Although life's journey takes him far from his childhood home, Rick Niece never forgets the people he meets and the lessons he learns as a young man growing up in picturesque DeGraff, Ohio, population 900. A small-town newspaper boy who becomes a lifelong educator himself, Dr. Niece is deeply touched by the endearing residents of DeGraff who shaped his youth, especially Bernie Jones. Confined to a wheelchair with severe cerebral palsy, Bernie becomes Ricki's friend, inspiration and superhero, opening a world of compassion, trust and adventure to them both. When he leaves DeGraff to attend Ohio State University, Rick promises Bernie that he will visit him again. Unfortunately, when Bernie s parents pass away, Bernie disappears, too, taken in by a distant relative. Forty years later, Rick learns that his boyhood friend is living in a nursing home. Returning to Ohio, he visits the never-to-be-forgotten Bernie Jones of a childhood long past and a promise finally kept.

Side-Yard Superhero: Life Lessons from an Unlikely Teacher (Fanfare for a Hometown)

Biographies & Memoirs

Niece Ph.D., Rick

Memoirs

Hometown Fanfare Publishing, LLC

Celebrating the soul of America’s heartland, The Band Plays On is Rick Niece’s heartfelt tribute to friendship, community, and, most importantly, his father, Lewis Niece. When DeGraff, Ohio’s beloved band director is invited to conduct an encore performance, “Lewie’s Alumni Band” gathers to celebrate with gusto. As the band practices for its final parade, Rick, his baritone in tow, reflects on treasured memories, relationships, and the legacy of a small town with indomitable spirit. The second volume in the delightful Fanfare for a Hometown series, The Band Plays On provides an entertaining, inspirational glimpse into lives richly lived…and shared.

The Band Plays on: Going Home for a Music Man's Encore (Fanfare for a Hometown)

Hometown Fanfare Pub Llc

Although life's journey takes him far from his childhood home, Rick D. Niece, Ph.D., never forgets the people he meets and the lessons he learns as a young man growing up in picturesque DeGraff, Ohio, population 900. A small-town newspaper boy who becomes a lifelong educator himself, Dr. Niece is deeply touched by the endearing residents of DeGraff who shaped his youth, especially Bernie Jones. Confined to a wheelchair with severe cerebral palsy, Bernie becomes Ricki's friend, inspiration and superhero, opening a world of compassion, trust and adventure to them both. When he leaves DeGraff to attend Ohio State University, Rick promises Bernie that he will visit him again. Unfortunately, when Bernie s parents pass away, Bernie disappears, too, taken in by a distant relative. Forty years later, Rick learns that his boyhood friend is living in a nursing home. Returning to Ohio, he visits the never-to-be-forgotten Bernie Jones of a childhood long past and a promise finally kept. Complete book on 1 MP3 CD.

Parenting & Relationships

Five Star Publications (AZ)

A delightful celebration of music and memory, The Band Plays On takes readers on a poignant journey home to DeGraff, Ohio (population 900). Humor, heartbreak, and hope characterize this inviting small town, where the future of young Rickie Niece is shaped by the unwavering devotion of caring friends and family.

Professionals & Academics

Five Star Publishing (MI)

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Niece Ph.D., Rick. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Niece Ph.D., Rick

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Niece Ph.D., Rick. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Side-Yard Superhero: Life Lessons from an Unlikely Teacher (Fanfare for a Hometown)

The Band Plays on: Going Home for a Music Man's Encore (Fanfare for a Hometown)

Side-Yard Superhero: Life Lessons from an Unlikely Teacher (Fanfare for a Hometown)

The Band Plays on: Going Home for a Music Man's Encore (Fanfare for a Hometown)