The Marsh Street Centre, a performing arts and community centre in Clarksburg, is planning to reopen its doors to the public on Sept. 12.
“Like other local businesses and activity centres, we are very cautiously moving towards reopening following government health guidelines,” said Jan Seneshen, vice president and director of fundraising for the centre.
The centre is preparing to welcome the public back on Sept. 12, beginning with its annual AGM for voting members from 11 a.m until noon, and an evening event beginning at 7:30 p.m.
“We will be hosting Robert Michaels, an incredible guitarist who plays both flamenco and world music. He has multi-gold and platinum recordings to his name and he will have a flamenco dancer performing as well,” Seneshen said.
According to Seneshen, attendees should expect to see some changes to the centre’s operations as it implements new COVID safety protocols.
The event, which traditionally allowed for dancing, will be staged with designated seating.
“We will also have signage to limit movement and we will require everyone to wear their masks when they come into our concert hall,” she explained. “We will also be checking temperatures at the door and following all other health department measures as required.”
While the centre was closed, volunteers worked to expand and improve the centre’s bar and stage.
“These improvements were made with donated funds – and they look stunning,” she said.
Seneshen says with the new bar, the centre will also be launching a new fundraising initiative called, “Belly Up To the Bar.”
The campaign asks for $1,000 donations in return for a name plaque in one of the seven new seats at the bar.
With the centre being closed for the past six months, Seneshen says the organization is feeling the financial squeeze.
“Like all other small businesses, 2020 has hit us hard. Because we have had no ability to earn operating income, we have kept our doors open only through generous donations and a few events,” she said.
The Marsh Street Centre is 100 per cent community-funded and operated. And, although the centre does apply for government grants for capital improvements, its operating budget is funded by the centre’s activities and community sponsors and donors.
As the centre was not able to offer its members any activities in the past several months, it is offering current members a six-month extension on membership renewals, but also notes that funds from the renewals will be critical in keeping the centre open.
“Our members are precious to us. They are what keep us alive and give us purpose and momentum in the community,” she said, adding that over the last three years, the centre has grown its community members from 30 to 300.
“Our next target is 500. We are hoping that everyone renews and encourages many others to join in 2020 and 2021,” Seneshen said.
For more information on upcoming events, visit marshstreetcentre.com or call 519-599-7837.
