Different strokes for different folks

This weekend offers three entirely different events on different nights.  It all starts this Friday night at the Wassenberg Art Center with the “Big Wassky.”  What is the” Big Wassky” you may ask?  Well, the invitation says, “Swanky snacks, swell swill, games, surprises and music.  Tune into the new beat of Van Wert.  Spiff up in your best flapper attire and join the rest of the cool cats for one roaring shindig.”

I hope you have had the opportunity to stop by the Wassenberg since its move into the old armory building.  A lot of work has gone into making it a beautiful and functional facility for many versatile occasions.  If you are looking for a Valentine’s night out this Friday, consider “The Big Wassky” at the Wassenberg Art Center.

By the way, have you seen the machines grinding up all the old concrete from the buildings adjacent to the art center?  The gravel that has been created from the concrete will be used as a sub base for the parking lot that will be built this spring.  Now that’s creative recycling!

Meanwhile at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center this Saturday night, Bob Eubanks brings his game show, “The (Not So) Newlywed Game” to town to share some laughs from the past and create new ones.  Not only will this show be a great time, but we have also spruced it up with many exciting surprises throughout the night.  Bring your date, spouse or just yourself and enjoy the many opportunities to win chocolates, flowers, and even a chance to win $100,000!  That’s right, $100,000!  Everyone attending will be given a ticket and some lucky person will have their name drawn for the chance to play a game with Bob Eubanks and win $100,000.

In addition, some lucky couples will have the opportunity to join Bob Eubanks, along with our celebrity guest couples, County Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger and his wife, Deb, and City Safety Service Director Jay Fleming and his wife,  Kim, in our own “Not So Newlywed Game.”  Great prizes and parting gifts will be provided by Ace Hardware of Van Wert as well as Slusher’s Jewelry and Collins Fine Foods.

Look to have a great evening of fun at the Niswonger this Saturday.  Be prepared to laugh and leave with smiles on your face as you celebrate the Valentine’s Day weekend with us at the PAC.  Tickets can be obtained in advance or at the door.

Then, on Sunday afternoon, I invite you to First United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. for the 11th annual Young Artists Recital.  For over a decade, The Van Wert County Foundation has been highlighting the finest school musicians in Van Wert County.  They have all competed at the District Ohio Music Educators Association Solo & Ensemble Contest.  This Sunday afternoon, we showcase the best from Van Wert and Lincolnview High Schools.  Vocal, instrumental, piano, solos and ensembles will perform on the First U.M. stage for a hometown audience.

Come and support these young talented students.  They have worked very hard preparing their musical pieces, received top ratings, and we now have the chance to hear them perform here at home.  I hope to see you then.  This is always one of the highlights for me throughout the year.  Supporting young musicians is very gratifying.  Many have gone on to professional music careers over the past decade we have been presenting this recital.  Who will be next?  Come and see!

FINÉ.