Heart of Ohio - Spring 2011

Unfolding the beauty of spring in Ohio

SPRING 2011

Schnormeier Gardens

Peace, Harmony & Serenity PLUS: Tree Frog Canopy Tours Appreciating Ohio’s Native Orchids Decorating with an International Flair Heart of Ohio Fairgrounds

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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FEATURES Tree Frog Canopy Tours: Tarzan had nothing on these guys!

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Appreciating Ohio’s 12 Native Orchids Schnormeier Gardens: 14 Peace, Harmony & Serenity

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Decorating with an 30 International Flair

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Heart of Ohio Fairgrounds: 40 A past, a present and a future community resource SPRING 2011

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FROM THE EDITOR

“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.”

— Guillaume Apollinaire (1880-1918) Poet, Playwright, Art Critic

Publisher SunGraphics, Inc. Diane K. Brown, President diane@sungraphicsinc.com

The first sign of spring is different for each of us. Winter releases its icy grip as the frosty blanket of snow melts away. Green gradually returns to the landscape, and we all seem to be as much surprised as refreshed by the change. That first gentle breeze with its touch of warmth is a gift we particularly appreciate this year because it reminds us that a very challenging winter is finally behind us.

This edition of Heart of Ohio celebrates the beginning of spring with a look at the incredible beauty of Schnormeier Gardens in Mt. Vernon. The creation of this magical place is captured in the pages of the book, Schnormeier Gardens, Peace, Harmony and Serenity, by Scot E. Long, Ph.D. You might be surprised (I know I was) to find that we have some unusually lovely orchids native to our area, Naturalist Warren Uxley shares a few of them with us. You’ll learn a little more about one of our best community resources in our part of the state as we visit the fairgrounds in our service area. They have served us well this past winter during some very trying conditions.

Jeff Wilkinson grows his own delicious shiitake mushrooms year round in Lexington, and he shares his secrets with us. This issue also introduces Dr. Stephen Gavazzi, the new Dean and Director of OSU Mansfield, and gives you a look at the new Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Nursing that will be under construction in Mansfield this July. You’ll also find the first installment of a series about the challenge and excitement of building not just a house, but building a home in, “The Personal Home…

From Start to Finish”.

To sum it all up, the spring landscape in central Ohio always reminds me of the transformation in the movie, The Wizard of Oz. Things roll along just fine in black and white, but then half an hour into the movie the screen bursts into color! Well, we’re not in Kansas anymore, and no one needs to drop a house on me to make me appreciate this Technicolor season. Welcome to spring in the heart of Ohio.

Editor Diana L. Coon editor@heartofohiomagazine.com Sales & Marketing Tiffany Miller tiffany@heartofohiomagazine.com Debra Baker debra@heartofohiomagazine.com Contributing Writers Diana L. Coon Julie McCready Mike Greene Paula M. Cohen Guest Authors Graphic Designers Tami Shuck Tom Hofacre Circulation Becky Herrick maildept@sungraphicsinc.com

Heart of Ohio magazine is printed and published quarterly (plus special editions)

by SunGraphics, Inc.

41 Longview Ave. E., Mansfield, Ohio 44903

Diana L. Coon, Editor Heart of Ohio magazine

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

SPRING 2011

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ON THE COVER: Looking across the quarry to the house at Schnormeier Gardens.

Photography: Courtesy of Ted Schnormeier and Scot E. Long, from the book Schnormeier Gardens: Peace, Harmony & Serenity

Copyright 2010 pending, 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 Outdoor Living

Comfortable Living

8 The Gardens of Anything is Possible

35 The Personal Home… from Start to Finish

10 Growing Your Own Shiitake Mushrooms

Health & Wellness 21 Home is Where the Heart is…

Keeping it Liveable for Older Adults 25 The Secret’s Out: Heart Disease is Easily the Top Killer of Women

Sports & Recreation 44 Keeping Score with Mike Greene: “Chance” of a Lifetime

Money Matters 51 Working with a Financial Advisor

Training & Education

Business Matters

27 Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Nursing: A Bridge to Somewhere

52 Creating a Better Tomorrow: Richland Community Development Group

29 Dr. Stephen Gavazzi: A New Face and a New Dream at OSU-Mansfield

IN EVERY ISSUE 3 From the Editor 48 Milliron Everyday Heroes 56 Ask the Communication Coach

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60 The Last Word

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W hat is th e first sig n of Sp rin g fo r you in th e heart of Ohio?

Look for this image throughout the magazine to find out when it’s time to put that winter coat away.

SPRING 2011

Answer the next featured question on Facebook.

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.

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Tarzan had nothing on these guys!

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Some people go on vacation and they bring home a t-shirt. Bruce Baker and his wife Laurie went to Puerto Vallarta and brought home the idea for a business.

Given the first-year success of Tree Frog Canopy Tours, they most likely have picked the better of those two options.

Bruce Baker is Vice President of operations at Tree Frog, and he explained, “We did our first zip line, and we loved it!

So much, in fact, that we thought it might be a good thing to do after retirement.

Later, as we got into it, we knew we didn’t want to wait that long to start our own business.” Their business partners, Jody and AnnaLee Christiansen, already had a love for recreational tree climbing, so they decided to explore this new adventure together.

The couple says the toughest part of finding the place for their new venture was locating land that had not been timbered. After looking at three sites, they finally arrived at Mohican Wilderness Campground, and they knew right away the 50-acre site was perfect for their needs.

The Tree Frog zip line was designed by Bonsai Design, the same company who installed the well-known zip line in Alaska. “Once you saw the differences in the installation work, there was no question who we wanted to work with on our project,” Bruce stated, “but our wish to work with them also meant moving our project along quickly to keep our place in line.” The work was finished and the season started late for the new operation on August 1, 2010. The fact that four of their first nine days of operation were sold out suggests that a SPRING 2011

lot of people were anxiously waiting that opening day.

Tree Frog Canopy Tours feature some of Ohio’s most outstanding zip lines, one reaching 1,095 feet in length, and the tallest a towering 120 feet in height.

Bruce Baker says, “We used a different design philosophy. We chose quality over quantity. The course consists of only seven zips, but we designed them higher and longer.”

The most important safety equipment at Tree Frog is the crew of guides. The entire team is nationally trained, and one of only two crews in the country to attain ACCT certification. Most of the guides

Amy Kazmaier (Sandusky, Ohio) enjoying the ride.

have a “real job” in addition to being a zip line guide; a chemist, educators and engineers make the staff varied and interesting, but the same love of riding the zip lines keeps each of them coming back.

Each customer starts with, and must graduate from, ground school where they learn the basics and are given safety instruction. The course is designed for average or above mobility, so it is necessary that the adventurer is able to perform a “self rescue” which consists of leaning back and pulling themselves to the platform in the event the run doesn’t get them there. Weight requirement is between 90 and 250 pounds.

Two guides work with a group of no more than eight, strapping on and adjusting harnesses, then securing each participant to the line. One guide is first across the zip line to assure the “zippers” know when to slow down. The second guide is the last across the line to make sure everyone has crossed safely. Each zip line adventure averages two and a half to three hours in length.

Although the age range for Tree Frog is from ten years to whatever age you happen to be, you might think that only adventurous teens would be booking zip line excursions. That kind of thinking would be wrong. Bruce smiles as he tells the story of eight sisters who booked a trip because it was on their “bucket list” of things to do. The women ranged in age from 60 to 82, and they had a wonderful time. Bruce says there have been a few who have backed out at the last minute. “Usually it’s right at the entry zip. They’ll take a look at the first element, which is a 50-foot suspended bridge, and just back out. It really doesn’t happen often.”

Matt Weekly (Butler), Tony Maples (Mansfield), Amy Weekly (Butler) and Jenny Maples (Mansfield) begin the adventure.

What was the most memorable event during the first season? Right at the top of the list had to be the couple who became engaged while on the line. The groom-to-be went across the line first, and proposed to his girlfriend as she zipped to the platform.

Tree Frog Canopy Tours group looks forward to a successful second season with the addition of helmet cams, which

means you have the opportunity to take your adventure home with you to share with friends and family.

You can find Tree Frog Canopy Tours at 21899 Wally Road, in Glenmont, Ohio, just nine miles south of Loudonville.

For complete pricing and booking information visit the website: http://www.treefrogcanopytours.com, or call 740.599.2662. •

SPRING 2011

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Tree Frog guide Matt Failor watches a “zipper” safely cross the zipline.

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The Gardens of

Anything is Possible Ashland F.L.A.G.G. project

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Al Holdren has been President of Town and Country Co-op for nearly twenty years. For a few of those years he had an idea rumbling around in his head about helping people and teaching them about agriculture, but he just hadn’t gotten around to working out the details.

He took that idea to Ev DeVaul, Director of United Way of Ashland County. “I told him about my idea, but Ev’s the one who put legs under it. He has the leadership skills and a way of making things fun that just seem to get things done,” Al said.

That was the beginning of FLAGG — Families Learn and Grow Gardens.

As community impact programs go, gardening may seem like a small place to start, but the twenty families who participated from planting to harvest would tell you it was a big experience for them. The plan was to provide the tools and materials, plus some expert guidance, to area families at or below 200 percent of the poverty level. By the end of summer, creating a community garden where families could learn the basics of growing food was dwarfed in importance by the other lessons and friendships that were shared by the people involved.

United Way handled the organizing, Town and Country Co-op donated the use of the land for the project, and Crestview FFA plotted the fifteen acres for the gardens. Al explained, “This year we’re going to make the plots a little

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SPRING 2011

larger. We have enough land for a hundred garden plots if the demand was there. That land has just been sitting there empty, and last summer it was good to see it put to good use; I’ve already plowed it for spring planting. I’ve been amazed by the attention this has gotten and how highly thought of it has been. I have to give credit to the Co-op board of directors for giving me the okay to do this for the community.”

Their heads together and their hands at work, Town and Country, Ev DeVaul at United Way of Ashland County, the Ashland Area Council for Economic Development, and Master Gardeners strove to make the opportunity a reality.

Willodell Nursery donated compost, Crestview FFA built picnic tables to make the garden site more family friendly, and Mapleton schools created the sign and built the trellis and fences for the project.

Money collected by school children and Sunday school classes helped add dollars to the budget. In addition, insecticides, plants, garden hose, tools and fertilizers found their way to the project through the generosity of area retailers and schools.

Families who participated in the project were assigned through Job and Family Services. Encouragement and instruction were distributed liberally as the new gardeners planted, watered and weeded under the watchful eye of volunteers from Master Gardeners.

Throughout the summer everyone met for a garden inspection night; each participant was encouraged to keep a journal and to name their garden.

One participant named her plot “The Garden of Anything is Possible”, and her enthusiasm for the experience seemed to resonate with the other gardeners as well.

As summer progressed the results varied, making some growers happier

with their results than others, but almost everyone took away valuable lessons in working together and seeing something through from start to finish. Eating better and being introduced to vegetables they might never have tried before was another bonus for many of the families.

At the end of the growing season, Home Hardware in Ashland supported the project by providing freezers at cost to the group. To become eligible for a freezer, the gardeners had to participate in and complete work sessions on freezing and canning foods that were conducted by retired Ohio State University extension office educator, Pat Shenberger. Eight families completed all the necessary requirements and used their newly acquired skills to stock their freezers with home grown vegetables as the summer came to an end.

The teamwork and follow through practiced by everyone involved were really the things that made this community project a success. To date, Ev DeVaul and Al Holden have visited and shared the program with United Way leaders in Medina, Lorain and Wayne/Holmes counties where they feel it was well received.

Al Holdren sums it up when he says, “If just one person is turned on by this project it will all have been worth it.”

Mansfield NECIC

Encouraging community gardens and community growth The North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC) in Mansfield isn’t afraid to take on projects that benefit its clients. In 2006, while still a volunteer organization, the group created the “Tool Shed”. This colorfully painted shed behind the offices houses mowers, garden tools, weed eaters, snow blowers and shovels. Community

“We can never get a re-creation of community and heal our society without giving our citizens a sense of belonging.”

— Hunter Campbell “Patch” Adams, Physician, Activist, Author, born 1945

Ashland residents work to get things just right.

In Mansfield, the Tool Shed puts all equipment donations to good use.

Organizer, Jean Taddie, said, “Often in the summer the lawnmowers are loaned out four or five times a day. In the winter the same is true of the snow removal equipment. All residents need is their ID to borrow tools.”

The Tool Shed project accepts donations of tools and equipment, every piece is maintained and put to good use.

In 2007, with the support of the Fran and Warren Rupp Foundation, the NECIC hired director Deanna West-Torrence as executive director. One of the original founders of the group, Deanna said, “I believe the NECIC is poised to make great strides in developing the north end and I look forward to seeing it grow into its role as a leadership development organization.”

The role of the NECIC in helping residents produce community gardens is important to that end. They are invaluable in assisting residents in obtaining the use of land, supplying tools thru the Tool Shed project, as well as offering encouragement and information with the expertise and assistance of the Master Gardeners. Residents may apply for small grants to use for gardening startup costs, and attend meetings where they share experiences, swap plants and exchange ideas. Community gardens are about growing food and relationships in equal parts. They add a special element to a residential neighborhood, announcing to everyone that the residents are invested and proud of where they live.

Community projects such as these address more than just food production.

Garden development offers one possible alternative to the pressing issues of vacant lots, it may encourage economic development, and it offers a healthy activity for children. Growing and preserving fresh-grown produce encourages healthy food choices and provides a sense of accomplishment for participating families. Creating productive green space in urban areas is becoming more popular as the benefits continue to multiply for participating communities.

In 2010, there were at least a half dozen community gardens in the north end. In the summer of 2011, the NECIC hopes to increase that number substantially. In January, a community gardening summit, Raising Richland, was held at the Longview Center. The summit was designed for anyone interested in gardens and neighborhood projects. In addition, Master Gardener classes were offered January through April of this year through a joint effort of Master Gardener volunteers and the Ohio State University Extension office. These events, coordinated with NECIC, encouraged interested residents to support an existing community garden or organize a new garden.

NECIC is hopeful that 2011 will produce a bumper crop of community gardens assisted by the seeds of encouragement they have planted in Mansfield’s north end. To find out how you can participate in community gardening, contact Jean Taddie at NECIC at (419) 525-3101. • www.heartofohiomagazine.com SPRING 2011

9

OUTDOOR LIVING

Growing Your Own Shiitake Mushrooms

by Jeff Wilkinson, Lexington, Ohio

I’ve been an avid mushroom hunter for as long as I can remember. In my youth, my dad and “old” friends would get together and head to the woods on a nice spring day to hunt the elusive morel mushroom. Over time, I have been on thousands of mushroom hunts with my dad and many friends. The one downside of hunting for wild mushrooms, whether in the spring or any other time at the year, is that you are at the mercy of Mother Nature to provide the right conditions for mushroom growth.

Mushrooms are 90 percent water and need ample moisture and the right temperature to grow. When those conditions are right, you can usually find enough mushrooms to fill your need. If not, then you have to wait for another day, or worse yet, another whole year. That is why I decided to take Mother Nature into my own hands and grow my own mushrooms… shiitake mushrooms, that is.

About 20 years ago, I ran into a gentleman from Taiwan who knew I was a mushroom freak. He asked if I was interested in growing mushrooms. I said,

“Sure, but don’t you need a cave or some other dark place in which to grow mushrooms?” His answer was no, and he proceeded to explain to me how to grow shiitake mushrooms. At first I didn’t believe him. He told me where I could get some “mushroom logs” he had growing near Cleveland, and if I was interested, I could go pick them up, and he would show me the ropes. Of course I agreed, and that is how I got started growing mushrooms.

After locating the mushroom logs and managing to wrestle them back to my home, my curiosity was piqued by the few mushrooms that were growing right out of the small pieces of wood. My friend proceeded to explain that the Japanese have been growing shiitake (pronounced she-ta-key) mushrooms for centuries. The shiitake is native to Japan and is not found naturally in the United States. It grows on the Shii tree, a relative to our native oak species here in Ohio.

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Jeff in his greenhouse, checking the progress of the shiitake logs.

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SPRING 2011

Initially, only royalty were permitted to grow the shiitake mushroom. They would bring in branches of the Shii tree that were fruiting the mushrooms and grow them in their gardens. Over time, they figured out how to culture the mushrooms for a more controlled production, and the art of growing mushrooms spread to all walks of life in Japan. Back in the 80s, the process made its way to the United States and has since become a multimillion dollar business.

Today the shiitake mushroom is grown indoors on composted sawdust or another medium, as well as the “old” way on oak logs. As I explain how the process works, you will see that it is a relatively easy way to produce this delicious delicacy at home.

There are three steps in growing shiitake mushrooms: inoculation, laying, and fruiting. The first step involves securing mushroom spawn, in the form of sawdust or small plugs. This medium is the carrier for the mushroom mycelium, or mushroom root that will eventually

and high relative humidity, the mushrooms will grow to the size of a pop can top in several days. To harvest your mushrooms, simply pull and twist them off. Store your mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator and they will keep that way for weeks, until you enjoy them in your favorite dish.

After the logs fruit, flip them over so the spawn runs evenly, wait four weeks

and soak again. You can soak the logs three or four times a year, and they will produce for up to five years before you will need to start to process over again.

Growing your own shiitake mushrooms requires some effort in the beginning, but with a little effort you can enjoy an interesting hobby and fresh mushrooms year ‘round! Good luck and good growing. •

MUSHROOM RECIPES

by Lucia Anguelas

Mushroom Paté 8 oz. porcini mushrooms (fluffed in 1 cup hot water) 1 tsp. olive oil 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 celery stalks, trimmed and finely chopped 8 oz. button mushrooms, cleaned & sliced 1 egg

Grated rind & juice of 1 orange (may substitute 2 Tbsp. Sherry for juice) ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley or dill, chopped Optional 1 fresh, or pickled, jalapeno pepper (or ginger)

Preheat oven to 350˚. In heavy bottomed pan, heat oil. Add shallots, garlic, peppers, celery and sauté for 3 minutes. Add chopped porcini and button mushrooms and continue to cook for 2-4 minutes. Salt & pepper to taste. Remove from heat, add remaining ingredients and spoon mixture into individual ramekins. Place ramekins into water bath and bake 15 – 20 minutes. Serve hot or cold with raw vegetables and crisp breads.

Stuffed Mushrooms 4 large Portobello mushrooms Olive oil 2 – 3 garlic cloves 2 shallots ½ cup fresh whole wheat breadcrumbs

Rosemary or fresh basil to taste (if rosemary is used, add a few Tbsp. of water) ½ cup diced apple 2 oz. feta cheese 1 Tbsp. lightly toasted pine nuts

Preheat oven to 350˚. Clean Portobello mushrooms, remove (and save) stalks, brush with olive oil, and place in proper sized dish. Combine mushroom stalks, garlic, shallots and breadcrumbs in bowl and mix well (you may combine in a food processor, but do not chop too fine). Stuff mushrooms with mixture and bake for 10 – 12 minutes.

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colonize your logs. Next, you cut some fresh red or white oak limbs two to four inches in diameter and about forty inches long. They need to be fresh cut sometime from late September to about April, the time the trees come out of dormancy.

You need fresh wood, because with old wood there is a chance other foreign fungus has become established in the wood. It may also be too dry to get the shiitake mushrooms established.

Once you have your spawn and freshly cut logs, it is time to inoculate the logs.

This is done by drilling holes in the log, about an inch deep and eight inches apart in a straight row. Then you turn the log and drill another set of holes, staggering the row between the holes you just drilled. After all the holes are drilled, plant the spawn medium, either sawdust or plug, into the hole. Then seal it with wax to prevent the site from drying out.

Once inoculation is complete on all the logs, they must be stacked, log cabin style, off the ground. Cover the pile with old burlap or lightly with tree branches.

Locate your stacked logs in a shady area, out of direct sunlight and protected from the wind. Now you just wait. It takes about ten to twelve months for the mushroom spawn to colonize each log. If you inoculated your logs in the spring, the following spring is when you can expect to see the fruits of your labor. Watch the ends of the logs in your stack and look for the white fuzzy spawn to show up. That is a sure sign that the logs are ready to go the next stage.

Now it’s time to start the fruiting stage, where you see and harvest the mushrooms. After your long wait is over, remove your logs from the stack and soak them for 24 hours in cold water. A small tank, creek, pond or even your bathtub works! Don’t over soak. Remove from the water and strike one end of the log with a hammer several times. It is called the soak and shock treatment and “wakes up” the spawn to fruit the mushrooms.

Sounds crazy, but it works. Within five to ten days, depending on the weather conditions, you should see small bumps near the inoculation site as the mushrooms start to grow. In good growing conditions, 60 degrees at night

SPRING 2011

11

Appreciating Ohio’s Native Orchids

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by Warren Uxley, Naturalist for the Crawford Park District The orchids are one of the largest — if not the largest — plant families in the world. Some estimates place the number of species at 25,000. While most are at home in the tropics, it should come as no surprise that such a large, successful and diverse group of plants would have found its way into the temperate and even the arctic regions of the globe.

In Ohio, 45 orchid species have been documented and, unfortunately, many of them are in trouble. As of 2010, 19 species have been listed by Ohio Department of Natural Resources as endangered, threatened or potentially threatened.

Another five have not been seen in over two decades. The statistics are grim, but there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy this beautiful and seductive group of plants in the Buckeye state.

A prairie specialist, the endangered White Lady Slipper flowers in early May. One of five species of slipper orchids, it thrives in the thin, wet and highly alkali soils at Resthaven Wildlife Area near Castalia. Its ability to adapt to alkali soils

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SPRING 2011

gives it an advantage over the competition. It’s a common theme; orchids frequently specialize in survival where other plants are unable to adapt.

The Showy Lady Slipper is yet another slipper orchid that has specific needs.

Listed as threatened by Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Showy is considered by many to be the most beautiful wildflower in North America.

Large numbers can be seen in early June at Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve. The upwelling of huge amounts of ground water keeps the soils at Cedar Bog very wet and cold. The cold and saturated ground also provides habitat for the Grass Pink Orchid, which blooms at least a full week later than the Showy.

The Dragon’s Mouth Orchid — sometimes called Arethusa — is Ohio’s most endangered orchid species. A denizen of cold sphagnum bogs, this exquisite plant is found emerging directly out of mats of sphagnum moss. The extremely acidic water in bogs makes nutrient uptake very difficult for most

plants, but several orchid species manage to flourish in these challenging environments. Once again, it’s a case of orchids beating the competition by thriving in habitats where other plants are unable to live.

By late June, the first of several fringed orchids begin to bloom. Listed by both federal and state agencies as threatened, the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid can be found at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area.

This orchid, like many of its kind, is subject to wild fluctuations in numbers from year to year. The reason for these unusual population swings is unknown.

It’s just one of the many aspects of orchid ecology that intrigues and confounds the experts.

The orchid predilection for specialized habitats has been just one reason for the downward trend in numbers. Collectors decimate populations (transplants rarely survive) and invasive non-native plants are an ongoing threat to some species.

Bogs have been drained and prairies plowed under.

Fortunately, most of what is left is now protected. Visitors must tread lightly and resist the temptation to collect plants.

With thoughtful actions by all, Ohio’s orchids should endure for many decades to come. • Photos by Warren Uxley, left to right: Showy Lady Slipper: The Showy Lady Slipper is thought by many to be the most

beautiful wildflower in North America. The cold, wet soils of Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve support Ohio’s largest population.

Dragon’s Mouth or Arethusa: One of Ohio’s most endangered plants, the Dragon’s Mouth is found growing in the sphagnum bogs. Many other orchid species flourish in the highly acidic substrates of bogs.

Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid: One of Ohio’s few federally threatened plants, the

Prairie Fringed Orchid is found in the wet soils of grasslands.

Grass Pink: Another denizen of Cedar Bog, the Grass Pink usually flowers in the third week of June. It, like so many of Ohio’s orchids, is threatened in Ohio.

White Lady Slipper: Endangered in Ohio, the White Lady Slipper thrives in the thin, alkali soils and open habitats of Resthaven Wildlife Area.

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13

SCHNORMEIER GARDENS PEACE, HARMONY & SERENITY

T

he book Schnormeier Gardens, Peace, Harmony & Serenity is an amalgam of breathtaking photos and interesting facts about the construction of this incredible place. Written by Scot Long, Ph.D., close friend (and fellow church member) of the Schnormeiers, the author has been given the perfect perch from which to write this biography of beauty.

The Schnormeier family moved to Knox County in 1966, acquiring a house and three acres just five miles east of Mt. Vernon. Ann Schnormeier loved the open green space across the road from their home, and in 1986, Ted purchased the 12-acre field as a surprise gift for her.

Later, an additional 63 acres were added that eventually became Schnormeier Gardens. Thus began the project that was to be a fusion of the artistic, the ecological and the spiritual. Additional green space buffer areas were planned and purchased surrounding the gardens.

The Gardens themselves consist of 75 acres of rolling land that embrace the owners home, five man-made ponds, several graceful bridges, and nine individual Asian stroll gardens, each a work of art in its own right. Wherever possible, the contours of the land were respectfully maintained. Scot Long details the unique plantings of trees, shrubs and

flowers that abound, explaining the origins of the greenery and the design concepts that prompted their selection.

We learn the unique challenges of every piece of the project and the innovative ways they were overcome to bring this landscaping work of art to fruition.

Scot Long describes Ted Schnormeier as the prime architect and head carpenter for every building project in the gardens.

Bringing his many talents to every challenge, he is a man who learned his woodworking skills from his father, a cabinet maker. The personalities of Ted and Ann come alive in the pages of this book and the love of beauty and whimsy that has forged the vision for the gardens is apparent.

Work on the Schnormeier residence began in 1992, with Ted and Ann serving as chief designers, architects, and interior decorators. Ann sketched out the original floor plan for the Frank Lloyd Wright

inspired house, which was to be the centerpiece and the reason for the gardens. The author chronicles the project from roof design to stained glass panel concepts, bringing the beautiful structure alive in glowing detail.

Ted and Ann’s travels to China and Japan have contributed to the gardens’ design; they have found Asian inspiration in some unlikely places as well. The Japanese teahouse that accents the Waterfalls Gardens is modeled after one the couple discovered in Dublin’s Japanese Garden at the National Stud Farm during a trip to Ireland. Perhaps one of the most challenging additions to the garden is the Quarry, a project whose inspiration, in part, came from a visit to the Innisfree Gardens in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Ann describes it as “completing the circle” with the elegant Schnormeier home at the hub. Scot Long’s chapter on the building of the Quarry, created from

You are the garden while you are here”.

— Ann Schnormeier

“What’s fascinating about my ritual visits to the Schnormeier Gardens is that it acts as a gateway to my own sense of awe.”

— R. Keith Stuart, Minister

www.heartofohiomagazine.com SPRING 2011

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www.heartofohiomagazine.com

“The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson more than 1,200 tons of blue-grey limestone, is a great read. Beginning with Ann and Ted’s original idea, to the model created by master landscaper and sculptor Bob Stovicek in February 2008, to the Quarry’s completion in just 90 days, the chapter on the building of this beautiful section of the garden was my favorite. A visit to Schnormier Gardens reveals the Quarry to be a setting that looks as if it has been there for generations, making the book’s explanation of the project even more fascinating.

Visitors encounter many pieces of art throughout Schnormeier Gardens. The work includes “The Family Tree”, the most symbolic sculpture in the garden with each crescent representing a part of the Schnormeier family, and a sculptural impression of Ted and Ann that looks out over the landscape. These and other beautiful additions meant for the enjoyment of guests were placed there to enhance, but not overpower, the natural beauty of the gardens. They serve that task well.

Schnormeier Gardens, Peace, Harmony & Serenity is a book filled with these things and more. The book begins with an eloquent foreword by Pastor R. Keith Stuart, Ph.D., of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mt. Vernon, followed by Scot Long’s narrative written from an anthropological perspective, layering the Schnormeier Gardens construction on that platform. It is obvious the writing of this book was a labor of love and appreciation for Ted and Ann Schnormeier and the gardens they have created. One cannot close the pages

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of this beautiful tomb without absorbing some of that and being grateful for it.

The gardens are open to the public June 1 through June 5, 2011. For information on visiting the gardens, or to take an electronic mini tour, visit the website at www.schnormeiergardens.org. • About the Author Dr. Scot E. Long is an anthropologist specializing in cultural ecology who recently authored nine articles in the West Virginia Encyclopedia, a publication of the WV Humanities Council. During the early 1990s he served as associate editor of Farmweek Newspaper in Knightstown, Indiana. After completing his doctorate in anthropology at Ohio State University, Scot worked as a research associate for Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster. He also earned a master’s degree in agriculture and communication from OSU. Currently, Dr. Long is an instructor at Zane State College and also teaches anthropology at University of Akron. He resides in Mt. Vernon, Ohio with his wife Cynthia and two children.

Schnormeier Gardens, Peace, Harmony & Serenity may be purchased at Paragraphs Bookstore in Mt. Vernon or from the following website: cottagehousepublishing.com.

Photography: Scot Long, Ted Schnormeier, Bob Casey, Ted Stone and Jeff Thompson

Grandpa, will you hear me when I start talking?

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Opens April 3 for the 2011 season.

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SPRING 2011

Your local expert on aging and long term care.

780 Park Avenue West, Mansfield 419-524-4144 | 800-860-5799 www.aaa5ohio.org

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Home is Where the Heart is…

Keeping it Liveable for Older Adults

by Bev Rosich, Communications Manager, Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. It is a given most people want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. As we age, sometimes it is necessary to modify the home to make it more accessible and safer for the older person living there.

What are Home Modifications?

Home modifications are changes made to adapt living spaces to meet the needs of people with physical limitations so that they can continue to live independently and safely. Modifications can range from something as simple as replacing cabinet doorknobs with pull handles to full-scale construction projects that require installing wheelchair ramps and widening doorways.

Why Do Seniors Need Home Modifications?

How to Tell What Home Modifications Are Needed Home modifications should improve the following features of a home:

■ Accessibility. Improving accessibility involves such things as making doorways wider, clearing spaces to make sure a wheelchair can pass through, lowering countertop heights for sinks and kitchen cabinets, installing grab bars, and placing light switches and electrical outlets at heights that can be reached easily.

■ Adaptability. Adaptability features are changes that can be made quickly to accommodate the needs of seniors or disabled individuals without having to completely redesign the home or use different materials for essential fixtures.

Installing grab bars in bathroom walls and movable cabinets under the sink so that someone in a wheelchair can use the space.

■ Universal Design features are usually built into a home when the first blueprints or architectural plans are drawn. These features include appliances, fixtures, and floor plans that are easy for all people to use, flexible

enough so that they can be adapted for special needs, sturdy and reliable and functional with a minimum of effort.

■ Visibility features include home modifications for seniors who may want to entertain disabled guests or who wish to plan ahead for the day when they may require some extra help in getting around their own home. Installing a ramp to the front door of the house and remodeling the hallways and rooms to be wheelchair accessible.

Before making any home modifications, evaluate your current and future needs by going through the home room by room and looking for changes that may need to be made. •

The Area Agency on Aging covers a nine county district of Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca and Wyandot Counties and can be reached at 419-524-4144 or 800-860-5799 or www.aaa5ohio.org.

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

The main benefit of making home modifications is that they promote independence and prevent accidents.

Studies show that most older people wish to remain in their home, but other studies show that most homes are not designed to accommodate the needs of people over age 65.

Most older people live in homes that are more than 20 years old. As the homes get older along with their residents, they may become harder to live in or maintain.

For example, a house that was suitable for a person age 55 may have too many stairs or slippery surfaces for a person who is 70 or 80. Research has shown that home modifications and repairs may prevent 30% to 50% of all home accidents among seniors, including falls.

SPRING 2011

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Call Jill or Tanya at 419-526-2900 for a personal tour and come see why we say...

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Hospice

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SUMMER FUN ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES Are you looking for the perfect place to stay fit and avoid that hot summer heat? The Y is here to help, providing all of the programs your family needs to stay fit, stay safe, and beat that summer heat. So get your family’s summer off to a great start, join the Y!

SPRING 2011

MANSFIELD YMCA 750 Scholl Road, Mansfield, OH 419.522.3511 | mansfieldy.org

Sometimes it’s easy to let things slide off your priority list, but taking care of your personal health should not be one of those...especially a non-healing wound.

Wounds that linger for 30 days need the attention of a doctor who specializes in wound care.

The Wound Healing Center of Bucyrus Community Hospital specializes in the latest therapies for hard to heal wounds and includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Our doctors are experts in the field and our staff is specially trained to offer a personal care program that will get you back to the life that you remember.

If you suffer from any of these conditions or symptoms, we can help: • Diabetic wounds • Infection • Pressure wounds • Gangrene • Radiation burns • Failing grafts & flaps • Surgical wounds • Wounds on lower legs or feet • Any wound not healed within 30 days

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Cardiologist, Mary Alton, M.D. Valedictorian St. Peters High School ‘78

Heart disease strikes thousands of women a year. We’re striking back.

Trust one of Ohio’s highest-ranked cardiology programs.

Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer of women? No matter what your heart condition, you don’t have to go far to get world-class care. Because HealthGrades recently rated our cardiology department among the state’s best in three critical areas -- coronary intervention, surgery and cardiac services. They also gave us a five-star rating for the treatment of heart failure. We made a commitment to the women in our communities.

To learn more, go to medcentral.org.

Expert heart care close to home.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The Secret’s Out: Heart Disease is Easily the Top Killer of Women

by Gary Hunt, Public Relations Specialist, MedCentral Health System indicated this might be because their own bodies’ estrogen tends to help keep their cholesterol at healthy levels. Estrogen therapy after menopause, in contrast, doesn’t seem to help as much and can lead to complications.

“But if a woman smokes, that estrogen isn’t protecting them anymore,” she said.

“That’s why teenage girls who smoke are really in jeopardy. That puts them at a much higher risk.”

Heart disease is still the number-one killer of men and women, yet the symptoms seem to vary between the genders. The classic symptoms — chest pressure or pain that radiates to an arm — seem to be more common for men, but nevertheless are experienced by some women.

Dr. Alton said that difference might be attributable to gender, or it might be because of the age difference.

“Guys will have a 10-year head start,” she said. “As a result, women will have some of the non-specific symptoms more common in older patients, such as fatigue or shortness of breath.

“They say women have more atypical symptoms, but men can have them, too; I’ve certainly seen men with no chest discomfort but with severe heart disease.”

Mary Alton, M.D.

Gregory Eaton, M.D.

This ties into the way heart disease has been viewed — and studied — over the years.

“As far as treatment for women, studies have focused more on men so we are using the same treatments on both,” she said. “I think the issue is more a matter of recognition than of treatment being different.”

Still, because female heart patients tend to be older, and because it can be more challenging to treat a heart and vascular system that is physically smaller, women tend to have more complications.

And finally, after they are treated, the onus is on the patient to change her behavior, especially regarding diet, exercise and tobacco use.

“The problem with heart disease is you have to change your life — you have to do things that the average couch potato doesn’t want to do,” Dr. Alton said. •

red dress run Plans are underway for the second annual Red Dress Run to benefit MedCentral Heart Health Education.

Bring your red dress to the start line on the bike trail at North Lake Park.

May 14, 2011 • 8:30 a.m.

For more details, contact Bill Sharp: bsharp@mrchamber.com or call 419.522.3211 x225

® National Wear Red Day is a registered trademark of HHS and AHA.

SPRING 2011

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

Breast cancer has become a popular cause for many people, who have done everything from wearing pink wigs to wielding pink baseball bats in the name of “awareness.”

Yet many people still are not aware that women are five times more likely to die from heart disease. It’s not publicized or feared as much as breast cancer and it doesn’t get as many charity or research dollars.

Why? Mansfield Cardiologist Mary Alton, M.D., thinks while a stigma that once existed against cancer has gone away, one remains against heart disease.

“No actress is going to go around saying ‘I’ve had heart attacks,’ because she isn’t going to get hired for a job,” she said.

“They also may feel it makes people view them as being old.

“I am sure, with the lifestyles many famous people lead, many have had heart attacks and you don’t hear about it.”

Cardiologist Gregory Eaton, M.D., thinks people have developed a comfort level about heart disease.

“There is this myth that dying of a heart attack is a quick, painless way to die,” he said, “whereas breast cancer is chronic, protracted, disfiguring. It affects women at a young age, often when they have little kids. People don’t see heart disease as the disfiguring, protracted illness that it can be.

“People don’t view heart disease as a journey, they view it as a destination,” Dr. Eaton said. “They view a stent or a bypass as ‘getting fixed.’ I think that’s because we’re not making them aware enough of what led to that stent or bypass.”

Dr. Alton said women tend to contract heart disease about a decade later than men do and after menopause. Studies have

25

i am building a healthy tomorrow.

Introducing the new Dwight Schar College of Nursing According to health care experts, an estimated 116,000 registered nurse positions are unfilled at U.S. hospitals. Here in Ohio, the shortage of nurses is estimated to be 32,000 by 2020.

Ashland University believes that investing in the education of future nurses will touch all generations and ensure quality health care for the state of Ohio, now and in the future.

Pre-licensure BSN | Accelerated BSN | Advanced Entry Admission BSN Web-Based RN to BSN | School Nurse Licensure | Gerontology Certificate

www.ashland.edu

325 Glessner Avenue | Mansfield, Ohio 44903 | 419.520.2625

Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Nursing: A Bridge to Somewhere

“

”

Nursing completes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, a level of education that prepares students to meet the demands of an increasingly fast-paced healthcare environment. With sights set clearly on the future, Ashland University’s new curriculum may eventually include several post baccalaureate degrees in other healthcare fields. Clinical work will be done in Ashland and Mansfield under a cooperative arrangement that had not previously existed, but will now provide students a working experience vital to their training.

Dr. Fred Finks, President of Ashland University, said, “We are coming in as partners with Mansfield and Richland County. The Dwight Schar College of Nursing will be a bridge between these two communities and a major investment in the future of both.”

The 46,000-square-foot Dwight Schar College of Nursing will be located on the University’s Balgreen Campus at the corner of Marion Avenue and Trimble Road in Mansfield, and is expected to be completed so students can begin classes in the new facility for the fall of 2012. •

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

July of 2011 will see a ground The acquisition process was four breaking ceremony that will touch two months long and required the University communities as Ashland University’s to reapply for the program’s accreditation, Dwight Schar College of Nursing building but by July of 2010 the Higher Learning gets underway at the Marion Avenue Commission had given its stamp of site in Mansfield. approval. The project was As we ask Early last year, Ashland underway. people to give to this University was approached At the same time, in cause, we want them to

by MedCentral College of Reston, Virginia, Dwight remember that all of us — Nursing and MedCentral Schar, an Ashland from the time we are born until Health System to University alumnus and possibly the end of our lives — explore the possibility Chairman of NVR Inc., are cared for by nurses in a variety of the University had never lost touch of settings. So making sure we have acquiring the College of with his alma mater. enough nurses in our community Nursing. Created in Enthusiastically is extremely important.

1919, the Mansfield embracing the project, Faye Grund General Hospital School he made a $5 million Dean, Ashland University of Nursing has served the commitment that has put Dwight Schar community with distinction. the $15.5 million dollar fund College of Nursing In 2003, the facility was raising effort on the right track. enrolling approximately Dwight Schar’s hope is that others 70 students; today there are nearly will meet this financial challenge and 350 students in that same nursing support the drive to build a state-of-theprogram. It had become apparent that art College of Nursing that will pay the current facility simply could no dividends to these communities well into longer accommodate today’s increasing the future. demands as equipment and class sizes Today’s nursing student at the continue to grow.

Ashland University Schar College of

SPRING 2011

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“The first robin.

Even if that bird is sitting on a snow pile, I know it is the first sign of spring!.”

Larry Mansfield

Exceeding Your Expectations “Our goal is to be the community healthcare resource of choice for you and your family.”

Bruce White, CEO Birthing Center Labor & Delivery Rooms Lactation Consultants

Center for Cancer Care Medical Oncology Radiation Oncology

Cardiovascular Services Coronary Heart Catheterizations

Center for Wound Healing

Medical/Surgical Services

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Center for Rehabilitation & Wellness Sports Rehabilitation/Neuro Rehabilitation Aquatic Therapy

Orthopedic Services

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

Digital Mammography Open MRI

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Susan Bellville

Sleep Disorders Center

Emergency Services

Specialty Clinics

Heartburn Treatment Center

Urology Vascular

Intensive Care/ Progressive Care Unit

One Team United in Caring 1330 Coshocton Road Mount Vernon Ohio 43050 740.393.9000 www.KnoxCommHosp.org

Element of Art Studio / Gallery is a non-profit art gallery that showcases the artistic talents of individuals with developmental disabilities affiliated with Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. Because the space doubles as a studio, the public has the opportunity to interact with the artists as they create unique artwork including but not limited to painting, photography, jewelry, and ceramics.

Element of Art

Phone: 419-522-2965 Gallery Hours: Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3

s t u d i o / g a l l e r y

SPRING 2011

Mid-Ohio Corporate Care Occupational Health WellnessWorks

Diagnostic Imaging

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Ambulatory Surgery

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TRAINING & EDUCATION

Dr. Stephen Gavazzi A New Face and a New Dream at OSU-Mansfield Dr. Gavazzi said, “I believe there simply cannot be too many educational opportunities for our community. It’s a very positive thing.” • Dr. Stephen Gavazzi is a professor of Human Development and Family Science. He served as a professor with OSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Science in 1991. He is a graduate of the 2006/2007 Presidents and Provosts Leadership Institute, the inaugural year of the program, and is also the author of two books on the subject of families with adolescents.

Be a Buckeye!

Join us at Ohio State Mansfield for a life-changing experience.

Contact the OSU-M Admissions Office today at 419-755-4317 or visit www.mansfield.osu.edu. www.heartofohiomagazine.com

Since January first of this year, Stephen Gavazzi has immersed himself in Mansfield and the surrounding community with a keen interest generally reserved for those running for office. In this case that doesn’t happen to be true; Dr. Gavazzi is the new Dean and Director of The Ohio State University at Mansfield, a job he has embraced with energy and enthusiasm. After twenty years at OSU-Columbus, he seems to be delighted to be in a new position on a campus he believes is poised for a giant step ahead.

“I’m thrilled to be here. I just feel so welcomed,” Gavazzi said. “When I was interviewing for the position, the second part of the process was held off campus at Malabar Farm. I looked around me at the beauty of the area that so reminded me of my childhood in Pennsylvania. When I spoke to my wife later by phone I told her this is where I want to be. I knew then that Mansfield was my first choice, and I am glad I turned out to be their first choice, too.”

Dr. Gavazzi’s passion for his new job is apparent when he talks about the

OSU-Mansfield campus, “There is so much here to work with, I really believe taking the campus to the next level will be easier than anyone thinks it will be.

There are amazing people here who will make me look good,” he laughed. “We have dedicated individuals and great senior leadership. In addition, we have nine full professors. That is just unheard of in a regional campus.”

Under Gavazzi’s leadership, a five-year plan for the campus includes a capital campaign that will allow a much needed project to enlarge and improve the recreation center. “We are one of four regional campuses, but we are one university. Our students deserve facilities that are equal to anything on the main campus,” Dr. Gavazzi said. Another one million dollars of the money will be dedicated to finance ongoing research and used as seed money for new projects.

“We want to promote research and include students in that work.”

Speaking with enthusiasm about opportunities with other educational facilities, he said, “Our partnership with North Central State is emerging and evolving. Don Plotts and I look forward to finding ways to support students and maximize their experience on our co-campus. Part of this new relationship includes the possibility of expanding access to OSU’s engineering program to NCSC students and offering OSU classes at North Central’s new Mansfield Urban Center in downtown Mansfield. Additional OSU offerings may include a pre-health science degree, and a new series of bachelor level programs to allow students the opportunity to advance beyond the associates level is being discussed. When asked about the Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Nursing planned for Mansfield,

SPRING 2011

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l a n o i t a n r e int flair

Decorating with an

G

Grasse, France is a quaint city 20 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea and the French Riviera. Built into the foothills of the French Alps, Grasse, where fragrant flowers are grown, has been crowned the capital of the perfume industry since the Renaissance; perfumeries make fragrant scents and museums house interesting artifacts about this flowery industry, including perfume bottles from Egyptian times.

The local train station affords easy access to major cities along the Cote d’Azur, (Azur Coast), including Cannes, Antibes, Nice and the country of Monaco and the famous Casino of Monte Carlo. Palm and citrus trees, intriguing architecture, the main cathedral dating back to the 11th century, along with fabulous restaurants and cafes are all a part Grasse, France.

In February of 2010, I received a phone call from an Ohio businessman that I had done several furniture and design jobs with over the last several years. He explained that he had recently purchased an 1830s perfumer’s mansion in Grasse,

France with a young French couple. He went on to explain that the couple, who are Christian missionaries in France, were restoring the mansion to its former grandeur. They would be living in one side and creating a vacation apartment rental on the property to house “Villa Des Parfum”. His request of me was to design and decorate the interior of the restored vacation rental! He went on to explain that the trust that we had established in our past work together, coupled with the price of products in France, made him realize that he would be better off purchasing everything from my store and sending all of the product by container to the house. Knowing my desire to have control of the finished design project, he assured me that I would travel to Grasse to set and complete the project so that the end product would be my exact design.

My emphatic response of “YES!” set us forth on a design and vacation adventure that I shall never forget!

Spring of 2010, the project begins taking shape. Nicky and Vinni Derieux,

the French couple, begin sending me photographs of the home and the restored side that will become the rental along with the floor plans which arrive in French and metric! I begin doing my own research on Grasse and the French Riviera to help inspire me about the design of the apartment. Nicky and I exchange email conversations about their vision of the place and I quickly come to realize that I will be creating an environment that blends the luxury of quality Americanmade furniture with the colors of the Mediterranean Region. Over the next several months we use the capabilities of the internet/emailing/Skype to agree on the colors, furniture and layout of Villa Des Parfum.

Early Fall 2010, all furniture and accessories are ordered. Upholstery selections are created using Ohio-made Norwalk Furniture. Durable leather is chosen for the sleeper sofa and dining chairs in the main living area in colors of warm browns and vibrant greens. Small swivel barrel chairs that can be turned to

www.heartofohiomagazine.com SPRING 2011

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www.heartofohiomagazine.com

the living area or around to the combined kitchen area are clothed in a neutral Sunbrella fabric that is extremely cleanable and fade resistant to the tropical sun. Layered with these neutrals is a fun, playful floral fabric that is used as accent on pillows and ottomans in the room. A warm stained dining table from another Ohio company, along with a dark stained television cabinet and dining cupboard ground the environment that is also shared by metal barstools topped with bright blue leather and a striped shag rug custom created with all of the “colours” of the room.

Villa Des Parfum offers three richly appointed “flower themed” bedrooms.

Nicky and I chose the flowers of rose, violet and magnolia for the three rooms.

Painted wood pieces follow each of the themes, along with strategically chosen accessories to complete the rooms, which offer plush pillow-top mattresses and luxurious bedding all purchased in the states and sent over with the furniture.

Round pillows upholstered with fabric red roses garner attention in the “Rose Room”, beautiful porcelain magnolia plates hang across two walls and flow over the top of the headboard in the “Magnolia Room”, and a simple violet colored glass vase holds flowers on the marble windowsill of the “Violet Room”.

November 2010, my delivery team and I inventory all the furniture, accessories and bedding at the warehouse where the container company will be picking up the

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SPRING 2011

product. Everyone involved goes to great measures to make sure everything is not only accounted for but safely packed to ensure safe transport over land and sea.

They all peer at me with looks of doubt as we wrap five foot mirrors, porcelain plates and large wooden armoires!

January 2011, a new year arrives and it is time to travel to France. Nicky and Vinni inform me that the furniture has arrived safely with nothing broken! I have a girlfriend and veteran of the furniture industry, Carrie Norris, travel with me to help with the set of the apartment. We land in Nice, where Nicky picks us up for the 35-minute ride to Grasse, and reach the restored mansion in time for our first “French lunch” of wine, cheese and fresh baguettes of bread… Oh… my… golly…

I was really in France! A short rest and we were off to work! We spent the next four days setting the environment, making beds, traveling to Toulon to an IKEA (yep, all the way to France and go to IKEA) store to purchase kitchen necessities, lighting, and a few pieces of artwork and accessories, and ending the time with a photo shoot of the completed environment for the international vacation website. A great sigh of relief and a grand smile on my face concluded the set along with a celebratory dinner in nearby Valbonne!

Day five of our trip, we move into the completed apartment from a nearby hotel and our vacation begins. I enjoy the “fruits of my labor” living in Villa des Parfum… sleeping in the fabulous bed, resting on the comfortable furniture and sitting on the secluded deck overlooking the private pool and expansive views of the town of Grasse. I also enjoy several days of what every tourist who will visit this vacation sanctuary should see and do… long walks exploring Grasse, lazy hours sitting and drinking wine at a French café, train rides and sightseeing in Cannes, Nice, and Monaco and soaking up the sun by the Mediterranean Sea. Grasse, France… where personal and professional dreams came true and I “Decorated internationally”! • To learn more about the vacation rental, visit: www.villadesparfums.com.

Julie McCready and her husband Tom own Norwalk The Furniture Idea/ McCready Interiors in Mansfield, Ohio.

In 2011, they celebrate 15 years in their current location where they offer affordable, quality furniture for the entire home.

McCready, along with five other designers, offer residential and commercial design services in Ohio and beyond!

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Fashionable. Affordable. Residential/Commercial Design

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FANTASTIC CLOSETS & SHOWER DOORS Custom designed. Affordable luxury.

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SunTouch systems create a warm environment for both new and existing floors. Available for every type of surface and for every kind of room, you can plan radiant heating for tile floors in bathrooms, stone floors in kitchens or any room where family and friends gather.

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The Personal Home… from Start to Finish availability of utilities. Good advice and good design at the beginning of the project translate into real value in the finished product.”

Jeffrey Salva (Green Valley Design in Mt. Vernon) says residential architecture is an important part of the diversity of the rural architect’s portfolio. “We have the opportunity to bring to the client options they may not otherwise see because we are trained as out-of-the-box thinkers.

Sometimes it means designing from scratch, sometimes it means creating a hybrid of three or four floor plans they have found. It is a long and complicated process with hundreds of decisions to be made. Having said that, we have the luxury of working with the client to come up with something that fills their needs and desires. It is very rewarding.”

Tim Alexander reasons that one factor limiting the use of architects in the residential field is, “Many homeseekers don’t realize how helpful an architect can be. Site evaluation, preliminary and final

drawings, obtaining contractor bids, preparing contracts, even supervising construction; an architect can be an invaluable part of the build. Services can be tailored to fit the needs and budget of the client, right down to an eight-hour session of advice and sketching. Building a house with an architect should be fun.

The experience should be one of the most exciting and creative efforts in one’s entire life,” Tim said. “Design happens when the client and the architect enjoy a unique rapport that comes from understanding and appreciation of one another’s respective roles.”

The triangle of necessary elements in building a successful home consists of the customer, the architect, and the builder.

It is important that a good rapport exists with the builder because it is impossible to get all construction details on the drawings. Part of the benefit of having an architect on board during construction is to re-evaluate field conditions, site discoveries and Mother Nature. Good

Tim Alexander (Alexander and Associates) goes over some drawings for an upcoming project.

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

Home ownership… it’s been described as the American dream. Buying a house is probably the biggest investment many of us will make in our lifetime, and since that’s where we spend 60% of our time, it seems like a good one. We decided to talk to architects in our area about their experiences in the residential market.

Many of the firms we researched for this article do not do residential design, concentrating instead on industrial and commercial work. The architects we spoke with who do design homes were passionate about it.

One local architect, Tim Alexander (Alexander and Associates in Mansfield), says he has always enjoyed residential architecture. “It was while doing this work that I came to understand we are all different in the statements we make about ourselves. There’s no doubt that clients who come to us have a flavor for non-conformity and individuality. ” Alexander said.

Often people think building a home means choosing a plan from a magazine, the end result being a house that is exactly the same as thousands of others.

They start the process to create a home that reflects their personality, but settle for the prepackaged option because they assume working with an architect is a luxury reserved for the rich. The fact is these professionals offer flexible services that can be valuable and affordable for people of all income levels. Tim Schifer (GPD group/Jester, Jones, Schifer, in Marion) said, “We can be involved in building a home from start to finish, or you can buy a half hour of my time to take a look at some stock plans you may need advice on. An architect sees things and asks questions that the client may not consider. When we look at a site we see the possibilities, but we also see the challenges. We look at drainage, positioning and the

SPRING 2011

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builders bring with them good ideas, and are often involved in the tricky details that get worked out in the rain and the mud. They also contribute a wealth of experience and problem solving that cannot be found solely in a drafting room.

What makes one home on a boulevard of houses stand out and look pleasing to the eye? Why does one small house in the woods appear as if it “grew” there while another might look out of place? It is always the presence of design; whether it’s scale, materials, proportion, or the fact that someone cared enough to keep a tree or blend in a paint color.

Frank Lloyd Wright, arguably one the greatest American architects of all time, believed that a private home represents the purest form of architectural design possibilities. One of his most famous homes, Fallingwater, located south east of Pittsburgh, has been dubbed one of the greatest architectural achievements of the century. Built in 1936, the unique and memorable home appears to be floating over a 30-foot waterfall. Designed and

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built for the Kaufmann family (of department store fame, now part of the Macy’s chain), this home melded aesthetic beauty and the relationship between man and the natural world in a way that still fascinates today Today we all know the importance of building “green” and energy efficient homes that lessen our environmental footprint. Working with the right professionals can help accomplish these

things and tailor a home that will be unique to your lifestyle. In this series of articles, our next issue will discuss the creative process of programming, choosing a site, preliminary designs and the surprising level of input from the client. Later we will continue the discussion to include final technical drawings, finding the right builder and seeing the construction process through to moving day. •

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39

Heart of Ohio Fairgrounds A past, a present and a future community resource As a child, there was never a time that a promised trip to the Richland County Fairgrounds meant anything but having a wonderful time. The Fair, a special car show or flea market, any time my parents took me there it meant fun. Walking through the livestock exhibits with my Dad was always a treat. I remember the smell of Babcock’s Donuts wafting from a cart right outside the horse barn; a distinctive mixture of scents that stays with me even today. Most things have changed by leaps and bounds since that little girl went to the Fair, but the fairgrounds and the events that take place there haven’t changed much at all. The best part is the technologyloving population still attends and celebrates the fairgrounds just as they did during my childhood.

Let’s take a look at some of these wonderful time stoppers in the heart of Ohio.

Marion County Fairgrounds

220 East Fairground St. Marion, Ohio 43302 www.marioncountyfairgrounds.com The Marion County Fairgrounds are 161 years old this year. Families in the area are accustomed to the yearly fair that offers everything from harness racing to homemade pies, the 4-H and FFA projects that are showcased, and the games, rides and food that are always such summertime hits in so many Ohio communities. Residents enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks and the Christmas Wunderland light display each year.

Unique to the Marion County Fairgrounds is the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Built around 1950, it is the largest multipurpose facility in central Ohio. Veterans Memorial Coliseum is home to a yearly National Robotics competition that brings high school and college teams from all over the country to Marion to compete. With a seating capacity of 5500, the Coliseum is a great place to stage high school wrestling, indoor football and community shows and events.

Manager, Candy Tripp, said, “A few years ago we did an economic study that showed the fairgrounds introduced approximately ten million dollars a year into the Marion economy through hotel stays, food and retail sales. The Marion County Fairgrounds is an important part of the local economy as well as supporting agriculture, education and youth development in the area. We are proud to be part of the community.”

What is important in keeping the fairgrounds financially healthy for years to come? “We must continue to lobby for state dollars. It’s important that we see the return of the

matching fund grants from the state of Ohio. We want the fairgrounds to be around for many years to come.”

Candy explained.

Crawford County Fairgrounds 610 Whetstone Street Bucyrus, Ohio 44820 www.crawfordcofair.com

Tom Laughbaum, secretary/treasurer and manager of the Crawford County Fairgrounds, says, “People don’t realize the importance of the fairgrounds until they are really needed, or until they aren’t there.

They aren’t just for entertainment.”

The first Crawford County Fair was held in October 1848. Over the next few years the fair was moved from place to place for various reasons, ceasing during the Civil War. The current location was purchased on September 16th, 1914.

During WWII, the fairgrounds were leased to the federal government for the duration of the war and for six months after for Camp Millard. The fairgrounds were used for a railway railroad battalion working on engines for military use.

More recently the fairgrounds were used during a major ice storm as a staging area for AEP. Materials and equipment were stored in the barns, and the workmen used the site as a base of operation to restore electric to the surrounding area.

Tom is proud of the involvement with 4-H and extension that makes the fairgrounds a resource for families who are involved in the programs. “It’s a chance to really get into some things that last a lifetime. Kids learn to take care of animals and that teaches responsibility. The public still has an interest in these programs.

Even in this tight economy the Junior Fair Sale hasn’t suffered because the community still sees the value in it,” Tom Laughbaum explained.

Although they are struggling to keep up with rising expenses and maintenance

costs, Tom says he still has hopes the fairgrounds will continue to be a community resource to area residents for a long time.

Huron County Fairgrounds, 940 Fair Road Norwalk, Ohio 44857 www.huroncountyfair.com

“

We’ve done some blending of the old and the new.

Pat Coy

”

Richland County Fairgrounds, 750 North Home Road Mansfield, Ohio 44906 www.richlandcountyfair.com

Richland County Fairgrounds may be one of the busiest fairgrounds in the heart of Ohio. Event Manager, Jack Spangler, explained, “While most fairgrounds are closed for the winter and are used mostly for storage, we have something scheduled almost every day. We also offer storage to the community, but our daily schedule is full, too.”

While fair week is a big event, bringing in nearly seven thousand people, other shows, like the state’s largest Civil War show bring in people from 49 states.

Bingo, flea markets, the Red Power Round Up and gun shows share the schedule with wedding receptions, ham fests and cage fighting events. Fairhaven Hall is still the largest heated indoor facility in Richland County. Situated on 150 acres, all of the buildings are heated and finished, making the year-round use of the facility run more like a business than a traditional

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

fairgrounds. Mr. Spangler says, “These events fill the hotels and help keep the restaurants busy.”

An important part of the business structure of the fairgrounds is the women’s auxiliary. Since they started keeping records in 1904, this all-volunteer part of the organization has raised $1,107,000 in funds for the fairgrounds. They continue to provide food services for all scheduled events.

As is true of most fairgrounds, Richland County is an important part of any area disaster plan, from agreements with the National Guard to the Post Office and utilities. Both the grounds and the buildings are owned by the Richland County Commissioners.

Jack Spangler says, “The fairgrounds are an important part of this community.

We are doing well even in this economy because people are traveling less. We provide entertainment options for the whole family right here at home. I think we’ll be around for a long, long time.

“

We provide entertainment options for the whole family right here at home.

Jack Spangler

”

Ashland County Fairgrounds, 2042 Claremont Avenue, Ashland Ohio 44805 www.ashlandcountyfair.com

While the first countywide fair was held in Ashland County in 1851, the Ashland Fair and Race Company did not purchase the current fairgrounds until SPRING 2011

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Constructed on donated ground in the early 1900s, today’s Huron County Fairgrounds continue to flourish. Its slogan, “Preserving the past, educating the present to enrich the future,” seems to say it all.

The Huron County Fair is the largest yearly event, but the fairgrounds are in use all year round. Each winter the buildings are filled to capacity with storage items, the stables are rented all year long, the new Expo building is in constant use for weekly bingo, auctions and various shows. In addition, the site is rented for weddings, parties and events. The involvement of 4-H and FFA is constant and important to the entire community who supports them.

The fairgrounds are also home to the Huron County Agricultural Heritage Farmstead; President Eugene Hopkins says the Farmstead display is credited with being one of the best of its kind in the entire state. The area features an 18th century farmhouse that was moved to the grounds and completely furnished with items appropriate to any area home in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Walking up the garden path you find an herb garden and plantings of flowers appropriate to that time period. A large and a small barn, a smoke house, a corncrib, a privy and the Little Red Schoolhouse all combine to create the feeling of a small village. During fair week a blacksmith shop is in operation, the barns are filled with artisans and crafters and area residents display antiques and farm implements from that same era. Lots of visitors also take time to appreciate the Commercial Building constructed from timber acquired when the land was cleared for use as a fairground so many years ago.

Pat Coy, fair and concessions manager, says the newest project is now being finished.

“The Horn family started a fund to erect a new dairy barn in memory of Walter

Horn, previous superintendent of the Junior Fair Dairy more than fifty years ago.

The fair board is finishing the electrical work and we will have that building completed by spring,” Pat explained.

Pat credits the 33-member fair board of enthusiastic volunteers with the continued success of the fairgrounds. “We have upgraded the entertainment at the fair and changed to meet the demands of today’s crowd by incorporating motocross and races into our offerings. We’ve done some blending of the old and the new and we seem to be holding our own, but it wouldn’t be possible without this board and all the volunteers who work so hard to make things happen,” she said.

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1924 to be used as a racetrack. The property was later transferred to the ownership of the Ashland County Commissioners, who still own the land today, while the buildings are owned and maintained by the Agriculture Society.

Now in his 14th year as president of the Agricultural Society, Dan Stone heads a 30-member all-volunteer board.

The 65-acre facility houses 30 buildings, all of which are in use during the week of the fair, and Manager, Steve Englet, manages the day-to-day operations. In winter, 14 of those buildings are used for storage and things are pretty quiet. Dan says the biggest change he has seen as president has been the computerization of the office functions.

“The Ashland County Fair and Junior Fair are, of course, our largest events each year. It takes all hands on deck and a lot of volunteers to pull it off. Another big event is the Vintage Motorcycle race in July. It is part of the big motorcycle event held each year at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The Vintage race event is held here because they need a dirt track for their event. It’s a huge turnout for us,” Dan said.

Horse shows are another moneymaker for the fairgrounds. Throughout the year Morgan, Dutch Harness and Haflinger horse shows and auctions are held, as well as 4-H and FFA events. The fairgrounds has its own disaster plan in place and is also involved with EMA to serve as an emergency facility should the need arise.

What is the future of the fairgrounds?

Dan Stone explained, “Funding from the state and county are minimal. In the early two thousands we had an annual budget of about a million dollars. Today we have had to trim down to about three-quarters of that. Ohio is blessed with its fairgrounds. Other states don’t have the facilities we have in our state system. If the financial trend continues I think we will see counties combine their facilities to further reduce costs. I hope the trend reverses, but it’s tough just holding your own these days.”

Although little research is done locally to pinpoint the exact financial impact our fairgrounds have on the communities that surround them, it is easy to understand the ripple effect of thousands of people

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visiting the facilities each year. The entertainment value they provide and community involvement are easier to measure and just as important. Our fairground system is a valuable asset we enjoy… and take for granted… in the heart of Ohio.

“

Ohio is blessed with its fairgrounds.

Other states don’t have the facilities we have in our state system.

Dan Stone

”

Wayne County Fairgrounds

199 Vanover Street Wooster, Ohio 44691 www.waynecountyfairohio.com In Wayne County, Pete Armstrong has been secretary of the Agricultural Society for 25 years. Although the fairgrounds are owned by the County Commissioners, the Agricultural Society, run by a board of 21 elected volunteers, manages and maintains the facility under a 100-year lease. Although there have

been earlier locations, the largest structure on the current grounds, the grandstand, was constructed in 1934 and the round grain building in 1812.

The Wayne County Fair has been held for 162 consecutive years this summer with one exception: in 1955 a polio epidemic cancelled the celebration.

In February of this year, the importance of the local fairgrounds was evident when 80 repair units from all over the country converged on the area to restore power after a winter storm took lines down. Ohio Power repair crews and tree trimmers used the fairgrounds as a base of operation where equipment and supplies were housed until the emergency was over and the work was completed.

The Wayne County Fair and Junior Fair is the largest event at the fairgrounds each year, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the year is quiet. Weekly household auctions, horse and tack auctions, and an assortment of shows keep people coming to the fairgrounds all year. Horse training goes on year round, and some of the 53 buildings on the 40 fenced acres are used for storage.

“We claim to have the biggest 4-H show in the state of Ohio,” says Pete Armstrong. “Now, I’m not sure that’s the gospel truth, but ‘til somebody tells us different we’re goin’ to keep claiming that.” he chuckled, then added, “We’ve been here a long time, and we’re an important part of this community.” •

“Not driving home from work in the dark means that spring is here.”

D. L. Shelby

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“… a place where families gather to imagine and discover together in quiet corners and wide open creative spaces.”

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Keeping Score

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“Chance” of a Lifetime “The customers stared at him, not because of his costume or the ferocity with which he attacked his lunch, but because next to producing the first Christmas tree and a small Presbyterian college, producing Dean Chance is the biggest claim to identity that Wooster, Ohio has ever had.” Those words are taken directly from a story in the March 8, 1965 edition of Sports Illustrated magazine.

I was seated across from Dean at the Westside Mansfield Restaurant not long ago as he held court with about six or seven of us, including another Wooster, Ohio, legend, Dick Schafrath. To say that Dean is a dominating presence is an understatement. When I read a couple of paragraphs from that Sports Illustrated story written over 46 years ago, he vividly recalled that the sports journalist who authored it was named Mark Kram, and then shared some not too flattering remarks about the writer.

Dean was born six months and six days before the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941 in Plain Township, outside of Wooster. He was a farm boy who loved sports, especially baseball and basketball.

His talents were known well beyond the borders of Wayne County even before he entered Northwestern High School. By the time he graduated, Dean would provide Huskie fans with two of the most memorable basketball and baseball seasons in school history.

As a junior, he led Northwestern’s basketball team to a 29-0 season culminating in a state championship win over Holmes Liberty. Chance was a physically imposing specimen standing 6-3 with 190-plus pounds hanging off his raw boned frame. He used his size and skills to average 18 points a game as a

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with

1968 trading card

junior and 25 per outing as a senior, when he was named Ohio’s Player of the Year.

Northwestern captured a state championship in baseball in Dean’s senior season and they literally rode his arm to the title. He threw a no-hitter against Cincinnati Country Day in Friday’s semifinal and came back the next day and beat Spencerville on a two-hitter for the state crown.

Dean’s record as a high school pitcher was 51-1 and, as you might imagine, that coupled with his talents on the basketball court attracted the attention of a large number of college coaches. However, studies were not at the top of young Mr. Chance’s “to do” list and more importantly Dean had decided that a shot at a career in baseball was what he really wanted. He didn’t have to wait long because on the day after he graduated from Northwestern he signed with the Baltimore Orioles for $30,000, and that was a big number in 1959.

The first minor league stop for the North Central Ohio lad was Bluefield,

West Virginia in the class D league. It wasn’t the big leagues, but to a boy from Northwestern High School in West Salem, Ohio it didn’t seem like baseball’s version of Siberia either. After all, he was getting $2.50 a day in meal money in a place and time when he said he could get a good lunch for 85 cents.

However, Dean would never make it to Baltimore as an Oriole because in 1960 the then Los Angeles Angels selected him in their expansion draft. Chance made his major league debut for the Angels on March 11, 1961 at the age of 20. He would finish that season with a record of no wins and two losses, but over the next five seasons with that west coast team, he would establish himself as one of the game’s elite pitchers.

The season that Angel fans will forever remember was 1964, when Dean Chance

Above: Don Dreysdale, Dean Chance and Sandy Koufax Left: Dean Chance and Willie Mays Bottom left: Bo Belinsky and Dean Chance

Below: Dean Chance, Jimmy Pappas and Dick Schafrath

won the Cy Young Award, which at that time went to the outstanding pitcher in either league (now there is a Cy Young Award in each league). Dean’s Cy Young was accomplished while compiling some astounding statistics.

He won 20 games — not an over-the-top total. However, of those 20 victories, 11 were shutouts, and in five of those the score was 1-0. In that magical 1964 season, he beat the Yankees four times, and three of those wins were by shutout.

That’s not all — in those four wins over the “pinstripers”, Dean allowed them just one run in 50 innings, and that was a homer off the bat of Hall of Famer, Mickey Mantle.

Dean’s list of teammates in Los Angeles will likely sound familiar to long-time baseball fans; Bob Rogers, Albie Pearson and Jim Fregosi were three who had more than a few all-star seasons. There was another teammate with whom Dean will be forever linked, Bo Belinsky. Bo was from New Jersey and Dean, who admitted that he liked to have fun, found a soulmate and “tinsel town” tour guide in Belinsky. Had TMZ or Access Hollywood been around back then, those two Angel hurlers would have been regular targets of their hidden cameras.

Dean didn’t seem to let his off-the-field activities affect his performance on the mound all that much. He won 27 and lost 27 in his final two years with the Angels. However, before the 1967 season, the now California Angels decided they needed more offense and traded Chance to the Minnesota Twins. Dean rewarded his new club with another 20 win campaign and his second All-Star game start.

He would spend two more years in Minnesota before being traded again; this time to the Indians at the start of the 1970 season. Dean admits that by the time he landed in Cleveland his arm was old even though the rest of him

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was not; he was only 29. He won 9 of his 17 decisions for the Indians, finished the year with the Mets, and spent his final major league year with the Detroit Tigers where his last major league appearance came on August 9, 1971.

Dean moved back to his Wayne County roots years ago and has spent much of his time in the sport of boxing both as a promoter and Commissioner of the IBA (International Boxing Association).

Mansfield Mickey Scodova, a former kick boxing champion and now a trainer, met Dean at a fight in the early 90’s; the two have become fast friends. Micky says that he considers Dean a mentor, calling Chance a very organized person who is on top of any business he works.

Mick added that one of the things about Dean that really amazes him is that Chance can remember phone numbers and never puts them in his cell phone.

When you talk to Dean, it is clear that his memory is amazing as he ticks off the names of former major league teammates and opponents as well as where they are today. However, for Wayne County residents it’s the memories he gave them, not the ones that he can recall that are important. •

46

Mike Greene’s voice and face have been familiar to the sports fans of North Central Ohio for decades now.

He did play-by-play for hundreds of high school and college football and basketball games over the years and still does selected Ashland University football games on television. He also hosted a popular SportsTalk show on WMFD-TV for a dozen years.

SPRING 2011

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everyday

submitted by Nicole M. Workman Director of Public Relations Marion Technical College

Hero honors our veterans

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Susan Lover-Barr The halls of Marion Technical College (MTC) are filled with students who have incredible and inspirational stories. We learned of one alumnus whose story starts long after walking these halls. She will be remembered by the many people she has helped and the lives she has touched with her kindness.

A 1990 MTC graduate, Susan (Hurd) Lover-Barr’s education has served her well at Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware, Ohio for the past 19 years.

However, it is not her time at Grady or MTC that is the story here.

For the past five years, Susan has been working with a program called the Honor Flight Network to help World War II veterans travel to Washington D.C. to see the monument built in their honor. She learned of the program through her uncle, a veteran himself, who knew the founder of Honor Flight Network, Earl Morse.

Once she learned about the program, the rest is history. Susan learned the ropes, and 80 trips later, she is still assisting those with special medical needs while making a very emotional trip to see the monument of their service.

“The program does not receive any federal funding; it is strictly run by generous donations and volunteers,” Barr said. “It is a tribute to the soldiers that, even in this economy, people are willing to give to such a wonderful cause.”

Because of her nursing experience, Barr’s presence on the trips is a blessing as many of the soldiers have special medical needs. Though they do not advertise that they provide medical assistance, she says

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almost all trips have some type of trained medical staff on hand.

She told a story of a man who was not eating his lunch that was served.

When asked why, he finally admitted he was fed through a feeding tube and was afraid he wouldn’t be allowed to make the trip if he revealed that information. “He was going to not eat for three days just to see the monument! It’s important that WWII veterans know we can take them with medical concerns and the trip is free of charge for them,” Susan stressed.

Susan now spends less time on the

Susan Barr (center) with Tom and Debbie Johnson

flights and more time training other states on how to make successful flights.

She is very humble about her great work, “Many of these vets have never been thanked for their commitment to our country through their time in WWII, and this is my way of saying thank you.” •

California WWII Vets saluting at their memorial

A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

Christopher Reeve (1952 – 2004) Actor, Producer, Director and Writer

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) L ed the way to correcting a hardship or injustice.

(2) O vercome adversity and by example has helped others do the same.

(3) S erved the country and/or community above and beyond normal expectations.

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

Charles P. Hahn, CFP® Cleveland Financial Group Affiliated with Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

Member SIPC 108 North Main Street, Rear Building, Mansfield, Ohio 44902 Tel. 419.522.4333 • Fax 419.522.3303 • chuck.hahn@lfg.com CRN201005-2042432

SPRING 2011

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

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.

49

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MONEY MATTERS

Working with a Financial Advisor

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

Would you trust your medical diagnosis to a casual acquaintance?

Do you cut your own hair or dry clean your own clothes? For some services, it makes more sense to pay a professional who has the expertise to deliver the appropriate results. A professional financial advisor can help you build a sound estate plan, designed to help you toward your long-term financial planning goals. These six steps can help you locate and get the most out of this important relationship.

1. Choosing Your Financial Advisor One of the best ways to find a financial advisor is through a referral of a friend or relative. Your accountant or lawyer may also be able to provide you with a referral. Since they come with a recommendation from someone you trust, referrals can help you feel more confident about your choice of a financial advisor.

You can also find a financial advisor by attending an investment seminar or reading the business section of your local newspaper.

2. Set Up a Consultation

3. Discuss Your Goals and Obligations In order to help you clarify your financial goals, your financial advisor will need detailed information about you and your financial situation, philosophy and risk tolerance. Be candid about your income, debts, future obligations, current assets and anything else that may impact your financial situation.

4. Ask Plenty of Questions The more you know about financial planning, the more control you have over your financial future.

Use your financial advisor as a resource. Financial advisors have access to current information that can help you better understand their recommendations and the performance of your plan. And if you don’t understand something, make sure to ask.

5. Meet or Speak Regularly Your financial advisor has the expertise and knowledge about financial planning, but won’t be able to fully understand the details of your financial situation unless you share them. In order to keep

your estate plan moving in the right direction your advisor needs up-to-date information on life changes that may have financial implications, including: ■ Marriage or divorce ■ The birth or adoption of a child ■ The purchase of a home ■ A change in your work status, or that of your spouse ■ A dditional current financial responsibilities, such as college payments or care for aging relatives ■ A n inheritance or other financial windfall

6. Listen Professional advisors can draw from years of experience and help you maintain a long-term perspective on your investment plan through good markets and bad. You’ll get more out of your relationship if you are open-minded about your advisor’s recommendations. While you may not agree with every idea your advisor presents, being a good listener can help increase your investment knowledge.

Following these six steps can help you locate and have a successful relationship with a financial advisor. •

SPRING 2011

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

Your first meeting is an opportunity to become acquainted with the advisor and find out if you feel comfortable working together. You should make sure a prospective advisor is a good match for your financial outlook and personality. Ask the advisor about the types of clients he or she is currently working with and try to evaluate if your financial objectives are well matched to their areas of expertise.

Follow up with questions about education, experience, and qualifications. Before selecting an advisor, you should feel confident that a prospective advisor can accurately explain the financial arena and the benefits of different financial planning tools.

51

BUSINESS MATTERS

Creating a Better Tomorrow Richland Community Development Group

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

by David J. Eichinger, Chairman, RCDG Richland Community Development Group (RCDG) began in February, 2010 as a concerned group of local citizens dedicated to the enhancement, development and future of our community’s quality of life. It was formed to complement traditional economic development efforts and empower residents to stimulate and create positive change.

The original idea began forming in 2009 as the national, regional and local economies were sinking. Locally Re-Dec, the county economic development effort, was closing for lack of funding as the General Motors plant’s exit was announced. In August of 2009, eight community leaders sat down together for the first time. Dave Gooch, David Eichinger, Jeff Gorman, Rick Taylor, Sam Vancura, Grant Milliron, Gog Meisse and John Rhodes knew something had to change. This Steering Committee recruited a Catalyst Action Team, consisting of a broad range of positive community members. Rick Taylor, President of Jay Industries led the group the first year, David Eichinger, Vice President at Merrill Lynch, assumed the Chairmanship for the current year.

Richland Community Development Group was now an entity.

The new organization retained consultant David Baldwin of Aquarian Technology Systems in 2010 to coordinate the vision and lead the creation of a structure to accommodate the improvement of Richland County’s quality of life. With fellow consultant, Jack Ricchiuto of Designing Life, 20 sectors of the community, such as beautification, government, banking, neighborhoods, manufacturing, arts & culture and media were developed by

52

SPRING 2011

Some of the notable interested parties with positive developments in 2010, all arising ideas for the further “In contrast from the Sector participants development of each to traditional were as follows: unique sector. Asset economic development ■ The Richland mapping and a website efforts to return lost Manufacturing Coalition of each sectors industry, my focus was on (RMC), already a physical and personal well-organized body, assets and resources building the infrastructure became an active was put into place for the area’s participation participant in forming to benefit anyone in in the “New Economy”. It is the Manufacturing need across all global, entrepreneurial and Sector. They have sectors. This taken the lead in ongoing resource knowledge-based . The keys to continues to evolve success lie in the extent to which community workforce development needs. to readily assist knowledge, technology, and ■ For the first anyone for almost innovation are embedded in time, all of the Mayors any need with a products and services.” within Richland County simple Google-type have begun meeting search.

Dave Baldwin, President, monthly as part of the To date, almost 500 Aquarian Technology Government Sector. This county residents have Systems new line of open and become involved in at organized communication is least one sector. The 20 poised to assist the county’s sector groups have created common needs and vision. nearly 200 long-term vision ■ The Beautification Sector’s Doug projects or instant action items.

Versaw, John L. Siegenthaler, Deanna RCDG has given Richland County a West Torrence of NECIC, and Jean Taddey new positive “shot in the arm” by of the Neighborhoods Sector have empowering citizens to move forward collaborated to organize community with positive ideas unshackled by the projects, including a master plan for the thought of what can’t be done! improvement of the Gateway to the City The Group raised $100,000 to fund its along North Main Street from Route 30 to first year effort and looks to do the same in Fifth Street. They worked this past 2011. Dave Baldwin hosted a variety of summer to help the cash-strapped city to economic development, asset attraction maintain its beauty downtown by taking and retention and entrepreneurship events.

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charge of all the downtown landscaping and adding new bicycle racks. They are currently working toward a major enhancement to Central Park. Bringing landowners together, the group is close to launching a new cooperative effort.

■ The Arts and Culture Sector, another well organized sector prior to RCDG, found new life through the effort.

They immediately organized a broad based community calendar of arts and culture events that had been a goal for many years. Citizens and organizations can now find or schedule activities at www.rcdginfo.com or www.calendar. mrcpl.org. Collaboration continues with the Beautification Sector on the North Main Street Corridor project to create murals on the Grain Towers along with other artistic enhancements to the area.

■ The Agriculture Sector has also joined with other sectors, such as Neighborhoods, to explore and begin such projects as a central downtown greenhouse facility, community and organic gardens, an egg and cheese processing center, and a project to brand and promote locally-grown produce.

The RCDG and or other Sectors are also leading or assisting the effort in countywide high speed internet, downtown housing, an entrepreneurial and innovation and research center, tuition paid higher education, Brownfield clean up, and a countywide community and economic development center.

Future 2011 plans include a countywide campaign by the Media Sector of “Why I chose Richland” which will include television, newspaper, radio, internet and billboard spots. A Blitz Squad is being created to act as an on-call economic development prospect tool, bringing resource information and people together immediately.

The communities should be proud to know that, as a result of their pride, passion and positive attitudes, so many have stepped up with their time, ideas and investment to put plans in place to further improve the quality of life in Richland County. Many of the ideas and plans created in 2010 will become more visual in 2011, so watch the community effort grow! Visit www.rcdginfo.com. •

53

! u o y h t i w Take us 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

Karen VanAuker re ading Heart of Oh io with friends in Panama City Beach, Florid a.

rad Wells, and B . ty et B , er k ba urie Ba Ohio in Aru f o t Bruce & La r ea H ton enjoy “Duck” Pres

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

Gary Gladstone re ads his copy of Heart of Ohio on Rodeo Drive in Ca lifornia.

54

Chuck Hahn reads Heart of Ohio while visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

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ASK THE

COMMUNICATION COACH by paula m. cohen

www.heartofohiomagazine.com

I am a sales rep for a well-known company in a very competitive industry. I have a partner, and our success is largely dependent on our ability to work as a team.

Here’s the problem: my partner is a total party animal. She is single, pretty, and lots of fun to be around, so most of our co-workers and clients really like her. However, I’m growing increasingly resentful of her showing up at meetings hung over and unprepared. Occasionally, her behavior at company functions gives everyone something to talk about for the next week.

Although we are doing well in sales numbers, we could be doing a lot better if she cut down on the martinis and got focused. What can I say to her? I don’t want to come off sounding judgmental.

A L, Wooster Tread lightly with her — this is not an intervention. You need to have a conversation with her that is not about her shortcomings but about your desire to be as successful as possible. Think about owning your statements (using “I” and “we”) and avoid “you.” The words you choose, how you string those words together, your tone, and overall ability to persuade will determine how she responds. Your goal is to keep her level of defensiveness as low as possible.

Use positive language; stress what you can accomplish as a team, the money you could be making, and the good things she brings to the partnership. In other words, treat this conversation as a sales call. Use your best sales skills to convince her to recommit fully to the partnership; highlight what benefits there are for both of you in the recommitment process. This also means you have to identify an area you are a little weak in; bring that into the conversation and own the fact that you need to show improvement, too.

Ultimately, you are selling her on the idea of a compromise that will lead to a win-win partnership.

56

SPRING 2011

Then the two of you can sit down to brainstorm about what you both need to do to take your partnership to the next professional level. What comes out of that brainstorm should be developed into an action plan. Action plan steps should have target dates for completion. Write the steps down — it helps having something in writing as a guide to refer back to. Check in frequently with each other to see if your action plan steps and overall goals for the partnership are being met. It would also be a good idea to share your action plan and partnership goals with your boss. Keep the boss updated as goals are being met.

Also, celebrate even the smallest successes. You two wouldn’t be in these coveted sales positions if you didn’t already have fairly savvy communication skills. Hone those skills; you will get this partnership on the fast track and enjoy much success in your industry. Good luck to you!

Last week my husband had lunch with an old friend, “Tom”. They see each other maybe twice a year to catch up. Tom’s wife, “Sheila”, has been battling cancer for the last couple of years. When my husband got home from his lunch with Tom, I asked how Sheila was doing with her treatment, and how the kids and Tom were coping. My husband answered, “I don’t know — it never came up.”

It never came up? In a million years I can’t imagine having lunch with a friend whose husband was undergoing cancer treatment and not ask how he and the family were doing. Is my husband extremely insensitive or is this typical for men?

P B, Bucyrus Your letter strongly highlights the significant differences in the way men and women communicate. Researchers disagree on the root of the differences, but it is probably a mixture of biology, socialization, and environment. One area of difference is content; the topics

we talk about in same sex groups are quite different.

Women talk for interaction.

Conversations among women are about people, relationships, and feelings. Over 90% of books about relationships are bought by women! Women bond by sharing troubles, self-disclosing, empathizing and gossiping. Since childhood women have been free to express their emotions, and often mistakenly assume that men want that same type of verbal communication and emotional connection.

In all male groups topics tend to revolve around work, sports and money.

What men reveal to each other can seem superficial to women. Men often prefer less emotional communication and freedom to express themselves in a supportive, non-critical environment.

However, through sports (watching or playing) men are comfortable having an intense emotional experience. They are free to express joy, passion, loyalty, sadness, loss and camaraderie. Doing activities together builds and fosters male friendships.

Keep in mind that these are just generalizations about gender differences in communication. We all know men who love talking about their feelings and women who don’t. Your husband and his friend are not insensitive; they are just expressing themselves in a manner they are both comfortable with. If you really want to know how Sheila and her family are doing, give her a call.

Paula M. Cohen is the owner of TrineVentures, a communications consulting business that helps organizations meet their communication needs through a variety of programs. Send inquiries to trineventures@hotmail.com. Please submit communication questions for this column to communicationcoach@excite.com.

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THE LAST WORD

We knew when we started this publication it would be a work in process. We knew it would evolve with each issue. Last year’s four issues have now become five. Along with our usual Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall issues, we will produce a Special Holiday Edition, and, again, we would like your input.

Do you have a favorite holiday tradition, a special memory, poem or photo to share with the heart of Ohio? Send your contributions to diane@heartofohiomagazine.com or mail to P.O. Box 1406, Mansfield, OH 44901. Items sent cannot be returned, so please do not submit original photos or anything of value.

We will contact you if your submission is chosen for publication.

Other opportunities to participate in this community publication include: 1. S end a photo of yourself, a friend or a family member reading Heart of Ohio magazine on your next vacation. Show us the famous locations and landmarks where you enjoy reading Heart of Ohio, just like our readers on page 54.

2. Nominate someone special for the Milliron Everyday Hero article (see details on page 49).

3. Tell us about a story, person or place of interest. If you find it interesting, chances are the rest of us would like to know about it, too!

4. Let us know what stories you’ve enjoyed and give us your thoughts on how we can improve future issues.

Thanks for sharing with us. You fuel the fire that warms our heart!

Warm regards from the publisher,

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