Aynne Ames, Artistic Director for the Belfast Maskers, would be happy to answer any questions you may have concerning the Maskers. Just send an e-mail to maskers@roadrunner.com, with the subject "Notes from the Director."

In this era of buying locally, eating locally, working locally may we also suggest giving locally? This in no way means one should be discouraged from giving to the larger picture but just as we need to support local agriculture and local business, we also need to support local organizations, especially non profits. The pool of money from agencies and foundations which give to non profits is not drying up but they are being asked to take on more of what had been government responsibilities which means there is less to go around. As, in large part due to oil prices, we try to save money by traveling less we might want to remember that also means our entertainment, education, and edification has to be somewhat more local. With the “charity begins at home” model in mind we would hope that during these challenging economic times, when you give what you can, that you think locally so that we can continue to sustain the rich, vibrant life which is available in our locale.

Aynne Ames