Tri-State Living • July/August 2018

July/August 2018

Out on the

Water Kountry Kayaks provides serene activity at Lake Vesuvius

Making Art Artist Sassa Wilkes teaches community how to express themselves

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and to everyone who made St. Mary’s Foundation’s Gala, “Passport to the World,” such a great success!!

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PRESENTING SPONSOR

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Special Thanks To: Huntington Tri-State Airport St. Mary’s Marketing Department St. Mary’s Food and Nutrition Services St. Mary’s Gala Committee Espresso Mojo St. Mary’s CFE Student Volunteers TAPs at Heritage MU Office of International Students

Proceeds from the gala will benefit the St. Mary’s Hospitality Hous For more photos, visit www.st-marysfoundation.org.

from the publisher

Creative people abound in region

Tri-StateLiving July/August 2018

EDITORIAL

Scott Schmeltzer, Publisher Dustin Melchior, Staff Writer Heath Harrison, Staff Writer Mark Shaffer, Staff Writer Dawn Nolan, Contributor

about a musical artist that you probably have heard of. Gerardo, who had a hit song called “Rico

SCOTT SCHMELTZER is the publisher and president of Ironton Publications, Inc. He grew up in Marquette, Michigan, in the beautiful Upper Peninsula and recently moved to the Tri-State from Minnesota.

T

his issue’s theme must be creativity, because every story is inspirational.

Start with artist Sassa Wilkes, who not only is creative, but passes on her great passion for others as a teacher at at /māk/, an art studio in downtown Barboursville.

She states, “It’s cool to help someone get somewhere they didn’t think they’d ever go.”

Along with Sassa’s story, read

Suave.” He and his wife, Kathy Mejia, a graduate of Ironton High School and the 1989 Miss West Virginia, bought and refurbished a beautiful 19th-century brick home in Ashland, Kentucky.

Lake Vesuvius in Wayne National Forest is the next inspiring art piece. This serene lake features Kountry Kayaks, a business that perfectly blends in with the peaceful lake.

Artist is normally not the word you think of when you hear the title fire chief. You will now after reading of the vision and brilliance that is Jan Rader. This Ironton High School graduate was featured in “Heroin(e)”on Netflix, a documentary featuring three extraordinary women fighting drug abuse in the Huntington, West Virginia. “It’s been humbling,” Rader states as she talks about her daily job, attending the Oscars and being featured in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential people in 2017.

Uplifting, motivational, moving.

news@tri-stateliving.com ADVERTISING

Shawn Randolph, Advertising Director Doug Pinkerton, Sales Consultant Hilary Keller, Sales Consultant Sarah Simmons, Sales Consultant advertising@tri-stateliving.com

PRODUCTION

Kandi Thompson, Creative Director Kelli Jameson, Composing

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jessica St. James, Photographer Valerie Campbell, Contributor

Tri-State Living is published a minimum of six times per year by: Ironton Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 647, Ironton, Ohio 45638 www.tristateliving.com 740-532-1441 Advertising rates and information available upon request. Subscriptions are $30 annually; $60 for international subscriptions. Please make checks payable to Ironton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 647, Ironton, OH 45638

Send us your feedback Snail mail: Tri-State Living, P.O. Box 647, Ironton, OH 45638 Email: feedback@tristateliving.com

4 | Tri-StateLiving

Contents | July/August 2018

16

24 10 “

20

I like teaching people who didn’t think they could do something, and it’s cool to help someone get somewhere they didn’t think they’d ever go.

”

— Sassa Wilkes ‘On Display’ | Page 10

arts & culture 10 ON DISPLAY w Artist turns love of art

into teaching others

living 16 DIFFERENCE MAKER w Fire chief has found herself

a voice against the opioid crisis

shopping 20 IN THE BIZ w Sage Boutique offers fashion,

room for entrepreneurs

July/August 2018

Out on the

Water Kountry Kayaks provides serene activity at Lake Vesuvius

Making Art Artist Sassa Wilkes teaches community how to express themselves

on the cover

24 TREASURES w Being prepared to defend

yourself doesn’t mean

giving up on fashion

Scott and Jennifer Mootz started Kountry Kayaks at Lake Vesuvius about 4 years ago. The lake, located in Pedro, Ohio, is family-oriented and offers more than 140 acres with many fishing opportunities.

Tri-StateLiving | 5

Contents | July/August 2018

feature 28 KOUNTRY KAYAKS w Lake Vesuvius is southern

Ohio’s hidden gem for kayakers

homes 36

36

SHOWCASE HOME w Singer/record label executive, beauty queen turned old house into stylish home

food

28

52 IN THE KITCHEN w Navarino Bay offers casual

and fine dining Greek food 58 FROM THE COOKBOOK w Expand your snack palette with

bacon-wrapped s’mores

in every issue 4 FROM THE PUBLISHER w Celebrating those who bring

creativity to the TriState

58

66 THE LAST WORD w Ohio University Southern is

dedicated to helping veterans succeed

66 6 | Tri-StateLiving

52

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arts & culture Tri-State Living

up close Barboursville, West Virginia, artist Sassa Wilkes teaches art to the community

p. 10

arts & culture | On Display

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On Display | arts & culture

Making Art Artist teaches community classes at Barboursville art studio

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Story Dustin Melchior | Photography Jessica St. James

ARBOURSVILLE, West Virginia — Artist Sassa Wilkes, 37, has been creating art her whole life, and teaches her skills to others.

Wilkes attended Cabell Midland High School before graduating from Marshall University in 2011 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in sculpture. She then went back to Marshall to earn a master’s degree in teaching, where she followed by teaching art classes at Marshall and then at Cabell Midland for three years.

arts & culture | On Display

“My favorite part about teaching is making people feel comfortable trying something new,” she said. “I like teaching people who didn’t think they could do something, and it’s cool to help someone get somewhere they didn’t think they’d ever go.”

Currently, Wilkes teaches community classes and private lessons at /māk/ (make), an art studio in downtown Barboursville that was started by the Barboursville Wellness Council.

The studio has been there for about a year.

“This was started by someone’s desire to start community gardens,” Wilkes said. “A woman wanted to create a community garden, and then she talked to my friend about starting an art studio as a nonprofit. I believe that art is a huge part of human wellness, and being creative is essential to most people.”

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On Display | arts & culture

Wilkes said she would describe her artistic style as being focused on people, with a slightly surreal or spiritual feel. She also added that she values traditional art techniques.

“I love portraiture and the human form,” she said. “But I don’t like to just paint their face. It’s about getting to know that person and what they’re like on the inside as well.”

Wilkes said the best part about art is that it is a continuous learning experience.

“My favorite part about making art would be that there’s no end to it or cap on it,” she said. “It’s exciting, because when you feel yourself getting better, there’s 1,000 more steps you can get to.”

One of the classes Wilkes teaches at the studio is called “Mindful Marks,” an eightweek series that focuses on drawing as a form of meditation.

“It really approaches drawing from a neuroscience perspective,” Wilkes said. “It’s about what’s going on in the brain when you look at something and then try to draw it.”

“Mindful Marks” is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesdays, which Wilkes said has around eight people per class. /māk/ studio is located at 604 ½ Central Ave., Barboursville, West Virginia. a

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Tri-StateLiving

up close Huntington, West Virginia, Fire Chief Jan Rader has found herself a voice against the opioid crisis after “Heroin(e)� documentary

p. 16

living | Difference Makers

Humble Heroine Jan Rader, focus of Netflix documentary, ‘Heroin(e)’ Story Mark Shaffer | Photography Jessica St. James

I

t was a long journey for Jan Rader to become a fire chief, nurse and spokesperson on the scourge of opioids in the Tri-State and the country. In the past year, she was featured in the Netflix documentary, “Heroin(e),” which led to her attending the Oscars and being featured as one of the 100 Most Influential in Time magazine.

“It’s been humbling,” Rader said.

After graduating from Ironton High School, her career path changed in a most random way.

In 1993, Rader was working at a jewelry store in a suburb of Washington, D.C., when a woman suffered a heart attack in the doorway.

“I didn’t know what to do, I didn’t even know CPR,” Rader said. “I called 911 and stayed with her until help arrived.”

When the firefighter showed up, the 16 | Tri-StateLiving

paramedic was a woman.

“It was the first moment I realized that women could be firefighters,” Rader said.

Inspired, she took CPR and EMT classes and then started to apply to be a firefighter. Her brother told her about an opening in the Huntington, West Virginia, fire department.

She decided to apply, since it was in her home area.

“Huntington offered me a job and I was happy to move back home in 1994,” she said.

In 1996, Rader took a paramedic class. Later, she decided to go to Ohio University Southern and in 2008, she became a registered nurse.

For the next eight years, she would work in the emergency room on her days off. While doing all that, Rader was promoted up through the ranks and in 2016, she became the fire chief.

Since Rader was a nurse and a firefighter, she was asked to be part of the Huntington’s Office of Drug Control Policy in 2014. That led to being part of the “Heroin(e)” documentary in 2017.

West Virginia-based filmmakers Elaine McMillion Sheldon and her husband, Kerrin, came to Huntington to document the city’s battle against opioid drugs. Rader introduced them to people on the front lines, including

Brown Bag Ministries founder Necia Freeman and Cabell Huntington drug court Judge Patricia Keller.

The three women were filmed as they went about their daily jobs and then the filmmakers edited the footage into a short documentary, which Netflix bought.

The 40-minute documentary caused a big stir for its unflinching look at those dealing with the drug epidemic.

In January, it was announced that

“Heroin(e)” was one of five films being considered for an Oscar nomination in Best Short Subject category. In May, those involved in the documentary attended the Oscar ceremony and Rader became possibly the first nominee to wear their fire service dress jacket over her dress on the red carpet.

In the April 19 issue of Time, Rader was named among the magazine’s 100 Most Influential of 2018. She said it was a shock to be amongst people who

personify 2018 like President Donald Trump, Kim Jung Un, the Parkland High School students and a host of celebrities and global leaders.

“It’s been an interesting ride,” Rader said. “But I really think the attention needs to be on Huntington and how we have done so much together. There are so many people who work diligently on this issue. We just ended up being accidental spokespersons and that is very humbling.” a Tri-StateLiving | 19 17

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shopping Tri-State Living

up close The Boiler Room in Grayson, Kentucky, is home for small businesses and serves as a creative hub

p. 20

Trendy shopping | In the Biz

Boiler room houses boutique, other local offerings

HUB

Story Heath Harrison | Photography Jessica St. James

W

hen Sabrina McWhorter and her husband Nick attempted to open a restaurant in Grayson a few years ago, they ran into several roadblocks.

They quickly realized, after signing the lease, that it would cost more than they expected to bring their building up to code and install a custom range.

“That was pretty much the end of that dream,” she said. “It was the final straw.”

Little did they know that seeing those plans fall apart would turn out to be a blessing and lead them to success.

“We couldn’t get out of the lease and, after lots of prayer, I told my husband that I wanted to open a boutique,” McWhorter said.

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In the Biz | shopping

Two weeks later, in October 2016, she launched Sage Boutique on Main Street, named for her daughter, who was nine months old at the time.

“We were flying by the seat of our pants,” she recalled.

She said the goal of the boutique was to “offer more modern, trendy” clothing.

It took her a little time to perfect it, first dabbling in children’s clothing, but eventually she found her niche.

“I’ve loved every minute of it,” McWhorter said, stating the shop specializes in women’s clothing.

“Dresses, jeans, things like that,” she said, adding that she likes to get to know her customers and cater to their tastes.

Tri-StateLiving | 21

“I try to fine tune things,” she said. “And I do lots of research on trends and try to notice them. It’s sometimes a few months before they hit here.”

She said they have focused on carrying as much local clothing as possible, such as items by New Frontier Clothing in Morehead.

McWhorter said the response has been quite positive.

“It just kind of exploded,” she said. “It’s gone really well.”

With the success of the boutique, the McWorters have decided to expand. They have relocated the boutique to 134 Beauty Dr., in a larger building, which will be home to four businesses.

The Boiler Room will house Sage Boutique, as well as her 22 | Tri-StateLiving

husband’s video production company. They will also operate Cup and Kettle, a tea and coffee business, from the building.

Joining the couple at the location will be Heather and Seth Carroll, who will run Grace House and the Empty Spoke bike shop.

McWhorter said their goal is to operate as a small business “hub” for Grayson.

“We want to have all things cool,” she said. “We want to make a nice, hip place where people can come into and feel comfortable hanging out.”

She said they hope to feature as many local creators’ goods as possible.

“Working with other business owners is super important,”

In the Biz | shopping

she said, stating that she hopes to return the support she has received.

“I feel a duty,” she said. “As a small business owner, you should help.”

She said the new location also has a large backyard, which will allow them to host options such as outdoor yoga and the possibility of having a yoga session with goats, something she said has taken off in some areas.

“People like unique things, and we plan on having that,” McWhorter said.

She said they are also considering the idea of a film festival, in which movies would be projected on the building.

She describes all four of the business owners as very outdoors oriented and said they would like to be able to steer people to parks in the area.

“So they look in our own backyard and see the treasures we have in our community,” she said.

She described Grayson as a place they “enjoy and love” and said she hoped the Boiler Room could help bring people to their town.

“We should be a cool community that people can come and get lost in when they pull off the interstate,” she said. a

shopping | Tri-State Treasures

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Sock It To Me striking tool $10

24 | Tri-StateLiving

Tri-State Treasures | shopping

Hot Lil’ Hand pepper spray and glove $15

Holla personal alarm $15

Karen Dempsey, Independent Pro 304-417-1489 • www.StunGunKaren.com

Kari’s Clutch small concealed carry $40

Tri-StateLiving | 25

shopping | Tri-State Treasures

Junk In The Trunk auto emergency kit $65

To Whom It May Concern tatical pen $25

Get A Grip stun gun $70

26 | Tri-StateLiving

feature | Kountry Kayaks

ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR KAYAK Kountry Kayaks offers rentals on serene Lake Vesivius Story Mark Shaffer | Photography Jessica St. James

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here is a hidden gem amongst the hills of southern Ohio.

In Wayne National Forest in Pedro, there is Lake Vesuvius, which is becoming a destination for kayakers.

Scott and Jennifer Mootz started Kountry Kayaks at the lake about four years ago. Jennifer had retired from teaching first grade classes at Rock Hill Elementary School.

They enjoyed boating and thought that opening their own business would be a good job for Jennifer.

They talked with the management at Wayne National Forest and found out that no one had done boat rentals for a couple years. They worked together to open up Kountry Kayaks.

The business has a schedule of being open Friday through Sunday and on holidays.

“Monday through Thursday, there just isn’t a lot of people there,” Scott said. “We went out and bought a fleet of high-quality, commercial rental boats that are designed for this kind of business. The boats are very stable and really easy to use. And we are proud of that.”

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feature | Kountry Kayaks

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feature | Kountry Kayaks

Kountry Kayaks | feature

And because there was a demand, they also got four-person pedal boats for rent. Scott said those are popular with families and people with disabilities who might not otherwise be able to get onto the water.

Another attraction for kayakers is that Lake Vesuvius doesn’t allow gas-powered boats.

“It is one of the few totally electric power lakes, no gasoline engines. It makes for a very serene, quiet experience,” he said. “That's good for our customers, they don’t have to worry if they are in a wake zone — it’s all a no-wake zone. It’s a smaller lake but it is so quiet and pretty.”

The Mootzs have been canoers for decades. It was on a trip to go canoeing that Jennifer started talking with another couple that had come to the lake to kayak, and while Scott was unloading their canoes, she borrowed a kayak to try it out and loved it.

“It was about a year before she convinced me try it,” Scott said, adding she purchased a kayak at a sports store and loved it. Scott, not so much.

“I hated it,” he said, with a laugh. But he talked to a friend who convinced him that what he needed was a better quality kayak.

“We got into it and became avid kayakers. We traveled to a lot of places to kayak.”

Scott said that he tries to make the kayaking experience top notch, whether it's making sure the life jackets smell fresh or working with first-time kayakers to make their experience more enjoyable.

“We try to make it a good customer experience, because some of our customers are first-time kayakers,” Scott said, adding that a lot of customers are already experienced kayakers. “They tell me they have their own kayak, they just didn’t feel like messing with putting the car top carrier on the car and tying it down.”

The lake attracts lots of boaters from the surrounding counties, and even drawing some from central Ohio and Indiana.

“We get people from all over,” Scott said.

Kountry Kayaks has an outfitter permit with Wayne National Forest to run the boat rental. They are insured and part of the rental fee goes to the forest.

“Lake Vesuvius is a friendly, family-orientated place,” Scott said.

“We’ve got over 140 acres on Lake Vesuvius and some great fishing.

There are fish of all types and it’s surprising how many fish are caught right off the dock.”

For more information, go to www.kountrykayaksllc.com. a Tri-StateLiving | 33

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homes Tri-StateLiving

up close The Mejia’s Ashland, Kentucky, home was restored to its former glory, but kept a cozy atmosphere

p. 36

homes | Showcase

forever Story Dawn Nolan | Photography Valerie Campbell

HOME

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Showcase | homes

Pop singer, beauty queen turn historic Ashland, Kentucky, house into a comfortable family home

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erardo and Kathy Meija weren’t actively househunting when they fell for a 19th-century, three-story brick home with a wrap-around stone porch and second floor balcony on Ashland’s Bath Avenue four years ago.

“We were renting in Greenup at the time, and people would always say ‘I can’t believe you drive so far.’ But, for us, it was nothing because we were used to living in L.A., where they filmed our family’s television show, “Suave Says,” for VH1, and driving at least 30 minutes to get anywhere,” Kathy said.

Still, while chatting with some friends one evening, they decided to take a look at the historic residence, located just a few blocks from Central Park.

“They said, ‘Why don’t you check out the house across the street? It’s been for sale for a while.’ It was too dark to see much, but they told us about it, including the fact that it had a nice side and backyard that wasn’t visible. So we met with the realtor the next day, took a tour, made an offer and, a few weeks later, it was ours,” Kathy said. “It had been in foreclosure

and on the market for several years.

I really don’t know how it didn’t sell, but I guess no one could get past the condition it was in at that time.”

“When we looked at it, we saw the potential,” Gerardo said. “We’ve always liked houses that have some character to it. This is probably my wife’s dream house. She’s always wanted a Colonial, Victorian or something similar, and I’ve always relied on her for having taste.”

Built in the 1890s by Rufus Vansant,

of VanSant, Kitchen & Co, the home features original woodwork (“One of the most amazing features,” Kathy said.) and beautiful stained glass. Its design bears some resemblance to Georgian Revival, with its balanced facade, hipped roof and central portico.

The main floor features a living room, kitchen, dining area, pantry, theater and private den, which houses some memorabilia from Gerardo’s career in the music industry. Upstairs are the Tri-StateLiving | 37

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Showcase | homes

bedrooms and corresponding baths, and at the top is a “man cave/mini studio” for the Meijas’ son, an aspiring singer/songwriter.

The Meijas are used to having a full house. They share their home with their eldest daughter, son-in-law, toddler granddaughter and Shepherd (who recently had a litter of puppies — adding extra cuteness to the household). Their other daughter also stays when she’s in the area, and the couple often entertains.

“We always have guests,” Kathy said.

“I’ve thought that I could, and would like to, turn this into a bed-and-breakfast one day.”

Aside from being a private residence, the home was also, at one time, owned by a local real estate company who used it as a decorator’s show house.

“There were so many gorgeous pieces, like the light fixtures and chandeliers that came with the house when we bought it,” Kathy said. “I was kind of shocked that they were left here because they’re incredible.”

When it came to renovating their new home, the Meijas wanted to strike the right balance between vintage and modern.

“What really makes this place so interesting is its age, and there’s just so much history here,” Kathy said. “Yes, I’ve changed some things, but I’ve kept a lot of things, too.”

The majority of the furnishings came from the Meijas’ former home in Greenup as well as their West Coast residence.

An item that stands out is the piano in the living room, which was once owned by Hollywood star Mickey Rooney.

“It was bought in an estate sale after his death,” Kathy said. “It was a set piece on the show.”

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homes | Showcase

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“I didn’t buy many new things at all,” Kathy added. “Even when we lived in California I still had Southern Living taste. Somehow, I was just able to combine everything together and make it fit.”

Something she did buy, although technically not new, is the farmhouse table situated in the dining room.

“I found it at Coach Jones [Antiques] in Russell,” Kathy said. “You know those tables in Restoration Hardware that are like $5,000 or $10,000?

That’s because they’re restored. So, I went in there and told them what I was looking for, and the guy said ‘I think I have one of those in my storage space, but it’s not for sale.’ When he showed it to me, it was covered with paint cans and things like that. It was just a junk table. I told him it was exactly what I was looking for, so we made a deal, and I ended up taking it.”

While the Meijas have settled in quite nicely to their home, there are still a few things on their to-do list that would make it ideal.

“When we lived in California, outdoor living was a huge part of our lives,” Kathy said. “And, yes, there have been times when I think that, you know, I want more of that, but I feel like if we could just make a few more changes, it’d be perfect, and I’ll be here forever, because I really do love this house.” a Tri-StateLiving | 49

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South Point 740-894-4060 garagedoorplusinc.com HERITAGE PIANO Opening Our New Woodshop! We build custom swings, baby swings, and do furniture restoration! Call Dan at 606-262-7378 We do Piano Restoration & In-Home Fine Tuning. Also repair accordions & string dulcimers. 4700 Spears Rd. Catlettsburg, KY. Call for appointment: 606262-7378 or 606-547-6000 heritage_piano@yahoo.com Now Hiring! Physical Therapist. Competitive Compensation/Benefit Package Available! Minimum education/Experience required: •Graduate from a PT Program that is CAPTE Approved and/or Accredited by the APTA •Licensed in Ohio as a Physical Therapist. NEW GRADUATES WELCOME! Apply at www. holzer.org/careers. For more information call Human Resources at 740-446-5105 Now Hiring! Laboratory Tachnologist/Technician.

Full-time positions available; Varied shifts. Competitive Wages with excellent benefits.

•Associate degree in MLT required •BS degree in MT/ Clinical Laboratory Science Preferred •ASCP Board Certified or Board Eligible.

Apply at www.holzer.org/ careers. For more information call Human Resources at 740-446-5105

Tri-State Living

740-532-1441

Tri-StateLiving.com

New Graduates Welcome!

Positions Available in: •Critical Care Unit •Geriatric Psych •Internal Medicine •PostAcute Care •Medical/Surgical •Home Health •Inpatient Rehabilitation •Emergency Department •Maternity & Family Center. Apply at www. holzer.org/careers For more information call Human Resources at 740-446-5105

I-Town Plumbing Installation and Repairs. Jobs done right, the first time, on time, every time! Fully Insured.

Call Kurtis at 740-547-8287 www.i-townplumbing.com IRON CITY STORAGE If your garage is a pity, call Iron City! (740) 532-8414 JIM’S FARM EQUIPMENT INC. Tillers: 4’, 5’, 6’ & 7’ Massey Ferguson, New Holland, King Kutter. New and used tractors and equipment. GALLIPOLIS, OH 740-446-9777

Patriot Metals MFG Customized Metal Solutions.

1588 Gage Road. Patriot, OH 740-379-9101. MondayFriday. 6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday. 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Contractor’s Discounts Available. Next Day Delivery.

40 Year Warranty.

Truck Driver: Class A or B CDL. Full time position. Call for an appointment. Pickett Concrete 441 Rockwood Avenue, Chesapeake, OH 740-867-5758 PRECISE PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE “”Plumbing done right the first time!””

Don & Diane Appanaitis owners d-appanaitis@sbcglobal.net Over 35 years experience.

Licensed & Insured.

Diane 740-442-1217 Don 740-550-1925

Jordan’s Home Improvement • All phases of construction & remodel • Free Estimates (740)646-6491 Will Pay Top Dollar for Junk & Unwanted Cars, Trucks, Vans.

Free Pick Up. (740)727-3134

For Rent Covered Storage for RVs and Boats 740-442-2000 For Rent 2 bedroom, 1 bath house West of handing rock Call Monday-Saturday 8-5 740-442-2000

KUSTOM KOATINGS Powder Coatings & Ceramic Finishes www.kustomkoatings. com 114 Bridge St Huntingdon, W.V. 304-523-5880

R & J Construction Roofing, Siding, Remodeling. FREE ESTIMATES. John Layne.

740-550-4455. Adam Wilson.

606-615-5762. Licensed and Insured

Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Must be 21yrs. old, and have a high school diploma/GED Applications available at: 700 Park Avenue Ironton. We are an EOE

R & J Mini Storage “Affordable and Secure” 1107 South Third Street, Ironton, OH. 740-532-3685

Parnell Painting & Home Maintenance (740) 646-2304 Complete Remodels Inside & Out. Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ parnellpaint

SANCTUARY OF THE OHIO VALLEY HIRING STNA’S, LPN’S, AND RN’S **Sign-On Bonus** STNA: $500 • LPN: $1000 • RN: $2500 • APPLY IN PERSON: 2932 S 5TH ST. “Above the Rest” Scherer Mountain Insurance 740-5328755 209 S. Third St Ironton, OH

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See our other properties: www.mysouthpointstorage. com 740-377-4321 SAND AND GRAVELLimestone, Washed Gravel, Fill Sand, Top Soil, Mason Sand, & Fill Dirt. Pick up or Delivery. Bulk Rates Available.

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FREE QUOTES. Susan Court ApartmentsGround level. Off-street parking. Walking distance of Post Office, banks & stores.

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Tri-StateLiving

food

up close Navarino Bay in Huntington, West Virginia, offers Greek food for the casual eater and refined diner

p. 52

food | In the Kitchen

Fresh

from the kitchen

52 | Tri-StateLiving

In the Kitchen | food

Navarino Bay offers fresh, Greek food in a modern setting Story Heath Harrison | Photography Valerie Campbell

G

eorgios Alexandropolous has worked in the restaurant business for many years.

His family owns Jolly Pirate Donuts in Huntington and he has worked there, and at Fat Patty’s for 10 years.

In March of this year, he decided to launch his own restaurant, Navarino Bay, located at 809 3rd Ave. in Huntington in the former Wild Dawg location.

“This is my first personal attempt on my own,” he said of the business, a modern Greek establishment employing about 30 people, which he says straddles the categories between fast casual, for the lunch crowds, and sit-down dining for dinner.

“Someone called us the Olive Garden of Greek restaurants,” Alexandropolous said. “That’s a good category to put us in.”

He said the restaurant has proven a hit since its opening.

“Business has been great and the reaction from the community is outstanding,” he said.

As for what menu items have been popular, he said, “Everything.”

He said the saganaki, a fried cheese appetizer, is a big favorite of customers, as well the quail, rack of lamb and souvlaki, consisting of meat and vegetables served on a skewer.

And gyros have been a big seller with the lunch crowd.

“Everyone know gyros,” he said.

The restaurant seats about 83 people and offers dinner to go. He said they have done limited catering and are looking into the possibility of a full-fledged service. He said they do large orders, if they have a day or two of notice.

As for the location’s décor, he said he wanted to avoid the heavy use of white and pictures of Greece.

“I find that kind of clichéd and tacky,” he said.

He instead emphasized greys and the buildings brick walls.

“It’s very modern chic,” he said. “It’s kind of the hipster end of the design spectrum. It’s fancy, but not inaccessible.”

Tri-StateLiving | 53

food | In the Kitchen

54 | Tri-StateLiving

Tri-StateLiving | 55

food | In the Kitchen

In the Kitchen | food

Alexandropolous takes particular pride in the freshness of the food offered.

“Everything here comes prepared in the kitchen,” he said. “Nothing comes in frozen. I’ve worked in restaurants where a lot of the stuff is frozen, and we try to make everything here.”

He said most produce used at Navarino Bay comes from local vendors.

“We have fresh cut tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers,” he said. “And our meats come from close by — out of Cincinnati.”

Alexandropolous, who was born and raised in Huntington, attended Huntington High and Marshall University.

“I love this town and did not want to move away,” he said.

As for future plans, he said it is early, but he hopes to possibly start other ventures in the region.

“Right now, we’re just wanting to let the public know we’re open,” he said.

Navarino Bay is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and on Sundays from noon-5 p.m. For more information, visit NavarinoBay.net. a

Tri-StateLiving | 57

food | From the Cookbook

Middle Eastern-Inspired Bean Salad • 1 can (15 ounces) READ 3 or 4 Bean Salad • 1/2 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes • 1 small cucumber (4-5 inches long), cut in half lengthwise then thinly sliced crosswise • 2 green onions, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint • 1 small clove garlic, minced • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Dressing: • 2 tablespoons prepared hummus • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon za’atar seasoning blend

58 | Tri-StateLiving

Drain bean salad. Discard liquid. Place bean salad in large bowl.

Add tomatoes, cucumber, onions, parsley, mint, garlic and red pepper flakes to bean salad. Toss to combine.

To make dressing: Combine hummus, lemon juice and seasoning; set aside.

Add dressing to salad just before serving; toss to combine well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

From the Cookbook | food

Beet & Red Quinoa Salad Salad: • 1 jar (16 ounces) Aunt Nellie’s Baby Whole Pickled Beets • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/2 cup red quinoa, • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds, toasted • 1/3 cup crumbled reduced-fat or traditional feta cheese • 1 tablespoon orange zest

To make vinaigrette: In small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, black pepper, salt, if desired, and olive oil; set aside.

To make salad: Drain beets. Place in large bowl; set aside.

Vinaigrette: • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice • 1 tablespoon orange zest • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Add chickpeas, green onion, parsley and quinoa to beets.

Add vinaigrette; toss to combine well.

Just before serving, add almonds to salad; toss to combine well. Sprinkle with feta cheese and orange zest

Tri-StateLiving | 59

food | From the Cookbook

Farmers Market Mini Pierogy Salad • 1 box Mrs. T’s Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies • 1/2 cup white balsamic or cider vinegar • 1 small garlic clove, crushed • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1 large tomato, coarsely chopped • 1 medium cucumber, seeded, if necessary, and coarsely chopped • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

60 | Tri-StateLiving

Saute pierogies according to box directions; place in large bowl.

In small bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, salt and oregano; whisk in olive oil until well-blended.

Add tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta and vinaigrette to bowl with pierogies; toss to mix well.

From the Cookbook | food

Parrillada Mixta w/Garlic & Sweet Chipotle Marinades Sweet Chipotle Marinade: • 8 garlic cloves, peeled • 1 red bell pepper, de-seeded and stemmed • 1 small white onion • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika • 8 tablespoons olive oil • 8 tablespoons agave syrup • 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice • 1 1/4 cups orange juice • 1 1/4 cups cold water • 4 tablespoons Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce • Salt, to taste • 2 pounds extra-large shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails on • 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Garlic Chipotle Marinade: • 14 garlic cloves, peeled • 1 medium white onion, quartered • 1 1/2 cups light Mexican beer • 3/4 cup olive oil • 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper • 4 tablespoons Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 flank steaks (1 pound each) To prepare meat: Remove steak, shrimp and chicken from marinade and set aside. Heat grill to medium-high heat.

Brush off excess marinade and grill chicken first, to desired doneness, then steak and shrimp.

Note: Cooking times will vary depending on cuts of meat and desired doneness. Marinating time depends on the cut of beef selected. For fajitas or skirt steak, marinate at least 6 hours.

Tri-StateLiving | 61

food | From the Cookbook

Citrus Ginger Rosé Punch • 1/2 cup minced ginger • 1 cup Baker’s Corner Granulated Sugar • 1 cup water • 2 bottles (750 milliliters each) Trestoria Rosé, chilled • 5 cans (12 ounces each) PurAqua Belle Vie Grapefruit Sparkling Water, chilled • 2 cans (12 ounces each) PurAqua Belle Vie Lemon Sparkling Water, chilled

62 | Tri-StateLiving

In small pot, combine ginger, sugar and water to make simple syrup.

Bring to boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely in refrigerator.

Strain simple syrup and discard ginger.

In large punch bowl or pitcher, combine rosé, grapefruit sparkling water and lemon sparkling water. Add simple syrup.

Serve in chilled glasses.

Tip: Freeze lemon slices in ice cube trays or silicone muffin trays and add them to punch for pop of color.

From the Cookbook | food

Bacon S’mores • 4 strips any variety Smithfield Bacon • 8 marshmallows • 2 chocolate bars (about 3 ounces), broken into eight pieces • 8 graham crackers, broken into squares

Heat oven to 375˚F. On lightly sprayed, foil-lined, rimmed baking pan, separate strips of bacon; lay flat in single layer and gently stretch each strip 1-2 inches. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until bacon begins to curl and edges just start to crisp, rotating pan halfway through cooking. Remove bacon from pans with spatula while warm, draining briefly on absorbent paper; reserve.

Cut bacon slices in half crosswise and tightly wrap around marshmallows, securing with skewer or roasting stick. Roast marshmallows over open fire until toasty brown on edges, being careful not to burn or ignite marshmallows.

Immediately sandwich roasted marshmallows between two graham crackers with piece of chocolate.

Tri-StateLiving | 63

food | From the Cookbook

Asparagus Chicken Pizza Asparagus Crust: • 2 cups cut-up fresh or frozen Michigan asparagus, blanched • 1 egg • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning White Sauce: • 2 tablespoons butter • 1/4 cup chopped leeks • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon flour • 3/4 cup milk • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 cup cubed rotisserie chicken • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed • 1/2 cup cut-up fresh or frozen asparagus, blanched, seasoned with avocado oil and lemon pepper • 1/4 cup chopped prosciutto • Fresh chives, for garnish • Fresh basil, for garnish

Heat oven to 375˚F. To make Asparagus Crust: In food processor, puree blanched asparagus until smooth. In large bowl, mix asparagus puree, egg, Parmesan, mozzarella and lemon pepper seasoning until thoroughly combined.

Press asparagus mixture into circular shape on parchment paper-lined pizza stone or baking sheet.

Place layer of paper towel over crust and gently press down to remove excess moisture. Repeat until paper towel is no longer absorbing moisture.

64 | Tri-StateLiving

Discard wet paper towels. Bake 12-13 minutes.

To make White Sauce: In saucepan over medium heat, cook butter, leeks and garlic 3-4 minutes. Slowly whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes. Slowly add in milk, continue whisking and cook until thickened. Add Parmesan then remove from heat and set aside.

Pour white sauce over partially baked asparagus crust and top with chicken and mozzarella. Add peas, asparagus and prosciutto.

Bake 5-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

From the Cookbook | food

Pecan Lemon Berry Tarts Mini Pecan Crusts: • 2 cups pecan pieces or halves • 1/4 cup butter, melted • 2 tablespoons sugar • 24 Mini Pecan Crusts • 1/2 cup lemon curd • 1/2 cup blueberries or raspberries • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

To make Mini Pecan Crusts: Heat oven to 350˚F. Line mini muffin tin with paper liners.

In food processor, blend pecans, butter and sugar until mixture forms coarse dough.

Scoop about 2 teaspoons pecan mixture into each muffin tin.

Use back of wooden spoon or fingers to press mixture evenly along bottom and up sides of each muffin cup.

Bake 12 minutes, or until crusts are golden brown. Allow crusts to cool completely before removing from pan.

Spoon 1 teaspoon lemon curd into each Mini Pecan Crust. Top each with one raspberry or three small blueberries. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Tri-StateLiving | 65

the last word

OUS is military friendly S

ummertime brings with it warmer temperatures and American holidays that focus our attention on our independence and on our veterans. The Tri-State has always been a community where our men and women step up to serve our country in the armed forces, including those who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice to the United States.

Lawrence County and Ironton recently commemorated the nation’s longest-running Memorial Day Parade. For the past 150 years, area citizens have lined the streets waving flags and pausing to honor those who have died in service to our country. This tradition to commemorate our nation’s war dead is one of strong patriotism and helps refocus our minds on the foundation on which the United States was organized.

As the mother of a Marine, I understand the sacrifices our women and men in the military make every day. As the dean of Ohio University’s Southern Campus, I understand how important it is to provide a welcoming environment for our veterans and their families once they return to civilian life.

Ohio University, including its regional campuses, is proudly certified as military friendly. The Southern Campus is proud of this designation and strives to maintain this standard, which is a measure of our organizational commitment, effort and success to create a meaningful benefit for our region’s military community. This includes active duty, reserve, guard, veterans and military spouses.

By earning the military friendly designation, Ohio University has proven it meets and in many cases exceeds expectations in areas, including academic policies and 66 | Tri-StateLiving

NICOLE PENNINGTON is the Dean of Ohio University Southern Campus. In this role, Pennington is the chief academic and administrative officer for the campus. In addition to being dean, Pennington is an associate professor of Nursing at the school.

She can be reached at penningj@ohio.edu.

compliance, admissions and orientation, culture and commitment, financial aid and assistance, graduation and career, and support and retention. The Southern Campus is committed to maintaining these standards for our students who have served, and we extend an invitation for our area service men and women.

It is important to honor our armed forces during special holidays and ceremonies for the sacrifices they make on our behalf. It is essential that our community respects the contributions of veterans, active duty and reserves in our work in all aspects of Tri-State life, including higher education.

TRI-STATE REGIONAL CANCER CENTER American College of Radiology Accredited SERVING KING’S DAUGHTERS MEDICAL CENTER AND OUR LADY OF BELLEFONTE HOSPITAL

JEFFREY P. LOPEZ, M.D. TERRY E. JUSTICE, M.D.

Hon ori n

gC

an

ce r

Su rvi vor s

Look for the ACR gold seal and put your mind at ease

706 23RD ST., ASHLAND, KY • 606-329-0060 • TSRCC.COM

John Van Deren, M.D. Ola Khraisha, M.D.

Terence Ross, M.D.

ELECTROPHYSIOLOGISTS: A-FIB EXPERTS

Heart rhythm disorders – atrial fibrillation, slow heart beat, flutters – can be very frightening and have a significant impact on patients’ lives.

At King’s Daughters, we take rhythm problems seriously. We established the area’s first comprehensive electrophysiology program in 1999.

King’s Daughters Cardiology

(606) 324-4745

Our heart rhythm specialists – electrophysiologists Ola Khraisha, M.D., Terence Ross, M.D., and John Van Deren, M.D. - are experts in diagnosing, managing and treating rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation and flutter; slow heartrate; rapid heart rate; and ventricular fibrillation.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder and would like to know more about your options, ask to see one of our specialists.

kingsdaughtershealth.com