The Observation Deck

A friend said he got a letter from The Beck Center, in it they mention needing repairs, that they are moving(?) to Crocker Park and could he send them money?

I might have the message wrong, anyone else get one?


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Yes, i got one...I'll give you part of it word for word....Here it is..............all of it word for word...excuse the typo's..I was typing pretty quickly....I will give you a copy if you want one....
______________________________________________________________

"Dear Friend of the Beck Center,"

"Megan is 9 years old and has taken dance and ballet lessons at The Beck Center for 3 years. She is a serious and dedicated student who, someday, may perform on the world state. Her family, who lives in Lakewood, has supported her ambition-with shoes, costumes, music and tuition for classes at the Beck Center, offered by some of Cleveland's most renowned dance teachers."

Tuition payments only cover a portion of the cost of providing dance, music, theater and visual arts eduction for over 7,000 beginning and conservatory students each year. Your generous contributions to the Beck Center make up the difference and also enable us to provide scholarship support for promising students who cannot afford to pay the full tuition. Your support also helps us provide music and art therapy for more than 1700 children and adults with special needs through our Creative Arts Therapies program.

Bill and marie are subscribers who enjoyed Beck's critically acclaimed season of professional theatrical performances this year. Disney's Beautyand the Beast, A Man of No Importance, the Full Monty, and Urinetown were among their favorites this year. They are two of the 30,000 people from all over Northeast Ohio who attend the Beck's theatrical performances each year.

"Although renenue from ticket sales is growing at a steady pace, it only cover about two-thirds of the cost of these wonderful productins. the balance is covered by your generous donations."

"In addition, the costs of operating and maintaining the Beck Center continue to climb. This past winter, a relatively mild one, our heating bill for just one month was more than $16,000. Cost increases for utilities, leaking roof, flooding basements, and very in efficient facilities are the reasons that Beck's board of Directors decided 18 months ago that it is essential to renovate or replace Beck's aging classrooms, theaters, and gallery spaces."

"We are focused on the redevelopment of our existing property in Lakewood, in partnership with others, as part of a multi-use development that
includes restaurants, retail shopping, residential living and other commercial activity. Among the many options avvailable to us, we have also been invited by the developer of Crocker Park to look into a facility there. We will diligently evaluate every option available to us."

"Many of the people who enjoy our education, theatrical and gallery programs live in lakewood, as is true of other communities in Northeast Ohio. It is very important to determine how wecan best serve those who patronize the Beck Center. Equally important to the redevelopment of Beck's facilities is how we will raise the approzimately $20 million needed to build new facilities. I can assure you that the board takes this responsibility seriously and is reaching out to the community for advice and assistance."

"Many people have asked what they can do to help. For the time being, the best thing is to renew your financial support of the Beck Center. If you are able, please consider increasing your gift this year to underwrite the growing costs of operations. For those who have not contributed in the past, making a fist time donation will be very helpful."

Your support ensures that we are able to continue offering outstanding teaching for Megan and all of Beck's students. It helps us to heat and cool our theaters, buuild the sets, and pay other costs of the excellent productions that Bill and Marie and our many theater patrons enjoy. Your gifts hlep us repair the leaky roof and upgrade our computer systems to better serve you. Whatever you are able to give, your gift will be used for an important purpose."

"Please make a generous contribution today. You may use the enclosed gift envelope or lon on t our web site at www.beckcenter.org. Thank you for considering our request."

"Sincerely, Frederick B. Unger, Chairman, Board of Directors"

"P.S. The Beck Center for the Arts celebrates our 75th Anniversary Season this year. Please mark your calendars for our gala benefit to celebrate on October 28th, 2006"

Wouldn't it make sense for the beck center to commit to staying in lakewood before soliciting monies from lakewood residents?

john crino wrote:Wouldn't it make sense for the beck center to commit to staying in lakewood before soliciting monies from lakewood residents?

To the casual or non-user of the Beck (like me), the answer might be yes.

In fact, some of us who might be inclined to support the efforts in Lakewood could be turned off by the implicit threat.

On the other hand, looks like Beck management is calculating that the people who get the letter are patrons and users and others with a passion for the place, who might react with panic to the idea of the center pulling up stakes.

My instinct tells me this sort of thing will backfire. I hate extortion, even for a good cause ("Cough up or the kid never dances in this town again"). But since I'm not one of the well-heeled patrons they are obviously targeting (I didn't get the letter) it's hard to say what the effect will be.

Still, I'd rather see the Beck working its own supporters rather than grinding the city for taxpayer dollars to support "Urinetown".

One thing is certain. Mr. Unger has a tin ear for community sensitivity.

yep..I know they need $ to survive and they should explore all their opetions but Lakewood is in such a fragile state these days that it's easy for the letter to come off wrong.
Maybe it could become the "Sherwin Williams Beck Center"?

john crino wrote:yep..I know they need $ to survive and they should explore all their opetions but Lakewood is in such a fragile state these days that it's easy for the letter to come off wrong.
Maybe it could become the "Sherwin Williams Beck Center"?

Good start. But let's think of the folks who have a REAL interest in this town.

"The Beck Center at Jagermeister Place" has a continental flavor. And heaven knows, THEY can drop the 20 mil.

john crino wrote:Wouldn't it make sense for the beck center to commit to staying in lakewood before soliciting monies from lakewood residents?

John

It would make sense, but then I am sure some is damage control and some is desperation. I mean if no one puts a penny into the Beck it dies before it can move, and then what is the value to Bob Stark and/or Westlake?

I cannot think of worse management of this whole deal.

What amazes me is there are a hundred better ways to raise capital than this letter. Jagermeister or Red Bull would make more sense although I am sure it would raise a similar amount.

Only a fool would pay for his girlfriend's breast augmentation after she is caught whoring around, then threatens to leave for the other guy because of his money.

I know of two groups working on both the art/theater end, and another working on the schooling end, it will be interesting to see what happens first. The New Lakewood Little Theater/Art Center, or?

Will parents flock to a chance to shop while little Betty learns music and art, or will they prefer real savings on the lessons while sitting at one of the hot new places located near Lakewood's Entertainment District. I do know that more than a couple patrons and grant givers have no interest in following the run for burbs.


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It's a good letter for the Beck. If you assume that many of the recipients of this letter are NOT living in Lakewood, this could be seen as a light at the end of the tunnel for them. Beck is essentially saying, "Either we stay where we are at and provide the service you already know and love OR we might move closer to you!" Win-Win for non-Lakewoodites. For a Lakewood resident, it is as Joan put it...extortion. Handled well? Not at all. Message sent to those who need to hear it? Mission accomplished.

And yes, we NEED to support "Urinetown." I was sad I missed it there but lucked out seeing it for the Broadway Series tour at Playhouse Square. It is one of the funniest musicals that is both original and yet a wonderful homage to musicals past. They make fun of the name within the first 5 minutes and it is more a "traditional" musical than most of Beck's other offerings, honestly. Really, if anyone is only put off by the name (and that is intentional) you simply must listen to the soundtrack.

Phil Florian wrote:And yes, we NEED to support "Urinetown." I was sad I missed it there but lucked out seeing it for the Broadway Series tour at Playhouse Square. It is one of the funniest musicals that is both original and yet a wonderful homage to musicals past. They make fun of the name within the first 5 minutes and it is more a "traditional" musical than most of Beck's other offerings, honestly. Really, if anyone is only put off by the name (and that is intentional) you simply must listen to the soundtrack.

Please don't misunderstand.

I don't have an issue with the title or the play or anything of the sort, and yes, a community needs to support ANY asset, be it a theater or a hardware store.

My issue is when the government is asked to shell out. I don't see "Urinetown" or "The Full Monty" being any more deserving of GOVERNMENT support than "Talladega Nights" or Brittney Spears.

I think your analysis of the fund-raising letter is dead-on accurate. Obviously, there are people other than Bob Stark who would like to see the Beck out of Lakewood.

Phil Florian wrote:And yes, we NEED to support "Urinetown." I was sad I missed it there but lucked out seeing it for the Broadway Series tour at Playhouse Square. It is one of the funniest musicals that is both original and yet a wonderful homage to musicals past. They make fun of the name within the first 5 minutes and it is more a "traditional" musical than most of Beck's other offerings, honestly. Really, if anyone is only put off by the name (and that is intentional) you simply must listen to the soundtrack.

Please don't misunderstand.

I don't have an issue with the title or the play or anything of the sort, and yes, a community needs to support ANY asset, be it a theater or a hardware store.

My issue is when the government is asked to shell out. I don't see "Urinetown" or "The Full Monty" being any more deserving of GOVERNMENT support than "Talladega Nights" or Brittney Spears. If entertainment shouldn't be market-driven, what should be?

I think your analysis of the fund-raising letter is dead-on accurate. Obviously, there are people other than Bob Stark who would like to see the Beck out of Lakewood.

Joan Roberts wrote:...

being any more deserving of GOVERNMENT support than "Talladega Nights" ...

I think your analysis of the fund-raising letter is dead-on accurate. Obviously, there are people other than Bob Stark who would like to see the Beck out of Lakewood.

Joan

No one would have been happier to see the Beck stay than I. Really. I just wanted one little thing from them, an open letter saying they had decided to keep their commitment to Lakewood and after looking at Crocker Park, decided that it was senseless to move 10 minutes away, just so parents could shop.

Had they done that, as I mentioned in a conversation with Fred Unger and others, I promised I would do everything I could to help them raise money, meet their needs and work hand in hand in promoting their efforts.

Their answer was, this letter, yet another slap in the face to the city and residents that had done so much for them over the decades.

It is not that I want them out, but without a solid commitment, why support anything that will only build Crocker Park or anyone else's brand. I know what the bottom line is for Lakewood City Hall and our residents. I also know that Westalke has much deeper pockets than us. Let Westlake fix their roof, if they are so set on turning their back on their friends and supporters.

While talking with Fred Unger I told him and will mention it here again. His job is to keep the Beck Center healthy and going on. If he has to move to Westlake to do that, then go. But my heart is in Lakewood, Lakewood and every store, business or person that wants to stay in Lakewood I will support anyway I can, and work to find solutions that help them. I like many people at the Beck, Fran, John, Yvette to name a few.

I do not know about you, but in my life I have found it generally hard to go back to anything, once the bond is broken privately. When it is done publicly, in such "Tabloid Style" or given an ultimatum, my response is always, "Don let the door hit you in the ass on the way out."

Does it make sense sending the Beck a check, or giving it to one of the new groups emerging that is looking to bring a community theater, art center and music school back to Lakewood?

Off my soapbox and off to work.

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It should be incredibly obvious to everyone that they are leaving.

We have many worthy charities here in town that could use donations, so as far as I'm concerned, "don't let the door hit you in the....."

This was Beck's Aloha fund raising letter. Goodbye Lakewood, hello Westlake.

The return envelope refers to the Beck as Northeast Ohio's Arts Resource.
There is no mention of Lakewood.

If Becks negotiations were not revealed they would still be pretending that they are a Lakewood institution. The letter makes it clear that they intend to move to Westlake. The played a very duplicitous game.

I suppose there might be some Lakewood residents and public officials who feel the need to continue to support the Beck. If they do it should be with the clear understanding that any funds they donate will be used to finance the Becks relocation to Westlake.

I am not donating a dime to the Beck. I would donate to a Lakewood Center for the Arts.

Maybe we should have a fund raiser for the Lakewood Center for the Arts on October 28th, 2006.

I got the same letter yesterday.

If I was a betting man, I would bet that the letter only went to Lakewood residents. It says they are currently “focused on the redevelopment of our existing property in Lakewood, in partnership with others, as part of a multi-use development that includes restaurants, retail shopping, residential living and other commercial activity.â€Â￾ Why would they send such a letter to Westlake residents? Lakewood was mentioned three times specifically.

I'm not sure what I'm gonna do. When I did my taxes last March I noticed that I donated three times last year. Every time they asked. I will either donate again, with a letter saying they can expect my continued financial support only if they stay in Lakewood, or I will send no money but a letter saying they can expect my immediate financial support if they choose to stay in Lakewood. My inclination is to take them at their word, per the quote above.

One more thing. Were I Beck, I would steer clear of Developer Bob Stark. Beck's biggest asset is not brick and mortar, it's the business they have created. It's pretty clear that they cannot monetize their business with the current model, so the “mixed-use developmentâ€Â￾ model seems like a great way to take what Beck has and make money with it, as an anchor for a mixed-use facility. Why give that leverage, and the financial opportunity, to somebody else? I wouldn't. I'd be trying like heck to retain as much of the financial opportunity as possible, not giving it to someone else to build their business.

Unless of course Developer Bob Stark is forking over a really big wad of money, not just a facility in which to relocate.......

This letter, this plea for assistance, is the first step in the dog and pony show that will ultimately see the Beck deserting its foundations in Lakewood.

It is very important to determine how we can best serve those who patronize the Beck Center. Equally important to the redevelopment of Beck's facilities is how we will raise the approximately $20 million needed to build new facilities

So Unger and the board do their due diligence. They think they need 20 million for their redevelopment. The investigation, the due diligence will center on funding, not programming. Programming is assumed to follow with the upgraded facility. So let's not fool ourselves, the bottom line here is the cash.

"We are focused on the redevelopment of our existing property in Lakewood, in partnership with others, as part of a multi-use development that
includes restaurants, retail shopping, residential living and other commercial activity. Among the many options available to us, we have also been invited by the developer of Crocker Park to look into a facility there. We will diligently evaluate every option available to us

And a key to this dog and pony show, indeed the ultimate rationalization for the move, will be the lack of or inadequate response by Lakewood to the financial plea. What will be said in the future will be something akin to "We begged for funding and support, but the community of Lakewood deserted us. They left us with no other option but to get into bed with Stark. As much as we regret our need to relocate, it was a situation that Lakewood had the ability to control, but they simply didn't want us enough".

Of course, the logic is circular, and bootstraps the conclusion desired. What will be forgotten is that when Lakewood wanted a commitment from the Beck, they were dating around, kicking the tires and responded by saying they were not ready for a commitment, not until they had done their study. Well, without the commitment, there will be no support. Lakewood will work hard to keep those amenities that demonstrate a commitment to the city. I have no doubt that we will never get into a bidding war to persuade the Beck not to look for greener pastures.

So, at the end of the day, after the dogs get their bones and the ponies' stalls are mucked out, the Beck will walk away to their new Valhalla, conscience clear that since they were not wanted here, they found a place that did. Since that is the clear, unambiguous and intended consequence, while I might go to "Urinetown" (it is a tremendous musical, one that, like "the Producers" actually made me laugh out loud), it would be in the same spirit that I go to the West Town AMC to "Pirates". Just for entertainment, certainly not to demonstrate "support" which, in the end would be a waste of time and money.

Jeff