Category Archives: Community

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!

 

 

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.

Lessons from our grandparents

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Spending time with family over the holidays encouraged a lot of us to reminisce about the good old days. While some things may not have been better and going back in time isn’t possible, there are a number of things we all can learn from past generations. If you have grandparents who were a product of the Great Depression, you probably know they did things differently than younger generations.  Some of their skills and money management ideas are trendy today!

It’s the small things – Even a small thing can be a luxury and your grandparents will probably tell you there’s nothing better than an ice cream cone on a hot August day. Take time to enjoy the smell of cut grass, the sound of a baby’s laughter or the taste of a warm cookie fresh from the oven.

Keep your wants under control – Nothing kills a budget like a never ending list of wants. Worst of all, wants erode your satisfaction with what you already have.

Face to face is better than Facebook – They “went visiting.” They chatted with neighbors on the porch, they invited the pastor over for Sunday dinner and they didn’t stare at a tiny device in their hand every waking moment. They were good neighbors, recognizing that time and money are precious resources that could be used to help others in their community.

Save for a rainy day – Anyone who was a product of the Depression will tell you that you never know when a crisis will arise or how much money you’ll need to survive. That’s why a lot of these people were millionaires next door, secretly stashing away as much as possible but maintaining a simple way of life.

Two men and carpentry.jpgGrow your own food – A lot of our grandparents had gardens. Even in cities, folks with yards often grew backyard gardens and anyone with a windowsill could grow a pot of tomatoes. Gardening is back in vogue as it is cost effective, healthy and a good form of exercise. You’re guaranteed to know where your food came from when you pluck it from your own garden.

Embrace practical skills – Did your grandma sew or quilt? Maybe she canned green beans from her garden and baked a great apple pie. Generations before us knew how to do things for themselves. Your grandpa could probably change a tire and the oil in his own car. They likely knew how to repair things that were broken and entertain themselves without a smart phone or tv. They were Renaissance men and women who had to know a little about a lot of things to thrive in life.

Keep a family album – When was the last time you printed a picture and put it in an album? Your pictures are probably stored on a phone or computer. However, it’s not so fun to gather the family around to scroll through pictures on your phone. Periodically print a few of those favorites and put them in a family album, something that can be passed around, flipped through and enjoyed.

Conserve – Your time, money and possessions are precious resources. It especially seems like there’s never enough time and money to go around so don’t squander them on things that aren’t important to you. There weren’t green recycling labels on everything back then because people typically needed to find multiple uses for every object.

Get creative – Depression era folks had to use what they had to decorate their home, clothe themselves and feed their families. Instead of running to the store every time you think you need something, try shopping your home or substituting another ingredient in your recipe. You may be surprised at the creative solutions you find!

Tell us: What are your memories of your parents or grandparents? What did they do that we could learn from today?

 

 

Resolving To (Someday) Overcome Procrastination

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Just eight percent of people who make a New Year’s resolution will stick with it this year. That’s why we’re talking resolutions all week long here at VCNB. We’re looking at common resolutions and some things you can do to power through and achieve your goals. We have covered budgets, health goals, savings and organization so far. Ironically, we put off writing about procrastination until the very end.

A wise man once said the “deadline is the ultimate inspiration.” While everyone doesn’t procrastinate, most people have a natural tendency to sometimes put off things they don’t want to do. Some of us though are paralyzed by distractions, bad habits and an inability to make decisions. While it can be hard, it is possible to overcome the habit of procrastination and get things done. You just have to want to possibly . . . maybe . . . commit. . . and start working on it . . . someday.

Put it in writing – It can be harder to ignore a task if it’s in writing. If it’s something simple, write it on a to-do list or even just on a post-it note. For some list makers, the simple act of crossing a task off the list is enough motivation to get to work. Bigger projects can be intimidating and have more steps so take a few minutes to brainstorm everything that needs done and write a plan. A detailed plan will help you get started and provide focus where there may otherwise be uncertainty.

Eliminate distractions – Sometimes procrastination is born from good old fashioned distractions. Who can judge when there are so many great distractions in 2016? There’s Facebook quizzes, Netflix binging, Youtube cat videos and other things that seem much more interesting! If you need to settle down and get a job done, turn off those distractions. Don’t worry. They’ll still be there for you later!

Find a change of scenery – It sounds silly but sometimes the best weapon against procrastination is simply moving to a different location. Take a walk or, if it’s portable, take your work to another room. Try it! This really works!

Deal with the worst – Usually the things we delay the longest are the ones we most hate to do. Instead of delaying the inevitable, try getting it done first! If you first finish the worst task, you won’t have so much to dread later that day! Another approach is to tell yourself you only have to do that worst job for fifteen minutes. You can do anything for fifteen minutes! Set a timer and get to work. Odds are you’ll keep going long after the timer has expired.

Bribery – When all else fails, bribe yourself with a treat! Most people respond well to a rewards system!

The truth is, when dealing with procrastination, the best defense is awareness and vigilance when making decisions. Remember, one failure doesn’t constitute a complete loss. Try again tomorrow. . . or maybe the day after that. Do you have a hack for getting things done? Share it in the comments section!

 

Keeping Your Resolution To Get Organized

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Did you know that twenty-five percent of resolution makers abandon their goals within a week? With that in mind, we’re spending this week talking about New Year’s resolutions and ways to help you accomplish your goals. We’ve covered budgeting, saving money and health goals so far. Today we’re talking about organization.

A lot of resolutions have to do with organization. From getting to work on time to redoing a closet, organization skills relate to almost all aspects in life. Maybe you need to organize a desk so you can actually use it to pay bills and do work. Perhaps the organization you need isn’t for a physical space but for your time instead.

Regardless of what you’re organizing, there are some things to keep in mind and to keep you on track.

People sometimes mistake organization with perfection. They think it’s an all-or-nothing deal where everything is tucked away in a neatly labeled box. They equate an organized home with an empty home. However, organizer Christina Scalise explained it best when she said “Organization isn’t about perfection. It’s about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time and money and improving your overall quality of life.”

Another common mistake is believing that everything can be fixed in a day. Instead of trying to organize your entire home in a day, try spacing it out over a period of weeks or months. Identify the hot spots that you want to hit first and then write out a schedule for going through each one. Plan to do one big thing a week or something small every night by scheduling time to work on it.

This month, you may start with the paper clutter, cleaning out the old and developing a system for filing the new. Next month you could work on clothes closets and dresser drawers while March is the month you finally attack your messy laundry room. Clutter and disorganization doesn’t happen in a day so it’s unrealistic to think it can be fixed in a day or two.

When it comes to organizing it’s important to visualize whatever you are trying to accomplish. If you wish to cook in a kitchen where everything is easily accessible, start by looking at the space and how you’re using it. Can you use the space more wisely? Do you really need everything you are storing? If you don’t bake, chances are you don’t need to keep a dozen cookie sheets. Sometimes we aren’t disorganized, we just are trying to store things we don’t need.

People often believe that the first step to organization is to run out and buy a bunch of containers but the best first step is actually to choose one small piece of the puzzle. Start with that cabinet crammed full of coffee mugs. You probably have a few favorites that you use every day but do you need three dozen mugs? Maybe they make you happy and they need to stay but chances are you could purge a few, or maybe even a lot.

Start by pulling out the things you never use, don’t like, or are broken and begin filling boxes for thrift store donations or for friends you think might appreciate your extras. Once you have purged the unneeded and unwanted, then you can take stock of what you own and begin thinking about how it will fit in your space. Your coffee mugs may fit on a smaller shelf now and would be better across the room, next to the coffee maker. That enormous roaster you only use on Thanksgiving could be stored in the back of the pantry or even in another room. If you like to bake, organize your mixing bowls, measuring cups and other baking supplies in one area to create a baking station.

In other words, think about how you use your possessions and store them accordingly.

This example is about a kitchen but the philosophy behind it can be applied to anything. Just remember not to feel overwhelmed. Start with one drawer, one shelf, one corner of a room and work out from there.

If you’re trying to organize your time, think about the root of your problems. A good calendar can fix a lot of problems. Planning for tomorrow can cure most others. Create a landing zone where you keep your keys, coat, handbag and anything that needs to leave with you such as library books or mail.

Try laying out your clothes and packing lunches the night before. Gather ingredients for tomorrow’s dinner and review your schedule to know who goes where and when. Just knowing what lies ahead and having the supplies you need will do wonders to improve your life and time management!

Remember, organization is not an event and it isn’t a destination: it’s a lifestyle. Work at it gradually and you will achieve your goals!

Small Business Spotlight: Pumpkin Ridge Quilt Shop

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

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The folks at Pumpkin Ridge Quilt Shop call their store the “Cutest Little Quilt Shop In Southeast Ohio” but the store is anything but little. In fact, it is jam packed with fabric, notions, books, patterns and sewing machines that makes this place nothing less than a quilter’s paradise.

The shop offers a larger fabric selection than any craft or sewing store around, according to owners Terry and Debbie Stevens. “We have between 3,500 and 4,000 bolts of fabric. But who’s counting?” Terry joked.

Walls paneled in Vinton County native timbers including White Pine, Black Walnut, Honey Locust, Sassafras and Poplar give the shop a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that makes customers want to stay. Or perhaps it’s the rooms filled with an astounding variety of fabric that includes everything from Civil War reproductions to Oriental designs that make folks want to stay.

Polka dots, stripes, solids and florals abound. There are handmade fabrics called Batiks. There’s a section of thirties fabrics – reproduction fabrics that were historically used in flour and feed sacks and transformed by housewives into clothing, quilts and other items needed in the home. There’s even fabric featuring race horses, Charlie Brown and the gang and, of course, festive holiday designs.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERABut this store doesn’t just sell fabric and notions. The list of services they offer is long. They sharpen scissors, sell Elna sewing and embroidery machines and are a certified Judy Niemeyer store. They provide instruction for machines sold and Terry will even set up a machine in the buyer’s home. They are the only Tinlizzie dealer in four states.

Then there are the classes. “We have a classroom and can provide instruction on pretty much anything you want to learn. Paper piecing, table runners, it doesn’t matter,” Terry explained.

During our visit, some friends were gathered to work on projects, talking and helping each other in the classroom. “You’re welcome to come and sit. We can answer questions if you’re having trouble. If you don’t know how to put a border on, we’ll help you out. Bring a friend. Sit and sew,” he invited.

For customers who don’t sew but wish to have a quilt made, Pumpkin Ridge can make that happen too. Also, they can help customers finish a project by adding the batting and backing for the customer.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATerry also services and repairs machines both big and small, old and new. Right now his work bench is home to an antique Singer machine that’s in for repair. “Honestly, the old machines sew better than the new ones,” Terry explained as he admired the perfect stitching produce by the antique that was once sold by Sears, Roebuck and Company.

Terry said that he tries to be fair to his customers and that he is the cheapest around for repair. “We get people in from all over Ohio, from West Virginia, Pittsburg, Michigan…we had a guy in here from Indianapolis. They come from all over,” he explained.

When asked why he decided to take up this business in his retirement Terry replied that the answer is simple. “I got into it at the house, repairing and servicing machines because no one else around does it.”

The opportunity to purchase the building that now houses the shop presented itself and he decided to move his business. “Debbie quilts and she said she was going to put a quilt shop in. So here we are. It’s fun. I get out of the house and get to meet a lot of good people. It’s been good,” he said.

Be sure to stop by before the end of the year to take advantage of their current sale – half off Christmas fabrics.

Pumpkin Ridge Quilt Shop is tucked away in the rolling hills of Vinton County, just six miles from McArthur and close to the Vinton County Airport. Follow them on Facebook or call 740.596.2345 for information. They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Their address is 26940 Pumpkin Ridge Rd, New Plymouth, Ohio 45654.

 

 

 

 

 

A Season Of Giving All Year Round

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Lots of folks think of December as a season of giving but here at VCNB we try to maintain a spirit of giving all year long. We think it’s important to give back to the communities where we do business.

While there are a few causes near and to the heart of who we are as a bank, we enjoy supporting all sorts of community and school causes. From park renovations to school programs and from Christmas presents for kids to food pantries, downtown revitalization projects, arts festivals, fire department gear and everything in between, it seems like there is no shortage of efforts that need community support.

We also spend a lot of resources on financial literacy, especially for kids and teens in school. We talk to high school kids about credit and about the basics of managing their finances once they graduate high school. We also work with elementary students through programs like Get Smart About Credit, Bremen Bank Days and Teach Children To Save. Another major project for us, an EverFi program called Financial U, uses video, 3-D gaming, avatars and social networking to bring financial concepts to life for this digital generation. Offered at ten schools in VCNB communities, EverFi helps school districts meet state financial literacy standards.

Our employees often get in on the act too, donating their time and resources to support countless organizations that are important to them. Many of our employees volunteer for animal shelters, nursing homes, food pantries, the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. Hundreds of hours are given by our employees to support efforts they care about.

This month in Ross County, employees of our Ross County Banking Center have been involved in a contest to raise funds for the Salvation Army. Several of our offices have collected funds for organizations like food pantries and Project Backpack.

Autumn Warthman, Branch Manager at the Hocking Hills Banking Center, knows a thing or two about giving back to the community. Warthman’s office has helped with some major projects in the Logan area including the rehabilitation of Kachelmacher Park. Her office donated funds and her employees gave sweat equity to help with the project.

Warthman says that she sees giving back to the community as an important part of doing business. “I think it’s important to give back to help in whatever ways we can, especially for youth education like EverFi. We want people to know that we don’t just do business here. We support the community and we’re here for them in other ways besides banking,” Warthman explained.

We are grateful for the opportunity to do business in so many great communities and look forward to 2016 and the opportunities to do more good!

Special Santa: Making Christmas Merry For Chillicothe Kids

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A record number of children in the Chillicothe area will enjoy a merry Christmas this year thanks to the generosity and hard work of the Chillicothe Jaycees and a small army of local businesses and community members. The Jaycees’ Special Santa Project will provide gifts for over 1,200 kids this year, ensuring that these kids have a reason to smile on Christmas morning.

Our Ross County Banking Center has actively supported Special Santa for several years and is proud to do so again in 2015.

Ryan Adams is the Branch Manager at our Ross County Banking Center on Western Avenue and serves as External Vice President for the Chillicothe Jaycees. “This is our biggest year ever,” Adams explained. “There are well over 1,200 kids in the program so far. We always expect an increase from year to year but the growth has been much more than expected this year.”

Devoted to community development and improvement, the Jaycees is a civic organization for men and women ages 21-41. The group is one of the area’s oldest civic organizations, serving the Chillicothe/Ross County community since 1932.

Jaycees members are given the opportunity to develop professional skills through community service while bettering the community through events and projects. Adams said the Jaycees raise thousands of dollars every year to fund a number of projects. In addition to Special Santa, they sponsor events including an enormous Easter Egg Hunt and Movies in the Park. They also partner with the Lion’s Club to host an annual Halloween Parade.

The Jaycees own and operate the Jaycees Public Golf Course on Pleasant Valley Road where they hold events like golf tournaments and even Junior Golf Clinics that are free to local kids.

“We do a lot of neat things. Much of what we do is based in partnerships with groups like the Lions and with local businesses,” Adams said.

Special Santa though is their most popular and most needed event. Adams explained that there is an application process where parents of children newborn to 12 years of age can submit their child’s wish list. Paper ornaments, donated by Printex, are displayed in local businesses and include the child’s first name, age, sex and six items they want for Christmas. While the Jaycees do much of the buying, people who want to help can claim a tag, shop for the requested gifts and return them to the Jaycees.

The Chillicothe-Ross Public Library assists with the application process and permits the Jaycees to use the old Central School, behind the library for this popular holiday operation.

“Special Santa was established in 2000 to help buy toys for kids. I don’t like to say needy kids because anyone can fall on hard times. The loss of a job, illness, there are a lot of reasons why someone may not be able to afford gifts for their kids this year,” Adams lamented.

He called the need in the community “overwhelming” as he described the number of applications and the types of gifts some kids request. “It’s kind of overwhelming when you think about it. I don’t think people really understand the severity of need in this community. And then to have a child request a warm coat, hat, mittens, shoes, underwear instead of a toy – it’s overwhelming.”

Adams credits the community for embracing Special Santa and all the fundraising that goes on to make it happen. “It is amazing to have this kind of community support. This is possible because we have a community of people and businesses that buy into the program and that want to contribute, want to jump on board and make it work,” Adams said.

There is still time become involved if you want to help. To learn more, email specialsanta@chillicothejaycees.org or call 567-703-6305. The Chillicothe Jaycees is also always looking for new members. Learn more about the organization and how you can become involved at their website.

Find Us At Saturday Events!

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christmas nutcracker free imagesWe will be busy bees this Saturday with all the holiday events happening in our communities. We do love Christmas and we thoroughly enjoy taking part in the traditions of our towns so be sure to stop by and say hi if you have a chance Saturday. Here’s where we’ll be:

Logan Santa Parade
2 p.m.
This is a fantastic parade and one of our favorites! The parade winds through the streets of downtown, starting at the Hocking County Fairgrounds and ending at the Tractor Supply parking lot. The parade features many units including bands, businesses, local non-profits and regional event royalty. Best of all, it also marks the real beginning of the holidays in Logan with the arrival of Santa Claus! Parents are invited to bring their children to enjoy activities provided by the Logan Town Center before the parade, meet Santa and enjoy the lighting of the downtown lights. The staff of our Hocking Hills Banking Center will be passing out candy so be sure to wave!

 
Pataskala Cookie Walk
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Who doesn’t like cookies? With the donation of either one dollar or one canned food item, participants will receive a bag and a map for an approximate one mile walk around downtown Pataskala, collecting a cookie from each of the nearly three dozen stops on the route. Along the route there are children’s activities, food, and live music and entertainment. The Friendly Bremen Banking Center is a proud supporter of this year’s event and we’ll be participating with our own cookies so be sure to come see us. Learn more at the Main Street Christmas – Pataskala Facebook page!

 

Christmas in Downtown McArthur
3-6 p.m.
Enjoy a good old fashioned holiday celebration in downtown McArthur. This free event, hosted by the Vinton County Chamber of Commerce, features free wagon rides, door prizes, kids crafts, music, chinese auction, a parade, Santa and more! There’s even a 5K earlier in the day! Stop by our bank to enter our drawing and for your child to put together our Christmas craft project! Learn more here.

 

 

 

Santa Claus Visits Planned!

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You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout I’m telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

That’s right! Santa Claus is coming to town! More specifically, he’s coming to the Friendly Bremen Banking Centers in Bremen, Lancaster and Pataskala! Santa makes a point to stop by these offices every December to visit with all the good little boys and girls.

Were you naughty or nice this year? If you want to find out which list you made, stop by and say hello. And remember, you’re never too old to sit on Santa’s lap, have a nice chat or just take a selfie! Stop by and see Santa with or without the kiddos!

Santa Visit Art