who haven’ t heard about all of our ence of more than 100— or for a programs. The‘ Taste’ is essentially much larger outdoor crowd, thanks a block party where everyone is to a wall behind the stage that will welcome. Music draws people from be able to open to the outdoors. around the corner and down the Performers will only need to turn street to see what all the fuss is around to greet an eager audience about. Bring a folding chair and a on the grassy lawn. hat and come hang out with us.
“ For two years we’ ve been
“ And maybe buy a painting,” showing our concept drawings and she adds with a smile.“ Our artists sharing our plans, and people keep do wonderful work!” asking when it’ s going to happen,” says Therriault, who came up
Unlike in previous years, safety fencing will surround parts of the with the ingenious stage concept. former church, and construction“ It’ s happening now. The money supplies may be piled nearby. Built is raised, the permits are set, and in 1826, the old church has served a we are breaking ground. The town variety of community needs, most is ready to see this cool historic recently as a thrift shop, since it building gain a whole new life.” ceased to be a house of worship in Therriault recalls that after the 1890s. This spring, as work begins, the little brick building will be crucial vote of confidence, their
Poolesville leaders provided a reborn as a state-of-the art performance space for an indoor audi- and state officials. Bond bills
enthusiasm spread to county put
It’ s happening now. The money is raised, the permits are set, and we are breaking ground. The town is ready to see this cool forward by the state legislature in 2023 and 2024 and matching funds from Montgomery County have been vital to the transformation of the old church. Montgomery County Community Project Fund Grants have given a boost to the wind ensemble and the Made-in-Studio program, which allows the curious to try a new art or fine craft in a relaxed setting. Last summer, Heritage Montgomery supported a groundbreaking roundtable about the history and culture of local indigenous people. Moved by the Riverworks vision, neighbors and private foundations have also made vital— and generous— financial contributions. While helping to build the performing arts center, they’ ve also provided essential funds for dayto-day operations. Thanks to their support, the community is seeing that Riverworks is not a specific
historic building gain a whole new life. ~ david therriault
An artist’ s rendering includes a small addition to the building and shows how easily the indoor stage will transform, as needed, into a second outdoor stage.
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