Gypsy Road Trip

Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

SMART Centre Features Dinosaurs, Space, and Ice Cream

January 6, 2016

SMART Centre Market opened its doors in 2010 to encourage students’ interest in science.

A delightful Science Centre Market exists in downtown Wheeling, WV – right next door to their historic Centre Market District. This is no ordinary shop as it combines elements of hands-on experience, museum-like pieces, as well as a place to find some unusual gift ideas for those interested in science.

Libby and Robert Strong enjoy having fun as well as teaching.

Robert and Libby Strong, two former science teachers, created this special place several years ago. SMART stands for:

Science
Math
Art
Research
Technology

It seemed the natural thing to do for a physicist and a biologist!

This cast shows the armored skeleton of a German fish with teeth sharp enough to bite through the shells of squid.

A fossil is a snapshot in time, so they feel it important to have original fossils throughout the center. Since originals are hard to come by, some of the larger displays are casts of original fossils, so children can see their size and detail. It is important to keep past science discoveries alive.

This wooden singing tree produced a beautiful song as a marble, made at near-by Marble King, dropped from leaf to leaf.

Around every bend, there’s a spot for hands-on discovery. Robert pointed out that there are two kinds of people who enjoy their place: little kids and tall kids. Even adults need to keep their curiosity alive, and learn something new each day.

This Gravity Well lets children watch a coin go around at high speeds as the coins descend to the vortex tunnel.

This is the place to learn while you play. Children find interesting a line up of scales where they can discover their weight on earth, the moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Pluto. On Pluto, they would weigh the least, and on Jupiter the most – due to gravitational pull. A Gravity Well lets you watch different size coins make their way down the well at different speeds.

Books on every scientific subject fill the shelves along with science kits to ignite their imagination.

Besides all the activities in the center, the Strongs hold field trips, camps, workshops, and have special open evenings for star gazing. Their main desire is to create a place where kids can have fun learning about science. Robert and Libby bubble over with enthusiasm.

This 1955 game of Wooly Willy shows the magic of magnets as it creates “Magnetic Personalities”.

Everything in the center has an unusual quality. No matter where they sat or stood, the Strongs could point out unusual items such as dinosaur teeth, leaf fossils depicting global plate shifting, or pieces of k-t most likely from a million-year-old asteroid, which coincided with the extinction period of the dinosaurs. All this from one spot!

When Robert was asked about his favorite part of the center, he said, “When the door opens and people begin conversations about science, you are going to learn something.” Those people, who enter through the front door, teach him something from their questions and contributions. “It’s fabulous! It’s a perk being here – people and ice cream.”

Ice Cream Flavors

The day had to be finished with an ice cream cone, which Robert handed to me upside down…and it didn’t fall out!.That’s the first time a physicist ever made me an ice cream cone and it only cost a dollar. This ice cream comes from Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream at near-by St. Clairsville.

With a visit to the SMART Centre Market, kids of any age can catch enthusiasm for the world of science. Robert and Libby are prepared to help you light the fire of exploration. Don’t forget the ice cream cone!

Hours for the SMART Centre are Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 – 6:00. Check out their special events at http://www.smartcentremarket.com

Category:

History, Just for Fun, Uncategorized, West Virginia

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Wild Heart Brings Spirit Alive

December 30, 2015

Mindi Yarbrough, artist Wild Heart, recently had her Opening Night at the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex in Moundsville, WV.

Artists work in many different ways. Some paint exactly what they see, while others add a little imagination to their pictures. Mindi Yarbrough has an added element in her paintings. She captures the spirit of the person or animal. Mindi portrays herself as “a self taught and self described outsider artist.”

Mindi started drawing at the age of five. Her love of nature shines forth in everything she does. As a little girl, she enjoyed playing in the creek, where she would enjoy nature and catch snakes (and just about any other animal, insect or amphibian she could get her hands on).

“All kinds of snakes,” she explains, “but I was never afraid of them, despite being bitten many times, and often kept them as pets.” Snakes are Mindi’s power animal. She even has tattoos of them on her arms. Snakes have been associated with shamans. In fact in some cultures, snake bites are an initiation and pre-requisite into shamanism.

The crow holds a special attraction to her as she feels it has a magical quality. It holds the magical key to the womb of fundamental energy where all possibilities exist. Crows live all around the world, reminding us that magic can be found everywhere. They often are associated with healing and the universal law.

Owl is Mindi’s dream-time guide helping to navigate the unconscious world. The Owl serves as the keeper of ancient wisdom and can see the secrets and agendas of others. The Owl is a prophet who can see, hear, and feel events before they transpire.

Her dream catchers are up-cycled art with the center web being a doily, with a hand macrame hoop and fringe made with cotton twine and yarn. Dream catchers have been part of Native American culture for generations. They are usually hung by the bed at night to catch bad dreams before they disturb your sleep. There is a hole in the center to let the good dreams slip through. Mindi Feathers

Feathers are important in the Native American tradition also, as they are seen as gifts from the sky, the sea and the trees. Often a feather has a message as it lands on or near someone. It reminds them of a spiritual connection that we all have to our creator and with passed loved ones. The gift of the feather is represented by passion – passion for your gift from the Creator – Mindi’s passion being artistic vision. Mindi's Bear Woman

This painting of Bear Woman makes me smile. It tells a great Blackfoot Legend of the older sister and her bear. Mindi has even added the end of that legend as she shows the star constellation of Ursa Major in the background. All of her work shows depth and meaning.

Mindi Christmas tree Upon leaving the art show, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree glowed in the hallway. The Mound Museum Christmas tree is decorated with plants that were important to those prehistoric Native Americans living in the area. The people who built Grave Creek Mound probably grew small gardens, which included squash, sunflowers, pumpkins, gourds, and goosefoot – the decorations on this tree.

It’s no surprise that Mindi works in the field of art on a daily basis. At present she is Art Director and Senior Graphic Designer at Beyond Marketing in Wheeling, WV. Her expertise lies in designing just what the customer desires.

Mindi has been drawing and painting since childhood. She smiles as she tells others, “I have never wanted to be anything other than an artist, except maybe a mermaid.” Mindi would definitely be a very special mermaid!

Category:

Art, Museums, Uncategorized, West Virginia

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Angel in Disguise

December 23, 2015

If you had a hundred dollar bill back in 1964, how would you have spent it at Christmas time?

Of course, there are many possibilities. Parents would probably use it to buy presents for their children.

An Easy Bake Oven was a popular item for the girls, while the Mighty Tonka Dump Truck was desired by young boys. That Tonka appeared in the ads to be extra strong, as it didn’t even crush with an elephant stepping on it.

A teenage daughter might have liked a collection of the new fashion – mini skirts. Schools and churches strongly disapproved, but the teen age girls thought they were quite stylish. For the music lover, an 8-track tape player would have been an appreciated gift.

Or you could have purchased 2,000 first-class postage stamps, or 400 gallons of gasoline.

Dad and Pal 001 However, “The Angel in Disguise” had a different idea. When he lost both parents as a young child, Rudy learned to appreciate the small things in life. He was the kind of man who would try to brighten up a child’s world by buying the youngster an ice cream cone.

Rudy didn’t have a lot, but whatever he had, he was willing to share. When a neighbor needed a ride to the doctor, Rudy gladly took him. His face usually wore a smile, and he enjoyed making others smile, too.

Then one day, Rudy found himself earning more money than he had ever earned before. In 1964, his take-home pay was over $200 a week. Feeling this rich was a new sensation. He decided to always carry a hundred dollar bill in his billfold, just in case it was needed for something.

One Saturday, right before Christmas, Rudy and his wife came into town. He had heard that the Salvation Army needed money to buy toys for local children. Walking past one of the Salvation Army Christmas kettles, he reached over and put in a hundred dollar bill. Then walked on, as if he had tossed in a dollar.

His wife knew what had transpired, and she smiled at him proudly.

On Monday, a small article in the Daily Jeffersonian bore the heading:

‘Angel In Disguise’ Gives $100

No one knew, but the two of them, until twenty year later their daughter, the writer of this story, discovered the newspaper clipping at her mother’s house dated 12-14-64. When she asked, mom told the story of the Angel in their family.

That clipping stays in a safe place at my home today as a reminder of the importance of giving, not only financially, but of ourselves during the Christmas season and all year long.

Be an Angel to someone today.

Category:

Cambridge, Just for Fun, Uncategorized

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Dreams Do Come True

December 10, 2015

Dave received his first train in 1950.

Ever since Dave Adair was a small child, he enjoyed trains. As a youngster, he frequently visited his Slavish grandfather, Dzeda, who lived near the train tracks in East Cambridge. Dzeda also worked in the Klondyke and Black Top coal mines in Guernsey County so he would tell Dave stories about the coal cars as they rolled by. It’s easy to see how Dave became interested in trains and coal mines.

Dave’s secret wish was that someday he would be able to have a caboose of his very own – a real one used on the train tracks.

Ellen, Dave’s wife, started his collection with this caboose.

When Dave was about forty, his wife, Ellen, took a ride with him a couple weeks before Christmas. They stopped in Senecaville to look at a caboose that belonged to Herb Tipton and had been used on the B&O Railroad. When they arrived and looked over the caboose, Ellen said, “Merry Christmas!”

Dave couldn’t believe it and looking back on that day said, “It was the biggest shock of my life.” Of course, she told him it would be his Christmas and birthday present for years to come. Little did she know at the time that she was only starting a vast train collection that today fills their home’s yard.

This original chair from a B&O office holds two lanterns.

This original chair from a B&O office holds two railroad lanterns.

Over the years, Dave has narrowed his interest to Guernsey County trains and coal mining history. Almost everything in his collection came from Guernsey County. Every item and picture is special to him, but he doesn’t have any favorites. They are all part of history.

Dave built his own Depot and Museum in his back yard.

Since there wasn’t any place nearby that had room for his coal mine and train collection, Dave decided to build his own depot at his home and turned it into a museum. Nothing pleases him more than to sit down in his depot and tell stories about the coal mines and trains that were in Guernsey County long ago. But getting him to talk about himself was not an easy task.

Dave and his son, Alan, look over their large HO display.

Now that Dave is retired, most of his time is spent volunteering, while spreading the word about Guernsey County history. His slide shows have been popular attractions for years. He spends time volunteering at the Guernsey County Historical Society, Cambridge Amateur Radio Association, Coal Miners Museum in Byesville, and at various nursing homes, giving people a chance to tell their stories. He says, “It’s better to give than receive.”

Dave Adair tells coal miners’ stories.

While he claims to be “an ordinary Joe”, the history he has collected makes him a special person even though to him it’s just a hobby. It’s a good thing to make people happy and that is what Dave does best as he shares his stories and makes people smile. Through it all, his main goal is to preserve the history of Guernsey County trains and coal mines.

Dave and his family, thirty people in all, recently went on a short vacation. Where do you think they went? They headed for the train tracks in West Virginia, where they rode the Tygart Flyer. He’s still living his dream.

Category:

Back Roads, Travel Tale, Uncategorized

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Lincoln Funeral Car Travels Original Route 150 Years Later

November 13, 2015

UNITED STATES, Lincoln's Funeral Car stopped in Dover, Ohio at Warther's Museum in 2015.

Lincoln’s Funeral Car stopped in Dover, Ohio at Warther Museum

Now he belongs to the ages – or maybe to the angels.

At the time of Lincoln’s death, these words are sometimes credited to Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War, but whether they are his or not, the words connect Lincoln to his peers and also to those above them.

Warther Museum recently hosted one of the stops for the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Train. It traveled from Washington D.C. to Springfield, IL in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Lincoln’s death. Over 50,000 visitors toured the Lincoln Funeral Car on its journey.

Warther carved this ivory replica train at the age of 80.

Warther carved this ivory replica train when he was 80.

People have always been fascinated with Lincoln’s Funeral since 1865. Ernest Warther carved Lincoln’s funeral train out of ivory to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of his death. Therefore, they thought it would be fitting to have the replica of the original, stop by Warther Museum on its journey across America.

The ivory carving was finished in 1975 when Earnest Warther was 80 years old. A hippo’s ivory eye tooth was used because it is the very best grade of ivory. Warther commented, “Nothing but the best for Lincoln” as Lincoln was his hero.

Warther admired Abraham Lincoln and had a vast collection relating to the president.

For the 150th Anniversary, outside the museum sat a wooden replica car, which they tried to keep as close as possible to the original. The train car traveled as the trailer of a semi with highway wheels attached.

Dave Kloke of Kloke Locomotive Works in Elgin, IL and a staff of craftsmen were responsible for most of the work on this replica, which took four years to finish. Along the way he had a great deal of help from researchers in construction and history. One of those was a chemist and model train maker, Wayne Wesolowski of University of Arizona. All Wesolowski could find of the original train car was a pencil sized piece of wood. From this the chemist in him determined the original color and type of wood used. He wanted everything to match the original car.

This armored car was compared to Air Force One in regards to security and its design equaled the opulence of railroad cars used by European Royalty. This “Presidential Car” contained three rooms: parlor, stateroom, and sitting room.

The Lincoln coffin was 6’8″ long with handles made by the same company that made the original ones.

Upon entering the car, a 6’8″ casket appeared before your eyes. This long casket was made especially for Lincoln, a tall man for his time. The handles were made by the same company that made the original ones for Lincoln’s coffin. Chairs were for the soldiers to sit as they guarded the coffin during its entire journey.

Lincoln felt this train too luxurious when the country suffering from the effects of the Civil War.

Lincoln felt this train too luxurious when the country suffered from the Civil War.

The presidential bedroom had never been used as President Lincoln felt this Presidential Car was too luxurious when many in the country were living in poverty. This funeral car, draped in black crepe, was one of nine cars in the funeral procession and was always the second to last in line.

Young Willie's coffin was carried at the place there is a sofa today.

Young Willie’s coffin was carried at the place a sofa sets today.

Son Willy’s coffin was also on this train even though he had died three years previously. It was in the living room section where it replaced the couch. Lincoln’s wife did not go on this trip as she was too distraught.

Even the wheels of the train were patriotic.

This car was never used for anything else or by any other presidents. The following year, it sold for $6850 to Union Pacific Railroad, where it became an officers’ car while building the Transcontinental Railroad. After being displayed at the Worlds Fair in 1904, a grass fire destroyed the train car at Minneapolis in 1911.

One of the main purposes of this excursion was to help young people learn about history. Many local schools took advantage of this unique educational stop in Dover, Ohio to give their students a close look at an oft told story in United States history.

Lincoln would have been pleased as he felt education very important. When speaking to a university he remarked, “A capacity and taste for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others. It is the key, or one of the keys, to the already solved problems. And not only so. It gives a relish and facility for successfully pursuing the yet unsolved ones.”

Category:

History, Museums

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Always Veterans Day at Dreamsville, USA

November 5, 2015

Dennison Depot welcomes guests to its train car museum.

Dennison Depot welcomes guests to its museum located inside train cars.

Every day is Veterans Day at Dreamsville, USA. At Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, veterans are welcome at no cost every day of the year.

Treating our soldiers, sailors and marines in a special way began here way back during WWI. Dennison just happened to be halfway between Pittsburgh and Columbus on the Pennsylvania Railroad, so the train needed to stop here for refueling. That gave opportunity for the Red Cross to open a canteen to give food and cheer to the servicemen on board. A little eight year old girl, Lucille, helped her mother bring food to the troops. From April to October in 1919, over 136,000 servicemen were served.

This picture from the WWII Canteen stop shows the GIs receiving food and cheer.

This shows the same restored area today.

Things moved up a gear during WWII, when that grown up Lucille proposed the idea for the Dennison Servicemen’s Canteen, which the Salvation Army then operated as the trains rushed in. The canteen served all the GIs when the train stopped. Her idea inspired other cities across the country to set up canteens for points of cheer along the way. This Dennison Servicemen’s Canteen served over 1.3 million servicemen during WWII.

When the conductor called, “Dennison, next stop”, young men in all branches of the service put on their coats, combed their hair, and straightened their hats. The friendly, smiling girls meeting them reminded them of their moms, sisters, and girlfriends..and there was free food. A dream come true! Thus the name Dreamsville, USA.

Some were away from home for the first time so the stop greatly touched their lives. When the train stopped 600-800 young men would step off and get in line for a lunch bag, handshake, and warm smile.

This display inside the museum depicts life at that time.

At the Dennison Depot from 1942-1946, four thousand volunteers helped with the canteen. Farmers donated crops from their gardens and orchards, while women baked cookies even though sugar was scarce. A little bit from a lot of people made a big difference.

It didn’t matter what time of the day or night the train arrived, women in white uniforms waited to give the servicemen a touch of home. 24/7, these volunteers served a cup of hot coffee and a lunch bag that included things like fruit, bologna or cheese sandwiches, eggs, doughnuts or cookies.

When the people of Dennison restored this site, they saved a national treasure. Today this is the only remaining canteen site that reflects this WWII heritage.

Lucille’s menu tells the story and lists some special GI sandwiches.

Have lunch at the station’s friendly diner called Lucille’s, in honor of the WWII founder, and veterans even get a free piece of pie. While eating a Boogie Woogie Bacon Cheeseburger or a Gunner Hot Dog, listen to music of the 40s in the midst of a room filled with posters from the war era. Their menu states:

Lucille knew that a hot cup of coffee and a smile would make a world of difference to the servicemen passing through Dennison. We hope our coffee and smiles make your day just as special.

Dennison Depot Museum is located in Dennison, Ohio not far from I-77. Take exit 81, 36 East, to the Dennison exit. Turn right on Second Street and continue on Second Street until you reach the tracks. Turn left on Center Street and after two blocks you will see the museum. Parking is on the left side of the street.

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Dickens Victorian Village Celebrates 10th Anniversary

October 31, 2015

Dickens characters again line Wheeling Avenue as the 10th Anniversary of Dickens Victorian Village gets underway. Opening ceremonies will be held at the Guernsey County Courthouse on November 2 at 6:00. Father Christmas hopes to see you there!

Opening ceremonies for the 10th Anniversary of Dickens Victorian Village will be held at the Guernsey County Courthouse in Cambridge on November 2 at 6:00 pm. Welcoming remarks will be given by Dickens founder, Bob Ley; Cambridge Mayor, Tom Orr; and Guernsey County Commissioner, Dave Wilson.

Queen Victoria will make her first appearance for the season on this evening, as she cuts the ribbon to open the festivities. Many exciting activities are being planned for the year, which runs from November 2, 2015 – January 2, 2016.

Alan Day will entertain with bagpipe music. This old England tradition began when Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert visited the Highlands. The Queen enjoyed the music so much that when she returned home, a personal Piper to the Sovereign was named so she could listen to the bagpipes daily.

Holiday music will also be provided by Brook Singers and Chordial Chorus, both well known groups in this area. Their vocal renditions add a lively tone to the festivities.

After the Opening Night Ceremony, Grant Hafley, owner of AVC Communications, will introduce the debut of the 2015 Guernsey County Holiday Light Show. This spectacular light show was Hafley’s brainchild from its inception, and Father Christmas looks remarkably like Hafley to honor his generosity.

This computer synchronized program uses over 55,000 lights moving in time to holiday music. Included are three large Christmas trees and 60 animated displays. There’s something here for the child in everyone.

Come out and join the celebration as another year of Dickens Victorian Village is about to begin.

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Uncategorized

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Lunch in Picturesque Amish Country: A Photographic Memory

October 22, 2015

Going to lunch in Amish County always turns out to be more than just lunch. How can you not enjoy all the shops and scenery along the way? Let’s take a picture tour of Beautiful Amish Country!

A drive in the fall is extra special as the leaves are just starting to turn and the bright autumn colors of flowers and pumpkins cheered the spirits, even if there was one brown spot along the way.

Everyone wants to enjoy a fine Amish home cooked meal. Homemade noodles and real mashed potatoes top the menu for me. Therefore, a stop at Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen started the day in a tasty manner.

Roadside glimpse of a wedding in Amish Country

Roadside glimpse of what appeared to be a wedding in Amish Country added a smile to the day.

A large bed of bright, beautiful petunias bloomed along the street across from Heini’s Cheese Chalet and Country Mall.

Recess was over at New Bunker Hill School on the return trip from lunch. Earlier the playground was filled with the activity of all 15 students and one teacher.

Mums offer sunny cheer from the side of the road.

Fresh fruit and vegetables beckoned from the side of the road. Yellow mums and orange pumpkins brightened the parking area of Miller’s Field Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Inside their roadside stand, everything looked delicious…even after lunch!

Millers' Fruit Stand displayed fresh fruits and vegetables.

In the midst of all this fresh produce, the fragrance of concord grapes took me back to my parents’ grape arbor. Yes, a purchase was made. They tasted as good as they smelled.

Now appeared that drab brown spot in the journey – Coblentz Chocolate Company! Watching the girls meticulously examine each piece of chocolate, gave assurance of a quality product.

These delicate wires made the proper design on each piece of chocolate.

These delicate wire chains made the proper design on each piece of chocolate.

Dry field of cornstalks stand holding their prized ears of corn.

Dry field of cornstalks stand ready for picking as they hold their prized ears.

Josiah for President As presidential election time approaches and candidates are getting ready for debates, the Amish show their sense of humor by having a play about one of their own candidates – Josiah!

Any season of the year is a great time for taking a drive through Amish Country.

All along the way, beautiful farms rest among the rolling hills. Their bright white fences and neat homes show the importance of home and family in their lives.

Any season of the year is a great time for a drive in Amish County.

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Kate Gorman Tells Stories Through Quilts

October 12, 2015

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. ~ Henry Ward Beecher

Telling stories through quilts has become Kate Gorman’s passion. She enjoys sharing that love with school children whenever she gets a chance. At the present time, concentrating on line, instead of color, has become her main focus as she uses drawings and hand stitching in her creations.

At a recent display at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, Kate displayed her work along with two of her close friends and co-workers, in a show titled “In Close Proximity”. Every piece told a meaningful story.

Here a section of her series shows stanzas from “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird”.

Family history and birds appear time and time again in her art work. One series depicts the verses from “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird”, where each stanza has been developed into a picture. Kate explained that in her mind birds represent migration and travel, something she wishes she could do more often. As she remarked, “I’m always thinking about being somewhere else from where I am.”

Kate’s early quilt showed her son as Icarus, as she hoped he wouldn’t fly too close to the sun.

Her oldest quilted work showed her son, who she hoped would have a safe journey through life. Using the mythological legend of Icarus as her basis, she feared that perhaps her son would fly too close to the sun. Even here she used one of her birds, a rare albino blackbird. Many artists stay with one form throughout most of their life, but Kate enjoys experimenting from one thing to another and goes back and forth in her mediums as she expands her knowledge of different techniques.

Kate taught herself how to make quilts, but has since taken some workshops to improve her skills and share her ideas. She originally decided to make quilts in her spare time, but that wasn’t enough. She liked to tell stories through pictures so discovered that fabric provided a great medium because of its color, pattern, and texture.

Here one of her birds with a hoop skirt receives a gift of friendship from a suitor with a crown of twigs.

Once the quilt is finished, she can easily tell a story using the quilt as her script. Recently she even developed a “Family History” quilt with pictures of family members and bits of information about their occupations. The first in that series, entitled “Bernadette in Artichokes”, served as her Quilt National Entry in 2013. When she asked Aunt Bern if she was sad because she never married, Bernadette answered that she always enjoyed her own company. What a great lesson for all of us.

Her 2015 entry, “A Keeper of Secrets and Parakeets” was also a hit. The Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, Ohio displayed it this past summer. A recent Individual Artist Grant from the Ohio Arts Council will take her to Scotland for an artist residency there in October, 2015.

Kate's skeleton bird was done as a self-portrait of her feeling stuck in life. The bird appears to be giving her advice.

Kate’s skeleton bird was done as a self-portrait when she felt stuck in life. The bird appears to be giving her advice.

But Kate didn’t always make quilts, even though she has always been artistic. In the past, she worked mostly as an illustrator for text and trade books for early readers. After graduating with a BA in English from Waynesburg College, PA, she did graduate work at Ohio University before finishing her education as an illustration major at Columbus College of Art and Design . Now she uses needle and thread for her artwork, in addition to watercolors and ink.

When she is not at home in her studio in Westerville, she works at Goodwill Art Studio and Gallery in Columbus, Ohio creating art with adults, who have disabilities. Everyone has a story to tell and Kate draws that story from them as they create their own artwork.

While many have “advanced” to use of technology in their quilts, Kate seems to be going backwards in time as she enjoys working from sketches, and stitching by hand. Her outstanding work tells a story of her life and the things that have touched her along the way. May new adventures continue to inspire her as she journeys onward.

Visit Kate Gorman’s website for more information at http://www.kategorman.net. You will find many of her paintings for view on this site.

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Thyme to Explore Geroux Herb Garden

October 4, 2015

Welcome to the Geroux Herb Garden in Gahanna.

Nestled away in the middle of the city, a peaceful herb garden brings healing and refreshment to those willing to open their minds and hearts. For centuries, herbs have been used to flavor our food, cure our ills, and perfume our bodies, while growing herbs makes a decorative addition to your garden

Relax under the arbor in the peaceful gardens.

Located in Gahanna, Ohio – not too far from Port Columbus International Airport – Geroux Herb Garden provides an educational retreat for those interested in the use of herbs for many purposes. Gahanna carries the title, “Herb Capital of Ohio”. Since that title was given through efforts of the “Herb Ladies”, one of those strong promotors being Jane “Bunnie” Geroux, the gardens have been named in her honor.

Bunnie Geroux was instrumental in having Gahanna named “Herb Capital of Ohio”.

For well over half of her life, Bunnie has had a strong interest in herbs. An early “goosefoot” herb garden for an historic site flamed her passion years ago. Since then she has been promoting the use of herbs throughout the city of Gahanna. Until she retired last year, she operated a successful business, Culpepers, which specialized in dried bouquets.

Recently Bunnie retired from her Culpepers & Herb Shop.

Recently Bunnie retired from her Culpepers Herb House, where this sign hung for years.

“Bunnie”, at the age of 91, still actively participates in activities at the center. When the assistant director was asked about his favorite part of being involved, he instantly replied, “I have learned so much from Bunnie. I treasure the experience.” Walking with her in the gardens, he learned to use his senses of smell, sight, touch and taste.

The gardens contain many different kinds of herbs.

One acre here holds an amazing variety of herbs in several categories: Biblical, Culinary, Medicinal, Meditative, and Scented. Each has their own special place in the garden as they attempt to educate the public on the use of different herbs.Renovation is currently taking place while a new irrigation system is installed.

.If you don’t have room outside for an herb garden, perhaps you would like to plant something in a pot on your window sill or in a porch container during the warmer months. Their fragrance alone gives a reward for your labors. Thyme, mint, oregano, and lavender have always been some of my favorites.

A bottle lid picture brightens the lobby.

Stroll through these aromatic gardens where admission and parking are free. Slip away from the chaotic world and visit this hidden gem soon.

The information center hosts classes regarding herbs plus a great place to buy what herbs you want.

Natzger-Miller House hosts classes regarding herbs plus serves as a great place to buy herbs you might like to try.

The Nafzger-Miller house, headquarters for the Herb Center, was built in 1855. Now it provides a place for meetings, lectures, and even herbal tea parties. A few blocks away from Geroux Garden at this Educational Center, classes are held on Tea Gardening, Traditional Medicines, Culinary and Craft throughout the year. The instructors have a good grasp of their subject matter and present things in an interesting manner.

The drying shed stores dried herbs to use in various ways throughout the year.

September is time to harvest many of these herbs and dry them for use during the winter season. Their drying shed provides the perfect place for this activity.

Employees at the gardens and information center used herbs from their home herb gardens frequently. Basically, they used them for culinary purposes in breads, toppings, and teas. Medicinal use is an area that I would like to explore more thoroughly. I believe there is much to be learned about healing from what nature has provided.

Geroux Herb Garden is located at 206 South Hamilton Road in Columbus, just off Route 62.

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Gypsy Road Trip

Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

SMART Centre Features Dinosaurs, Space, and Ice Cream

Wild Heart Brings Spirit Alive

Angel in Disguise

Dreams Do Come True

Lincoln Funeral Car Travels Original Route 150 Years Later

Always Veterans Day at Dreamsville, USA

Dickens Victorian Village Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Lunch in Picturesque Amish Country: A Photographic Memory

Kate Gorman Tells Stories Through Quilts

Thyme to Explore Geroux Herb Garden

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Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

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