By: Tammy Allison
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
What began as a dream for one local Wauseon area pastor sweetly evolved to include a melodious quartet of harmonious music, delectable goodies, the perfect night out, and an opportunity to give back to the community. Pastor Paul Flores of the Wauseon First Church of God has always had a love of and a heart for music. When he heard the Paul VornHagen jazz trio perform in Toledo last year, it became his goal to bring quality live jazz music to the Fulton County area. Traditionally, his church has hosted a small, quaint Sweetheart Banquet in conjunction with Valentine’s Day. His thoughts…“Why not expand upon this event to include the greater community?” He partnered with the Wauseon FISH and others in the local community, and together, they composed the plans for this special night.
The result was A Night of Jazz and Sweets with the Paul VornHagen trio. On Friday, February 12th, approximately one hundred people gathered at the Four County Career Center for a relaxing night of jazz, coffee, and sugary sweets. The event provided not only a unique option for a Valentine’s weekend night out, but also the opportunity to give back to the community. Cup of Life, owned by Steve and Mindy Cheney, provided the coffee for the event. The culinary arts program at Four County Career Center prepared a tempting display of buckeyes, mini pie tarts, cookies, and chocolate dipped strawberries. As participants sipped on coffee and nibbled on goodies, they were delighted by the authentic sounds of these accomplished musicians from the Detroit/Ann Arbor, Michigan area. The tickets for the event were only $25 for a couple and $13 for a single. All proceeds benefitted the Wauseon FISH organization.
Paul Colon, Wauseon FISH president, shared that the organization provides for families in need in the Wauseon area. FISH, which stands for Friends in Service to Humanity, is a completely volunteer organization that has been in existence in Wauseon for about thirty years and partners with area churches to help those in need.
FISH provides assistance with emergency rental payments, utilities, prescriptions, gas vouchers for approved out of town doctor appointments, and food boxes for those in need. Colon states, “We are blessed every day with contributions. I am very passionate about the work of FISH for the community.” He shared there have been success stories of individuals who received assistance from FISH, were able to get back on their feet, and then become contributors themselves to the mission of FISH. For more information about giving to FISH or to inquire about assistance guidelines, call FISH at 419-337-7342.
Tammy may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com