Township police said they want to talk with the Strand’s former executive director about $5,000 missing from the theater’s coffers.On Dec. 17, the Strand’s executive board filed a police report about the missing $5,000, township police Lt. William Addison confirmed Friday.Police hope former Strand employee Theresa Beaugard can help them answer questions about where the money might be. Beaugard, who was named executive director in July 2003, was fired in March because of performance issues, township officials confirmed.
The mystery centers around a check issued by Beaugard, which is why police want to speak with her. It was not until reviewing an audit in the fall did Strand officials say they became suspicious of a check for an “artistic fee” issued by Beaugard in spring 2008.
“It did not have sufficient documentation to justify the expense,” Township Committeeman Raymond Coles said Friday. “There was no contract to back it up.”
Police say an investigation is ongoing. Addison would not identify the suspect cited in the police report. But he said, “We would be very interested in talking to Theresa Beaugard.”
No warrants have been issued, Addison said. Beaugard could not be reached for comment.
“We’re fully participating in the investigation,” said Angela Koutsouris, president of the theater’s board of trustees. “We’re still waiting to hear as to the outcome.”
Police said they could not confirm Beaugard’s whereabouts, though they know she has left the area.
The Strand, while owned by the township, is funded through state grants, private donations and a county allowance and does not receive local tax dollars. Zach Patberg/ APP
This theater has bilked us out of millions!!!
ASK BOB HE MIGHT KNOW WHERE IT WENT?
Steve jump onto the issue!!maybe the suspect went to atlantic city with the money. ! Investigate this steve!! You are the christie of lakewood!!
What about the townshp comittee members that get free tickets to the strand theatre shows!! Let’s investigate the strand!
To # 1 How do you know?
Did you ever support the Theater?
Make a few suggestion to the management for shows that you would like to see. I’m sure their up for suggestions.
It and the post office are the only thing I come into town for.
Maybe when HH and his group get the downtown cleaned up there will be more people willing to risk their lifes on Clifton Ave. Get rid of the careless drivers and the two legged building supports at every corner then thing will change!
We can’t get a bank loan due to our absence of credit. Mr. Parkin advised us to buy the car outright in cash and that he can get us an ’06 sonoma for $8000 give or take. Meanwhile the Strand Theatre is ripping us off bigtime. This is ridiculous.
I sympathize with “maxed out”.
1) Boruch Hashem there is medical marijuana in N.J.
2) Don’t become a statistic…I don’t know, just trying to help you out
here.
I think your financial situation isn’t your only problem.
Leave me alone already. I don’t even mind the potato jokes.
Just do it for a living already.
My wife once drove a cleaning lady home. Doing a k-turn in the big driveway, she crashed into a boat that was parked there. I repeat, she crashed into a parked boat.
Where is Hershel—-we are hitting bottom.
To # 9 “think your financial situation isn’t your only problem”
My only problem is what bus I’m taking to Atlantic City in the morning. Have quarters/ will travel
Please don’t get me hooked on gambling.
Hershel 4 mayor!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To number 11: ARE YOU SURE YOUR WIFE DIDN’T MISS THE BOAT?
The whole Strand is another example of a losing proposition that was created with no regards to the infrastructure needed to sustain it for success.
The new managers of the Strand are honest people that want nothing more than to see the theater thrive. Unfortunately you cannot put a gold ring in a pigs nose and call it attractive. The people I have spoken to that attend Strand events told me they feel very uncomfortorable going there. They try to park as close to the theater as possible, and leave as soon as the show ends.
This small insignificant theft just proves further, that the people originally put in charge of our UEZ funds, not to be confused with those working for the UEZ, have been using funds at their own discretion, and for their own needs.
Our leaders, and Zack Patberg from the APP, like to note how no taxpayer money was used towards the Strand, and therefore we should have no say in the matter.
That is like saying you cannot use the county roads because you didn’t immediately pay for them from your pocket.
Ultimately you did contribute, and it is our right, as taxpayers, to benefit from UEZ funds for a better quality of life.
The Lakewood Downtown Commission looks forward to working with current Strand management to organizing events, and shows, that will appeal to a broader spectrum of our community.
We will focus our efforts on cleaning up the area surrounding the theater in order to impart to our visitors that Lakewood has a safe, pleasant downtown.
Hershal u hit in right on the head we your first paragragh in #17. Our Twp committtee members have knee jerk reactions to projects without taking the time to involve the professionals who then have to deal with the aftermath of their deceisions and wasteful spending.
why arent they investigate the township with MILLIONS $$$ spent on projects that nobody needs, go after the big money
I love going to the Strand for the Nutcracker Ballet. I will make some suggestions to the theater for some different performances throughout the year. I had no idea you could actually make such to the theater. Poor little Lakewood; in a pickle with so much corruption taking place. It’s just become so common place nowadays, it’s truly very sad. Let’s pray that Father puts His hand in the mix and all those evil doers are finally taken down. Time for a change folks – Lets try to flush all that bad and replace it with decency and goodness. Happy New Year!