Welcome

Janet Lyne has been greatly involved in the choral music world since receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in piano and choral music education at Bowling Green State University under the guidance of Richard Mathey, Dr Ivan Trusler, Dr. William Skoog, Dr. Barbara Lockard-Zimmerman, and Dr. James Paul Kennedy. She is retired from teaching vocal music K-12 and college level courses. She has been a member of the Ohio Music Education Association, American Choral Directors Association, Phi Delta Kappa-Education Honorary, Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity, and Kappa Delta sorority. She also studied voice under Lester Freedman, founder of the Toledo and Dayton opera. She is the founder and director of the Henry County Chorale, an adult community choir. Janet is equally active in musical theatre, having served as director, assistant director, choreographer, vocal director, accompanist and/or conductor for 60+ shows at school, church, college and community theatres. Originally from Bryan, Ohio, Janet has also been a church organist/pianist/vocalist since the sixth grade. One of Lyne’s proudest accomplishments is her son Zach, who is a dispatcher for the Henry County Sheriff and fireman/EMT for Florida Fire & Rescue. She is also married to Larry Lyne, retired director of the Liberty Center High School band program. 

  Phil Gerken grew up a few miles outside of Napoleon and graduated from Napoleon High School.  After earning an engineering degree from Ohio State University, he returned to northwest Ohio to begin his career and raise a family.  Phil and his wife Kate can be seen running their four children to numerous activities for church, school, sports and 4-H. Phil's career working for an automotive supplier has given him the opportunity to travel throughout North America "I have been to cities and towns of all sizes; the liveliest communities have historic areas that showcase culture and the arts, enticing people to visit."  The Cultural Center is a way for us to enrich the quality of life in Henry County for future generations.

Shellee Murcko serves as the Historian for CCHC and earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Youngstown State University in vocal performance.  She sings at Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo, with the Henry County Chorale, and has appeared with several area theater groups.  She teaches private music lessons.  She has also worked as a liturgist and church musician and as head of historic cooking at Sauder Village. Shellee and Jim Murcko have lived in Napoleon since 1987.  They have two daughters who graduated from Napoleon schools and Jim taught music here for more than thirty years.  We have dedicated our lives to helping others develop their talents.  We look forward to continuing to help others learn and grow and bring arts and entertainment programs back to the auditorium at the Cultural Center.  This is such an exciting opportunity for our area! .

Vicky worked as a Paraprofessional with students with special needs. My family moved to Napoleon in 1968 as new owners of Paul's Bowl A Way, then onto River City Bowl A Way. Her husband Bruce's family originated in Napoleon, with his Grandfather being Dr Tony Delventhal. Musicals, plays, choir & band programs have all been a joy to her. As a board member, she can't wait for the Cultural Center of Henry County to continue to grow and bring these events to life!

Larry Lyne has been involved in instrumental music since the 4th grade when he was introduced into playing a trombone in elementary school band by Max Treier, Director of Band at Cambridge City Schools. In the eighth grade, he started playing in the community Jazz Band under the direction of Howdy Max. After graduating from high school, he attended Bowling Green State University. While at the university, he had many individuals who influenced his life, but the top two were David Glassmier and Mark S. Kelly, director of University Bands. In his final semester, Mr Lyne student taught in Napoleon under the direction of Roger King, who became a lifelong friend. He was one of the founding members of Mr. King’s Community Band, which is still performing in Napoleon. After graduation from BGSU, Larry accepted a teaching position as Director of Instrumental Music at Liberty Center Local Schools, where he spent the next 35 years of his life as band director to over one fourth of the school’s population. He started students in the 4th grade and taught them until graduation from high school. The best part of teaching was having his son, Zachary, as a student. Both he and his wife, Janet, attend St. Paul Lutheran church. Mr. Lyne has been involved in most community functions involving music in the schools and community of Napoleon. He retired from teaching in 2009 but is still active in the music world. When asked what was one of the best things about retirement, he replied: Not having to ride a school bus on Friday night!  

 Mason Melia has been a committed volunteer, sharing his talents in many ways, from helping lead our community’s parade float and singing in Christmas videos to pitching in with upkeep and maintenance around the building. As a lifelong Napoleon resident, Mason is excited to help bring this beautiful building back to life as a community space for creativity and connection for this generation and those to come.

In high school, Mason participated in Choir, Band, Theater, and DECA, a national program that prepares emerging leaders. He was a four-time state qualifier in DECA and also a state qualifier in bowling. His stage credits at Napoleon include The Wedding Singer, Lend Me a Tenor, and Beauty and the Beast.

Beyond school productions, Mason has performed at Common Grounds in Maumee with TBD Productions, in a radio play of It’s a Wonderful Life in Waterville, and in War Paint in Bowling Green with the Black Swamp Players. He actively sings with the Henry County Chorale and continues to perform in theater productions when possible. Mason also enjoys attending Bowling Green State University sporting events. 

Mason attended West Elementary, C.D. Brillhart, Central, and Napoleon Elementary before graduating from Napoleon High School in 2023. He currently works for Frankie & Myrrh, a locally owned store specializing in handmade aromatherapy products. 

Laura Clark Retcher was raised in Napoleon, where she attended West Elementary, Central Junior High, and Napoleon High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Communications and obtained a Master of Divinity degree from the Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio. Following her education, Laura became an ordained minister. She devoted 32 years to serving various churches, dedicating her life to guiding and supporting her congregations. Upon retiring, Laura married Ray Retcher, a former high school classmate who resides in Napoleon. Laura returned to the Napoleon area, reconnecting with her roots and community.

Throughout her life, Laura has been actively involved in the arts. She has participated in a variety of activities, including musicals, choirs, and dance, reflecting her passion for artistic expression. Laura’s mother, Beth Clark, was a respected and well-known member of the Napoleon community. Beth contributed significantly to various organizations, notably Community Concerts, and gained recognition for her work in directing choirs.

Laura is a strong supporter of the Cultural Center, believing firmly in the positive impact it will have on Henry County. Alongside her husband Ray, Laura volunteers a couple of days each week to help restore the building. They share a dedication to nurturing the arts and culture in their community.