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Through kindness, compassion and sharing of her talents--one local resident's art is making an impact on the other side of the world. What started as an interest in rock painting has become a mission project for Misty Day. We caught up with Misty to ask her to share her story.
How did you get started on this adventure? Last summer I traveled back to Florida to visit family and happened to find a lovely painted rock on the beach. At first I thought someone had dropped a vacation souvenir, but my mom told me that painting and hiding “Kindness Rocks” was a huge past time in her area. The very next day, my sister (who was already painting kindness rocks) brought over a ton of rocks and paints so I could paint some of my own. I had never painted before, but I loved the idea of hiding them on the beach and making people smile. I ended up painting them all week and the rocks just got more and more elaborate. Even my mom was surprised and asked, “How are you able to do that?” What a wonderful surprise to learn I could paint! Once I returned I home, I immediately bought my own rock painting supplies and joined the Gahanna Rocks group on Facebook.
How has your project grown? It’s been crazy how much rock painting has changed my life in just a year. I have joined several rock painting groups. I have been asked many times to teach rock painting classes and I’ve even hosted Kindness Rock events for several neighboring towns. I love that I’ve been able to connect with my community and fellow artists using the simple idea of rocks and spreading kindness.
You recently returned from a trip to Honduras. How did that trip come about? I have been sponsoring a little girl, Daniela, in Honduras for almost 2 years and knew that a group of sponsors from my church were planning a trip to visit their kids. I had heard how amazing it was for other sponsors to meet their kids and I really wanted to meet Daniela myself. So, a year ago I decided to go and I started raising money for my trip.
Was it your intention to offer rock painting classes in Honduras as you were planning the trip? When I decided to go on the trip, I had no idea how I was going to raise the money or what I would be doing while I was there. I never even thought about selling my rocks until a co-worker asked if he could have one if he donated to my trip. I soon began posting rocks on Facebook and TONS of requests poured in. I was able to pay for the entire trip with rocks!
As the trip got closer, I decided to paint a special name rock for each child. When one of the trip organizers found out how much money I had raised and about the rocks I was taking as gifts, they asked if I would be interested in teaching a class while I was there. She thought that could be a fun activity and possible a creative money making skill for the people there.
How did you get the art supplies for the trip? I was so preoccupied with the other details of the trip, that I hadn’t even thought about all the paint supplies we would need. I was at an art event at The Griffin Gallery at Creekside and the owner, Lew Griffin, started asking me all about my upcoming trip. When I told him and his wife that I had been asked to teach classes there, he asked, “How are you paying for all of the supplies?” I said, “Huh, I have no idea. I hadn’t even thought about that yet, but I’m sure someone in the community will help.” Lew didn’t even miss a beat and replied, “Someone in the community will definitely do that and it’ll be us.” I was so surprised and overwhelmed! Lew went on to say that he’d not only pay for the rock painting supplies but any other supplies we would need for the trip too. It was such an amazing blessing and the entire team was thrilled by the news. Thanks to The Griffin Gallery’s generosity, we were able to take suit cases of art and teaching supplies with us.
How were your classes received there? What was the feedback? Really well, actually! In fact, I was surprised by the response. I was worried that they would be confused as to why we would be painting on rocks and I didn’t even know if anyone would show up. There was so much interest that we added a second class for the staff of the center! It was amazing to see this community of people laugh and smile and just enjoy the afternoon. And when they learned that the people our city of Gahanna paints these rocks and leaves them for strangers, they all looked at me in surprise. Through an interpreter I explained that we call them Kindness Rocks and it’s our way of spreading smiles to whoever finds the rocks that we’ve hidden.
After class, I was asked many questions by the staff of the center about how they can continue their own Kindness Rocks group. Their director said it’s so difficult to bring art to their area because no one has any extra money or time for those kinds of things. I was overjoyed to tell her that all the supplies we used for the class and BOXES more were being left for them and their community so they can paint whenever they’d like!
Do you have any plans to return? Absolutely! Saying good-bye to the staff and Daniela was very hard. In the 7 days I spent there, they had become family to me and I didn’t want to let them go. I promised them all that I would be back many times. In fact, I think my exact words were “Good luck getting rid of me!”.
Do you teach classes locally? I do. I teach a monthly class in Reynoldsburg on the first Sunday of every month. The class is sponsored by the city and they offer it for free. I also teach classes for various groups, business organizations, and private events. I’ve taught classes for the Girl Scouts, ladies groups, birthday parties and for company events. Next month I’ll be teaching a Kindness Rocks painting class for the employees of the Heartland Bank as a team building exercise.
What’s your advice for someone who is interested in getting started in rock painting? My number one piece of advice is DON’T buy expensive art supplies. Rock painting is such a relaxing and inexpensive hobby. The acrylic paints I use are only .50 a bottle and I even buy my brushes from the Walmart craft section. If I need a super fine tip, I just use a pair of scissors and cut a brush down. Rocks can easily be found, or purchased at Home Depot. I paint so many, that all my rocks are purchased and you can get a bag of 60-ish for only $10. I would also suggest someone join their local rock painting group on Facebook. In the group, they can find all kinds of ideas, painting events, and tips for sealing and hiding their rocks. * * * * *
To learn more about Misty Day's Rocks, visit her Facebook page.
It’s time to raise your glass to Gahanna’s newest business! Noble Cut Distillery has been creating a lot of buzz since it opened, so we were happy to get the opportunity to talk to one of the co-owners, Ben. We asked about his new business, the centuries-old cocktail recipes and why Gahanna is the perfect area to open up shop.
What made you want to open a distillery? There’s a running joke that, in order to limit my costs on alcohol, I should just make my own! Jokes aside, it all started when I met Tony, the head distiller and co-owner of Noble Cut, 6 years ago when we became neighbors. He’s the real reason we opened up shop, and he has the family history to back it up. His grandfather was a bootlegger and his grandmother gave him the famous Limoncello recipe!
Why did you choose Gahanna to open up a distillery? We looked at different properties for about 6 months before settling on this location (750 Cross Pointe Rd, Suite K). We found that this property fits our needs perfectly, and we decided that Gahanna was a great place to be. Here, we can stand out on our own and have a better shot being one in a smaller pool than one in a bigger pool. The reception here has been overwhelming and fantastic, and we couldn’t be happier!
We heard that there is a great story behind your Limoncello? Our Limoncello recipe is 240 years old. It was passed down from Tony’s grandmother. She moved here from Naples, Italy and brought the recipe with her. For her contribution to our most popular item, we feature her on the back of the Limoncello label.
Do you have any cocktail suggestions that people can make at home with your products? Our Mint Lemonade is our Gahanna special since Gahanna is the Herb Capital of Ohio! It’s really refreshing for the summer! We showcased it at the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival and it’s been a big hit! It’s made with our Limoncello, and the recipe will be added to our website soon, but you can find other cocktail recipes on our website now.
What’s unique about your distillery? I think our size and creativity make us unique. We made a conscious decision to go small with our operation because it allows us to be flexible with our products and try out different things. This allows us to be more creative without being tied up with a certain amount of product.
Where can people purchase your products? Right now, the only place you can purchase our products is at our bottle shop at our distillery. We hope to be at local store liquor agencies in August. Once that is up and running, we’ll announce it and have a section on our website that will share where you can buy it.
Do you have a tasting room? Yes, we do! We also offer tours of our tasting rooms. Tours are on Saturdays right now, but we’ll expand that as the market demands.
Is there anything else you'd like people to know about Noble Cut Distillery? Our goal is to remain small and community-focused. We love the partnerships we’re building with Gahanna since we like to be a community brand. It lets us be who we are instead of big corporate!
* * * Don’t forget to post pictures using the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on social media for a chance to be featured on Visit Gahanna’s social media channels and website!
As days become shorter and summer starts to dwindle down, the community comes together to celebrate what makes Gahanna a fantastic place to live, eat and play! Check out the wide variety of upcoming events that will be held right here in Gahanna.
Vettes, Rods & Classics Date/Time: 12-8 pm, Saturday, August 4 Where: Creekside Plaza, 117 Mill St., Gahanna, OH 43230 Description: The Capital City Corvette Club presents this popular annual car show--featuring classics, muscle cars, hot rods and more. Live music, food trucks, Silent Auction, Door Prizes and more.
National Night Out Date/Time: 6-8 pm, Tuesday, August 7 Where: Creekside Plaza, 117 Mill St., Gahanna, OH 43230 Description: Join the Gahanna Division of Police for a family night at Creekside Plaza for FREE activities and live music by Rendition, featuring Officer Carl Schmueckle.
Paws in the Plaza Date/Time: 4:30-7 pm, Thursday, August 2 and September 6 Where: Creekside Plaza, 117 Mill St., Gahanna, OH 43230 Description: Now celebrating its 10th year of pet networking fun, Paws in the Plaza offers together-time for you and your fur baby to meet up with like-minded, pet-loving friends and their dogs at Creekside Gahanna. Enjoy different vendors, giveaways, walking paths, local snacks, and of course, the wonderful company of other pet paw-rents. Up for an adventure and a FREE GIFT? Don’t forget to pick up a Waggin’ Trail form at the Paws in the Plaza booth. To play, just visit different vendors, post a picture on social media, and return the form to the Paws in the Plaza booth to receive your free gift! This year’s gift is a travel mug.
Check out the talented line-up:
August 7 - Dave Powers
August 14 - JT HIllier
August 21 - Blue Level Duo
August 28 - Bill Foley
101 Beer Kitchen - Hoppin’ Frog Beer Dinner Date/Time: 6:30-8:30 pm, Tuesday, August 7 Where: 101 Beer Kitchen Gahanna Description: Join in while Chef Chris creates a special 5 course and 6 beer pairing with Hoppin' Frog Brewing from Akron, OH! Rated as one of the top 100 breweries in the world; Hoppin’ Frog Brewery is a small, hands-on brewery, making very flavorful beers in the most flavorful styles. They brew the highest quality beer with an uncompromising focus on detail, from the ingredient selection to the brewing process. Price is $70 with tax & gratuity included. Book your reservation early! These events sell out quickly!
Creekside Live Concert Series Date/Time: 6 pm, Fridays, August 10 & August 24 Where: 117 Mill St., Creekside Plaza Description: Creekside comes alive the 2nd & 4th Fridays! Join in for a summer concert series featuring summer entertainment at Creekside Plaza, headlined by popular bands from Central Ohio. The event brings the community together celebrating in the heart of Gahanna. Come early and one of the many local restaurants. Onsite beverage sales available supported by the Gahanna parks & Recreation Foundation.
August 10: Hadden Sayers/ The The Fabulous Johnson Brothers August 24: The Andy Shaw Band/ Soul Kitch’n
Pool Boating Day Date/Time: 4-8 pm, Sunday, August 12 Where: Gahanna Swimming Pool Description: Gahanna Swimming Pool will play host to kayakers and canoers as they practice their skills such as strokes, rolls and rescue moves. The open sessions are for practice, not lessons, but experienced paddlers will be available to help. No advance registration is required. Participants can bring their own boats and equipment or borrow one from Gahanna Parks & Recreation. Proper swim attire is required. A helmet is required for those practicing rolls. Youth must be supervised by an adult.
Cost: Members Free / Non-members $5 per boat
Muddy Miler Date/Time: 1-3 pm, Sunday, August 19 Where: Gahanna Swimming Pool Description: Supported by the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation. The Muddy Miler is a themed adventure run offering the entire family obstacles, mud and more! WARNING: You will get muddy from head to toe if you want to conquer the Muddy Miler! Explore the outdoors on the nature trail that winds through the Southwest Flood Plain (near the Gahanna Swimming Pool). The event is free for the entire family and for all ages. The first 200 participants will receive a Muddy Miler SWAG item. Please arrive between 12:30-3:30 pm.
Pedal and Smile Bicycle Ride Series/Gahanna History Bike Tour Date/Time: 1-3 pm, Sunday, August 26 Where: 1329 Cherry Way Dr, Gahanna, OH 43230 Description: The ride begins at Premier Periodontics and is a relaxed pace ride that will take approximately 2 hours. Please bring a helmet and water bottle. If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by an adult. Please sign up two days before each ride. For additional information, please contact Tricia Kovacs, 614-476-9093 or pkovacs@att.net.
101 Beer Kitchen - Jackie O’s Farm to Table Beer Dinner Date/Time: 6:30-8:30 pm, August 28 Where: 101 Beer Kitchen Gahanna Description: Join in for the 2nd Annual Farm to Table beer dinner with Jackie O's Brewery. Brewing in Athens, OH since 2005, operations have expanded over the years & in addition to the brewpub & brewery Jackie O's also have a bakery & farm. Chef Julian will be creating 5 special courses using the bakery and fresh produce straight from the Jackie O's Farm. Price is $65 and includes all courses, plus tax & gratuity.
Taste of Gahanna Date/Time: 5:30-8:30 pm, Thursday, August 30 Where: Creekside Park & Plaza Description: The Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual “Taste of Gahanna” event this year on August 30. Join in for a fun evening filled with great entertainment, delicious food and mingling.
Creekside Hops & Vines Date/Time: 6-11 pm, Saturday, September 22 Where: Creekside Plaza, 117 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 Description: Join the Gahanna Parks and Recreation Foundation for the 5th Annual Creekside Hops & Vines Fest. Enjoy Gahanna’s Creekside Park while sampling popular craft beers, wine, and liquor from Central Ohio breweries, wineries and distilleries. The event will feature live entertainment from JJ Snare and DJ Brad Hudson, free gourmet tacos provided by Local Cantina, BBQ from Barrel and Boar, and more amazing food from local vendors.
Big Walnut Creek Family Canoe & Kayak Float Date/Time: 9 am-3 pm, Saturday, September 29 Where: Friendship Park; 150 Oklahoma Ave. Gahanna, OH 43230 Description: Relax and enjoy the beauty of the Big Walnut Creek waterway. The day will start at the boat put-in at the corner of Morse and Stygler Roads with ODNR/American Canoe Association certified instructors providing a Padding SmartStart introduction to canoeing and kayaking. After the paddling instruction, the float will begin at the creek under the Morse Road bridge and conclude at Friendship Park. Participants 17 and under must be accompanied with an adult. A light lunch at Woodside Green Park will be included along with canoes, kayaks, life vests, paddles and guides to help along the float. Participants should be at Friendship Park, and transportation will be provided to the boat launch site. For ages 8+.
Gahanna Resident rate: $15 per person Non-resident rate: $20 per person.
Gahanna Flea Market Date/Time: 9 am-4 pm, Sunday, September 30 Where: Creekside Plaza, 117 Mill Street, Gahanna, OH 43230 Description: Located in the beautiful Creekside District, the Gahanna Flea Market will feature vendors with a variety of vintage antiques, primitives, home decor, handmade jewelry, crafts, toys, comics, sports cards, coins and other collectibles. Proceeds will benefit the Historical Society's three historical buildings: The Log House, The Clark House and the Lily Stone Bed & Breakfast. Nearly 160 vendors strong, this 52nd annual event offers a wide variety of food for purchase.
… … … Be sure to share your pictures using the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on social media for a chance to be featured on Visit Gahanna’s social media channels and website!
One of the best things about summer is being able to enjoy a good meal and a drink on the patio of a fantastic neighborhood restaurant. Add to that some live music, a breathtaking picturesque location--and it just doesn’t get any better. One of Gahanna, Ohio’s most unique and popular dining experiences just became even better. The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek now offers Live Music Tuesdays, starting at 6:30 pm every Tuesday through August 28, 2018.
July 24 - Donna Mogavero Donna is a singer/songwriter/guitar player who has been performing music in Columbus for more than three decades. Donna’s play list is a collection of songs from her three original CDs as well as songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s to today’s artists.
July 31 & August 28 - Bill Foley Bill is a singer and guitarist, who performs the best music of the 50s, 60s and 70s, including early rock and roll favorites, "One Hit Wonders," folk and all of the best from those eras. Bill is a full-time musician, who tours nationally.
August 7 - Dave Powers For over 35 years, two-time EMMY® Award winning composer and performer Dave Powers has been a vital part of the Columbus, Ohio music scene as a pianist, keyboardist, vocalist, entertainer and educator. For the past six years, Dave has been hosting a jazz concert series at the Clintonville Woman’s Club called “The House Jazz Concert Series.”
August 14 - JT HIllier Based out of Central Ohio, JT Hillier began his career as a working musician at age 16. Since then he has nurtured his sound blending pop, alt-country, folk and soul. Lyrical verses, a soulful vocal presence and unique guitar playing styles are all crucial ingredients to JT’s music. JT is inspired by the works of contemporary recording artists & singer-songwriters like John Mayer, Michael Jackson, Ryan Adams, Ed Sheeran and Amos Lee, among others
August 21 - Blue Level Duo During the past decade, Trace Marie and Blue Level have established themselves as one of central Ohio's premier indie-pop bands. Presenting stylish originals as well as fresh interpretations of the classics, the live music of Blue Level is as versatile as the audiences they captivate. Performing as a duo/trio, the band builds an intimacy with the audience in smaller settings.
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For more details about live music venues and other events in Gahanna, go to VisitGahanna.com
Be sure to share your pictures using the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on social media for a chance to be featured on Visit Gahanna’s social media channels and website!
The Mug & Brush Barber Shop Gahanna, together with Blank Slate Coffee, are bringing you another awesome summer night of live music, artists, food trucks and much more in the heart of Gahanna, Ohio! We had the opportunity to chat with Amanda from The Mug & Brush Barber Shop to learn more about this fun community event and why she cares so deeply for her community.
When is the Block Party and where is it located? The Block Party is this Saturday, July 14 from 6-9 pm. It is located in Olde Gahanna between the businesses that are co-hosting: The Mug & Brush Barber Shop (153 North High St.) and Blank Slate Coffee, (Mill St. & Carpenter Rd.) It’s a combined event that is just spread out between and behind the two businesses.
Is the event family-friendly? It is absolutely family-friendly! The goal is to bring the entire community together, and we mean all types of people--young and old. There will be craft-makers and artists geared towards children too. Two or three of the booths are run by kids, so this event is definitely NOT age restricted. There will even be middle school-aged kids and younger selling their handmade greeting cards, and a young man that makes and sells his own beef jerky!
We will also have an interactive art area in conjunction with the group Gahanna Rocks, which encourages the family-friendly activity of painting rocks and hiding them for others to find. We also will have the Fairy Godmother of the Gahanna Rock Garden that will teach children about rocks in the neighborhood.
What will be featured at the Block Party? We have a lot going on! Since this is a a small party that is dedicated to bringing the community together in the name of art, we will have music on several stages--switching out artists every half hour. The main stage will be at The Mug & Brush Barber Shop and the artists will play a longer set there.
There will be plenty of food, including offerings from Barrel & Boar and Sophie’s Gourmet Pierogi. We’ll have the Sweet Tooth Ice Cream Truck and other booths selling smaller bakery items, which are edible works of art!
In addition to the music and food, we’ll have more than 30 local-to-Columbus artists and makers. We wanted this event to be all about creativity in the attainable sense (since some art festivals can get pricey). We’re featuring different kinds of art, from wine glasses and body care, to wood carvings and painting on clothing - all of which won’t break the bank. You can feel good about the items and feel good supporting the vendors.
How did the Block Party come about? Our first Block Party was in June and it was just so much fun! There were kids playing together, running and laughing, while their parents were talking to each other. Everyone had a good time and got to know each other and learn more about their local businesses. I’m so proud of the Gahanna community for coming together, supporting these events and having a good time.We want the community to know that Gahanna businesses want to give back to the community that has treated them so well.
Is there admission? There is no admission to get into the Block Party.
Is there anything else you'd like for us to know about the Block Party? This Block Party is planned and put on by local businesses that really just want to serve our community. It’s truly about having a good time and giving back. This is a super relaxed community event that is planned with passion -- from the bottom of our hearts. :)
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Don’t forget to post pictures using the hashtag #UniquelyGahanna on social media for a chance to be featured on Visit Gahanna’s social media channels and website!
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