SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD AND BLUEBAGMEDIA.COM
PAGE 2- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014
Shop downtown Greenville to win GREENVILLE – This holiday season, shoppers can earn chances to win an estimated $3,000+ in merchandise and gift certificates through “Win the Window,” a shop local campaign by Main Street Greenville and Second National Bank. “This promotion was created to encourage and remind people to shop local during the holiday season and to support our downtown businesses,” said Amber Garrett, executive director for Main Street Greenville. Through Dec. 15, shoppers can enter to win by spending money at any of the 51 participating downtown Greenville businesses. A full list is available on their website at www.mainstreetgreenville.org. Participating businesses have provided merchandise and gift certificates to place under the Christmas tree in Main Street Greenville’s window, located in the new Darke County Welcome Center, 421 S. Broadway. “Promotions like this are fun and they bring new faces to my business,” stated Kirsten Berghoff, owner of the downtown women’s boutique, Sadie Grace. “Our business has seen a large increase in sales during Main Street Greenville’s events and we are very excited for this one!” Shoppers will get a ticket entry for every $5 they spend at a participating
downtown business, up to single purchases of $1,000. For example, if you spend $100 at a business, you will receive 20 tickets to enter into the contest to win the window of prizes. There is no limit to how many times you can shop to enter. The more you spend downtown at participating businesses, the more chances you have to win the window full of prizes. Participating businesses will have tickets available at the time of your purchases and a glass jar to collect all of the tickets for the drawing. The drawing for the winner will take place on Dec. 19, 3:30 p.m., at the Main Street Greenville office, located in the Darke County Welcome Center, 421 S. Broadway. You are not required to be present to win. Bring your holiday shopping downtown this year and enter to win big while supporting local businesses in the process! Main Street Greenville is a nonprofit organization that supports downtown Greenville, Ohio through stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth. Learn more about the organization on their website, www.mainstreetgreenville.org, or follow them on Facebook. You can contact them at info@mainstreetgreenville.org or 548-4998.
Upcoming holiday events in Arcanum ARCANUM – The Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society will have its annual Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 29, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at 123 West George Street in downtown Arcanum. In addition to raffles and door prizes, the bazaar includes Beck’s Boutique with holiday clothing and jewelry, the Bake Shoppe with cookies and other baked goods, and the Country Store with hot mustard, seasonings, and more. New this year will be a Preview Sale on Nov. 28, 6-8 p.m. Also new this year, on Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the All American Clothing Company on Pop Rite Drive will host Small Business Appreciation Day, a gathering of over 30 local small businesses in one place. Each of these events will provide a convenient and unique holiday shopping opportunity right after Thanksgiving. Arcanum area businesses and the Arcanum Area Business Association will host another holiday shopping opportunity on Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit participating businesses and register to win a Community Gift Basket filled with unique items and gift certificates, on display at Orme Hardware of Arcanum (Barn Sale, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.). Several of the businesses will also draw names for other prizes, so find your way to all of these businesses for increased odds of winning: 1830 House Antiques (2316 Littles Road, noon-5 p.m.), All American Clothing Company (Pop Rite Drive), Belle Fiole Tanning & Spa (West George), Ben Franklin (West George), Country Heritage (North High, half block off of West George), Country Lane Treasures (4790 Grubbs-Rex Road), Cut & Curl (North Main, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.), Farmer Brown’s Restaurant (6363 Hollansburg-Sampson Road), Farmer’s Daughters Bakery (Hollansburg-Arcanum Road at Brumbaugh’s Fruit Farm), Houston’s Restaurant (9 Water Street), Miller’s Tavern (North High), Nancy’s Salon & Tanning (West South, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.), The Old Arcana Eatery (West George, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.), The Olde
Nostalgia Shoppe (West George), Orme Hardware of Arcanum (210 South Main), Plain & Simple Cabin (9911 Grubbs-Rex Road), Picnics Pizza (East Woodside, next to Sutton’s), The Rose Post (West George), Sink’s Jewelers (West George), Smith’s Quilt Shop (West George), and Sutton’s Grocery (North Main). In addition, the fhc Fellowship church and Tip Tap Toe School of Dance on West George will have tickets to register for the gift basket and will host local vendors for additional holiday shopping, including April’s Bridal, Burning Maple Farm, Hattie’s Hoots, Baker Store Sweets, Stampin’ Up, Youniques, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Miche Handbags, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, 31 by Teresa Wolf, Yes Deere Hair & Nail Boutique, and several others. The Old Arcana and fhc Fellowship church (at both ends of West George) will provide hot chocolate and other goodies for the downtown business walkers. For other details and a business locations map, pick up the Arcanum Christmas Walk brochure from business locations in Arcanum and the surrounding area. During the first three weekends in December this year, the Village of Arcanum will host a series of holiday celebration events. The Village Singers invite the public to join them for a Holiday Sing-along and refreshments on Dec. 6, 3-5 p.m. inside the Trinity United Methodist Church at 112 West South Street. To start things off for the kids, Dec. 6 will be a busy day for Santa in Arcanum! Have breakfast and pictures with Santa in the Arcanum-Butler high school cafetorium, 8-11 a.m.; $5 at the door. The annual Arcanum Christmas Parade also will take place on Dec. 6, 2 p.m. and feature the arrival of Santa in downtown Arcanum. After the parade until 4:00pm, Santa will visit with kids for another picture opportunity in the Santa House on North
CHRISTMAS IN ARCANUM continued on page 4
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE-PAGE 3
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PAGE 4- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014
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Main Street near Troutwine Auto Sales. Parade entries will line up in the high school parking lot at 1 p.m. To be in the parade or for more information contact Kurt Troutwine, 459-6405. Last chance on Dec. 6 for a picture with Santa will be at the Scout House in Ivester Park, 6-9 p.m., as part of the Winter Nights in Ivester holiday celebration. New this year, Winter Nights in Ivester will be a combination of drivethrough (all days) and walk-through (Saturdays only) viewing of holiday decorations in Ivester Park on Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21 and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 6-9 p.m., with several activities planned for Saturday evenings. On all of the evenings, enjoy
Shopping on a budget
The economic downturn that began in late 2008 forced many holiday shoppers to curb their spending on gifts for friends and family. But even though the economy has since recovered, savvy holiday shoppers are still taking a conservative approach to their shopping, and saving lots of money along the way. Shoppers often struggle with how much to spend on gifts for their loved ones come the holiday season. The quest for the perfect gift leads many to overspend, but there are ways holiday shoppers can give great gifts without breaking the bank. * Leave credit cards at home. * Whittle down your shopping list. * Make a list of gifts. * Avoid last-minute shopping. * Spread out your shopping. Many people stretch their budgets during the holiday season. But savvy holiday shoppers can employ several strategies to keep themselves out of debt this holiday season.
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the Welcome Gazebo decorated by Rose and Curt Lambert, the Tree of Lights courtesy of the Arcanum Lion’s Club and Village Utilities Department, the shadow Manger Nativity scene courtesy of the fhc Fellowship church, and all of the other lights and decorations donated by the community. On all three Saturdays, walk into the park on Park Drive off of North Main to see Santa at the Scout House and enjoy smores by the nearby bonfire, courtesy of the Arcanum Volunteer Fire Department. On Dec. 6, see Santa at the Scout House with photos by Molly Dues Photography and refreshments. On Dec. 13, take a carriage ride from Veteran’s Park on West George through Ivester Park (provided by RO-DA-O Farms and courtesy of the Arcanum Area Business Association) and join the Village Singers in the enclosed picnic shelter for caroling, 7-8 p.m. On Dec. 20, the Children’s Polar Express (provided by Brumbaugh’s Fruit Farm) will load up at the Scout house to tour the park, with a stop at the Manger Nativity for a read-
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ing of the Christmas Story by the fhc Fellowship church. Goodwill cash donations will be accepted during the activities in the park for growth of future Winter Nights in Ivester. Be sure to look for posted flyers in the Arcanum area for other details and a park activities map. “We’re very excited to host the new events in the park this year, and invite
everyone to come and celebrate the holidays with us in Arcanum during the Winter Nights in Ivester,” stated Mayor Judith Foureman, who also is President of the Arcanum Area Business Association. “This is made possible by many individuals as well as organizations, and it is wonderful to see so many working together to display Arcanum during the holidays”.
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE-PAGE 5
Youniques Boutique Holiday Open House Dec. 4-5-6-7
Thursday 10am-7pm • Friday 10am-9pm • Saturday 10am-5pm • Sunday 12-4pm Featuring a HOBO Representative with fall and holiday handbags, scarves and accessories. (Thursday only)
20% OFF HOLIDAY TRUNK SHOW
Thursday, December 4th • 3-7PM Cash & Carry or Place an Order
Put Youniques on your shopping stops list GREENVILLE – Youniques Boutique takes pride as a small business in downtown Greenville, to provide great personalized customer service, as well as to create a fun and enjoyable shopping experience. They know that part of the appeal of shopping in a small boutique is finding
that “one-of-kind” outfit or unique gift not found in large chain or department stores. At the same time, when you are shopping and supporting a small business, you are contributing to the stability of our downtown and community. It is important to them to find good quality merchandise as well as Amer-
ican-made merchandise, as much as possible. As a small business, they pride themselves in taking the opportunity to display and promote local artists of their talents and creations of home-made products which can allow them to jumpstart their business efforts.
Business partners, Lelah Shoop and Hala Knapke are celebrating 15 years in downtown Greenville at 529 S. Broadway Street. They want everyone to know they greatly appreciate each and every one of their customers for their continued support and shopping “small.”
Frugal gift wrapping ideas Holiday shoppers spend billions of dollars each year on gifts for friends, family and coworkers. But holiday shoppers also spend substantial amounts of money dressing up those gifts with bows and wrapping paper. Shoppers may not want to spend much more on wrapping paper, bags and other ways to dress-up their gifts, and by employing a few tricks of the gift wrapping trade, they may not have to. The following are some frugal, yet flashy, ways to wrap presents this holiday season. * Children’s artwork: Over the course of a school year parents can accumulate dozens of original pieces of art from their children’s time in the classroom.
Instead of relegating those pictures to a memory box or temporary glory on the refrigerator, turn them into unique gift wrap. Pair these pieces of art with colored ribbon, and everyone who gets a unique masterpiece will feel special. * Newspaper: Recycle newsprint and comics into wrapping paper. Encourage everyone to wrap in newspaper for a cohesive look come Christmas morning. * Cloth: Leftover cloth from Halloween or cloth purchased to create homemade curtains can be turned into gift wrap for awkward-shaped gifts. Use decorative ribbon to seal the bundle shut. * Brown paper: Brown paper tied
with twine or ribbon is inexpensive and can easily be recycled after use. Use a marker to put the names of gift recipients on each package to save on gift tags as well. * Glass jars: Use mason jars when wrapping smaller gifts, including gift cards, to give them an arts-and-crafts feel. * Fabric gift bags: If you’re handy with a needle and thread, sew sacks out of leftover fabric to make gift bags of various sizes. * Cookie tins: Find unique cookie tins from yard sales or leftover tins from holidays past and use them as gift boxes.
* Recipes: If you will be giving a cookbook or food-themed gifts, print recipes that can be used as gift wrap and then later used to make certain dishes. * Baby linens: From blankets to wash cloths, use baby linens to wrap infant-themed gifts for new parents. * Baskets: Wicker baskets are available in various shapes and sizes. They can be used to make a gift collection and then reused over and over again. There are many creative and inexpensive ways to wrap gifts this year instead of relying on preprinted and often expensive wrapping paper.
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PAGE 6- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014
Darke Cloud can help find solutions GREENVILLE – Darke Cloud Solutions may be a new name around Greenville, but proprietor Mark Howell is no stranger to Darke County. He may be better remembered working alongside his brother, Nicholas, as part of Outpost Computer Services. Based out of Hollansburg, the duo provided on-site computer services to numerous homes and businesses in the area. Eventually, Mark went on to provide IT services part-time for Tri-Village Local Schools and then full-time at Greenville Technology, Inc. While both organizations were great places to hone his skills, Mark realized his talents were better put to use out on his own. Resuming work as Outpost Computers was an option, but the name was becoming less relevant. Back in 2009, computers did not have app stores. People still went to the store to buy software on CD-ROM. Students carried files on USB flash drives; few had heard of Dropbox. The newest iPhone was the 3GS,
and the world had never heard of an iPad. Much has changed in five years. Today, computers have leapt from our desks and into our pockets. Where speed and size once ruled, mobility is king. Whether on PC, iPhone, or Android, modern computing is scarcely about the devices themselves. What matters is apps and the clouds that power them. What? When? Where? Anything. Anytime. Anywhere. In light of the above, the name Darke Cloud Solutions became an obvious choice. The rebranding represents Mark’s new focus in his work. Expensive technologies that were once limited to the large enterprise are now affordable to the small business. The cloud is reducing the need for dedicated IT staff and servers. Employees with mobile devices already have everything they need to work away from the office. The technology is available. Whether for home or business, whatever the need, there
really is an app for that. The challenge, of course, is knowing what’s out there. If knowing is half the battle, then calling Darke Cloud Solutions is like calling in the cavalry. “We work with you to study the pain points in your servers, network, or office computer systems. We then identify the causes and propose a solution tailored to your individual business needs. We guide you through the process of modernizing your office and enabling new levels of workplace efficiency. Finally, we’ll train your employees how to make the most of their new tools and provide one-on-one assistance should questions later arise,” said Howell. Darke Cloud Solutions offers onsite service, free quotes, and service agreements for homes and businesses of any size. “We focus on the technology so that you can focus on your business,” added Howell. Call them at 423-6034 for a free consultation.
Mark Howell, proprietor of Darke Cloud Solutions
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE-PAGE 7
Dos and don’ts of holiday shopping Thanks to sales featuring heavily discounted items, millions of people wait to start their holiday shopping until the season hits full swing. But in spite of such bargains, overextending budgets during the holiday season is too tempting for many shoppers to resist. However, shoppers need not risk financial peril if they shop smartly and heed some dos and don’ts of holiday shopping. * Do set a budget. Establish what you can afford to spend on gifts and other seasonal trimmings early on. The National Retail Federation estimates the average consumer will spend around $700 come the holiday season. But not every person needs to be a big spender. The “buy now, pay later” mentality that credit cards offer lands many shoppers in trouble, a sticky situation many only notice once the first bill comes
due. If you cannot afford to pay your entire credit card balance off once the bill arrives, you face steep interest charges that can quickly add up. Instead, pick a set spending limit and keep to it no matter how tempting it may seem to overspend with a credit card. * Don’t be fooled by false sales. Comparison shop and do your research so you don’t fall victim to clever pricing. * Do schedule time for shopping. Hectic schedules sometimes result in last-minute shopping that leads to impulse purchases. Schedule some distraction-free time for your holiday shopping so you’re less likely to rush into purchases before thinking them through. * Don’t double buy. Some shoppers use the holidays as an excuse to buy more for themselves than the people on their lists. While it’s
tempting to treat yourself come the holiday season, this is a great and quick way to deplete your budget. If you plan on using holiday deals to supplement your own wardrobe or household needs, reduce your spending the rest of the year and save money for year-end purchases. * Do collect coupons and look for purchasing incentives. Comparison shopping not only helps you get the best price, but also it can shed light on coupons, shipping discounts and other incentives that lower the overall cost of products. Search online for websites that publish coupons and codes for online discounts, including free shipping. Join a store’s marketing list and receive emails with deals sent directly to your inbox. * Don’t be afraid to delay some purchases if need be. If hosting a
post-holiday gathering where gifts will be exchanged, it’s perfectly acceptable to delay buying those gifts until after Christmas or Chanukah, when many items can be found at even lower prices. Many stores reduce prices on merchandise come Dec. 26, so you can wait until after the holidays to shop for items that will be exchanged with distant friends and relatives. This enables you to save more money and use any received gift cards toward shopping. * Do keep a level head. Some people forget the true meaning of the season is spending time with loved ones. Getting swept away by shopping and worrying about deadlines can make the season less enjoyable. Don’t allow the stress of holiday shopping to compromise an otherwise joyous time of year.
PAGE 8- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014
Gifts that won’t break the bank Giving is synonymous with the holiday season. But in a holiday season where people are still dealing with a sagging and unpredictable economy, giving in a way that won’t break the bank is imperative for many thoughtful holiday shoppers. In response to the economy, many families have set limits on how much family members can spend on holiday gifts. Such budgets are a great idea and can even make holiday shopping more fun as shoppers hunt down the perfect gift without having to worry about how they’re going to pay for it. Low-cost holiday gifts come in many shapes and sizes, and the following are a few ideas to help you get started.
Food & Beverage
If you need to find an inexpensive gift for the family foodie, then you’re in luck. Plenty of culinary gifts can be had for less than $25. Early risers might appreciate some gourmet coffee beans accompanied by a new coffee mug, while those who prefer tea instead of
coffee would no doubt appreciate a variety pack of herbal teas and a new teacup or teapot. Men and women who embrace mealtime as an opportunity to experience various styles of cuisine would likely love a cookbook filled with recipes from all over the world or a particular country whose cuisine inspires them. Another great gift for foodies is a membership to a club such as “Pastry of the Month” or “Coffee of the Month.” Such gifts cost a little more than thrifty shoppers would care to spend, but there are some deals to be had on such memberships come the holiday season.
Photography
The dawn of the digital age has made photography more popular than ever before. Amateur photographers can now take photos with a digital camera or even their cellular phones and post their pictures to the Internet in a matter of seconds. Though online photo albums are popular, a traditional photo album is a thoughtful and inexpensive gift for a loved one who can’t take
enough pictures. New parents might also consider giving their youngster’s grandparents a photo album filled with photos of the family’s newest addition.
Film Fans
Movie buffs are passionate about their favorite films, and feeding that passion can be easy and inexpensive. Many film fans have a favorite director or actor, so why not gift a collection of that director or actor’s work? Perhaps thanks to the growing popularity of streaming movies online, DVDs are now more affordable than ever. Many film fanatics are also interested in the history of the film industry, so a book detailing that history might appeal to your loved ones. Of course, all film fans generally appreciate a gift certificate to their local multiplex.
Pet Parents
Pet parents are enamored with their furry friends, so a pet-oriented gift is sure to make their holiday season even more special. A new bowl, a flashy new collar or some additional attire aimed at
helping their beloved pooch or cat stay warm through the winter months won’t cost much, but it’s certainly something most pet owners and their pets need. For the pet parent who seemingly has everything, remember that pets can never have enough toys. Pets tend to play rough, so their toys aren’t known for their longevity. Some new pet toys can be had on the cheap, and pet parents will appreciate the gesture.
Rest & Relaxation
Arguably one of the best holiday gifts is one that won’t cost shoppers a penny. Offer to babysit a loved one’s kids so the adults can enjoy a worry-free night on the town or simply relax at home without the kids. Another R&R gift is to book a spa trip for you and a loved one. While this won’t necessarily qualify as an inexpensive holiday gift, you can often get great deals on spa treatments and other luxurious services when you book for two. And booking such a trip is also a way to reward yourself for surviving another holiday season.
Storewide Sale
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FRIDAY & SATURDAY-NOV. 28 & 29
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE-PAGE 9
Shop locally this holiday season Shopping is a big part of the holiday season, when families and friends gather to reconnect and exchange gifts. While the popularity of shopping online has grown, such practices are not always eco-friendly or timely, as gifts bought online must be packaged and shipped, wasting valuable resources and time that last-minute shoppers may not have. The benefits of shopping locally go beyond convenience and the chance to reduce your carbon footprint. The following are a few ways that shopping locally this holiday season can directly benefit your community and the people who call it home. When men and women shop locally, they are putting money back into their local communities. Local small businesses may be owned by your neighbors, and it can be comforting to know that your holiday shopping dollars are going to support a neighbor instead of a large corporation. Local businesses also employ your neighbors, so shopping local
can strengthen the local economy by creating jobs that may not exist if you and members of your community fail to support local small businesses. Local small businesses go a long way toward creating a neighborhood identity, and that identity can create a stronger sense of community among you and your neighbors. In addition, a unique community identity can make your town more attractive to outsiders, and that appeal can improve the value of local real estate while also attracting more people to local businesses in your neighborhood. The gifts you buy when shopping locally also can benefit your community. Gifts purchased from small local businesses tend to be more unique than items bought from national chains, as smaller retailers tend to sell more homemade items than their national competitors. Recipients of such items may find such gifts more thoughtful than mass produced items bought from national chains, and the
Small Business Saturday November 29, 9am-7pm
LOTS OF IN-STORE SPECIALS!
uniqueness of homemade gifts may encourage the gifts’ recipients to visit your community and do some shopping, further benefitting your local economy. The accessibility of customer service is another oft-overlooked benefit of shopping locally. When buying from national chains, especially during the holiday season when such businesses may be overwhelmed with orders, making contact with customer service departments can be a trying exercise in patience. Long wait times on the phone or online can make the process of contacting customer service extremely frustrating. But such frustration is rare when buying from local businesses, as consumers can simply take their products into the store, where employees can immediately address their concerns. In addition, buying locally makes it more convenient for friends and family members who also live in your community to return their gifts.
HOLIDAY SALE
548-2220
Thanks for Shopping With Us!
544 Wagner Ave. Greenville Owners Bob & Beverly Birt
Holiday Hours Mon.-Sat. 9-7/Sun. Noon-4
Readmore’s Hallmark 524 S. Broadway, Greenville
Locally owned and operated for over 60 yrs.
937-548-2472
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE-PAGE 11
Small Business Saturday in New Madison NEW MADISON – Eleven New Madison area businesses will be participating in Small Business Saturday 2014 on Nov. 29. Small Business Saturday is a nationwide event that highlights the small businesses and local artisans in small towns across America. These small businesses and local artisans not only provide unique items, but are vital parts of the local community. Buying from local small businesses keeps more money in the local economy to benefit the community, schools and neighborhood projects we all enjoy. The eleven New Madison area small businesses and artisans participating in Small Business Saturday will be offering special savings on Small Business Saturday. These small businesses offer a wide variety of products and services that can help you complete your Christmas shopping, while supporting your local economy. With the availability of unique shopping, food and wine tasting, it will be easy to plan a fun day of shopping for yourself and others just before the holiday rush. Visit any one of the stores to receive a
directory of the sales being offered, as well as a convenient map to help you locate all of the shops! Enjoy these sales and specials available on Small Business Saturday: Deb & Ambrosia’s Wildflowers is offering 25 percent off in-stock, regular priced merchandise, including gifts, décor and fresh Christmas greens. This is the one time every year for this sale! Stop in from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Located at Wildflowers, you can browse the selection of custom Christmas ornaments by Pocketful of Posies by Ambrosia. You will receive 25 percent off cash and carry items, as well as 10 percent off custom orders! Heather B Leaves will have her holiday open house from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. She will be offering 10 percent off her hand-cast cement leaf fountains, as well as 20 percent off all other leaves! WB Designs Jewelry & Hairbows will have her home open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with 25 percent off regular priced
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY continued on page 12
FREE
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The Mr. Shoppe
Has gifts for the men on your list!! • 25% OFF ALL
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The Mr. Shoppe
419-678-8280
mrshoppe.com
204 West Main Street, Coldwater Hours: Monday-Friday 10/7 Saturday 9-3
The shops in and around New Madison invite everyone to enjoy their Small Business Saturday specials.
Small Business Saturday in New Madison! November 29, 2014 Stop in for valuable savings for the holiday season. See our article in this edition for specific sales & offers! Deb & Ambrosia’s Wildflowers & Pocketful of Posies by Ambrosia 3243 John Mills Rd • 9am-3pm
Snack Shop
395 N Main St • 11am-9pm
Weimer Electronics
111 N Main St • 9am-5pm
Flaig Lumber
217 W Wayne St • 7am-12pm
Heather B Leaves
2456 Ritenour Rd • 10am-4pm
Main Street Styling Salon & Sharon’s Sewing 112 S Main St • 9am-3pm
WB Designs Jewelry & Hairbows
1659 New Garden Rd • 9am-5pm
Happy Feet
2960 Wilt Rd • 10am-3pm
Kennedy Vineyard
3911 St Rt 722 • 4pm-10pm
Country Lane Treasures
4790 Grubbs Rex Rd • 10am-5pm
www.facebook.com/ShopSmallNewMadison
PAGE 12- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014
Serving the area with quality products and services for over 30 years! GIFT CONSIDERATIONS FOR MEN
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• Power Tool SPECIALS • Drill Bit Sets • Electronic Weld Helmets • Shields & Safety Glasses • Weld Protective Clothing • Welding/Work Gloves • Smoke/Dust Masks • Hearing Protection •Welding & Cutting Equip. • Flexible Jumper Cables • Honda Generator/ Snowblowers •Portable Master Heater • Ingersoll-Rand Compressors • Landa Pressure Washers
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items. Enjoy refreshments while you browse her selection of handmade hair accessories and jewelry. You will also receive a free gift for stopping by. Weimer Electronics will have special hours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and provide refreshments to enjoy while you browse select TV’s that will be marked at or below cost for Small Business Saturday. Happy Feet is offering an additional 15 percent off sports Tervis Tumblers, Real Tree shoes and Eastland shoes. This Small Business Saturday sale CAN be combined with the regular November coupon. Stop by between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to take advantage of these and other specials. The Snack Shop is your stop for lunch and sweet treats from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. The Snack Shop is offering 10 percent off menu items on Small Business Saturday, as well as 20 percent off gift certificates for later use. Main Street Styling Salon and Sharon’s Sewing offers full salon services, as
well as custom sewing and alterations. The salon will be open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Small Business Saturday and will offer 10 percent off all services that day, as well as 25 percent off all products. Flaig Lumber will be offering 10 percent off in-store cash sales. Flaig Lumber gladly accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards. Flaig Lumber is open from 7 a.m.-noon on Small Business Saturday. Kennedy Vineyard will have halfpriced glasses of wine (limit of two per person) for your enjoyment after shopping. Enjoy 10 percent off meat and cheese trays during the OSU game. Saturday winter hours are 4-10 p.m. Country Lane Treasures will offer 20 percent off merchandise across the store. Join her from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to browse her treasures. Mark your calendars and start your Christmas shopping lists, then join these New Madison small businesses on November 29 for Small Business Saturday. With the wide variety of products and services, you are sure to find something for everyone on your Christmas list.
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Gifting indulgence The holiday season is rife with tradition. Families have their own unique traditions, whether it’s gathering at Grandma’s to enjoy a holiday meal or singing carols together around the neighborhood with friends who live nearby. One tradition that seems to have made it into many families’ holiday celebrations is indulging in delicious baked goods. Desserts are a big part of the holiday season, when many people relax re-
strictions on their diets to enjoy some of their favorite cookies and cakes. While such delicacies are often served at dinnertime, homemade baked goods also make great gifts come the holiday season. Whether a friend or family member is a fully devoted foodie or simply a person who loves a decadent dessert, gifting homecooked baked goods is a great way to show your loved ones just how much you appreciate them.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE-PAGE 13
Events set for Small Business Saturday * Free Family Photo by Brittany Carol Photography from 2-4 p.m. on the steps of the Darke County Courthouse. * Free Gift Wrapping at Readmore’s Hallmark from 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. * Free Balloons for the Kids! * The first 250 shoppers who visit Main Street Greenville’s office at the new Darke County Welcome Center and show them their receipts will receive a Shop Small Canvas Bag! (421 S. Broadway) * After shopping, visit Main Street Greenville’s office for the opportunity to win even more prizes! * Visit with Santa at The Coffee Pot from 1-3 p.m. Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization that supports downtown Greenville through stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth. Learn more about the organization on their website, www.mainstreetgreenville. org, or follow them on Facebook. You can contact them at info@mainstreetgreenville.org or 548-4998.
GREENVILLE – Did you know downtown Greenville is home to over 50 small businesses? Small, independent businesses who add character to our community. Mom and Pop shops that are unique and one-of-a-kind. In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help businesses with their most pressing need — getting more customers. The day encourages people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. The single day has grown into a powerful movement, and more people are taking part than ever before. This year, the big day is Saturday, Nov. 29. To help celebrate the day, Main Street Greenville has created a schedule full of fun activities for shoppers to enjoy when visiting and supporting downtown businesses. Sponsored by Second National Bank, the day includes the following: * Shop and dine at participating businesses to be entered into our Win the Window Contest! * Free Horse Carriage Rides downtown Greenville from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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PAGE 14- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014
Small businesses getting help from local business BY RYAN BERRY MANAGING EDITOR www.bluebagmedia.com
ARCANUM – Lawson Nickol knows what it is like to start a small business and watch it grow and has long been a supporter of products that carry the “Made in the USA” label. His company, The All American Clothing Company, was founded on that premise. Now, with a successful company providing American made jeans and t-shirts across the country, Nickol is turning his attention to other small businesses. On Nov. 29, The All American Clothing Co. will open one of its warehouses to host the inaugural Small Business Appreciation Day. Approximately 50 local small businesses will be on-hand with unique woodwork, crafts, jewelry and much more. Visitors can expect to see many unique handcrafted items that can’t be found anywhere else. Two of the vendors planning to attend won’t have far to travel. Nickol is helping a couple of small businesses grow their businesses by providing
space in one of his warehouses for them to continue their craft. Rodney Armstrong is a talented woodworker who started Arcanum Crafters about a year ago. He has been a finish carpenter for 20 years and did woodworking as a hobby. He made a few pieces for his home and soon found visitors were requesting some of the items he had made. He found himself fulfilling more and more requests. After doing some work for Nickol, Armstrong was invited to set up a woodshop at the All American Clothing Co. Nearly every day, Armstrong will work his regular job and then spend another five or six hours in the woodshop. Armstrong makes beautiful bowls, spinning tops, and honey dippers, but his biggest sellers are his unique wine racks. He admits there aren’t any two that are alike of any of the products he makes. “If you like something you
HELP FROM LOCAL BUSINESS
Rodney Armstrong is shown handcrafting honey dippers on his lathe. (Ryan Berry photo)
continued on page 15
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE-PAGE 15
HELP FROM LOCAL BUSINESS continued from page 14
see, you should probably get it because there won’t be another one like it,” he said. He uses both new and reclaimed wood to create his beautiful woodwork. The business is a family affair for Armstrong, his wife and three boys. Nickol has become one of Armstrong’s biggest fans. He can often be found in the warehouse watching Armstrong hone his craft. Nickol truly wants to see him succeed. “It’s good for Arcanum. It’s good for Darke County. It’s good for the country,” said Nickol. Visit the Small Business Appreciation Day at All American Clothing Co.
to learn more about Arcanum Crafters or find the business on Facebook. Ben Allen shares the warehouse with Armstrong and has a unique business – Bobz Restoration. After 38 years of doing body work on full size cars and trucks, Allen’s jobs have been miniaturized, but the work has not. He specializes in restoring pedal cars. The cars that were once purchased for $20 can now be restored and sold for thousands of dollars. Some of his projects take three or four weeks to restore. Since the companies that made these cars are no longer in business, Allen also fabricates many of the parts he uses. Bobz Restoration will soon be branching out and growing his business.
Gifts to keep kids engaged Store aisles are filled this time of year with every must-have gift retailers can advertise. Children often plead and beg for the hottest toys weeks ahead of the holidays, hoping to find their requests wrapped up come the big day. Once the gift wrap is torn away and kids have played with their presents for a day, some already grow bored with their new belongings and cast them aside. Certain toys are not engaging enough to warrant extended periods of play no matter what
the advertisements boast. No gift-giver wants to spend money on a present only to have it collecting dust days later. With that said, employing these strategies can help anyone select a gift that will continue to inspire and excite children long after the holiday season has come and gone. Don’t believe the hype. It’s easy to fall hook, line and sinker for ultra-popular trendy gifts. While such gifts may have popular appeal, that does not mean
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He is creating his own molds to build Volkswagen Beetle type cars that can be custom designed with football helmet logos. He believes there is a market with restaurants, bars and collectors. The Small Business Appreciation Day will be held in a heated warehouse at 1 Poprite Drive, Arcanum. Vendors will be given a 10x10 space to set up their wares. In addition to All American Clothing Co., Arcanum Crafters and Bobz Restoration, businesses and vendors planning to attend include Tastefully Simple, Cub Scouts Pack 185, Younique, Recycling by Rebecca, Jewelry by Marilyn, Yes Deere Hair and Nail Salon, Fall in October Photography, Skein of Love, Crochet, Scentsy, Keith Troutwine Agency, Love Me Knots,
Avon, Linda’s Gifts, Sutton’s Super Valu, Maple Syrup and Honey, Kennedy Vineyard, Woodworking by Gene Oliver, Gold Canyon Candles, J&T Country Crafts, Biller’s Stamps & Engraving, Oxygen Tank Holder, Jeff Puterbaugh, D&S Homemade Crafts, Bakers Store Sweets, Burning Maple Farms, Miche Bags, The Olde Nostalgia Shoppe, and Jennifer Krentscher. The Arcanum A# Music Boosters will have a food stand. The warehouse can hold up to 75 vendors and space is still available. If you have a business you would like to bring to the event or would like more information, contact Mary Ann Nickol at manickol@yahoo.com or Mindy Armstrong at djkboys@embarqmail.com.
they’re a perfect fit for your child. When shopping for youngsters come the holiday season, choose a gift because your child will truly enjoy it and not because it’s the trendy item of the year. Focus on the play factor. Too often shoppers get caught up in toys’ appearances. Instead, think about how the toys will work with imaginative play. The more a child can envision himself doing with a particular toy, the more likely he or she will exhibit a continued interest in that toy. Choose gifts that grow. Shoppers want to select gifts that are age-appropriate for children so they will be safe during play
time. Shoppers also should look for toys and activities that can be modified and grow with the child as he or she ages. A game that gets progressively harder through levels or a toy set that can be supplemented as kids grow older may make good gifts. Musical instruments also can grow with a child, as the instruments become easier to master with practice. Figure out the child’s interests. Toys that cater specifically to a child’s interests will be the most warmly received. It may take going the extra mile to find a gift that matches a child’s interest rather than picking up the first trendy gift you see, but the results will be well worth it.
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PAGE 16- HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE -SUPPLEMENT TO THE EARLY BIRD-NOVEMBER 23, 2014