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Posts Tagged ‘Ohio’

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Long-arm quilting services now available at Crafters Lodge in Sugarcreek Plaza

In Business, crafts, Education, Entertainment, Senior Lifestyle, Technology, Uncategorized on July 15, 2014 at 9:05 am

By Gery L. Deer

IMG_7258 Sugarcreek Twp. – A homemade quilt can be a treasured and very personal family heirloom. From the earliest American settlers, the craft of quilting has been passed down from one generation to the next, each adding a new creative style to the process. Once the top of a quilt is completed, it must be stitched to the back with batting in between – a detailed and painstaking process if done by hand. Fortunately, Crafters Lodge in Sugarcreek Township now offers long-arm quilting services and certification classes for those who wish to learn to do the work personally.

A long arm quilting machine is an industrial sewing machine similar to those used in the mattress industry.  It moves along a track or rails and sews the three parts of a quilt together. “We have the American Professional Quilting Systems (APQS) Millennium or Millie as it’s also known,” says Crafters Lodge co-owner, JoBeth Bryant. “The Millennium is the top of the line long arm quilting machine.”

JoBeth Bryant of Crafters Lodge demonstrates the Long Arm Quilting Machine nicknamed, "Millie"

JoBeth Bryant of Crafters Lodge demonstrates the Long Arm Quilting Machine nicknamed, “Millie”

Bryant says the store currently has two certified long-arm operators on staff and walk-ins are welcome. “When you bring your quilt top to us it will be measured and checked for any issues that may affect the quilting process.  Then you can choose the type of quilting you want done and the thread color.”A fifty-percent deposit and signed contract are required at time of drop-off.  Customers can also choose any additional services they may want, such as binding, a hanging sleeve, or a label.

To make the process go as smoothly as possible, Bryant notes that customers should properly prepare the work. “Make sure the backing is square, backing must be at least six inches wider than the top,” she says.  “There are some materials, particularly generic brands from chain stores, which may not be suitable for batting, and they must be clean and odor-free. Check with us for details on acceptable batting and backing materials, both are available in our store.”

Certification classes are also available for those who wish to learn to use the long arm machine and handle the IMG_7254quilting job personally.  Students are given expert instruction on how to load a quilt, threading the machine, wind and load bobbins, access the various features, use of the pantograph, and how to create basic “meander” quilting pattern.

Crafters Lodge is located at 6056 Wilmington Pike, just behind Fazoli’s in the Sugarcreek Plaza in Sugarcreek Township. Regular store hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 am to 8:00pm, Sunday noon to 6:00 pm and closed on Monday. For more information and a schedule of classes, visit the store’s website, http://www.crafterslodge.com or call (937) 470-2649.

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Reward yourself for a job well done.

In Business, Economy, National News, Opinion, Uncategorized on June 3, 2014 at 8:28 am

DIH LOGODo you hate your job? You might be surprised how many people despise their work. Even those making upwards of six figures can find the grind most tedious and would do nearly anything to change it. So why don’t they? Chances are, especially at the high end, people have locked themselves into a lifestyle that requires a certain level of money and position that becomes inescapable, or so they think.

If you were one of the millions of folks displaced from a job during the recession, you’re just counting your blessings and dealing with whatever unpleasantness comes along at work. Whatever the reason for staying, there are many reasons why people hate their jobs.

Much of what causes people to dislike their jobs has to do with a lack of obvious appreciation or recognition for your efforts. It takes more than a paycheck to feel fulfilled in your profession and most people don’t get the recognition they feel they deserve for hard work and dedicated service.

Recognition can also come from promotion and a change in responsibilities which can offer more challenges to your day, as well as a better paycheck. If you don’t have opportunities to grow within an organization, you’re likely to feel stifled and unproductive. That will eat away at you over time.

Another reason for someone might feel badly in their job is when they feel they’re meant to do something else or went to school for something entirely different. We all have had moments when we thought we should be something else. I grew up thinking I was going to be a doctor. When I finally enrolled in a pre-med program, I found I really didn’t like it and transferred into an engineering track.

girl_bookDespite what the academics would like us to believe, very few people really know what they want to do at the age of 18 when society is telling us to choose a lifelong career. The fact is we’re just not that grown up yet and, if we think we are and choose a direction, it often change with age and experience.

So what do you do if you are one of those who is just plain unhappy at work? First, it might be a good idea to try to find another job. Don’t wait until you lose the one you have to be looking for something better. Knee-jerk reactions to an employment crisis rarely bring about good change in life, instead just leading to more of the same mediocrity. Get out there and start looking and interviewing for the kind of work you really feel like you want to do, provided it meets your financial and professional qualifications.

Secondly, if changing jobs isn’t a practical option right now, try to provide yourself with some self-rewards and do things throughout the week to make your situation more enjoyable. As an independent worker and small business owner, I don’t get “rewards” for what I do all day. There is no employee of the month or chance for promotion. I’m as high up as I get and, unless the cat learns to use the printer, it’s doubtful I’m going to receive a certificate for outstanding performance anytime soon.

I still need to stay motivated, though, and so do you. So set up rewards for yourself throughout the week. For example, say you have a big project coming up that may test your patience and tolerance of others. Instead of going home stressed every night, establish yourself some rewards for hanging in there. Schedule a special lunch with a friend or ice cream after work. Go to a movie with your significant other in the middle of the week or even plan for a day off if possible.

These observations merely brush the surface of why people might hate their job, but it’s a start. Having a plan to help yourself better enjoy your work will reduce your stress level and increase your productivity. It will also make you less dependent on others for personal growth and self-worth. More importantly, developing a system of self-reward is something you can take with you.

Gery L. Deer is an independent columnist and business writer based in Jamestown, OH. More at http://www.gerydeer.com.

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Possible meth lab explosion in downtown Jamestown

In Dayton Ohio News, Local News, National News, News Media, Uncategorized on March 21, 2014 at 8:42 am
Jamestown home at 10 S. Buckles ripped apart by possible meth lab explosion. Photo courtesy WKEF-22 News Video.

Jamestown home at 10 S. Buckles ripped apart by possible meth lab explosion. Photo courtesy WKEF-22 News Video.

JAMESTOWN – Authorities say an explosion in Jamestown on Thursday was possibly caused by a man in a home-based meth lab.

Firefighters were called to a house at 10 S. Buckles St. in Jamestown  around 1:30 pm on Thursday, March 20 where an explosion had rocked the neighborhood. Police say Shaun Minney was air lifted to an area hospital to be treated for severe burns. Minney is suspected to have been cooking meth in the home when the explosion occurred.

Nearby homes were evacuated and streets blocked off as HAZMAT crews were called in to clean up the residue and firefighters are investigating the exact cause of the explosion. Residents were let back into their homes later in the evening.

Jamestown Police Chief Roger Tyree told WKEF-TV news, “They discovered there are multiple propane tanks inside the residence, which we want to err on the side of caution.  It’s not a normal situation to find 4-5 propane tanks inside someone’s residence. It’s a very scary thing.  We know that he’s doing something in there improper.  Normally you don’t have propane tanks inside your home.”

According to authorities, police were not originally called to the home for an explosion. Family members from the home were taken to an area hospital with suspicious burns and police were notified by doctors. Upon arriving at the home, they discovered the aftermath of the explosion.

At last report Minney was in critical condition and a full investigation is ongoing.

Resources:

What is a meth lab?

What are the potential hazards of exposure to a meth lab?

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Jamestown native Fred Claire announced as special advisor to Baseball New Zealand

In Business, Dayton Ohio News, Jobs, Local News, National News, News Media, Sports News, Uncategorized, World News on March 18, 2014 at 3:16 pm
fredclaire1

Fred Claire

PASADENA, CA – Baseball New Zealand this week has secured the services of Jamestown, Ohio native, Fred Claire, former Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers Major League Baseball organization, as a special advisor to the organization.

Besides his long tenure with the Dodgers, Claire is a longtime mentor for many executives in the professional and international sports communities and Baseball New Zealand CEO Ryan Flynn is one of Claire’s baseball “disciples.”

“We’ve just scored a large victory with the addition of Fred as a key advisor and stakeholder in our program,” said Flynn. “Securing the services of someone with such a lengthy baseball pedigree, someone as respected in the sport as he is a huge coup for the sport in this country.”

Flynn said Claire has been advising the country’s national body unofficially for some time, but added that the program is now at a critical juncture and the timing is right to formalize this key relationship and take it to the next level.

In a distinguished 30-year career with the Dodgers, Claire served the team as a publicity director; vice president of public relations, promotions and marketing; Executive Vice President in charge of day-to-day operations; and Executive Vice President and General Manager in charge of player personnel.

A shop keeper’s son starting out at the tail-end of the Great Depression, Fred Claire was born on October 5, 1935 in Jamestown, Ohio. His mother, Mary Frances Harper, was born and raised in Jamestown where her father operated Harper’s Drug Store.

Ironically, given the town’s modern history, his grandfather’s store was eventually destroyed by fire. Claire’s father, Marston, later opened another drug store on the opposite corner of the village. “My Dad’s drug store was simply known as Claire’s Corner Drug Store,” Claire said.

As a young boy, he lived in the apartment above the store with his parents, his brother Doug and one sister named Lynn. With his family, Claire enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and nearby Indian Lake and began his business career as a young entrepreneur. “My brother and I trapped muskrats,” Claire recalled. “And I had a newspaper route delivering the Xenia Daily Gazette.”

Claire suggested that his passion for sports came from early summer mornings in Jamestown when friends would throw pebbles at his second-floor apartment window. This was, according to Claire, “the indication that it was time to get up, get the baseball equipment and head out to the diamond at Silvercreek School.” He was referring to the historic school at the corner of SR 72 and South Charleston road in Jamestown which was razed in 2013 but, for many years, served as the Greeneview primary and junior high building.

Claire joined the Dodgers in 1969 and he proved to be an award-winning executive at every stage of his career. Claire was directing the team’s marketing efforts when the Dodgers first hit the three-million mark in attendance and established a period of record-setting attendance figures.

In April of 1987, Claire was named general manager of the Dodgers and when the team won the World Series in 1988 he was selected Major League Baseball’s “Executive of the Year” by The Sporting News. Claire became the fifth Dodger executive in the team’s history to win the award, following Larry MacPhail (1939), Branch Rickey (1947), Walter O’Malley (1955) and Buzzie Bavasi (1959).

Since his departure from the Dodgers in June of 1998, Claire has maintained an active schedule as an educator and as a consultant to a variety of businesses in addition to an on-going civic involvement. He is a partner in the baseball analytic company AriBall.com.

“Having someone on board with the experience and expertise that Fred Claire has is a huge win for this country and our fast-growing baseball program,” Flynn said. “Bouncing ideas and strategy off of a man with a great history of baseball experience and successes in the game, plus his ability to bring key people and organizations together, will pay dividends for many years for Baseball New Zealand, and we couldn’t be more fortunate with this development.”

“I’ve always had an interest in growing the game of baseball and to have the opportunity with Baseball New Zealand and to work with Ryan Flynn and his group is very exciting,” said Claire. Claire had made a trip to Australia in the late 1970’s and helped to set the stage for a connection between the Dodgers and the Australian Baseball Federation.  Dodger coaches Monty Basgall, Red Adams and Guy Wellman traveled to Australia a few years after Claire’s visit to give clinics and promote baseball.

“I liked the fact that the baseball officials in Australia were growing the game from the standpoint of placing an emphasis on youngsters learning and playing the game  and this is what I see happening in New Zealand today,” said Claire.

During his 12 seasons as the Dodger general manager, the team signed pitchers Hideo Nomo from Japan and Chan Ho Park from South Korea. Nomo was one of five consecutive National League Rookies of the Year during Claire’s tenure, joining Eric Karros, Mike Piazza, Raul Mondesi and Todd Hollandsworth.

For more on Fred Claire, Reference: Fred Claire, “30 Years in Dodger Blue”

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Jamestown Chamber informational forum Tuesday March 4

In Business, Economy, Local News, Uncategorized on March 3, 2014 at 6:49 pm

JAMESTOWN –  The Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce (JACC) and the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA) invite the public to attend tho 2014 Informational Forum from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm onTuesday, March 4, at Greeneview High School, 4710 Cottonville Rd Jamestown, Ohio 45335.

The objective for the forum is to inform chamber members, area businesses, and individuals about the chamber’s activities, their role in advocating businesses in the community, and the benefits available through the JACC and SOCA.

The event is designed to answer questions and provide information regarding :

  • Chamber and SOCA member benefits
  • Affordable medical, dental and vision insurance for your employees
  • Starting and setting up a new business
  • Affordable ways to market and grow your business
  • Staying current and complying with HIPAA laws and regulations
  • Where to find a qualified accounting firm
  • Help with Worker’s Comp claims
  • Having an online presence without creating a custom website
  • Document storage and secure destruction
  • Computer networking and maintenance
  • Design, display and printing services available locally
  • Registration and sponsoring information for the 2014 Chamber Golf Outing
  • How you can support local businesses and the community

Chamber members are invited to set-up a table and promote their business. For more information, please contact the chamber membership director, Cory Newhouse at 937-675-6841, or at cory@jtchamber.com.

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Jamestown music group dazzles the BellHOP Cafe

In Children and Family, Entertainment, Food, Local News, Theatre, Uncategorized on March 3, 2014 at 5:27 am
The Brothers & Co. at the BellHOP Cafe.

The Brothers & Co. at the BellHOP Cafe.

BELLBROOK, OH – As part of their whistle-stop tour of the Miami Valley, The Brothers & Co. Variety Show appeared last Saturday at Bellbrook’s,  BellHOP Café. The show really started with the arrival of the group’s tour bus, which somewhat dwarfed the venue. The 40-foot, Silver Eagle coach has been restored over time to suit this unique group’s style of family and fun.

Playing to nearly a full house, The Brothers & Co. featured four-part vocals by pianist Gery L. Deer, bass player Jim Karns, guitar and banjo man Ed Jones and percussionist Gary Deer Jr., all in matching black, western outfits. They covered songs by George Jones, John Denver and their main inspiration, The Statler Brothers, as well as their comedy original, “Bingo Night,” and Ed Jones’ ballad, “Sweet Days.”

IMG_6759The Brothers & Co. Entertainers are an Americana act started in 1995 and best known for their 1960s variety show style and family-friendly content. Each show features covers of The Statler Brothers, The Monkees, John Denver, and George Jones as well as many original pieces.

This performance celebrated a particular milestone for The Brothers & Co., celebrating their 18th year on stage alongside the recovery of their bass singer, Jim Karns, who suffered a serious health scare in early February.

Gery Deer (left) and Jim Karns entertain with "Comagic," comedy magic routines during the Brothers show.

Gery Deer (left) and Jim Karns entertain with “Comagic,” comedy magic routines during the Brothers show.

“We put a modern spin on an old kind of entertainment that’s nostalgic and originally presented all at the same time,” said Karns, who joined the group in 2004, also providing comedy and magic. “If you’ve never seen a live variety show, this is something the whole family will really enjoy.”

The show’s manager would like to hear from local venues interested in hosting a Brothers & Co. performance in the coming months. Contact information, photos ,video clips of the show and more are all available at the group’s website, www.thebrothersandcompany.com.

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Xenia design firm receives Best of Houzz 2014 award

In Business, Dayton Ohio News, Home Improvement, Local News, Uncategorized on February 7, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Xenia business owner Nancy Gentry of Your Space Your Sanctuary (Photo by Mark Bealer)

Xenia business owner Nancy Gentry of Your Space Your Sanctuary (Photo by Mark Bealer)

Xenia, Ohio – The interior design firm, Your Space Your Sanctuary, LLC, has been awarded “Best of Houzz” by Houzz, a leading online platform for home remodeling and design. The Xenia, Ohio firm was chosen among the top-rated building, remodeling and design professionals based on an annual survey and analysis of more than 16 million monthly users that comprise the Houzz community.

Houzz.com provides people with an easy access to design inspiration, project advice, product information and professional reviews for home remodeling and design. The Best of Houzz award is given in two categories: Customer Satisfaction and Design.

Customer Satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2013. Design Awards are chosen based on the most popular of more than 230 million professional images saved by Houzz.com users to personal idea books, similar to Pinterest.

Badge_LargeWinners receive a “Best Of Houzz 2014” badge on their profiles, showing the Houzz community their commitment to excellence. The badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area listed on the site.

For owner Nancy Gentry, interior design began as a second career.  Following a lifelong passion for design, she returned to school to complete an interior design degree and opened Your Space Your Sanctuary in 2009. “My firm was born from the premise that every space should be a sanctuary,” Nancy said. “We help our clients create a place for inspiration, a space to relax and renew.”

One of the completed designs by Nancy Gentry.

One of the completed designs by Nancy Gentry.

“We’re delighted to recognize Nancy among our ‘Best Of’ professionals for customer satisfaction as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community for Houzz. “Houzz provides homeowners with the most comprehensive view of home building, remodeling and design professionals, empowering them to find and hire the right professional to execute their vision.”

Users on Houzz can identify top-rated professionals like Nancy Gentry and determine whose work best fits project aspirations. They can also contact professionals directly through the Houzz platform, to ask questions about their work and review responses to questions from others.

According to Nancy, collaboration and communication are key components to professional success and her association with Houzz provides an ideal platform. “Your Space, Your Sanctuary takes pride in partnering with a team of professionals for every project and together, we create solid design solutions for happy clients,” she said.

“I’m glad our work has provided so much inspiration to others looking to harmonize their own space.” For more information contact Nancy Gentry at Your Space Your Sanctuary by calling (937) 545-1565 or see photos and reviews online at http://www.houzz.com/pro/nancy-pollack-gentry/your-space-your-sanctuary.

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Horror author sets December tour in Greene County

In Books, Entertainment, Holiday, Local News, Print Media, Uncategorized on December 11, 2013 at 12:29 pm

howtosaveaworld-bookshot1GREENE COUNTY, OH – Beavercreek author Carl S. Plumer has been a writer since childhood, beginning with his own, single-issue newspaper. Now with the release of his second work of apocalyptic fiction, “How To Save A World From Dying: A Demon Apocalypse Love Story,” Plumer is visiting local bookstores in December to read, sign and talk about his journey from cub reporter to novelist.

Plumer will be visiting two Greene County bookstores beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday December 7, with Dark Star Books, 247 Xenia Ave. in Yellow Springs. On December 14th, from 2-4:00 p.m., he will stop by Blue Jacket Books, 30 S. Detroit St. in Xenia. Each event will include a reading from the novels, question and answer time and of course an autograph session.

The second in his series of, “Apocalypse Love Stories,” his newest novel is a loose collection of stories with different characters, plots, and locations. All share the same mash-up of horror, comedy, and love. Plumer said he wanted to inject some humor in to his favorite genre and, with the first book, wrote the title first, setting the stage for a new collection of horror.

Author Carl S. Plumer

Author Carl S. Plumer

“I’m a fan of horror movies and books; I love getting scared,” Plumer said. “When I first started writing, all of my characters (spoiler alert) died at the end. I think because I couldn’t figure out how to end the story, not because I was trying to write horror.” Plumer noted that there really is an important message he wants to convey to his readers, even amid all of the blood, gore and humor.

“I put my characters into dire situations – apocalypses; as bad as things get. But they rise above extreme adversity with grace, dignity, and a sense of humor. The plot may be adventure with a bit of gross horror, but my message is, ‘Carry on, regardless.’ Chin up, chest out, you know? It’s the British side of my ancestry.”

“Plus, I thought death made my stories seem cool,” he noted. “Turns out horror mashed with humor is where I’m most at home.” His first book, “Mad About Undead You: A Zombie Apocalypse Love Story,” has been on shelves for about a year. His third is planned for July 2014. Plumer’s books are released by Someday Press.

Both of Plumer’s current titles will be available for purchase at the events. For more information on his appearances and a complete synopsis of both novels, visit the author’s website at www.carlplumer.com. Watch for Carl S. Plumer on the WDTN-TV2 daytime program, Living Dayton, at noon, Wednesday, December 4th.

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Small Town Christmas returns to Jamestown, December 6 and 7.

In Charities, Children and Family, Entertainment, Holiday, Local News, Senior Lifestyle, Theatre, Uncategorized on November 19, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Jamestown ca. 1913: It may not look like this anymore, but Jamestown, Ohio residents bring back the days of old with this year's Small Town Christmas celebration Dec. 6 and 7.

Jamestown ca. 1913: It may not look like this anymore, but Jamestown, Ohio residents bring back the days of old with this year’s Small Town Christmas celebration Dec. 6 and 7.

JAMESTOWN – A Small Town Christmas celebration returns once again this year to Jamestown beginning Friday, December 6th at 5:30 p.m., downtown, with the Sensations show choir. At 6:30, the official town Christmas tree lighting will kick off a parade and the arrival of Santa Claus. Festivities continue through Saturday evening. Here is a general rundown of events:

Friday, December 6:

St. Augustine Catholic Church, 44 E. Washington St., is hosting a holiday bazaar and chicken noodle dinner from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 7:

Santa returns to visit with children beginning at 11 a.m., downtown at his cottage.

The Senior Citizen Center (located in the back of the Jamestown Opera House) and many businesses will be hosting open house hours beginning at 9 in the morning.

Arts and craft fair Saturday December 7, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Jamestown Opera House, 19 N. Limestone Street. Vendor space is still available, $25 for a 6-foot table. Contact Sandy Williams for details at (937) 675-7141. There will also be vendors inside the Phoenix Restaurant, 13 E. Washington Street.

Several area churches are hosting bazaars beginning at 9 a.m. including Jamestown United Methodist Church and the Jamestown Presbyterian Church. St. Augustine Catholic Church will host a Tyke Shop and at 1:30 p.m., an “Old Bag” auction as well.

From 6-8p.m., the Xenia Hospitality Chorus will perform at the Jamestown Opera House.

No events are scheduled for Sunday. For more information on specific venues, contact the organization hosting the event. Complete event fliers are available from the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce website, jtchamber.com.

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Jamestown salon featured on Dayton television program

In Dayton Ohio News, Economy, Jobs, Local News, Uncategorized on November 19, 2013 at 5:46 pm

JAMESTOWN – Local hair salon owner Samantha Cox was featured on a recent edition of the WDTN-Channel 2 daytime talk show, Living Dayton where she showcased her shop’s hair extension services. She was joined on the show by her hair model, Ryan Bush and interviewed by Living Dayton co-host, Vanessa Freeman.

Uptown_Charleys_LD_1Named after Cox’s two-and-a-half year old daughter, Charley, the shop is located at 9 W. Washington Street, in the historic area of downtown Jamestown. “Uptown Charley’s” is a full-services salon offering haircuts for men, women and children, as well as color, highlights, perms, manicures and pedicures, facial waxing, and licensed therapeutic massage.

Cox is a specialist in hair extensions and customers are coming from all over the Miami Valley to experience the quality and service and “downtown style with an uptown flair.”

Uptown_Charlies_5“I was very nervous,” Cox says about her first television appearance. In addition to demonstrating bonded hair extension, she also explained that her shop is looking for qualified stylists. “We are looking for more help; a managing cosmetologist.

The program originally aired on a live broadcast but the Uptown Charley’s segment can be seen online by going to this link: http://www.wdtn.com/living-dayton/fashion/hair-extensions-in-jamestown

For more information on Uptown Charley’s, call (937) 675-7224 or visit them online at http://uptowncharleys.com/.