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Theatre performance supports museum

Dickson Museum hosted Turn Up Your Hearing Aid! Nov. 23 and 24 to fundraise
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Dickson Store Museum hosted a theatre production of Turn Up Your Hearing Aid! Nov. 23 and 24, a light hearted comedy about a group of seniors living in a lodge who go to great lengths to get one of the residents a new hearing aid.

“Theatre performances are one of the museum’s major fundraisers and we are happy to report that once again it was a huge success,” wrote museum manager Sharon Lightbown.

The group of seniors in the play put on an auction to raise money for the much needed hearing aid. Many of the audience members thought the auction was actually happening, bid on items and were willing to pay for them.

”Had we known, we could have held a real auction and raised more money for our struggling little museum that could always use financial support,” wrote Lightbown.

Fall is a busy time for the museum as they host three events within a couple of months.

The theatre performances are the museum’s major fundraising initiative. They start off fundraising in the fall with a supper, followed by the Julestue (Scandinavian Bazaar) and finish off the season with dinner and dessert theatres.

“The community of Dickson is so fortunate to have many talented people that are willing to share their time, skills and talents to help with these events,” wrote Lightbown.

This year the production Turn Up Your Hearing Aid! had a cast of 15 and a crew consisting of a director, stage manager, and light and sound technicians. The performances included sing songs with the residents and the audience.

The practices for the play began in mid September and were held twice a week at the King of Kings Church in Dickson.

Lightbown was deeply grateful for the community support for the theatre and dinner events. “The museum cannot thank [the church] enough for the use of this space. A big thank you to the cast for being so dedicated to make these performances the success they were,” she wrote.

Kathleen Raines, the kitchen supervisor made a roast beef dinner for the dinner theatre performance that Lightbown said was to “die for.”

“The beef literally melted in your mouth and came with all the trimmings, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, salad, an assortment of breads and desserts,” Lightbown wrote.

For the dessert and theatre performance, Raines brought in a wide variety of homemade desserts.

“Everyone spoke very highly of the meal and the performances,” said Lightbown.

The museum receives financial support from the federal government for student wages, a staffing grant from Alberta Museums Association, and funding from the Capital Assistance Grant with Red Deer County to help do the repairs to the building. Other support comes from donors, members and volunteers.

“The museum is already busy planning the 2018 season and we wish each and every one a Happy Holiday season,” wrote Lightbown.

“We look forward to seeing you when the museum opens in mid- May.”

Those still interested in donating to the museum can call Sharon at (403) 728-3355.



myra.nicks@sylvanlakenews.com

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