When Dan Miljanich moved to Pulaski last year from Ohio, he wanted to see what our town had to offer.  As he walked around the square one afternoon, he noticed folks lining up to see a performance of Disney's 101 Dalmatians, Kids at the STAAR Theatre and Center for the Arts.  He bought a ticket, watched the show, and found me afterwards to take a tour of the opera house upstairs.  In talking with Dan, he told me what a delight the performance was to him and how he was amazed at the talent and history in this town.  He explained that he was retired and recently moved here and offered to volunteer.  His expertise was in marketing and we were more than happy to meet with him to share new ideas.  He became a valued STAAR Member in a very short time and served as our Marketing Director on our board.  He helped us greatly in our efforts to build relationships with the media and area businesses in order to get the word out about who we are and what we offer to the community.  He was a people person and the best listener I've ever met: a lesson I will certainly carry with me.  He would pop in at each show and talk to our patrons about their experience, realizing the importance of pleasing the audience at all times.   He understood us and our mission to provide quality education and entertainment in the arts to our children, teens, and adults and was dedicated to helping us reach our goals.

On Thursday, February 4, Pulaski lost a valuable citizen and STAAR lost a dear friend.  We offer our prayers to Dan's family and hope to carry out the work he began with us.  His smile, quick wit and volunteer heart were true gifts to us.  He will surely be missed, but will always remain one of our brightest STAARS.  Thank you, Dan.

Tammy Pierchoski,
President, STAAR