Preparing for a New Year right now might seem late, but it is the perfect time for the Austin Area Commission for the Arts.

Our fiscal year begins on Feb. 1, and we are in the thick of getting ready to make it even better than the last.

This year brings some changes to our Board of Directors. Janet Anderson and Joel Nelson, two long time board members, will be leaving the board as their term limits come to a close.

Janet was a Charter Member of the AACA Board when the organization was established in 1990. Over the years she has done substantial work for the organization, but none as critical as the role she had in restoring the historic Paramount Theatre. Joel joined the AACA Board around 2003 as a representative of the Storyteller’s Festival.

He also has worked hard for the organization over the years, most importantly helping to bring in the Paramount’s sound system and equipment.

A big thank you to both for their years of dedicated service to the organization. As they rotate off, we welcome four new board members: Dick Benzkofer, Bruce Loeschen, Nikky Krautbauer, and James Schroeder. All four will bring invaluable and diverse skills and expertise to our organization.

Although our board for the next year has been selected, we are always searching for community members to serve on one of our committees.

Please contact me at director@paramounttheatre.org if you would be interested in joining.

A new year for us would not be complete without new productions.

This fiscal year will commence with the Matchbox Children’s Theatre’s upcoming production of “The Magic Flounder,” running Feb. 10-12. Tickets are available at the Paramount Theatre, Main Street, and Hy-Vee.