Hey, Buckeyes fans!

I just got off the phone with a performer who lives in Chicago, but is originally from Warren, Ohio.  She still claims to be a Buckeye, even though she and the band have lived in Chicago for several years. Being a Buckeye fan is as hot now as it was when Woody and Bo were roaming the sidelines. Even though I would still root for my BG Falcons when they play the Buckeyes, I still root for the Buckeyes against everyone else. It may also have a little to do with the investment I have in the university: many thousands of dollars for my son’s education!

That said, I think most Ohioans and many transplants are Buckeye fans. We know the Bucks have a real shot every year at being the best in the nation when it comes to football in particular.  I have seen faces painted, buses painted, cars and vans decorated, and on and on.  People are nuts about the Bucks!

Next month, the Niswonger welcomes a huge part of the Buckeye spirit and tradition to Van Wert.  The Best D*%!# Band in the Land, The Ohio State University Marching Band will be traveling to Van Wert on November 7 to give a rousing concert and put everyone’s spirits into high gear.  Unfortunately, we can’t fit any more seats in the house and have been sold out for this concert for nearly two months.

For those who are fortunate to have tickets for this concert with the OSU Marching Band, you should know there are many activities being planned for that day.  Keep watching the news and our website for more details.

One of the activities we are currently promoting as part of our big OSU day at the Niswonger, is the selling of raffle tickets for a beautifully created stained glass Block “O”.  Donated and created by former Van Wert residents Dave and Nan Taylor, this beautiful beveled stained glass is framed and ready to add spirit and décor to someone’s home and activity room. It is on display in the lobby of the Niswonger and we are currently selling chances on winning this beautiful piece of stained glass. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20.  The winning ticket will be drawn at intermission of the Ohio State concert on November 7.  Stop by the box office now to get in the raffle or enter the night of the concert.  Proceeds go toward our acoustic shell fund.

How many of you watched the end of the OSU-Northwestern game?  I know many of you (about 1,200 of you) could watch only the second half because you were in attendance at our wonderful Michael W. Smith concert. If you did see the ending as the Buckeyes pulled out a close victory, you saw the Buckeye football players gather in front of the many fans in attendance at Northwestern to sing “Carmen, Ohio”.  This is a tradition at Ohio Stadium, where the team gathers in front of the band and sings their alma mater. I have to say that they play football much better than they sing — thankfully!  In short, “don’t give up your day jobs”, Buckeyes!  They really need the band! They look and sound so much better with the band playing “Carmen, Ohio”.  The band didn’t make the trip.  They should have!

Next up at the Niswonger is Debby Boone on Sunday afternoon, October 20.  I don’t know about you, but I see Debby’s picture everywhere I look — on my computer, in the paper, on TV.  Come to the Niswonger and see her for real up close and listen to her sing. I know you’ll love her music and her stories. Tickets are just $30 across the board and I expect a packed house. A few tickets remain, so don’t delay!

FINÉ.