Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for July, 2023

Friends of the Library Love Book Sales

Mystery. Romance. Comedy. History. These are just a sampling of the kind of books you will find at a Friends of the Library Book Sale.

Their book sales have two purposes. First, you can stock up on books for your reading pleasure at a reasonable price. The last couple of years, the Friends have simply asked for a donation from books that have been selected. You can’t beat that! They also have delicious home-baked goods available for donation as well. There are some pretty tasty treats available from candy to cookies and even homemade bread.

Book Sales at Crossroads are held in this room where new window coverings, tables, and chairs were purchased from book sales.

The second purpose would be to provide special items for the library that they might not be able to purchase themselves. That has become an impressive list over the last few years.

During the early years of the group, which was founded in 2010, funding could only provide money for purchase of books from the best-seller list as well as the Newberry Award books. But as funding increased, so did the size of their projects.

New book bins were purchased for Cambridge Main and Byesville from Book Sales.

Colorful return book bins have been placed outside the Byesville and Main branches for easy return of books and videos. The logo on the bins was designed by local artist, Steve Lowe. The large meeting room has been enhanced with new window coverings and comfortable folding chairs.

They have contributed to the Summer Reading Programs for children at the library, and recently they purchased 15 wonder books with ready-to-read audiobooks inside, and 5 Launchpads for use in the Children’s Library. These Launchpads can also be borrowed from the library and contain learning aps, games, videos, and more for hours of fun. No Wi-Fi is needed.

A Discovery Backpack Program enables children to check out an exploration kit from the library. These include books, magnifying glass, headlamp, walking stick and more.

Stephanie Laube of United Way accepts a check for Dolly Parton Imagination Library from Friends representative, Mary Sikora-Skeslock after a book talk by young author, Gage Shepherd.

One of their favorite community-minded projects promotes the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Guernsey and Noble Counties with 887 children enrolled. The project began in 1995 in Dolly’s home county and was inspired by Dolly’s father who never learned to read or write. She wanted the children of their area to develop a love of reading.

This was the recent book mailed to youngsters during the month of January.

Here a child can receive a new book mailed to them each month from birth to the age of five. Pick up an application at any of the Guernsey County Libraries or go online to register at http://www.imaginationlibrary.com. Over 172 million books have been given away by the foundation as of December 2021. What a great way to promote reading.

An evening of folk music by Adam Miller was presented at the library.

Some of the early community projects the Friends sponsored were family movie nights at the library, guest speakers, and promotion of young authors. They encouraged sharing stories through musical or even dinner theater with a lovely catered meal at the library.

Jerry Thompson dressed as Father Christmas reads during the Dickens Marathon Reading.

Several years ago, Friends of the Library began a project with Dickens Victorian Village. Each season they schedule a day to have a Dickens Marathon Reading of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol.” This has become a popular annual event with a new reader every 15 minutes throughout the day.

Chris Hart has performed several one-man shows at the library as well as at the end of the Steeple Walk as part of Dickens Victorian Village.

Another event involving Dickens, has been an annual presentation of a Christmas-themed tale told by Chris Hart. This traditionally is performed at the end of the Steeple Walk. Chris has a wide variety of Christmas based stories he uses for this occasion.

A paranormal program captured attention with presentations by Shone Winegartner and his daughter of Cumberland and Mark Jordan from Malabar Farms. Joan Albaugh introduced the speakers.

There are approximately 90 members of this organization. They organize the books prior to the sale, help customers during sale days, as well as provide delicious baked goods. If you would like to be a member, you can pick up a form at the libraries. Fee is $15 for individuals or $10 for seniors 60+. Fill out the form and leave it at the library.

Children’s books are a popular item and always go quickly.

Perhaps you have some books you would like to contribute to their Book Sales. Donations are only accepted on sale days during the sales. There’s always a need for cookbooks, craft, and quilting ideas.

Of course, there are always books left over at the end of the sales. Some are saved for future sales. Friends have registered with Operation Paperback for the military and will use this as an outlet to diminish their paperback supply and also give some reading pleasure to our military.

Michele Hatcher, Carol Marlyne, and Joan Albaugh prepare for another Friends Book Sale.

Plan now to attend the Friends of the Library Book Sales for year-round reading enjoyment. Everyone needs some good books at home ready for a relaxing evening. While there, pick up some of their delicious home-made treats. Remember, everything is by donation and there’s no limit on how many books you can take home with you.

“When I think of all the books still left for me to read, I am certain of further happiness.”

~Jules Renard

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Cambridge, Christmas, Just for Fun, Ohio, Organizations, Uncategorized

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Dee Carter’s Many Roles at Living Word

The setting for Living Word Outdoor Drama can be found on a hillside in Guernsey County.

Versatile Volunteer best describes Dee Carter’s role at the Living Word Outdoor Drama in Cambridge. Located at 6010 College Hill Road, this is Ohio’s only Outdoor Passion Play. Dee has a passion for the message and helps in any way she can to promote the drama.

Mrs. Carter taught science at the middle school in Rolling Hills School District and has lived in the area for most of her life. She also has enjoyed acting in several plays at CPAC, including their opening production Gypsy in 1978.

Jesus performs a healing during the evening performance.

One day in 1986, she met Cal Rice, the Associate Director of the Living Word, at the local YMCA, where both of them had children taking swimming lessons. Cal suggested she might like to come out to the new Living Word Amphitheater as an extra. That was 37 years ago and she has been part of the drama ever since.

Frank Roughton Harvey and his wife founded the Living Word Amphitheater and drama.

The Amphitheater was researched and designed by founder Frank Roughton Harvey. The 400-foot panoramic set is an authentic replica of Old Jerusalem. More than a thousand people can have an excellent view of the drama.

Mother Mary gives a warm hug to a little girl who watched the performance.

Over the years, Dee has discovered it is often necessary for cast members to do multiple things. While often participating in crowd scenes, she also portrayed Sarah, the Samaritan Woman, and Mother Mary.

Dee Carter tells a little history each night before the drama begins.

Each night before the drama, she gives a front stage tour giving background knowledge that will help people understand the story better. She describes a couple of major scenes that will be viewed – The Sermon on the Mount and The Garden of Gethsemane – then tells a little history of how Living Word all began.

Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well portrayed by Dee Carter.

Some evenings she might do multiple roles and has done everything from putting on a beard and being a priest or disciple to being the angel on the hill who announces his resurrection. “I might do seven or eight different roles in one night.”

Mother Mary often speaks at churches, organizations, or bus groups.

Throughout the year, Dee can be found speaking at various churches and groups either as Mother Mary or the Samaritan Woman. She is best known for her role of Mother Mary, which she began doing in 2006, although there are actually four women who portray Mother Mary during the season. At this time she is also preparing a program about Martha, the sister of Mary.

Dee as Samaritan woman, Director Health Dawson, and Logan Hill as Jesus speak at a Columbus church.

It’s no surprise that she is a long-time Living Word Board member where she presently serves as secretary. Dee and Annette Ellwood co-chair their annual dinner/auction, which provides most of the funds for improvements and operation at the facility. The community has always been very helpful at providing funds for needed projects. They desire to keep the Living Word performances going with an active cast involved.

Many members of the community and visiting guests volunteer to be part of the performance.

While there are many area people who help form that cast year after year, it is vitally important that they have participation from area church groups and families that are visiting. The extras really experience the passion of the drama.

Dee helps at the craft table where they make unleavened bread, butter, and grape juice during Experience Jerusalem.

Dee also helps with projects at the Living Word. When community helpers come to paint or rake leaves, you will find her in their midst. Other times she is in the office typing up minutes or reports. She is very versatile and humble.

Dee, dressed as Mrs. Frizzle from “The Magic School Bus” series, gives scientific experiments for her granddaughter’s class at Pike School.

When Dee is not busy at Living Word, she enjoys her granddaughter and participates in activities at Pike School, where her granddaughter attends. Dressing up as Mrs. Frizzle from “The Magic School Bus” series, she performs science experiments and even sets up an archeological dig. Students enjoy her visits. She also is an active member of the Board of Elections.

Attending Ohio Tourism at Mother Mary gave great publicity for The Living Word.

Tourism Day on the Ohio Statehouse’s front lawn was a great opportunity to promote The Living Word. She greeted visitors dressed as Mother Mary, explained the drama, and gave them information to take home with them. Tourism Day gives Ohio’s venues the perfect place to spread the word about their event. More than 200 million tourists come to Ohio during the year.

She often speaks to bus tours that come to town as well as at dinners of local organizations. Many churches have her come to tell either the story of Mother Mary or the Samaritan Woman. Her talks are always well received.

Mother Mary ponders with the opened tomb behind her.

Perhaps you would enjoy visiting The Living Word Outdoor Drama this summer. Performances are every Friday evening at 7:30. If you would like to participate in the drama, please arrive early. Dee will most likely be there to thank you after the show.

The Living Word Amphitheater is celebrating 49 years of faith. Because He Lives!

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Uncategorized

Did Ya Ever?

In today’s busy world, how often do you sit and watch the world go by? It’s not often, I’m sure, but perhaps you’ll want to try it someday.

Look up and watch the clouds drift slowly across the sky as they twist and curl. First, they look like a mountain, then quickly change to a boat gliding through the heavens. The colors in the sky vary from countless shades of blue and white to occasionally a dark cloud rolling by.

Drop down to the trees and notice how the leaves move in the gentle breeze. They bend and sway as if in a dance. In the spring, the trees are full of blossoms and when the wind blows, the blossoms appear as falling snow swirling through the air. In the summertime, you’ll find every shade of green imaginable hanging from tree branches.


Birds flutter from branch to branch and then try to find a morsel of something to eat when they drop to the ground. The colors of the birds are bright and cheery. Robins, bluejays, and cardinals are plentiful with an occasional woodpecker sounding his “Rat-a-tat-tat.”

On the ground is where you’ll find the most activity. Watch as a groundhog gives himself a treat by eating the flowers of the dandelion. See rabbits hopping along and a squirrel scampering up a tree. Don’t forget to smell the flowers.

Sit by a lake and watch the ducks, geese, or swans as they drift effortlessly across the water or duck their bills into the lake for a fresh fish dinner. Fish can easily be seen in the clear water as they glide from side to side.

Don’t forget to watch for the people that are in the scene as well. A little boy proudly walks with his dad as they each carry their fishing poles and bait buckets. You can tell this is not a new experience as the little boy puts the bait on the hook like an expert. Then they sit side by side as they wait for a bite.

Many walkers enjoy the beautiful day as they walk the paths around the lake. Not only is this good exercise but also gives them fresh air and sunshine. They get to watch the world through their eyes, also.

Did ya ever sit and watch the world go by? Try it someday soon.

Category:

Family Fun, health, Just for Fun, Nature

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Plus Side of Nursing Home Care

Patience is a Virtue

Beckett House is one of the local nursing home facilities.

Nursing home care becomes a necessity for many over the course of their life. Accidents, surgeries, and illness often require extra attention and rehabilitation that can not be handled at home.

Many caring people are involved in the process of visits which may take weeks, months, or years. Their dedication to helping patients feel better during this time becomes of utmost importance.

Lucy and a teammate prepare for a softball game at John Glenn High School in New Concord.

One caring young lady’s story shows why she chose to help in the nursing home area. Lucy Davis, still a teen today, was active at John Glenn High School playing basketball and softball. Then one day she felt dizzy with a terrible migraine and called her mom to take her to the hospital. She was sent to Children’s Hospital where they got control of her headache, saw a large mass on her thyroid in a scan, and sent her for a thyroid biopsy.

She was a typical teen full of life and energy when it was discovered on her 17th birthday that the mass on her thyroid was cancer. During a short time, she had thyroid cancer and lymph node cancer enter her life. She became an inspiration to many and posted this thought after her ordeal.

Lucy brings a smile to everyone’s face from children to the elderly.

According to Lucy, “Yes, Cancer sucks but it made me realize that life is too short so spend time with your loved ones, love hard, forgive easy, don’t hold grudges, make mistakes & most importantly do what makes YOU happy.”

She recovered well and is now cancer free, but it was a long slow process. It’s still an issue due to the number of doctor visits and scans she must continue to have. Lucy told me, “I decided during my many visits to the hospital that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives because of how good the nurses treated me.”

Lucy Davis brightens the night for many who are sick or injured.

Since she loves elderly people, the choice was easy. She trained to become a State Tested Nursing Assistant and quickly found work at Beckett House in New Concord. At this point in her life, she doesn’t have any future plans. Lucy just wants to keep making a difference in people’s lives day to day.

At work, she makes each person feel special and comforted by taking time to actually listen to them and share her sense of good humor. Even in the middle of the night, Lucy has a smile and cheerful voice. She spreads sunshine from room to room during her evening shift.

Going to a Cincinnati Reds game with a friend is always a special treat.

When Lucy’s not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing with her dog Dixie, and going to Cincinnati Reds baseball games. These are the thing that make her happy.

Her dog Dixie is a comfort and pleasure.

Many caring people make life so much better for those who are ill in the nursing home. Meals provide a balanced diet and can be very tasty if you’re not too sick. Activities are planned that encourage patients to get out of their rooms and have some fun. Every week there is some kind of musical entertainment which has a dining room full of listeners.

Another important part of the nursing home experience is both Occupational and Physical Therapy. They work with patients to regain strength whether they are wanting to go home or having a long stay. Occupational Therapy works with the top half of your body, according to the therapists, so reaching with your arms, moving your hands in exercises, and even making a cup of tea might be part of the process.

Adam and Kendra provide Physical and Occupational Therapy.

Physical Therapy works more with the bottom half of the body. Strengthening the legs and feet are important to get patients moving again. Long walks down the hall using a walker are just the beginning of this journey if someone is able. Here they help you find the easiest way to climb stairs again or get down off a curb.

Adam Dudley and Kendra Abbott not only have years of experience in helping with therapy but make it a pleasant experience for everyone. While they encourage the patient to go just a little beyond their present ability, they do it in a relaxed and fun manner. They even have interesting conversations during your hour visit with them.

A sunroom at the end of the hall provides a spot like home.

A special feature at the Beckett House is a sunroom at the end of the hall which looks out over a lake where patients can watch people enjoying a walk or fishing. It is a great relaxation spot to give patients a feeling of the normal world while being treated for a problem at the nursing home. It’s also a great place to spend time with visitors.

While the nursing home is not the place we would wish to be, the next time you have to go to a nursing home go with a positive attitude. With a good attitude and friendly treatment of the staff, you can have a good experience.

When visiting someone at the nursing home, listen to their concerns, tell them about happy things that are happening in your life or in the community, and point out the plus side of care in a nursing home.

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health, Ohio, Uncategorized

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