Jay Entertainment & Music Society

UPDATE – JEMS REPAIR FUND

🎶🎵 $15,000 MATCHING DONOR CHALLENGE (through May 31) 🎭🎤🎸

We are nearing the final "sprint to the finish" of our $15,000 MATCHING DONOR CHALLENGE (running through May 31).

Thanks to YOU, we are just a few steps away from meeting our goal of paying for these unforeseen repairs.

We truly cannot thank our community of neighbors, musicians, artists, and local businesses enough for your generosity during this challenging time. Your support is powerful, inspiring, and deeply appreciated.

Many, many thanks!!

In case you missed our last update, an incredibly generous Jay community member has pledged to match every dollar donated to JEMS between now and May 31, up to $15,000. That means every gift you make is instantly doubled and goes directly toward critical building repairs following the lobby floor collapse.

No contribution is too small—every dollar helps us move closer to reopening our doors. This is your chance to double your impact and be part of bringing this community space back to life..

Ways to give:

• Donate in person at the CONTRA DANCE on May 13

• Donate right here online (link below).

• Mail a check to: JEMS, P.O. BOX 150, Jay, NY 12941

For those just catching up, here’s a quick overview:

Last October, the theater’s lobby floor collapsed due to long-term leaks and structural rot. We contracted Vincent Family Construction to complete the repairs and install heating in two affected bathrooms.

After removing the damaged floor and sealing the concrete slab, fluctuating temperatures caused snow and ice to melt around the building. This led to additional water infiltration near the check-in counter. We have also discovered rot in the sill along the southern exterior wall—issues that will significantly increase repair costs.

How YOU can help:

These unexpected developments mean costs will exceed our initial estimates. The floor repair alone is approximately $30,000, and additional repairs remain uncertain. While community support has been strong and deeply appreciated, we still have a way to go to meet both the original and expanded needs.

Thank you for being part of this effort. Your generosity is helping bring this vital community space back to life.

With gratitude,

The JEMS Team

We thank our JEMS community for your patience, and support during this challenging time.

A HUGE thank you from the JEMS Board to Elyse Roller and Joan Shulein for donating their $1,000 Kindling Award to JEMS! We have enjoyed the many community gatherings they have brought to the Amos & Julia Ward Theatre, and look forward to many more to come. Congratulations on being recognized for your essential work in building community ties, pride, and social opportunities. You two are truly local “JEMS”!

PAST EVENTS

JEMS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stephanie Battisti - President

Connie Miller - Vice President

Dennis Bakos - Secretary

Dawn Tonneau - Treasurer

Deirdre Garland - Board Member

Rance Bloom - Board Member

Mike Battisti - Board Member

Barbara Steen - Board Member

Larysa Murray - Board Member

Michael Rafferty - Board Member

Steve Turbek - Past President

For booking entertainment: Rance Bloom bloom.rance@gmail.com

For Hall rental (parties, etc.): Stephanie Battisti srbattisti@gmail.com or 518-637-1018

Please feel free to contact ANY board member if you have any questions regarding donation, event sponsorship and theater sponsorship. Or, feel free to contact Stephanie Battisti, President, at: 518-637-1018 or email us