SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010
RETAIL/ENTERTAINMENT SECTION I
DIRECTIONS
YOUR GUIDE TO AREA BUSINESSES AND SERVICES What venue entertained more than 88,000 people in 2009 and had one visitor exclaim, ‘There’s so much you can see and learn and the people are always wonderful!’ ?
Did you know there’s a place where can you get custom-built furniture using reclaimed wood and shop for unique American-made home décor?
Find out where you can buy a high quality mattress made locally that is frequently sold, made and delivered (for free within 30 miles) by the same person.
A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION PRESENTED BY:
2I • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
“The fairgrounds serve a multitude of purposes and provide a community benefit for everyone.”
Delaware County Fair
— Larry Clendenin, vice-president of the Delaware County Fair Board.
By Ken Wickliffe
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rawing from over 150 years of history and evolving every year, the Delaware County Fair remains an eagerly-anticipated midsummer tradition for area residents. But, while the fair is the biggest attraction held there, the local fairgrounds are busy all year long, with a craft show, flea market, wedding ceremony, dog show or similar event taking place practically every weekend, according to Larry Clendenin, vice-president of the Delaware County Fair Board. “The fairgrounds serve a multitude of purposes and provide a community benefit for everyone,” he said. “This is definitely not a oneweek-a-year operation — there’s something there all the time.” Heartland Hall, the newest building on the fairgrounds, replaces two older structures no longer standing — one that was dismantled and another destroyed by fire. “Heartland Hall is a sixty-foot by two-hundred foot building that’s conducive to all kinds of events and meetings,” Clendenin explained. “It has a kitchen, restrooms, a general meeting room and three large halls that are rented for many types of events, such as wedding receptions and craft shows.” During the fair, Heartland Hall functions as the Merchant’s Building, he added. Campsites at the fairgrounds have also been renovated and upgraded, with 172 sites total. Of those, 158 sites offer full recreational vehicle hookups, including 50-amp electrical service and city water connections. “The Muncie-Anderson Dog Show, held each August, is one major event that brings many campers to the fairgrounds,” Clendenin said.
“It would be hard to guess how many dogs are on the grounds during the show, but I know it’s well in excess of 1,000, with several show rings going at one time, as well as exhibitors of all kinds of canine products.” Another newer facility on the fairgrounds, an arena and judges‘ building, was contributed by the Delaware County 4-H Horse and Pony Club, he added. The 2010 Delaware County Fair, which will run from July 19-25, originated in 1852, and has been held at the current fairgrounds since 1881, when Jacob and Sarah Wysor sold the land to the Delaware County Commissioners, Clendenin said. Fair visitors will notice improvements to the grandstand this year, and can expect to enjoy both new and familiar fair events. “As in the past, we’ll have a full program for every day of the fair, with something on the free stage every day for people, ranging from music to all kinds of local talent,” he said. “One of the most popular events last year was hog wrestling — it turned out to be quite a crowdpleaser — so that will most likely be back.” The midway, which is operated by MidAmerica Shows, is consistently a popular and well-run component of the Delaware County Fair, Clendenin said. “Tremendously conscientious in the operation of its rides, Mid-America Shows has been recognized as one of the leading midway shows in the Midwest,” he said. “They consistently bring new rides — we had a new one last year, and they’ve told us we can expect another new one this year.” For more information on the Delaware County Fair and other events at the fairgrounds, contact the fair office at 288-1854.
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 3I
DILLMAN’S FURNITURE
4I • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
By Stacey Shannon
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urniture is one of those major purchases that most families make only every few years. Yet, furniture is where families spend their lives — sitting, sleeping and eating. Knowing what to look for is crucial. John Dillman has been in the furniture business for approximately 40 years and owns Dillman’s Furniture on North Wheeling Avenue. He said many shoppers make common mistakes when shopping for furniture. Mistake 1: Looking solely at the price. John won’t argue that price isn’t important. As the married father of two, he understands budgets, but he also said higher price doesn’t always mean better quality. And, too often, a really low price can equal lower quality. “Don’t try to find something that’s just cheaper,” he said. “Many times, the cheaper furniture won’t hold up and will have to be replaced sooner. In the long run, you end up spending more money by having to replace the furniture more often.” He suggested looking at the quality of the merchandise and checking into the manufacturer. Shoppers should do research online or talk to a knowledgeable sales associate, like those at Dillman’s Furniture, to find out if the manufacturer stands behind its work. Mistake 2: Not knowing the budget. Having a good understanding of their budget for furniture can help shoppers make even better choices. While not each customer can by top-of-the-line overall, each customer can buy top-of-the-line for his or her budget. “We always try to give the best quality for the best price,” John said. “Nobody wants to throw their money away.”
sofa. He and his staff work with them so they understand that the foam will soften inside of the furniture after a couple of months of use. “Be conscious of comfort,” John said. Mattresses, of course, come in different firmness levels but so do Flexsteel couch cushions. He suggested that customers start with a feel a bit firmer than what they ultimately want so they are happy in the end. Mistake 5: Not trying out the furniture. Testing out each piece of furniture before purchase is important, according to John. He said customers should sit on couches, they should recline in recliners, they should open drawers on dressers and, most importantly, they should lie on mattresses. “One pair of shoes doesn’t comfortably fit everyone,” he said. “Mattresses are the same way. When you buy a mattress you need to be fitted for it.” John said customers should spend 10 to 15 minutes lying on a mattress to truly test it. His trained sales staff can help steer customers toward what they’ll like most. As a Restonic gallery with 28 models of mattresses to chose from, Dillman’s Furniture offers a mattress for any need. John also pointed out that as a person ages his or her needs and comfort levels will change.
Mistake 6: Not taking advantage of trained staff. While customers generally know what they want, trained sales staff can help guide them through the furniture buying process to make sure they are getting the best deal for their money. John said the staff of Dillman’s goes through a day of training every three months so they are prepared to work with customers. “We have to keep them on top of their game,” he said. “That way they stay on top of styles and have the Mistake 3: Not knowing knowledge to give the best advice and service.” the latest in furniture innovations. The sales staff at Dillman’s Furniture will even make Furniture changes in more than just styles and colors. New innovations come out regularly. One of the home visits to suggest room layouts and options. more popular innovations has been power recliners, Mistake 7: Not thinking about what will hapaccording to John. He said they are a popular item at pen if a repair is needed. Dillman’s Furniture. Just as most consumers wouldn’t purchase a vehicle “You can get the recliner to do about anything you want,” he said, explaining that the recliner can be without having an idea of where it could be repaired, stopped at any position and goes back down with the neither should they purchase furniture without knowing where it could be repaired. Some furniture stores, touch of a button. “You don’t have to fight it.” His sales staff works with customers to ensure that like Dillman’s Furniture, offer repair services through the local store. John pointed out such a situation is their furniture is meeting their needs. easier for customers who don’t have to try dealing with a manufacturer out of town or even out of state Mistake 4: Focusing on to get a repair. just the current comfort level. “We try to be very convenient,” he said. “We are a In his 40 years in the furniture business, John has seen customers come in wanting a soft mattress or full-service furniture store.”
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 5I
6I • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
“Minnetrista literally means ‘gathering place by the water.’ Our focus has always been on community engagement.”
MINNETRISTA
— Amanda Hicks, marketing manager for Minnetrista
By Steven Beverly
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hat’s great about Minnetrista? Everyone seems to have her or his own unique answer to that question. Minnetrista finds a special place in the hearts and lives of those who have their own special Minnetrista experience! Whether you take a casual walk through the Minnetrista campus along White River Greenway, simply cruise through on Minnetrista Parkway and enjoy the beautiful flowers in the spring and summer, or visit one of the many exhibitions, you’ve had a Minnetrista experience. Joseph and Carol Trimmer from Muncie have been avid Minnetrista donors for many years. Their Minnetrista experience includes visiting exciting programs that Minnetrista offers throughout the year. “Minnetrista is important to us,” said Carol. “My husband and I both believe in the importance of the arts in our community.” From Farmers Market at Minnetrista to Enchanted Luminaria Walk, Minnetrista offers every person in surrounding communities the opportunity to have a unique relationship with Minnetrista. In fact, more than 88,000 people enjoyed a Minnetrista Experience in 2009. Among them was Helen Grahg from Muncie. Helen has been volunteering at Minnetrista for more than ten years. “Minnetrista offers an awful lot for Muncie and surrounding communities, and it’s a wonderful place to volunteer!” Helen’s Minnetrista experience includes the many new friends and people she has met when she volunteered her time. “I’ve enjoyed the experience. There’s so much you can see and learn and the people are always wonderful!” Minnetrista always has something new for visitors to experience. Fun, hands-on exhibits; conversation groups; inspiring art; and, of course, forty acres of beautifully maintained outdoor space in which to recharge and enjoy. Enjoy casually elegant shopping in the Orchard Shop and in the Center Shop at Minnetrista. Come visit Minnetrista. We have a Minnetrista experience ready for you!
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 7I
8I • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
SILVERTOWNE
STAR PRESS CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS
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roken necklace? Don’t wear those earrings anymore? Or, are you just willing to part with that ring for extra cash? For many ECI residents, the downturn in the economy has them saving every penny. And many need to find creative ways to earn a little extra to help pay the bills. One such way is selling gold, and locally, SilverTowne is the place to go. SilverTowne Coin Shop officially began in 1949 out of a cigar box in the Rainbow Restaurant in downtown Winchester, which Leon Hendrickson owned at the time. It soon outgrew its humble beginnings and was moved to the Hendrickson’s home in 1959. It took over the entire basement and was still being operated as a part-time business. But what was once an avocation is now a multimillion dollar business on the north-
Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. They pay by check only. If you have several pieces, call in to see if you will need an appointment. Be sure to have a valid driver’s license with you. Kristen Fields, marketing specialist at SilverTowne, says, “Just because your gold or silver coins are old doesn’t necessarily mean they’re worth a lot of money. Also, if you are unsure as to whether your item is silver or gold, give us a call - we can also test your item for free at our store”. (Coin appraisals are by appointment only. Call Gold is big business for customers On March 15, the gold market was around for details.) $1115.00 per ounce. That’s a big jump from 2006, when the going rate topped out at How it works just more than $600. The gold is separated into piles based “It wasn’t that long ago when it was on karats. Each of those piles is weighed. $200,” explains Tracy Rhoades, an employ- A pricing chart is used to determine how ee for over nine years. much the customer gets for each troy SilverTowne buys gold Monday ounce of gold (or by the pennyweight, if through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there is less than an ounce).
east side of Winchester. SilverTowne L.P, located at 120 E. Union City Pike, consists of a 23,000-square foot building with Coin, Gift, and Jewelry departments. A separate facility operated by SilverTowne custom makes coins in a wide array of metals for a broad spectrum of customers, including the military, businesses, individuals and churches. Each coin has its own custom die made and those with color are hand-painted.
Then, they take the gold and the customer gets a check. Once sold, the specialists at SilverTowne melt down the gold (they melt their gold at least twice a day). When enough gold is collected, it is sold to a refinery, which then gets that gold to people who will make more jewelry. Customer service is a priority The customer service at SilverTowne is based on Hendrickson’s personal philosophy of having a good attitude. “Attitude is very important in any business,” he said. “A good, positive attitude is probably the most important thing a person can have.” He’s conveyed that to his nearly 100 employees, many of whom have been with SilverTowne for 25 years or more. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to answer any questions you may have about buying and selling your gold and silver coins and jewelry.
“Attitude is very important in any business. A good, positive attitude is probably the most important thing a person can have.” — Leon Hendrickson, founder of SilverTowne
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 9I
10I • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 11I
HEARTLAND EXCHANGE By Stacey Shannon
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hat started out as a hobby has turned into a full-fledged business for Gary Schliessman Jr. The local resident had been building homes for nearly two decades when his hobby of cabinet and craft building began to take on a life of his own. By 2001, he was so busy making custom furniture and selling pieces wholesale that he closed his construction business. Cabin Creations has grown through the years and supplies pieces to local stores as well as stores nationwide. Last June, the business expanded to include a retail shop, The Heartland Exchange, which is located in the former Carter Lumberyard at 2010 E. State Road 28. “A lot of people don’t know we’re here,” Schliessman said. “We’re kind of off the beaten path.” The Heartland Exchange has a variety of unique merchandise including candles, shelving, pottery, lighting fixtures and, of course, furniture. Most pieces have a country, primitive feeling to them. “There is something here for everybody’s price range,” Schliessman said. “We are a gift shop and offer a lot of different things you’re not going to find anywhere else. We sell American-made home décor.” Furniture makes up a portion of those unique items. Each piece is handcrafted locally by Schliessman and his crew. They come up with designs based on Schliessman’s experience that started when he was build-
ing log cabins and custom homes for clients who asked him to build custom pieces for them. He is also happy to custom build pieces that customers design — in whatever style or finish they like. As much as possible, Schliessman works with reclaimed wood. In fact, he has recently begun getting dimensional lumber from historic homes in downtown Muncie that have been torn down. “We try to reclaim as much as possible,” he said. “We are working towards being as green as possible.” Schliessman often designs pieces around reclaimed lumber. For example, he might build a cabinet based around an old window or a kitchen island with a pine base and a top made from wood of a 100-year-old barn. The reclaimed lumber can be sold as individual pieces used for flooring, siding or general construction. While other retailers sell his pieces as well, Schliessman said opening The Heartland Exchange just gives him another venue for selling his work. Though the business started right as the economy took a turn for the worse, The Heartland Exchange is holding its own and looking to the future. “We’re just hoping to grow bigger and better and come up with even more different and unique items,” Schliessman said. The Heartland Exchange is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call the store at (765) 286-4635 or visit www.theheartlandexchange.com.
“We are a gift shop and offer a lot of different things you’re not going to find anywhere else. We sell American-made home décor.” — Gary Schliessman, Jr., owner
JACK’S CAMERA SHOP
12I • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
“People who are just starting might be intimidated to come into a specialty shop. But they don’t need to feel that way. Everyone here is acquainted with helping beginning photographers.” — Tom Nahre, vice president and sales manager
By Stacey Shannon
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hough technology has changed the imaging process since Jack’s Camera Shop opened in downtown Muncie in 1948, the customer service hasn’t. The long-time employees are still knowledgeable about their products and happy to help any customer — be it a novice or seasoned photographer. “People who are just starting might be intimidated to come into a specialty shop,” said Tom Nahre, vice president and sales manager of Jack’s Camera Shop. “But they don’t need to feel that way. Everyone here is acquainted with helping beginning photographers.” He added that the store’s prices are as competitive as bigger retailers, yet customers get help from an experienced staff. They are willing to spend the time necessary to meet customers’ needs; no one
is ever rushed into a buying decision. Along with selling new and used cameras, they also have a large selection of camera accessories, such as tripods, filters and camera bags. Jack’s Camera Shop offers classes and even one-on-one instruction for customers as well. Nahre said the instructors have at least 25 years experience at Jack’s Camera Shop and more than that in photography. Both Nahre and one other instructor are Certified Photographic Counselors, meaning they have passed industry tests. Jack’s Camera Shop also offers prints and other photo products, including photo books printed on site. Nahre said the photo books are printed on photographic paper and can be ready for pickup the same day. The staff can work with customers to custom design the books they want. Customers can also bring in their film or digital image files or even upload them and create their
own products through www.jackscamera.com. Jack’s Camera Shop also offers print sizes from locket to 44-inches wide in a variety of surfaces, including canvas. The shop also sells a selection of unique frames for displaying favorite prints. Nahre said the downtown location has been good for Jack’s Camera Shop. The store has parking lots for its customers in addition to street parking, so it offers easy access. “It’s very convenient in the heart of downtown,” he said. “You don’t have to hassle with the traffic on McGalliard.” Jack’s Camera Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, stop by the store at 300 E. Main St., call (765) 282-0204 or visit www. jackscamera.com.
ADVERTISEMENT Sunday, March 28, 2010 • 13I
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ocal musicians of all varieties know Muncie Music Center as their destination for instruments and music supplies. It may be no surprise for many to hear that Muncie Music Center is a full line music store offering guitars, amplifiers, drums and percussion, keyboards, P.A. systems, and recording equipment. In addition, they offer an extensive selection of band instruments for students and professional musicians alike, including most imaginable brass and reed instruments, sheet music, accessories, and expert instrument repair. In fact, as a full line school music dealer, Muncie Music Center representatives visit over 60 school systems in Indiana and western Ohio, assisting band and school music programs. For the novice musician, Muncie Music Center offers convenient inhouse teaching facilities where around
“Our salespeople know the value having gear work the way it should at home and on stage. We love helping the working musician.” — Dave Helms, owner 125 students attend music lessons for various instruments each week. In addition, instrument rentals are a valuable resource offered by Muncie Music Center to families whose students want to learn an instrument or join a school music program, but can’t afford to purchase an instrument. Rentals allow students to play high quality instruments at reduced prices. Therein lies Muncie Music Center’s goal: to offer high quality instruments
at affordable prices. A locally owned family business, Muncie Music Center opened its doors in 1941 and moved to its current location in 1961. To call them a mainstay of the local music scene is an understatement. The staff of Muncie Music Center is highly experienced: every member of the sales team plays at least two instruments and possesses an extensive background in stage performance. Muncie Music Center owner Dave Helms said, “Our salespeople know the value having gear work the way it should at home and on stage. We love helping the working musician.” Muncie Music Center truly takes care of their customers, offering continued support after purchasing an instrument. In fact, the phrase you’ll hear often at Muncie Music Center is “We love musicians!” The staff of this well-known music store prides themselves in offering a fun, unique shopping experience.
MUNCIE MUSIC CENTER
By Mike Feeney
HOLDER BEDDING
14I • Sunday, March 28, 2010 ADVERTISEMENT
By Stacey Shannon
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he Holder family is continuing their long-standing family tradition of making mattresses at their facilities in Muncie and Lafayette. They specialize in a locally made product offering the best value at the best price. Holder Bedding began in 1947 in Kokomo before moving to Muncie. The second generation of the Holder family is now running the business, which includes showrooms in Muncie, Anderson and Lafayette. Allen Holder, who operates the Muncie store, said the company makes high quality mattresses at affordable prices. One of the key components for Holder mattresses is that all of them can be flipped over. “No flip actually means can’t flip,” Holder said. “A quality mattress has two sides you can sleep on and should last twice as long as a ‘no flip’ mattress. By turning your mattress over, you lessen the wear of the padding and body impressions are less obvious. Every time you flip the mattress, it’s like having a brand new mattress.”
Holder mattresses come with a six to 12-year warranty. And the company offers a wide variety of mattresses to fit any customer’s need — from the firmest mattress to a plush pillow-top mattress. “And, yes, even our pillow-tops are on top and bottom so you can flip them over,” said Holder. Holder Bedding even makes adjustable beds that allow users to raise and lower their head and/or feet. Headboards and beds, including popular Wesley Allen cast iron beds, are also available. Because the mattresses are made locally, Holder Bedding can work with customers on special orders to fit irregular sized antique beds, campers and horse trailers. While selling a high quality product is important, customer service is just as important to Holder Bedding, according to Holder. He said all 15 to 20 employees are well informed about what they are selling and work with customers to meet their needs. The company also includes free delivery within a 30-mile radius with set-up of the new bed and haul away of the old one. “We know our customers very well,” Holder said. “Frequently, I’m the person
who sells it, makes it and the person who delivers it, too. We try to be as helpful as we can.” He emphasized that the mattresses are affordable as well as high quality with mattresses that will fit into any budget. “We don’t run sales,” Holder said. “We offer the best prices all the time. We like to say that it’s always a good value and always a good price.” The popular Harmony Orthopedic mattress set, for example, retails for $439.90 for a queen size. The Harmony Double Sided Pillow Top mattress set retails for $709.90 for a queen size. Holder Bedding is located at 1815 N. Granville in Muncie, 1923 W. 8th St. in Anderson and 230 Farabee Dr. North in Lafayette. The Muncie location is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday. The Anderson location is open 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. MondayFriday and 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The Lafayette location is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, call (765) 7478103, or visit www.holderbedding.net, which will be up within the next month.