Mercy!

Today's Journal...

An estimated 2,000 visit Pendleton Art Center during First Friday event


Markle had a treat in store for the visitors, and for artist Sam Ashworth in particular. Friday was his 70th birthday, and he received a proclamation from Mayor Larry Mulligan declaring April 1 “Sam Ashworth Day.”
Using that as their cue, several kids from the Performing Arts Academy sang a song with that title. It was a spoof of the song “Beethoven Day” from “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” which the group is rehearsing for a summer production. The lyrics included jokes about commercializing Ashworth’s birthday, and the kids wore shirts that said “Sam Ashworth Day,” with his picture.

Wow, Robinette sure did pour it on with the promo. Nice little gimmick with the Ashworth Day proc. /birthday skit. Nice start. Shouldn't surprise anyone with the numbers as this is new and provokes interest. The real test will be if they keep coming back in these numbers a year or two from now and if they can stock the building with artists who will stay long-term as opposed to a revolving door scenario. If this is to succeed, I would imagine it will be the out of town element who will carry it. Doubt if there is enough interest in Middletown to keep it viable.

I question the 2000 figure..probably grossly inflated.

I attended last nights event at the Pendleton Arts Center and was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. I didn't arrive until after 7 PM so I was completely oblivious to the previous occurances concerning the Sam Ashworth Day and the rest. Since Sam is a friend, let me say that I think such an honor is well deserved. Whether you agree with him or not, Sam has worked for the betterment of this city and I applaud the volunteer hours he has spent in service to this city. Here's to the best for the new arts center.

Vet - while I have known Sam for many years, I had not actually seen him in at least 10 years until the evening of the Mayor's speech in front of the PAC. I can't speak to any of his involvement in the Historical Society. My association with Sam comes through the Opera House. I also hate innuendo, allegations, personal attacks, that kind of character asassination. Believe me, I am not the person who can look at anyone and judge what they have done or why. I've learned that I have a big enough job looking to my own behavior to worry about anyone else's.

Vet - allegations and innuendo serve no purpose when done for personal reasons. If someone has done wrong, they can rest assured that those wrongs will come back to haunt them. However, if you don't know, and engage in speculation and  gossip about things without proof it hurts not only the person gossipped about but the gossipper as well. I have an agreement with myself about this; be immaculate with your word. When I follow that simple rule, I find my path easier.

I have known Sam for a few years, always have liked him and found him to be a very cool guy and fun to be around. Know nothing negative about him. Sam + Ms.G is a pretty good time imo.  I wish that I had been there last night. Probably to crowded for me lol, and this spider usually gets stepped on when he ventures into the former downtown area.

2,000 people?  I have to wonder where all of these visitors hitched their wagons.  One is in for a long walk from thier vehicle when 200 people show up at city hall and that famous forum is surrounded by parking lots.  There must have been a traffic jam at Broad and Central unseen since JFK appeared at the Manchester Inn.

Mr Saunders - You seem to think I either know or care how others conduct their life, I do not. I am not Mr Ashworth's confessor not am I his apologist. If you are so concerned with this question, why don't you go directly to Mr. Ashworth and ask him.

TonyB wrote: Mr Saunders - You seem to think I either know or care how others conduct their life, I do not. I am not Mr Ashworth's confessor not am I his apologist. If you are so concerned with this question, why don't you go directly to Mr. Ashworth and ask him.

I beg your pardon, sir.  Apparently I incorrectly assumed when you stated that you had "known Sam for many years," that you actually had known Sam for many years at least well enough to know what he did for a living.  Nothing more, nothing less.  I shan't trouble you again.

Vet - there is no disagreement. I really have no idea about Sam's involvement with the Historical Society so I have no basis to speculate.

Is John Charles Daly still alive???