Photo by Neil Sjoblom. Board Members and Staff of the Waterloo Library and Historical Society gather with Chamber Staff and other key contacts in first two rows surrounded by event attendees and supporters for a celebratory photo at the reopening of Fatzinger Hall event.
From L to R, First Row: Sue Chandak, WLHS Library Manager; WLHS Board Members: Lynn Patti Secretary; Jim Hughes, Vice President; and Karen Burcroff. Mark Benjamin of Seneca Meadows. Second Row: Seneca County Chamber of Commerce Staff- Jeff Shipley and Deb Robinson; Lena Shipley; Jane Shaffer of Sessler Companies; WLHS Staff Assistant, Kelly Koagel; WLHS Board President, Coreen Lowry; WLHS Executive Director, Cyndi Park-Sheils, WLHS Board Members- Katherine Chase and Denise Denisi; Project Architect, Jon Carnes of Crawford & Stearns; Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce Staff- Miranda Odell, Tim Stackus, and Justin Blue.
The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce and the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce recently worked together to co-host a Member Milestone Celebration that honored the grand reopening of Fatzinger Hall which is situated inside the Waterloo Library & Historical Society. Located at 31 E. William Street in historic Waterloo, the birthplace of Memorial Day, the Waterloo Library and Historical Society (WLHS) was founded in 1875 and is one of the oldest in New York State. The second floor of the Queen Anne Victorian style library building is home to Fatzinger Hall, an historic performance venue that features a raised stage with tiered seating for 100.
Following nearly a two-year renovation process, the project cost $400,000 and was paid for in part by state grants as well as community donations. After being closed, attendees to the event were able to tour the property and experience new seating, risers, carpeting, professional theater lighting, sound system, and projector with a 14-foot screen, along with the much-needed air conditioning system that was also installed in the newly updated space. The renovations were the first phase of a long-term capital project to upgrade the historic property.
The event was held on May 3 from 3-5 pm. About 40 people attended the event from various surrounding communities. Executive Director Cyndi Park-Sheils spoke to the audience in the new theater seating about the upgrades to the space and discussed the history as well as what else the community can look forward to in the future. She thanked the board, community and staff for their support and gave special recognition to the generosity of additional donors. Chamber and community members gathered around WLHS Staff and Board members for a group photo that took place at 4:30.
The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, membership-based organization that focuses on promoting and representing its member businesses and partners from across the Finger Lakes region. As a primary benefit of Membership, the Chamber generates awareness and provides exposure for its customers by promoting the people, property, products, and services of each.
Member Milestone Celebrations are a benefit of Membership and a popular program that businesses can take advantage of. Among others, the celebrations include anniversaries, grand openings, or relocation-based open houses. For more information on Milestone Celebrations or other Chamber programs and business benefits that are a part of membership, please call the Chamber at (315) 789-1776, visit www.genevany.com or email [email protected].
