Click Here for the Parkway Area Business Directory
 

Frankie Jo’s Restaurant and Bar in Rockford Celebrates 3 Years in Business

Frankie Jo’s right on Main Street in Rockford is owned by Vivian (Amy) Mohler and her husband Robert Mohler.  They have been in business since June of 2006  when they bought the building that formerly housed the California Grill.

They split the interior into two areas, a family restaurant and a bar. The Mohler’s then had a new bar designed and installed. A wall with plexiglas window dividers separates the two sections.

According to Amy, they have established themselves in Rockford with a blend of their home-cooking of the best-ever “comfort food” and baking up popular subs and pizzas for carry-out or eat-in. Always they serve it up with good, old-fashioned service.

“Ribeye and sirloin steaks are popular as well as our ground hamburger mix that are hand-patted and grilled to delicious perfection. I make all of the homemade pies and soups. One of the daily special favorites is the grilled cheese sandwich and chili soup. Other popular soups are our vegetable and potato. Their specials daily feature spaghetti, baked pork chops, meat loaf, macaroni and cheese and  much more. We even have a noon salad bar that stops at 2 PM. All meals are served until 8 PM with the oven –baked pizzas and subs served till 11 PM. We invite you to come in before or after the football games!”

“We have a big variety on the menu including yummy appetizers, chicken and fish options and fresh-baked pizzas and subs."

Click Here to see the menu!

On the full bar side, they are open until 2 PM and feature weekend entertainment on a posted basis. On Saturday, August 8, 2009 Frankie Jo’s is hosting an 8-Ball Tournament at 6 PM  for a $5 entry fee. Winner takes the pot.  “We also schedule bands, DJ’s and Karaoke periodically through the month. Watch the Parkway Independent for our events or stop in and look at the board on the sidewalk," said Amy.

Call 419-363-3900, and we'll get a carry-out ready!

Besides a pool table, Frankie Jo’s also features a juke box, darts and a bowling machine for your entertainment.

There is one pool league sponsored by Frankie Jo’s and another is being formed. More to follow on the registration of the second pool league will follow on the Parkway Independent

"Give our menu a try!" say the Mohler's.

Murphy USA Joins Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce
Murphy USA has joined the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.

They are located in front of Wal Mart & Menards on Havemann Road in Celina.

Murphy USA is dedicated to providing customers with discount gas prices and friendly service. Celina Mercer County Chamber gift certificates can now be used at this gas station.  

Pictured from left to right:  Kathy Koch, Murphy USA Manager & Pam Buschur, Chamber Director

The Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, February 25^th at The Galleria in Celina.  Tickets are on sale now for $25 each or a corporate table of 8 for $195.  The evening will begin with a social hour with appetizers, cash bar and a delicious dinner.    Past President Janet White and 2010 President Shirley Gross will review the chamber’s activities and goals. 

The annual chamber awards will be given out at the end of the program.  Awards are given for business of the year, citizen of the year, humanitarian and achievement awards.  Nominate a business or person of your choice by calling the chamber at 419 586-2219 or by filling out the nomination form online at www.celinamercer.com.

Open to the public but space is limited.   For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Chamber at 419 586-2219 or email info@celinamercer.com.

Dennis Hecht Named Rockford Chamber of Commerce 2009 Citizen of the Year

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce members celebrated as they named Dennis Hecht  Rockford Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year at the annual Banquet held on October 29, 2009. He was honored for many factors, the top one being community service.

Dennis belongs to St. John Lutheran Church Hopewell Township where he has served as council president, deacon, trustee, Luther League youth advisor, and Sunday School teacher for the adult class. Dennis also serves as the congregational coordinator for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans a fraternal benefit society (missions benevolent fund), which has led him to working with Habitat for Humanity in the Lima and Delphos area. The program requires 2 Saturdays a month and other churches team with them to get the work done. Dennis also serves on the Lutheran Men in Mission group whose purpose is to study the Bible and visit the county home in Mercer County, bearing gifts, at Christmas time. He has played dart ball with the best of them including Gale Butcher, who just celebrated his 100^th birthday and the late John Zuber, who was also a business colleague of Dennis.

Being raised on a diary farm encouraged Dennis’ commitment to the 4-H program. From his early days of milking, growing crops and raising animals, he has been involved in some fashion, even serving for three years as a 4-H advisor for the Rockford Thrifty 4-H Club. His own sons were involved with projects like electricity, wood working and rockets.

Dennis served for many years as a board member and secretary of the Leota Braun Foundation, a charitable organization. He is a zoning inspector for Blackcreek Township, and he claims that the most eventful time of this job, in the last ten years, occurred when the new septic system rules went into effect.

The Rockford Lions Club provided Dennis with several outlets for his talents. He has been a member for 11 years, serving in several capacities. He has been club president and club organizer for the Rockford Variety Show, an annual fund raising event for local scholarships. Prior to Lions’ membership, Dennis worked with the variety show as a stage crew member and actor which he still does today. The Mendon, Willshire and Rockford Lions’ clubs pooled their efforts several years ago at a joint fish fry, held annually in November. They raise funds for the benefit of the eighth grade trip to Washington DC. Dennis has been instrumental in initiating this event for the good of all Parkway students. He has helped with Christmas Tree sales, organized and provided flood clean-up cleaners and helped with the eye glasses donations for which the Lions are so well-known. “It is called Sight First II and provides, not only glasses, but also medications to fight ‘river blindness’ which people who drink bad water and live in mosquito–infested areas are prone to suffer,” commented Dennis.

 Dennis’ community service list is amazing, but it is important to note that his daily career is service in nature. He began working for Lefeld Implements (a John Deere Dealership)  in 1975 when he became the service manager/mechanic technician. Two employees opened the Willshire office on St. Rt. 49 in that year, and Dennis is still there with 6 employees now. “We are still parts and service; it was our main work then and still is today. I have seen a lot of changes in farming over the years. Technology is amazing with the way a tractor can be steered with the same satellite used by the GPS TomTom  or Garmin. Farmers can do better work with less labor intensive practices through changes in the seeds and the sprays,” said Dennis. “I keep up with the latest break-throughs  at the John Deere Training Center in Plain City, Ohio.”

Dennis is the son of the the late Carl Hecht and Emogene (Kettler) Hecht who still lives on the farm where Dennis grew-up. In fact, Emogene has lived her entire life within a 2 mile radius of her current home. Both families homesteaded the land.  The couple ran a dairy farm in Auglaize County, and he, along with 5 siblings, learned the work ethic of their parents. They are: Judy Sampson, Ralph Hecht, Merrilee Keinhenz, Linda Gephart and Kermit Hecht. When Dennis went into high school, he belonged to the FFA, the band, where he played the trombone and ran on the track team.  After graduation from St. Marys Memorial High School in 1967, he went to Clark County Technical Institute in Springfield, Ohio (now called Clark State) where he earned an associate of applied science degree in agricultural. He immediately began working at Lefeld Implement in Coldwater, but was drafted into the Army in 1969.

Front L to R Front row: Linda Gephart and Emogene; Back row L to R: Marilee Kleinhenz, Ralph, Dennis, Kermit and Judy Sampson.

His Army career took him to South Korea for a 14 month tour of duty with 6 months spent at Ft. Bragg, NC. He was assigned to the Engineering Battalion and spent his days in Korea paving roads in the  DMZ (de-militarized zone between North and South Korea).  His wife of 37 years, Deb (Steinecker) Hecht, recalled her dating years and waiting on Dennis to return home. They were married on July 22, 1972 in St. Marys, Ohio at the United Church of Christ. The couple has lived in Rockford since 1975.

Almost all of Dennis’ family arrived for the presentation of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, presented by last year’s recipient, Robert Haver. Their three sons and families are Jeff and Christina of Plain City, Todd and Heidi of Oak Harbor, Ohio, and Matt and Leah Hecht of Delaware, Ohio and their three little grandchildren, Avery and Owen, and Eden. His mom was also there.

Dennis lights up when he talks about the grandbabies and how he and Deb love to travel as well as babysit, although retirement is not in the works for him yet.

Front Row L to R: Avery with Grandpa Dennis Hecht, Emogene Hecht, Deb holding granddaughter Eden, and grandson Owen.
Back row: Sons Todd (his wife Heidi not able to attend), Jeff, Christina, Leah and Matt.

In addition to the local kudos from Robert Haver and chamber president, Bryan Sutton, Dennis was also awarded a special Ohio House of Representatives recognition proclamation presented by Rep Jim Zehringer and a plaque from the Mercer County Commissioners celebrating this honor and his many accomplishments.  It was presented by John Bruns and Bob Nuding.
Shown at left.

Click on smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge them.

Peoples Bank Announces Changes: Thompson and Brigner Retire; Sipe and Schumm Promoted

The Peoples Bank Co. of Coldwater, Celina, Burkettsville, Rockford, and St. Marys announces the retirements of Bob Thompson as Branch Manager and Connie Brigner as Customer Service Representative of its Rockford Office.  Ryan Sipe has been promoted and is replacing Robert Thompson as Branch Manager and Debi Schumm has been promoted and is replacing Connie Brigner as Customer Service Representative. 

Bob Thompson joined the Peoples Bank Co. in 1997 and assisted in the establishment and management of the bank's office in Rockford which opened in 1997.  He was later promoted to Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager and his responsibilities included overseeing all branch lending activities and the daily operations and management of the bank's Rockford office.  Bob said the best part of his job was helping people achieve their goals, both financially and personally.

Bob is a 1962 graduate of Parkway High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Huntington College and a Masters Degree from Michigan State University.  He also  graduated of the Midwest School for Community Bankers, Illinois Wesleyan University, and completed the Community Bankers Association of Ohio training in branch management, commercial lending, and sales.   Prior to joining The Peoples Bank Co., Bob was business and technology teacher at St. Henry Local Schools, and an instructor in office information systems at Wright State University Lake Campus.

Bob has been very involved in many civic and community organizations and has served as Vice President & President of the Rockford Carnegie Library Board of Trustees, Vice President of the Rockford Lions Club and Treasurer for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Shanes Park Board of Trustees, chairperson of the Rockford and Dublin Township Combined Charities, and served on the Advisory Board for the Office Information Systems Department at Wright State University Lake Campus.

Bob is looking forward to enjoying some of his hobbies during his retirement.  Bob currently resides in Rockford with his wife, Louanna.
 

Ryan Sipe has been promoted to Branch Manager of  The Peoples Bank Co.’s Rockford office and will be replacing Robert Thompson.  Ryan’s new responsibilities will include overseeing all branch lending activities and the daily operations and management of that bank office. Ryan says he is looking forward to working more with the many customers and potential customers in his hometown and surrounding areas.  Ryan joined The Peoples Bank Co. in 2005 as a Business Development and Loan Officer and had previously worked out of the bank’s Wayne Street office in Celina, assisting in the business  and lending development of the bank’s personal and commercial customers. 

Ryan is a 1993 graduate of Parkway High School, has earned an Associates Degree in Business Computer Applications from Northwestern Business College in Lima and has attended  various bank related classes and seminars.  He is involved in many activities in the Rockford area including the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the Rockford Recreation Association. 

Ryan currently lives in the Rockford area with his wife, Kelly, and his children Mackenzie and Ashtyn.

Connie Brigner retired from Peoples Bank Co. and Debi Schumm has been promoted to Customer Service Representative for The Peoples Bank Co’s Rockford office. 

Connie Brigner has retired as Assistant Branch Manager and Customer Service Representative of the bank’s Rockford office.  Connie joined The Peoples Bank Co. in 1997 as a teller and Customer Service Representative.  When the bank opened it’s Rockford office, Connie Brigner was promoted to Customer Service Representative and Assistant Branch Manager of that office.   Connie was responsible for the overseeing of all the deposit services and assisting the branch manager in the operations and management of the office.  Piror to joining The Peoples Bank Co., Connie had several years of banking experience with another financial institution.   Connie currently resides in the Rockford area with her husband, JR.

Debi Schumm has been promoted to Customer Service Representative and has replaced Connie Brigner.  Debi ‘s new responsibilities will include overseeing the opening, closing, and processing of all the deposit services at the Rockford office.  Debi says she enjoys helping her customers learn about the many deposit services  the bank has to offer. Debi joined The Peoples Bank Co. in 2003 as a teller and assisted in the ATM functions at the Rockford Office. 

Debi is a 1973 graduate of Parkway High School and has attended various bank related seminars.  Debi lives in the Rockford area with her husband Mike.  They have three children and one grandchild. 

Rockford Belle Named ~ Bell Shined
The former Rockford Presbyterian Church was recently given a name according to co-owner Tom Rogers. The Rockford Belle has been named for the real bell in front of the former church, which at one time called members to church services. Tom reports that the bell is technically the property of the Shanes Crossing Historical Society, but will remain at the church location.  Tom and gospel-singer, Randy Long, both of Rockford, recently undertook the task of shining-up the old brass bell, covered with years of corrosion. Randy researched the proper cleaning and located the materials needed. They used a combination of acid and fine sandpaper to get it looking like new. But Randy says he want a more brilliant shine than they already have, so they are still working on it. An outside spotlight is shining on the bell. The inside spotlight is also repaired and illuminates the beautiful stained-glass window. If you go by at night, take a look.

In addition, Tom has been working inside to clean the structure from top to bottom including a fresh coat of paint in the former sanctuary.  A new sound system with microphones is ready to go with a capacity for seating 200 event-goers. The hall rental is priced at $125, and new tables and chairs have been ordered. Tom has even fixed up the nine former Sunday School classrooms as sleep rooms for entertainers staying for the weekend performances. One room is equipped with a couch and TV. It can be partitioned for a dressing room. Gospel groups will be some of the first acts to play in the Rockford Belle. Watch the Parkway Independent for a calendar of events. Contact Tom Rogers in Rockford for booking your event.  Click on smaller thumbnail pictures below to enlarge them

Before

Tom Rogers puts some elbow-grease into it

Randy Long researched the method for cleaning the bell

What a shine!

The Rockford Belle

Local Canning Factory Products Distributed Worldwide
Rockford has more than one international business to its credit, and The Fremont Company is one of them. They produce high quality, safe, wholesome and nutritious tomato products for shipment in the USA and overseas. Ketchup is one of them, and USA ketchup is the gold-standard for the world. The plant manager, Jim Gibson, and his wife Deb (Behm) Gibson, both longtime employees and Parkway graduates of 1971 and 1972 respectively, gave an informative presentation at the April 9, 2009 Rockford Chamber of Commerce members at their monthly meeting.

Jim played a PowerPoint presentation prepared by Deb, which highlighted the history of Sharp Canning and the many changes made over the past 10 years.

Sharp was one of many canning factories that were a main stay in the villages in the agricultural areas of west central Ohio. It opened in 1924 by A.L. and Richard Sharp as a fresh tomato canning plant. They also had plants in Ohio City and Bluffton at one time. 

In 1962, they sold the plant in Rockford to The Fremont Company, who owns it yet today. The plant processed tomatoes grown in the area and hired many seasonal workers. Jim said he felt pretty positive in saying that most of the people in the Rockford area had worked at the canning factory at one time or another, or had someone in their family who did. A nod of heads in the room confirmed that was the case. He mentioned that German prisoners of war also worked at the plant during WWII.

Other highlights through the years were: 1975 - went to tomato paste for ketchup; 1984 - they moved from glass and cans to plastic bottles; 1992 – last of the fresh tomatoes; 1997 – began using fully recycled plastic products;1999 – completed the change to all metal buildings and increased warehousing from years 2001-2003.

Fast Facts on The Fremont Company
They have approximately 125 different labels, 10 container sizes, 54 employees, work year-round, run 3 shifts – 3^rd cleans and sets bottle sizes, there is 110,000 sq. ft. under roof in Rockford, they have other warehouses around the United States; use 14 million lbs of tomato paste per year; use 18 million lbs of fructose per year; they were awarded an Ohio Export Sales Award in 2007 and  2008; it takes 4 weeks of lead time to keep the warehouse full and ready for buyers who often “expect” the product to be available quickly and do not order ahead; are members of Mid America Food Processors Association, and the GMA National organization, too; a rabbi from the Cleveland Rabbinical Society inspects the plant monthly for Kosher practices and is even present to supervise the Passover Products.

Fast Facts on the Tomato in Ohio
The tomato was once the state fruit, and tomato juice IS the state beverage.

In 2009 Jim explained that they will ship 3 million cases of ketchup made under private labels which are selling better than the national brands right now since they are usually cheaper. The Fremont Company in Rockford also makes barbeque sauce, under the Mississippi Brand as well as in private label.   

They purchase their tomato paste exclusively from California now. These are big operations with tomato fields that are 1 mile long by 1.5 miles wide. It comes in aseptic totes and is dumped into sealed tanks at the Fremont plant where one batch makes approximately 1000 gallons of product. Once cooked and seasoned to the recipe per the company for whom they are bottling, the mix goes into the cool tank. The mass of fresh bottles flow into a single line where the machines fill each one and then cap.

The bottles are boxed, and auto recorded with shipping labels for tracking. Semis carrying up to 40 foot long export containers line up daily for shipment to the USA and 27 different countries including: Jordan; South America; Canada;  Mexico; Australia and Israel to name a few. Each country has their own labeling requirements for how they want their product made. Even the shipping process can be affected. For example, one country requires heat-treatment of wood shipping pallets to kill insects.

The Fremont lab tests each batch for quality and safety attributes  and provides full documentation on all product. This is required by law. Record keeping also involves 3^rd party auditing. Most companies purchasing The Fremont Company products have a company inspect for them before they will buy. The SQF audit, for example, is quite expensive but necessary in order to sell product to Walmart.  Detailed record codes  for all ingredients and packaging, are required so that, Jim explained, “we could do a backward and forward trace ability if there was a recall.”

Deb Gibson was once the quality control and organic program manager but has turned those jobs over to others. In the last year, she has become a consultant to Fremont and works on special projects. She is currently working on new formulations for the Australian and Canadian markets.   

Deb also developed the organic tomato ketchup product that is one of the largest private label formulations in the country. The USDA certified organic label can only go on products when stringent requirements are met.  Customer perceptions change over time such as the fact that “Fructose” (sugar) is considered natural now, but once was not. The use of granulated sugar is making a comeback as well as preferences in the spice profiles.

The Security Acts following 9-11 totally changed the way the food industry conducts their business.  At The Fremont Company, there are locked doors and pass-codes are used to keep outsiders from entering the buildings. “Back in the old days, one could walk in the plant at any time and visit with an employee working the line. That does not happen any more.” said Jim.

We are community oriented at the plant and have been working with the village, state and County on EPA requirements for the new sewer project here. Bob Thompson, chamber treasurer, expressed thanks to Jim on behalf of the village, for their support in this important community project. “There are equipment upgrades planned. And pre-treatment is taking place in our plant per EPA guidelines,” said Jim.

Jim and Deb ended with a question-answer session.

 
Picture from left to right: Pam  Buschur -Chamber Director, JoEllen Litmer - Mortgage Consultant, Teresa Rose  - President WOMC, Rod Hey - Mortgage Consultant
 

SNAP Fitness has opened in the Galleria at 909 East Wayne Street in Celina.   Open 24/7 this state of the art workout facility is packed with the best cardio and exercise equipment. Visit www.snapfitness/celinaoh or call 567-890-7627.

Pam Buschur, Chamber Director
Deb Borns, Manager of the Galleria
Angie Crider, Fitness Pro
Jeff Wendel, Owner of Snap Fitness
Calli Wendel
Milan Remer, Owner of Galleria
Janet White, Chamber President
Bob Hibner, Community Sports & Therapy

LOCAL CHAMBER ENDORSES STATE ISSUE 2 

Dear Editor: 

As our nation and state emerge from the recent economic downturn, it’s extremely important that we do what we can to sustain Ohio’s business community and, in turn, keep and create as many jobs as possible. That’s why Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce supports State Issue 2, which would create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board and protect our state’s number-one, $93 billion industry—agriculture.  

The Board is a common-sense approach that will work for all Ohioans by keeping decisions governing the regulation of animal care in the state. It will ensure that thousands of local family farms are able to stay in business, protecting almost a million jobs and preventing Ohio from suffering deeper economic losses. 

The 13-member Board would be made up of Ohio experts in animal care, who would put the state’s farms and businesses first when making decisions governing the care of livestock and poultry, food safety and local availability.  

While Ohio’s businesses and farms typically don’t welcome further regulation, if that regulation means that decisions are made by Ohio farmers and not by out-of-state special interest groups, then it makes sense for everyone.  

All Ohioans, including all employees and their families, deserve a safe, local, affordable food supply. For these reasons, we hope you will join us in voting YES for Issue 2 on November 3.   

Sincerely,  

Board of Trustees

Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce

Mercer County  Chronicle, new General Manager, Jeff Stutesman has  joined the Celina-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.  For more information on the Mercer County Chronicle, a weekly newspaper visit www.mercercountychronicle.com  or call 419 678-2324.

Pictured from left to right:  George Moore, Chamber Ambassador from Faber & Associates; Jeff  Stutesman, Mercer Co. Chronicle; Jodie Swaney, Chamber Trustee from Bruns, Gant & Toms  Insurance; Twyla Hayes, Chamber Ambassador from Brandit  Design; and Pam Buschur, Chamber Director

Weigand Construction Company, Inc. was selected as the Construction Manager on the Emergency Services Expansion project for Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert, Ohio. Construction on this project is expected to be complete by June, 2010.

Mark J. Minick, President and CEO of Van Wert County Hospital noted, “We had an excellent field of applicants to fill this crucial role for our project.  Weigand’s extensive experience in healthcare related construction is impressive and we look forward to working with them. There will be a multitude of contract opportunities as we move forward.”

Andy Czajkowski, Campaign Chair of the 24/7 Emergency Services Campaign stated, “As the 24/7 Campaign Chair, we’re very excited as we take this next step, but there’s still work to be done. Ultimately, we all choose what we want to invest in for our community. This project has the widest scope and will save more lives than any other project the Van Wert area has seen. This project is the one to stand behind as you can tell from the tremendous support we’ve already received. As the construction begins, I would like to encourage everyone to find out how they can assist with this vital project.”

Visit the Kozy Korner in Mendon ~ You Won't be Disappointed
Spring 2009

The Kozy Korner in Mendon has had a long history of feeding the locals with homemade food. It was and still is a gathering place for coffee, pie and local news.  Owners have come and gone, and the newest proprietors are well-versed in serving up delicious food.

Dennis and Tanya Stumpf  came back to Ohio recently by way of Florida.  Originally from Mendon, the former Tanya High married Dennis who was born in Columbus and raised south of Dayton, Ohio.  From the start, he was the chef, and she served customers. Married 31 years, they have always worked together.

Dennis and Tanya spent 30 years in the restaurant business, working in 3 different establishments including 15 years in one 5-Star seafood restaurant called Lightsey's on Lake Okeechobee and 6 years at a steakhouse nearby called the Speckled Perch.  Dennis prepared the wonderful seafood and steak dishes that took one restaurant from a small outdoor picnic-style eatery to its 5 Star status with seating for 350.

For a while the couple lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and worked at the Fireside Inn, a dinner establishment and resort that was open year round.

Always a student of new and different ways to prepare food, over the years, Dennis developed his own secret recipes that are delicious. Mendon has now become their home and the little corner restaurant keeps them busy Tuesday through Sunday serving fish and lunch specials daily including Mendon favorites like meat loaf, sausage, burgers, fried bologna, grilled cheese, hearty soups and more. Friday fish specials include: the Alaskan Pollock, shrimp, oysters, frog legs, and clams, which are deep-fried with Dennis’ own special recipe of breading. He and Tanya’s homemade cole slaw, fresh baked bread,  and fresh cut French-fried potatoes complete the “platter”. On Saturdays they do a superb prime rib.

Add to this awesome menu a booming pizza business ~ they bake 30-40 a day on the weekends and that number gets higher when the Riverside Campground opens for the season ~ and this is one great spot for a meal out. Specials run $4.75 daily and $5.75 evenings.

The Stumpfs thought business would be slow and steady and that the two of them would be comfortable with the flow. But, instead, they have been busy, because of the great food and prices. They now have hired pizza help on the weekends, Tanya’s Aunt Edie Miller and Bob Christian to fill in the gaps doing whatever is needed. They have several dish washers, too.

It is small and quaint with news articles and pictures of glory days past covering the walls.  As its name implies there is only seating for around 24. No reservations are taken. The Kozy Korner’s clientele are served quickly which keeps the traffic flowing in this gathering place, and where a meal is always topped off with aromatic coffee and a delicious fresh baked dessert, made from scratch by local Mendon friend Bob Christian.

If you’d like to try out the fare at Kozy Korner, it is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Call 419-795-1501 to order a carry-out.

Other good places to eat in Mendon are The Pirates Cave, The Mendon Restaurant and Motor Inn Restaurant in Mercer, Ohio.

Pies, Pies and More Pies ~ Retired Mendonite Bakes Delicious Treats

Married almost 57 years, Bob, 77,  and the late Jean Christian, of Mendon, farmed the land for a living, an activity Bob still enjoys dabbling in from time to time even though he rents his land now. But the main focus of nearly every day for many years was the preparation of food for the Mendon Restaurant, owned and operated by their son, Pastor Randy Christian. 

The couple enjoyed cooking up specials on a daily basis and baking a daily supply of pie and cake to feed hungry patrons. Even when they retired to Florida for the winter months, they carried their crops of homegrown fruit with them and baked for their friends, Denny and Tanya Stumpf, from whom they rented a winter residence.

He said, “Jean has been gone 2 years now. I guess I am just carrying-on the legacy of her baking skills” which she taught to Bob. Up at 6 AM, he makes his way into the Kozy Korner to begin the daily ritual of preparing 5 to 10 fresh pies and an occasional cake. Favorites of the patrons include: pecan, sugar cream (but sugar free!) and butterscotch. He does however, when digging into Jean’s recipe box, prepares apple, cherry, red raspberry, black berry, gooseberry, and strawberry in season. He always asks Tanya what she would like for the day but he often gets to choose. Of the cakes he bakes, favorites are pineapple upside-down cake, German chocolate, carrot cake and spice cake, all of Jean’s recipes.

Bob takes time out from baking to go deer hunting and cut his own firewood for the main source of heat in his farmhouse. He admits to being a bit of a jokester. He recalls the day the Class of 1948 senior boys all had their hair done in permanent waves for their class pictures. Edie Miller remembers the incident which had her mother in “fits” as Bob’s best friend, Buzz High (Tanya’s uncle) had his hair done to match Bob’s.

Bob bakes a birthday surprise for each of his children and is happy that Jean taught their daughters, Barbara Hamilton and Beverly Piper the “tricks of the trade”. He bakes for church funeral dinners and does an occasional sugar-free “sugar” cream pie for shut-in friends.

Bob invites you to the Kozy Korner for some good home cooking.

Barrys’ Family Market Celebrates 20 Years in Rockford
Summer 2008

Barry Sr. and Robbie Peel and their family recently celebrated their 20th anniversary of business as Barrys’ Market in Rockford. Thye purchased the turn-key operation from Kevin and Brenda Barker in January of 1988.  The business is still family owned and operated and flourishing in the Parkway District when other groceries have closed. 

Robbie credits their meat department mainly as they are known far and wide for special cuts and tasty treats like their own recipes for ham loaf and marinated chicken, beef and pork.

Barry, Sr. and Robbie started out in partnership in Hicksville, Ohio with one of Barry’s brother who also had a grocery in Jonesville. An uncle in northern Michigan also was in the grocery business. During the time with his brother, Barry was the produce expert, Robbie worked the office, Barry, Jr. was the meat-cutter and his wife Janice ran the bakery.  The team of four eventually decided that they wanted a place of their own and found the Rockford grocery for sale. They purchased the store and moved their young families to Rockford, opening the doors for the first time on January 28, 1988.

At first they were affiliated with Super-Valu as their grocery supplier, then they used Roundy’s, IGA, and now Nash Finch.  One half of their items come through peddlers bringing dairy, meat, beer, milk, breads, soft drinks, and produce.

Besides Barry Jr, Janice and their family of two sons – Andrew and Barry, III (married to Julie), Barry Sr. and Robbie raised two other sons, Brett and Kerry, in Rockford. They have all worked in the store and worn many hats over the years, Janice recalls tackling the bakery when they arrived. When it became too costly to operate, she managed produce, became the assistant manager and later the manager of the store. Barry, Jr., always did the meat-cutting. Robbie explains that they don’t butcher, but they can get any special cuts desired. They have options that stores with pre-packaged meats only don’t have. That makes them special.

Robbie (at left) continues to run the office, and Barry, Sr., whose specialty is produce is now semi-retired and just fills in as needed. Barry, Jr, and Janice have moved on and started their own auto servicing business. Peel’s Pit Stop is located in Celina on Havemann Rd with help from their sons, Andrew and Barry (now married to Julie).

Taking over two years ago for his brother is Brett Peel, once the night manager and the dairy department manager. He brings with him his wife Toby, who works at Van Wert Physical therapy, and daughter Morgan, who both work at the store part-time. They are also expecting a baby in May 2008.

Son, Kerry is a CPA and one who worked at the store, but never followed it as a career. He has three children, Justin, Jillian and Jack. But even though some have moved on to different careers, they and their families are always ready to help-out, when needed, unloading trucks, decorating and filling-in.

Chances are, if you live in Rockford or the surrounding are, someone in your family or you know has worked at Barrys’ Market at one time or another. Judy (Frye) Avery is one of those people, and after 15 years, she is managing the store, doing the orders, planning the advertising, scheduling the 20 employees (mostly part-time help), and waiting on customers.

They all agree that the biggest change has come in the last two years with the cost of gasoline. All products they buy come with a fuel charge on the invoice.

Over the years they have remodeled the store, dealt with the floods of the St. Marys River, provided food during blizzards, and opened a seasonal greenhouse for spring and fall plants and other items.

And, Barrys’ Market supports the community with donations. They help annually with the First Methodist Christmas Day meal (turkeys), Rockford Community Days, Rockford Easter Egg Hunt, Parkway Sports fundraisers, and donate whatever the local volunteer firemen need when they are out on a run.

The family is planning an anniversary celebration soon. Watch for the details on the Parkway Independent and in the Photo Star Newspaper.

Barry Jr.	St, Marys River at their back door	1988	Barry, Sr,
Flood 1991	Way back when.	Building on	Sidewalk Sales

Her first adventure in catering was for her own wedding reception in 1997. Preparing the meal herself was challenging but she engaged others to do the serving while she was speaking her vows.  She added cakes, french breads and rolls,  in 1998. Those additions completed her step into the world of catering. 

She can serve 2-300, will deliver for an optional fee, or allow the customer to pick-up and has all of the serving trays and chafing dishes to make an elegant meal or buffet-style set-up look appealing and complete. Her experiences  include weddings, anniversaries, graduation parties, children's birthday parties, receptions, showers, and business events.

Kristi is a graduate of Wright State University with a BA in Accounting and Finance and works as an accountant in Van Wert. "Cooking provides an outlet for the creative side of me," said Kristi. "I enjoy the challenge in creating be it cookies, breads, cakes or food. I watch for the unusual when looking for new recipes. There are two family recipes I use, molasses cookies and cowboy cookies." She is totally self taught with the exception of a basic cake-decorating class she took .

Kristi does not watch the cooking show on TV, but rather subscribes to cooking magazines like Bon Appetit, Gourmet And American Cake Decorating. She cruises the Internet for recipes and collects cookbooks as a hobby.

When asked what is popular now, she mentioned warm chocolate dipping stations, cupcakes instead of wedding cakes and specialty desserts. "Lately I have been doing theme-based weddings. The western reception was fun and included boot shaped cookies, cactus cookies, and peach cobbler."

Last summer she provided some special desserts for the governor of Ohio. Ted Strickland was in town at the community building in Shanes Park at the Democratic Roast/Picnic. Kristi provided Krochenbush (creams puffs ~ set up in tiers, petit fours and truffles.

Kristi is the daughter of Vernon and Vera Kuhn. She is married to Dave, and they have a son, Noah, who often taste-test new recipes she is trying-out.

Click on smaller thumbnail pictures to enlarge them.

	Democratic Picnic	Democratic Picnic		Gourmet Gifts by Kristi 419-363-2243

Jason Stover Purchases Rockford Carry-Out
Jason Stover, a Parkway graduate and a 1998 graduate of Ohio State University in the field of Agribusiness and Economics, purchased the Rockford Carry-Out on January 3, 2007 from former owner Terry Shaffer. Jason has 6 employees and plans to keep the menu as it is. They offer pizza, sandwiches, appetizers and dinners. They also sell pop, chips and beer. Jason is the son of Tom and Penny. Call the Rockford Carry-Out at 419-363-2855 to place a carry-out order or dine in ~ there is seating up front. Jason plans to expand that in the near future.

Mike Bruns, PHEVAC offices, located at 103 N. Main Street in Rockford, recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the business opening.

Owner Mike Bruns of Rockford has specialized in all areas of this business and provides service beyond the sale.

Mike has a crew of 4 pictured from left to right, Chad Moeller serviceman since 1998, Chad Buschur, serviceman since 1995, Mike Bruns, owner and serviceman, and Clete Schmidt, office manager since 1992.

Mike recently reminisced about starting his own business. From 1981-1985, Mike had worked at Huffy's, Hensley Welding, Pontius Hardware, Ohio Plumbing, and Alexander and Bebout. He had a business for a short time with carpenter Joe Jackson called B & J Contracting. Mike mostly worked out of his house and a used van before he was able to really get started on his own. In 1985 his dad, the late Ralph Bruns, came to work for him. Ralph was an experienced serviceman (retired in 1990), and Mike bought the old Rockford Telephone building at 132 W. Market St. There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Gene Steiner officiating. Dick Winters came to work for him as his office manager, and his first big jobs were doing the new work on the new L and L Restaurant (1985) in Rockford for owner Larry Hileman. Then in 1986, Rockford Lumber expanded, and Mike did that work as well. He has worked with many locate builders including Terry Bransteter and Larry Hileman. Back then, Mike had other employees including Nick Buschur and Roger Heuing, that people might remember.

Mike expanded again in 1990, buying the old Rockford Press building, then later 1/2 of the Main Street building beside Herb Muhlenkamp, accountant, where the offices are now located.

Mike and his crew are state-licensed in all areas of the plumbing, heating, electrical, ventilation and air conditioning including the health department. He sell Rheem Heating and Air Conditioning, Goulds' Water Systems, Delta Faucets, Aqua Water conditioning Systems, and stocks a wide inventory of pipe fittings and other hardware.

When asked what has changed the most in the past 25 years, he said that the Rockford Lumber Company went out of business, and big companies like Menards have taken the place of the smaller locally-owned operations. He also said that a verbal agreement and a handshake were once all that was required to do a job. Now contracts are often needed to get a job started.

One thing never changes, though, in a small town, people call day and night for reliable help! Mike spent New Year's Eve at a customer's house repairing an electrical problem and working on a flooded basement somewhere else. (We had downpours of rain, thunder and lightning that evening.)
 

Hydroponics Lettuce Farm Newest Rockford-area Business Venture
"It takes 6 weeks to grow Bibb lettuce from nursery to harvest," explained Bryan Stephenson, USDA-certified crop advisor for S & S Family Farms, a family-owned business headed by his parents Dave and Charlene Stephenson. Located at 10701 Now Road south of Rockford, Ohio, the business marks a continuum in the lineage of generations of farming on both sides of the family ~ but with a new twist.

Growing lettuce in water, on a large scale in a hothouse, is a relatively new thought for this part of Mercer County, where grain farming has been the predominant “industry”.  The Stephensons, however, have utilized their first-hand expertise in 4-H and farming, going back to their roots right here in Mercer County. Dave’s parents, Dick and Gene still farm near Chattanooga, and Charlene’s parents Don and Eileen Bollenbacher farm land west of Rockford as well. And, the farming linage on both sides goes back farther to their great-grandparents and great-great grandparents who settled this area. Those operations were and are all grain-based, and the younger Stephensons were looking for something different.  According to Charlene, 20 years ago, her dad discussed hydroponic tomato farming but they dismissed it as too labor-intensive.  Bryan, who served as Parkway’s FFA president for four years and attended Purdue University for two years in the agronomy program, began looking into hydroponic lettuce farming, and during the winter of 2005, they tried it on a small scale. The results were good, and the family decided in July 2006 to take the “plunge”. Construction money came from the local Mercer County Revolving Loan Fund and Peoples Bank.  Dave became the overseer of construction which is nearing completion.

Unlike waiting for the rain and sun to provide ideal growing conditions, this business requires energy to pump the well water and nutrients as well as heat and cool the 30 ft. x 128 ft. Quonset building, of steel frame and plastic double-wall construction.  After careful research, they dismissed wind and solar power and are using electricity to power the greenhouse.  They are using a 500,000 BTU corn-boiler with propane as back-up. Corn is readily available and more efficient.  It warms the water that flows through the floors because lettuce needs it to be between 68º and 72º (ideally) to grow. At night the computerized control boards, set-up and maintained by son, John, drop the temperature between 62º -65º.  Electricity runs the blower which pumps air into the space between the plastic layers to form dead air space insulation for the walls. Cooling in the summer is provided by pulling air through the bug-exclusion system.  It traps the insects and prevents them from entering the greenhouse to cause infestation of the lettuce crop.  Recycled water runs over a giant wall of corrugated cardboard and the air pulled through it evaporates and cools the greenhouse.

When the sky lights up at night south of Rockford, the community has come to know that the lettuce needs more light to grow. So the lights come on using timers that have been programmed by John to turn the lights on at 7 am and off at 5 pm.  On overcast days a sensor detects low light intensity and turns on the lights.  By adjusting the amount of light, the time to crop maturity can be maximized.

The REX variety of Bibb lettuce they grow is specially developed for hydroponics in the Netherlands, where Holland and Denmark are far advanced in this style of farming.  A seed is dropped into a rectangle of spun lava rock, called rock wool which has been soaked in water for 24-48 hours.  Germination takes 2 days with new plantings done in a staggered fashion to produce a constant crop. The nursery part of this takes two weeks after which the trays of tiny plants are then separated by cutting and dropped into holes in the trays for the remainder of the four week growing time. Charlene’s parents, Don and Eileen Bollenbacher have been active in helping with the transplanting of the seedling plants.  Bryan’s children, Noah and Abby also help with the planting. (Don and Charlene are shown at left.)

Our area is known for hard water. So a computer analyzes it and correctly mixes the two tanks (one for fast growth and one for lettuce health) of nutrients into the water to compensate for calcium, sulfur, iron and hydrogen changes. According to Charlene, “pH balance is very important because the crop can burn.” Nephew Devin Bollenbacher assembled the trays from the “Crop King hydroponic greenhouse kit” they purchased and helps with daily pH checks. The well water is pumped into the trays under the seedlings where a unique closed return system recycles the water through pipes for reuse. One feeder line of rubber tubing feeds two trays holding 18 plants per tray. There are 344 growing trays in the operation, and when not in use, the trays can be shut off from the water supply. The growth time in the water takes another four weeks to bring the crop to harvest. The heads are pulled from their water holes, the roots in the rock wool are trimmed off, and packing takes place. The lettuce is bulk packaged 12 heads per box or in individual plastic crispers. The harvested crop is then ready for delivery to the buyer. A cooler is under construction at the farm for short term storage. John’s wife, Amanda has made the sales contacts and delivery to most of the local buyers.

The Stephensons have applied for the Ohio Proud designation and plan to be producing 1600 heads of Bibb lettuce per week in 2007 when they are at full capacity with nearly 6000 plants of lettuce in various stages of growth.  They have a vendor’s license and currently supply: Parkway Schools and Barry’s’ Market in Rockford; Troyers and Earthen Treasures Natural Food Market in Berne, Indiana; Romer’s Catering, Chief Supermarkets and Logan’s IGA in Celina as well as health food stores in Ft. Recovery and Van Wert.  Bibb lettuce blends well with other salad greens and is very good on its own. There are even plans to try different lettuce varieties and possibly the herb basil in the future.

Editor’s note: The lettuce I purchased at Barry’s’ Market was crisp and flavorful. I used it in a salad and on sandwiches. The Stephensons will have lettuce available on a self-serve basis from the packing and storage building at the greenhouse.  For more information you may contact them at 419-363-3357.

His 'N Hers Styling and Tanning Salon, owned by Brenda (Davis) Barker, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the shop in Rockford.

Brenda graduated from Parkway in 1973 and went on to the Ohio State Beauty Academy in Lima, OH, graduating from there in 1974. For two years she worked at the Modern Beauty Salon on Main Street in Rockford, which was owned by Shophie Pfister but struck out on her own in 1976. Brenda bought a shop over on Market Street behind the post office from Pat Bowen, another hair stylist who had Pat's Beauty Shop. In 1980, Brenda secured the old Schumm Drug Store on Main Street (beside the post office) and did some remodeling to the store. she opened the new facility in 1981. She added retail products and keeps an extensive line of shampoos, treatments and other hair-care items for sale.

Six years ago in 2000, the store underwent another remodeling, and Brenda added two tanning beds and a massage therapy room. Peg Dull is the LMT on duty, having started in 2001. She takes Monday and Wednesday appointments and does foot reflexology as well an massage therapy. She is a 2000 graduate of the SHI Medical School of Massage in Lebanon, Ohio.

Above, the current staff includes left: Ilene Davis, Brenda's mom, who is a Rockford High School graduate and a 1947 graduate of Warner Beauty College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Next year she will celebrate 60 years in the hair care business. She remembers when she gave machine permanents  (until 1958) and working for Marcella (McSherry) Easthom from January  1947 through January 1955. Marcella worked in the same building as Beanie McSherry (her dad) when the store was 1/2 his barber shop and half her salon. Ilene went to work for Sophie Pfister from 1956-1976, then went to work for her daughter.

Above, next to Ilene is Carol Zizelman, a 1959 graduate of Southerton-Martz Beauty Academy. She ran her own shop in Mendon from 1961 until several years ago. She has been at the His and Hers Shop since 1996.

Next to Carol above is Raeh Gardner who is the newest member of the His 'n Hers team. She is a recent Parkway graduate and graduated from Ohio State Beauty Academy in Lima on March 8, 2006. She specializes in cuts, color and nails. Raeh is available Tuesdays and Fridays or by appointment.

Over the years, Brenda has seen many hair changes not only in the styles, but also in the way hair is treated. For instance, they have seen these changes:

1950's ~ Bouffant Hair
1960's ~ Parted and Straight (Hippie) Hair
1970's ~ Long and Straight or Flipped like the tv star Farrah Fawcett
1980's ~ Permanent Waves and Big Hair; Mall Hair and Big Bangs
1990's ~ Short and Spiky - Styles that fit the person best
2000's - anything goes including texture and color are popular as a more  natural look from subtle to bold.

In addition, he received training in facial chemical peels and cosmetic Botox injections, which he is adding to the services he offers at his practice at 104 S. Main Street, in Rockford.

Continuing Education Courses are part of the requirement for continued board certification in Family Practice and for maintenance of licensure in the State of Ohio.

Call 419-363-3008 to make an appointment with Dr. Jerry D. Sell at Rockford Family Medicine.

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