Panida announces board, busy month

If elections are getting you down the Panida has a temporary relief cure this Friday with live comedy.

Michael Glatzmaier, guitarist and comedian, is stopping by the Panida on this Northwest tour. Michael’s material is based on life stories of being the youngest of five boys and his self declaration of not being the sharpest tool in the shed. Joining him will be Phillip Kopczynski, winner of multiple comedy competitions and bringing this show to the Panida at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4.

This weekend is the Sandpoint Film Fest with films from around the globe being shown in three blocks starting at 11 a.m., then 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Patrons can get an all-day access pass or attend one session.

At the annual meeting Oct. 25, the Panida Theater Board announced new leadership and held elections for new board members. Officers include Nancy Renk, chair; Barb Perusse, vice chair; Rainie Conley, treasurer; and Jacqueline Albright, secretary. Newly elected trustees are John Maio, Robert Moore, and Stephanie Galbicka. Rachel Cox, elected in 2015, continues to serve.

Outgoing board members Abby Ullman and Susan Bates-Harbuck were thanked for their many years of service as their terms expired. The many Panida volunteers also were acknowledged for their tremendous contribution to the continued success of the theater. Individuals thanked were Todd Coumbe and Nancy Yacone for coordinating the volunteers; Pam Allen for office support; and Nancy Renk, Rick Certano, Rainie Conley, and Susan Bates-Harbuck for coordinating the Panida’s ice cream booth during the Festival.

The Panida’s executive director, Patricia Walker, summarized the past year’s activities. She emphasized National Arthouse Theater Day, celebrated Sept. 25, as a reminder of the tremendous value of remaining an independent theater supported by memberships and donations. Such independence allows the Panida to continue to bring foreign films, independent films, and film festivals and more to the community.

The Panida’s board and staff are gearing up for a year-long celebration to mark the theater’s 90th birthday.

They plan to share stories and trivia throughout the year and are asking community members to share memories and photos by sending them to community@panida.org. The celebration kicks off on November 19 with the Golden Age of Hollywood Gala with speakeasy and concert.

Executive Director Walker showed members the past year’s calendar. Movie revenue for the year rose significantly. This increase in use has helped to stabilize funding but Walker emphasized that the organization still needs to raise significant funding from the community to keep costs low for organizations using the theater, such as the Angels Over Sandpoint whose annual Follies raises significant money that benefits the whole community. Other events, such as the Banff Film Festival or nationally known performers sponsored by POAC, bring considerable revenue to Sandpoint’s downtown businesses, especially the restaurants and hotels helping our whole community. Sandpoint Film Maker’s Network, a new renter, encouraged and supported the work of Sarah Hines who recently premiered her “Peace Among Black Hills” to over 125 people at the Panida, a full circle benefit for the arts community.

Both the Board and Walker acknowledged continuing projects for the Panida Theater since any historic building needs periodic upgrades and repairs. Walker humorously noted, however, that not everything needs to be historic, siting the need for a new sound system and similar equipment and updated computers and a laptop. Business and community organizations have supported the ongoing preservation efforts. Walker showed members a sample swatch of the replica of the balcony curtains that will be finished soon. She also thanked the Paint Bucket for their help with the paint for the theater’s concrete floor and expressed appreciation to the Sandpoint Police and Fire Departments for their attention to the Panida. In addition, Walker acknowledged support from Kite Electric, Summit Insurance, SURA, downtown businesses, Eddie Fontaine and Dave Nygren, along with media support from Blue Sky Broadcasting, KRFY, the Bonner County Daily Bee, and the Reader, and Sandpoint Online.

Although the Panida’s fundraising income was significantly down from the projected budget, the Board has numerous projects in the works to get things back on track. Secretary Jacqueline Albright is coordinating an ongoing membership drive. Upcoming fundraisers include Songwriter’s Circle Live with Andy Hackbarth in concert November 11; the Golden Age of Hollywood November 19th Gala with a speakeasy and concert; and Christmas Carole, a locally produced musical in December. Members were thanked for their continuing support and for their input to the board.

Exective Director Walker noted, “I am grateful to hear there are concerned citizens – we all need to be concerned. How do we engage our youth to value the historic nature of the building when a large number of them are happy to watch a movie on their phones? There are dollars leaving Sandpoint every weekend to go to concerts outside our area. We all need to be concerned that we keep the Panida’s historic nature but stay relevant in addressing our community’s needs. We want to stay an independent , community supported theater.”

As the Panida looks forward to celebrating its 90th birthday, join us for this week’s events including Eurthym, a Thursday performance by the Waldorf School; Comedy Night on Friday; and the Sandpoint Film Festival on Saturday. The Andy Hackbarth Band returns next week for a concert on Friday.