It was a simply glorious weekend for "Shooting the Hills"....southeast Ohio's famous Hocking Hills Region, that is, with about 200 photographers from six states hiking with their gear through the scenic trails, caves, hollows, meadows and other attractions that have drawn visitors from across the country for decades. In this year's eighth Annual "Shoot the Hills" competition, The Friends of the Hocking Hills again awarded thousands of dollars in prizes to the winning shots in both Digital RAW/SLR and Point-and-Shoot divisions. The prize money was generated from the over $16,000 in sponsorships from over 40 businesses and organizations.
Now also part of this special event is "Shoppe the Hills," with sponsors displaying their art and wares in the Hocking Hills State Park Dining Lodge. In addition to doing a bit of browsing, non-photographers had the opportunity to win door prizes themselves while also voting for the "People's Choice" Award photograph...to Christopher Henschen. The "Photographer's Choice" Award went to Matt Studebaker.
Hocking Hills Tourism Association Executive Director, Karen Raymore, picked winners for the "Spirit of the Hills" Award....Christopher Henschen, Michele Black, and Rob Taylor.
In the five RAW categories, five professional photographers selected the winners: Abstract - David Nicely; Flora - Stacy Fenner; Human Interest - Roger Heil; Landscape - Roger Heil; Wildlife - Matthew Studebaker. The Friends extend a sincere thanks to judges Jim Crotty, Karl J. Klein, Susie Klein, Katie Tuttle, and Gary Walker....along with the many volunteers who kept things running smoothly from Friday morning through Sunday evening at the Hocking Hills State Park Dining Lodge.
In the digital pont-and-shoot category, Brent Mackey won the grand prize. Other point-and-shoot winners were: Abstract - John Grogan; Flora - Kari LaBello; Human Interest - Mike Rosa; Landscape - Jenny Hally; Wildlife - Dava Garcia.
Junior Division Award winners were Brookelyn Winters, Olivia Johnson, and Halle Harlau.
The Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park, an entirely volunteer group, holds events each year to raise funds that will help ensure the natural beauty of the park areas for generations to come. Like other "Friends" groups around the state, the overall mission is to grow relations between the parks and public through both new and ongoing educations and conservation programs.
The Friends' next big event will be the Hocking Hills 3rd Annual Poker Run, May 16.
copyright 2009; Doug & Karen Parker, ikarensell Enterprises, Inc. http://ikarensell.com
4/15/09....Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park prepare information packets for photographers coming to the annual "Shoot the Hills" event this weekend....at the annual Friends' "Stuffing Party" at the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge. Just another "friendly" get together for the groups' volunteers. The Friends' mission is to raise funds the ensure the beauty of the Hocking Hills for decades and generatrions to come.....here's the official invitation to this year's event:
Hello Friends of the Hocking Hills!
We want to invite you to join us in support of our 8th annual photography weekend in the Hocking Hills. "Shoot the Hills" will be hosted by our organization from the Hocking Hills Dining Lodge on April 17, 18 and 19, 2009.
This popular event is one of our largest fundraisers for the organization, normally drawing photographers and non-photographers from at least six states. The highlight of the weekend is a 24-hour photo contest, but there will be variety of free programs scheduled over the weekend. Additionally, there will be photography vendors, craftsmen and artisans participating to offer any outdoor enthusiast a wealth of things to do during the weekend.
Entries for the digital photography competition must be taken between 1 p.m. on Friday (April 17) and 1 p.m. on Saturday (April 18). Digital contest categories are:
Wildlife, Flora, Landscape, Human Interest, Abstracts in Nature, and "Photographers Choice" (an open category). Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and advertisers, we are giving more than $3,000 in cash and prizes to winners! We will be naming contest winners on Sunday (April 18) at the conclusion of the 3-day event. This Awards Program is open to the public.
On Sunday (April 19) are also holding a fun Print Division contest. Photographic print entries will be collected between 11:00 a.m. on Friday (April 17) to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday (April 19). The winner of this division will be chosen by popular public vote, using "voting tickets," which will be sold 10 for $1. The Print Division winner will receive 50% of all the Print Division entry fees! Additionally, one print will be selected by the Hocking Hills Tourism Association that "best promotes tourism in Ohio's Hocking Hills Region." That print will receive a special recognition award and will be published in an upcoming issue of the Hocking Hills Visitors Guide.
You can pre-register for the photo contest at www.ShootTheHills.com, or in person at the Hocking Hills Tourism Association or the Hocking Hills State Park office by April 10. You may register the day of the event at the Hocking Hills Dining Lodge.
It is recommended that photographers in the contest arrive by 11:00 a.m. on Friday (April 17) for an informative orientation meeting (especially recommended for first-time participants).
For lodging and travel information, contact the Hocking Hills Tourism Association at 1 (800) HOCKING or visit www.1800hocking.com/ohiostateparkhockinghills.
For more information and rules for Shoot the Hills, visit our Shoot The Hills site. Join us this year at Shoot the Hills. Your support will help strengthen the event and our organization!
Sincerely, Jerry Jividen, President, Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park
Seem to be receiving as well as hearing from other agents about increasing numbers of inquiries from folks talking about "waiting out the market" and looking to rent (from both sides of the front door) or lease. And not necessarily just from potential buyers who've been told that their credit scores need a bit of work....
The amount of calls seems to ebb and flow according to the intensity of the cable news cycle and today's rundowns and headlines. But maybe they're missing the updates about continued amazingly low mortgage rates and something about an $8,000 tax credit for home purchases prior to the end of this year.
Also hearing more about buyers frustrated by the short sale and foreclosure purchase process. Now that's a story that really hasn't been told or exposed all that well....although buyers get the impression that listings are (or should be) all bargain-basement priced or in some sort of distress sale. Had an interesting conversation with potential buyers who were more than surprised with the sheriff sale process...not quite as simple as they'd pictured.
Doug & Karen Parker, Prudential Calhoon Company Realtors, http://ikarensell.com, 614-850-4909
Eight new beach area docks will be available to Hide-A-Way Hills Club members this summer, thanks to the continued work of the Adopt-An-Area Committee, led by Vic Kapscos (he's the one lying down on the job). The eight docks are located just off the beach area, and will allow temporary tie-ups for boaters who want to take a break for a dip or picnic. Volunteer committees have always been a backbone for HAH, and recently have completed various projects and planning to ensure the next 50 years for the community, a gateway for southeast Ohio's famous and scenic Hocking Hills Region. When you visit HAH, you'll also immediately notice the club's new playground right up front....thanks to the dedication of both the Parents & Playground Commitee, along with the Adopt-An-Area Committee!
You'll also be seeing these smiling faces on new billboards that invite folks to enjoy dinner at the Hide-A-Way Hills Lodge Restaurant and Microbrewery (yes, lager and pale ale brewed on the premises). The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday evenings, and non-members can make reservations by calling 740-569-7944. If you pick up a copy of the new Hocking Hills Dining Guide (available at locations throughout the area), you'll find a full copy of the menu....and its also available on the HAH Web site as well.
Dining Hours:
Tuesday through Thursday 6 pm - 9 pm
Fridays & Saturdays 6 pm - 10 pm
See you in "The Hills!" (HAH is located in both Fairfield and Hocking Counties, by the way....)
copyright 2009, ikarensell Enterprises Inc; Doug & Karen Parker, Prudential Calhoon Company Realtors, http://ikarensell.com 740-569-3616 and 614-569-3616
Time Warner Cable is currently working on a full fiber optic upgrade for the private and gated resort community of Hide-A-Way Hills (HAH)...a gateway to southeast Ohio's famous and scenic Hocking Hills Region. The project should be completed by mid-summer of this year, and would provide full "Road Runner" service throughout the community.
In addition to high-speed internet service, the upgrade would provide access to digital telephone and enhanced cable TV. Assuming that Time Warner offers various service bundling (service combination) options and competitive pricing, it should nudge other HAH service providers to do or consider likewise. Verizon DSL service is currently generally available on the "east side" of Lake of the Four Seasons, with bundling options for telephone service and DirecTV.
As HAH looks forward to the community's 50th Anniversary celebration in 2011, it's "best-kept-secret" status is certainly changing....as one of Ohio's most unique private and gated resort communities, and a perfect location and place for a vacation getaway or full-time home. You really won't find anything quite like it, and it's more than doubtful it could ever be duplicated!
By the way, Hide-A-Way Hills is located in both Fairfield and Hocking Counties....with most of the community within Hocking County.....
copyright 2009, ikarensell Enterprises Inc....Doug & Karen Parker, Prudential Calhoon, http://ikarensell.com 614-850-4909 and 740-569-3616
 |
|
|
We Kare'n Sell ('n Live!) primary & vacation homes, log homes, land, Hilliard to The Hocking Hills & Hide-a-way Hills. Hilliard Chamber of Commerce,Hocking Hills Tourism Assn, Friends of Hocking Hills.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
