Toccoa Gets Grant For Schaefer Center Sound System

The city of Toccoa is receiving a grant to help for a new sound system at the Schaefer Center.

Main Street Toccoa announced this week that it was awarded a grant in the amount of $46,295 from the Appalachian Regional Commission for a new professional sound system.

“It will include a theater audio system, a movie audio processing system, wireless microphones, antenna distribution equipment, and much more,” said Main Street Toccoa Director Connie Tabor. “We have run into issues in the past with audio problems and so it will be nice to have a real sound system that people can enjoy and hear and that we can control and not have to rent a sound system any more, so we are excited that we were approved for this grant application.”

Tabor went on to say that a new sound system will also help with the future development of the Schaefer Center as an entertainment venue.

“We think the addition of the new professional sound system will enhance of the caliber of the entertainment we are able to attract, as well as give that true experience when you go to a movie theater for our audience so they feel like they are at a true movie theater.”

Toccoa Mayor Evan Hellenga agreed, saying that with the grant approval, the city has just made another step towards making a good theater a great theater.

Meanwhile, Toccoa Vice-Mayor Jeanette Jamieson said the city is confident this grant for a new sound system will continue to showcase the Schaefer Center as a centerpiece in downtown Toccoa and Toccoa City Commissioner Terry Carter said the Schaefer Center is becoming an anchor for downtown and this will continue to help create the entertainment factor needed to develop the downtown area.

City officials said they appreciate the ARC’s efforts in approving this grant for the new sound system.