Heart-felt sympathies at Open Books

The Dayton Street Flower Power Project paid its respects to Eddie Eckenrode, co-owner of Sam & Eddie's Open Books, who died Tuesday night, May 25. Flowers (felted and otherwise) are accumulating on the steps of the bookstore to commemorate the passing of a village friend. A memorial service is scheduled at the Glen Helen building on Sunday, May 30, at 2 p.m.

photos by Susan Gartner
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 28 & 29, 2010

Librarian humor

(spotted recently at Yellow Springs Library)

photo by Susan Gartner -- May 26, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 27, 2010

Bridging the gap

Two years ago, the long-running Wednesday Night Duplicate Bridge group at the Senior Center decided to stave off their dwindling numbers by offering classes to teach new members how to play. The plan worked beautifully.

“Sometimes we have up to five tables, which is spectacular!” says long-time bridge enthusiast Shirl LeVesconte, who co-teaches the game with Susan Freeman on Monday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. As LeVesconte explains it, duplicate bridge at the Senior Center is completely different from what duplicate bridge means to most bridge players.

“Duplicate bridge groups can get very competitive and can also be unfriendly,” she said, “but this is a very low-key, relaxed kind of duplicate bridge. You won’t find anything like this in Dayton.” When I spoke with her on Wednesday night during a break in the action, LeVesconte pointed out all the participants that evening who were recent “graduates” of the class. She especially wants people to know that Wednesday night bridge games include “gentle instruction” and “lots of laughing.”

Freeman is currently teaching a group of new players on Thursday nights. She would be happy to teach an additional group (at least four new persons) on Tuesday afternoons. On Wednesday nights, the action starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information about classes and dates, contact Freeman at 767-0235. All ages are welcome. You do not need a bridge partner to attend.

photo by Susan Gartner -- May 26, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 28, 2010

Ya ya ya, mon

The soul of Bob Marley was summoned Saturday night by the reggae band Soul Rebels who played in front of Village Cyclery, courtesy of Brother Bear's Cafe.

photo by Susan Gartner -- May 22, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 23, 2010

Life drawings figure in ArtSpace reception

Despite the dreary skies and occasional downpour, the Friday night opening reception of "Art of the Human Form: Works in Progress" was a lively and colorful affair. Pictured above, local artist Phyllis Logan was one of 10 artists whose work is exhibited in the show. The exhibit showcases 2-D and 3-D works created during weekly live model drawing sessions in the Yellow Springs Arts Council ArtSpace, located upstairs at 108 Dayton Street. Extended gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Saturdays May 29, June 5 and June 12. For more information about the drawing sessions or the exhibit, contact Beth Holyoke at bethsh@att.net.

photos by Susan Gartner -- May 21, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 23, 2010

Folk music served at Friday Fling

On Friday night, May 21, the First Presbyterian Church of Yellow Springs hosted another successful Soup Supper in conjunction with Third Friday Fling. Homemade soups, salad, rolls, drinks, and desserts were available for $7 per person, free for kids under 5. Proceeds will benefit building repairs. The event also featured the band, Wheels, comprised of high school students Jamie Scott (harmonica), Sam Salazar (mandolin), and Rory Papania (guitar) singing tight harmonies on folk classics like "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and "I'll Fly Away."

photos by Susan Gartner -- May 21, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 22, 2010

Fit to be tiled at Rosewood Arts Centre

Join local artists and tile bench sculptors Beth Holyoke (above left) and Kaethi Seidl (in background) for their final workshop at Rosewood Arts Centre in Kettering this Saturday, May 22, from 1-3 p.m.

Handmade tiles have been created in the previous four workshops and now need to be fitted and "mosaic-ed" into sections as part of a permanent sculpture to be installed this summer in Kennedy Park, Kettering.

The session is free and open to the public. All ages welcome.

Where: Rosewood Arts Centre, 2655 Olson Drive, Kettering 45420

When: Saturday, May 22, 1-3 p.m.

Contact: Rosewood Arts Centre (937) 296-0294
Connie Campbell: connie.campbell@ketteringoh.org
Beth Holyoke: bethsh@att.net
Kaethi Seidl: seidl@yellowsprings.com

photos by Susan Gartner -- May 18, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 19, 2010

Neil Jacobs sampler from April 15 concert

I’m not a music reviewer but I can appreciate the reviews on Neil Jacobs’ website which, although they were written for entirely different concerts, really capture his 12-string guitar performance at the YS Library on April 15th:

"Imagine Russian cowboy music. Imagine flamenco joined with Balkan dances. Imagine one guy doing all that while sounding like a whole orchestra." - The Cleveland Sun Messenger

"For more than 25 years, Ohio native Jacobs has circumnavigated the globe performing his exotic hybrid of gypsy jazz, flamenco, and Eastern European Folk on solo 12-string guitar." - Vince DeMasi, Guitar Player Magazine

And my personal favorite:

"He does everything to that guitar but give it a massage." - Livingston Taylor



Jacobs is originally from Columbus, OH. In addition to touring with Balkan musicians at refugee camps in Eastern Europe and studying with the gypsies of Spain, he also lived for a brief time on Glen Street in Yellow Springs. His most recent release, "12 String Guitar", was nominated "Best Solo Guitar CD" at the JPF Music Awards in Nashville. For more information, visit www.NeilJacobs.com.


video by Susan Gartner
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 18, 2010

Fairy sighting on Dayton Street

In addition to being Flower Power Friday (every Friday 9 a.m. to noon at Brother Bear's Cafe), last Friday was also "Fairy Friday" as designated by Lily (black fairy dress) and Gabriella Kibblewhite (pink fairy dress) and Olivia Hasek (pink and purple fairy dress). Dayton Street Flower Power Project co-originator Nancy Mellon got lots of fairy assistance as she attached flowers to the railings in front of the cafe and next door at Village Herb Shoppe while Flower Power Sew-In participants created more flowers inside. Join us again this Friday for more felt fun. Go to jafagirls.wordpress.com for more info and photos.

photos by Susan Gartner -- May 14, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 20, 2010

Great stuff (and great hats!) at Great Stuff Garage Sale

Great stuff went to happy homes at the Glen Helen Great Stuff Garage Sale which took place on Saturday, May 15 at the Glen Helen Corry Street parking lot. Pictured above, Glen Helen Executive Director Nick Boutis (in green Oberlin t-shirt) was among the many bargain-hunters making their way through the treasure aisles. Proceeds of almost $4,000 will go to the Glen. Thanks to all the volunteers, donors, and shoppers for your support!

photos by Susan Gartner -- May 15, 2010
posted to A Yellow Springs Blog -- May 17, 2010