From Skilled Hands » Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Riding the Rails With Santa: A My Town Monday Post

fromskilledhands — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 16:58:11 +0000

What do over 120 volunteers, a train full of excited children, and a guy in a red suit have in common? If you had been in my town last week, you would have seen the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s special run of the Polar Express.

Vehicles full of people began to arrive in the Village. They proceeded to the depot, emerging in festive attire. The cars kept coming. Soon the tracks were lined with elves, gingerbread folks, snowmen and other fantastic characters. Santa rested on a bench, waiting for his moment.

Doug drove his special train into place. All was ready. Soon train whistles were heard in the distance, coming closer by the minute. As the train pulled into the North Pole, the elves went into action, waving as they welcomed the train.

This was a special train, filled with children with special needs, their families and caregivers. The excitement was palpable. The wee train with Santa aboard rounded the corner, and Santa waved to the children on the train. The train pulled out, and another train pulled into the Village; this one also had special passengers. Once again,the elves and Santa shared their magic, and the train departed, taking it’s special cargo back. Then, as quickly as they arrived, the 120 volunteers departed. It was quiet. But for those moments, their was no question that we were in the North Pole, sharing magic with kids and families who understand what it is to BELIEVE.

As always, feel free to leave me a comment, or a stone (o), to let me know you’ve stopped by. Wander on over to My Town Monday to see who has to say what about the place called home.

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A Magical Day at the North Pole

fromskilledhands — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:30:41 +0000

What does 1 train + a great story + a crew of dedicated staff and volunteers equal? Take a look at a very special train, when the Village of Peninsula is transformed into the North Pole. All aboard for the Polar Express!

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Wordless Wednesday: Brought to You By the Color Orange

fromskilledhands — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:10:30 +0000

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Along the Crooked River: Plein Air Comes to Peninsula

fromskilledhands — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:00:44 +0000

The crooked river called Cuyahoga is an integral part of the Cuyahoga Valley and the Village of Peninsula. Artists have tried to capture it’s beauty in a multitude of media. Painters, photographers and artists with sketch pads are regular sights in this Valley.

On Saturday, June 20, 2009, 25 regional artists will converge on the Village, canvases, easels and paints in hand. They will be participants in the first Plein Aire competition that the Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce has hosted. En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air.” It is used to describe the act of painting outdoors. Plein air painting has it’s roots in 19th century Europe. The invention of tubes that contained pigments made painting portable, and the introduction of the steam engine gave painters a way to travel for their art.

If you’re in our neck of the woods or are in the mood for a beautiful drive, come on over and see us. You can watch the painters, take a hike in the amazing Cuyahoga Valley National Park (did you know that it is the 6th most visited National Park in the country?), take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and explore the Village of Peninsula. Stop in and see Steve and me at our Elements Gallery on Mill Street. We’re looking forward to meeting you.

For more information on the Plein Aire competition, visit here.

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Stroll into Spring: A My Town Monday Post.

fromskilledhands — Mon, 25 May 2009 02:33:02 +0000

It was a busy weekend in the Village of Peninsula, nestled in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley. It was a time for discovery and adventure as the yearly Spring Stroll welcomed the new season to the Valley.

The population soared as families came to the Village to share in the magical adventures of the season. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway brought Thomas the Tank Engine to the Valley again this year.

Fairy houses and gardens were all over the Village. Ronda from the Downtown Emporium created a map, and fairy lovers of all ages looked to see if they could answer all the questions: how many fairies live here? can you find the octopus? what is the name of the fairy house?

Imagine yourself discovering some of these magical dwellings. Look carefully; you might just see a sprite.

Come back on Wednesday and you’ll see more photos of the fairy dwellings behind our studio and gallery.

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Take a moment to realize that in the United States, Memorial Day is more than a 3 day weekend. To read more, hop on over to Travis Erwin’s. He is the guy who is the MTM chief cook and bottle washer. He always has something interesting to say, and also posts links to other bloggers who write about their towns.

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The Train in Winter: A My Town Monday Post

fromskilledhands — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 01:00:24 +0000

Winter —and we’ve had plenty of it—doesn’t get in the way of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway. You can explore the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley, wander through the Village of Peninsula, population 602, enjoy stories for the entire family, or wine and beer tastings for the adults.

You’ll see the Cuyahoga Valley National Park dressed in Winter’s finery. Animals and birds will appear along the tracks; you may see intrepid joggers and bikers along the Towpath Trail.

It takes work to maintain the tracks year round. Climb aboard and see what it’s like.

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My Town Monday is a product of the wondrous mind of Travis Erwin. Check out the links to the sites of my fellow MTM Marauders.

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My Town Monday: Through a Friend’s Eyes

fromskilledhands — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 03:18:32 +0000

photo of Dream, by Tammy Jo Fuller, by Kari Radney

My friend Kari Radney sent me some photos that she took at the Cups of Kindness opening celebration.This is a collection of photos of pieces that were donated to the benefit as well as pieces by artists we represent at our Gallery.

I asked her if she would be my guest blogger for My Town Monday. Here are her impressions of My Town, the Village of Peninsula, population 602.

Welcome to Peninsula! Come and stay a while,
the places you see are sure to make you smile.

As the train comes in (and it’s hard not to hear it)
it shakes the ground of those who are near it.

Elements Gallery is a place filled with art,
pottery and paintings and work from the heart.

Fishers Pub, is a fun place to eat,
their food is delicious and such a great treat!

The Emporium has lots of antiques
each one has a story and is very unique.

The Winking lizard is a popular spot,
every dish that they serve is fresh, tasty & hot.

Yellow Creek Trading is colorful and fun,
with cute things to buy for everyone.

Kilted Yak, the snow gear shop,
is a place that you should stop

The Towpath is where everyone hikes,
walking or running or riding on bikes.

The Art Academy is another must see,
This place is just filled with creativity.

The Peninsula Library, with tons of books,
all waiting inside, for you to come look.

Century Cycles, the local bike store,
has monthly night rides and bicycles galore.

Love and Love, by Gwen Waight, photo by Kari Radney

These pieces were donated by students and faculty of the Kent State University Ceramics Department, photo by Kari Radney

The Giving Cup, by Nicki Lanzi, photo by Kari Radney

Suncatcher, by Merrily Sprague, photo by Kari Radney

Fused Glass by David Norton, photo by Kari Radney

Blown Glass Calla Lily by Sue Berry, photo by Kari Radney

Looking up at Blown Glass Plant Rooters by Michael Mikula, photo by Kari Radney

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I am so grateful to many hands and hearts that have participated in our show and sale to benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. If you are so inclined, please visit our website.

Friends and neighbors helping each other.

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My Town Monday, the brainchild of Travis Erwin, is a wonderful way to explore the world through other bloggers’ eyes.
Travis is taking a break for until January. Junosmom, over at Lifetime Learning, and Chris, at e-Cuniform Scratchings, are the keepers of the Marauders in his stead. Follow the links posted at their blogs and you’ll find stories of places all over this fine blue planet.

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Cups of Kindness Update: YES, We Can

fromskilledhands — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:27:45 +0000

“Light One Candle.” Olive, boxwood, bloodwood. Hand turned by George Raeder.

“It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” Chinese Proverb

I have always had faith in the goodness and generosity of us all. Cups of Kindness has been a testament to this; a testament to the Power if One.

So far, we the people have raised almost $1300 for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. That means that we have purchased almost 9100 meals. Many hands and hearts are working together to make this happen.

Please join us as we raise a Cup of Kindness. Remember that each dollar raised provides 7 nutritious meals. When you purchase an item from the website or from our galleries as a gift, you are giving many times.

And if you’re in our neck of the woods, stop by the Village of Peninsula, have a cup of coffee (you can even purchase your own cup), and explore our beautiful Cuyahoga Valley. Ride the train, see Santa and the lights as the Polar Express rolls into town. We’d love to visit with you.

Friends and neighbors helping each other.

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My Town Monday: Cups of Kindness in the Village of Peninsula

fromskilledhands — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:46:33 +0000

Friends and neighbors helping each other.

I am no longer terrified. The opening for Cups of Kindness was a wonderful testament to the Power of One. So far, we the people have raised over $1200 to benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. That’s 8400 nutritious meals.

The benefit continues through January 11, 2009. Items donated by 76 artists will be available for purchase, at 8:00 am,(EST) Monday, December 8th. Please visit our website http://www.CupsOfKindness.net to purchase a piece or to make a donation. All proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. Each dollar donated purchases 7 nutritious meals.

My town was a busy place this weekend. The benefit opening was well attended; folks were riding on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, some to visit the Cuyahoga Valley, some to get their Santa, some to go to Heritage Farms to choose their Christmas tree, still others for Christmas in Peninsula. I fully intended to take photos of the benefit but I first I ran out of time; then I ran out of energy.
Ronda’s store

Later, as the snows began to fly, folks came into the Village for the Polar Express, and to see the lights.

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The Chief Marauder of My Town Monday is Travis Erwin. Travis is taking a break until January. Junosmom and Chris are keeping things rolling. Check out their blogs and you’ll find links to bloggers hither and yon.

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Cups of Kindness Countdown: This and That

fromskilledhands — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:26:34 +0000

I had fully intended to write about Cups of Kindness and Christmas in Peninsula. And my Wordless Wednesday was just that: wordless.

We’ve been working hard preparing for Cups of Kindness. I am very excited about it—-when I’m not terrified. I have envisioned this for a very long time, and seeing it to fruition when the need is so great is an amazing thing. Kindness is all around us—we just need to take the time to open our hearts to receive it.

The generosity of our community is a wonderful thing. The cyber-community has opened its hearts and spread the word. Amy at Knit Think sent a lovely donation of a cup, some hot chocolate and 2 beautiful cloths with a cup in the middle of each that she knitted. (I apologize for the quality of the photo.)

Judy Merrill Larsen emailed me and offered to send a a couple of signed copies of her beautiful book, All the Numbers. My incredible community of bloggers has helped spread the word. I was trying to list everyone and link to their blogs, but I am too tired—-you know who you are and you have my gratitude and my love.

We now have 74 artists who have donated 164 pieces of artwork to benefit the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

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Yesterday, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad ran a special train of their popular Polar Express. Their passengers were kids with a variety of special needs. Volunteers elves and others came to greet the train and wave to the children as they entered the North Pole.

We constantly prove the Power of One. Keep your eyes open. You’ll see it all around you. And you can pass it forward.

Remember: every dollar raised provides 7 nutritious meals.

Friends and neighbors helping each other.

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