By Ward Merrill, Backus Community Center

Thank you, Beckie Aitken!
It is with mixed emotions that board members and Backus supporters bid farewell and thank you to Beckie and Pastor Tom Aitken this summer.
Both have been involved in Backus during their 16 years in the Falls.
Tom has entertained audiences numerous times on the Backus stage, most recently as Alexander Baker in the musical comedy "Old Koochiching." His brewings skills were a highlight of the recent "Ethnic Food Festival" as well.
Pastor Aitken and Beckie will be moving to Duluth in August where Tom will begin duties as bishop of the Northeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Beckie's first experience with Backus was as a performer in the historic art deco auditorium. She immediately fell in love with the building and its auditorium. She later joined the initial efforts to save and reuse the buildings, serving as a volunteer bookkeeper even before Citizens for Backus/AB was organized.
When "Citizens" was incorporated, Beckie served on the board and as the secretary-treasurer of the organization.
In the summer of 2004 she was hired as the assistant director/bookkeeper. Beckie became the fourth person to fill the shoes of the executive director when she took over that position in the fall of 2005.
During her tenure as director, she oversaw an increase in rentals, changes in the board and staff while continuing to perform on stage.
She took a particular interest in developing and promoting the popular "Chocolate Affair." And the idea for our very popular "Ethnic Food Festival" came from Beckie and Tom.
Beckie also helped initiate the successful roof fund raising campaign which raised over a quarter million dollars for roof renovations.
Beckie holds a special fondness for working with talented people such as Kay Arnold who could make a "sterile gym space look like an uptown gallery."
The enthusiasm and energy that Backus supporters exhibit on projects also made her work enjoyable and exciting.
Contemplating her move to Duluth, Beckie said she will miss the "small town atmosphere where you know everyone and have an opportunity to participate in so many activities." She will miss the friendliness of the people and the "chance to do almost anything you want, including directing a theatrical production."
One of Beckie's special memories about Backus is being involved in "Broadway on the Border" productions. As a fitting closure to her dedication to Backus, Beckie is directing and producing "Summer on the Border" which will be presented on the Backus stage at 7 p.m. on Friday.
Proceeds from this event will be designated for auditorium improvements.
A "farewell and thank you" reception will be held at Backus for Beckie and Pastor Tom on July 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. We extend our best wishes to Beckie and Tom and thank them both for their dedication and service to the people of our community.