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Arts and Agriculture a Combination
Not To Be Missed
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Helen Blaine was one tough, memorable teacher. It’s very difficult to remember what I did or ate yesterday, but to remember back fifty years requires close to a miracle.
I remember very little concerning my years in elementary school at Georgetown. The only thing I remember about kindergarten was taking a nap everyday at school. In the first and third grades I receive all A’s, but remember nothing else except the location of the classrooms in the old two-story brick school building with huge iron fire escape stairs. However, one does remember fifty years later, traumatic events that happen in one’s life. Such was the case when I was in the fourth grade. It was a beautiful day in 1958 and it was time for recess. We decided to form teams and have a relay race. I remember taking the baton, turning around, taking two quick steps, and running my mouth into one of those huge, iron fire escape staircases. I wrecked my teeth for life, and for those of you who have wondered why my teeth are a mess; now you know. All through school I always receive A’s and B’s on my report cards, probably because of the fear I had of my mother’s switches. The only exception was second grade taught by Helen Blaine. Mrs. Blaine was not only my teacher, she was one of our neighbors. No one misbehaved in her classroom more than once. I remember one day my friend, Terry Prickett, gave Gayle Cox and me a stick of gum when Mrs. Blaine left the room. Shortly after her return, she called Terry, Gayle and me up-front. She told us to lay one of our hands, side by side, down on her big oak desk. As soon as we did that, out of nowhere comes a huge inch-thick yardstick crashing down on our knuckles. I never new an old woman could be that quick! Oh, that hurt! I don’t chew gum to this day. It was Mrs. Blaine who gave me C’s in writing and art. I do not recall my mother ever complaining to Mrs. Blaine about those C’s. I think my mom was afraid of her too. You can probably include the mayor and police chief as well. I can guarantee you President Bush would not leave his ranch if it was Mrs. Blaine who was “camped out” in front of his place. My C’s in art brings me to today’s subject: Agriculture and the Arts. In case you are not aware, Clark County Agriculture and the Arts is about to be “showcased” not only nationally, but internationally. Thanks to a six-figure USDA SARE grant, local sponsors and the Turner Foundation, Clark County, Ohio’s modern agriculture is about to be seen world-wide. Titled “Our Fields, Farms, and Families”, this innovative production will bring much pride and good will to this county. Ohio State University Extension, Clark County Farm Bureau, and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra have been working on this for two years and it’s about to happen in November. In fact, the whole arts community has embraced this to see that this happens and the agricultural story is told through the arts. Agriculture and the Arts is a celebration of culture that tells the story of our rich agricultural history to the broader, non-agricultural community. Images used in the Springfield Symphony Orchestra concert and exhibitions were taken by community members, 4-H and FFA participants, and five professional photographers who were each assigned to a Clark County farm family. Photographs were submitted emphasizing themes of farming practices, conservation, beauty or farm life. This musical feast is enhanced with images of Clark County agriculture and farm life projected on three large screens above the orchestra. This production is being visually designed by James Westwater. Professional in every way, this will be a “crown jewel” in the history of Clark County. Expect calls from relatives all over the country when they see it on PBS next year. “Why Clark County?” one may ask. There are several reasons. We have a great agricultural history. We possess some of the most productive soils in the world. We have always had great leadership in agriculture in the county. My next article will address leadership. Clark County also possesses Melanie Flax Wilt who works for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. She was in the right place at the right time to suggest her county and the Springfield Symphony. The OSU task force with the SARE grant has been thrilled with the selection of Clark County. It didn’t take them long to realize the great, rich agriculture here and the tremendous arts program that exist in our community. I highly encourage everyone to purchase your tickets early before people across the state fill the Kuss Auditorium on November 19, 2005, 8:00 p.m. and November 20, 2005, 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $27.00 to $37.00 a piece and can be ordered by calling 937-328-3874. Denny Hall of OSU, Jason Dagger and Karen Neer of Farm Bureau, David Deitrick of Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and Katherine Denney, of Arts Interface have dedicated their recent lives to see that this is awesome. Be a part of history and join me in this great celebration of our rich heritage and culture. Remember, some opportunities occur only once in your lifetime. Be there or be sorry. Our great story needs to be told and supported. Who knows, you just might be in it. OSU Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that
all educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are
available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race,
color, age, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual
orientation, national origin, or veteran status. Updated: September 2005 |