May a memorable month; now, time for summer

May, the most exciting month in the state of Indiana, ended well. It included high school graduations, a wonderful Mother’s Day, the excitement of a most memorable Indianapolis 500 and the serene and reverent celebrations of our veterans who we commemorate with honor and awe.

In remembrance of these brave men, protectors of our land and our freedom, the Columbus Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra performed an outstanding Salute! concert. All attending veterans in the welcoming crowd were honored with a rendition of their songs of the armed forces in military cadence. Gov. Mike Pence attended and honored those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice, along with their families left behind. A most beautiful and talented artist, Donata Cucinotta, delighted everyone with a patriotic sing-along and several songs befitting the evening.

Cucinotta and her husband, Dr. Justin Rasner, have recently settled in Seymour from New Jersey when he joined Schneck Medical Center. She will maintain an active voice studio in Seymour and I look forward to once again being able to enjoy her glorious voice with our Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.

Memorial Day service on the county courthouse lawn is so very special every year to honor all Gold Star mothers and their sons and daughters who lost their lives in service to our nation. The laying of the wreaths, the three-volley rifle salute and the playing of taps brings this day of memories home.

Time for trips

So now we welcome the summer of 2016 with all its hither and yon. Off to the seashore or the various and sundry places to visit now that school is over, and the various locales that we keep promising ourselves to visit sometime!While recently in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., we went to the Newseum, which is quite an interesting history of the news media beginning in the early 18th century. Seven levels covering every aspect of how we were provided with news of the goings on in the world. We will have to return soon to finish; to say there was too much information says it all.

Interesting guest

An early feathered friend came for a visit and nestled in for the long haul behind the white picket fence in the middle of our spring wreath adorning our front door, creating a nest with three tiny eggs.Soon we had a rather angry mama bird whenever an attempt was made to exit or enter through this door, so we let her have her way. Then after much excitement, there were baby birds, chirps and finally an empty nest and a happy ending, and control of our humble abode.

Much to enjoy

Enjoy the many activities this summer, including the super great farmers markets in Columbus on Saturday mornings through September, at the FairOaks Mall parking lot and the Cummins Corporate Office Building parking lot.The Columbus Symphony Orchestra will finish its season at 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Mill Race Park with “Cleared for Launch!” Included will be the “Star-Spangled Banner,” excerpts from “Grand Canyon Suite,” “Star Trek Through the Years,” “Star Wars Suite” and the theme from the movie “E.T.” It’s sure to be a rousing evening under the stars and direction of Josh Aerie, music director.