There’s an old saying that “Good news travels fast.” In recent times, the saying could be changed to “Bad news travels fast” as media rushes to get any bad news in the public’s eyes and ears as they compete for attention. So it happened over a year ago that there was lots of publicity about the Chocolate Church Arts Center’s financial woes. Amounts owed to creditors by the Chocolate Church had grown to nearly $48,000, and its future appeared in doubt.

So now let’s try to make some good news travel fast. A year and a quarter after the bad news came out, the Chocolate Church debt has been cut nearly in half, to $24,500. This has been the result of capable management and self-sacrifice by the new director, Jennifer DeChant, and the board, and the contribution of time and treasure by many volunteers and members of the community.

Those of you who have worked with non-profits in the performing arts field understand how difficult it is to just break even for a year. A debt reduction of this amount in a little over a year is a significant accomplishment. Obviously, there’s still a way to go. Hopefully, those who had their doubts about the Chocolate Church will take another look, and come out to support program offerings, become members, and contribute to finishing the job.

Paul Gamache
Phippsburg