New Year’s Day always brings a sense of expectation, reflection and anxiety. We wonder what lies ahead, how the past year has changed those possibilities and what we might change to improve our lives.
Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley has a unique opportunity as Jan. 1 nears. The upcoming year has been donned “2013: The Year of the River” by a coalition of arts organizations, led by Art Spaces — Wabash Valley Outdoor Sculpture Collection Inc., Arts Illiana and Rose-Hulman. Its intent is to inspire a renewed appreciation for the famed waterway in the community, and to educate folks on its potential uses and history. The project already is tightening bonds in the area, as groups that have functioned parallel for years tap into each other’s talents and resources to plan river-oriented events.
One strong example of the possibilities the Valley possesses has been illuminated by the new musical album, “The Wabash.” Its creation involved 13 musical acts and dozens of musicians, as well as photographers, graphic artists, local college students and staffers, studio technicians, local shops and restaurants. All of their contributions, and the proceeds, go to the establishment of a riverside sculpture commemorating 19th-century Terre Haute composer Paul Dresser and his Indiana state song, “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away.”
The result of their collaboration, with performers — all with Wabash Valley ties — stretching from Minnesota to Nashville, Tenn., is a heartfelt, fun, inspiring slice of the rich heritage of this place. The 13 songs on the album include a smorgasbord of genres, from jazz to bluegrass, blues, alternative rock, folk, Americana country, pop country, straight-up rock, and barbershop.
That diversity reflects the populace here, where universities coexist with blue-collar workers, business people, retirees, youngsters, singles, families and different races, religions and ethnic backgrounds.
The river represents one of the many things we all share, that we all have in common.
Dozens of activities, from January through December, are planned around 2013: The Year of the River, giving the community the chance to gather — with all of our differences — to celebrate through music concerts, arts events, educational forums and recreational opportunities. We have the chance to take a closer look at not only the value of the Wabash to this region emotionally and economically, but also to re-examine our collective power.
The determination to work together toward common goals could be the primary New Year’s resolution for the community.
Terre Haute and the surrounding towns and neighborhoods are not devoid of talent and resources. As “The Wabash” album proved on the brink of the yearlong celebration, this is home to creative, hard-working people. Good things are possible here. With initiative, ideas bloom.
With that in mind, we welcome 2013. Happy New Year, indeed.
Opinion
EDITORIAL: ‘Year of the River’ brings focus to our Wabash bond
2013 celebration a special initiative of possibilities
- Opinion
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RONN MOTT: Ernie Pyle
I stepped back in time last week when I visited the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana.
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RONN MOTT: Pyle museum in Dana good way to study WWII
I stepped back in time last week when I visited the Ernie Pyle World War II Museum in Dana.
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FLASHPOINT: Legislative session reflected Hoosier priorities
The 2013 session of the Indiana General Assembly came to an end just a few weeks ago with the final passage of our state’s next two-year budget.
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The celebration season
Spring has been a bit elusive at times in 2013, which is its nature.
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RONN MOTT: Frustration
For those who know me well, they can say without contradiction I am not a patient man. But in this hustle and bustle world I’ve been a part of all my adult life, I’ve had to learn a little patience. On occasion, however, I find some experiences extremely frustrating.
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news: MVC tourney an event worth having
It’s been a long time since the Missouri Valley Conference chose Indiana State University to host its post-season baseball tournament, but Terre Haute had never been more prepared for an event such as this.
- READERS' FORUM: May 23, 2013
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EDITORIAL: Cleaning up voter rolls
It’s not a lot of money in the big scheme of things, but the $2 million designated in the recent session of the General Assembly will begin the messy but necessary process of cleaning up Indiana’s voter registration rolls.
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READERS' FORUM: May 22, 2013
Rich history all along the river
Great work by Duke employees
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RONN MOTT: Rabid Republicans
The so-called news people at Fox News can hardly sit still long enough to report on the latest gossip or untruth about our sitting President. They can hardly contain themselves.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 21, 2013
• Great response to annual golf outing
• Doing your part on climate change
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LIZ CIANCONE: Smell of fresh air gave way to dryers
Remember when clean clothes smelled like fresh air and sunshine rather than fabric softener and dryer sheets?
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READERS' FORUM: May 20, 2013
The dangers of a little knowledge
Students enjoyed Rose study trip
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Mark Bennett: High-profile mural connects historical dots from city to river
At 96 feet wide and 2 stories tall, the power, impact and value of the Wabash will be evident.
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EDITORIAL: Waging the ‘readiness’ campaign
Almost every Hoosier who starts college intends to finish. Unfortunately, those who arrive on campus unprepared in key academic areas are far less likely to fulfill that aspiration.
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READERS' FORUM: May 19, 2013
• Flawed reasoning on gun checks
• A hint of things yet to come?
• Are the ‘makers’ doing the ‘taking’?
• The ‘Obamination’ is finally revealed
• Pondering effects of Obamacare
• Fantasizing on the ‘Apocalypse’
• Another view of Hinduism
• Great experience for HCMS students
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FLASHPOINT: A legislative session of missed opportunities
Given the nature of politicians, grand claims of accomplishments and overblown rhetoric about “historic” efforts are to be expected at the close of any legislative session.
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RONN MOTT: Mushrooms = Hoosier happiness
Someone wrote or said a few years ago a statement that would define the word “Hoosier.” According to this urban legend, a Hoosier is somebody dribbling a basketball around the Indy 500 while eating a fried, morel mushroom. It did not define me, at the time.
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EDITORIAL: Insult to an independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
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READERS' FORUM: May 17, 2013
Hinduism doesn’t deserve ridicule — Shefali Purohit, Terre Haute
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RONN MOTT: Israel’s Air Force
Recently the Israeli Air Force bombed and rocketed a convoy leaving Syria going to Lebanon with rockets that were going to be used to attack Israel. It did not get there. It was destroyed.
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EDITORIAL: Noteworthy in the news: Dashing finish for the Sycamores
It’s always thrilling to see Indiana State University’s athletic teams do well in high-level competition, and two specific teams rose to impressive heights last weekend in the Missouri Valley Conference outdoor track and field championships.
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Readers' Forum: May 16, 2013
Moving Deming folks sounds ‘nuts’
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Readers' Forum: May 15, 2013
Participants rise to the challenge: I would like to write a letter congratulating all the Wabash Valley Roadrunners that competed in the One America Indianapolis Mini Marathon.
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RONN MOTT: Media merry-go-round
Round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows. That isn’t a unique phrase to this writer or to this era in time. But, when it comes to the musical chairs of broadcasting, it certainly applies.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Courts see a different appearance than cops
Have you ever noticed the transformation between the arrest of an accused lawbreaker and the first appearance in court?
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READERS' FORUM: May 14, 2013
ISTEP failure exposes flaws
Community hasn’t changed its spirit
Egregious threat to nation’s defense
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READERS' FORUM: May 13, 2013
• Women’s group criticizes Bucshon
• Let’s hope this doesn’t come true
• Many get thanks for fest success
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MARK BENNETT: Life at face value: Mom’s simple advice still presents a valuable daily challenge
Most moms don’t base their advice on scientific research.
(Unless, of course, your mother is a scientific researcher. If so, carry a No. 2 pencil and take good notes.) -
EDITORIAL: Better monitoring needed to prevent local environmental messes
The nasty, hazardous messes lurking in the community raise a bottom-line, red-flag question. Could these environmental problems have been monitored and, thus, prevented?
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RONN MOTT: Ernie Pyle
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High Wire Spectacle Thrills Crowd in Austria
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A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
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Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Massive Flooding in San Antonio Area; Rescue Efforts Underway
Hope For The Boy Who Can't Smile
Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k
Young protestor goes viral on Youtube
Toronto Mayor says he's not a crack head
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Lynn Kindergarten Class Rescues Ducklings
Congressional gold medal awarded to civil rights heroes
Charles Ramsey visits Kentucky
Unique Display Greets Guests At Revel Casino
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BASE jumper rides snowmobile off cliff to honor dead friend
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
SHOCKING: School Guard Throws Girl Down Stairs
Star Wars X-Wing Star Fighter Made of Legos
Actress Amanda Bynes Arrested in New York
Singer Psy Has An Imposter
