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New Restroom
Karen and Gary Osbrey, annual campaign chairpersons, check out the new unisex handicap accessible restroom at the Bradley Playhouse. Linda Lemmon photo.
Theater opens
new handicap
restroom
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM --- It might not seem a Santa list topper, but the Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse is very pleased with the recently completed unisex handicap accessible restroom and the upgrade of the existing ladies room.
The construction was funded with donations to the 2009-2010 Annual Community Theatre Campaign, headed by Karen and Gary Osbrey. The Osbreys worked with 15 division chairpersons to help raise the money.
The campaign's "Everyone is a Star Annual Campaign" has raised more than $30,000 for the restroom and ladies room projects. The second phase of the campaign will need another $20,000 to install a wheelchair lift at the theater's front door, according to theater manager Patricia Green. That includes the purchase of the lift and the electrical wiring and circuits needed to finish the job. Currently, there is a ramp over the steps at the front door of the theater on Front Street.
The handicap accessible restroom and the lift will bring the theater into Americans With Disabilities Act compliance.
Green said local contractor B.J. Cassio of Home Improvements by B.J. Cassio, plumber Glenn Boise of Deep 6 Plumbing and Heating and electrician Phil Belleville of Paquette Electric worked to overcome several structural obstacles in transforming an old office into two beautiful, modern restroom facilities. New emergency lighting, additional fire alarms and a new ventilation system were added as part of the upgrade. Cosmetic finishing touches were added by the auto body shop at Putnam Chrysler Dodge Jeep when they painted the new ladies room stalls to a shiny black finish.
Contributions to "Phase Two" of the "Everyone is a Star Annual Campaign" may be sent to: Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut, P.O. Box 71, Putnam, CT 06260.