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Reminder Assistant Editor AGAWAM According to their mission statement, "The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) is a state agency that promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities." Robert Kadis, chair of the Agawam Cultural Council (ACC), said he and the other 13 active volunteer members of the council work assiduously year round to fulfill that mission locally. "We're bringing culture and activities you would otherwise have to pay for or travel for," Kadis said of their annual lineup of performers and activities. Currently the ACC is focused on their fourth annual Applause Series a nine-month series of lectures and performances that runs through May 2008. The series provides the community with access to a variety of free events including children's shows, author's lectures and readings and musical performances at the Agawam Public Library. The Gregory Caputo Quartet will be the next performance at the ACC's Applause Series on Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. According to information released by the ACC, "Caputo's drumming is respected internationally. He is noted for his performances with Count Basie, Les Brown, Artie Shaw and Sammy Davis Jr." The group will be performing music from the "Swing Era." Future Applause Series events include a visit from author Elinor Lipman on March 14, a performance by Good Acoustics on April 11 and a performance of "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" by the Gerwick Puppets on May 10. With a proposed increase in MCC funding within Gov. Deval Patrick's FY2009 budget which has earmarked $12.4 million for the MCC, over $100,000 more than was appropriated in the FY2008 budget, according to the MCC the ACC could be seeing increased funding for their already busy annual schedule. Kadis explained that the MCC appropriated the ACC $10,170 in FY2008 and that $9,805 was then distributed for 18 of 34 grant applicants. He said some of the recipients included local schools and the Agawam Public Library, which used the funds for cultural activities such as lectures, presentations and concerts. Sylvia Deliso, a member of the ACC, explained that the majority of their programs, such as the Applause Series and SummerFest a six-week festival of music and entertainment are funded by the MCC and donations. Patricia Souder, member of the ACC and chair of SummerFest, said she is committed to this volunteer organization because she believes "it is important for kids to see that a handful of people can make a difference in the community." Souder said if the ACC did not exist she fears that the youth of Agawam would not gain exposure to alternative cultures, art and entertainment, therefore limiting their education. Souder explained that this year's SummerFest will feature a variety of free performances for every age group each Wednesday night from July 16 through Aug. 20. She noted that the council is always looking for volunteers, particularly during SummerFest. Souder added that volunteering for specific events is also a good way for people to see if they would like to become members of the ACC. Souder explained that if someone wishes to become a member of the council they must petition the mayor and complete training before being appointed by the mayor for a three-year term. For all those interested in volunteering at SummerFest contact Souder at patsouder@comcast.net. For all those interested in becoming members of the ACC, their next meeting will take place Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Agawam Public Library. For more information about the ACC or this year's events go to their Web site at www.agawamcc.org. | ||||||
