PALMS just sent out this email:
In light of recent developments, I wanted to give you a progress report on what Performing Arts of Lake, Marion and Sumter (PALMS) is doing to establish a world-class performing arts center for the tri-county area.
We are very grateful for the widespread support that residents have shown for this vision. And we want to commend the members of the Amenity Authority Committee for not settling for the Village developer's proposal to retrofit a theater into the Church on the Square. However, PALMS situation is now no different than it was before the proposal.
As for PALMS, our board is earnestly working on our next major goals:
Site Selection: After considering some 40 possible sites, our selection leaders Joe Borda and Richard St. Amant (and assisted by Greg Beliveau, Reggie Carruthers, Robert Forsythe and many others) have narrowed the search down to a hand full of top properties. Any one of these would enable us to achieve our tri-county (yet close to the Villages) goal. We are excited about the final candidates!
Fundraising: Vice President Bill Hicks is taking the preliminary steps to prepare us for fundraising. His current focus is identifying "Leadership" donors.
As I stated at the AAC meeting on November 10, we are eager to work collaboratively with the developer and all interested parties on a project that could unite the community and be a source of enjoyment and pride for us all.
I will keep you promptly informed as the situation merits. If you have questions or comments, please let us know at
vpaabarbmcgann@embarqmail.com.
Bob Rutkowski
President
Performing Arts of Lake, Marion and Sumter, Inc.