The 2026 Creative Forces® Community Engagement grant recipients have been announced; grants to recipient organizations will support community-based projects for service members, veterans, and their families and caregivers
By Steven Brodsky
… The names of the recipients and their projects are in this directory: Grantee Directory – Mid-America Arts Alliance.
From a news release that was issued by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA):
Washington, DC—The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), is pleased to announce the 2026 Creative Forces® Community Engagement grant recipients. In total, 48 organizations will receive grants ranging from $4,669 to $25,000, totaling $888,413. These community-based projects address the distinct experiences, challenges, and strengths of military-connected individuals and expand arts engagement opportunities for military-connected people in communities across the country.
Posted 8-6-26
Servant Stage Company’s production of ‘Anne of Green Gables’ to be presented in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, September 4 – September 27, 2026
By Steven Brodsky
Servant Stage Company’s production of ‘Anne of Green Gables’ will open on September 4, 2026 in Lancaster County, PA
Photo by Nicola Herring
… Visit Anne of Green Gables — Servant Stage for a link to order your pay-what-you-will tickets.
From a Servant Stage Company news release that was issued today, July 29, 2026:
Lancaster, PA – Servant Stage is delighted to present Anne of Green Gables, running September 4–27 in the High Performing Arts Center at Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Based on L. M. Montgomery’s beloved classic novel, this heartwarming family musical celebrates imagination, belonging, and the transformative power of love and friendship.
The musical is Canada’s longest-running musical, performing every summer at the Charlottetown Festival in Prince Edward Island, beginning in 1965. Servant Stage’s production features a large cast of more than 40 talented performers, a full orchestra, beautiful period costumes, and charming set pieces that help bring to life the little village of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Whether you’re introducing a new generation to Anne’s adventures or revisiting a cherished childhood favorite, this uplifting musical promises laughter, inspiration, and plenty of heartfelt moments.
When the aging Cuthberts decide to adopt a young boy to help on their farm at Green Gables, they are surprised instead by the arrival of Anne Shirley, an imaginative, talkative orphan girl with a vivid imagination and an irrepressible spirit. Though Anne’s fiery personality and endless curiosity often lead her into trouble, she gradually wins over the hearts of Marilla, Matthew, and the entire community of Avonlea. Filled with humor, warmth, and unforgettable characters, Anne of Green Gables is a timeless story about friendship, family, and discovering the extraordinary beauty hidden in the simplest moments.
Directed by Johnathan Bauer, this production captures both the whimsical charm and enduring themes of Anne’s story. “Anne reminds us that our greatest strengths are often the very qualities that make us different,” says Bauer. “Her imagination, resilience, and unwavering hope inspire us to embrace life’s joys and challenges with courage and wonder.”
In keeping with Servant Stage’s mission to make outstanding live theatre accessible to everyone, all performances of Anne of Green Gables will be offered on a pay-what-you-will basis. This unique approach allows audiences of all ages and backgrounds to experience exceptional theatre regardless of financial means.
Performances will be held September 4–27 in the High Performing Arts Center at Lancaster Mennonite School, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Tickets can be reserved online at ServantStage.org or by calling (717) 455-0255. Advance reservations are recommended, as many performances are expected to sell out.
Performance Schedule:
- Fridays, September 4, 11, 18 & 25 – 7:00 PM
- Saturdays, September 5, 12, 19 & 26 – 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
- Sundays, September 6, 13, 20 & 27 – 3:00 PM
About Servant Stage:
Servant Stage is a non-profit theater serving Lancaster County since 2011. Through its innovative approach to theatre, Servant Stage has reached more than 60,000 audience members in the past year with Pay-What-You-Will performances. Upcoming performances include Joy to the World (November-December).
Posted 7-29-26
Shackled and unshackled listeners
By Steven Brodsky
… have been enjoying episodes of UNSHACKLED!, the iconic radio drama show, since 1950.
Episodes of UNSHACKLED! are accessible at: https://unshackled.org/on-demand/browse-all-programs/.
John 8:36: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Note to readers: This post appeared at: https://delcoculturevultures.com/2025/05/06/conversations-about-faith/.
Posted 6-6-24, Revised and reposted 5-6-25