A retired educator who often invited artists to her classroom remains devoted to the arts today as a co-sponsor of multiple shows to be presented at the Falls Area Performing Arts Center.
Neva Hodge-Lemorande, of Oconto Falls, will co-sponsor four of the six shows in the 2013-14 Fine Arts Series, presented by the Oconto Falls Friends of the Arts.
“I believe in bringing … more culture to our schools and to our children, opening avenues that will give them a greater outlook on life,” she said.
The Oconto Falls High School graduate worked as a teacher and principal in rural elementary schools in Elkhart Lake and Plymouth for 46 years, before retiring and reconnecting with OFHS class mate Ralph Lemorande at their 50th class reunion. They were married in 1994, and Ralph died in 1996. Her first husband, Robert Hodge, of Plymouth, died in 1989.
Hodge-Lemorande has sponsored performances since the Friends of the Arts formed 11 years ago and serves on the board of directors. As a board member, she helped select the performances for the upcoming season.
“It’s not easy, because we don’t have a lot of money, so we do everything we can on a volunteer basis to keep this program alive, but it’s worth it,” she said.
She said the PAC is a beautiful venue for the arts, with excellent acoustics and a wonderful atmosphere. She said it is gratifying just to be in the audience.
“I sit with pride, and I’m observing all the people, especially the children and their reactions,” she said.
This season, she hopes for bigger audiences.
“Many times I hear people say, “Oh, I heard it was so good. I wish I had attended,’ ” she said.
With six shows to choose from, Hodge-Lemorande couldn’t pick a favorite, but was partial to the Missoula Children’s Theatre presentation of “Pinocchio,” which will involve a cast of about 50 local children.
“I believe so much in this one we have in August for the children. That’s so important, bringing all children in as part of that program,” she said. “They learn so much.”
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