FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/15/10
Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV

Press contact only: Mary Hott -- 304-258-2300
www.macicehouse.org

PAIR OF CELEBRATIONS AT ICE HOUSE

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ----The Morgan Arts Council is holding its 33rd 
annual meeting on Sunday, May 23 from 4 to 5:30pm at the Ice House. 
Theme of the meeting is celebrating and appreciating MAC's many 
volunteers. "We consider that everyone who's ever given MAC and the 
Ice House any time or effort is an honored guest on Sunday," said Mary 
Hott, MAC's Executive Director. "The whole event is planned to 
recognize past and present volunteers and then encourage them to 
reconnect and recommit to MAC."

Six people will have their stories told as illustrations of particular 
categories of volunteering ranging from taking on a single project to 
being ready to help anywhere at anytime. "There's a place for everyone 
interested in supporting the arts," said Hott. "We'll find a perfect 
fit for their talents and time."

In addition to the volunteer party, MAC members vote on the board of 
directors. On the slate for a two year term are: Denise Bergen, Susan 
Caperton, Michael Dennis, Jane Frenke, Ann Harkins, Lynn Lavin, Bob 
Marggraf and Keith Unger. "Every MAC member in good standing has a 
vote," said Hott.

**LATE NEWS: At 4pm on Monday, May 17 the Morgan Arts Council was notified that  Congresswoman Capito was postponing her visit to Berkeley Springs to  present the Ice House grant. Hearings on the West Virginia mine  disaster are scheduled for May 24. The reception and all activities  connected with it at the Ice House on Monday are postponed to some yet  undetermined date in early June. Sunday's Volunteer Appreciation and  Annual Meeting are proceeding as planned.

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The following day, Monday at 2pm, MAC has a reception to accept a 
$200,000 HUD grant for Ice House renovations from Congresswoman 
Shelley Moore Capito who is scheduled to make the presentation. 
"This grant allows MAC to match a state grant and undertake some major 
construction," said Bob Marggraf, chair of MAC's building committee. 
"Putting bathrooms on all four floors is tops on the list of things to 
do." In addition to receiving the federal funds, MAC's fundraising 
committee is announcing its program of Naming Opportunities for rooms 
in the Ice House. Prices range from $5,000 for the costume shop and 
dressing room to $2 million. "For $2 million, we'll name the Ice 
House after you or a loved one," said Marggraf.

Capito is not the only person being recognized for a donation to MAC. 
Monday's reception also honors Dr. Bill Lands and FAST for a grant to 
purchase computer equipment for arts technology classes for both youth 
and adults. "MAC is pleased to accept donations both for the building 
renovation and for equipment to go in it," said Hott.

Both events are open to the public as well as to MAC members. The Ice 
House is located at Independence and Mercer in downtown Berkeley 
Springs. For more information call 304-258-2300 or check online at 
www.macicehouse.org