July Photo Shoot Night Recap

The photo shoot night on July 14^th was a blast! We had a great group of 20-30 photographers and beautiful weather.

We started out at The Meeting Place on Market where we were welcomed and got our marching orders.

From there, we walked across the street to Trinity United Methodist. We spent about 15 minutes taking photos of the outside of the building. Then, Rev. Harris welcomed us personally as we explored the inside of the church. The lighting was gorgeous as the sun started to set through the stained glass windows.

After 20-30 minutes of shooting at the church, we meandered over to Memorial Hall. Civic Center employee Mike Bean opened the building up for us so we could enjoy the antique fixtures, the expansive rooms, and many photographic opportunities.

We ended the night with a closing Q&A on Memorial Hall’s steps, with professional photographer Jason Bower sharing his expertise and answering our questions.

Overall, a great night! Check out downtown Lima’s facebook site for photos from some of the participants: http://www.facebook.com/downtownlima.

We have one more photo shoot night on August 9^th. We’ll meet at 6 pm in front of Nitza’s. We have permission to explore the inside of the Met Block building, and may have another historic building to explore as well!

Free Ways to Entertain the Kids This Summer

You don’t have to spend a lot to entertain the kids this summer!  Check out these free options in downtown Lima:

The Children’s Discovery Center at the Allen County Museum offers hands on activities with fun, historical themes.  The museum is free, although a $5/adult donation is suggested.  Located at the corner of Market and Metcalf Streets, the museum is open Tuesday – Friday, 1-5 pm, Sat-Sun, 1-4 pm. Closed Monday.  

The beautiful and whimsical Children’s Garden is delightful for both the young and young at heart.  Maintained by volunteer master gardeners, it boasts over 30 mini gardens, including fairy tale themed garden beds.  Always free, the Children’s Garden is located next to the Allen County Museum on Market Street, and is open May through October, dawn to dusk.

Just last year the Children’s Fountain at Faurot Park was renovated and is already a popular place for children on warm summer days.  The fountain includes a patio children can play on that spouts water in the air at regular intervals.  It’s open during park hours off of North Shore Drive.

The Lima Public Library has started its free Summer Reading Program.  Kids keep track of minutes read, and can enter a drawing for prizes for every 30 minutes of reading.  Sign-up at any library branch – events vary throughout the summer.

Free tennis lessons run June 14^th through July 28^th, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am, at the Collett Street Recreation Area.  All players must attend by the 3^rd session for lessons by pro Hanna Hager.

 Teens might enjoy the following free events in downtown Lima this summer:

• The Lima Astronomical Society will be open every Friday, at dusk, throughout June, July and August for anyone who wants to star gaze using the telescope at the observatory in Schoonover Park
• Downtown Lima Photo Shoot Nights are for photographers of any skill level, with training by professional photography Jason Bowers.  June 9^th, July 14^th, and August 9^th, 6 pm.
• The Concerts in the Park series live music every Sunday night, June 26^th – August 14^th, 7 pm, at the Faurot Park Pavilion.

What other free activities do your kids love?  If we’ve missed any, add a comment and let us know!