By Marsha Bonecutter

As many of us know, living through a painful experience can often make us a changed person. At age 34, Connie Ciekanski, owner of Dover Healthy Alternatives in Dover, Ohio, found her life altered forever, when she attempted to help a friend who was dying of cancer. “She was diagnosed with cancer at age 38,” explained Connie. “She went through several months of treatments. She had a five year old son. She was slowly losing her life. I felt so bad for her situation, so I went and listened to an herbalist speak, hoping to find something to help her. Sadly, it was too late and I wasn’t able to.”

Listening to the herbalist and the passing of her friend acted as a catalyst that ultimately led Connie to change her own health for the better. “I started by doing herbal cleansing,” said Connie. “I joined a multi-level company, bought a MRM (muscle response monitor), went to Michigan for training and certification and completely loved every minute of what I was doing.”

In September of 2000, Connie went into a health food store in downtown Dover and asked the owner if he wanted to sell his store—he said yes! “I really wasn’t thinking he would say yes,” laughed Connie, “I was so excited about owning my own store that I never feared failure. Our anniversary is September 1st.”

It has been an eventful 11 years for Dover Healthy Alternatives and for Connie and her family. The first location on Third Street in downtown Dover was a 1,000 square foot store which only accommodated the booming business for 6 months. Connie moved across the street to a location that was double the size and had a basement for meetings. The store flourished there for two years. Fortune smiled again when the former Goshen Dairy store at 320 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, became available. “My husband, Bob, took off work and we went to look at this building,” Connie recalled. “The whole time I told myself I was just curious to see it—there was no way I could move there. As soon as I saw the inside, I knew it had to be the next Dover Healthy Alternatives location.”

Ashley

The former dairy had sinks available where Connie planned to make and serve smoothies. “The owner was kind and worked with me and gave me time to grow my business. My husband was always there to remodel, paint, do floors and help me move. I loved what I was doing and never once thought: what if?”

Connie

Though Connie was not able to help her friend, she and her knowledgeable staff have helped countless others in Dover and the surrounding communities for the past 11 years. “I love helping people feel better. It’s very rewarding to have customers that come in and thank you because they feel better. I want this to be a complete health food store, and I try hard to make it comfortable so people will want to come back.”

Sue

Stop in to Dover Healthy Alternatives and try a delicious smoothie along with a sandwich and soup. They have a complete line of whole food vitamins and a wonderful line of mineral makeup products…minus the toxins, of course!

Congratulations, Connie and staff…we wish you much continued success.

Monica

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By Marsha Bonecutter

You might say Ed Elbrecht took a “seed” of an idea, allowed it to “sprout” and now it has grown into a thriving and successful health food store called 14 Carrot Whole Foods. Located at 5300 Sunset Boulevard in Lexington, South Carolina, 14 Carrot is the culmination of years of experience in the health food industry. Ed has come a long way from his humble beginning–helping a friend grow sprouts in Athens, Ohio.

“I became interested in health foods after graduating from college,” said Ed. “I graduated from Ohio University in 1978 and moved to Chicago to work as a photographer. I remember buying in bulk at a little health food store there. I guess it was cheaper for me,” laughed Ed.

The windy city turned out to be too big for Ed, so he bought a van, spent the winter re-building the engine in his basement, and then made his escape. After doing some travelling, Ed moved to Columbia, SC and opened his own sprout growing business called Solar Farms. “The business brought me into health food stores on a weekly basis,” said Ed, “gradually I learned more about nutrition and different types of health food diets. After about 15 years growing sprouts, I decided that starting a health food store would be a great business.”

Ed met his wife, Janet, in 1986. The couple met while taking a Macrobiotic cooking class. They were married two years later. Their dream of starting a health food store was a common one, so it was very fortunate that they met Carter Breland at a macrobiotic pot luck dinner.

Carter, a retired Lexington county school system personnel director, was recovering from cancer. His doctors gave him no hope that he could beat his melanoma, so Carter had begun following a strict Macrobiotic diet in 1983. Carter extended his life another 14 years.

Both Ed and Carter felt their area needed a complete natural foods store and they opened 14 Carrot Whole Foods in West Columbia in February 1991. When asked about the clever name they chose for their store, Ed replied, “We weren’t creative enough to come up with a name off the top of our heads, so we found lists of health food stores to get ideas. We only found one 14 Carrot and it wasn’t in the south east, so we changed the end of the name and kept it. It’s been a fun store name”.

Those early days were a challenge, with Carter, Ed and a friend of Ed’s, Glenda Ford, splitting the 7 day schedule. Ed still had a very successful sprout business and was dividing his time between the two ventures. “I grew alfalfa sprouts and mung bean sprouts,” said Ed. “When I sold the business in 1997 we were growing 6 to 8 thousand pounds per week.” In the beginning, while Ed was balancing two endeavors, Carter was instrumental in drawing interest and customers to the store. Being a former personnel director, he had many friends and acquaintances. “When the news of his victory over cancer and his substantial weight loss got around, folks came into the store and word spread from there,” explained Ed. The 1,600 square foot store doubled in size by 1996. The present location, 6 ½ miles away in Lexington, was opened in May of 2000, and is twice the size of the original store.

14 Carrot is a full line health food store and carries a large selection of supplements, health and beauty aids, general groceries, refrigerated and frozen foods, fresh organic/natural meats and deli foods, organic produce, and a bulk department featuring over 500 items. When asked to name a few favorites, Ed said, “It’s hard to name just a few. I love the fresh organic salmon from 200 miles north of the Shetland Islands. I also like the organic ‘no sulfites added’ wines. We also support local agriculture and farmers by carrying Certified South Carolina grown produce and meats throughout the year.”

Whether your needs are vegetarian, vegan, wheat/gluten free, or raw, stop in to 14 Carrot Whole Foods, where their extensive selection will be the solution for you. “We believe that our customer service and knowledgeable staff are second to none and invite you to experience it for yourself,” says Ed.

“My favorite job is helping the customers. I love showing them products they aren’t familiar with and helping them learn natural methods of dealing with health issues. It is my goal for our store to meet the needs of the natural community.”

The communities in and around Lexington, SC have benefited from the services of 14 Carrot Whole Foods for 20 years. Thank you, Ed Elbrecht and staff and here’s to many years of continued success!

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By: Marsha Bonecutter

“It was just like it was meant to be.” That is how Michelle Riesbeck describes finding the location of her store, Buttonwood Market. Michelle and her husband were strolling down Main Street in the village of New Concord one evening, looking for a site for her natural foods store. Michelle noticed the “old library” building was empty. “It was one of those “Karma” things,” laughs Michelle, “I went into the flower shop next door to ask who the landlord was, and sure enough, the building was available.”

Buttonwood Market opened February 9, 2009 at 30 Main Street, New Concord, OH. Though the village utilized the building to house the library and several other small businesses over the years, the structure was originally built by the owners-operators of Sawyer’s Cash Grocery in 1922. The Sawyer family lived next door and a grandson of the original owner still resides in New Concord. “I have a cow bell on my ancient front door,” says Michelle, “old windows that let cold air in during winter and wooden floors. The building is very old, but that’s what gives it its charm.”

Owning her own store has been a dream of Michelle’s for many years. She graduated from Marietta College with a degree in Small Business Management. While still in school she took a job working at an ice cream store for Broughton Foods Company in Marietta. When she graduated, the company offered her a management position and later she moved into sales and marketing. She was with Broughton for 17 years. “At that time, it was a family owned company and a great place to work,” said Michelle. Michelle further expanded her qualifications by working 10 years in the supermarket industry.

It is the extreme good fortune of the citizens of New Concord and surrounding areas that Michelle’s dream came to fruition.

“Buttonwood Market was established to meet the growing demands of consumers who require natural, organic, vegan and other special dietary needs,” explains Michelle. “I do special orders and case discounts for my customers and we carry many dairy free and gluten free items as well as items for wheat intolerant people. Berlin Natural Bakery’s Chocolate Meltdown spelt cookies help us through those long winter nights, and the Whole Spelt burger buns go great with grass-fed burgers on the grill in the summertime.”

At Buttonwood Market you will also find many locally produced items. On one wall you will find regional maps of Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Colored tags locate the companies whose products are represented in the store.

Michelle decided to name her store “Buttonwood” after a tree commonly known as the Sycamore. “We have a large Sycamore tree on our property that we have always admired,” explained Michelle. “Since the Sycamore (or Buttonwood) is known to live for several generations, the name was selected for its stability.” Buttonwood Market will continue to serve the community by adapting to emerging trends, evolving and keeping current with customers’ requests and locating the most feasible sources of products requested.

“It is a good day,” says Michelle, “when you are serving people who are smiling because they’ve been looking for something that I’ve researched and found for them. It is very rewarding.”

Stop in soon and check out all Buttonwood Market has to offer, especially the new “Grab and Go” items coming in mid-July.

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By Marsha Bonecutter

Who could have imagined that the critical illness and near death of a little four year old girl would result in a business serving a community and improving the quality of life for people in that community for over 40 years?

Shirlee Gibson, founder of Apple A Day, in Findlay, Ohio, was a normal, happy and healthy four year old who loved to “go barefoot” as many children do. That innocent habit is believed to have caused the illness that nearly took her life. Perhaps Shirlee stepped on a rusty nail—we will never be certain, but one day her legs mysteriously became paralyzed from the knees down and as the illness progressed, the 47 pound child dwindled to a mere 17 pounds. Doctors were baffled by her condition which they diagnosed as a rare blood disease. Shirlee was hospitalized for several months while doctors ran tests and tried every medication they could think of. Even blood transfusions did not work. Finally, doctors told Shirlee’s parents there was nothing more they could do. Then, a miracle took place that Shirlee would remember all of her life—a young intern started Shirlee on several different vitamins! Vitamins and a special diet saved Shirlee’s life!

Eventually, Shirlee recovered and went on to marry and have three children, two boys and a girl. She began a career in banking, but soon found that kind of work to be “cold” and not to her liking. She remembered how her life had been saved by natural supplements and wanted to open a natural foods store. Divine providence intervened once again, when an older gentleman Shirlee had done a kindness for, remembered her in his will. Due to his generosity, she was able to open her store!

In 1968, on North Main Street, Apple A Day was launched. In 1972 the store moved to an old Victorian house at 600 South Blanchard Street, where it still is today.

Shirlee’s three children all went to work with mom at the store, where, between customers, she held them and rocked them in an old green chair. But more than the two boys, Kristina, Shirlee’s daughter was her constant companion. Kristina says, “I grew up at Apple A Day. I spent most of my childhood going to work with mom and what little girl would not enjoy “playing store” all day!”

As the years went by, Kristina continued working with her mom and though they had disagreements occasionally, Kristina soon realized that, like Shirlee, this was her calling in life. “I love it! I’ve learned so much along the way, through online classes, knowledgeable customers and, of course, my mom—my biggest influence!” said Kristina.

Since 1984, with the exception of three years, Kristina has been the manager at Apple A Day. She has three wonderful sons, who like their mother, were fortunate enough to go to work with mom, who held and rocked them in the same old green chair–now in Kristina’s living room. Nathan is in his final year of medical school but continuing on to be an orthopedic surgeon. Dustin, 23, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Criminal Justice. Ryan, 20, was just promoted to Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class (AE3) in the United States Navy. He us stationed on an aircraft carrier in Japan. There is certainly something miraculous about that old green chair!

Five years ago Apple A Day opened its second location in the corner of a grocery store at 2021 Broad Avenue in Findlay. “We are doing very well,” says Kristina, “I see a huge demand for wheat/gluten free items and this location has the best selection in town!” Kristina makes it a challenge to have the items that are trendy right now, such as what might have been mentioned on TV by Dr. Oz. “I have alot of allergies myself, so I am very motivated to have available an excellent array of choices for those people who have food allergies and desire high quality, or organic,” explains Kristina. “Speaking of high quality, we have the entire line of Berlin Natural Bakery products, including the pasta and the pizza sauce from Simply Sauce….it’s amazing!

Shirlee retired last summer, and Kristina holds the reigns in her more than capable hands. When asked what she loves most about running her own natural health store, Kristina was emphatic. “I love the customers! I am a very compassionate person and I love people! I love the opportunity to give hope to people who have been told nothing more can be done for them.” Kristina plans to grow with the industry and will fill the need for self help due to the rising costs of insurance—“prevention is the best medicine!”

Visit Apple A Day today for all of your natural health food needs, you’ll see the slogan on the wall: “YES WE CAN!” “By the way,” laughs Kristina, “we had this slogan before Obama did!”

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Dietary Health Foods … Three Generations of Caring
By Marsha Bonecutter

Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of Dietary Health Foods Retailer Story! Dietary Health Foods has customized limited time special offer for you at the bottom of this post. The limited time offer ends October 27th 2010, and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

There were “exercises to do in your car” and “exercises to do lying down” and “exercises to do at your desk” – in the 1970’s Americans were becoming serious about improving their health. Aerobics, yoga, jogging, walking and bicycling were becoming increasingly more popular with the mainstream population. Annette Selestak, then in her early 20’s became passionate about fitness and nutrition, and unlike some folks during the 70’s fitness craze, her passion became an integral part of her life.

A graduate of Baldwin Wallace College with a degree in Business Management, Annette married David Selestak in 1984. She worked for a large company in marketing for many years. When son Bryan was 10 and daughter Loren was 6, Annette, seeking hours that were more “family friendly”, pursued a career in teaching. At Lorain County Community College, Annette taught—you guessed it—fitness and nutrition, until another “family” opportunity presented itself.

Karen and Annette

Annette’s uncle Tony wanted to retire. Annette and Dave decided to keep his business in the family, and now she is the third generation owner of Dietary Health Foods at, 42985 North Ridge Road, in Elyria, Ohio. The family legacy began in 1971 when two of Annette’s uncles, Tony and John purchased a small “mom and pop” convenience store in downtown Lorain, Ohio. Eventually, the two converted the store into a health food store. “Sometime later, Uncle Tony bought out Uncle John,” said Annette, “and in the mid 80’s the store was moved to its current location in Elyria. “We are in a converted eighty year old house,” says Annette, “the first floor is 1,200 square feet, and our customers tell us we fit quite a lot of merchandise in a small space.” The upstairs contains offices and rooms for lectures, seminars and staff meetings. “We have an acre of land behind the house so we can have fun events like our Doggie Day Spa,” says Annette.

When asked to explain what still inspires her about the health food industry, Annette replied, “It is inspiring how our industry has educated the public to take charge of their health. We want our customers to make informed decisions to meet their health related goals.” Dietary Health Foods is very committed to education. They have monthly events providing educational seminars on a variety of topics.

Annette, a Certified Natural Health Professional and a Personal Nutrition Coach loves working with the customers. “Most people come in and aren’t sure how to start improving their health,” explains Annette, “we listen to their concerns, come up with a plan, and make some recommendations. It’s all about what works best for a customer’s life style and budget.”

Stop in to Dietary Health Foods where Annette and the staff will address your health issues and suggest some of their favorite items. “Berlin Natural Bakery products top the list of favorite food items, “says Annette, “my family loves the Biblical Breadsticks and the Pumpkin Streusel and Zucchini Spelt breads.” Other favorites are the whole food supplements such as Garden of Life Raw One for Women and Mega Foods B-Complex and Megazymes. “The ingredients are from food sources,” explains Annette, “so what better way to nourish your body?”

For 39 years Dietary Health Foods has been serving the communities in and around Elyria. “Our staff is always willing to listen and ‘go the extra mile’ to help you achieve your health related goals.” Annette says, proudly, “It is rewarding working with a staff that is so dedicated. My staff has been with the store from 3 to 20 years.” What a wonderful testament to this third generation family business. Wishing Dietary Health Foods many more generations of success!

****Dietary Health Foods Limited-Time Special Offers****

25% Off These Specific Products Below

1) Berlin Natural Bakery Pumpkin Streusel and Zucchini Breads

2) Berlin Natural Bakery Chocolate Meltdown and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

3) Berlin Natural Bakery Sourdough Spelt Bread

To take advantage of this special please mention this article to the checker by saying “I saw the article on Berlin Natural Bakery’s website” to get the discount on your selected products!

Offer Expires: October 27, 2010

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Be Good To The Earth … Be Good To Yourself … At Lori’s Natural Foods Center

By: Marsha Bonecutter

Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of Lori’s Natural Food Center Retailer Story! Lori’s has customized limited time special offer for you at the bottom of this post. The limited time offer ends October 17th 2010, and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

By the time Jim Starks was 25 years old; his life experiences far outweighed his years. Jim was a decorated World War II veteran, having been awarded the Bronze Star for rescuing a fellow soldier during a battle in Germany. Jim was also a graduate of Syracuse University, with a degree in marketing. In 1950, Jim began a 31 year career with the Bausch and Lomb Optical Company. In 1951, he reconnected with Dorie Formicola, (they had met briefly in 1949) and they began dating. In 1952, the couple was married. If you think that sounds like a very full and rewarding life, you ain’t heard nothin’ yet!

Raising a family in the fifties may have been simpler than it is today, but it certainly was not any easier. Dorie and Jim planted and maintained a garden and canned and preserved their harvest every year, supplying the family with healthy foods year round. This was the normal routine for the Starks’ family up until about 4 years ago. You cannot be an avid and successful gardener without developing a love and appreciation for wholesome foods. That was the foundation for the next phase of Jim Stark’s already impressive career.

After wearing many “hats” at Bausch and Lomb, including marketing, scientific instrumentation, materials management, and personnel relations, Jim took an early retirement in 1981. He was only 56 years old. “He didn’t really retire”, laughs Dorie, “he just refocused!” Jim said, “I was looking for something else I could do and be proud of.”

After searching for a time, Jim found a store called the Bread Depot and bought the place. “They carried one line of vitamins and a small quantity of bulk foods like flour, grains and nuts,” remembers Jim. “Gradually, we replaced the products that were there with natural and organic products, plus wellness products including vitamins.” Dorie and Jim began looking for a new name for their store. “We submitted many names of natural food stores,” explains Dorie, “but they were rejected because they were already used.” Their lawyer suggested putting a name in the title. Jim chose the name of his 19 year old partner…his daughter, Lori! “Lori’s just sounded better than Jim’s,” said Dorie. Lori’s Natural Foods Center opened in September of 1981.

Located in the Genesee Valley Regional Market, at 900 Jefferson Road in Rochester, NY, Lori’s has expanded many times to accommodate their growth and now boasts a 14,500 square foot store carrying a complete line of groceries, including foods for individuals with food sensitivities, including wheat free, gluten free, low sodium, sugar free and dairy free. Lori’s has a huge selection of organic produce from local organic farmers. Bulk granola cereals, soy milk and yogurts are some of Jim’s personal favorites. An excellent variety of environmentally sound paper and cleaning products, personal care items and supplements can also be found at Lori’s. Customers looking for better choices are regulars at Lori’s, because Lori’s prides themselves on carrying products that other stores don’t have.

Jim and Dorie, now 85 and 81 years old, can still be found at Lori’s every Wednesday, where Jim does some ordering and writes articles for the monthly newsletter. “There are still people who stop to remind us that they have been with us since the first small store way back in 1981,” says Jim.

Lori works mostly from her home these days, quite a change from when she and her father were the only two employees and were at the store all day every-day that the store was open! Lori’s husband, John, has taken the reins and is at the store every day. Lori, who shies away from the limelight, is seen pictured below with John. Yes, she has a bag on her head and he is a banana!

Some years ago, John and Lori were approached by Bill Mulligan, Senior, an affiliate of the Genesee Valley Regional Market. A musician, Bill had a very catchy tune floating around in his head. John and Lori loved the song, and awhile later, after some “tweaking” in a sound studio they finally used it for a local TV ad. John and some other employees dressed up like fruits and vegetables for the commercial. The jingle is one of those that you just can’t keep from singing along with. It appealed to adults and children alike and is still very popular today… and so is Lori’s Natural Foods, where “you can be good to the earth and good to yourself every time you shop at Lori’s.”

*Lori’s Natural Food Center Limited-Time Special Offers*

To Celebrate our 29th Anniversary Here Is Our Special Offer To You!

29% Off These Two Products Below

1) Berlin Natural Bakery Whole Grain Spelt Bread

2) Berlin Natural Bakery Sprouted Spelt Bread

To take advantage of this special please mention this article to the checker by saying “I saw the article on Berlin Natural Bakery’s website” to get the discount on your selected products!

Offer Expires: October 17, 2010

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Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of The Supplement Station Retailer Story! The Supplement Station has customized limited time special offer for you at the bottom of this post. The limited time offer ends September 6th and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

“Get On Board For Good Health!”

Nancy Holmes

By Marsha Bonecutter

All aboard! Next stop, Health and Wellness! Dan and Ann Berndt, owners of The Supplement Station, at 1139 East Pidgeon Road in Salem, Ohio, have been passengers on the wellness train for many years.

Ann pursued her deep-seated passion for health and healing by entering into nurses training right out of high school. She worked as a delivery room nurse and then for a doctor in private practice. During that time she met and married her husband, Dan.

Kris Evert and Julie Singleton…Sprouted Biblical, yum!

Dan had many diverse interests that resulted in several businesses over the years, including, car washes, an auto parts store, farms and a feed store—to name a few. One such venture was largely responsible for Dan becoming a staunch advocate of supplements and natural remedies.

The couple had purchased a herd of beef cattle. All was well for awhile—then disaster struck. The cows began calving too early, and then dying. The calves also died. Local veterinarians were consulted and then state vets were called in, but no one could find a solution. It was almost miraculous when a salesman approached the Berndts with a supplement that he swore their cows would eat and would eliminate the problem. “I was amazed,” said Ann, “the cows practically fought over the feed supplement, and they got better!” “As it turned out,” she explained, “the cows rumen (stomach) bacteria were dead and they could not digest their food, so they were actually starving with full stomachs.”

It was a hard lesson to learn, but it led Dan and Ann to open a feed store handling, among other products, the supplement that cured their cows, which was a mineral with “live yeast culture” or the equivalent of probiotics. Eventually, the couple sold the very healthy herd of cattle and chalked the hard learned lesson up to experience.

Ann Berndt and Sandy Roberts in the “Vitamin Room”

Some years later, the Berndts became involved in a multi-level company selling vitamins to their friends. “We were taking grape seed extract for health issues and were being helped,” explained Ann, “we were also selling to our friends, but the prices kept going up, so we decided to go direct to a manufacturer to get better prices.” This turned out to be a very good decision for Ann. “We were shocked at how much less a good quality product was when not purchased through multi-level.” At that time, Dan was operating an auto parts and oil business in Salem. “We started buying a few vitamins and selling them in one corner of the store,” recalls Ann, “we wanted to see if there was enough need for such a business in town. Soon, people started coming in and wanting more and more products, so we opened as a health food store in 2000.”

The Supplement Station, so called because their first location was beside a railroad track, now has three rooms to serve the folks in and around Salem.

The “vitamin room” has an unprecedented assortment of vitamins, herbs, other supplements and homeopathic remedies including Baxyl, Silver Biotics, Poison Ivy Relief, Kidney Formula and Graviola. Whatever your health issues are, you are sure to find what you need here.

Make-up, shampoo, lotion, soap and even toothpaste and toothbrushes can be found in the “health and beauty” room. Of course, these products are all natural and homeopathic. Check out this room for all of your personal care needs. Not for women only, there are personal care items for men also.

A full line of groceries is stocked in the third room at The Supplement Station. Some of the items you will find are cereal, ice cream, raw vinegar, juices, rice chips, grass fed beef, tea and coffee, and, of course, Berlin Natural Bakery Breads! Healthy and nutritious eating is made easy for you with the selection found here.

When asked what she loves most about operating The Supplement Station, Ann was quick to answer, “Seeing people regain their health by taking supplements or learning to eat in a healthier way is very rewarding. Knowing that you have the opportunity to help people live a better quality of life by educating them about what they put in and on their bodies is a good feeling.”

Dan and Ann Berndt have a lifetime of education and experience to share with you. Along with their friendly, knowledgeable and well informed staff and their quality products, they will guide you toward the healthy lifestyle you seek. There is no doubt that The Supplement Station should be your “last stop” on the health and wellness train, where their motto is: “we care about your health”.

*******The Supplement Station Special Offers*******

20% Off All Berlin Natural Bakery Products (Including Noodles)

20% Off KingBio Poison Ivy Relief

20% Off Bragg Vinegar quarts

ON SALE

Supplement Station Brand Vitamin D-3 10,000 IU 60 day supply

Reg $12.99  Sale $9.99

Supplement Station Brand Vitamin D-3 50,000 IU 60 day supply

Reg $17.99  Sale $12.99

To take advantage of these specials please mention this article to the checker by saying “I saw the article on Berlin Natural Bakery’s website” to get the discount on your selected products!

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Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of the Queens Nutritional Products Retailer Story! Queens Nutritional Products has customized limited time special offer for you at the bottom of this post. The limited time offer ends August 23rd and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

From mining engineer, to accountant, to health food store owner, Gloria Novak has stood by her husband, Joe, in all of his endeavors. When Joe changed careers and started his own accounting business, Gloria helped him out, but found that accounting in general was somewhat “boring”. Joe’s first account was Queen’s Nutritional Products, a successful health food store in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The owners, whose name was Queen, had started the business because of the wife’s poor health; they were looking for alternative ways to help her. Over the years, as Joe built a relationship with the owner, he became interested in the different health foods and supplements that Queens carried. “In 1979, when the Queens’ retired,” said Gloria, “we had a chance to buy the store and of course, the rest is history!”

Today, at ages 75 and 88 respectively, Gloria and Joe still work every day—a living testament to the healthy lifestyle they adopted years ago. They are joined by their son, Joe Jr. and his wife Lori Sue, to make their success truly a family affair.

Located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue in Allentown, Queens was a thriving business when Gloria and Joe purchased it, but the couple was not content with the “status quo”. They proceeded to open not one, but four more stores! “Eventually, we sold them, but it was inspiring to create that…expansion”, remembers Gloria. Three of the stores, located in Emmaus, Lebanon, and Souderton Pennsylvania, are still open, each under new management. What an impressive tribute to Gloria and Joe Novak at the parent store.

Another tribute to Gloria and Joe which epitomizes the fundamentals of Queens, is the fact that just six out of their 15 employees have been with the company for a collective total of 115 years! Please check the photographs below to see: Kevin Achey, 35 years, Joe Novak, Jr., 31 years, Peg Sabella, 19 years, Barbara Fluck, 12 years, Diana Pearson, 10 years, and Lori Sue Novak, 8 years. These loyal employees are quite obviously considered “family” even though not all of them possess the surname Novak.

BACK ROW:  Joe Novak, Jr., Peg Sabella, Barbara Fluck, Gary Martof, Lisa Rode
FRONT ROW:  Diana Pearson, Houda Salloum, Samera Dayoub, Linda Powell, Lori Sue Novak, Terri Chavar

A wholesale business specializing in nuts and dried fruits operated expertly by Joe Novak, Jr., is another family undertaking. Some of the varieties of nuts are roasted right on the premises—mouthwatering! —and the driver delivers to New Jersey, Lancaster PA, and other nearby destinations. The business is growing more and more popular. “Today it is largely organic,” explains Joe Jr., “it really compliments our retail business.” You can choose from a wonderful assortment of nuts and fruits, such as organic dried mulberries, organic multi-colored popcorn and roasted cashews. Gloria laughs, “The smell of roasting nuts can’t be beat!”

Be sure to stop in today to complete your grocery list with a great selection of organic produce, grass fed beef, free range chicken, and of course, Berlin Natural Bakery breads. The homeopathic remedies and vitamins section at Queen’s Nutritional Products is likely the largest selection in the area. Don’t forget your health and beauty items such as natural soaps, shampoos and make-up.

Ross Boozer, Kevin Achey

In total, Queen’s Nutritional Products has been serving the community for nearly forty years, thirty-one of those years under the expertise, care and love of Gloria and Joe Novak. When asked what she loves most about running her own natural health store, Gloria replied, “I love the people we meet: people committed to living healthier lives. It’s very rewarding to be a part of helping people get their health back. They come in looking for alternatives to traditional protocol and come back to tell us how well the products work.”

At Queen’s Nutritional Products, they go out of their way to serve their customers with the best quality products at the best possible price. A local landmark, and an asset to the community, the store has represented health and wellness through nutrition and education for many years. Thank you, Gloria and Joe Novak, wishing you continued success at the “healthy place to shop”.

*******Queens Nutritional Products Special Offer*******

25% off on all Berlin Natural Bakery Breads Products

To take advantage of this special offer please mention this article to the checker by saying “I saw the article on Berlin Natural Bakery’s website” to get the discount!

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Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of the Nature’s Pantry Retailer Story! Natures Pantry has customized a special offer for you at the bottom of this post ending July 23 you won’t want to miss!

Slow Food…From Our Pantry To Yours

By: Marsha Bonecutter

If you are looking for a magic, expensive pill that will instantly cure all your ills, you will not find it at Nature’s Pantry in Rockton, Illinois. If you are looking for a path to good health, Peg Lockman, owner of Nature’s Pantry, an organic grocery, will offer you a way of life achieved by utilizing what is provided in nature, not synthetics masquerading as health foods, or chemicals promising a “quick fix”.

Peg grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, in an era of good food, prepared at home and eaten together as part of belonging to a family. “We’ve never lived in a time of so much heart disease, cancer, diabetes and such,” says Peg, “these were rare when people trusted nature rather than science and chemicals.” As a junior high English and Reading teacher for thirty years, Peg had to keep up on things. “I love learning about people and how they have lived. The thing that I’ve learned that most relates to this business is that (historically) when people put quality above quantity and took responsibility for their own health…they were actually healthy.” This love of the fundamentals of truly natural foods began in the mid-seventies when Peg decided to become a vegetarian. “I had to learn more about food,” explained Peg, “and I had to find sources for whole foods, preferably those grown without chemicals, by farmers who saw the bigger picture and had respect for the land and the environment.”

Conventional grocery stores did not carry whole foods at that time. The only place to get them was co-ops. The problem was that the co-ops were always teetering on the brink financially. “I wanted to find a way to offer the best foods available and make the enterprise self-sustaining,” said Peg. When the last co-op she was involved with decided to call it a day, Peg and the manager were willing to gamble that with some changes, it could work as a private business. The two were partners for three years.

In early December, 1997, Nature’s Pantry opened its doors in a much smaller building across the street from its present location at 112 West Main Street, in Rockton. The store flourished until six years ago, when growing pains made the move from the original building imperative. So when the present location, built in the 1930’s as a grocery store, became available, Peg snatched it up. In fact, loyal customers actually helped with the long overdue move.

When asked how the name Nature’s Pantry was chosen, Peg explains, “We always wanted the store to be about food—thus the Pantry part. We wanted our pantry to be stocked with only the best—that which is supplied naturally, without all of the chemicals or processed, refined, nutrient-deficient ingredients—thus the Nature’s. To be honest, if I were naming the store today, I’d probably call it the Organic Grocer. The word natural has come to encompass too much that isn’t natural at all.”

At Nature’s Pantry, a full service grocery, you’ll find a wonderful selection of meats, produce and other products raised on small , local family farms and businesses. “I like that our meats come from farms where the animals have only one bad day in their lives. In fact, I love that most of what we offer comes from the type of farm that people conjure up when they think of farms– rather than from “agribusinesses” where what is produced is often out of sync with the natural world. I think my favorite products are those that encourage people to share in the preparation and enjoyment of a meal. Slow food also helps promote family connections in the kitchen and at the table which build the emotional health that so many children are struggling to find.”

Peg Lockman feels she has been richly blessed. “I love our customers. I love the people who work here.” Running her own organic grocery store has been more than rewarding for her. “It’s wonderful to be able to offer people the best whole, organic foods, which naturally contain all of the nutrients designed for natural good health. It’s wonderful to watch people learn that creating good health as a way of life is superior to the cycle of illness and cure.”

She took what she learned and was fortunate enough to create something that worked successfully. “We’ve never tried to be anything other than a small, local organic grocery.” If that sounds like a small accomplishment—it most certainly is not! Congratulations, Peg Lockman and Nature’s Pantry, wishing you many more years of success.

*******Nature’s Pantry Special Offer*******

Build Your Own Sandwich!

25% off on all Berlin Natural Bakery Breads and Buns. You’ll receive 10% off on three sandwich ingredients of your choosing with the purchase of a loaf of Berlin Natural Bakery Bread or Buns

To take advantage of this special offer please mention this article to the checker to get the discount!

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Attention: Be sure you read all the way to the end of the Back to Basics Retailer Story! Back to Basics has customized a special offer for you ending July 11th you won’t want to miss!

Get Healthy…At Back To Basics Organics

By: Marsha Bonecutter

When we are young, most of us take good health for granted. If we do become ill, we tend to look for the “quick fix”—medications, either prescribed or over the counter, to alleviate the problem. In her early twenties, Juanita Ketcham, owner of Back to Basics Organics in Knox, Indiana found herself in just that type of “no win” situation. “I was on several medications,” says Juanita, “and still having many problems that would not go away.” Thankfully, she stumbled upon a co-op who told her about an herbalist. “After only two weeks on her regimen, I felt much better,” said Juanita. As she (the herbalist) started to analyze my health habits, I found I had alot to learn. She took me through the steps slowly beginning with supplements and moving on to adding and eliminating things from my diet.”

While working closely with her herbalist and making many health changes, Juanita travelled regularly over two hours from her home to get the proper foods and supplements she needed. “During my second year of healing,” remembers Juanita, “the co-op I was shopping at closed. Not knowing exactly what prompted her to do so, Juanita attended the “going out of business” auction for the co-op. “Thinking I was just going to store items in my basement, I was inspired to bid on all kinds of things,” laughed Juanita, “including the Coke cooler.” The memory still brings chills as Juanita recalls a voice behind her encouraging her to bid on the cooler. “The voice was so loud I turned around twice, but no one was there. God was guiding me, but at that moment I was down to my last five or ten dollars, I had no idea how I would validate the purchase to my husband, or how I would get it home, so I did not get the cooler.” That evening, Juanita’s husband, Ron, surprised her with a bonus check he had recieved from work. “I could have purchased the cooler after all!”

In the days following the auction, Juanita kept mulling over what had inspired her to bid on the cooler. Suddenly, it was clear that she should open a health food store. “I had no idea how to open a business,” said Juanita. “It was definitely divine intervention.” Every bit of knowledge she needed, such as how to get a business license, how to find an available store front, how to find vendors and distributors—just seemed to fall into her lap. “It was a miracle, but just thirty days later, on June 1st. 1987, I opened Back to Basics……without a cooler!”

Divine intervention had accomplished the impossible, the business had opened in just thirty days, but Juanita still had many hurdles ahead. “We opened in a little store on Main Street in downtown Knox. I was only able to fill half of the small space, so I filled the other half with consignment crafters.” The first week they did $38.00 in revenue, but Juanita knew that it was a spiritual calling she had to follow. In only one year Back to Basics moved to their present location in Knox Mall. “We have four times the square feet we started with,” laughs Juanita, “and are almost out of space.”

You can find everything you need at Back to Basics. Locally raised organic produce from small family farms, grass fed meats also raised on small local farms, quality supplements such as Nature’s Sunshine and Flora, and “of course, our wonderful Berlin Natural Bakery breads fresh baked for us! Come in to shop and visit our Organic Café. We serve juices and smoothies, coffee and tea, soup and sandwiches. There is something for everyone!”

It’s true Back to Basics has products for everyone, but you can also count on solid philosophies, skill and teaching to help you restore health and wellness to your life. “We are here to teach you how to feed your body so your body can heal itself and we carry what you need to make that happen.” As the name implies, (borrowed from a treasured Reader’s Digest book), Back to Basics and Juanita and Ron Ketcham take us to another level of wellness and healing. “I love to see the hope return to people’s faces and the hugs and blessings they give me as their bodies respond to being fed the right foods and supplements chosen specifically for them.”

Many thanks, Juanita, and we look forward to many more years of success. Get healthy at Back to Basics Organics!

*******Back To Basics Special Offers*******

1) Buy ONE get one at 50% off on all Berlin Natural Bakery Products

2) 25% off Nature’s Sunshine Food Enzymes

Take advantage of this special offer today by saying to the cashier “I saw the retailer story on Back To Basics at Berlin Natural Bakery’s Website and would like to take advantage of my special discount on Berlin Natural Bakery’s/Enzyme product.”

Special Offer Expires July 11, 2010.

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