From The Executive Director...

Bonjour Friends,

It is with great pleasure that we present the Happenings 2017-18 Program Guide. I hope you will agree that the board members, committee members, volunteers, and staff who developed these programs have a keen sense for your interests, because there is surely something for everyone.

We sent out a program survey this summer, and the response has been remarkable. While the board will be analyzing the results at their annual strategic planning meeting in November, there are some immediate takeaways that I can share. For example – you said we have the number of programs that we offer about right, but we could add a little more music and fitness. OK then, don’t miss Dancing Under the Stars, a free concert February 17th where you can combine both music and dance!

Which reminds me – about the sunshade for the outdoor stage. YES – it will happen … soon! Lee County has taken leadership over construction, and we have turned over the architectural plans and schematics to them. Lynda Jamison and her friends and supporters have raised one-third of the cost and the Friends board has voted to contribute the other two-thirds to make the project happen. Be patient – the wheels of government move slowly.

We hear you loud and clear that you want us to continue to show recently released movies. But we are going to reserve the 5:00pm Monday slot for Keisling’s Klassic Movies. Bergman, Bogart, and Brando are all coming your way on Monday nights.

Friends has begun offering limited travel experiences to both enhance the cultural and educational objectives of our programs, and to provide opportunities for fellowship. These have turned out to be exceedingly popular (see trips to Everglades, p. 25 and France, p. 35), but you need to call quickly if you are interested, as they sell out almost overnight.

As always, we welcome your ideas. Please stop by the office and share them with me.

Amusez-vous bien!

Marta