November, 2011
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Just Visitin’
With the Editor
Happy Thanksgiving Well, the holidays are upon us fast and furious. All the store shelves baring Halloween candy have been quickly replaced with Christmas decorations and brightly colored ribbons adorn the wouldbe gifts tempting the billfold. Commercialism is inevitable as shopowners compete for every dollar spent to boost their sales total. Thanksgiving just gets caught in the middle and many times overlooked - other than the 15 minutes it takes to stuff ourselves with turkey, gravy, and all the trimmings. We have a tendancy to forget what this holiday is all about. November is a special month that too often loses its luster to the tide of commercialism. This month I've pledged to slow down, count my blessings and spend time with friends and family. Won't you join me? Make plans now to schedule something special on a weekend with your loved ones this month. And what better place to help you decide than this issue of The Weekender Magazine. People to see include Gretchen Wilson in Oxford (see page 6) or Bluegrass icons Rhonda Vincent, Ralph Stanley and others (see page 12. Plan a visit to Heaven’s Corner Zoo with the whole family (see page 13). Whether it’s cooking or simply eating, the 12th Annual Chili Cook Off is a great place to be, complete with desserts of all kinds. (See page 10 and 15. Like antiques? The place to go then is Waynesville, the “Antiques Capital of the Midwest.” See page 7 for details. Whatever you plan to do, be sure to plan to have a wonderful and “thankful” Thanksgiving. Then let the Christmas festivities beginn...Until next time, Kathy Barnett
Senior Editor Page 4
About the Cover : As the hustle and bustle of the holidays is upon us, we should take time to be thankful for all that we have. Happy Thanksgiving to your family from the Weekender family. Now on Facebook!
The Weekender Published monthly online by Barnett PRO, 71 Plymouth St., Plymouth, OH 44865. PHONE/FAX: 419-6870002 Email: info@barnettpro.com Publisher: Michael Barnett Sr. email: mike@barnettpro.com Managing Editor: Mike Arnold email: Mike@barnettpro.com Assistant Editor: Sheeree Oney Graphics Editor Samantha Barnett Photojournalists: Robert Oney • Norman Reed • Lee Offenburger Advertising Director Kathy Barnett
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November, 2011
Things Things To To Do: Do:
Walk for Chocolate
: Several of the businesses participating in the Chocolate display the tote bag ticket holders receive on the walk. Shown are Kirsten Berghoff, Readmore's Hallmark; Bob Bitner, Countryside Bike Shop; Susan & Don Smearsoll, Bread of Life; Lelah Shoop, Youniques; Dalene Thomas, AAA; Antonia Baker, Second National Bank; Joan Brandt, Commercial Printing; and Rob Garrett, The Coffee Pot.
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eadmore's Hallmark along with Downtown Greenville merchants invite you to the “Downtown Greenville Chocolate Walk” in Greenville's historic downtown district on Friday evening, November 18 from 6:00-9:00 pm. Twenty-five downtown businesses will provide chocolate treats on the Chocolate Walk route creating a great sense of place. Tickets, $5, are available now at Readmore's Hallmark, 524 S. Broadway. Only 150 tickets will be sold for this sweet event coinciding with downtown's Holiday Open House. The self-guided Chocolate Walk will start at Readmore's Hallmark where ticket holders will get the list of participating businesses and event tote bag for their goodies. Some treats you'll enjoy on the spot, others you'll November, 2011
be able to take home to savor later. During the evening, free Horse Drawn Wagon Rides will be offered courtesy of Second National Bank from 6:00-9:00 pm to ring in the holiday season in Greenville. Readmore's Hallmark is the proud sponsor of the first “Downtown Greenville Chocolate Walk.” Proceeds from the Chocolate Walk will benefit Main Street Greenville to assist in keeping great events happening in the downtown business district. For more information on this event or how you can contribute to Main Street Greenville's downtownmatters! initiative, visit www.DowntownGreenville.org. Our Place, Our Stories, Our Future.
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People to See: Nominated for two grammy awards, over eight million records sold and multiple smash hits including “Redneck Woman,” Gretchen is “Here for the Party” at the Brick Street for a rare club show. It’ll be a night to remember and advance tickets are on sale now for $25. The night of the show, they will be $30. The show begins at 7 p.m.for more information visit online at www.brickstreetbar.com Her newest single, I Got Your Country Right Here” is available in stores now. To all appearances, Gretchen Wilson went overnight from talented obscurity to phenomenon. Her meteoric rise, the kind experienced by only a handful of artists in the past few decades, was that rare instance where talent and moment meet to form a cultural tidal wave. Still, she knows better than anyone the simple force that fueled it. "The reason I've been successful is that I've been genuine from the get-go," she says, "and I continue to try to do that. I'm an open book." It helps that the identity she wears so guilelessly is one that resonates strongly with fans of country and Southern rock--the independent, take-noguff, hard-working and hard-partying country girl.. Beyond career and family, Gretchen has maintained an active charitable role, performing recently in clubs and small theaters to raise money for organizations like St. Page 06
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November, 2011
Places Places To To Go: Go:
Waynesville, Ohio awaits you! You will be warmly welcomed in this quaint village filled with beautiful holiday decorations and more than 60 'mom & pop' shops and village eateries. Christmas in the Village is December 2 – 4, Experience the nostalgic charm of horse drawn carriage rides, costumed characters and carolers. Waynesville's streets will be lined with over 1,300 luminaries. The shops have decked their halls for the season and will be hosting open houses with free refreshments. Hours are extended to 9pm on Friday and Saturday and 6pm on Sunday. A heated entertainment tent offers a place to stop and warm up while enjoying local holiday entertainers. Come stroll this enchanting village, shop, be entertained, and enjoy the magic of Christmas in Waynesville. Waynesville is one of Ohio's oldest settlements which was founded in 1797 and remains filled with historic buildings and a wonderful small town environment. If you're just here for the shopping, you'll find a great variety of quality shops filled with treasures! Waynesville is known as 'The Antiques Capital of the Midwest' so antique enthusiasts can find over a dozen independently owned antique shops and small antique malls filled with quality antiques. Art lovers will find four art galNovember, 2011
leries where they can browse and purchase a variety of art mediums. Those looking for primitive or early American decor will find a great variety of merchandise in several specialty shops and furniture stores which may also feature custom built furniture. O t h e r shops offer an eclectic mix of trendy fashi o n accessories, gourmet food and handc r a f t e d i t e m s . There's something for everyone in Waynesville. The restaurants offer a variety of dining experiences from pizza and sandwiches to a more upscale experience. Pick your pleasure and enjoy! Waynesville is a perfect getaway where you can stay in a charming bed & breakfast or small motel. It is a great meeting place for families to spend a few days www.theweekendermagazine.com
together or for a girlfriend weekend in a town filled with over 60 shops. A warm welcome awaits you! Waynesville is located in S o u t h West Ohio o f f Route 7 3
between I-71 and I75 - just over an hour from Columbus, less than an
hour from Cincinnati and a mere 30 minutes Southeast of Dayton. It’s a great daytrip or overnight adventure! Waynesville is open year round and hosts many events throughout the year. Visit www.waynesvilleshops.com to plan your visit! Page 07
Things to Do: Dine Out at INN AT CEDAR FALLS
Happy Holidays...are just around the corner! Decorated in its Holiday Bliss for your Seasonal Gathering, The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is the perfect location for anyone. We invite you to enjoy it with your friends, family or business associates. Relax and leave all the planning and cooking to us for Thanksgiving, holiday parties or New Year’s. Located in the Hocking Hills area, The Inn at Cedar Falls offer overnight specials like Rekindle Romance and Mother-Daughter Slumber Party. Dinner packages like Grilled & Roasted Filet Migon, Butternut Squash Ravioli Simmered in an Asiago-Peppered Cream Sauce, Thyme Roasted Pork Loin or Ohio Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon. The dinner package includes exclusive use of The Gathering Place for three hours and a three or four course dinner for each person. Details and A Full Menu are loated online at innatcedarfalls.com. Anthony Schulz, Executive Chef, Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, began his restaurant career learning the front of the house operation. He worked 11 years with the McDonalds Restaurant Corporation in a variety of roles culminating as a Restaurant Manager. Anthony discovered his true passion was cooking. He attended and graduated from the French Culinary Institute in New York City, 2003. After graduating, Anthony worked for the famed New York caterer, Tentation Potel et Chabot and Blu Spoon Catering. This allowed him the opportunity to prepare food for events hosted at The Trump World Towers, Cartier Jewelers and the New York Metropolitan Opera. Prior to joining the Inn, Anthony was the Executive Chef for Elements of Nature-Cafe, Inn and Spa in Southold, New York. His restaurant received accolades in various local and regional magazines. Chef Anthony enjoys using seasonal, fresh local products to create exquisite food. He has extensive knowledge in wine and food pairings. Page 08
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November, 2011
Places Miller s Bakery & Furniture To Go -
Over the covered bridge and through the woods, to Miller’s Bakery & Furniture we go for one-of-akind, hand-made, authentic creations you will never stumble across in the city. Just don’t think you’ll be shopping there on Sundays, even during holiday season. The Amish shoppes are not open on the Sabbath, a day of rest and religious observance, much like the rest of the county practiced decades ago. But on any other day, you are met with open arms. Something about no electricity makes you feel like you’re in a real 19th Century setting instead of one of those faux Dicken’s Christmas villages. Here, it’s all old-fashioned, even out of season. You can smell the fresh-baked cookies just like grandma used to make for the holidays. And for those who enjoyed the smell of woodworking coming from grandpa’s workshop, your senses, too, will take a journey down memory lane. Some special dates coming up are November 25 & 26, 2011 for the Storewide Thanksgiving Sale offering 10 percent off all items in stock (furniture store only). It excludes all outdoor buildings, gazebos and select bedroom sets. December 26 – 31, 2011 features the End of Year Clearance Sale! This includes free coffee and cookies at the bakery, free cheese and candy samples at the Bulk Foods Store and 10 percent off all items in stock (furniture store only). It also excludes all outdoor buildings, gazebos and select bedroom sets. Few take the time to slow down and soak in the season, as once was the norm. Instead, people go into overdrive fighting the masses in mile-long lines waiting to buy turkeys, honey-baked hams, pine trees, toys, and pictures with Santa. This unique marketplace’s appeal is that of old-world charm, friendly customer service and a wide variety of original items. Here, they still make it like they used to, dating back to 1977. That’s when Millers started baking with their six children in the family’s farmhouse. But they made so November, 2011
much they had to share. When word spread of their wonderful family recipes for cookies, pies, cinnamon roll, you name it – folks would come to their porch to buy these baked goods. Occasionally, there’d be a fine piece of handcrafted wood furniture out there with the finish drying. Folks wanted that too. So the Millers went into the furniture selling business. And so their farming days along with raising cattle, hogs, sheep and such gave way to a thriving baking and woodworking business. Today, some of those same children run the 300acre farm along with its 34,000 square feet of furniture building and separate stores dedicated to a full bakery and bulk food store. Now, about that Christmas shopping list. If you are going big, consider hand-crafted solid oak or cherry tables, chairs, hutches, computer desks, entertainment centers, bedroom suites and just about any piece of furniture, indoor or outdoor, that you can imagine. Holiday spreads for parties or family get-togethers can have people raving about the deliciousness of your freshly baked cookies, pies, cinnamon or pumpkin rolls and a variety of breads and other treats. What came out of the Miller’s ovens that morning can be the talk of the town that night. There is even an extensive sugar-free selection for those with special diets to consider. A seasonal trip to Miller’s is call to stock up on a few bulk food items too. Everything from baking supplies, jams and honey to homemade candies to fresh cheese, ham and sausage are sure to get the belly grumbling for more. And there is a lot more to choose from! Your shopping list may be long so you might want to pinpoint a date in which the savings can be considerable. For more information, directions or catalog for Miller’s Bakery, Furniture & Bulk Foods, call 937544-8524 or visit www.ohiotraveler.com/ohio_amish_stores.htm.
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Places To Go: Marrietta - Come to the YMCA’s 12th Annual Chili Cookoff on Saturday, Nov 19, from 6 - 9 pm. where there will be at least 50 different varieties of chili and soup to sample, as well as competing desserts. Enjoy the live musical entertainment, raffles, and a 50/50 drawing and the ever popular silent auction at the Marietta Shrine Club this year, located at 249 Pennsylvania Ave. The music will be provided by Hip Pocket. Tickets are now on sale at the Marietta Family YMCA; $12 adult; $10; senior; 373-2250. Individuals and restaurants will compete for first-, second- and third-place bragging rights within their respective categories. Among the restaurants participating this year will be Bar-B-Cutie. Anyone may enter one or all of the categories. Those competing will be allowed admission with their entry fee. This is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the YMCA, typically attracting around 400 people and raising between $6,000 and $10,000 for scholarship programs. For more information call 373-2250 or visit online at mariettaymca.org
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November, 2011
November, 2011
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People To See: Rhonda Vincent
WILMINGTON - Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers were one of the few groups chosen to perform at this year's IBMA Awards at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Their latest two releases, "Rambler's Call" and "Hymns from the Hills" are also winners. Joe will again be bringing the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival to the Roberts Centre Nov. 11 & 12. Comfortable seating, a food court, free parking and "mighty fine" entertainment are in store for visitors; so don't miss this event. Enjoy a very special Veterans' Day Tribute on Friday night with Korean War Veteran, Bobby Osborne, Rhonda Vincent, and the Centerville High School Alternative Strings Orchestra. Ohio's Attorney General, Mike DeWine, will also make a special appearance. Also, enjoy a Fiddle Workshop with Hunter Berry at the main stage at noon Friday. Raffle prizes throughout the event include two pairs of four-day passes to the Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Bluegrass Festival, a 5-string banjo, a mandolyn and more. Two-day tickets are $60 at the door or $35 each day. General admission seating for 16 and under are free with adult purchase. Performances begin at 1 p.m. and continue until after 10 p.m. both nights. Friday's music line-up includes Bobby Osborne, a legend in Bluegrass; Rhonda Vincent, IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year for seven straight years, Joe and the Radio Ramblers; and The Grascals. Russell Moore, 2011 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, and IIIrd Tyme Out will take the stage on Saturday. Legend Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys take the stage at 8 p.m. with raffle drawings at 9:15. An all-star tribute to the Stanley Brothers will feature Don Rigsby, James King, Joe Mullins and more at 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit online at www.somusicfest.com. Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd. Wilmington (Exit 50, S.R. 68 and Interstate 71. Page 12
Rhonda is known as the Queen of Bluegrass with recent hits “Taken,” “Your Monday & My Good Looks,” and newest release, “Run Mississippi.” Born in Kirksville, Mo. where she still lives, her musical career started in her family’s band as a child. After appearing on the TNN series You Can Be a Star, she was hired to play in Jim Ed Brown's touring band. In the 1990s, Vencent chose Rounder Records for a series of critically acclaimed traditional bluegrass albums. Back Home Again arrived in 2000 and The Storm Still Rages in 2001. One Step Ahead, which features many songs she co-wrote as well as a duet with Krauss, was released in 2003. After ten years with the label Vincent released her debut album on her own label in 2010. Taken was released on Upper Management Music and debuted at the top of the Top Bluegrass Albums chart.
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November, 2011
Places To Go: “We
are not a Hollywood movie… We are a real zoo with a LOT of heart.” Next Open Days: November 12th & 19th; Dec. 3rd and 10th. Admission is $9, ages 3-12 is $6 and 2 and under are free. WEST ALEXANDRIA - Located only 25 minutes from downtown Dayton off US 35, this zoo is with more than 150 exotic animals is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 22-year-old animal sanctuary which also rescues animals from unfortunate circumstances was founded by exotic animal expert Kord McGuire. “It never was intended to become a zoo.” McGuire explains. “We were not open to the public for the first 8 years. But people kept stopping by asking to see the animals. We eventually added the word “zoo” so people would understand what Heaven’s Corner was.” All donations go to the care and feeding of the animals and also allows for animal rescue when the need arises. The animals are not pets, but to many of the visitors, they are like family. People Page 13
learn by asking questions and take positive action towards animal conservation by making an emotional connection to the mission. The Zoo’s approach is to give visitors a more interactive and personal zoo experience. The result was evident in the attendance increase and the amount of private tours booked throughout the season. Numerous groups traveled from as far away as Kentucky, Indiana, and Columbus. Several families visited from as far away as Michigan. The influx required recruiting more volunteers to accommodate the guided tour requests. The rise in interest proved what Dalton suspected all along. “People are looking for affordable ways in which they can get in touch and make a difference with our natural environment.” The USDA-licensed facility is used to stretching their budget. www.TheWeekenderMagazine.com
Heaven’s Corner has the same USDA inspector as the Cincinnati Zoo, and is held to the same standard, but regulations are met on a much smaller budget. Thankfully, Preble County and the surrounding communities are very supportive. Community groups lend their support in a variety of ways. For instance, Girl Scouts troops brought in almost 300 bags of apples for the animals this year. In addition to the animals mentioned above, the zoo has a reptile house, cougars, bison and other endangered species. Something new this winter at Heaven’s Corner Zoo will be the inclusion of a few open days. November 12th & 19th and December 3rd and 10th which will also feature a Christmas Shop and Santa for photo opportunities. You’ll have a great time and your admission fees, memberships, and donations will help care for the animals. Heaven’s Corner Zoo is accessible from I-70 and US-35. For more information, call 937-839-5005 or visit www.heavenscornerzoo.org November, 2011
Calendar of Events LIGHT UP MIDDLETOWN
The theme this year is “I Still Nov. 25-Dec. 31/MIDDLE- Believe” and will feature fantastic TOWN - See Smith Park as a glit- floats gliding through downtown. tery fantasyland filled with HOLIDAY LIGHTS Santa’s Workshop, ice skaters, a Nov. 18-Jan. 1/HAMILTON penguin village, Lollipop Land, and a tunnel of lights that wel- Take an enchanting journey on the come you when entering the park. Hill at Pyramid Hill. This holiday New this year, are four water- lights display transforms the themed attractions, including a rolling hills of the sculpture park floating sea serpent, animated into another worldly, holiday swans, and more. For more infor- delight. Visitors can drive through mation, call Butler Cty. at 888-462- the park and leave their worries behind at this seasonal event! 2282 or visit gettothebc.com
SANTA PARADE
ENTER TRAIN MENT
Nov. 19-Jan. 1/West Chester Nov 26/MIDDLETOWN - Don’t See the magic of Christmas come miss the Home for the Holidays alive at EnterTRAINment Santa Parade on November 26. Junction. “Journey to the North Pole” and spend quality time with Mrs. Claus and Santa. See more than 90 model trains glide through a winter wonderland at this family-friendly event.
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COUNTRY CHRISTMAS SHANDON/Nov. 26-27 “Nadolig Llawen” in Welsh means “Happy Christmas!” Celebrate the holidays in Ohio’s first Welsh settlement of Shandon. Christmas in the Country Features arts and crafts, holiday shopping, Santa Claus, train rides, Welsh cakes, and lots of other delicious food.
NUTCRACKER Dec. 2-11/FAIRFIELD - A timeless holiday classic will dance on the stage at the Fairfield Community Arts Center. The Miami Valley Ballet Theatre blends a traditional approach to this classic performance with innovative style for a truly memorable evening! The audience will be enchanted with the falling snow, a growing Christmas tree, and a night filled with holiday traditions.
November, 2011
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