CPAC memories

by Staff Aroostook Republican
16 years ago

To the editor:
    On May 31, the Council for the Arts proudly celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Caribou Performing Arts Center with a recognition reception held at the Caribou High School. Accompanied by delightful background music provided by the talented Kellie Moody and light refreshments provided by Louise Bray of the Caribou School Department, members of the Council for the Arts had the opportunity to share memories and appreciation with many of the individuals involved in the beginnings of our wonderful performing arts center, 20 years ago.     Council for the Arts President Betty Rinehart welcomed everyone to the reception and gave brief opening remarks. Former Superintendent Gary Johnston, the prime mover behind the initiative to get Caribou a performing arts center in the mid-1980s, spoke briefly about the “beginnings” two decades ago. Following Gary, Ginny White, the current director of the Caribou Performing Arts Center (CPAC) talked about the center today and her vision for its future. Others in attendance shared various recollections of CPAC through the years, and Caribou Mayor Miles Williams spoke of the importance of CPAC to the city and surrounding communities.
    Later that evening, the Council for the Arts, along with key sponsor WAGM-TV, brought the Grammy-award winning country music group the Kentucky Headhunters to CPAC for a sold-out performance to round out the celebration of CPAC’s 20th anniversary. All in all, it was a wonderful day to celebrate the CPAC, a facility we are extremely fortunate to have in our community. The Council for the Arts was pleased to be able to take the lead role in helping to recognize this important anniversary.
    The Council for the Arts is a community-based organization whose mission is to enhance our community’s interest in the arts. As a group, the Council intents to organize a variety of art experiences for the community beyond what is already being provided by the CPAC. Our hope is to tap into the theatrical, musical and visual arts areas. Anyone interested in the arts is more than welcome to join our team.
Larry Conrad, vice president
Council for the Arts