Happy to be the new guy in town

When my wife, Connie, and I moved to Newcastle in October 2018, we knew that we were in a place of new experiences and expectations. Coming from the fast-paced life and grind of the San Antonio, Texas, area, we also thought we would be in for some severe culture shock here. What we didn’t realize, though, was the quality of the people and the welcome we would receive. For that saying “Thank you” doesn’t feel at all adequate. It didn’t take many days for us to not only feel the need but the honor and desire to get involved in this community in whatever way we could. Wanting to give back from the gifts that God has blessed us with became a heartfelt drive. 
With that in mind and heart, I did something I’ve never tried to do before. I wanted to meet as many people as I could upon arriving in this lovely town. I wished to find out about what they were interested in, some of the histories of the place, and figure out where I could serve Newcastle and its people. Very quickly, I met with Tom Voss, and through him, some doors promptly opened. First of all, I began to realize that there is a vibrant arts culture here, and as an artist myself, I immediately saw areas with which I could get involved. And that led me to meet Bob Bonnar, the editor and publisher of the News Letter Journal. I found out that in the past there was an art and events column, but it has not run for some time. However, Bob was open to the idea and asked me to write an article introducing myself to the community. I will be letting go of my ‘secrets’ in future articles, but I first just wanted to let you know what my purpose for this column is. 
I am very interested in art, music, drama, and even dance. I’ve always thought there is a way to uphold an artist in his/her craft, and the best way for those opportunities is for people to know. It is my goal to get the word out throughout the year of the events that are happening here, especially in the arts. 
A few examples of that are in order right now. 
First of all, did you know that there is an Arts and Crafts Club in Newcastle? While it is in its infancy, it does exist, and efforts are now underway to find a standard time to meet that will fit in with the members’ different schedules. I’ll be writing more about this and other clubs soon. 
For a couple of years the Community Cantata Choir, which used to present an annual Christmas concert, along with the Bell Choir, has been inactive. This year it is my pleasure to inform you that it will be back, and rehearsals will be scheduled for the fall in preparation for the 2019 Christmas concert. 
The senior center in Newcastle has a model railroad that has fallen into disrepair in recent years. Right now, it is not running. But efforts have started to move it to a more secure room at the center, to repair what needs repairing, and to enhance what is already there. It’s quite an exceptional and large layout, and if all goes well, there will soon be a group to take care of the running of the railroad and to have appointed times when it will be open to visitors for viewing and educational purposes. 
These, and hopefully, many other stories are just a handful of the richness of life offered here. Most importantly, I hope to be able to write stories about individual artists and to present what they feel is vital in their lives as artists, musicians, dancers, or wherever they use their creative talents. It is those stories and those events that lend such richness and bring joy in this life we share. And what better way is there to live than to pass on something of beauty to the lives of those around us. That is what makes life truly worth living.