Gravenhurst Opera House, Board of Directors?

BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS NEEDED FOR OPERA HOUSE

ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY -

     IN MY UNSOLICITED, BUT WELL-TUTORED OPINION, TO GET THE GRAVENHURST OPERA HOUSE BACK ON TRACK, IT NEEDS AN OVERSEEING BODY, SEPARATE FROM ITS PRESENT RELIANCE ON TOWN HALL. I SUGGESTED EARLIER THIS YEAR, THAT AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE BE CONSIDERED, TO WORK BETWEEN THE MANAGER AND COUNCIL, TO ASSIST RE-DEVELOPMENT OF THE KEY TOWN PROPERTY, AS AN ENTERTAINMENT VENUE, VERSUS THE LATEST APPEARANCE OF BEING AN OFFICE-EXTENSION OF TOWN HALL. IT DOES NOT GET ENOUGH ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH THE YEAR TO BE CONSIDERED A MAJOR PLAYER ANY LONGER. IT WAS, ONCE UPON A TIME. IT COULD BE AGAIN IF TOWN LOOSENED ITS GRIP ON THE REINS, AND INVITED THE COMMUNITY TO OFFER SOME SOLUTIONS.

     IF YOU CONSIDER THE AMAZING LIST OF PERFORMERS VISITING ALL AROUND US, ESPECIALLY IN HUNTSVILLE, FOR THEIR SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL, AND AT PRIVATE ENTERTAINMENT VENUES LOCALLY, IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH MATCHING OF SCHEDULED EVENTS, TO REALIZE WE'RE WELL OUT OF THE LOOP. EVERY YEAR IT'S THE SAME LACKLUSTRE PROFILE, AND DESPITE THE FACT WE DO HOST SOME EXCEPTIONAL AND EXCITING TALENTS, AND VETERANS OF THE MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS, IT'S NOT ENOUGH. GRAVENHURST COUNCIL KNOWS THIS, AND UNLESS THERE'S AN ACTION PLAN SOMEWHERE IN THE DEVELOPMENT STAGE, WE'RE STILL GOING TO BE HOPELESSLY MIRED DOWN IN THE SAME OLD, SAME OLD. YOU KNOW, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN "SAME OLD" IS HEART-FELT AND SOOTHING. OTHER TIMES, IT'S AN IMPEDIMENT TO MAKE WHOLESALE CHANGE. AT TIMES I HAVE, IN CONVERSATION, SUGGESTED IT MIGHT BE BETTER IF THE TOWN WAS TO LEASE THE OPERA HOUSE TO PRIVATE ENTERPRISE, IN THE ENTERTAINMENT FIELD, AND SIMPLY LOOK AFTER MAINTENANCE AND CASHING THE RENT CHEQUES. I DON'T REALLY LIKE THIS IDEA, BUT IT DOES HAVE MERIT. THIS IS WHAT IS BEING TALKED ABOUT. TO DENY THERE IS A BID TO MAKE CHANGES, IS JUST PLAIN AND SIMPLE DENIAL. THE UNFORTUNATE PART, IS THAT CHANGE IS BEING TALKED ABOUT ON THE STREET, AND NOT IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER WHERE IT BELONGS. SO UNLESS THERE IS A DELEGATION SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE, PROMOTING THIS KIND OF OVERHAUL FOR THE PRESENT, I DOUBT VERY MUCH WHETHER COUNCIL HAS THE WILL TO RECOGNIZE THE MALAISE AS SOMETHING FATAL. MORE OF AN INCONVENIENCE AND TIME-WASTER.

     I HAVE CHANGED MY STANCE, A WEE BIT, SINCE I SUGGESTED, A WHILE BACK, THAT A CITIZEN'S LIAISON COMMITTEE SHOULD BE FORMED, TO CULTIVATE SOME NEW IDEAS FOR THE CHARMING, HISTORIC BUILDING IN THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY'S BUSINESS SECTION. I HAD THOUGHT THAT A LOOSELY FORMED COMMITTEE OF ADVISORS, AND CREATIVE MINDS, COULD HELP THE TOWN AND THE OPERA HOUSE MANAGER, COME UP WITH A MORE ENTHRALLING ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE. THERE ARE A LOT OF ADVANTAGES, TAKING THE PRESSURE OFF THE TOWN, HAVING TO BE ENTERTAINMENT ORGANIZERS AND PROMOTERS, WHICH IS WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO, AT PRESENT.

     I WAS INTERESTED IN READING ABOUT SOME OF THE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY A WELL KNOWN THEATRE IN BRAMPTON, ONTARIO, THAT HAS SUFFERED A FEW FISCAL SET-BACKS, FOUND DURING AN AUDIT, THAT ALSO POINTED OUT THE FACT IT DID NOT HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF A BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AS MANY THEATERS ARE AFFORDED. (TORONTO STAR ARTICLE, JUNE 7TH, "SHOCK AUDIT ENCORE FOR ROSE THEATRE") I THINK IT IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF THEATRE MANAGEMENT DIFFICULTIES WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF A BOARD OF DIRECTORS. FACING A MAJOR OVERHAUL, OF OUR OWN OPERA HOUSE, THE TOWN OF GRAVENHURST COUNCILLORS MIGHT FIND THE ARTICLE AN INTERESTING READ. THE FACT THIS PARTICULAR THEATRE DOESN'T CURRENTLY HAVE A BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY BE PART OF THE MANAGEMENT PROBLEM, THAT HAD GONE UNRESOLVED FOR NUMEROUS YEARS.

     THIS IS NOT TO SUGGEST THERE IS ANY RELATION OF CIRCUMSTANCE, BETWEEN OUR OPERA HOUSE, AND THE ONE I HAVE JUST MENTIONED, EXCEPT FOR THE FACT, IT IS MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE, THAT THE THEATRE OPERATES WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF A BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN'T HAVE PROBLEMS OF ALL SORTS, EVEN WITH AN ELECTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS; BUT THERE IS A MUCH IMPROVED OPPORTUNITY, WITH SUCH, TO PROMOTE THE CAUSES OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY……A MUCH TOUTED IMPROVEMENT BEING PROMOTED BY OUR TOWN HALL RECENTLY. CAN SOMEONE FROM TOWN HALL, OR THE CITIZENRY GENERALLY, TELL ME WHY WE DON'T HAVE A BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TO CO-OPERATIVELY PROMOTE THE THEATRE, AND LIASE BETWEEN THE OPERA HOUSE MANAGEMENT AND TOWN HALL?  WHAT IS THE ARGUMENT AGAINST? IF WE TRULY WOULD LIKE TO SEE OUR OPERA HOUSE THRIVE ONCE AGAIN, WHAT HAVE WE GOT TO LOSE, BY TRYING A NEW MODEL FOR ITS GOVERNANCE?

     Town Council doesn't dance when I demand they should! Councillors don't bring me bouquets of flowers, or even offer me a coffee; even a paltry half hour of their time just to chat. They're not embracing a blogger's ideas as gospel, or as the "saving" critique for an entire community. Who knows best? The former newspaper guy / antique dealer, who got hold of a computer, and just can't let go of the past? Or Town Council, elected by the people, to look after their interests? Well, sir, if I truly wanted to make council dance, I know how. They know, that as far as the news business goes, locally, they have nothing to fear, except if the daily press starts poking around again. They don't have to fear a writer like me, and I have little reason, other than as a taxpayer, to offer them some advice. I'm not appearing as a regular deputation, and if they were to look back on the record of previous council agendas, for the past twenty plus years, they won't find my name attached to any delegation. Even during the fight to save The Bog, I didn't need to attend a Council meeting, to make a point, and create a stir within the community. I know how to bring people together, and I've got a fair amount of corroborating evidence to support my claim. In fairness, the issues I do get involved with are few and far between. I don't tag them for every little issue, I might perceive as being in the wrong direction.

    The right decision was made by town, in the case of The Bog, not because of a single agitated property owner, or one really gripping line in an editorial, but because the protest was growing, and becoming angry, in conjunction with many other situations occurring at town hall. It wasn't long after the sale of Gravenhurst Hydro, and on the cusp of Council deciding to buy a new town hall. Selling off surplus land was just too obvious and convenient to what plans the town had, with money needed elsewhere. I'd really like to believe it was the almighty "me" who single-handedly saved The Bog. I've had people tell me this. I should be flattered. But it's not true. It isn't anywhere close to the truth. The Bog was saved because the citizens of this fine town, decided to challenge the council decision, to dispense with an important urban wetland. What has always excited me about this, was that it demonstrated "people power," and it was mobilized with only a minimum of expense, which admittedly, we anticipated was going to cost a small fortune to protect the environment. The fundraising stage was coming. We didn't need to do a thing, except present a clear proposal to town council. "We're not backing down, and this is going to be a public relations fiasco….if you wish!" It was council's choice, which route to select. Backing down was the right thing to do. Surrender with dignity. And rather than high-five all over town, and pick-on them further, I have continued to thank councillors, and the mayor, for their change of direction, based on the new information they were presented at the time. I like that. I like being able to write about this, as an example of citizens and elected officials working together to make this town more durable, and resilient. We don't always have to be at odds. Agreements can be forged rather easily, in fact, if there is a will to invite participation in the process. It can be that way continually, if the perceived barriers between us, are hauled down, in favor of establishing long-term public co-operation…….. because it makes life and governance so much easier, and more equitable.

     I'm not going to take my theatre, "Board of Directors" proposal to the town for consideration. They know what I'm writing about, and councillors have likely thought about the same idea, over time, wondering what could be done to breathe some life back into our main street theater. I'm not preaching about this implementation, and I'm sure there are entertainment venues with problems, proportional to their elected boards as well. At this point however, when it appears status quo will carry on as it has for quite a few years now, what does council have to lose, by hosting a meeting, (at the Opera House) to find out whether the idea has any merit? I'm not sure whether it will manifest at the Brampton theatre, in the future, as a new model of administration, but the fact that many of these venues do have elected boards, some locally, I certainly can't see the harm investigating, whether or not, it would improve our chances of bringing a steady stream of quality entertainment, back to the former home of Muskoka Festival.

     The Town's support of the restoration project, of The Barge, in Gull Lake, is an example of outstanding stewardship. Council had to be reminded a couple of times about the full range of stewardship, but the bottom line is, like The Bog, a change of direction wasn't so hard to inspire. Once, that is, everyone was on the same page. The biggest problem facing The Barge, and its refurbishing, was the clearly fact, councillors were not big "Music on the Barge" followers. We had to try explaining the attendance figures, for the Sunday night concerts, and that proved to be very difficult. Although we had pictures, no one had ever taken a head count, to prove there were either 500 people in attendance, or the two to three thousand patrons, mid summer concerts often attract to the shore of Gull Lake. If you're not a regular patron to Music on the Barge, and you're asked to vote on spending approval for a big whack of money, to re-build its shivering timbers, how do you take an educated position, without the right information? With what was presented, over the past two years, from a variety of sources, councillors were gradually seeing that the summertime events were a little bit more involved than they had previously thought. A bit more economic potential than they had previously known. With patience and perseverance to represent The Barge, with the attention it deserved, we now have that beautiful chorus, of hammers pounding, and boards being cut into place, each day now, rebuilding an historic entertainment venue, know around the world. And I'm pleased to say, that some difficulties that had existed with several volunteers, has eased substantially, based on good will, and compromise, and of this folks, we are all winners in this town. The expertise we have regained is immeasurable. The Barge Manager spends a lot of time these days, in the nirvana of relaxed nerves. The show will go on!

     The town may be a tad oblivious to how The Barge manager operates, on an annual basis, to create the summer entertainment schedule. There may be a perception that Fred Schulz works alone. And that all the shows are of his selection, and within his rights to cancel one year's line-up in favor of another. No one of us would dare challenge Mr. Schulz on his decisions. There will be councillors who say, "See, there isn't a Board of Directors for The Barge, and it works out okay." Well, by golly, Fred knows the full but subtle democracy he needs, to run The Barge. In this most recent conundrum regarding The Barge's future, it took many more opinions and reactions from friends of the concert series, to let council know how important the old stage is…..to Gravenhurst. Not just to town council, or to a special interest group. It's bigger than that, and so was the response. If we had been forced to embark on a fundraising campaign, to save the structure, it was already being cultivated by the venue supporters the town didn't even know about. The Barge Debating Society is small or large depending on Fred's immediate need. It's that fundamental and simple. In an hour's notice, with a few phone calls, we could fill Fred's house, and his only worry would be, "have we got enough pop and food for everyone." The bureaucracy is pretty small, overall, but the pulse of the volunteers is very strong. You can watch it manifest for yourself, by coming to the Music on the Barge, this season, starting Sunday, June 24th, with The Muskoka District Concert Band. Concerts start at 7:30 p.m., unless changed for some other reason.

     Fred Schulz manages The Barge, and the concert series, eager for input. The close friends of the Music on the Barge program, are known by different names. Lately we refer to ourselves as "The Barge Debating Society," for lack of a formal title. We've been working with, and on Fred's behalf, for more than a decade at least. We aren't an official board of directors, but we feel comfortable enough with Fred…..and he thinks enough of us, that suggestions are taken seriously. As he feels comfortable asking us for physical help to set-up concerts each week, he admits to feeling just as liberal, asking us about the coming year's line-up, and if we have any suggestions for new groups, or verdicts on past performances. We love being a part of this advisory body, that isn't formal in any way, but is effective. It's the reason that the Barge Manager never has to worry about a lack of companionship, or a missing work-force when there's a crisis, or an unexpected challenge. None of us would think of challenging Fred's ultimate authority, to set the program as he sees fit, because we are his willing associates, not his overseeing body. We are all just as proud of the successes of The Barge, as he is, and I can tell you from years of experience with this chap, he will never, ever accept accolades, for anything, without crediting the body of volunteers and advisors, who are proud to work side by side, for the benefit of a truly unique entertainment tradition. I invite any councillor, or any ratepayer, to ask Fred his opinion about the Barge Debating Society, and whether or not, it's what I have just claimed as true. Subtle democracy, or whatever you call it, the truth is, well, it's just what a hometown does to help itself.

     In the case of The Barge, it does not need an elected Board of Directors. But it would be wrong to think it doesn't have one anyway. We don't have an official seal of approval, and that has never stopped Fred from seeking our input, for his own peace of mind. I can only compare it to the Opera House, in one way. Whether it is an elected Board of Directors, or a volunteer body of citizen advisors, it is an important tool in creating a co-operative, inclusive profile in the community. Input these days, may be seen by some, like the Federal Government, as a bad thing….something contrary and life altering. It can also be the life-blood that moves status quo out of the way, when the artery becomes plugged by indecision. I still like the idea of a citizen liaison committee with the Opera House, that works with the manager and the town, to come up with a future entertainment plan that we deserve. We are paying for a new roof on the Opera House. Then we should be using it as an Opera House, not as a convenient and central location for meetings as a mainstay.

     A blog pounded out by this blogger, won't be enough to convince council there is a better way to run the Opera House. It's not my place, to run it for them. But it is incumbent that they listen to those who have other ideas, that may be much more adaptable than what I have presented in the paragraphs above. The Opera House belongs to the people of Gravenhurst. The town council is responsible for its stewardship. They are obviously the go-to folks if you wish to present a festival there, or a major run of theatre performances. I wonder if they should be in the entertainment business in this fashion. Wouldn't it lighten the load, to have a committee or board of directors shoulder some of the burden, and improve liaison with the community? What's the down side? Conceding some authority? Depends how one looks at it. But there's no question in my mind, transparency is improved with public involvement, as a board, officially or unofficially.

     I don't want any reader to think that I'm drawing parallels with any other theatre in the province, except of course for the entertainers performing there. The Star story, "Shock Audit Encore for Rose Theatre," (Brampton), is an article worth knowing about……for information purposes. It was published on GT2, in the Toronto Star.

ROAD TRIP WITH SON ANDREW

     I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR REGULAR BUYING TRIP THIS AFTERNOON, FOR OUR ANTIQUE AND COLLECTIBLE BUSINESS HERE IN GRAVENHURST. IT'S A FABULOUS DAY FOR AN AUTO-RIDE, AND WE'VE GOT A FEW COINS TO INVEST IN INTERESTING NOSTALGIA AND MUSIC COLLECTIBLES……INSTRUMENTS AND VINTAGE VINYL. ANDREW AND I ARE GOING BY OURSELVES TODAY, AND WHO KNOWS WHAT WE'LL HAUL BACK TO THE SHOP. SUZANNE AND I ARE, FOR THE FIRST TIME, SERIOUSLY PARTNERING WITH ANDREW AND ROBERT THIS SUMMER, TO EXPAND THEIR BUSINESS FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS YEAR. I THINK THE BOYS HAVE EXPANDED FOUR TIMES BEFORE THIS, HAVING STARTED WITH THREE ROOMS UPSTAIRS, IN THE FORMER BUILDING THAT ONCE HOUSED THE MUSKOKA THEATRE (MOVIE THEATRE). WE ARE NOW THE ONLY TENANTS ON SITE, FOLLOWING THE DEPARTURE OF THE FORMER DANCE STUDIO, EARLIER THIS YEAR. WE HOPE TO HAVE THE EXPANSION READY FOR THE FIRST OF JULY. THE BOYS ARE HAVING A SOLID YEAR. IT COULD ALWAYS BE BETTER, BUT WE KNOW IT COULD BE A LOT WORSE. THE SUMMER VISITORS ALWAYS BOOST THEIR SALES BY AT LEAST TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT. BUT THERE IS FAR MORE YEAR-ROUND BUSINESS TODAY, THAN WE COULD HAVE EXPECTED SIX YEARS AGO WHEN THEY OPENED SHOP. THEY HAVE WORKED HARD AND WELL INTO THE NIGHT WITH LESSONS, AND EXTRA SOUND TECHNICIAN WORK AT OTHER ENTERTAINMENT VENUES. DESPITE WHAT YOU MAY HEAR ABOUT THE SHORTCOMINGS OF MAIN STREET BUSINESS, IT'S JUST NOT TRUE FOR ANDREW'S MUSIC……OR WE CERTAINLY WOULDN'T BE EXPANDING THIS SUMMER.

     I'VE GOT A LOT OF WORK TO DO IN THE MEANTIME. TODAY IS KIND OF A TREAT, ON THE BRINK OF A PRETTY CRAMMED SCHEDULE FOR THE REST OF THE SUMMER. DROP IN FOR A VISIT IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN THE VICINITY. HEY, IT'S LOOKING LIKE A GREAT YARD SALE SATURDAY. THE LIONS CLUB IS HAVING THEIR ANNUAL SALE AT THE PAVILION IN SAGAMO PARK, EARLY, EARLY, AND THE UNITED CHURCH IS HAVING THEIR ANNUAL OUTDOOR SALE A LITTLE LATER IN THE MORNING. MAYBE WE'LL SEE YOU OUT THERE.

     THANKS FOR JOINING TODAY'S BLOG. STILL HAVEN'T HEARD, OR READ ANYTHING ABOUT THE TERRENCE HAIGHT BEQUEATH, WHICH SHOCKS THE HELL OUT OF ME. OF NUMEROUS SOURCES THAT SHOULD HAVE PUBLISHED THE STORY, THERE IS NOTHING. THIS IS MY POINT, THAT WE ARE VULNERABLE, MORE THAN EVER, TO LESS RESPONSIVE AND INCLUSIVE NEWS REPORTING, WHETHER IN PRINT FORM OR ELECTRONIC. I'M NOT A REPORTER, AND HAVE NO DESIRE TO RE-ENTER THE PROFESSION. BUT WHAT I SEE HERE, IS A BIG VOID OF TRADITIONAL COMMUNICATION, AND NEWS SHARING, AND THE CITIZENS WILL FACE CONSEQUENCES. IF, ONCE AGAIN, NEWS ON THE TOWN'S PLAN TO SELL "THE BOG," HAD NOT BEEN PUBLISHED IN THAT WEEK'S COMMUNITY NEWS, WE WOULD HAVE BEEN TERRIBLY DISADVANTAGED. THE TIMELY RELAY OF NEWS MEANT THAT EVEN BEFORE THE INK SMELL HAD LEFT THE NEWS PAGES, WE HAD LAUNCHED OUR BLOG-SITE, AND LETTER TO THE EDITOR RESPONSE TO BOTH THE BANNER AND MUSKOKA TODAY. IT'S HOW THE MEDIA WORKED TO INFORM READERS. WE HAVE A WETLAND HERE TODAY, IN LARGE PART, BECAUSE OF MEDIA CO-OPERATION, AND NEWS COVERAGE. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE, FOR NEWS ON THE BEQUEATH, EXAMINED ON TUESDAY, (AT LEAST TO MY KNOWLEDGE), TO BE SHARED, AS IT SHOULD BE, WITH THE CITIZENS AT LARGE. I'VE CONSULTED THE GREATER GRAVENHURST RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION WEB SITE, AND FOUND NO UPDATE ON THE ISSUE. AS THERE WERE TWO PREVIOUS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (MINE WAS NOT PUBLISHED, GO FIGURE), HIGHLIGHTING THE COUNCIL INTENTION, TO USE THE MILLION DOLLARS TO PAY DOWN THE DEBT, YOU'D THINK IT WOULD WARRANT SOME NEWS COVERAGE. EVEN IF IT WAS DEFERRED, OR BYPASSED ENTIRELY IT'S STILL IMPORTANT FRONT PAGE NEWS. THIS SITUATION, FOR THE CITIZENS OF GRAVENHURST, IS THE CANARY IN THE COAL MINE. WITHOUT THIS NEWS DYNAMIC FROM THE MEDIA, WE'RE FACING AN INFORMATION SHORTFALL WE HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED IN A TRULY LONG TIME. NOT EVERYONE CAN SIT THROUGH COUNCIL MEETINGS, AND UNDERSTAND THE INTRICACIES OF MUNICIPAL REPORTING. MIGHT A GRAVENHURST COUNCILLOR HAVE CONTACTED ME, TO OFFER WHAT IS PUBLIC INFORMATION. ARE YOU KIDDING? AND STRANGELY, MY FEELINGS REMAIN UNHURT. BUT REGARDLESS, THE INFORMATION HAS NOT BEEN PASSED ON, AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN, IN THE MEDIA WE TRUST TO KEEP US INFORMED. WHY? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE FUTURE, AND OUR ABILITY TO STAY INFORMED?

     BEFORE THE RELEASE OF THIS BLOG, I FINALLY DECIDED TO CONTACT A SOURCE ABOUT THE BEQUEATH. I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT I FIND OUT. BREAKING NEWS. THE BEQUEATH SITUATION WILL BE REVISITED AGAIN AT A MEETING ON JUNE 19TH. I WILL PROVIDE UPDATES WHEN THEY ARE AVAILABLE. THE MATTER HAS NOT BEEN FINALLY RESOLVED WHICH AT THIS POINT IS POSITIVE NEWS.