Michael Wise returned to his hometown of Newcomerstown from Washington, D.C. after an absence of over 40 years. He had been a musician in the U.S. Marine Corps and director of human resources for a private chain of luxury boutique hotels. He also had a very successful home business, Almond Didier, working in graphic arts, photography, and website development.
Michael retired in 2014 and returned to Newcomerstown where he founded ARTSNCT to ‘pay it forward’ to our community.
ARTSNCT - Arts Center of Newcomerstown, is a Veteran-led 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing all forms of visual and performing arts to Newcomerstown and the surrounding tri-county area. The center is 100% volunteer operated and managed, supported by grants and private donations.
Since returning to town, Michael has been manager of Cy Young Memorial Park, editor of the Newcomerstown News, and has served on the board of Tuscarawas Arts Partnership. He has also been active with our school system where he has directed high school musicals and developed several after-school programs at West Elementary School.
Michael is currently active with the Thomas R. Little Community Fund’s annual Gateway to Fall Festival, Newcomerstown’s Cy Young Days Festival, Revitalize NCT, and the Newcomerstown Community Action Network.
Elected to city council in 2021, Michael is chairman of the village’s safety committee and public relations.
