Then again what is a normal post for me ;). And it ties into historical novels and such in a way…. just go with it.
One of the biggest things the internet and fandom has done for me is make me more aware of what is going on in the world. At times I find myself more in the know about things happening in other states because of Live Journal and blogs than in my on lil city. And when I read this last week on Live Journal, I thought it might be something of interest to you guys.
I don’t know who all lives in Ohio or not but if you can go. I haven’t seen the production but hope it lasts long enough to get the chance to. It is December. It is Christmas. It is a short time after many people have been touched by disaster but if you can help, please do. And if you can’t, please help spread the word the more people that know about this, the better chance they have of staying open and telling of the Shawnee Indians and sparking an interest in History.
the following is a reposted lj post with Sarah Ellen Parson’s permission – please feel free to pass on or repost
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I know that the Holidays is traditional time to ask you all to go out and help those less fortunate than yourselves.
With all of the weather-related disasters this year, there are plenty of people like that to go around. Food banks are down on donations, local charities of all types are hurting. People who help battered women, people who care for the elderly, people who help starving children, all need help right now.
Another thing that’s hurting, the Arts.
As many of you know, qowf runs a not-for-profit theatre company in Ohio that is dedicated to telling an important story in Ohio history, about the Shawnee Indians and their fight with the encroaching whites. They reenact battles, give you a feel for the personalities involved and put on a hell of a good show that is a good way to get kids excited about history.
As a former History teacher, this means something to me. I’ve seen the show a few times, and it really gives you a good idea of the conflict on the frontier, and what was at stake for the Native people as people with better technology moved in on their homeland.
It’s a great and worthy thing, this show.
Right now it could close its doors forever.
When qowf and mamahippierwc went down to Ohio, they found an organization in almost total disarray and buried under back debt that is really not that great, but is massive to them in a year where donations have almost completely dried up because of natural disasters. You can check out her LJ for the details.
The fact is, with the programs they have put in place for the new year, they’re poised to make more money over the course of the year than ever before, relying NOT ONLY on the show to raise operating funds. They also have a huge grant to improve the theatre (which they are legally prohibited from using for debt), and are planning to rent it out for concerts to raise still MORE cash. But that can’t happen in the winter, it being outdoors and all.
They are also planning to take some excellent educational programs into the schools, to help keep kids excited about History all year ’round. Including a really cool “what the Constitution is all about” thing for Middle Schoolers and a lot of great interactive programs to bring history alive to kids.
However, the back debt from the past has reared its head to bite them. Their Board is threatening to shut them down. If they can make it until spring, they’ll be fine. But now the Board is saying they won’t wait that long before firing the staff and selling the horses and shutting the theater forever.
There’s a lawsuit for back debt of $7,000 pending.
There’s also a gala fundraiser on Dec. 17th, the day after my birthday. It’s $40 a couple, I believe. The Board is doing nothing to bring people in.
I know we can’t go down to Ohio to attend, but we could RSVP with the cost of admission. I’ll be sending them somewhat more because I believe in the show and in the educational programs that are in the works. In fact, I’ll probably be helping with some of them, at least giving advice, seeing I’m certified to teach history and english in Ohio and all.
If ANY of you were planning to do anything for my birthday or Christmas (despite the ban on presents). Send whatever you were going to spend on me to Bluejacket instead.
50 S. Detroit Street
Xenia, OH 45385
Make checks out to First Frontier, Inc.
http://www.bluejacketdrama.com/
If any of you also think history education sounds important, and that this really cool show should be given another year, please send them something. If you’d like to pass this to your own friends list, please do so.
Howard Dean ran his whole campaign on small donations from individuals. Maybe we can keep this show in business for another year, when they’ll be able to get themselves out of the hole with all the new programs they already have in place.
You know how much I hate to ask for help.
I’m asking for this.
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just a note since it was mentioned on her lj later… if you do RSVP do let them know you aren’t going to attend if you are not going
Thanks for helping, reading and passing on the info
