Memberworks Spring 2012

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A Message from the President Dear Member, As part of OI’s New Year’s resolution, we are identifying new ways in which we can better serve you. In fact, we are getting ready to launch a new long-range plan starting in July. As an organization we hope to strengthen our mission, continue to remain relevant to our constituencies and identify strategies to position ourselves for a stable future. I look forward to sharing our plans with you in the near future. In the meantime, you can expect to see more immediate enhancements to our organization and its programs. Our membership program will be revised with new benefits and new member only events. Oglebay Institute will continue to stay current with social media trends. If you are a Facebook user, you will have noticed more content and conversations driven by OI and its patrons. In February, we reached more than 2,800 unique people who saw content associated with our page within a 7-day period! We also continue to develop new programs and partnerships. Many of these are highlighted in this issue. Your constant feedback, participation and support are greatly appreciated. Without your steadfast commitment, we could not plan for such an exciting future! Sincerely,

Oglebay Institute President

On the Cover:

Edemar Mansion, known now as Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center, is the former home of Edward W. Stifel Sr. and his family. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and providing opportunities for people of all ages to engage in the arts, the mansion remains a vibrant force in the community, a living monument to one family’s civic responsibility. See more on pages 4–5.

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Oglebay Institute Memberworks | Spring 2012

Planned Giving Make Arts Advocacy Part of Your Legacy One may think that a planned gift or endowment gift is beyond one’s capacity for giving. Both large and small gifts from individuals, or from their estates, have increased the endowment and strengthened Oglebay Institute’s mission over the years. Individual gifts account for about 83% of all charitable giving. While many only consider the possibility of outright gifts, few are aware of the advantages of making charitable gifts from capital assets—through a will or trust, for example—rather than current income. A planned gift is a gift of capital that can be an outright gift, a life-income gift, or a charitable bequest through one’s will. It can be made during a donor’s lifetime or at the time of death, and it is often motivated by a desire to meet a specific need of the donor. Oglebay Institute can work with you and your advisor to meet both your charitable and estate needs. Please call Kathleen McDermott at 304-242-4200 for more information on planned giving with Oglebay Institute.

OI Conducts Membership Survey New Benefits Structure Coming Soon Oglebay Institute has a strong membership base of 1,100 individuals and families. By thoroughly evaluating the current membership structure, OI hopes to implement new benefits to better meet the needs and wants of its members, show our gratitude to existing supporters and entice new individuals to join the OI family. OI began 2012 by encouraging its members to participate in an online survey. Respondents were asked to give insight into what the organization means to them and what membership benefits they most enjoy. The survey results provided valuable information to OI staff. Director of Development Jessi Spangler explains, “We believed that fresh benefits would add value to our membership but it was imperative that we hear this directly from our members.” The survey included a wealth of great ideas for improvement, including an effort to host more “Members’ Only” events. A Members’ Appreciation Party has now been scheduled for May 10 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center; details will be forthcoming. To learn more about OI membership, visit oionline.com/ support or call the Development Office at 304.242.4200.


Oglebay Institute Receives Grants Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation

James B. Chambers Foundation

The Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation recently continued its support of Oglebay Institute, and more specifically, the visual arts department, with a $2,500 contribution. The funding will be used to underwrite a new school-based ceramics program for middle and high school students at the Stifel Fine Arts Center this spring.

OI wishes to publicly acknowledge and thank the James B. Chambers Foundation for its recent grant award. The Foundation gave $4,000 to OI that will in turn be distributed as 2012 summer day camp scholarships to worthy and deserving Ohio County children.

Four schools will be invited to participate in the 2012 Ceramic Field Trip Program. Art classes will then visit the facility three times each to complete the full process of ceramic art creation. Receiving hands-on instruction in wheel throwing and hand building is a great opportunity for students to expand their interests and work with an unfamiliar medium.

Pictured (left to right) are: Makayla Carney, David Gaudio, Emma Guy, Allison Holmstrand, Oglebay Institute Development Director Jessi Spangler, Executive Director of the James B. Chambers Foundation Emily Fisher and Joshua Crowly. The grant will make scholarships available to area children wishing to attend OI Summer Day Camps like Digital Media and Film Making.

JPMorgan Chase Foundation: REACH Program Oglebay Institute has once again received program support from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. $16,500 was awarded for the continuation and advancement of the Schrader Environmental Center’s REACH program. REACH is an 8-week hands-on science curriculum that is implemented in Ohio County Schools’ fifth grade classrooms. Led by Schrader Center educators and experts, engaging one hour lessons about topics such as energy, water, and flowers are explored.

Students at Madison Elementary creating “Madison Square Garden” with the help of Schrader Center educator, Greg Moore.

Since its inception in 2007, the REACH program has led to significant and documented improvements in the science test scores of participating students. Furthermore, the hands-on approach to learning has connected students who were previously struggling to grasp state mandated content standards and objectives. Students and teachers alike are pleased to have the program continue throughout the 2011-2012 school year. Oglebay Institute Memberworks | Spring 2012

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S

The

tifel

Fine Arts Center

Celebrating 100 Years of History, Community & Philanthropy

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the completion of the historic Edemar Mansion, known now as Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center. This Neoclassical Revival Style mansion is more than a venue to exhibit artistic work, showcase musical concerts and offer classes in the visual and performing arts; it also stands in testimony to how the Stifel family, one of Wheeling’s pioneer families, is interwoven with the industrial, business and cultural history of Wheeling and how the public-spiritedness and philanthropy of several generations of Stifels has benefited hundreds of thousands of Ohio Valley residents.

Stifel Calico Works

The first Stifel to settle in Wheeling was Johann Ludwig Stifel, a German immigrant who arrived in Wheeling in 1834. From humble beginnings in a cabin where work was done by hand, Stifel developed the calico works, J.L. Stifel & Sons, which grew into one of the nation’s largest calico fabric printing establishments. In its peak years, the Stifel Calico Works produced 3.5 million yards of cloth per month. At any one time, the plant had on hand 2,000 miles of fabric. The calico works ceased operation in Wheeling in 1957. Stifel, translated from German, means “boot,” and the Stifel boot trademark on the reverse side of their fabric was known throughout the textile industry as a mark of quality. An oft-told story is that of people wearing the calico “inside out” to show off the boot trademark - much like contemporary Americans now display their designer labels.

Edemar Mansion

Started in 1910, the construction of this home of Edward W. Stifel Sr., grandson of J.L. Stifel and a company executive, and his wife Emily Pollock Stifel took two years to complete. It was named Edemar for their three children, Edward, Emily and Mary. Edemar contained 30 rooms, 9 bathrooms and 42,000 square feet of space.

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Oglebay Institute Memberworks | Spring 2012


Mr. Stifel required that the building be fireproof, so steel, brick, concrete and block were used throughout. All the floors, including the attic floor, are poured concrete; interior walls, some eight inches thick, are concrete. The structural system to support this massive structure is concrete enclosed steel I-beams supported by piers and bearing walls. This unique construction makes Edemar distinctive because in 1910 such construction techniques were primarily used for skyscrapers and large commercial buildings, not a single family’s private residence. Wheeling’s most prominent architect Charles W. Bates designed Edemar. Bates designed numerous buildings, located in Wheeling’s historic district, and is best known for designing the Capitol Theatre in 1928. Located in the 1,000 square foot living room is the rare, oak-cased Steinway Concert Grand piano. The piano was reportedly made to the personal specifications of Mr. Steinway. However, the piano was too large for the space he had in mind for it, so Mr. Stifel acquired it in 1912 for Mrs. Stifel, a classically trained pianist. It was restored to its original condition in 1987 and continues to be played at various concerts at the Stifel Center.

Stifel Fine Arts Center

Upon the death of Mrs. Edward W. Stifel Sr. in 1976 at the age of 97, her children and their descendents deeded Edemar and the surrounding property to Oglebay Institute for use as a public arts center. During the renovation, efforts were made to preserve the architectural integrity of the home. Visitors still marvel at the stained glass windows, grand central staircase, marble floors and the majestic fireplace. The Stifel Fine Arts Center opened in 1978 with a fall class enrollment of 111. In 2011, fall class enrollment was 835. In 1979, educational outreach programs served 525 students. In 2011, 4,049 students participated in Stifel Center programs. More than 200 art exhibits have been on display at the Stifel Center since 1978, including works from local, regional and national artists. Crosscurrents, the longest running annual exhibit at the Stifel Center, has featured the work of more than 3,000 regional artists.

The Phil Maxwell Endowment Long-Time Staff Member Establishes Endowment to Support New Artists Oglebay Institute is pleased to announce that long-time staff member, instructor, member and friend, Phil Maxwell, recently established the Phil Maxwell Endowment, which will support emerging and new artists at the Artists Market during OglebayFest. Phil has been involved with the Artists Market since 1979 as both an organizer and as a juror. Most recently Phil has been underwriting the “Up and Coming Artists” tent of the show, which gives new artists the opportunity to exhibit free of charge. With his endowment gift this tradition will continue in perpetuity. Beginning in 2012, the market will be called “The Phil Maxwell Artist and Gourmet Market.” Phil was introduced to OI as a day camper in 1934 and joined the staff as a counselor one year later. In 1937 he played a prominent role in the establishment of the Oglebay Art and Craft League. After three years of service in WWII, Phil returned to Wheeling in 1946 and helped establish Oglebay Institute’s Downtown Center at the Pythian Building where he expanded the craft program. In 1949 he was named Craft

Specialist and officially retired from OI in 1986. However, Phil continued to offer classes such as jewelry, leaded glass, furniture refinishing and basket making until 2008. For more information about establishing an endowment, call Kathleen McDermott at 304-242-4200. Phil Maxwell, left, teaches a craft workshop in the 1960s.


OI in Photos With spring right around the corner and temperatures getting warmer, we look back at some heartwarming holiday traditions at OI including The Nutcracker, Children’s Day and Holidays at the Mansion while offering gratitude to our many volunteers, performers and community partners that make the winter season such a special time at Oglebay Institute.

The Nutcracker

Presented by Oglebay Institute’s Youth Ballet Company Through performances at schools, outreach organizations and public shows at Towngate Theatre and Mansion Museum; nearly 1,700 patrons saw Oglebay Institute’s Youth Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker in 2011, making it one of Oglebay Institute’s furthest-reaching programs of the year. Many OI dancers also performed on the Capitol Theatre stage as part of the Wheeling Symphony’s production of The Nutcracker.

More than 50 people attended a special midnight performance of “Dracula,” which was sponsored by the Friends of Towngate.

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Pictured above are Oglebay Institute dancers and cast members of The Nutcracker. Front row, left to right: Anna Turani, Madeline Mandel and Lexie Kosanovic. Back row, left to right: Marina McGinley, Morgan McCool, Erica Strope, Lucy Hartzell, Kristina Slivchenko, J’lyse Kafana and Adelaide Estep.

Oglebay Institute Memberworks | Spring 2012

Towngate Theatre presents Dracula

Above; cast members Shawn Carder and Meghan Ross star in Towngate’s revamped adaptation of the Dracula legend by American playwright Steven Dietz. Vincent Marshall gets into character backstage before a special midnight showing of Dracula. Presented by the Friends of Towngate, the midnight show drew 54 guests and raised $581 for backstage renovations.


Children’s Day at the Mansion Santa made a special appearance November 20 at Oglebay Institute’s Mansion Museum. Children of OI members enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon complete with holiday arts and crafts, cookies, a yummy candy shop, children’s gift shop, a magic show, a holiday play performed by Oglebay Institute’s Postage Stamp Players and, of course, a personal visit with Santa. Thanks to the Committee of the Museums of Oglebay Institute for sponsoring and hosting such a great event!

Holidays at the Mansion

Above, left to right, are Holidays at the Mansion co-chairs Gretchen Hooper, Barbara Ruben and Deb Parkison. Gretchen and Deb also co-chair the annual Children’s Day at the Mansion. Left; Emma Craycraft, 7, daughter of Marsha and Joe Craycraft of Wheeling.

Oglebay Institute’s Parcel Players Emily Capehart, Juan Dunlap and Eric Geisel perform” Rollin’ in Dough in Mistletoe” for guests of the annual Children’s Day at the Mansion.

Yvonne Jacobs of Elm Grove Flowers, pictured, designed the holiday décor for the Federal Bedroom, one of the 13 period rooms trimmed for the holidays in the Mansion Museum.

Becky and Don Niess transformed the Pioneer Kitchen into a “Warm Holiday Kitchen” for the “Home for the Holidays” decorating event at the Mansion Museum in Oglebay. Oglebay Institute Memberworks | Spring 2012

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Towngate Theatre presents Cinderella 695 guests were treated to Towngate’s magical production of Cinderella in January which included a special tour of the set, keepsake photograph and meet and greet with the cast after each performance.

Left: Aimee Schultz and Zachary Michael star as Cinderella and the Prince in Towngate Theatre’s production of the classic fairy tale. Above: Adding a special experience in audience engagement, cast members Jessica Webster, Lola Miller and Emily Good sign souvenir photos after a performance.

Maddie Link joins Tim Thompson, playing the role King Leopold, for a tour of the Cinderella set. Thompson also co-directed the play with Dave Henderson.

The Cinderella Tea Presented by the Friends of Towngate

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Cast member Eric Geisel joins Nicole Brown at Towngate’s Cinderella Tea. The fundraiser, presented by the Friends of Towngate, welcomed 35 guests and raised more than $350 for theatre improvements. Oglebay Institute Memberworks | Spring 2012

Marley Labishak (center) joins Cinderella stars Aimee Schultz and Zachary Michael for a commemorative photo.


23rd Annual Regional Student Art Exhibition First Place Winners Jesse Fletcher of Cameron won first place in photography for “Railroad.”

Tiffany Eberle of Union Local won first place in drawing for “Villa Valo.”

Sarah Fiorintini of Avella won first place in the 3D category for “House.”

Tapas Tastings: The Art of Elegant Small Plate Dining

Lizzy Hannah of Wheeling Park won first place in painting for “Water Wars.”

The Art of Wine

at the Stifel Fine Arts Center

Chef Sarah Lydick of Sandscrest Conference and Retreat Center was featured at the first Tapas Tasting, January 21 at the Stifel Fine Arts Center.

Pictured with their Spanish-inspired Tapas at the February 17 tasting are members of the West Virginia Northern Community College Culinary Arts Program. Left to right are Eric Burton, David Rose, Chef Gene Evans and Kelvin Morris. Both tapas tasting events sold out and were very well-received by guests. Two more events are planned – March 16 & April 20.

Cane Vanderhoof (left) and Paul Irby (right) of Miramonte Winery unveiled their collection of artisan wines to the Wheeling area at the Stifel Center’s February 10 Art of Wine event. Oglebay Institute Memberworks | Spring 2012

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Schrader Center to Offer New Interactive Experiences Joint Project with Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center has teamed up with the Schrader Center on a 14-week collaborative project to develop applications for enhancing guest experiences at Oglebay Resort, the Schrader Center and the A.B. Brooks Discovery Trail System. A team of five graduate students, supported by two advisors from the ETC, has made several visits to Oglebay to explore the Schrader Center, meet with OI staff and naturalists and walk the trails, all in an effort to assimilate a guest’s current experience. “The project goal is for a guest to begin a tour within the building, drawn in by interactive technology that simultaneously teaches and encourages active participation and then sends them outside to explore and discover the natural world on the trails,” said Eriks Janelsins, director of the Schrader Center.

Pictured, left to right, are Schrader Center director Eriks Janelsins; ETC team members Sara Wang, Sandi Chakravarty, Noe Barragan, Val Sofranko, and Samantha Collier; Director of Nature Interpretation Greg Park and Director of Environmental Education Jake Francis.

ETC’s team presented several unique ideas, including a natural immersion experience that would allow guests to interactively participate in a virtual game integrating a native creature, its natural habitat and the Schrader Center trails and gardens. Inclusive to a multi-generational audience from toddlers to grandparents, guests choose their creature, which becomes their avatar, and progress through an interactive game that involves completing suggested tasks that teach the guest about the natural world. Experiences like hunting

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Oglebay Institute Memberworks | Spring 2012

for food or escaping from a predator would begin inside the Schrader Center, led by the voice of “Mother Nature,” and guests would be prompted to explore and discover solutions to particular challenges outside on the trails or in the gardens. Upon completion, guests earn points and receive a virtual trophy. With at least two creatures to choose from, natural world learning experiences are endless. Carnegie Mellon’s ETC is a unique master’s-level program that brings together interdisciplinary student teams, and its graduates are among the most highly sought-after professionals in the interactive media industry. The Schrader Center was chosen by a panel of advisors to participate in a joint partnership with the ETC and is in the company of corporate projects at organizations such as Microsoft, the Chicago Museum and Lockheed Martin. The ETC was founded in 1998 as a joint program between the School of Computer Science and the College of Fine Arts with CoDirectors Don Marinelli, a Professor of Drama, and the late Randy Pausch, a Professor of Computer Science, helping to illustrate the educational and professional mission of the ETC. Pausch gained international fame with his 2007 “Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Above, a 3D modeling of a Slimy Salamander Dreams” that has created by the ETC team. Guests will be able to interact with this, and other native species, more than 14 in an indoor virtual environment while being million views on encouraged to further explore the natural world YouTube. outside. The Schrader Center is constantly seeking to discover innovative and effective ways to engage visitors and members, and the staff is currently working in partnership with the country’s top institutions and foundations to bring new ideas, technology, knowledge, and experiences to the Ohio Valley. This partnership is made possible by a grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.


Oglebay Institute Welcomes New Staff and Board Members Jake Francis, Director of Environmental Education Jake is a recent alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where, inspired by his parents’ deep seeded love of the outdoors and the summers he spent at Oglebay Institute Junior Nature Camp, he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology. Jake has research experience in field ecology and biology education and has presented on these topics at various regional and national meetings including the annual meetings of the Association of Southeastern Biologists and the Ecological Society of America. He hopes that his experience will help him contribute to the tradition of excellence in research, education, and environmental stewardship at Oglebay Institute’s Schrader Environmental Education Center.

Tara Scatterday, Assistant Director of Environmental Education Tara received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in journalism from West Virginia University. She has more than 20 years experience in the marketing field. Most recently she worked as a marketing and public relations consultant and served as Senior Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for Bristol Hospital in Bristol, Connecticut. An outdoor enthusiast and advocate of environmental sustainability, Tara is eager to work with a team of like-minded individuals to promote environmental awareness and education to our community.

New Board Members Patrick J. Felton

David F. Cross

A partner at Felton & Felton, CPAs in Wheeling, Patrick earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant in 1983. Throughout the years, Patrick has maintained a strong sense of commitment to the growth of the Ohio Valley. He is a board member of Valley Hospice Foundation, Wheeling Health Right, WALS Foundation and Serra Club of Wheeling. Patrick and his wife Debbie currently reside in Wheeling with their four children.

An attorney at Cross Law Office in Wellsburg, David received a Juris Doctor Degree from Capital University and entered private practice in 1990. He serves as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Brooke and Hancock Counties. He resides in Wheeling with his wife Cheryl. They are the parents of four daughters.

Thank You!

Since our last Memberworks publication, these supporters have either recently joined OI, have upgraded their level of membership, or we are welcoming them back after an absence. (Received November 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012.) ELVIRA ALBERT TRACIE & JACIE BAKER MARY LEE MOORE BIZANOVICH KAREN & DAVE BLAIR MYA NICOLLE BOGERS MR. & MRS. ROBERT BROWN GIA CAMPBELL CHRISTY CIANELLI DIANA CRUTCHFIELD DON & BETH ANN DAGUE MARIANN & JOHN DARGUSCH AMI & TED DODD SUSAN DUNFEE MONICA EDGE EMILY & JOHN EMMERTH ADELAIDE ESTEP ROBIN ESTEP DOMINIC & LUCHIA FATO KEVIN & KATHLEEN FRANK MRS. JUNE L. GOODMAN JACQUELINE HAMMERS MR. & MRS. JOHN C. HARMON ALYSSA HEATH MICHAEL HUGHES AUBREI JOANOU MR. & MRS. RICHARD A. JONES WILBUR S. JONES JR. & JOYCE JEFFERSON ALLYSON & SCOT KANGISSER KIRK & CARRIE KAZIENKO SAMANTHA KLEMM PATRICIA KNUTH BILL & JILL KONKLE & FAMILY CASEY & JOSH KORBINI BILL & SUSIE LEBEDA CHRIS & LORI LEFFLER PAUL & JENNIFER LINDER MARK MADISON GENEVIEVE MARKS BARBARA McCULLOUGH MR. & MRS. PATRICK J. McDERMOTT JO ANN MEEKER MR. & MRS. TY MILLER JANIE & DRYDEN MURRAY BECKY NAU MICHAEL PAPPA ED PARKER MRS. MEGGAN PASQUALLA & FAMILY KATHY PATNODE & LOU REYNOLDS MR. & MRS. LEE C. PAULL, III MOLLY C. POFFENBARGER JOHNETTE POLLOCK & FAMILY HARRY & MARSHA PORTER ALAN & MARILYN RABINOWITZ BEVERLY RIDDLE JONATHAN ROSSANO DR. & MRS. INDRANIL SAU CRAIG & MARGY SEACHRIST DR. & MRS. SCOTT SHALAWAY DONNA & LEANNE SLIVA PALLU & MAYA TADIPATRI MR. & MRS. FRANK TALENFELD MICHELLE & PHILIP TITUS GLOVER JOSEPH & EILEEN VIGLIETTA MR. & MRS. RICHARD A. WARMUTH JAMES & APRIL WHEELER AARON & HEATHER WILKINSON MR. JOHN R. WILLIAMS BILLIE WITTE BRUCE L. ZINZ Oglebay Institute Memberworks | Spring 2012

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1330 National Rd. Wheeling, WV 26003


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