From GRAND RAPIDS TOWN HALL COMMITTEE
The Grand Rapids Town Hall Committee and Historical Society of Grand Rapids invite the community to an open house of Town Hall on Friday, Dec. 12, from 6 -7 p.m., preceding “A Town Hallmark Christmas and Sing-Along.” Guests can view and enjoy the completion of some of the recent renovation projects.
The building was built in 1898, so discussions were held with historic architects, funding and theater professionals, and window treatment specialists, and work was then started on renovations, keeping all work consistent with the time period. After the Town Hall Committee viewed options of appropriate colors from professionals to paint the inside of the vintage building, the choices were sent to Village Council. Final colors were chosen, and the council donated funds for painting the entire auditorium.
The next project was choosing window treatments, and again, experts were consulted about the best way to choose and install room-darkening blinds and add decorative valances. Other projects are being considered, such as stage lighting, floor treatments, sound system enhancements, a ticket box, and stage curtains. Committee members are also investigating sources of funding.
When people tour Town Hall, they can also find out about upcoming events including:
- Jan. 9 – 11: “Just So Stories” by Horizon Youth Theatre
- Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.: “Modern Times” starring Charlie Chaplin and accompanied by Lynne Long
- March 6 – 8: “Little Prince” by Horizon Youth Theatre
- March 21 at 7 p.m.: The Jolly Gabbers, Irish music and instruments
- March 27 – 29: “The Importance of Being Earnest”
- April 25 at 7 p.m.: EZ Pickinz, vintage folk, rock, and country
- May 9 at 7 p.m.: Voices of Harmony, northwest Ohio’s only competitive barbershop chorus
- June 5 – 7: “Be More Chill” by Horizon Youth Theatre
- July 10 – 12: Musical produced by Grand Rapids Historical Society
Members of the Grand Rapids Town Hall Committee are: Hayley Babcock, Christi Bolton, Nate Bolton, Laura Borer, Roger Borer, Faith Carroll, Denice Huth, Tom Huth, Lynne Long, Carole Sarkan, Mark Sarkan, Peggy Seab, Chuck Thomas, Matthew Tolles, and Rick Tolles.
People are invited to join the committee on Friday, Dec. 12, to tour the historic building, enjoy light refreshments, and learn more about opportunities and programs in the coming year.
A play inspired by Hallmark Channel movies is coming to the Grand Rapids Town Hall stage. The Grand Rapids Players will perform “A Town Hallmark Christmas and Sing-Along,” a parody of classic Hallmark movies written by Mark and Carole Sarkan. People can expect a variety of characters – including two rival female decorators, love interests, grandparents, the female best friend, and a mysterious director – plus plenty of singing and dancing of all ages to bring out the Christmas spirit. Admission is free, though donations are welcomed.
The play features Grand Rapids Town Hall committee and community members which include the following: Matthew Tolles, Laura Borer, Christine Borer, Hayley Babcock, Ben Hergert, Roger Borer, Faith Carroll, Carole Sarkan, Mark Sarkan, Rich Hurry, and Delilah Babcock. It also features Sarah Radebaugh and the Defying Gravity Dancers, piano solos and duets from Lynne Long and Josh Hergert, and some of Long’s piano students, Heban Field of Dreams decorations, audience singing, and more.
A basket of Grand Rapids gift cards, Downtown Dollars, and other goodies will be raffled off that evening. The value of the basket is over $350. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Tickets are on sale at the Village Orchard or at the door.
