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PRESS RELEASES AND PREVIOUS FRONT PAGE "STUFF" FOR RIALTO THEATER
HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS NOW AVAILABLE
Once again this year, our friend at Studio 518 West, has designed a beautiful new card for holiday gift giving. If you have someone on your list that "has everything", this is a perfect way to honor that special someone. With a donation to the Rialto fundraising, we will inform that person of your gift and the card can become a treasured memory of the Rialto! Here is a sneak preview of the beautiful card! (Note: The Copyright wording will not be on the real card!)
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STEVE APPEARS ON KXLF
Steve Owens, President of the Rialto Board, has recently been interviewed by KXLF news reporter, Shane Ewing, and that segment can be viewed by clicking here:
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?s=11349518 We appreciate KXLF keeping us on their radar so that we can continue to keep the public aware of our story.
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RECENT DONATIONS INCREASE FUND BY $20,000.
Three foundations have recently sent checks to the Rialto fundraising efforts and they are greatly appreciated. Below are excerpts of the letters that accompanied the checks. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFUL SUPPORT!!!
September 21, 2009.......$5,000 from GOODY TWO SHOES, INC. in Boca Raton, Fl:
"The Board is pleased in memory of Adelaide Schnittman, to be able to approve a grant in the amount of $5,000 for the rebuilding of your Rialto Theatre. The project sounds like an amazing story and demonstrates what an organized community can accomplish".
October 6, 2009......$5,000 from GILHOUSEN FAMILY FOUNDATION, in Bozeman, MT.
"Enclosed you will find a check in the amount of $5,000. representing a grant to the Rialto Community Theatre restoration project awarded by the Gilhousen Family Foundation. The funds may be used as needed to support the theatre restoration project. As you know, because ours is a small family foundation, we focus most of our giving in Gallatin County. However, your continue to be such a compelling story (emphasis supplied) that we have decided to make this second small grant in solidarity with your efforts. We are ever more impressed to see the active fund-raising success you have achieved for this small rural community here in Montana. Keep after it!"..... (NOTE: This is the second $5,000 donation from Gilhousen Family Foundation!)
October 9, 2009....$10,000 from JANE S. HEMAN FOUNDATION, Missoula, MT
"This e-mail will confirm that your request for
funds from the Jane S. Heman Foundation was approved by our
Board of Directors at a meeting today. We applaud your efforts
toward restoring the
Rialto Theater and by the
data provided in you grant proposal it looks as though you have been
successful. We wish you success as you
and your Board continue your efforts to raise the necessary funds.
A check for $10,000 will be mailed to your address on October
9, 2009. (It has been received) Should you have any questions
please contact me. Best of luck in the future with the project."
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NOTE: The below mentioned Motion to Dismiss was denied by Judge Dayton and a trial has been set for sometime in July, 2010.
The following article appeared in The Montana Standard on September 25, 2009 following a hearing held in Deer Lodge.
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Insurance company wants Rialto lawsuit dismissed By Pat Hansen - 09/25/2009 |
DEER LODGE — A Deer Lodge district judge has taken under advisement
a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Rialto Theatre against
State Farm insurance.
Lawyers Bradley Luck, representing the insurance company, and Ted
Mizner, representing the theater, argued the case this week before
Judge Ray Dayton.
The Rialto suffered severe damage in a fire on Nov. 4, 2006.
According to court records, State Farm agent Nathan Messer of Helena
came to the Deer Lodge fire scene and informed the Rialto board of
directors that State Farm was assuming the duty to investigate the
fire.
In carrying out the investigation, Messer employed Lynn Davis and
C&O Services of Oregon to determine the cause of the fire.
They reported the cause was either a defective popcorn butter
melting machine or a defective popcorn making machine.
According to the record, State Farm hired Tom Battisto, Paul Way and
Alan Topinka, agents of Case Forensics of Washington, to conduct
forensic testing to determine the switch positions on various
electrical machines removed from the fire scene by Davis.
Mizner stated State Farm, C&O and Case Forensics were careless and
negligent in performing their duties, resulting in spoiling
evidence.
He contends the fire scene and evidence were not properly preserved,
the investigation was not conducted according to national standards
nor properly documented, and the failure to employ competent
investigators resulted in the defective machines being lost or
destroyed during the investigation.
"The spoilage of evidence deprived the Rialto of an opportunity to
sue manufacturers of the defective equipment that likely caused the
fire," Mizner said.
He also contends State Farm failed to insure the premises with
adequate coverage.
State Farm's Luck filed a motion to dismiss the complaint saying,
"all of the Rialto's claims arising from claim handling are
preempted by the Montana Unfair Trade Practices Act and should be
dismissed." "I'm not wishing to denigrate the loss to the community,
but just looking at the facts,'' he said.
He said as first-party insured, the Rialto is limited in what causes
of actions are available to it for complaints arising from handling
of the claim.
— Correspondent Pat Hansen may be reached via e-mail at
phansen@blackfoot.net.
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For release August 3, 2009
Rialto Project Nets Four $5,000 Grants
The Rialto Community Theatre Restoration Project has been awarded $5,000 grants from four foundations. The Plum Creek Foundation, the Gallagher Western Montana Charitable Foundation, The Kendeda Fund, and the Powell County Community Foundation each gave the funds to assist in rebuilding the historic structure, which was severely damaged by fire in November 2006.
The Plum Creek Foundation, based in Seattle, is the giving arm for all the Plum Creek business across the country. Plum Creek is the largest private property owner in Powell County and is involved with a variety of timber and property operations in western Montana. The Plum Creek Foundation helps hundreds of non-profits every year, and had granted the Rialto $2,000 in 1997 toward electrical upgrades before the fire. The funds will be used for work in Phase III of the four construction phases.
This is the second grant from the Gallagher Foundation from Missoula, which last year gave a $20,000 gift to the Restoration project. Its focus is usually in the Missoula area, and the Rialto was the first Powell County non-profit to receive grant funds from them. Competition this year was especially intense this year because of the economy and Rialto board members were especially grateful to get a second grant.
The Kendeda Fund grant comes from Takoma Park, Maryland. The Fund usually supports land trusts, natural history centers, and environmental education, and made an exception to be able to help the Rialto project.
The last of the recent grants was from the Powell County Community Foundation, which exists to provide grants to non-profits throughout Powell County for programs involving education, recreation, arts and culture, and economic development. Since it was established in 1999 the Foundation has awarded over $87,000 in 101 grants to forty-two different groups serving Powell County residents. Most of these funds come from sources outside the county and are directed to the PCF to be re-granted to local organizations.
Many foundations nationally are either limiting the size of their grants this year or not accepting applications at all, so Rialto volunteers appreciate all the support they receive. $2 million has been raised of the $3.5 million needed for the project. More information is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874 in Deer Lodge, 59722.
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MORE SUPPORT FOR RIALTO FROM KENDEDA FUND DONOR
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FOR RELEASE JULY 20, 2009
Business Donations Keep Rialto Project Moving Forward
Donations from area businesses have helped to keep the Rialto restoration project moving forward in recent months. Because of the national economic turmoil grants from foundations and donations from individuals have been coming in a slower pace, and these business donations have really helped, according to Rialto board members.
The I-90 Auto Truck Plaza north of Deer Lodge, owned by Larry, Frankie, and Todd Fickler, set things in motion with a $2,500 donation. Sun-Up Lumber recently donated two units of 2” x 6’ studs for framing the sidewalls in the Theatre, and not long ago REC Advanced Silicon Materials made a big impact with its $10,000 donation. Steele’s Furniture and Appliance has made a big difference with several promotions, and the donation jars at the MRC station, Keystone Drug, and Territorial Antiques continue to harvest customer’s change to help the cause. Many area businesses have donated auction and raffle items for the dinner this spring, as they do every week to help many local causes, and the Pizza Hut Wednesday night promotion netted $1,000.
Work continues on the front end of the Rialto, with the electricians, plumbers, and sound crew finishing the rough-in. A truckload of sheetrock arrived last week, and hanging it will begin very soon. If donations had continued this year as they were when construction began last summer the board had hoped to be able to open this summer, but the completion date has had to be moved back until more funds are raised. Over a million dollars is still needed, according to Rialto board members, and fundraising continues every day. More information on the project is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874 in Deer Lodge.
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BUDWEISER CLYDSDALES COME TO THE RIALTO FOR FUNDRAISER
June 26, 2009..... The Budweiser Clydsdales were brought to Deer Lodge courtesy of Thompson Distributing of Butte. These magnificent animals proceeded down Main St., stopping at the establishments that purchase products from Thompson and received a case of Bud at each stop. They also stopped at the front of the Rialto for a photo op before continuing on to I-90 Plaza where there were loaded back into the trucks to return to Butte. Photos are posted here: NEW PHOTOS
A photo was taken at the Rialto by Alycia Holland of Butte which will be used as a fundraiser for the Rialto. This beautiful photo will be available from Alycia at her web site and one/half of the proceeds will be going to help our continuing efforts.
The site to purchase the picture is accessed here: http://www.ahollandphotography.com/rialto_photo.html
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June 16, 2009
SOME WORK BEING DONE AT RIALTO
With the monies raised at the April dinner/auction, there has been some electrical, speakers and plumbing rough-ins done and our wonderful volunteers have also been busy putting up the side walls in preparation for the plywood and sheet rock. There will be a meeting of contractors, subs and board members this week to make sure that we will be able to go forward with whatever work we have enough money for at this time. Pictures will be made available after the meeting in addition to the ones that were posted today. We are also keeping our fingers crossed that we will be awarded some of the federal stimulus money so that we can move forward with our project!
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January 25, 2009
A check in the amount of $340 was received which represented the proceeds from the Treasure State Chorale concert in Missoula on Dec. 14, 2008. As we remember the weather was a huge factor in keeping large number of people from going to the concert. Phil and Francine Harris had done a great deal of promotion for this event and they were as disappointed as all of us that Mother Nature took such a frigid turn. The Chorale also decided to send us a check for $160 from their own funds to bring the total to $500. We thank them so much for all the work they did and for this generous donation! They have also offered to do a "Dedication" Concert when we open the doors and we're sure hoping that we can have that happen sooner than later! THANKS AGAIN TREASURE STATE CHORALE!!
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January 21, 2009
The Cutler Brothers Improv night on January 19, 2009 was considered a success with 55 people in attendance. The Rialto Restoration Fund was the happy recipient of $562.75 as a result of the efforts of the Cutler Bros and troupe! We continue to be very grateful for all of these types of fundraisers. THANK YOU CUTLER BROTHERS AND ALL WHO HELPED WITH THIS EVENT!
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RIALTO RESTORATION REPORT
December 2008
The fire in the Rialto was November 4, 2006.
Preconstruction:
January 2007 - the new large door was built on the south side of the building to allow excavators, trucks, and cranes into the Rialto. Over 66 large truckloads of debris were removed from the facility then, and more has been removed since.
April-May 2007 - steel support posts on concrete pads are installed to stabilize the sidewalls, and to provide support for the roof trusses.
June-July 2007 – trusses spanning the width of the building are put in with cranes and a new roof is put on the building to protect it from the weather.
July 2007-March 2008 – construction break while raising the funds to continue
May-June 2008 – construction design completed, including building code compliance (especially strict for theaters,) and plans reviewed by contractors, building inspector, state electrical bureau, and Historic Preservation Office. Over $400,000 was trimmed from the original estimates for construction by moving beams, changing materials, and other design modifications. The old Rialto had 720 seats, 410 downstairs and 310 upstairs accessed by the ramp which was too steep to be rebuilt legally. The new Rialto will have 550 seats, with 330 downstairs and 220 upstairs, with stairs and an elevator. It will be accessible, functional, more energy efficient, and affordable to operate.
Construction:
July 7, 2008 – construction began on the first of the 4 large construction phases with the erection of a large work platform. Insulation, electrical conduit, sprinkler systems, and ductwork for the large air handlers required by current codes are all installed in the attic, and the new ceiling is built and painted. The decorative items on the ceiling, which had been painted directly on before, are replaced by panels painted with stencils that are functional as well as attractive. Above the center cross pieces, which move, are the stage lighting trusses that will replace those formerly on the front of the balcony. The round items at the ends of the shorter arms are the diffusers for the air handlers. Phase I was completed November 18, on schedule and under budget.
November 19, 2008 - Phase II began with the removal of the rest of the concrete and the excavation of the lobby area to build a crawlspace under the floor for plumbing and electrical service. It will include framing of the walls up to the third level, renovation of the entry, setting the mechanical units, some of the heating system, and fire sprinklers in the lower levels. It will run to mid-January, 2009.
Phase III – will include building the stepped concrete for the seating, installing steel and balcony framing, completing the electrical rough in and plumbing rough-in, and finishing the heating system.
Phase IV – includes finishing the walls, painting, trim, plumbing and electrical fixtures, flooring, cabinets and concession area, and all the other items that must be done before we can get a “certificate of occupancy” and open again.
All future construction work, like the first two phases, will only start when sufficient funds are available. More fundraisers are planned, and more grant applications are being submitted, but many of the foundations that might support this project have been hit hard by the current economic situation and loss of stock values.
We have raised over $1.8 million from almost 1,900 donors from all over the country, including many former residents and many who have never seen or used the Rialto. We will continue to use donated labor and materials whenever possible. The new Rialto will retain the character of the old but will not be exactly the same. Most of the historical finishes will come at the end and are a tiny portion of the overall construction costs. IF funding comes in as it is needed and there are no delays in construction we could begin using the Rialto in summer 2009.
On November 30, 2008 our neighbor, Peoples Bank of Deer Lodge, hosted a community Open House on the stage of the Rialto so area residents could come view our progress and find out how much was accomplished in the first phase. At least 345 attended the Sunday afternoon event, and they left over $3,057 in the donation film canister to register their approval.
Photos and more information are available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge, 59722.
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DECEMBER 24, 2008.....
A check in the amount of $300 was received from the Community Church of Christ for the proceeds of the holiday house tour. We're pretty sure that some of the ladies of the church (Dot Benson and Lois Jones) might have added some funds to make it this much. In addition, they donated all the goodies that were enjoyed at the beginning of the tour. We thank all of you for this effort to help with our restoration!
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DECEMBER 18, 2008......BREAKING NEWS!!
The Rialto Theater Restoration committee got an early, unexpected and VERY MUCH APPRECIATED Christmas present in the form of a donation from the Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation, of Wilmington, Delaware, in the amount of $50,000.00. We are so thrilled and grateful for this very generous donation! It came on the same day that the volunteer workers completed the floor in the lobby area so we have had a really good week! It is so hard to fully express what these kinds of support mean to us....we are so small but these generous acts are so large. THANKS to all who are helping us in these ways!
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December 18, 2008
On the cold, dark evening of Dec. 18, 2008, a group of 15 men, some firefighters, led by Sandy Porter, and others from the Wed. Night Shop Crew, led by Mike Richards arrived at the Rialto to do the framing and subfloor for the lobby, concession, bathroom area. It was so wonderful to see this group of volunteers, knowing that the last time some of them were in the theater was on the night that they tried so valiantly to try to save the building. Those present were: Firefighters, Sandy Porter, Dan McQueary, John Skibsrud, Brian Porter, Steve Lunceford, Shanley Kellicut, and the Wed. Night Shop Crew, Mike Richards, Dwight O'Hara, Tom Christnacht, Ed McCarthy, Lewis Smith, Casey Smith, Paul Thompson, & Cal Thompson, and Ron Mjelde, Rialto Board Member. The comment made by one of the crew was that they were happy that they could finally get in and do something to help....and it was very much appreciated....knowing that in just this one evening they have saved us several thousand dollars....THANKS SO MUCH YOU GUYS!! See the photo gallery of this work event by clicking here: NEW PHOTOS
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December 14, 2008....Unfortunately, our Montana winter decided to arrive this weekend and the Concert in Missoula and the Holiday House Tour in Deer Lodge suffered as a result. Temperatures of minus 5 really put a damper on things! Approximately 26 brave souls toured the homes. all of which were very beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Scrumptious cookies and snacks were made and served by the ladies from the Community Church of Christ at the beginning of the tour where the hardy gathered at Cattail Gifts. The concert goers also braved a very cold and slippery ride to Missoula and I do not have a report from there yet but I will post it as soon as I hear anything.
We do appreciate EVERYONE who helped put on both of these events for our benefit.
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ARTICLE APPEARING IN THE MONTANA STANDARD ON NOV. 24, 2008 : .::The Montana Standard::.
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ARTICLE APPEARING IN THE MISSOULIAN ON NOV. 18, 2008: The Missoulian ____________________________________________________________________
STORY AIRED ON KXLF TV STATION ON NOV. 13, 2008: : KXLF News Station Report ____________________________________________________________
November 30, 2008
The open house hosted by Kirk Sandquist of Peoples Bank of Deer Lodge was a huge success, reported Steve Owens, President of the Rialto Board. Approximately 340 people attended to view the recently completed ceiling and other work done to this point, according to Kerry Bruner, Rialto board member. $3,057.78 was collected in the film canister to further our efforts! The ladies from Peoples Bank supplied home made cookies and it appeared that all were consumed during the afternoon, together with cheese and crackers. Wine, pop and coffee was also served by Jan Bender from Valley Foods, as everyone enjoyed viewing the work done so far. A video that was prepared by John Snell, from Radio Shack, was played throughout the afternoon that showed the dismantling of the work platform to reveal the completed ceiling and the raising of the dome to it's final position. Pictures of some of the festivities are shown in the current pictures link by clicking here: CURRENT PICTURES
The board looks forward to another open house as the 2nd phase is completed some time in January, said Ron Mjelde. We will try to keep the public informed as we complete one phase and start another, until we reach our final goal....the opening... and hosting movies, plays, and concerts, said Gayle Mizner, another board member. We are all very excited that we have come this far and were very grateful to Peoples Bank for hosting this event so that we could share our pride with the citizens of ours and surrounding communities, said Steve, speaking for the entire Rialto board. THANKS TO ALL INVOLVED WHO MADE THIS SUCH A SUCCESS!
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FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 18, 2008
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Lisa Perry, right, from PPL of Montana
presents check in the amount of $6,400 to Rialto
Board Members, L-R, Gayle Mizner, Steve Owens,
Susie Blair, and Ron Mjelde. The
following letter accompanied the presentation:
"Congratulations on being selected as a recipient of a PPL Montana Community Fund Grant. You can be proud as it was a very competitive process with almost 90 applications received. We are pleased to be associated with the Rialto Theatre and are looking forward to learning more about your organization.
......PPL Montana is absolutely committed to working with Montana communities to improve the quality of life for today and tomorrow. As a major corporation with 500 employees in Montana, this is part of our continuing work to be a good neighbor and a positive force in the state. Thank you for being part of our efforts.
Regards,
Lisa Perry, Community Affairs Manager
PPL Montana, LLC, Billings, MT
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FOR RELEASE NOVEMBER 2, 2008
The following is a letter received from The Chutney Foundation, Inc., Missoula, MT:
"Steve Owens, President
The Rialto Community Theatre
PO Box 874
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
Re: 2008 Grant Application
Dear Steve:
I am pleased to advise you that The Chutney Foundation has awarded a
grant of $50,000.00 toward rebuilding the Rialto Theater.
Please find enclosed our check in this amount.
Having contributed early on to the original restoration effort, The
Chutney Foundation joined the many citizens of Powell County who were
dismayed by the Theatre's destruction in 2006 just as its historic
restoration was complete.
Now two years later, it is exciting to join in contributing to an
extraordinarily successful rebuilding campaign that has captured
interest and collected contributions from not only the local community,
but from around the country as well.
Very truly yours,
THE CHUTNEY FOUNDATION, INC.
James J. Masar
Secretary-Treasurer"
MANY MANY THANKS TO THE CHUTNEY FOUNDATION FOR THIS MOST GENEROUS
DONATION! WE TRULY APPRECIATE IT!!
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FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 23, 2008
Rialto Awarded Grant for Performance Systems
The Rialto Community Theatre in Deer
Lodge got a significant boost recently toward efforts to rebuild the
historic theater, with a $304,661 grant from the E.L. Wiegand
Foundation of Reno, Nevada. The funds will be used to replace
the sound systems, stage lighting, projection equipment, and the
fireproof curtain between the stage and auditorium, and all which were
lost when the Rialto was severely damaged by fire November 4,
2006. Total cost of restoring the facility is about $3.3
million, and now about $1.8 million has been raised from donations,
grants, and fundraisers. Over $400,000 has been trimmed from
the original construction estimates by the cooperative efforts of the
board, architects, and contractors. Rialto
president Steve Owens said “this will enable us to make every
program a show that people will remember, and we are so grateful for
the Wiegand Foundation’s confidence in us and in our
project.” In recognition of the Wiegand support the
Rialto auditorium will be named the “E.L. Wiegand
Auditorium.”
The Wiegand Foundation was established in 1982 and generally makes
grants in Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, and
occasionally in Montana, with emphasis on exemplary institutions in the
fields of education, health and medical research, civic and community
affairs, and arts and culture. Mr. Wiegand was a pioneer in
heating with electricity, and obtained his first patent for an
electrical heating element in 1915. He was also involved in
the oil industry, and died at age 88 in 1980.
The Rialto was built
in 1921 and is the cultural center of Powell County. It is
used for all local school plays and concerts, children’s
theater and repertory productions, college choirs and community theater
productions, affordable current movies on weekends, and many other
events. The new facility will seat about 550, compared to the
previous 720. The ornate terra cotta façade,
sidewalls, and stage area with six original 1921 backdrops were saved,
but the auditorium, lobby, balcony, and restrooms were all lost in the
fire. A new roof was put on in 2007, and construction began
on July 7, 2008 on the first two of the four construction phases, using
a work platform just below the roof trusses. Insulation,
ductwork for the large air handlers, electrical conduit, and the
sprinkler system have been installed, and the auditorium ceiling is
currently being painted. After the platform comes down in a
few weeks work will continue on the walls, electrical and mechanical
work. Much of the cost is driven by changes in building codes
since the Rialto was originally built, and efforts to make it
affordable to operate in the future.
More information about the Rialto is available at
www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O.Box
874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 to keep the project moving forward.
PRESS RELEASE FOR OCTOBER 19, 2008
Rialto Theatre Awarded Tourism Grant
The historic Rialto Community Theatre in Deer Lodge is one of six projects that have been awarded grants from the 2008 Montana Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program (TIIP.) The Rialto will use its $30,000 grant for tourism-related facility improvements, as part of the fire –damaged cultural center’s restoration effort. Projects in Billings, West Yellowstone, Bozeman, Missoula, and Helena also shared the $300,000 in available funding from the Commerce Department program.
Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite approved the TIIP grant funding following recommendations from the Commerce Department’s Travel Montana staff and the state’s Tourism Advisory Council. The six TIIP grant recipients were selected from 37 applicants requesting $2.27 million in the competitive grant process. In announcing the awards Governor Brian Schweitzer said “These tourism grant funds are significant investments in Montana’s heritage and cultural facilities and communities.”
Director Preite noted that “The investment of tourism ‘bed tax’ dollars into these six projects leverages $5.64 million – a 19 to 1 match – in community, state, federal, and foundation dollars to create and support local construction and service industry jobs.” Since 1995 TIIP grants have provided over $3 million to 67 projects in 41 Montana communities, and represent an investment of $39 million in Montana’s tourism-related infrastructure. They are funded by the state’s 4% “bed tax” and require a $1 match for every $2 provided by grant funds.
The Rialto was damaged by fire in November 2006 and rebuilding costs are estimated at over $3 million. It is used for a wide variety of plays, concerts, and other events, and volunteers have raised over $1.7 million so far toward the restoration. Rebuilding started in July, and the project could be completed next summer if sufficient funds are found. The project involves four phases, and financing is secured for the first two, which will run to late December. More information is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 to keep the project moving forward.
PRESS RELEASE FOR OCTOBER 19, 2008
Rialto Theatre Awarded Tourism Grant
The historic Rialto Community Theatre in Deer Lodge is one of six projects that have been awarded grants from the 2008 Montana Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program (TIIP.) The Rialto will use its $30,000 grant for tourism-related facility improvements, as part of the fire –damaged cultural center’s restoration effort. Projects in Billings, West Yellowstone, Bozeman, Missoula, and Helena also shared the $300,000 in available funding from the Commerce Department program.
Montana Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite approved the TIIP grant funding following recommendations from the Commerce Department’s Travel Montana staff and the state’s Tourism Advisory Council. The six TIIP grant recipients were selected from 37 applicants requesting $2.27 million in the competitive grant process. In announcing the awards Governor Brian Schweitzer said “These tourism grant funds are significant investments in Montana’s heritage and cultural facilities and communities.”
Director Preite noted that “The investment of tourism ‘bed tax’ dollars into these six projects leverages $5.64 million – a 19 to 1 match – in community, state, federal, and foundation dollars to create and support local construction and service industry jobs.” Since 1995 TIIP grants have provided over $3 million to 67 projects in 41 Montana communities, and represent an investment of $39 million in Montana’s tourism-related infrastructure. They are funded by the state’s 4% “bed tax” and require a $1 match for every $2 provided by grant funds.
The Rialto was damaged by fire in November 2006 and rebuilding costs are estimated at over $3 million. It is used for a wide variety of plays, concerts, and other events, and volunteers have raised over $1.7 million so far toward the restoration. Rebuilding started in July, and the project could be completed next summer if sufficient funds are found. The project involves four phases, and financing is secured for the first two, which will run to late December. More information is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 to keep the project moving forward.
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February 5, 2008
DONATION RECEIVED FROM JR. HIGH STUDENT
On February 5, 2008, the day that we received a check from the State of Montana, we also received a check that to most of us had a tremendous amount of meaning. Matthew Blair, son of Russell & Susie Blair, a Board member, presented Steve Owens with a check in the amount of $500. from his personal savings account. "What a huge donation from one young man", stated Steve Owens. Matthew had also testified before the Montana House of Representative and Senate and was indeed impressive with his impassioned plea for the Rialto Restoration. "Here is a young man who certainly puts his money where his mouth is", was the sentiment of Gayle Mizner. Matthew earns money from buying and selling items on eBay and his mother stated that the $500 was entirely his own and it was his idea to contribute to this community endeavor. Matthew is truly an inspiration to all of the board and we want him to know how much his very generous donation is appreciated!! THANKS A BUNCH, MATTHEW!!
Matthew
Blair with the Governor on Feb. 5, 2008.
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FEBRUARY 5, 2008
Governor Brian Schwitzer was in Deer Lodge today, Feb. 5, 2008, to present the community with a check representing the $50,000. that the legislature, through the Department of Commerce, awarded to the Rialto Theatre. Representative Cindy Hiner who sponsored the bill was also present, as well as board members, business people, students from Powell County High School and School district #1. The students of the Deer Lodge community accepted the check on behalf of the entire community! Pictures of the event are provided by Gayle Mizner, board member.
Our kids in the community accepting check for $50,000. awarded by the 2007 Legislature. Matthew Blair and Alaina Dorion had testified before the Legislature and are pictured on each side of the check.
Governor greeting crowd.....Cindy Hiner, our Hero! Warden Mike Mahoney & Governor.
Dog Jag is always a hit! Steve leaving with the check!
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JANUARY 16, 2008
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January 16, 2008: Board members, Susie Blair and Gayle Mizner receive check from Bette Browning, Treasurer of the Deer Lodge Woman's Club for $5,000. This is the second substantial donation received from the club. $7,000 was received last January. The main source of funding for the Woman's Club is the operation of New to You, a store located in Deer Lodge, that sells donated clothing and other items. The store is staffed entirely by volunteers. Rialto Restoration Fund would like to thank the Deer Lodge Woman's Club for their very generous support!!
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A very nice article written by Kim Briggeman appeared in The Missoulian and The Montana Standard on Saturday, December 29, 2007, and can be read below.
Historic Deer Lodge theater seeks funds for reconstruction
By Kim Briggeman - 12/29/2007
DEER LODGE — From Main Street, the Rialto
Community Theater looks far better than it did a
year ago.
It has a roof, for one thing, one resembling the
red Italian tile hat it wore before the theater
was gutted by fire on Nov. 4, 2006.
That was completed last June, after the sagging
walls were stabilized and 66 truckloads of
debris were hauled away from the inside. Plans
to restore the interior have been completed and
a general contractor chosen.
Those were the easy tasks.
The marquee that once trumpeted “Gone With the
Wind” and, the night it burned, Kevin Costner’s
“The Guardian,” now reads: “We Need Your Cash
NOW To Proceed.” “We know it’s going to happen,
but we just can’t say when,” said Steve Owens,
president of the Rialto board. “We make progress
every day, but much of it doesn’t show and
that’s frustrating for the community, especially
the kids.” Besides its weekend movie fare, the
theater was a haven and acoustical heaven for
school Christmas programs, plays and service
club shows. Those things have been shuffled off
to alternate auditoriums, often hard-benched and
reverberant school gyms.
It’ll cost an estimated $3.5 million to restore
the Rialto, which was built in 1921 and listed
on the National Register of Historic Places in
1998. The board and community decided
construction would not proceed until the money
was in hand. This is a huge amount for a small
community to raise, just to replace what we
lost,” Owens said.
So far, there’s about $1.2 million in the
coffers. That includes a $500,000 donation from
the Burnt Hollow Ranch outside town last spring,
and a $50,000 grant from the William H. and
Margaret M. Wallace Foundation in Missoula
during the summer.
The latest big chunk of change came early in
December, in the form of a $20,000 grant from
the Gallagher Western Montana Charitable
Foundation of Missoula.
In November, the estate of former Rialto board
member and president Jim Gilbert chipped in
$23,000. Gilbert, known locally as “Mr. Rialto,”
died of cancer six weeks after the fire. Another
$10,000 came from a trust in South Carolina with
a local connection.
“We are moving forward, and something positive
is happening almost every day. Our kids have
raised over $11,000 already,” Owens said.
There have been hundreds of memorials, and
contributions have picked up lately as people
embrace the year-end tax deduction. Donations
can be sent to P.O. Box 874 in Deer Lodge.
A Web site,
deerlodgerialto.com, was established within
days of the fire. Among the items for sale there
are a T-shirt, a ceramic coffee mug and, for $15
plus shipping and handling, a 12-page,
full-colored book the “Rialto Community Theatre
Book” with photos and articles from before and
after the fire.
“The frustrating thing for me and the rest of
the board is that many people seem to be waiting
for more progress before they donate, and we
need those donations to keep moving,” Owens
said.
The state Legislature is reviewing an
application for $50,000, with final approval by
the Department of Commerce expected in early
January. The Rialto is one of two Deer Lodge
projects chosen for the city’s share of $92,000
in state money through the Community
Transportation Enhancement Program.
The Rialto’s plight gained more exposure late in
the year when William Marcus hosted the latest
“Back Roads of Montana” segment on Montana PBS
from the theater. It first aired in late
November and was shown five more times in the
subsequent month.
The fire destroyed the auditorium, balcony,
lobby and restrooms of what was a 720-seat
building. The ornate terra cotta facade, side
walls and the stage area with six original 1921
backdrops were saved.
Once funds are raised, the project will come
together in five sometimes-overlapping phases,
with possible occupancy after the fourth. The
first is installation of interior structural
steel and concrete, the second ceiling
construction. Then comes wall framing, plumbing
and mechanical construction, followed by
drywall, doors, frames and painting.
The last phase will be floor covering,
historical finishes and acoustical treatments.
To meet accessibility codes, an elevator to the
new balcony is planned in place of the too-steep
ramps. It’s an expensive item, and there were
those who thought the theater could do without a
balcony altogether to save money.
“We’re still looking at about 550 seats, with a
balcony,” Owens said. “Without the balcony we
might get done sooner and for a little less
money, but would have only about 300 seats and
almost no slope.” He puts it in this
perspective: Missoula is looking at a 1,600-seat
performing arts center for $60 million, and
Kalispell is considering one that will seat
1,300 and cost $27 million.
“They won’t even be able to show movies like we
will,” said Owens. “We will have a place we can
afford to operate, and we can still use our
hundreds of volunteers to make things happen.”
It will get done, Owens insisted. “People
still care about the project deeply.”
Missoulian reporter Kim Briggeman may be
reached at 523-5266 or at
kbriggeman@missoulian.com.
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PRESS RELEASE FOR DEC. 17, 2007
Rialto Theatre Restoration Moves Forward
Restoration of the fire-damaged Rialto Community Theatre in Deer Lodge got another boost this week with a $20,000 grant form the Gallagher Western Montana Charitable Foundation of Missoula, following another $40,000 in donations in recent weeks. Total costs are still estimated at about $3.5 million, with over $1.2 million raised so far. There are some alternate items that can be added back in as construction progresses and actual costs are known.
The ornate terra cotta façade, stage area with six original 1921 backdrops, and sidewalls were saved from the fire on November 4, 2006, but the auditorium, balcony, lobby, and restrooms of the historic 720 seat building were lost. The Rialto is used for all local school plays and concerts, traveling productions and dance recitals, affordable current movies and many other events, and is the only auditorium in Powell County. It was recently featured on a segment of a new “Backroads of Montana” program on Montana PBS.
Over 66 large truckloads of debris were removed after the fire, the walls were stabilized, and a new roof installed to protect the building. Construction plans call for five phases, with possible occupancy after the fourth, with all depending on funding. Building the first of these, the steel and concrete superstructure for a 550 seat new Rialto to serve as the community’s cultural center, is projected at about $942,000. The Rialto board wants to get that phase going in the next few months, and is working with local donors to get larger gifts and pledges over the next few years to make that happen.
Donations continue to come in every day and from across the country. “We know it is going to happen, but we just can’t say when,” board president Steve Owens said. “We make progress every day, but much of it doesn’t show and that’s frustrating for the community, especially the kids. This is a huge amount for a small community to raise, just to replace what we lost. We really appreciate the support of the Gallagher Foundation and everyone else”
The restored Rialto is designed to be an accessible, functional, multi-purpose facility that retains its historic character and can continue to be operated with volunteers, and that the non-profit can afford to run. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874 in Deer Lodge, and more information is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com.
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Nov. 8, 2007
Some pictures taken during the filming of the Backroads of Montana segment on the Rialto fire. The show will be airing November 26, 2007 on the Montana PBS stations.
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PRESS RELEASE OCT. 30, 2007
Rialto Subject of TV Program
The Rialto Community Theatre in Deer Lodge was the subject of a “Backroads of Montana” segment on Montana Public Broadcasting (PBS.) The “Backroads “ crew from the University of Montana filmed at the Rialto in early November, and at this time is trying to locate film, photos, and artifacts to incorporate into the story, including videos of the fire in 2006. All loaned materials will be returned. Contact William Marcus at 406-243-4101 for more information.
“Backroads of Montana” has been featuring the unique people and places of Montana since 1991, traveling all across the state. All the programs are available on video at the Kohrs Memorial Library in Deer Lodge and other Montana public libraries. The show usually airs on Saturday afternoons. The date for the program on the Rialto is unknown.
Rialto Needs Class Reunion Lists
As one part of its wide-reaching fundraising plan the Rialto Community Theatre’s board of directors plans to contact as many former Powell County High School students as it can, hoping that at least some of them will contribute to the Restoration Fund. Many former residents have donated already, but there are thousands who don’t know about last fall’s fire who would consider contributing. The easiest way to get current addresses is from class reunion lists, because they include not only those who attend the reunions but also many who are unable. So far the board has lists for about 10 years. Some classes have also taken up collections at reunions held since the fire.
If you have addresses for any PCHS class, or for former residents, friends, or relatives who might be willing to help, please contact Gayle Mizner or any of the other Rialto board members so they can be added to the database. Volunteers will also be needed to stuff and address envelopes for the mass mailing. Total projected costs are still about $3.5 million, and although over $1 million has been raised, many more contributions of all sizes are needed. Grant applications are continuously being submitted, but the competition is very stiff for the limited funds from foundations, and support from individuals is essential.
More information about the Rialto is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874 in Deer LodgePress Release July 30, 2007
$50,000 Grant for Rialto Theater Restoration
A $50,000 grant from a western Montana foundation has pushed the Rialto Community Theater Restoration Fund in Deer Lodge over the $1 million mark. The donation from the William H. and Margaret M. Wallace Foundation in Missoula will help with rebuilding Powell County’s cultural center, which was severely damaged by fire on November 4, 2006. The Rialto is used for all local school concerts and plays, dance recitals, children’s theater and repertory performances, civic events and conferences, and affordable current movies on weekends.
The Wallace Foundation was established as a private foundation by Margaret Wallace in 1995 as a tribute to her late husband William “Billie” Wallace, and as a means to further her own charitable purposes. Billie Wallace had attended the University of Montana prior to graduation from law school at the University of California in Berkeley. Margaret was a graduate of Montana State College in Bozeman and taught for several years before their marriage. She taught school and swimming in Deer Lodge.
The Wallaces owned and operated a large ranch in Powell and Granite counties in western Montana, between Gold Creek and Drummond. Billie Wallace’s father had acquired the main ranch lands in the late 1800’s and it had remained in the family since that time. Following Billie’s death Margaret placed a conservation easement on the ranch to prohibit subdivision and to ensure that it remained as agricultural property. Margaret later sold the ranch to the Nature Conservancy in a bargain sale and moved to Missoula for the last several years of her life. Margaret always stated she wanted the proceeds from the ranch and her other assets to help others, and she supported education and many other causes.
Estimated restoration costs for the 1921 Rialto, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, are over $4 million. The ornate façade, stage area and original backdrops, and sidewalls were saved, but the auditorium, lobby, balcony, and restrooms were lost. All the debris has been removed, the wall stabilized, and a new roof installed, and work continues as funds are raised. The old facility seated over 700, and the new Rialto will have 550 seats. The building fund includes many donations and memorials, insurance money, fundraising income, and in-kind donations. More information is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
Community Meeting Report
A community meeting was held on Tuesday, September 11, with Nathan Blanding of the firm of A & E Architects, Billings & Missoula, giving us a power point look at the progress of the initial planning and design features for the restoration of the Rialto Theater in Deer Lodge. Nathan was born in Deer Lodge and has been involved in theater construction and rebuilding, as well as many other projects. He gave a very thorough and dynamic presentation of what is involved before re-reconstruction can take place at the burned out theater. All board members were present to answer questions and meet with citizens of Deer Lodge and surrounding areas.
The Rialto was severely damaged by fire on November 4, 2006. The façade, sidewalls, and stage area were saved, but the balcony, auditorium, lobby, and restrooms were lost. The walls have been stabilized and a new roof put on, and the architects and engineers have been working on a functional, affordable, accessible design that retains most of the historic fabric. Total cost is projected to be about $3.5 million, and over $1 million has been raised so far.
More information is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874 in Deer Lodge.
TEEN CONCERT NETS $477.69!
Teens Concert Helps Rialto
The recent benefit for the Rialto Community Theatre Restoration Fund in Deer Lodge was a metal/rock concert on Saturday, August 4, organized by local teens that netted $477. The concert, at the Powell County Community Center, 416 Cottonwood Ave., featured four bands including “Gray Lines of Perfection,” (Harvest Earth records), “The Miracle of You,” (hot foot records) both from New Jersey, “Hello Newman,” from Missoula, and “Make Them Models” from Helena.
The event was organized by PCHS senior Daniel Lombardi, projectionist at the Rialto before it was severely damaged by fire last November, and 2007 PCHS graduate Sean Malcom. They wanted a program where other teens could do their part and be involved with the restoration effort as much as other parts of the community have. Total cost of rebuilding the Rialto is about $4 million, and just over $1 million has been raised already. More information is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge, 59722.
NEWS RELEASE FROM STEVE on June 16, 2007
Rialto Restoration Update
Although it may be hard to tell from the outside, contractors continue to make substantial progress inside the Rialto Theatre. Sun-Up Ventures got all the sheeting on the roof after the big trusses were put in place, and Blair Roofing will be installing the rubber roofing when we have some dry days.
Ryan Plumbing is installing the roof drains this week, and the tile-colored metal for the mansard roof on the front has been ordered. The catwalks are built in the attic, and B & B Electric is putting work lights in the attic. The architects in Billings and Missoula continue to work through all the complex building code and accessibility issues, so they can present the Rialto board with all the necessary options.
Many local fundraisers also continue. The first truckload of aluminum cans turned into AWARE netted $222. Steele’s is donating 5% of its store sales in June, Pizza Hut is giving 20% of its sales every Wednesday evening until October, the Shack is giving 10% of its gaming machine revenue this year, and shirts and mugs are still available. Over $900,000 has been raised so far, and the projected cost is over $3 million. Most of that will be for mechanical, electrical, and structural work. Donations and memorials can be sent to P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 , and more information is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
***May 19, 2007---The pre-sale of SD#1 cinnamon rolls found a hardy crew at the school to make, bake and deliver 1534 rolls! At $1. each this was a great boost to our Restoration Fund! CAROL RAINVILLE led a group of volunteers consisting of TAMMY KENT, WANDA RICHARDSON, CODY MITCHELL, JOAN BECKHAM, JACKIE THOMPSON, SUSIE BLAIR, TERESA PIERSON, GAYLE MIZNER and STEVE OWENS (our delivery man!) Our thanks also to SD#1 for the use of their facilities to make this fundraiser possible! (And oooohhhh my....those rolls were so good!!)
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*** May 22, 2007-- Steve & Ron Mjelde are at it again! This time they have been able to snag some 193 "nearly new" seats from the Rialto Theater in Bozeman with the help of some 12 "volunteers" from Deer Lodge. The story that appeared in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle is as follows: (Note) They also were able to "acquire" 8 light sconces that were exactly like the ones in our Rialto. Took them right off the wall I hear! THANKS SO MUCH TO THE RIALTO THEATER IN BOZEMAN for helping us out this way. We really appreciate it!!
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New articles in the May 22, 2007, Montana, about the chairs donated by the theater in Bozeman. You can see it here: www.mtstandard.com and do a search for Rialto. The articles also appeared in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. You can see it here: http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2007/05/21/news/000rialto.txt
Bozeman's Rialto donates seats to Rialto in Deer Lodge
By MICHAEL BECKER, Chronicle Staff WriterThe doors of downtown Bozeman's Rialto Theater opened once again on Sunday morning, admitting volunteers armed with ratchets and drills who removed 165 seats from the theater.
The seats will travel to Deer Lodge, where they will furnish that community's own Rialto Theater, which is currently being rebuilt.
Six months ago, a fire nearly destroyed the original Rialto in Deer Lodge. The 700-seat theater, built in 1921, had just undergone $300,000 in renovations at the time of the blaze.
“Truly it was a mournful day, the day after the fire,” said Lee Jewell, a member of the nonprofit Rialto board. “Main Street was plain empty. People were in their homes, teary-eyed.”
Board president Steve Owens said the loss of the Rialto left a hole in Deer Lodge.
“It's the whole cultural center of the community,” Owens said in front of the Bozeman Rialto on Sunday morning as a dozen volunteers hauled rows of seats onto trailers.
After the fire, enough of the Rialto remained to keep it on the National Register of Historic Places, a listing it earned in 1998, and the theater board received more than $300,000 from insurance.
The cost to rebuild, however, was estimated at $3 million. So far, the group has raised roughly $900,000.
Looking to save money wherever possible, board members learned about the Rialto in Bozeman, which is waiting for renovations of its own.
Sue Doss, one of the Bozeman Rialto's owners, said Sunday that those renovations are stalled, pending talks with the City Commission. Construction on new retail and residential space in the building may begin in June, but one thing's certain, the building will no longer be a theater.
Doss said giving the seats to Deer Lodge was a matter of two group's needs that happened to agree.
“It seemed like a good cause,” she said.
Located 120 miles west of Bozeman, Deer Lodge is home to about 3,500 people. Nancy Sebena, who grew up in Deer Lodge and now lives in Bozeman, said the Rialto means something to everyone who lives there.
“That little community has kind of withered away,” she said. “The theater is the symbol of people in this small-town just sticking it out.”
The Rialto was the only theater in Deer Lodge. It served as a stage for school plays, political debates and other events, and on the weekends it showed cheap movies. It was a safe place for children and teens, and the community took great pride in it, Jewell said.
“We have a small community,” he said. “About all you can ask for is pride in an accomplishment.”
As of last week, the Rialto in Deer Lodge is still a skeleton. The trusses have been hoisted into place, and the roof will be finished in two weeks.
Owens and board member Ron Mjelde weren't sure when reconstruction would be totally finished. That will depend on donations, Mjelde said, but that won't stop the group from opening the doors of their new Rialto as soon as possible.
“Come hell or high water, it'll be open in a year and a half,” board member Ron Mjelde said. “We may not have the seats, we may not have the balcony done, but we'll have the doors open.”
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May 17, 2007-- The crane is gone from Main Street so now the work will begin on the inside. Catwalks have to be put up in the roof area. Articles were in both the Silver State Post and Montana Standard this week. You can see the standard article at: www.mtstandard.com Do an archive search for "Rialto".~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MAY 16, 2007
****WARDEN GOLF~~STATE B CHAMPS!!!
***HALEY OWENS~~STATE B MEDALIST!!!
I know this isn't Rialto news but we sure do like GOOD NEWS around here! WAY TO GO GOLFERS!! (2nd State Golf Champs in 3 years---we waited 102 years but you can't stop us now!)
***May 15, 2007---Work continues on the trusses. Main Street has been blocked off since the crane now needed for this work takes up most of the street! Sarah Swistak, from the News Channel, KTVM, in Butte was here and did interviews with Ron Mjelde, Abbey Kellicut and Kirk Sandquist. Sarah, Ron, Kirk and Gayle then climbed the ladders onto the roof of Peoples Bank for a birdseye view. (scarey as it was getting there, we got some great pictures!) Sarah truly went above and beyond for this story!
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***May 11, 2007---THANKS SO MUCH TO THE MONTANA A-CAPPELLA SOCIETY (Bitterroot area) for their generous donation of time and talent for the concert at the Deer Lodge Assembly. Although the crowd the small the singers filled the hearts of those present! The hope is that the next time this talented group comes to Deer Lodge there will not be so many conflicts!
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Press release for May 1, 2007
The American Grandma Gift Shop in Deer Lodge has been selling Rialto Theatre mugs for $10 as a fundraiser for the Rialto Restoration Fund since last fall. Owner Diana Solle presented a check for $1,000 to Rialto board members Phil Maxwell and Kerry Bruner last week. Mugs are still available at the store and at Solle Realty.
Also during the Powell County High School winter sports seasons the Warden Booster Club and other volunteers sold 50/50 tickets at the games, with half of the proceeds going to the winner of the drawing and the Booster Club half being split between the Close-Up program and the Rialto Restoration fund. Booster Club president (and Rialto board member) Teresa Pierson presented a check for $900 to Rialto board members Susie Blair and Steve Owens.
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REPORT ON CHILI FEED
April 25, 2007~~~~ Report on the Chili Cinnamon Feed~~~ What a GREAT turnout we had for this event!! We couldn't have been happier. Carol Rainville and her helpers from the SD #1 luncheon crew had worked all day to get ready for the dinner...They had made around 1500 cinnamon rolls and enough chili to feed 500 and we still ran out of food by 6:30 P.M. Steve reported that we took in $2700 for the dinner, $413 for the pre-sale of rolls for May 19th, $325 for the 50/50 (the winner, Linda Tewalt donated her share back to us) and $205 for the Rialto books. Diana Solle also gave us $1000 for our share of the proceeds from the sale of the mugs that are featured on this site. What a wonderful boost for our efforts and we thank all the workers, Board members and especially everyone that came to make this such a great community event! We are so grateful! (As soon as I get a complete list of all the helpers I'll add to the story)
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An article appeared in the Sunday, April 15, 2007, Montana Standard about the $15,000 grant from the Gilman Foundation. You can see it here: www.mtstandard.com and do a search for "Rialto".
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Another article appeared in the May 10, 2007, Montana Standard about the trusses going up. You can see it here: www.mtstandard.com and do a search for Rialto.
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FOR RELEASE APRIL 18, 2007 ~~~~~ THE NEWS WE'VE BEEN HOPING FOR!!!!
$500,000 Donation for Rialto Theater Restoration
Efforts to restore the fire-damaged Rialto Community Theater in Deer Lodge got a huge boost this week with a $500,000 donation for the restoration fund. The owners of the Burnt Hollow Ranch southeast of Deer Lodge decided that this was the right time to help the community with the rebuilding project. They were impressed by the importance of the Rialto to the whole area, and how hard everyone, especially local children, are working to bring the theater back. They also hope their example will convince others to assist the project now. Rialto board president Steve Owens said “this is the nicest thing anybody has done for Deer Lodge since the Kohrs family donated the Library 100 years ago.”
The gift brings the building fund to over $865,000, with the restoration costs estimated at about $3 million. Elementary school students and their teachers have raised about $6,800 since the fire on November 4, 2006 with coin drives, bake sales, plays, and other fundraisers. Many grant applications and events are planned to fund the restoration.
The 720-seat Rialto, built in 1921 and on the National Register of Historic Places, is used for all local school plays and concerts, dance recitals, civic events, performances by the Missoula Children’s Theatre and Montana Rep, funerals, conventions, and other activities. Firemen were able to save the ornate façade, stage area and six original backdrops, and the sidewalls, but the auditorium, balcony, and lobby were lost as well as all the stage lighting and sound equipment. All the fire debris has been removed, crews are installing steel support columns along the interior walls, and a new roof to protect the building should be on by early May
More information is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, and donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
(See note from Gayle in Board Info!!)
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PRESS RELEASE FOR APRIL 14, 2007
Benefit Concert for
Rialto Theatre
A benefit concert by
the widely acclaimed Montana A Cappella Society from the Bitterroot Valley, for the
fire-damaged Rialto Theatre in Deer Lodge, is scheduled for Friday, May 11. The performance, at 7:30p.m.at the Deer Lodge
Assembly of God Church at 603 Fifth St., is part of the vocal ensemble’s spring tour. The Society is composed of 24 singers of varied
musical backgrounds, occupations, and ages, all volunteer non-professional musicians who
work together to create professional sounding results.
The Society performs regionally,
promoting awareness and appreciation for the art of a cappella singing. The group’s unique signature sound is
produced from a rich harmonic blend of voices under the direction of Artistic Director Don
Matlock. Typical musical selections range from early motets and Renaissance madrigals to
classic love songs, gospel and folk, patriotic, contemporary, and vocal jazz.
Tickets for the concert are $10
for adults and $5 for students through High School, and will be available at the door. All proceeds go to the Rialto Restoration Fund, to
repair and rebuild the historic facility that was severely damaged by a fire on November
4, 2006. Estimated cost of the restoration is
over $3 million, and volunteers have raised over $865,000 since November. All the debris has been removed and structural
columns along the interior walls are being placed this month. A new roof should be completed by early May.
More information about the non-profit Rialto is available at www.deerlodgerialto.com, about the concert at (406)-846-1614, and about the Society at (406)-363-5778. Donations for the restoration can be sent to P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
Recent press releases by Steve Owens: (December-March, 2007)
Rialto Restoration Moves Forward
The Rialto Community Theater in Deer Lodge has begun the long process of restoration and reconstruction of the historic structure that was severely damaged by fire on November 4. Architectural and engineering firms have been engaged for the project, many fundraisers are in the works, donations continue to come in, and a concept has been developed to utilize as much as possible of the existing structure. It is still too early to know how much the project will cost, but preliminary estimates could be ready in the next several weeks.
Beaudette Consulting Engineers of Missoula, Kalispell, and Bozeman has agreed to work on the structural engineering part of the project, and historical architect Jim McDonald of AE architects of Missoula and Billings will work on the design. Both have been involved in a number of preservation projects in the region, including the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone Park, and personnel from both firms helped prepare the Architectural Assessment document that guided the non-profit Rialto board’s restoration efforts for the eleven years before the fire.
The engineers have determined that the Rialto’s façade, an important part of the downtown Deer Lodge streetscape since 1921, can be retained, and the rear fly loft structure remains in place and is stable. The tall brick side walls are intact and sound, but seismically unstable due to the loss of the roof. Plans at this time are for vertical steel stiffener columns properly placed along the walls to both stabilize the walls for safe debris removal now and reconstruction later. Supplemental bracing for the main theater is also being designed.
Over $16,000 in donations has come in already, from across Montana and from California to Georgia, and the group has just beginning to seek help. Thousands have visited the website set up after the fire-deerlodgerialto.com- and local businesses have commemorative mugs and shirts available to benefit the project. The Deer Lodge Players theatrical group has a benefit production planned for December 21, and other activities are in the works
The directors of the Rialto Community Theatre in Deer Lodge took the first major step toward restoration and rebuilding the historic structure this week by awarding a contract for removal of the debris from the auditorium and balcony areas. Gilman Construction of Butte was the successful bidder on this first phase of work on the Rialto, which was severely damaged by fire on November 4, 2006.
The firm expects to begin work in the next two weeks.
The board appreciates all the area residents who volunteered to help with the cleanup, but for liability reasons felt it should use a business with the appropriate equipment, experience, and insurance. “There will be lots of opportunities for volunteers as the project moves forward,” board president Steve Owens said.
Over $31,000 from all over the country has been donated so far for the project, and with those contributions and the insurance money the board has enough for the debris removal and the installation of steel posts to support a new roof and further stabilize the sidewalls. The ornate façade and the stage area in the rear were saved in the blaze. The board is exploring all possible funding ideas for the rest of the restoration project. Donations can be sent to P.O.Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, and more information is available at the website deerlodgerialto.com.Grants for Rialto Theatre Restoration
The Rialto Community Theatre restoration project in Deer Lodge has received several grants to assist in the rebuilding of the historic facility that was severely damaged by fire last November. The James and Chloe Gilman Foundation of Butte contributed $15,000, and the Deer Lodge Historic Preservation Commission donated $5,000. The Gilman Foundation was started several years ago to assist worthy organizations in southwest Montana. Estimated cost of the restoration is just over $3 million.
The non-profit Rialto has raised over $362,000 so far, including $303,000 from insurance, $7,000 from the Deer Lodge Woman’s Club, and $33,000 in donations from across the country. The theater is used for all local school plays and concerts, civic events, local and traveling theatrical productions, affordable movies, and other events.
In their grant letter the Gilman’s noted that the Rialto organization “meets their personal priorities and this is their endorsement for you to continue the great work you have done for your community.”
Firemen saved the ornate façade, stage area, and sidewalls, but the auditorium, balcony, and lobby of the 720-seat building were lost. All the fire debris has been removed, pads were placed last week for support posts for the support columns along the walls, and a new roof should be on by the end of April. Many grant applications are being prepared, and local fundraisers are planned, including a chili and cinnamon roll dinner at Granville Stuart School on April 24 and a benefit performance by the Montana A Cappella Society from the Bitterroot on May 11 at the Assembly of God Church. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
Press Release by Shana Forsman for the Rialto Community Theater Board
The insurance company investigation has been completed. The cause of the devastating Rialto Theater fire has been discovered but according to the investigator, the results cannot be released until the final report has been completed and filled.
An independent fire inspector from Portland, Oregon met with members of the Rialto Theater board on Wednesday. His inspection of the devastating Rialto Theater fire has given some answers.
The fire that occurred on Saturday, November 4, 2006 does not meet the criteria for an inspection from the state fire Marshall. The structural engineer was onsite on Thursday and they are trying to stabilize and save the outer walls including the Main Street façade.
The Rialto board of trustees have set up a community meeting to be held on Monday, November 20 at the Pen on Main Street at 7 p.m. to discuss the official investigator’s report as well as the structural engineer’s recommendations. At that time, everyone will be able to discuss the future of the theater.
The Rialto, which was built in 1921, was functioning as Deer Lodge community performing arts center, hosting movie screenings, concerts, live theater and civic events. The Rialto was beautifully restored to its original appearance and the theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. For over 85 years the Rialto Theater has preserved both its original architecture and function. Jens Hansen, Sr. built this movie palace in the Beaux-Arts style in 1921. Butte architects, Arnold and Van House, designed the structure with its red tile roof, majestic entrance flanked by Corinthian columns, and egg and dart molding. The Hansen family ran the theater until 1995 when it was sold to a non-profit community organization that continues to operate the theater.
Updates on the progress can be found on the website at www.deerlodgerialto.com. Letters, thoughts, prayers and donation can be sent via the internet at our website or mailed to: Rialto Theater, PO Box 874, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
Montana's New Station KXLF did a story and the video clip is on their website. Follow this link and look for this link to view the video.
Fire destroys historic Deer Lodge landmarkDave Williams also has pictures on his website and has agreed to share them. They are dramatic and show the fire at it's worst on Saturday Night. Thank you Dave for allowing us to share your photos. Click here to view Dave's photos. http://www.djwilliamsphotography.com/Montana/Events/Rialto-Fire/index.html
Montana Standard has multiple articles on the fire at: www.mtstandard.com
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The Missoulian news paper also has numerous articles and editorials on the Rialto at: www.missoulian.com
Thought, Prayers, Letters and Donation can also be sent to:
RIALTO THEATER RESTORATION FUND
PO Box 874
Deer Lodge, MT 59722
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Last Updated
01/31/2010 02:14:14 PM