GATHERING PLACE

Construction began on August 7 for the new GATHERING PLACE. Terry will oversee the entire project. He plans on having it completed for a New Years celebration.

The first phase is the road and parking lot construction. We’ve needed more parking and there will be another 30 places for cars. The back dining room will be expanded to include what is now the covered porch. Don’t worry if you love that spot, there will be a full covered porch on the new addition. Connected to the expanded dining room will be a lounge area with comfortable sitting chairs, gas fireplace, and computer area for those who need to check their emails. This area will be used for guests who want to sit and enjoy a before or after dinner drink, a break out area for meetings and for individual guests who want to read by the fire or on the porch. Attached to this will be an 1840’s log cabin. The cabin will be able to accommodate groups up to 48. It will be fully equipped with a flat screen TV, white boards, wireless capability, and all other equipment needed for businesses meetings. This room will have two bathrooms and a bar area to accommodate dining for events and meetings who don’t want to leave the room.

The building will be constructed as “green friendly” as possible. It will showcase an herb garden roof, state of the art HVAC system, recycled carpeting and much more. The room will be furnished with local art from southeastern Ohio artists. Ellen is finalizing all the furniture details. The meeting room furniture will be purchased from King Business Interior, a woman owned business in Columbus. Terry and Ellen purchased several distinctive antiques for the lounge area along with comfortable sitting chairs and sofas.

We anticipate multiple uses for the GATHERING PLACE. It will be ideal for small weddings or renewal vows. We will expand the number and kinds of workshops we offer like the already existing yoga classes. Perfect for couple’s retreats and, of course, corporate meetings. We’ll keep you posted as the project progresses.

Emptynesters

EMPTYNESTERS, that’s what Terry and I have become this month. We’ve dropped Benjamin off at North Carolina State in Raleigh. It feels like he’s living at the end of world being so far away. Leaving Benjamin was bittersweet, a major change in our family dynamics, yet a chance for Terry and me to begin our life together again.

Much like many of our Inn guests, we took several days to ourselves after dropping him off. We went to stay at a B&B in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It allowed us a much needed rest after the emotional “letting go”. We allowed ourselves to be pampered, have yummy breakfasts cooked for us, and enjoy romantic candlelit dinners. It gave us time to reflect on our relationship as well as our family. Now we understand why so many parents come to stay with us for respite after they drop their children off at college.

As the newness of it just being the two of us wares off, we look forward to spending more time on “what we enjoy” both as a couple and individually. It is an exciting time for us as we explore. We hope you will do the same thing too. Come visit us and we can share “letting go” stories and “what’s ahead”.

Nancy-Employee Biography

Nancy Campbell has been a valued staff team member for 17 years. Most of the time you will find her in the office tending to our guests needs. She is one of the friendly voices you hear on the phone. You see Nancy when you arrive and check in. And, sometimes she is here when guests check out. Innkeeper Ellen Grinsfelder says “Nancy goes out of her way to make sure all of our guests feel like they have been a friend for years. We are blessed to have such a dedicated member of our team.” Nancy will lend a hand in housekeeping and the restaurant anytime they need help.

Nancy was so excited being employed at the Inn, she felt it necessary to have her husband Scott work here too. Originally, Scott came and volunteered to help decorate for the holidays. Guests will see Scott’s work as they arrive to check in. Scott’s passion is working with flowers. When we needed some extra help, he came on board. Scott has been tending our flowers and gardens for 10 years. He truly has a love for plants.

Nancy and Scott love to travel. They have raised one son, Dan. In addition, they have been “adopted grandparents” to Ellen and Terry’s children. They have watched their children when Ellen and Terry were on vacation and even helped with car pooling. They also take great care of Ellen and Terry’s home when they are on vacation. Scott loves bicycling and old cameras. Nancy’s favorite past time is shopping, especially buying shoes. They have one cat at home.

Ellen and Terry thank them for all their years of dedication.