January/February 2021 | Issue 60

Flavor for Everyday Life | January/February 2021

Cradle of dentistry Walnut Ridge Acres stocks your pantry Libraries step up

at the

Farm Fresh

Outdoor Farmer’s Market Opens on Saturday, April 24th

There are many good reasons to visit the Farmer’s Market at Caesar Creek this season, so we’d like to share a few of our favorites:

Purchase fresher produce Fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market is as fresh as it gets with items harvested specifically for market days.

Get outside with your family Many people suffer from a lack of vitamin D, so spend time outdoors with your family by walking around and exploring the farmer’s market.

Find unique & quirky items Local vendors who make jewelry and other fun gift items are invited to attend our farmer’s market. If you are looking for the perfect homemade gift or simply want something nice for yourself, Caesar Creek is a great place to hunt for new treasures.

Support local farmers and producers Purchasing local products from the farmers themselves saves the cost of middleman distributors.

Help save the environment When you make a purchase at the farmer’s market, you are lessening your carbon footprint because the waste associated with packaging and shipping produce is diminished when buying directly from the producer.

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F L E A

Discover the spice of life: variety Who knew that there were more colors of eggs than just white and brown? You will also see a rainbow of produce that are colors you didn’t even know were possible.

Connect with the community Meet new people and interact with local vendors who you can purchase from in the future.

Know your food source You learn exactly where the food you are buying comes from and who is growing it when you shop at the farmer’s market.

Try something new From trying a new food to simply visiting the market for the first time...time is always worth spending when you are having fun and broadening your horizons.

M A R K E T

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staff & contributors Adrienne McGee Sterrett

Joanna Mathews

Adrienne is editor of Salt magazine and lifestyle/special sections editor for The Lima News. She believes everyone has a life story worth sharing.

Reach her at 567-242-0510 or amcgeesterrett@aimmediamidwest.com.

Jennifer Woods

Jennifer is a reporter for the Record-Herald in Washington Court House. When not reporting or spending time with close friends, she works on her creative writing projects and aims to be a published novelist.

Jane Beathard

Jane is a writer for Salt magazine. She is a retired staff writer for The Madison Press in London, Ohio, and is also the retired media relations manager of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Joanna is a designer of Salt magazine.

She enjoys crochet, beadweaving and tabletop roleplaying games with friends.

McKenzie Caldwell

McKenzie is a reporter for the Times-Gazette.

In her spare time, she likes to research American folklore and stargaze with her cat, Baby.

Patrick Keck

Patrick is a reporter with the Portsmouth Daily Times, primarily covering local government news. After work hours, you can find him training for the marathon.

John Hamilton

John is a staff writer for the Wilmington News Journal and a native of Wilmington.

Kay Frances

Kay is a motivational humorist and author from Wilmington, giving humorous keynote presentations and stress management workshops all over the United States. She is the author of “The Funny Thing about Stress; A Seriously Humorous Guide to a Happier Life.” Visit kayfrances.com.

Sarah Allen

Sarah is a writer for Salt magazine. When she’s not writing, she can be found scrapbooking, reading or cooking.

Hide & Shake Find the shaker in this issue and be entered to win a $10 grocery card.

Visit our website, thesaltmagazine.com, and click on the Shaker Contest link at the top and enter your contact information. Your name, street number, street name, city and zip code are required. Only your

name and city will be published.

All entries must be received by Feb. 1. Only online entries will be accepted.

In the November/December issue, the shaker was hidden on page 8, on the music stand.

Congratulations to our most recent winner, Joe Schreick, of Minford.

January/February 2021 Publisher Lane Moon lmoon@aimmediamidwest.com Editor Adrienne McGee Sterrett amcgeesterrett@aimmediamidwest.com Layout Design Joanna Mathews jmathews@aimmediamidwest.com Sales Clinton County Elizabeth Huber 937-382-2574 ehuber@aimmediamidwest.com Fayette County Kimberly Lyons-Penwell 740-313-0347 kpenwell@aimmediamidwest.com Highland County Sharon Hughes 937-393-3456 shughes@aimmediamidwest.com Scioto County Tracy Litteral 740-353-3101 tison@aimmediamidwest.com Contact Salt: amcgeesterrett@aimmediamidwest.com 761 S. Nelson Ave. Wilmington, OH 45177 937-382-2574 Salt is published six times a year by AIM Media Midwest, LLC and is available through the Wilmington News Journal, The (Hillsboro) Times-Gazette, The (Washington Court House) Record-Herald and the (Portsmouth) Daily Times.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is prohibited. Salt is free to our subscribers and is also available at each of the newspaper offices.

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January/February 2021 | Salt | 3

6

10 18

14

Features Exploring the ‘cradle of dentistry’ ���������6 Living a life of adventure ���������������������10 ‘Beacons in the community’ �����������������14 In the Kitchen with:

18 20 On the Cover This photo of the Dr. John Harris Dental Museum in Bainbridge is

by McKenzie Caldwell.

4 | Salt | January/February 2021

Clarksville’s Walnut Ridge Acres ����18 Finding the funny is a pigment of your imagination ���������20

Recipes Turkey Sausage and Pasta Skillet ����������������������������� 5 Mandarin Orange Salad ��������������������� 17 Western Style Pork Ribs ��������������������� 19 Correction The name of the food truck business in the January/February 2021 issue is Aloha Tacos and More LLC.

I think it’s fair to assume we’re all happy it’s 2021.

You may still be raising a toast, refusing to let that celebration be held to one night only. To life, indeed.

My sincerest hope is you have used and are using the pause of the pandemic to do some self reflection. I won’t call it “new year’s resolutions,” because we know how that goes. I usually have broken at

least two by the time I’m done writing a four-point list. (I resolve to eat better.

Ooh, let’s bake cookies! I should not be in charge of myself.)

But making one change makes an impact. And that impact can be far-reaching. Take, for instance, this issue’s story on the Dr. John Harris Dental Museum.

At first glance, it’s the kind of place you think you know all about without ever stepping into it. But consider this: Dr. Harris taught dentistry in a time when that was unusual, and his students went on to make huge ripples.

We also look at how area libraries worked around and through the pandemic to be sure their patrons weren’t too isolated, check in with a Clarksville farm about its history and goals and talk with a 91-year-old from London who wouldn’t dream of missing deer season and has had an adventure or two in her life.

Small dreams, big dreams — just be sure to dream.

Cooking these days kind of feels like a television show. Open the cupboard door and get creative. This is my riff on a recipe I found at diethood.com.

1 package kielbasa-style turkey sausage, sliced into rounds, or leftover shredded chicken 1 teaspoon dried thyme, to taste 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes 1 12-ounce jar roasted red bell pepper slices, drained Milk, to taste Shredded parmesan cheese, to taste

ened and browned a bit, add garlic and saute for about a minute. Add broth, dried pasta, protein, thyme, tomatoes and peppers. I added a tomato can full of water to the skillet to mostly cover the pasta. The amount of water you need to add may depend on the shape of pasta you use.

Bring to a boil and simmer at reduced heat, covered, for about 15-20 minutes.

Stir periodically.

When pasta is ready, remove from heat and stir in a little milk and cheese to make the dish creamy, if desired, but it’s not necessary.

Next time, I’ll add olives.

Turkey Sausage and Pasta Skillet

2 tablespoons olive oil Half of 1 onion, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped garlic, to taste 2 cups broth (I used a combination of beef and chicken) 12 ounces dried pasta (I used tricolor rotini)

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion in oil. When it’s soft-

January/February 2021 | Salt | 5

Exploring the

‘cradle of dentistry’

Bainbridge historical site offers local, national histories of dentistry Story and photos by McKenzie Caldwell On the western edge of Bainbridge, a green sign displaying the words “dental museum” sways at the side of U.S. Route 50. The unassuming white building behind the sign blends in with the residential homes around it; however, each dental college in the U.S. — and some in Canada — can trace its roots back to this Bainbridge historical site.

In 1825, Dr. John Harris moved into the house, which at that time had only three rooms, including a small bedroom with enough space for a cot and an office where he saw his patients. Harris was originally from Pompey, New York, but had spent the previous six years practicing medicine in a suburb of Cincinnati. During his time in Cincinnati, Harris became interested in dentistry, an interest he brought to Bainbridge.

On Nov. 1, 1827, The Scioto Gazette, a Chillicothe newspaper, ran an announcement from Harris entitled “Medical Instruction,” in which Harris invited young men to enroll in a private preparatory class, which would include lectures and teaching a variety of medical topics and would help prepare them to enter medical college.

When someone decided to pursue a career in medicine in those days, they apprenticed under a practicing physician and then attended a formal program at an established college, from which they received a 6 | Salt | January/February 2021

certificate that allowed them to practice medicine. However, practicing physicians were typically only able to mentor a couple of students at a time, according to David Tillis, who serves as the president of the Bainbridge Historical Society, which has maintained the site since 1999.

The first — and only — class to study under Harris included 10 students.

After instructing these students for two and a half years, Harris closed the school in 1830. But Harris’ influence on dentistry and dental education lived on. Of his 10 students, nine went on to become dentists and made major contributions to dentistry by writing books and articles, inventing tools and serving as presidents for dental organizations, Tillis said.

“We have no record that any of Dr. Harris’ students went on for additional education for further knowledge in dentistry,” Tillis said. “As far as we know, this was the extent of their dental education, other than what they learned later on from reading or experimentation or practice. This was it.”

Harris’ brother Chapin, who was

“It was said of Dr. Harris, even during his own lifetime, that anybody who was professionally interested in the field of dentistry knew John Harris personally because, eventually, he showed up everywhere.”

— David Tillis, president of Bainbridge Historical Society

a practicing physician in Greenfield before he studied dentistry under Harris, went on to co-found the world’s first dental college, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, in 1840.

Chapin also served as the editor of the world’s first dental journal, the American Journal of Dental Science, according to an article in the December 1963 edition of the Ohio Dental Journal.

Bainbridge native Dr. James Taylor co-founded the Ohio College of Dental Surgery in Cincinnati in 1845 and served as the editor of the Dental Register of the West, which were the world’s second dental college and second dental journal respectively.

“All the modern programs in dental education in the U.S. evolved from

these two schools,” Tillis said. “Prior to Dr. Harris’ time, dentistry was considered a part of medicine. If you were a medical practitioner, you learned about teeth and jaws and gums and things like that as a part of the course. Dr. Harris, both here and in his later experience, was instrumental in ‘scientificizing’ dentistry — putting it on an independent scientific basis. And his students did the same thing.”

In fact, between 1840 and 1917 alone, 104 collegiate dental programs were founded in the U.S. and Canada, January/February 2021 | Salt | 7

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all of which can be traced back to the tiny brick house in Bainbridge, according to an illustration that appeared in the March 1963 edition of The Journal of the American Dental Association.

Nationally and internationally, the Dr. John Harris Dental Museum, as Harris’ Bainbridge home and office is known today, is recognized as the first dental school in the U.S., and Harris himself is recognized as the father of modern dental education.

After leaving Bainbridge, Harris continued to practice medicine and dentistry throughout the country.

Though little is known of Harris’ life, according to Tillis, Harris lived and practiced in Cincinnati, Bainbridge, Chillicothe, Indianapolis and Baltimore as well as Frankfort and Lexington in Kentucky and Fairview, Maryland.

“Dr. Harris seemed to be one of those individuals who

simply could not stay in one place,” Tillis said. “It was said of Dr. Harris, even during his own lifetime, that anybody who was professionally interested in the field of dentistry knew John Harris personally because, eventually, he showed up everywhere.”

While he was in Hertford, North Carolina, Harris contracted an illness and died around the age of 51 in 1849. Harris was buried in an unmarked grave in Hertford’s public cemetery.

In 1944, nearly 100 years after Harris’ death, North Carolina’s and Ohio’s dental societies erected a stone marker that reads, “In his office at Bainbridge, Ohio, John Harris conducted the first American school in dental surgery. From this school there developed the modern system of dental education that has brought to American dentistry the highest recognition throughout the world.

Honored also as being the

Dr. John Harris Dental Museum

208 W. Main St., Bainbridge 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends March to October, with year-round scheduled tours available Admission: $5 For details or to schedule a tour, visit www.cradleofdentistry.org Visitors should allow for one hour to take the tour and view the displays.

• To volunteer for the Bainbridge Historical Society or the Dr. John Harris Dental Museum, contact historical society president David Tillis at 740-626-7266 or davidtillis@juno.com.

first dentist to appreciate the result of focal infection and its effect on the general health, 1845.”

A few years later, the stone marker was replaced by a bronze marker. The stone marker now hangs on the external wall of Harris’ home in Bainbridge and is the first stop beyond the museum’s foyer during the tour.

Today, the former site of Harris’ dental school offers a glimpse into both local and dental history. The museum offers not only a tour through Harris’ original three-room home but also historical displays of dental items housed in additions built around Harris’ home.

Visitors can view a replica early 1800s dental office complete with period tools and furniture, a side-by-side comparison of dentist offices before and after electricity, and a collection of dental tools and appliances that spans centuries. During the guided tour, Tillis also corrects the legend of George Washington’s wooden teeth, revealing in the process that the first president only had one tooth when he was inaugurated for his first term.

January/February 2021 | Salt | 9

Living a life of

adventure

London woman enjoys outdoor pursuits Story by Jane Beathard Photos courtesy of Maxine Kelly They say age is just a number. And for Madison County resident Maxine Kelly, that saying is most true.

At age 91, Kelly is an enthusiastic outdoors woman who pursues white-tailed deer each fall, accompanied by a small band of family members.

“It is just fun to get together,” she said. “We don’t get to do it that often.”

Shotgun in hand, she tramps the hills of southeast Ohio’s Gallia County — generally with brother Larry Kelly, 75, nephew Roy Kelly, and his friend Rick Hughes.

10 | Salt | January/February 2021

The 2020 deer-gun season was a bit of a disappointment for them all due to rain, wind and a healthy dose of snow on the opening days.

“I saw three deer on Sunday as they crossed the road about 50 yards away,” she said. “Those were the only ones I saw.”

She loves the camaraderie of the hunting cabin — a tiny, dilapidated structure off a gravel road that has been her family’s seasonal headquarters every November for 30 years. Nephew Roy found the unoccupied house years ago and the Kellys tried unsuccessfully to buy it once.

“Too many names on the deed and

none of them got along,” Kelly lamented.

Today the cabin is often infested with mice and wasps and has a sagging tin roof. But it’s still a good place to gather, savor the woods and reminisce about past hunts and the good times they brought.

Outside of deer-gun season, “Aunt Max” as the nephews call Kelly, lives alone in a tidy cottage on a side street in London.

Her first hunt was at age 12 with her father who taught her to master a .410 shotgun. In those days, London was a much smaller town and she often pursued rabbits and pheasants along the

Over the years she hunted moose in Alaska, pheasant in Iowa and deer in Colorado. She fished, too, and once hooked a 52-pound king salmon during an Alaskan camping trip.

railroad tracks and in what is now the city’s “suburbs.”

Back then, Ohio’s natural landscape featured mostly rabbits, squirrels and pheasants. That changed over the years thanks to state wildlife restoration projects. Now Kelly also encounters wild turkey and whitetails in the woods.

A Marine veteran, she served three years during the Korean War in a California encampment.

She worked a third shift while in the military, often drawing well-known movie and TV personalities to stay awake during the wee hours. Those old sketches are now tucked away in a box

in London and provide a glimpse of Hollywood as it was in the 1950s and ‘60s.

She mustered out and remained in California for a few years before returning to Ohio to work in a Springfield meat packing company for $1 an hour.

“I sliced bacon in a cold room with grease all over,” she laughed.

She eventually moved up to a $3 per hour job at the former Westinghouse appliance factory on Columbus’ west side.

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While her life has been varied, the outdoors always played a big role.

Over the years she hunted moose in Alaska, pheasant in Iowa and deer in Colorado. She fished, too, and once hooked a 52-pound king salmon during an Alaskan camping trip.

But white-tailed deer remain her favorite prey. The biggest one she ever harvested was an eight-pointer, taken near Irwin in Union County.

And at 91 she has no intention of giving up the outdoor life anytime soon.

“I will keep on hunting,” she said.

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‘Beacons in the community’ COVID-19 can’t keep librarians down Story by Sarah Allen The global pandemic has brought with it many changes: In schools, in businesses — and also at local libraries.

Digital materials, social media interactions, WiFi and even hot spots for home use, were already a part of many libraries.

However, those services increased with COVID-19. In addition, many libraries adjusted hours, implemented social distancing guidelines or started offering curbside service.

Quarantining returned items, as well as increased cleaning and sanitizing, also became a staple of every librarian’s day.

Programs continued but were often virtual.

Sarah Nichols, library director at Carnegie Public Library in Washington Court House, described one such program, saying that the library’s two children’s specialists held live story times from home during the March and April stay-athome order.

“We have a very tight community of families and children,” she said. As the virtual story times began, Nichols said that the comments and interactions from the families were “heartwarming.”

“I got tears in my eyes,” she said.

Librarians, she said, have missed “the people part” of the job.

During curbside service, Nichols said, it means a lot to “see a patron you haven’t seen in a while and talk with them.”

Other services that the Carnegie Public Library has offered includes curbside fax14 | Salt | January/February 2021

ing, scanning and printing; card applications through their website; fulfilling requests for local genealogical and historical research; preparing classroom bundles for local schools; and providing tech support.

The library has also created informational videos for schools, as well as starting a Little Free Library on their grounds.

“Just because the doors are closed doesn’t mean that we are not still serving the community,” she said. “The dedication and creativity of the library staff is pretty special.”

Often, she explained, when stresses occur, they happen only in one person’s life or within one community.

“Rarely do we see something like this that impacts everyone. It reminds you of everyone’s humanity. We’re all on this roller coaster,” she said.

That thought was echoed by Suzanne Roberts, director of Highland County District Libraries.

“We’ve had so many kind moments with patrons who’ve said how happy they are to have the library open again and how they appreciate the work we’re doing for them,” she said. “One especially nice moment was when a patron brought flowers to the staff at the Hillsboro Public Library to just say thank you for all the library’s work. We love our amazing patrons and appreciate their patience as we learn the best ways to offer library services from a distance.”

Like many libraries, Highland County’s branches have offered virtual programs;

Carnegie Library’s Little Free Library, open 24/7.

digital materials (through the Overdrive, Libby and hoopla apps); and item pick-up through curbside service.

Printing, copying and faxing are also available with curbside service.

“And we’ve just received mobile hot spots that patrons can check out and take home, so we’re really excited and happy to be able to provide that for the patrons who don’t have internet service at home,” Roberts added.

The circumstances also provided an opportunity to come up with creative programming, Roberts said. “From online craft videos, to question-and-answer sessions with experts on topics such as genealogy and job searching, and even to online trivia contests. We’ve had a lot of fun coming up with new activities that patrons can do from a distance and hopefully they’ve had fun too.”

Roberts also described some of the surprises that came with being a librarian in 2020.

“We’re getting larger and larger shipments of requested items from other libraries,” she explained. In fact, twice this year, the Hillsboro Public Library broke their record for received cargo; it now stands at 244 bags delivered in one day.

Roberts also explained the support that public libraries have at the state level.

“We have wonderful organizations like the Ohio Library Council and the State Library of Ohio that help libraries make sense of all the changes continually happening and help find the best ways for libraries to handle all of those changes,”

The Chillicothe Roberts said. “And we’ve received a and Ross lot of help and support from the state County Public government as well. We’re really lucky Library’s drive-through in Ohio to have such strong propotrick-or-treat nents and advocates.” featured “More innovations may be on the costumed horizon as well,” she added. “Libraries characters. are constantly communicating and sharing ideas with each other so that Courtesy of we can all do our best to serve our Chillicothe and communities.”

Ross County And those communities, Roberts Public Library said, have met the changes with understanding.

“From online craft videos, to “It’s frustrating to not be able to question-and-answer sessions with attend library programs or to not be experts on topics such as genealogy able to browse or use computers like and job searching, and even to online they could previously,” she said. “But trivia contests. We’ve had a lot of they know we’re trying to find ways fun coming up with new activities to accommodate their needs during this time, and they’ve that patrons can do from a distance been very patient with us as we’ve developed new services and hopefully they’ve had fun too.” and programs.”

— Suzanne Roberts, director of Brown County Public Library Executive Director Lynn Highland County District Libraries A. Harden explained that their chat feature has been a “terrific addition.”

“One patron in particular is overjoyed. He is deaf and this allows him to communicate easily and regularly with library staff,” Harden said. “Many of our older and/or health-compromised patrons just love the fact that they can order items online or over the phone and we will bring them out to their cars.”

She added that Brown County Public Library also held an indoor/outdoor, socially-distanced book sale last fall.

“Patrons were happy to have this bit of ‘normal routine’ in their lives,” Harden said.

She also described how the library worked with Children’s Hunger Alliance to deliver weekly meals to kids under 18. “Families could make appointments for pick-up times and would get meal kits for their children’s physical health, along with library activity support their Ohio Livingkits Capeto May offers independent Courtesy of Highland living options to those 55+ who relish living a mental health,” Harden said.

County District Library luxurious lifestyle – complete with resort-style And while libraries and their have always dining,communities beautiful accommodations and a full spectrum of amenities, activities and wellness been connected, Harden explained that the bond has been programs. Ohio Living offers everything you needPictured are several of the crafts featured in step-by-step videos, including a even stronger during the pandemic. to enjoy each day living your life to the fullest. chef’s hat that was made with the help of Corduroy.

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Courtesy of Carnegie Library

Courtesy of Brown County Public Library

LEFT: Bonnie Rinehart records a stortytime for preschool aged children. RIGHT: The Mt. Orab library hosted a drive-thru Halloween, which director Lynn A. Harden described as one of many attempts for the libraries to provide some safe normalcy for their patrons.

“The phones seem to ring all day long,” Harden said.

She described how her staff has gone “above and beyond to ensure that people get the support they need in a safe manner.” Harden said that Brown County librarians have called “regulars” who they know are by themselves and do not have internet, “just to see how they are doing.”

Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library Director James Hill said, “One thing that might surprise people is that libraries were never specifically included in any of the state-wide orders. The governor is a library supporter and has trusted each library system to devise its own response based on its own community. For some, libraries are undoubtedly essential; for us as decision-makers, we had to weigh that against keeping our patrons safe.

We know we’re essential, which is why we needed to close — we didn’t want to encourage people to leave their house.”

Hill described their “Stay in to Checkout” options — a drive-through

pick-up at one of their locations, as well as a “Checking In” program that provided books and materials and an opportunity to check on homebound patrons.

He added, “As a librarian, a surprising thing this year is how much we normally do that we just can’t right now. We keep statistics, so we know our programs are popular and which formats get used the most, but when you’re having limited interactions with the general public, you forget about little reference questions: ‘Where are dictionaries?’ ‘Do you have this in Large Print?’ We are missing out on the small gestures that we would normally take for granted.”

Debbie Nunziato, community relations/ development at the Chillicothe and Ross County library, further explained the many programs and services that patrons can enjoy during the pandemic.

Nunziato also described the library’s “Take and Makes.”

“Patrons can pick up a craft or cooking kit and then watch online to complete the

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project,” she said. “One program was a Take and Make done in conjunction with the OSU Ross County Extension. Patrons picked up complete breadmaking kits, which even included a disposable bread pan.”

Nunziato added, “Some people might be surprised that there is still so much they can do through their library. We hold online contests, book recommendations and displays, links to fun activities, plus our scheduled virtual programs.”

Nichols commented on how change has always been a part of the library story.

“I’m constantly impressed by the ability of librarians and libraries to evolve, not just with trends and technology, but also in times of great crisis.”

She cited floods and other similar emergencies as times when libraries have brought communities together. And the current global pandemic, she added, is no different.

Libraries, Nichols said, are, and have always been “beacons in the community.”

New Patients Always Welcome!

Jarrod D Thoroman, DVM

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Reader Recipes

Mandarin Orange Salad

Topping:

— From Mary Ann Vantress, of Xenia

1 small container sour cream

2 3-ounce packages or ADVERSE WEATHER POLICY

1 6-ounce package orange

Any delays or cancellations due to adgelatin verse weather and road conditions will be 3 cups boiling water given on the local radio stations WSRW— 106.7 (Hillsboro) andor WVNU—97.5 1 6-ounce larger can (Greenfield). mandarin oranges,

drained 1 small can crushed pineapple, drained Half a bag miniature marshmallows

Salt Scoop

Send us your favorite recipe.

3 tablespoons (or more) We may feature it in an upcoming issue. mayonnaise HIGHLAND COUNTY RURAL Mild cheddar, grated, TRANSIT to taste

Visit our website, thesaltmagazine.com, and click on the Recipe Submission link In a saucepan, bring water to at the top to be entered. Include a photo a boil and add gelatin. Stir until of your dish, too, if you’ve got one. All dissolved. Add fruit; return to a entries must be received by Feb. 1. boil. Pour into square glass dish.

Every submitted recipe will be entered Immediately cover surface with in a drawing for a $25 grocery card. marshmallows,All which will melt. Transit inclusive Congratulations to Mary Ann Vantress, Chill until firm. of Xenia, who won for her Mandarin Medical, Personal,Orange Prepare topping: Stir together Salad recipe submitted for this sour cream and mayonnaise. Top issue of Salt.

Shopping salad with topping and sprinkle on cheese.

FARES FARE INFORMATION Scheduled Bus Route One ($1.00) dollar each time you board a new bus.

Note: Changing over to the connector bus is considered boarding a new bus .

During this time FRS is offering same day on937-393-0585 demand services on your transportation needs. Call

On-Demand Routes Inside Hillsboro City Limits $1.00 Within Ten (10) miles of City Limits $2.00 Over Ten (10) miles of City Limits $3.00

Highland County Rural Transit 313 Chillicothe Ave Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 Office houurs 8:00am—5:00pm

937-393-0585

313 Chillicothe Ave. Hillsboro January/February 2021 | Salt | 17

In the Kitchen with:

Clarksville’s Walnut Ridge Acres

Story and photos by John Hamilton “I just like to cook,” said Bob Portmann while prepping western-style pork ribs raised on his farm.

Just outside of Clarksville, in Clinton County, there lies a little farm where the Portmann family — Bob, his wife, Becky, son Andrew and his wife Tiffany — spread their love of cooking, pork and produce to the community and their neighbors.

Walnut Ridge Acres dates back to 1984 and has been a regular contributor to the Clinton County Farmers Market. Though Bob and Becky Portmann had fulltime jobs before starting the Walnut Ridge Acres business, farming has always been a part of their lives.

Both were laid off from their jobs at General Motors and, “We needed to live,” said Becky Portmann. That’s when they began building Walnut Ridge.

“First, we started out with sheep. Then from that, we got a few heads of steers along the way. Then we got into pigs about twelve years ago,” said Bob Portmann, who’s farmed his whole life.

Walnut Ridge was one of 18 | Salt | January/February 2021

the first vendors when the Clinton County Farmers Market began.

But it’s not just the citizens of Clinton County who have enjoyed their cuts. They’ve also been seen at the farmers markets in Blue Ash and Hyde Park and at the Winter Market at MadTree Brewing in Cincinnati.

While they do sell other items that they do not produce, pork is their main focus. They raise Berkshire hogs.

At the farm, they have a greenhouse system that allows year-round growing of microgreens, spinach, aru-

gula and more.

When it comes to their customers, “They all love it,” said Bob Portmann of their products.

“All the products we’ve had, they’ve all come back for some,” he said. “There’s no one good seller over the other. They all sell about equally.”

To Bob Portmann, he thinks once someone has tasted their sausage or ribs or whatever they have, the customer can’t go back to the regular fare found in stores.

To the Portmanns, one of the best things about their business is the gratitude they

hear from customers.

“We’ve heard that over and over and over,” said Becky Portmann. “They appreciate what we do. They’re thankful. They’re inquisitive on how we do it. And they all seem to love the meat, the pork, the veggies.”

They knew there were people out there who wanted to have fresh produce and cuts of meat. Not just locals, but restaurants are also fans and have been supplied with Walnut Ridge Acres’ products, including the General Denver in Wilmington, the Wildflower Cafe in Mason and Aberlin Springs in South Lebanon.

“They appreciate what we do. They’re thankful.

They’re inquisitive on how we do it. And they all seem to love the meat, the pork, the veggies.”

— Becky Portmann

Walnut Ridge Acres

Western Style Pork Ribs Rack of ribs, with 1-2 ribs per person Rub: 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper, to taste 1/4 teaspoon dehydrated honey powder or raw sugar Pinch crushed red pepper For basting: Apple juice, to taste For serving: Barbecue sauce, to taste

225-250 degrees throughout the cooking time. After two hours, remove the ribs from the grill and wrap in foil with a little apple juice carefully added to the package and cook for two more hours. At hour four, unwrap the ribs and put them back on the grill. Add your favorite barbecue sauce and cook for one more hour.

All cooking is done using indirect heat on a grill or smoker.

Serve with steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes and salad greens.

Bob Portmann recommends Cabernet Sauvignon to go with the meal.

7912 U.S. Route 22, Clarksville To keep up to date with Walnut Ridge and place an order, visit their Facebook page or www.walnutridgeacres.com.

Make the rub. Mix all the rub ingredients together and sprinkle all over the rack of ribs, rubbing it in. Return the pork to the refrigerator for a couple hours before smoking. This rub can be used on all cuts of pork.

To make the ribs, smoke on the grill at 225-250 degrees for two hours uncovered. Maintain

January/February 2021 | Salt | 19

Finding the funny is a

pigment of your imagination

Column by Kay Frances Unless we are King or Queen of our own island, we are forced to coexist with other people. And they are EVERYWHERE. Look around. The planet is literally crawling with them.

They are in the stores, at our jobs, on the streets and highways, on our television sets, in our homes. In our BEDS. And they can be annoying.

Very annoying.

Take a moment to think of the many times and the varying ways people have gotten on your nerves lately. It’s not (necessarily) that they intend to. There’s no poem, “How can I annoy thee? Let me count the ways.” Come to think of it, there ought to be.

Irritating? Yes. But people can also be hilarious, especially when they aren’t trying to be. This can often be in the form of a “malapropism.”

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “malapropism” as “the usually unintentionally humorous misuse or distortion of a word or phrase especially: 20 | Salt | January/February 2021

the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one intended but ludicrously wrong in the context.”

(NOTE: I’m aware that people who cite dictionary definitions in articles are widely viewed as annoying, yet here I am, throwing stones from my grass house.)

Some people collect baseball cards, some collect salt and pepper shakers. I collect malapropisms. I have a relative who is the Queen of the Malapropism. She remains blissfully unaware of this since I don’t correct her. I want her to continue to supply me with an endless supply of unintentional humor. Here are a few of the better ones that she has unconsciously given me over the years.

One time I was beating her in Scrabble and she lamented that she was “up a pole without a paddle.” I almost spit soda out of my nose over that one.

“Kay, that woman is just not the sharpest tool in the sky.”

“I just love springtime when the Mongolia trees are blooming.”

But she is not the only one who does these hilarious unintentional slip-ups. We all do them, myself included. One time I ran into a lady who was telling me that her niece had graduated from college. She was really proud of her, as she should be. She said, “she’s really smart, too. She graduated Magnum P.I.” I didn’t want to be rude and correct the lady, “Ma’am everybody knows it’s Magna Carta.”

I ran into a man I’ve known for years and he told me about his grandson who is a gifted athlete. He said, “he takes after me. I think it’s generics.”

So, as we go about our day, interacting with all manner of people, we can choose to focus on their many, many annoyances or we can decide to find the humor instead. I vote for finding the humor. Because people aren’t going to change, even if we want them to. Leopards don’t change their stripes. And, you are probably too busy to worry about what other people are saying and doing anyway.

You’ve got enough eggs in the fire.

Buckeye l ve Emily Norman, of Lucasville Etsy: PrimitivePetsss emily.grace07@ hotmail.com Rooster amigurumi. $9.

Other custom reptile and poultry items available.

Jessica Davidson, of Blanchester Facebook and Instagram: Fox and Moon Creations foxandmooncreations @gmail.com 937-944-0559 Wire-wrapped and beaded jewelry. Variety of materials available. $8-$45.

Molly Boatman, of Wilmington Etsy: mollyboatmandotcom hello@mollyboatman.com Cards with photos of Clinton County and Ohio. $4.

Also available at local markets.

Allie Morris, of Wilmington Etsy: SuperSquidStudios Mini flower pots. $6.50.

Randi Evans, of Sardinia Facebook: Zebfree Graphics Etsy: ZebFreeGraphics 513-407-2574 zebfreegrapics@ gmail.com Vinyl sticker. $3.99.

Other custom items available.

Are you a maker?

Shania Fedele, of Lucasville Etsy and Facebook: DyeDesignsBySJ Dyedesignsbysj@ gmail.com Bleach tie-dye T-shirt. $20.

Show us what you’re up to!

We’re interested in learning about what our Ohio neighbors are making in their free time. There’s so much creativity happening outside of the 8 to 5, a way for folks to help with the household budget or just express themselves in a way their jobs don’t ask of them.

Send a photo of a finished item, cost, social media info and your contact info to amcgeesterrett@ aimmediamidwest.com.

January/February 2021 | Salt | 21

Front Porch Profile

Lyvette Mosley Portsmouth 4th Ward Councilwoman

the Transportation needs of Highland

By Patrick Keck

Offering a personal glimpse into the lives of notable people in our communities

You’ve been a councilwoman for nearly a month. Has it been what you expected?

they have antiques, but they have modern things — toys and books, quite a bit of things

It has. I’ve been busy and I have had the opportunity to meet various constituents, assisting them with their concerns. We have gotten quite a few things done.

You’re involved with the Southern Ohio Senior Games.

Why is it important for seniors to remain active?

roviding safe & reliable transportation se

Working to keep Highland County M What do you like to do outside of work?

I do quite a bit of volunteering and right now I am doing the IRS training at the Potter’s House in Sciotoville. I am going to be helping them this year doing drop-offs for people with their income tax. They’ll drop all of their paperwork off and then we’ll take care of it.

Being active can prevent serious physical and emotional problems, it can prevent depression and memory decline.

I love encouraging (people) to keep moving. It helps them enjoy life to the fullest.

FRS Transportation, HCCAO, Chris Hopkins Transpo Carpenters House of Prayer/Shiloh Recovery Serv are providers of various types of transportation in Highla What local shops do you enjoy?

What are your visions for the city after the pandemic?

I want to go out and meet as many residents as I can, and with the pandemic right now it’s kind of hard to do that. I know we have a Mound Park Watch, and I’d like to start an East End Watch where the community can look out for one another.

• NET/TANF/Title XX Transportation Services: We downtown provideonnon-emergency Medicaid transportation I love going Second Street to the A Ghost in the Attic.

We provide educational and employment training transportation through the Temporary Assistance for There’s so much to find there, it’s like a scavenger hunt. Not only do Program of HCDJFS. We provide Title XX transportation services.

• Specialized Transportation Program Grant - OverServing the past the 17 years FRS Transportation received Transportation needs ofhas Highland providing safe & of reliable transportation servo and 4 standard minivans through the STP Grant with the by Ohio Department Transportation’s Office • NET/TANF/Title XX Transportation Services: We provide nonthe Transportation Working to keep Highland Countypo M accessible Serving vehicles have helped FRS Transportation to more fully help meet needs of our disabled emergency Medicaid the transportation (NET) services for HCDJFS. We provide educational and employment training transportation FRS Transportation, HCCAO, Chris Hopkins Transporta through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) needs of Highland CountyManagement Project - Mobility • 2018 Ohio Coordination Mobility Manager isXXworking towards me House of Prayer/Shiloh Recovery Service Program of HCDJFS.Carpenters We provide Title transportation services.

• Specialized Transportation Program Grant Over the past in Highland are providers of various types of -transportation 17 years FRS Transportation has received 20 handicap accessible by providing safe &through reliablemarketing transportation services Highland County & coordinating of current transportation services while looking fo vehicles and 4 standard minivans through the STP Grant with the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Office of Transit. These transportation services and mobility options for those who are notwheelchair eligible forvehicles anyhaveofhelpedour other types of accessible FRS Transportation to more fully help meet the needs of our disabled population of • HARTS Fare Program: program offers affordable transportationHighland for County. those who are elderly, disabled or • 2018 Ohio Coordination Mobility Management Project - Mobility Manager is working towards meeting the mobility within the Hillsboro City Limits or within a 5-mile radius of the center of County Hillsboro.

This service is pro needs of Highland through marketing & coordinating of current transportation services while looking for funding sources to increasedepending transportation services upon and mobilitylocation, options for those handica purchasing a $20 or $25 HARTS Fare Card for 10 or 5 one way trips who are not eligible for any of our other types of funding sources.

Such as: • Highland County Locally Developed Transportation Plan: Our county plan allows u • HARTS Fare Program:transportation program offers affordable transportation forWe thosewill who are disabled or considered lowof income living beelderly, happy to answer any your transportatio within the Hillsboro City Limits or within a 10-mile radius of the Working to keep Highland County MOVING! ing for transportation services for the elderly, disabled, and for employment training. center of Hillsboro. Thisand service isemployment providedHighland

by FRS Transportation Area Rural

• NET/TANF/Title XX Transportation Services: We provide non-emergency Medicaid transportation (NE We provide educational and employment training transportation through the Temporary Assistance for Need Program of HCDJFS. We provide Title XX transportation services.

• Specialized Transportation Program Grant - Over the past 17 years FRS Transportation has received 20 and 4 standard minivans through the STP Grant with the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Office of Tr accessible vehicles have helped FRS Transportation to more fully help meet the needs of our disabled popula • 2018 Ohio Coordination Mobility Management Project - Mobility Manager is working towards meetin Highland County through marketing & coordinating of current transportation services while looking for fun transportation services and mobility options for those who are not eligible for any of our other types of fund • HARTS Fare Program: program offers affordable transportation for those who are elderly, disabled or con within the Hillsboro City Limits or within a 5-mile radius of the center of Hillsboro. This service is provided purchasing a $20 or $25 HARTS Fare Card for 10 or 5 one way trips depending upon location, handicap, a • Highland County Locally Developed Transportation Plan: Our county transportation plan allows us to ing for transportation services for the elderly, disabled, and for employment and employment training.

FRS Transportation, HCCAO, Chris Hopkins Transportation,

by purchasing a $20 or $25 HARTS Fare Card for 10 or 5 one way Transportation System (HARTS) trips depending upon location, handicap, and age. vehicles • Highland County Locally Developedprovider Transportation Plan: are Our county transportation plan allows us to applymarked for FTA grant clearly for your funding for transportation services for the elderly, disabled, and for safety and easy identification. employment and employment training.

We will be happy to answer any of your transporta Carpenters House of Prayer/Shiloh Recovery Services

are providers of various types of transportation in Highland County.

For Information Contact Joseph Adray, HARTS/Highland County Mobility Man

We will be happy to answer any of your transportation (937) 402-6156 Emailquestions. jadray@familyrecoveryservices.org • HCCAO (937) 393-

OH-70216619

Highland Area Rural Highland Area Rural Transportation Transportation System (HARTS) System (HARTS) provider vehicles are provider clearly marked for your are vehicles safety and easy identification.

clearly marked for your For Information Contact Joseph Adray, HARTS/Highland County Mobility Manager safetyWebsite and easy identification. at (937) 402-6156 Email jadray@harts4highland.org www.harts4highland.org

22 | Salt | January/February 2021

Funding for this advertisement is partially paid for by ODOT office of transit

rmation Contact Joseph Adray, HARTS/Highland County Mobility M

One more thought ...

“Just as a snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again.”

— Buddha

Photo by Jennifer Woods.

Rattlesnake Creek, outside Buena Vista, in Fayette County.

January/February 2021 | Salt | 23

OH-70216589