[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 19, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING JULIE SHAMBARGER'S CONTRIBUTIONS RESTORING THE TIMES 
                     THEATER IN ROCHESTER, INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUDY YAKYM III

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2024

  Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Julie Shambarger for the 
incredible work she has done to revitalize downtown Rochester, Indiana, 
by spearheading the effort to refurbish and reopen The Times Theater in 
Rochester.
  As is the case with so many venues on Main Streets across America, 
The Times Theater was an iconic symbol of Main Street Rochester before 
closing its doors in 2014.
  Rather than accept The Times Theater's apparent fate as a project of 
the past, Julie Shambarger poured her heart and soul into the mission 
of ensuring this cherished community fixture would be open for business 
and welcome visitors once again.
  Guided by her belief that The Times Theater could be restored as the 
vibrant heart of the Rochester community, Julie marshalled the effort 
to acquire the grants and donations needed to renovate The Times 
Theater so its reopening could be not only a possibility, but a 
reality.
  Today, The Times Theater is host to not only movies but also live 
music and community events, and it has welcomed over 9,000 guests since 
reopening last February. It has elevated the cultural landscape of 
Rochester and been a beacon of artistic innovation and creative 
expression.
  At a time when many of America's social and civic ties are fraying, 
places like The Times Theater--places the community can take pride in 
and congregate at--are all the more important.
  I and so many other Hoosiers are immensely grateful to Julie 
Shambarger for the dedicated and diligent work she has done to bring 
more energy and life back to downtown Rochester and all of Fulton 
County.
  I look forward to visiting The Times Theater again soon and seeing 
how Julie Shambarger's efforts will continue to pay dividends in the 
years ahead.

                          ____________________