Forecast calls for bubbles

Yesterday afternoon, Jim Metzger, from Lebanon, OH, brought his kids, Mason and Monet, to Yellow Springs to spend the day. He had visited the garden terrace behind 309 Xenia Avenue on a previous visit and remembered talking with the owner, Alan Macbeth, about the unique building that is "a work-of-art" and the magical outdoor space. As we chatted, bubbles suddenly appeared all around us, floating softly down from the balcony of the 2nd floor apartment.

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 11, 2010

A peaceful demonstration

On Saturday, following the weekly Yellow Springs Peace Vigil (corner of Xenia and Limestone, noon-1 p.m.), peace activist, YS Senior Center Board secretary, and my personal role model Mary M. Morgan celebrated her 85th birthday surrounded by her “family.”

“I don’t have much family,” Mary told the 20-plus friends and fellow activists who had gathered for the celebration. “I have nieces and a nephew who consider me ‘that crazy aunt in the attic.’ I’m not ‘that crazy aunt in the attic.’ I’m that crazy aunt that lives in Yellow Springs!” She went on to express her gratitude for the group’s friendship and for being her family.

“If you folks hadn’t come,” she said, genuinely surprised at the number of people who showed up, “it would have just been me and a cake.”

Afterwards, participants ate sandwiches and cake and sang anti-war songs.

In her characteristically playful yet resourceful way, Mary wore a t-shirt she refashioned from her 70th birthday that read: “It took me 85 years to look this good!”

photos by Susan Gartner -- Sept. 11, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- Sept. 12, 2010

Perfect evening for tea and conversation

The second "Tea in the Garden" event hosted by Asian Collection owner Chris Shaff (top photo, second from left) took place Saturday evening in the garden area behind the store at 309 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs. The quietly advertised event drew in a moderately-sized tea-friendly crowd -- just the right number for conversation and connection. The idea generated from Chris' admiration of the beautiful setting and his desire to let more people know about this quiet oasis in the heart of downtown Yellow Springs.

Watch the Blog for more info on upcoming "Tea in the Garden" events or contact Chris directly at the store at (937) 767-2965.

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 4, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- September 5, 2010

First Presby Church rings in 150 years

Friday evening, September 3, the First Presbyterian Church of Yellow Springs threw a birthday party on their front lawn complete with cake, ice cream, and balloons, to celebrate 150 years of service to the community. Special guests included Pepito (attending with puppeteer Jim Rose and pictured with new friend Angelina Smith); Patti Dallas and Marianne MacQueen hosting a sing-along; and barbershop quintet, "The Buzzards," featuring (left to right) Carl Maneri, Bill Mullins, Byron Dann, David Westneat, and Ron Siemer.

An added treat to the evening was the ringing of the newly restored bell in the church's bell tower.

photos by Susan Gartner -- September 3, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- September 4, 2010

Teachers: Start collecting photos!

This is an example of the type of video I can make for teachers to give to their students at the end of the school year. Simply start taking and collecting photos and video clips of your students and classroom activities. At the end of the school year, give me your collection and I'll turn it into a cherished memory that will make the perfect year-end gift. Songs that have a special meaning to your students or the audio from a choral performance can also be added. For more information and rates, contact me at basedonatrueblog@gmail.com.

Tea Party, Yellow Springs-style

On Saturday evening, August 28, Chris Shaff (top photo, right), owner of Asian Collection, hosted "Tea in the Garden" behind his store at 309 Xenia Avenue.

From 6-9 p.m., there was a quiet but steady stream of tea enthusiasts of all ages enjoying a perfect summer's evening and garden setting, conversing and drinking jasmine and Vietnamese tea. The free event was so successful that Chris wants to do it again this Saturday, Sept. 4, same time, same place.

photos by Susan Gartner -- August 28, 2010

House for Sale: 6637 Sterling Drive, Enon, OH

House for Sale. $114,900. New electric service, newer windows and roof, new cherry cabinet kitchen with travertine tile floors, new stainless steel appliances, new ceramic tile in bathrooms, new frieze carpet, paint, light fixtures. Wood-burning stove in family room. Patio, fenced yard with shed, large two-car garage with openers. New landscaping, whole house fan, ceiling fans. For more information, contact Joanne Augenstein (937) 546-6292

video by Susan Gartner

Painting (and smoking) like Pollock

On Saturday, August 21, 2010, Getaways for Women creator and Jafagirl ("Just Another Flippin' Artist") Nancy Mellon (in blue t-shirt) hosted a "Paint Like Pollock" workshop as part of her "Getaways for Women: Wild Women Event."

Participants Lori Tuttle, Susan Gartner, Thasia Herbert, Judy Rizzo, Jeannene and Daria Schaffnit met at Brother Bear's Coffeehouse to watch a short video on the life of American painter and abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock. They then gathered under the carport next to "would you, could you" In A Frame to experiment with various Pollock-inspired techniques including flinging, dripping, pouring and spattering. Jafagirl and PLP assistant Corrine Bayraktaroglu chronicled the event and kept participants in the mood with candy cigarettes from Sugar Cubes.

For more information about Nancy Mellon's Getaways for Women and upcoming events, visit www.getawaysforwomen.com

photos by Susan Gartner -- August 21, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- August 24, 2010

Village-wide Block Party August 21-22

The 2nd Annual Village-wide Block Party, sponsored by the Yellow Springs Human Relations Commission, took place August 21 and 22 at eighteen locations throughout the town. HRC presented each neighborhood effort with a $20 gift certificate from Tom's Market to be used towards food and drinks. Local band The Undercovered performed at the Meadow Lane block party and Stafford Street residents set up a livingroom in the middle of the street complete with carpeting, sofa and chairs. Next year: Block Party Wars

photo and video by Susan Gartner -- August 21 and 22, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- August 23, 2010

Third Friday Fling in downtown Yellow Springs

On August 20, the Yellow Springs arts community was in full swing for Third Friday Fling. Various galleries and shops extended their hours into the evening and exhibited works from local artists.


Whimsical "yard art" made from repurposed china and ceramic dishes created by Dayton artist Jenn Mullins lines each side of the walkway leading to Urban Handmade, 241 Xenia Avenue.


Painter and ceramic artist Geno Luketic (right) talks with guests at his artist reception at "would you, could you" In a Frame, 113 Corry Street.



Village Artisans Gallery, 100 Corry Street, held an art opening for the show "Extending Our Boundaries," featuring Beavercreek artist Leah Grommon (in red dress), who works with oils, acrylics, and knits, and longtime villager and water color artist Sue Brezine (explaining water color technique to guests).



Cincinnati photographer Matt Vant, stands by his work, "Bird's Eye View," at the artist reception for the group exhibit, "People, Places and Things," at Yellow Springs Arts Council's new gallery and meeting space, 309 Xenia Avenue. The exhibit also features ceramic boxes by fellow Cincinnati artist John Mason, vintage dress designs by Dayton artist Tracy McElfresh, and paintings by Dayton artist Patrick Mauk.

photos by Susan Gartner -- August 20, 2010
posted on A Yellow Springs Blog -- August 21, 2010