BDACT Hosts Annual Meeting

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Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre (BDACT) held their annual membership meeting on Sunday, Feb. 6 in Encore Hall and via Zoom. The gathering celebrated an opportunity to gather after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Board President Mike Derr led the meeting covering the financial position of the organization and expressing his gratitude to everyone who supported BDACT through the challenges posed by the reduced schedule because of COVID. Derr also celebrated the satisfaction of the building mortgage thanks to exceptional fundraising efforts and introduced new Managing Director David Alan Smith.

Smith expressed his gratitude to BDACT as he explained his theatrical career has its roots in the organization. He shared that he was delighted to be back in his hometown and able to give back to the place he got his start.

Those in attendance cheered at the close of the video review of the 2021 season.

Four retiring board members were recognized for their contributions – Jennifer Casey-Sekel, Tony Kikkert, Jan Sutter, and Bonnie Franke. The group accepted by acclamation a slate of new board candidates that includes – Bev Anderson, Larry Bartruff, Sandy Heier, and Chelsey Sieppel.

Bev Anderson

During Bev Anderson’s 25 year career in real estate, she has been a successful entrepreneur operating her own real estate firm. During her career, she also lent her expertise to many committees and boards in the regional housing and real estate marketing industry. In addition, Bev has held leadership positions with Habitat for Humanity, First Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Dodge County Racing Association, and the Badger Auto Club. In retirement, she volunteers at The Watermark and especially enjoys interacting with people. Bev and her husband have been married 49 years. They have one son and two beautiful teenage granddaughters.

Larry Bartruff

Larry Bartruff and his wife Lori grew up in Iowa but consider Beaver Dam home after living here for 32 years. Larry’s appreciation for the theater began at a young age, participating in stage productions from grade school through college years. Currently, he serves as the Client HR Service Consultant at Richards Benefits and Financial Services in Beaver Dam. Before joining Richards this past summer, Larry retired as general manager with Rhodes Bake N Serv in Columbus. He previously held HR positions at Kirsh Foundry and Vintage Parts in Beaver Dam. Larry served on the Board of Church Health Services and Prairie Ridge Health. He is also a member of Trinity Church – United Methodist. Larry is the father of Alison and Erika and grandfather to Brooks, Lily, Karson, and Easton.

Sandy Heiar

Through her business Heiar Insurance Services and Estate Planning, LLC., Sandy Heiar, helped countless community members and area residents with retirement planning and insurance services since 1999. She values doing business with integrity and creating lasting relationships with clients. Sandy seeks a solid understanding of clients’ needs and desires to create a plan specifically designed for them. Among her beliefs are the old-fashioned work ethic, family values, and giving back to the community. Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, Sandy and her husband have lived in Beaver Dam for 38 years and raised four children here. After college, they have all returned and are raising their children in Beaver Dam.

Chelsey Seippel, Ed.D.

Chelsey Seippel currently serves as the Executive Director of The Seippel Center for Music and the Arts and manages The Peter J. Seippel Foundation. She is well-versed in the operation of nonprofit and community organizations. Chelsey earned a doctorate in psychology but has an extensive background in music and theatre. A thespian at Wayland Academy, she has gone on to have written, directed, and starred in musicals and dramas around the world. Upon returning to Beaver Dam, Chelsey has expressed her enthusiasm about becoming more involved with the community.