blog - clinton county

Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.  ~G.B. Stern

I like this quote.  It’s a good thing to remember when we’re at an event that we just show up and enjoy when behind the scenes there are many, many volunteers.  When was the last time you stopped and thanked someone at a festival for holding a great event.  Those words could make someone’s day.  In this day of busy, busy times, volunteers are getting tougher to get on board.  They just don’t have the time.  But if they are shown a little appreciation and have a passion for what the organizers are trying to accomplish, perhaps it might tip the boat in favor of their becoming a volunteer.

Clinton County is so fortunate to have so many people who give unconditionally of their time.  They are the ones that make the Banana Split Festival, Clinton County Corn Festival, Hometown Holidazzle, Wilmington Art & Pottery Festival, Clinton County Fair,  Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival, and the list goes on and on, become a reality.  And we must not forget the service organizations who supply many volunteers such as Rotary who’s mantra is service above self. 

To all of our Clinton County volunteers, you are appreciated and needed.  Thank you for your time, energy, and willingness to make “home” a better place.

Debbie Stamper, Clinton County Visitors Bureau

Can you believe it?  Fresh produce is ready for the pickin’ and it begins with fresh asparagus at Brausch Asparagus Farm at 2514  Center Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177.   It’s up and ready.  You can’t be slow about taking advantage of fresh produce however as many have a short harvesting period and before you turn around the field is bare and something else is ready for harvest at another farm.  

What’s next on the list of fresh foods to harvest?  None other than strawberries.  It appears they will be ready a little bit before their normal harvest time due to the warm spring we’ve had.  While it may not be the healthiest choice, there’s nothing better than a berry straight from the vine into the mouth.  Yum! 

We have a couple of excellent venues for picking strawberries in Clinton County.  They are Branstrator Farm, 885 N. George Rd., Clarksville, OH 45113 and Stokes Farm, 2822 Center Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177.  Stokes also has raspberries which are typically available mid-June to early July.  Of course, if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, already picked strawberries are also available at both farms.

Of course the easiest way to get fresh produce is to go to a Farmers’ Market, but of course that means you’ll miss  the experience of being among thousands of fresh plants and produce.  Why not consider getting next to nature this year for your produce?  Asparagus and strawberries are already waiting.

Written by Debbie Stamper, Executive Director, Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Not too long ago I wrote about my experience with motion sickness when I was growing up.  My mom’s solution was giving me Dramamine.  It worked but I have learned of some alternative methods to “treating” motion sickness that you may be interested in.  Here’s the link:  http://www.findananny.net/blog/10-alternatives-to-dramamine-for-kids-that-are-traveling

Debbie Stamper, Executive Director, Clinton County Visitors Bureau

Saturday night my family and I went to a performance at the historic Murphy Theatre.  The crowd was not what it should have been which is a shame.  The entertainment was great, the cost was affordable and sitting in such a beautiful theater was inspiring.  I sat there trying to imagine what it must have been like when it opened with 3000 people attending the opening show performances.  If you haven’t been to the Murphy recently or perhaps you’ve never been, you are missing a rare experience.  Hats off the the Murphy board that work tirelessly to keep this great asset in our community.  I plan to frequent the Murphy more often.  I had forgotten what I was missing.  Shame on me!

Written by Debbie Stamper, Executive Director, Clinton County Visitors Bureau

When was the last time you went somewhere that the customer service you received excelled?  I think the customer service we receive in general gets worse and worse.  I don’t know if it’s apathy on the part of the person who is in the customer service role or in my old age I just expect more.  I do know that being in the hospitality industry our office bends over backwards to serve our customers.  Otherwise how can we expect anyone to return to Clinton County.  Don’t other businesses realize that as well.  I would have to say that the worst culprits seem to be restaurants and retailers.  I will admit that when I receive bad service I like to tell someone that can change it for the better.  Call me a complainer, I don’t care.  On the other hand, if I get superb service I take the opportunity to let the person know. 

We have great restaurants and retailers in Wilmington and Clinton County.  They know how to make their customers feel special and they do. 

Just the other day I went through the drive-thru at McDonald’s and was greeted by the warmest, engaging and pleasant male voice on the other end of the intercom.  All I wanted was an iced tea but it was obvious that he was going to give me the royal of treatment.  He actually made me smile while I was sitting in the line of cars.  When I got to his window, I thanked him for making my day and told him to keep up the great job he was doing.  And guess what?  He smiled back.

I have always felt that the Clinton County Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes the attributes of our community that represent the people, places and things that add to our quality of life.  But what does this very subjective term really mean?  In looking at many sites on the web, there are a great number of definitions.  So, this blog is about how I define “qualify of life.”  It’s really about happiness.  What brings you happiness?  I would imagine it is a combination of health, well being, financial success, and the people and places that add to your personal life. 

I like to think that live theater, great places to eat, learning the history of a community, sharing in the art of a place and discovering my community’s uniqueness is all part of what adds to my qualify of life.  The basic wants and needs are just that – necessities.  I want more than that.  Don’t you?  That’s why I love my job and the opportunity to share what Clinton County has to offer with the locals, the region, the state and beyond.  I appreciate this opportunity.  Thank you for listening.

Debbie Stamper, Executive Director

Last night a group of energetic, dedicated individuals met to begin the planning for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure when it comes to Wilmington on June 22.  It sounds like there are going to be a lot of fun things for the riders to do while they are in the community.  A new web site has been developed that will continually update riders, volunteers and interested parties of what will be taking place.  It’s http://www.gobainwilmington.com.  Be sure to bookmark this site and check back for updates.  We’re excited about so many people visiting our county and hope they are too.  Will you be riding in GOBA?

If you didn’t make it to the AAA Great Vacations Expo this past weekend in Columbus, you missed a great time.  Destinations from the Virgin Islands to Amish Country and Pigeon Forge to Branson were all on hand giving attendees an idea of what they could expect if they made the trip.  Pirates, kangaroos, Tiki bars, and baby goats were all on hand.  I got to attend and have a booth promoting Clinton County in southwest Ohio.  People couldn’t believe how close we are to Kings Island and that people stay in Wilmington and drive the short drive to the park instead of paying much more to stay at the Kings Island exit.  I think we’ll be selling many more Kings Island packages this year.  My booth campanion was a pirate helping me drive the message that there’s treasure to discover in southwest Ohio called Clinton County.  Looking forward to seeing many new acquaintances in our communities this year.

The Wilmington community is very excited that GOBA (the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure) is coming to town on June 22-23.  If you aren’t familiar with GOBA, it’s a bicycle tour now in its 24th year.  This year the tour will start in Hillsboro, travel to Chillicothe, then on to Ashville, Washington Court House, Wilmington and finally back to Hillsboro.  We’re expecting 2500 bicyclists and the friends and family that travel in cars along the route to meet up with those riding on two wheels.  I’m told this isn’t a race and is very, very family friendly.  Ages range from young children to those in their 80′s.  Maybe you should give it a try.  Sign up by going to www.goba.com.

Interesting blog I read and thought I’d share.  Are your resolutions still intact?

http://www.toponlinecolleges.com/blog/2012/the-10-most-broken-new-years-resolutions-2/