Rogers deserving of recognition (4/21/03)

There's no surprise in learning that the state of Indiana is honoring Eric Rogers for his contributions to the arts.

The surprise is that it wasn't done sooner.

Coming to Jay County as a CETA employee in search of an arts project back in the 1970s, Rogers provided the vision, the energy, and the leadership to create something any rural community would envy.

In Arts Place, we're fortunate to have one of the finest arts facilities in small town America. Big city visitors are stunned by the place. Artists and performers making use of the venue for exhibitions or concerts are eager to come back.

And for thousands of young people growing up in Jay and the surrounding counties over the past 20 years or so, the Arts in the Parks program Rogers established has provided meaningful, life-enhancing enrichment. It has made a difference in kids' lives. It's that simple and that complex.

Eric Rogers didn't do all this by himself, of course.

He'd be the first person to tell you that. And our guess is he's busy deflecting all the attention being directed his way toward the larger organization and its supporters.

But the fact is, it wouldn't have happened without Eric Rogers. Jay County has known that for a long, long time.

Now the state of Indiana knows it as well. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]