Applause for Carr-Hamilton House restoration

After almost two years of restoration work, the owners of the house at Herman Street and Xenia Avenue graciously allowed the Yellow Springs Historical Society to use the property to hold a fundraiser/open house so the public could finally get a peek inside. Over 500 people stopped by to admire the massive renovation project and satisfy their curiosity. Many of us had watched the stately mansion fall into disrepair over the years and were thrilled at the prospect that it would get a new lease on life. Renovations include a lovely mix of modern conveniences while still maintaining the original 1854 charm. During the tour, I learned about a hidden room, the hardwood floors, and how much care was put into trying to restore the original lighting fixtures.

Kudos to all who were a part of this incredible facelift. What had been a heart-breaking eyesore for years is now a beautiful jewel in the community crown.

top photo by Tom Osborne
remaining photos by Susan Gartner -- July 10, 2011

Art, music, and poetry on a beautiful summer's evening

Art and music was plentiful last Saturday night in downtown Yellow Springs.

Rob Heiliger provided music accompaniment during the Opening Reception for artist Jason Augenstein at Emporium Wines/Underdog Cafe.

Up the street, Mark DeLozier played music for guests attending the poetry reading at the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery and Exhibition Space hosted by Anthony Fife and Lauren Shows. Current exhibiting artist Debra Wilburn spoke about her illustrations and the various responses she's received over the years. Featured guests Matt Vetter and Adrienne Cassel read selections of their poetry.

photos by Susan Gartner -- July 9, 2011

Get to know your neighbors

Name tags were included in last week's edition of the Yellow Springs News to encourage new friendships and foster community spirit.

photo by Susan Gartner -- July 4, 2011

Yellow Springers show their spirit

photos by Susan Gartner -- July 4, 2011

Two of the village's more colorful characters

Jafagirl ("Just Another Flippin' Artist") Nancy Mellon takes her friend, Mr. Plato, out for some fresh air and socializing.

photo by Susan Gartner -- July 5, 2011

Canine celebrity endorsements to come...

Famous canine celebrity Beetoe, who was recently featured in a Rand McNally Best of the Road video highlighting Yellow Springs as the “Most Fun Town,” hangs with her media rep and handler Pierre Nagley and their homeboys in front of Brother Bear’s Coffeehouse.

photo by Susan Gartner -- July 5, 2011

Sights of Summer

photos by Susan Gartner

Kids learn kingly behavior at Summer Chess Camp

Omar Durrani's (aka "Mister Omar") Summer Chess Camp which has been held at The Emporium all week long culminated Friday in a Classic Team Tournament held in the terrace and backyard garden space behind Asian Collection and YS Arts Council Gallery.

The second session of Mister Omar’s Chess Camp will be held August 15-19 for ages K-8.

For more information, e-mail Omar at durranio@gmail.com or (614) 209-5596. See camp details at www.misteromar.com

photos by Susan Gartner -- July 1, 2011

Village puts the kettle on for Rand McNally Best of the Road team

The Rand McNally/USA Today Best of the Road Rally 2011 put Yellow Springs, OH, on the map, literally, when the town threw in its felted hat to compete for the category of "Most Fun Town."

On June 23, 2011, five two-person teams set out from New York to visit 30 Best Small Towns of America and determine Most Patriotic, Best Food, Most Beautiful, Friendliest and Most Fun.

Yellow Springers young and old came together to plan, schedule, and decorate the town in preparation for our visiting dignitaries, Juliana and Joan Broste of Littleton, Colo. The mother-daughter judging team arrived Tuesday, June 28, along with a fully-loaded RV and media crew.

I was particularly impressed by the way the Rand McNally media crew threw themselves into the fun including spending time learning about yarnbombing with Jafagirls ("Just Another Flippin' Artist") Nancy Mellon and Corrine Bayraktaroglu and a full table of Flower Power participants at Brother Bear's Coffeehouse. Even their driver, Bob, got into the act!

Follow the adventures of all the traveling teams as they cross the country on a mission. Click here to read the team blogs and watch their videos.

photos by Susan Gartner -- Tuesday, June 28, 2011