By Denise Richardson
Staff Writer
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Some characters and roles have changed as the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center enters the next scene of its play to survive.
Oneonta Mayor Dick Miller started a project in October to raise $1.25 million to finish the theater. But the effort highlighted concerns that meeting monthly operating expenses had to be the primary focus, he said Monday night, and as viable short- and long-term plans develop, funding to complete the theater will follow.
"We have to do both _ this is a redirection of effort," Miller, who is interim Foothills board chairman, said. "We know what the task is ahead."
Miller said he continues to focus on a small group to support Foothills and its theater complex on Market Street in Oneonta.
Current cash shortfalls may require that Foothills curtail operations during the first quarter of 2011, a media release issued Monday said. However, scheduled activities in the first few months of the New Year will take place, officials said, and bookings of theater groups, concerts, civic events, and weddings extend into 2013.
Miller said as mayor he would convene a summit of all visual arts, music and theatre organizations and venues in January.
"Oneonta has much to offer the region," he said, "and we need to come together along with the business community to market our activities more effectively."
Meanwhile, seven new members have been named to the Foothills board of directors and committee assignments have been adjusted, Miller said in discussing the media release.
The new board members are Cailin George, Bassett Healthcare; Carol Blazina, former vice president of public affairs at SUNY Oneonta; Armand Nardi, publisher of The Daily Star; Rob Robinson, president and chief executive officer of the Otsego County Chamber; Robert Hanft, a retired JP Morgan executive on Hartwick College, Pathfinder Village and Otsego County Industrial Development Agency boards; Rick Weinberg, local businessman; and Miller.
"Having so many new and well-qualified directors to work with as colleagues, energizes all of us who have been involved with Foothills for more than a decade," Drogen said in the release. "We will be able to focus our energies on the most critical issues _ program development, financial stability, facility completion and fundraising."
Sarah Patterson, who has been on the board since the start of the project, also welcomed the new membership and its positive impact.
"I'm excited," she said Monday night. "We're just so close."
The first phase of Peter Macris' dream to build a performing arts center was the production center, which was finished in 2005 and cost about $2 million. Construction on the $6 million 624-seat theater portion, the second phase, was started in winter 2008-09 and finishing touches remain to be done.
The state Dormitory Authority still is withholding the final $500,000 of a $6 million grant, Miller said. A response from Foothills to that state department's audit will be submitted this week, he said.
In January, a shake-up at Foothills resulted in the firing of four employees, and two other staffers resigned in support of their colleagues.
In October, a meeting about Foothills' future drew about 50 politicians, civic leaders and business owners, and during that session Miller was adamant about focusing on the future and not rehashing the past.
Miller said some members remain on the board, others have emeritus status, and more members are being sought. The future of the center will require a broad base of community involvement and ownership, he said.
Miller will focus on fundraising, the release said. Drogen will continue as vice-chairman and will focus on program development. Hanft will serve as treasurer.
Former board Chairman Doug Reeser will chair the Facilities Committee. Reeser was traveling and unavailable for comment, the release said. A message left at his house phone Monday night wasn't returned.
Tim Hayes, director of the State University College at Oneonta Center for Economic and Community Development, will consult with the group in preparing a new business plan for Foothills. The Foothills Center needs about $20,000 monthly to operate, Miller said. Foothills has 3½ full-time equivalent employees and layoffs aren't planned, he said.
Miller said he expects that during the first 60 to 90 days of 2011 the board will endorse a business plan, progress will be made toward finishing the theater and marketing efforts will be more organized.
Hanft said in the release that he looks forward to using his financial experience to contribute to the success of Foothills.
"The Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center provides a multi faceted venue that no other facility in the area can match," Hanft said. "It can be a tremendous cultural resource for the community and a boost to downtown Oneonta."
