The final program of the 2016-17 Woman’s Club year was presented by member Marcy O’Brien, executive director of the Struthers Library Theatre (SLT) for nine years, on Monday, April 17.

Entitled “A New Sparkling Era for the Struthers Library Theatre,” Marcy indicated that various circumstances of lack of accessibility by visitors made her and her board realize the need for a construction project to update the 1882 pre-Gilded Age theater.

First in the planning was the conclusion that an “elevator was a definite” as an architectural study was begun in 2008. 100% accessibility to three levels was the goal with improved seating and a new marquis. Ms. O’Brien approached the City of Warren personnel with the attitude “tell me what I have to do” for ordinance compliance and City regulations. She found them most helpful.

Bids went out in 2016 and G. L. Olson Inc. of Dewittville, N.Y., were awarded the contract. Gas, water, fiber optic, electric companies and PennDOT all were part of a coordinated effort to complete the project. The large yellow “dumpster” in the closed section of Liberty between 3rd and 4th avenues contains the elevator. The glass curtain around much of the elevator will give a wonderful view of the business district and looking north a view of the fall foliage and natural hillside beauty. Ms. O’Brien was given a special viewing from the upper level in early April.

Seating will be replaced and more spacious in width and legroom with only the loss of about 40 seats. Railings will be added in the mezzanine. The new marquis on Third Avenue is nearly complete with a 44-foot steel structure to provide more coverage to patrons waiting to enter the Theatre.

This formidable $2.75 million project has raised $2.1 million from our generous community just as in Thomas Struthers’ day when the community donated the land upon which the Theatre was built. The remaining $750,000 will be requested in a public campaign starting next week. June is the completion target month.

Hostesses Marge Himber and Karen Davis displayed silhouettes along the luncheon table of various Library Theatre offerings such as tragedy/comedy, jazz band, rock band, piano and ballet amidst vases of pink and yellow carnations and tealights.

The May 15 Fashion Show Run for the Roses at 11:30 a.m. will feature clothing and accessories from GG My Love in the club ballroom at 310 Market Street in Warren. Table arrangements are now available with your pre-paid reservation by calling the club manager, Anne Higgins, at 723-5910.

Warren Gives will take place Wednesday, May 17, with donations going to the Woman’s Club non-profit entity ESHPG.

The annual member dinner meeting will round out the year on Tuesday, May 23, at 6 p.m. for social hour and 7 p.m. dinner.

The Woman’s Club is conducting its membership drive. New members are always welcome to visit the club and join. Details about events may be found by visiting the Warren Woman’s Club website: www.warrenwomansclub.org.