Newcomerstown Now: Meet Carrie Kunkle
Meet: Carrie Kunkle
High School: Unioto High School in Chillicothe.
College: Ohio University Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education, 2001; Ohio University Master of Arts in Art Education, 2007.
Current Occupation: Art teacher at Claymont High School
Community: Member of Newcomerstown Now – Secretary/Community Member. This group is made up by a board of directors committed to the revitalization of Newcomerstown’s Main Street. The members/volunteers are embracing the promotion of Newcomerstown as a home-town community and a Main Street that is a vital part of the village. Newcomerstown Now is currently sponsoring Second Saturday’s as a way to bring people back to Main Street. During Second Saturdays, the shops are open, and there is music, food, and a beer and wine garden. To learn more about Newcomerstown Now, or to volunteer, please message the Newcomerstown Now Facebook page or call 740-294-3664.
“My immediate family consists of my husband, Joel and our many animals. We have our dog Sydney, as well as three cats and a very old fish! Our parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews all live in southern Ohio.
"I am from Chillicothe, Ohio where I was born and lived for 25 years. I attended Unioto High School and was involved in various sports and clubs, as well as marching and concert band. I graduated in 1996, then went to Ohio University. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I stayed in Athens to work on my master’s degree.
"My hobbies include reading, DIYing (is that even a word?), traveling/exploring, and cheering on the Columbus Blue Jackets. I also create art, which isn’t just my hobby, I’ve made a pretty good career in teaching it!
"When I first moved to Tuscarawas County, I lived in Gnadenhutten. I was teaching in Uhrichsville, and my boyfriend (who is now my husband) was a substitute teacher in the county. He had subbed all over and was telling me about Newcomerstown and how nice the village was. We had started looking at houses, and the one we bought in Newcomerstown was a great fit. We’ve lived here for 14 years."
Tell us about your previous occupations before college and since college.
“I was pretty busy with high school activities, so I would babysit when I could. I didn’t have a 'job' until I graduated high school. My employment began at the Chillicothe Super Kmart for seven years and I was a Jack-of-all-Trades: cashier, layaway associate, cart-getter, front check-out supervisor, and customer service associate. Much of the experience I received there was VERY helpful in my profession as a teacher! I learned how to think on the fly, deal with many types of people, and communicate well. I also met many friends there as well as my husband, so Kmart has a special place in my heart.
"I am currently the art teacher at Claymont High School and will soon start my 20th year! I teach all of the art and ceramics classes. Additionally, I am the Fine Arts Department Head, a Building Leadership Team member, a mentor teacher, as well as the Student Council and Art Club advisor.”
“Newcomerstown is easy to like. There are so many good people who care about their community and its preservation and growth. I really like the fact that Newcomerstown is moving with the future by installing solar panels in various places in the village. I also appreciate that we are harnessing wind power with the turbine installed behind the high school. I love the Cy Young Park and pool, where we swim nearly every day in the summer. The Cy Young Festival, Gateway to Fall Festival, Second Saturdays, car shows, and summer concerts are all wonderful events to attend. We have ArtsNCT that hosts so many fun activities and art openings. But one of our favorite things to do is to sit on the front porch on any given night. More often than not, people walk by with a friendly greeting, and some even stop, sit, and talk for a while. I think that’s what I love most about our little village ... the feeling of community.
"There is so much potential here, and by joining Newcomerstown Now, I feel like I am becoming part of its history and growth. 'Never tire of doing good,' is something that I try to embody in my life. Actively helping in my community is one of those good things I can do.”
What are your goals as a part of Newcomerstown Now?
“My goal with our group is to provide what talents and skills that I have in order to help the group as best as I can. As part of Newcomerstown Now, I create the graphics you see advertising our Second Saturday events. I set up our events on social media, and try to drum up excitement for what we’re trying to accomplish. We’re still a young group, so we’re all working really hard and finding how our individual skills best fit within the group. Right now, our goal is to facilitate growth and revitalize the Main Street area, as well as bring our community together with our events.
"This group is made up by a board of directors committed to the revitalization of Newcomerstown’s Main Street. The members/volunteers are embracing the promotion of Newcomerstown as a home-town community and a Main Street that is a vital part of the village. Newcomerstown Now is currently sponsoring Second Saturdays as a way to bring people back to Main Street. During Second Saturdays, the shops are open, and there is music, food, and a beer and wine garden. Two more Second Saturdays are planned in 2022 – Aug. 13 and Sept. 10. The time for both events is from 5 to 8 p.m. To learn more about Newcomerstown Now, or to volunteer, please message the Newcomerstown Now Facebook page or call 740-294-3664.”
What would you like to highlight for us?
“There are many ways to get involved within your particular community. You can start small: picking up litter, taking food over to a neighbor when they’re sick, pulling weeds for an elderly homeowner that can’t, shoveling sidewalks and driveways for free. It doesn’t have to be big and/or elaborate. Find what works for you! Look for civic-minded groups that include your interests and goals. I am fortunate to be a board member of the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership, which really allows me to tap into my arts training and interest while promoting all forms of art in our county. I also am a member of the Dominic Greco Band, which lets me stretch my musical training and provides entertainment for many communities around Tuscarawas County. Find a good fit for you and go with it!”
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Newcomerstown Now: Meet Carrie Kunkle
