Heart of Ohio - Mar/Apr 2013

MAR/APR 2013

The Light on the Bay

Marblehead Lighthouse

INSIDE: The Bucket List Witness Saluting a Soldier Drawing Funky for Forty History Meets Comfort: The Olde Stone House Bed & Breakfast

TABLE OF CONTENTS

12 30

FEATURES Marblehead Lighthouse Lake Erie’s Lady

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In the Kitchen with Terri Bergman 12 Scottish Eggs Saluting a Soldier 16

24 6

Decorating for 24 Lights… Camera… Action! www.heartofohiomagazine.com

History Meets Comfort 30 The Olde Stone House Bed & Breakfast

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MAR/APR 2013

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FROM THE EDITOR

The pages of my calendar are flying away like the opening scene from an old movie. Here we stand on the threshold of spring once again, behind us a winter that seemed to move at warp speed. As crocus and daffodils wait just under the surface of the warming earth, time races on.

This March/April edition of Heart has a first for us.

Check out the “Drawing Funky for 40” and you will find Harry L. Dinkle, The World’s Greatest Band Director, reading Heart of Ohio magazine. It just goes to show you that Mike Greene knows some really interesting people; Tom Biatuk is one of them.

Spring is a time for fresh starts, and we know a lot about that. It might be that you’re decorating a man-cave; take a look at the work produced by Bill Dinkins in “Alluring Lures”. The news set on WMFD-TV has a new look thanks to Julie McCready, and the Owens Station Opera House near Marion has been restored by Denis Mattix for future generations to enjoy. The Old Stone House in Mansfield has been well tended and remained much the same since the 1800s; its history and authenticity are fascinating.

If, like me, you’ve spent many beautiful summer afternoons visiting the Marblehead Lighthouse, I know Bill Smith’s first Heart of Ohio article by the same name will be interesting for you. Bill is a talented watercolor artist who is fascinated by history; those two hobbies come together in his article about this popular landmark.

Chuck Jakubchak’s article “Saluting a Soldier” is a touching story that shows us how to give honor to our soldiers who gave everything for their country. Then read “A Living Legacy” to meet a family who honored their daughter by giving the gift of life to others.

Finally, it’s a pleasure to welcome Michelle Baker to our magazine. Her first column, “The Bucket List Witness”, will touch your heart and make you eager to read her future columns. If you have a bucket list item you’d like to share with Heart of Ohio, please let us know. We might just want to be there!

This ‘first breath of spring’ edition of our magazine is filled with stories that are informative, touching and restorative. Take a break, relax and enjoy the people and stories, the beauty and history that surround you in the heart of Ohio.

Publisher SunGraphics, Inc. Diane K. Brown, President diane@sungraphicsinc.com Editor Diana L. Coon editor@heartofohiomagazine.com Sales & Marketing Debra Baker debra@heartofohiomagazine.com Denis Mingallon denis@heartofohiomagazine.com Contributing Writers Diana L. Coon Julie McCready Mike Greene Barb Haller Terri Bergman Bev Rosich Guest Authors Graphic Designers Tami Shuck Tom Hofacre Circulation Michelle Fredmonsky-Harvey michelle@sungraphicsinc.com Becky Herrick maildept@sungraphicsinc.com

Heart of Ohio magazine is printed and published bimonthly by SunGraphics, Inc.

Diana L. Coon, Editor Heart of Ohio magazine 41 Longview Ave. E., Mansfield, Ohio 44903

“Marblehead Lighthouse”, courtesy of the collection of oils and prints by the late Leo Smith of Freemont, Ohio.

Visit www.heartofohiomagazine.com for more information, or call 419.524.2127.

MAR/APR 2013

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On the cover:

Copyright 2013, Heart of Ohio Magazine, LLC. ISSN 2158-8732. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. SunGraphics, Inc. and Heart of Ohio Magazine, LLC accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for mistakes and/or omissions.

Distributed through local retailers, advertisers and by subscription.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS Family Life

Local Attractions

11 Thoughts from Barb Haller:

44 For 25 Years… A Closer Walk

Spring Puttering

Interesting People 22 Drawing Funky for 40

Business Matters

BibleWalk, Mansfield, Ohio

50 Building History from the Ground Up

Owens Station Opera House, Marion, Ohio

Money Matters 57 Retirement Options for Small Business Owners

28 A Family-owned Business at a Crossroads 46 Building a Dream:

Wilmer Martin, Timberlane Cabinets

Sports & Recreation 34 Murray Dome Madness

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

37 Alluring Lures

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Sp rin g brin gs sp rin g clean in g; te ll us about your sp rin g clean in g pla n.

IN EVERY ISSUE 3 20 41 53 54 58 60

From the Editor Milliron Everyday Heroes The Bucket List Adventures Compliments to the Chef Restaurants & Eateries Give Us Your Best Shot!

The Last Word

Answer the next featured question on Facebook.

Look for this image throughout the magazine to enjoy stories of our read ers’ ideas for giving their homes a fresh star t.

We do not endorse any treatments or produ cts discussed in response to this question.

MAR/APR 2013

Go to www.facebook.com/heartofohiomagazine to find the featured question. Submit an answer and it may be printed in a future issue of Heart of Ohio magazine. And while you’re there, be sure to our page to receive updates on future issues of the magazine.

Marblehead Lighthouse

Lake Erie’s Lady

by William A. Smith

You want to be leery An’ careful of Erie: She’s husky, although she is small — A pugnacious dearie — A fighter — is Erie — The meanest old lake of them all!

Berton Braley, “Erie,” 1915

Wolcott died on August 11, 1832, making his widow Rachel the first female lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes.

Through the years, fifteen keepers, two of whom were women, have tended Marblehead Light and oversaw many of her improvements. The whale oil lamps were replaced in 1858 by a single kerosene lamp with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, producing a stronger, more concentrated beam. In 1876, a lifeboat station was built a half-mile west of the light. In 1880, a new keeper’s house was built adjacent to the lighthouse, which today serves as the museum. In 1897, fifteen feet were added to the top of the structure and a new Fresnel lens installed for even brighter light. A clock-like mechanism rotated the light, sending out an intermittent signal across the water. Light keepers were busy throughout the night, cranking the system weights every three hours to keep the light operational. The new century finally brought electricity, with the electric light replacing the kerosene lantern in 1923.

The last civilian light keeper ended their post when the U.S. Coast Guard assumed responsibilities of Marblehead Lighthouse in 1946. They added a coat of white stucco paint to the limestone for protection from the harsh weather and to serve as a landmark for ships. It became fully automated in 1958. In 1972, maintenance responsibilities transferred to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources though the Coast Guard continues operational duties.

Marblehead Lighthouse is now part of a nine-acre park, which became Ohio’s seventy-third state park in 1998. Generally considered to be the most photographed attraction in the state, any given day brings people from all walks of life to marvel at her serene and grand beauty.

The shade of the lush Basswood and Mulberry trees offers an enjoyable location to watch passing pleasure boats waving to shore; cool breezes from the north and waves lapping over the rocks ensure a relaxing afternoon hunting for fossils among the limestone slabs. Grab binoculars, take the eighty-seven steps to the top and marvel at views of Cedar Point to the east, Kelley’s Island to the north and Perry’s Monument to the west.

MAR/APR 2013

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She rises sixty-five feet above the shallow passage separating the Ohio mainland from Kelley’s Island two miles to the north. To the east is the rocky promontory at the entrance of Sandusky Bay. Her protective green light reaches out eleven nautical miles, flashing every six seconds to warn passing ships of the perilous shoals beneath Lake Erie’s surface.

She is a proud lady — at 191 years old, Marblehead Light is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. At the time of her construction in 1821, the fifth president of the United States, James Monroe, was starting his second term and Missouri entered the Union as the twenty-fourth state on August 10. The population of the States was just under ten million, with Ohio nearing 600,000 people. It would be another forty years before the War Between the States began at Fort Sumter in 1861.

In the early 1800s, Ohio was a rugged wilderness. Known as the Great Black Swamp, the northwest part of the state was an uninhabitable, glacial morass of mud, water and mosquitoes. Covering more than 1,500 square miles, the swamp stretched from Fort Wayne, Indiana in the west to Sandusky on the east, and north from the Maumee River south to Findlay.

Ohio’s northeastern corner was a dense forest, filled with many Native Americans, including Seneca, Huron, Ottawa, Delaware, Miami, Chippewa and Erie, and predatory wildlife like wolves, bears and wild cats.

Many of northern Ohio’s original settlers were from Connecticut, the basis for the area’s nickname as the Firelands.

The Connecticut Territory, under British rule in the late 1600s, took claim to all land between the forty-first and fortysecond parallels from Connecticut to the Pacific Ocean. Connecticut sold land from its Western Reserve, a wide strip along Lake Erie, in 1795 — parceling it off to

provide for those New England residents whose homes had been destroyed in British-set fires of the Revolutionary War. After the War of 1812 ended in 1815, a severe economic depression gripped the country. President Monroe and House Speaker Henry Clay knew transportation was the key to growth and recognized the need for navigational aids along waterways, asking Congress in 1819 to appropriate $5,000 for the construction of a lighthouse somewhere between the Grand River in Ohio and the Detroit River in Michigan. Among the locations considered were Cape Sandy (now Cedar Point) and Rocky Point (now Marblehead).

Construction on Marblehead Light finally began late in the summer of 1821.

Remarkably tall at fifty feet, contractor William Kelly and his two-man crew built the structure out of native limestone (believed to have been quarried 100 feet south of the site). The system Kelly used to hoist limestone up the light’s edifice dates back to the twelfth century, when European Crusaders built many of their great stone castles, churches and fortifications. The base is twenty-five feet in diameter with walls five-feet thick; it narrows to twelve feet at the top with walls two-feet thick. Kelly’s crewmembers included his thirteen-year-old son John and A. Hartshorn, with occasional help from misters Smith and Amos Fenn.

Wages were $1.50 per day for Kelly and 87.5¢ for the other help.

Though completed in November 1821, the lighthouse was not operational until 1822. Originally known as Sandusky Bay Light, it featured fifteen whale-oil lamps with sixteen-inch reflectors to maximize the light. The first light keeper Benajah Wolcott constantly refilled the whale oil and logged passing ships.

Wolcott, a Revolutionary War veteran, came to Ohio from Danbury, Connecticut as a surveyor for the Firelands land parcel and built his log cabin in 1809.

After assuming duties as lighthouse keeper in 1822, he built his family a limestone house using the same method Kelly employed for construction of the lighthouse. The house still stands today, approximately two and a half miles from the light, and is open to the public.

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One visit to Marblehead Lighthouse and you know you will return.

Special thanks to Nelda Adcock and Paul Moon for their conversation and invaluable information. Nelda is a docent at Marblehead Lighthouse; Paul is president of Ottawa County Historical Society, docent at the light keeper’s house and a direct descendant of both William Kelly, Marblehead’s contractor, and Benajah Wolcott, the first lighthouse keeper.

For more information about Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, visit dnr.state.oh.us/parks or call 419.734.4424.

Admission $2; children under 6 free.

Parking, picnic tables and restrooms available. Tour hours: ■ Monday – Friday, 12:00PM – 3:45PM (Memorial Day to Labor Day) ■ Sundays, 4:00PM – 5:45PM (June to August) ■ Second Saturdays, 11:00AM – 3:45PM (June to October)

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spring puttering

Barb Haller writes — and putters — at her home in Delaware, Ohio. She dedicates this piece to her neighbors Dove and Lynn, who have shared their gardening expertise, transplants, and handy “hooley hoe” so generously over the years. Follow Barb’s blog at www.barbhaller.blogspot.com

Slipping out the screen door into a mild March morning, I breathe in the faintest clues of spring.

Though barely there, spring’s approach is delicate yet discernable.

The softest breeze carries a salad for the senses: a hint of humidity, the scent of loamy leaves, expectant birds seeking to nest, and thankfully, the sun finding its new, warmer angle.

I step across hard, bumpy ground. The grass, beaten by winter’s harsh battle, lies ready to launch a revival in the warm days ahead.

I peer into one end of the flower bed surrounding the patio, where early-bird crocus are about to bloom.

I excitedly spot some more green for a moment, but realize it’s only a leftover pachysandra from last summer.

Pulling on garden gloves and squatting low, I push aside dead oak leaves that I left as mulch last autumn.

The ferns still hibernate, awaiting God’s signal to uncurl into tiny dragon heads.

Under a stand of pines, my shade bed seems especially cold and lifeless and yet, if I dig around precisely enough, I discover a few well-camouflaged, sturdy spikes: the Hostas patiently working skyward.

By Memorial Day they will have leafed out and by July they’ll be a glorious show of full foliage, spilling over one another in rich green, blue and ivory hues.

And finally, their blooms will rise on swaying stems in the August breeze.

Puttering about the yard in spring far surpasses other chores such as cooking dinner and so I linger in the fading twilight.

I find a new Hosta to transplant or loosen moist soil in the flower beds until my fingertips grow numb.

We Ohio gardeners are a hardy bunch: we wait and wish away the spring chill, hoping our gardens will be respectable by June.

Planners of graduation parties and June weddings bite their nails, hoping the flower beds won’t be pathetically lean for their big events.

After work, my dad used to say he was going out to “putter in the yard.”

His dad farmed and my dad also farmed until I was about three years old.

And while my mother gardened, so she said, she’d lay me on a blanket outside in the Tennessee sunshine with our dog as my bodyguard.

It seems the love of land was passed down.

I certainly feel compelled to putter in the yard and dig in the earth.

There’s simply no pretense to puttering and it’s an amateur’s pursuit: I can give it as much attention or as little as I choose.

I marvel at the promise and evidence of new life.

And I can ponder, pray, and be at peace.

Grab a trowel. Spring’s coming and it’s time to putter! www.heartofohiomagazine.com MAR/APR 2013

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in the kitchen

with Terri Bergman

Here is what I love about writing for Heart of Ohio… today at this desk, it is frightful outside! Cold, grey (that is Ohio in the winter)… but I get to fast-forward to our spring table and think about what recipe I get to share with you, my friends.

My thoughts are on April, a month that has me totally thinking “egg-citing”! With Easter presenting itself a little early this year (March 31), I believe it is my duty to keep the eggs rolling a bit longer.

So at the Kitchens Bounty Event Class for April, we are revisiting our Egg-citing Menu… posing the age old question, “Which came first the chicken or the egg?” Well, we still don’t know the answer but they are both so delicious that we have again included double billing.

In our springtime celebration of food we seek inspiration from nature and all that is green. We start this feast with decadent egg offerings in the form of Scottish eggs, both land lover and lighthouse keepers style! (Okay, I couldn’t resist the lighthouse tribute after the magazine cover was shared with me! We also include the chicken wrapped in paper and opened tableside like a little gift! But about those eggs…

If you are looking for spring… and all things egg-citing, how about taking the shells off the pretty, painted hardboiled eggs and really have some fun. A Scottish egg is a hardboiled egg that is decadently rolled in a rich sausage patty (we use fruited sausage) and then rolled in crumbs and fried. There, I said it: fried.

We only fry a few times a year at The Kitchen’s Bounty, generally just not a technique I use. But in this recipe, forget about any other method. Straight up decadence, straight up deliciousness… and folks, don’t you all just deserve this as a reward for the winter you have just endured? I vote yes, now pass that spicy chutney and let’s get down to it!

Recipe for our traditional Scottish egg and a quick add to the lighthouse keepers picnic basket with the salmon encrusted version of Scottish eggs… can’t miss!

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

Scottish Eggs

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Ingredients 1 ½ pounds KB’S Spicy/Fruited pork sausage (or your best brand sausage) 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ½ tsp Hot Sauce 6 hardboiled eggs (peeled) 1 Tbsp Corn Starch or Flour 1 tsp The Amazing Rub by The Kitchen’s Bounty (or use salt/pepper/sugar seasoning 1/8 tsp each) 1 egg, beaten 1 cup toasted bread crumbs Oil for frying (approximately one quart)

MAR/APR 2013

Mix together the pork sausage with Worcestershire and tabasco sauces. Divide into 6 patties and flatten, then mold around the peeled, hard boiled eggs. A thin layer is best.

Dip the covered sausage covered egg in beaten egg wash and roll in bread crumbs and corn starch/flour mixture. You can use corn starch and flour interchangeably here, and use the Amazing Rub Mixture if you have it with crumbs. Shake off excess, set on wax paper.

“ I started this last year and it’s my best decision ever.

I hire a cleaning group to do the deep cleaning.

While they do windows and floors and bathrooms, I sit on the deck with my dog and read a book. It’s my best ‘spring cleaning tip’! ” Anita T. Wooster

Prepare servings plates with wild greens and arugula. Prepare a nice spicy dipping sauce (recipe available on thekitchensbounty.com website) or chutney. Set plates aside to receive the finished eggs.

We like to plate with glass domes to add to the drama — but use whatever you have in your kitchen!

Heat oil in a large saucepan or fryer until cube of fresh bread in oil turns brown in about a minute (365 degrees). Lower eggs and fry until deep golden brown approximately 5 minutes. Drain fried eggs on paper towels and serve warm and fragrant on prepared plates of wild greens. Enjoy!

Lighthouse Keepers Scottish Eggs

Watch for more delicious ideas from Terri Bergman, owner of The Kitchen’s Bounty, in upcoming issues of Heart of Ohio and Pairings magazines. You will find the full line of Terri’s gourmet products, signature events and exclusive cooking classes at www.thekitchensbounty.com.

Kimberly M. Bucyrus

MAR/APR 2013

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

Just replace the sausage with flaked salmon, either from cooked fish or two cans pink salmon and proceed as directed! Lemon wedges and an aioli are great with this!

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saluting a soldier On the morning of December 15, 2012, 20,000 volunteers joined together to lay 110,000 honor wreaths in Arlington National Cemetery. The spectacular sight of the wreath laden graves inspired this article.

Each December, on a specified Saturday before Christmas, thousands of volunteers gather in military cemeteries throughout Ohio and the other 49 states to lay evergreen wreaths on the graves of veterans. The wreaths are not holiday decorations; they are symbols of honor and a living tribute to fallen heroes that have made sacrifices to ensure our safety and freedom. Many of the adult volunteers are accompanied by children and use this experience as an opportunity to teach our youth about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families in the name of our great country.

“Wreaths Across America” started in 1992 as a non-profit organization and was initially focused on providing honor

wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. The concept of honoring deceased soldiers during the holiday season quickly spread and on December 15, 2012 more than 420,000 wreaths were placed on military graves throughout the country. Although the wreath initiative has experienced rapid growth during the past few years, there are still too many graves in need of a wreath each December.

If you would like to help, please log on to the Wreaths Across America website or call them in their Maine office (see insert).

You can choose to sponsor an individual wreath for $15 or opt to sponsor several wreaths if your budget permits. Should you purchase a wreath, Wreaths Across America will send an E card to the family of the recipient so they know that their loved one was honored and remembered.

Another alternative is to make a cash donation in any amount. Wreaths Across America encourages sponsors and contributors to designate which cemetery

by Chuck Jakubchak photos by Jeanne Jakubchak will receive their donation and Ohio has more than 30 participating cemeteries to choose from.

Perhaps you would prefer to volunteer as part of Wreaths Across America.

Military cemeteries are in need of people to place the wreaths on the graves in mid-December and remove them during January. Maybe you would like to hold a fund raiser or solicit corporate donations so more wreaths can be purchased. All volunteer options are perfect for civic organizations, scout troops, school groups or people that just want to remember the men and women that have faithfully served our country.

A Saturday in mid-December is a busy time for everyone, but that is exactly the point of Wreaths Across America; “Sacrifice time from your hectic schedule to honor those that sacrificed for you.”

What a perfect way to honor and remember those that have made America the special place that it is today.

www.heartofohiomagazine.com MAR/APR 2013

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All of the wreaths are produced and shipped from the Worchester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine to guarantee uniformity and freshness. Some trucks are formally escorted on their journey to local cemeteries and all of the transportation is performed by volunteers and funded through donations. This is an excellent example of how Americans band together for a patriotic cause.

Sean Baumgartner, Director of Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, emphasized how much work still needs to be done. This participating cemetery contains 22,000 military graves, but only 3,000 received a wreath in 2012.

Sean is enthusiastic about honor wreaths because they not only recognize the fallen, but they provide comfort to the families, ensuring them that the sacrifices of their loved ones were not forgotten.

There is an old quote that simply states, “One is never truly dead until they are forgotten” and Wreaths Across America is working to keep memories alive.

December 2012 has passed but it is not too early to prepare for December 14, 2013. Let’s strive to put a wreath on the grave of every honorably discharged soldier that rests within our boundaries.

Please consider donating your time or money to ensure that our heroes and their families are not forgotten. Please act now while you are thinking about it and mark your calendar as a reminder.

The task of laying a wreath is simple, your investment is minimal and the results are priceless.

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

For more information about Wreaths Across America, please contact. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org 207-470-0967 or toll free 877-385-9504 Staffed M – F, 8:00am to 4:00pm Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery 10175 Rawiga Road, Rittman, OH 44270 Phone: (330) 335-3069 www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ ohiowesternreserve.asp

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MAR/APR 2013

Most of all, remember the date December 14, 2013 Wreaths Across America Day

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everyday

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A Living Legacy In 2004 Shelby Ann Cooper turned sixteen. Active in her church youth group, 4H and the National Honor Society, volleyball, basketball, track and FFA the outgoing young woman couldn’t wait to take her driver’s test. In June, her prize in hand, she proudly showed her parents she was a licensed driver and a registered organ donor.

“Organ donation was not something we had given any thought to,” her father, Tim Cooper said softly. “Shelby was a loving, giving young woman and it was a decision she made on her own.”

On October 21st Shelby was involved in a single car crash; ultimately she died from brain injuries.

While devastated, Tim, Tammy and younger brother Scott knew they had to honor Shelby’s wish; the difficult decision saved the lives of three people. Kelli received a pancreas and kidney, Debbie received the other kidney and Art received her liver. The Coopers have been in touch with all three recipients through Lifeline of Ohio; hearing their stories has underscored just how important the decision Shelby made actually was.

“All of the organ recipients expressed how humble they felt and how glad they were to hear from us,” Tammy Cooper said.

The day after Shelby’s birthday in 2012 the Coopers were contacted by “Life Line of Ohio”. They learned they had been selected by “Donate Life” to be flown to Pasadena, California to work on a float named “Journeys of the Heart” and experience the Rose Bowl first hand. Riding on the float would be 32 donor family members, live transplant donors and transplant recipients; Shelby

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MAR/APR 2013

was one of 72 donors who would be honored by the creation of a floragraph (a picture created from all natural things like seeds and oatmeal) to be displayed on the float.

Tim Cooper remembers, “We were shocked and humbled to know we were going to represent donor families. We had watched the parade forever, but until you see it up close you just can’t believe how big and involved the floats are. There were ten floats being finished in the huge building we were in. We worked on the float gluing flowers and doing anything they wanted us to do. It was just an unbelievable time for us.”

Scott, Tammy and Tim Cooper

Shelby Ann Cooper

Tim credits the support of friends, family, Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, the community and Life Line of Ohio for

Creating Beautiful Smiles for Children, Teens and Adults

Journeys of the Heart float

making all the difference for their family. “I’m not sure we would be the people we are today without their support. The donation process has been a healing experience, and riding the float in the parade was amazing for all of us because it was a tribute to Shelby and what she did in her short time.”

The Coopers have established a scholarship in Shelby’s memory at Lucas High School that awards two $500.00 scholarships to graduating students.

Each year they host a golf outing around her June birthday to support the fund.

To learn more about organ donation visit Donate Life America at donatelife.net or Line of Ohio at lifelineofohio.org.

Email your story to: editor@heartofohiomagazine.com or send to: Heart of Ohio magazine P.O. Box 1406 Mansfield, Ohio 44901

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Milliron Industries and Heart of Ohio magazine understand that we all know heroes. They are the people who have displayed courage or leadership in an effort to benefit others. We need your help to tell their stories by introducing your hero to the readers of Heart of Ohio magazine. The nominees for “Everyday Heroes” are a person or group of people who have shown their selflessness in one or more of the following ways: (1) Led the way to correcting a hardship or injustice; (2) Overcome adversity and by example has helped others do the same; (3) Served the country and/or community above and beyond normal expectations. Nominees must live in the heart of Ohio and be willing to have their story and picture in the magazine, on the website, and in the offices of Milliron Industries.

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INTERESTING PEOPLE

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Drawing Funky for 40 Tom Batiuk is a funny guy, which is what you would expect the creator of one of the longest running comic strips to be.

His Funky Winkerbean strip celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012, and to commemorate the occasion he has and is compiling a collection of all of the Funky Winkerbean strips in a book he calls, “The Complete Funky Winkerbean”. Volume one came out last fall, volume two is being released this very month, March of 2013, and there will be 12 more volumes to follow.

Though I didn’t attend Funky’s fortieth birthday party, I am extremely honored to be able to say I was a part of the strip for a couple of weeks over 20 years ago. In 1991, I was doing a SportsTalk show on WMFD-TV and got a call from a friend suggesting that I invite Tom Batiuk to be a guest on the program. At the time, his comic strip was centered around the mythical Westview High School, which had perhaps the “second best band in the land”, led by Harry L. Dinkle.

I was worried that I might have trouble stretching the show to an hour while still giving it a SportsTalk flavor with a cartoonist (?). I underestimated Tom’s ability to talk as humorously as he could draw; but he could and he did, and it turned out to be one of my most enjoyable TV experiences. At the time, Batiuk was trying to get the followers of Funky to write letters to Roone Arledge, at ABC-TV sports, demanding that they show the bands at half-times of the college football telecasts.

Well, two decades have passed since that comic strip protest and bands still don’t get any more half-time air-time than they did back then. However, Tom and I had a great time doing that show. He not only talked to me and the callers, he also drew some of his characters on his traveling easel, and we were entertained as we went to the commercial breaks by the Mansfield Sr.

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High pep band, which I had invited in just for the occasion.

Several months after the “Funky” SportsTalk show, I received a phone call from a friend at the Mansfield News Journal. He said, “Hey, what’s the story; you’re in a comic strip?”. The newspapers apparently get previews of upcoming comic strips that they carry and, indeed, my SportsTalk show was being featured for an entire week in the Funky Winkerbean strip.

I was both flattered and flabbergasted to know that my likeness and TV show were going to be seen by thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of Funky

by Mike Greene

fanatics in over 400 newspapers in which the strip appeared. At the same time, I was even more amazed at how closely Tom’s drawing of me was spot on, right down to my owl-like glasses which would have been the envy even of the late, Charles Nelson Riley.

Remember him?

As you can imagine, I received calls (this was before email and texting) and was stopped on the street by people who just wanted to know if that was really supposed to be me in the Funky Winkerbean strip. I also heard from former high school and college friends who tracked me down to offer congratulations on my newly gained

15 minutes, in this case week long, taste of fame. I have to tell you that it was very good for my ego but as I look back, I sometimes say to myself, “You mean I spent almost 30 years in radio and TV, and the thing I’m most remembered for is making the funny pages?”.

I don’t recall if I ever phoned Tom to thank him for making me a short-term celebrity, but I did get a chance to do it in person this past December. He came to Mansfield for a book signing and presentation at the Main St. Book Store and I made it a point to be there. Yes, he did remember me (it would have been crushing if he hadn’t) and we talked about the TV show and the strip he created around it.

Batiuk grew up in Akron and lives and works out of his home in Medina. Most of the people and situations he illustrates in his strips are taken from his own experiences as a child and teenager growing up here in Ohio. He credits his father for his sense of humor saying that his dad had a funny line for almost every situation. It isn’t very long into a conversation with Tom before you realize that he, too, almost always has a comeback for something you said or he thought.

One of the things I really like about Tom is something we have in common; we both laugh at our own jokes. Actually, he just snickers, while I am prone to punctuate what I regard to be hilarious

I asked Tom if it was easier to age his cast of characters because he was aging with them and his answer came back, “absolutely”. Not only did the faces of the characters display the effects of time, the story lines reflected the challenges of adulthood. One of the most followed and discussed story lines of the revamped Funky Winkerbean strip was Lisa’s breast cancer battle; a fight she eventually lost.

Besides his signature work, Funky Winkerbean, Tom Batiuk is also the co-creator of another popular strip which made its debut in 1987, Crankshaft. Of course, if you’re a long-time Funky follower, you’ll certainly want to invest in “The Complete Funky Winkerbean”, Volumes 1 and 2,which you’ll find in your favorite book store. Of course, you can continue to enjoy Tom’s comic strip creations in a newspaper near you. As you may have noticed, one well-known band director seems to be taking a liking to our magazine, too.

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

Mike Greene and Tom Batiuk

material with what could best be described as a “belly laugh”.

It’s not something I’m proud of and I’m trying to stop doing it.

After graduation from Kent State University young Mr. Batiuk began drawing cartoons for fun as an art teacher in Elyria, Ohio, and some of his work was picked up by the local newspaper there. He moved on to the Akron Beacon Journal; finally, connecting with a newspaper syndicate in 1972. With that, Funky Winkerbean was launched across the country, eventually finding its way onto the pages of 400 plus newspapers worldwide.

When Tom and I did the SportsTalk show, Funky Winkerbean was almost 20 years old and the characters, from Funky to “Bull” Buska to Holly Budd, looked as though they lived in a land where time stood still, not aging at all. However, in 1992, not long after coming to Mansfield to do my TV show, Batiuk decided to change the format. He picked up with the former Westview High students having graduated, and he allowed them to age in a normal fashion.

MAR/APR 2013

23

decorating for lights… camera… action!

T

The spotlight. Those words can be daunting for some and exhilarating for others. While some can be found chasing the spotlight, others are quick to shy away from any sort of attention. So, on which side of the spotlight would you prefer to reside? Are you a behind the light kind of person or are you the type who enjoys entertaining others and ready to answer to the call of “ACTION”?

When Brigitte Coles of WMFD TV 68 begins her workday, she knows that the spotlight is going to be on her for hours.

Brigitte is the Newswatch Daybreak and Newswatch Midday anchor/reporter for the Mansfield station’s newest format for broadcasting the local news and information to the residents of Richland County and surrounding counties. With thousands of pairs of eyes from a viewing audience watching, Brigitte prepares herself for lights… camera… action! It was my job to create a new environment for her in which to make that action happen.

Several important design elements had to come together to create the

“spotlight” for the new television set; however, none of the elements themselves were to be the main focus. They all needed to combine to spotlight the anchorwoman and her guests, while providing the viewing audience with an aesthetically pleasing look. The words and terms that became my focus for the design were: neutrality, contemporary, intimacy and comfortability.

Creating a neutral environment was important for not only the overall appearance of the set but for the people using that set on a daily basis. I started my design of the area by choosing an expansive wood and metal shelving unit to create a centralized location for the remaining

pieces of furniture. The larger pieces of upholstery were chosen in soft yellow fabric and caramel leather. Dressing the furniture in these neutral tones allows for the personality of apparel choices to work well on a daily basis.

Brigitte and her guests can feel comfortable wearing color and pattern in their clothing and not be concerned about clashing in any way with the upholstery. A beige and brown rug with a cut-in leaf pattern grounds the area and a vibrant blue ottoman adds the only punch of color to the set.

The clean lines of the larger pieces of furniture emulate the contemporary theme of the environment. I wanted the look to speak to the forward movement of the television station and

“I wanted the look to speak to the forward movement of the television station…”

www.heartofohiomagazine.com MAR/APR 2013

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their commitment to continue to draw their company forward in the technologically, fast-paced business of bringing news as quickly as possible to their audience. An Asian inspired shelving unit and straight chicory-finished legs on the sofa, chair and ottoman encompass a contemporary feel.

Keeping the furniture in close proximity allows Brigitte and her guests to be closer together for the camera to capture a more intimate look for the viewers. A family room feel can be seen on the screen while the audience rests in their own family rooms at home. While the viewers are comfortable in their surroundings, Ms. Coles and her guests are comfortable sitting on their quality, hand-crafted furniture built by Norwalk Furniture just 35 miles from the WMFD TV 68 studios. I chose a tight-back molded sofa with a shorter seat depth to make it easy for people of all heights and sizes to sit up straight and still allow their feet to touch the floor.

Remember, the spotlight isn’t for everybody… so if someone gets a case of the nervous jitters, their feet can be planted firmly on the floor in front of them and shaky knees can be

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averted! I chose a warm caramel colored leather chair for Brigitte; her beauty and personality shine through as the chair wraps around her without causing the spotlight to deter from her in any way.

I completed the overall look of the area with the addition of lighting and accessories. Pair of lamps made of natural branches with black shades flank either side of the television in the center of the shelving unit; contemporary accessories fill the remaining shelves. The addition of a colorful silk flower arrangement and silk greenery brought the look of the outdoors inside and layered in just a perfect amount of warmth for the set.

Lights… Camera… Action!

Stay tuned…

The set is completed and the shows are taking place daily. This designer is honored to have been a part of creating a television atmosphere for the masses to enjoy and might just show up occasionally to talk about furniture and decorating trends. After all, this designer doesn’t mind one bit being in the spotlight.

Imagine that!

Julie McCready is a residential and commercial designer and owns Norwalk The Furniture Idea/McCready Interiors with her husband Tom. Design services along with quality affordable furniture for the entire home are offered at the McCready’s family owned store, where in 2013 they celebrate 89 years of business in the greater Mansfield area. Visit them in-store or online at www.mccreadyinteriors.com

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“ Our garage bears the brunt of the long winter.

Anything we don’t know what to do with ends up there; our spring cleaning begins with pitching that stuff before we ever start to think about the house.”

David B. Lexington

MAR/APR 2013

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meets the needs of

TOLL FREE

27

BUSINESS MATTERS

A family-owned business at a Crossroads In the manufacturing plant Justin showed me one the first pieces of equipment they had purchased. The ‘pouring cart’ is filled from one of the large tanks of specially developed blended paraffin. On top are large containers of color and scent; each precisely measured to fill the candle jar to the proper level.

“When the first one arrived I asked my brother if we hadn’t just paid a lot of money for a hot dog cart,” Jason chuckled.

Table after table of brightly colored and delightfully scented candles filled the huge room. “We pour about 5,000 candles every day. In our peak times we may run two split shifts six days a week to keep up with demand,” Jason said. Crossroads employs 50 full time workers and over 80 independent sales representatives across the country.

I asked about the varying colors in each jar. “That mottling effect is due to the type of wax and cooling process. By tomorrow each of these will have set up and turned this lighter color,” he turned a jar in his hands to demonstrate the color changes.

Crossroads Original Designs now has a home décor line that features signs and exclusive artwork. “We have many artists and photographers we work with to keep our artwork fresh and unique. You can’t get this particular line from anyone except Crossroads,” Jason said.

The internet has proven to be a valuable business partner.

“We do very well in online sales and with interacting with our customers on Facebook. Last year we had a contest to name our newest scent. We narrowed it down to six names and let our Facebook friends vote. I think Pecan Pie was the winner of that one,” Justin said.

This team of brothers seems to be having a great

time building a company. Their philosophy is to provide the best product they can possibly create for their customers. “We feel every order is a contract of trust with our customers. We both love what we do and can’t imagine doing anything else,” Jason smiled.

Justin summed it up when he said, “We are partners and friends who don’t always agree on everything; but at the end of the day we’re still brothers.”

Just as important is having the right team in place to do the job. “We have grown to the point that we can’t “touch” everything any more. It’s important to have people in place that share the vision for our products and our customers. We have a great group working with us,” Jason said.

The Crossroads Factory Store at 115 Crossroads Blvd. in Bucyrus is a great place to see everything they have to offer.

They welcome tour buses and groups to visit the Factory Store where candles, gift items and a beautiful selection of jewelry and furniture fill the renovated warehouse space. A large viewing window looks into the factory where you can see the candles being produced.

Look for Crossroads Original Designs online at www.crossroadscandle.com and on Facebook.

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Meeting Crossroads Original Designs President Jason and Vice President Justin McMullen for the first time I was struck by their openness and sense of humor.

Justin entered the conference room first, stuck out his hand and introduced himself. He joked about being Jason’s ‘younger’ (and better looking) brother.

When Jason joined us their good natured banter made the interview comfortable and enjoyable.

In March this year Crossroads Original Designs celebrates their tenth anniversary.

Talking to the McMullen brothers it was apparent just how far they had come.

“I had reached a point in my life where I wanted to come back home to be with the family,” Jason remembered. Our Grandfather had a trucking business, so I contacted him and told him I’d like to come back and be a part of his business. I moved home and we started a new packaging business. It really took off, so eventually I needed someone I could trust to help me.

Justin had graduated college and had an opportunity to go into the insurance business; I convinced him to come here and give me and my business a year. We just clicked and it’s worked ever since.”

The brothers McMullen were on look-out for opportunities. “Our sales manager had a background in the gift industry and knew of a candle business for sale. Shortly after, we bought their assets and kept her on staff for a year to teach us how to make candles,” Jason remembered. Both brothers admit they had no idea what it took to manufacture candles, so it took a year to learn by trial and error exactly what they had bought.

“Eventually we realized we had learned how not to make candles. The process just didn’t work for us; we knew we had a lot of work and capital investment ahead of us if we were to find one that would. It was time to decide whether to scrap the idea or find a better process. We opted to do the later,” Jason said.

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History meets comfort

The Olde Stone House Bed & Breakfast On a slight rise just off Stewart Road a large stone house gazes out over the landscape. The Greek revival style house was built from orange and brown streaked sandstone, markings typical of stone quarried in the Mansfield area. This is the Samuel Lewis House, the largest and best preserved pre-Civil war sandstone house in Richland County.

Samuel Lewis was the first permanent white settler in Worthington Township when he arrived in 1809. Although he did not create the concept of the blockhouse, he is credited with introducing it to the area for protection from troops during the War of 1812 and from the ongoing threat of attack by Native Americans in the area. He erected a blockhouse on his farm for the protection of his fellow settlers.

The following year Lewis cut six miles of road from Mansfield to Ashland out of dense forest and was also one of several men who laid out the town of Mifflin (then known as Petersburg).

In 1835 Samuel purchased the original one and a half story cut sandstone cabin and 159 acres of ground (the entire northeast quarter of section 23 in Madison Township) for $2,000; property owned since 1820 by John C. Price. The great room featured a massive primitive cooking fireplace; a large bedroom with a low, sloping ceiling rested above.

In 1837 Lewis added to the house, creating a front with two rectangular six over six windows on each side of a central entrance. Above the entrance the date of construction is conspicuously carved in the lintel. The entire building has fine natural black walnut woodwork and a floor plan that was unusual in its time.

The house sat on what was once a stagecoach road that ran between Mansfield and Wooster. It is rumored that Abraham Lincoln stayed at the house while traveling on the stagecoach road.

From 1851 to 1926 the house was owned by the Stephen Balliet family; over

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the next forty years the property went through several owners until 1963 when it was purchased by the Angus family. It was the Angus family who applied to have the house put on the National Register of Historic Places. After being surveyed and inspected the house and its remaining ten acres was listed as the Samuel Lewis House; noted as being significant during the time period of 1825-1849. In 1992 the property was sold to Jeffrey Hecht.

Bruce and Karen Beck are the only owners who have held title to the historic stone house twice. First from 1996 to 2001, when they added a two story addition to separate family living quarters from guest rooms and opened the home as a bed and breakfast; then in 2010 when they purchased the house once again.

Bruce Beck is a member of the Air National Guard and has been for over 30 years; Karen is an interior designer and artist who formerly painted for Carousel Works. The couple enjoys time in the outdoors, gardening, bicycling

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and traveling. “I love sharing our home with others and telling them the history of this place,” Bruce said. “We felt called back to this house; we think of owning

this bed and breakfast as a ministry,” Karen added.

For more information, please visit www.theoldestonehousebandb.com.

Keeping Score with

Murray Dome Madness

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It’s that time of year again; the culmination of the collegiate basketball season is near, and that means that talk around the water coolers at many of America’s work places will involve discussions about the filling out of NCAA tournament brackets. That same March Madness will be on display throughout the next several weeks at the Murray Dome, located near Lexington, the home address of Jeff Burkhart and his family.

The Murray Dome, which officially opened in October 2005, was the brainchild of Jeff ’s son, Alex, who convinced his Dad that enclosing the outdoor basketball court was a dream of his. At the time, Alex was a junior at Lexington High School and was hoping the facility could be completed before he was off to college in less than a couple of years.

Incidentally, that open-air court had been built over the Burkhart family pool which was constructed in 1960.

Jeff sketched out the design for his dome over breakfast on a napkin at Mr. P’s restaurant on S. Diamond St., in Mansfield. He hired a builder (Ron

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View from the Murray Dome lounge MAR/APR 2013

GM/Owner Jeff Burkhart gives coaching advice

Sautter) and five months after the first shovel of dirt was out of ground, the first hoop was made in the Murray Dome.

If you ever had a friend in school whose family owned their own pool, you know that you worked hard to keep that friendship alive so you would get an invite to the pool parties during

the summer months. Just think how “cool” it would be to have a friend who had a detached basketball arena just outside the back door of his or her house. I’m sure that Alex’s circle of friends and new acquaintances expanded dramatically and well beyond the Lexington village limits.

Murray Dome regulars

Murray Dome from Burkhart patio

JV team members watching and waiting

Midcourt lounge and loges

opened. The participants run a wide age gamut too, from 3rd through 5th graders, to adults who still think they possess the same skills they had in high school.

The facility itself is something to behold, albeit a downsize version of a full court. At 70 feet long by 40 feet wide the Murray Dome floor is ideal for the younger group, and just undersized enough that Jeff doesn’t need oxygen on the sidelines for the “Wheezers” who play a couple times a week. The floor at the Murray Dome is made of a composite developed by Sport Court, in Marysville, Ohio. That same surface was used for the NCAA tournament floors constructed for last year’s regionals and finals.

During breaks in the action, the players need not retire to the sweat filled barrenness of a locker room, because just off the playing surface of the Murray Dome is an area with couches, a

Mike Greene, MiGreps LLC www.migreps.com

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Actually, the Burkhart home had been attracting a lot of hoopsters eager to play on their outdoor court from the time it was installed in 1997. Alex began playing the game when he was 8-years old and continued to refine his step-back-three and cross-over dribble through his junior high years. However,- his dreams of playing at the varsity level and beyond were dashed when he suffered severe injuries to his spleen and a kidney just before his freshman year. That injury occurred in a pick-up softball game on a long weekend at Lake Erie.

Alex was around for the first couple of years of the Murray Dome and then went off to college at Xavier University, in Cincinnati. However, the facility has continued to be the private, home court for girls, boys and men’s pick-up teams from September through the end of March Madness each year since it

refrigerator and a couple of flat screen TV’s that would be the envy of anyone who has a personal man cave at his house. The place looks like a smaller version of something that Mark Cuban would provide for his Dallas Mavericks.

And now about that name; the Murray Dome. Where did it come from? Without going into all the details, just know the naming rights were not purchased but rather the story revolves around a judge named Murray, a disciplinarian father named Burkhart, and a precocious son named Jeff . It was a lesson learned by the then young man that is memorialized in his “mini” field-house. He, not I, can tell you the rest of the story.

I can tell you that each year the final night of play at the Murray Dome occurs on the evening of the national championship game. This year that will be Monday, April 8th. The grownups at the Murray Dome play the preliminary and will then retire to the lounge area to watch and see who has the winning bracket.

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Shelby/Mansfield KOA

The family that plays together is probably staying at this KOA Camping Resort.

Whether you’re pitching your tent, renting a luxury cabin, setting up your motor home or simply coming to the Camp for the day, you’ll find something for everyone.

Swimming, fishing, outdoor laser tag, gem mining and enjoying the jump pillow will keep the kids active and happy. Adult swims, paddle boats, hiking and miniature golf and a relaxing hot tub make it a well- rounded experience for all ages. There’s even a dog park for man’s best friend!

Garry & Vicki

Cole

a d with quippe ssible e is l o o ce round p icap ac Our in-g make it hand lift to

Everyone is welcome at the Shelby/Mansfield KOA Kafe, and a convenience store is available for all your last minute needs. What could be easier?

Birthday parties, company and family picnics are all welcome at the KOA Camping Resort. Owners Garry and Vicki Cole are there to help with your event no matter how large or small.

This award winning KOA Camping Resort is the best of the best. You will find it located at 6787 Baker 47, Shelby, Ohio in Crawford County.

Marsh New characters, per m and Mel, join Ka to oo the Kangar s! entertain the kid

shelbymansfieldkoa.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

Alluring Lures

manufactured ones. One year in Canada, during a slow day, I tied on an old black Jitterbug and proceeded to catch bass after bass as my buddy looked on in disbelief. I doubt those fish had ever seen a lure quite like that. It is probably the most popular lure ever produced by the Fred Arbogast Company in Akron. The unique dished configuration of the metal lip imparted an unmistakable gurgling

sound on the water, making it particularly effective at night. You couldn’t see it, but you could listen for the gurgle and, hopefully, a resounding splash from an angry bass!

Some of the first fishing lures developed in this country were made by Native American Indians. Consisting of a 1" to 2" bone notched to form a barb, they were attached to a line and inserted

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My fondest memories of childhood revolve around the great outdoors; fishing, specifically. No locale was as exciting as a day spent at a local abandoned gravel pit with crystal clear turquoise water where we could fish and, occasionally, skinny dip. This Huck Finn on-a-budget adventure began with a two-mile hike, a peanut butter sandwich, a fiberglass casting rod and a can of night crawlers captured the night before. We did manage to catch a few bluegills.

After reaching our destination one July day my brother and I were walking along the shore when we came upon the largest bass we had ever seen (except in Field & Stream, of course). It was lying on its side; a yellow jitterbug (bass lure) and about two feet of line dangling from its grapefruit-sized mouth. Pondering what might have happened, we decided an unlucky fisherman had probably lost this trophy when it broke the line. I think we realized at that moment there were “bigger fish to fry”, so we turned our attention to the pursuit of a new game fish — large mouth bass.

I started this new avocation by carving a fishing plug out of a 2" piece of wood scavenged from an old broom. I carefully studied pictures of plugs in outdoor magazines and tried to duplicate them, but with a slight alteration in shape and perhaps color. The first plug off my assembly line was a green floating frog.

Later I experimented with legs, held taut by a rubber band and twisted in opposite directions. That worked for a second but stopped when it hit the water. After several unsuccessful attempts I found it easier to save my lawn mowing money and purchase some manufactured lures. I bought a Jitterbug, a Hula Popper, and an Injured Minnow for starters.

Over the years I added to my collection until it filled a couple of tackle boxes, but I always remembered my old handmade lures, as well as the

by Bill Dinkins

MAR/APR 2013

37

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

lengthwise into a bait fish. When another fish swallowed it the fisherman had his dinner. In the winter, fish decoys carved from wood were lowered through a hole in the ice to lure unsuspecting fish, which were then speared.

Legend has it that many years ago a frustrated fisherman threw an empty cigarette box into the water and noticed something hit it, sending it airborne.

Seconds later a large bass exploded from the water, sending the box even higher, thus the idea of an artificial lure was born.

Through the years many ideas have been tried; one of the most interesting, the minnow cage, developed by the Detroit Glass Minnow Tube Company in 1915. A live minnow was inserted into the cage and, according to its advertisers, stayed alive all day. (Highly doubtful, I might add.)

The most famous of the Ohio lure manufacturers was the Fred Arbogast Company, in Akron, which was in business as early as 1924. Arbogast was a bait casting champion, winning competitions in 1922, ‘23, and ‘24. He is best known for inventing the rubber Hula Skirt and the famous Jitterbug, one of the most popular bass plugs of all time. Introduced in 1937, it made a big splash (sorry, I couldn’t resist) with bass fishermen.

Probably the most famous fishing lure of all time is the Haskell Minnow, produced in Painesville, Ohio. Patented in 1859, it was the first lure to be made from wood, over which copper halves were soldered. The value of this rare lure can range from $7,500 to $10,000.

As my collection neared hoarding status, I decided to combine my talents to make watercolor paintings of some of my antique lures, both trout flies and plugs. I thought they’d be a colorful addition to my man-cave; a room my daughters affectionately call “Dad’s dead animal room”. I’ve painted over twenty, each detailed right down to paint scrapes and nicks on the bodies and rust on the hooks. Each lure is identified by name, and the date of manufacture; most in the 1930 to 1950’s.

If you’re a new collector, I recommend Carl F. Luckey’s book, Old Fishing Lures & Tackle, for a wealth of information on antique lures and their value.

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MAR/APR 2013

irect Buy Dave! &S

Limited Limited Edition Edition Prints Prints of of Antique Antique Fishing Fishing Lures Lures 1 Creek Chub “Pikie”

2 J.C.Higgins Injured Minnow

Perfect gift for the sportsman in the family. Precisely-detailed, framed paintings of authentic, antique 50’s lures by renowned artist, Bill Dinkins. Printed with 3 Heddon Punkinseed fade-resistant inks on heavyweight 4 Arbogast Jitterbug white stock. Frames are 8x10 and can be wall-mounted or have easel for shelf or desk.

Framed prints $39. ea. including tax & shipping Send check or money order to: or any 3 for $99. including tax & shipping Bill Dinkins 641 Princeton Ct. Allow 3 weeks for delivery.

Mansfield, OH 44904 Specify lure no.(s) email: bddinkins@aol.com

Diabetics: Don’t Just Cover Up Wounds...

Heal Them Instead

There are several reasons to choose Avita’s Wound Center in Bucyrus.

Among these are:

1

We utilize an entire team of physicians with the right expertise to heal wounds

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We specialize in the latest therapies

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We beat the national average in success rates

4

We heal wounds.

Wounds that have not healed in over 30 days can actually be a threat to your health. Chronic wounds lead to enormous amounts of physical and emotional stress, but can be avoided if timely treatment is provided. If you have diabetes, you are at an increased risk for developing leg or foot ulcers. Getting a proactive start in the healing process speeds recovery time, and sometimes, your foot or limb.

An ulcer is the primary site for infection which can target your soft tissue and bone in your foot or leg. It is very important to stay off your feet once you get an ulcer. Putting pressure on it will cause the infection to spread and penetrate deeper into your foot. Delaying treatment of diabetic ulcers can lead to amputation and even mortality. Debridement of the wound is one of the first steps in treating ulcers and can be done at a wound center. Thick layers of skin, which should be carefully removed, may cover ulcers.

Additional treatments offered at Avita’s Wound Center include the latest in wound dressings, biological skin substitutes and grafts, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Even after successful treatment, there is a very high probability of an ulcer forming again.

Continue to inspect your feet and see your medical provider often.

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the bucket list adventures

by Michelle Baker

The Bucket List Witness “normal”. Facing cancer a second time, she decided to have another go at that list.

“Whatcha got there?”

“This is my bucket list folder. I started it the first time I had cancer.”

“Isn’t it a little early for that?”

She smiled at me, “It’s never too early for that.”

In my mind, pulling out that list was like admitting defeat, that time was almost up and ‘Now-or-Never’ was a distinct possibility. I would have much rather buried my head in the sand and pretended that the end was not going to come for her — for any of us — and thought about what to add to the list instead of what to mark off of it.

Longer life through procrastination — that was me. The look on her face told me that she did not agree, and honestly this was her fight, not mine so as the saying goes, “If you can’t beat them, join them”. I took the folder from her and started to read off some of her items. “‘Ride a motorcycle to Gatlinburg with your husband’. Not a group sport. ‘Hot air balloon ride’. I’m afraid of heights, so probably not. ‘Skydiving’. Absolutely not!!

‘Get a cancer ribbon tattoo’. Hey, I can do that one with you.”

She immediately teared up, “Really?

You’d really do that with me?” It was obvious how much that meant to her, so there was no way I wasn’t going to go through with it. “I’d love to.” And just like that, the first “Bucket List Event” was planned. There ended up being seven of us sporting brand-new purple cancer-ribbon tattoos that spring.

It didn’t take long before that list had been copied by friends eager to celebrate life with her. They helped her plan and then carried out the items on the list, often times taking over completely and just telling her where and when to show up. People jotted their names down by items on the original list, signifying that particular dream was being planned & by whom. People went out of their way to help and were more than happy to do so.

My friend was nearly giddy, “I’m going to put something really ridiculous on this list just to see if I can do it!” She said as she jotted a new item at the very bottom of the page.

Rob a bank.

“Rob a bank?? Oh, Sweetheart, you’re on your own there! ‘Go to Federal Prison’ is NOT on my bucket list!!” We laughed at

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If you were to ask my children what they want to do when they grow up, you would get the classic little boy answers: “Be an astronaut”. “Play football for OSU!” “Design video games”. My answers as a little girl wouldn’t have been that far off from every other little girl: learn to play piano. Be on stage. Write a best-selling book that would be turned into a movie starring the entire cast of “The Outsiders” — although I think I may have been alone in my peer group for that last one.

Some of us grow up and save a few of those dreams, as impractical or unfeasible as they might be. We jokingly tag them ‘absurd’ and put them on something we like to refer to as “The Bucket List”; more commonly known as ‘that list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket’. Those are the lists where we park every passing whim or over-the-top adventure with the pretense of “one day”, “when I have time”, “when I have money”, “when the kids are older”, or “when I retire”. Though our intentions may be good, our plans are often limited by the demands and stresses of adult-life. So we push them aside because there will always be time ‘later’, and ignore the cold, hard fact that some of us don’t get ‘later’.

I watched as one of my dearest friends pulled out her “bucket list” before she even had the confirmation that her cancer had returned. She had started that list during her first battle with the monster, and put it off when she thought she had won, and life went back to

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the idea, and thought that only she would be feisty enough to want to rob a bank before she died. We lamented the fact that we couldn’t even pull off a fake bank heist. Now that would have been something to mark off your bucket list!!

“You know…” said another friend as a smile started to spread across her face, “my dad is the CEO of one of the banks here in town. There has got to be some way to make this work.”

Turns out, there was — if you included law enforcement and turned it into a training exercise for the employees. And so my dear friend dressed up as a bank robber, complete with a mask, a purple bandana (the same color as our cancerribbon tattoos) and a toy gun, and very loudly entered a bank full of employees before business hours. With law enforcement standing by outside, she relieved the tellers of every bit of brightly-colored fake-cash they had on hand. Like all budding criminals who hold up a bank with a toy gun, she was promptly ‘arrested’ and booked into the City Jail by several amused and gracious police officers.

By the end of her life, my friend had completed a number of items on her Bucket List. She went parasailing and flew on a trapeze. She took a train to Chicago to go shopping. She took a family vacation. She rode a mechanical bull, took a dance class, had a winetasting party, and went to a KISS concert — in full KISS makeup, no less. She not only went to see Tim McGraw, but she also had a personal, before-show concert and then got to kiss him. And she robbed a bank.

Her “Bucket List Events” became something to look forward to. They did not signify that the end was close; instead they celebrated her life and the time she had left. By joining in, we lived those moments with her. We couldn’t fight that battle for her, but we could stand by her as she literally laughed in the face of death. Laughed, giggled, danced, drank wine, cried, loved, told stories, held hands and lived… in the face of death.

When I gave her eulogy I read what has to be one of the most honest and absolute truths I have ever known; I

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learned how to live while watching her die. During that eulogy, I made certain promises to her, akin to the Bucket List, and I still refer to them as ‘Eulogy Promises’. They were meant to honor her and what she taught me about life; the secret to living is to enjoy every moment you have by enjoying the little things in every moment. I promised to give out the ‘good’ candy at Halloween and to always buy the ‘good’ alcohol. To over-decorate at Christmas and to plant at least one planter of purple flowers every summer.

To stop what I was doing and enjoy catching snowflakes or listening for crickets with my children.

Making excuses for not marking an item off my bucket list is no longer an option for me. Nor do I think that anyone should wait until they are facing death before they begin to live, not many of us have the luxury of knowing that our time is coming to a close. Even if we did know how much time we have left, how many people would have the courage to genuinely begin to live? If not for my friend & the immense spirit she showed, I’m sure I would have died the same way I was living — quietly observing from the sidelines, putting off those dreams for “someday.”

I have that purple ribbon tattooed on the inside of my wrist, and it truly has given me the courage to take chances, live life, or maybe do something a little crazy.

The best part of my bucket list is that it is always evolving — I put something new on every time I mark something else off.

Whether it’s the bucket list or one of my

eulogy promises, I plan on running out of time long before I run out of ways to enjoy life.

My friend reminded me “It’s never too early” to start thinking about that bucket list. I contend “It’s never too late” to start planning your own “Bucket List Adventures”. If you have something that you’d like to mark off of your bucket list and would like to share it with Heart of Ohio readers, please submit your name, email, and bucket list idea to editor@heartofohiomagazine.com for consideration.

Michelle Baker grew up in Ontario, Ohio and remained there to raise her own children. She graduated from NCTC and has been a Respiratory Therapist at Ashland Samaritan Hospital since 2002.

Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Adult Education from Bellevue University, began her second career as a writer at the age of 39 and really does have a purple cancer ribbon tattoo on her wrist that continues to inspire her daily. You can reach her at Chelbaker@outlook.com.

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43

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

For 25 Years… A Closer Walk

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BibleWalk, Mansfield, Ohio The longest journey begins with just a single step. This first step happened a long time ago.

In the early 1970’s Pastor Richard Diamond and his wife Alwilda visited an historical museum while attending a crusade in Atlanta. The last scene, the Ascension of Jesus Christ, touched them both; Pastor Diamond came back to his church on Glessner Avenue in Mansfield with the seed of an idea planted in his heart and mind.

By May of 1980 the ministry had grown and flourished; the small church, also known as the “hippie” church, moved to a new building. The Diamond Hill Cathedral on Tingley Avenue was surrounded by 20 acres of land and destined for even more change.

In January of 1983 Pastor Diamond had started looking for wax figures for a bible museum. A member of the congregation called museums and manufacturers and learned there was an outdoor BibleWalk somewhere in Pennsylvania. Without a name or address the member called information in Pennsylvania. Miraculously the telephone operator drove past the BibleWalk every day on the way to work.

He provided the phone number of the Township officials in the hope they would have more information. Although the BibleWalk had closed due to rezoning, the Township official’s secretary lived next door to the owner of the attraction and was able to provide the contact information needed.

BibleWalk owners Bill and Gail Warren had figures to sell, so the Diamonds went to Pennsylvania to look them over. A price was decided upon for the 22 figures, and the Warrens were invited to attend services at the Cathedral. When they came to services and felt the love from the congregation the Warrens decided to donate the figures to the church instead of sell them.

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When the figures arrived it was evident that time, wildlife and weather had taken their toll. Members of the congregation lovingly restored and repaired the figures; a new costume was designed and created for each one. In August of 1983 the first scene, The Last Supper, was unveiled in the Fellowship Hall during a revival

commemorating Richard and Alwilda’s 13th year in the ministry.

The work continued and by the end of 1983 there were three scenes completed; The Last Supper, Jesus and the Children and the Woman at the Well.

Through prayer and fasting the Diamonds and the congregation became

BIBLEWALK EXPERIENCE THE HOLY BIBLE COME TO LIFE Ohio’s only life-sized wax museum 500 Tingley Avenue Mansfield, Ohio 44905

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“ Keeping up with the cleaning inside is a yearlong thing. My real spring cleaning is done in the flower beds. I can’t wait every year to get out there and clear away the debris so the bulbs can come up!”

Karen S., Mt. Vernon MAR/APR 2013

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convinced the Bible Museum they so wanted to create should be built on the Tingley Avenue property surrounding the church. And so it was that the work began to prepare the land in the summer of 1985; the same land that once was known for being the center of religious activity in the early years of Mansfield’s founding.

The congregation of The Diamond Hill Cathedral constructed the building for the museum themselves. Donating their time and talents this labor of love took shape; on August 15th, 1987 The Living Bible Museum opened its doors to the public.

Today, Ohio’s only lifesize wax museum is known as the BibleWalk. As the work has continued the project has grown to include The Life of Christ (60 minute tour), Miracles of the Old Testament (60 minute tour), The Museum of Christian Martyrs (30 minute tour) and the Heart of the Reformation (30 minute tour). In addition, throughout the year the Dinner with Grace dinner theatre presentations offer an entertaining teaching experience.

Director Julie Mott-Hardin has been with the project since 1986. “You might say I was raised in the ministry,” Julie said.

“I was with the church when it was Faith Revivals on Glessner Avenue in the 70’s. It is amazing to be here to promote the Bible; the word of God. We have people from all denominations who come through here; they drop their defenses and don’t argue doctrine after seeing the museum. You see how people are affected by the Walk and you realize it makes a difference in a world that needs it so much.”

Is the work complete? Not according to Julie, “We have three more tours in the working stages; The American Christian Heritage, Amazing Grace that is dedicated to the journey of Paul, and A Tribute to Israel.”

Julie Mott-Hardin explains her job as Director of the BibleWalk this way, “It is a great honor to be here; we are a museum second, the word of God is first.”

Visit the BibleWalk at 500 Tingley Avenue in Mansfield and online at www.biblewalk.us.

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BUSINESS MATTERS

Building a Dream Wilmer Martin Timberlane Cabinets, Greenwich, Ohio “Anybody can build a cabinet box, but not everyone can create a dream kitchen.”

— Wilmer Martin Your home is an expression of you and designing the perfect space to enjoy what you love; cooking, entertaining, or family, takes creativity, skill and the benefits of state of the art technology.

After seeing the beautiful work of Mennonite cabinet maker, Wilmer Martin, I would have to agree.

An Entrepreneur Is Born

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Raised on a dairy farm in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Wilmer’s hands seemed more destined to woodworking than dairy farming. He and his 9 siblings worked hard and lived simply.

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But Wilmer and his father shared a love, the love of wood, and when given the opportunity to make birdhouses with his uncle at age 15, Wilmer took it. His uncle made simple birdhouses by the thousands, giving him plenty of practice.

A woodworker was born.

Transitioning from building homes for birds to building tables and chairs for people, is where Wilmer said he learned how to bring quality to his work. When this part time work was over, Wilmer headed to his next opportunity, learning how to build bed frames & furniture.

This was Wilmer’s first opportunity for entrepreneurship. The owner of the shop was ready to retire and Wilmer was presented with his first business opportunity. With his father’s support he

was able to purchase the small shop. The shop supplied parts to a Virginia company but unfortunately as that companies work began to dwindle, so did Wilmer’s.

After his first company dissolved, Wilmer had several doors of his dream close, but he did not abandon his love of woodworking and continued to find more ways to use his hands by learning framing and house building.

It was about this time Wilmer would meet the lovely lady that would bring this

A year later — August 31, 2006 — Wilmer and Wilma joined hands and hearts for life.

Wilmer worked for a year and a half at Lakeside Cabinets creating storage barns and cabins, but as Wilma mentioned, “ this wasn’t what Wilmer knew he was meant to do.”

His dream was still there and together, they held their breath, and decide to go after the dream. They knew it would not be easy.

Still maintaining his day job & with both Wilmer and Wilma’s fathers supporting the couple with equipment and finances, Wilmer made some contacts and people started asking for custom work.

They would ask, “Can you do it?

And Wilmer’s response was always, “I’ll Try.” When there were not enough hours at night to complete the work. Wilmer realized it was time to say goodbye to the day job and made his evening extra work his profession.

Family Heritage Maintaining the faith of their Anabaptist forefathers, Wilmer & Wilma strive to live their lives based on Biblical truths. Currently, they are active in the Mennonite community and members of the Huron Valley Mennonite Church.

Besides church life & business responsibilities, they are blessed with two energetic boys: Conrad (age 5), & Carson (age 3).

The TimberLane Advantage

The Love Story Wilma Sensenig, was raised in scenic Richland County Ohio, with the same rich heritage that Wilmer was.

Her life’s direction had also taken an unexpected turn and Wilma found herself traveling to Pennsylvania to assist her

Aunt with her global clothing donation store (Christian Aid Ministries).

This is where Wilmer and Wilma met & had their first date.

A school teacher, Wilma, soon returned to Ohio to begin the new semester of school.

Shortly after Wilmer followed his love of woodworking… or maybe of Wilma and moved to Ohio.

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talented cabinet maker to Richland County Ohio.

TimberLane Cabinets (TL Cabinets) is located off of Highway 13 on 8425 Olivesburg Fitchville Road, Greenwich, Ohio. The team consists of Wilmer and his employee of 5 years Nathan Martin (no relation). Describing Nathan as “reliable as the sun”,Wilmer said he would love to find a couple more fellows as dependable and dedicated. But, not concerned with the size of the team but the quality of their work, TimberLane is steadily growing and never wants to grow too big to care.

Wilmer custom designs, builds and installs cabinets, countertops, doors, detailed trim and other custom items MAR/APR 2013

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including special display shelving and wet bars. Combining his talent with the best in kitchen design software, Cabinet Vision, and choosing quality vendors, such as Valspar stain & finishes, Rev-a-Shelf kitchen accessories, Jeffrey Alexander & Amerock decorative hardware, Wilsonart and Formica laminate & solid surface countertop materials, Wilmer transforms houses into homes.

I asked Wilmer, what does your “favorite client” look like? Instead of giving me demographics, he replied, “the ones I create a relationship with.” He continued, “The relationship doesn’t end when the job is done.”

He also appreciates the “expanding” customers. He explained these are the people that are there during the install already asking could you “add this” or “create that”. He considers it a privilege to be asked to do more or be referred to a client’s family or friend.

Being able to create something personal means being willing to get to know someone. On his consultation visits Wilmer collects more than measurements and wood selections. He listens to the customer’s needs and dreams for his client’s homes and does his best to capture them in a design that he can bring to life.

Throughout our interview the emphasis on acknowledging and appreciating the people and opportunities they have been given was evident.

Wilmer and Wilma recognize Wilmer’s woodworking skills as God given talent and wish to give Him the honor for their blessings.

For more information, please visit Timberlane Cabinets at 8425 Olivesburg Fitchville Rd. in Greenwich, Ohio, 419-895-9945, or visit their website, www.tlcabinet.com.

Kym Lamb is a writer and the owner of Integrity Project Management (IPM) dedicated to the Projects, People and Passions of her clients. IPM provides social media training and support, web design, and virtual assisting. Visit the website, www.integrityprojectmanagement.com or call 419-571-0204 for more information.

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Building History from the Ground Up Owens Station Opera House Marion, Ohio Talking with Dennis Mattix it doesn’t take long before you realize he is a history buff; and he really knows his stuff. That’s why he is the perfect person to own the Owens Station Opera House.

In 1971, Dennis and his brothers purchased 600 acres of land that had been in the Owens family since 1855. When his older brother died, the two remaining brothers divided the land; Dennis and his wife Donna ended up living on the Owens road property.

The couple gradually increased the size of the small house on the property to the comfortable family home it is today.

Then, a few years ago, Dennis finally got serious about an on and off project to

restore an outbuilding that had been used to house a tractor.

The old building had a stage at one end, and a small pit in front of the stage.

Dennis knew the old building had been used to show movies; the balcony at one end had served as the projection room.

As he worked on the building he started doing his homework and discovered the building was actually an old opera house.

Under a wooden floor Dennis discovered old bottles and a rusted out padlock that were from the early 19th century. One large window in the entry way holds the glass he was able to salvage; the embossed glass is original to the building. His research and the

artifacts have led him to believe the opera house was built after the Civil War. “Entertainers might start a tour in Toledo and stop at each small auditorium along the way; many small communities had opera houses in that era. This area had a large audience; performers came to entertain the quarry workers. “ In the small orchestra pit at the foot of the stage Dennis has placed an 1812 era cannon he built to scale. “I found one years ago in really good shape; the barrel was about eight feet long. I wanted to buy it but was told it was too large to handle. A few years later I called about it and the fella told me it had just been sold; I decided then that I would research

the plans and make one of my own,” Dennis said.

The Owens Station Opera House has been restored to remarkably good condition. Dennis and Donna opened it in July, 2011 and generously allow the community to visit. School classes, Kiwanis, Boy Scout, 4-H, club meetings and a reception or two have given new energy to the place; they also do tours of the property for groups by appointment.

In the fall of 2012 Dennis and Donna Mattix welcomed a military reunion of 1950’s veterans. Dennis presented a program on the war of 1812. Thousands of soldiers marched through the township of that era; soldiers killed by Indians in our county are buried at Fort Morrow. Also featured was a collection of personal and military items and information Dennis has collected about Brigadier General Edward Vollwrath, who fought in WWI. Outside the opera house, a walk through the Mattix property is like a walk back into another time. A small stream that wanders through the property is covered by the Andrew Bennett Bridge; a

covered wooden bridge that Dennis built from materials salvaged from an old pioneer barn. The previous owner gave the barn to Dennis for cleanup. The bridge is named after Andrew Bennett (1790-1821).

Bennett was the original owner of the land, purchasing it during the Delaware land sale in 1820. He is buried on the property.

Once you cross the covered bridge you are confronted by a blacksmith shop and cabin. Dennis moved a second barn from Johnsville, numbering each piece and reassembling the barn on his property to create the replica of an 1830’s blacksmith shop. The small cabin beside the smithy represents the kind of home the blacksmith might have occupied. A working bellows is in his future plans to complete the tableau.

Over the years the Mattix family has planted over 7,000 trees on the acreage, making the terrain thickly forested and authentic looking. One can imagine this is very much how the land might have looked as soldiers from the war of 1812 moved through the area two hundred years ago.

Dennis tells the story of how this piece of ground once gave up an even greater

historical piece. Far in the back of the property is a small gravel pit, and Dennis recounts the story of men working in the pit over a hundred years ago to dislodge something quite large. They finally determined it was a bone, so John Owens contacted a museum in south west Ohio.

The museum sent a crew to unearth the sixteen foot skeleton and remove it from the site. Dennis Mattix smiles as he says, “It’s a story someone told me way back in the 70’s, and other people in the township share the same knowledge. I’ve tried to find out where the skeleton went. I’d sure like to locate it and see it for myself.”

The Owens Station Opera House is located on Owens Road between Ohio 4 and Gooding Road in Marion. It is open to groups by appointment for guided tours, and available for events. For dates and information please call 740.387.6754.

Below: Daughter Charlotte Derror loves to help out around the farm.

Grandsons Christian, Cameron and Colin Derrer round up their feathered favorites.

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Compliments to the Chef Trey Doherty

Executive Chef, Westbrook Country Club Mansfield Upon graduation from Ohio University, Trey Doherty had no idea what he wanted to do with his life. To support himself, he worked in several restaurants and liked it — so much so that he decided to become a chef. Trey was accepted at the prestigious Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute and his professional career path was set.

At Johnson & Wales they live by the motto, “Don’t just study what you love, get out there and do it.” After graduation, Trey did; first for six years at the Scioto Country Club, and for the last seven years at the Westbrook County Club in Mansfield where his title is Executive Chef.

Oddly enough, Trey enjoys the stress that accompanies preparing quality dinners for sometimes large numbers of diners who expect the best. He also enjoys creating deliciously different dishes and is amused by his friends in the food business around the country who can’t believe that fine dining is available in places like Mansfield, Ohio. Yes, we midwesterners enjoy our meat and potatoes but good seafood can be found in our area as well. It’s just that our fish is out of the water a day longer than that which you’ll find in Seattle or Boston.

Westbrook’s chef says that we’re very fortunate to be able to find so much of our produce at the dozens of roadside stands that dot the highways and byways in this part of the state. In particular, says Trey, “Our corn is the best you’ll find anywhere.” So, too, is Chef Trey Doherty.

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RESTAURANTSS RESTAURANT

Breakfast

Outdoor Seating

The Alcove Restaurant & Lounge

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Brunch

Family-Friendly

116 S Main St, Mt Vernon, 740.392.3076 www.alcoverestaurant.com Dining M-Th 11:30-9, F-Sa 11:30-9:30 Lounge 11:30-10, F-Sa 11:30-11 TO D L

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Lunch

Reservations

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Dinner

Happy Hour

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Takeout

Wheelchair Accessible

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Grab ‘n’ Go

Find us on Facebook

Athens Greek Restaurants 41 N Main St, Mansfield, 419.524.5620 M-Sa 11-8 41 S Lexington-Springmill Rd, Ontario M-Sa 11-9 TO D L Best gyros outside New York. Closed Sundays & major holidays. $

Broken Rocks Cafe & Bakery

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Heart of Ohio is proud to feature some of Ohio’s great local eateries.

Use the key below to find the perfect place to go for your night out or lunch on the go.

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The Alcove first opened in December 1911, now 100 years later, we are proud to say we are still the place to come for quality food & service. Daily lunch & dinner specials, our famous Alcove prime rib on Friday and Saturday, intimate cocktail lounge, private banquet rooms, catering services. $$

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EATERIES E ATE EATE

123 E Liberty St, Wooster, 330.263.2949 www.brokenrockscafe.com M-Th 9-9, F-Sa 9-10 TO D B L Casual dining with upscale appeal.

Hand crafted pasta, pizza, soup, salad, sandwiches, steaks and dessert. Artisan breads baked daily. Wine list and full bar. Open for breakfast lunch and dinner. Gift cetificates available $$ MAR/APR 2013

Average dinner entrée price $ $10 or less $$ $11-$20 $$$ $21-$30

Bromfield’s at Mohican State Park Lodge 1098 CR 3006, Perrysville, 419.938.5411 www.mohicanstateparklodge.com M-Su Breakfast 8-10:30, Lunch 11-2, Dinner 5-8 TO D B L Open Daily. While overlooking gorgeous views of Pleasant Hill Lake, dine on one of our locally farm-raised beef dishes including our delicious signature halfpound burger or one of our outstanding pasta dishes. Full-service lounge, banquet spaces and catering available. $$

Brown Derby Roadhouse 3985 Park Ave W, Ontario, 419.529.2959 www.brownderbyontario.com M-Th 4-10:30, F 3-11:30, Sa 12-11:30, Su 11:30-9 TO D The one true Roadhouse.

A relaxed and fun atmosphere. We hand

$$$$ $31 or more

select and cut our steaks fresh daily. Our USDA Prime and Choice steaks are cooked western style over open hardwood flames. St. Louis BBQ ribs, great seafood selection, over the top sides, draft & bottle beer, specialty drinks & wine. $$

Carmie’s Grill & Bar 2460 S. SR 231, Tiffin, 419.448.7699 www.tiffincamdenfalls.com M-Sa 11-10, Su 11-9, Bar F-Sa til 12am TO D L Family atmosphere & we’re grillin’ and chillin’. $

Chris’s 111 W 4th St, Mansfield, 419.775.5670 M&T 11-9, W-Sa 11-1 TO D L Serving our famous Goulash for 56 years.

Bar & grill. Live entertainment. $

City Grille & Bar

Hanover House Diner

37 E 4th St, Mansfield, 419.709.9199 T-Th 11-10, F 11-11, Sa 4-11, Closed 2-4 Bar T-Th til 11, F-Sa til 1am TO D L

153 W Main St, Loudonville, 419.994.0330 www.hanoverhousediner.com Tu-W 11-3, Th-Sat 11-7, Su 11-3 TO D L

American cuisine. Family-friendly, casual full-service restaurant & bar. $

Casual dining featuring homestyle cooking. Daily specials, homemade soups & desserts. $

Coolridge Golf Course Diner 591 Vonhoff Blvd, Mansfield, 419.521.5159 M-Sa 6-7, Su 6-2 TO GG D B L Home-cooked meals, friendly atmosphere.

Prime Rib Friday 4-7. Daily Specials. $

Der Dutchman 720 St Rt 97 W, Bellville, 419.886.7070 www.derdutchman.com M-Sa 7-8, Closed Sunday TO Br D B L

Amish kitchen cooking. Formerly Troyer’s Dutch Heritage. $

Doc’s Deli 424 Glessner Ave, Mansfield, 419.521.5159 www.docsdelimansfield.com M-F 10:30-6, Sa 10:30-3 TO GG D L “The Cure for the Common Sandwich” Casual Catering, Business Delivery $

The Kenyon Inn & Restaurant 100 W Wiggin St, Gambier, 740.427.2202 www.kenyoninn.com Breakfast M-F 7-9:30, Sa 8-10 Brunch Su 9-2, Lunch M-Sa 11-2 Dinner Su-Th 5-8:30, F-Sa 5-9 TO Br D B L A charming atmosphere awaits you at The Kenyon Inn on the campus of Kenyon College. We offer delicious food, fine wine and tantalizing desserts. Live music in the summer during our Party on the Patio series and introducing our newly enlarged and renovated private room for special occasions and corporate needs. $$

ist Add a delicious tw to your special event! ions • Wedding Recept • Bridal Showers • Special Occasions

Cakes, Cookies, Teas & more…

Serve a special dessert on your special day.

837 Lexington Ave. Mansfield 419.525.2868

www.eatmorbundt.com

The

Sand Wedge Grill at

Ed Pickens’ Café on Main 28 N Main St, Mansfield, 419.522.7699 www.cafeonmain.net M-F 8-3 TO Br L

Empress Express 1041 Park Ave W, Mansfield, 419.524.4200 M-Sa 11-9 TO D L Our food is fresh, made to order.

Limited delivery. $

Full Service Restaurant & Bar Open Year Round

• Burgers, Steaks, Seafood & More • Homemade Soups & Desserts • 3 Banquet & Meeting rooms available to accommodate any size party

Now booking Weddings & Receptions, Business Meetings and Golf Outings www.deerridgegc.com

900 Comfort Plaza Drive | Bellville

Call 419-886-7090 for reservations Restaurant Hours Mon – Thu • 11am – 8pm Fri & Sat • 11am – 9pm Sun • 11am – 7pm

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We can provide a complete range of services for groups of 20 to 600.

Continental breakfasts to full service wedding receptions, we can fulfill all your needs for a seamless event. Our soups, salads, entrees, sides, and desserts are all made at our facility in downtown Mansfield. Visit www.cafeonmain.net. $

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The Mill Street Bistro Bar 21 Mill St, Norwalk, 419.663.3663 www.millstreetbistrobar.com D

Oak Park Tavern 2919 St Rt 430 E, Mansfield, 419.589.2637 www.oakparktavern.com Tu-F 11-10, Sa 3-10, Su 3-9 TO D L

Enjoy fine dining in a casual atmosphere. $$

Ontario Event Center 3985 Park Ave W, Ontario, 419.529.2959 www.ontarioeventcenter.com TO Br D B L Full service banquet and catering facility.

Can accommodate 25-1500 off site and 300 on site. Breakfast, lunch, dinner menu or custom menu per your request.

Located at the back of the Brown Derby Roadhouse corner of Rt 314 and Rt 309 (Park Ave West). Voted “Best Banquet Facility” again! See display ad for more. $$

Shugar Freaks Bakery & Sandwich Shop 189 Marion Ave, Mansfield, 419.709.6220 M-Fri 9:30-3:30 TO GG L Sweet Treats and Good Eats $

Slick’z Drive-In

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

228 Lexington Ave, Mansfield, 419.522.FOOD www.slickz.com M-Su 7-2 TO D L

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Our meals are made to order from the freshest ingredients. Nothing is “pre-fab”, from the hand formed specialty burgerz to the fresh cut french fries. Serving the area’s best breakfast (all day, every day), lunch (soupz, saladz, sandwiches) and dinner (each includes two sides)!!

Cruise in-Chill Out at Slick’z. $

MAR/APR 2013

Your Every Event Caterer

Our Professional Staff will create the Perfect Event!

Complete Catering and Banquet Service from 25 to 1,500 guests.  Wedding Receptions  Rehearsal Parties  Bridal Showers  Creative Customized Menus  On & Off Premise Catering  Special Events

Look for us at Bridal Shows!

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Our own farm-raised elk, buffalo and beef. And local produce. $$

Located At The Brown Derby Road House

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419-529-2959

Thanks for Voting us th e Best

3 years in a

3985 Park Ave. West - Ontario Email: staff@ontarioeventcenter.com For more information visit our website www.ontarioeventcenter.com

Southside Diner 620 S Main St, Mt Vernon, 740.392.1282 M-Sa 5:45-8, Su 7-3 TO D B L Enjoy 50s / 60s atmosphere. Breakfast served all day! Homemade pies. $

Spearman’s Restaurant 26155 Coshocton Rd, Millwood, 740.599.7617 M-Sa 7-7:45 Su 8-7:45 TO D B L Daily Breakfast, lunch, dinner specials over 60 years! Homemade pies. $

Steve’s Dakota Grill 3101 Park Ave W, Ontario, 419.529.9064 www.stevesdakotagrill.com M-Th 4-10, F 4-11, Sa 12-11, Su 11-8 TO D L Casual, relaxed atmosphere. Steaks cut fresh daily, USDA prime choice steaks hand selected, aged to perfection, flame-broiled, seasoned with Steve’s special blend. Rotisserie roasted prime rib, fresh

row!

seafood, pasta & chicken dishes. Great sandwiches. Kids’ menu. Wine & beer selections from around the world. Voted “Best Prime Rib” again. $$

TJ’s Restaurant 359 W Liberty St, Wooster, 330.264.6263 www.tjsrestaurants.com M-F 11-9:30, Sa 4:30-9:30 TO D L Steaks, seafood, chicken, pasta, daily specials in a relaxed atmosphere. $$

V&M Restaurant 104 Main St, Bellville, 419.886.3569 www.vandmrestaurant.com TO D B L What’s the best thing about small town Bellville? Many think it’s the V&M Restaurant. Breakfast, lunch, dinner – The meals are home cooked with consistent quality that draws people from near and far. Great food at pleasant prices, served with a smile. $

MONEY MATTERS

Retirement Options for Small Business Owners

by Charles P. Hahn, CFP® in conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor or Lincoln Financial Securities Corporation

Starting a business requires lots of money, sweat, and tears. Many small business owners spend years financing their businesses while neglecting to save for their own retirement. Indeed, only 49% of companies with fewer than 100 employees have a retirement plan, according to a 2005 U.S. Labor Department survey.

But working solo or running a small company doesn’t have to mean putting off retirement planning. Tax law changes in recent years have made it easier to establish retirement plans with increased contribution limits.

Tax Advantages

The Right Fit Different plans have different features, so it pays to shop around. Here are some options.

■ Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP IRA). With these plans, there are few, if any, requirements to file with the IRS. Contributions are made by the employer, and all eligible employee accounts must have the same salary percentage contribution. The 2012 maximum contribution level is up to 25% of income (20% for self-employed income), or a $50,000 maximum. Vesting is immediate. You can make full contributions in profitable years, and cut back in lean years.

■ Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE IRA). These plans are relatively inexpensive, and combine employee contributions with an employer match. But yearly contributions are capped at $11,500, plus catch-up contributions of $2,500 for employees 50 and up. The employer match can be up to 3% of compensation up to $11,500, depending on certain factors.

■ 401(k). Here, both employers and employees can contribute (employers aren’t required to). The maximum annual employee contribution is $17,000, plus a $5,500 catch-up provision for workers over 50. Employers can contribute up to 100% of compensation

not exceeding $50,000 (or $55,000 with the catch-up provision). The drawback is there more reporting requirements and administrative overhead with these plans.

Self-employed individuals or small business owners with no full-time employees can contribute to a solo 401(k) — a combination 401(k) and profitsharing plan. The total contribution limit for a solo 401(k) is $50,000, or $55,000 for those age 50 or older.

■ Profit-Sharing Plan. As the name implies, this plan enables you to reap the rewards of profitable years by distributing profits according to a pre-arranged formula set by the employer.

Contributions are up to 100% of compensation, or $50,000 maximum.

■ Defined-Benefit Plan. Definedbenefit plans may be better suited for people closer to retirement age who want to catch up on their savings, who own a profitable small business with few employees and where the owner is at least fifty years old or within 10 years of retirement and is older than any of the firm’s employees. Contributions in 2012 can result in a retirement benefit of no more than either $200,000, or 100% of the average pay during the three highest-paid income years. Among the caveats: you’re locked into the program once it’s started, and it requires an extra actuarial expense to maintain the plan’s status with the IRS and the Department of Labor.

MAR/APR 2013

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An attractive feature of retirement plans is that individual contributions are tax deferred and company contributions are tax deductible. In addition, the contributions have the potential to grow tax-deferred until they are withdrawn, generally at retirement. Withdrawals taken prior to age 59 ½, may be subject to an additional 10% federal tax penalty and possibly state income taxes.

Contributions to a Roth IRA or a Roth 401(k) plan are made with after-tax dollars. Qualified distributions of earnings from a Roth IRA are tax-exempt after five years from the contribution date and after age 59 ½. Earnings taken prior to age 59 ½, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty and possibly state income taxes.

Retirement plans generally consist of defined-benefit plans or definedcontribution plans. Defined-benefit plans pay a specific amount to a person at retirement based on pay and years of

service. These are generally funded by employers. Defined-contribution plans entail contributions from employees or their employer — or both — to individual employee accounts at mandated limits.

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! t o h s t s e b r u o Give us y

with her ok Heart of Ohio to k ha bc ku Ja y Lindsa as Tree e National Christm th d te si vi e sh n he w in Washington, DC.

Whether you’re vacationing, exploring or just relaxing with a cup of coffee, we would love to see you enjoying your copy of Heart of Ohio magazine. Submit your photo, and you just might see yourself in a future issue!

Send your photo to: editor@heartofohiomagazine.com

Greg and Beth M umea with grands ons Lincoln and Carson Mumea took Heart of Ohio along on vacation in Duck, North Ca rolina.

Heart of Ohio traveled with “The Good Life” of Mechanics Bank to Sedona, Arizona.

E M P O R I U M Crowe’s Shoes

Area leader in fitting feet properly for 75 years 56 N. Main St., Mansfield 419-522-2431 or 419-522-1005 Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm, Fri ’til 6pm

JOHN'S HOBBY SHOP

Podiatrist Recommended/Specializing in sizes & widths Hush Puppies, Sebago, Drew, Birkenstock, New Balance, San Antonio Shoes, Rockport, Ros Hommerson, Naturalizer, Florsheim, Trottero, Bella-Vita, Dunham

Free Gift Wrapping (year-round) • Vera Bradley • Jewelry • Boutique • Baby & Kids’ Items • Home Décor • A. I. Root Candles • Heritage Lace • Willow Tree • OSU Items

On the Square – Established 1977 15 N. Main St., Mansfield 419-526-4426 www.johnshobbyshopohio.com Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Fri ’til 6:30pm Lionel Factory Trained Authorized Service Station Come for your complete hobby supplies. We’re known for our service and product knowledge.

Carlisle Gifts

For Friends & Home 720 State Route 97W, Bellville 419-886-7080 www.carlislegifts.com Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 8:30am-8pm

John’s Hobby Shop, Inc.

Tara,s Floral Expressions

TARA’S

FLORAL EXPRESSIONS

On the Creative Edge 1235 Park Ave. W., Mansfield 419-529-0600 www.tarasfloral.com Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm, Sat 8:30am-1pm Complete Floral Services • Fresh Flowers • Fruit & Gourmet Baskets • Plants & Planters • Gift Certificates Available

Planktown Country Market, LLC

Bridal & Formal Wear by B. LLC

Large Selection of Bulk Foods, Groceries, Party Trays Available • Over 100 Kinds of Deli Meats & Over 100 Kinds of Cheeses with Everyday Low Prices

Prom Dresses & Tux Packages • Prom Specials • Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaids & Flower Girls • Special Occasion Dresses • Gift Cards Available

MiGreps LLC

Angelwoods Hideaway B&B

• Media • Business Networking • Project Consulting

• Gift Certificates Avaiable Showers & Rehearsal Dinners, Girlfriend Getaway Packages, 6 rooms, Private Baths & Jacuzzi, Honeymoon Stays, Elopement Packages, Large meeting/event room

Your Special Day is our Specialty 564 N. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield 419-529-2009 Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm

1921 Free Rd., Shiloh 419-896-3525 Mon-Thu 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-3pm, Closed Sunday

Mike Greene Reps P.O. Box 3822, Mansfield 567.247.4736 cell 419.565.1249 www.migreps.com

Want to advertise in the

EMPORIUM?

1983 Pleasant Valley Rd., Lucas 419.892.2929 www.ohio-bed-breakfast.com

Contact our sales department: sales@heartofohiomagazine.com 419.961.7464 419.524.2127

THE LAST WORD Several times in the past, we’ve been asked “Why a printed magazine? Why not just put it online like so many other publications?” Innately, I knew the answer, but could not put it as eloquently as John McWade, founder and creative director of Before & After magazine. Here’s what John had to say in his January 22, 2013 article; “Why I still love paper”: The reason I read a paper magazine or book is for the time it gives me — for the space to think, reflect, pause, return, re-read, and so on until what’s on the page has morphed from an idea to something deeper.

Online, and even on a tablet, is a different experience. There’s a light in my face. There’s an urgency. It has no closure; there’s always another click, an eternal, forever, world-without-end-amen stream of data rushing, flowing, pounding, demanding, agitating.

Paper gets me away from that.

When all voices are equal, I have to listen to all voices. I can’t afford this mentally, emotionally or physically. When all data is available, I have to process all data. I’m not big enough.

Paper edits for me.

I once worked with a guy to make a hobby magazine in PDF. His content was 100% from a large online forum. I asked him why he’d do this — why he’d charge for the exact content that hobbyists could get for free online.

He said it’s because the forum is like a river; the water flows by and downstream and away. The magazine dips in and scoops some out, stopping it. It adds images, typography, visual rhythm and alters its environment, and in so doing it changes the experience by giving me space.

It’s an important quality that we can’t afford to lose, and my guess is that we won’t.

Yes, some paper publishing is for tradition or power or status quo or because it’s what we’re used to. These things will change. But the essential ways in which paper is truly superior, these are here to stay.

All of that being said, we recognize that some people do enjoy reading media electronically, so we also make Heart of Ohio available to readers on our website, www.heartofohiomagazine.com. Also, look for our Pairings blog, coming soon.

Diane Brown, Publisher

Now 8 issues!

6 issues of Heart of Ohio plus 2 bonus issues of Pairings, our new wine publication!

ONE YEAR

scan this QR code with your smartphone

(6 +2 issues)

18

$

To have Heart of Ohio magazine and Pairings mailed directly to your home or office, subscribe online at www.heartofohiomagazine.com or call the circulation office during business hours: 419.524.2127

Collision Repair Family owned and operated since 1953.

More than just Collision Repair

COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR Our experience and training make the difference!

Everything Under the Hood

 We work with all insurance companies  Over 395 years of collective automotive experience

 25 I-CAR Trained and ASE Certified technicians and staff 595 Fifth Avenue • Mansfield, Ohio 44905 419-524-1350 • Fax: 419-524-8855 www.bakerscollision.com

 6 ASE Certified Master Technicians  Over 98% customer satisfaction rating

You’re Driving Home Our Reputation!

BRAKES • ALIGNMENTS • HEATING & COOLING INNER W 2012

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Turn Spring Cleaning into

Green Cleaning Get cash back — and help the environment — when you recycle your old household and industrial metal items at General Recycling of Ohio, a subsidiary of Nucor Steel Marion.

General Recycling of Ohio, LLC, a subsidiary of Nucor Steel Marion, Inc. Nucor is the largest producer of steel in the U.S. and North America’s largest recycler.

We are proud to help keep scrap out of America’s landfills and junkyards by recycling over 26 million tons of steel annually and 350,000 tons right here in Marion, Ohio.

We look forward to purchasing your old metal items and putting them back to good use rebuilding America. Visit us at 400 Bartram Avenue, Marion, Ohio 43302 or call us at (740) 383-6068. We are open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Monday through Friday.

To be part of the team that is leading the effort to rebuild America, go to www.nucor.com to look for career opportunities. Nucor Steel Marion is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are a division of Nucor Steel and share their simple business philosophy: take care of our customers by being the safest, highest quality, lowest cost, most profitable steel and steel products company in the world.

Recycling Our Past to Rebuild for Our Future