CUTLINE: Barb and Joleen photo: Barb Thompson and Joleen Ohlson (l-r) will be serving as co-chairs of the new North Fayette Valley Fine Arts Boosters (NFVFAB).

Fine Arts Boosters joining forces

Brian Smith
Contributing Writer
bsmith@fayettepublishing.com

The Fine Arts Boosters from North Fayette and Valley will be coming together to form a new group, which will be known as North Fayette Valley Fine Arts Boosters (NFVFAB). This new group will work together to support band, chorus, drama, and speech programs for students at North Fayette Valley High School and Middle School.

Co-chairs of NFVFAB will be Joleen Ohlson and Barb Thompson. Ohlson previously served as president of the North Fayette Music Boosters, while Thompson served as president of the Valley Fine Arts Boosters. The two have been working together to coordinate the process of combining the two groups.

“The reason for boosters has always been to help keep our fine arts programs strong, so that students will have the opportunity to grow and share their talents with the community. This will continue to be our goal as we go forward together,” stated Ohlson.

NFVFAB is a nonprofit organization that is independent of the school district. Tina Jacobs will be serving as secretary for the group, while Sharon Houg and Marilyn Stepan will split the duties as treasurer. Ohlson and Thompson have been working with these officers over the summer, with input from Deb Kahler and Val O’Brien as well, to hold organizational meetings, establish bylaws, and set up a new federal ID number and bank account. 

The boosters have already begun a campaign to build membership and support by sending out over 800 letters to parents and community members, asking for their involvement.

“Previously, the communities in both districts gave tremendous support to the fine arts programs for each school. We are hoping that this tradition will continue as it has in the past,” explained Thompson.

The group plans to have two members who will work as “class advisors” for each grade level (7-12). This group will help organize fundraisers and find volunteers for their grade levels throughout the year.

Among the fine arts activities that are being planned for the near future are a Fine Arts Pork Barbecue during the home football game on Sept. 6, hosting the Upper Iowa Conference Vocal Festival on Oct. 14, and the fall musical performances Nov. 15-17. A combined band and chorus trip to Washington, D.C., is also in the works for this spring. Students will be working hard to raise money for the trip. 

The fine arts carnival will be held this year at the middle school. This is just one fundraiser that will be used to help finance fine arts needs. The boosters are planning to have fundraisers throughout the year and currently are working through some different ideas for raising money.  

Among the initial needs that must be financed will be new band uniforms for North Fayette Valley High School band members. NFVFAB will appoint a committee to select and purchase the new uniforms as school begins this fall.

The boosters welcome any and all help from those who might be interested in attending meetings, helping at events, or donating to the cause. Those interested in being a part of NFVFAB should contact Joleen Ohlson at (563) 422-7805 or Barb Thompson at (563) 774-3765. An NFVFAB membership form is available on the school website, and an NFV Fine Arts Facebook page has also been created so that interested individuals can find information about all the fine arts events taking place at North Fayette Valley High School and Middle School. NFVFAB invites parents and community members to be a part of supporting fine arts at North Fayette Valley.