The 12 Percent

So, according to a 2003 study by National Sporting Goods Association, of the 18.5 million active hunters in the US, 12 percent, or 2.3 million, are women. I spent opening day here in Ohio with 3 women hunters, along with their friends and family.

Kim Metheny, right, helps Kaylena Moore, a Lakewood senior, ziplock her phone in preparation for the rain after a hearty, 5 a.m. breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash browns, and vegetables, all in a caserole style dish. Kaylena is dating Kim's son, Connor, and has been hunting with the group for 3 years. She finds comfort and camaraderie in hunting with other women. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Kaylena puts on her hunting garb. Opening day was accompained with rain. Lots of rain. Fortunately, covered, waterproof blinds had been set up earlier so the hunters didn't have to sit in tree stands, exposed to the elemtns. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Kaylena grabs a 20 gauge deer slug and loads her single shot after settling into the blind. Kaylena and Barb Terry, a friend of Kim's and hunting instructor, talk strategy should a deer approach from an old angle, how to adjust seating while making as little noise as possible. "It's amazing what noise you can get away with in a blind, though." Barb says. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Kaylena waits patiently along with friend Barb, in a deer blind on Monday morning at Sugar Hill Farm. While luck may not have found them this morning, both women have taken trophy deer in years past. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

While on the trek back, Kaylena texts her boyfriend, who was also out hunting. He had texted her a few times during the morning to see if she had any success. The two can be a little competitive. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

The hunting party meets up at Kim's father's house for Lunch. The only one to shoot a deer during the morning of opening day was Kim's boyfriend, Chris. The group went back out afterwards to try again. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Open Season

I took this photo for a preview we ran in today's paper. I included what I thought would be a good headline.

Nobody else seemed to like it though.

Gun season opens December 28 in Ohio. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Scandal Bowl

All-in-all I enjoyed being back on the field for some major D1 football. I didn't get anything amazing from the day, but I got some decent stuff.

Check out the full gallery

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller motions to a reciever in Saturday's 20-14 loss to Penn State. Jason Lenhart/CentralOhio.com

Ohio State senior wide receiver DeVier Posey isn't able to hold on to his one-handed grab in Saturday's game against Penn State. Jason Lenhart/CentralOhio.com

More Hockey

Generals defeat Hilliard Wildcats, pushing them a 3-1 league record so far.

Full gallery and article.

Newark Generals' Alex ONeill fires through Hilliard defenders in Thursday's 2-0 win. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

An airborn Matt Congos narrowly misses burying the puck past Hilliard goalie Mack Burton in Thursday's 2-0 win at the Lou and Big Reese Ice Arena. The Generals scored both goals late in the third period, pushing them to a 3-1 league record. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Ok, now do THIS!

I only had a short time with Advocate soccer player of 2011 Brandon Pound. I went in with a pretty grand idea that I pulled from this ad.

First off, the ball in this image was added post-process, which, in the ad world, is perfectly fine. Second, since the guy is spotting his landing, and not the ball, it's very probably there was a landing mat to protect the player.

So that was my idea. Once I met with Brandon, we did a simple 'safe' shoot first.



With the remaining time I had, I showed Brandon a quick print of what I was hoping for. Luckily, he was a great subject to work with and was willing to give it a try. Because we didn't have a mat or anything, Brandon wasn't getting vertical, but we definitely got something, and eventually it's the photo that ran.

Photos © Jason Lenhart

Hockey

Believe it or not, the local varsity hockey team, the Newark Generals, are the Ohio State runner up varsity team. Not some team from up north, but nowhere central ohio. Pretty cool. I try to go to their games every thursday, schedule permitting.

The team is a conglomerate team. Meaning, not one school has enough players to make a strong team, so the school combine players and form a joint team. The generals have players from Granville, Heath, Bishop Rosecrans, Licking Valley, Lakewood, and Newark Catholic.

Newark Generals seniors Matt Congos, left, and Thomas Nichols, right, try to stuff the puck in during Thursday's game against the Westerville WarCats at the Lou and Gib Reese Ice Arena. The Generals defeated the WarCats 5-1 in their second home game of the season. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Newark Generals' Christian Thomas sends a Westerville Warcat to the ice in Thursday's 5-1 win. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Newark Generals' goalie Zach Dennis pins a Westerville Warcat against the wall in a 3rd period scuffle. Dennis received a game misconduct and was ejected from the game and replaced by backup goalie Austin Pitcock. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

The Fog

Had some awesome morning fog about a week back. The paper initially wanted 'Frost' photos, but by the time I got out there, the frost was gone. The fog, however, stayed till about 10:30.

A couple jogs across a bridge near OSU-Newark on Tuesday. A heavy fog blanketed the Newark area till the late morning. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Gary Loveday takes Eva for a walk on Tuesday near OSU-Newark. A heavy fog blanketed the Newark area till the late morning. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Off the Grid

A local football team, the Granville Aces, allowed us behind the scenes access for their last game of the season. After a little finagling, we were able to get a picture page to go with the reporter's story. Also did a gallery, of sorts, in a story form.

Check out the gallery.

My favorite.

Columbus Academy's locker rooms were small. Too small to fit the entire team in one area. The seniors, including Tyler Camarata, claimed the shower as their area, affording them the most free space. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

No Bull

So I wanted to do a shoot with some Texas Longhorn cattle, and since we run covers, featuring teams, on our football weeklies, I asked sports to find me an offensive line we could feature.

Meet high school seniors Sam Filous and Brandon Hollis, offensive linemen for Johnstown High School.

Also, meet Kilometer. 1700 pounds of raw Texas Longhorn.

My goal in the photo was to give the impression of raw power and strength. I don't know if that worked or not, but it was a great experience regardless of the photographic success. Ed Callan, the owner of Callan Cattle Co. was a huge help. He and I met before, to discuss the feasibility of the shoot. Once Brandon and Sam arrived, Ed gave us all a great safety speech, and made control of the situation his top priority. At no time did I ever feel like the situation was out of control or dangerous.

Aside from Brandon's mouth guard, which was chomped on by another cattle while we shot, everything went incredibly smooth.

Photos © Jason Lenhart

Foooood

Man I love food. A lot.

And of course I ate it. The shoot was for a magazine. There was no journalistic integrity to be upheld... and I was hungry.

Spinach Artichoke Bites

Citrus Minted Prawns and Ancho Bruleed Scallop Skewers

Pinot Noir Meatballs

Photos © Jason Lenhart

Break It Down

So, it may not be the most journalist thing ever....

Ok, it's the LEAST journalistic thing ever, but we cover all the local school homecoming dances. Why? Well to build web galleries. WHY? Well because we can clear 200,000 page views across 4 galleries in 2 days. That's why.

Utica junior Kody Smith breakdances during Saturday's homecoming dance at the school. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Now and Then

The other week I was out feature hunting when I came across an elderly gentlemen cleaning the show window of the Newark Family Shoe store on the square. I took a couple frames and then went in to talk with him. 

That's how I met Robert Evans - a man who keep an extensive history worth of news clippings and photos of Newark. He even showed me a photo of himself, taken November 11th, 1971, doing nearly the exact same thing I had just photographed not 5 minutes earlier. 

I wasn't able to find the photo in our archives (a mess) so I took a photo of the photo and we ran the two images below the fold with the following text - 

On Tuesday, Advocate photographer Jason Lenhart was out looking for feature photographs when he stumbled upon Robert Evans cleaning the front display window of Newark Family Shoes. Only after speaking with Evans did he learn that on November 10, 1971, an Advocate photographer photographed Evans doing the same thing.

Evans has worked in the store since 1960, when it was located at 25-27 South Park Place. In 1967 the store relocated to the King Building, currently the Chase Building, at 15 North Third Street. Evans assumed ownership of the shop in 1981 when it moved to its current location at 5 South Third. 

"It's always been shoes." Evans said as he rushed around his shop on Wednesday. Evans estimates his age to be "Oh, somewhere around 50." Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Like Father...

Like Son.

A frame from some feature hunting last week.

Nathan Foltz mows the lawn with the help of his 5-year-old son, Nicholas, at their Marne home on Thursday. The foltz have lived in their home for over 15 years. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Vigil

A candlelight vigil was held at the courthouse square last night for those who has lost loved ones to suicide. It gave them the opportunity to remember their loved ones, share their story, and learn ways to help anyone who may be on the same path.

Alyssa Hofacker, 5, holds her cande abd observes a moment of silence during a Candlelight Vigil at the Courthouse Square on Thursday night. The vigil, organized by Mental Health America of Licking County, was a chance for the survivors after suicide to share and remember their loved ones as well as obtain information on suicide prevention. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Charlie Smith, 16, a Newark student, observes a moment of silence during a Candlelight Vigil at the Courthouse Square on Thursday night. The vigil, organized by Mental Health America of Licking County, was a chance for the survivors after suicide to share and remember their loved ones as well as obtain information on suicide prevention. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Newark Failball

Newark High School football has won 3 games in the last 4 years....
Last Friday's game was no different. Gahanna wins 54-3.

At least they look good in the photos....?

Newark sophomore quarterback Grant Russell fires a pass while senior linemen James Siminoski blocks Gahanna senior Cameron Howard during Friday's game at White Field. Gahanna won 54-3. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Tires, Tires, Everywhere

The actual River Roundup event was a pretty big success. It was great to see a lot of young kids out, reconnecting with nature, and realizing the impact of something like littering. A group of boys unofficially declared themselves the 'tire boys', and embarked on a tire-hunting quest, which was good, because that was the majority of the trash in the river. Removing any metals and tires was of primary concern due to their environmental impact, leaching chemicals in water that is eventually treated for human consumption.

A clean up group floats their canoe down the Licking River after unloading several tires during the River Roundup on Saturday. More than 100 people volunteered their time to clean up sections of the river ranging from Everett Park to Blackhand Gorge. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Philip Hall, 13, unearths a tire in the Licking River during Saturday's River Roundup. Groups were divided into walkers and canoers, all the way from Everett Park to Blackhand Gorge, removing trash from the river bed and banks. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Didn't Hear Any Banjos

The Licking River Roundup is back. It's an all-day event where anybody in the community is encouraged to come out and help clean up the Licking River. The event is Saturday (which I'm also shooting) but today was the preview day. Dignitaries from around Licking County, as well as media, were invited to come canoe the section of the river that will be cleaned. It gave us a nice look at the current levels of trash and the need for the project.

Mayoral candidate Jeff Hall and Soil and Water intern Sarah Williams paddle past the part of an abandoned tikes toy along the licking river on Wednesday during the River Roundup preview. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Several Licking County dignitaries investigate an abandoned boat during Wednesday's River Roundup preview in the Licking River. The River Roundup strives to clean up the river, taking place this Saturday at Everett Park; volunteers are welcome. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Powwow

Newark, Ohio is home to one of the largest Native American earthworks (technically - "largest set of geometric earthen enclosures") in the world. It is believed to be constructed by prehistoric Hopewell people between 100 BC and AD 500. Historians have presented several theories on the purpose of the mounds, from social gatherings to religious practice and even astronomical alignment. Whatever the purpose, it brings several Native American Powwows to the region every year.

A Powwow is a traditional event where Native Americans from around the country gather and participate in song and dance, as well as trade and sell goods and prepare traditional foods. It's quite the cultural event, and one worth going to if you find one near you.

Red Hawk, of the Chippewa tribe in Michigan, dances and sings in an intertribal dance during Saturday's PowWow at the Newark Earthworks in Heath. The Powwow started Saturday and will continue through Monday. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

7-year-old Daiycon Sierra, of the Onieda tribe in Wisconsin, is followed by Newark local Harley Brown, 6, in her first Powwow dance on Saturday at the Newark Earthworks. Brown followed Sierra during the tiny tots dance, which was specifically for children under 12.

Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

All in a Day's Work

Like I usually tell people when they ask why I do what I do: "It's something different every day".

3 photos from 3 very different assignments - All in a day's work.

Buckeye Lake's First Community Church pastor David Moody is retiring after 18 years serving the community. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Newark firefighter Dustin Breece volunteered his time, along with many others, to fill the boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Thursday at the intersection of 21st Street and Log Pond Rd.. Firefighters will be collecting from 10am to 4pm on Friday as well. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Melissa Neale, wife of Steve Neale, reacts as her husband is taken into custody after being sentenced to 10 years in prison for the June 2008 crash that killed 3 young adults. Neale's attorney has filed an appeal. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Bridge Over Calm Waters

Getting told "We need cover art for tomorrow's paper" is always fun.

Fortunately I knew this bike path bridge had recently reopened. So, instead of a 'featurey' shot for the front that you may or may not stumble across, I got something a little more tame with a splash of newsworthiness.

A lone biker crosses the newly renovated bridge along the T.J. Evans bike path near Cherry Valley Road on Monday. The bridge was closed for roughly two months, forcing pedestrians and cyclist to detour down Cherry Valley Road. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

It's that time of year!

FOOTBALL!!

Every Friday night from now till the end of all eternity.

Watkins Memorial defeats Licking Heights 51-21 in the annual Battle for Broad Street.

Full gallery at the NewarkAdvocate.com

Watkins Memorial junior Brenden Kemp stiff arms Licking Heights senior Cameron Tennyson during the annual Battle for Broad Street on Friday at Watkins Memorial High School. Watkins defeated Heights 51 to 21. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Watkins Memorial senior Evan Din narrowly misses intercepting a pass intended for Licking Heights senior Jeff Smith in the annual Battle for Broad Street on Friday at Watkins Memorial. Watkins defeated Heights 51 to 21. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Photo © Jason Lenhart

Dog Paddle

I love it when pictures basically make themselves.

Full Gallery at the Newark Advocate.com

Molly Moo, a 2 year old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, nabs a tennis ball in the Heath City Water Park on Sunday during the first annual Licking County Dog Paddle. Molly, a rescued stray turned Angel Paws Therapy Dog, was one of several hundred dogs that attended the open event. The Heath City Water Park opened half the park to the event on their last day of operation for the season. Both the Lazy River and Water Gym were packed with dogs, large and small, finally getting to enjoy what their owners have all summer. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

Sara Erwin of Reynoldsburg watches as Belle, a 4-year-old Weimaraner, lunges into the lazy river at the Heath City Water Park for the first annual Licking County Dog Paddle on Sunday. Belle was one of several hundred dogs that attended the open event. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

A Dachshund sits on the edge of a floating raft, not able to touch in the 2 foot pool, during the 1st annual Licking County Dog Paddle at the Heath City Pool. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate

F4

Not the aperture, but the plane!

Whenever an assignment lets me climb on things not normally climbed upon, it's a good day. Throw in some nice setting sunlight and it's hard not to make a good picture.

Norman Green works on lettering to be painted on the tail of a restored F4 Phantom on Wednesday at the Newark Heath Airport. With the help of several volunteers, the plane has been cleaned and painted in traditional camo, with more detailed painting work coming soon. Jason Lenhart/The Advocate