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16 | OHCC LIVING | MAY 2022 | OHSPA For the first time in 30+ years, we have to cancel the OHSPA For the first time in 30+ years, we have to cancel the OHSPA Concert that was scheduled for Sat., May 7, 2022. The performers Concert that was scheduled for Sat., May 7, 2022. The performers are unable to come from New Orleans to San Diego due to health are unable to come from New Orleans to San Diego due to health problems and we certainly do not want them to come if that is the problems and we certainly do not want them to come if that is the case! case! By the time you read this, you should have been contacted and your money returned if you purchased tickts. If not, PLEASE contact someone on the OHSPA Board. Every person on the OHSPA Board apologizes for this cancellation but our hands are tied and there is nothing that we can do. We are so very sorry for this inconvenience and now we are really looking forward to our August Concert when we will present "One Night In Memphis". We have many new residents in Ocean Hills, so I thought this is a good time to talk about OHSPA. The Ocean Hills Society of Performing Arts (OHSPA) is a 501© (3) not-for-profit corporation. The only members of OHSPA are the Master Board and the OHSPA Board are directors. OHSPA began at the initial building of Ocean Hills, and it is my understanding that the incorporators never dreamed that the corporation would remain in existence beyond eight to 10 years, let alone for 30+ years. I have been on the OHSPA Board of directors since 2010 and became President in mid-2012 when the president at that time moved from Ocean Hills. There was some talk about disbanding OHSPA but no one on the board wanted OHSPA to go away and it became evident that our residents did not as well. As you can imagine, the cost of bringing high quality entertainment to our Village has gradually increased. Our funds were going downhill quickly, and we were losing a lot of money every year so changes had to be made. Our tickets are only $30, and we truly wanted to keep them at that cost. We had to come up with some kind of a "fundraiser" that would add funds to our account, and this was when "Keep OHSPA Alive" was "born" and advertised to the public for the first time at the New York Tenors Concert and our "Star Donors" really came forward. A Star Donor pays $500 for the three or four concerts presented and they get their choice of seats for all of the concerts before any tickets go on sale to the "public". Tickets are delivered to them and at least one (and usually more) "Meet and Greet" with the stars is held. Because we are a 501© (3) corporation, they get an income tax deduction except for the actual costs of the tickets ($30). They are given a letter that includes their income tax deduction at the end of the year or the first of the following year if they choose to write their check then. Star Donors do not have to stand in line to buy tickets; they choose their seats that are good for all concerts, they get to meet the "stars" with at least one "Meet and Greet" and their tickets are delivered to them! We have not raised our ticket price of $30 for a very long time and in case you do not have an idea of the costs to bring in concerts here are a few examples: Englebert - $175,000, Johnny Mathis is closer to $200,000 and the list goes on. We obviously cannot afford costs such as the above. We try very hard to bring "named" entertainers and we have brought Chubby Checker, Four Freshmen, Broadway Tenors, The Gatlin Brothers, The Lettermen, Sicilian Tenors, Christy Minstrels, Kingston Trio, Texas Tenors, Ben Vereen and the list goes on! The OHSPA Board hopes this will give you some background on what OHSPA is all about and OHSPA is now bringing great entertainment in 2022 once again! Please call Donna Russell if you have any questions. Choral Society Spring seems to be bringing sunshine and happy vibes to our little village. With the tumult of the last two years in the rear-view mirror, we have much to be grateful for. Recently I read an article about many choral groups being financially decimated or the group dissolved altogether. I want to recognize the members of our Ocean Hills Chorale Board who have been staunch supporters and have been very wise in balancing the social needs of our members and the safety concerns of our community. They bravely and carefully marched forward. With the advantage of hindsight, I believe they struck the right balance. Kudos to the following masterminds! President: Jean Hefler; Vice President: Lyn Asaro; Secretary/Assistant Director: Gail Burnett; Treasurer: Bob Sigaty; Raffle Coordinator: Sherry Lehman; Photography/Costumes: Karen Walker; Webmaster/AV Interface: Joan Biven. Special recognition to Gail Burnett for her leadership during the last several years. She is stepping away from the secretarial position just for this season and we want her to know we will miss her but look forward to her returning soon. Also, a big welcome to our new secretary Sharon Olsen. The Chorale is sounding better than ever. We hope to see all our friends and neighbors at our next concert, May 15.