Yearly Archives: 2016

Small Business Spotlight: Great Escapes Travel

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Being a small business owner is a tough job. That’s why we spotlight a different business each month to help you learn about unique businesses in your own back yard.

In the age of self service and online travel booking sites, many Americans may not think to consult a travel agency for their next vacation. However, there’s one travel agent in Logan who says business is thriving and that her services are as needed today as ever. Great Escapes Travel owner Tracey Adams is a 33-year veteran of the business who says above-and-beyond customer service keeps clients coming back trip after trip.

“Even though people can book online, you would be surprised to know how many people feel more comfortable booking a trip with me,” Adams said. “I can take someone’s vacation savings and turn it into the trip of their dreams. Even if they vacation every year, I want them to come home feeling like it was a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”

ParisFrom Disney trips and Caribbean cruises to international journeys to far flung places, Adams can send a client anywhere in the world they want to go. The real value though is that she provides not just the standard flight, room and car rental, she plans and sees to every step of their journey. “From the minute they leave their home until they return, I take care of everything. Flights, transfers, cancellations, online check-in, hotels, cars, research. You name it and I do it because I want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for my client,” she explained. “It’s a service that my clients have grown to expect. Not every agency will do all that but I think personal service is important.”

The demographic of her client base is broad, including people of all ages and backgrounds. She cites stories of trips she has planned for both young and old, families, couples, friends and singles as well as travelers from all backgrounds. She said that most of her clients are repeat customers, making it easier to recommend destinations and activities because she is familiar with their likes and dislikes.

What are some reasons a traveler might find a travel agent like Adams helpful? The list is long, she says. One important reason relates to experience and knowledge. “Either by research or by first hand experience I am familiar with your destination. I’ve been doing this for 33 years so I can tell you what to see and what to avoid. I know when you’re actually getting a good deal and what you need to do before you leave,” she said. She went on to discuss how so many international travelers aren’t sure about how to get a passport, what inoculations they might need or what to pack. “I do all the research and I take care of you.  I can look after you if a flight is cancelled and be there for you every step of the way.

When considering her favorite destinations, she mentioned Disney because there are so many customizable options and because it is incredibly popular with people of all ages. Her absolute favorite trip though is Alaska. “It’s the most amazing place I’ve ever seen in my life. The people are so nice and the air is clean. The ice, the whales, the eagles are amazing in person,” she gushed.

Another favorite is the Caribbean where she not only sends countless clients every year but where she leads an annual trip. This year’s seven day Carnival Western Caribbean trip will be Oct. 1 through Oct. 8 and bookings are still available. Ports of call for this trip include Costa Maya, Isla Roatan, Belize and Cozumel. “This is a huge group from Logan and the surrounding area and we have a blast,” she said with a laugh. “Cruises are great for families and for people who aren’t sure they really want to travel. Men especially are the hardest to get on a cruise but they’re the first to come back and book another because they have the best time.”

To learn more about Great Escapes Travel and how they can help you plan your next trip, call 740.385.1999 and follow them on Facebook. They are located at 60 N. Mulberry St. in Logan.

See below for a few more pictures from Great Escapes Travel!

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Love Your Pet Day

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It’s Love Your Pet Day and we wanted to show off some pets from the VCNB Family! If you can handle the cuteness, we encourage you to scroll through and admire pictures of pets submitted by our employees. You will note that we have a lot of traditional pets and a few that aren’t so traditional! Enjoy!

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Getting Married? Combining Finances 101

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So you’re getting married. You have the church, a dress and a caterer. You know everything there is to know about your partner and you are in love. But do you know their credit score or how much they owe on student loans? This person you are about to marry may have a squeaky clean financial record or could be hiding a deep dark secret like bankruptcy or a fistful of maxed out credit cards.

Once you are married, your individual finances will also be united. Have you discussed what this really means for your relationship?  Every couple handles money matters differently so you need to consider how you will do it. It’s a good idea to have “The Talk” before you tie the knot but it’s never too late.

Rest assured, this will be the least romantic conversation of your relationship and that’s ok. Throughout your relationship you will find life is better when you have open communication about money. Here are some things to think about to get you started:

Combine or remain separate?
First consider how you will keep your money. The options are to have a joint account, individual accounts or some combination of the two. Most financial experts advise at least having a joint household account.  If you are keeping separate accounts, discuss who will pay each bill or how much you each will contribute to a joint account.

Agree on money tools
Will you use checks or only a debit card? Will you both have access to your online banking? Who will create the budget and be responsible for paying the bills? Discuss your preferences and reach a mutual agreement. Will you keep the credit cards you have or use just one joint card?

Yours, mine and ours 
Dump the “mine and yours” mentality. Ideally, assets (and liabilities) are shared and there is some balance in spending. If one spouse makes a lot and spends lavishly, it will wear on the relationship if the other partner is pinching pennies.

Create goals and a plan
What are your goals? Are you planning to buy a home in five years or have a baby soon? Maybe you want to take a vacation or pay off debt. If nothing else, you need an emergency fund. Put those goals on paper and develop a savings plan.

Be Flexible
Something will go wrong. We promise. There will be emergency purchases and your partner will make a bad decision or two. Agree to work together and make it work. Consult each other before major purchases and communicate as much as possible to avoid meltdowns.

Money is a major cause of arguments in most relationships. We wish you the best as you take this important step together and hope our advice will help you create a good financial foundation for your life together!

 

 

 

Making Change With Change

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Could you spare a quarter today? How about tomorrow? Most of us wouldn’t miss a quarter every day but it could have a life-changing effect for one local non-profit organization. Shepherd’s House is in dire need of a larger, more efficient shelter and is asking people to help them save for a shelter with just 25 cents a day.

Shepherd’s House is a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter and advocacy center in Vinton County. The organization began helping clients in 1999, initially offering advocacy services and growing to include an emergency shelter.

Shepherd's House Quarter Challenge 2016

Shepherd’s House Board Member Tami Case-Collins is pictured with Jane Nickels, Branch Manger of our McArthur Office.

Statistics say that one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. More than three million children will witness domestic violence in their homes this year.  Surprisingly, one in seven men will be a victim of abuse. So while the shelter is available only to women and children, Shepherd’s House provides non-shelter assistance to men as well. Sands said the shock waves caused by this violence will echo far beyond the household of an abuser.

“These victims are our neighbors, our sisters and daughters. They’re our mothers. You wouldn’t believe the amount of elderly who are abused by grown children. Victims are many times the bullies who are hurting your children. They’re kids who often grow up to be abusers and they’re in the pool of people your children will be choosing friends and spouses from. You may not know it but domestic violence affects us all,” she warned.

Shepherd’s House has binders filled with the names of hundreds of known abusers in Vinton County – men, women and juveniles – a testament to the need for a larger shelter and more services in this community.

When a victim comes in, the staff works to assess their needs and offer whatever services are necessary “We give them time to calm down and realize what’s happened so they can make decisions. We guide them through the system and explain the services available to them. We explain legal terms and sit with them in the courtroom. We help them with emergency plans and talk to them about staying safe. We offer peer support in a safe, judgment free zone,” Sands explained. “The judicial system isn’t always fair in the eyes of the victims and we have to make it as least traumatic as possible for the client.”

While cozy and welcoming on the inside, the current shelter is simply too small to meet the demand. With cramped office space and small living quarters for just one family at a time, the organization needs a larger home to grow in.

“Our dream is to never have to turn someone away because of space. Our dream is to have enough employees to not have staff overworked and exhausted. The dream is to someday have transitional housing units for domestic violence victims so that they can have a few months to get on their feet. But right now the need is to just have three or four bedrooms with space for a little office,” Sands concluded.

Sands pointed out that this fundraiser is a great project for families with children. “I know a year is a long time but if people would teach their kids to help others, to every day spend five seconds thinking about someone else, that habit becomes an asset. These children will grow up to be more caring adults and their contribution will mean the world to us,” she said.

She admits that there is still a stigma associated with domestic violence. “People think that it can’t be that bad or she would leave. They think if she really wanted out she would just go. They think it’s not their business. But it isn’t that easy. You have no idea how hard it is, how devastating it is until you’re in that kind of danger. If you’ve never had someone threaten you or your children or even your family pet, you just don’t know how hard it is to escape,” she lamented.

Once victims do escape, they face an uphill battle with the logistics of daily life including employment, child care, acquiring the things they need, often with little or no credit of their own. They typically face the most basic struggle of simply keeping their children safe from their abuser and a roof over their heads, according to Sands. “It’s hard to believe but for some, it seems better to stay than to leave. That’s how little hope they have.”

When we heard about the quarter challenge, many of us here at VCNB felt compelled to help. That’s why we have placed large jars in the lunchrooms of our two McArthur offices, inviting employees to drop in a quarter a day or whatever they can spare. To kick off the campaign, the bank donated $365, the equivalent of four people doing the quarter challenge.

Sands said that they have already received donations from a few individuals who are skipping the quarter challenge and giving the equivalent now. Either way is fine with Sands and the organization’s Board of Directors. Checks for Shepherd’s House can be sent to P.O. Box 550, McArthur, Ohio 45651.

Follow Shepherd’s House on Facebook  or join in the Quarter Challenge.

 

Dream Field Gets Big Boost From Franklin County Banking Center

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From left are Grove City Branch Service Manager Shayne Applegarth, Head of Retail – EVP Denise Fauber, Branch Manager Sue Ross, Commercial Lender – VP Jeff Guminey, President Ron Collins, Grove City Little League Board Treasurer Jack Widner, GCLL VP Jimmie Harris, Buddy Ball Board Treasurer Lynn Stitzlein and Buddy Ball Board President Michael DiBlasi.

Since its inception in 1867, The Vinton County National Bank has stood tall as a community-centered organization, serving local communities by providing personalized loan and deposit services to individuals and local businesses. Now with 17 locations in seven Central and Southern Ohio counties, community service and financial donations in the areas where we live and work continue to be an important part of our bank culture.

In 2015, after adding the Franklin County Banking Center in Grove City to our financial family, an opportunity was presented to us to contribute to a project near and dear to the heart of many Grove City residents.  The Grove City Little League’s Project Dream Field, as it was being called, had been underway for a several years and was beginning to enter the home stretch.

The project’s goal?  The development of an accessible field to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play baseball, regardless of their abilities.  After researching the Little League’s efforts and their proposed plan, VCNB was proud to present the Little League with a $3,000 donation toward the Dream Field earlier this month.  Grove City Little League Executive Board Member Jack Widner recently agreed to talk to us in depth about the project and shared some exciting news about the grand opening.

Tell me about the objective of the Dream Field project. 
In 2012, the Mayor of Grove City came to a group of Grove City citizens and asked them to resurrect the Grove City Little League.  The group of men, some of who played in the previously-disbanded league’s first games in the 1950’s, were happy to get involved in bringing Little League back to Grove City.  After they were able get to the league back up and running in 2013, the GCLL Board of Directors heard about a previous effort to bring a miracle field to Grove City.  That plan never came to fruition, so they decided they would like to try and make it happen.  The Board met with the City of Grove City, who pledged to help fund the project if the GCLL Board could raise $252,000.

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Little League Board Treasurer Jack Widner updates Grove City Branch Manager Sue Ross on the fundraising process.

How many children do you think this will benefit in the Grove City area?  Is your aim beyond this area?
A new baseball group has formed out of the creation of the Dream Field: “Buddy Ball at Grove City Dream Field.”  The Buddy Ball baseball group will be in charge of putting together a league for children to be able to play baseball at the field.  They initially thought they would have six to seven teams of children with different needs.  However, since word has gotten out about the new field, we have received requests from teams as far away as Jackson, Ohio and London, Ohio to host games at the Dream Field.  It’s hard to tell exactly how many children will be served by the field – but we expect to draw children from a big chunk of Central Ohio and Southern Ohio.

I know a similar program in Dublin has been helpful in this project.  Did you model this off of another project specifically or was it a combination of various influences?
It was a combination of things that led us to develop this project.  We did talk to the organizers of the Dublin field, who were very helpful, and found out that they are serving over 47 zip codes and are having difficulty keeping up with the demand for the field.  There are 219 of these fields in the United States, and we thought the success of that particular field showed us there is certainly a demand for this here.

Tell us why you’re so passionate about the project and who is working on it with you.
When the Board of Directors had fulfilled its mission of bringing back Little League to Grove City, we were looking for a way that we could continue to give back to our community.  Once we saw the need, and the response the community had to our efforts, we knew we had to see this through.  Each of the Board members is looking forward to driving by that field and seeing children of all abilities able to enjoy the game of baseball.

It seems the community has really been on board with this – how much of your goal have you been able to raise and how were you able to do so?
Once word got out about the Board’s efforts to bring this project to fruition, the community was very supportive.  We had Girl Scouts, Cheerleaders and various service groups help raise money for the field.  The Grove City Community Club has been extremely generous to the Dream Field. Three gentlemen generously included Dream Field contributions in their obituaries:  Coach Ernie Plank, Dick Robinson, and Jim O’Connor.  One very successful fundraiser was hosted by Planks in Downtown Grove City which brought in around $5,800.  Most of the community’s fundraising efforts came in smaller amounts – but every penny counted in helping us reach and then surpass our goal.  Mount Carmel, the Mirolo Foundation, and the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class were very supportive.  Because of support from the community, we have raised over $550,000, all private funds!

I understand the Grove City Dream Field Specialty License Plate was created via Senate Bill 159, introduced by State Senator John Hughes and Representative Cheryl Grossman.  The next step is its discussion in the Ohio House of Representatives.  If all goes according to plan, proceeds from this specialty plate will help with the Dream Field upkeep.  What can you tell me?
Yes, that bill is still in the process of being approved.  Once it is, the license plate will cost $25.  $15 dollars will go back to support Buddy Ball and help offset their costs.  We need a minimum of 500 license plates sold each year to keep the program available.

So this whole concept really got going in 2013, correct?
Yes.  After the Board got Little League up and running in 2012, they moved on to bringing a Dream Field to Grove City.

…And you were able to break ground in June of 2015.  That’s a pretty quick turnaround from concept to construction.  How far along are you in construction and when is your expected completion date?
The field is complete and will be ready for play on opening day May 7.  Many items are still being added to the facility, however, such as water misters that were donated by Elks Lodge 37 and a scoreboard that was purchased by the Grove City Community Club.  The parking lot is being completed and the accompanying building with restrooms, changing tables, concessions, storage will be wonderful.  A new shelter house is planned to be built this Summer.

I heard there are plans for a universal playground next to the facility; is this accurate?  Was this always a part of the plan?
Because of the additional money that was raised, we were able to incorporate this into the project.  We expect to break ground on the universal playground this spring, with completion in early fall.

I’ve been keeping up with the Grove City Little League’s updates on the Dream Field’s progress.  Tell our readers where they can keep up with the latest information and how to make a donation if they’d like.
The best place is www.gclittleleague.com or on Facebook on our Grove City Little League page (facebook.com/GroveCityLittleLeague).

Do you have any marketing materials or videos you could share with us for our blog?
There is a great video on our Facebook page and the City of Grove City has been tracking progress of the project.  Karen Fahy in the community affairs division has been taking pictures all along the way of the building of the field along with a lot of the fundraisers we have had.

Well Jack, we certainly appreciate you taking the time to discuss the Dream Field and we look forward to the grand opening on May 7!
Thank you so much!

 

 

Teaching Kids Lifelong Money Lessons

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College Savings Pennies.jpg

We visit local elementary schools every spring for a project called “Teach Children To Save.” This is one of our favorite annual events because it gives us a chance to talk with youngsters and to help mold responsible financial citizens of the future.

It’s funny because these third graders have a pretty firm grasp on the difference between a need and a want as well as the importance of saving money. Inevitably several kids will raise their hands to tell us they are saving money for a car or college. Once we had a little boy tell us he’s saving for a wife “because they’re expensive.” We giggled but love the spirit behind his hard work.

On the other hand, we also talk with high school students and are surprised to learn how few are saving for anything. It’s a tough age, one where the expensive shoes are a necessity rather than a want and where there’s never enough money for all the socializing, gadgetry and new clothes they desire.  It’s hard to talk to older kids about saving money but it’s still something that parents need to do.

The best approach is to start when they’re young and to continue the dialogue as they grow. Even little kids have opportunity to earn money with chores or an allowance. Lots of times there are monetary gifts for holidays too. Begin by teaching them they can have fun with their money while saving a little too.

We once met a teen whose parents set her up with a savings system when she was a toddler:

10%        Tithing
10%        Retirement
10%        Car, college, house (in that order)
70%        Anything she wants

She’s an adult now who was able to buy her first car and contribute to her higher education. She continues with this savings system and has a better head start to retirement than a lot of older adults. She said her parents did not shelter her as a child but talked to her about some household expenses and why they save money.

One financial expert that we read suggested enlisting help from the grandparents. Instead of shopping for things, the grandparents send the kids each a check on their birthday. It’s for $100 plus their age. Everyone understands that it’s for saving, not spending and it has become a fun annual tradition that gives a big boost to the child’s savings account.

Another way to make savings fun for kids is to give them a short term goal for something like a coveted toy. Create a savings chart that helps them follow their progress. Achieving short term progress will encourage them to dig into long term goals as well.

Finally, remember they are still kids. Make them work for it to appreciate the value of a dollar through chores or an after school job. Consider incenting your kids by matching their savings. This will give them a boost while instilling an important life lesson.

 

Small Business Spotlight: Harvest Health Walk-In Clinic

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Being a small business owner is a tough job. That’s why we spotlight a different business each month to help you learn about unique businesses in your own back yard.

With all the changes in healthcare in recent years, there is an even greater need for quick, convenient and knowledgeable providers.  At Harvest Health Walk-In Clinic that is exactly what you will find.

Donna M Spencer is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CNP) who owns and operates Harvest Health with the help of her husband who acts as the business manager.  She opened the small family practice six years ago after she had a vision of a facility with a comfortable and open atmosphere.

What makes Harvest Health Walk-In Clinic different from other area providers?  Currently in healthcare, many clinics limit the amount of time providers are allowed to spend with their patients.  Because Donna Spencer owns and operates Harvest Health, she is able to schedule patients in a way that allows her more time to care for them.  “In many cases, I’m able to spend a half hour, even an hour with my patients if needed,” Spencer says.  This shows just how much she cares about her patients.

The clinic provides a variety of services for patients eighteen months and older.  Some of these services are:

  • Treatment of common acute illnesses and conditions including bronchitis, the flu, strep throat, pink eye, minor injuries/sprains
  • Lab tests for strep throat, urine problems, mono and diabetes
  • Screening physicals for sports, work, and college
  • General healthcare services: vaccines, allergy shots, and wart removal
  • Wellness and preventative guidance and services: weight loss, stress management, and smoking cessation

In 2016 Harvest Health is transitioning to an appointments preferred framework to better care for patients but walk-ins will still be welcome.  Give them a call to schedule an appointment or to learn more.

Harvest Health Walk-In Clinic is located at 5 Main Street,  PO Box 329 in Commercial Point. Call 614.877.9175 or visit them during business hours: 

Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tues. & Thurs. 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Easy Comfort Foods For Winter

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Old Man Winter finally made his way to Ohio and we have begun to see some cold and even a little snow. Cold days and long winter nights are a great time to enjoy comfort foods. Sadly, with work, school and extracurricular activities, we don’t always have time to cook a meal. So we have compiled a few easy recipes to enjoy without breaking a sweat.

All of the ingredients can be found at your local grocery or maybe in your own pantry.

Three Step Pot Roast

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  • 4 pounds Chuck Roast
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 packet Dry Onion Soup Mix
  • 1 cup Water
  • 3 Carrots, chopped
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 3 Potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 stalk Celery, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the roast with salt and pepper to taste. Brown on all sides in a large skillet over high heat, about four minutes per side.
  2. Place the roast in the slow cooker and add the soup mix, water, carrots, onion, potatoes, and celery.
  3. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.

 

 

The Pioneer Woman’s Perfect Potato Soup

ReesPotatoSoup

  • 6 slices thin Bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 whole medium Onion, diced
  • 3 whole Carrots, scrubbed clean and diced
  • 3 stalks Celery, diced
  • 6 whole small Russet Potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 8 cups Low Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 3 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt, more to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cajun Spice Mix
  • 1 teaspoon Minced Fresh Parsley
  • 1 cup Grated Cheese of your choice

Instructions

Add bacon pieces to a soup pot over medium heat and cook bacon until crisp and fat is rendered. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Pour off most of the grease, but do not clean the pot.
Return the pot to medium-high heat and add the onions, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 2 minutes or so, then add the diced potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Cajun spice.

Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are starting to get tender. Whisk together the flour and the milk, then pour into the soup and allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes.

Remove half to 2/3 of the soup and blend in batches in a blender or food processer until completely smooth. (***USE CAUTION WHEN BLENDING HOT SOUP; IF POSSIBLE, ALLOW THE SOUP TO COOL BEFORE BLENDING***) Pour it back into the soup pot and stir to combine. Let it heat up as you taste for seasonings, adding more of what it needs. Stir in cream, then stir in parsley, reserving a little for garnish.

Serve in bowls garnished with parsley, grated cheese and crisp bacon pieces.

 

 

homemade rollsHomemade Pan Rolls

  • 2 1/2  to 3 cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Shortening
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 package Regular or Quick Active Dry Yeast
  • 1/2 cup very warm Water (120°F to 130°F)
  • 1/2 cup very warm Milk (120°F to 130°F)
  • 1 Egg
  • Butter or Margarine, melted

Instructions

  • Mix 2 cups of flour, the sugar, shortening, salt and yeast in medium bowl. Add warm water, warm milk and egg. Beat with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently. Beat on medium speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently. Stir in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle.
  • Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl and turn greased side up. Cover and let rise in warm place about 1 hour or until double. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.
  • Grease bottoms and sides of two nine-inch round pans
  • Punch down dough. Cut dough in half; cut each half into 24 pieces. Shape into balls. Place close together in pans. Brush with butter. Cover and let rise in warm place about 30 minutes or until double.
  • Heat oven to 400°F.
  • Bake 12 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.

Help dinner prep go smoothly by making these rolls the night before. Just reheat and enjoy!

 

 

Hershey’s Homemade Pudding

Hershey pudding

  • 2/3 cup Sugar
  • 1/4 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
  • 3 tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2-1/4 cups Milk
  • 2 tablespoons Butter or Margarine
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • Whipped topping (optional)

Stove Top Instructions

Stir together sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt in medium saucepan; gradually stir in milk.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Pour into individual dessert dishes. To avoid a skin from forming on top, press plastic wrap directly onto surface; serve warm or refrigerate at least 2 hours. Garnish with whipped topping, if desired.

 

Microwave Instructions

Stir together sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt in large microwave-safe bowl; gradually stir in milk.

Microwave at HIGH (100%) 7 to 10 minutes or until mixture comes to full boil, stirring every two minutes. Stir in butter and vanilla. Pour into dishes and serve as directed above.