Strand Theater Holds Virtual Reorganization Meeting–Board Officers Elected
A new executive board for the historic Strand Theater, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was recently elected for a one-year term. Amy Freeman, New Egypt, Plumsted Township special education teacher, will serve as president. Andrei Jackamets, Howell, owner of Andrei Jackamets Photography, is vice president; Karen Stafford-Smith, Jackson, a retired Plumsted Township teacher, is treasurer; and Ervin Oross, Mantoloking, secretary.
Freeman said, “Our beloved Strand Theater, the cultural center of Ocean County, finds itself in a time of both recovery and resilience. Despite barriers and the realities of the pandemic, our focus remains intact. Our shows and performances that once were, will be again! Our goal is to continue to move upward while we plan and strategize for survival in a post-COVID world.”
The 2021-22 board members include Jeffrey Gerstenblatt, Howell, Law Office of Jeffrey H. Gerstenblatt, Lakewood; Glenn Harrison, Glenn Harrison Law Office, Lakewood; David Kapulsky, Freehold, financial professional for Prudential; Fran Kirschner, Lakewood, owner of Frantasy Enterprises, PR Firm; Gene Mele, Whiting, retired building mechanic for N.Y. Telephone Company; Jon Petz, co-owner of the instrument repair and maintenance company Tek-Net, Lakewood; Steve Reinman, executive director of the Lakewood Industrial Commission; Sam Soprano, Jackson, financial consultant C&A Financial Group, Wall; Gary Schiavone, Point Pleasant, retired NYC Transit Director Transportation, Safety, and Training; Debbie Roeder Shaw, Whiting, self-employed licensed massage therapist; and Craig Theibault, Lakewood.
About the Strand Theater: The historic Strand Theater, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 and is listed on the N.J. and National Register of Historic Places. The Strand offers year-round entertainment in plush, air-conditioned surroundings. It is a perfect venue to showcase comedians, musicals, dinner theater, stars from television and movies, and legendary musical entertainers. The reception gallery includes a catering facility for 80 people, a dance floor, and restrooms. It is ideal for theater-in-the-round, smaller events and receptions.