Spring 2015 Edition

SPRING 2015
FEATURES
10
22
32
4 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
W
Spring 2015
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Welcome to the premier issue of Discover Norwalk magazine.
This project, about a year in the making, grew out of what we at the Norwalk
Reflector see in the course of covering our community on a daily basis, and
what we hear from our readers – that there are many good things happening
in Norwalk and Huron County and that people hunger to see them in print.
While daily news – government, crime, education reporting, etc. – comes and
goes and changes on a daily basis, the stories that convey what a wonderful
place Norwalk is to live have a more enduring quality and as such deserve a
more enduring format for telling them. As well as one that can better visually
showcase them. It’s our hope as well to produce a quality publication that can
be used to help sell Norwalk to business and industry.
Our current plan calls for publishing Discover Norwalk magazine four times
a year based upon themes appropriate for the season, though we are leaving
our options open for increasing the publication schedule should the demand
exist. The issue you are holding now is focused on springtime events. Look
for a summer issue in June, a fall issue in September and a winter issue in
December. A Web presence is in development as well and should be live soon.
Discover Norwalk is distributed free of charge to home delivery customers
of the Norwalk Reflector as a special added Advantage Membership benefit.
Additional copies will be available for pickup at many locations throughout
the area.
We’re interested in your feedback, both positive and negative, as well as ideas
for stories. Please feel free to contact Scott Seitz, director of content, with your
thoughts. John Ringenberg is director of advertising and is available to assist
you in marketing your business through Discover Norwalk. Their contact
information is located on Page 8.
Thanks for looking through this copy. There’s a lot to be proud of in Norwalk.
We hope Discover Norwalk can be among them.
Andrew Prutsok
Publisher
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 5
PRINT | EVENTS | DIGITAL
DN MAGAZINES FEATURES
Local Interest
Four Legs in The Firelands
Arts & Entertainment
Style
Health & Beauty
Let’s Eat
Let
Dwell
Discover Norwalk Magazine reaches the Norwalk
market like no other media can. Published quarterly,
our magazine is distributed through paid and
verifed subscriptions, single copy sales, promotional
events, and key distribution points in and around
Norwalk. Those copies translate into an estimated
readership of over 23,000.
reaches
LARGE AUDIENCE
EXCELLENT READERSHIP
discovernorwalkmagazine.com
readers each issue.
For advertising, contact (419) 681-0028
34
Volume 1 | Issue 1
24
SPring 2015
Published by: Reflector-Herald, Inc.
61 E. Monroe St. • Norwalk, OH 44857
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT Scott Seitz
419-668-3771, ext. 248
sseitz@norwalkreflector.com
PUBLISHER Andrew Prutsok
ART DIRECTOR Amanda Mazzo
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING John Ringenberg
419-668-3771 ext. 228
johnringenberg54@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MaryLisa Boose
Chris Castle
Heather Chapin-Fowler
Jennifer Greco
Zoe Greszler
Don Hohler
Aaron Krause
Scott Seitz
Dr. Mohamed Ali Swedeh
8 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
SPRING 2015
CONTENTS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Emily Keener Points East of the Sun.................. 10
Imagine Norwalk................................................. 14
LOCAL INTEREST
Spotlight on Jill Wheeler..................................... 16
The Legacy of Summit Motorsports................... 18
Master Gardeners Promote Green Thumbs....... 22
FOUR LEGS IN THE FIRELANDS
Cedar Ridge Farm Saddles Up For Spring........ 24
LET’S EAT
¡Hola Norwalk! A Taste of Two Mexican Dining
Options............................................................... 26
28
Craft Brewed...................................................... 28
DWELL
Goldilocks and the Walkable City...................... 32
STYLE
Spring Has Sprung.............................................34
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Springtime Allergies........................................... 37
Discover Norwalk Magazine, published quarterly by Reflector-Herald,
Inc., distributed through the circulation of the Norwalk Reflector, a
newspaper with a readership of more than 15,000 daily. The magazine is
also provided to participating advertisers and is placed in local businesses
and professional offices.
37
By Scott Seitz
Photography by Jerry Harrington
E
Emily Keener has good reason to smile. The 16-year-old
Clarksfield resident just released her new album, “East of the Sun.”
The new disc is already the fourth in her catalog, which includes two
EPs and one other full-length release.
“The new album has a completely fresh approach,” Keener said.
The local band, the Womacks, lent their talents to the new record.
East of the Sun has a full band production,” Keener said. “These
are really a group of songs of redemption,” she added. “It’s very
emotional and I try to showcase my vocals.”
“These are songs that have never been recorded before,” Keener
said. “Though, they’ve all been played live.”
Keener started playing guitar at 11 years old and began writing
songs at 12. She has written about 100 songs, with 20 to 25 of those
recorded.
Continued on page 12 >>
10 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The album cover was hand-painted by local artist, Keelie Suzann.
East of the Sun is available at emilykeener.com, and also at iTunes,
Amazon and at her merchandise table at live performances.
The songs on East of the Sun cover serious
topics. Themes such as mortality and the cycle
of life and death run throughout the record.
She still plans on playing two to three gigs
per month, hopefully from time to time with
the Womacks. Keener wants to take her live
show a bit further down the road. “I’d like to
branch out this year into the Cleveland and
Columbus music scene,” she said. “Expand
throughout different areas.”
“The making of this album was so special,”
Keener said. The recording began in November
and work on the album continued through
February.
“My goal, overall, is to share my music with
the world and learn as much as I possibly can,”
Keener said.
Keener, who is home-schooled, is managed
by her mother, Jenny.
“I’m so proud of her, she works very hard,”
her mother said. “She is so thoughtful and
intentional about how she sees the world.”
“When she first started singing and playing
I was just blown away,” Jenny added. “I just
encourage her to keep working on it.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
I
Imagine Norwalk will return, bigger and
better than ever this summer.
“We already have the new website in
place and have changed the layout design of
imaginenorwalk.com,” said Chris Castle, creator
of Imagine Norwalk.
“The focus of Imagine, on the surface, will
be broader this year,” he added. “Last year was
like an experiment or dress rehearsal and it
went well. That was the focus last year—let’s
see if this works,” Castle said.
“Imagine Norwalk and the uptown is a real
community gathering space,” he said. “It’s a
celebration of community and a celebration of
all of our differences and similarities; a public
display of these things.”
“The focus this year now becomes, how
do we get this point across to the whole
community?” Castle explains. “There are
expectations.”
Imagine Norwalk, which made its debut in
summer 2014, featured live music, both on the
streets and in the shops. It also offered a variety
of food, jewelry, arts, crafts and fellowship.
“A lot of people are looking forward to
this summer,” Castle said, mentioning that an
occasional movie will be shown in the park.
“Or, we might have a silent movie,” he added.
14 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
By Scott Seitz
Castle said 2015 will have all the
entertainment value of last summer and added
that he wants to see community engagement
be the focal point this year rather than a side
effect of Imagine Norwalk.
Last year’s canned food drive brought
in more than 2,000 canned goods for the
Norwalk Area Food Bank.
“This year, we are going to have a huge
canned food drive,” Castle said. “Rather than
taking 10 days to collect the food, we will
collect all summer which will culminate with a
huge art project.”
In 2014, the collected cans were placed
in a formation that spelled out “Imagine
Norwalk.”
“Last year’s aerial art was a picture taken
from an upstairs window,” Castle said. “This
year, I want the food drive to be so big we need
to do a fly-over to take the photo.”
There will be multiple drop-off locations
for cans, available to receive donations for
the entire summer. “I’d like to collect tens of
thousands of cans,” Castle said.
Imagine Norwalk will kickoff June 5 and
run every other Friday through Aug. 28. For
more information, visit imaginenorwalk.com.
LOCAL INTEREST
SPOTLIGHT ON
W
By Aaron Krause
Wakeman resident Melissa Tinney has sat through rehearsals
of Curtain Call Productions shows, which “Ms. Jill,” as the youth
fondly call her, directs.
“Many of the youngsters at first are so shy, you’d never envision
them on stage”, Tinney said. No problem. “Ms. Jill” (Norwalk resident Jill Wheeler) doesn’t
expect them to be perfect or ‘wow’ anyone with exceptional talent.
All she wants is for the young thespians/singers to give their best—
and when they do, as she has said, “that’s greatness.”
Tinney, whose children participate in Curtain Call, a local
children’s singing and acting group which puts on two shows a year,
has seen Wheeler hop on stage with a shy youngster and patiently
yet energetically instruct them.
“It was just amazing to see the difference,” said Tinney, who has
three children. She said over 15 years, she’s had at least one child
taking Wheeler’s classes almost every fall and spring.
“She has such a positive attitude,” Tinney said. “She loves her
students and you can truly see that.”
Wheeler’s face will “light up” when she sees her students and they’ll
hug her.
Wheeler, a 42-year-old vivacious brunette, spoke passionately
during a recent interview, accentuated with robust and sincere
facial and hand gestures. At times, she spoke with her eyes closed—
heavily passionate and focused on the central aspects of her life: her
children—and, by extension, the Curtain Call students. She said she
adores all her Curtain Call students.
“They’re all my babies; all of them,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler should know something about babies and children.
She has six of her own: Piper, Isaac, Ethan, Noah, Emma and
Gabriel.
She maintains a philosophy about youngsters: Children are like
sponges; they soak up the good and the bad. If you instill in them
the good, they’re going to shine.
One of her children earned a “C” on a math test. Instead of berating him, Wheeler asked him a question: Was that
grade good for him? “He said ‘Yes, it was a really hard test but I
studied hard,’” the mother and drama instructor said. “Their best is
perfect for me,” Wheeler said, adding on a scale of 1 to 10, if they
can only reach a 4, that’s good enough for her.
Wheeler said she’s not a “yeller.”
What if one of her children received an “F” on a report card?
The Texas native and daughter of Mildred and Donn Wheeler said
she’d respond with a comment such as “Let’s make it better, let’s
16 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
study together, let’s ask for extra homework.”
Wheeler said she knows the power of a negative word.
“They say it takes 10 positive words to cancel one negative
word,” she said.
Wheeler said she’s never negative during a Curtain Call
rehearsal. One can scare or yell at a child to get him or her to do
what you want. Or, you can “love it into them.”
Wheeler, obviously, takes the latter approach.
If youngsters miss a line or a sequence of movement, even during a
performance, it’s OK; improvise and keep the show going, she tells
them.
“I tell them just keep it up and rolling,” Wheeler said, adding
she sees the performance as a team effort. If someone misses a line,
another cast member will help get the show get back on track. It’s
about “having each other’s back,” Wheeler said.
Don’t get her wrong; she said she can be stern. She asks
participants to memorize their lines, lyrics and movement for the
next rehearsal.
“You guys have to learn this stuff, no excuses,” she might say.
If a child continues to come unprepared, she said she tells that
youngster she has no choice but to give the part to someone else.
Wheeler, who’s been performing since age 3, has been running
Curtain Call Productions in Norwalk since 2008… and for a
period of time before that in Texas. Framed posters of the shows
her students have performed, co-adapted by Wheeler from existing
shows or original works co-written by her, grace her home.
No experience is necessary to appear in shows, auditions aren’t
required and every child has his or her own part. Wheeler said she constantly receives e-mails from past students
thanking her for what she’s instilled in them. One parent told
Wheeler her daughter is one of the best debaters on her college
debate team. The parent attributed that to the young woman’s
Curtain Call experiences.
Tinney’s son, 19 year old Kyle, has decided not to participate
in theater any more. But “in a heartbeat,” he would help Wheeler
with technical aspects of a show; all Wheeler has to do is pick up a
phone and call him, his mother said. From one former student, she received this note, written on
a board: “You meet thousands of people and none of them really
touch you, and then you meet one person and your life is changed
forever.”
For more information about Curtain Call Productions, call
Wheeler at 419-541-1713 or visit ccptheatre.com.
LOCAL INTEREST
THE LEGACY OF
A
MOTORSPORTS
A graduate of Lakewood St. Edward, Bill Bader
Sr.’s business career started with his lease of a Bay
Village Texaco station. Always interested in speed,
Bader bought a sprint car for $600. He drove it for
a number of years at Sandusky Speedway but upon
meeting the late George Fosco and recognizing he
was twice the driver he was, Bader put him behind
the wheel. In 1970, Fosco carried the checkered flag
in 26 of 52 races.
That success on the half-mile paved Perkins
Avenue oval came to screeching halt, however, when
the Bert Decker family closed the facility. Believing
he could resurrect the race plant even though it had
grown up in weeds, the 27-year-old Bader offered
owner Dick Decker a deal he could not turn down.
It took a number of seasons but over the six years
(1971-77) Bader held the lease, the track eventually
made money.
But, Bader did not own the facility and he
wanted ownership of something, even if it was
something he knew nothing about, in this case, a drag
strip.
“[The Norwalk Dragway] had set idle for one
year so I figured I could buy it at the right price.”
What could go wrong the first year, did go
wrong, however. He promoted 13 events, 10 of which
either were rained out or canceled for other reasons
such as electrical malfunction and a car going through
the timing box.
“I paid taxes at the end of the year on 73 cents
profit,” Bader joked.
In order to create enough revenue for opening
the park the following spring, Bader promoted what
18 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
By Don Hohler
he called “A Desperation Race”, a late-fall event
which surprisingly drew 280 entries, 30 of which had
lined up at the gate the night before waiting to get
in. The second season went smoother and the
Desperation Race drew 400 entries. From a one-day
event, it lasted a week. Close to double the entries
the second year, the car count over the years would
boom to 1,600 entries—so large that in order to run
a quality show, the entry total had to be reduced. And
it took on a new name, The Halloween Classic—an
extravaganza that set the record for the largest carcount event in the history of the sport.
The Halloween Classic may have been the track’s
financial savior, but the event named the “Night
Under Fire” is recognized as the most successful
single-night show in the history of the sport.
The original “fire” included four jet-powered
machines, two jet cars, and two wheel-standers,
the Tom Mares’ Stagecoach machine from nearby
Ashland and Jack Ehrmantraut’s Hemi Under Glass.
“The show was ‘electric’ right from the start and
we didn’t even know what we were doing,” Bader
admitted.
Since then, Bader not only moved the show
to a Saturday night, but he brought in the biggest
names of the sport, Don Garlits, Billie Meyer, Shirley
Muldowney and then the biggest draw of all, John
Force. Plus he tacked on a huge fireworks show.
Sometime over the years when the track was
sanctioned by either AHRA, IHRA when Bader
was the president, or the NHRA, Bader found time
to take a wife, a young lady who happened to be the
daughter of his track secretary. Debbie Bader worked for Bill
for nine years, first in the concession stand, and later— because
she was attending Ohio University working toward her nursing
degree—she served as the much-needed track nurse when the
track offered BMX and Moto-Cross racing. Debbie Neel became
Mrs. William Bader Sr. on March 8, 1986. Eventually, she became
the General Manager of the facility. She did the hiring and the
firing, doing everything in the front of the house or what Bader
describes as everything outside the guard rails. He ran everything
in the back of the house.
Bader believed, to be successful, his events needed three
things, a clean facility, a market from which to draw from
and credibility which had to be earned. He learned that from
promoting Monster Truck Shows on weekends for 15 years. He
promoted events as far east as Hartford, CT , west to Spokane,
WA and south to Pensacola, FL. And always Debbie was at his
side.
“Debbie is one smart cookie. She is savvy. She is a true people
person who makes the correct decisions,” her husband said.
“The secret to good management is letting your people manage
situations and she does just that. I leverage my time by hiring the
right people and let them do their job. Debbie was a great nurse
but she was a lot better business woman. She still handles all the
creative, layout design, fliers, banners, brochures and customer
service.”
Bader feels the same way about his 47 year-old son who owns
49 percent of the track. It took a while for Bader Jr. to find his way
in the business world but once he did there was no slowing him
down.
With the track in good hands, the Baders spend between six
and seven months a year at their 3,200 acre Idaho Ranch located
near the small town in Riggins, ID, a community of 410 citizens,
most of them retired farmers and ranchers.
“We live in a 650-square foot home with a 1,200-square foot
shop on the facility,” Bader offered. “It is Deb, me and our black
lab on Race Creek Ranch just above Race Creek. And would you
believe those were the names of both the ranch and the creek well
before we even knew about the place? The beauty of this country
makes it very easy to thank God for what He has given.”
W
William Bader, Jr. had been an employee of his father off and on since
he was 10 years old. He knew the entertainment business from the
ground up.
“I have gone from the laborer who mowed grass, painted picnic
tables and then dumped the trash at day’s end to one who now, as the
president and chief marketing officer, directs an office staff of 14 and
an event staff of 400 for the national event in July, all with the goals of
making patrons feel welcome, giving them fair value for their admission
price, and then sending them home as satisfied customers.”
By his own admission, Bader spends half his day assisting the
management team. Summit Motorsports Park has no general manager.
Authority is delegated to staff members who have proven expertise in
their fields. Bader does all of the event choreography and that includes
script writing, lighting and music. If needed, he helps his sister, Bobbie,
with management of major sponsors.
At season’s end, that staff will have cordially welcomed 500,000
visitors and parked in the pits 8,100 different race teams from across
North America.
The Night Under Fire show remains the largest single-day event.
Two years ago on the 50th anniversary of the track’s opening, 40,000
race fans attended the show. The track seats 30,000. There was an
additional 10,000 who were either on race teams and/or preferred to
stand and watch the show.
The attendance over the four days of the national event will far
exceed the population of Huron County.
“And along with an event that draws 85,000 fans, we face the
same issues as a city administrator, namely parking issues and neighbor
issues,” Bader explained. “I am amazed how many issues the staff
encounters in mediating, legislating and mandating problems. And keep
in mind; our issues are packed in 275 acres including parking lots that
accommodate 20,000 vehicles, all leaving at the same time. Out in the
county, problems can be resolved by walking 500-feet away from an
issue. Not so here.”
Continued on page 20 >>
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 19
Bader attempts to lay out
his full week’s schedule the
prior weekend. Part of every
day is managing by objective,
recognizing that individuals
of the management team
will have questions that need
answers. His goal, however,
is to fit the right person
into a management position
that would mean he would
not have to micro-manage
situations. He also spends
part of every day “selling
tickets” and that could include
writing a script or drawing
the art for an advertising
display. He also touches base with sponsors, and in between reads and
if need-be answers well over 100 e-mails and half-that-many phone
calls. He also personally resolves all guest-service issues. If there is
a complaint, it is Bader who hears first-hand about the experience,
assuring every -one will be handled “the Bader way”.
“It’s a lot to pack into an eight-hour day,” he assured. “But, then
again, many of us out here don’t have many eight-hour days.”
In 1997 when his father bought IHRA, he emptied much of the
track’s managerial talent, needing it for the start-up of the newlypurchased sanctioning body. It has taken Bill Jr., in working with
inter-changeable pieces, the better part of 15 years, to rebuild the
core competency of a new team. He envisioned different approaches
toward guests, customer service and the type of shows presented.
“As of the 2013 season, I now feel we have the right team as far
as chemistry and competency to move forward,” Bader believed.
In no way being arrogant, Bader believes Summit Motorsports
Park is the leader in drag racing. It is to the point where other tracks
follow the lead of SMS in attempting to deliver a quality, value priced
event.
“People love coming here and so do racers,” he assured. “And
when those two are happy, sponsors are happy. We still do business
the same way as when Dad bought the facility in 1973. It’s a little
better looking but our goal remains the same, customer satisfaction.”
And don’t look for William Bader Jr. to sit on his hands now that
he has the team in place. He has expansion plans that would include
an outdoor amphitheater to accommodate shows other than racing, a
high-banked half-mile dirt oval, and a 2.5-mile road course, a sports
industrial park that would include a winter-sports park, a hotel and a
restaurant.
“We are presently meeting with a vision-casting firm in
Cleveland that is helping us direct our future, what SMP will look
like in five years. Certainly, much will have to do with what got us to
this point, drag racing. But, we also will attempt to book events that
are not as weather-dependent. Two years ago, 78 percent of our events
had rain. That was catastrophic.
“Our operating budget annually is $5 million dollars. What
happened two years ago told us we have to diversify and we are going
to move toward that end,” he said.
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LOCAL INTEREST
E
MASTER GARDENERS PROMOTE
Every year Huron County Master Gardeners keep
communities across the county blooming and beautiful.
Members donated 4,060 hours in 2014 and 4,242 hours
in 2013 to plant and maintain public gardens in Norwalk, New
London, Wakeman and Bellevue and also volunteer in schools,
give educational presentations and answer countless questions
about horticulture.
“I like that I am able to help the Huron County group
be an active part of so many lives,” Joan Taylor, the group’s
volunteer coordinator, said. “We show contact with over
16,990 people for these two years. I think that is astounding
for a group of 53 volunteers.”
She joined Master Gardeners after she moved here in
2010 both to increase her knowledge about gardening and to
get more involved in her new community.
“I have always enjoyed gardening – the doing, the making,
the colors and the harvesting,” she said. “I wanted to know
more and understand more about what makes a good and
successful garden.
“I have found good friends and continually add to
my knowledge of horticulture. It is so rewarding working
alongside other Master Gardeners – sharing our enthusiasm,
laughing and enjoying our time spent teaching, learning,
working together,” she said.
Rosalie Perry is one of six Huron County Master
Gardeners with special training for the Ask An Expert
program, available through a link on huroncountyohiomg.org.
Perry took three months of additional online training to earn
this certification.
“It isn’t just a garden club,” Perry said. “Our whole focus
is to educate people in the area of horticulture.” She spends
about 45 minutes to an hour researching each question that
comes her way. She then not only e-mails an answer within 24
hours, but also includes links to the research she used in her
search so the person can look up more information if desired.
“We know where to go for information,” Perry said. In the
past year she’s handled questions about roses, insects and dying
trees. One of the tasks of the group is to educate the public on
22 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
By MaryLisa Boose
integrated pest management and invasive species, such as the
Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Longhorn Beetle.
The Master Gardener program was introduced to Huron
County by Charlene Margetiak, the group’s current president.
Each class of volunteers takes 50 hours of college-level
courses in horticulture to join the program and then must
donate at least 50 hours back to the community in the next
year. The initial course costs $100 to cover materials and
driving expenses for instructors since all classes are held locally.
Members stay as involved as they can based on their
personal schedules. Active members have monthly meetings
and take at least 10 hours of training each year to update their
knowledge.
One of Margetiak’s favorite projects is the kindergarten
tomato planting project help in conjunction with FisherTitus Medical Center each May. Margetiak and other Master
Gardeners visit classes to teach students about both healthy
eating and caring for the tomato plants each student plants and
takes home.
Another project, the phenology garden at Shady Lane
in Norwalk, is a joint effort with OSU. Mary Margaret
Schwarzentraub, a member since 2003, said volunteers collect
information on 11 native plants to study pollination and the
interaction of plants, insects and animals.
Other projects for the group include the spring plant sale,
April seedling sale (with county Soil and Water office), garden
and plants at Carriage House, flower show and information
booth at Huron County Fair, a fall bulb sale, summer garden
tour (with Firelands Historical Society), Norwalk Home
& Garden Show, Junior Master Gardeners each summer,
programs at the county Land Lab, Bellevue Community
Garden (with Bellevue Hospital), Family Fun Fest each
fall, seedling distribution for second graders, Norwalk’s tree
inventory, Historic Lyme Village Pioneer Day, fourth grade
conservation day (with County Soil and Water office) and
gardens at the County Administration building, Heritage
House at county fairgrounds, Shady Lane Park, St. Alphonsus,
Uptown Norwalk, Maplehurst butterfly garden.
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FOUR LEGS IN THE FIRELANDS
By Heather Chapin-Fowler
S
Spring is a busy time for equestrians in Huron County. Regardless of when the
groundhog sees his shadow, horse people know when spring is in the air based on their
horse’s winter coat.
The horse grows a thick coat beginning in the early fall to shield it from the cold
winter days. But, as soon as the sun starts shifting to spring, the coat sheds uncovering a
sleek shiny coat in its place.
At one barn in the southern part of the county, Cedar Ridge Farm, riders started
preparing early on for their show season. Next to the indoor riding arena where riders
exercise their animals under cover from the elements, the barn owner hung a detailed
exercise plan for getting the horses in shape without injuries.
It’s important to start the horses slow if they haven’t been worked in the winter
months, which many take a layoff after a busy season of riding, said Megan Clemons,
owner of Cedar Ridge.
The plan starts the horses off with only five minutes of walking and trotting for
the first weeks of exercise and gradually working up to ten minutes and so forth. The
gradual building of the workouts is similar to what many athletes use to get in shape.
24 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
Starting with a slow, methodical plan of regular workouts
can prevent soreness and injury to the horse, Clemons said.
Clemons and her younger sister Kaitlyn Strojin are starting
their show season with a trip to Texas where they will first
attend a clinic for training purposes and then “hit up some
rodeos,” the women said.
The sisters have been running barrels, a form of timed race
that entails riding the horse around a pattern of three barrels,
for many years.
This year though, they will be following the area’s National
Barrel Horse Association’s shows where Clemons is the new
director of the organization.
Next to the monthly workout regime, Clemons also hung
up the patterns that 4-H riders in the barn will likely see at the
Ohio State Fair, if they qualify.
There are a handful of 4-H competitors in the barn along
with the barrel racers. Their season also starts in the spring
with the same basics as those who are competing on a state or
national level: brushing out their horse’s thick winter coat.
In addition to the basics of workouts and grooming, tack
stores, or shops that sell merchandise and equipment for the
horse and rider are also gearing up for their busy season.
Many riders seeking to look their best in the show ring
purchase new outfits each year, especially the youngsters as they
normally grow out of last year’s show gear.
But, the springtime isn’ t just a time for workouts and
planning the show season, it’s also the time for foaling.
After a long 11-month wait, horse breeders are getting
ready to see the product of last year’s carefully chosen breeding
as the birth of foals gets under way.
On the north side of the area, Pegasus Arabians Equestrian
Center is one of the area’s largest equestrian operations and
breeding facilities.
The center shows Arabian and Arabian-cross horses across
the country as they have for decades.
Folks driving past the facility will find many foals with
their mothers in the rolling lush pastures in the spring, a
beautiful sight next to the extensive facility.
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A taste of two Mexican dining options
By Jennifer Greco
N
Norwalk is a town with a vibrant dining scene that
offers many choices. You can find family-style, diners, Asian
and Italian cuisine, Fast Food, Pizza, Bar-B-Q, bars, and
sandwich shops all in town. For those looking for flavorful
and international taste, Norwalk also has two great Mexican
options.
The newest addition is Los Buenos Amigos, located
at 203 Cline Street, next to Discount Drug Mart. Los
Buenos is owned and operated by Vicente Samano with the
support of his family, several of which work with him at the
restaurant.
Samano’s dream of owning a restaurant started
when he was a young child in southwestern Michoaca`n
in Mexico. He worked at a young age at several hotels/
restaurants, which fueled his dream of owning his own
restaurant. Samano came to America in 1986 and has worked full
time for New Horizons in Norwalk for 25 years. Samano
credits New Horizons for teaching and encouraging him to
learn as much about food standards as possible. His prior experience combined with his natural
talent for providing great hospitality and service has led
26 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
to Samano’s philosophy for his business: providing a great
experience with the best quality of food when customers
visit his restaurant. Samano states the key to providing
quality starts with fresh and healthy food each morning.
Nothing is frozen and everything is made fresh daily from
old family recipes. Samano is proud of the family-friendly
atmosphere Los Buenos provides and wants to be known for
being unique in service, flavor and food.
Los Buenos Amigos offers an extensive menu which
includes Mexican-American options, along with authentic
Mexican cuisine. A great way to sample different dishes is
to select the $6.99 buffet, offered Monday through Saturday
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The very well-stocked buffet includes
salad and dessert bars, plus a hot bar of at least 20 specialties.
Samano believes providing a changing line-up of dishes
encourages guests who are not familiar with all Mexican
cuisine to sample all the restaurant specialties. Los Buenos
offers daily specials during the week, including discounted
margaritas, beer, wings and tacos, plus happy hour.
When dining at Los Buenos Amigos, the heart and soul
of Samano, his family, culture and food speak loudly and
refreshingly.
“Save Water, Drink Margaritas.” The motto at Casa
Fiesta is descriptive of their fun and vivacious atmosphere.
Casa Fiesta, located at 344 Milan Avenue, has been a
dining fixture in Norwalk for 15 years. Owner Jose Avalos
came to America from Jalisco, Mexico and strives to provide
a nice mixture of American-Mexican and Mexican cuisine
with speedy service in a fun and family-oriented restaurant.
Casa is also proud to offer catering services for all events.
Casa Fiesta offers a $7.99 lunch buffet, Monday
through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The buffet
includes salad and dessert bars, along with a hot bar that
has many choices that are changed often. The meat at Casa
is always fresh and all dishes are based on family recipes,
cooked fresh each day.
Casa Fiesta has a new menu arriving this spring,
including several authentic Mexican dishes. Among the new
items are an El Molcajete, which includes shrimp, rib-eye
steak, mushrooms, peppers, ranchero sauce and cheese served
in a sizzling molcajete (a stone tool similar to a mortar and
pestle) and seafood pineapple relleno.
Other additions include the Taco Asada: grilled steak,
fresh onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime in two small
corn tortillas served with a spicy sauce; The Chili Pablano:
a pepper stuffed with cheese and covered in ranchero sauce;
The Pork Tamale served with a spicy tomatillo sauce. Any
bean lover will appreciate Casa Fiesta’s Bean Dip appetizer
covered with queso and pico de gallo and the Banana
Chimichanga is a perfect end to an innovative and exciting
meal.
Casa Fiesta strives to treat their customers like family
and has many regulars, especially in the separate bar areas.
Assistant Manager Aleah Horner is proud Casa offers
Norwalk’s largest margarita at 98 ounces for $25. Casa also
has an outdoor patio, which seats 120 and has recently been
covered with a clear topper so that guests can enjoy al fresco
dining, even in the rain.
According to Horner, Casa Fiesta is excited to bring
great food, fun atmosphere and is always striving to bring
new products to Norwalk, like Aqua de Horchata—a
flavorful Mexican “water” made fresh daily and a Mexican
Hot Chocolate in the colder months.
Norwalk is lucky to have two Mexican restaurants
in town. Both offer good food, service and a fun dining
experience.
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 27
LET’S EAT
A beer is a beer is a beer. Or is it?
By Jennifer Greco
T
The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes beer as “an alcoholic
beverage usually made from malted cereal grain (as barley), flavored
with hops, and brewed by slow fermentation”. For many people, this
definition is a perfect example of what they like to drink. Beers that fall
into this classification are produced by the two largest brewers in America;
MillerCoors and Anheuser-Busch, which include the brands Miller, Coors,
Molson, Leinenkugel’s, Budweiser, Corona/Modelo, Michelob and Busch.
However, there is another type of beer that continues to gain in
popularity. A craft beer or sometimes called a micro beer is typically defined
as a specialty beer brewed in small quantities, but it is actually difficult to
define.
A craft brewer, however, is defined specifically as a small brewer who
produces less than six million barrels of beer a year, is independently owned
and controlled (less than 25 percent owned by any alcoholic based company
other than another craft brewer) and in a traditional manner, meaning that
the majority of flavors are derived from traditional or innovative ingredients
and fermentation processes.
Why drink craft beer? People who prefer craft beer enjoy the creativity,
passion, complexity and versatility found in the beer. Craft beer is designed
to be savored and enjoyed. Craft beer enhances the flavor of food and is
often used in cooking.
There are 76 craft breweries in Ohio, making Ohio the 12th largest
craft beer producer in the country. In 2013, 98 percent of all operating
breweries in the United States were craft brewers. However, craft beer
reached only 7.8 percent per volume of the total beer market. This
percentage is expected to grow as the number of craft breweries increases
and America’s appetite for craft beer builds.
In Norwalk, there are several options for enjoying a cold craft brew at a
local restaurant/bar or even at home.
One fun spot to try is the Office Bar, located at 11 Whittlesey Avenue.
The Office Bar typically carries 25 craft beers on tap or by the bottle.
Manager Ray Sizemore believes customers who like craft beer, love
craft beer and are willing to share new brands or flavors with him. The
options are always changing so that he can bring his customers what they
like.
New brands/flavors and seasonal brews always peak interest. Great
Lakes Christmas Ale was at the beginning of the seasonal trend and
continues to be extremely popular. The Office Bar offers flights of beer so
that a customer can taste several brands in a sample size.
Sizemore believes that 20 to 25 percent of all his beer sales can be
attributed to the craft beers he supplies. And although the Norwalk area
continues to be a light American lager preferring area, the interest in craft
beers continues to grow.
Continued on page 30 >>
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 29
Another great spot to find craft beer in Norwalk is
Bar 145, located at 230 Milan Avenue.
Although Bar 145 specializes in “Burgers, Bands
and Bourbons”, craft beer is very popular. One reason is
craft beer tends to pair very well with bourbon.
In fact, one exciting draft beer is Kentucky
Bourbon Barrel Ale, which is an ale that is aged and
seasoned in used bourbon barrels. This gives the
color, smell and taste of the beer a bit of bourbon’s
smoothness.
Bar 145 always has four craft beers on tap and
saves several additional taps for seasonal rotation.
Additionally, there are about 25 bottled craft brews on
hand for the drinking.
Bar Manager, Jonny Runckel works very closely
with his vendors and many breweries directly on
education and food pairings.
Bar 145’s menu changes twice a year along with the
craft beer menu. Since the key to craft beer is the flavor,
the menu is designed to best pair craft beers with the
foods of the season.
Runckel’s staff is very knowledgeable about the
craft beers available and are encouraged to teach their
customers about the varieties and options available.
Trends seen in the craft beer industry include aged
beers (including in barrels), ports/stouts and cider beers.
Some may stay away from craft beers due to the
belief the alcohol content is much higher than standard
30 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
beers and that the price can be prohibitive.
Runckel, however, explains that the alcohol content
actually varies greatly between brands and flavors as
does the price.
Brewer Curious Traveler provides a beer called Jolly
Shandy, a light, holiday beer with pomegranate flavors.
DeSchuttes brewery supplies an Inversion IPA that
has subtle hoppiness, is a little smokey, very smooth and
easy to drink. Sam Adams sells a Nitro Stout that is
similar to Guinness, but is lighter, smoother and slightly
bitter. All three have varying alcohol contents and prices
but each is well worth tasting.
The overall experience at Bar 145 degrees makes it
a destination spot to enjoy the food, bourbon, bands and
definitely the craft beers.
If drinking a cold craft beer at home is your
preference, Schild’s IGA, located at 171 Milan Avenue,
has started an exciting new program for Norwalk.
IGA has installed a growler station, which provides six
different craft beers on tap.
The price varies per brand and is $2 off on Fridays.
Samples are available for three for $1. Schild’s sells
reusable growlers for $5.99, but customers are welcome
to bring their own. Growlers hold 64 ounces of beer and
are typically in a dark bottle to protect the freshness.
Once a growler is opened, it is recommended
the beer be consumed within a day or two as the
carbonation is similar to pop.
Schild’s works with customers to provide new and
different brews as requested. If a growler isn’t desired,
Schild’s also carries a large selection of bottled craft beers
which can be mixed and matched to create a six-pack for
$9.99. Schild’s also has a list of suggested food pairings at
the station.
For those interesting in brewing craft beer at home,
Home Brew Ohio, located 6409 Milan Avenue in Sandusky,
is a great resource for ideas, equipment and support. There
are also many on-line companies.
The closest craft breweries to Norwalk include Catawba
Island Brewing Company, Kellys Island Brewery, Put-inBay Brewery and Distillery and Saint Hazards Brewery on
Middle Bass Island. Catawba Island Brewing Company
is the only brewery open all year so check with the other
breweries for off-season hours.
One way to celebrate craft beer is to enjoy American
Craft Beer Week, which is from May 11 to 17 throughout
the country. More than 2,000 events are scheduled during
the week to help introduce and share the joy of craft beer.
Additionally, Ohio Brew Week celebrates all Ohio craft
beers the week of July 11 through the 19 in Athens.
Craft beer includes seven style families and more than
75 specific types. For more information on craft beer, review
the Brewers Association and Craft Beer websites.
Keep your mouth and appetite open for a new flavor
experience. Norwalk has many opportunities to enjoy craft
beer and it appears that trend will keep growing.
DWELL
AND THE
How Intelligence and Luck Have Readied Norwalk for a Golden Future
By Chris Castle
T
The phrase “walkable city” has been around for decades.
As early as 1890, city planners like Ebenezer Howard were
already envisioning garden cities—a century before the idea
of going green was big business—and walkability was a key
component of those visions even then.
Over the past few years, city planners and economic
developers across the US have latched on to the phrase
and it has become the centerpiece of countless conference
lectures and seminars around the world. You can’t read
a journal entry on rural tourism or placemaking in 2015
without stumbling across the theory of walkability.
Countless cities will spend millions of dollars this year, in
an attempt to renovate their downtown districts and make
them more pedestrian friendly.
They’ll follow guidelines like the 400 meter rule,
which states that a downtown district’s retail, dining and
entertainment destinations should be no further than a
quarter mile from one another. They will reduce speed limits
to twenty five miles per hour wherever traffic patterns allow,
32 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
and they’ll design buildings to look as if they were built in
1880. This is City Planning 101 in the new millennium.
And in this sense, the city of Norwalk is either the
luckiest or the most brilliant small city in the midwest. Our
downtown district is one of those Goldilocks Zones that you
see others attempting to emulate. If you were to walk from
the Public Library to the Norwalk Theatre, you would find
that it’s nearly a perfect 400 meter walk. Contained within
those 400 meters are historic buildings and unique shops
that can only be found in Norwalk, Ohio.
Our Main Street corridor is considered a T3 to T4
traffic zone; an ideal measurement which every other city in
America is attempting to recreate through decreased speed
zones and lane-narrowing projects. The brick sidewalks that
frame each downtown block were years ahead of their time
and they are a textbook example of pedestrian propulsion
devices. Simply put, streets with interesting details (like
those brick sidewalks) can actually propel us to walk further
than that 400 meter standard.
Narrow storefronts achieve the same end. So
do uniform architectural styles and storefront color
schemes, strategically placed parks or public spaces,
and bookend parking lots. And while we may take
these things for granted (because we’re so accustomed
to them), other towns are actively seeking to create
these very conditions.
Norwalk either stumbled into its Goldilocks
status, or this was all the work of some extremely
bright, multi-generational city leaders. I like to
think it’s a bit of both. Either way, we’ve got all the
components to capitalize on the trend of walkability
and to make downtown Norwalk a regional
destination. Now it’s just a matter of recognizing how
unique a position our little city is in, and making the
most of the above outlined assets. Before long, the
entire state just might be calling us the “best little city
in Ohio”.
STYLE
S
By Zoe Greszler
Spring is a time of revival after a long dormant winter of
being closed in under the snow and in the house. It’s a time of
bright, vibrant colors, and soft reminders of life.
Shouldn’t your appearance express that revival?
Norwalk has a several places that can help beat the winter
blues and get anyone ready for the pop of color and life that
comes with spring. From hair to nail to many of your closet
needs, Norwalk offers the solution to getting you ready for spring.
One such treasure focused on the hottest trends in fashion,
appearance, and getting Norwalk spring ready is Walmart.
“Every Walmart is different,” assistant manager Amber
Scimone said. “Their selections are different, like the selection
in Cleveland is geared more towards having a sportswear
section. It’s all based on demographics. It focuses on that area’s
preferences and the weather.”
What is Norwalk’s focus? What’s hot in our city?
“Women in the spring are big with fashion and clearing out
the closet,” she said. “They like to try something new. They’ve
been locked up all winter long and they are ready to get out there
and try something new and different.”
New this spring is going back to traditional basics.
“We’re seeing a lot of pastels, lace, so on and so forth,”
Scimone said. “Romantic florals are big this spring. Mostly light,
springy colors.”
Any good deals in the near future to kick off the fresh, new
wardrobe?
“Right off the bat Walmart will be having some special sales
(to welcome the season), including a No Boundaries cami for
$1.16. So buyers will want to keep their eyes out for that,” she
added.
What about the men?
“For guys the focus is on the basics; the basic and graphic
tees, the active wear,” she said. “The active wear is actually big
34 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK
with men as well as women. The focus lately is on being fit and
being active.”
As most women know, there is more to being fashionably
ready than just a new wardrobe. There’s hair, makeup, nails, skin.
The list could go on.
Norwalk has you covered. With more than 10 beauty salons
in the city boundaries, there are plenty of options.
Shelly Parish works at two of these locations as an
instructor at the Elite School of Cosmetology and as a managing
cosmetologist at Solutions Salon and Spa.
When it comes to cuts, again bringing back some old basics
are in.
“We’re seeing the classic bob and the swing bob are coming
back this spring,” Parish said. “They’re already starting to become
popular. We also have the opposite becoming popular. Long
waves are the newest for 2015. And perms are back.”
But there is nothing wrong with adding to history making
trends, like 2015 is doing with the popular hair coloring pattern.
“As far as coloring goes, peek-a-boo highlights are very big,”
Parish said. “These are highlights that slightly peek through the
hair. We are seeing this done with more flavorful colors now too;
brighter, more vibrant colors. Greens and blues are going to be
popular.”
What accessories are essential this Spring?
“Hair accessories are the greatest this season,” Scimone said.
“We’re seeing a lot of match ups with cute headbands going with
beautiful flowy dresses and lace.”
And nail color? Not many surprises here. The focus is on
healthier better-for-you options that keep style and beauty in the
forefront.
“With nails, your gel polishes [in natural colors] are
becoming more popular over acrylic,” Parish explained. “Gel
polish doesn’t chip, it enhances your nails and actually keeps them
Life is short.
healthier. On the other hand, with the acrylic polish it can ruin your nail bed.”
Probably one of the most sought-after features in fashion is the makeup. So far
it’s looking like Spring will mimic Fall’s natural base with hints and pops of color.
“We’re also seeing thicker brows becoming big with more color,” Parish said.
“They’re going natural on the base with the lips and blush, etc, but heavier and more
colorful with the eyebrows and lashes. Putting color on the lashes is big.”
Skin care continues to be important this year.
“We see trends turning away from harmful tanning,” Parish said. Spray tanning
has become bigger in the last year. Anti-aging is also important… specifically
microdermabrasion for aging skin care.”
No matter what your needs this Spring, Norwalk has options and the solutions to
helping you revive your look for the new season.
Live it well.
Stein Hospice offers services
that can help.
· Guided Imagery
· Reiki
· Labyrinth Walks
For more information, please
contact us at 800-625-5269
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A
Allergy is defined as reaction of the immune system to
foreign bodies or unfamiliar objects entering the body, such
as pollen, animal dander, and bee sting toxin.
Seasonal allergy
is an allergic reaction to a trigger that is typically present only
during a certain time of the year, such as spring or fall. This
type of allergy is usually due to pollen coming from trees, weeds
and grass.
Perennial allergies, on the other hand, are usually
present year-round, and include allergens such as pet dander and
house dust mite. Molds can be a seasonal or perennial allergy
trigger.
We will talk here about seasonal allergies, specifically
spring allergies. SYMPTOMS OF SPRING ALLERGIES include sneezing, runny
nose, nasal congestion, itching of the nose, post-nasal drip, and
sinus congestion. The eyes can be affected as well, especially in
children. Symptoms of eye involvement include tearing, itching,
and conjunctivitis (inflammation of white part of the eye).
• Sore throat, yellowish nasal secretions, history of sick contact
and duration of symptoms lasting a few days up to one week
suggest common cold.
• On the other hand, clear nasal secretions, no history of sick
contacts, no significant sore throat, and similar symptoms
around the same time of the year which can last the entire
season suggest seasonal allergies.
WHAT ARE SOME ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS OF SEASONAL
ALLERGIES?
Pollens are tiny, egg-shaped powdery grains released
from flowering plants and carried by the wind or insects. When
pollen is present in the air, it can land in a person’s eyes, nose,
lungs and skin to set up an allergic reaction. Symptoms may
include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis (eye
allergy) and allergic asthma.
Pollens that are spread by the wind
are usually the main cause of seasonal allergies.
Pollen can travel
long distances and the levels in the air can vary from day to
day. The pollen level can be quite different in various areas of a
particular region. Levels of pollen tend to be highest from early
By Dr. Mohamed Ali Swedeh
to mid-morning. Avoidance of pollen is the best way to avoid
spring allergies, but it is not easy.
Spring allergies can also be a result of pollen from trees,
which can start pollinating from January to April, depending on
the climate and location.
In Huron County, pollen from multiple
trees can cause spring allergies, including:
Bitter-Nut Hickory; Black Ash, Black Oak, Black Walnut,
Black Willow, Blue Ash, Box Elder, Ash-Leaf Maple, Burr Oak,
Eastern Poison-Ivy, Eastern Red-Cedar, European Privet, Green
Ash, Northern Red Oak, Northern White Oak, Peach-Leaf
Willow, Pignut Hickory, Pin Oak, Pumpkin Ash, Pussy Willow,
Red Mulberry, Shag-Bark Hickory, Shell-Bark Hickory, Shingle
Oak, Silky Willow, Swamp White Oak, White Ash, White
Mulberry, and White Walnut.
In certain areas of the world, some weeds will also pollinate
in the springtime, causing allergies.
In Huron County, common
weeds that can cause allergies include: Annual Ragweed, Black
Mustard, Great Ragweed, Halberd-Leaf Orache, Perennial
Ragweed, and Smooth Amaranth.
Grass pollen is typically the main cause of late spring and
early summer allergies. Grass pollen is highest at these times,
although grass may cause allergies throughout the year with
mowing the lawn or lying in the grass. Contact with grass can
result in itching and hives in people who are allergic to grass
pollen.
Grasses known to cause allergies in Huron County
include Bermuda Grass, Common Timothy, Nodding Fescue
and Orchard Grass.
TREATING SEASONAL ALLERGIES An allergist can help determine if you have seasonal allergies, and
the types of pollen to which you are allergic. This is accomplished
through allergy testing, which typically involves skin testing or a
blood test (RAST). Allergy testing can be helpful in identifying
what you are allergic to and in predicting the times of the year
that you are likely to experience allergy symptoms.
Continued on page 38>>
DISCOVER NORWALK ////////// 37
Avoiding the trigger is the best treatment. But unlike avoidance
of pet dander and dust mites, it is more difficult to avoid exposure to
pollen, since it is present in the outdoor air.
Here are some tips to
minimize pollen exposure:
• Keep windows closed to prevent pollen from drifting into your
home.
• Minimize early morning activity when pollen is usually
emitted—between 5-10 a.m.
• Keep your car windows closed when traveling.
• Stay indoors when the pollen count is reported to be high, and
on windy days when pollen may be present in higher amounts in
the air.
• Take a vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more
pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea (this is the best part of
the whole thing, isn’t it ?!)
• Avoid mowing the lawn and freshly cut grass.
• Machine-dry bedding and clothing (pollen may collect in
laundry if it is hung outside to dry).
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS include allergy shots, anti-histamines
(oral or nasal spray), and nasal corticosteroids spray. Sterile saline
nasal spray helps alleviate nasal congestion. Nasal sprays that
contain Afrin, Ephedrine, or Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are not
recommended, especially in patients with heart disease and/or
Hypertension.
References:
*American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and
Immunology. pollenlibrary.com
Mohamed Ali Swedeh, M.D., is board
certified in pulmonary disease, internal
medicine and critical care medicine. He
is a member of the Fisher-Titus Medical
Center medical staff and practices with
Fisher-Titus Medical Care Pulmonary
Medicine, at 24 Executive Drive,
Norwalk. His office can be reached at
(419) 663-8808.
38 ////////// DISCOVER NORWALK