COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Tibbits Boosters honored its volunteers and named Linda Ives its volunteer of the year at its annual volunteer reception April 28 at the Tibbits Opera House. Nearly 100 volunteers, staff and board members attended the event which included dinner catered by the Branch Area Career Center Culinary Arts students and entertainment by cast members of Branch County Community Theatre’s upcoming musical “Curtains.”
Tibbits Artistic Director Charles Burr and Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney gave a preview of the upcoming Tibbits Summer Theatre season. Burr highlighted the shows while Delaney recognized the sponsors. Long time Tibbits volunteer Linda Ives was invited up to talk about the wonderful experiences she has had and all she has learned while housing actors and technicians over the past 28 years.
Delaney discussed the many other ways beyond housing in which Ives has been involved including seven years organizing the ushers for Summer Theatre, helping with the gardens near the elevator entrance and helping with food for special events and for the performing artist in the Entertainment Series. Delaney said, “Linda is an example of everything we’re looking for in a volunteer, willing to do what’s need and truly passionate about our theatre.” Booster board president Angela Washburn presented Ives with a bouquet of flowers and a $100 Downtown Business Association gift certificate.
Also during the event Washburn recognized the volunteers who have reached certain milestones for their hours. “Act I” volunteers worked 100-199 hours and included Jean Blakely, Judy Bushouse, Suzanne Fillmore, Kerry Hamrick, Sylvia Johns, and T-Tab member Connor Michael,
Candace Newkirk, Lauri Rowe and Paul Winbigler. “Act II” volunteers worked 200-299 hours and included Darene Sargent, Stan Bushouse, and T-Tab member Mary Tate. Diana Conant was recognized as a “Curtain Call” volunteer for working 300 – 399 hours as were Tirsha Odisher and Sandy Tistle who were also recognized for reaching 400 – 499 hours, the “Ovation” level along with Shirley Easterday, Marianne Hodson and Ken Washburn. All levels receive pins denoting the number of hours. The “Encore” level, those over 500 hours, received an engraved name badge. This year Cindy Curtis, Laura Odom and Ruth Scheidler received thier badges.
The event was organized by the Booster reception committee led by Darene Sargeant and included Diana Conant, Jan Borer, Shirley Easterday, Marianne Hodson, Angela Washburn and Pam Kasprzyk.
For information and becoming a volunteer for Tibbits call Pam at 517-278-6029 or visitwww.Tibbits.org.
