Special Tribute Given To Lippoldt and Torres

Written by:
Bill Kerbin
POCOMOKE CITY -- The members of the Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center paid a special tribute to two longtime volunteers at an annual dinner. Curt Lippoldt(left in photo) and Arnold Torres (right) were honored; both had served as president of the center.
Lippoldt's involvement in the restoration of the historic theater began in the days he was mayor of Pocomoke City. He later served as historian for the theater and, in 2002, began five years of service as president. Stepping down as president in 2007, he took on the job of restoration chairman; he then served as treasurer until this past December.

Torres joined the board in 2005, serving on the finance committee and the restoration team. He accepted the presidency in 2007 and led the center until this past December when the present president, Laura Morrison, was named to the post. Morrison also complimented Torres for compiling a photographic history of events at the theater.

Expressing his pride in the community, Torres thanked the members of the board for bringing the "Mar-Va back to life." The theater had been closed for a number of years prior to the formation of MTPAC, which later assumed ownership.

Lippoldt said that with his service on the board he had gained so many new friends. He was pleased to see so many people dedicated to the community. He added that Torres had done a "great job" in his service as president.

A third former president of MTPAC, Don Malloy, was also recognized for his service.

Morrison also announced that the organization has created another award, "Volunteer of the Year," to be given to someone who is not a member of the board. The award, this year, was given to Carol Justice. Justice took on the responsibility of ordering all the movies and returning them after they were shown, until the theater employed a manager, Emily Rantz. She also organizes the volunteers for the Friday night movies as well as being on hand herself.

The theater, which has been restored to its original condition, presently features movies every other weekend, with the movie, "Mars Needs Moms," planned for April 1-2. On April 9, the well-known Glenn Miller Orchestra will be on stage.

Source; worcester county times http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110324/WCT06/103240329/Mar-Va-Theater-gives-nod-its-helping-hands?odyssey=mod_sectionstories