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Flagpole Radio Cafe Raising Money to Support Challenge Grant

As the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission announced this week, The Flagpole Radio Café has been presented with a $5,000 challenge grant from the law firm of Stratton Faxon, which has already made a $5,000 donation to program.

If the Flagpole Radio Café can raise another $5,000, Stratton Faxon will make an additional donation of $5,000 to support the project, for a total donation of $10,000 from the law firm. That is where the challenge comes in.

The grant was presented recently to Flagpole Radio Café producers Martin Blanco and Barbara Gaines from Newtown resident and Stratton Faxon partner Joel Faxon.

While companies have already contributed to the effort of raising the $5,000, individuals can also make donations to support the Flagpole Radio Café on its website.

"The best thing about a challenge grant is that it creates an opportunity for fans of the show to make a profound impact with an affordable gift," said Ms Gaines. "If we can inspire 100 people to contribute $25, we will easily realize our goal."

Recent company contributions have been made by Sippin Energy Products, the accounting firm of Capossela, Cohen, LLC, and Newtown Savings Bank at $500 each; and the Law Offices of James O. Gaston has contributed $300.

"We are grateful to our grand sponsor Stratton Faxon for their continued support and leadership," said Mr Blanco. "They have been instrumental in sustaining this project as well as aiding its growth. We are also appreciative of the other businesses for their generosity. This level of support helps pay the wonderful performing artists in our show, enables us to afford remarkable guest artists such as Livingston Taylor, and helps keep the ticket prices affordable. By supporting this program, they have enhanced the already rich cultural fabric of Newtown and the Housatonic Valley region. Thank you all."

The Flagpole Radio Café is now in its fourth season. It was created by Jim Allyn, Mr Blanco, and Ms Gaines in conjunction with the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission. It features music by Mr Allyn and The Flagpole Radio Café Orchestra, and radio-style comedy sketches by the Flagpole Shakespeare Repertory Theatre.

Each Flagpole Radio Café show features a musical guest artist. Past guest musical artists have been Jonathan Edwards, Tom Chapin, Peter Yarrow, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Christine Lavin, Roger Ball of The Average White Band, Deborah Henson-Conant and Yale's internationally acclaimed male choir The Whiffenpoofs.

Livingston Taylor will be the guest artist for the next presentation of Flagpole Radio Café on March 24. The show is scheduled to begin at 7 pm at the Edmond Town Hall, and will be preceded by a reception in the town hall's Alexandria Room.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students and senior citizens. Contact info@flagpoleproductions.org for more information. For ticket sales and other information visit www.flagpoleproductions.org or www.newtownartscommission.org, or call 203-364-0898.