Thomas Alva Edison was born on February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio, the seventh and last child of Samuel and Nancy Edison. He died in 1931 due to complications from diabetes.

Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman. He developed many inventions, which include the phonograph, the motion picture camera, carbon telephone transmitter and electric light bulb. He established the first industrial research laboratory. Later he established a botanical laboratory in Fort Myers, Florida, with businessmen Henry Ford and Harvey S. Firestone, and a laboratory in West Orange, New Jersey, that featured the world's first film studio, the Black Maria. He has 1,093 US patents as well as patents in other countries.

Derby Dinner Playhouse announces
that longtime company member and Producing Artistic Director, Lee Buckholz,
will retire effective March 1, 2025, following an accomplished 35-year
career at the Playhouse. Veteran Derby Dinner actor and current Director of
Children’s Theatre and Audience Development, Tina Jo Wallace, will step into
the role of Derby Dinner’s new Producing Artistic Director upon his
departure.



Buckholz has been a fixture at Derby Dinner Playhouse since 1989, when he
began as an actor with the company, performing in dozens of productions. He
went on to become Resident Scenic Designer and Associate Producer, before
being chosen by Bekki Jo Schneider as her successor. Buckholz assumed the
role of Producing Artistic Director in 2018, following the passing of
Schneider. 



During his tenure with the company, Buckholz directed 92 productions,
created countless scenic designs, and hired dozens of artists and
technicians. His many accomplishments include helping the company navigate
and persevere through COVID-19. The company now serves over 200,000 audience
members each season. 



“Lee’s contributions to Derby have been immeasurable. His artistic vision
has inspired and delighted audience members across the country. He has been
a supportive partner throughout the many years that we have worked together.
He has continued to bring exciting and challenging productions to our
audiences and our production staff, and we have all grown with his
leadership. I am thankful to have worked alongside him, and wish him a
wonderful well-earned retirement,” said Cindy Knopp, General Manager and
co-owner of Derby Dinner Playhouse.



Buckholz shared, “Through the years, it has truly been a pleasure and a
privilege to work alongside so many talented actors, musicians,
choreographers and designers. From concept to curtain, we’ve experienced
great success and sometimes difficult challenge, but have consistently
created magic and memories for audiences of all ages. A product that I will
always be proud of. A foundation for continued success. I’m especially
grateful for guidance from my mentor, Kathy Mulay and unconditional support
from my partner, Michael Tierney, and am looking forward to a new chapter,
walking along the shoreline of Lake Michigan.”



Buckholz’s final production will be the musical URINETOWN, beginning
performances on the Playhouse stage February 19, 2025. 



Knopp has selected Tina Jo Wallace as the fourth Producing Artistic
Director in Derby Dinner Playhouse’s 50-year history. Wallace has been a
company member for 22 years, performing in numerous productions on the main
stage, children’s theatre, and as a Footnote. Since 2013, she has also
served as Director of Children’s Theatre and Audience Development. In this
capacity, she has directed and created musicals, created and managed
education programs for thousands of students, and expanded the theatre’s
social media presence. 



Wallace’s former position will be restructured and expanded, welcoming
staff members Sally Scott as Director of Children’s Theatre, Christina
Booker as Musical Director of the Children’s Theatre, and Tonilyn Hussey as
Director of Education. Long-time Company Manager and Director of Marketing,
Annie Myers, will assume the title of Associate Producer. 



“I’m deeply honored by this privilege of serving as Derby Dinner
Playhouse’s next Producing Artistic Director,” said Wallace. “I’m beyond
grateful to the staff, board, creative team, and all those who’ve come
before, building this incredible organization. Derby Dinner has been my
artistic home for the past two decades, and I couldn’t be more excited for
the opportunity to lead us into this next chapter.”



ABOUT DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE

Derby Dinner Playhouse is a theatrical entertainment leader in both Indiana
and neighboring state Kentucky, noted for their professional productions of
Broadway musicals and lighthearted comedies. Each dinner theatre production
comes alive with the magic of lights, costumes, a live orchestra, and a
stage full of professional performers. Derby Dinner operates with over 100
employees, working in the restaurant and theatre portions of the business.

National Guard Birthday - 385^th

We recognize December 13^th as the birthday of the National Guard. On this date in 1636, the first militia regiments in North America were organized in Massachusetts.

Most people between the ages of 17 and 35 are eligible to join the National Guard.

After completing 20 years of creditable service in the National Guard, you will receive a 20-year Notification of Eligibility for Retired Pay letter. This will qualify you for retirement pay and insurance on the day you turn 60 years old.

The public is invited to a retirement party for Buddy Smith and David Rockey, who are stepping down from their positions with the Town of New Pekin. The event will be Thursday, Dec. 12, beginning at 6 p.m., at Cornerstone Hall, 1500 East RC Morris Drive in Salem.

Buddy Smith currently serves as Utility Supervisor. He started working in 1992.

David Rockey is a Field Technician who began working for the town in 1993.

A statement released by the Town of New Pekin states, “For over 30 years these guys have been the heartbeat of the town. They have given up their time to make sure you have water when you turn on the faucet, plowed snow to make sure we could all travel safely and run the sewer system so the wastewater could be collected and treated. All times of day and night, these two men have kept the town streets and utilities operating.”

Town Of New Pekin Manager Jaden Stone said, “We are so very thankful for all their years of service. They will be greatly missed and extremely hard to replace.”

He added that after they leave their positions, even though the urge will be great during an emergency, Pekin residents should refrain from calling the two men for help.

“Let them enjoy their retirement,” Stone said humorously.

Stone encourages everyone to attend the retirement party to thank the gentlemen for all they have done and to wish them the very best during retirement.