Grand Reopening - Pilot News Collector's Edition

The REES: Possibilities Realized

Excerpt from Collector’s Edition by the Pilot News

By Jamie Fleury, Staff Writer

MARSHALL COUNTY — After more than five years and over $4 millions of support, The REES Committee along with members of the community celebrated the long-awaited grand re-opening of the “labor of love” in downtown Plymouth Saturday, Oct. 1 with the beginning of a week-long celebration.

That afternoon, Denver Bierman and the Mile High Orchestra performed in River Park Square and led over fifty trumpeters in an effort to set a non-adjudicated world record for the most trumpeters in one place playing an original song written by Bierman himself, “My Hometown.” Bierman was presented with a Key to the City by Mayor Mark Senter.

Bierman thanked Mayor Senter and the City of Plymouth for the honor that he considered a blessing. He said that he believes that one of the reasons he has been put on earth is to encourage people noting that life can be hard a lot of times.

“If I can be someone that can be an encouragement to someone else in any season of their life, then that is what I want to use my music for. I don’t want to just play a trumpet as high and as loud as I can until I could pass out on the floor - I mean - that’s not the kind of legacy that I want to leave on this place. But I want to be able to be someone that can be a smile, that can be an encouragement, that could remind folks that the sun is going to rise again, and that there’s hope and truth and purpose for their lives - and I found that hope and truth and purpose through my Lord, my Savior Jesus Christ. This community is a huge part of that for me. The foundation of my life was built here, and I cannot thank you and this city enough for everything that you have so generously, richly poured into me and into my own family. God bless each and every one of you and may God bless Plymouth, Indiana.”

Saturday evening, individuals who purchased tickets for the Grand Re-Opening “REES for the Stars” met on Michigan St. for prayer, a dedication, dinner, the ribbon cutting, and the first performance ever in the newly renovated REES by Denver and the Mile High Orchestra. A crowd gathered eagerly anticipating entry to the theater, which is so much more than a theater now.

Mayor Senter presented the REES Theater Committee led by Co-Chairs Randy Danielson and Donna Pontius with a Key to the City prior to the ribbon cutting. Danielson thanked Mayor Senter for the presentation of the key.

“Thank you very much. Truly did not know that was coming, Mark, thank you for this. But it is the REES committee that brought this forward. It wasn’t just Donna and I. We might have persevered, but we were surrounded by great people, surrounded by a great community, a great county, a great state, and a great nation. Thank you.”

A dedication of the Bob Pickell Performing Arts Stage was held, honoring members of the Pickell family

who were given priority seating in the front row Saturday evening. Bierman and REES committee member Linda Starr shared reflections on Pickell. Starr shared a passion with Pickell that everyone should not only know the music to the “Star Spangled Banner” but they should also know the words. Pickell required his students to sing the anthem solo before passing his class. Bierman also played the “Star Spangled Banner” on his trumpet from the balcony at the start of the event.

The tribute for Pickell read: “The Bob Pickell Performing Arts Stage. Named in recognition and memory of

the beloved Plymouth educator who dedicated his 38-year career sharing his love and enthusiasm for music with his students. Made possible by a grateful community.”

The reflections and his dedication were followed by a standing ovation to honor the legacy of Pickell and his family who was present.

Danielson also honored the memory of committee members who passed away, Lane Laffoon, who crafted the medallions that embellish the walls of the newly renovated REES, and Ellen Skinner who was instrumental in the design of the stage. “We appreciate both of them for all their efforts.”

During the live auction, Plein Air paintings of The REES painted by Heartland Artists Gallery artists were

auctioned off with the high bid going to Jon Miller’s painting bringing in over $2,000. Peter Schumacher’s hand crafted electric guitar went to high bidder Dr. Louis Plumlee, D.D.S. for $9,500.

Bierman and the Mile High Orchestra entertained guests well past ten o’clock.

Danielson did not have time to mention every individual by name that The REES committee wanted to thank, so he thanked everyone for every gift of time, financial support, and help that they have provided since 2016 when a group of high school students ignited a passion to restore The REES. Though the renovations would not begin immediately, a seed was planted by those youth who expressed that desire to see their beloved theater restored.

Danielson with wife Eleanor, Pontius with husband Allen, and a small team united to see that vision accomplished. With the help of a community that seed manifested in the restoration of The REES and that grand re-opening celebration that was held Saturday. “We are here as a community of friends, family and public servants all with a passion for The REES, the arts, and the quality of life here in Plymouth. We will not be calling out any specific thanks this evening because there are literally over a thousand people who have partaken in this. So, our sincere word of thanks appears on this beautiful beacon in downtown Plymouth - the marquee says it all - ‘Now Showing: The Return of the REES’, thanks to you,” said Danielson. He also thanked the more than 100 volunteers who helped to put the event on Saturday evening.

Pontius shared a reflection made by the Technical Director who could not be present Saturday evening that Marshall County was the village that raised the child, The REES. She thanked their spouses, Eleanor and Allen for their outstanding patience and support, those who attended the event and the community. “But when I look at this crowd I’m just gobsmacked. That’s my new word for the day. It just really does my heart good and I thank everybody for coming out and I thank everybody who supported us. It is a community of love and this was a labor of love.”