Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
corporation whose mission is to preserve the historic Tibbits Opera
House, to offer cultural entertainment experiences for the citizens
of Branch County and our region and to provide a cultural stage for
area residents.
Thousands of tourists, area residents and nearby community residents
attend plays, musical acts, summer professional theatre, and community
events at Tibbits every year. In fact, Tibbits is responsible for generating
over $1,500,000 annually into the local economy, is the community stage
for Branch County, Michigan, and is an important regional venue for
experiencing live, cultural and theatrical productions within an hour
radius of Coldwater, Michigan. For our community's children, Tibbits
offers their primary exposure to live theatre and other performing
arts.
The Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, Inc. fosters enrichment
of life for all people by preserving the historic opera house and supporting
the arts, culture and education.
Doug Bloom, J. Richard Colbeck, Jeff Holbrook, Laua Lutterbeck, Brad Parrish,
Ruth Scheidler, Julie Stratos, Bev Tippmann
Annual Meeting Minutes
TIBBITS OPERA FOUNDATION AND ARTS COUNCIL
January 28, 2010 (Open to the Community)
Location: CHC Conference Center – The former K-Mart building, 5:30 PM
Welcome from Executive Director Christine Delaney: Christine welcomed those attending the annual meeting. She alluded to the “tough year” Tibbits had faced during fiscal year 2008-09 but was pleased Tibbits had fared well and had been able to avoid any major cuts. She promised Tibbits would continue to proceed with caution.
Christine introduced the members of her staff who were present: Facility manager Dave Brown,
Accounting Manager Judy Latchaw and Membership Coordinator Carol Coyle. Also present was Becky Murfin, who has been hired through Trillium to help out while the Development/Special Events slot remains open. Volunteer Coordinator Carolyn Stewart, Box Office Manager Leslie Suelzer and Building Staff member Joan Spaulding were unable to attend. Artistic Director Charles Burr will join the staff February 1.
Comments from Board President Randall Hazelbaker: Randall proudly referred to the fact that Tibbits is one of only a couple dozen stand alone theatres in the United States. He honored term-limited outgoing board members Connie Winbigler and Ruth Scheidler. Connie had been on the board since 1995. She became acquainted with Tibbits while volunteering for the auction. She has been a past board president and has been active and will remain active on the restoration committee. Connie commented it would seem funny to walk out after the annual meeting without staying for the board meeting. Randall presented her with a plaque and a special gift was given to her by Shana Grife.
Ruth Scheidler has connected with Tibbits since 1985 when her children were involved in summer stock. She has been in charge of the art gallery. She was not present to receive her plaque and gift.
Financial Report from Brian Hodson: The financials reflected figures through September 30, 2009. The audit, conducted by Rumsey & Watkins, P.C., revealed “no material disagreements with management.” Membership revenues totaled $91,000 while special events generated $71,000 and rentals added $23,000. Tibbits Summer Theatre lost $39,000.
Restoration Campaign: Mary Smith and Ken Delaney were present to discuss restoration. In referring to the past fiscal year, Mr. Delaney indicated “we survived and then some.” According to Ken, the buzz generated by the raising of the cupola was “amazing.”
Work, however, remains to be done. Another quarter of a million dollars needs to be raised before construction can begin on the façade. Mary Smith was optimistic that this will be accomplished.
Tibbits Boosters: Tibbits Booster President Diane Riegel was on hand to go over some of the events of the past year. The second “Dancing with the Celebrities” was a success. The latest Booster project involves leasing student art projects to local businesses.
Ruth Scheidler was credited with the art lease idea. As many as 20 to 25 schools may be involved. Art teachers will choose one piece of art to be submitted. Area businesses can lease and display a selected piece of art for a year. At the end of the year pieces will be returned to the students and the process will begin anew. The Boosters are working with CHC to co promote this event and the Auxiliary’s HEP art event.
Nominations and Elections – Julie Stratos, Nominating Committee: Julie Stratos made a motion that the following slate be accepted as presented: Erland Gleason (renewing), Jim Maynard (renewing), Laura Lutterbeck and Beverly Tippmann. No additional nominations were presented from the floor. Ray Sebastian seconded the motion. Motion carried.
President Hazelbaker adjourned the annual meeting at 6:00 PM. The regularly scheduled January meeting was set to begin at 6:05 PM.
Submitted by Carol Coyle
Nondiscrimination Policy
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this
institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410,
or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).”
