Where do we go from here?

This last Friday night was a perfect night in Fountain Park. There was a lack of humidity and intense heat, the cicadas were singing in full voice before the first note of music was sung, and the sun set behind the trees before intermission.  With perfection usually comes the end of good things. That is the case with the 10th season of the Fountain Park Summer Music Series.  This Friday, the Van Wert Area Community Band will give one last concert in the park at 7 p.m.  You may want to take it in and enjoy some good band music, performed by people you may know!

It was another enjoyable and (mostly) relaxing time in the park this summer.  It really does seem like the Van-Dells just performed last week. In reality, it was actually June 3, nearly 2½ months ago!  I hope you enjoyed the variety of music.  I appreciate your comments and am already working on next summer with some outstanding ideas.

In the meantime, what should an appreciator of live music do for the next nine months?  Well, anyone who knows me knows this is mostly a rhetorical question. I believe one of the answers lies with the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. Already, thousands have purchased tickets for some or all of the 23 concerts, two speakers, and a one-act play coming this season to the NPAC. Two of the concerts are even free of charge.  Many of the others we have attempted to keep ticket prices as low as we possibly can, while still meeting our needs.

It all begins September 11 on a Sunday evening when the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and a host of others will honor the memory of those who lost their lives 10 years ago in one of our nation’s worst ever tragedies. We are just now starting to hear people talk about the upcoming anniversary.  We don’t celebrate what happened, but we will also never let people forget!  As we draw closer to 9/11, I hope as many as possible come to this memorial concert at the NPAC.  It has been created just for those at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert.

Two days later, speaker Michael Hingson will share his miraculous story of courage, determination and heroism associated with 9/11. This man depends on a Seeing Eye dog to do many of the things we take for granted on a daily basis.  He was on the 78th floor of Tower I on September 11, 2001, and was able to safely escape the burning inferno with the aid of his dog, Roselle, as well as help others escape.  He has now written a book entitled, Thunder Dog, which is quickly climbing the best seller list.  You may want to read the book before his coming to Van Wert on September 13.  It will give you an even deeper appreciation of the whole event.  Tickets to both of these are on sale and can be purchased for as low as $15 and $10.

Well, this is just the beginning to nine months of spectacular entertainment at the Niswonger.  This year, you will notice a number of changes at the NPAC.  Of course, the entrance will have a new, cleaner look with curbing and the front parking will have more depth, allowing easier entering and exiting.  Also, a spectacular new piece of artwork will soon be added to the Grand Lobby, ready for viewing by the opening concert on 9/11.

Our wonderful group of volunteers has met and they are getting ready to greet you for a whole new season. By the way, if anyone is interested in volunteering for a first time, just come to the NPAC Box Office and ask for an application. We will contact you and prepare you for service in one of the most beautiful and exciting performing art centers in the area.

So if you dreaded hearing those cicadas getting louder and the days getting shorter, just smile and think of the wonderful times we will share together in the coming months at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, Ohio!

FINÉ.