Carson Valley Arts Council Executive Director Sharon Schlegel and President Brian Fitzgerald receive a $35,000 check from T-Mobile Rural Manager Ed Romero and Director of Engineering Cia Parker.
Photo by Sarah Drinkwine.
The Carson Valley Arts Council was the first Nevada recipient of a $35,000 grant from T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant on June 15.
T-Mobile Rural Manager Ed Romero and associates from the Carson City establishment presented the grant to the arts council’s Executive Director Sharon Schlegal and President Brian Fitzgerald. Schlegel proposed and submitted the application for the grant.
“We’re excited to be a part of the community and give back,” said Romero. “As a child of the performing arts, choir and theater, I couldn’t be more excited to present this grant to the Carson Valley Arts Council.”
The grant program was launched in April 2021 in support of projects that strengthen economic growth in small towns across America.
The Copeland Building was listed on the Nevada Historical Register in May and is being converted into a performing arts theatre.
“We are very excited to receive this grant and with the funds we can acquire building cost and estimates, sets and push the project along.” said Schlegel.
Romero said T-Mobile presents these grants annually to highlight the rural areas and recognize that T-Mobile supports those areas with more than just a wireless network.
“We may be a large company, but we operate as a small business and really try to give back and support the communities we serve,” he said. “These are the opportunities I want to see in my community and I want my kids to experience.”
Douglas county Board of Commissioner District 3 Chairman Mark Gardner said he looks forward to the building of the theatre for the community.
“Art exceeds beyond just pictures on a wall,” said Gardner. “The building itself is a piece of art. I really see a need for this type of building in our community.”
“We just want to thank the members from the community including Douglas County Manager Patrick Cates, Minden Town Manager JD Frisby, Community Services Director Scott Morgan, Gardnerville Town Manager Erik Nilssen, the visitor’s authority and T-Mobile who have all been very supportive and we appreciate them and the community for their support in making this happen,” said Schlegel.
T-Mobile will make a national announcement on their website June 29 with the other grant recipients and highlight Douglas County and the arts council.
For more details on how to submit a proposal for Hometown Grants visit www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants
The Arts Council received a $7,000 grant from the Francis C. and William P. Smallwood Foundation. The grant will assist the nonprofit organization in its work operating the Copeland Cultural Arts Center and expanding its arts programs.
“We would like to personally thank Suzy Stockdale and the Smallwood Foundation for their generosity and support,” said Schlegel.
“Support like this enables the Arts Council to have an organizational structure in place to bring world renowned entertainment and artists to all of Douglas County and Western Nevada and to allow the Council to meet its mission and priority project goals such as Youth Arts Education, said Fitzgerald.
Coming up for the Carson Valley Arts Council
The Community Theatre production Nunsense ll at the CVIC Hall. Opening night is 7:30 p.m. July 15. Tickets are $22 in advance, $20 senior and students, and $25 at the door. Tickets are available beginning July at the box office located at 1572 Highway 395, Minden 12-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For more information visit www.carsonvalleycommunitytheatre.org
The Comstock Cowboys will perform 7 p.m. July 29 at Carson Valley Inn’s TJ’s Corral. Tickets are $20 for members, $23 for advance general admission and $25 at the door. Youth under 18 are free with a paid adult ticket. Tickets are available at the Box office located at 1572 highway
395, Minden or call 775-782-8207 or visit www.cvartscouncil.com
