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TEG Wednesday, July 20, 2016 V V V PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1895 V V V Good Evening VVV Feed your soul. WWW.EMPORIAGAZETTE.COM celebrates year of changes, reveals six new shows Courtesy Photo Members of the Russian National Ballet return to Albert Taylor Hall with a classic: “Sleeping Beauty.” A little bit of everything for 2016 – 2017 Performing Arts Series By Regina Murphy [email protected] About 30 supporters of the Emporia Arts Center attended a reception and brief business meeting July 13. President of the Board Teresa Maley passed the gavel to Roberta “Bo” Swanson and Executive Director Dawn Young spoke about successes of the past year and revealed the upcoming Performing Arts Series. “The past nine months have been so rewarding,” Young said. “During the transition, the board took on many roles and responsibilities. Kaila Mock got all the classes together. Rebecca Romano did all of the marketing.” The impact on the community since Young came on board has been substantial. “The EAC is so much more than the performing artist series,” she said. “We contribute to Emporia by fostering creativity. We have served 651 students throughout the area. The Artmobile is out at the Teddy Bear Clinic, school carnivals, street festivals and Live in the Lot. The kids love it. “Our ‘Design with’ classes have been immensely popular. Chef Brian Romano has donated his time to a series of culinary classes and Flint Hills Technical College’s culinary students did the special pre-opera dinner this year,” Young said. “Over 100 people attended our clay open house.” “I feel very blessed to have been the president the last two years,” Maley said. “It has been so fun and I’ve learned so much. I am forever indebted to Dawn, Kaila and Rebecca for their hard work, dedication and great ideas. “I see that the EAC is headed into a wonderful direction as we celebrate 40 years and five years in the building.” Young also paid tribute to Jerry Troxell, a retired Emporia educator who volunteered his skills and who died recently. “Jerry had a patient nature and limitless knowledge,” Young said. “He was a consistent instructor for children and adults.” The Emporia Arts Center has announced the 2016 – 2017 Performing Arts Series. The six shows are unique to Emporia, from stunning acrobats to ballet to educational music, with four international performances coming from Scotland, China, Germany and Russia. “We are excited to announce this year’s Performing Arts Series,” Ex- Emporia Arts Center Performing Arts Series 2016 – 2017 Season tickets: 343-6473 Sept. 9 – Vocal Trash Oct. 18 – Julie Fowlis Dec. 13 – Shanghai Acrobats of China Feb. 26 – The Morgenstern Trio April 27 – Russian National Ballet Summer 2017 – Missoula Children’s Theatre For more Information: emporiaksart.org ecutive Director Dawn Young said. “We feel the series is not only a good mix of events that will appeal to children and adults alike, but each show reflects the beauty of the Arts in its own cultural expression. And Emporians can experience an Art event that is rarely experienced in smalltown America.” A little eco-art The first performance is Vocal Trash, a group which focuses on educating students about environmentalism. Vocal Trash is described as “Glee, with a kick.” Please see EAC, Page 8 Courtesy Photo The Shanghai Acrobats of China will dazzle with feats of physical agility Dec. 13 in Albert Taylor Hall. Candidate meet and greet held Tuesday By Jessie Wagoner [email protected] Constituents had a chance to meet with legislative candidates on Tuesday evening. The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Government Matters Committee hosted the meet and greet at the Mary Herbert Education Center. District 17 candidates for the Kansas State Senate were eager to meet with visitors. Incumbent Jeff Longbine and his challenger, Susan Fowler, both had a steady stream of visitors at their tables. Attendees could move from table to table to visit with candidates and learn more about their campaigns. Longbine said representing constituents for the last six years has been his priority and he plans to continue to do so. “In my six years in the Senate, I’ve tried to represent this district to the best of my ability,” Longbine said. “I’ve listened to all of my constituents — not just a portion of my constituents — to try to figure out what is best for the district as a whole. I haven’t always voted with the Republicans and certainly have not voted with (Gov. Sam) Brownback all the time. I have voted the way my district wants me to vote. Standing up for K-12 education and higher ed are huge priorities for this district and I think if you talk to those groups and organizations they feel like I’ve worked very hard to represent their interests.” Fowler, who has served as the chair of the Lyon County Democrats for many years, said she to is VOL. 125, NO. 16 Ready for the Madness Midnight Madness brings late night shopping to downtown Emporia By John Robinson [email protected] Jessie Wagoner/Gazette Susan Fowler, candidate for the 17th District Senate seat visits with constituents during the meet and greet on Tuesday evening.  ready to fight for what is best for District 17. Her priorities include rebuilding the economy, restoring public education funding and repairing broken systems. “I will fight for the people of the 17th district with the same determination that I fought and defeated cancer this year,” Fowler said. Don Hill currently holds the 60th District House of Representatives seat but, he has announced that he will not be running for re-election. There are currently four candidates hoping to claim his seat