Queens County dramatic society holds AGM

LIVERPOOL – A new strategic plan is helping guide the future of the Winds of Change Dramatic Society.
The group, which held its annual general meeting at the Mersey Point / Western Head Community Centre March 24, outlined the document to the approximately 20 people in attendance. 
 
Annette Burke, president of Winds of Change, says the previous board worked with Jean Robinson-Dexter, whose company is Horizons Community Development Associates Incorporated, to develop the working document. 
 
“So we as a board continue to work with that and develop the goals that were identified as a society,” she explained.
Developing a website – the Winds of Change already has a Facebook page – is high on the priority list. 
 
 “We also made some very minor amendments to our bylaws,” said Burke, explaining that hasn’t been updated since 2013. 
 
Burke added the society has also established a code of conduct. 
 
“Membership continues to grow,” said Burke. 
 
There are about 60 members receiving the monthly newsletter. 
 
“Greg Tutty actually designed a new membership card, and Lynn Sponagle has been instrumental in maintaining a membership list and collecting the fees and issuing the cards. She’s the one that sends the newsletter out as well,” said Burke. 
 
Archive project
The Winds of Change has an archive project that is still happening. Working on that project are Cate Bird and Leslie Clarke. 
 
Burke says if there are people in the community with old programs, ticket stubs, posters or VHS tapes can donate it to the initiative. 
 
That display will eventually be at the museum, said Burke. 
 
Youth group
“We now have a youth group. It’s a youth branch of the Winds of Change; it’s called Breath of Fresh Air,” said Burke. 
 
Kallie Koliotassis and Hanna McKinnon started the group last September and have been meeting regularly. 
 
“They’re actually going to be producing their first shows on Mother’s Day,” Burke said. 
 
The shows are set to take place at the Astor Theatre the afternoon of May 13. 
 
Shows
Rehearsals for Rock of Ages have begun, which is scheduled to take place in November. 
 
“The full cast has gotten together a few times, and they’ve started working on the music. It sounds great. They’re doing really, really well. It’s very exciting,” said Burke. 
 
The society is also producing Greg Tutty’s play, Oliver’s Bench. That play will be staged before and during the Liverpool International Theatre Festival, Burke said. 
 
Awards
Several members were recognized for their contributions during the meeting. McKinnon and Koliotassis each received a New Horizon award to recognize the fact they started the youth group, while Jackie Leonard, who’s leaving the board, got an Above and Beyond award for all her contributions over the years. 
 
“She’s been a fabulous stage manager, she’s been a choreographer, she’s been an assistant director and she’s been on the board,” said Burke. 
 
Al Steele won a Life Member award.
“A life member has to have been on the board, been on stage and also been part of a production crew,” said Burke. 
 
To find out what’s happening with the Winds of Change Dramatic Society visit https://www.facebook.com/windsofchangedrama/.