Click Here for the Parkway Area Business Directory
 

Vanity Kept ~ New Boutique Shop and Spa Party Service in Rockford
Planning Open House on Friday & Saturday, November 11^th and 12th
“Local woman offers specialty spa events and merchandise”
By Sheila Baltzell, Parkway Independent

Tara Bransteter, licensed cosmetologist and local owner of Vanity Kept in Rockford brings the fun of spa parties as well as fine, unique merchandise to this area of Ohio.

Vanity Kept is located in the Magic Mirror Styling Salon at 147 S. Main Street across from the Rockford Carnegie Library. A very special Open House is planned for Friday (3-7 PM) & Saturday (10 AM -2 PM, November 11^th and 12th, 2011 with a beautiful merchandise selection and delicious refreshments.

Tara offers the ultimate in spa parties to prepare for any event or special group. From accommodating a wedding party to a child’s birthday, she offers wonderful services including: hair styling for the big event or just for fun; make-up application; and pedicures as well as all of the hair styling services that make a woman feel confident and re-vitalized with her new look under Tara’s expert care.  

Her packages are custom planned for personalized attention to every detail.

Tara also offers in her one-of-a-kind boutique gift line: handbags, wallets, scarves, jewelry, make-up, as well as adorable hair feathers and other hair adornments. These items are exclusive as well.

Merchandise is refreshed monthly, and Tara purchases only the best for the upcoming season. Tara stocks affordable yet unique items.

Accepting cash, checks and credit cards, she offers gift certificates and specialty packages including Holiday packages for the special person in your life. Free gift wrapping services with the purchase.

Tara invites you to her new venture’s Open House on November 11 & 12 where a purse full of Michael O’ Rourke hair care products (her newest line) will be given away in a free raffle drawing – need not be present to win.

Located at 147 S. Main Street in Rockford, the shop hours are by appointment. Phone 419-733-5089 and ask for Tara to learn all the details.

The Business Enterprise Center located at Wright State University-Lake Campus wants to help your company improve productivity and your bottom line! Non-credit classes are now being offered. To register for any of the listed classes or for more information, please contact Carol @ (419) 586-0355; 1-800-237-1477 x 355; or by e-mail to carol.jones@wright.edu. Classes offered:   EXCEL for BUSINESS  Date:  Monday, March 19, Tuesday, March 20, Wednesday, March 21, 2012; Time: 5 to 8 p.m.;  QUICKBOOKS for BUSINESS  Dates: Monday, March 19, Tuesday, March 20, & Wednesday, March 21, 2012; Time: 5 to 9 p.m.:  COMPUTER BASICS Dates: Tuesday, April 10 & Thursday, April 12, 2012; Time: 4 to 7 p.m.; “STARTING RIGHT” (Pre-Business Seminar Held Monthly) Seminars will be held at the Lake Campus on Thursdays, March 8, April 12, May10 and June 14, 2012.

Guest speaker for the banquet is Dr. Todd Dewett.  Dr. Dewett is a Full Professor with degrees in business from the University of Memphis (bachelors), the University of Tennessee (MBA), and Texas A&M University (Ph.D. in Management). Along the way he has picked up numerous teaching awards, research awards and a long list of clients. He has consulted in over fifty cities across several countries. He has worked for Fortune 500 firms and startups, product companies and service companies, private companies and government agencies.   Before going it alone he enjoyed positions at Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) as well as Ernst & Young.  He now spends his time fighting hard to change the world one cubicle at a time!  Bottom line: He is loud, he looks funny, and he knows how to motivate. Someone once said he was Fuel for Leaders and it stuck. If you need a new perspective and a dose of high energy, Dr. Todd Dewett is your answer.   

His topic for the banquet is "How to be a Rockstar Leader."  Effective leadership is vital for competitiveness now more than ever!  Join Dr. Dewett and hear his engaging take on the fundamentals of great leadership.  From motivation to conflict to change, nobody makes you laugh and learn faster.  Get ready for stories that bring leadership to life.

Dr. Dewett will have a radio show in 2012.   Fuel For Leaders with Dr. Dewett will be on Cox station WHIO 1290AM and 95.7FM on Sunday's from 11am-noon.  Bringing Dr. Dewett to Celina is our Gold Sponsor, WCSM Radio and our Silver Sponsors are Premier Flooring Installations and Dynamic Federal Credit Union. 

Tickets are on sale for $25 per ticket or you can purchase a corporate table of eight for $195.00.  Your ticket price includes a delicious dinner, quest speaker, awards program, and time for business networking.  Last date to purchase tickets is February 17^th.   Call the Chamber for tickets at 419 586-2219 or email info@celinamercer.com. 

New Business Features Horses and Getting to Know Yourself Through Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)

Jane (Baker) Cozad of Rockford and a graduate of Ohio City Liberty High School, always loved horses as a girl and was fortunate to keep quarter horses and appaloosas later as a young adult. She at one time dreamed of going to college to study horses but took another road in life ~ one that led her straight back to horses, and she could not be happier. In fact her love of the horses has turned into a couple of business ventures.

Gentle Strength and Signs for Equines are new to the area and are horse centered. 

Gentle Strength offers an exciting new avenue in Learning and Growth ~ one that is assisted with horses. Jane uses her four horses and one pony to assist individuals with Learning Life Skills. They are: Cisco, an 11 year old Tennessee Walker; Rudy,  a 13 year old Rocky Mountain; Annie, a nine year old; Sadie, a Tennessee Walker and the 24 year old pony Dusty. 

The horses are all gaited, meaning they have a glide to their step which is relaxing and natural. And, Jane offers riding lessons, too, but in EAL there is no riding, only games and activities which help the individual or the team (usually businesses, but any groups can benefit especially families) get immediate feedback on their emotions and behavior. Horses will mirror the individual, and when the person learns to act differently with the horse and changes his or her behavior, the horse responds accordingly. Business teams benefit from sessions with Jane’s horses when leadership roles and office or family dynamics are examined. Jane explains that EAL is NOT therapy and is done without the involvement of a mental health professional.  

Jane explains that horses are great for this sort of work because they honestly mirror what a human body is telling them. Through the activities, an individual can learn to get the horse to respond the way they want them to by changing their own behavior.  Horses are large and powerful, and some individuals learn to master and overcome fear of horse and fear in their lives. When they master a challenging situation, they gain confidence. Horses have distinct personalities, and what works with one may not work with another.  Individuals learn to master dealing with more than one person, too. Horses are a lot of hard work, and caring for them builds character. They are also sensitive creatures and know if you mean what you say. A horse lives in the moment and gives immediate and insightful feedback. 

Jane explains that people don’t change unless they get out of their comfort zone. She believes that many people can benefit from her training in the OK Corral Series of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), founded by Greg Kirsten.  She has taken many training sessions from him.  

Skills to be considered in Jane’s sessions include: leadership, teamwork, self-esteem, parenting skills, assertiveness skills, improved relationships, increased integrity, and improved work ethic.  People to benefit from these courses include: youth, parents, adults, business people, leaders, managers, employees, sales professionals, teachers and anyone who would like to learn better life and leadership skills.   

Sessions are $30 and riders are covered for liability. Click Here for Gentle Strength  

Signs for Equines offers gifts, awards, horse equipment & accessories, apparel and home décor, custom engraving, embroidery and sand-carving. Click Here for Signs for Equines 

Business Enterprise Center at WSU-Lake Campus Announces

Nov. & Dec. Non-Credit Course Schedule
 

Celina, Ohio – The Business Enterprise Center (BEC) at Wright State University–Lake Campus offers professional, cost-effective services to support the area’s businesses and industrial economic development. Included in these services are workshops to enhance knowledge and skills necessary to a successful workforce.

Registration is now underway for these business-based classes through the BEC. Courses currently offered include our very popular QuickBooks (early and late summer) and Excel workshop as well as new costing workshops for business owners/managers. Starting in August, the Lake Campus will offer Computer Basics I geared towards new computer users and Computer Basics II for those who want to enhance their computer knowledge. Please access our full listing of current classes at www.wright.edu/lake/beyond/bec.html.

You must pre-register for all classes by phone (419) 586-0355,

fax (419) 586-0340, or e-mail: carol.jones@wright.edu

4    QuickBooks

WHEN/WHERE: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, November 28, 29, & 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Lake Campus. Rm. 194 Dwyer Hall with Ron Kremer; COST: $125 per person.

4    Access --NEW

WHEN/WHERE: Tuesdays, November 29, December 6 & 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Campus. Rm. 190 Dwyer Hall with Carla Hirschfeld; COST: $110 per person.

4    Excel

WHEN/WHERE: Wednesdays, November 30, December 7 & 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Campus. Rm. 190 Dwyer Hall with Carla Hirschfeld; COST: $110 per person.

4    Computer Basics

WHEN/WHERE: Wednesdays, November 30, December 7 & 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lake Campus. Rm. 190 Dwyer Hall with Carla Hirschfeld; COST: $99 p/person. Over 55? $79 p/person.

4    Online Marketing I w/Social Media

WHEN/WHERE: Tuesday, November 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Campus. Rm. 127 Trenary Hall with Tom Eversman; COST: $45 per person.

4    Online Marketing II w/Social Media

WHEN/WHERE: Tuesday, December 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Campus. Rm. 127 Trenary Hall with Tom Eversman; COST: $45 per person.

Find out more information about all of these classes at: www.wright.edu/lake/beyond/bec.html

Tom Rogers Named 38^th Rockford Chamber of Commerce
Citizen of the Year
by Sheila Baltzell

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce members celebrated as they named Tom Rogers  the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year at the annual Banquet held on October 31, 2011. He was honored for many factors, the top one being community service.

Tom was humbled by the award as he looked at the list of 37 past recipients. He mentioned that all he has ever accomplished has been done so with the help of good friends, neighbors, family, and the Parkway community.

Tom was raised on the family farm that has been in his family since Colonel Rogers settled in the area after the Civil War.  From his early days of growing crops and raising animals, he has been involved in farm activities. He enjoys growing sweet corn in the summer ~ much of it he gives away ~ which was a project his father, Woodrow Rogers, gave to him as a child. Tom’s mother was Beatrice Rogers, and Tom worked the family farm with his late parents. Now he works it with his son, Andy. In 2008, tom received the Mercer county Award for recognition of outstanding conservation efforts on his farm.

He married Barb Taylor on December 19, 1969, and their children are daughter Melissa (married to Jeremy Hostetler) and son, Andy (married to Michelle). Tom loves his family life and dotes on his six grandchildren: Megan and Makenna Hostetler, and Grace, Jacob, Zachary and Addie Rogers.

Tom served for many years as a Parkway School board member. It was during the time he was on the board that Mendon was taken in as part of the school system after they were closed by the state. There were several big projects that he accomplished under his 8 years including: the rebuilding and crowning of the current football field (with the Parkway Booster Club members, Al Brandt and Bill Stober), the planting of evergreen trees as a windbreak for the track, and work on the baseball diamond (again with Al and Bill helping). In conjunction, Tom also organized the Army Corps of Engineers to come in at Shanes Park, free of charge, and build new softball and baseball diamonds for the Parkway teams to play upon, as well as the little league teams. For years he worked tirelessly to keep the diamonds screened and leveled for the perfect playing field, while he coached winning little league teams for Rockford Recreation, and serving on their board of directors. One of the highlights of his tenure came when he awarded his daughter, Melissa, her diploma.

Growing up in the former Rockford Grace United Methodist Church, Tom loved to play volleyball, teach Sunday School, serve as a youth leader, trustee, and board member. Tom now attends Praise Point United Brethren Church in Willshire.

An Army veteran of the National Guard for 6 years from 1967-1971 after graduating from Parkway in 1964, Tom proudly walks for the Rockford American Legion in local parades. He serves on the board of directors of the legion.

The Rockford Lions Club has provided Tom with an outlet for his sense of humor, too. Tom works with their annual variety show as a stage crew member and as a comedian for the show.  His efforts have helped raise many dollars for Parkway scholarships.

Tom also serves on the Rockford Area Development Corporation (RADC), and headed-up the committee which ultimately got the splash pad installed in Shanes Park in the summer of 2011. He bought the property north of the Village of Rockford at the entrance to town, and worked with Al Brandt to clean up it up.

Several years ago, he bought the former Rockford Presbyterian Church on Market Street with Doug Hole and turned it into the Rockford Belle where under the publicity director Stacie Ford, Saturday nights are never dull. The Belle offers alcohol free entertainment with gospel, country, rock n roll, and other bands, musicians and acts. Tom organizes sock hops, provides a place for talent shows and weddings/receptions, too.  He organized a Shanes Park Bean Bake and gospel concert in July 2011 and created the 911 Tribute to the 911 Heroes on the 10^th anniversary of the disaster where local first responders were recipients of the proceeds of the concert by Blair Carmen and the Belleview Boys as well as a chicken dinner.

His wife, Barb, laughs that she can’t get him to slow down. And indeed, Tom is a busy guy who works hard because he loves of his community and continues to think of ways to improve it. 

All of Tom’s family arrived for the presentation of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, presented by last year’s recipient, Dr. Jerry Sell, except for his two youngest grandchildren.

In addition to the local kudos and a plaque from Jerry Sell and chamber president, Bryan Sutton, Tom was also awarded a proclamation from the Mercer County Commissioners celebrating this honor and his many accomplishments.  It was presented by John Bruns and Bob Nuding.

Burtch Seed, owned by Ed and Mike Burtch won the 2^nd annual Business of the Year Award for their impact on agriculture in the tri-county area. A home-grown business, started by their parents, Tom and Dot Burtch, Ed and Mike have enlarged the facility into a specialty seed production program.

Remember to click on smaller thumbnail pictures to enlarge them.

Tom with Nancy and their dad	Tom presents Melissa with her diploma from Parkway High School	Tom & Barb shortly after their wedding	Tom and Barb's grandchildren.	Tom at the corn patch
Tom marches in the Memorial Day parade	Tom in the Army reserves for 6 years - riot training and Viet Nam training	Presentation of plaque to Tom for organizing the 911 tribute in 2011	Granddaughters, Megan, Makenna and Grace on the combine with Grandpa	Tom in a past Variety Show
Tom coached the Reds Little League team	Tom played Little League as a boy.

Technique Roofing Systems LLC has joined the Celina Mercer Co. Chamber of Commerce. They are located at 742 Cooper Drive in St. Henry. Phone: 419 678-1020. Visit techniqueroofing.com for more info. 

Pictured from left to right: Mike Alt -Sales Manager, Brenda Reichert-Office Manager, Matt Baumer- Operations Manager, Bill Wourms- Manager, Tonya Cooper- Chamber Ambassador from Coopers, Sue Heiser- Chamber  Ambassador from WCSM, Pam Buschur-Chamber Director

The public is invited to meet city of Celina Candidates for full breakfast on Friday, October 21 at Celina Eagles Lodge. Breakfast is at 7:15 a.m. with the program to start at 7:45 a.m.  The event is hosted by Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce. The cost for the full breakfast is $5.00 and RSVP must by made by October 14. to the Chamber office at 419 586-2219 or email info@celinamercer.com.

It’s All About Visibility! 

Thursday, October 13^th will find the Galleria in Celina buzzing with area businesses sharing ideas, networking and meeting new prospects.  This year’s 2^nd Annual Expo includes sponsorship from Chambers of Commerce in St. Marys, Southwestern Auglaize County, Celina-Mercer County, Ft. Recovery and St. Henry.  This joint effort provides opportunities for greater reach to area businesses and markets.  Chamber member businesses may exhibit for free and others may exhibit for a fee.   

You’ll Get…. 

o       B2B Speed Networking

o       Panel Discussion on Social Media in the Workplace

o       Panel Discussion on Connecting our Workforce with Education & Manufacturing

o       Guest Speaker, Robin Elston

o       plenty of face time to meet new prospects

But wait – there’s more! 

Morning sessions are for registered exhibitors and will provide time to network with, and learn about, other vendors.  Our “Social Media in the Workplace” panel discussion will cover concerns regarding establishing corporate policies and best practices.  Do you allow social media use on company time? In what capacity?  What security risks must be considered? How do you educate staff and enforce policies? 

Doors are open to the general business community from 2:00 – 6:00 pm, and gives vendors time to shine.  Share your story and how you can help serve the needs of area businesses.

Our second panel discussion “Let’s Get Working” will cover connecting our workforce with the education and manufacturing sectors.  The timely topic provides insight for all.

We’ll cap the day off with a keynote from Robin Elston, President and Founder of Elston Consulting.  Robin will guide us in “How to Stay Positive When the Economy Isn’t”. 

This Year’s Expo Provides 

o       Convenient & affordable way to showcase your business

o       Generate leads more effectively than cold calling

o       Support your local business community

o       See a return on your investment

o       Area prospects are waiting for you 

For more information or to register as a vendor, call the Celina Mercer County Chamber
of Commerce at 419 586-2219.

Celina Moving and Storage held a ribbon cutting Friday, May 20th to celebrate the opening of their new state of the art facility just off of State Route 29 east of Celina. With state and local dignitaries, Rob Kraner, owner of Celina Moving and Storage cut the ribbon. Participating also were State Representative Jim Buchy, Celina Mayor Sharon LaRue, Frank DeBrosse (aide to Speaker John Boehner), Chamber President Betty DuBry, several Chamber Trustees, along with the staff of Celina Moving and Storage. For more information visit www.celinamovingandstorage.com.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held by members of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the Rockford Area Development Corporation, and officials of the Village of Rockford, for a new business in Rockford ~ Betsey's Boutique. Pictured above are Terra Henkle, Betsey Gamble, Eugene Steiner, Amy Joseph, Ron Searight, Barbara Hamilton, Lisa Kuhn, and Dr. Jerry Sell after touring the new shop during her Grand Opening.  Betsey offers a variety of designer clothes, gifts, baby clothes, jewelry and more. A full story is coming on this unique and tasteful shop!

Betsey’s Boutique Shop Brings Designer Brands to Rockford
“You won’t find these items anywhere else,” says Betsey.

By Sheila Baltzell, Parkway Independent 5-20-2011

Betsey Gamble, buyer and local owner of Betsey’s Boutique in Rockford brings the world of fine designer brands to this area of Ohio. When she says, “You won’t find these items anywhere else,” she truly gives her customers items that will not be available in Macy’s or even Von Mar including the chic name brands Mysteree, RYU, Luii, Darling, Whitewash, Steppin’ Out, Young @ Heart and Young Mom, Choo-choos and Catherine Barclay. With sizes ranging from 2-14, she buys for the woman mid 20’s to mid 50’s, as well as teens and tweens, and keeps a low number of items, so the customer is assured of exclusivity when purchasing these lovely and youthful “boutique” designer clothes.

Betsey also offers scarves, jewelry, watches, shoes, handbags as well as adorable children’s clothing and gifts. These items are exclusive as well.

Her children’s line is expected to grow.

Merchandise is refreshed weekly, and Betsey attends fashion buying shows four times a year in Michigan and Illinois where she chooses for the upcoming season. Ever mindful of her clientele, she stocks mostly mid range priced items and always chooses unique clothing and gift items not available in other stores.

Accepting credit and debit cards as well as cash and checks, she offers gift certificate sales and free gift wrapping services with the purchase.

She offers after-hours boutique parties for special groups.

Located at on 139 S. Main Street in Rockford, the shop hours are Monday-Friday 11-6, Saturday 9-4 and Sunday closed. Phone 419-363-9005.

Colonial Nursing Center Has Sold
Colonial Nursing Center of Rockford, recently purchased by Saber Health Care Group of Cleveland, looks forward serving the needs of  our community. Colonial is a thirty four bed facility in Rockford, Ohio  offering skilled nursing, with additional assisted living and rehab to home.

Saber health Care Group purchased the facility in January 2011. Saber based in Cleveland was founded in 2001 by George Repchick and William Weisberg. They began with two facilities  and now number fifty one, with the majority of those facilities in Ohio.

 Administrator for the Rockford facility is Dennis Trimboli. A practicing attorney  before entering the health care field, he brings an unwavering commitment to building and maintaining a deficiency free facility for those in our care.

 Paige Reinsel steps in as the Director of Nursing bringing with her twenty years of nursing experience. Ten of those years in long term care. She leads a very qualified and caring staff of nurses and aides who provide quality resident care with a heart.

Colonial Nursing Center and Saber Health Group look forward to serving the community, doing what we do best, Caring for Life.

PC Doctor Joins Chamber

PC Doctor on Call has joined the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.  
They are located inside the Wal Mart Supercenter in Celina.   With extended
hours, they are your
professionals for PC repair and technology services.  Phone # 419 586-1114
Visit www.4pcdoctor.com


Pictured from left to right:

Pam Buschur - Chamber Director
Ethan Clark - PC Doctor Technician; Maggie Wannemacher - President of PC Doctor; Gena Bittner - Chamber Trustee from the Gardens in Celina; Joelle Steinbrunner - Chamber Ambassador from the Gardens in Celina; Heather Zehringer - Chamber Trustee from Celina Insurance Group.

Grand Lake Moving & Happy Home Bedding & Furniture located in St. Marys  has joined the Celina Mercer Co Chamber.

Grand Lake Moving provides convenient, fast moving, storage and rental options.  Visit their website at www.grandlakemoving.com or  call them at 419 300-6683.

Pictured from left to right:
Pam Buschur, Chamber Director
Susan Heitkamp, Chamber Trustee,
Chris Wibbenmeyer, Owner
Shana Perry, Assistant Retail Store Manager

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Time Well Spent on Saturday, April 23, 2011.

Pictured at left: Lisa Kuhn, Mayor Amy Joseph and Owner/Massage Therapist Meg Fitzsimmons

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Zumba Classes on Saturday, April 23, 2011.

Pictured at left: Lisa Kuhn, Mayor Amy Joseph and Instructor Josie Hemmelgarn
 

The 2011 class of Leadership in Action –Mercer County, a program of the Celina Mercer County Chamber of Commerce spent April 21^st in Columbus for a tour of the Ohio Supreme Court and the Statehouse.  The group was able to spend some time with State Representative Jim Buchy.  State Representative Buchy was appointed to the Ohio House of Representatives in January 2011.

This year’s leadership class will be wrapping up in June and a new class will begin in September.  For more information on the Leadership in Action Class, contact the Celina Mercer Co. Chamber at 419 586-2219. 

Pictured from left to right back row: Liane Muhlenkamp, Jason Dorsten, Linda Klenke, State Rep. Jim Buchy, Jane Cozad, Evelyn Lauterbach, Judy Zehringer, Ken Kurz 

Seated from left to right: Ben Amstutz, Eydie Kremer, Mrs. Winner (bus driver)

Behm's Landing held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand reopening.  After 3 months of renovations, they are open for business with the same great food.  They have over 80 years in restaurant business as  it was started in 1930 by Ada & Howard Behm.  Stan's grandson is the 5th generation to work in the family business.  Visit them at 5490 Behm Rd, Celina or call ahead 419 394-3934. 

Pictured from left to right: Pam Buschur-Chamber Director, George Moore- Chamber Trustee, Stan Grimm- Owner/Manager, Bernice Dexter- Owner, Alicia Bruce - Daughter of Stan, Chris Grimm-Hall Realty & Daughter In Law of Bernice, Steve Schmidt-Chamber Trustee

The annual National Alpaca Farms Day is scheduled this year for September 24 & 25 and they are looking forward to showing off their Suri Alpacas.  

 

Pictured from left to right:
Gena Bittner, Chamber Trustee from the Gardens in Celina
Mary & Norm Zahn -owners
Award Winning Alpaca - Hotazel's Aspen of Mt. Tabor

Friendly Markets of Celina has joined the Celina Mercer Co. Chamber of Commerce. Friendly Markets is located at 725 West Logan Street in Celina. Phone: 419 586-5777 or visit www.friendlymarkets.com.

Noted for their excellent quality meat department, homemade cheese spreads, weekly specials and much more.  Friendly Markets are now able to redeem Celina Mercer Co. Chamber gift certificates. 

Pictured from left to right:

George Moore, Chamber Trustee from Faber & Associates

Dave Giesige, owner

Steve Schmidt, Chamber Trustees from Peoples Bank Company

Tom Giesige, owner

Pam Buschur, Chamber Director

Lauren Mosier, daughter of Clay and Sherry Mosier, of Ohio City, Ohio is a recent graduate of Rudae's Beauty School in Fort Wayne, Indiana and a former 2008 high school graduate of Van Wert High School. Ms. Mosier is working at His-N-Hers Salon located at 121 South Main Street, Rockford, Ohio. She specializes in doing makeup, cuts, colors, and styling of hair. She is accepting appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Call 419-363-3805. 

His ‘n Hers Styling Salon in Rockford Offers Wide Range of Services

Remember Brenda Barker and her team at His ‘n Hers Styling Salon on Main Street in Rockford, for many services. Not only has Brenda been in the career of hair styling all of her adult life, so has her mother, Ilene Davis and longtime friend Carol Zizelman. All three do hair styling, cuts, colors, perms ~ and in addition, Raeh Gardner Harrod completes the team with the same hair styling skills as well as the offering of all nail services.  Meg Kraner Fitzsimmons, licensed massage therapist, has recently come on board at the shop. Add to that, full service tanning, an excellent line of products,  and His ‘n Hers is the place in Rockford to fill all of your needs.  Give them a call today at 419-3643-3805 or visit them on Facebook.com

Peoples Bank: Sipe Promoted

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.

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.

Tuway Factory Team, A Small Town Family Business Shipping Worldwide
GreenPlus Line Re-introduced in November 2009
by Sheila Baltzell

The Tuway American Group factory in Rockford, tucked behind the Mercer Landmark Plant just off Main Street, appears quiet on the outside, save for Federal Express Trucks coming and going regularly. But inside, the plant is humming alive with activity, as orders for dust mops, wet mops, microfiber products and other cleaning supplies are being prepared for world-wide shipment.

The Koester Family of Michigan including Trudy Koester, president of Tuway American Group, along with her daughter, Barb Koester, human resource manager, and her son Doug Koester,  proudly run the local manufacturing plant and stand behind the dedicated work of the company’s 34 unionized employees on the production floor with 6 additional managerial staff for a total of 40.

History

Tuway has been in business in Rockford since 1940. Otto Schaefer, started the broom and mop factory in Detroit, Michigan in 1923 and moved it to Rockford, Ohio when he feared that a smaller venue would protect it against vulnerability during World War II. In 1956, two Detroit attorneys purchased the struggling business and kept it on its feet. Dana K. Griffin and John R. Wilson were instrumental in Tuway’s growth, said Trudy, who was a CPA working for the duo in Michigan for 20 years.   Wilson was also a Certified Public Account with an aim for the financial growth of the company.  Griffin had an eye for bringing new and varied products to the customer. It was Griffin who introduced the first flat mop in 1970 that is still a standard in the cleaning word today. Velcro attachment came along, too, to a newer frame and became the popular Zipline still produced today.  

Koesters Purchase

In 1983, the team of Griffin and Wilson decided to retire, and proposed to sell Tuway, but wanted the plant kept in Rockford as part of the agreement. The men had a strong commitment to the managers and floor employees in the Rockford plant. The husband and wife team of Jim and Trudy Koester looked at their options and decided to buy the plant and continue in Rockford. Jim was a CPA and a former accounting student of John R. Wilson. The common ties were perfect and the deal was set in stone on May 4, 1983.

Jim and Trudy became managers of their new business, and Jim took immediately to the task according to his wife of her late husband. “Jim was a people person and loved all aspects of the company. He had fresh ideas, enjoyed the sales aspect, and kept up with the times including the use of computers.” Trudy implemented the computer-based accounting system as her role in the firm, and the two worked side-by-side until his untimely death in 1998.

Under their team effort, great things happened for Tuway, They acquired the American Standard company from Chicago, IL which produced dust mops in 1985; acquired the American Textiles company from Baltimore, MD which manufactured a more varied line of wet mops than Tuway did, and Jim’s discovery, in Europe, of the microfiber cloth. Seeing this as the wave of the future, Jim introduced the microfiber to the Rockford plant and then moved the Baltimore plant to Rockford. The business was growing with diversity and, most importantly, busy with new orders.  

Trudy Continues the Dream

Jim next tackled the problem of getting orders out in a timely manner. The plant was still set-up in a 1940’s mode of production. There were new and better ways, Jim knew, as he researched their options and eventually hired a consultant in 1997. He worked for a year, and made the suggestion, among others, of new machinery. Jim was just beginning to add machinery when he passed away in 1998.

Trudy decided right after Jim’s death to continue with their dreams.  She secured a loan from the Mercer County Revolving Loan Fund (and backed by village officials in Rockford) in order to buy-out a stock holder wanting to sell the company on the open market. “We are a family at Tuway; When I walk out on the floor, I know everyone by name. Tuway was meant to stay here, and I took necessary measures to do so,” said Trudy. She took over as the new president of the company, and moved ahead with placing the first of Jim’s new machines one month later. Their goal of improving efficiency was on the way to being realized as more automated machines followed.

Changes are Good

In the 1990’s, the plant floor was rearranged into a cellular-type manufacturing environment. The concept comes from automotive, and Pat Nuding, a former auto industry employee, was hired to make the changes.  Pat says that with cross training on all jobs and the reset of the manufacturing floor into cells that perform specific sewing functions, their production has tripled. “It is called lean manufacturing where we manufacture to order with a lead time of just 3 to 5 days, JIT (Just in Time) delivery. And, we have specific lines for specific products," said Pat, who was hired in 1998 as co-general manager. Later her husband, Grover Nuding, was hired with expertise in engineering for maintaining the machines.

Trudy and Jim’s daughter, Barb Koester, human resource manager, joined her mom in 1998, and their son Doug Koester became the vice-president of sales in 2002. Both have extensive manufacturing backgrounds, she in industrial organizational psychology, and he in automotive purchasing. Their qualifications suited the needs of the company very well. Barb produces their catalogs.

Many in the current workforce have spent their entire careers at Tuway  and know every  machine’s work. Local community members, take for instance Rosalie Hughes (pictured left), have many years in at the plant. She has 37 years in the mix and has seen many changes.  She runs the most complicated machine in the plant with 20 spools of yarn and two sewing machines. Looping and trimming the dust mops it makes. Teresa Heiser, another long-time employee,  has 12  years and does inventory and purchasing.

There was an addition of 10,000 square feet in 2003 bringing the total work and inventory space to 55,000. They added a Gerber water laser cutter for cutting a die through 10 layers of canvas at a time with keyholes, and a tufting machine witch attaches backing.

Microfiber Popular and Green

The new is old, says Trudy. "Going Green" is the latest catch-phrase, but here at Tuway, Jim had the jump on green cleaning products in 1991 when he introduced microfiber into our product line. Basically, microfiber cleaning materials are made for us in Asia, and we buy it to make our products. Polyester is milled till there are barbs on it, and the EPA, back then, said that the microfiber will get 97% of bacteria off a hard surface with only water. No chemicals!  Tuway was going green, then."  In November 2009, Trudy and her sales team re-introduced the microfiber, "GreenPlus" with a new sales initiative to “Go Green”.  Her service team is charged with re-educating the end-user with pictures, service, education and quality as Tuway has the biggest and best line of microfiber products in the field today, according to Trudy.

Tuway only sells wholesale to janitorial supply houses and have sales reps in 5 different countries for their international sales and the United States, Canada and Mexico.  Hospitals, and the health care industry, as well as schools and a myriad of end-users buy the Tuway name-brand cleaning supplies as well as Powell, a private label for whom they manufacture.

Rockford is proud to have them listed among their successful businesses, one which has earned the Ohio Exporter of the Year Award in recent years.

Posted August 1, 2010 by Sheila Baltzell

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.

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.

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.

The first generation began in 1959 as a home-based insurance agency by Donald Caffee near Chattanooga. Donald Caffee is the one who created the agency's motto “the money is better off in YOUR POCKET than the insurance company’s!”

The second generation started when his nephew Kirby Stetler, joined an insurance company in 1976,
doing stints ranging from trainee to Director of Republic Mutual during 22 years.  Kirby’s stint at Celina Group involved his main love; farm insurance, where his farming life and concern for farmers’ needs has proven beneficial to his customers. He traveled with the agents and helped them talk with farmers. Kirby owns the Kermit and Fern Stetler Family Farm which has been in the family since his Aunt Neva (Stetler) Clouse and husband, Edgar Clouse, purchased the farm land in the 1920's. Kirby’s parents, Kermit and Fern Stetler bought the Edgar Clouse farm land in 1941 located between Willshire and Rockford.

Kirby gained his “selling” agents license in 1984, and was already a veteran in the insurance industry when he went to work for Don in 1997. He and Steven Hecht bought Caffee Insurance out in 2000. Kirby holds insurance designations and also taught CPCU (the “CPA of insurance”) but feels that his best lessons came from customers and experience, and the most valuable designation is someone with “common sense".  Travis, Casey, and Jessica share the same feeling.

Now the process has begun again with the third generation! Kirby and Steve sold the company to Kirby’s son-in-law Travis Pond, his wife Jessica, and his brother Casey Pond.  Kirby now has the flexibility to fill his new role as an inside/outside agency team member, visiting existing customers who wish to do reviews to make sure they are protected, and offering potential new customers advice to protect their life’s work. He also enjoys being the “PR/Advertising man for the group.” Kirby is adjusting to his new “semi retired” life as Travis and Casey  increasingly handle the main duties day to day. Kirby is still available in person or electronically to any customer and also keeps busy with refurbishing his antique car and working on the new duties his wife Judy has assigned to him now! 

Travis began working at the Chatt office in 2001. His 2003 associate degree from Wright State University is in business finance. He had not known Jessica very well in early high school, but they really hit it off when they worked together on a later Parkway Drama Club production. (Incidentally, working on a school play was how Kirby and Judy met.) Travis and Jessica began dating and married in July of 2004.

Casey, a 1999 graduate of Parkway High School and a 2002 grad of ITT Tech, with an associate degree in Computer Networking Technology, worked at Celina Insurance Group until recently. He was the lead tech at the help desk, serving 500+ agents and 200 employees in computer technology. He recently bought-out Sigler Insurance from LuAnn and Kim Sigler. He has combined his company with his brother and sister-in-law to make the Chatt Insurance Center an even broader-based business to serve the needs of the community. With Casey’s expertise, the company has gone completely paperless; all business is done online from faxing  to applications, to quotes and emails. They even revise policies for customers online. Travis and Casey are the sons of Ken and Carla Pond. Ken is the senior commercial underwriter at Celina Group, and his sons have been learning along the way since the 8th grade.

Jessica grew up with the family business and started out cleaning the offices, helping her mom, Judy, who works at Adams Central Schools as a guidance counselor and administrator. Jessica eventually worked her way up to helping her dad with office skills learned at Parkway High School. She worked during the summer months and attended Wright State University before marrying Travis Pond.

In January of 2005 all three became partners with Kirby and employ Aunt Jane (Stephenson) Suzuki, as their office manager.

Chatt Insurance Center are agents for the following insurance companies: Grange; Celina Insurance Group; United Ohio; Wayne Mutual; Donegal; Progressive and many brokerage companies. They sell Hagerty, which insures antique cars, and Golden Rule offering health insurance, and Grange Life for life insurance. Notary needs and faxing, safety materials and more are available. “This is a broad range of companies for an agency our size, but we can serve 99% of the people who come in. Families stay with us, even when they move away, “said Casey.

Kirby keeps busy with refurbishing his antique car and is in the first phase of “semi-retirement”. He enjoys being the Public Relations Manager for Chatt Insurance a couple of days a week. Kirby says, "Our motto is: Don’t Shop for Insurance Backwards. Instead of waiting to see if you are covered; think first of the types of things you would want protected before the event. Protect your life’s work and future. Let us help." 

Located at 10030 State Route 49, Chatt Insurance Center, offers the old and the new. Amish buggies find their way on the road that connects Spring Street in Dayton to Ft. Wayne, Indiana via State Route 49. Contact them at chattinsurance@bright.net or via their website at www.chatt-insurance.com

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