䄀䰀䬀倀氀攀愀猀攀挀愀氀氀漀爀琀攀砀琀 · scheduled for 2016. ... The Hen House manufactures holiday and gift decor, ... Neiman Marcus, Orvis and Frontgate

CONTENTSFALL 2015

34

33

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTFamily Business Sells Joy ................................. 10

Miller Landscape & Gardens ............................. 12

Patina46, hip. salvaged. decor. ......................... 14

Spotlight on Christopher Reynolds ................... 16

Gabby Road Studio ........................................... 18

Manninos On Main ........................................... 20 LOCAL INTERESTAnnette Wilcox & Premiere Properties .............. 24

Fitchville Conservation League ......................... 26

Adult Day Care at Gaymont .............................. 28 LETS EATFarmers Markets ............................................... 32

Cider & Celebration at Quarry Hill Orchards ..... 34 STYLEFall Fashion ....................................................... 36 DWELLLetter from the Mayor ........................................ 39

All In This Together ............................................ 40

elcome to the fall issue of Discover Norwalk Magazine.Its hard to believe another summer is winding down in the Maple City. Fall

sports season is under way and it wont be long before the leaves begin changing color. The cover story of this issue is about the Hen House, which is a local family business that sells joy around the world. The cover photo features Hen House employee Samantha Ludwig surrounded by a few of the bears that are the trademark of the Norwalk business. This issue of Discover Norwalk also focuses on the stunning Miller Landscape & Gardens Sand Road location. Bill Miller and his brother, Steve, have transformed the business property into a destination point. Its really something that has to be seen to be believed. And, the best part. The Millers have more improvements scheduled for 2016. The fall issue also zeroes in on a number of businesses in downtown Norwalk, beginning with Patina46 and its owner Amanda Hewitt. The home decor shop specializes in unique salvaged goods and vintage home needs, with a special loving touch. Gabby Road Studio and Manninos on Main are two more shops featured inside Discover Norwalk. On the music front, the spotlight shines on Norwalk native Christopher Reynolds, who is a 1979 graduate of St. Paul High School. Reynolds recently retired as a French teacher at Berea schools. He describes himself as a singer, teacher and shaman. Farmers markets, along with orchards and cider fit in perfectly to the fall issue, as does the Fitchville Conservation League, which exists to conserve nature and wildlife resources. Chris Castles inspiring piece, Were All in this Together, and an article penned by Norwalk Mayor Rob Duncan close out this issue. After the past two winters, I dont want to think about this, but I must. Anyone with story suggestions for the winter issue of Discover Norwalk can email me at [email protected].

Scott SeitzDirector of Content

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

For advertising, contact (419) 681-0028discovernorwalkmagazine.com

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readers each issue.LARGE AUDIENCE

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DN MAGAZINES FEATURES Local Interest Four Legs in The Firelands Arts & Entertainment Style Health & Beauty Let Lets Eat Dwell

Discover Norwalk Magazine reaches the Norwalk market like no other media can. Published quarterly, our magazine is distributed through paid and verifed subscriptions, single copy sales, promotional events, and key distribution points in and around Norwalk. Those copies translate into an estimated readership of over 23,000.

Fall 2015

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Scott Seitz419-668-3771, ext. [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cary AshbyChris CastleZoe GreszlerScott Seitz

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING John Ringenberg419-681-0028419-668-3771 ext. [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR Amanda Mazzo

PUBLISHER Andrew Prutsok

Published by: Reflector-Herald, Inc.61 E. Monroe St. Norwalk, OH 44857

Discover Norwalk Magazine, published quarterly by Reflector-Herald, Inc., distributed through the circulation of the Norwalk Reflector, a newspaper with a readership of more than 15,000 daily. The magazine is also provided to participating advertisers and is placed in local businesses and professional offices.

VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 3 FALL 2015

10 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

he Hen House is a family affair that reaches nearly the entire world.

Its a little operation in Norwalk, said Debbie Ludwig, part owner and designer. We have a group of 14 people (working for us) and we ship to five continents, so we ship to the entire world. The Hen House sells to clients in Mexico, Columbia, Brazil, Guatemala, all the provinces in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. Our second largest consumer is in Japan, said Debbies daughter, Sam. We just picked up a client in Australia, her mother added. Located at 100 N. West St., The Hen House was founded in 1980. We are best known for our footrests, standing bears and Father Christmas, Sam said. The Hen House manufactures holiday and gift decor, which it sells to department stores, catalog companies and specialty stores. Some of the clients are Macys, Neiman Marcus, Orvis and Frontgate. Many of the Father Christmas figures are exclusive to Frontgate, Basalm Hill and Neiman Marcus. Sometimes when we are picking new fabric, we have our featured customers in mind. Working with them for so many years, you know what theyre looking for, Sam said. There are 20 to 25 Father Christmas designs. The fabric is sourced from China and the U.S. and the wool for the beards come from an Illinois sheep farm, where the wool is used specifically for the Father Christmas figures. The early design for Father Christmas came from local artist Jan Fegley, Debbies aunt. Shes a fantastic artist, Sam said. Fegley taught her niece how to sculpt the face and due to demand, Debbie eventually trained other Hen House workers. The Hen House design team glues in various items on each Father Christmas, fluffs

the fabric and makes sure the lights on the Christmas trees are working. These people walk on water, said Joyce Ditz, Sams maternal grandmother and founder of the Hen House. The bear footrests came about through Ditzs husband, Jon (pronounced yon), who believed the animal designs needed to have a purpose if they were bigger than puppets. The stores use them in a lot of ways, Debbie said, referring to the standing bears.Some stores have the bears hold items or signs and pose the bears. The Hen House makes about 3,000 bears each year for Orvis, which sells outdoor gear and sporting goods. They have moveable arms so they can give you a hug, Sam said about the cuddly animals. The origins of The Hen House start with Joyce Ditz, who opened a store front on U.S. 250 in Norwalk. Honestly, she started in her basement, said her daughter, Debbie. Rob Ludwig had the idea to make it a wholesale business. Ludwig, the president and CEO of The Hen House, is Debbies husband and Sams father. By 1992, the venture transitioned into a wholesale business. In 2007, The Hen House added about 12,000 square feet of space to store finished goods. Now and Then, the retail arm of The Hen House. The store fittingly is open well, now and then. Its ribbing cutting was in August. Now and Then is open regularly from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and by appointment by calling 419-663-3377. The Ditz and Ludwig family members pride themselves on The Hen House creating quality decor. We work really hard on putting quality first. Because when you do, people will expect it, Sam said. We sell joy. It makes people feel good, her mother added.

By CARY ASHBY

FAMILY BUSINESS SELLS

JOY


DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 1312 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK


The transformation of Miller Landscape and Gardens is something amazing to behold.Bill Miller, who co-owns the business with his brother, Steve, offered his vision for the future of the company, which is located at 4352 Sand Road. We want this to be a destination point, he said. Part of that process is the ongoing project of creating a walkable garden. This is a usable garden, Miller said. We want people to visit here and use this garden. They can read a book, have lunch, have coffee, he said. Its a formal garden with pathways. It has a maze. Its great for couples and groups. We just started working on it in 2014 and are still working on it in 2015, Miller said. Its still a work in progress. Miller said when the entire project is completed, all the gardens on the property will be connected. This is a great area for a picnic, he said. We built the pathways with the intent of people walking shoulder to shoulder. Miller said a walkway will be constructed to run from this new garden, across the driveway, in front of the office area, where a patio will be installed. The patio area will lead you to another area where people can see what they can do with landscaping, Miller said. We want want people to enjoy their experience here, like what they see, and come back. This year marks the 34th in business for Miller Landscape and Gardens and the 30th at the present location. Miller has plans for the irrigation pond toward the back of the property. In 2016, were going to put a bridge over the irrigation pond, he said. We want to have a 9-hole putt on each side of it. Everything we have planned is to make this location a destination point. This summers rain has presented challenges for the business. Were still out putting lawns in, Miller said. The lawn-mowing has been crazy. The ground just has had too much moisture. That moisture forces the oxygen out of the ground.Millers daughter, Abby, is also a key employee. She is a senior at The Ohio State University, majoring in landscape design. Steve and I are blessed to have the employees we do, Bill Miller said. They are very dedicated and very, very talented. This job can require a lot of very long hours. The Sand Road property consists of 15 acres. Millers brother, Kevin, is an architect in Columbus. He designed the garden center.Our crunch is normally March to July 4, Miller said. We are still extremely busy.Landscaping is very specialized and you have to have a passion for it, he added. Things dont ease up too much in the winter, either. Were busy with snow-plowing in the winter, Miller said.

By SCOTT SEITZ

MILLER LANDSCAPE & GARDENS



atina46 is one of many treasures in downtown Norwalk. This relatively new treasure holds gems that range from

a vintage, refurbished old dining table set to antique objects, furnitures, odds and ends that have been repurposed to beautiful new home deco pieces. Patina46 opened in 2012 and has had no shortage for flow of inspiration yet. The home decor shop specializes in unique salvaged goods and vintage home needs with a special, loving touch from shop owner Amanda Hewitt. Hewitt believes we can do a lot if we all do a little bit and brings this belief to her downtown shop. We try to find stuff and save it from being discarded and being thrown in a landfill, Hewitt said. Were all about turning things into something useful again. Its a just our little part we can do for an environment and its fun to see things repurposed. Hewitt doesnt stop at the products Patina46 sells. We use 100 percent recycled paper bags, she said. When we ship things out I try to reuse the boxes weve received from orders.Hewitt said she gets her inspiration from a number of sources. I try to look online and in magazines for ideas, Hewitt said. Pinterest is an awesome site. We also go to local antique shops and markets to find pieces. Sometimes we will get calls from people who want us to come look at a piece to see if we want it. We pay cash for items. I would love donations, but I also dont want to take that away from (When Pigs Fly). From time to time though, it helps to have a fresh set of eyes on a project. Sometimes we will have a piece for a while without doing anything with it, she said. My dad (Tim Morsher) helps me

come up with ideas sometimes then. Which can be a big help when you are running a one-man show. I wear all the hats, Hewitt said. I do retail sales, accounting, shipping and receiving. I do all the merchandising and consultations. My dad and husband work behind the scenes, like with shipping or receiving, and fabrication of pieces. But otherwise its just me. Hewitt said she would like to find some steady help some day.Id love to have someone on regular eventually, she said. My sister-in-law helped me some last summer and that was a great help because then I didnt need to come up from working on something every time someone walked in the door. And I have a girl Im talking to about hiring her on one day a week. That will help quite a bit. Between sales and outside consulting, the shop keeps her busy Hewitt said. A lot of people dont even realize I offer consulting services and I do interior design, she said. Our regular customers do, but most people dont realize. If someone wants certain paint color or wants a specific piece painted I can come and check it out and give suggestions and do it. Hewitt recently decided to try something new, but still very eco-friendly. Patina46 now sells their own Patina-made candles, with more scents to come out in early fall. We just started doing our own candles, she said. Right now we have four scent but were working on coming out with more soon. Right now we have driftwood, bamboo, linen and lake. Soon we hope to have verbena lemongrass, Bergamont Orange, and were hoping to offer citronella. Its a bit softer of a smell than the

bug repellents you buy in the store. I also just started offering them in a travel size. Hewitt has been very pleased with the popularity the candles have had so far. I want to focus more on our candles, she said. Theyve become pretty popular. Theyre made from soy and wax and have hemp wicks. The labels are seeded paper so you can plant them and grow wild flowers. Ive had people come back for more, she said. Its funny because a lot of people really like the Lake scent; its our top seller, but they keep telling me it doesnt really smell like the lake. I said its what you imagine the lake to smell like if you were standing on the beach. Not how Lake Erie actually smells. Hewitt has other plans for fall as well. We had a warehouse sale this summer and Id like to have a few more of those this early fall, she said. We have a lot of stuff and I cant do it all myself.Those are selling as is. Were also hoping to open up the back room for more retail space, Hewitt said. Its sort of my catch all right now. Its just a matter of doing it, of taking things out and organizing it rather than to keep putting things in. She is looking forward to her fall season, and is already planning ahead for winter. Sales are going well, she said. Winters are a little tough but you find ways to boost sales to help with that. Our candles have been a big hit. Weve put a lot into these candles. Its another way to help us survive and make it a small town. She said that her online sales help some in the winter as well and that she hopes to grow in this area. We also offer some things online through Etsy, Hewitt said. Im working on getting an E-commerce so we can sell directly from the site. That should be more convenient. For the difficulties that the small town has posed, Hewitt said shes glad she is here in Norwalk. I love being in Norwalk, the Columbus native said. What we offer is unique so I was a little worried at first. I think Norwalk has embraced it though.

By ZOE GRESZLER


ts been an amazing journey for Norwalk native Christopher Reynolds.

Reynolds, a 1979 graduate of St. Paul High School, recently wrapped up a 30-year career teaching French at Berea City Schools. Hes also released Unio Corporalis: And the flesh was made word, which is his 14th album. Reynolds described himself, his music and his life. Im a singer, teacher and shaman. Those three attributes have always been present, though I lead with one, he said. I just ended a 30-year career in Berea City Schools as a French teacher and department chair. Those were wonderful years with my children, Isaac and Ana, Reynolds said. Since 2014, I have been letting singing take the lead by putting on healing concerts that blend my original songs with sacred chants, he said. The songs generally fall into the singer-songwriter genre. The chants I sing come to me either in dreams or just after waking up. Those are sacred songs with spiritual intention. The music coming through me weaves the story of the path of my life, Reynolds said. It is as if you are inside and feeling everything from my point of view. Beginning with the release, A Suburban Nigredo, ideas from alchemy as described by C.G. Jung, Eugene Monick and Joseph Campbell, formed the connecting thread to all that followed, he said. The three phases of The Great Work in alchemy; Nigredo, Albedo and Rubedo are the secret keys to understanding the entire body of music, Reynolds added. Reynolds has a wide variety of music influences. The Beatles, especially, John Lennon, Peter Gabriel, Peter,

Paul and Mary, he said. Because of the profound influence of French on my life, there are French song-writers who have influenced me, Francis Cabrel being one, he added. As far as sacred chants go, songs from the Lakota, the Ojibwe and the Dagara continue to teach me. Lastly, because of our family history, the Reynolds have many songs handed down as an oral tradition. I have learned a lot of songs from the Roaring 20s. One song, Hadacol Boogie, I have never heard outside our family, though it certainly came from somewhere, Reynolds said. Reynolds said he should have another new album out in 2016. He recently played the Imagine Norwalk event on July 3. It was great, he said. The size of the crowd who came surprised me and the icing on the cake was to look out to the faces of persons with whom I shared a Norwalk childhood some I had not seen for years. There was a lining of sorrow to it as well, for those who are not with us now. I experienced a moment as I played my song, The Time of the Healing to be standing on Main Street and singing the words:

This is the time of the healing.This is the time of the grace.This is the time of the breathingin and out of this place.

Ill be back to play more Imagine Norwalks, maybe even a bigger Norwalk gig, Reynolds said.


By SCOTT SEITZ

CHRISTOPHERREYNOLDS

Spotlight on:



Gabby Road Studio is one of many unique shops in downtown Norwalk. Located at 28 E. Main St., Gabby Road is co-owned by Courtney Scherz and her mother, Georgiana. The business offers lots of home decor, driftwood and recycled glass mobiles, picture frames, candle holders, wood carvings, stainless steel garden and home decor, pottery from a variety of artists, glass work, functional re-purposed items, paintings, photography, goat milk soap thats moisturizing, scented candles and more. The Scherz family purchased the business in April 2013.Gabby Road Studio specializes in hand-crafted jewelry in many different designs. I always liked making homemade jewelry, Courtney said.In 2006 and 2007, she combed the shores of Lake Erie, collecting beach glass. We really feature Ohio artists, Courtney said. And, a good percentage of everything we have here is local. We do very well with special jewelry orders, she said, adding if a piece of jewelry needs re-done or it is broken she can repair it.Gabby Road is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Before Christmas, we will have longer hours, Courtney said.She said she really likes the stores downtown location. The stores are like a community, she said. They really work together. Customers are a mix of local and out-of-town traffic. The shop has participated in the summer Imagine Norwalk events. Imagine Norwalk has been great, she said. The store isnt just for women, either. Most of our customers are women, Courtney said, adding, though, the store is perfect for a man looking for a gift. We are starting to get more and more male gifts, she said. We have pillows and artwork and re-purposed items, Courtney said. We continue to get more new things. We keep it looking fresh new. Im shocked on a daily basis what people are able to come up with. Facebook is a good way to contact Gabby Road Studio with questions. The store carries a good selection of Ohio and Ohio State jewelry, purses, shirts and decor.

By SCOTT SEITZ

GABBY ROAD STUDIO


Manninos on Main Antiques and Collectibles is Norwalks oldest antique shop. Opening in 1999 it is located at 39 E. Main St. and operated by Denise and Rich Mannino. The shop offers three levels of antiques and collectibles. It has a vast variety of intriguing items and tries to have something for everyone.We sell all types of antiques and collectibles. Local memorabilia, furniture, glassware, coins, trains, primitives to name a few. The upper level is a flea-n-tique. There you will find an array of treasures both new and old. You will also find a Christmas area and a vinyl area with a huge assortment of music. A newly added Retro Area is becoming very popular focusing primarily on 50s and 60s period pieces. The Mezzanine level has the areas largest Hot Wheel collection. You will also find trains, train items, Die cast cars, license plates and very unique one of a kind handmade road signs. Denise Mannino said she loves the downtown Norwalk location. Relocating here 20 years ago, she pretty much does everything on Main Street. I live on Main Street, shop here and bank here. Its a great small town atmosphere. Denise is also a CAGA Certified Personal Property Appraiser. We offer appraisals as a fee based service. People will often want to know what they have for insurance or estate purposes. She also performs appraisals for many other reasons. Manninos on Main is a multi-dealer shop and rents out space. They have about 20 dealers in the store.

Asked where the merchandise is obtained, We primarily get our merchandise by buying whole or partial estates, people walking in with a single item or numerous items, and auctions. Since they have opened, Manninos on Main has always offered a lay away program as well as a wish list. The wish list is where they keep track of customers looking for certain items and contact them if it becomes available through the store. They have professionals that will look for any item that they dont have. Manninos on Main has participated in the Imagine Norwalk events since its conception last summer. Imagine has been going extremely well. Denise said. Its great exposure for the store and gives people an opportunity to shop during non business hours. Our customers are great! We have tremendous local support and as well as customers from coast to coast. Customer service is our number one goal.Fundraising events are very important to Manninos on Main. They have participated in numerous fundraisers for local charities, schools, churches and families. They have also hosted a roadshow-type appraisal, coin appraisals, doll appraisals, free appraisals for charity and co-ordinated two successful antique car shows for the Uptown Norwalk Association. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Monday through Thursday are by chance or appointment. Telephone number is 419-660-8082. New items are being brought in daily.

By SCOTT SEITZ

MANNINOS ON MAIN

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Norwalk resident Annette Wilcox has started a new chapter of her life. Wilcox, a 1987 graduate of Norwalk High School, has worked in the real estate field for the past four years, mainly with Mike Myers Realty. But, within the past few months, Wilcox has started with a new real estate firm, Premiere Properties, which is a Century 21 affiliate. Wilcox has earned a multitude of awards in her four years in the field. I love finding the perfect home for somebody, she said. To see the expression on their face when they know it is the right house. I also enjoy the back and forth, Wilcox said. Wilcox said she even enjoys sitting in at the closing table.My clients know Im on their side, that Ive got their back, she said. Before real estate, Wilcox worked different jobs throughout her life, including owning and running her own cleaning service. She only has one regret when it comes to real estate. My only regret is that I didnt do it sooner, she said. About a decade ago, she considered the field, but didnt follow all the way through.

This was a big leap of faith to go on a commission check, Wilcox said. Part of her entry to the field had to do with her husband, Oron III, who was laid off from his factory job. The two almost had to reverse roles. They have three adult children and also three young children. Real estate is demanding. It takes up a lot of time. More than 40, Wilcox said when asked how many hours she works a week. Probably 50 or 60 hours, she added. Family is important. When Im not working, I like hanging out with my kids, she said. I like going on vacation with my kids and putting my feet in the sand. She said Charleston, S.C. is the familys favorite vacation destination. Technology plays a big role in real estate, nowadays. In my field, I try to take all the technology classes, Wilcox said. Technology plays such a huge role, between email messages and e-greeting cards. While Im waiting for a client, I can check my email and keep working while on my phone, she said.

By SCOTT SEITZ

ANNETTE WILCOX & PREMIERE PROPERTIES

New Name With Familiar Faces

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Annette L. WilcoxCRS, SRF, SRES, CMRS, ABR, [email protected]

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AAre you looking to buy or sell in our hometown? I am your full time, full service agent. I am happy to help with all your real estate needs. Contact me today for a free Market AnaAnalysis of your home.

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Home is the most important place. Let me help you find your dream home. Call me for all your real estate needs. GGive me a call today!

(c) 419-681-4871(o) [email protected]

LOCAL INTEREST

he Fitchville Conservation League has been putting on positive programs for nearly 70 years.

The clubs purpose is the conservation of nature and wildlife resources, said Tom Dunlap, club president. The league was founded in 1946. It was founded by a group of local people, Dunlap said. Today, the club is the areas leader in hunter education courses with nine certified instructors conducting at least five courses each year. The club, located at 2623 Jennings Road, offers free clinics each year that introduce shotgunning and the shooting sports to new shooters. For the veterans, there is a protection shoot at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. We have between 15 and 25 people each Wednesday for the trap shoot, Dunlap said. The club also offers an introduction to hand guns course and concealed carry courses. The facility features an outdoor pistol range. New members are always welcome, Dunlap said. The club is run by a board of directors. The protection shoots we have, those really pay the light bills, Dunlap said. Dues are $50 per year. For the first year, its $100, then $50 per year after that. Most of our members are local, he added. As long as were not having an event, members use the pistol range year-round. Though, last year was a challenge to get it plowed out. The club recently held an introduction to archery program, which attracted a crowd of about 34 people. We really stress safety, Dunlap said. Its important to get youngsters involved in the shooting sports.

FITCHVILLECONSERVATION

LEAGUEBy SCOTT SEITZ

LOCAL INTEREST


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LOCAL INTEREST

ith age comes, invariably, some restrictions and setbacks. Sometimes, for the seemingly fortunate few, these can be

minimal. For others, these can be life changing, rendering them unable to live alone independently. This often means a change for the children of that individual. Caring for their parents, as they once were cared for as a child, has become their full time job. This can be strenuous according to Gaymont admissions and marketing nurse Kelly Lippus. When you are taking care for someone 24 hours a day it can be nice to have some time to yourself or to go and do your grocery shopping alone for a little bit, Lippus said. To know that you can do that and leave them somewhere they are safe and can get that socialization, you would be surprised how nice it is. Socialization is important, especially among the aging population. They socialize with peers because socialization is so important, she said. It helps with depression and social isolation. Unfortunately, there are few options for adult caregivers in our area despite the need with the ever-growing aging population. So Gaymont Nursing Center decided to help with that by

creating the Gaymont Adult Day Care. The caregivers arent the only ones who will benefit from the new center located behind the nursing home though. We want to meet the needs of what the elderly in our community need, she said. We want the elderly to live independently in their homes as long as possible. Facilities like this help to prevent premature admission to a nursing home because so many times the elderly are put in a nursing home before they are really ready or need it. Whom is the center designed for specifically? Its designed for adults who are over 60 years of age an cannot live independently at home alone, perhaps due to an injury or as the result of a disease such as having had a CVA, Parkinsons disease, mental impairment, like we see with dementia and Alzheimers, or maybe theyre incontinent, Lippus said. We can accommodate for their needs and any special needs. It was designed with the older population and their needs in mind Lippus said. We had 24 apartments, she said. We took three of them that were in one building and we completely renovated the inside. We have the two ADA restrooms and shower, kitchenette, (fire safety features) we didnt need to have but we wanted to.


Continued on page 30 >>

By ZOE GRESZLER

Adult Day Care at GAYMONT


FOUR LEGS IN THE FIRELANDS

We want this environment to be as safe as possible. ...We also put in cable railing on the back patio in order to have an unobstructed view, but still keep it safe. When we were designing it and putting it together we were trying to think What will make someones experience here the best, so that they want to come back? she said. It is a healthcare facility, but we want it to feel like home. With its warm color scheme, hard wood floors throughout, large fireplace and dining room table, it feels very much like home. It seems their first group was impressed as well. ( July 27) was our first official day being open, she said. We had a few people come and it went pretty well. We kept them active and we do art therapy, two meals plus snacks so they have a well-balanced nutrition. We actually had one gentleman come in and when he got here he didnt want to come, Lippus added. But when it was time for him to leave he was excited. He had really enjoyed it and asked what other days he could come back. This serves a bigger purpose for the attendants help as well.

If theyre happy, more often theyre healthier, she said. We hope this facility will help to provide the emotional and physical needs of the elderly ones who come and we know that someones emotional status affects how they are physically. The meals and snacks Lippus mentioned are not shipped in to be recooked like some facilities are forced to do. The food is prepared at Gaymont and then taken here, she said. Were known for our meals and our staff does a great job with them. It would have been silly to try to recreate that here. We have a kitchenette, with a fridge and things, but no stove. Gaymont did not only want their adult care to be safe and enjoyable, but affordable as well. We charge $50 per full day, Lippus said. That includes meals and activities. Thats quite reasonable considering some will charge $21 an hour. And its still cheaper than childcare. When we set our prices we wanted to make sure it was going to be affordable. People work hard for their money, too hard for other people just to be taking it away. It comes with its own advantages too. They will also have access to our output therapy and will be

LOCAL INTEREST

able to utilize it here at Gaymont, she said. They will also have access to a social worker. Were open Monday through Friday 6 am to 6 pm, Lippus said about the adult care center. We do require reservations. We ask that they call ahead about 48 hours before hand. However, we do understand that life happens and if someone calls in, well do our best to accommodate their request. Gaymont intends to allow the building to be used to its full potential, even beyond daytime adult care. Were also hoping to put together some support groups and use this building for support group meetings, especially to help caregivers, Lippus said. They dont have a lot of resources around here. We will also rent out this space on the weekends or evenings for bridal showers, or weddings, and what not. Its $75 for the whole day. Anyone interested in Gaymonts adult day care or in using the building can call 567-424-6068 for more information.


grown and picked food, picked at just the right time. Its not one man for himself in the business though. Things like the popcorn are from local farms, Rhoad said. We also try to support local farms. We have Carrigano Family Kettle Corn made here in Norwalk by the Carrigano family. Our buffalo dip is from a local place in Ohio. We try to get as local as possible. Whats in season for autumn? Pumpkins, pumpkins, and more pumpkins, their website promises. We grow acres of all sizes and colors of pumpkins. From minis to extra large. We plant over 25 varieties of squash. Indian corn, gourds, corn stalks, broomcorn, everything you need to decorate for fall. A lot of people come for our sweet corn and sour cherries this time of the year too, Rhoad said. We have blueberries, cherries, apples, sweet corn, cucumbers, honey and tomatoes. Those are going to be popular. In fall we sell mostly pumpkins, straw, apples and caramel. Pumpkins are really big though. So popular they see more than the usual local residents. Get a lot of local people and people from out of town too, she said. We have people from Elyria, Sandusky, out of state. The market is an Ohio Proud market.

LETS EAT

Many agree that good fruits and vegetables are fresh ones, but the best take it a step further, or rather closer to the place they were grown. Farmers markets are sought out for their local grown produce that often has more flavor and fewer chemicals, picked at the height of ripeness, rather than when the shipment needs filled. Local markets are also sought out for the relationships that usually come with them since they are normally family owned and operated. Kramers Farmers Market, at 5273 Whittlesey Ave, Norwalk, is one such place. We have been a family owned and operated farm since 1861, their website says. The farm market was added in 1997. The market is run the old-fashioned way, customer service, good products and fair prices. Fruits and vegetables are picked fresh daily to stock the market. Also available are jams, jellies, honey from our farm, and many more Ohio Proud products. Ran by Sue Kramer, the nearly 20 year old business promises when you visit, youll see a

real, working farm complete with tractors and barns. The family behind that farm and their close friends are the ones that run the store. This is my third summer working here, said St. Paul senior Julia Rhoad, 17. I went to high school with their daughter Erin. Thats how I got the job, I knew the family. Its family owned and operated and they work here too. We all pick berries, we stock and work the cash register, just whatever needs done around here. Rhoad says what the website says it true. Kramers started as a stand by the road as the sales and produce expended they built the shop, she said. We stay pretty busy. A lot of people like that its all local stuff. Everything here is ours or local, Rhoad said. If we can grow it, we do. If we cant grow it we try to get it locally. Like, the corn is ours (but) we have Tennessee grown tomatoes right now until ours are in season. Ohio tomatoes arent quite ready. Once ours are ready, well put those out. Like it was mentioned earlier, at a farmers market you can be sure youre getting quality

By ZOE GRESZLER

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LETS EAT

Were a rare, tough breed, us tree people. Words of someone who would know; Ben Gammie, son of and co-owner with Bill Gammie, two men behind Quarry Hill Orchards. Working tree farms is no easy job. Long days, hard labor, having their livelihood subject to the infamously unpredictable Ohio weather. But if you were to visit any of the area orchards, these may be some of the last things you would expect given their cheery, family-oriented atmosphere. Its a rare breed, indeed. When you first walk in to Quarry Hill, for example, youll not only see rows of fresh, delicious produce, youll see the workers behind the food, the Gammie family and of course the beloved yellow labs that make the place even more like home. I like to have a lot of interaction with our customers, Ben said. We dont try to have a lot of activities and extra things that distract from the business because we like being able to have the time to interact and to talk with our customers. Thats kind of our Hallmark, having relationships with our customers. The Gammie familys spot light is often stolen though, according to Ben. More folks remember the dogs more than they will the family, he said. The dogs are part of the family.Quarry Hill does have some activities that welcome friends and families of all ages. Weekends are a big thing, he said. Have a lot of people on the weekends. In the fall were going to have wagon rides and school tours as we have in the past.Plus something special. Were planning a special, fun event on October 17th, he said. Were going to be having 95.3 WLKR come out here. Were going to be having something fun going on for everyone. But its not just others families. The Gammies Orchard is very family oriented for themselves as well.Ben and his wife Brookes two kids Payton, 4, and Henry, 3, are important in the business as well. He does a great job at sampling and quality control, Ben said. Hopefully one day theyll want to continue the family business.

TOUGHER THAN IT MAY LOOK Not everything is fun and games though. You wear many hats; providing for customers, stocking, playing daddy in the middle of the day, he said. It can certainly be difficult. You have to have pension for long hours. Its hard at moments, but when its a part of your family, its somewhere you grew up that makes bearing the weight far more bearable. Peaches and cherries havent been good this year, Gammie said. But it will be good for us to finish strong with the apples. Thankfully they have some more rare, tough breed of friends. We talk with Burnham almost daily. Its a small fraternity we do, growing trees. We work well together. We have to work well together. So many things that are managed together. Everybody helps one another: borrowing equipment, staff. Rising tides do raise all ships. Burnhams Orchard is another family owned and operated orchard in the area offering locals a delicious produce option. In fact, for 200 years now they have been sought out from all over for this very reason. We have people seeking us out from Michigan to the other side of Cleveland, down by Akron-Canton area for our apples, said long-time employee and now bakery manager Brittany Castillo-Morales. We grow over 27 varieties of apples, but our most sought out is our Fugi probably because they are so flavorful and juicy, she said. Honeycrisp is a favorite. Everyone waits for the Honeycrisps because they are so darn delicious. However, unfortunately, apples dont just fall from the trees, ready to eat without any thought to them.

LIKE A CHILD The process from which a sleeping tree becomes one of production is like a child, Bill Gammie said. You have to nurse them. It takes time. So the first thing you have is pruning. Second, controlling bugs and diseases. Third, keeping the crop manageable. It takes four months to prune our orchard, Bill said. We dont have a big crew but everyone participates. Some people dont like pruning, they find it tedious. But I do. Its a peaceful life. The Gammies are concerned about food safety when it comes to the second step. We participate in the Integrated Pest

Management, he said. Basically its a way to reduce pesticide use. It helps limit the use of chemicals when youre spraying for insects and disease, his wife Jaque said. Main activities in the summer are thinning the apples out, Bill said about the third step. There are too many apples on the trees and you have to thin them off. Apples grow in clusters. The smaller the cluster, the better. It makes them better quality, bigger, juicier apples. Every fruit grower in the world has the goal to get big apples. This can be a feat in itself. You take off 60-70 percent of what you could get off of the tree, he said. (Then) it takes 30-40 days to pick the apples we use. From there the apples are either stored in a cold oxygen compressed storage unit to keep them fresh, brought out for customers or made into something delicious like a pie, fritter orthe favoriteapple cider.

CIDER AND CELEBRATION For our ciders we just use a variety of apples, Castillo-Morales said. We go through a bunch of cider. There are 84 gallons to a bin and we go through four to five bins per weekend, so well sell around four and 500 gallons in a weekend. This too takes a lot of man labor. Joe (Burnham) presses every single day to fulfill the demand here and for the stores we sell to, she said. Our RedHead hard cider is very popular and is back this year. The RedHead cider house is here on the premises. If you havent gotten a chance to try it, Burnhams 200th anniversary celebration will give you the chance, along with other exciting crowd pleasers. Were planning on having a special weekend to celebrate on September 26 and 27, Castillo-Morales said. Were planning on having a customer appreciation chicken dinner. Were also trying to get between one and 200 antique tractors for that weekend. Well have special giveaways for kids like balloons and t-shirts or hats or something. Its pretty good that weve been around so long, she said. Its a rarity. Weve had a lot of improvements over the years. If its fresh, crisp, local grown apples or cider youre yearning for, make sure to visit your local orchards and these rare breed of people who grow the trees.


By ZOE GRESZLER

Cider & Celebration atQUARRY HILL ORCHARDS


STYLE

all is always a big time for fashion. With the last of the bright colors of spring disappearing, nature

welcomes autumn with an inviting array of warmer, fuller colors, and, often the world of fashion follows suit. This year is no exception to that rule. For colors for fall, I think traditional browns and ivories and burnt oranges will be popular (for both tops and bottoms), said Amy Nevills, owner of Main Streets new Amez Boutique. Emily Jones-Pocock, co-owner of Jems Hair and Nail Salon agrees when it comes to hair, nail and makeup color. Babylights will be timely for fall and copper ombres too, Jones-Pocock said. Subtle baby lights taking your natural highlights and just making them a little more enhanced are big. People are also doing deep, vibrant violet hair to where it almost looks purple. In addition to violets and coppers, she said she expects reds and deep plums to be a popular choice. For eyes, the more natural looking eyeshadows will be popular,Jones-Pocock added. Same with bronzer. For the lips the brighter, darker, bolder lipsticks will be in. Lipsticks are making a comeback. Theyre becoming more used now. A couple of hair length styles seem to be making a comeback, perhaps starting to steer away from the extra short Pixie cuts, more towards a slightly longer look. A lot of people are going with a medium length haircuts and angle bobs are coming back, she said. Hair not long enough for that type of a cut just yet? No fear, Jems may have you covered. Other places around here dont offer hair extensions, but we do, Jones-Pocock said. Those can be popular. Cosmetology isnt the only area seeing these not-so-distant throw-backs. Last fall three quarter length sleeves were a big style, Nevills said. It flows nicely and is comfortable. Its mainly leggings in both solids and patterns with the long shirts or short dresses, and palazzo pants. A lot of people here in Norwalk like the palazzo pants. Theyre becoming very popular. It seems like the busier, little designs are better. Peplum tops will continue to be popular into the fall, she added. And there will still be a lot of tunics with leggings. Thats very popular. And dont toss the past few years jewelry stash just yet. Accessories will also have some favorites returning

this fall. I dont think theres a lot of change yet here either, Nevills said. Were still looking at the bigger more statement pieces, brighter colors, longer chains. For shoes, boots in every height. Amez Boutique plans to try to accommodate for Norwalks style choices. Were definitely hoping to add more styles and sizes of shoes, she said. I always try to listen for what people say they like, dont like, what they want to see. I want to continue to offer what Norwalk ladies say they like and want to see, while also introducing to them new ideas. Gel manicures continue to be hot in to fall, according to Jones-Pocock. Gel manicuring is trending, she said. Its healthier for your nail. It takes natural nails and paints right on and gel manicures last 14 days. Theyre also good if youre trying to grow your nails out. Weve been doing a lot gel manicures, especially for those in the medical field, she said. They cant have artificial nails in case they come off. Its unsanitary. But they can get away with the gel because it doesnt chip. The same warm color scheme seen in wardrobe and accessory choices carries over here as well. A lot of people like the nude color but also the fuller, deeper tones, like reds, Jones-Pocock said. For some, these fashion choices may still sound a bit far-fetched for a small town. Nevills said she understands, but encourages women not to limit themselves. A lot of times well hear That style is just for that city or that town. I cant wear that. It wouldnt look right here, she said. But we can have it here too if we want it. Norwalk has style. We can add to it if we want. Both Amez and Jems encourage their customers to keep their eyes open for sales on their Facebook pages or website. In the Reflectors Monday Extras we always have our specials too, Jones-Pocock said. Jems also invites their customers, old and new, to check out their new location on Cleveland road, and maybe even some of their new services, including massages, to help you look your best this fall. Our last day here (on S Norwalk road) is August 29th and September 2nd is our opening day at our new location on Cleveland road, Jones-Pocock said.

By ZOE GRESZLER

Life is short.

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Live it well.

One does not have to look far to discover why Norwalk is the best little city in Ohio. The maple-lined streets are beautifully maintained, with an historic feel. We are blessed to have two excellent schools systems, both public and parochial. Norwalk offers a unique shopping opportunity with a variety of specialty shops in addition to an extremely diverse manufacturing culture. But it is the citizens of Norwalk who set it apart. They are the backbone upon which this community was built and thrives. The citizens of Norwalk have a resolve to maintain their heritage while progressing forward. This was evident in 2008 when a group of local families invested in Norwalk Furniture, reviving a local company. Local residents also came together to purchase and hold property for the city for the construction of a new fire station. These are just two of the many examples where Norwalk residents go beyond the expected to keep our community vibrant. In 2014, Norwalk was afforded the opportunity to compete with neighboring states to win Borgers USA, an international manufacturer. Spearheaded by NEDC, dozens of people rallied to help bring this business into Norwalk. Working on the Borgers project opened my eyes to just how much the people in this community truly care for Norwalk as a whole, beyond their personal interests. Several of the owners of generational businesses in Norwalk took the time to meet with Mr. Borgers and his selection crew to share their unique experiences. It was amazing to hear their stories and realize their genuine love for this community. As mayor, I am afforded the opportunity to see acts of service on a daily basis. Local gardening clubs plant and care for the flower gardens uptown. The annual 4th of July fireworks display is funded entirely through donations from businesses, clubs, and individuals. The community of service organizations is strong. The members of these groups work tirelessly, committing time and resources to everything from beautification of our parks to supporting and nurturing our youth. Again, its the great people of this community that make these organizations successful. In 2017, Norwalk will celebrate its bicentennial. Preparing for this event offers the opportunity to examine the rich heritage of the city in conjunction with the incredible growth that has occurred. Many of the names seen at past centennial events are still seen today. Norwalks rich history of entrepreneurship and philanthropy can be seen in the citys list of Distinguished Americans. From the Fisher Brothers of Fisher Body to Football Coach Paul Brown to the latest inducteeA. J. Baltes, Norwalk boasts a litany of community leaders who helped create our community. Their influence is strong and continuing, in their words and actions, and in those of the families who maintain their roots in Norwalk. The residents of Norwalk are bound together by our past as we work together toward our future. We are a community in the fullest sense of the word. Simply put, the people who live and work here make Norwalk truly the best little city in Ohio.

Rob Duncan is the mayor of the city of Norwalk.

By MAYOR ROB DUNCAN


away decades ago, told me that if we had events like this when they relocated, they might have never left. And while Im honest enough with myself to know that events alone arent enough to keep people in the small towns that theyve grown up in, it does make me feel good to hear sentiments like these. These events; plus the Fourth Of July Parade, Free Summer Concert Series, Relay for Life, Norwalk United, the Fisher Titus Triathlon; make for an impressive collection of gatherings, which afford us plenty of opportunities to showcase our city in ways that few other small midwestern cities can. Theres nothing pretentious about Norwalk when we come together. There are no airs to put on. As I often say, Norwalk events are like any other day in this town; only on steroids. Our togetherness makes us stronger. And I hope that these events remind us of the Maple Citys greatest asset: our friends and neighbors, and the inter-personal relationships which continue to make this the best little city

in Ohio. Well get a few more solid events in before 2015 comes to an end, including the Maple City Rocktoberfest (October 3) and Small Business Saturday/Light Up Norwalk (November 28). And well hopefully be reminded again of just how fortunate we are to belong to such a close-knit community. As we look forward to 2016, we can look back at 2015 knowing that we made it through together. Just over a year from now, Norwalk will celebrate its 200th anniversary. Weve been watching summers come and go for nearly two centuries, but Id like to think that were yet to see the best of them. Heres to a pretty spectacular one in the books; to family, friendship, and community at its finest. We went all out, and we were all in it together. Seems a decent enough reason to celebrate to me.

DWELL

Another summer has come and gone in the Maple City, and as we collectively step into fall, we have plenty to celebrate. Summit Motorsports Park was once again named the top NHRA track in the country, as the Bader family spent the 2015 season welcoming guests from across the United States. I had the privilege of meeting several of those guests personally, and was always happy to share Norwalks story with them. A retired couple from Chicago stopped by the Norwalk Public Library to research our architecture, and we spent more than an hour pouring through the reference section; looking for old photos of the downtown district and the houses along West Main. A group of young men from Philadelphia (who were visiting Norwalk for the very first time) allowed me to give them a tour of the city while they captured pictures of places like the old jailhouse and the Gardiner-Hipp building. These were people who had no ties to Norwalk other than their love of racing. But they all saw the beauty of our

little city; and each of them said they would allocate more time for their next visit, so that they could spend an extra day absorbing the town. The Imagine Norwalk series also brought new visitors to Norwalk. The bi-weekly events had an even stronger turn-out than those held last year, drawing people from surrounding cities to our historic downtown district and showcasing all that makes our central business hub unique among other Ohio cities. Musicians from the Norwalk area, Cleveland, Tiffin, Youngstown, Illinois and Oregon shared their talents with us. The out of town performers were all amazed by Norwalks hospitality, and most of them asked about the cost of living here because theyd love to live in a town like this. Visitors from around the region said that they appreciated how much our city has embraced the arts, and that theyd grown accustomed to Friday nights in Norwalk as their first choice for a cultural outlet. Alumni who had moved

By CHRIS CASTLE

WERE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

Located in the heart ofNorwalk's Historic Business District

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䄀 䰀 䬀 倀氀攀愀猀攀 挀愀氀氀 漀爀 琀攀砀琀 · scheduled for 2016. ... The Hen House manufactures holiday and gift decor, ... Neiman Marcus, Orvis and Frontgate

䄀䰀䬀倀氀攀愀猀攀挀愀氀氀漀爀琀攀砀琀 · scheduled for 2016. ... The Hen House manufactures holiday and gift decor, ... Neiman Marcus, Orvis and Frontgate