Events, activities and other hometown items going on in and around Tipp City, Ohio by Greg Enslen

Art for the Heart

Next Saturday, the Tipp City Area Arts Council will be holding their “Art for the Heart” artisan showcase and art sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 11 at the Zion Lutheran Church at the corner of Third and Main streets in downtown Tipp City.

This showcase will feature art, photography, pottery, paintings and more from local artists, door prizes, and food served by Ruth White and the “Sisters of the Skillet.”

And I’ll be there, so join me for my first book signing of the new year! I will be signing and selling copies of my four books: “Black Bird“, “The Ghost of Blackwood Lane“, “Tipp Talk 2010“, and my newest book, “The 9/11 Machine“.  Chat with me about my upcoming books, including “Tipp Talk 2011,” to be released soon! Or just drop by and say hi!

Superbowl Party

We decided at the last minute to hold our own day-long Superbowl party at the Enslen house, and did it up with appetizers and party games.  The kids got a kick out of setting out the chips and dip and trays of fruit and seven-layer dip, all purchased in a last-minute visit to Food Town.  Katie poured chips into bowls and Anna mixed up the sauce for the meatballs after a quick call to Grandma Mimi for the recipe.

After the food was all laid out on the table, it took a couple times of me encouraging the kids before they dug in and helped themselves to plates of grapes and nachos and BBQ meatballs.  Anna was convinced that other people must be joining us and pleaded with me to have the party just be “for our family.”  Katie wasn’t sure what to do—I’m always telling her to put the food down.  She simply stared at the plates and bowls of food, all for the taking, and looked confused.

I made up one of those “football squares” where you have the team names and numbers one through ten along the side and top, then draw a grid.  We filled it in with our names and, based on the score at the end of each quarter, gave out prizes.  Understanding that we were just using the final digit of each team’s score was a strange concept for the kids, but they got the hang of it and I think it helped them enjoy the game and pay closer attention to the score. And Samantha got into the game as well—though I think she was just watching for glimpses of Tom Brady studliness.

Of course, as luck would have it, our DVR cut off the last five minutes of the game, so we didn’t get to see what I’ve heard was a nail-biter in the final minutes.  The last play we saw was that amazing sideline catch by Mario Manningham—in fact, they had just ruled the catch “good” when our DVR locked up.  I spent a minute trying to get it to work but the game was just frozen, so I stopped that and went to “Live TV,” which showed the Giants celebrating and the players on the Patriots side looking sullen and shuffling to the locker room as if that sad “Charlie Brown Christmas” music was playing in their heads.

DTCP Appreciation Dinner Fast Approaching!

The Downtown Tipp City Partnership welcomes the community to the Partnership’s Annual Downtown Appreciation Dinner, which will be held at Harrison’s starting at 5:30pm on Thursday, February 9.

First up will be an hour of socializing with hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a raffle, and an auction of items donated by our local historical district businesses.  Anyone with an interest in the downtown is invited to join the members of the DTCP to celebrate our historical downtown district and learn more about the Partnership and how our work benefits the community and our local businesses.  There will be no cost to attend the social hour.

The members of the DTCP Design Committee will also be revealing a new downtown signage project.  “In order to continue our efforts to enhance the rich heritage of our historical district, the design committee has developed a project dedicated to highlighting our history and making it accessible to all who visit us in person or online,” says Terri Bessler, DTCP board member and owner Midwest Memories.

And then, at 6:30, members of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership, their guests, and members of the public will sit down to a three-course meal.  After the meal will be an awards presentation and the swearing in of the 2012 Board of Directors. This is your chance to meet our old and new Board Members, City officials, and other people that make downtown Tipp City such a special place.

Tickets to the dinner are $30 or $240 for a table of 8, and space is limited, so call 937-667-0883 for more information. Memberships are available for non-profits, individuals, and businesses, with dues ranging from $25–$2,500.

The Downtown Tipp City Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Heritage Ohio with the mission to enhance, preserve, and promote downtown Tipp City. For more information visit www.downtowntippcity.org or call 937.667.0883.

Ladies Day at The Earth’s Center

The folks over at The Earth’s Center are inviting local ladies to unfold their yoga mats on Saturday for Ladies Day. All levels and new students are welcome, and the cost is only $10 per person.  The event runs from 9:00 am to 10:30 am and will be led by Beth Weaver, RYT.

The mission of The Earth’s Center is to provide everyone in the community a comfortable environment for balancing their life. They have a professionally-trained staff that dedicates their lives to serving those that need outlets to alleviate minor stress and serious life changes that we all experience. They believe that by living in agreement with the truth and realities of our human existence along with accepting personal responsibility for our individual health, we can alleviate stress in our daily lives and experience an optimum quality of life. Drop by and tell them Greg sent you!

Youth Recreational Flag Football

Tipp Monroe Community Services will again be offering flag football this year—in fact, registration is already underway!

NFL FLAG is the premier youth flag football league for boys and girls. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork. Launched in 1996, the NFL FLAG Football program is designed to educate young people about football while emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. Players learn skills and lessons that help them succeed both on and off the field.

NFL FLAG gives youngsters the chance to be an official NFL player!  Registration runs from January 9–March 23, 2012 and teams will be co-ed and all games will have certified referees.

Games and practices will take place on Sundays from April 15–May20 in Kyle Park, and registration is $40 for residents and $52 for non-residents and includes NFL jersey, flag belt, and flags.  Xander is playing again this year, so I’ll see you out there!

Check In With Me

Hear something interesting for “Tipp Talk?” Visit my website at www.gregenslen.com and drop me a line using the “Contact Me” page. And don’t worry—I won’t quote you unless you want me to!

The Director/Fundraiser will be responsible for implementing the fundraising efforts of the DTCP. The position will also have an emphasis on ongoing economic restructuring in downtown Tipp City.

Candidates should expect some administrative and promotional responsibilities. Skills necessary include successful fundraising experience, a passion for preservation, self-motivation and an ability to delegate work to a hands-on Board of Directors.

Interested applicants should apply to the Downtown Tipp City Partnership at info@dtcp.com or 12 S. Main Street, Tipp City, OH 45371. For more information, visit www.downtowntippcity.com or call 937-667-0883.

(TIPP CITY, OH) – The historic church building on 18 East Broadway Avenue (previously “St. John the Baptist” church and now serving as the CrossRoads Christian Fellowship (CCF)) will be hosting an open house this year during the “Tippecanoe Christmas in the Village” Holiday Tour of Homes on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Heather Bailey, Chair of the Christmas in the Village Committee, says, “Expanding the focus of the Holiday Tour of Homes beyond the featured 2011 Dow Street homes lets us shine the spotlight on even more of the historical charm of Tipp City.  Just a block south, the CrossRoads Christian Fellowship’s century-old unique architectural elements stand out as classic, yet forgotten, craftsmanship. Like the homes on the tour, the delicate care and restoration of the church are fine examples of preserving our history.”

The recently-renovated chapel, sanctuary and fellowship hall will be decorated for the season, as community members celebrate the building’s centennial as a center for ministry within Tipp City.

Events throughout the day at CCF will include:

Entertainment by Wright State University’s Departement of Music (Woodwind Trio, Flute Quartet, Marimba Band, Ladies’ Barbership Choir “Bella Acapella”)

Premium raffle prizes and biding opportunities (personal checks and cash accepted)

Courtesy refreshments

Hot drinks and fine chocolates for purchase

Children’s Christmas Gift Shop (doors open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Building rededication,  music and celebration with St. John’s parishoners, CCF members, and Tipp City community members (6:00 PM – 6:30 PM)

Historical displays and much more!

Funds raised will assist in ensuring that the building remain a historical landmark within Tipp City for another century.  To make an outright gift or to dedicate a brick paver within the remodeled structure, please call (937) 667-3916.

“This day is shaping up to be a lot of fun,” says Jim Valekis, pastor of CrossRoads.  “One hundred years ago, the St. John the Baptist building was one of the main village churches—and years of Christmases from days gone by have filled its halls with music.  This year, we want to give the thousands of community members who have used the building a chance to visit with their fond memories.  Guests will have holiday spending options available that will aid in raising funds to preserve this building as a structure of service to the Tipp City community.”

Public restrooms will be available at CCF.   There will be no charge for community members to visit the building on Saturday, December 3.  Tickets for the complete “Christmas in the Village” event can be purchased at http://www.downtowntippcity.org/citv.html.

Valekis added, “We want to kick off the season in a fun way for all – in a spirit of joy and unity.”

Click Here to download and read the flyer with the event listings!

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TIPP CITY, Ohio – Tickets are on sale now for the 2011 Tippecanoe Christmas in the Village home tour. This event originally began in 1980 and has become a beloved holiday tradition anticipated each year by many. This year’s festivities take place on Saturday, December 3rd from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will surely delight attendees.

There are 8 holiday homes featured on the tour this year located on Dow Street between Second Street and Fifth Street. Each home has been uniquely accented by a professional Designer. “We wanted to add some new pizzazz to this great holiday tradition,” said Heather Bailey, chairperson for the tour. “The professional Designers have each been paired with a homeowner and it will be fun to see how they take the tabletops ‘over the top.’”  The theme “Over the Top Tabletops” was a fun concept that the committee hopes will offer visitors to the homes some new inspiration for their own holiday tables.

For additional information about the event and to purchase your ticket online, visit www.downtowntippcity.org. Advanced ticket price is just $12 each or $20 the day of the tour.

Advance tickets can also be purchased from the following Tipp City locations starting on November 1st:
Broadway Hair (120 West Broadway)
Coldwater Café (19 East Main)
Clark’s Pharmacy (500 West Main)
Harrison’s Restaurant (106 East Main)
Tipp City Eye Center (115 S Tippecanoe Dr # A)
Tipp Monroe Community Services (3 EastMain)

Proceeds from this year’s event will support three valuable community projects – the Tipp City Area Arts Council, Mobile Meals and Heritage Ohio Education. Monies from this year’s tour will help these organizations fund projects and continue to provide services to the MiamiValley.

Tippecanoe Christmas in the Village is sponsored by Evans Title, Monroe Federal, Prime Lending and RE/MAX Professionals.

Troy, Ohio – October 13, 2011 – Why fight for a parking spot at the mall, walk miles through wall to wall people and indoor noise, only to buy the same things everyone is buying for everyone else? Why not spend your holiday shopping weekends in a boutique town in search of something unique and interesting from a locally-owned shop or gallery?

You may find just what you never knew you were looking for…And perhaps along the way, you may find a little slice of life in Miami County, Ohio… Cool finds, festive neighborhoods and cozy cafés are all right here! Avoid the holiday shopping masses to find unique places and specialty stores all around Miami County Ohio!

During the weekend of November 12th and 13th, the shopkeepers of historic downtown Tipp City warmly invite you to their open house. Don’t miss this “Yuletide Winter’s Gathering” or the visit by Santa, strolling carolers, musicians and carriage rides.  This is indeed, one of the best communities to visit before the holidays to shop for wonderfully unique gifts and collectibles!

The Specialty Shoppes of West Milton have a long tradition of holiday spirit with their annual open house. The 22nd Annual Holiday Open House is November 17th -20th where you’ll find uncommon gifts from traditional to modern and everything in between.

Stroll down Main and Market Streets in downtown Troy for some holiday shopping before seeing thousands of lights switched on for Troy’s Grand Illumination on November 25th.  With roaming carolers, local merchants and everyone filled with holiday cheer, this is the perfect kick off to the holiday season!

If it’s Christmas-themed shopping in a charming small town you’re looking for, be sure to check out downtown Piqua. Browse along Main Street where you’ll find antique shops, art galleries, and a local baked goods shop in this charming step into the past.  Piqua’s Christmas on the Green event is held on December 3rd and features caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, children’s activities and live entertainment.  It’s certainly a “must do” on many area calendars.

Miami County, Ohio will always embrace the festive spirit during the holidays in each of its art, antique, gift and jewelry shops with a historical flair and local charm.  Each of our downtowns sparkle during this time of year which adds that “something special” to your shopping experience.  And why not make it a weekend shopping excursion and stay at any one of our affordable hotels found in Tipp city, Troy or Piqua.

You can find these wonderful communities along I-75, just minutes north of downtown Dayton.  From town to farm, experience country charm without the noise and crowds you find at those big box stores. Leave all of that behind and take a memorable holiday shopping trip to Miami County, Ohio.

Build your itinerary at www.VisitMiamiCounty.org or call 1-800-348-8993 for more information.

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Mauk Cabinets by Design will celebrate its Grand Opening on Saturday and Sunday, October 8^th and 9^th from 11 am to 4pm.  All are invited to attend.

Mauk Cabinets by Design offers complete design, installation and remodeling services.  The showroom is located in the newly renovated Kilpatrick Building located at 131 W Main Street in historical Downtown Tipp City and offers over 30 displays highlighting a variety of cabinets, countertops, built-ins and vanities.   Aaron Mauk has 15 years of industry experience and has won several national awards for his work.  Mauk Cabinets by Design can assist you in the transformation of any room in your home.

Mauk Cabinets by Design is excited to be a part of Tipp City and its outstanding community.

For additional information, stop by our showroom, visit Maukcabinets.com or call (937) 506-8655.

Photo (L-R): Susan Rambeau, Downtown Tipp City Partnership Chair; Matt Owen, President & CEO Tipp Chamber; Jon Crusey, Tipp City Manager; Mayor Dee Gillis; Aaron Mauk, Showroom Manager; Jim McVicker, Owner.

In the email Owen stated “It is with great excitement as well as sadness that I inform you that I will be leaving the Chamber/Partnership. I have accepted the position of Construction Sales Manager & Commercial Agent with Bruns General Contracting.”

Matt was hired in 2007 as the executive director of the two organizations in a partnership agreement between the Tipp City Chamber and the City of Tipp City. Recently the position came under fire from several City Council members looking to cut costs. Matt has informed the organizations that his last day will be Tuesday, October 18^th.

During his term as executive director for the Tipp City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Tipp City Partnership, Matt accomplished many goals and objectives for the two organizations. I’ll be covering Matt, his hopes for the new position with Bruns, as well as the organizational change plans in more depth beginning next week.

The first annual HarvestFest Street Fair will be on Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.  We invite everyone in the community downtown to enjoy the fall Halloween festivities on 2^nd Street between Main Street and Dow Street.

The Street Fair will feature activities from local non-profits, including games, family fun, pumpkins, gourds, hand-crafted & baked goods, and more!  The event is FREE for all attendees and will feature giveaways from vendors and other local businesses. Children are welcome to come to the event in Halloween attire.

In the evening, the 5^th Annual Tippecanoe HarvestFest street party will be from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

For the second year, we are pleased to have the premiere 80’s band Stranger to entertain the crowd.  Stranger has been performing since 1996 and lead vocalist, Jeff Stevens, is a graduate of Tippecanoe High School.

Attendees must be 21 or over and can come in costume to be part of our extraordinary Halloween costume contest. The event is FREE for all attendees. Beer, wine and soft drinks will be served. This event is rain or shine.

For more information about either of these events, please visit www.downtowntippcity.org or our Facebook page.

The Downtown Tipp City Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Heritage Ohio with the mission to enhance, preserve, and promote downtown Tipp City. For more information, contact Matt Owen, Executive Director, at 937.667.0883 or visit www.downtowntippcity.org.

TIPP CITY, Ohio – The Downtown Tipp City Partnership (DTCP) has awarded a $500 matching grant to the building owner at 29 East Main Street, Donnie and Kristy Reis of Sweet By Kristy.  The building was formerly a jewelry store, but the Reis’ renovated the store into a cupcake bakery and candy shop earlier in 2011.  In July of 2011, DTCP also awarded Broadway Hair Studio and Company.

The DTCP Design Committee unanimously voted to honor the business’ request for matching grant funds after seeing a vast improvement in the building’s façade by replacing the broken storefront window and adding a new functional awning for this adaptive reuse renovation.

“The building and 2^nd floor apartment were in poor condition before the Reis’ purchased the space. Not only do these enhancements promote a welcoming business, but provide an overall welcoming community for our historic downtown,” says Matt Owen, Executive Director of Downtown Tipp City Partnership.

The DTCP Façade Improvement Program (FIP) is designed to stimulate new investment, enhance business development opportunities and to attract new customers to the historic downtown area. The matching grant program reimburses the participant of an approved project for the cost of improvements to the property’s facade at the rate of 50% of those costs up to a maximum $500 grant.  The program typically honors no less than two (2) recipients each year in the historic district.

The Downtown Tipp City Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Heritage Ohio with the mission to enhance, preserve, and promote downtown Tipp City. For more information, contact Matt Owen, Executive Director, at 937.667.0883 or visit www.downtowntippcity.org.