Must Read Articles

What’s in the pages of the May/June issue of Over the Back Fence Magazine?

Here's a glimpse of what's between the covers.

Lavender Field Day
By: Brenda Bradds

At Springbrook Meadows the smell of therapeutic lavender scents the breeze, and the vibrant colors are a pleasure to the eye. Home to the Lavender Field Day each June, Neal and Debbie Cook's farm is a sight to see. The Cook’s raise 18 different varieties of lavender in the field and are testing an additional 100 varieties in their greenhouses.

In 2004 they hosted the first Lavender Field Day, patterned after a festival held annually in Sequim, Washington. "We thought it would be nice to share this beautiful plant with the community, and in the process discovered that the festival drew people from all over the tri-state area. Each of the craftspeople, who are invited to attend the festival, are all seasoned professionals in their chosen crafts and are selected on the quality of the product they produce," says Debbie. Each crafter is asked to incorporate lavender into their artwork or products. Find out how the Cooks got started and how you can visit this beautiful setting.

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An Artist's Legacy

When Dard Hunter III was a boy back in the 1970's, he played hide and seek in his family home like most of us did. However, the pictures that he ran by were original masterpieces by such artists as 15th century German engraver Albrecht Durer. The table he hid under might have displayed an original page from the Gutenberg Bible, printed on the first printing press ever invented, in the 1400's. The family's history with art was well established. His father was a curator, collector of antiques and also continued the work of his own father.

With his family history, it is clear why Dard III became involved in an exhibit at the Decorative Arts Center in Lancaster: "The Artist's Hand: Dard Hunter and the American Arts and Crafts Movement." Hunter, who calls himself "Curator and Custodian" of Dard Hunter Studios and the Mountain House, will be the guest curator for the exhibit. Hunter, along with co-curator Eileen Wallace, will oversee the exhibit, which tells the story of Dard Hunter I's involvement and impact on the Arts and Crafts movement. Get all of the details on dates and times for the exhibit in the current issue.

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Freedom’s Call
The Air Force Materiel Command Tattoo
By: Kathy Barney Benjamin

What is the sound of a tattoo? The "Tattoo" has been rousing soldiers for over 300 years by using drums, the fife, bagpipes, trumpets and other musical instruments. In modern times it's become a proud traditional celebration of the military using the voices of world-renowned singing groups, unique dancers and booming fireworks. There's no better place than Wright Patterson Air Force Base for thrilling, thundering flyovers by vintage and modern aircraft. More sounds come from happy people and their families as they sit on the grass with blankets or chairs and settle in for a free show.

The theme for the 2008 is: "Thank the Troops and Families." Ceremonial musical performances from the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight and special flyovers will make this a moving celebration for our troops.

Make sure to include this moving celebration in your summer plans by finding out more about it in the current issue.

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