Standing ovation for Regent Theatre supporters

2012 honoured sponsors, front, from left: Meaghan Van Horne, Regent Cafe; Dr. Reenu Sandhu, Picton Dental Centre; Nancy Kowacz, Clapp & Jackson; Joan Pennefather, PEC Community Foundation; Carlyn Moulton, Oeno Gallery; Nancy Parks, Hospice Prince Edward; Donna Harrison, Career Edge; Anne House, Mad Dog Gallery; Sue Capon and Amber Martin with “Stella”, Countylive.ca; Middle Row (from left): Mark Busscher, Picton Home Hardware; Amanda Wallace, Sahyouni Dentistry; Pat Stacey, Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture; Renne Lucas, Gilbert & Lighthall; Janice Angelidis, Picton Denture Clinic; Pamela Slik, Harbourview Suites; Barbara Burns-Sweet, Books & Co.; Rick Caruso, Accommodation Association of PEC; John Carney, Prinzen Ford; Paul Massey, Tim Hortons; Back, from left: Paul Marconi, Casa Dea Estates; Lesley Harrison, McDougall Stanton Insurance; Sam Simone, Chestnut Park; Andy Feller, Blumen; Eric Aschmann, Murray & Associates, CA; Mark Davis, Whattam Funeral Home; Brian Sinclair, Sobey’s; Chuck Slik, Chestnut Park Realty; Elizabeth Crombie, Royal LePage Pro Alliance Realty. Absent from photograph: C. F. Evans; Cleave Energy; Connor, Clark & Lunn; Currah’s; Dan Claxton Electric Ltd.; Giant Tiger; Printcraft; Scotiabank; Seeley’s and Terra Vista. Peggy deWitt photo

Picton’s Regent Theatre honoured its community partners and sponsors who contribute to the magical world of theatre.

Designed by Toronto architects Warrington and Page for George Cook, the Regent Theatre opened its doors in February 1922 with the Canadian war comedy Mademoiselle from Armentiers.
In 1994 The Regent Theatre Foundation, a community based, not-for-profit organization, bought the theatre from the Cook family. Since, the foundation board and more than 125 volunteers have toiled to restore the theatre as close to its original state as possible. Significant enhancements over the years have added features such as the lighted marquee, the magnificent Austrian crystal chandeliers that grace the lobby and air conditioning.

The theatre’s current campaign is to raise $85,000 to upgrade to digital cinema – a switch to using computer hard drives instead of 35mm film which saves shipping costs and avoids the process of splicing, mounting and threading films. Replacement parts can no longer be purchased for the old projector. To date, $30,000 has been raised. Digital movies are also crystal clear as there is no film to wear out and scratch. With digital, movie distributors are better able to give every  theatre opening night movies because they can create a unlimited number of “prints” at low cost.
Click here for more information about theatres converting to digital and to make a donation.

On behalf of the “Old Bats in Red Hats”, Fran Renoy (lower right) presents Regent Theatre board member Dewey Larratt-Smith with $200 toward the new digital projector. Fran recently held a fundraising luncheon catered by Janice Powell. Guests enjoyed a fascinating tour of the Regent Theatre. Luncheon prizes were donated by the Portabella Bistro, County Treasures of Bloomfield and Janice Powell. Donations to the digital campaign can be made at the Box Office or by calling 613-476-8416.

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