Today, we’re going to interview Leann Ingalls who is managing and running the Casino this year. Leann has many connections to Huletts and has been working all winter on improving the Casino for this summer.
Leann, first could you tell the readers of the Huletts Current a little bit about yourself?
“Well most people know me from my place, Division Street Cafe, in Whitehall which I ran for almost 10 years. I always tried to give people a great meal at a good price with a nice atmosphere. I’ve catered dinners at the Casino before and I know so many people from Huletts. I’ve met many people at Church, and the people from Huletts have always been great.”
You’re planning on having the Casino open for Memorial Day. Could you tell our readers some of the positive changes in store for this summer?
“We’ve been working very hard! There’s a new roof, new bathrooms, fresh paint, alot of cleaning. We’ve even got new pictures with some historical flare in the front room. There’s also a new floor and new lighting in the front room. We’ve also worked a lot on sound control, adding new windows and new back doors. The remainder of the outside will be painted in June. I’m hoping to make it a better Casino this summer, while still keeping the down-home feel to everything. Many Huletts people are planning to do events that haven’t happened for a few years – we’re excited about that. If this year goes well, we’ll be making even more improvements next year. Everyone who has seen what we’ve been doing the last few months, has been really happy.”
You have many connections to Huletts. Could you tell us some of the ways you know people in the community?
“I didn’t grow up in the area but my father was from Whitehall and joined the Navy. I came here about 10 years ago to visit – and stayed! My son, Johnny, (who keeps me young because he’s out doing what 5 year-olds do) and I are looking forward to a great summer on the lake, and hopefully many more in the years to come! I really feel the folks will appreciate the work we’ve put into the Casino this winter. Everyone deserves a nice place on the “Landing” to go to!”
You’re planning some great events and some special speakers for this summer. Could you tell everyone when your schedule will be out and what are some of the things they can expect?
“Probably the biggest news, is we’ll have an earlier schedule. No closing at 4 a.m. anymore! I also want to try a new Saturday wine and cheese social hour at 7 p.m. I think those are things that people will really like. We’ll have the usual events like A Day to Remember, Skip Linhart day, the Black Mountain Hike & Breakfast, and the Labor Day Talent Show, but we’re also bringing back the Hoe-Down Pig Roast, and we’ll have some music and bands, too.”
“This year Martin the Magician will be coming back also. I’m also working on some new events and lectures but we’re keeping them a secret for now! If there’s an event someone would like to have, I’d like to hear from them. I’ll be releasing our schedule sometime in mid-June, so we’ll get it to you to post on the Huletts Current.”
Leann thank you for sitting down with us and telling us about your plans. I can tell you that everyone is looking forward to the new and improved Casino being a great success this year.
“Its been my pleasure.”