The fundraising project to help save the Strand Theatre is moving full speed ahead after the 90th Anniversary Gala celebration on Thursday, July 25th. The Gala raised well over $30,000, including cash donations from the Central Adirondack Association, the Okara Lakes Association, and other private donors.
There has been much buzz about the project, which helps North Country theater owners pay part of the cost of converting the projectors from 35mm film to a digital format.
On Wednesday Martha Denio (second from left) drew Chrissy Collier-Brown’s name as the winner of an award winning Wood Duck print by photographer Sue Kiesel. Collier-Brown is from Morrisville, NY. Also taking part in the raffle were Charlie Hanford, Bo Card, Helen Zyma, and Noah (Front row)
The conversion is mandated by the film industry, and has resulted in the demise of several small community theaters in the North Country, including the Tamarack Movie House in Inlet.
As of January 2014, film will not be distributed, so theater owners must convert their projectors to the digital format.
Already, studios are distributing only digital versions of some new releases.
The cost of conversion is about $70,000 for each of the Strand’s four projectors, for a total project cost of nearly $300,000.
Strand owners Bob Card and Helen Zyma are working constantly to secure financing to pay for the conversion.
Town of Webb Tourism Director Mike Farmer said he is encouraged by local support.
“Everyone recognizes what the Strand means to our community. It’s a unique business, and Helen and Bob have opened their doors to so many community groups and activities it goes far beyond a private theater business concept,” Farmer said.
“If we lose the Strand, we lose much more than a movie house. We lose a cultural icon and we lose what Bob and Helen do for this community,” he added.
The Central Adirondack Partnership for the 21st Century (CAP-21) has partnered with the Central Adirondack Association (CAA) to organize local fundraising efforts, which have raised over $80,000 toward the $150,000 goal.
Those efforts have been bolstered by local organizations, individuals and community groups—including View, the Town of Webb Historical Association, the Old Forge Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary, and many others.
The Polar Bear Ski Club, Northwoods Lodge 849 F&A Masons, Slickers Restaurant, and Old Forge Properties have dedicated the proceeds of other fundraisers to the Strand Fund.
Farmer says the local efforts are great examples of the community taking care of itself.
Dorothy and the Wicked Witch as played by Barb Proper and Connie Milligan at the Strand’s 90th Anniversary Gala
“CAP-21 and the CAA are leading by example. CAP-21 manages grant programs such as the Main Street Improvement grants, and this is a local extension of that program. The owners make an investment, and instead of state grant money, help comes from the fundraising.”
“ANCA (Adirondack North Country Association,) a not-for-profit organization focused on economic development, initiated a fundraising and grant application for 10 North Country theaters, including the Strand. That grant, which includes about $25,000 for the Strand, requires that all of each theater’s projectors be converted. Locally, the CAA got this program off the ground,” he said.
Farmer acknowledged that some people are opposed to the effort.
“There will always be opposition, but I look at the overwhelming support. ANCA, the CAA, and CAP-21 got involved for several reasons: The cost is enormous, it’s very short notice, and the industry leaves no choice for theater owners.
“It would be similar if food distributors went to all grocery stores and said, ‘In a few months, your refrigeration equipment will no longer work with the only food available.’ Imagine if it was all foods. Most Adirondack communities have only one theater, and only one grocery store,” he said.
The Strand Gala was not only the highlight of the fundraising program, but also a lightning rod to galvanize efforts and support.
Organizers believe the momentum garnered by the Gala will continue through the end of the year.
And it appears that support will continue in other aspects as well.
The Okara Lakes Association was able to raise $3,495 through a simple potluck dinner, with donations from property owners and their guests still trickling in, according to association member John Munyan.
And many people are concerned about the well-being of Judy and James “Doc” Foley, anchor members of the Strand Fundraising Commit-tee who were seriously injured in a recent boating incident.
Several have made donations or increased their donations in honor of the Foleys. The Foleys agree that anyone wishing to help can best assist by donating to the Strand, the project to which they have dedicated themselves for many months.
