Kate Fletcher Mon, 02/15/2021 - 7:45am
Waldo Executive Director Kate Fletcher at the door to the Theatre Feb. 10, 2021. Anna Finocchiaro photo
Waldo Theatre stage Feb. 2021. Anna Finocchiaro photo
Palaver Strings performing Nov. 12, 2020. Anna Finocchiaro photo
The Waldo Theatre, which has been closed since 2014 and under renovations and with new board leadership for the past three years, needed to raise $200,000 to complete its $700,000 “Open the Doors” capital campaign and reopen its doors. In February of 2020, an anonymous donor came forward and offered a challenging proposition: if The Waldo could raise $157,000 from community support, the donor would contribute the remaining $43,000. As of the Dec. 31 grant challenge deadline, The Waldo had not only met the required amount, but had in fact exceeded the goal, raising over $182,000 with which to complete renovations.
“Though, the shoreline is beautiful,” said Keizer.
The view from the road is another issue. The Town will look for DEP approval for screening over and around the slab, which is a restricted area and needs to remain intact.
In November 2020, residents voted 1,794 to 1,017 to accept the land donation, which also includes the adjacent historic 9.3-acre Hoffses Homestead at 476 Friendship Road.
Keizer surmised that a reason for the “No” votes had to do with resident concerns about liability of cleanup.
Waldoboro is not liable. However, being an election article, Keizer was not permitted to lead people toward any opinion. Therefore, only the residents who knew to ask her that exact question could be granted an answer.