LINTONIAN 3
June/July ‘08
The Cover
Photography by: Jennifer Wathen
Dear Lintonian Reader:
Online
View The Lintonian in PDF format online at www.lintonian.ning.com.
Volunteer Staff
The Lintonian group began with the concept of promoting all things Linton, such as its local musicians, artists, and small businesses. Over the past year-and-a-half, we have done exactly that.
Brooks Benefiel - Art Director/Online Marketing Chris Wathen - Journalist/Editor Deborah McEnery - Journalist/Editor
Our all-volunteer group has enjoyed and has been inspired by all of your kind words and praise for what we have accomplished so far with this FREE publication.
Fred Markle - Historian/Journalist Logan Wade - Graphic Designer Shad Cox - Photography Jennifer Wathen - Photography LuAnn Kohler-Shonk - Journalist Jared Albright - Journalist
In the beginning, one aspect that we didn’t expect was the strong, strong interest from former Lintonians, those that once lived or worked here and still to this day have great curiosity about Linton, its people, and “what’s going on back home.” We found this out when our new website at www.lintonian.ning.com was launched. The site has exploded over the last few months with well over 300 members now – and it is still growing! The added positive to this website is that those that have joined keep coming back to the site to contribute thoughts, exchange ideas, and connect with former Linton classmates and friends.
Ruby Moon-Houldson - Journalist Tim Shonk - Journalist Virgil Franklin - Journalist Kegan Inman - Journalist
The Lintonian group has always been visionary, and we now envision a greater cause: one not only to PROMOTE Linton but to RECONNECT those that may now live far away from Linton’s city limits back to their true, one-andonly hometown.
Charles Garwood - Journalist
The Linton Publishing Club was formed in early 2007 to provide a creative outlet for residents of Linton. The Lintonian will be a monthly publication offered to the public for free! All work is performed by volunteers and all advertising revenue is invested back into the project. If you are interested in joining the LPC please contact us at 847-2103. Look for the Lintonian in stores throughout the city!
With that, it’s with great pride that we would like to announce that we will cease publication of our actual, paper print publication to focus squarely on our online presence. Technology, namely the internet, now allows us to reach a far-greater audience with much lower costs and less work in the area of “distribution” to focus better on bringing you relevant, up-to-date content, while allowing you to provide immediate feedback and commentary to us.
This change to an “online-only” format will also provide the opportunity for more reader contributions. We’ve found that while many are passionate about writing, music, or business, they may not have the time in their busy and sometimes hectic schedules to write and edit articles each and every month with a deadline. Going to an online format, therefore, will allow more people to contribute – not just “our” writers but YOU too -- when they have time.
We hope you do not mourn the loss of the paper edition, but rather share in our excitement for a better online Linton community, where, borrowing from the old Cheers’ sitcom jingle, “everybody knows your name!”.
The Lintonian is owned and published by The Linton Publishing Club, Ltd. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the editors and publisher. Copyright © 2007-2008 The Linton Publishing Club, Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of The Linton Publishing Club, Ltd. Requests for permission should be directed to: The Lintonian 44 South Main Street Linton, Indiana 47441
So, see you online soon!
The Lintonian Staff
www.lintonian.ning.com
LINTONIAN 4
June/July ‘08
My Dog Has One Gig of Memory! by: Fred Markle
I
know they say that dog is man’s best friend, but sometimes they can really try a man’s patience. Don’t get me wrong, I love my dog. My chocolate lab, Sadie, has the sweetest disposition of any dog I have ever owned. When Sadie comes into a room she checks out the surroundings, then usually finds a nice cozy spot to lay down out of the way, kind of like the dogs you see in sporting and hunting magazines. When you give her a little praise, she looks up to you with those content brown eyes, and --well-- it just melts you. One night, working at home the unthinkable happened. The sign shop was very busy, and I needed to pull a late-nighter, to design some signs for the next day. After about five hours of design work, I had to back up my files on the computer or lose all the work I had done. Since I would be finishing my work at the store the next day, I decided to save my work on my memory stick. Now, if you don’t know what that is, a memory stick looks something like a fishing lure that plugs in to your computer, and you can store millions of pieces of information. After saving hours of work on my memory stick, including some rare photos, I unplugged it. I was ready to plug into the computer at work the next day. It was time to take a break, and work was done. Time to let the dog out for her personal business for the night. When I opened the door in raced our cat. Now, when the cat stays outside for a reason, he has only one speed, wide open. Within sixty seconds, this wild cat hit every room in the house. In scouring the house the cat raced across my desk , scattered papers and ran across my computer keyboard. That immediately shuts down my computer. Not to worry, my work was saved on my memory stick. I grabbed the cat threw him out, and retrieved Sadie from her business. Back at my desk, I proceeded to straighten up after the wild cat that had torn a path through it. Sadie slipped into my room, checking out the disaster. Thinking Sadie was chewing on a dog bone, I look at her and noticed the chewing noise was coming from my memory stick. Then, with those content brown eyes staring at me, one gulp and it was gone, I was speechless. I grabbed Sadie like a lion tamer looking into the lion’s mouth. It was gone --all of that work, and the rare photos -- all gone! I love my dog, but my patience was thin. I was not going to wait a day or two for the outcome. I revisited my work, and found part of the rare photos that had been lost. I did have bragging rites
for a few days though: I had a dog that had one gig of memory!
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LINTONIAN 5
June/July ‘08 A TALE OF TOURISM By David Benefiel “There’s nothing to do here?” “We don’t have…(fill in the blank)”. “We can’t experience that here.” These are just a few of the refrains that one often hears coming from the youth of most communities no matter how large or small. However, these complaints are often taken lightly by parents and other adults; but ironically, these are often the same comments that I have heard made, in one form or another, by the adults themselves. Soon after Joan Bethell, Executive Director of the Greene County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC), first arrived in Greene County she began counting our local and countywide assets. It is often difficult to see what one has when it has stared you in the face all of your life. Though, it is much easier for an outsider to appreciate the benefits that a community, county, or region has to offer. It was evident from her point of view that Greene County had untapped resources just waiting to be fully marketed for Tourism. Tourism became an ongoing conversation as Joan began presenting her ideas to various boards, committees, and county organizations throughout the county. She stressed the importance of identifying, embracing, and then marketing what you do have and not concentrating on what you don’t. It was at an open Tourism Forum held on November 1, 2007 that the ideas and needs related to tourism in Greene County truly came forward and began to take shape. At this meeting, three lists were created based upon comments from the public that identified (1) Where to go [Sites], (2) How to get there [Signs], and (3) Promotional Items. Once these lists were compiled, those present were asked to sign up on the list that they were most interested. Then each group was assigned a Greene County Chamber Coalition member, (1) Cheryl Hamilton - Linton, (2) Andrea Pierce – Jasonville, and (3) Brad Crites – Eastern Greene, thus creating three Greene County Tourism Sub-Committees. Next an opportunity was given for each group to meet and discuss specific ideas that the Tourism Forum had come up with to address each of the three areas prior to the 34 Days of June Celebration. Before leaving, the groups shared their priorities and it soon became apparent that most of their ideas required the development of a map. As discussion began about the map, it was identified that Greene County needed to “raise the bar” from what the standard had been in the past, not just a map to hand out but a professional brochure. With this in mind, the development of a map became priority number one. While creating a map seems like a simple task, there are many decisions to be made, information to gather, and issues to address. Such as, “What should we put on the map?”, “Should we concentrate on paved routes?”, “What about cemeteries and churches?”, “What about private property?”, and “Do site owners need to pay a fee to be on the map?” As the three Tourism SubCommittees continued to meet, these and many other questions had to be answered and it was decided that one group needed to concentrate on the sites to include on the map. The Site SubCommittee (Cheryl Hamilton’s Group) worked very diligently to identify and then narrow the specific sites to be added to the map. During the same time, many of these sub-committee members had begun the Greene County Citizen’s Academy program at the Greene County Community Learning Center led by Cam Trampke. During their process of deciding specific projects for the group, an interest in tourism emerged. After academy participants had identified their project interest, the Citizen’s Academy Tourism Project became the largest group
with 5 members. Being a recent graduate, Cheryl Hamilton had already been asked to return as group facilitator and specifically assisted the tourism group because of her work with the LintonStockton Chamber of Commerce. The next task was for this group of 5 to decide what their project would be. Ironically enough, several of the group members were also members of the Site Sub-Committee and were aware of the movement toward the creation of an updated Greene County Tourism Map. With a listing of potential sites for inclusion well underway, this group decided that it would be important to have driving routes on the map because the scenery of the county was so beautiful and diverse. The groups also recognized that some of the sites would be located off of a central loop, so the routes to many of the “off the beaten path” sites were also researched. With these things in mind, the group set out to develop a single loop traversing the county through all of its 9 townships, numerous communities, and nearby or through some of Greene County’s most unique sites. And this is where our “Tale of Tourism” becomes more than just a set of tasks. It was a brisk winter’s day when two of the members of the Tourism Sub-Committees set out for a drive. These two ladies had not been acquainted long but quickly developed a friendship after the November meeting. “We would not have met if we had not both volunteered to work on the Tourism Committees. We quickly found that we had many of the same interests…” As these newly found friends considered the ongoing discussion of the route, they wondered if it should include only paved roads or would some gravel roads suffice? And then, if they were paved, what would be the quality of the paved roads? Were they safe for visitors to travel along? The ladies also considered what the scenery would be along the routes. There had already been discussion among their group about the appearance of some of the remote outlying areas. They knew that the group wanted all of the driving routes to show the best of Greene County and avoid anything else. Well, the story goes that these two ladies set out on a journey from the confines of their two townships on opposite sides of the county. They met and embarked toward the Solsberry Community and stopped for a break at Yoho’s General Store. And it went something like this…. “We drove from Worthington to Solsberry on the marked route then stopped at the Yoho Store.” “It was full of men and a couple of women eating a bean dinner.” Considering the common hospitality of our great county, these folks “…insisted we join them before we could talk.” “When I finally did some name dropping, they became friendly and gave us some ideas for roads and the township trustee even gave us a marked map.” But the plot thickened as, “another man sent us back on a ‘better road’ to the Tobacco Barn Road and to Newark.” However, “I am suspicious that it was a joke.” Knowing the curves and hollers of Eastern Greene County, “A couple of men kept saying we would be back in a couple of hours asking how to get out of there.” What happened next, well, “The better road was mud (and) there was no sign at the Tobacco Barn or any sign of anyone there.” (Linda Ault and Ruth Rollins) The two ladies returned to their group with important information, that is the tourism loop does not need to go down that mud road.
But through their adventure, they had also seen firsthand some of the beautiful scenery the county had to offer, most of which they had never experienced in all their years of living in Greene County. And, so by process of elimination, some additional “Sunday Drives” by other members of the Academy Tourism Group and Site Sub-Committee to verify the quality of the roads and a few final decisions in regards to area sites; the Greene County Backroads route (the green route) was born. Once a list of sites was compiled and the route was specified, work began on the Tourism Map itself. That is where I stepped in to help and put the map together in a digital GIS format. But the work was not complete at this point as the Site Sub-Committee had decided early not to include lodging, restaurants, and camping facilities on the map itself, but rather include this information on a brochure that also included this new Greene County Tourism Map. This group, along with members of the Academy Tourism Group, continued to meet and gather addresses and phone numbers of various amenities found throughout the county. They verified locations, identified hours of operation, and compiled an exhaustive list of information. In the meantime, I began developing a layout for a brochure, with assistance from Jared Albright and Brooks Benefiel. They helped to review, format, and provide general advice on the document as it was prepared for printing. Additionally, many eyes helped to review this document before evolving into its final form, including the Greene County Chamber Coalition, the Academy Tourism Group, the combined Site Sub-Committee, and the Greene County Foundation. So this Tale of Tourism ends with not only a positive outcome toward a new brochure to market the sites of Greene County, but it is also provides an important lesson in community involvement and volunteerism. Getting involved in your community or with a community project does not always require a certain skill or even a title of leadership. As many of the participants of this project can attest, local knowledge and a few phone calls go a long way in making a somewhat daunting task a reality. Many different residents of Greene County helped to make this project a reality. It is a true testament of what people can do when they put their minds to it. People from all parts of the county who had never met, came together with one thing in common, the understanding of the importance in concentrating on what you have and the foresight in believing in the importance of sharing your home, your community, and your county with the world. And, it’s not just what you bring to the table; it’s what you take away. Like Ruth and Linda, they found a new friendship that was made possible by an unforeseen chain of events that is what makes life exciting and unexpected no matter how long you have lived in the county or how far you have traveled from your home. I know that I have developed new friendships with people across the county from our work on this project. Getting involved in your community is an important aspect of life. It breeds positive results for the greater good and sometimes it often surprises you with much more. So ends this Tale of Tourism or at least the first chapter. (Look for a hard copy of the Greene County Tourism Brochure in a community near you. Until then, enjoy the map! It is also important to note that the printing costs for the first batch of these brochures are also being provided by the generous donation of Duke Energy Indiana Economic Development.)
DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE at www.lintonian.ning.com
www.lintonian.ning.com
LINTONIAN 6
June/July ‘08
W
hat began as a “double dog dare” among friends to start a hotdog cart on a street corner in Linton turned into a restaurant reality with long lines out the doorway of 40 East Vincennes Street, which formerly housed the Daisy Cigar Store owned by City Councilman Charlie Cox. The building there has seen cherry and marshmallow Cokes served within its walls before, but the ownership is different now. The Double Dog Restaurant opened on April 14th 2008, serving up more hot dog creations than probably most people knew were even possible. “The Chicago and the Coney are our most popular dogs” to date, said co-owner Jared Albright in a recent interview. The “Mountaineer” has also been a crowd favorite, which is a hotdog topped with coney sauce, shredded cheese, cole slaw, and mustard. After you polish off some of these tasty combinations, you may want to enjoy a Mexican Coke. The twelve ounce, all-glass bottles have a nostalgic effect, and the recipe is much closer to the Coke of yesteryear too. Jared explained the Mexican version uses pure cane sugar, not highfructose corn syrup like the modern Americanized version contains. The import provides a smoother taste without the bitter after taste, he said. Also on the drinks menu are cherry, vanilla, blue-raspberry, chocolate, strawberry, banana, and marshmallow Cokes. Various Pepsi products are also available, as well as Jones Soda. A privatelabel “Double Dog” root beer will also be available in the future. When asked about the future in general, Jared stated that aside from the Double Dog root beer coming soon, new developments will include a kids menu, some combo meals, and more signature hotdogs. Two new hotdog combinations will be “Amanda’s Dixie Delight” and “Schwartz’s Ranch Cooler,” he said. Amanda’s Dixie Delight will be an all-beef hotdog topped with barbeque, cheddar cheese, and onion, while Schwartz’s Ranch Cooler will have Ranch-style dressing and a pickle spear on top.
www.lintonian.ning.com
June/July ‘08
LINTONIAN 7
What will not change is the quality and devotion to using local products when possible. For example, the coney sauce – a secret family recipe – is made with local, freshly-ground beef, but that’s the only ingredient Jared would divulge. He said the chicken salad and coleslaw were homemade, too, which makes all the difference when compared to the out-ofa-container-somewhere competition. There’s no doubt that fresh, homemade food always tastes better. If you haven’t sampled some of the great food now available on East Vincennes Street in Linton, you really should soon. You won’t find a better hotdog around. In fact, we Double Dog dare you to find one better! By:Chris Wathen Photos By: Jennifer Wathen
www.lintonian.ning.com
LINTONIAN 8
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June/July ‘08
LINTONIAN 9
June/July ‘08
G00sepond Pizza By Ruby Moon-Houldson
I
t’s been voted “Best Pizza in Linton,” and people are saying, “One bite and you’re hooked!” Those who hunger for something mouthwatering to eat have found what their taste buds are hankering for when they stop in at Goosepond Pizza. They also discover the restaurant offers a relaxing family atmosphere. Michael and Becky Smith have been doing business as Goosepond Pizza for nearly twelve years, and they are happy with the rewards they’ve reaped since opening their doors to the public. The Smith’s bought the rights to the pizza recipe (formerly known as Padgett’s Pizza) when they took over the business. Over time, they’ve perfected the recipe to what it is today. The building which is now a pizza parlor used to be Cunningham’s Grocery Store. Michael was proud to say that the original floor of the kitchen is still being used today. There’s even a bright square area on the floor where the meat cooler used to stand. Becky Smith happily shared that business is booming, so if customers wish to dine in on Friday night, then stop in early or drop by late because they are very busy. So, how did the restaurant get its name? Quoting an inclusion on the menus, “Of course, locals have always called the area ‘The Goosepond’, so it made perfect sense to call our restaurant Goosepond Pizza.” And when stepping into the restaurant, customers are greeted with a sense of “country.” Several pictures adorn the walls, which portray a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat, including geese. Michael Smith added that he’s looking at laying camouflage carpet in the future too. Let’s look at the menu. Appetizers: breadsticks and cheese bread. Sandwiches: stromboli and ham & cheese. Dessert: Cin-sation pizza. Pizza: 7” to 16” with a variety of toppings to choose from. There’s even a “loaded” pizza. M-m-m-m-m. In every line of business, customers love it when there are specials or reward systems, and Goosepond Pizza has that covered. The Pizza Rewards Card is popular with returning customers. Buy a 10”, 14”, or 16” pizza and receive a stamp on your card. Earn twelve stamps and get a FREE 14” pizza. Oh, and gift cards are available for purchase, too. Something new this year is a coupon mailer, which will be sent to 24,000 residents within a 50-mile radius of
Linton. So, be on the lookout for the coupons in your mailbox. Mailing of the coupons will begin right away and commence through November, so don’t despair, you will get one. Okay, so you brought children with you to Goosepond Pizza. Becky Smith was proud to point out that they have one of the best distraction shelves for kids in town—a shelf full of toys. So if you and a friend wish to share in a long conversation but the kids don’t see that as any fun, point them in the direction of the toy shelf. You can then sit back for a while and enjoy a nice conversation, while the kids are otherwise occupied.
Hours: Mon.-Wed. 4-9PM Thurs-Sat. 4-10PM Closed Sunday
Michael and Becky Smith support the community in which they reside by sponsoring area T-Ball teams and soccer teams. They also participate in the LintonStockton High School baseball team’s “Pitch for a Pizza” fundraiser, which is held at home games. How about art? Goosepond has a special stained glass window of which the owners are quite proud. Stephan Sutton from Worthington, Indiana created his first stained glass window (his second work of art) for the Smiths. It is an eye-catching piece that you’ll see as you walk into the restaurant and take a look to your right—the distinctive window is just a few steps away. Hey, area businesses! Are you holding a meeting with your employees and staff and need twenty or more pizzas? Goosepond would be happy to serve your needs. Even though Goosepond hours don’t start until 4PM, the Smith’s will arrange to begin work early that day in order to get those pizzas to you in time for your meeting. They will even deliver the food to you, but be sure to call a few days ahead to get your name on the calendar. Goosepond will also remain open after hours for those who wish to hold a rehearsal dinner or birthday party at the restaurant. Again, please call ahead to schedule your special event. Oh. Ever wonder what happened to the giant wooden goose which used to sit in front of the restaurant? A club from Shakamak High School purchased the goose to be used as a fundraising tool. “You’ve been goosed” has taken on a whole new meaning for residents of Jasonville and surrounding cities who’ve stepped outside to find the giant goose has landed in their front yard. Someone pays the club to drop the goose off at your house. You then must pay to shoo it on its way. It’s been a successful fundraiser for the high school group. So there you have it. If you’re a pizza lover then stop in at Goosepond Pizza and order the “Best Pizza in Linton.” Goosepond now accepts Visa and MasterCard and debit cards, and they also offer gift cards. So, you can give the gift of Goosepond Pizza to your friend and family.
847-7FUN 809 S. Main St. Linton, Indiana
(6/10ths of a mile south of Linton on Highway 59) www.lintonian.ning.com
LINTONIAN 10
June/July ‘08
COME VISIT THE LINTONIAN ONLINE..... YOU’ll LIKE NETWORKING
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OH, YEAH AND LINTON
Your dog’s condition will improve dramatically on a whole food diet! You will know what your pet is eating, and how old it is. Why? Because, you made it. This book is easy to read, and easy to use. The Recipes feature whole food you already have in your kitchen. Your dog will show marked improvement in condition, energy, and concentration in a very short time. These diets have resolved skin conditions, allergies, and weight problems in my own dogs. No more doggie B.O., or dog breath either.
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COME SHARE YOUR PARADE PHOTOS WITH US
Cool off in your own inground pool with in wall fiber optic lighting for night swimming. Comes with 3 bedroom, 1 bath home on .57 acres m/l with 2 car detached garage. $100,000 in Linton. Ask Jeannie for more mls#6235
2 bedroom, 1 bath home with kitchen/dining room combo. Maintenance free exterior. Partial basement. Must see to appreciate. It won’t last long! Call today. MLS#6239
Very cute and cozy 3 bedroom home is complete with appliances and ready to move into. Home is situated on a large lot (75 X 150) in a wonderful neighborhood. Make an appointment today to see this adorable home. MLS#6395
Build your new home in Green Acres on this beautiful wooded lot. Excellent private location. Call Kathy. MLS#6545
Finally, a home where you have room to breathe. Over 1 acre of land with apple, peach & pear trees could all belong to you. There is a grape arbor & a fire pit down by the lake. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with over 1700 Sq. Ft. is waiting for you. Call Michelle now. MLS#6576
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You must see all the rooms provided in this house to believe it. Every inch used. Attic-Main Floor-Basement-All on a corner lot. $78,000Jasonville-Jeannie wants to show you today! MLS#6641
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