Board of Directors

In their own words

We asked our dedicated board members and staff four questions to introduce them to you:

  1. Why are you involved with the Aron Theatre Co-op?
  2. What you love about the Aron Theatre Co-op?
  3. What is your background and experience, including professional, volunteer, and with the Aron Theatre Co-op?
  4. What are three of your favourite movies?

Mary McTaggart, President 

  1. I became involved with the Aron because I have always felt that when you volunteer, you get back twofold what you put in. It's a wonderful place to invest some of my creative energies and there are just so many opportunities for the Aron to shine, we've only begun to scratch the surface.
  2. The Aron Theatre is part of the lifeblood of Campbellford. I love the fact that everyone rallied to save it when it was in danger of closing, which shows the strength of a town united. Campbellford needs the Aron as much as the Aron needs Campbellford.
  3. Before coming to the Aron Theatre, I have held several volunteer positions with community based groups; St. John Ambulance Brigade as a first aider and training officer (27 years); Scouts Canada as a leader for over 20 years; Campbellford BIA for 2 years; going into classrooms with the Junior Achiever program for 3 years; ran the children's area with the Edibles Festival for 2 years; and within the Aron I have been on the Finance Committee, began the Aron Talks monthly series, and have been on the board for three years. I am a Financial Advisor with TD Canada Trust in Campbellford.
  4. My three favorite movies (very hard to pick only three!): Rent, The Abyss, and Arsenic and Old Lace.

Joel Parkes, Vice President

  1. I'm involved in the Aron Theatre because I want to support what I consider to be a vital part of a community, namely a place where you can go and experience movies outside your home in a community setting.To me it's a form of media that enriches people in such a profound way.  
  2. I love that it even exists at all. I love that the guidance of the Co-op can be made up of members of the community.
  3. I have a diverse background. I've been on the Board Of Directors of the Peterborough Chamber Of Commerce, worked in the film and TV business, been a songwriter for Universal Music Publishing and, most important of all, I'm a husband and father to two daughters.  
  4. My three favourite films, films that I always check into all throughout my life, are: The Godfather, The Unforgiven, Interstellar.

Lori Benson, Secretary-Treasurer

  1. Aron provides an environment that is creative, entertaining and a cultural space with positive societal impact. I'm an explorer at heart and proud to be part of the Aron Theatre's journey by being inspired and inspiring.  
  2. I love that Aron Theatre stimulates our local economy with jobs, promotes local businesses and artisans with a lens of creating positive social impact and well-being for all members of the community. Aron Theatre is a welcoming place for all people to gather, be entertained and share  experiences. Oh and of course the popcorn!
  3. My professional experience is as a Supply Chain and ESG expert. It's what I do but I'm a person with immense curiosity and love of the arts.  What's most important to me is my family, learning, doing work with a sense of accomplishment and making a contribution to my community. 
  4. 1) African Queen, such a wonderful blend of characters, dangerous adventures, comedy, romance and life lessons. 2) Pride & Prejudice 2005, a movie with amazing set and costume designs, beautiful musical scores, scenery and a story of two stubborn people set on their own ideals until they realize they are but "so similar". 3) Robin Hood Prince of Thieves 1991, the music score is brilliant, the acting is allowed to be campy and flamboyant with plenty of explosive action scenes that surprise.

Suzanne Bowness, Board Member

  1. I love movies and I'm interested in getting involved in my new community of Campbellford. I wanted to use my skills to make a difference to help bring even more people into this great theatre!
  2. I like the story of the theatre becoming a co-op and admire the efforts that everyone is making to keep it alive. Also I saw more Oscar-nominated first-run movies last year here than I did in all my years living in Toronto! Great to have this opportunity so close.
  3. I'm a freelance writer/editor who writes articles for media and other organizations, as well as fiction (including screenplays!) I've been a volunteer at other theatres and for professional writing organizations for many years. I am helping the Aron with marketing, promotion and social media.
  4. Stranger than Fiction, Notting Hill, Music and Lyrics.

Dorlene Lin, Board Member

  1. I wanted to get involved in something that aligned with my experience and passion, while allowing me to contribute in some way to the community.
  2. I love that it is a co-op. I love that it is an historic part of downtown Campbellford and has retained its original charm.
  3. I am an award-winning content creator, with over 25 years of experience writing and producing  film and TV content. My work has been broadcast in over 130 countries. I have been a board member of DOC (Documentary Organization of Canada), and a volunteer dog-walker for Toronto Animal Services. In addition to the Aron, I currently serve on the Trent Hills Library Board.
  4. Tampopo, Almost Famous, Dirty Dancing.

Tracey Reid-Bowles, Board Member

  1. Because I feel a part of this community; and wanted to help in any way I can.
  2. It's sense of community.
  3. I have extensive experience in the entertainment industry, particularly live music.
  4. West Side Story, The English Patient and Roma.

 

 

Daniel Giddings, Board Member

  1. My wife and I share a deep love for movies and recognize the pivotal role that volunteers play in sustaining the Aron Theatre Co-op. In the close-knit community of Trent Hills, this theater holds immense significance, serving not only as a cultural cornerstone but also as a vital space for residents seeking a place to relax and unwind.
  2. I appreciate how the Aron Theatre Co-op preserves the cultural heritage of our small town community. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of Trent Hills, providing a distinctive and affordable venue for families to immerse themselves in the captivating adventures of storytelling through movies.
  3. I possess an extensive background in volunteering for local community growth programs and clubs. My community is not just a place of residence; it is my home, and I consider it my responsibility to contribute towards its success. In my professional life, where I specialize in business development and risk management, I bring unique skills to the table. I am committed to leveraging these skills collaboratively to ensure the collective success and secure the future of the Aron Theatre Co-op.
  4. The Gentlemen, Hudson Hawk and Gattaca.