COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Tibbits Opera House celebrated its volunteers April 26, 2017 and the Volunteer Boosters recognized Tirsha Odisher as Volunteer of the Year.
Tibbits Opera Foundation Board President J.R. Colbeck welcomed over 50 volunteers at the dinner, served by Branch Area Careers Center Culinary Arts students, before honoring those who volunteered for the theatre reaching milestones for service hours. Tibbits Theatre and Beyond members (T-Tab) provided entertainment with excerpts from their “Spotlight on Teens” Talent Show.
Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney thanked all of the volunteers who contribute so much time and talent to Tibbits. She presented a brief history of the Tibbits Young Audience productions. The first production was held in 1984 but the program really grew under the direction of Lois Voss who was recognized as Volunteer of the Year back in 2006.
Delaney talked about the number of kids who received their first experiences on the Tibbits stage through TYA, the confidence it has built, the success of so many of those students, and the number who have gone on to greater things in theatre and other careers. Delaney said, “The program has grown over the years to two productions a year and a core of people who really make it happen. At the helm, the glue of the program keeping things running smoothly through several changes and several different directors has been Tirsha Odisher.” In presenting the Volunteer of the Year honor to Odisher, Delaney also noted “Tirsha was once one of those students in the TYA program and how refreshing to have her involvement, come full circle.”
Odisher received a bouquet of flowers and $100 in Chamber checks. She spoke of volunteering at Tibbits, saying “I truly enjoy being a producer for Tibbits Young Audiences. It is a privilege to watch the kids grow into their roles and become confident in their talents. It’s amazing to watch their progression from 4th grade to 8th grade. This theatre is a blessing to this community and I am forever grateful I get to be a part of it.” Odisher added, “Although I am honored to be Volunteer of the Year, I certainly could not do what I do without the support of the Tibbits Young Audiences Production Crew (Posse). They are all selfless in their dedication to this program, always willing to go above and beyond. I couldn’t ask for a better team! Thank You!”
Booster President Angela Washburn recognized volunteers who reached certain milestones for their hours of service. “Act I” volunteers worked 100 hours and included Jennifer Colbeck, Barbara Harvey, Janet Johnson, Denny Riegel, Gail Russell, Vicki Ruthrauff and Pat Woirol. Judy Custer was recognized as an “Act II” volunteer with 200 hours. “Curtain Call” volunteers were recognized for working 300 hours and included Suzanne Fillmore and Vera Renshaw. Joan Waterbury and Curtis Odom were each recognized with both 200 and 300 hour pins. “Ovation” volunteers were recognized for working 400 hours and included Diana Conant and Darene Sargent. Sarah Odom received a 50 hour Understudy pin meant for volunteers under 18 years of age.
All levels receive pins denoting the number of hours. At the “Encore” level, those over 500 hours, Shirley Easterday, Kerry Hamrick and Ken Washburn each received an engraved name badge.
Also during the event Washburn introduced the Booster board including VP Michelle Colyer, Treasurer Suzanne Filmore, Secretary Diana Conant, Marisue Taylor, Gail Russell, Diane Riegel, Shirley Easterday and staff liaison Amy Crabtree.
The event was organized by the Booster reception committee Diana Conant, Shirley Easterday, Gail Russell and Angela Washburn.
(courtesy of the Tibbits Opera Foundation)
