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itheater Amph d Finale Gran The Tom Nolan Band had res ide nd Finale ter for the Gra the amphithea Residents pack By Patty Jordan This year's Amphitheater Summer Concert Series closed its "doorless" doors for the season with a rousing Grand Finale on Sept. 15. The Tom Nolan Band had feet tapping, hands clapping and people up and dancing. With the flashing LED light rings that were handed out by the band, it was a fitting and flashy ending to the series of five concerts. We've come a long way since the first "test" performance in the Amphitheater facility on June 25, 2009. That summer, all of our performers were either Four Seasons residents or friends and family of residents. Donations were collected to help pay for gas for those who didn't live nearby. The earliest concerts were sponsored by the Wine Club, but that soon evolved into a group of dedicated residents, led by Penny McDonell and Carol Napolski and supported and assisted by our amazing Activities Director, Cindy Graves, who has been our emcee since the beginning. This group, then known as "The Amphitheater Society Club," arranged for the entertainment, hauled equipment including a tiki bar, from and to the Lodge, collected the "doorless" prizes, bought and sold water and soda, sprayed for ants, set up trash containers and even hauled the trash. In fact, they still do most of these chores now, four years later. They are now called the Amphitheater Production Group and meet monthly, under the leadership of Penny McDonell, who puts in endless hours to make sure that each concert evening is well-organized for the residents' enjoyment. They begin nts dancing The brass se ction enterta ins planning for the following summer around January, searching for and contracting with the best performers available for the best cost. The group also could not get along without Nelly Alcocer, graphic designer extraordinaire, who creates all of the brochures, programs and posters. In 2010, the HOA Board decided that they would support this project by giving enough funds to allow us to bring in a bit more outside entertainment. Since then, the Board has happily increased our budget so that we are able to attract a wider variety of performers, both amateur and professional. With this increased funding, we've still been able to offer these concerts at no cost to residents and even provide a variety of "doorless" prizes. Our Donation Location boxes have been retired as we are now well enough funded not to need them. These Sunday evening outdoor concerts give residents the opportunity to truly enjoy the Four Seasons lifestyle. A beautiful setting, terrific entertainment, sipping and nibbling refreshments of their choice, and, especially, sharing this with friends and neighbors who have become like family. The Amphitheater Production Group works hard to bring in a variety of acts, all including a music genre that will appeal to a broad range of tastes. At almost every concert, some folks can't resist the beat and get out on the floor and dance up a storm. Others are happy to sing along or just sit back and enjoy the music, the stars, and the wonderful camaraderie. And Four Seasons Beaumont can expect more wonderful evenings under the stars next summer. Community News | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | OCTOBER 2013 5

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