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April 2006
EMERGENCE
By: Larry Duffy
Creative Director
There is a scene in The Wizard of Oz after the tornado drops the house on the Wicked Witch of the East. Dorothy is standing bewildered and seemingly alone when gradually the munchkins start emerging from all directions after being tucked away hiding from the evil threat. Well we have no witch in New Town that I’m aware of, but what we do have are some of the most bitter winter winds this side of Manitoba. I was reminded of that scene on a recent early March day when the temperature reached the low seventies. Suddenly everywhere you looked New Town was teeming with people. They were out jogging and riding bikes. They were walking their dogs and walking to the mail center. Kids were out rollerblading and playing basketball, and the parks were full of moms and dads with strollers. It seemed no one was going to miss the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful day. It was great to see all the activity and it made me realize just how many families have made New Town their home since last summer.
Most of us living in the Midwest enjoy the change of seasons. However, I think we are all in agreement that the arrival of spring is always welcome, especially after the hectic holiday season and the hibernation period that follows. The warm weather gives us an opportunity to enjoy New Town in ways many of us have not yet experienced. I suspect the number of kayaks and canoes out on the lakes should multiply tenfold and don’t forget these same lakes and canals were stocked with thousands of Bass, Catfish and Bluegill. So grab a pole and try your luck!
Take notice also of the vast number of trees that have been planted around town over the last year. When barren, they tend to disappear into the landscape but watch for the impact they’ll have when their leaves start to appear and eventually open completely to compliment our already beautiful streetscapes. If New Town can look as good as it does in the dead of winter, imagine how nice it will look when the bulbs push through and the blooms are on the trees.
Spring will also herald the arrival of a new mail center and Marsala’s Market. I’m sure we’ll all welcome the convenience of having a corner market and the opportunity to walk down and get our food needs on a daily basis. Buying fresh items daily translates into less waste and more flexibility. I look forward to the day when I no longer have to feel obligated to eat that questionable chicken that we thawed and forgot about or the asparagus that has developed on unnatural elasticity from sitting in the fridge neglected for days on end. When Marsalas’ opens, we will buy what we need that day and cook it that night.
I’m also looking forward to enjoying the beautiful courtyard area outside The Prancing Pony. I hope everyone makes time to experience this exceptional space and enjoy a glass of wine or great food while enjoying some extremely talented musicians. And that talent extends beyond the professionals as anyone who has attended Open Mike Night can attest to. Warm weather will allow the opportunity to open the garage doors, and let the crowd spill outside creating even more seating for people to come up and enjoy these music nights. If you haven’t done this yet, I encourage you to because it’s a very pleasurable evening regardless of your musical taste. Whether you prefer jazz, bluegrass or cotemporary, you will have a good time because it’s the camaraderie as much as the music that makes the happening so enjoyable. Even If you’re a Heavy Metal-loving introvert you should come to The Prancing Pony. Come up on Karaoke night because somewhere deep inside you, whether you acknowledge it or not, you have the desire to get up and sing a duet of “Summer Nights” with a complete stranger.
All these great things are headed your way, and I haven’t even mentioned the Amphitheater. Soon will be the return of Movie Nights and Shakespeare in the Park … along with several scheduled music festivals and countless additional events.
Yes, spring is here. So go fly a kit or picnic down by the fountains and remember to drive slow and turn that corner with caution because people are emerging and taking over New Town and that’s how it should be.
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