The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council announced incoming Board Members at their recent Annual Retreat. “We are pleased to welcome Tom Helfenbein, Ann Turpin, Doris Pullman, Shari Smigo, Barbara Bedell and Ben Dize”, Board President Diana Saquella said. “We strive for strength and diversity among our board; the addition of these talented individuals accomplishes just that”, Mrs. Saquella remarked.
Executive Director Belinda Cook is enthusiastic about the new members saying, “These new Board Members represent such a perfect cross-section of Queen Anne’s County; they will bring invaluable insight as we work to expand our visibility and community reach. I have known several of them since childhood; we are blessed to have the benefit of their talents and expertise as we move forward”. “I congratulate our Board Officers who have been re-elected to second terms with no opposition: Diana Saquella, Chair, Audrey Scott, Vice Chair; Barbara Sharkey, Treasurer; and Anne Welsh, Secretary; with the addition of these new members, we have a great team!”, Cook went on to say.
Tom Helfenbein has lived on the Eastern Shore since the early 1970’s and is recently retired as President & CEO of Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newman Funeral Homes. He gives tirelessly of his time to many area non-profits including Queen Anne’s Hospice, Chesapeake College, Kent Island Fire Department and has served on the boards of CNB and Farmer’s Bank.
Ann Turpin is a professional musician and long-time resident of Centreville. She is a valuable member of the arts community, having directed the Queen Anne’s Chorale, founded the Chesapeake Youth Choral, and served as Artistic Director of the Chester River Chorale. Mrs. Turpin has been organist/director at several churches on the Eastern Shore.
Ben Dize is a well-respected member of the arts community as well, having lived on the Shore for many years. Mr. Dize is an accomplished artist and the Director of the Arts Department at Gunston School.
Shari Smigo grew up in Queen Anne’s County and is the Owner/Director of The Midshore Dance Academy with studios in Easton and Centreville. In addition to her studio work, Mrs. Smigo is a member of the dance faculty at Queen Anne’s County High School for and has done the choreography for Centreville Middle School musical productions, assisted with aerial choreography for Peter Pan, and created liturgical dance for Our Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church. She is on the Board of Directors of Maryland Council for Dance, as Secretary and Membership Chair, and taught at the 2008 Maryland State Dance Festival. Shari lives in Queen Anne’s County with her husband and four children.
Barbara Bedell is a thirty-year resident of Queen Anne’s County. She is the pharmacist at Denton Pharmacy and Gifts. She is a wonderful actress and costume designer and is actively involved in performing arts at both the Church Hill Theatre and the Garfield Center. An integral member of the arts community, Bedell is an enthusiastic collector of eclectic art pieces for her home in Church Hill.
Doris Pullman has devoted her life to community service. She moved to Centreville after raising her family in Riverdale, where she was a tireless community volunteer for many organizations. She has carried that commitment to the Shore and is a member of many local non-profits including the QAC Heritage Society and a regular volunteer here at the Arts Council.
Become a supporter of the arts and sign up for a yearly membership now – $25 individual/$35 family. Visit www.queenannescountyarts.com for more information about our classes, events, and offerings.
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