Callboard

www.tanys.org Page 2 TANYS Presents Sherman C. Ward Distinguished Volunteer Awards The Sherman C. Ward, Jr. Distinguished Volunteer Award is given to an individual over the age of 65 who has faithfully provided significant and valuable service to community theatre for more than 25 years. Sherman, a longtime TANYS member, served on the AACT Board as Region II Representative 2005-2012. He received AACT’s Robert E. Gard Superior Volunteer Award in 2005 and was made an AACT Fellow in 2012. This year at the Festival this award was given to two well deserving individuals. Inez Manor Parker caught the “theatre bug” as a young girl, watching her father perform in Oswego Players' productions and sitting on her bed running lines to help him memorize. She joined the Players in high school and her involvement continued for sixty years. After high school she became a founding member of the Oswego Opera Theatre, starring in and co-producing their annual summer musical. Some of her fondest memories and roles included Cousin Nettie in “Carousel”, Lady Thiang in “The King and I” and Little Buttercup in the opera “H.M.S. Pinafore”. Inez also performed in college dinner theater and with the Syracuse Musical Drama company, but most of her credits have been with the Oswego Players. She has served the organization as an actress, director, stage manager and as its longest serving president – 16 years in total. Sonia Lough-Berlin, VP for Production with Oswego Players credits Inez with helping to get the group through some lean years by going above and beyond. “She is the first person to volunteer and usually the last person to turn off the lights!”. TANYS is pleased to be able to recognize this kind of dedication and service with the Sherman C. Ward, Distinguished Volunteer award. Congratula- tions to Inez Manor Parker! Tony Saurini became enthralled with theater when he came to help out with a set building session for Brighton Beach Memoirs with his son for the Auburn Players in 1991. Bob Frame, administrative VP for the Auburn Players, put it this way “Tony was mesmerized by all the platforms laying on the stage with their legs in the air and got caught up in the magic as they became a three-story set.” After that, Tony was at every set build as a carpenter. He served on the Auburn Play- ers' board, acted in several productions and also served as a stage hand for the TANYS Festivals that were held in Auburn. Terri Fox Gadsby, Auburn Players’ board member also spoke about Tony’s sup- port of all local theater. “In addition to Tony’s dedication to the Auburn Players, he is very supportive of local theatre in general. Middle School, High School, CCC, and church performances all around town throughout the years, Tony attends every one of them. Showing his support and loyalty to the theatrical arts.” Joe Sheppard, president of Auburn Players’ board commented on Tony’s willingness to share his expertise and help out in any situation. “He is the epitome of what a volunteer should be: eager, willing, dedicated, dependable, and selfless.” The thread that runs through his entire nomination is one of selfless dedication. Tony has been and continues to play an integral part in the Auburn Players and TANYS Festivals. They all mention his dedication, hard work, all the while with a smile on his face and cracking a joke. Bob Frame put it best, “Tony moves a little slower and doesn’t swing the hammer as much as he used to, but he is always there with his trailer to bring loads of scenery back and forth from the warehouse. Willing to tell a joke or two then smile and wave as he rides off on his Harley.” TANYS is pleased to be able to recognize this kind of dedication and service with the Sherman C. Ward, Distinguished Volunteer award. Congratulations to Tony Saurini! These two individuals were awarded a TANYS plaque at the opening ceremony. TANYS, who inspires excellence in theater communities, asks all member companies to recognize deserving individuals from their companies for the awards described on their web site for TANYS 2019. Callboard - Issue 1 • Spring 2019 Inez Parker Oswego Players Sherman C. Ward Distinguished Volunteer Awards Tony Saurini Auburn Players Sherman C. Ward Distinguished Volunteer Awards