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Directors
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Besides the movies, there are special programs, usually at the theater “at least once a month,” Mrs. Robertson pointed out. Upcoming events include a square dance Oct. 21, a John McCutchen concert Nov. 3, and an evening of traditional Irish music with the Ellis Island Band Nov. 18, she said.
“We’re fortunate that Anne (former RAAC Director Anne Stevens) did so good a job,” she said. “We’re in great shape. With the paper work she left, it’s easy to learn how RAAC works.”
One of the new director’s first jobs was writing the application for the annual grant from the state that keeps RAAC going. With that behind her, Mrs. Robertson is looking towards the future, and one thing she expects to accomplish is a summer theater for youth. She has approached local directors who are interested in working on such a project, and she is certain it will be available for Rappahannock’s young people next summer. “I am not a person who gets an idea and drops it,” she said.
“We have a great board of directors,” Mrs. Robertson said, “They’re very active and very involved. They set the tone for everything. They really want to reach out to the community, expanding the membership so everybody can come and get something from RAAC, whether it’s a bluegrass festival or a discussion of what's going on in China.”
Ms. McNeal added, “That’s the question for every arts organization since the beginning. How do you get people involved? Maybe some people only come once a year. That still serves a purpose. But maybe they will come and see how much fun we’re having and want to join in. There are so many ways to be involved.”
“One of the ways to participate is to become a member,” Mrs. Robertson said. In the years since RAAC started, membership has been steadily growing, with about 400 memberships now. “But in a county with over 6,000 people, there are more out there,” she said.
Both women were amazed at how much is accomplished in the organization by volunteers, however. “Jo Ellen and I are the only paid people, and we’re part time,” Mrs. Robertson said. “All the rest is done by volunteers,” who do everything from projecting the movies, to baking for the concessions, to setting up programs, she said.
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