Monthly Archives: May 2024

Government

Tips For Kansans Traveling Oversees

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Things You Should Know Heading Into Summer Travel Season

Salina, KS – As summer approaches, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.’s office reminds Kansans traveling abroad to plan ahead and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety while abroad. 

“The safety and security of all Kansans are always our team’s top priority,” Senator Marshall said. As we look ahead to the summer travel season, I encourage all Kansans to take the necessary steps to enjoy a worry-free trip abroad. Please get in touch with our office to avoid the headache of passport problems and delays; we are here to help.” 

Delayed passports are the most common international travel issue. Since coming to Congress in 2017, Senator Marshall’s office has assisted more than 700 Kansans in obtaining their passports in time for their planned departure date. 

Our office encourages Kansans planning to travel internationally in the next 12 months to apply for a passport as soon as possible. Passport agencies struggle to keep up with summer travel demands, which results in longer processing times. Log onto the State Department’s website for the necessary forms and next steps: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply.html.

The U.S. State Department also offers several resources to help all Americans remain in touch with U.S. officials while abroad and better understand local laws and customs for each country. Below are resources all Kansans are encouraged to use when traveling internationally:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Enrollees will receive emergency alerts from the U.S. Embassy while traveling abroad. Enroll by visiting https://step.state.gov/.

• Be diligent when packing for international travel and review the local laws and special circumstances page to be aware of what you are and are not allowed to bring. You can be detained or arrested for having certain medications or ammunition once you enter another country if it violates their laws, even if by accident. To learn more, visit travel.state.gov/destination.

• If you should have an emergency while traveling overseas, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You can find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate by visiting https://www.usembassy.gov/.

• In the event of major weather events, like hurricane season, monitor forecasts closely and have a plan in place. To learn more, visit travel.state.gov/crisis.

If you or a loved one has issues obtaining a passport or problems while traveling abroad, please contact our office at 785-829-9000 or submit a request for assistance at https://www.marshall.senate.gov  and select “Help with a Federal Agency” from the drop-down menu.

Government, Kansas

Online tool supports local public agencies in addressing pedestrian and cyclist safety

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The Kansas Department of Transportation released a new online tool to help local public agencies learn about corridors where pedestrians and cyclists may be present and possible safety risks they could face.

The Kansas Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment Tool includes a StoryMap, which explains how the data can be interpreted, and an interactive mapping and data visualization tool. Data gathered from the tool can assist agencies to understand safety concerns for these local travelers. The tool helps support safety-conscious decision making, including investments in infrastructure, education, enforcement or emergency services.

“Pedestrians and cyclists are some of our most vulnerable road users,” said Transportation Safety Bureau Chief Vanessa Spartan. “Understanding where they’re traveling and risk factors on those routes are important steps to addressing potential safety needs. We often find that investments in the safety of pedestrians and cyclists also benefits other road users.”

The assessment plan, which was published in November 2023, is part of the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan. The safety plan aims to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes on all state and local roads in Kansas.

The tool and safety assessment are on the Bureau of Transportation Safety’s website at https://www.ksdot.gov/bureaus/burTrafficSaf/default.asp.

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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Newsletter May 2024

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May 2024                                                                                     Volume 3

Lowell Milken Center Buzzes with Field Trip Excitement

This spring, the Lowell Milken Center (LMC) has been a hive of activity. As the school year draws to a close, LMC has become a favored destination for field trips among local schools. Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed hundreds of students, teachers, and chaperones, each eager to explore and learn. The center’s vibrant programs and engaging exhibits continue to inspire and educate visitors, making every trip a memorable adventure.

Discovery Award Updates

Discover Heroes, Win Big: 2024 Discovery Award Competition Now Open!

The 2024 Discovery Award Competition has officially launched, presenting an extraordinary opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to win a share of $25,000 in prizes. This competition, sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, is designed to encourage young learners to uncover and highlight the stories of unsung heroes who have made a significant impact yet remain largely unrecognized.

Competition Details

  • Prizes: A total of $25,000 is up for grabs, rewarding creativity and research.
  • Eligibility: The competition is open to students from grades 4 through 12.
  • Deadline: All projects must be submitted by July 1, 2024.
  • Formats: Students can present their findings in one of three formats: a performance, a website, or a documentary.

This is not just a contest; it’s a chance to integrate real-world research and storytelling into your curriculum, making history come alive for students. Encourage your students to participate and possibly win big by exploring the lives and legacies of unsung heroes and role models who have impacted history and shaped our world.

For more information and to enter the competition, visit here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected].

ARTEFFECT Updates
VIEW THE 2024 ARTEFFECT FINALISTS

The 2024 ARTEFFECT Competition received a record-breaking number of entries!

We extend our gratitude to all participating students and their teachers.

Awardees will be announced on June 3. Stay tuned!

Fellows News and Updates

The LMC Fellowship unites top educators for a prestigious, merit-based professional development opportunity with high standards of excellence, output and benefits. Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and ongoing support to enhance their classrooms and help students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change.

The LMC Fellowship provides educators with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize and strategize. Fellows receive personal attention from our dedicated team of educational experts and time to network and collaborate with their exemplary peers. The program strengthens educators’ ability to facilitate student ownership over projects and to help their students develop skills in critical thinking, research, analysis and application. Fellows emerge prepared to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students as they apply and evaluate the stories of role models who have changed the world.

“The Lowell Milken Center has connected me with some of the most outstanding teachers from across the United States and the world. These connections push me to be a better teacher. The Discovery Award project has become one of my favorite project-based learning activities to use with students. These projects create connections to people and events in history that have a lasting impact on not only the students that create them but everyone that sees their project.”

Lindsey Dowell, LMC Fellow 2017- KS

Teacher Appreciation Week was May 6-10,

but at the LMC we celebrate teachers everyday!

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats.

This year, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes celebrates our dedicated LMC Fellows and all the remarkable educators worldwide!

Discover more about our impactful Fellows program here.

LMC News and Updates

We were honored to welcome Madison Glidden, the 2023 National Discovery Award-winning student from Taylor, Nebraska, to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes! She was accompanied by her teacher, Megan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow, and Dan Helberg, a 2021 LMC Fellow, along with Discovery Award project-maker Gracey Rodocker. The group enjoyed a tour of our center and then began the work of contributing to the development of a new exhibit honoring Susan LaFlesche-Picotte.  Madison’s award-winning documentary on Dr. LaFlesche-Picotte is a powerful testament to her dedication and passion for recognizing unsung heroes.

View the documentary and learn more about Susan LaFlesche-Picotte’s inspiring legacy.

April 17th was the unveiling of our new Pavel Weiner exhibit, which recounts his remarkable story of survival at the Terezin Concentration camp through his bond with his roommates. An informative presentation about Terezin by the Executive Director of the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, Jessica Rockhold, provided many additional details about Pavel’s experience. Pavel and his roommates called themselves “Nesharim,” which in Hebrew translates to “Eagles.” To honor the name of these brave young men, our unique attraction for the day was a visit by Operation Wildlife’s Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle and their handlers. It was easy to see why these majestic birds were chosen to represent the dreams of the boys at Terezin.

The attendance for these events was record-setting, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in celebrating Pavel, learning about Terezin, and experiencing the spirit of the eagles. The presence and support of our community members truly make these events worthwhile.

We invite you to the grand unveiling of our newest exhibits at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes!  Join us on June 26th at 3:00 PM for an inspiring afternoon as we celebrate the stories of two new heroes who have changed the world behind the scenes.

Date: June 26

Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

These exhibits promise to move, inspire, and challenge you. Don’t miss out on the chance to dive into the extraordinary lives of unsung heroes who have made a profound impact. We hope to see you there!
Government, Kansas

KDOT seeks input on EV charging in Kansas

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation is looking for input from the public to determine what’s next for the Charge Up Kansas National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan.

Each state is required to develop a NEVI plan to access funds specified for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, which will be updated annually. The plan will outline how the state will use funds to support the deployment of a charging infrastructure.

KDOT is requesting public feedback on EV charging to help create next year’s plan. Go to https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d33b6d2213cf44c2a700b57509db4f1c to complete a short survey.

As part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), each state was allocated funding to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging and infrastructure. The State of Kansas is projected to receive nearly $40 million of NEVI funds over five years.  In addition, Kansas agencies and communities will be eligible to apply for additional funding through $2.5 billion in discretionary programs.

For more information, go to the Charge Up Kansas webpage at https://ike.ksdot.gov/charge-up-kansas or contact [email protected].

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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 700 SW Harrison St., 2nd Fl West, Topeka, KS 66603-3745 or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Health Care Sales Tax Is Approved By A Wide Majority, REH Discussion Beginning In Washington D.C.

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Voting in the Bourbon County Courthouse in 2018.

The unofficial results of the May 14 election are in.

Bourbon County residents voted 1611 to 496 in favor of a one-quarter cent retail sales tax. Nine ballots were blank and are listed as “undervotes”,” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said. “We have a total of 12,418 registered voters which equals a turnout of 17.03% which is slightly less than the city/school election last November which had a turnout of 19.35%.”

The tax becomes effective October 1, 2024, and continues for five years and will used for the establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County.

When the tax terminates in five years, the remaining tax funds will be used for Emergency Medical Services and/or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissions.

 

The emergency room at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Rural Emergency Hospital Discussion Starts In Washington

In a related category, the U.S. Senate had legislation introduced recently that starts further federal discussion of rural emergency hospitals.

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in December 2018, citing declining patient numbers. Ascension Via Christi then took over operations of  Mercy’s Emergency Room in 2019 and closed in December 2023.

To view prior stories:

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott to Close

Ascension Via Christi to close Emergency Department in Fort Scott on Dec. 20

That emergency room, at 401 Woodland Hills, Fort Scott, is currently closed.

Today U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.)  announced they have introduced legislation to expand access to federal resources for rural hospitals through the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Medicare designation, according to a Moran press release

 

“The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act would increase opportunities for Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and rural hospitals to convert to an REH and make technical improvements to the designation. These changes would help make the conversion to an REH more appealing by giving rural hospitals facing closure access to critical resources from the federal government to remain open.

 

“Access to emergency health care saves lives and helps rural communities prosper,” said Sen. Moran. “Too many rural hospitals in Kansas and across the country are struggling to keep their doors open, and this legislation offers those hospitals a lifeline. The Rural Emergency Hospital designation has already helped save numerous rural hospitals, and expanding access to this successful program is a common-sense way to make certain more hospitals stay open.”

“Rural hospitals provide health care in areas where it isn’t otherwise easy to access, so when their doors close, communities are left with almost no options, and that’s dangerous. If you’re dealing with a medical emergency or you just went into labor, the last thing on your mind should be whether your local hospital is still open,” said Senator Smith. “This bill is about public safety. It will make sure that if a hospital is in truly dire straits, they can remain open for emergency care – including obstetric care.”

 

“Created as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, REH is a new Medicare provider designation that offers certain rural hospitals the opportunity to convert and continue operating with limited services rather than closing. The provisions in the REH Improvement Act are the result of numerous conversations Sen. Moran held with rural health care providers and CEOs of hospitals that are eligible for the REH designation.”

According to the Moran press release:

“The Rural Emergency Hospital Improvement Act would:

  • Allow previously closed rural hospitals to re-open and apply for the Rural Emergency Hospital designation if they can demonstrate they met all eligibility requirements between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 27, 2020.
  • Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a waiver program for facilities operating similarly to an REH in order to convert to an REH.
  • Allow REH facilities to maintain or create a unit for inpatient psychiatric care, obstetric care and allow for limited inpatient rehabilitation services.
  • Require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide additional funding for laboratory services.
  • Clarify that REH facilities are eligible for Small Rural Hospital Improvement grants.
  • Direct the Secretary of HHS to allow an REH to be eligible as a National Health Service Corp site.
  • Authorize REH facilities to transfer patients from acute care to a Skilled Nursing Facility without leaving the hospital, in accordance with the Social Security Act.
  • Allow an REH facility to revert back to a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) to regain necessary provider status, only if the facility was designated a necessary provider prior to converting to REH.”

 

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AD: The Shead Farm Festival is this Saturday at 10 a.m.

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Shead Farm Festival May 18th 10am
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Come join us for an exciting, entertaining event that people of all ages will enjoy!

  • Explore and gather ideas from Shead’s sustainable lifestyle farm where Veggie Powder is grown!
  • Get ideas on how you can grow your own food.
  • See gardens growing vertically and horizontally.
  • Learn how things were done in the good ol’ days.
  • Enjoy great food while you shop our vendor booths.

Music | Children’s Activities | Farm Tour | Farm Store and Vendor Booths | Food Court

A wonderful outing that ALL ages will enjoy!

Admission: Single Ticket – $5 or Family Pass $25 (5+ members)
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Children’s Activities: Fun, Educational Gardening Games and Activities, Face Painting, Animal Arena, Story Station, Head-in-the-Hole Picture Booths, Bug Hunt, Milking Cow, Butter Making, Large Sandbox, Children’s Store, and more!
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Historical Activities: How to Milk Cows, Make Butter, Laundry w/o Electricity, 1864 Barn Loom Weaving, and more!
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Farm Tour: Gardens, Greenhouse, Fruit Grafting, Animals, etc.
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Plant Pavilion: Worm Farms, Plants, Berries, Carts, Compost, Trees
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Food: Serving Walking Tacos, Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Supercharged Cookies, Homemade Baked Goods, Dill Pickles, Snack Shack, Homemade Root Beer, Kettle Corn, Cotton Candy, Lemonade, Pastries & Iced Coffee
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Many Vendor Booths: Soaps and Salves, Honey, Eggs, Spices, Bakery Items, Baskets, Jams & Jellies, Weaving, Spinning, Farm Decor, Kitchen Items, etc.
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Farm Store Items: Veggie Powder, Garden Plants, Toys, Hats, Aprons, Books, Cards, Earrings, etc.
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Sheadfarm.com
2468 Cavalry Rd, Garland, KS
(620)224-4149
Click To Add To Facebook Calendar

Copyright (C) 2024 FortScott.BIZ. All rights reserved.
Youth

Keep Water Safety Top of Mind this Boating Season

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Safe Kids Kansas, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks provide tips for families during National Safe Boating Week

TOPEKA – With almost 100 different kinds of boats – from kayaks to canoes to motorboats – many Kansans will be having a great time on the water this year. Governor Laura Kelly has declared May 18-24 Safe Boating Week in Kansas, and Safe Kids Kansas, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks want to remind families to take extra steps to keep kids safe out on the water.

Safe Boating Week is an annual educational campaign, coordinated by the National Safe Boating Council (safeboatingcouncil.org) that runs the week prior to Memorial Day.

Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among Kansas children. Wearing a life jacket improves your odds of surviving a boating accident by 80 percent.  In 2022, 75 percent of all fatal boating accident victims in the U.S. drowned, and of those who drowned, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket. During National Safe Boating Week, we want to remind all parents of a few simple things they can do to keep their kids safe on a boat and that starts with wearing life jackets.

“Drowning can happen quickly and silently,” said Cherie Sage, State Coordinator for Safe Kids Kansas. “It’s important for children to wear life jackets when they are in or around open water and for adults to actively supervise children, giving them your full attention.”

Follow these safety tips to keep your family safe while boating:

  1. Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters. Visit cgaux.org/boatinged/.
  2. Always wear a life jacket. Adults and children should always wear a properly fitted life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats or around open bodies of water. Children ages 12 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times on any watercraft, including paddleboats and kayaks. Older children and adults should set a good safety example for everyone and wear their life jackets, too.
  3. Supervise kids in and around water. When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use a Water Watcher card to designate an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision. Download a Water Watcher card here.
  4. Educate your children about swimming Every child is different, so enroll children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready. Teach children skills such as how to tread water and float. Kids should only swim in areas designated for swimming. Teach children that swimming in open bodies of water is different than a swimming pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, undertow and changing weather.
  5. Learn Water Rescue Skills. We know you have a million things to do but learning CPR should be at the top of the list. Knowing CPR and other water rescue skills will give you tremendous peace of mind. Contact the Red Cross or your local hospital for information about classes.
  6. Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before heading out on the water. Know that weather can change quickly, so have a weather radio or weather app that you can check. If the weather starts to change, head to shore immediately.

To learn more, visit https://uscgboating.org, https://ksoutdoors.com/boating and Boating | Safe Kids Worldwide.

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Government, Jobs, Kansas

Commerce Encourages Jobseekers to Join Virtual State Agency Job Fair

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers to take part in this month’s State of Kansas Agency Virtual Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 22.

“Our state agencies are always looking for strong candidates who can help serve the people and communities of our great state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “I encourage anyone who is interested in doing important and meaningful work for Kansas to come join a winning team.”

There are currently 786 agency positions available across the state that range from entry to senior level. State agencies are looking for new talent to assist in improving Kansas. The virtual job fair allows for anyone searching for a state position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating agencies.

The State Agency Virtual Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

About KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Church news, Entertainment

Gospel Singing Group The Williamsons At the First Southern Baptist Church May 16

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Fort Scott First Southern Baptist Church

The Williamsons are coming to town! First Southern Baptist Church Fort Scott Kansas invites you to be a part an incredible night of music and inspiration featuring one of the top groups in Gospel Music-The Williamsons!

Mark your calendars for Thursday May 16th at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) at 1818 South Main, Fort Scott, KS (across from Briggs Auto.

Free Will Offering!

Come join us for an incredible night of music and inspiration.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Calling All Creatives! Bourbon County Community Theatre Seeking New Members

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Bourbon County Community Theatre was formed in late June of 2023 and has been working since to get up and running so the people of Bourbon County can soon have the opportunity to participate in and enjoy community theatre again.

This organization is not just for those wanting to act (although plenty of that is needed!). If you are interested in the technical side of theatre, the advertising, the construction, the script reading, the… you name it; if you have an artistic bone in your body, no matter how that looks, BCCT is looking for YOU.

Bourbon County Community Theatre is having their year-end meeting on Wednesday, May 22nd, 6:00pm, at the Ellis Fine Arts Center and they would like to invite anyone with any interest in any aspect of community theatre to come see what they are all about.

There will be discussion about upcoming performances, voting on board positions, and talk about and clearing up odds and ends for the upcoming months. Any current members or those who become members that night will be allowed to vote on board positions for the upcoming season.

Attendance at this meeting will not commit you to anything! Come see the benefits of becoming a BCCT member!