FOUND MY BRICK

• 

  When planning for the new Hobart High School building began three years ago, I was SOOOOO excited! (I have never even moved into a new house!) I was particularly happy that the decision was made to build a THEATRE rather than another auditorium - the smaller venue would be much better suited to perform plays and musicals with the smaller, more intimate seating. Since the old building was being remodeled for the middle school, the larger facility would still be available for larger groups.
  
  Another offer extended to the community was the chance to purchase bricks for sale to be placed in various areas on campus. I jumped right on that bandwagon and ordered one. This week, I found mine - located by the Performing Arts Center.
  
  Several people asked how to get their own brick at the new Hobart High School. The bricks are just one of the items available as part of the campus beautification program. Here's the link to the form.
  
  http://www.hobart.k12.in.us/newHHS/PDF/Brick%20donation%20flyer%20revised.pdf

Have fun ordering your own!

ONCE A BRICKIE, ALWAYS A BRICKIE!

The New THEATRE!

Hobart High School opens its first performance in its new THEATRE (not Auditorium!) I remember opening the auditorium in 1976 at the old building. It was a scary prospect as I didn't feel very comfortable with the new lighting system or audio system. The THEATRE offers state-of-the-art technical equipment. (See Post-Tribune artile below.) I am very excited for the directors, cast, crew, pit, and audience as they embark on this new voyage! BREAK A LEG!





March 12, 2009 BY BOB KOSTANCZUK Post-Tribune staff writerHOBART -- The new $62.5 million Hobart High School comes with an impressive 650-seat theater.The Hobart High Theatre Department will break it in with "Anything Goes" — the inaugural theatrical production. The engagement starts Friday.Overhead sound boards are seen in the new Hobart High School theater during a dress rehearsal for "Anything Goes" recently in Hobart. (Scott M. Bort/Post-Tribune) If you goWhat: "Anything Goes"Where: Hobart High School Theatre, 2211 E. 10th St., Hobart.When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21; matinee performance at 3 p.m. Sunday.Tickets: $6 for students, $7 for senior citizens and $8 for adults; reserved seats available by calling 942-8521, Ext. 8193. Cathy Nelson, the school's theater director, said she and the production team chose to go with the time-tested musical by Cole Porter, a Hoosier who grew up in Peru."We wanted something pretty significant, with a little bit of name recognition," said Nelson, an English teacher who's directing Porter's 1934 show.The state-of-the-art school has a theater with pine wood accents and a brick proscenium."It's beautiful," Nelson said. "We have a great sound system — the best sound system they could have gotten us."She said that in the past, the audio aspect "was always one of our challenges."The cost of the theater is approximately $3.5 million, according to the superintendent's office.In addition to a makeup room and dressing areas, Nelson pointed to other features: "We have a scene shop. We have a full fly system."Graced with such technical elements for staging, the new theater is a fitting anchor for the high school's Performing Arts Center.Also in the mix is the Black Box Theatre, an adjacent room that has curtains and is used for small performances and also as a classroom.One of the theater's most interesting features is an orchestra pit that lies mostly beneath the stage, allowing seats to be closer to the stage.Performing in the first onstage play will be 18-year-old Nathan Allen, who will portray Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, a nobleman, in "Anything Goes."Allen has his own solo."It's probably one of the funniest plays that I've done, just because of the subtle humor in it," the Hobart High senior said. "I've been in numerous musicals, but I definitely like this one the most."Allen will get the vocal spotlight for his rendition of "The Gypsy in Me."Between 60 and 70 students are involved in the production. Approximately 40 of them are in the cast, according to Nelson.A modest-sized orchestra will play."Anything Goes" includes classic Broadway tunes such as "Friendship," "It's De-Lovely" and the title song.





From the Northwest Indiana Times:ANYTHING GOES HobartThe great Cole Porter musical will be performed at the Performing Arts Center at, Hobart High School, 2211 10th St., at 7:30 p.m. March 13, 14, 20, 21 with a matinee at 3 p.m. on the 15. Nearly 70 students and a team of 10 adults-mostly volunteers, are involved in this inaugural production. Tickets are on sale at the Performing Arts Box Office. Reserved seats are available by phone. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $6 for students. In cooperation with the Hobart Educational Foundation, the theatre department will offer complimentary tickets to seniors at the 3 p.m. March 15 matinee. Seniors will be treated to tours of the new building and complimentary reception beginning at 2 p.m. They will also receive preferred seating at the show. To participate in this event you must call ahead to reserve your spot.FYI: (219) 942-8521, ext. 8193

February 25 - a Day of LOVE

Most of us think of Valentine's Day as a day of LOVE. For me, February 25 has taken that moniker. Last year, February was filled with hospital ICU visits by loved ones - in Hobart early in the month, Greenwood and Chicago later in the month. All of these visits remain heavy in my heart today, and yet, remind me that "when God closes a door, He opens a window."
Early in February, Bryan and I spent several frightening days waiting for Sharon to recover from E.R. trip that included some nightmare moments. After Sharon's recovery, Jackie spent most of the second half of February living the same nightmare in Indianapolis with Mom. At the same time, Cyndi was waiting for the delivery of her first grandchild (a delivery at Northwestern Hospital that was meticulously choreographed with an immediate trip to Children's Memorial Hospital.)
On February 25, God opened a window as He closed a door. In the afternoon, Bailey entered into this world and made her first trip to CMH. In the early evening, Mom left this world. (I find comfort in thinking that she asked God to let her go and spend the extra time with Bailey.) After SEVERAL months in CMH's neo-natal ICU, heart surgery, oxygen therapy, and LOTS of prayers, Bailey continues to grow, thrive, and celebrate her FIRST BIRTHDAY today!

Can this BE the same Abbey?

Abbey-Abigail had a wonderful check-up last week. She "fluffed" out so much that I thought the "aura" that surrounds our house had enveloped her. Luckily, she's perfect weight (13.9 pounds - only gained .9 this year.) The horrible winter took a toll on her coat - she was starting to mat and pull, so I had her groomed at the same time. Little did I know that the "fluff" was just that! Wasn't sure I was picking up the right dog until she started wagging that tail! WHAT A TRANSFORMATION!!!
BEFORE:

AFTER:

ONE YEAR LATER

Presidents' Day (February 16, 2009) marked a very special anniversary for me. Last February was full of unpleasantness (Sharon in ICU, Mom in ICU, Mom's death, Bailey's rough start), but the 16th marked a bright moment. On the 16th, Cyndi, Megan and Kevin brought my Abbey-Abigail to me. Megan and Kevin had taken her for her shots, spay, and recovery. Little did I know how Abbey would steal my heart.

THANK YOU Cyndi, Megan, and Kevin for the best gift ever!

Feeling at Home

I'm finally feeling "at home" in room 1303 at the new Hobart High School.

The drive to the new building is a tiny bit longer, but I get excited as I start up the last hill on 10th Street and see the "beacon" of the HHS sign! It's been a very loooonnnngg time since I have had such anticipation!

Even with some technology glitches, it's a wonderful place to be. Considering that I didn't even own a calculator when I first started teaching, pulling out laptops for every student in my advanced speech class today was such a treat! Come visit sometime and let me show off the "new digs" - I'll leave the porch light on for you!

Makes Me MADD

Some of you may have seen this before - I've had kids use the "letter" in speeches for years and it "gets me" EVERY SINGLE TIME. I've had more "empty desks" to return to at school than I want to remember - ONE is too many, but it's desolute to face the parents / class when something happens. I always tell my kids that I'm too old to go through the pain - to not be stupid - and to not let their friends be stupid - but you can't buffer them from the OTHER stupid people. TAKE SOME ACTION, Please!

Went to a Party Mom

I went to a party, and remembered what you said. You told me not to drink, Mom, so I had a Sprite instead. I felt proud of myself, the way you said I would, that I didn't drink and drive, though some friends said I should. I made a healthy choice, and your advice to me was right. The party finally ended, and the kids drove out of sight. I got into my car, sure to get home in one piece. I never knew what was coming, Mom, something I expected least. Now I'm lying on the pavement, and I hear the policeman say, "The kid that caused this wreck was drunk." Mom, his voice seems far away. My own blood's all around me, as I try hard not to cry. I can hear the paramedic say, "This girl is going to die." I'm sure the guy had no idea, while he was flying high, because he chose to drink and drive, now I would have to die. So why do people do it, Mom, knowing that it ruins lives? And now the pain is cutting me, like a hundred stabbing knives. Tell sister not to be afraid, Mom; tell daddy to be brave. And when I go to heaven, put "Mommy's Girl" on my grave. Someone should have taught him, that it's wrong to drink and drive. Maybe if his parents had, I'd still be alive. My breath is getting shorter, Mom, I'm getting really scared. These are my final moments, and I'm so unprepared. I wish that you could hold me, Mom, as I lie here and die. I wish that I could say, "I love you, Mom! So I love you and good-bye."

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) IS HOPING TO GET THIS MESSAGE TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. Contact them at:
MADD
P.O. Box 541688
Dallas , TX 75354-1688
1-800-GET -MADD (1-800-438-6233)

Never forget, DON'T EVER DRINK AND DRIVE, not even once, thinking that it won't matter. IT DEFINITELY WILL MATTER!!!