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Behind the scenes at Lochmead Dairy

This week, I experienced my very own real life episode of “How It’s Made.” You know, the TV show that shows you how various goods that we all buy and use are produced? Well, my “episode” was all about Lochmead Farms and the delicious milk and ice cream they make. At CAWOOD, we’re putting the finishing touches on the Dari Mart Web site, which will include several videos about the Gibson family, Lochmead Farms and Lochmead milk and ice cream.

My day started when I went to shoot video of the milk production line at Lochmead Dairy. It was fascinating to see the bottling process. Prior to my visit, my knowledge of milk was limited to taking it out of the refrigerator and pouring it into a glass or over cereal. Other than that, I knew little more than it comes from cows and you buy it at the store. What I learned was how it gets to us from the cow. At Lochmead Farms, the cow is milked, and in less than 48 hours it’s processed, bottled and ready to buy at a Dari Mart store near you.

It was amazing to see! The bottling process is mostly automated but it takes a group of energetic people to get the work done. As I observed each step of the process I was mesmerized by the machines and the pace at which the bottles are labeled, filled, capped, stacked and sent to the storage refrigerator.

The machines work at a quick pace, and from what I could tell they don’t show their age, especially since they’re the original machines that have been used since the dairy began. Seeing the bottling process and learning how quickly it all happens gave me a new appreciation for the milk I drink; it’s freshness you can taste. Be sure to check out the videos when the site is launched. I’ll be sure to post an update when the site becomes live!

Written by Mike McGillivray filed under: Blog - Work Mar 05 2010

Winter flowers in bloom

To keep things interesting in the neighborhood, CAWOOD hired artist Ryan Beard of One Sun Metalwerks to produce a landscape work of art. The piece, called “Street Flowers,” consists of six metal flowers ranging in height from 4- to 6-feet tall. The petals are made from recycled harrowing discs once used to plow fields, and the stems are crafted from recycled steel. The flowers are in full bloom on 12th Street just beyond the corner of 12th and High Streets, no matter the season. Take a look at the installation process in this video.

Written by Mike McGillivray filed under: Blog - Work Mar 01 2010

8-year-old boys with eyes the size of basketballs

This past weekend Carson, a boy on my son’s basketball team, celebrated his eighth birthday in style. He asked the boys on the basketball team to join him to watch the Harlem Globetrotters. The night began with a little pre-game entertainment. Globie, the mascot, came out with a pair of guys to liven the crowd and get everyone pumped up.

After a little audience participation and some laughs aimed at the participants’ expense, it was time for the game. The Washington Generals entered the court first with their coach bad-mouthing Eugene in the process. Of course, this is all part of the show to make the Generals out to be the bad-guys. The team was made up of some real characters who didn’t seem to be sporting much athleticism, but again it’s all part of the show.

When the Globetrotters took the court, the kids came alive. The excitement on their faces was incredible. They had a great time watching each player perform tricks while they were being introduced. After a bit of “show-boating” the game started and it was non-stop action and laughs.

The players kept us entertained with some cool moves and some silly interactions. My favorite moment was when a player who made a slam-dunk held onto the rim so he could “stand” on the backboard. I think the boys enjoyed all the tricks, but they thought it was funny when a player from the Generals ended up in his underwear.

For my son and I, it was a night we won’t soon forget. For all the boys on the team it kept them talking about all the tricks they would perform during their game the following day.

Written by Mike McGillivray filed under: Blog - Life Feb 26 2010