I Am Home: Dan & Anna Ross

HOME LIVING | I Am Home HOMEI am Dan & Anna Ross

By Lauren Caggiano | Photo Provided

Dan and Anna Ross live and breathe the arts. So, it’s no surprise the dynamic duo ended up in Fort Wayne, a city with such a rich cultural offering. The story behind their love affair with Fort Wayne begins more than 20 years ago.

“We’ve been married since 1999,” said Dan. “And you know, we work together so well in our married life, but our working life complements each other, as well — our love for the arts and for the community is so similar that it’s really a nice partnership.”

Dan, who works at Arts United, came to Fort Wayne after graduating from Indiana University’s School of Music.

“It was the Fort Wayne Philharmonic that initially brought me here,” he said. “And I continue to play trumpet for the Philharmonic. This fall, I will start my 40th season. And the Philharmonic continues to be one of the big pieces that continue to attract me to this community.”

Speaking of attraction, Anna came to the area by way of South Carolina in 1989. She was offered a staff job for the Philharmonic, after completing her master’s degree.

“I thought I would just be here a couple of years, and move on with my orchestra career,” she said. “But I was so impressed with the orchestra, where it was headed, the quality of the organization, and the support from the community, so much that I continue to stay here and get more involved. And now I wouldn’t leave it. I love Fort Wayne.”

That sentiment is what energizes this power couple. They both cite downtown development as one of the highlights of the last decade or so. The urban core was once a ghost town after 5 p.m., but now it’s a thriving hub of activity and people are investing in it every day. Dan cites the citywide mural project as just one example. “I see the difference between when I came here, and what’s happening now,” said Anna, who works as a nonprofit executive. “It’s the vibrancy, resiliency (and willingness) to embrace change that have contributed to the forward motion and partnerships throughout the city in various aspects.”

Anna and Dan are contributing to that positive trajectory with their own work, both in terms of career and community impact. For example, they’re members of Trinity English Lutheran. Anna is a member of a not-for-profit organization called Lasagna Love, which allows her to flex her cooking skills for a good cause.

“It’s just about two and a half years old and we bring lasagna is to people in need in our community,” she said. “There are volunteers in every state, and we’re matched with people who make requests in our community (in need of help). They can request a homemade lasagna, and we deliver as long as there are two people.”

As a couple, Dan and Anna enjoy dining out at the growing list of local places and visiting the robust local parks system. They also enjoy spending time with their two sons, ages 17 and 34; grandchildren; and their rescue dog, Shadow, who’s a black Lab. a