FRIENDS OF THE THOMASTON OPERA HOUSE
WHO WE ARE
The Thomaston Opera House, built in 1884, stands as a cherished piece of Connecticut's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Notably, it is one of the few remaining sites visited by Father Michael J. McGivney during his lifetime.
Friends of the Thomaston Opera House is a nonprofit organization passionately dedicated to restoring, preserving, and enhancing this historic venue. Through fundraising, project planning, and active community engagement, Friends ensures that the Opera House remains a vibrant center for arts and culture. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible and directly support ongoing restoration efforts
MEET THE BOARD
Roy Bouffard
Director
Roy taught English at Thomaston High School in the seventies and early eighties, including a class on theatre in the Opera House.
After leaving teaching, Roy worked for Ameriprise Financial and had an office in Thomaston for many years. In 2008 he was asked to be on the newly formed Regional Board of the Thomaston Opera House. That board, in 2010 became the Friends of the Thomaston Opera House. Roy has been chairman ever since.
Joan Gangloff
Secretary
Joan has been involved with the Thomaston Opera House for more years than she can remember, volunteering in the Box Office for 30 years while also being a loyal season subscriber. In 2012, she was invited to serve on the Regional Board and the Friends of the Opera House to help raise funds for its historic restoration.
Joan is thrilled to see the restoration finally underway, along with important updates to better support the performers. While there is still a long way to go, she finds great joy in seeing the Opera House being preserved for future generations.
Suzanne Serva
Treasurer
Suzanne has been a retired resident of Thomaston for 11 years. She is a former employee of Timex and the General Cable Company in CT.
Suzanne has enjoyed all the offerings at the Opera House and joined Friends of the Thomaston Opera House in 2019.
David Verdosci
Board Member
David is a lifelong resident of Connecticut and a man of many artistic endeavors. He brings to the board his passion for the arts, his enthusiasm for history, and his dedication to his faith and Father McGiveny.
In addition to being a board member of Friends of the Thomaston Opera House, David is an active volunteer in the Thomaston Historical Society, the Fine Arts Connections of Thomaston, Landmark Community Theatre.
Jim Kaniewski
Board Member
Jim is a lifelong resident of Thomaston and business Owner/Broker of Town and Country Real Estate.
In addition to Friends of the Thomaston Opera House, he is an active member of the Thomaston Rotary Club, Thomaston Opera House Restoration Committee.
Thomaston Library Board, Thomaston Savings Board member.
Sue McDonald
Board Member
Sue is a lifelong resident of Connecticut.She has been a board member of Friends of the Thomaston Opera House for several years.
Christina Molliconi
Board Member
Christina is an active volunteer and board member with Landmark Community Theatre, the Thomaston Community Food Pantry, and the Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Commission. She is also proud to support the Friends of the Thomaston Opera House in its mission to preserve this historic landmark.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Your support makes a lasting difference!
Whether through a financial contribution or by volunteering your time, you are helping ensure the Opera House remains a vibrant cultural landmark for generations to come.
Every dollar helps us fund critical restoration projects, improve accessibility, and support the performers who bring the Opera House to life.
