The Bulletin -- May 20, 2009 (#991)

Program: Field trip to the Strand Theater

Strand Theater Renovation

Heath Powers (left), a volunteer with the Strand Theater Restoration Project, discussed future restoration work with members of the Rotary Club during a tour of the theater.

The Grand Tour For those fortunate to participate in today’s offsite club meeting, a brilliant lunch provided by
Chris Dominiani at the Adirondack Soup Company was followed by a wonderful tour of the Strand Theater. Heath
Powers, a lifetime resident of Plattsburgh and Strand Restoration volunteer, lead tours through both the balcony
and main auditorium.

The Balcony The tour started in the balcony where a major portion of the renovation is under way. There used to
be a separate screen for those in the balcony and now that the main stage is the only focal point, the seating has to be
sloped differently.

Points of Interest Heath highlighted three interesting facts about this theater that make it unique from others.
First, the amount of “fly space” (space directly above the stage used to store sets that are raised and lowered by
ropes) is larger than most at three stories tall. Second, all seats in the theater have an equally good view of the
stage. Finally, acoustics in the theater are so good, that microphones are not needed for people in the balcony to
hear what is being said on the stage. An acoustics specialist from New York City came to assess the sound and was
adamant that nothing be changed during the restoration process. He said it rivaled any Broadway stage!

A Few Changes Although the restoration process requires keeping very close to historical accuracy in terms
of aesthetics, a few changes are necessary to accommodate the changing times. In 1924, when the theater was
built, as a show was beginning, the lights would dim, the organ would rise up through the floor and the chandelier
would rise to the ceiling. This will still be the case upon reopening, but hydraulic lifts are required to maneuver the
chandelier, which is being designed and built by Schonbek Lighting. Seating capacity has changed as well. The
Strand once hold 1,300 people. However, larger seats and handicap accessibility regulations, including larger aisles
will slightly reduce the capacity.

A 1924 Wurlitzer Organ is being restored by Jonathan Ortloff and will be an incredible authentic attribute of the theater. (Photo courtesy of NCCCA)

The Organ In 1924, 10,000 Wurlitzer Organs were made. Only 44 remain in existence now, and the Strand Theater is fortunate to have one of them. Jonathan Ortloff is working with a team of volunteers to completely restore
it at no charge.

Major Undertaking The total financial investment to restore the Strand Theater will require $3.8 million. To date, the project has collected $1.3 million. The focus for the summer will be to raise $83,000 from the community as part of a matching grant from the city. Once the money is raised and spent to restore the marquee and the front of
the building, the city will contribute the other half of the matching grant.

How to Help The Strand Performing Arts Center is offering the opportunity for individuals to sponsor a seat in the theater. Your inscription will be displayed on a brass plaque mounted on the back of the seat. Depending on the seat you select, sponsorships range from $150-$500. Contact the NCCCA (30 Brinkerhoff St. in Plattsburgh) at 563-1604 or email NCCCA@primelink1.net. For more information visit www.plattsburgharts.org.

This Week:

• May 29th is the Paul Harris Dinner at the Valcour Education Conference Center. Tickets are $35 per person, and RSVPs are due at the next meeting, Wednesday, May 27th. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner to follow at 6:30 pm. Please join the club in celebrating our Paul Harris Fellows. Keith Tyo will be emailing the club a flyer with the information.
• June 5-7th is the Rotary Fishing Tournament. There are still openings for volunteers to signup to help at a weigh
  station. Feel free to bring a competent non-Rotarian with you to help.
• June 10th is the Rotary Golf Outing.

Guests: Annie Scavo (Ita Bullard), Marianne Westfeldt (Wallace Westfeldt)

 

International Scene: Putting a STOP to Polio

Rotarion and STOP Volunteer Jenny Horton immunizes a child against polio in Pakistan. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux)

The following excerpt has been taken from Rotary International: www.rotary.org "The STOP program was CDC's idea, and we met with several of the agency's 'smallpox warriors' to hear their thoughts on training and deploying staff for three-month assignments," said Dr. Steve Cochi, special adviser to the CDC Global Immunization Division director. "Based on their experience eradicating smallpox in the 1970s, they recognized the value of such a program and provided great input as we got started." The volunteers conduct field surveillance, train local health care providers in surveillance techniques, and help plan and monitor polio and measles vaccination campaigns. STOP also sends volunteers to support UNICEF in social mobilization, advocacy, and communications for immunization efforts in Africa and Asia.

Upcoming Programs/Duties: go to Membership Duty List