Scholarship Tea June 20th

The second annual scholarship tea will be held Saturday, June 20, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 pm at the Arts & enrichment Center.  This delightful event provides patrons and guests with a lovely luncheon in an elegant atmosphere.  A selection of finger sandwiches, roll-ups, crudites and delectable desserts will be accompanied by a variety of teas and coffees, all for a ticket price of $15.  For tickets see any RIP Board member or ask at Coffee Expresso in Charlestown.

The Scholarship Tea is Rose Island's primary fund raiser to support our annual scholarships to one or more local youth who are actively involved with the performing arts.  This year Rose Island honored three terrific students who have donated many hours to RIP productions.  Three scholarships of $500 each were presented to seniors David Beach of Charlestown High and Samantha Callis and Cortlin Sawyer of New Washington High.  Thanks to these talented young people for their work at Rose Island and best wishes for their future endeavors.

IMPORTANT: Volunteers are needed to help with table set-up Thursday evening, June 18, and preliminary food preparation Friday, June 19, after 2:00.  Volunteers are also needed to serve at the tea on Saturday.  If you can help in any of these areas, call Julie Hartzell at 293-2216.

"Steel Magnolias"

The Playhouse brought audiences to their feet this spring with their outstanding production of Steel Magnolias.  The heart-warming and sometimes heart-wrenching story of love, friendship and loss in a beauty shop in north Louisiana came to life on the A&E Center's stage, through the talents of Director Jenny Stopher and cast members Sheila Cole, Renee Elmore, Rhoda Meier, Miriam Hans, Frances Campbell and Ellen Kluesing.

Over 300 people came to laugh and cry with the patrons of Truvy's beauty salon during the four-night run May 14 through 17.  Many patrons commented on the high level of professionalism exhibited by the actors and most raved about the beautiful set, built to perfection by Bob Oehler.  The lovely 80's period costumes were coordinated with a strong eye to detail by Mary Rone and Cheryl Beach. Vocal talents were provided by Bradon Meier.  Sound was once again provided by our faithful sound technician, Cortlin Sawyer.  All of the efforts were pulled together by Stopher and her stage manager David Beach, along with the efforts of manyother dedicated Rose Island board members and volunteers. And Saturday's and Sunday's audiences rewarded their effort by demonstrating their appreciation with rousing standing ovations. 

Nearly 40 patrons made an evening of it Saturday night by partaking in RIP's first-ever "Dinner and a Show."  The diners feasted on pork roast and wonderful side dishes before enjoying the show.  Most said they really enjoyed the gourmet-level food and hope we do something similar again.  Our thanks to caterer Kimber Sawyer for a terrific meal.