[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 131 (Friday, August 16, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E827-E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MAYO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKIE SHERRILL

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 16, 2024

  Ms. SHERRILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th 
anniversary of the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in appreciation 
of its importance to New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District as a 
center of entertainment and arts education.
  MPAC has its origins in the Community Theater, the first first-run 
movie theater in

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Morristown, which opened in the 1930s but eventually fell into 
disrepair. In 1994, the Theater reopened as a performing arts center, 
sparking a 30-year journey leading to the MPAC we know today. None of 
this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of 
countless staff members, volunteers and philanthropists. MPAC has grown 
to offer over 200 performances a year to close to 200,000 patrons. 
Their events and educational programs not only enrich the community 
with vibrant music and culture, but have an $18 million impact on the 
local economy. MPAC is truly a cultural cornerstone and key economic 
driver for Northern New Jersey.
  MPAC's programs strive to ensure the arts are an integral part of 
everyone's life by making music, culture, and dance accessible to all. 
Their educational programs have grown exponentially to touch over 
40,000 children and their families each year of all ages and abilities. 
Opening the world for these students while introducing the creative 
spark and mental health benefits of the arts. I am especially thankful 
for MPAC's groundbreaking Miracle Project which brings the 
communication, social and confidence building skills learned through 
performance arts education to children and young adults with autism and 
other special needs.
  Whether it is through large scale entertainment events, civic 
conversations, free community engagement initiatives, or their 
extensive educational programming, it is clear that MPAC provides a 
critical forum to immerse ourselves in the arts and open our minds to 
new cultural experiences. In this 30th anniversary year, I am grateful 
for all they have done to support New Jersey artists, our community and 
our local economy. I am excited to see their continued impact on the 
performing arts across New Jersey.

                          ____________________