[Originally published October 2 in the News-Sentinel]
Indie-rock musician Ben Folds is taking time from promoting his new album to team up with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic on Friday night at the Embassy Theatre. Singer-songwriter Ben Folds opens Philharmonic Pops series
Now a solo, he was frontman for indie-rock trio.
By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
What do Muhammad Ali, Nina Simone, Randy Newman and Fidel Castro have in common? All three [four] have provided inspiration for the music of singer-songwriter Ben Folds.
The eclectic songwriter will bring his talents to town Friday for a performance with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
Folds is the former frontman of the indie-rock trio Ben Folds Five and has had a successful solo career. His latest album, “Way to Normal” was released Tuesday on Epic Records. He is on tour promoting his album, but also likes to take time to perform with orchestras around the country. He spoke by telephone from a stop in Boston last week.
“The sound of the orchestra is amazing,” Folds said. “It will atrophy if people don't use it in new ways.”
Fort Wayne Philharmonic General Manager Dan Ross said the opportunity for Folds to come to Fort Wayne was too good to pass up. “It's going to be exciting to see him perform with our orchestra,” he said.
Folds is part of a wide range of artists and performers in this year's Pops series, which includes Michael Feinstein on Saturday, Linda Eder and Fort Wayne's Voices of Unity Choir, among others.
For the opening concert of the 2008-09 Pops series, Folds will perform two of his songs with all-new original arrangements by the Philharmonic's Adrian Mann.
Performing with an orchestra is sometimes difficult for Folds, who spends his time playing the piano and can't always tell if the experience is working for the audience. “It's like walking a tightrope — I have to sweat it,” said Folds.
Folds experiments with different musical styles and ways of marketing to new audiences with three Internet-only EP albums, “Speed Graphic,” “Sunny 16” and “Super D,” all released 2003-2004. In 2006, he also covered a song by Dr. Dre for his album “Supersunny- speedgraphic,” an LP of the Internet-only EPs and a few additional songs.
Covering material by other artists is something Folds considers a necessity for creating good music.
“You learn by how it's been done,” he said.
Folds covered “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John for his 2002 live album. But one of the best compliments he ever received was Bette Midler's cover of his “Boxing,” in 1998. “I was flattered,” said Folds.
Folds has worked with many artists. One of his most critically acclaimed collaborations was with actor William Shatner for the 2004 spoken-word album “Has Been.”
“The Shatner collaboration was very special,” said Folds. “Has Been” featured musical arrangements and production by Folds with spoken lyrics by Shatner, and a host of artists contributing backup vocals.
Folds' partnership with Shatner also led to work for the soundtrack to “Over the Hedge.” The movie featured a new version of Folds' song “Rockin' the Suburbs.”
“There's so much talent out there,” said Folds. He likes to collaborate with new artists and likes to keep an open mind for his music.
“If I find an opportunity to do something that's not been done before and make it accessible, then it's gold,” Folds said.
Ben Folds
What: Ben Folds with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, part of the Sweetwater Pops Series.
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Embassy Theatre, 121 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Cost: $20, $46, $51, $65. Tickets are available online at www.fortwaynephilharmonic.com or by calling 481-0777.
Information: www.fortwaynephilharmonic.com.
Pops series
What: Fort Wayne Philharmonic Sweetwater Pops Series
♦Michael Feinstein, 8 p.m. Saturday
♦“The Beat Goes On,” Nov. 15
♦Holiday Pops, Dec. 12, 13 and 20
♦A Broadway Valentine's Day featuring Linda Eder, Feb. 14
♦An Evening of Jazz with Byron Stripling and the Voices of Unity Choir, March 7
♦The Music of Queen, April 3
♦A Tribute to John Williams, April 24-25
Tickets and more information online at www.fortwaynephilharmonic.com.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Ben Folds Interview
Click Here to read my my story on the News-Sentinel site. As usual, I will be posting the text on this blog in a couple of days.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Book Review for Reality Magazine
My latest work is a book review in the September issue of Reality Magazine, the local LGBT magazine.
Click here to download the PDF of the September 2008 issue. Click here to visit Reality online.
Click here to download the PDF of the September 2008 issue. Click here to visit Reality online.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Have a Great Vacation in Canada
[Originally published August 8, in the News-Sentinel]
By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
Summer is winding down and you still want to plan a last-minute getaway. Consider a trip across the border to Canada. This is the last summer U.S. citizens can drive there without needing a passport.
A valid driver's license and a certified copy of your birth certificate can get you across the border to experience the breathtaking natural wonder of Niagara Falls from the Canadian side as well as the cosmopolitan treasures of Toronto.
Niagara Falls
There are several ways to get to Canada from Fort Wayne. The fastest way to Niagara Falls is to head east to the Ohio Turnpike, cross the northwest corner of Pennsylvania and take a short trip on the New York State Thruway to Buffalo.
Crossing at the Peace Bridge often saves time, because you can drive the back way into Niagara Falls. A fun excursion is to drive along Niagara Parkway, a boulevard that follows the path of the falls and the river. Don't be surprised if you need to use your wipers, even on sunny days, as the breeze can take the mist a great distance from the falls to the parkway and promenade.
The Table Rock Visitor Centre is the hub of Niagara Parks, with shops, restaurants and gateways to all the best attractions. Popular options include the Maid of the Mist boats, which take visitors on 30-minute rides deep into the refreshing mist of the falls.
Also available is Journey Behind the Falls, which takes visitors to a tunnel system under the river. You can see the water as it rushes down the falls from portals in the tunnels. Journey Behind the Falls includes an observation deck, where you can see the falls from just a few yards away.
For dining, Niagara Falls offers a wide variety, from fast food to more upscale eateries. Restaurant prices on average are much higher than in Indiana. A hamburger and fries at T.G.I. Friday's runs about $16 - before adding tax and gratuity. (The U.S. dollar is roughly equal to the Canadian dollar.)
For a unique dining experience, check out the Lake House restaurant, just off the Queen Elizabeth Way in Vineland, on your way to Toronto. A spacious dining room and outdoor seating offer spectacular views of the clear blue waters of Lake Ontario.
The food is delicious and reasonable, with entrees starting around $15. The lake views are beautiful in the late afternoon.
Toronto
In Toronto you can sample a host of activities. The center of the city is dense and urban, similar to Chicago or New York. Staying downtown gives visitors access to several great attractions, such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Eaton Centre, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the CN Tower. One of the world's tallest buildings, the CN Tower was built in the 1970s for broadcast television, and remains an architectural marvel. Your visit should include a trip to the top, which costs around $22 per person.
Many attractions in Toronto are close enough for a nice long walk, but mass transit also is available. A ride on a streetcar or subway is $2.75 per trip, but weekend passes are available from ticket booths at a huge discount. Traffic and parking are both unpredictable, so it's easier to take a low-cost subway ride.
A popular summer attraction is the Chinese Lantern Festival, running through October. The festival, held at Ontario Place along Toronto's waterfront, is reported to be the largest lantern festival outside Asia.
For rainy days, check out the Eaton Centre shopping mall in downtown near Yonge and Dundas Streets. It's the largest mall in Canada, and it connects to the PATH underground walkway, a vast subterranean network connecting all points of the city's business district while shielding pedestrians from the elements.
The Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto Zoo are other great ways to delve into the city's treasures.
On your way back to Fort Wayne, save time by heading back via Detroit or Port Huron, Mich. Port Huron will put you directly onto Interstate 69, so you will be back to Fort Wayne in just about eight hours from Toronto.
Having a truly memorable vacation doesn't mean you have to spend a lot on gas or a lot of time driving. A trip to Canada can prove fun and exciting, and it's less than a day away.
----
More information:
♦ Peace Bridge: Buffalo, New York, to Fort Erie, Ontario: www.peacebridge.com
♦Niagara Falls: www.infoniagara.com
♦The Lake House Restaurant: www.lakehouserestaurant.com
♦Toronto's official site: www.toronto.ca
♦Blue Water Bridge: Sarnia, Ontario, to Port Huron, Mich.: www.goborder.com
♦Ambassador Bridge: Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Mich. www.ambassadorbridge.com
♦Visit travel.state.gov to learn more about international travel, country information and passport requirements for the future.
----
Travel tips
♦When it comes to spending money, remember the U.S. dollar is on par with the Canadian dollar at most merchants, but you might be better off using a credit or debit card. You should also take an ATM card in case you need to withdraw any cash. Check with your financial institution to make sure your cards will work in Canada and if it charges currency conversion and out-of-network fees.
♦Assemble identification for each traveler.
♦Notify your credit card company that you will be traveling. Otherwise, some fraud programs could block your card for suspicious activity.
♦Check with your auto-insurance carrier to make sure you have proper documentation for Canadian nonresidents.
♦Gasoline is charged per liter in Canada and is often more expensive than in the U.S. $1.25 per liter would be just under $5 per gallon.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
‘I Do! I Do!' zooms in on ups, downs of a 50-year marriage
[Originally published June 5, 2008 in the News-Sentinel]
By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
Typical romantic comedies take the audience through the courtship and end with a wedding, saying the couple will live happily ever after. The classic Broadway musical “I Do! I Do!,” which opens Friday at the Arena Dinner Theatre, is about everything that comes after the wedding, whether happy or not.
In a case of life imitating art, lead actors Melissa Junkin and Curtis J.D. Shaw are actually engaged and will be married in October.
Junkin and Shaw have acted in numerous plays together, and according to their figures, this will be the 36th time they have played a married couple.
Director and choreographer Gary Lanier said he was attracted to the “I Do! I Do!” story immediately. The musical is a cast of just two people, Agnes and Michael, and the events that transpire in their marriage. Lanier explained how audiences relate to the story because it chronicles the realistic roller coaster of a couple's relationship.
“There are good times and bad times,” Lanier said
The play begins at the turn of the 20th century and continues over the next 50 years of the couple's marriage. “There are many things in the show that transcend all time periods,” Lanier said.
Lanier said he likes directing two people because they have been able to focus on specific details of the performances. “My concentration is totally on them.”
During the play, there is very little stage time when either character is without the other. There are 22 songs in the play, and each character has just two solos.
Lanier described the show as having an intimate quality because the action is focused on the two characters' interactions in their master bedroom. The original story came from a play called “The Fourposter” that opened in 1951. “I Do! I Do!,” the musical adaptation, opened in 1966.
Lanier said the audiences get involved in the story because of the closeness of the staging and watching the actors go through the rituals of putting on makeup. “You see them transitioning through the show.”
The story opens just before the wedding of Agnes and Michael Snow. Junkin, who plays Agnes, and Shaw, who plays Michael, just finished playing another married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Irving Berlin, in “The Melody Lingers On” at the Civic Theatre.
Lanier said he was confident Junkin and Shaw could perform the roles well. “They have been working so hard, and I knew they could do it.”
Junkin and Shaw are both excited about tying the knot in the show and in real life, but there are many differences Junkin sees in her character compared to her personal life. Specifically, the ways Agnes reacts to Michael's transgressions are definitely incompatible with Junkin's feelings.
Junkin also is enjoying the chance to play an older character, something she hasn't done before.
The challenge for Junkin and Shaw was not to play the older characters as cartoons or stereotypes. “It's way too easy to make them caricatures,” Shaw said.
Junkin said she likes the chance for Agnes and Michael to fight.
Shaw said he was happy he landed the role because all of the practice has made him less nervous for his real wedding.
---------------------------------
Marriage musical
What: “I Do! I Do!,” a musical about the not-always happily-ever-after life of a married couple.
When: Friday, Saturday and June 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and shows will begin at 8 p.m.
Where: Arena Dinner Theatre, 719 Rockhill St.
Cost: Tickets are $30 and include dinner and performance. Call 424-5622 to purchase tickets. For more information, go to www.arena [www.arenadinnertheatre.org]on the Web.
By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
Typical romantic comedies take the audience through the courtship and end with a wedding, saying the couple will live happily ever after. The classic Broadway musical “I Do! I Do!,” which opens Friday at the Arena Dinner Theatre, is about everything that comes after the wedding, whether happy or not.
In a case of life imitating art, lead actors Melissa Junkin and Curtis J.D. Shaw are actually engaged and will be married in October.
Junkin and Shaw have acted in numerous plays together, and according to their figures, this will be the 36th time they have played a married couple.
Director and choreographer Gary Lanier said he was attracted to the “I Do! I Do!” story immediately. The musical is a cast of just two people, Agnes and Michael, and the events that transpire in their marriage. Lanier explained how audiences relate to the story because it chronicles the realistic roller coaster of a couple's relationship.
“There are good times and bad times,” Lanier said
The play begins at the turn of the 20th century and continues over the next 50 years of the couple's marriage. “There are many things in the show that transcend all time periods,” Lanier said.
Lanier said he likes directing two people because they have been able to focus on specific details of the performances. “My concentration is totally on them.”
During the play, there is very little stage time when either character is without the other. There are 22 songs in the play, and each character has just two solos.
Lanier described the show as having an intimate quality because the action is focused on the two characters' interactions in their master bedroom. The original story came from a play called “The Fourposter” that opened in 1951. “I Do! I Do!,” the musical adaptation, opened in 1966.
Lanier said the audiences get involved in the story because of the closeness of the staging and watching the actors go through the rituals of putting on makeup. “You see them transitioning through the show.”
The story opens just before the wedding of Agnes and Michael Snow. Junkin, who plays Agnes, and Shaw, who plays Michael, just finished playing another married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Irving Berlin, in “The Melody Lingers On” at the Civic Theatre.
Lanier said he was confident Junkin and Shaw could perform the roles well. “They have been working so hard, and I knew they could do it.”
Junkin and Shaw are both excited about tying the knot in the show and in real life, but there are many differences Junkin sees in her character compared to her personal life. Specifically, the ways Agnes reacts to Michael's transgressions are definitely incompatible with Junkin's feelings.
Junkin also is enjoying the chance to play an older character, something she hasn't done before.
The challenge for Junkin and Shaw was not to play the older characters as cartoons or stereotypes. “It's way too easy to make them caricatures,” Shaw said.
Junkin said she likes the chance for Agnes and Michael to fight.
Shaw said he was happy he landed the role because all of the practice has made him less nervous for his real wedding.
---------------------------------
Marriage musical
What: “I Do! I Do!,” a musical about the not-always happily-ever-after life of a married couple.
When: Friday, Saturday and June 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and shows will begin at 8 p.m.
Where: Arena Dinner Theatre, 719 Rockhill St.
Cost: Tickets are $30 and include dinner and performance. Call 424-5622 to purchase tickets. For more information, go to www.arena [www.arenadinnertheatre.org]on the Web.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Self-confidence: Woman leaves corporate job to become independent sales consultant
[Originally published in the News-Sentinel May 14, 2008]
By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
Fort Wayne resident Sara Fritz is living her version of the American dream.
After becoming a part-time direct-sales consultant for Silpada jewelry last year, Fritz decided she could make enough money to quit her full-time job in the mortgage industry and work at her own business.
With companies closing or downsizing, personal workloads increasing and long-term job security less common, more people could be facing a decision about whether to go into business for themselves.
Fritz credits her family as her primary inspiration for working for herself. With young children at home, she needed the freedom to leave work for doctor appointments, after-school activities or when her kids got sick.
Fritz recalled one time when her daughter was sick, and both she and the father had important, inflexible work schedules. That was part of the appeal of being a direct-sales consultant.
“I wanted to be able to go at any time,” Fritz said. “I don't want my kids to grow up without a mom.”
The intense competition in the mortgage industry was also a burden. “There are always deadlines and numbers,” Fritz said.
She became disheartened because she was working long hours and had little to show for her efforts. Often she would work with a client through almost the entire process, only to lose him or her and the commission just before the closing. After building the broker/client relationship, she said it was difficult not to take the rejection personally.
“If I spent this time networking myself, I could build my own business instead of building someone else's business,” she said.
According to Fritz, Silpada offers training and a network of other independent consultants. For Internet shoppers, the Silpada Web site ( www.silpada.com) [www.silpada.com] will refer inquiries to a consultant in the shopper's local area.
Fritz has joined with other working moms at meetup. com ( www.meetup.com) [www.meetup.com], a social-networking Web site where members organize and plan networking events and activities nearly every month. The Fort Wayne group was started in 2005.
One reason people often cite for staying with an employer is the loss of health insurance. Fritz said she contacted an insurance agent and found a policy that was not much more expensive than the premiums she was paying through her previous job.
“I think people put restrictions on themselves that keep them from finding these great alternatives,” Fritz said. “It's just a fear of the unknown.”
And there are alternatives. Several Web sites offer resources and links for direct-sales consultants, including www.partyswap.com [www.partyswap.com] and www.directsalesmoms. [www.directsalesmoms.com].
One feature of direct sales companies like Silpada is that they are exclusive lines not sold in retail stores. Fritz likes this idea, because she would feel trapped by the overhead and management of a store, instead of working directly with her clients.
The Silpada line is sold through catalogs, and consultants hold parties where clients can come and see the products. Fritz also works with other area consultants to reach out to customers in large public events, such as the recent Tapestry: A Day for Women and the Fort Wayne Home Show.
Since the jewelry is an exclusive line, there is little competition. Fritz feels this takes the stress out of the process, so she doesn't feel the need to put lots of pressure on people to buy.
Her sales have gone well, even with recent fluctuations in the economy. Fritz said she had planned on the income being irregular, so she has made seasonal adjustments to her budget.
“Owning your own business really is the American dream,” she said.
She has not ruled out the possibility of returning someday to the corporate world. But she also joked she probably would need about six weeks of vacation each year to have the same freedom she has now.
------------------------------------------------
Learn more
You can learn more about Sara Fritz's business at http://mysilpada.com/.
Resources for starting a business
These organizations can help you develop a plan to start a business.
♦U.S. Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov. The SBA's Indiana office is in Indianapolis, 1-317-226-7272, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays.
♦Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, 3201 Stellhorn Road: 407-6442 or www.niic.net.
♦Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), 110 W. Berry St., Suite LL-101: 422-2601, 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays-Fridays and 5-8 p.m. Mondays or www.score-fortwayne.org.
♦Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza: Resources available in the Business, Science & Technology department.
------------------------------------------------
Upcoming workshops
The Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center, 4312 Hobson Road, Suite B, will offer these workshops:
How to Start a Business
♦First and third Wednesday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m.
♦Second and fourth Wednesday of the month, noon-1:30 p.m.
Free but registration required; call 481-0500.
Business Planning
♦Third Monday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15. Registration required; call 481-0500.
By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
Fort Wayne resident Sara Fritz is living her version of the American dream.
After becoming a part-time direct-sales consultant for Silpada jewelry last year, Fritz decided she could make enough money to quit her full-time job in the mortgage industry and work at her own business.
With companies closing or downsizing, personal workloads increasing and long-term job security less common, more people could be facing a decision about whether to go into business for themselves.
Fritz credits her family as her primary inspiration for working for herself. With young children at home, she needed the freedom to leave work for doctor appointments, after-school activities or when her kids got sick.
Fritz recalled one time when her daughter was sick, and both she and the father had important, inflexible work schedules. That was part of the appeal of being a direct-sales consultant.
“I wanted to be able to go at any time,” Fritz said. “I don't want my kids to grow up without a mom.”
The intense competition in the mortgage industry was also a burden. “There are always deadlines and numbers,” Fritz said.
She became disheartened because she was working long hours and had little to show for her efforts. Often she would work with a client through almost the entire process, only to lose him or her and the commission just before the closing. After building the broker/client relationship, she said it was difficult not to take the rejection personally.
“If I spent this time networking myself, I could build my own business instead of building someone else's business,” she said.
According to Fritz, Silpada offers training and a network of other independent consultants. For Internet shoppers, the Silpada Web site ( www.silpada.com) [www.silpada.com] will refer inquiries to a consultant in the shopper's local area.
Fritz has joined with other working moms at meetup. com ( www.meetup.com) [www.meetup.com], a social-networking Web site where members organize and plan networking events and activities nearly every month. The Fort Wayne group was started in 2005.
One reason people often cite for staying with an employer is the loss of health insurance. Fritz said she contacted an insurance agent and found a policy that was not much more expensive than the premiums she was paying through her previous job.
“I think people put restrictions on themselves that keep them from finding these great alternatives,” Fritz said. “It's just a fear of the unknown.”
And there are alternatives. Several Web sites offer resources and links for direct-sales consultants, including www.partyswap.com [www.partyswap.com] and www.directsalesmoms. [www.directsalesmoms.com].
One feature of direct sales companies like Silpada is that they are exclusive lines not sold in retail stores. Fritz likes this idea, because she would feel trapped by the overhead and management of a store, instead of working directly with her clients.
The Silpada line is sold through catalogs, and consultants hold parties where clients can come and see the products. Fritz also works with other area consultants to reach out to customers in large public events, such as the recent Tapestry: A Day for Women and the Fort Wayne Home Show.
Since the jewelry is an exclusive line, there is little competition. Fritz feels this takes the stress out of the process, so she doesn't feel the need to put lots of pressure on people to buy.
Her sales have gone well, even with recent fluctuations in the economy. Fritz said she had planned on the income being irregular, so she has made seasonal adjustments to her budget.
“Owning your own business really is the American dream,” she said.
She has not ruled out the possibility of returning someday to the corporate world. But she also joked she probably would need about six weeks of vacation each year to have the same freedom she has now.
------------------------------------------------
Learn more
You can learn more about Sara Fritz's business at http://mysilpada.com/.
Resources for starting a business
These organizations can help you develop a plan to start a business.
♦U.S. Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov. The SBA's Indiana office is in Indianapolis, 1-317-226-7272, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays.
♦Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, 3201 Stellhorn Road: 407-6442 or www.niic.net.
♦Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), 110 W. Berry St., Suite LL-101: 422-2601, 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays-Fridays and 5-8 p.m. Mondays or www.score-fortwayne.org.
♦Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza: Resources available in the Business, Science & Technology department.
------------------------------------------------
Upcoming workshops
The Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center, 4312 Hobson Road, Suite B, will offer these workshops:
How to Start a Business
♦First and third Wednesday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m.
♦Second and fourth Wednesday of the month, noon-1:30 p.m.
Free but registration required; call 481-0500.
Business Planning
♦Third Monday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $15. Registration required; call 481-0500.
Short brings full repertoire to his one-man show: He doesn't expect you to reevaluate your life after the show, just have fun.
[Originally Published in the News-Sentinel May 15, 2008]
By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
Martin Short is a man of many names, faces and talents. Saturday, he'll bring his full range of personae to the Embassy Theatre as part of the venue's 80th anniversary celebration.
Speaking by telephone on his way to a performance in Omaha, Neb., Short described his show as “a party with Marty.”
“An Evening With Martin Short” will be an intimate evening of music and comedy replete with Short playing some of his most memorable characters, including Ed Grimley, Franck from the “Father of the Bride” movies and Hollywood insider Jiminy Click [Glick].
“I bring two guys on stage and teach them the ‘Three Amigos' salute,” he added.
“It's like I'm coming to your house and doing 90 minutes,” Short said. “It's a one-man variety show. It's like the ‘Carol Burnett Show' without all the others.”
Short started acting in plays and musicals in the 1970s, and then worked in the Second City comedy troupe in Toronto. Like many Second City players, Short transitioned to the long-running, late-night television comedy show “Saturday Night Live,” where his frenetic energy and distinct characters made him beloved by viewers.
Short has appeared in television, movies and on stage.
“I like a variety of doing all three (movies, television and theater),” Short said. “Film has a different energy, and television is more immediate. On the stage, you only have 90 minutes to win the people over.”
Short said he gets ideas for his characters mostly from people in real life. “They're people you meet. They're not fictitious people.”
Short has honed his craft through a variety of influences including Dick Van Dyke, Stan Laurel, Harpo Marx, Jerry Lewis and Jonathan Winters. In an animated version of Short's nerdy, pointy-haired “Saturday Night Live” character Ed Grimley, Winters worked with Short as one of the show's character voices.
Short has had a variety of acting opportunities, but he likes to focus on comedy.
“When you are doing characters well, you are acting them. So it's not like you aren't using that muscle. It's a different coating on it. The most interesting comedy comes out of sincerity,” Short said.
“An Evening With Martin Short” should have something for all of Short's fans.
“I'm not trying to get people to reevaluate their lives,” Short said. “I want them to laugh and have fun.”
‘Party with Marty'
What: “An Evening with Martin Short”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Embassy Theatre, 121 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Cost: $47, $57, and $77; VIP seating with meet-and-greet event, $202. Tickets are available at the Embassy box office by calling 426-5665 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
Martin Short is a man of many names, faces and talents. Saturday, he'll bring his full range of personae to the Embassy Theatre as part of the venue's 80th anniversary celebration.
Speaking by telephone on his way to a performance in Omaha, Neb., Short described his show as “a party with Marty.”
“An Evening With Martin Short” will be an intimate evening of music and comedy replete with Short playing some of his most memorable characters, including Ed Grimley, Franck from the “Father of the Bride” movies and Hollywood insider Jiminy Click [Glick].
“I bring two guys on stage and teach them the ‘Three Amigos' salute,” he added.
“It's like I'm coming to your house and doing 90 minutes,” Short said. “It's a one-man variety show. It's like the ‘Carol Burnett Show' without all the others.”
Short started acting in plays and musicals in the 1970s, and then worked in the Second City comedy troupe in Toronto. Like many Second City players, Short transitioned to the long-running, late-night television comedy show “Saturday Night Live,” where his frenetic energy and distinct characters made him beloved by viewers.
Short has appeared in television, movies and on stage.
“I like a variety of doing all three (movies, television and theater),” Short said. “Film has a different energy, and television is more immediate. On the stage, you only have 90 minutes to win the people over.”
Short said he gets ideas for his characters mostly from people in real life. “They're people you meet. They're not fictitious people.”
Short has honed his craft through a variety of influences including Dick Van Dyke, Stan Laurel, Harpo Marx, Jerry Lewis and Jonathan Winters. In an animated version of Short's nerdy, pointy-haired “Saturday Night Live” character Ed Grimley, Winters worked with Short as one of the show's character voices.
Short has had a variety of acting opportunities, but he likes to focus on comedy.
“When you are doing characters well, you are acting them. So it's not like you aren't using that muscle. It's a different coating on it. The most interesting comedy comes out of sincerity,” Short said.
“An Evening With Martin Short” should have something for all of Short's fans.
“I'm not trying to get people to reevaluate their lives,” Short said. “I want them to laugh and have fun.”
‘Party with Marty'
What: “An Evening with Martin Short”
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Embassy Theatre, 121 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Cost: $47, $57, and $77; VIP seating with meet-and-greet event, $202. Tickets are available at the Embassy box office by calling 426-5665 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Making Leaders: Girl Scouts Are More Than Cookies
By S.T. Boyer
stboyernews@gmail.com
The perception of the Girl Scout is often that of troops going door-to-door selling cookies, but as Tuesday morning's Leaders in the Making breakfast demonstrated, the Girl Scouts are more than just cookies.
This was the eighth annual breakfast from the Girl Scouts of Limberlost Council, Inc. Participants in the breakfast included approximately 450 women and men from all over the area, committed to the goal of increasing awareness of the Girl Scouts programs for at-risk girls.
Sherri Weidman, the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Limberlost Council, said the Girl Scouts play an important role in empowering young girls with the attributes of Courage, Confidence and Character.
"It is an important time with girls facing peer pressure, negative media messages and negative body images," Weidman said. "They need Girl Scouts to help meet the challenges of growing up in today's world."
According to Weidman's statistics, 63% of all girls are bullied. One in four girls has an STD, and suicide is up 67% in girls ages 10 14. Weidman called this reality check uncomfortable but necessary.
"We should not be lulled into thinking this doesn't affect us personally," Weidman said. "The cost of prevention now saves costs to society in the future."
Costs are increasing and funding for the Girl Scouts is down. In 2007, the number of sites for Girl Scouts progams was down by almost half from what it was in 2006. Weidman attributed this to the reduced amount of funding available through grants and a less stable economy.
Beverley Danusis is the inventor of Sophia Dolls, a line of dolls geared toward girls that focuses on strong women role models. Danusis said the dolls offer a chance for girls to be empowered, unlike many other toys. Danusis started the company because she thought too many girls got the wrong message.
Sophia Dolls was recently approved to use Girl Scouts as its charity, so a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the Girl Scouts. George Danusis, the president and CEO of the Sophia Dolls parent company Nea Matia, Inc. also attended the breakfast. He said they were proud to support Girl Scouts because Girl Scouts teaches all girls to be themselves.
Megan Woods, a volunteer with the Girl Scouts also stressed the importance of the group's inner-city programs, which help girls to better understand problems. Conflict resolution teaches the girls how to work out their disputes through rational problem solving instead of resorting to violence. Weidman also shared that the juvenile courts mandate participation in Girl Scouts for offenders on probation.
Weidman hopes this fundraiser will help the Girl Scouts provide much needed funding for the organization. With costs of more than $200 per girl and an area that serves over 10,000 girls, the needs of the Girl Scouts are growing.
As part of a national streamlining trend, the Girl Scouts of Limberlost Council will be merging with three other northern Indiana councils on October 1.
Weidman and Development Director Natalie Eggeman think combining the resources of the four councils will help provide a good basis for the future, but funding local efforts is still critical.
Smart Cookies
More Information: Information on the Girl Scouts can be found online at www.girlscouts-limberlost.org. Sophia Dolls information available at sophiadolls.com/index.html
stboyernews@gmail.com
The perception of the Girl Scout is often that of troops going door-to-door selling cookies, but as Tuesday morning's Leaders in the Making breakfast demonstrated, the Girl Scouts are more than just cookies.
This was the eighth annual breakfast from the Girl Scouts of Limberlost Council, Inc. Participants in the breakfast included approximately 450 women and men from all over the area, committed to the goal of increasing awareness of the Girl Scouts programs for at-risk girls.
Sherri Weidman, the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Limberlost Council, said the Girl Scouts play an important role in empowering young girls with the attributes of Courage, Confidence and Character.
"It is an important time with girls facing peer pressure, negative media messages and negative body images," Weidman said. "They need Girl Scouts to help meet the challenges of growing up in today's world."
According to Weidman's statistics, 63% of all girls are bullied. One in four girls has an STD, and suicide is up 67% in girls ages 10 14. Weidman called this reality check uncomfortable but necessary.
"We should not be lulled into thinking this doesn't affect us personally," Weidman said. "The cost of prevention now saves costs to society in the future."
Costs are increasing and funding for the Girl Scouts is down. In 2007, the number of sites for Girl Scouts progams was down by almost half from what it was in 2006. Weidman attributed this to the reduced amount of funding available through grants and a less stable economy.
Beverley Danusis is the inventor of Sophia Dolls, a line of dolls geared toward girls that focuses on strong women role models. Danusis said the dolls offer a chance for girls to be empowered, unlike many other toys. Danusis started the company because she thought too many girls got the wrong message.
Sophia Dolls was recently approved to use Girl Scouts as its charity, so a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the Girl Scouts. George Danusis, the president and CEO of the Sophia Dolls parent company Nea Matia, Inc. also attended the breakfast. He said they were proud to support Girl Scouts because Girl Scouts teaches all girls to be themselves.
Megan Woods, a volunteer with the Girl Scouts also stressed the importance of the group's inner-city programs, which help girls to better understand problems. Conflict resolution teaches the girls how to work out their disputes through rational problem solving instead of resorting to violence. Weidman also shared that the juvenile courts mandate participation in Girl Scouts for offenders on probation.
Weidman hopes this fundraiser will help the Girl Scouts provide much needed funding for the organization. With costs of more than $200 per girl and an area that serves over 10,000 girls, the needs of the Girl Scouts are growing.
As part of a national streamlining trend, the Girl Scouts of Limberlost Council will be merging with three other northern Indiana councils on October 1.
Weidman and Development Director Natalie Eggeman think combining the resources of the four councils will help provide a good basis for the future, but funding local efforts is still critical.
Smart Cookies
More Information: Information on the Girl Scouts can be found online at www.girlscouts-limberlost.org. Sophia Dolls information available at sophiadolls.com/index.html
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
It's all in ‘Giselle': love, madness, supernatural
By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
[Originally published 03/14/2008]
When it comes to ballet, there are many sacred traditions. “Giselle” is one of them.
The Fort Wayne Ballet ends its 51st season with a performance of this beloved, time-honored ballet this weekend at the Arts United Center.
According to the ballet's sources, “Giselle” premiered in 1842 and quickly became a ballet standard. The romantic themes include a love triangle, madness and the supernatural.
“The core work of ‘Giselle' makes or breaks a (ballet) company's reputation,” said Karen Gibbons-Brown, the ballet's executive and artistic director. She explained that because the ballet is handed down from one generation to another, much is expected of the dancers. The performance is highly demanding.
Assisting the company will be guest teacher Jeremy Blanton, a Broadway and ballet professional who has worked closely with the ballet in several performances.
Blanton is confident the ballet can live up to the high expectations presented in “Giselle.”
“Fort Wayne doesn't realize what it has in its own backyard,” Blanton said. “This is one of the best ballet schools.”
The ballet's very own Lucia Rogers will play Giselle, a peasant girl torn between two beaus. Rogers, who has been dancing since age 3, came to the ballet first as a student, and now teaches classes.
“There's just so much to the part,” Rogers said. “I couldn't ask for much more.”
One challenge is the contrast. The first act is set in a tranquil village, and the second act is set in an eerie woods controlled by the supernatural Willis — the spirits of young women who died before their wedding days.
Rogers said even though the strong traditions of “Giselle” don't leave much room for spontaneous interpretations, she has learned a lot about developing the character through many rehearsals. “I've really had a lot of fun with it.”
The story is bittersweet because it is a tale of lost love and heartache, Gibbons-Brown said, but it also shows that love really does conquer all, including death.
Gibbons-Brown said one of the best features of the local performance is the collaboration with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. The philharmonic will play under the direction of conductor Bradley Thachuk for all three performances this weekend.
Gibbons-Brown thinks the live orchestra will be something the audiences will appreciate. She believes they also will appreciate the quality, style and technique of the production.
“‘Giselle' is so timeless,” Gibbons-Brown said. “All of these themes are still relevant today.”
Performances
What: The Fort Wayne Ballet presents “Giselle,” accompanied by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
When: 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St.
Cost: $25 adults, $20 ages 11-17, $20 ages 60 and older, $15 ages 3-10. Call the ballet for tickets at 484-9646.
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
[Originally published 03/14/2008]
When it comes to ballet, there are many sacred traditions. “Giselle” is one of them.
The Fort Wayne Ballet ends its 51st season with a performance of this beloved, time-honored ballet this weekend at the Arts United Center.
According to the ballet's sources, “Giselle” premiered in 1842 and quickly became a ballet standard. The romantic themes include a love triangle, madness and the supernatural.
“The core work of ‘Giselle' makes or breaks a (ballet) company's reputation,” said Karen Gibbons-Brown, the ballet's executive and artistic director. She explained that because the ballet is handed down from one generation to another, much is expected of the dancers. The performance is highly demanding.
Assisting the company will be guest teacher Jeremy Blanton, a Broadway and ballet professional who has worked closely with the ballet in several performances.
Blanton is confident the ballet can live up to the high expectations presented in “Giselle.”
“Fort Wayne doesn't realize what it has in its own backyard,” Blanton said. “This is one of the best ballet schools.”
The ballet's very own Lucia Rogers will play Giselle, a peasant girl torn between two beaus. Rogers, who has been dancing since age 3, came to the ballet first as a student, and now teaches classes.
“There's just so much to the part,” Rogers said. “I couldn't ask for much more.”
One challenge is the contrast. The first act is set in a tranquil village, and the second act is set in an eerie woods controlled by the supernatural Willis — the spirits of young women who died before their wedding days.
Rogers said even though the strong traditions of “Giselle” don't leave much room for spontaneous interpretations, she has learned a lot about developing the character through many rehearsals. “I've really had a lot of fun with it.”
The story is bittersweet because it is a tale of lost love and heartache, Gibbons-Brown said, but it also shows that love really does conquer all, including death.
Gibbons-Brown said one of the best features of the local performance is the collaboration with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. The philharmonic will play under the direction of conductor Bradley Thachuk for all three performances this weekend.
Gibbons-Brown thinks the live orchestra will be something the audiences will appreciate. She believes they also will appreciate the quality, style and technique of the production.
“‘Giselle' is so timeless,” Gibbons-Brown said. “All of these themes are still relevant today.”
Performances
What: The Fort Wayne Ballet presents “Giselle,” accompanied by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
When: 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St.
Cost: $25 adults, $20 ages 11-17, $20 ages 60 and older, $15 ages 3-10. Call the ballet for tickets at 484-9646.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
‘Video Games Live': electronic, symphonic
By S.T. Boyer
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
[originally published 2/7/2008]
What happens to a man whose life parallels the evolution of video games? For Tommy Tallarico, an innate talent for music and a love for classical scores blossomed into the entertainment hit, “Video Games Live.”
“Video Games Live” first played in Los Angeles in 2005, and has toured with orchestras and choruses all over the world. On Feb. 15, “Video Games Live” comes to the Embassy Theatre to play with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. It will be the first time the international sensation has played in Indiana.
Tallarico grew up in Springfield, Mass. His family loved music, especially his cousin, Steven (Tallarico) Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith. Tommy Tallarico had a talent for picking up music by ear and, as a child, was able to play “Great Balls of Fire,” by Jerry Lee Lewis. Tallarico also grew up going to movies such as “Star Wars” and “Rocky” with surging classical scores.
“Video Games Live” was created to bring the best aspects of the video-game world to a classical audience and bring gamers into the audience of classical music. Tommy Tallarico sees it as two different branches of the musical family tree fusing together to create an enduring experience.
The performance includes music played by the philharmonic, vocals from the Philharmonic Chorus, and lights and video-game clips synchronized to the music.
For people concerned about video-game violence, Tallarico was quick to point out that the performance doesn't seek to glorify violent video games. In the video-game scenes, the characters may sometimes be carrying weapons, but there is no violent action during the performance.
Tallarico said “Video Games Live” has a universal appeal.
According to the Entertainment Software Association ( www.theesa.com), which tracks statistics of the video game industry, 67 percent of American households play computer and video games. The average age for a video game player is 33 years. Most importantly, 85 percent of video games sold in 2006 carried the E (everyone), E10+ ( age 10 and older), or T (teen) ratings, meaning that the majority of video games sold were not the graphic, violent M-rated (mature) games.
Some symphony musicians Tallarico has worked with were skeptical about music from video games - until they rehearsed the performance and became hooked, he said.
“Video games have evolved into our culture,” Tallarico added. His favorite piece of music is Beethoven's 9th Symphony, known as “Ode to Joy.” Tallarico feels if Beethoven were alive today, he'd be composing music for video games.
Composing a video-game score is similar to a regular score, Tallarico said, but there are differences in the way the composers work. For video games, a composer is given an action scenario, and he writes for what is programmed to happen in the sequence.
The biggest challenge for “Video Games Live” is getting audiences to realize it's not a typical symphony performance.
Tallarico will be the host and emcee, while co-creator Jack Wall will conduct the orchestra. Tallarico wants to see audiences grow for both video games and classical music, but, more important, he feels the show brings together family members who may all have different tastes in music.
Screen to stage
What: “Video Games Live” with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic
When: 8 p.m. Feb. 15
Where: Embassy Theatre, 121 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Cost: Tickets start at $20 and are available through the Philharmonic box office at 456-2224 or online at www.
Additional information: A pre-show festival open to all ticket holders begins at 6:30 p.m. The festival will include video-game demonstrations, a costume contest and prizes. There is also a post-show meet-and-greet. Both are no additional cost for ticket holders.
nsfeatures@news-sentinel.com
[originally published 2/7/2008]
What happens to a man whose life parallels the evolution of video games? For Tommy Tallarico, an innate talent for music and a love for classical scores blossomed into the entertainment hit, “Video Games Live.”
“Video Games Live” first played in Los Angeles in 2005, and has toured with orchestras and choruses all over the world. On Feb. 15, “Video Games Live” comes to the Embassy Theatre to play with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. It will be the first time the international sensation has played in Indiana.
Tallarico grew up in Springfield, Mass. His family loved music, especially his cousin, Steven (Tallarico) Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith. Tommy Tallarico had a talent for picking up music by ear and, as a child, was able to play “Great Balls of Fire,” by Jerry Lee Lewis. Tallarico also grew up going to movies such as “Star Wars” and “Rocky” with surging classical scores.
“Video Games Live” was created to bring the best aspects of the video-game world to a classical audience and bring gamers into the audience of classical music. Tommy Tallarico sees it as two different branches of the musical family tree fusing together to create an enduring experience.
The performance includes music played by the philharmonic, vocals from the Philharmonic Chorus, and lights and video-game clips synchronized to the music.
For people concerned about video-game violence, Tallarico was quick to point out that the performance doesn't seek to glorify violent video games. In the video-game scenes, the characters may sometimes be carrying weapons, but there is no violent action during the performance.
Tallarico said “Video Games Live” has a universal appeal.
According to the Entertainment Software Association ( www.theesa.com), which tracks statistics of the video game industry, 67 percent of American households play computer and video games. The average age for a video game player is 33 years. Most importantly, 85 percent of video games sold in 2006 carried the E (everyone), E10+ ( age 10 and older), or T (teen) ratings, meaning that the majority of video games sold were not the graphic, violent M-rated (mature) games.
Some symphony musicians Tallarico has worked with were skeptical about music from video games - until they rehearsed the performance and became hooked, he said.
“Video games have evolved into our culture,” Tallarico added. His favorite piece of music is Beethoven's 9th Symphony, known as “Ode to Joy.” Tallarico feels if Beethoven were alive today, he'd be composing music for video games.
Composing a video-game score is similar to a regular score, Tallarico said, but there are differences in the way the composers work. For video games, a composer is given an action scenario, and he writes for what is programmed to happen in the sequence.
The biggest challenge for “Video Games Live” is getting audiences to realize it's not a typical symphony performance.
Tallarico will be the host and emcee, while co-creator Jack Wall will conduct the orchestra. Tallarico wants to see audiences grow for both video games and classical music, but, more important, he feels the show brings together family members who may all have different tastes in music.
Screen to stage
What: “Video Games Live” with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic
When: 8 p.m. Feb. 15
Where: Embassy Theatre, 121 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Cost: Tickets start at $20 and are available through the Philharmonic box office at 456-2224 or online at www.
Additional information: A pre-show festival open to all ticket holders begins at 6:30 p.m. The festival will include video-game demonstrations, a costume contest and prizes. There is also a post-show meet-and-greet. Both are no additional cost for ticket holders.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Fort Wayne Urban League- United Way of Allen County
[Republished from the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. Link to original story.]
Urban League targets economic equality
Agency's programs help city's poor to improve themselves, no matter what their age.
By S.T. Boyer
nsmetro@news-sentinel.com
Editor's note: The United Way supports 36 Allen County agencies that have touched or will touch almost all our lives. These agencies exist to serve our community. This is one in a series of stories The News-Sentinel is publishing periodically to help generate a better awareness in the community about what United Way agencies are designed to accomplish and some of the lives they affect.
For more than 80 years, the Fort Wayne Urban League has advocated for economic equality and self-reliance for the urban poor and others. But several residents may be unaware of the many ways this agency can assist them.
“Anyone who walks through the door can and does receive assistance,” said Fort Wayne Urban League President and CEO Jonathan C. Ray. The Urban League, 2135 S. Hanna St., which receives some funding from the local United Way, has programs for every age group, with the ultimate goals of economic equality, self-reliance and social justice in mind.
“Economic empowerment is key,” Ray said. He feels that most of the time, the biggest obstacle against people being empowered is a lack of money. “You don't feel very powerful if you don't have any money.”
The Urban League offers financial counseling and new-homebuyer counseling in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ray said the organization is taking the housing program a step further with six-month follow-up counseling.
According to Ray, many clients who have gone through financial counseling and buy homes still get into financial problems. Ray feels lenders who target the poor often use predatory lending practices. “When people become homeowners, people accept credit opportunities when they really can't afford it,” Ray said.
Because of the many challenges facing the community today, the Urban League is working to make sure the next generation is headed for success.
Ray feels the key to empowering urban children to succeed in life is to prepare them to succeed in school.
One of the league's many programs is the Read and Rise program, focused on children under age 5 who need assistance in developing reading skills.
“We actually do cold-calling and knocking on doors,” Ray said. That's something Ray feels is unique to the program. The personal interaction with the children and the parents helps to get things started in the right direction.
For children already in school, the Urban League offers programs to help with homework. Ray pointed out that everyone takes education seriously. There are no game rooms for children to play in after school; the focus is academics.
To prepare for college, the Urban League offers the New Lights program, which gets students ready to study hard by visiting campuses.
Ray said the program teaches the children to make good choices by exposing them to the higher-education environment before they go to college.
The college and career help continue for adults. The league has job placement programs with several local businesses and has partnered with Brown Mackie College to provide classrooms.
The classroom partnership gives the community access to college training close to home. Computers from Ivy Tech Community College help with the League's computer instruction programs for all ages, from youth to seniors.
Even with its vast array of programs and services, the Fort Wayne Urban League is more than the sum of its parts.
Ray feels the new Hanna Street campus, which opened in 2005, provides the urban community with a true center.
Whether people are coming for skills training, job placement, housing assistance, youth programs, computer education, voting in the polling place, or just stopping by to use the bus shelter, the league symbolizes usefulness and help to anyone in need of assistance.
“We help people take the next step,” Ray said.
Reaching out
Organization: Fort Wayne Urban League
Address: 2135 S. Hanna St.
Phone: 745-3100
Web site: www.fwurbanleague.org
Mission: To enable urban poor and others to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.
Founded: The league was originally founded in 1920 as the Fort Wayne Community Association. The association joined the National Urban League in 1949 and became the Fort Wayne Urban League.
Annual budget: $981,000
United Way Funding: $111,000
President/CEO: Jonathan Ray
Employees: 12 full-time, 15 part-time, over 200 volunteers
Key services: Childhood literacy, youth center, homework help, creative workshops, drug prevention education, computer instruction, housing counseling, job training and referral, financial literacy
Clients assisted in 2006: About 2,200 directly and 23,000 through various partnerships
Urban League targets economic equality
Agency's programs help city's poor to improve themselves, no matter what their age.
By S.T. Boyer
nsmetro@news-sentinel.com
Editor's note: The United Way supports 36 Allen County agencies that have touched or will touch almost all our lives. These agencies exist to serve our community. This is one in a series of stories The News-Sentinel is publishing periodically to help generate a better awareness in the community about what United Way agencies are designed to accomplish and some of the lives they affect.
For more than 80 years, the Fort Wayne Urban League has advocated for economic equality and self-reliance for the urban poor and others. But several residents may be unaware of the many ways this agency can assist them.
“Anyone who walks through the door can and does receive assistance,” said Fort Wayne Urban League President and CEO Jonathan C. Ray. The Urban League, 2135 S. Hanna St., which receives some funding from the local United Way, has programs for every age group, with the ultimate goals of economic equality, self-reliance and social justice in mind.
“Economic empowerment is key,” Ray said. He feels that most of the time, the biggest obstacle against people being empowered is a lack of money. “You don't feel very powerful if you don't have any money.”
The Urban League offers financial counseling and new-homebuyer counseling in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ray said the organization is taking the housing program a step further with six-month follow-up counseling.
According to Ray, many clients who have gone through financial counseling and buy homes still get into financial problems. Ray feels lenders who target the poor often use predatory lending practices. “When people become homeowners, people accept credit opportunities when they really can't afford it,” Ray said.
Because of the many challenges facing the community today, the Urban League is working to make sure the next generation is headed for success.
Ray feels the key to empowering urban children to succeed in life is to prepare them to succeed in school.
One of the league's many programs is the Read and Rise program, focused on children under age 5 who need assistance in developing reading skills.
“We actually do cold-calling and knocking on doors,” Ray said. That's something Ray feels is unique to the program. The personal interaction with the children and the parents helps to get things started in the right direction.
For children already in school, the Urban League offers programs to help with homework. Ray pointed out that everyone takes education seriously. There are no game rooms for children to play in after school; the focus is academics.
To prepare for college, the Urban League offers the New Lights program, which gets students ready to study hard by visiting campuses.
Ray said the program teaches the children to make good choices by exposing them to the higher-education environment before they go to college.
The college and career help continue for adults. The league has job placement programs with several local businesses and has partnered with Brown Mackie College to provide classrooms.
The classroom partnership gives the community access to college training close to home. Computers from Ivy Tech Community College help with the League's computer instruction programs for all ages, from youth to seniors.
Even with its vast array of programs and services, the Fort Wayne Urban League is more than the sum of its parts.
Ray feels the new Hanna Street campus, which opened in 2005, provides the urban community with a true center.
Whether people are coming for skills training, job placement, housing assistance, youth programs, computer education, voting in the polling place, or just stopping by to use the bus shelter, the league symbolizes usefulness and help to anyone in need of assistance.
“We help people take the next step,” Ray said.
Reaching out
Organization: Fort Wayne Urban League
Address: 2135 S. Hanna St.
Phone: 745-3100
Web site: www.fwurbanleague.org
Mission: To enable urban poor and others to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.
Founded: The league was originally founded in 1920 as the Fort Wayne Community Association. The association joined the National Urban League in 1949 and became the Fort Wayne Urban League.
Annual budget: $981,000
United Way Funding: $111,000
President/CEO: Jonathan Ray
Employees: 12 full-time, 15 part-time, over 200 volunteers
Key services: Childhood literacy, youth center, homework help, creative workshops, drug prevention education, computer instruction, housing counseling, job training and referral, financial literacy
Clients assisted in 2006: About 2,200 directly and 23,000 through various partnerships
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
