New Workspace Added to JRAC Lower Level
For the Jordan River Arts Council, the new year quite literally started with a bang. A lot of banging actually, as a formerly dark and cramped corner of the lower-level was transformed into a highly functional kitchenette filled with light and welcomed features. We have the late Don Smith to thank for making this metamorphosis possible.
Years ago, in honor of his late wife Connie, a crafter and frequent visitor of JRAC, Don Smith left a voice message for Nancy Carey, then-president of the organization, professing his desire to help the arts council. “How often do you get a call like that?” asked Nancy, sharing that she saved Don’s message for years as a reminder of the kindness found in small-town communities. Don became a generous yet publicly modest benefactor of JRAC, donating funds to improve and maintain the building, citing the immense importance of how the organization presented itself to the community as additional inspiration. His donations funded the installation of JRAC’s front patio and went toward refinishing windows and flooring and cleaning the outside of the building. “Don loved our building and made many improvements for us,” said Cynthia Tschudy, JRAC Board Member. “He loved being involved and did not want to be just someone who wrote a check.” Much more than a check, Don vetted contractors and oversaw work done, ensuring that JRAC’s facility could offer its enriching programming or showcase artwork for years to come.
We are deeply grateful for Don’s foresight and commitment to helping maintain our historic site, the Carnegie Library building, which began serving the community in 1919 and was deeded in 2014 to the Arts Council by the East Jordan City Commissioners. If you are inspired to help support continuing improvements to this cultural icon in our community, we invite you to consider a gift to the Jordan River Arts Council Building Fund at the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. Members of the Foundation staff are available to assist. Website: c3f.org, or (231)536-2440.