Archive for May, 2010

Retailer Story: Rick Arledge of Health In Hand

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of the Health In Hand’s Retailer Story! Health In Hand has customized a special offer for you ending June 26th you won’t want to miss!

Hold On To Health… At A Health in Hand

Health In Hand Logo

As a young man in his teens, Rick Arledge chose a demanding and very effective hobby to get in shape—weight lifting. But Rick didn’t stop there. By the time he reached his early twenties, he was competing in two hour long bike races. It is no wonder Rick has such a vast knowledge of health and nutrition. “I had to fuel my body with the right food,” says Rick. “Organic food and vitamins had to be part of my training and research had to be part of improving my workouts.”

Health In Hand

One might surmise that with such a physically taxing hobby such as bike racing, that Rick had a desk job. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Rick has been remodeling houses his whole life. “I’m currently working on a house built in 1950,” Rick explained, “but I was always into the health aspect of things and I was looking for an outlet to help educate the public on how to take better care of themselves without the use of drugs and chemicals.” A friend of a friend told Rick about a store for sale in Lancaster Ohio. “I have always loved the beautiful Hocking Hills area and had bought property there, so it seemed like a perfect time to strike out on a new venture.”

In August of 2000 Rick opened Health In Hand on Lincoln Avenue in Lancaster. The hard work and discipline Rick adhered to in the early days paid off when he opened the store. “All of my training and research made me a good source of information, and I am happy to share my knowledge with my customers.” Helping others has always been the major motivator for Rick. Over any other reason, helping others was the inspiration to open Health In Hand. Even the unique name Rick chose says it all. “If you think about the things you touch everyday, either you have ‘health in your hands’ or things that will harm you. Which will you choose today?”

Health In Hand

Business grew, and Rick always hoped for more space and a better location. “I called the building (on Lincoln) “the cave”, laughs Rick, “it had tiny windows high up across the front of the store and no other windows at all. It was hard to display the products and you had to have the lights on all the time.”

In November of 2004, Health In Hand moved to their present location at 639 North Pierce Avenue in Lancaster. The store is bigger, not to mention bright and cheerful with private parking– so no more fighting for a parking space. Stop by for a wonderful selection of the finest quality fresh, natural, organic and whole foods, nutritional products, and body care products. “I believe in every product that I sell. I love Berlin Bread, of course, and I recommend Berlin to alot of customers. I also use Berlin products for my family.” Rick also carries two favorite brands of supplements- Garden of Life and New Chapter. Rick advocates probiotics and essential fatty acids and tells all of his customers to “get wheat out of their diet.”

Health In Hand

Something must be working, and working very well, because though Rick stopped racing bikes approximately 15 years ago, he still rides a bike on a regular basis. “I still ride, and God willing, will continue to ride until I’m just not able to do it any longer.” “Natural has worked for me,” says Rick, “and in ten years of helping others I have seen that it really works for them, as well. I have been blessed to be able and willing to help so many people and at the same time have so many helping me support my family.”

In addition to all the great products you can find at Health In Hand, you can also always count on genuine concern and commitment to you as their customer. “We will always try to help, or steer you in the right direction to best help yourself,” promises Rick, “that has always been our commitment to the customer. Everyday we strive to better educate ourselves so we can have a better educated customer.”

Many thanks to Rick Arledge and his staff and we look forward to many more years of success at Health In Hand.

*******Health In Hand Special Offer*******

15% Off All Berlin Natural Bakery Products

Take advantage of this special offer today by saying to the cashier “I saw the retailer story on Health In Hand at Berlin Natural Bakery’s Website and would like to take advantage of the special discount of 15% on Berlin Natural Bakery’s products.”

Special Offer Expires June 26, 2010.

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Retailer Story: Raisin Rack Natural Food Market

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of the Raisin Rack Natural Food Market’s Retailer Story! Raisin Rack Natural Food Market has customized a special offer ending June 7th you won’t want to miss!

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By Marsha Bonecutter

It was a wonderful day for all of us when teachers, Don and Paulette Caster decided to quit their teaching jobs to open a health food store. In 1978, the couple, only in their 20’s, opened their business in a small converted house on the corner of 39th Street and Cleveland Avenue in Canton, Ohio.

An unfortunate set of circumstances led Don Caster to begin his research into nutrition. Don’s mother, who was stricken with cancer and receiving treatments, needed an alternative diet. Pure, natural and healthy foods were difficult to come by. Protein shakes and other additions to the diet of someone who was ill were not readily available in the mid to late 70’s. Don’s research expanded and evolved. He saw a need for products and education and he and Paulette decided to launch the business. “Paulette…and I set off on the venture of providing nutritional products in a one room store. Our goals were not lofty but grounded on sound health principals.”

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The decision was made; plans were being implemented—now for a name! As Don and Paulette pondered name possibilities, inspiration came to Paulette, in of all places, her own livingroom! There were several art decoupage wall hangings mounted on old wooden racks used to dry raisins. The creator of the pieces had its company logo, RaisinRak, affixed to the bottom corner of the mountings. The name seemed like a natural fit. Thus, Raisin Rack was born. “The name said something natural,” Don said, “about the history of food, the natural way that food came to be. The name says something about America and what it was. Raisins are a transformation, just like our store has evolved.” The Casters are happy they decided on a name with broad appeal. “We wanted something that would work if we ever had multiple stores,” Don said. “At the time, we never knew that the business would expand.” In Westerville and Canton, the name has been embraced by thousands of satisfied customers and continues to appeal to new shoppers every day.

Raisin Rack expanded to the Columbus area when Don and Paulette moved there. “In 1983, we moved to Columbus to establish another store. Today, our two stores are dramatically larger in size but remain just as focused on the basic principals that were in place in the beginning.” said Don, “ We believe in giving customers products that can make a positive impact on their health and appearance. We stock products that respect the environment and the values of our customers.”

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For a time the store was located in downtown Columbus, the French Market and on Sawmill Road. These locations consolidated and in 2006, Raisin Rack moved from their previous location in Westerville just across the street to a wonderful 25,000 square foot facility. You can find them at 2545 Schrock Road in Westerville, only 15 minutes from downtown Columbus.

The Canton Raisin Rack has also been upgraded and expanded to meet the growing needs of their loyal customers. Visit this location at 4629 Cleveland Avenue North Canton, Ohio

Whether you choose to shop in Raisin Rack in Westerville or Raisin Rack in Canton, you will find an unparalleled selection of organic milk and dairy, organic fruits and vegetables, gluten-free foods, dried fruits and nutritional supplements—just to name a few favorites! Check out the salad bar in the Westerville location, it’s the best in town!

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For 32 years Raisin Rack has made it easy for anyone to improve their quality of life. With the stores vast product selection and fair prices, Raisin Rack can fulfill all your wellness needs. “With our knowledgeable and friendly staff, we believe that we have created a unique shopping experience that you will enjoy. Nothing is more important than your satisfaction!”
Thank you, Don and Paulette Caster for making your life’s work a blessing for us all!

To quote Don Caster in a recent Canton Repository article:
Steps to improve your diet
1. Go organic as possible. Start with milk and other dairy products.
2. Eat fruit, not fruit juice.
3. Get more fiber. Try for 20 to 25 grams a day.
4. Take a whole food-based multiple vitamin.
5. Drink black or green tea (not decaffeinated) to help your liver function properly.
6. Drink lots of water.

*******Raisin Rack Natural Food Market Special Offers*******

25% Off All Berlin Natural Bakery Breads and Pizza Crusts

Take advantage of this special offer today by saying to the cashier “I saw the retailer story on Raisin Rack Natural Food Market at Berlin Natural Bakery’s Website and would like to take advantage of the discount on my purchase of the [bread/pizza crusts]”

Special Offer Expires June 7, 2010.

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Recipe: Chicken in Dressing Crust

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Chicken in Dressing Crust

We’ve had a very interesting spring here in the Ohio Valley. It started with record high temperatures in March, and progressed into an indecisive April. Always wavering on whether to remain cold, shift into warm or advance right on into hot. Take today for example. Temperatures this morning when we awoke were in the mid 30’s, but by the end of the day, they will be in the lower to mid 70’s! Although amazing….a 30 to 35 degree temperature increase within a 6 hour time frame is not unusual for us at this time of year. Talk about making it interesting in knowing what to wear! This morning I put on the Capri’s I planned to wear to work, but then added socks, tennis shoes, a hooded sweatshirt and a coat to wear in order to first take our little dog Woodrow to the park. I looked ridiculous but thank goodness no one else was at the park at that time!

I must admit though, that it is such a marvelous feeling when you walk outside later in the afternoon and the brilliance and warmth of the sunshine overwhelms you. Truly one of those “ahhhhh” moments!

With the arrival of the warm weather, so also arrive thoughts of summer picnics and family reunions. The recipe I am sharing this time is a dish that my mom usually makes every year for our Moser family reunion. It is definitely always a hit and quickly gone. It has no fancy name, but the name itself pretty well describes the dish. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that mom just named it herself.

May you have a wonderful summer surrounded by family and friends with much laughter, making great memories.

Until next time…..Happy Baking.

Chicken in Dressing Crust

Crust:

1 – 8 oz herb seasoned dressing/stuffing mix (I used half a loaf of Berlin Natural Bakery
White Spelt bread, cut into cubes and seasoned with 2 tsp parsley, ½ tsp salt, ¼
tsp garlic salt, and 1/4 tsp of sage. You could add other seasonings such as
poultry seasoning too, but I personally prefer less seasonings).
¾ cup chicken broth
1/3 cup melted butter
1 egg beaten.

Mix together and place in the bottom of a 10” pie pan. *

Filling:

1 – 4 oz can mushrooms
1 ½ tsp. salt (or to taste)
2 tsp. Flour
2 Tbsp. diced pimento (optional)
½ onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. Parsley flakes
1 Tbsp. Butter
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 cups cubed chicken or turkey
½ tsp. dried thyme
1 cup peas
½ tsp garlic salt
1 cup carrots, chopped
4 slices American cheese or cheddar or cheese of your choice
½ tsp black pepper
1 – 10 ½ oz can chicken gravy or cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup

Drain mushrooms, reserving the liquid. Mix mushroom liquid with flour. Sauté mushrooms and onion in butter. If using raw carrots, cook slightly before adding. Add all ingredients to the mushroom/onion mixture except the cheese. Cook and stir well until slightly thickened. Turn into crust.

Bake at 375 F until bubbly (approx 45 minutes). Add cheese to top of casserole and bake another 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

* You may want to double this recipe and put it in a bigger casserole dish…something like a 9”x13” pan.

(A couple notes: I stewed a whole chicken {which was enough for a double recipe} and used the broth from it for both the crust and in place of the can of gravy or soup. After sautéing the onions and mushrooms in the butter, I added 1 ½ cups of chicken broth to the pan and brought it all to a boil. I added 2 Tbsp flour to the mushroom liquid instead of 2 Tsp. and mixed well. Once the broth was boiling I added the flour mixture to the broth, stirring constantly and basically made“homemade” gravy. Then I added everything else according to the recipe and poured it into the crust. If you use fresh mushrooms, just add the flour to water…2 Tbsp flour added to ½ cup water).

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