November 13, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 9 Community effort saves Ramsey landmark Organizers of the Ramsey Theatre Group announced last week that the theater is 100 percent funded. The group banded together to raise the $125,000-plus needed to con- vert the Ramsey Cinema to a digital format. At the end of this year, the motion picture industry will stop producing 35 mm films and convert to a digital format. Most large movie theaters have already made the neces- sary changes to accommodate digital pictures. However, the conversion was a costly proposition for a small theater such as Ramsey’s. David and Laura Rose and Karen Emmert have been the driving forces behind the Ramsey Theatre Group. Last week, David Rose explained that the group actu- ally exceeded its fundraising goal, garnering pledges of $151,000. However, he explained that Kickstarter.com, which helped the RTG with the fundraiser, will receive part of that money as a fee. The largest pledge, Rose reported, came from Larry Inserra of ShopRite, who dedicated $15,000 toward the cause. Rose said the group plans to start working on the theater immediately, and the project could last six to eight weeks. The cinema closed on Aug. 20, after 80 years, but the Ramsey Theatre Group was determined to save this local landmark. The group’s brochure explains the various contribution levels and the rewards associated with each gift. For exam- ple, those who pledged $10 or more will receive a voucher for a movie ticket to see a digital movie. There are 12 levels of pledges, with the top level being $10,000 or more. Rewards at level 12 include naming rights to a portion of the theater, on-screen recognition for one year prior to each movie, a private showing for up to 150 people with popcorn and soda included, and four tickets to the Gala Red Carpet Re-opening. The group chose Kickstarter.com to help fund the proj- ect because the funds are only released if the target goal is reached or exceeded. This was an all or nothing endeavor – and the group managed to reach its goal in just 35 days. The group plans to use pledges for full digitization (video and sound) of both theaters. Aside from the purchase of the digital equipment, including projectors, plans also call for interior improvements. The Kickstarter.com campaign ended last week, but Rose indicated that pledges are still being accepted. He said pledges may be dropped off at Planet Swirl at 119 East Main Street – next door to the theater. Call (201) 232-5454 or (201) 207-1867, or e-mail RamseyTheatre@gmail.com. Ramsey Council (continued from page 3) As chairman of Utilities, Buildings, and Grounds, Weber had the opportunity to work with outstanding committees such as Environmental Commission to achieve Bronze Status in Sustainable NJ and the Recycling Committee to consistently raise recycling revenues each year. Weber also led the committee to plan and build a permanent 911 Memorial at Finch Park. Weber remains active coaching in Ramsey sports and serves as treasurer for the Knights of Columbus’ Ramsey Council. He is also a member of Ramsey Office of Emer- gency Management and a parishioner of Saint Paul’s Church. Weber earned a bachelor’s degree in computer infor- mation systems from Manhattan College and an MBA in finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University. The coun- cilman also earned a graduate certificate in Network and Communications Management and completed a master’s in project management from DeVry University’s Keller Grad- uate School of Management. Effective event Ramsey’s Seventh Annual Drug Take-Back Day netted 87 pounds of unused and expired prescription medications in just four hours. Pictured are Sergeant Timothy Shoemaker and Susan Turk of the Ramsey Alliance against Alcohol and Drug Abuse.