Editor, OBSERVER:
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff of the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, I want to extend our sincerest appreciation to the Rev. Steve Wiggers and the congregation of the First United Methodist Church of Fredonia for all the effort, time and talent that was invested in presenting "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" at the Opera House on Dec. 11.
The event, which served as a fund-raiser for the Opera House, was a shining example of what happens when a community comes together with a common purpose. The performance itself was "hometown charm" personified, with everyone on stage appearing to have as much fun as those in the audience. On top of that, the event raised just shy of $1,200 for the Opera House funds which will help the Opera House continue to provide the wide variety of music, dance, theatre and films for which it has become known.
A thousand "thank yous" to those who invested their time and energy coordinating the event: Tim Antonacci, Shirley Erbsmehl, Joyce Haines, Susan Mackay, Sharon Perdue and Kyle Sackett and to all those who appeared on stage: the Methodist Church Chancel Choir, the Trinity Episcopal Church Choir, the Hannah Hasbrouck Petersen Tribute Orchestra, SUNY Fredonia student members of the string quintet and the cast and crew of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Thank you also to the more than 400 people who attended the event and made a free will donation at the door.
The Opera House is privileged to operate in such a caring community. Happy Holidays!
RICK DAVIS,
executive director,
1891 Fredonia Opera House
