Finally, another post. This time it is good news. We have the key. Plans are to start construction next week for the 2 walls that make the theater. The big empty building needs to be filled with fun and creativity that will welcome kids, families, classes, and ,yes, even adults.

It really looks different now.

In the meantime, we are going to start the big move and I do mean BIG. On Monday we are going to move the largest pieces from storage so we don't have to pay another months rent. We are hoping to find someone with a BIG truck so we don't have to rent one. We checked prices today. Wow, have they gone up since last year. Can you believe one of them wanted 99c a mile in addition to the rental price. Another was 79c a mile. Double last years price.

What we have to move that is so big are (4) 4x8 platforms 3 ft. high, the big 'oak' counter for the lobby, (5) or so glass display cases, lots of chairs, and . . . Then we have file cabinets, desks, copy machines, book shelves, lighting, sound stuff, tables, the marionette stage, hand puppet stage, gift shop displays and store stock, museum displays and puppets and that is just a small amount.

Does anyone want to be a volunteer coordinator? We need to keep track of all of the wonderful work that is done by volunteers. To help with building or moving call Bill at 561-312-3232 and Jan for other information. 561-967-3231.

And last but not least any and all tax deductible donations are gratefully welcomed. Donate online at www.puppetcenter.org or send a check to the Puppetry Arts Center, PO Box 19124, West Palm Beach, FL 33416

Well, I just tried to post the email blast that we sent out last evening. It did not work well, so, I will now try to fpiece it in (I hope.). Oh, yes, if any of you like the social networking and blogging and you would like to be involved with the Puppetry Arts Center - call me. Jan 561-967-3231.

The Puppetry Arts Center of the Palm Beaches

The new facility is in Delray Beach
at Old School Square/Pineapple Grove.
A 501(c)(3) tax deductible nonprofit corporation

The Center has a Wonderful New Facility
but New Expenses too!

OK! It's time to get out the checkbook
and help the puppets get their new home built.
The puppets are waiting in their cramped dark boxes in storage.
The puppets are really very social. It is difficult for them
to know that there are lots and lots of kids (and grown-ups)
that are waiting for the new theater to be finished.
Please consider a generous gift
to the Puppetry Arts Center of the Palm Beaches.

This is the last chance to get a tax deduction for this year.
Construction for the new Center is under way but
Your help is needed
to finish the build-out properly and cover the opening expenses!
Make a difference!

Mail your check: P.O. Box 19124, West Palm Beach, FL 33416
Donate online with PayPal or Network for Good
at: www.puppetcenter.org

For any additional information call Jan at 561-967-3231.

Link to website Link to blog Link to Facebook

Where is this?
94 NE 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach.

From this . . . Exciting things are going on. The exterior is beautiful and the Center we all know and love will rise from this dirt floor into the:

• theater
• museum
• gift shop
• puppet reference library
• workshops
• offices
• storage

. . . to this . . .

In fact, you can see in this photo that work is underway.
There is now a floor, electric, air conditioning, and bathroons.

. . . to this. (or something similar)

It will be about
160 seat black box theater.

The marionette stage and displays will be
in the theater as well as in the museum.

---

Best Wishes for a
Happy New Year
561-967-3231

Time Marches On! When? When? When?
We are all getting antsy!
It is looking better but there is still a lot to do.
Check out the progress pictures.

Do you want to peek in the windows?
94 N.E. 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 967-3231

Looking forward to building, moving, setting up - Whew!!!
Oh, yes, we are going to need volunteers to help with these things.
If you are interested in helping with any of the above
give Bill a call at 561-312-3232
to let him know of your availability and your contact information.

Then there is that other thing that is still needed
- capital, money, bucks, funds, cash, dough, bread, greenbacks,
loot, lucre, resources, revenue - well, you get the idea.

Give a gift to the community.

This is a great time of year to give a tax deductible gift
to a nonprofit that is serving the community.

The building is going on,
so are the expenses.

Any amount is helpful. $20's add up to hundreds.
Donate your tax deductible gift
online with PayPal or Network for Good
at www.puppetcenter.org

MAIL CHECK: Puppetry Arts Center, P.O. Box 19124, West Palm Beach, FL 33416

Gifts/donations of all amounts are helpful and greatly appreciated.

For information on volunteering, the location, or anything you want to know
call 561-967-3231.

The Work is Progressing!
See the photo!

Well, I finally got to see the progress of the build-out. There is no more sand floor - its concrete now, and it will be polished. The bathrooms are framed in (that's exciting). Lots of stuff going on and some kinks to work out but we are still looking forward to opening in January 2011.

Sunshine (the yellow lion) is getting restless to get out of his box and see the kids. All of the puppets are getting restless, too. Actually, I am too.

Do you want to peek in the windows?
94 N.E. 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 967-3231

Funding is needed.

The building is going on,
so are the expenses.

Any amount is helpful. $20's add up to hundreds.
Donate your tax deductible gift
online with PayPal or Network for Good
at www.puppetcenter.org

Mail check: Puppetry Arts Center, P.O. Box 19124, West Palm Beach, FL 33416

Gifts/donations of all amounts are helpful and greatly appreciated.

For information on volunteering, the location, or anything you want to know
call 561-967-3231.

It's happening! - It's Happening!

There is progress! The work has actually started.

Do you want to peek in the windows?
94 N.E. 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 967-3231

I haven't seen it but I hear that the floor is no longer dirt. A real floor has been poured and the AC installation in progress. I will be going to Delray in a few days and will try to get progress pictures to post.

I think we will be missing the holidays but January is more likely.

Lots of kids (and adults) are looking forward to the Center opening
but funding is needed.

Exciting things are happening.
Friends of the Center can make this happen.
Are YOU a friend?

The cost to build and move in will be $25,000
and start-up costs another $25,000.
Donate your tax deductible gift online with
PayPal or Network for Good
at www.puppetcenter.org

Mail check: Puppetry Arts Center, P.O. Box 19124, West Palm Beach, FL 33416

Gifts/donations of all amounts are helpful and greatly appreciated.

For information on volunteering, the location, or anything you want to know
call 561-967-3231.

Wow! It has been a looooong time since the Puppetry Arts Center of the Palm Beaches has updated its information. Things have been up in the air and unsettled for a looooong time.

BUT . . . everything is changing.

Hurray!
Look at the new Center in Delray!
Good News!

A home for the Puppets!

Beautiful place in the
Pineapple Grove and Old School Square area.

The lease signed with the CRA board in Delray Beach for 5,000 sq. ft. in the Old School Square parking garage retail space.

All that has to be done is build the inside. That dirt needs to be covered with concrete, wall built, bathrooms, air conditioner, and electric installed. The CRA will do this, except for the extra ac for the theater.

In the midst of the celebration
we have to pause for a financial update.

The total cost to get moved in will be $25,000 and start-up costs another $25,000.
Donate you tax deductible gift online with
PayPal or Network for Good
at www.puppetcenter.org
Mail check to: Puppetry Arts Center, P.O. Box 19124, West Palm Beach, FL 33416

For information on volunteering, the location, or anything you want to know
call 561-967-3231.

I have posted pictures of the theatre and displays for those that have never visited the Puppetry Arts Center.

As some of you know, the building where the Center was located is being demolished and everything is now in storage. To watch a short 2 minute video go to http://www.puppetcenter.org and click on the ‘Save the Puppets’ button.

During the past 14 years the Center has had 200 performances a year with an attendance of 15,000 to 19,000 children, families, schools, child care centers, and teachers with a variety of professional performers from across the US as well as locally.

During this time, the Center had been very fortunate. The owners of the buildings, where the theatre was located, had underwritten the rent. Because the Center keeps the prices so all economic groups can participate, the revenue from the performances are not able to cover the rent. The Center does pay all the bills and has remodeled spaces (some very very bad spaces) with the help of donations and volunteers.

Will you help?
SPACE is NEEDED - (or funds for rent)
The Center does not need a ‘theatre’
2,500 to 5,000 sq.ft. -

For a temporary/semi-permanent space.
(A permanent larger space would

include a museum and workshops.)

Send a check to
Puppetry Arts Center,

PO Box 19124, West Palm Beach, FL 33416
or donate on line at http://www.puppetcenter.org/

(click on ‘Save the Puppets’ button.)

Volunteers
Bulk e-mail or website updates
Start a ‘Friends of the Center’ or ‘Theatre Guild’.
Plan a fundraiser at your home.
Become a committed board member,
Work with public relations/marketing,

or finding corporate or private funders.
Many more opportunities.

If you really want to help, please call.

Information or updates 24/7 -

call Jan 561-967-3231

Thank you for your interest in the Puppetry Arts Center. A full update will be posted very shortly. Please read the previous entrys.
For immediate information call me 24/7 at 561-967-3231.

Jo Janeen Timmis

If this is your first visit to this blog please take the time to read the earlier posts to learn more about the Puppetry Arts Center's journey.



It has been a long time since I have posted anything. I have been waiting for something to happen. Things have been in the works or talked about but nothing has been completed. So, I just keep waiting for something to come to fruition.

We completely moved out of Dr. Flea's market by the end of February. Everything is in storage - mostly unairconditioned. I have the new Salzberg marionette that was recently donated at home. It will be great when we get a new place and can have this and all of the other museum pieces on display in a proper environment.



The time has come for action.

Time to settle down. Time for a permanent home for the puppets (and Sunshine). We now have a DVD about the Center with a walk-through of our own facility that will include the theatre, museum, workshop and production space, party rooms, puppet reference library, gift shop, lobby, offices, etc.

The Center is a 501(c)(3) tax deductable corporation.
Be an advocate for the Center.
The Center's financial information is always available.

And, as always, if you have any questions or would like additional information or are interested in helping in any way, please do not hesitate to call Jan 24/7 at (561) 967-3231.

To make this happen everyone has to come on board.

Ways to Help !

Donate - any amount (tax deductable)
Mail check to: Puppetry Arts Center, P.O. Box 19124, West Palm Beach, FL 33416

Donate on line at www.puppetcenter.org

Help find a VERY REASONABLE temporary space or building for the Center.

2500 sq.ft. minimum

Start a 'Friends of the Center' or 'Theatre Guild'.

Plan a fundraiser at your home.

Become a committed board member,

Work with public relations/marketing, or finding corporate or private funders.

Many more opportunities. If you really want to help, please call.

In the Interum we have been busy.

We have continued to attend education meetings and workshops with the PBC Public Schools and with the PBC Cultural Council Education Committee.

We did have a table and display in Lake Worth for the Art Car and education event. This was outside and HOT. We had several volunteers that helped. It was a nice event and we were able to speak with quite a few people to let them know what the Center is, was, and can be. We had a display of puppets, photos, and samples of books from the Centers Library of puppet related books, videos, and photos.




A couple of Saturdays ago on the National Day of Puppetry we did a display and fundraiser at the Publix on Lantana Road by I95. Again, we were able to inform a lot of people about the Center and to greet a number of the Center's friends.


Thank you for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jan

Great Shows for a while yet!

If this is your first visit to this blog please take the time to read the earlier posts to learn more about the Puppetry Arts Center.

This week, Wed. - Fri., Jan. 17 - 19 - 10:30 am
and Sat., Jan. 20 - 11 am and 2 pm
M.L. King: Born to Do Great Things

presented by

Nationally known storyteller / puppeteer

Akbar Imhotep
from Atlanta

And, as always, if you have any questions or would like additional information or are interested in volunteering please do not hesitate to call Jan 24/7 at (561) 967-3231.

PENDING MOVE INFORMATION
We have recieved definate confirmation that we have to be totally out of our current facility by March 31. To do this we need the help of everyone to be an advocate for the Center.

The Center is a 501(c)(3) tax deductable corporation.

There is a pledge of $ 250,000 that requires matching funds.

The matching can be a combination of smaller gifts.

The Center's financial information is always available.

Ways to Help !
Donate - any amount (tax deductable)

Puppetry Arts Center, P.O. Box 19124, West Palm Beach, FL 33416

find a VERY REASONABLE building for the Center - 2500 sq.ft. minimum

OR very reasonable temporary space for offices and/or storage

Volunteer - gift shop, general office, publication relations/marketing,

start a 'Friends of the Center' - 'Theatre Guild'

be a committed board member,
learn puppet performance with the Dreammaker Puppeteers

-no experience necessary

Many more opportunities. If you really want to help and have 4 or more hours a week, please call. Thank you for your interest. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jan

So much going on just keeping up with daily tasks.
As most of you know The Puppetry Arts Center is losing its facility to development. At the present we do not have a new location or enough funding.

The $250,000 pledged needs matching funds.

If you are interested in updates as to the statis of the move and finances you can sign up at Yahoo Groups - puppetcenter. Or, send an email to puppet@puppetcenter.org requesting to be added to the list. We promise your email will NOT be shared with anyone.

You may call Jan at any time for information, questions, to volunteer, or donate.
Center needs YOUR help. 561-967-3231

We do have some great shows scheduled for January

with a performer from Tampa and another from Atlanta.

This Saturday, January 6th - 11:00 am and 2:00 pm

Uncle Willy's

Hip Hoppin' Happy New Year

Ventriloquism

Life-size puppets

Magic

Audience Participation

Hoppin' Music

I AM BACK

If you are new to this blog check earlier posts to learn more about the pending move. I will be writing more about the progress (or lack of) for support to find and finance a new facility.

I had been in Dallas visiting our son and his family. Almost did not get home because of that storm. There were great people taking care of the Center and performances went on as usual.

NOW
There will be a different show each week all the way through the first week of January - Wednesday through Saturday.

Today, Friday, December 8, 2006 at 10:30 am will be the last performance of The Enchanted Tree - a marionette show.

Tomorrow, Saturday, December 9, 2006 at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Santa's Hat, Somebody Special, The North Pole Express and lots of other short quick stories, songs, and poems performed by Julie Shelton. She uses finger puppets, glove puppets, stick puppets, and lots of other neat stuff for her performance.

Next week
Wednesday thru Friday at 10:30 am (reservations needed)
Rusty's Christmas Surprise by Frank Lakus from Tampa
Performed with marionettes, hand puppets, and a touch of magic.

Call 561-967-3231 for additional information or reservations.
Jan

Newspaper Interviews - Spanish and Sun-Sentinel

Tomorrow morning, Monday, the Spanish newspaper is coming with a photographer. Then on Tuesday someone is coming from the Sun-Sentinel.

Press releases have been sent to all of the newspapers, big and little, as well as TV stations. Hopefully, some of them will run a story and someone will donate a building or money to add to the promised $250,000 already pledged.

Call Jan at 561-967-3231, if you would like a copy of the press release or if you know of someone we need to send it to.

This weeks performances:

Mr. A's Magical Thanksgiving

Wed, Thurs, Fri. - Nov. 15, 16, 17 - 10:30 a.m.
reservations required for weekday performances

Magic, puppets and ventriloquism,
and audience participation

Call 561-967-3231
for information or reservations.







The Big Bad Goat -

How Sandy Got His Supper,
I know an Old Lady, and many more stories songs and poems. Performed with hand, rod, and finger puppets by Julie Shelton.

Saturday, November 18
11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

LAST TWO PERFORMANCES
OF
The Mission of the Yellow Submarine

Thur. Nov. 9 - 1:30 pm (early release day)
Fri. - Nov. 10 - 10:30 am

Reservations Required on weekdays

Call 561-967-3231 for reservations, information, or directions.

Saturday - Nov. 11 - 11:00 am and 2:00 pm
Uncle Willy's Veterans Day Salute
Uncle Willy is a ventriloquist with life-size puppets, a little magic, music, and audience participation. Lots of fun for all ages with two time National Emmy Award Winner, Will Mercier.

FACILITY NEWS
Deadline to be out of the current facility is early February. Time is of the essence. There is still no offer of a facility for the theatre, offices, or storage. Other details are in earlier blog entries. Check them out.

Call me anytime at 561-967-3231 for information - 24/7. Check earlier blogs for other information. Thank you for your interest.

Volunteers are still needed in many areas including general office, front desk and gift shop, computer, internet web and/or e-mail updates.

Also needed, volunteers to learn puppetry with the Dreammaker Puppeteers. No experience is needed. We teach you and when you feel you are ready you will be able to perform with the group. No speaking is necessary as the shows are taped and the puppeteers are behind the scenes. Marionettes and hand puppets are used.
Jan

NEW DEADLINE

January is probably when we will have to be out of the current location.

No place to go at this time. Need a minimum of 2000 sq. ft. to maintain what we currently have. This would not include museum, production/workshop area, offices, storage, etc. The best would be 10,000 sq. ft. but will settle for less. If a space is not found for the theatre a storage space will be needed for the stages and other contents. Also, a space for the offices as we continue to work toward a theatre space.

I was able to speak with the city manager of Greenacres. The City Hall building will not be available until March or April if then. They may decide they need it for extra space. It may become available and we may be considered. But nothing definate.

The Center is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible corporation. Any help - sponsors, building, contributions, offices, or storage would help us get through this move. This will be our 5th location. Expenses go on and we are extremely careful of the finances.

If you are interested in learning more about the Center or its needs please call for a personal appointment. 561-967-3231 call 24/7 Volunteers are still needed in many areas including active board members.

Jan

I'm Trying to Make Contact with the city manager at Greenacres. I have called for an appointment but he is always in a meeting and no one has returned my calls -three altogether.
I have information and a presentation but still waiting. I will post as soon as I make contact.
Read previous post for continuity.

This week, through Saturday, October 21 is the musical marionette variety show, I'm the Only Me.

Don't forget, VOLUNTEERS are needed in all areas. Call Jan at 561-967-3231 for more info.
Office, recording statistics, store, front desk, repair work, computer, and much more. We even teach performance.

More as soon as I know more. Feel free to call at any time for any information.
Jan

Urgent Information
Starting the 14th year, the challenge is big but . . . the Center has weathered these storms before but only with the help of others. The building the Center is now in has been sold. Don't worry, everything will continue until about Valentine's Day. By then we plan to be moved or moving.

Where? I don't know, BUT . . . each of the 4 times- 'the building was sold', or 'will be torn down', or 'the roof leaks so bad there is a wading pool in the middle of the theatre' (no kidding) - that is when something or someone helps and offers another building. How can YOU help? Several ways- volunteer (many different opportunities), donate (the Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation), call Jan (561) 967-3231 and arrange a tour of the Center.

BUT . . . there is a wonderful place in a great community. They just don't know about us or what we can bring to their community. The City of Greenacres has a beautiful new City Hall and will be moving in January. They are now trying to decide what to do with the 'old' City Hall. We are in the process of making contacts with Council Members, Mayor, City Manager, etc. If you live in the City of Greenacres and feel that The Puppery Arts Center would be a benefit to the City, please contact your council members and let them know about the Center.

The City wants a place for their history and artifacts. The Puppet Center plans a unique puppet museum.
The City wants activities for seniors, teens, and children. The Puppet Center has activities for all.

Much, much more is planned for the Center when it has its own facility.
Continuing about 200 performances annually, 15,000 to 19,000 attendees from Miami/Dade to Martin and St.Lucie Counties and the Glades, performers from across the US and locally.

Always, feel free to contact me, Jan, 24/7 at the work number (561) 967-3231 - it goes to my cell phone when I leave.
Jan Timmis, Executive Director

Welcome to the information center for the Center.

The new brochure for October through January is at the printer and should be in the mail later this week.

This blog was created to keep interested persons informed of progress on finding a permanent location, volunteer and financial needs, general programming information, and anything else that you might like to know.

Always, if you have any questions about the Center or the Center's needs or any programming PLEASE call me, Jan, any time - 24/7. (561) 967-3231 When I leave the Center the calls go to my cell phone.

There is a terrific building that will be available in January. It is the current City Hall in Greenacres. However, the City Council needs to realize what the Puppet Center can bring to their City. If you live in the City of Greenacres please talk to your Mayor, Council Members, City Manager, etc.

You may have seen The Mission of the Yellow Submarine but after this run it will be put away for several years. This will be the last Saturday, October 7, 2006.

Thank you for your interest in the Center.

Jan, Executive Director

Getting Started
This is going to be my method of keeping everyone informed of the status of the Center. Besides new location information I will be posting any updates or reminders of performances.

First things first. I need to learn how to make this work.
Jan