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3 Adrienne Catie South McGee Sterrett Catie is a designer of Adrienne is editor of Salt magazine. She Salt magazine and life- spends her free time style/special sections painting, playing editor for The Lima video games, and South News. She believes being with family everyone has a life story worth sharing. and friends. July/August 2020 Reach her at 567-242-0510 or amcgeester- Publisher [email protected]. McKenzie Lane Moon Caldwell [email protected] McKenzie is a reporter Kay Frances for the Times-Gazette. Editor Kay is a motivational In her spare time, Adrienne McGee Sterrett humorist and author she likes to research [email protected] from Wilmington, giv- American folklore Layout Design ing humorous keynote and stargaze with her cat, Baby. Catie South presentations and [email protected] stress management workshops all over the United States. She Tom Barr Tom is the editor of Sales is the author of “The Funny Thing about the Wilmington News Clinton County Stress; A Seriously Humorous Guide to a Elizabeth Huber Journal, regional edi- Happier Life.” Visit kayfrances.com. 937-382-2574 tor for AIM Media [email protected] Midwest and former Jane Beathard editor of several Fayette County Jane is a writer for Salt weekly publications across Warren and Kimberly Lyons-Penwell magazine. She is a Butler counties. 740-313-0347 retired staff writer for [email protected] The Madison Press in Ivy Potter Highland County London, Ohio, and is Ivy writes for the Daily also the retired media Sharon Hughes Times in Portsmouth. 937-393-3456 relations manager of the Ohio Department In her free time, she [email protected] of Natural Resources. enjoys reading a good book and Scioto County Martin Graham spending time Tracy Litteral Martin writes for the with her cat, Piglet. 740-353-3101 Record-Herald in [email protected] Washington Court Sarah Allen Contact Salt: House. Though his Sarah is a writer for [email protected] days are mostly full Salt magazine. When 761 S. Nelson Ave. of reporting for the she’s not writing, she Wilmington, OH 45177 paper, he enjoys playing competitive video can be found scrap- 937-382-2574 games with friends in his spare time. booking, reading or Salt of Southwest Ohio is published six cooking. times a year by AIM Media Midwest, LLC and is available through the Wilmington News Journal, The (Hillsboro) Times- Gazette, The (Washington Court House) Record-Herald and the (Portsmouth) Daily Times. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part Find the shaker in this issue and name and city will be published. is prohibited. Salt is free to our subscribers be entered to win a $10 grocery All entries must be received by and is also available at each of the newspaper offices. card. Aug. 1. Only online entries will be Visit our website, accepted. Please buy locally and recycle. thesaltmagazine.com, and click In the May/June issue, the Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram on the Shaker Contest link at shaker was hidden on page 17, on and Pinterest @TheSaltMagazine. the top and enter your contact the bird’s head. information. Your name, street Congratulations to our most number, street name, city and recent winner, Barb Bates, of zip code are required. Only your New Vienna.

4 Relax at the lake...... 7 Towering treasures...... 10 A home run for every sweet tooth...... 12 Reader Recipes...... 14 In the Kitchen with: Sinamon Cluxton...... 15 Small but mighty: Moths have a big role to play...... 18 The adults in the room...... 20

Avocado Egg Salad...... 14 Foil Packet Dinners...... 6 Granny Cake...... 14 This photo of Cowan Lake State Park is by Tom Barr. Sinamon Cluxton’s Fudge Brownies...... 17 Toffee Pecan Bars...... 14 5 Patience. Still a virtue. Still hard. Heading to a campsite, or eager to camp Last issue, I mentioned a robin had built a nest in the maple in your backyard? Here’s an idea that also tree outside our kitchen window. I was filled with hope as I happens to work just fine stir-fry style in a saw mama making her best effort to get through a cold snap. skillet. Sub in ingredients to taste or avail- My hopes were dashed when I realized one day that she had ability. abandoned it. But later, my husband noticed a new nest. It was quite a lot Foil Packet Dinners higher in the tree and I didn’t see it from the window. And mama was 1 package kielbasa style turkey very busy finding worms and taking them directly up to her hungry brood. She sausage, sliced into rounds had to start over, completely. 1 can sliced potatoes, drained Such a small thing, to watch the birds. Sometimes I feel a little silly — is life 1 can tomatoes, drained, or 1-2 this boring now that I’m driven to this? Of course the word “boring” is too harsh. fresh tomatoes, chopped We have slowed down enough to enjoy watching God’s creation, to notice the 1 bell pepper, chopped into small things. To enjoy the small things. bite-size pieces And I’m so grateful for that. 1 onion, chopped into bite-size As Ohio’s restrictions begin to ease, we are beginning to have options, which wedges feels pretty glorious. This issue has plenty to offer, from a Hillsboro bakery that has 1/3 cup bottled herb and garlic changed its hours to take advantage of new cruise nights there to great success, to marinade, to taste adventuring into the great outdoors at Cowan Lake State Park near Wilmington, a look at the Champion Trees program, a feature on a bakery in Leesburg, and learn- ing about Ohio moths and why their existence matters a great deal to the entire Prep the ingredients, slicing the sausage ecosystem — and are key to our songbirds. Wander, if you desire. Explore your and chopping the vegetables. own backyard, if you’d rather. Cut several squares of foil, spraying each Oh, and those bell pepper seeds I saved earlier this year? I threw them in a con- with cooking spray. Assemble a variety of tainer with almost no effort and they’re going gangbusters. I love making some- the ingredients on each square, adding thing out of nothing. It just requires a smidge of patience. about a tablespoon of marinade to each before folding the sides up and sealing. Heat over a fire. Because the turkey sau- sage is precooked, this meal just needs to warm up. Be careful of steam when open- ing the packets.

“It was like being Cleveland. He loved the in the middle of a contrast between the natural The railroad brings in a forest even though surroundings and the imme- fully restored steam locomo- there were tall diacy of major thruways. tive in late September for highway bridges “It was like being in the “Steam In The Valley.” The Salt contributor Jane Beathard recently middle of a event is popular with rail far overhead.” forest even — Joe Johnson, though there PLAN A VISIT enthusiasts and who traveled from were tall high- Call 800-468-4070 collectors. Las Vegas to ride way bridges or visit cvsr.org for Riders can far overhead,” additional informa- board year- received an award from the Outdoor Writers Johnson said. tion or to purchase round at the He also tickets. Be advised Cleveland liked tour- that some special suburb of ing the Canal events sell out well Independence Exploration in advance and on the north or VIEW Center that must be booked Akron on the of Ohio for a story about the Cuyahoga is located at south. Another accordingly. boarding sta- Valley View from the along the trail. tion along The center is a museum dedi- the route is in Peninsula. cated to the construction and The railroad was incorpo- Valley Scenic Railway that appeared in the operation of the old Ohio & rated in 1972 as a non-profit Erie Canal. dedicated to preserving and Breakfast rides on the train renovating historic railcars RAILS are scheduled on Saturdays in for the benefit of future July and August with dinner generations. Those collected rides on Friday nights from cars now number two dozen, ing children’s museum,” September/October 2019 issue. The story June through October. Brewer said. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers excursions Brewer said of the car. operating within its bound- Other special events like A current capital cam- beer and wine tastings, The scenic railroad aries, promotional literature Story by Jane paign aims at restoring a runs on rails of the old murder mysteries and child- boasts. Rail Diesel Car, which is a Cuyahoga Valley Line Beathard the experience as the train themed Christmas rides are A core group of 200 to self-propelled passenger car that served Cleveland, Photos courtesy of winds between the Cleveland achieve a common goal. scheduled seasonally. 300 volunteers help the 50 driven by an engineer. It Canton and smaller towns placed third in the magazine writing category. Cuyahoga Valley suburbs and Akron through At other points on the trip, full-time employees keep railroad annually, accord- Most popular trips are the would attract group events the 32,000-acre Cuyahoga in between during the late trains moving. They are at Scenic Railroad riders can glimpse portions ing to Katie Brewer, the “Polar Express” (based on the and small parties, Brewer Valley National Park — 1800s. the heart of the railroad’s of the historic Ohio & Erie railroad’s public relations movie) and “Steam In The said. Ohio’s only true national Canal. A cooperative effort with mission. They do every- director. Valley.” Other planned capital Chugging along on the park. the national park began in thing from routine mainte- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Once a lifeline of the state Most are local or hail from Families dress in pajamas projects involve restora- The is vis- and nation, the canal ferried 1989 as a way of offering nance of passenger cars and Railroad, passengers hardly surrounding states like New to board the “Polar Express” tion of a handicapped- ible at many spots. sightseeing excursions and locomotives to staffing the people and goods between York and Michigan, she train which runs 42 nights accessible dining car and a realize they are just miles Once infamous as the make the park more acces- Lake Erie and the Ohio added. from mid-November to late ticket offices and onboard Beathard also placed second in writing for the from some of northeast nation’s “burning river,” the “Edutrainment” car where sible to people of all ages River in the early 1800s and December and drew 46,000 concession stands, Brewer Ohio’s busiest urban areas. Trains operate year-round children can learn about and abilities. Cuyahoga has come a long helped open the western and riders last year, Brewer said. noted. All around are the sights with 2 to 3.5-hour scenic rail history. way since the 1969 fire that southern United States to No other national park “As a non-profit, we and sounds of untouched tours offered daily. “It will be sort of a roll- set the modern American settlement. in the country has a non- would not be able to oper- nature with deep forests, roll- Cyclists — and their bikes environmental movement profit heritage railroad ate without our volunteers,” ing hills, cascading waterfalls Today, the canal is a — are welcomed aboard ablaze. recreational destination for she said. internet for a blog published in December 2019 and open farmlands visible from May to October. HOME EQUITY Today, the upper portions anglers and other outdoor from the train’s windows. of the river (22 miles inside Joe Johnson traveled 2,000 enthusiasts. Its old towpath miles from Las Vegas to cel- Riders may see bald eagles the park) are pristine and LOANS Fayette Veterinary Hospital is a 19-mile hard-surfaced ebrate his 60th birthday on Plan your next vacation, circling overhead and white- serve as a testament to what trail that draws thousands of the railroad. nance your wedding, Proudly Serving Fayette County Since 19 tails scampering near the can be accomplished when cyclists and hikers each year. or renovate your home. tracks. They are all part of government and ordinary He biked a portion of 60 about a 90-year-old woman from London, Ohio, All these things are visible The possibilities are endless! the towpath trail before citizens work together to 14 | Salt | South Ohio | September/October 2019 to the more than 168,000 jumping aboard the train New Patients riders that hop on the scenic OH-70144284 Always Welcome!

(with his bike) to return to OH-70143982 his boarding station near Daryl L. Waits Jr., D.V.M. Wilmington Office: 184 North South Street Hillsboro Branch: Wilmington, OH 45177 137 N. High St. Suite 201 AAHA Like us on 740-335-6161 AMERICAN ANIMAL 937.382.1659 Hillsboro, OH 45133 HOSPITAL who continues to deer hunt in the fall. ASSOCIATION Facebook 1974 Columbus Ave. 937.366.1421 www.wilmingtonsavings.com Washington Court House www.fayetteveterinaryhospital.com

September/October 2019 | South Ohio | Sa

lt | 15

6 Find your peace at Cowan Lake State Park

Story and photos campgrounds — not much by Tom Barr non-nature sound is noticed beyond a few folks in conver- sation. It’s surprisingly quiet … and No music is playing … no quite relaxing. loud vehicles are buzzing by Birds are singing as a few — even though it’s a holiday families ride their bikes weekend. around the lake and through Cowan Lake State Park the woods, where others are is nearly 1,800 acres with a hiking. peaceful lake setting, mature Many of those families are trees and wooded shoreline. outside their RV’s or tents The lake itself is about 700 having their morning coffee or acres. And there are seven hik- orange juice. Others are pre- ing trails ranging from easy to paring their boats and kayaks moderate and from a half-mile for the water. to 2.5 miles. As the sun rises well above It features 237 electric the horizon at Cowan Lake campground sites (and 17 State Park near Wilmington non-electric) with shower- in Clinton County — even house, flush toilets, laundry with hundreds of RV’s and facilities, camper’s beach, dozens of tents in place at the and four boat launch ramps.

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7 South Shore Marina offers boats, canoes and motors for rent as well as fishing and picnic supplies for sale. There even a season campstore with grill, merchandise and hand- dipped ice cream (as well as bait). Need a few more “creature comforts” that even an RV can’t provide? Cowan Lake’s many cottages are air-conditioned and heated cottages feature furnished living areas, complete kitchens, color TV (with roof antenna), cooking and eating utensils, bed linens and towels. And reservations may be made up to a

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88 | Salt | South Ohio | July/August 2020 year in advance. enhance the natural resources And many have a beautiful in cooperation with various lake view, with all cottages departments of the State of nestled in the woods near the Ohio. To protect nature and edge of the lake. wildlife and to enhance the You can also get quite boating experience on Cowan an education at Cowan Lake. To support State proj- Lake State Park. Visit the ects, conduct events and raise Naturalist Cabin and the funds and support grants; Nature Center and see a his- to provide volunteer labor, tory of the region. And visit promote the Park with legisla- up close with the red-tailed tive and government person- hawk (which was rescued nel, Support and cooperate after being found with an with other groups promoting injury) and now has a per- Cowan Lake State Park and manent home here, as well as educate and attract the public the resident barred owl and to use the Park.” the American kestrel — the As for what’s new, Wade smallest form of falcon. Hall of Friends Caring for There are now two nests of Cowan Lake State Park said, bald eagles within the park. “We are in the process of put- And a brown pelican even ting in a self-guided nature stopped by recently. trail at the nature center. The non-profit Friends Some of the stations on the Caring for Cowan Lake State trail will be American bald Park helps see that there are eagle, pollinator garden, pol- plenty more activities taking linators, native Ohio wild- place year ‘round including flowers mural, treetop canopy the annual Cowan Lake Fest, mural, nocturnal wildlife, Antlers & Eggs, Spring Into fossils, raptors, animal tracks, Wildflowers, Welcome to the box turtles and an Ohio Paw Paw Patch, Fall Camp native wildflower garden.” Out, Pollination Celebration! You can learn more about and even the Winter Hike. the group and its activities at The group’s mantra is “to be its Facebook page, “Friends an advocate for Cowan Lake Caring for Cowan Lake State State Park. To preserve and Park.” 9 By Sarah Allen “Deforestation had been Photos courtesy of happening for a couple hun- Alistair Reynolds dred years,” he added. The American Forests’ website further explains the Ohio’s largest trees are register’s launch. Beginning in rooted in something far richer September 1940, the register than soil — national history. “started out as a competi- The Champion Trees program tion, a national hunt to dis- is a state-by-state effort to cover and preserve the largest preserve our grandest resources specimens of American tree T ’ H C for generations to come. species.” This search found 206 N. ELM ST., HILLSBORO, OH 45133 The Ohio Division of its way throughout the coun- (937) 393-4275 Natural Resources’ Division of try—everywhere from forests Forestry is the state level of the to backyards. HOURS: Flooring MONDAY - FRIDAY SATURDAY program. Alistair Reynolds, a And now, 80 years later, that 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 7:00 A.M. - 12 P.M. forester at ODNR, said that search is still going strong. Wallpaper CLOSED SUNDAY the register began in the 1940s Reynolds described the Paint IF YOU ARE LOOKING as a response to the Dust process of a tree becoming Bowl, the construction of rail- recognized as a champion. All Braided FOR GREAT SELECTION, GREAT HELP, AND roads and other factors that nominations are submitted by Rugs had contributed to the loss of the public, either online or via Blinds INSTALLATION, trees. email. The criteria depends on STOP IN AT TISSOT’S Cabinets IN HILLSBORO Washington Court House’s Premier Washington Court House’s Premier AssistedWashington Living, Rehab Court & SkilledHouse’s Nursing Premier Centers Assisted Living, Rehab & Skilled Nursing Centers Assisted Living, Rehab & Skilled Nursing Centers

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10 the tree’s species. Some trees, Ohio has massive trees — such as oaks and cottonwood, with most thinking of the west will naturally grow larger than coast’s redwoods and sequoias trees such as flowering dog- — there are many specimens woods and eastern redbuds. that “get absolutely huge.” Nominations must include The most gigantic tree ownership of the tree, location in Ohio is the Jeromesville and the tree’s circumference. Sycamore. The tree is 436 Pictures are also helpful, if inches in circumference, possible. which is “greater than 10 feet,” Reynolds added that “mul- Reynolds said. tiple stem trees” are no longer The sycamore is hollowed considered champion trees. out, which allows visitors to Those are trees that grow “walk inside.” Smith Funeral Homes together in a clump, resem- The tallest tree in Ohio, bling one large specimen when Reynolds said, is a white pine in reality they are several trees. in the . It Many of the Champion reaches 165 feet. Trees will have plaques indi- Champion Trees — in all cating that they are a part of shapes and sizes — are some- the register, Reynolds said. In thing “people really gravitate fact, 30 percent can be found toward,” Reynolds said. in cemeteries. “The public loves it,” he He added that, while many added. “They really connect to people may not imagine that them.” Heartland OF HILLSBORO A Leading Provider of Wilmington and Rehabilitation and New Vienna Skilled Nursing 937-382-2323 937-393-5766 www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com OH-70191298

11 By Sarah Allen ter came up with the bakery’s community for their support pumpkins — during each name. “We’re big baseball in making their baking dream respective season. fans,” she added. come true. “We have a love McIntosh added that the In the village of Leesburg, Loyal Reds fans, McIntosh for the community, for sure,” bakery also freezes much of the local bakery isn’t just a said that “the whole family has she said, adding that the bak- the produce so that they can place for sweet treats — it’s a played baseball and softball.” ery is “really focused on local be used outside of each season place where interactions are “We love baseball, and we sourcing.” as well. She said that, four to a grand slam for community love baking,” she added. She said that that 85 per- five times a year, the bakery and camaraderie. Combining the two into cent of the eggs they use come will host a “Fritter Friday,” Batter Up Bakery has been this one-of-a-kind bakery sim- from local farmers. The bakery during which all the different a part of Leesburg since 2000, ply made sense. also strives to use fruit and season fritters will be available when it moved to the vil- Their love of the game finds vegetables from area farms. for one day. lage from nearby Washington its way into the bakery’s many As an example, she said In addition to the popular- Court House. Since then, it and varied treats. One exam- that, during strawberry sea- ity of the “really, really short” has had different names as ple is the Belgian Triple Play son, Batter Up Bakery picks strawberry season treats, the several owners have helmed specialty cupcake. Chocolate strawberries from the nearby bakery’s blueberry fritters and the business. In 2013, Casey cake, chocolate icing and Barrett’s Strawberries. They pumpkin cake doughnuts are McIntosh and her mother chocolate filling, made from pick the berries themselves two other seasonal favorites. Sue Priest became the cur- imported Belgian chocolate, and then incorporate them Homemade rolls are another rent owners. The two brought makes this a “fan” favorite. into special treats, such as popular choice, especially back many recipes from previ- “We call our customers strawberry long johns and around the holidays. ous owners, while also add- fans,” McIntosh said. “We strawberry shortcake dough- In addition to these special ing their own — as well as a truly, truly have the greatest nuts. items, Batter Up Bakery also unique spin. fans.” She added that the bak- They also use locally grown features a wide array of other McIntosh said that her sis- ery is incredibly grateful to the blueberries, peaches, and fan favorites. 12 Batter Up Bakery, she added, strives to not waste anything. “They’re very popular,” she added. Mini cakes come in a McIntosh said. In addition, the bakery also variety of flavors and feed two “We’re really dedicated offers classes. Topics have to four people. scratch bakers,” she added. ranged from the basics of The butter cream icing on “That’s pretty unique.” cake decorating to the more these cakes — which is also All of the treats are also advanced cake art/sculpting. featured on their cookies and cut by hand. One long john Patrons have even attended “Our chocolate chip cookie their larger cakes — “is what may look a little different classes on sewing. is the bomb,” McIntosh said. they love,” McIntosh added. from the next, McIntosh Whether fans come to Mini cakes are another And everything that the said. “It’s a lot of time and Batter Up Bakery to learn popular option, McIntosh bakery sells — whether sea- labor, but it’s worth it,” she something new, or to just said. These are made from the sonal, specialty or a beloved added. enjoy a homemade treat, the pieces of larger cakes that are daily treat — is made Batter Up Bakery also end result is always the same: cut away while decorating. from “all-scratch recipes,” sells cookie kits and lunch. a home run.

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* OH-70191490 OH-70191277 West Union, Ohio 45693 10%10 O Only 937-544-8524 937-544-8524 13 OH-70092239 Toffee Pecan Bars Granny Cake — From Teresa Benlehr, of Wilmington — From Betty Shepherd, of Martinsville

1 butter pecan boxed cake mix 2 cups flour 1/3 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups white sugar 2 eggs, divided 2 eggs 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk Dash salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup pecan chips 1 No. 2 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained 1 8-ounce bag milk chocolate toffee bits 1 teaspoon vanilla Combine cake mix, butter and one egg; mix until crumbly. 3/4 cup brown sugar Press into a greased 13-by-9-inch baking pan. cup nuts In a separate bowl, combine condensed milk, the second egg 1 and vanilla; stir until well blended. Stir in the pecan chips and the toffee bits. Spread over the cake mix layer. Mix flour, white sugar, eggs salt, baking soda, pineapple Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely and vanilla together. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch greased pan. before cutting into bars. On top, sprinkle the brown sugar and nuts evenly. Teresa writes these are very good the first day but are better Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. the next.

Avocado Egg Salad — From Valerie Rose, of Wilmington

2 large avocados 3 large eggs, hardboiled Send us your favorite recipe. We may 3 teaspoons lime juice feature it in an upcoming issue. teaspoon cilantro, optional 1 Visit our website, thesaltmagazine.com, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise and click on the Recipe Submission link at 1 teaspoon red onion, chopped, optional the top to be entered. Include a photo of your dish, too, if you’ve got one. All entries Pinch of salt and pepper must be received by Aug. 1. Pinch chili powder or paprika Every submitted recipe will be entered in a drawing for a $25 grocery card. Dice avocados and eggs. Add lime juice, cilantro, mayonnaise, Congratulations to Teresa Benlehr, of onion and salt and pepper. Stir together. Sprinkle the top of Wilmington, who won for her Toffee Pecan chili powder or paprika. Bars recipe submitted for this issue of Salt. Valerie writes that this is good on crackers or bread. If you mash the avocado instead of dicing it, the mixture can be used to fill deviled eggs.

14 | Salt | South Ohio | July/August 2020 Story and photos by McKenzie Caldwell

Sinamon Cluxton isn’t White’s Cake Box’s first owner, but since the White family opened shop around 66 years ago, Cluxton has been the Hillsboro bakery’s second- longest owner. White’s Cake Box has had a total of four owners and has moved its storefront a few times, though it’s always been located in uptown Hillsboro. Cluxton estimates that the Whites owned and oper- ated the bakery for over four decades before they sold the bakery and its recipes. For the last 12 years, Cluxton has been the only person who makes the cream filling for the doughnuts, a White’s Cake Box original recipe. “It’s kind of like a little oath that you take with the own- ers. I’m the only person here who knows the cream recipe, and it’s not written down anywhere,” Cluxton said. Box’s continued success. years old. This is where they’ve people,” Cluxton said. “I’ve been offered $10,000 “The secret is sticking with come to get their doughnuts Cluxton said she’s hoping for the cream recipe. I told the original recipes, not try- for 60 years,” Cluxton said. for new possibilities in the them, ‘Absolutely not.’ I want ing to change them and “It’s funny because they walk fall, which could bring new to say they were from Adams make them your own — just in, you know exactly what seasonal and regular options County, but it was years ago. I sticking with what has been they’re after — their eyes go and extended hours, but she’s don’t know if they were start- around for 60 years,” Cluxton straight to whatever their already implemented a sea- ing a bakery or if they had said. regular is. They’re just like, sonal offering. a bakery or what they were Not only does Cluxton stay ‘OK, she’s got long johns,’ or After Hillsboro began host- going to do with it.” in touch with the man who ‘Oh, good, glazed,’ or ‘Oh, ing Saturday night cruising Fortunately, Cluxton sold her the bakery, but Mrs. fritters!’” events in May, Cluxton added believes that if something ever White’s granddaughter still Cluxton currently operates evening hours for the first happened to her, the bakery’s drops by, and some of the cus- White’s Cake Box with a team time in White’s Cake Box his- previous owners would step up tomers have been getting their of five: two people who handle tory. and save the day. doughnuts from White’s Cake the counter, a fryer, a delivery “My husband heard dur- In Cluxton’s experience, the Box for years. person and Cluxton herself, ing the first cruise weekend original recipes, like the cream “You’ll have people come who acts as the bakery’s only that a restaurant ran out of and the ladyfingers, are the in and say they’ve been com- cake decorator. food. He just said, ‘You know, reason behind White’s Cake ing in since they were 4, 5, 6 “We do a lot with very few you should try opening the 15 bakery on a Saturday night.’ I was like, ‘Really?’ and he said, ‘Just try it and see what happens,’” Cluxton said. “It has been really, really cool. I would’ve never expected it. We did a trial for three weeks. I’m telling you, they love the Saturday nights. The first night we tried it, we didn’t know what to expect, so we didn’t make a ton of dough- nuts — we sold out in an hour and 20 minutes. The sec- ond weekend, we made more, and we made it to an hour and a half. The third week, we made even more and made it to an hour and 40 minutes.” Cluxton said Saturday eve- nings work better for some customers. “The people who are com- ing in are saying one of three things: ‘I can’t get here in the morning’ because either they’re through town before we open in the mornings or they don’t have time to stop; ‘we prefer doughnuts for des- sert instead of breakfast’; or ‘we like to have doughnuts on Sunday mornings,’ so they get them on Saturday nights to eat with their family or take to church on Sunday mornings,” Cluxton said. For White’s Cake Box, Cluxton said they appreci- ate when customers order anything more than a dozen doughnuts at least 24 hours in advance, though she under- stands that sometimes that isn’t possible. “That way we can prepare their two dozen, three dozen, four dozen separately. That not going to punish people “It takes about 15 and would help keep us from sell- for making a last-minute minutes to mix it just pull ing out so early,” Cluxton decision.” up; it takes about them out said. “But I understand people For cakes, customers need half an hour to 45 and deco- wake up in the morning, to place an order at least 48 minutes for it to bake; it rate them. The and they’re like, ‘I think I’ll hours in advance. takes a minimum of a half whole baking and take doughnuts to work this “We have a bad review on hour for it to cool; and then cooling process is what takes morning.’ Sometimes it’s not one of our pages because they another half hour to decorate the longest, so we can’t just a prepared thing, and it’s com- wanted a half sheet cake, and it — so squeezing in a half whip them up.” pletely fine. We’ve had people we were booked. They said, sheet cake is about two and a In both cases, customers say, ‘You need to limit how ‘I just don’t know why you half hours. People think we’re need to speak directly with much people can get,’ but I’m couldn’t squeeze in a half like Walmart or Kroger, and an employee to confirm the never going to do that. I’m sheet cake,’” Cluxton said. we have them in the freezer timeline for their orders. 16 Sinamon Cluxton’s Fudge Brownies 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted 1 cup white sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoon vanilla Serving the Transportation needs 1/2 cup milk of chocolate Highland chips, melted, County plus 1 cup milk chocolate chips, by providing safe & reliable transportation separate services 3/4 cup flour 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Working to keep Highland 1/2 teaspoon salt County MOVING! Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-by-9-inch metal pan with parchment paper. FRS Transportation, HCCAOPour melted, butter Chris into a largeHopkins mixing bowl. Mix Transportation, in sugar by hand until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and Carpenters House ofwhisk P aboutrayer/Shiloh one minute. Whisk in meltedRecovery chocolate Services until smooth. are providers of various typesUse a spatulaof transportation to stir in flour, cocoa and salt inuntil Highland County. smooth. • NET/TANF/Title XX Transportation Services: We provideStir in whole non-emergency chocolate chips. Medicaid transportation (NET) services for HCDJFS. We provide educational and employment training transportationPour into pan. through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Bake about 30 minutes. Program of HCDJFS. We provide Title XX transportationLet services. cool completely before cutting. • Specialized Transportation Program Grant - OverServing the past the17 yearsTransportation FRS Transportation needs of has Highland received County 20 handicap accessible vehicles and 4 standard minivans through the STP Grant with the byOhio providing Department safe & ofreliable Transportation’s transportation Office services of Transit. These wheelchair • NET/TANF/Title XX Transportation Services: We provide non- accessible Servingvehicles have the Transportationhelped FRS Transportation to more fully helpemergencyW meeto Medicaidrking thetransportation to keepneeds (NET) Highland ofservices our for HCDJFS.disabled County population MOVING! of Highland County. We provide educational and employment training transportation through the TemporaryFRS Transportation, Assistance for HCCAONeedy Families, Chris H(TANF)opkins Transportation, • 2018 Ohioneeds Coordination of Highland Mobility County Management Project - MobilityProgram of HCDJFS. ManagerC Wearpenters provide Title House is XX working transportation of Prayer/Shiloh services. towards Recovery Services meeting the mobility needs of • Specializedare pr Transportationoviders of various Program types Grant of -transportation Over the past in Highland County. 17 years FRS Transportation has received 20 handicap accessible Hbyighland providing County safe &through reliable marketingtransportation & coordinating services of current transportation• NET/TANF/Title XX Transportation services Services: We provide while non-emergency Medicaidlooking transportation for (NET) servicesfunding for HCDJFS. sources to increase vehiclesWe provide and educational 4 standard and employment minivans training through transportation the STPthrough Grant the Temporary with Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) theProgram Ohio of HCDJFS.Department We provide of Transportation’s Title XX transportation Offi services. ce of Transit. These transportation services and mobility options for those who are notwheelchair• Speligibleecialized Transportationaccessible for vehiclesProgram any Granthave -of Overhelped theour past FRS 17 yearsTransportationother FRS Transportation types has received of 20 fundinghandicap accessible vehicles sources. Such as: toand more 4 standard fully minivans help meetthrough the the needsSTP Grant of withour the disabled Ohio Department population of Transportation’s of Office of Transit. These wheelchair Highlandaccessible vehicles County. have helped FRS Transportation to more fully help meet the needs of our disabled population of Highland County. • HARTS Fare Program: program offers affordable transportation•• 2018 2018for Ohio Ohio thoseCoordination Coordination Mobilitywho Management Mobility are Project elderly, Management- Mobility Manager Projectdisabled is working towards meetingor theconsidered mobility needs of low income living -H ighlandMobility County Manager through marketingis working & coordinating towards of meetingcurrent transportation the mobility services while looking for funding sources to increase within the Hillsboro City Limits or within a 5-mile radius of the centerneedstransportation of Highland services of and CountyHillsboro. mobility throughoptions for marketingthose who This are ¬ coordinating eligible service for any of of our other is types provided of funding sources. Such by as: FRS Transportation by current• HARTS transportationFare Program: program services offers whileaffordable looking transportation for funding for those sourceswho are elderly, disabled or considered low income living within the Hillsboro City Limits or within a 5-mile radius of the center of Hillsboro. This service is provided by FRS Transportation by to increase transportation services and mobility options for those purchasing a $20 or $25 HARTS Fare Card for 10 or 5 one way tripspurchasing a depending$20 or $25 HARTS Fare Card forupon 10 or 5 one waylocation, trips depending upon location,handicap, handicap, and age. and age. who• Highland are not County eligible Locally for Developed any of our Transportation other types Plan of: Ourfunding county sources. transportation plan allows us to apply for FTA grant fund- Suching for as: transportation services for the elderly, disabled, and for employment and employment training. • Highland County Locally Developed Transportation Plan: Our• HARTS county Fare Program: transportation program offers affordable transportation plan allows us to apply for FTA grant fund- forWe those will who arebe elderly, happy disabled to answer or considered any low of income your living transportation questions. Working to keep Highland County MOVING! within the Hillsboro City Limits or within a 10-mile radius of the ing for transportation services for the elderly, disabled, and for employmentcenter of Hillsboro. This and service isemployment providedHighland by FRS Transportation Area training. Rural by purchasing a $20 or $25 HARTS Fare Card for 10 or 5 one way FRS Transportation, HCCAO, Chris Hopkins Transportation, trips depending upon location, handicap,Transportation and age. System (HARTS) provider vehicles are Carpenters House of Prayer/Shiloh Recovery Services • Highland County Locally Developed Transportation Plan: Our county transportation plan allows usclearly to apply marked for FTA grant for your Weare providers will of various be types of happy transportation in Highland to answerCounty. anyfunding of for transportation your services forsafety thetransportation elderly, and disabled, easy identification. and for questions. employment and employment training. For Information Contact Joseph Adray, HARTS/Highland County Mobility Manager at We will be happy to answer any of your transportation(937) 402-6156 Email questions. [email protected] • HCCAO (937) 393-3458 HighlandHighland Area Rural TransportationArea Rural TransportationSystem (HARTS) provider System vehicles (HARTS) are providerclearly marked vehicles for your are safetyclearly and easy marked identifi cation. for your For Information Contact Joseph Adray, HARTS/Highland County Mobility Manager at (937) 402-6156 Email [email protected] Website and www.harts4highland.org easy identification.

OH-70190821 Funding for this advertisement is partially paid for by ODOT o ce of transit

17 For Information Contact Joseph Adray, HARTS/Highland County Mobility Manager at (937) 402-6156 Email [email protected] • HCCAO (937) 393-3458 Photo from Pixabay

Story by Jane Beathard Photos courtesy of Tim Daniel, ODNR

Moths are one of the most under- appreciated creatures in Ohio gar- dens, according to naturalist and author Jim McCormac. “They underpin food webs due to their sheer numbers and by providing a great source of protein,” McCormac said. Pickett Run Farm GreenhouseGreenhouse & Nursery& Nursery FullFullL Linef V oft Vegetablebl Ess t ls GardenNOW Essentials OPEN... NOWWELCOME! OPEN... •SeedWELCOME! Potato varieties • Seed Potato varieties Fresh Produce in season! available: Meat & Cheese • Discount Groceries • Souvenirs • Crafts • Gifts • Vitamins & Herbs available: • Candles • Books • Toys • Handcrafted Furniture • Gazebos • Seasonal Items All Red, All Blue, Chieftain, Red Norland, Irish Free Samples throughout the store every Saturday. Cobbler, Katahdin, Kennebec, Red Pontiac, Russet, Superior, and Yukon Gold Maintenance Free Poly Outdoor Furniture Gliders • Tables • Chairs • Onion Sets Buy Here Rockers • Coffee Tables • Swings • Lots of new seed Choices & Save! Available in 19 Colors! • Pansy hanging baskets Great values on• selectOnion Tools Setsand Equipment. Think Country, Think Quality Take• 50Lots East to Barrett of new Mill Rd., seedTurn Right choices then right NEW HOURS MON-FRI 8-6; SAT 8-5; CLOSED SUNDAY on Cynthiana Road 3/4 miles. Watch for signs. Bulk Foods our Specialty 14415 Cynthiana Rd. • Hillsboro, Ohio So are Great Prices! GreatOpen values 8am-6pm on selectMon.-Fri. Tools • 8am-4pm and Equipment. Sat OH-70190495 OH-70190507

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Take SOW to Bainbridge, take St. RT. 41 S to Barrett Mill Rd., turn right and then turn left on Cynthiana Rd. 3/4 miles west to entrance. Watch for signs. Spiders, frogs, toads, liz- ests of southeast Ohio — spe- Adults emerge from their and popular with gardeners. ards, shrews and bats, as well cifically Vinton, Hocking and winter cocoons in spring to Others less so because they as other insects eat them. But Lawrence counties. mate. A single female moth are plain and easy to ignore. most importantly, they are “We found over a thou- can then drop more than Some species come out in dinner fare for songbirds. sand species in most of those 1,000 eggs. By summer, those daytime, while others venture “Without moths, all song- research sites,” he said. eggs become caterpillars. out only at night. bird species would decline He’s also tallied moths in Their sheer numbers are over- Both Horn and McCormac markedly or possibly disap- at least four other states and whelming to contemplate. always encourage gardeners pear altogether,” McCormac estimates that he’s seen about But only a tiny percentage who value moths to plant noted. 3,000 species altogether. of moth caterpillars survive to woody native plants and Like bees, moths are also Fourteen species of moths adulthood. avoid pesticide use. pollinators, fluttering from are endangered in Ohio. “There’s a 99 percent mor- “Native is the key,” bloom to bloom carrying pol- Others are threatened or are tality rate,” McCormac said. McCormac said. “Non-natives len dust to help plants make of special concern. Generally, For example, a recent issue attract very few moths.” seed and reproduce. their numbers are diminished of National Geographic said Examples are white oak There are at least 2,000 spe- because they are “special- a nest of Carolina chickadee trees, sugar maples, eastern cies of moths in Ohio alone ists” that live only on certain chicks will consume more red cedars, paw-paws and and another 140 species of plants. Often those plants are than 5,000 caterpillars by the river birch. Others include butterflies — and, yes, all only found in prairie habitats time they fledge. arrowwood, milkweed and butterflies are moths. and Ohio has few prairies left. By fall, the number of spicebush. Dave Horn, professor emer- Horn says that fact alone moth caterpillars that will McCormac encourages any- itus of entomology at The should be major rationale for over-winter in the cocoon or one interested in planting for Ohio State University, says preserving what prairie rem- adult stage is much smaller moths to consult the Midwest new species of moths are still nants the state has. and manageable. And the life Native Plant Society at mid- being discovered. It’s the caterpillar stage of cycle begins all over again. westnativeplants.org. Most of Horn’s “moth-ing” a moth’s life that is so vital to Some moths, like the hum- “If you plant it, they will took place in the mature for- the food web. mingbird moth, are beautiful come,” he said. 19 Column by cage match, but definitely in a to get up out of a chair. And, the library at Wright State Kay Frances marathon Scrabble session. Or then another eight steps to University before Millennials maybe in a contest to write a become fully upright. It’s like were even mentioned at their sternly worded letter. we are doing a reenactment of Gender Reveal Party. The A Baby Boomer is a per- You can identify a Baby the “Evolution of Man” chart. computer took up the entire son who was born between Boomer by their name. If your I’ve heard a lot about “gen- room. You would “key in” 1946 and 1964. Almost 77 name is Linda, Patricia, Susan, erational differences” and your data on cards, then wait million babies were born in Debbie, Barbara or Karen, you I think that is just a fancy in line to hand your stack the U.S. comprising nearly were likely born before 1964. way to say “stereotype.” For of cards to the computer 40% of the population. I’m a There were no Madisons, example, people think that operator. Then you would textbook Boomer; my parents Tiffanys, Olivias, Noahs or Boomers are not technologi- wait for your printout but, if both served as Marines during Aidens. And our parents had cally proficient. But, think of you missed even ONE key- World War II. When the war no idea of our gender until we the many technological stroke, you would have to go ended, they got married like showed up. advances we have had to adapt through the whole process millions of other people and Our parents were known to over the years. We went again. It would’ve been nice fired up their Baby Booming as The Greatest Generation from vinyl records to 8-track if we could’ve played on our Machine. By the time they which is more than a little to tapes to cassettes to CDs to cellphones while we waited, were done, they had cranked live up to. Sadly, this phenom- digital to “the cloud.” I’ve but those hadn’t been invented out four of us. enal generation now makes up been on bumpy flights and am yet. Yes, Boomers had to learn Boomers have been slightly only .64% of the population. pretty sure that was just the the fine art of entertaining overtaken by Gen Z and This makes Baby Boomers the plane running into all of the themselves. Millennials although, we “adults in the room” which is data stored there. So, now that we are the continue to dominate Gen the last place we want to be. Another misnomer about Adults in the Room, we have X. There are more of us than The Boomers that I know still Boomers is that we are com- one thing to say to the other them and we could easily take feel like teenagers except when puter illiterates. I used my generations. them in a fight. Maybe not a it takes us a full five minutes first computer in 1979 at GET. OFF. OUR. LAWNS! 20 Brian Miller, Wilmington Mike Elcook, Blanchester Facebook: Brianswoodcraft [email protected] BriansWoodCraft.com Hand crafted, made to order, custom cutting boards. Walnut, cherry and hickory coffee table. $120. Variety Starts at $45. of woodworking projects.

Gregory Pitts, Lima native, Weston, Florida The Bow Tie Art Gallery and Scotty Markus Apparel [email protected] Art available at The Meeting Place on Market, Lima. Cost varies.

Are you a maker? Show us what you’re up to! We’re interested in learning about what our Ohio neighbors are making in their free time. There’s so Jennifer Martin, Harveysburg Facebook: The Potter’s Haus much creativity happening outside of the 8 to 5, a Ohio Renaissance Festival booth: way for folks to help with the household budget or The Potter’s Haus just express themselves in a way their jobs don’t ask [email protected] of them. 513-568-4356 Send a photo of a finished item, cost, social media Handspun yarns, hats and shawls, info and your contact info to amcgeesterrett@ hand-thrown pottery. Cost varies. aimmediamidwest.com.

July/August 2020 | South Ohio | Salt | 21 21 Andrew McManus Portsmouth 4th Ward City Councilman

By Ivy Potter What is your favorite would be to be able to speak television series? and read every language. There are so many! All time Essentially, Indiana Jones. would have to be “The (Why’d it have to be snakes?) Office,” “Game of Thrones,” What is your favorite “Sherlock” or “The Twilight summer activity? Zone.” I could give you a Camping/hiking. I’ve love to RIDER POLICY whole list on this. ADVERSE WEATHER POLICY HIGHLAND COUNTY RURAL get into kayaking. What is your favorite flavor TRANSIT If you could vacation  No Smoking or Tobacco Products Any delays or cancellations due to ad- of ice cream? anywhere in the world,  No Food or Drinks verse weather and road conditions will be Chocolate chip cookie dough where would you go?  No Alcohol, Drugs or Weapons given on the local radio stations WSRW— or anything with peanut butter.  No Disruptive Behavior (Could result in 106.7 (Hillsboro) and WVNU—97.5 I’d really like to hit Disney and If you could have one super see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, loss of transportation privileges) (Greenfield). power what would it be?  Seat belt must be worn at ALL times by but Ireland or New Zealand. Wolverine is my favorite ALL passengers What do you love most superhero, so I’d like to say his  about your community? Booster seat must be used by those 4 All inclusivehealing Transit ability because who to 8 years of age who are under 4’9” wouldn’t want those claws? As cliche as it sounds, the provided by parent/guardian Medical,(Goodbye, Personal, can openers.) But people and the calmness of  Children under the age of four (4) or a more practical superpower being home. weigh under forty (40) pounds must be Shopping secured in a Federally approved child safety seat provided by the Parent/ Guardian  An adult must accompany children under the age of eighteen (18) except FARES where contractually obligated  Do not expect “Excessive Driver FARE INFORMATION Assistance” Scheduled Bus Route  Drivers are NOT permitted to enter a One ($1.00) dollar each time you board a passenger’s residence new bus.  Be courteous and respectful of other passengers and their personal Note: Changing over to the connector bus property is considered boarding a new bus .  Drivers do NOT make “non-scheduled” On-DemandDuring Routes this time FRS is offering stops Highland County Rural Transit  Pease remove all personal items when Inside Hillsboro City Limits exiting vans. $1.00 Withinsame Ten (10) miles of City Limitsday on937 demand-393-0585 services on $2.00 313 Chillicothe Ave Over Ten (10) miles of City Limits Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 Office houurs 8:00am—5:00pm $3.00 your transportation needs. Call 937-393-0585 313 Chillicothe Ave. Hillsboro OH-70190819

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