January 2016

DMARSPA MINUTES OF JANUARY 28, 2016
       President Justine Finley gave introductory remarks.   If people have trouble getting into the Hall of Fame lot, mention Jack Lozier.      Tina introduced the program - "The Future of The Des Moines Playhouse: What it Was;What it is;What it is Becoming" and speakers, John Viars, who's been director of the Des Moines Playhouse since 1982.  He has directed more than 150 plays.  He holds a BA and MA in theater.   Also introduced was Nikki Syverson who directs fund raising for the Playhouse.     The Des Moines Playhouse is approaching its  100 th anniversary.  John has been there more than a third of that time.   He is already working on his successor.   The theater took over the Roosevelt theater in 1953.   Before that, plays were performed in the City Auditorium, now the Keck Garage, East High School, Hoyt Sherman Place, Unitarian Church, and the Weitz Playhouse.  People formed the Little theater Movement in 1919 to give people something to do between supper and bed time.  Seasonal plays have been produced ever since then.  The original theater was built in 1934, during the Depression, as part of the Roosevelt Shopping Center.  The matinee cost 21cents.  Red's Barbecue was located in the basement.        Recently, money was raised to renovate the nearly century-old theater.   Several things needed to be done.  The whole front wall was crumbling;the width of the lobby was expanded.  The renovated theater opened in March of 2014, making the playhouse a real showplace.  Striking look from the inside and outside, winning two architectural awards. Statistics:  One of the oldest and largest community theaters in the country.  Over 70,000 attendees a year.  $2.5 million Annual Budget.  Third consecutive year of over $1 million of sales.     John came in 1982.   Someone said they had to do a play called "Peace Child."  It never played to an empty seat.   Kids brought from communist countries to perform as well as local children.  15 kids from Moscow.  In 1990 did first ever International theater fest and Fair.  17 different theatre companies from around the world performing in language of the country. Wired theater seats so people could hear in their own language.   Got an achievement award 24 years afterwards.   The theater expanded in 1995 to include The Kate Goldman Children's Theatre.  Nikki discussed the education programs provided by the Playhouse.  Over 2000 students a year participate.   Besides classes in drama, one program is Second Saturday program where students can come at night to do Improve games.  The theater also Collaborates with Des Moines Art Center, Blank park Zoo, The Senior College, The Ray Society.  Other programs include the Spot Light Literacy Program, which provides books, scripts, speakers, mentors to school students, summer classes, and Final Act Ensemble, a group that performs old radio show Capital Campaign Completed a $5.6 million Campaign.  Renovated the lobby, classroom and rehearsal space; new roof, and a whole space of other things.  Looking ahead to what's next in Act Two.   Would
like to do more to main stage. - new stage, catwalk, lights.  Want to renovate entire lower level and add on secure entrance with an elevator to get onto the stage.  Countdown to 100 anniversary.    In middle of 97th season.  2018-2019   Will be doing countdown to 100 events counting down - different eras of  theater history -1960's and 1970's will be done in March.  In one month. The next season shows will be announced. Open for questions. President elect Elaine Wilkinson thanked the speakers, and had the audience sing Happy Birthday to all January birthdays.  Also, people paused for a moment of silence for those no longer with us, those with special needs, and in gratitude for the fellowship and food. Lunch catered by Barrattas.
The January 28, 2016, meeting was called to order by President Justine Finley at 12 pm. President Finley thanked the wait staff for their excellent service.      She introduced Jim patch who shared insight into the Iowa caucuses. He hoped everyone would go to the caucuses and take issues to be put on Platforms concerning education.  Jim said people could go on the ISEA web site to get the planks or could get them from him.  Some of the planks include;  against diverting money to private schools, keep IPERS up, and recreate  a way for FEDS to come back, reduce funds for standardized testing, better teacher pay, unemployment during the summer. Reading of the December 10 minutes by secretary Sherry Wilkinson.  Minutes will be approved as read. Treasurer report - Rosemary Hillman.  Our account balance last month was $10, 513.76. Expenses, including lunches, were $2,481.24.   Rosemary stressed to members to be sure to pay, if you make a reservation.  Our current balance is $9,449.47.  Contributions of $119 were made to the scholarship fund, which is currently $795.66.  Our total assets are $10,245.13. The report will be filed for audit.  Courtesy - Sue Slater.    A card was sent to the family of Elaine Erickson who passed.   Legislative Update - Gary Thelen (absent). Gary has been monitoring the Legislature.   This is the year for IPERS legislation.   No bills at this time have been introduced concerning IPERS for now.  He will continue to watch.  On school funding, Gary thinks that this being Governor Branstad's last term, he is not worried about reelection and perhaps settling some old scores.   He can do it because there are not enough votes in either house to override his vetoes.
Old Business:: Thank you for the wonderful donation of 332 books for a cash value of $996 to the storybook Project.  Continue to record volunteer hours in your directory, separate or label if time is with student (tutoring) or community (church).
New Business:      The Board met and looked at the budget. They came up with six different areas to be budgeted in the future and reflected in the Treasury report. 1. Program funds 2.  Hospitality- (decorations) 3. Membership and Marketing 4. Guests (the State will no longer pay for new retiree lunches). 5. Setup costs (microphone, podium, screen) 6. Scholarship transfer Scholarship:  Dee Fleischacker discussed the issue of raising money for scholarships.  She asked why, if we have nearly $10,000 in our treasury , can't we use some of that money for scholarships?   Dues were to be used for expenses and scholarships.  Additional discussion ensued. A secret ballot will be taken at the next meeting about raising dues or lunch fees to sustain scholarships and expenses.  Dee asked members to let her know of any junior or senior in education who plans to stay in Iowa, and would be interested in applying for our scholarships. New Member Brochure:  Joelle  Snyder  told members about brochures to be distributed in schools to entice upcoming retirees to join DMARSPA.  She asked for volunteers.  No Announcements Guests/Visitors - Justine had members introduce guests Answers to the puzzles were read by  Dee Fleischacker. Grace Greene Dickerson was the winner of the door prize. President Justine Finley adjourned the meeting at 1:47 pm.  The next program will be February 25 - "The Red Cross In Iowa." Members were asked to bring band aides .   Respectfully submitted, Sherry Wilkinson

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