Unsung Hero: Craig HindeCARBONDALE - Some might see retirement as a time to slow down and relax, but that's not the case for Craig Hinde of Carbondale. His commitment to the arts has only increased, with many hours of volunteer work both on stage, and off.
Hinde's hard work behind the scenes has inspired a cast of friends to come forward. They're telling of his many volunteer roles in Carbondale.
"Not only the Stage Company, but also the Varsity Center for the Arts," says Varsity board member Cathy Field. "I knew he was very active in Rotary, active in Green Earth."
"A huge supporter of natural areas, and maintaining these areas for people in Carbondale," adds Stephanie Eichholz with Green Earth.
Past president for the Varsity Center for the Arts Jack Langowski describes Hinde as, "A quiet individual, generally in the background. Never expecting credit- and it's wonderful that finally we can turn the spotlight on Craig." After years of hard work and leadership as a founding member of the Stage Company, in 2008 Hinde led teams of volunteers through renovations at the group's new home, the old Varsity theater. One memorable project- a huge firewall behind the stage known as the Great Wall of Carbondale. "I remember calculating the average age of our work crew for that project- it was a little over 70 years of age," says Hinde. They spent roughly 4,500 hours taking part in clean-up and carpentry work, literally setting the stage for more volunteer work- preparing for the productions themselves. "As a result, now Carbondale and southern Illinois have another beautiful theatrical showplace for the benefit of all of us and our families," says Field. "They come in and relive old memories of back when they used to go to the movies here," adds Stage Company Productions Vice President, Loren Cocking. And for a man in retirement, Hinde still sees more work on the horizon. "We have still a big part of it that needs to be renovated- and funds to be raised for that purpose." Renovations to the remaining theater space will cost around $3 million. It's a challenge, but as Craig Hinde knows, the show must go on. "There's no role that he's not willing to take on and execute flawlessly."
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