Since the inception of Front and Centre Productions, Inc. in 2009 (and long before when our team operated through a local organization), one person was instrumental in the success of our programs. "Pappy Jack" Weaver was a pillar in our Front and Centre family. As a grandfather of one of our IGNITE cast members, Jack became a "Pappy" to all of us! Jack was our lead construction coordinator for all of our IGNITE shows until 2013 when heart disease sadly took Jack from our earthly world. In May of 2014, Front and Centre made the decision to create a "HOME" at 213 North Front Street in Philipsburg for all activities. To honor Jack's dedication to FAC and his love of all of the kids, it was decided to name the new space after him - The John E. Weaver Center for Visual and Performing Arts...or, lore lovingly called "Pappy Jack's Place." Check out the before and after pictures below. Since Front and Centre Productions has moved to our permanent home on Elizabeth Street in Osceola in 2018, we have never forgotten Jack or what Pappy Jack's Place meant to FAC. While our programs have continued to thrive in our new space, ILLUSIONS Dance Studio was founded during the time we spent in downtown Philipsburg. Front and Centre Production's programming might have outgrown the space available at Pappy Jack's Place but Jack Weaver's impacts on Front and Centre Productions will never be able to outgrow our hearts.
This is a picture from the Grand Opening of Pappy Jack's Place. From (l) Stephen Switala, FAC Executive Director, Michael Pipe, Centre County Commissioner, Mark McCracken, Clearfield County Commissioner, PJ Monella, Grandson, Margaret Anne Weaver, wife, Ellen Monella, daughter, John Weaver, son, Julie Houston, previous FAC Board Member, Scott Conklin, PA State Representative