While tornados pummeled the Midwest Sunday afternoon, about 100 movie go-ers watched “Twister” during the Sierra Community Theatre’s first anniversary celebration. The 1996 Steven Spielberg movie, which includes scenes filmed in Greene County, was shown at no admission charge and followed by cake and ice cream in the theatre’s basement meeting room.
At the conclusion of the first showing, Sierra Community Theatre board president Jim Daubendiek made brief comments about the non-profit organization’s first year. He thanked his fellow board members, noting that the board met weekly in the months between Fridley Theatre’s announcement in July 2012 that it would give the theatre to a community group and the re-opening of the theatre a year ago. “It’s been a pleasure working with this group of people,” he said about the board.
He also thanked theatre staff, manager Dustin Gustoff, assistant manager Sarah Nicholson, and Brandon Gustoff. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the staff we had,” Daubendiek said.
The board launched a capital campaign, “See You at the Movies,” to fund needed equipment updates and building maintenance. The campaign received 130 donations and surpassed its $200,000 goal by $3,000. Additionally, there were thousands of dollars in in-kind donations, according to Daubendiek. “It’s very gratifying to live in a county that is so generous,” he said.
A donor board recognizing those who gave to the “See You at the Movies” campaign was unveiled Sunday. All donors who gave $100 or more are listed. Those recognized as giving $20,000 or more are Greene County Community Foundation, Home State Bank and the Jefferson Telephone Company Charitable Trust. Giving $10,000 or more are Greene County and Dean and Lois McAtee. Listed as donors of $5,000 or more are Jim and Jeanne Daubendiek, John and Nancy Gerken, Dr David and Lisa Jaskey, Junction Hilltop Wind Farm, Midland Power Cooperative, Rotary Club of Jefferson, Scranton Telephone Company and Wilcox Law Firm PC.
After a short slide show prepared by Brandon Gustoff of photos from the past year, Daubendiek announced upcoming plans. The board is pleased to show “Catching Fire,” the second in the “Hunger Games” series, on its national release date Nov. 21. Sierra Community Theatre gift cards will be available at a discount price during the run of “Catching Fire.”
Also, watch for information of a film festival slated for Jan. 25-26. The public is invited to submit films in four categories: short; feature length; documentary; and student-produced. Films must be submitted by Jan. 5. A total of $1,800 will be awarded in cash prizes, and the films will be shown during the film festival.
Daubendiek also announced that the Jefferson Rotary Club is funding media equipment for the downstairs meeting room, making it usable for a variety of business meetings.
Volunteers are always welcome, Daubendiek said, either to serve on the board or for short-term projects. Ask any board member for information.
