibbits Opera House should begin later this year, the Tibbits board took time to look back on a very successful year in 2010. Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council held its Annual Meeting last Thursday at the Opera House. Recap reports showed an increase in membership to record levels, a summer theatre program that finished ahead of budget projections, and continued improvements to the theatre building including the lighting system, stage and dressing rooms.

Ken Delaney one of the co-chairs of the Restoration campaign announced the theatre’s fundraising effort for the restoration of the façade of the opera house, dubbed "Strip the Tibbits", is now only $115,000 from its goal of $1 million to begin the work. An architect has been working on the project since September and the construction firm has been hired to do demolition work to reveal the original brick on the building. Demolition will allow final drawings to be prepared for the reconstruction; that work should begin later this year.

Randall Hazelbaker, President of the Tibbits Foundation expressed the excitement over the pending restoration as well as the timing, tying it in with the 150th anniversary of the City of Coldwater. Tibbits Executive Director referred to the blessing of the past year and thanked all of the donors, members, volunteers and attendees who continue to give their time and support to making the theatre all that it is. 

Also during the annual meeting, Mike Beckwith, Marilyn Baker and Dr. Tina Kerr were elected to the board. Brian Hodson and Brad Parrish were elected to a second term and Barbara Mullally was elected to a third term on the Tibbits board of directors.

Following the annual meeting, the new Tibbits board convened its organizational meeting at which the officers of the board were elected. Randall Hazelbaker was elected president, Brian Hodson vice president, Ray Sebastian treasurer, J. Richard Colbeck secretary, Jim Maynard and Doug Bloom members-at-large.

Copies of Tibbits Annual Report are available at the administrative office at 93 W. Chicago St. Information on Tibbits including upcoming events is available on line at www.Tibbits.org or by calling 517-278-6029.