This summer, on August 26, 2000, the Loudonville Theatre Advisory Committee will host the first of several benefits to restore the aging 1910 Ohio Theatre located at 156 N. Water Street.

The Ohio Theatre currently shows movies on a regular basis in addition to housing the police and government offices for the Village of Loudonville. In 1997, the Ohio Theatre was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The first benefit will focus on a number of different areas of improvement to the facility, which will allow the return of live performances to the famous stage.

Work has been completed on the fire escape doors, and structural repairs on the stage itself are underway. The benefit will also focus on raising funds for other improvements, such as re-wiring the electrical systems, improving the sound system for movies, and adding stage lighting for live performances. The financial goal for this event, will be to raise $20,000.

The Aug. 26 event will launch a series of benefits to be sponsored by the committee over the next few years, or until the goals of the restoration project are met.

Suzanne Ferencak, Event Coordinator, said that the evening will be filled with a number of different entertainment elements, including movies, live performances, speakers and photo memorabilia.

Prizes and other fun activities will provide opportunities for individuals, families and businesses in the area to contribute their time and money to help begin restoration efforts.

Secondary benefit of the event, Ferencak said "is to raise community awareness about the importance of the project and to provide a working schedule of events to inform and involve the community in the progress and the restoration."

Ferencak, who recently moved to Loudonville from Cleveland with her husband Bernie, said that she is in need of volunteers for this first event.

"The Ohio Theatre is such a beautiful and historic place," she continued. I've already heard from many members of the community who want to help us not only because of the memories they have had going to the Theatre over the years, but because it is such a wonderful performance venue which needs improvements in order to be saved."

The Theater Advisory Committee is requesting volunteers and to help with decorations, ticket sales and other organizational efforts for the event. Volunteers and sponsors are encouraged to contact Suzanne Ferencak via e-mail or telephone, 994-0610, suzanne@fountainohio.com, or mail, 6079 CR 22, Loudonville, OH 44842.