Clubhouse theater on lake gets upgrades
courtesy photo
Carmin Mowbray
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By Carmine Mowbray, President, Mission Valley Friends of the Arts
It is my pleasure to take on the presidency of the Mission Valley Friends of the Arts all-volunteer board of directors, following the long tenure of Dennis Anderson. This local non-profit was organized in 1989 to preserve and improve the stately old golf clubhouse, fulfilling a vision to create a venue for live performance. Neal and Karen Lewing of the Port Polson Players provide building management and keep the MVFA board apprised of needed repairs and improvements.
We are thrilled to announce that our new theater seats are installed. Many of you will remember the original wire patio chairs. The board had to make shrewd decisions, and 27 years ago, we upgraded to the quaint seats out of Missoula’s Fox Theater. A new roof and insulation came next, then new heating and air conditioning, all made possible by generous local supporters, too numerous to list here. Volunteers keep the grounds colorful with annuals during the summer.
Thanks to an endowment from a local benefactor, we were able to purchase new seats, and board member Chris Strom enlisted the excellent help of Kicking Horse Job Corps to provide apprentice labor. Under the skilled direction of Seth Clary, Facilities Maintenance students removed the old seats and installed the new ones, carefully measuring and taking into account the floor angle. We are selling the old seats for $25 each, or five for $100. It’s your chance to own a piece of Montana history, while helping us solve a storage challenge. Call 883-9212. Make an offer on a dozen lots.
Improvements continue at the lovely clubhouse theater on the lake. The City of Polson is installing a street light in the parking lot.
I personally invite you and your guests to enjoy outstanding community and summer theater in comfort, right here in Polson. We are blessed to have such talented and dedicated theater professionals in Neal and Karen Lewing, and look forward to another season of great live performance.
