When Sondra Torchia enters a room, she owns it. As a local actress and history buff, Torchia creatively portrays important women in history.
Others have said, "When Sondra, whoever she might be, enters your event, she owns the room!"
Torchia will portray Mrs. Roberta Fulbright at the McDonald County Historical Society's fourth annual Spring Banquet on Saturday, April 1.
Her entertaining and educational portrayal will be one of many highlights of the event.
Torchia first became acquainted with the mission of the McDonald County Historical Society several years ago, thanks to her daughter, Katrina Hine of Anderson. When Torchia learned more about the society, she was hooked.
"I am truly impressed with the McDonald Historical Society and its ongoing work," Torchia said. "It is an honor each time I am invited to bring one of my Women from History before this group," she said.
A first-person interpretation begins with several months of intense, extensive research. Torchia also commits to developing the costume and props to fit the time period that "allows the woman to step from the pages of history to entertain and educate her audience."
Torchia brings years of experience to the stage as a history buff and former educator of 32 years. She began her "acting" career in the late 1970s in Southeast Kansas as a teacher and facilitator at teacher in-service workshops.
"Since I realized teachers are a hard group, I arrived as a 1949 retired principal, a no -nonsense 'ole gal," she said.
A friend then asked her to help out at a Precious Moment collector event in 1990. She researched Sam Butcher and discovered his favorite teacher was Miss Finnerfock.
"She was a hit and many job offers followed, going to Precious Moment collector events in Chicago, West Palm Beach, and Anaheim, California, and all over the country," she said.
In 1998, she was honored for her portrayal of Arkansas women by the Arkansas Governor's Fine Arts Award. That encouraged her to continue and her acting career flourished.
Her efforts have a lasting effect on her audiences.
"Now, that is a huge responsibility," she said. "So enjoyable but exhausting at the same time."
Torchia's portrayal of Mrs. Roberta Fulbright fits that description.
Fulbright was a remarkable woman in history who, following her husband's death in the early 1920s and after raising six children -- including a son who became a U.S. Senator from Arkansas -- took over her husband's 17 businesses in Fayetteville, Ark. Many businessmen intended to help poor Mrs. Fulbright run those businesses. But Mrs. Fulbright consolidated some of the companies, relied on her own business instincts and saw through those early days to much success.
Mrs. Roberta Fulbright is sure to be a hit, and McDonald County Historical Society President Lynn Tatum sees ticket sales continue to increase. The room at the River Ranch Resort -- the site of the banquet -- can accommodate 200 people and the event is well on its way to filling that capacity.
The fund-raiser offers Historical Society supporters the chance to have an evening on the town, as well as take home some wonderful items from the auctions.
The evening will begin at 5, with a social hour and a silent auction, followed by dinner at 6 and Torchia's portrayal of Fulbright. A live auction will wrap up the evening. Dinner is $30; a table is $200. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Historical Society.
Live auction items which will be featured include: clocks, china, a Chico watch, a rocker, electronics, a grill, Haresnickle by Linda Lindquist Baldwin, paintings, and wine and floral arrangements, according to Sam Alps and Kathy Underwood, auction coordinators. Silent auction items will include collectible dolls, a tote bag and various gift certificates and gift baskets.
Baked goods auction coordinators Karen Dobbs and Judy Rickett are organizing efforts to provide some wonderful delectables. "Some of the best bakers in the county are donating," Tatum said.
Dobbs said a variety of baked goods will be featured, including pies of all kinds, cookies and a cake or two. "These are from highly appreciated bakers in McDonald County," Dobbs said.
Those who volunteer their time to preserve history here are encouraged by the ongoing, impressive support for the McDonald County Historical Society.
"Folks are behind the restoration and preservation of their grand old courthouse. They want their history and heritage preserved," Tatum said. "There is so much for them to pass on through the stories which hold the values of the generations of families who have settled here. McDonald County folk take care of one another, build great families, work hard, have a grand sense of humor, and are ready and willing to serve their country. Our mission is to help them preserve these values."
The Historical Society has no paid staff, tax income or federal funding, Tatum said. Volunteers and hired construction workers perform all the work inside and outside the courthouse.
For tickets, call 417-223-3593 or email [email protected].
General News on 03/23/2017