Welp, obviously summer is officially here because me and my family, like so many of you out there, have been away on vacation. Hence the LATE blog about July activities in Lakengren. So, my apologies. Fortunately, there are still many great things coming up this month in the Lakengren Community and here they are;
July 16: Safety Committee meeting at 6pm at the Lakengren Lodge.
July 18 12-4 pm: The annual Jack Block Day. This fun-filled day was started years ago and is put on each year by the Lakengren Dragons club. Named for the late Jack Block, one of the original creators of the event, the event offers fun for the whole family. There will be games and plenty of food, as well as a dunking booth, cake walk, pony rides, bike raffles and new for this year...a petting zoo! Another highlight of this year is the Lakengren Camels, which word is you will be able to ride. In addition, the Lakengren Ski club will perform at 3 pm. Let's hope for sunny skies because it sounds like it should be a great occasion for the entire Lakengren community.
July 18: Open Bass night tourney at 11pm.
July 19: Bass Tourney ends at 7 am!
July 21: Garden Club meeting at 7pm July 26 2-4 pm: the "Friends of the walking path" club in Lakengren will hold a quarter donation auction at the Lakengren Lodge. Proceeds will go towards new playground equipment.
July 28: To Better Your Health, 12-2 pm at the Lakengren Lodge.
One last note! Don't forget that the pool is open now and FINALLY the water has warmed up. Adult swim is always the last 15 minutes of the hour, the water is clean and fun, and they keep the snack bar stocked with all the junk food your kids could ever desire!
Hope you are having a great summer and thanks for reading!
Kelley Weimer
A house "SOLD" name!
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County OH and beyond; including Eaton, West Alexandria, Canmden, Brookville, Germantown, Lakengren and Lewisburg.
Preble County Ohio A-Z. "E" is for Eaton. 
"E" is for Eaton, county seat of Preble County and the only official city of Preble County. It's really tough to do a blog on Eaton to be honest, because there is so much to offer in this little city that I hesitate to write and inadvertently leave something out. All the same, I'll start with some basic facts and data, and then I'll give you a little bit more meat and potatoes on what the appeal is.
Eaton was founded in 1806 by William Bruce. Eaton derives its name from Gen. William Eaton (1764-1811), the U.S. Consul at Tunis, who led a diverse army in a harrowing march from Egypt to Tripoli to meet the U.S. Naval forces. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.7 square miles and home to some 9000 residents.
Schools located in the City of Eaton include:
Hollingsworth East Elementary School (grades K-2)
William Bruce Elementary School (grades 3-5)
Eaton Middle School (grades 6-8)
Eaton High School (grades 9-12)
Churches in Eaton include:
Eaton Church of Christ, Eaton First Church of the Nazarene ,Eaton United Church of Christ, Evangel Assembly of God Church, First Baptist Church, First Church of God, First United Presbyterian Church, Saint Paul United Methodist Church, Gateway Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church.
The Eaton school's mascot is the Fighting Eagle and the colors are Purple and Gold. Eaton includes Crystal Lake, Seven Mile Creek, the historical Roberts Bridge, Historical Fort St. Clair and Water Works Park.
2008 cost of living index in Eaton: 78.2 (low, U.S. average is 100). Estimated median house or condo value in 2008: $115,486 (it was $83,600 in 2000).
So now let's get to the good stuff shall we?
When I moved to Eaton in 1988, this was a sleepy little town. Over the years the City has experienced controlled growth, and now offers much more diversity, without becoming so big as to compromise the values and pace that the community is used to.
Retail growth has been a bit slow in my opinion, but I do appreciate that the City government wants to protect small business. The problem with big business is that it has a tendency to push out the "mom and pops" of the area. It changes not only the "small town" appeal, but the overall dynamics of the city, from the population to the architecture to the crime rate. So although I do long for things like a shopping mall or some larger restaurants to come to town, I think the costs would ultimately outweigh the benefits.
I'm just going to take the opportunity to name a few of MY favorite things about Eaton. If you would like to add anything, comments are welcome so have at it!!
Places to eat:
Fiesta Charra Mexican Cuisine. Located in the Five Points Centre on N. Barron St. REAL, authentic, cheesy, saucy, hot, delicious Mexican food. HUGE margaritas. Salsa and fresh tortilla chips to die for. Kick butt guacamole. Best part? Cheap!!
Sonic. This just came into Eaton this past spring (2009) so I guess I'm still in the honeymoon phase. But let's be honest; ice cold drinks, really good onion rings, big juicy burgers, ice cream treats...what's not to like?
Taffy's. Located in downtown Eaton, on Main (SR 35). Just east of the Preble County Courthouse is this little gem. If atmosphere is what you crave, Taffy's has it. Intimate setting, coffees, teas and chai oh my, fresh pastries, gourmet sandwiches, home baked desserts. Plus live entertainment, Wi-Fi and more ambiance than 20 Starbucks.
Carmela's Pizza. Recently established. Great pizza and garlic bites to die for.
The Eaton Place. This little place is the talk of the town and has been for as long as I can recall. Simply put, it's a diner. Only opened from 6am to 3 pm, and closed on Sundays. Home cooked hearty food, the local watering hole, a good place for great food and interesting conversation. A place you feel good taking the kids or company.
Jels. THE sports bar of Eaton. Full bar. Cold beers. Big screen TV's. Burgers, steaks, fried mushrooms, and some delicious nachos. Getting hungry just thinking about it!
Peking Palace. Located in the Five Points Centre, a cozy Chinese restaurant. Dark and comfortable. Intimate booths. Full buffet. Bona fide Chinese cuisine.
Places to play:
Fort St Clair. Historical Park. Beautiful wooded park, with paved walking/driving road, trails, playground, covered shelters for picnics and community events. This is a beautiful park, and the "Whispering Christmas" is not to be missed.
Crystal Lake. This lake ties into seven mile creek and offers picturesque spots to lunch, fish, reflect and feed the geese and ducks.
Eaton Soccer Park. Ok, even if you aren't a soccer buff or have kids that play soccer, if you enjoy walking, are an avid runner, or just want to get Fido out for some fresh air, this park has a very nice walking path surrounding the whole area. It also offers a great playground for the little ones.
Lakengren. Eaton's own gated community. Offering lakes, lodge, security, pool, water sports of all kinds, plus spectacular real estate. I've written many blogs about Lakengren. Here is a link to one such blog.
Random places and things I enjoy:
Cato. I'm a shopaholic. This store I REALLY like. Cute clothes, great prices. Enough said.
The Preble County Pork Festival. Held annually every third week in September, this event celebrates all things Pork, plus a craft fair that cant be beat. Here is more info on this festival.
Just Teasin'. This is where I get my hair done. Located in downtown Eaton, this hair salon is contemporary without being pretentious. They cater to women, men and kids of all ages. My hairstylist, Rachel Sawesky is great, but I don't think they have a bad stylist there.
The Eaton YMCA. Opened in February of 2003, the "y" boasts a six lane, 25 yard lap pool, gymnasium, fitness center, indoor walking track and a teen center.
There is honestly just so much more to the City of Eaton that I just don't have the space or time to mention. I might just have to do a "Part II" on this one. So if you have something, someplace or someone you would like mentioned, let me know!
There's always a real fine line in working with buyers. At least to me there is. Like the Kenny Rogers song goes..."You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run". I maybe should have run.
The line that we face day in and day out as Realtors(r), is knowing just how far we can push, without seeming, well, "PUSHY". And I hate to even use the word push because it brings to mind the stereotypical salesperson image. Sometimes though, whether you like to admit it or not, Mr. and Mrs. Buyer, you DO need a push. There is always a certain amount of fear involved in the purchase of anything. My job is to break down the fear, answer the questions behind those fears, and yes, help nudge you to make the jump.
So pushy is a strong word. Lets say nudge. What I cant figure out at times though, is if I nudge too much or not enough. Case in point:
I did an open house about a month ago, on a terrific listing here in Eaton Ohio. Not my listing, but my brokers. I volunteered to do the open house and was so glad I did. Non stop activity the whole two hours and some great new buyers. Including one who was interested in that house. We kept in touch, and about a week after the open house, she called and wanted to take a second look. Awesome!
We take a second, better look at the house, and I get a list together of questions that she has, and get those answered for her. A few days later, she asks if she can bring her daughter there to look at the home. At this point, I try a little nudge. WHY NUDGE? Because the house is going to get a $10,000 price reduction and as soon as it does, this sucker will be gone. I know it. The listing agent knows it. And NOW my buyer knows it. We look again. I answer more questions. A few more days pass.
NOW she wants her son to see it. I have to put my foot down now and ask if she has her finances in order or should I have my lender call her? No, buyer doesn't want my lender to call. Buyer will call her. Uh-oh.
Here I am, back at this house again, showing it again. To the same lady. Again. And I ask if she has talked to the lender yet. "No". Uh-Oh. This time I have a contract with me and I ask her if she would like for me to go over it with her, so she can see how it is laid out and maybe put her mind at ease a bit. She is a first timer, and I understand the fear that comes along with that. So we go over it, line by line. I explain it all, so she can see that as a purchaser, she is extremely well protected and has the right to inspections, time to obtain financing, all that good stuff.
I dont push, but yes, I do nudge. She is IN LOVE with the house. Kids love it. The dog loves it and he hasn't even been there! She has placed her furniture in every room. She knows just where the swing will sit outside. She is picturing herself curling up with a good book in front of the fireplace. She WANTS this house. And she is scared. So I nudge. I answer questions. I tell her that there have been many showings on it, which there have. I tell her the upcoming price adjustment will sell this house, which it will. But, how hard can I PUSH? How hard should I PUSH? After 4 showings, endless questions and answers...when is enough, enough?
Apparently today. Because as I checked over the office book today to see what had happened over the weekend, I notice two things. First, the price did go down 10,000. Just like I was told it would. Just like I told the buyer it would. And Second? The house had a showing, and an offer was made and accepted. My buyer lost her dream house. So you tell me, should I have PUSHED? The nudge didn't do the trick.
Kelley Weimer
a house "SOLD" name!
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County Ohio and beyond; including Eaton, West Alexandria, Germantown, Brookville, Lakengren, Lewisburg and Camden.
Child care is a pretty important issue. If you have little ones and you work, its probably always at the forefront of your mind. I know it was for me.
In fact, a lot of times the thoughts of what type of care my kids were getting gnawed at me, day and night. It didn't help that my daughter pretty much clung to my leg every time I tried to drop her off, and I would leave sobbing, feeling like the worlds worst parent. And yes, she was fine a minute later. It would take me however, half the day to shake off the guilt and the inner voice telling me I was a bad mom!!
My kids are a little bigger now and the daycare days are past. But it is still on my mind a lot. I have clients with little ones, and always seem to be meeting somebody looking for a "good, reliable" place to put the kids. A place they can feel good about, and trust their most precious thing to.
So for the first time in a blog (I think), I'm going to plug just one place. WHY? Because this daycare really loved my kids the way I hoped they would be loved in my absence.
ST. Clair Academy
Just a wonderful child care center, located in Eaton Ohio. One of my biggest concerns when I picked a daycare was that I wanted the ability to stop in impromptu, at a whim, just to visit my kids, or simply spy and ease my mind that they were OK. And pretty much the first thing the director of the daycare told me was to drop in anytime. So I was put at ease immediately.
The daycare is divided into different sections and age groups. Babies are well removed from older kids. And the activities....well, I dont have enough space here to even come close to getting it all.
The rooms are set up with plenty of good toys, as well as great items for the older kids such as computers and video game centers, reading stations and such. There are a variety of summer activities including bowling trips, daily swimming at the community pool, many field trips, and more.
Very flexible scheduling is allowed. Part time needed? No problem. Half days, half weeks, every other week, as needed? No problem. when I say accommodating, I MEAN accommodating!
My kids really liked St Clair Academy and though my son was already in school and didn't get to do any of the preschool classes there, my daughter took full advantage of all of the specified units of study that St Clair Academy offered, and she even had a little "graduation" that was adorable!
So, the director is named Donna Sitloh. She goes by "Micki", and is just about the swwetest gal you will ever know. A Mom of 5 herself, this lady really loves kids, AND runs a tight ship. Employee turnover here is essentially non-existent. Continuing education is not only encouraged but expected. The center is sanitary, and employees are well trained and very sweet.
Here's the info you will need in order to contact Micki:
St Clair Academy
116 W St Clair Street
Eaton OH 45320
937-456-6856
If you have any questions about this daycare or want suggestions for other childcare providers in the Preble County area, please give me a call!
Looks like summer is finally heading towards Lake Lakengren, and not a moment too soon. It has been great to hear the jet-skis and boats back out on the lake, see kids back on the bikes and all the walkers, human and dog both, enjoying the fresh air and pretty views.
So I'm going to try to do a month to month blog just to keep Lakengren people up to date about what is going on in the community. Another good place to look for Lakengren info and a forum full of good and HONEST Lakengren tidbits, is www.lakengrenhomes.com.
Ski Club: The Lakengren Ski club is lookking for members of any age and every skill. Even if you are green on the water skis, someone will be happy to teach you the ropes. The ski club meets Monday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm at the Lakengren Marina (South East end of Lakengren).
Volleyball anyone? On June 6th at 10:00 am at the new Volleyball court next to the Marina there will be a Volleyball Tournament. I have personally walked on the new court and it is very nice..great view of the lake too. If you are interested, here is who to contact: Rick McMahon, 513-532-3008.
Swimming! Free swimming lessons, sponsored by the Lakengren Dragons, will be from June 15 to June 19, weather permitting. This is open to any and all Lakengren children and grandchildren. You can visit the pool, the gaurd house at the front, or the new LPOA office for registration forms. These forms MUST be filled out and submitted by Friday June 12th. The swimming lessons will be broken down by age groups and you will be notified as to what time your little swimmer should arrive. One word of warning: The pool is unheated and might be cold. Though maybe its just adults that cant handle the cold because my kids have never seemed to mind!
Lakengren Property Owners Association meeting: June 8, 7 pm at new office.
Kids fishing Derby: I'm really surpirsed that more isn't said about this derby, because my kids have done it for 3-4 years running now and have a great time! The derby is on June 20 from 9am to 11 am at Hammer Lake. This is a fun time, as the fish are almost always biting. Kids need to be 12 or under to be a part of the derby, and prizes (sometimes even very nice trophy's) are given for the most fish caught. Dans Sport shop in Camden Ohio typically runs a side-by-side contest for the kids as well. So kids can enter at Dans sport shop and get a t-shirt, plus prizes from Dans including trophy's for smallest fish, biggest, ugliest and the like.
There's always a lot going on in the community of Lakengren. If you would like more info or a tour, just contact me anytime!
Thanks for reading!
Kelley Weimer
a house "SOLD" name!
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County OH and beyond; including Eaton, Lewisburg, Brookville, Camden, West Alexandria, Germantown and Lake Lakengren.
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Helping YOU reach your real estate dreams! Preble County Ohio and beyond including Eaton, West Alexandria, Camden, Germantown, Brookville, Lewisburg, and Lake Lakengren. Stress free, honest and fun.
Hi there! It's another beautiful day here in Preble County Ohio and I'm so glad you've stopped by! Preble County is located in the Southwest area of the great state of Ohio. Go Bucks!
It is a very rural community, and we love it that way! Eaton is the county seat and has a small town feel with all of the conveniences of a bigger city. In addition, there are several other smaller Villages that make up the county, including West Alexandria, Lewisburg, Camden, Gratis, and Lakengren; a peaceful gated community with several lakes for water fun!
Preble County has about 44,000 residents total. I have been a resident here since 1988 and can't tell you how wonderful this community is. We have the beauty of the changing seasons, a close-knit community of folks always willing to lend a hand to others in need, and the advantage of being off the beaten path, yet only minutes away from major cities such as Dayton and Cincinnati, as well as Richmond Indiana.
This is a place for living peacefully. A quiet farm community, with great schools, historic and state-of-the-art places of worship, dedicated sports organizations, and cultural offerings as well. Eaton is home to historic Fort St. Clair, established in 1792 and now home to walking trails, a Holiday festival of lights, and more. The area really does offer the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
In addition, the City of Eaton offers a gated community living about 7 miles SW of town, at a place called Lakengren. This picturesque area is surrounded by rolling plains and offers residential-resort style living to those folks interested in life on the lake. The area offers 22 miles of fabulous homes, and the landscape is painted with mature trees, winding roads, stunning homes both large and small, and of course, sparkling lakes.
I'd love to be your tour guide to this beautiful place I call home, and help you find a home of your own. Whether you are considering full time living on the lake, or looking for a second home or summer vacation place, Lakengren will have something for you! And you can always see more pictures and get more information on Eaton and the surrounding areas at my web site!
Some would say there are two sides to most people; the personal side, and the professional side. I make it my goal on a daily basis to combine these two as best as possible to provide real, honest, heart-felt attention and service to all of my clients. It's that important!
The personal side: I'm a lot like you probably! I am a mother,a wife, a daughter, sister and friend. I'm a dog lover, and enjoy scrapbooking and all things real estate! I live in Lakengren, Eaton Ohio, with my husband of 15 years and my two great kids! I am also the proud owner of an overgrown golden retriever named Ted...
I am an alumni of Eaton High School, and also a member of the Omicron Sigma Sorority, which is a community group that does lots of fun things as well as many events to give back to our local neighbors and those in the area that are less fortunate.
I like to bake, camp and travel with my family. We love the lakengren community; the swimming and fishing, sledding in the wintertime, and the amazing colors of fall. I am an avid reader and always doing my best to learn new things I can apply to home and work! I am also the proud sponsor of a really hard working boys soccer team. These boys, including my son, constantly remind me of the definition of teamwork, and sportsmanship, 2 traits valuable both on the field and off!
The Professional side: I have been a licensed Realtor since 2002. In 2008, I hitched my wagon to the biggest star in Eaton, Country Mile Realtors, the County's largest real estate brokerage.
In addition, I am a proud member of:
Dayton Area Board of Realtors
Cincinnati Board of Realtors
Ohio Association of Realtors
National Association of Realtors
I am also a proud graduate of the Floyd Wickman S.M.A.R.T. program, an intensive 7 week course focusing on PRESSURE-FREE buying and selling skills. I also received the designation in January of 2008 of Master Sales Professional, an honor bestowed on less than 1% of all Realtors nationwide!
Whats that mean for you?
Simple! FIVE CORE VALUES by which I guide my life:
Here are a few other things that make a difference:
1. I am a one-woman show! Meaning? I work alone, and I work for you! I am beside you, from start to finish. When you call, you get me, not an assistant you've never met. When a problem comes up, I am the one to handle it, not some random member of a team. You are number one to me, and my time, service and personal attention are what you get!
2. I LOVE the net! Meaning? If you are buying, it's as simple as one phone call to find that dream home. I am plugged in to the latest, hottest properties. 24-7! If you are selling, you won't be able to get on the web without seeing your home! I am a firm believer of "more is more" when it comes to Internet presence, resulting in premium exposure for your property, and a premium sales price!
3. I am full time! Meaning? Real estate is how I make my living. It's not a hobby. It is my passion! I am passionate about the business of buying and selling, and I want you to experience this passion in the hard work and commitment I put forth every day!
4. First class company! Meaning? I work with the rolls royce of real estate brokerages. Country Mile Realtors is made up of the areas top producing agents. We carry the most inventory. We advertise in a wide variety of print and web publications. This means that when you get me, you also get the advantages of a top notch real estate firm, a company that prides itself on customer satisfaction and daily results!
5. Communication! Meaning? Even though we live in an automated world, personal touch still makes the world go round. When you hire me, you will never have a doubt about how hard I am working for you! I guarantee to speak with you weekly. I guarantee to provide you with updates on the market so you will never have to question where your home stacks up. I dont stick a sign in the yard and disapear. I become part of your team, and you a part of mine. Together lets work to make your real estate dreams come true!
Come see me today! www.buypreblecounty.com
or read me: www.kelleysellspreble.com!
Kelley did a wonderful job in finding us the home of our dreams. What could have been a difficult experience was made simple due to Kelley's constant hard work and communication with us. - Bill and Mindy
For a real estate experience made real easy - call Kelley Weimer. She's the go-to gal for your real estate needs! - J. Tester
Kelley didn't sell our home...she helped us keep it. We were facing the real possiblity of losing our home, and Kelley came in, talked with the bank on our behalf, and made it possible for us to not only stay in our home, but LOWER our payments as well. Not your typical service from a real estate agent, but will will never forget her and her help! John & Dorothy
Kelley,
I just wanted to thank you for helping me every step of the way. I really appreciate it all. You did a lot for me. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise because they are missing out if they don't have a Realtor like you. - Nikki
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