The 2009 Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement award was awarded by Jay County Civic Theatre to Jim Waechter On May 2, 2009, after a production of "Noises Off," JCCT Board President Jason McGraw introduced last year's recipient of the award, Priscilla McFarland, and special guest Gerald Kirby. Priscilla explained some of the history behind the award and how it was established by the Board in order to honor those people who have had a profound effect on theatre in Jay County. She described this year's recipient as one of the old guard; one of the people who worked tirelessly to establish the organization that became The Jay County Civic Theatre. Priscilla then introduced Gerald, who presented the award to this year's winner, Jim Waechter. Gerald told a funny anecdote about the first Jay County Civic show, Forty Carats where, he, Jim , and Sheila Takats had a scene together. It seems that Jim , being a devilish practical joker, put actual alcohol in the stage bottle that Sheila was supposed to drink from. During the show, when she went to take a drink and found real alcohol in her bottle, she had no problem continuing the scene like a trooper. Jim , of course, denied any knowledge of said alcohol. And from that first production where Jim was the Sound Man as well as an actor, Jim Waechter was an integral part of early Jay County Civic Theatre. Gerald ran off a list of shows Jim had been involved in, nearly all of the shows during the first seven years of JCCT. Jim then said a few words. First (of course!), he denied the story from "Forty Carats." Then he thanked everyone involved in theatre for the honor and explained that he did theatre because he liked it. He enjoyed the people and the challenges, and is proud of what Jay County Civic Theatre has become. He called out the cast of "Noises Off," in particular, thanking them for a wonderful performance. With his gracious acceptance speech, he received a heartfelt standing ovation. Photos by Russell Burbage Click on the picture to see the larger version
Board President Jason McGraw introduces this year's presenters	Gerald Kirby tells his infamous "Forty Carats" story about this year's recipient	Priscilla McFarland laughs as Jim Waechter denies any involvement in the alcohol story
"I did it because I loved it. What you do up here on stage... It's wonderful!"	Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement Award Winner 2009: Jim Waechter	Past & Current Recipients of the Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement Award: Priscilla McFarland Jim Waechter Greg Ashley Sue (Mrs. Tom) Casey

2008 Award Winner
Priscilla McFarland