May-June 2016 edition

Our Dealership in 2005
MAKING CAR BUYING SIMPLE
Our Dealership Today
Smiley Automotive Announces Future Expansion
And Celebrates Ten Years of Success
With plans to expand its flagship location in Norwalk in 2016, Smiley Automotive
attributes its success and sustained growth to its team and community. In addition
to the expansion, the continued support has steadily helped grow the automotive
shop’s service garages and car lots, as well as open a second Smiley Automotive
location in Birmingham to keep up with demand.
“The pride we take in our customer satisfaction is rivaled only by the
gratitude we feel for the awards we’ve received,” said Jeff Smiley, owner
of Smiley Automotive. “From our first Milan Chamber of Commerce
Business of the Year Award in 2010 all the way to our 2015 award as
Huron County’s Best Car Dealership, the positive recognition keeps us
driven to deliver bigger and better service every year.”
In December of 2005, the automotive shop sold its first vehicle to Lori Lill, whose
family has gone on to purchase 15 cars from Smiley. Since then, Smiley has sold
more than 5,000 pre-owned vehicles, which is more than any other Ohio
dealership has sold for seven years running. It has also serviced more than
34,000 customers and won six awards.
WE CAN
DO IT ALL!
MAY | JUNE 2016
CONTENTS
LOCAL INTEREST
Spotlight on Dennis Doughty............................. 9
The Norwalk Library: A Mobile Hotspot............. 12
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Christian Roberts Offers ‘Full-On’ Experience... 14
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Q&A with Castle Music....................................... 18
Norwalk Summer Concert Series....................... 20
Area Golf Course Rates...................................... 24
34
LET’S EAT
Vargo’s: Food n’ Fun.......................................... 28
East of Chicago: Pizza Done Right.................... 32
Recipes for the Great Outdoors......................... 34
STYLE
Update Last Year’s Closet for Spring................. 38
HEALTH
Combating Obesity in Huron County................. 40
Norwalk Parks & Recreation............................... 42
DWELL
Norwalk, My Heart.............................................. 44
12
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W
elcome to the May-June issue of Discover Norwalk.
As I write this, it’s about 75 degrees outside and sunny.
Another spring has arrived and I’m sure we’re all grateful
for that, though this past winter was mild compared to
the two prior years.
This issue features a number of quality articles starting with the
cover story about Christian Roberts Salon & Spa. Christian Roberts is
celebrating 20 years in business. Writer Cary Ashby penned this cover
story and took the cover photograph, which features Matt and Lisa
Herner, owners of Christian Roberts.
Ashby was also responsible for the story on Norwalk’s Summer
Concert Series, which has really grown in popularity during the past few
years.
What would Discover Norwalk be without the work of writer Don
Hohler? This issue, Hohler wrote a great article on longtime educator and
administrator Dennis Doughty. Doughty has had a long, decorated career,
serving now as president of Norwalk Catholic School. What I remember
most about Doughty is when he was hired as principal of St. Paul High
School my senior year. The school was struggling at the time, but it didn’t
take long for Doughty and staff to turn things around.
I want to give a lot credit to Norwalk High School junior Madeline
Roche, who wrote the stories about the Norwalk Public Library mobile
hotspot and Vargo’s. Everyone loves the library and Vargo’s and these
stories are perfect for this time of the year.
Discover Norwalk would not be possible without the hard work of
writer Zoe Greszler from issue to issue. This time, Greszler contributed
articles about springtime recipes and current fashion.
Also, check out the story about Norwalk written by Cliff Cannon. No
one loves this city more than Cannon.
Thanks again for discovering Norwalk. Look for the July-August issue
right around July 7.
SCOTT SEITZ
Director of Content
[email protected]
VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2
May | June 2016
Published by: Reflector-Herald, Inc.
61 E. Monroe St. • Norwalk, OH 44857
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Scott Seitz
419-668-3771, ext. 248
[email protected]
PUBLISHER Andrew Prutsok
ART DIRECTOR Amanda Mazzo
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING John Ringenberg
419-681-0028
419-668-3771 ext. 228
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cary Ashby
Cliff Cannon
Jennifer Greco
Zoe Greszler
Don Hohler
Dr. Tara Kersey-Barrett
Madeline Roche
Scott Seitz
Discover Norwalk Magazine, published bi-monthly by ReflectorHerald, Inc., distributed through the circulation of the Norwalk
Reflector, a newspaper with a readership of more than 15,000
daily. The magazine is also provided to participating advertisers
and is placed in local businesses and professional offices.
Email us: [email protected]
STORE HOURS
Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday CLOSED
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419-663-3736
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PRINT | EVENTS | DIGITAL
DN MAGAZINES FEATURES
Local Interest
Four Legs in The Firelands
Arts & Entertainment
Style
Health & Beauty
Let’s Eat
Let
Dwell
Spotlight on:
DENNIS DOUGHTY
By DON HOHLER
O
Discover Norwalk Magazine reaches the Norwalk
market like no other media can. Our magazine is
distributed through paid and verifed subscriptions,
single copy sales, promotional events, and key
distribution points in and around Norwalk. Those
copies translate into an estimated readership of
over 23,000.
reaches
Continued on page 11 >>
LARGE AUDIENCE
EXCELLENT READERSHIP
discovernorwalkmagazine.com
ver the years, when Dennis Doughty applied for an administrative position,
the battle was for second among the rest of the applicants. Only once, and
that was on his very first attempt at the principal position at St. Paul High,
did he fail to get the appointment.
“I have been most fortunate over the years,” Doughty, who has worked as a teacher/
administrator for 40 years, said.
Monroeville was Doughty’s first stop as an administrator. He spent three years there
as the assistant principal and athletic director This came after graduating from Bowling
Green State University with his masters degree in administration.
Prior to Monroeville, he started his career in education by returning to his high
school alma mater (St. Paul) as a social studies teacher, athletic director and coach.
“While at Monroeville, the principal position at Western Reserve opened,” he
remembered. “I applied and was hired. “This may have been a bit earlier than I had
planned but I was there for four years and must have served them well.”
Then it was back to St. Paul in 1989 to a school that at the time was truly struggling.
”I asked my wife for her support if I was to make the move. She knew of the problems
with the biggest being enrollment numbers,“ Doughty remembered. ”She told me to go
for it.“
Doughty believed the resurgence at St. Paul worked because of the requested
involvement of the alumni.
”Jack Weisenberger and I took on a summer project of hanging pictures of
graduating classes on the walls in the hallways. Key alumni members started the
convocation project. Pride came back and so did the student count. When I was hired,
we had 156 students in the high school. Those numbers quickly grew to 300. The word
got out that St. Paul was the place to come. We also did our homework as far as teachers.
Every one of them had to be top shelf in their field,“ Doughty claimed.
Doughty’s return, which he said would last three years, went from 1989 to 1997.
With St. Paul back on track, he applied for the Willard principal position in 1997,
serving in that capacity for two years. Then when the superintendent’s job opened in
Willard, he applied and was hired, staying there until 2009.
Doughty admitted there was some soul-searching done as to whether or not the
family should leave Willard when in 2009 the Norwalk City Schools superintendent’s
position opened.
readers each issue.
For advertising, contact (419) 681-0028
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 9
LOCAL INTEREST
㐀㐀 䔀⸀ 䴀愀椀渀 匀琀⸀Ⰰ 一漀爀眀愀氀欀Ⰰ 伀栀椀漀
“Willard had been wonderful to us but my father was alive as were my
wife’s parents so we decided to make the move back to Norwalk to be of
assistance to them,” he explained.
Doughty served the public school from 2009 to 2014.
“If I did not retire then from the public schools system, I would have
started taking a loss in my pension,” he said.
“I really can’t say that when Dr. Babcanec retired as the Norwalk
Catholic School president I was the heir apparent to the position,” he added.
“Let’s just say I was asked to step into the vacancy and I was glad to do so.”
The son of Charles and Florence Doughty also has a sister in education.
Barb has been in the classroom for 40 years. He also has brothers, Mike and
David.
After attending grade school at St. Mary’s, Doughty came to St. Paul
High where he played football, ran track and wrestled. As a matter of fact,
he wrestled in the first match at St. Paul in 1968, a losing effort but nonethe-less, the history-making first match. Bob Runyon, who admittedly knew
little about the sport, was the coach.
“It was one division in wrestling back then so we faced the big schools
as well as schools our size,” Doughty remembered. “I was a 112-pounder as a
freshman and all the way up to 138 as a senior.”
Doughty went on to BGSU where he was unofficially on the wrestling
team even though he could not wrestle matches due to class and work
commitments.
Upon returning to St. Paul for his first job, Doughty taught eighth grade
while coaching under Dick Alge (football) and track and wrestling (Paul
Conry).
It was while he was going to graduate school at BGSU studying for
his degree in administration, when he met his wife, Chris (Hohler), then an
under-graduate at the university. Married for 32 years, the couple have three
children, Andrew, Allison and Alex. Ironically, the boys followed in their
father’s footsteps as wrestlers. Andrew was a state placer under Todd Fox and
Alex, a state qualifier under Danny Helton.
Doughty admits he will take one year at a time from here on out and try
to say “no” to those who ask him to serve on community boards.
Over the years he has served on any number of them including both
the Willard and Norwalk hospital boards. To name just a few of his other
positions, he was a commissioner-appointed director of the Huron County
Transit System, a retired board member of the Norwalk Area United Fund
and one-time chairman of the ADAMhs Board.
“Forty years in education with 17 of those years running school systems
takes its toll on a person,” he admitted. “The perfect scenario would be a
lesser position in education, just to wind back down. I have enjoyed the work
and want to keep it that way.”
伀唀刀 䘀䄀䴀䤀䰀夀 匀䔀刀嘀䤀一䜀 夀伀唀刀匀
䘀伀刀 䴀伀刀䔀 吀䠀䄀一 㘀　夀䔀䄀刀匀℀
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10 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
LOCAL INTEREST
The Norwalk Library:
A MOBILE HOTSPOT
By MADELINE ROCHE
T
he Norwalk Public Library is the first library in Huron Country to offer mobile
hotspot lending.
“We really want to provide Internet to everyone in the Norwalk community,”
Norwalk Public Library director Heidi Sutter said.
Many people use the library for computers so the library staff wanted to see how
cardholders handle this opportunity, which is only available to Norwalk patrons.
To be eligible to check out a mobile hotspot, a patron must be at least 21 years old
and in good standing with the library, which means having library fines under $5. He or
she must also provide a current driver’s license or state ID and sign the “Norwalk Public
Library Mobile HotSpot Lending Agreement.”
Each hotspot has 4G unlimited data and comes in a case with instructions and
a charger and the password on the back. Nothing is filtered and there will be no log of
personal information on the hotspot.
This was all made possible by a monthly grant by the John F. and Doris E.
Ernsthausen Charitable Foundation and there are currently five available hotspots to
borrow for no more than seven days at a time.
The Norwalk Public Library is also expanding its options by providing Norwalk
Library card holders with the “Hoopla Music” app.
Thanks to the library’s partnership with CLEVNET, patrons in good standing can
use this app to choose from thousands of movies, television shows, albums and audiobooks
to borrow and download.
The app is free and there are no ads. Cardholders can borrow 10 items per calendar
month, of any combination, return items early, and enjoy weekly-updated entertainment.
The entertainment choices are kept private, but everyone using Hoopla has the
option of sharing their favorites on Twitter or Facebook.
“It’s really super user-friendly,” Norwalk Public Library assistant director Stacey
Church said.
12 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
Internet is required to search Hoopla for content and stream borrowed items,
but it is also an option to download the item of choice while it is checked out so that
Internet will not be needed to play the content.
Movies and television shows can be borrowed for 72 hours, albums can be
borrowed for seven days and audiobooks can be borrowed for 21 days.
After the amount of time allowed for borrowing content has passed, the
content will automatically be returned, so there are no late fees. There are also no
holds because all of the content is available at any time.
“I really like it because they never pressure you to buy, there are no ads and all you
need is a library card,” Sutter said, adding, “As a music nerd, it really satisfies my need
to try new music before buying it.”
There are optional notifications, the due dates are shown and there are special
features such as “New Music Friday” for listeners to enjoy.
According to a brochure available at the library, cardholders can sign up for this
app by going to hoopladigital.com and clicking on “Sign Up.” The only thing they
need is a valid library card.
The Hoopla App can be found in the Apple App Store and Android Google Play
Store, or on a computer with the website.
The Norwalk Public Library is also helping library visitors by providing adult
coloring pages.
“It’s supposed to be relaxing,” Sutter said, adding that “adults use this as a way
to meditate and calm down. It’s an opportunity for adults to do so for free and with
friends.”
Some who have used the coloring pages have left positive comments about being
able to color and be relaxed and calm.
“We want the Norwalk public library to be people’s first choice with
entertainment, information and education in the Norwalk community,” Sutter said.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
CHRISTIAN ROBERTS
offers ‘full-on’ experience
By CARY ASHBY
T
he co-owners of Christian Roberts Salon & Spa live by the business
philosophy of NBBD. That is, being newer, bigger, better and different.
Husband and wife Matt and Lisa Herner said their emphasis is on hospitality
and great service — “from the warm welcome to the fond farewell.” An
employee regularly offers a smile and greets clients — most often by name — as soon as
they enter the door. As they sit, they’re offered a range of beverages.
“It’s inviting the whole time,” said Taylor Winkler, who oversees guest relations.
Just how inviting is the atmosphere at Christian Roberts? After about 45 days on
the job, Winkler switched to studying business. She was a semester from finishing her
four-year degree in education at the time.
“I’ve always come here ever since I was a little girl,” the young woman said. “I like
the experience. I liked the whole thing.”
The irony is the Herners have no experience in cosmetology. But they have a passion
for caring for people and improving their business at 17 W. Seminary St.
“It’s all about the experience. We try to create an experience,” Lisa Herner said. “You
can get your hair cut anywhere.”
Haircuts include a head massage, all while sitting in a massage chair while getting
your hair washed. Christian Roberts also offers manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials,
eyelash extensions and body massages.
On May 6, 1996, Christian Roberts opened with only four staff stylists. Now, there
are 10 times that many employees — about 40.
Matt, the son of a business owner, said he always wanted to own his own business.
He and his wife created and molded Christian Roberts based on a philosophy his dad
had.
“He said, ‘It doesn’t matter what kind of business you have, it’s about having the
right people,’” Matt recalled.
“We wanted to be in a business where people are happy,” his wife added.
Also interested in people and serving others, the Herners decided when people are
pampered at a salon or spa is when they’re happiest.
So with no background in cosmetology, the couple have sought out the best skilled
people to work in the salon while they focus on the business aspect. That mindset means
the Herners continually seek business advice and insight.
Continued on page 16 >>
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 15
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Joyfully serving the area since 1996 with
20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE!
“That’s life — always learning,” said Lisa, explaining
that education always is going to be a component of
Christian Roberts.
“From the beginning, that was our goal,” she added.
That natural desire to seek knowledge is lived out
in Christian Roberts. The stylists experience hands-on
training with regularly scheduled education sessions from
renowned professionals in the field.
Most recently, French hairstylist Harry Jaquet came
to the salon. Lisa, in a feature for the Norwalk Reflector,
said the 22-year “flat-out intense” veteran impressed her
stylists with his artistry and “working texture into hair.”
Hair colorist John C. Simpson brought his talents
and enthusiasm to the salon in February 2014.
“Not a lot of other salons were doing education, so
we wanted to find ways to do things bigger and better,”
Lisa said.
And Christian Roberts is a family affair, too, beyond
the co-owners. Matt’s 83-year-old mother, Janet, does
daily tasks and errands.
“She likes to be involved. She likes to see everybody,”
Matt said.
The Herners’ 17-year-old son Andrew mops floors.
Their college-age daughter Hannah helps with social
media and networking.
The couple said their Christian faith inspires and
guides them to live out their passion for serving others at
Christian Roberts.
“It helps you help other people,” Matt said.
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16 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Q: WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP THE BUSINESS GOING? WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION?
A: I opened my music store in September 1997. I married my wife Tory in October of 1997. We became pregnant in
Q&A
WITH JAMIE CASTLE OF CASTLE MUSIC
By SCOTT SEITZ
Q: DISCUSS WHY THE MOVE TO WEST MAIN STREET WAS NECESSARY AND
BENEFICIAL TO CASTLE MUSIC?
A: I had come to a crossroads in my business and my life. Something needed to change. I
knew there was an opportunity to move into the Dirtsandwich building as Chris was at a
crossroads himself. His new job with the NEDC and being elected a city council member
was going to take away most of his time. That and a growing family. I understood completely
where he was at, as I have been there too. The building is really a work of art. I mean, Chris
is a visionary artist and hand painted the entire room. It is one of the nicest rooms I’ve ever
seen in business. I would be crazy not to want to work in that place.
The move will benefit us greatly in foot traffic, eyes on the business and will give
us more opportunity to be a part of the community we have devoted the last 19 years to.
Necessary? Not necessarily. Beneficial? Absolutely.
November of 1997.
You can say that a lot happened to change my life in the fall of 1997. All of it was great. I wouldn’t change any of it for the
world.
Castle Music has been with me since I was 25. It has been a part of my life for so long, I almost don’t remember what it
was like not to own and operate a music store.
First and foremost, I am a family man. I have three teenage children who attend Norwalk Truckers schools, and I love
kids. Castle Music has given me the chance to help mold and make a difference in a lot of lives. I love that and hope it
continues for a long time.
I have worked hard and donated a lot of time to our schools, churches and community gatherings. It is who I am. It is
who I want to be.
Q: WHAT’S THE PLAN FOR REGIONAL LIVE MUSIC ACTS?
A: At this time Castle Music may bring regional acts through from time to time with the help of Chris Castle, but I plan to
concentrate primarily on the bountiful musical talent that lay right here at our feet in Norwalk and the surrounding areas.
Since 1997 I have been a part of the “local” music scene. We are blessed with an array of musical genres in our area. A
ton of talent wanting to play music for the love of music. It is why I was so successful with Norwalk’s Free Summer Concert
Series. I booked 10 bands per summer for the last eight summers from our area who wanted to play. I booked all the bands,
provided, set up, ran and took care of all sound gear, at no charge to the series or the bands.
In the future, I plan to take what I have learned from planning, booking, running sound and marketing the summer
concert series in another direction. Similar, but geared toward the downtown area and a younger crowd. I have the gear, the
knowledge, the connections and the ambition to do my own weekly series, The Castle Concert Series. Has a nice ring to it.
Time and location to be determined.
Q: HOW HAS THE PROCESS GONE SO FAR? I SEE THE STORE IS OPEN,
IS IT FULLY OPERATIONAL?
A: The process has been so much harder than I could have imagined.
DRIVE THE
FUTURE
OF TOUGH
I am a full-time employee of Coca-Cola now. Leaving my house at 5 a.m. and not getting
home until 6 p.m. a lot of the time has done a number on me, my family and all involved
with this transitional period.
I need to thank everyone for their patience. My wife Tory Castle, Matt Kean, Chase
Castle, Allen Carder, my mother Zina, Stephanie, Joe Grof, Noah Heyman, and a host of
others, including my customers.
By the time this article comes out, the store will be fully operational. We will offer
everything we have before and more.
New focuses will include woodwind instruction, string instruction, more band
instrument repairs and a nicer, cleaner atmosphere for the local music fans of Norwalk.
Q: WHEN SOMEONE WALKS IN THE DOOR AT CASTLE MUSIC,
WHAT DO THEY FIND?
A: When someone walks into the door of Castle Music, the first thing they will find is a
smiling face and a cheerful attitude. No matter what area of retail and or service you are in,
feeling welcome is where it all starts. Everything else pales in comparison. People want to
want to feel welcomed in a business. Especially a small business. There is a very “personal”
feel to a small business. It is why I have always loved having my business. You build
relationships in a small business.
Often you hear, it’s not personal, it’s only business. Not so. I have never believed that, and
I never will. I make my business, personal. Good or bad, that is how I am. This is why over
2,000 of my customers are “friends” of mine on Facebook. My business is personal. I really do
care. Deeply.
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18 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
63
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Norwalk Summer Concert Series
By CARY ASHBY
E
rin and Bill Dotson enjoy live music.
When they are out on the town, they look for bands and performers to enjoy.
“I love live music. When we go on vacation, we seek out live music. Holes-in-the-wall places
are usually the best bet,” Erin said.
So it’s only natural the couple are in charge of the Norwalk Summer Concert Series. But this year,
the husband and wife are flying solo in coordinating the annual event.
The concert series started in the summer of 2008 with Gaymont Nursing Center (which the
Dotsons own), Senior Enrichment Services and Castle Music & Sound partnering to bring the live
music event to Norwalk.
“We thought it would be be very senior-attended. It’s evolved into a very family-oriented event,”
Erin said.
The series has offered everything from orchestras to country acts and classic rockers.
“We try to put together an eclectic lineup. We are not catering to one music genre,” Erin said.
Due to other responsibilities, Jamie Castle is unable to help with the series this summer. The
Dotsons said they owe a lot of thanks and debt of gratitude to Castle’s dedication and hard work to
making the event what it is.
“Without Jamie, we wouldn’t have ever considered going out on our own,”
Bill said.
“He was very visionary to let this thing happen,” his wife added.
The coordinators quickly saw the concert series gain momentum and large
following from the community.
“It was very well accepted the first year. From the get-go, people were
looking for that (live) entertainment,” Erin said.
Throughout the years, the Norwalk Summer Concert Series has featured
The Womacks, Matt Kean and Dan Fester.
The series can even boast an early local performance by Emily Keener,
who most recently gained national recognition during a successful run on
the singing competition TV show, “The Voice.” Pharrell Williams chose the
17-year-old Wakeman girl to be on his “team.” The first issue of Discover
Norwalk ran a front-cover feature about Keener.
The Dotsons were making popcorn when they first heard Keener singing;
her voice literally made them stop what they were doing. Keener was 11 or 12
years old at the time.
“It was hard to comprehend,” Bill said. “I thought, ‘She has a tremendous
voice.”
“It was one of those things that made you stop what you were doing,” his
wife added.
Keener became a regular at the finale jam session.
Continued on page 22 >>
20 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
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This summer’s lineup features some names familiar to regular attendees —
Dan Robertson, Rusty G String, Sandtown and Roxy Mae to name a few.
Sandtown, which performs June 22, is small group that plays rock and R&B.
“They’re right up my alley. I love classic rock,” Bill said.
Acoustic guitarist Scott Stiert, of Milan, is performing July 20 with Dr. Pepper.
“Scott Stiert plays a lot of places. He has a very big schedule of the (area)
wineries and such,” Erin said.
Last summer was the first time the rock band Roxy Mae played at the series.
“They were great,” Erin said.
This year, a new name to the series, The Big Black Galactic, will perform
June 15 — the second Wednesday of the series. Popularly known as The BBG, the
“progressive funk fusion” band is based out of the Sandusky and Bellevue area. In
March, The BBG rocked its release party of its “Cosmic Trigger” CD at the Main
Street Tavern in Huron.
The series concerts feature free popcorn as well as donations and raffles and
the proceeds go back to the series.
“We get community sponsors to pay the bands, but it is free to the public.
There is absolutely no cost,” Erin said about the shows. “Our mission is to keep the
concerts going.”
Each concert is held on Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Veterans
Memorial Lake Park.
Patriotic celebration with the North Coast Concert Band
JULY 13
Sandtown
JULY 20
Scott Stiert with Doctor Pepper
JULY 27
Roxy Mae
AUGUST 3
The Bind
AUGUST 10
Kevin Obermeyer
AUGUST 17
Chris Castle (final concert)
CHRISTIE LANE
OPEN
HOUSE
MAY 23rd • 5-7pm
306 South Norwalk Road West
Norwalk, Ohio
Shuttle buses will run regularly to our
16 West Main Street location.
For more information, visit
22 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
christielane.com
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Area Golf
Course Rates
EAGLE CREEK GOLF CLUB
2406 New State Road | (419) 668-8535
www.eaglecreekgolf.com
WEEKDAYS: 18 holes – Monday thru Friday: walk-$31, ride-$43 (after 2 p.m.) $21 & $33.
WEEKENDS: 18 holes – Saturday-Sunday-Holidays: walk-$41, ride-$53; after 12 p.m. $31 & $43, after 3 p.m. special $21 & $33.
SENIOR RATE: 18 holes: walk-$35, ride-$30
FAMILY AND COUPLES SPECIALS: Weekday Family after 6 p.m.-$20, 9 holes from family tees.
WEEKDAY COUPLES: $30 after 6 p.m., Weekend Couples: $30 after 4 p.m.
PREFERRED PLAYERS CARD: $175 for discounted green fees, cart and range.
STUDENT PASS: $350-Golf Only, $450-Golf and Range, $125-Range Pass Only.
Contact Pro Shop for Prepaid Single, Couple and Family passes for 9 and 18 holes.
WILLARD GOLF CLUB
State Route 162 West, Willard | 419-935-0252
[email protected]
WEEKDAYS OR WEEKENDS: Walk 9 holes-$10, Ride 9 holes-$18. Walk 18 holes-$16, Ride 18 holes-$25.
LEAGUE RATE: 9 holes with cart-$16.
SENIOR SCRAMBLE: 10 a.m. starts Monday, May 2.
Tuesday at 6.p.m. - Public welcome for Best Ball event.
Monday and Thursday at 6 p.m. - Public welcome for Scramble event.
DEMO DAY – Tuesday, May 10, 3-7 p.m.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
April 23, 8:30 a.m. - Ryder Cup format vs Millstone Hills
May 7, 12:30 p.m. - Calcutta Scramble format
June 17, 1 p.m. - LEJGA event
July 20, 12:30 p.m. - Willard Area Chamber of Commerce Scramble
Inquire at Pro Shop about Men’s and Women’s Scramble League
MILLSTONE HILLS GOLF CLUB
2315 Euclid Road, New London | 419-929-6477
[email protected]
WEEKDAYS: 9-holes with cart $17, Sr. rate-9-holes with cart $16
WEEKDAYS: 18-holes with cart $27
WEEKEND: 9 holes with cart $18, 18-holes - $32.
WEEKDAY SPECIAL: Monday – Friday (Not Holiday) before 11 a.m. - 18-hole w/cart $22. After 11a.m. - $27.
WEEKEND SPECIAL: 9 holes w/cart after 6 p.m. - $13 per person.
Call Pro Shop for possible ladies league openings on Monday evening and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (scramble) evenings for men.
Also Friday night couples. Outings welcomes w/pavilion and grills available. (catering available).
24 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
WOODY RIDGE GOLF CLUB
Corner Routes 598 & 98, Shelby | 419-347-1588
woodyridgegolfshelby.com
WEEKDAYS: $15 for 18 holes plus $10 cart fee.
WEEKENDS: $17 for 18 holes plus $10 cart fee.
MONDAY MORNING SENIOR SPECIAL: 18 holes with cart $15. ($17 for credit card user).
WOUSSICKETT GOLF CLUB
6311 Mason Road, Sandusky
GREEN HILLS GOLF CLUB
State Route 101 West, Clyde | woussickett.com and greenhillsgolf.com
WEEKDAY WITH CART: 9-$22.50, 18-$39.50
WALKING: 9-$14, 18-$22.50
WEEKEND AND HOLIDAYS:
9 holes with cart -$26.50, 18 holes with cart-$46; 9 holes walking-$18, 18 holes walking-$29.
SPECIALS:
GOLF WITH CART WEEKDAYS:
18-holes in March, April, October, November - $24; May and Sept - $28; June-August - $32.
Green Hills Executive West and Footgolf
FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: ages 3-12 - $6 , ages 12-61 - $12 (includes golf, sandwich, chips and beverage)
WILLOW CREEK GOLF CLUB
15905 Darrow Road, Vermilion | 440-967-4101
www.WillowCreekGolfOhio.com
WEEKDAY: 9 holes walking - $13, 9 holes with cart - $20, Senior (62-up) -$9 and $16; twilight with cart - $16.
WEEKDAYS: 18 holes walking $19, 18 holes with cart - $33, Senior - $15 and $29.
WEEKENDS: 9 holes walking - $16, 9 holes with cart - $23. Senior - $9 and $16; twilight w/cart $16.
WEEKENDS: 18 holes walking - $22, 18 holes with cart - $36. Senior - $15 and $29.
SYCAMORE HILLS GOLF CLUB
14 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk | 419-668-8460
WEEKDAYS: 9 holes $10. 18 holes $16.
WEEKENDS: 9 holes $11. 18 holes $17.50
WEEKDAYS SPECIAL ENTIRE SEASON:
9 holes ½ cart - $12.
18 holes ½ cart - $16.
WEEKEND SPECIAL: 9 holes ½ cart - $13.50
Course, lounge, facilities available for outings
THUNDERBIRD HILLS NORTH & SOUTH
419-433-4552
WEEKDAYS: 9 holes walking - $14.25, 9 holes with cart - $21; 18 holes walking or with cart - $25.
WEEKDAYS/HOLIDAYS: 9 holes walking - $16.25, 9 holes with cart - $23; 18 holes walking or with cart - $30.
SENIOR RATES INCLUDING POLICE, FIRE, ACTIVE MILITARY(weekdays only):
9 holes walking - $12.50, 9 hoes with cart - $19.50; 18 holes walking or with cart - $22.
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 25
Home ownership made easy!
䈀爀椀愀渀 䨀⸀ 䰀漀渀稀Ⰰ 䔀猀焀⸀
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175 Cleveland Road, Norwalk
419-668-5833 • www.firelandsfcu.org
∠ 䔀猀琀愀琀攀 倀氀愀渀渀椀渀最
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∠ 倀爀漀戀愀琀攀
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Over 65 Years of Combined Experience
WEDDINGS • REHEARSALS • SHOWERS • GRADUATIONS • FUNERALS
CORPORATE • BIRTHDAYS • PARTIES • FAMILY DINNERS
Call Today to Book Your
Graduation Party!
567.424.6052
Linda Schaffer,
Tracey Henley,
NMLS# 412961
NMLS# 573987
Mortgage Loan Officer
For more information and menu ideas, visit our website:
www.cateringbydesignnorwalk.com
Mortgage Loan Officer
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Auto insurance through AAA.
From the peace of mind experts.
For generations, AAA has been providing its customers with peace of mind.
But recently, drivers who switched to auto insurance through AAA got
something more — savings of up to 35% with additional discounts available
for bundling with home insurance, being a member of AAA, having a safe
driving record, air bags, car alarm and more.
By partnering with AAA, I can offer you quality insurance at a great price.
Let me show you how you can have real peace of mind with auto
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• FULL SERVICE SHOP
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT
• GAS & DIESEL REPAIR
• REFRIGERATION SERVICE
• FULL AUTO REPAIR
• BRAKES/SHOCKS/STRUTS
• AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE
Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00
Sat. 7:30-Noon
CONTACT ME FOR A FAST, EASY, HASSLE-FREE QUOTE:
Insurance Services of Norwalk
27E. Main St., Norwalk
(419) 663-1220
insuranceservicesofnorwalk.com
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䘀愀砀㨀 㐀㄀㤀⸀㘀㘀㠀⸀㔀㐀　㄀
圀椀氀氀椀愀洀 吀爀愀挀栀琀Ⰰ 倀爀攀猀椀搀攀渀琀
419-668-1160
877-729-3987
240 Cleveland Rd.
Norwalk, Ohio
In Ohio, auto and home insurance underwritten by MemberSelect Insurance Company.
In Kentucky and West Virginia, by Auto Club Property-Casualty Insurance Company.
Savings may vary and are based on discounts applied to the non-discounted base rate.
PICK UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE
LET’S EAT
VARGO’S:
Food n’ Fun
By MADELINE ROCHE
F
ifty years ago, the Vargo family began operating a restaurant at 192 Milan Ave.
Back then, patrons could look across the street and see cows and horses. Today, it
is surrounded by other businesses. What hasn’t changed is that Vargo’s remains a
family run restaurant featuring ice cream and a full menu.
On a typical day between the early spring and late fall, passing motorists will see
constant activity at Vargo’s. There may be Little-Leaguers getting ice cream cones, a pair
of bikers stopping for Vargo’s burgers, newlyweds snacking on buffalo chicken cheese
fries or an elderly couple sitting at the picnic tables sharing a chocolate malt.
“It’s a good family place,” said Karen Casalinova, who started working at Vargo’s in
1966 at the age of 21 when her parents bought the former Oney’s restaurant. She said
she “couldn’t ask for a better location.”
Casalinova purchased the restaurant from her parents in 1979 and remains the
owner.
Karen’s son Ron and daughter Tracy work at Vargo’s, as does Karen’s husband,
sometimes referred to as “Big Ron,” who runs the Vargo’s miniature golf course.
A variety of people are employed at Vargo’s, including nurses, teachers and relatives
of past employees. However, the role of cook is always occupied by a family member.
Karen used to be the cook until it was Tracy and now Ron has this position.
“We make all of our food. It’s always made and actually cooked,” Karen said.
The most popular item at Vargo’s is the Foot Long Coney but the menu varies
VARGO’S
DRIVE IN • MINIATURE GOLF
from flurries, malts, shakes, sundaes and ice cream cones
to sandwiches, wraps, wings, salads, dinners and more.
There are many sandwich options ranging from a bacon
double cheeseburger and grilled chicken breast to a Lake
Erie perch or a gyro. More than 20 side orders are offered
including traditional items such as french fries, onion
rings and fried mushrooms to novelties such as hot pepper
cheese balls, fried pickles and mac & cheese bites.
Ron Casalinova said his favorite food is the Coney
Dog. He encourages treating the customers like friends.
Employee Julie Shorette concurred, “Treat the
customers like you want to be treated.” She has worked at
Vargo’s for 27 years and feels like part of the family.
The restaurant, which was built around 1952, used to
have car hops who would take the food to customers.
Vargo’s used to serve about 100 people per day in the
1970s and this number has reached 500 to 600 people per
day for most of the summer. The drive-thru was added
around 1980. As the volume of customers grew, the drivethru area expanded.
Continued on page 30 >>
28 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
192 Milan Ave., Norwalk
419.668.8694
Sandwiches • Fries • Ice Cream • Appetizers • Mini Golf
SENIORS GET 20% OFF WEDNESDAYS
AND 10% OFF EVERYDAY!
Cost
only
$3.00
Celebrating 50 years!
OPEN at 11am Mon-Sat, and Noon on Sundays
Ice Cream • Flurries • Shakes • Sodas
Smoothies • Slushes • Floats • Malts
1/3lb. BIG BURGERS
• Mushroom Swiss Mayo
• Bacon Cheese Mayo
• Cowboy Burger – BBQ & Onion Rings
• Jalapeño Swiss Mayo
• VARGO BURGER
MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL
Mothers and Grandmothers GOLF FREE
when accompanied by a child.
Coupon valid only on May 8, 2016.
www.vargosdrivein.com
FREE GOLF
With Purchase of
1 Golf Game at
Regular Price
Coupon Expires July 5, 2016
POKEMON
SHOP
$1 off any purchase
of $5 or more.
Pokemon shop now open!
Coupon Expires July 5, 2016
LET’S EAT
There is a little shop behind Vargo’s that has been a Pokemon shop since last year, selling cards and
action figures. The building was used as an arcade from 1981 until 1992 and a sports card shop from
1992 until around 2000. The building was also used as a gift shop.
“It’s more for the kids,” Ron said about the building.
One big change since the opening of Vargo’s is the computer systems that were added in 2010. The
employees went from using only pens, paper and a calculator and memorizing the entire menu to using a
computerized operating system.
Vargo’s has won a Gold Plate Award each of the last three years. Huron County health department
recently commenced the award program, which acknowledges food service establishments that maintain
excellent food safety practices. Criteria for winning the award include receiving an average score of 90 or
higher on two annual inspections and not receiving any administrative actions or being implicated in any
food-borne illness outbreaks during the last two years.
In addition to being a clean place to eat, Vargo’s strives to keep up-to-date with customer demands
by adding new things to their menu.
This is Vargo’s 50th year in operation and they’re hoping for another 50 years.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND GET
ON ALL SPECIAL ORDER
CARPET CLEANING & FLOOR COVERINGS
For all your floor covering and carpet cleaning needs, visit:
WWW.BALDUFFS.COM
Enjoy karaoke &
DJ Music on our
Enjoy Our Buffet
OPEN MONDAY THRU SATURDAY
11am-2:30pm
344 Milan Ave. • 419-660-8085
DAILY SPECIALS
FULL PITCHER
Lime
Margaritas
$10
BUCKET OF ONE KIDS’ MEAL
ANY 6 BEERS
Imported beers mix & match
$10
FREE
with purchase of adult
entreé at regular price
Ladies Night! Margaritas, beers and wines $2 each
Nacho Supreme $2.00 OFF
#22 Wet Burrito $2.00 OFF
Mexican Special! Mexican Tacos & Tortas available all day
MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL
One Combo
2-Item Entreé
Cannot be used with any
a other offers.
With coupon. 1 coupon per table
Monday-Thursday only. Expires 6/30/16.
Cannot be used with any
a other offers.
With coupon. 1 coupon per table
Monday-Thursday only. Expires 6/30/16.
Outdoor Dining
at our
St. Charles Place
BUY ONE
DESSERT
GET ONE
FREE FREE
Casa Fiesta • Norwalk
Casa Fiesta • Norwalk
Casa Fiesta • Norwalk
Casa Fiesta • Norwalk
Casa Fiesta • Norwalk
344 MILAN AVE • 419-660-8085 344 MILAN AVE • 419-660-8085 344 MILAN AVE • 419-660-8085 344 MILAN AVE • 419-660-8085 344 MILAN AVE • 419-660-8085
Cannot be used with any
a other offers.
With coupon. 1 coupon per table
Monday-Thursday only. Expires 6/30/16.
Open Mon. & Fri. 8:30-5
Tues. & Thurs. 8:30-4; Sat 9-noon
The Berry’s
Restaurant
Experience
PATIO!
THURSDAY:
FRIDAY:
SATURDAY:
SUNDAY:
Look us up on Facebook!
Come and Enjoy
NOW OPEN
MONDAY: Chicken wings, enchiladas, small draft beer (12oz) $1.90
TUESDAY: Fajita Night! $2.00 OFF all fajita dinners
Mix or match 6-bottle beer buckets (domestic or imported), $10
WEDNESDAY: 99¢ Hard Taco, $1.99 Margaritas (9oz)
77 E. Main St., Norwalk
419-668-4665
(toll-free) 800-423-1310
Cannot be used with any
a other offers.
With coupon. 1 coupon per table.
Valid on Mother’s Day Only 5/10/16.
Cannot be used with any other offers.
coupon 1 coupon per table
With coupon.
Monday-Thursday only. Expires 6/30/16.
Historic Business District
Norwalk, Ohio
EAST OF CHICAGO:
Pizza Done Right!
By JENNIFER GRECO
“P
izza Done Right!” Truer words have
never been spoken.
A recent visit to the locally owned
franchise, East of Chicago Pizza,
located at 56 Stower Lane in Norwalk, revealed an
incredibly friendly and welcoming family dining
experience. Owned by Ken Pittenger and his silent
partner, Mike Miller, East of Chicago has been a
Norwalk staple for at least 15 years. Prior to moving
to the location on Stower Lane eight years ago,
East of Chicago was a highlight of dotown dining.
Pittenger and Miller received the opportunity
to move to the soon to be developed north-end
of Norwalk and have not looked back. Pittenger
believed that if they built it, his customers would
come. They have and have brought their friends!
Pittenger, along with his wife Tammie, have
lived in the Norwalk area their whole lives and Ken
has happily been in the pizza business for 40 years.
Family is important to the Pittenger’s, both of their
children have worked with them at East of Chicago,
32 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
and many of their staff-members have been with
them for multiple years. For example, manager
Debbie Moffit has worked with Pittenger for over
30 years. East of Chicago employs 25-30 people year
round and Pittenger makes sure that his passion for
his business is passed down through his employees.
The key to Pittenger’s success with East of Chicago
is to provide excellent customer service to his very
loyal customer base and to produce a consistently
great product.
Speaking of a great product, East of Chicago has
an extensive menu that appeals to all ages and tastes.
One popular option for diners at lunch and dinner is
East of Chicago’s comprehensive buffet. The buffet
features a nicely outfitted salad bar, a different hot
soup each day, pasta that includes either spaghetti
and meatballs, macaroni and cheese or alfredo pasta,
Italian and American sub sandwiches, many different
flavors and styles of pizzas and of-course, dessert
pizza including East of Chicago’s special peanut
butter and jelly pizza. The buffet is a great value for
Norwalk
lunch or dinner. However, the full menu is available all day
as well. The menu includes 12 different subs, traditional
and boneless wings with seven different sauces, four
generously sized salads and exciting sides like breadsticks
and garlic bread with or without cheese, cheesy sticks,
ParmesanPops and even loaded nachos. But pizza is in the
name and the pizza is definitely worth the trip.
The pizza choices are outstanding. There are six crust
choices, nine sizes, 16 toppings – and that is only in the
traditional pizza options. There are also ten specialty pizzas
including taco, bar-be-que chicken, all meat, 7-layer veggie
and Tuscany chicken. Not to be forgotten is the Tower
pizza which includes 10 full toppings. The dough is made
daily in the store and that freshness shows.
A recent lunch outing included a sampling of several
menu items including the oven-baked Italian sub sandwich.
One of the highlights of the sub was definitely the toasted
bread, warm and crispy and the perfect complement to the
grilled ham, salami, pepperoni and cheese enmeshed with
cool lettuce, tomato, onion and Italian dressing. This sub is
the real deal.
A special treat was an authentic Chicago-style
pepperoni and onion pizza which can be difficult to find in
Ohio. A Chicago-style pizza starts with a deeply seasoned
pie crust, toppings are then added, a mound of mixed melty
cheese is placed next and then the whole pie is topped with
marinara sauce with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The
dough is deep but light, not heavy, fresh tasting and very
well balanced with the fillings. The marinara is chunky
and full of flavor and melds perfectly with the cheesy layer.
The whole pizza is then baked to bubbling goodness.
The Chicago-style pizza at East of Chicago is a great
representation of Chicago’s well known specialty and is
really delicious. A scheduled trip to Chicago can now be
canceled.
No good meal is complete without something sweet.
The sweet end to this lunch was an order of CinnaPops.
Heavenly. CinnaPops are made with dough pieces twisted
and baked with butter, cinnamon and sugar. The Pops are
served with a sweet icing for dipping.
Pittenger’s extensive experience, commitment to his
staff, engagement with his customer base and guarantee of
providing the best and most consistent product possible
drives Pittenger’s success. That success tastes good and
is well-worth supporting. Stop by to enjoy a meal in the
inviting dining room, call for an order to go using the
drive-up window or call for delivery. Check out East of
Chicago’s new website at www.eastofchicagonorwalk.com for
menu ideas, store hours and prices. Pittenger and his East
of Chicago Pizza in Norwalk is definitely done right!
56 Stower Lane
419-663-0808
EASTOFCHICAGO.COM
LET’S EAT
Get a
FREE
SOFT
DRINK
with
BUFFET
Expires
July 6, 2016.
NORWALK
LOCATION
ONLY.
LET’S EAT
RECIPES
for the
GREAT OUTDOORS
By ZOE GRESZLER
C
amping is a favorite summertime activity for
many families. A person can only take so many
hot dogs and marshmallows though. So here
are some ideas for next time, whether you’re
roughing it in the great outdoors, or just having a friendly
backyard fire.
34 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
Continued on page 36 >>
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 35
LET’S EAT
TRY THESE CAMPFIRE RECIPES:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
BREAKFAST: Fireside Omelets
1/4 small onion, chopped (you can store the rest in a
baggie)
1 small green pepper, chopped
4 Tbs of shredded cheddar cheese
Left over bacon or sausage, crumbled
4 eggs
1 Tbs. milk
1 tsp. butter
Salt and pepper
1. Fill a pot with water and put to fire to boil.
2. Fill two quart size Ziploc bags with as many veggies,
meats and cheese as desired for omelet. Divide eggs,
milk and butter evenly between two bags. Add salt and
pepper to taste.
3. Seal baggie tightly, removing air. Shake and kneed to
mix ingredients. Place filled baggies in boiling water for
10 minutes. Use tongs to remove from water. You may
wish to place on a towel to cool and dry.
4. Optional: spear two slices of bread with fire forks to
toast bread over fire or place a sheet of foil over hot
embers and place bread on foil. Flip with a fork to avoid
burns, cooking each side about a minute, or as desired.
•
•
•
•
•
•
3. Spoon chili/beans into bags. Top with vegetables and
cheese. Eat from bags for hassle-free cleanup
LUNCH: Frito Pie in a Bag
1 can chili
(for vegetarian friendly version, use refried beans)
1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 C onion, chopped
1/2 C tomato, chopped
4 Tbs jalapeño, diced
4 small snack-size bags of Frito corn strip chips
1. Heat chili or refried beans in a pot over fire.
2. Open bags of Fritos, rolling tops back about 1 inch.
36 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
•
•
•
•
•
DINNER: Stuffed Foil Dinners in the Fire
2 potatoes, chopped
6 carrots, chopped
1/2 C onion, sliced
1 package Kielbasa, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Lay out a 4 sheets of foil, about a foot long. (You can
spray foil with oil for easier eating.) Divide ingredients
among foil sheets.
2. Fold foil around food, covering completely. You may
want another sheet of foil to cover.
3. Place in a low fire or over hot embers carefully. Cook
for 15-20 minutes. Remove with tongs or fire fork.
Unwrap carefully and enjoy.
SNACK: Variety S’mores
Try these less conventional s’more combinations:
1. PB and chocolate: Butter crackers with peanut butter
before adding marshmallow and chocolate.
2. Jamm’n’smore: Add raspberry (or favorite flavor) jam to
cracker before adding marshmallow and chocolate.
3. Monkeys: Instead of marshmallows, slice bananas
about an inch thick and put over fire. Add a few slices
to graham crackers with chocolate.
4. Hawaiian: Instead of marshmallows, use pineapple
rings, sliced in half and slightly cooked over the fire.
Add to crackers and chocolate.
5. Chocolate lovers: Chocolate hazelnut spread, chocolate
graham crackers, chocolate bars, marshmallows.
6. Cookies and cream: Use a cookies and cream candy bar
rather than plain chocolate bar.
7. Add any topping you like (caramel sauce, finely
chopped nuts, chipped peppermint sticks, etc.) and
experiment until you find your favorite.
•
•
•
•
•
BREAKFAST: Fired Up French Toast
with Strawberries
1 loaf of bread
6 eggs, whisked (optional may use French toast egg
mixtures)
Syrup
Carton of strawberries, half sliced to top
Optional: cinnamon
1. Remove bread from bag. Wrap bottom half in
parchment paper, and then with foil.
2. Remove bread. Brush slices with egg. Dust with
cinnamon. (You can skip these steps if using carton egg
mixture. Just poor over top of loaf in parchment/foil
boat.)
3. Top with syrup and sliced strawberries. Place over
campfire about 40 minutes. If bread is still soggy, place
in for another 5 to 10 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.
4. Serve with remaining strawberries and enjoy.
LUNCH: Kampfire Kabobs
•
1 bell pepper, chopped into 2 inch pieces
•
1 package of kielbasa, sausage or hot dogs, thickly sliced
•
•
•
1/2 small onion, chopped into 2 inch pieces
DINNER: Pizza Logs
•
Refrigerated pizza dough
•
8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
•
•
1/2 C tomato sauce
8 oz package of pepperoni
1. Roll dough into a rectangle.
2. Cover with sauce, cheese and pepperonis. Starting at
one end, roll into a log.
3. Wrap in foil and put over hot embers or a low fire
about 25 minutes.
•
•
•
•
SNACK: Mini Pies
1/2 can/bag of favorite pie filing
8 slices of bread
Butter
Pie iron required
1. Butter bread and place one slice in pie iron, butter side
down. Press down slightly. Place a couple spoonfuls into
filling on bread. Top with other slice buttered bread and
close pie iron.
2. Heat over fire until bread is golden, about three
minutes, flipping occasionally.
About 20 Roma or cherry tomatoes
1 can cut pineapple
1. If using wooden skewers (7 to 10 will be needed), soak
overnight or at least one hour before use. This will keep
them from burning with the food.
2. Skew veggies, fruit and meat, alternating and leaving a
small space between each item so it cooks.
3. Cook over fire about 10 minutes, or until desired
cooking is achieved.
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 37
STYLE
Update Last Year’s Closet for a
Great New Look This Season
By ZOE GRESZLER
T
here will be plenty going on in the world of fashion over the next
couple months as spring trends get more under way and summer
styles start to make appearances.
Didn’t get to try some of your favorite outfit couplings last
year? Never fear, trends seem to be similar this year.
“I’m seeing a lot of anchors and arrows in designs and floral prints are
still pretty popular,” Norwalk’s Amez Boutique owner Amy Nevills. “For the
spring color palette this year, the two big ones are serenity and rose quartz.
We (Amez Boutique) already have pieces in featuring dots, anchors and
Serenity all in one.”
As far as style themes go, updated fall looks seem to lingering for a bit
longer.
“We’re still looking at some of the boho looks, but then they’re just
updating them with spring looks and colors,” Nevills said. “And we’re still
seeing palazzo pants and they have things called harem pants and harem
shorts now too. They’re kind of introducing them this year. They just have a
little different pattern to them too.”
So feel free grab that favorite fall top and throw some pastel or bold
jewelry with it.
When it comes to choosing the right piece, Nevills recommends
following some of last year’s sensations.
“With jewelry, we’re still seeing a lot turquoise and big statement pieces,”
she said. “Little sea beads we’re seeing a lot of and stacking bracelets are a big
things. They’re really taking different bracelets and putting them together to
make your own kind of statement.”
When it comes to special occasions, date night or just an afternoon out
on the town with the girls, a dress is never a bad idea. With these warmer
weather options, there is quite a selection.
“Everything is just such a variety of lengths (when it comes to dresses.)
We have midi, minis and maxis still coming out,” Nevills said. “We’re still
seeing all lengths. The midi is still one that’s very popular. I really like the
midis. It has a kind of era-by-gone and it’s just right in between. It has that
sort of retro feel.”
So feel free to try something new use the good old standbys, you’ll be
safe and looking lovely either way.
38 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 39
HEALTH
Dr. TARA KERSEY-BARRETT
Combating Obesity in Huron County…
Fisher-Titus Medical Center Opens Weight Loss Center
By DR. TARA KERSEY-BARRETT
O
besity is a common and serious national health problem. More than
one-third (34.9 percent or 78.6 million) of U.S. adults are obese.
In Huron County, the 2014 Huron County Health Assessment
identified that 70 percent of Huron County adults were overweight
or obese based on Body Mass Index (BMI). Similar to the national average, more
than one-third (37 percent) of Huron County adults were obese. The Health
Assessment also reported that more than two-fifths (45 percent) of adults in
Huron County were trying to lose weight.
“Armed with these statistics, Fisher-Titus is hoping to make an impact on
these obesity rates with the opening of the Fisher-Titus Weight Loss Center,” said
Dr. Tara Kersey-Barrett. “This medically supervised weight loss program offers
patients the resources and support they need to safely lose weight, and keep it off.”
The center, which opened in April, is located on the Fisher-Titus Medical
Center Campus in Medical Park 3.
40 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
Under the medical direction of Dr. Kersey-Barrett, the program
brings together medical specialists including physicians, dietitians,
physical therapy specialists and behavioral health practitioners to
address the questions and concerns many patients face as they try to lose
weight. Through the program, each patient receives an individualized
plan tailored to meet his or her specific needs. Components of the
plan include physician visits; nutrition education; weight-loss food
products and supplements; and behavior modification. Weekly group
classes provide participants with valuable information in a supportive
environment.
“Being overweight or obese isn’t just a cosmetic problem,” said Dr.
Kersey-Barrett. “These conditions greatly increase your risk for other
health problems including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure,
stroke, type 2 diabetes, abnormal blood fats, metabolic syndrome, cancer,
osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, reproductive problems and gallstones.”
In addition, surgeons may prescribe “losing weight” for overweight
patients who are going to undergo surgical procedures. In some cases,
the patients may be advised to lose weight before starting family.
Dr. Kersey-Barrett, a family physician who specializes in nutrition
and weight loss, will assess each patient’s metabolic profile using
medical tests including lab work, EKGs, resting metabolic rate and body
composition.
The results from the tests and the patient’s medical history guide
the physician to select the best option for the patient.
“There is also no quick fix for weight loss,” said Kersey-Barrett.
“You need to be able to look at it as a lifestyle change and learn how to
choose wisely when making food choices.”
Weight loss plans are individualized for each patient with options
ranging from a very low-calorie diet to a variety of less restrictive
low-calorie diets. Special weight-loss food products have been carefully
selected for this program. These products ensure that the patients
receive the proper levels of nutrition while losing weight. For patients
who attain their weight loss goals there is also a maintenance plan to
help them continue at their healthy weight. In addition to nutritional
counseling by dietitians, Dr. Kersey-Barrett will schedule regular visits
with each weight loss patient based on their individual need.
Information sessions about the weight loss program are held weekly.
For more information on this new program, call 419-660-2893 or log
on to fisher-titus.org.
HEALTH
Norwalk Parks & Recreation
By SCOTT SEITZ
N
orwalk Parks and Recreation has a multitude of
activities scheduled for this summer.
“We have many camps this summer,” said Joe
Lindenberger, parks and recreation superintendent.
“Summer softball leagues are very popular and we have
kids leagues at McGuan Park,” he added.
Men’s summer basketball has also caught on in popularity.
Endurance events, such as the triathlon, along with arts in
the park, teeball, Sporties for Shorties, youth volleyball clinics,
junior high basketball and gymnastics are featured programs.
Parks and recreation will be offering the Safe Sitter course
in collaboration with Fisher-Titus Medical Center. The next set
of Safe Sitter courses will take place May 21, July 23 and Sept
10. Call 419-663-6775 to register.
Lifeguard classes are available through the aquatic center.
Residents can always enjoy any of the city’s parks.
The park system remains a priority, even with a limited
budget.
“The K shelter at the reservoir will receive new playground
equipment,” Lindenberger said, adding the previous equipment
was damaged by a storm.
The skate park is set for improvements thanks to a
donation from the Perkins family.
A portion of the community center parking lot will be
repaved this year.
Jaycee Park, or Pleasant Street park as it is often called, is
currently ground zero for the Pleasant Street lift station project.
After that work is completed late this year, the park will be
reborn.
“We’ve talked a lot about Jaycee Park,” Lindenberger said.
Lindenberger said adding basketball hoops is a possibility
and replacing the playground equipment with what he called
“more natural equipment.”
The shelter will also be reinstalled.
“We’re not quite sure yet about the tennis courts,” he
added.
Parks and recreation hopes to establish neighborhood
pickup games this summer in various parks.
“We need to recruit two to three leaders or volunteers,”
Lindenberger said about monitoring the pickup games.
The games could be anything from kickball to softball to
wiffle ball.
Nature-based camps are also the parks and recreation
agenda this summer.
For more information or to register for any program call
419-663-6775.
42 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 43
DWELL
Norwalk, My Heart
By CLIFF CANNON
G
rowing up, the game I played the most was “Fanny Farmer Truck Driver.” In that game, we
pretended we were a real Fanny Farmer drivers (I was always my dad) going on ‘runs’ to
deliver our candy.
Being the oldest, I always got the most important job–to decide where “Norwalk” was. So if
we played in our basement with toy trucks, “Norwalk” was between the furnace and hot water heater. If
we used our bikes, “Norwalk” was our front porch.
After we moved here in 1967, the game got even better because we lived across from the reservoir
and one could go on better, longer runs with the shelter house being “Norwalk.” Playing at Woodlawn
cemetery, the giant tree in the middle of the “new section” (no graves were there then) was “Norwalk.” So
to put it mildly, I’ve always had an infatuation with anything “Norwalk.”
In fact, before we moved here as often as possible, I’d ride down from Detroit with dad to put his
truck away. Starting at Woodville, Fanny Farmer had advertising signs that counted down the distance
like this “45 Miles to Norwalk, Ohio: The home of Fanny Farmer Candy”–then it would be 32 miles,
then 20 and so on until we reached the last sign by Monroeville’s Riverside Cemetery. By then I’d be
bubbling over with so much excitement to be coming to Norwalk that I am sure my dad wished he
hadn’t brought me.
Then came the worst part: riding in front of a sign that read “No Riders.” I would have to lie down
on the seat so as not to be seen. This meant my earliest memories of Norwalk were seeing those beautiful
homes on West Main, then downtown, with its walk lights and the very cool Citizens bank clock, like
a spy sneaking into town. Nowadays though, I don’t drive down West Main without thinking of how
exciting it was to “Discover Norwalk” that way.
Without a doubt the greatest blessing of my life is to have healthy children, although it’s closely by
living here in Norwalk this last half century. Truly, I love everything about Norwalk because—let’s face
it—it’s an extraordinarily beautiful place. Everywhere one looks they will see architectural masterpieces,
often blended with nature in a way few towns our size could ever duplicate.
Geologically speaking, the west branch of the Huron river is where America’s Great Plains starts,
so Norwalk is on the world map. That allows us to walk, hike or bike countless rocky hills and creekfilled valleys all day long, then dash out to the Starview Drive-In (one of the few remaining drive-ins in
44 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
America) amidst all that beautiful, flat, black dirt that stretches all the way to
the Mississippi to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Of course, if you don’t want to
leave the incredible park we call “The Reservoir”, the sunset will be just as nice.
Being a wanderer by nature, it has been an exciting privilege to have
visited 48 states, as well as 97 of America’s 100 largest cities, including the
other five American cities named Norwalk. Without question, given the
choice of where to live—in spite of our wimpy winters (my only Norwalk
complaint)—I would live here.
Why? Because after one lists all the well-known advantages of living here,
add this: Our city is filled with optimistic, “can-do” people of faith, courage and
strength. We ooze leaders, builders, experimenters, innovators and just downright good people all equal to the challenges of the day. Everywhere you go
you’ll be greeted by a warm smile or friendly face.
Further, consider how many times life has given you a good, swift kick.
No doubt, every time you’ve suffered that tragic kick, there have been warm,
wonderful people at your door to watch you, feed you and care for you.
Certainly, the harder or more powerful the challenge, the greater the response
has been and if that doesn’t define what is beautiful about Norwalk, what does?
Obviously, we face the same challenges of all “rust belt” cities. We have
lost considerable manufacturing muscle, yet we have not stood still. Nearly
every factory that was lost, now has a business of some kind growing in it, led
by our own personal miracle–the rebirth of our signature company, Norwalk
Furniture. (Where else would this happen?) Our factories may never again,
grow as they once grew, yet knowing Norwalk will never surrender, I look to
the future with great confidence.
Certainly, the great challenge of the day is the steady spread of deadly
drugs. Thankfully not a soul in Norwalk backs away from trying to meet that
horrible threat. Can we locally beat this national epidemic? Time will tell. One
thing is certain: Norwalk will bring every degree of mind, spirit, and courage
we have, in an effort to do so.
Proudly, I call my beloved Norwalk, “The City of Champions,” because I
know we are just that. To put it mildly, to “Discover Norwalk” anew everyday
brings one a very happy, contented, peaceful life. Having learned as a boy that
“Norwalk” could be wherever I wanted it to be. Long ago, I found a permanent
place to keep and treasure this wonderful place I call home–my heart.
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