Dear Editor,
Lorraine Stripp had been on my mind a lot recently, since many of the people who joined to form the first Arts Center gathered at the new View in June.
We all missed her around the table as we reminisced about its beginnings and admired how far the organization has come.
Of course I got to know Lorraine first when Izzie Worthen brought us together in the ‘60s as part of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, but our ‘partnership’ really took shape when she and her husband Al joined me as the team that ran the Center in its new home on Rt 28.
As we know, the vision for an arts center was Mirnie Kashiwa’s and along with many others, Lorraine became an essential part of making it work.
After our late friend Marina Simmons passed on her treasurer’s duties (home of the ‘magic’ $1,200), Al recovered from his serious illness and Claire Cameron moved on to work at the school, Lorraine took over the meat and potatoes role of minding the Arts Guild’s checkbook as well as the operation of the building itself.
And, of course, she also was an integral part of Mirnie’s Kinderwood Pre-School, so we worked together on the second floor of the old arts center for many years.
While we watched both our families change and grow, Lorraine and I shared many days on ski hills and at sorority events, as well as working very hard to maintain and improve the fledgling arts organization.
While I found my career of presenting the performing arts and moved around the country, Lorraine continued to hold the fort in Old Forge.
When I had to chance to come back, I could always count on her for good advice, lots of town news and her help with local arts projects.
Through family crises, work challenges, child care and church and social life involvement, Lorraine was always a steadfast presence with a cheerful smile and generous, practical talents.
While I was at the Arts Center, Lorraine was my go-to gal for years of productive work in the arts and a treasured friend who lives on in my memory. I miss her.
Sincerely,
Bea Foley
Old Forge and New Jersey
