Despite a delay in construction, there were many thanks to be given at the Park Theatre’s 10th annual meeting on Thursday.
“We are not where we expected or wanted to be, but we are still working hard,” said Caroline Hollister, president of the theater’s Board of Trustees. thanking many of the people in the crowd of about 50 for their contributions, support, and understanding.
“We have not lost steam, we are not going to stop.”
Plaques were awarded to people who have gone above and beyond to help the theater in its transition.
Plaques were awarded to The Jaffrey Woman’s Club, which has hosted many of the theater’s events as they work to build a new space, David Teubner, web developer and Internet adviser, Bernie and Louise Watson, who have performed piano songs at a number of theater events, and Henry Moreau of MoreSound, who has donated equipment and expertise to amplify every event and film.
While the Park Theatre has raised much of the money needed to construct a new theatre, $700,000 of $5.2 million is still needed.
“We missed the window of construction this year,” said Hollister, who said the theatre has also been working with the town to ensure all plans are up to snuff.
Park Theatre CEO Steve Jackson said the theater hosted a number of quality events in 2016.
“Fourteen thousand people have come to Park Theatre events,” said Jackson. “That’s pretty amazing.”
For entertainment on the evening, the Park Theatre welcomed silent film accompanist Jeff Rapsis to perform during three silent films: “Big Business,” “A Christmas Carol,” and “T’was the Night Before Christmas.”
“I don’t know what I’m going to play until it starts,” said Rapsis. “It’s different every time.
“ These films haven’t changed in almost 100 years, but the music can.”
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.