On Thursday January 8 at 8AM, Xenia Area Merchants will meet at Express Yourself Coffeehouse located at 78 E. Main Street.
The Xenia Area Merchants’ Association is a group of local business people united to preserve and promote the city of Xenia as a destination location for local consumers. If you own or operate a small business in or around Xenia, we encourage your participation.
Contact XAMA for additional information.
The following is an excerpt of a letter sent by General Motor’s CEO to employers and parts suppliers, which is followed by a response from an Ohio manufacturer.
Dear Employees & Suppliers,
Congress and the current Administration will soon determine whether to provide immediate support to the domestic auto industry to help it through one of the most difficult economic times in our nation’s history. Your elected officials must hear from all of us now on why this support is critical to our continuing the progress we began prior to the global financial crisis. As an employee or supplier, you have a lot at stake and continue to be one of our most effective and passionate voices. I know GM can count on you to have your voice heard.
Thank you for your urgent action and ongoing support.
Troy Clarke
President General Motors North America
The following response is from Gregory Knox, President of Knox Machinery Company located in Franklin, Ohio.
Gentlemen:
In response to your request to contact legislators and ask for a bailout for the Big Three automakers please consider the following, and please pass my thoughts on to Troy Clark, President of General Motors North America.
Politicians and Management of the Big 3 are both infected with the same entitlement mentality that has spread like cancerous germs in UAW halls for the last countless decades, and whose plague is now sweeping this nation, awaiting our new “messiah”, Pres-elect Obama, to wave his magic wand and make all our problems go away, while at the same time allowing our once great nation to keep “living the dream”… Believe me folks, The dream is over!
This dream where we can ignore the consumer for years while management myopically focuses on its personal rewards packages at the same time that our factories have been filled with the worlds most overpaid, arrogant, ignorant and laziest entitlement minded “laborers” without paying the price for these atrocities…this dream where you still think the masses will line up to buy our products for ever and ever.
Don’t even think about telling me I’m wrong. Don’t accuse me of not knowing of what I speak. I have called on Ford, GM, Chrysler, TRW, Delphi, Kelsey Hayes, American Axle and countless other automotive OEM’s throughout the Midwest during the past 30 years and what I’ve seen over those years in these union shops can only be described as disgusting.
Troy Clarke, President of General Motors North America, states: “There is widespread sentiment throughout this country, and our government, and especially via the news media, that the current crisis is completely the result of bad management which it certainly is not.”
You’re right Mr. Clarke, it’s not JUST management…how about the electricians who walk around the plants like lords in feudal times, making people wait on them for countless hours while they drag ass…so they can come in on the weekend and make double and triple time…for a job they easily could have done within their normal 40 hour work week. How about the line workers who threaten newbies with all kinds of scare tactics…for putting out too many parts on a shift…and for being too productive.
(We certainly must not expose those lazy bums who have been getting overpaid for decades for their horrific underproduction, must we?!?)
Do you folks really not know about this stuff?!? How about this great sentiment abridged from Mr. Clarke’s sad plea: “over the last few years …we have closed the quality and efficiency gaps with our competitors.” What the hell has Detroit been doing for the last 40 years?!? Did we really JUST wake up to the gaps in quality and efficiency between us and them? The K car vs. the Accord? The Pinto vs. the Civic?!? Do I need to go on? What a joke!
We are living through the inevitable outcome of the actions of the United States auto industry for decades. It’s time to pay for your sins, Detroit.
I attended an economic summit last week where brilliant economist, Alan Beaulieu, from the Institute of Trend Research, surprised the crowd when he said he would not have given the banks a penny of “bailout money”. “Yes, he said, this would cause short term problems,” but despite what people like politicians and corporate magnates would have us believe, the sun would in fact rise the next day… and the following very important thing would happen…where there had been greedy and sloppy banks, new efficient ones would pop up…that is how a free market system works…it does work…if we would only let it work…”
But for some nondescript reason we are now deciding that the rest of the world is rig ht and that capitalism doesn’t work – that we need the government to step in and “save us”…Save us my ass, Hell – we’re nationalizing…and unfortunately too many of our once fine nation’s citizens don’t even have a clue that this is what is really happening…But, they sure can tell you the stats on their favorite sports teams…yeah – THAT’S really important, isn’t it…
Does it ever occur to ANYONE that the “competition” has been producing vehicles, EXTREMELY PROFITABLY, for decades in this country?… How can that be??? Let ‘s see… Fuel efficient… Listening to customers… Investing in the proper tooling and automation for the long haul…
Not being too complacent or arrogant to listen to Dr. W. Edwards Deming four decades ago when he taught that by adopting appropriate principles of management, organizations could increase quality and simultaneously reduce costs. Ever increased productivity through quality and intelligent planning… Treating vendors like strategic partners, rather than like “the enemy”… Efficient front and back offices… Non union environment…
Again, I could go on and on, but I really wouldn’t be telling anyone anything they really don’t already know down deep in their hearts.
I have six children, so I am not unfamiliar with the concept of wanting someone to bail you out of a mess that you have gotten yourself into – my children do this on a weekly, if not daily basis, as I did when I was their age. I do for them what my parents did for me (one of their greatest gifts, by the way) – I make them stand on their own two feet and accept the consequences of their actions and work through it. Radical concept, huh… Am I there for them in the wings? Of course – but only until such time as they need to be fully on their own as adults.
I don’t want to oversimplify a complex situation, but there certainly are unmistakable parallels here between the proper role of parenting and government. Detroit and the United States need to pay for their sins. Bad news people – it’s coming whether we like it or not. The newly elected Messiah really doesn’t have a magic wand big enough to “make it all go away.” I laughed as I heard Obama “reeling it back in” almost immediately after the final vote count was tallied…”we really might not do it in a year…or in four…” Where the Hell was that kind of talk when he was RUNNING for office.
Stop trying to put off the inevitable folks … That house in Florida really isn’t worth $750,000… People who jump across a border really don’t deserve free health care benefits… That job driving that forklift for the Big 3 really isn’t worth $85,000 a year… We really shouldn’t allow Wal-Mart to stock their shelves with products acquired from a country that unfairly manipulates their currency and has the most atrocious human rights infractions on the face of the globe…
That couple whose combined income is less than $50,000 really shouldn’t be living in that $485,000 home… Let the market correct itself folks – it will. Yes it will be painful, but it’s gonna’ be painful either way, and the bright side of my proposal is that on the other side of it all, is a nation that appreciates what it has…and doesn’t live beyond its means…and gets back to basics…and redevelops the patriotic work ethic that made it the greatest nation in the history of the world…and probably turns back to God.
Sorry – don’t cut my head off, I’m just the messenger sharing with you the “bad news”. I hope you take it to heart.
Gregory J. Knox, President
Knox Machinery, Inc.
Franklin, Ohio 45005
Thanks Gregory Knox for your zealous and honest love for America and the ideals that worked until bureaucrats and narcissistic special interest agendas screwed it up.
Posted in economy, events, news, politics
Tagged automakers, economic freedom and responisbility, financial bail-out, management, manufacturers, messiah Obama
By Alan King
A firewall. Not so complicated, you would think. It separates one building from another or one section of a space from another to protect the people on one side from a fire on the other side. Good idea. But in the case of the new theater space for Xenia’s fledgling Area Community Theater, it has turned into a colossal roadblock. As many of you may know, X*ACT recently purchased the old Buckminn’s Harley Davidson building at 45 E. Second St. in order to create a downtown arts venue. They plan to produce plays, musicals, community arts events, gallery shows, art classes, theater workshops, and many other events to help Xenia grow as a creative community.
Prior to moving to Second St., X*ACT rented a small 40 seat loft space on S. Detroit St. and also put on community theater productions at such diverse locations as the Xenia Municipal Court chambers, the Greene Memorial Hospital auditorium, and several local churches. These venues were adequate for the small productions that they could accommodate, and they proved that there is an audience in the Xenia area for amateur theater and a pool of talented local actors willing to put in the time and work required to make great shows happen. All that was needed was a larger permanent theater space.
As a result of the generous support of John and Connie Smith, owners of Buckminn’s Harley Davidson, and the hard work of the citizen directors of X*ACT and other community leaders, down payment money was raised and the building was acquired in 2007 and planning was begun to create a modern theater space for our local thespians.
The first thing that was needed for X*ACT to survive and thrive was a steady stream of income to pay the utilities and the mortgage on the new building. Given the location and the existing layout of the building, the Second Act Thrift Store seemed like a logical move. As a nonprofit organization, X*ACT was in a favorable position to accept good secondhand merchandise, staff the store with volunteers and turn one person’s trash into the community’s treasures.
Second Act has been operating for well over a year now and has met its mandate of providing a steady stream of income as well as a good source of stage props and costumes for various X*ACT productions. It has also presented a bit of a problem for the Greene County building inspectors who have been working with X*ACT to turn the rear half of the building into theater space. In order to combine a commercial space with a public gathering space, it has turned out to be necessary to construct a firewall between the spaces.
To make a long story short, plans have now been approved and with help from Security National Bank, construction of the Great Wall of Xenia has now begun in earnest. But the price tag, which was originally estimated to be in the $30,000 range, has ballooned to over $75,000 in order to meet building code requirements. And X*ACT, like many other nonprofit organizations is facing a falloff in donations due to the current economic downturn. So they are turning to the Xenia area community for help. They are asking for sponsors, donors, and angels of any stripe to step up and give whatever they can to get the Great Wall built.
If you have always wanted to have a theater named after your mother, if you would like to have the stage dedicated to your father, if you would find a special thrill in having your name on a brass plaque in the theater lobby or on a theater seat, let them hear from you. If you want to sponsor a few 2X6’s in the Great Wall, if you want to donate the cost of a fire door, if your company wants to donate a hundred gallons of paint, they need your help. If you want to sponsor theater workshops for children, if you have good used furniture to donate, if you are willing to work a few hours in the Thrift Store each month, let them know. Stop in a and buy a winter coat or a blender. In short, no donation or offer of help is too small or too large.
A community theater reflects the vitality of its locale. It raises the tone of the city. It projects a sense of an intelligent and creative community to potential businesses and home buyers who are thinking about moving to our home town. One of the greatest things about Xenia is the commitment of our citizens to maintain and improve our city. Be a part of something good for Xenia. Support X*ACT’s Great Wall building project. For more information visit the Second Act Thrift Store, their website at www.XeniaAct.org or phone Executive Director Orion Monroe at (937) 372-0516
By Andy Myers
As the saying goes, “nothing worthwhile in life is free.” But on the other hand, the information I’m sharing with you today, just may be worth it’s weight in gold and silver, or as many of us like to refer to as “sound money.” F.R.E.E. stands for Federal Reserve Education Effort.
We aim to take the mystery and intimidation out of learning basic economics so the American people are no longer at the mercy of the Federal Reserves manipulation of “funny money.” Every day that passes, we are one day closer to economic collapse. The time to educate is NOW!
Despite silent and misleading causes of our financial mess, every day it becomes more apparent that the #1 issue in our country is the economy and the falling dollar. Who is to blame for this? Who is printing all the money that drives down the value of our dollar? Who controls the interest rates upon which the fate of the banks, credit cards, loans, mortgages, and lives depend? Are these officials elected by the people? How are they held accountable for their actions? Who is gaining from their inflationary policies? How long has this been going on? These are very important questions to ask yourself.
One need not be an economist to understand that Fed is neither federal, nor do they have any reserves. Our dollars are no longer backed by gold or silver. It is a “fiat” currency, and every economy that has used fiat currency in the past has ultimately collapsed.
We interact with money every day of our lives. Understanding the American financial system is KEY to gaining true freedom and prosperity. Please go to www.abolishthefed.net to learn more. Also don’t miss the FREE showing of “Dollars and Sense” by John F. McManus, President of the John Birch Society Thursday January 29th at the Xenia Library. Your children and grand children will thank you for it someday.
When Hurricane Ike swept across parts of the Gulf Coast in September, it destroyed many possessions, including Christmas decorations. Soon after, Jill Krone arrived with a disaster relief team and decided she wanted Ike survivors to enjoy some holiday cheer—as best they could. She began to solicit donations of Christmas ornaments and other decorations to give families. It was something, she figured, no one else would think to do. With the help of her church, Emory United Methodist in North Texas, word spread. “People instantly understood the meaning of what was lost,” says Krone. The church gave up counting when they passed 18,000 ornaments. In the end, Krone figures close to 30,000 items were donated. Go here for the full story.
Source: United Methodist News Service, December 19, 2008.
Xenia is the place to be beginning on December 11. Why? Because Hometown Christmas 2008 festivities begin.
XAMA sent out an invitation that reads:
Hometown Christmas this year promises to be a wonderful event for families who live in and around Xenia. Last year the Xenia Merchants decided to try to recreate the Christmases of the past where families strolled the streets and carolers bundled up and sang not so much for the music but for the comradeship of a shared experience. Snow fell gently all day as carriages pulled by proud horses made their way through downtown traffic with their passengers waving and shouting holiday greetings to passersby. Many families stopped in at local businesses such as Bluejacket Books to hear stories being read by a perky elf in a Santa cap, have their picture taken at CJ’s Boutique with Santa, or make homemade Christmas ornaments at Express Yourself. Friends greeted one another at Carr’s Corner Restaurant and the Oasis all afternoon as they stopped in for coffee and cocoa and more than one young couple looked over a special Christmas gift at Tiffany’s or Country Blessings. People who never go donwntown stopped in to meet Tim and Val and Mary at the shops along E. Main St. We met old friends and made some new ones. In short, everyone had rosy cheeks and big smiles by the time Santa arrived at Towne Square at dusk to light the community Christmas Tree and listen to the lines of children waiting patiently to pass along their Christmas wishes.
Join us again this Thursday through Saturday as Xenia’s citizens and merchants show their legendary hospitality once again. Festivities begin Thursday evening at Shawnee Park with Santa’s arrival at 6 PM and end on Saturday as the last child sits on Santa’s lap. This year Hometown Christmas will feature a Historical Walk on Friday at 11 AM leaving from the Greene Co. Historical Society on W. Church St., live music both Friday and Saturday evenings at Xenia Towne Square, and horse drawn carriage rides for a nominal fee all afternoon on Saturday. For the full schedule of events please visit www.ShopXenia.com or phone Carolyn Archer at CJ’s Boutique 620-0517.
Donations and carriage sponsorships are still being accepted to help with the considerable expenses involved in this event. For donation information, contact Elizabeth Svendsen at Bluejacket Books, 376-3522. Musicians wishing to participate in the Open Stage on Friday or Saturday or carolers wishing to participate should contact Alan King at Express Yourself Coffeehouse, 372-7446.
Yes, all are welcome to visit Santa Claus, enjoy some of Xenia’s history, savor the Christmas cheer, and even shop a little.
A calendar of events is available at the XAMA website.
Merry Christmas!!!
Dear Xenia Merchants and Interested Citizens:
XAMA, the Xenia Area Merchants’ Association will hold our usual monthly meeting on the first Thursday, which this month falls on December 4. We will meet at 8 AM below Express Yourself Coffeehouse (The Cavern), 78 E. Main St.
We are planning another memorable Hometown Christmas all over Xenia this year. This is going to require a collaborative effort of Xenia businesses, organizations and local community citizen-sponsors in order to be successful. If you are interested in promoting your business, sponsoring a Carriage, or volunteering for this great event, plan to attend.
Hope to see you there,
Alan King, Co-Chair
Xenia’s Hometown Christmas 2008
Schedule of Events
Thurs- Sat
Discounts at many Xenia merchants including Tiffany Jewelers, Bluejacket Books, CJ’s Boutique, Fox Antiques, Xenia Shoe & Leather, and the Country Classic Connection.
Thursday 12/11
Open House at Victoria’s Bed & Breakfast, 209 E. 2nd St. 3-8 PM: Tour, refreshments, crafts, music.
Santa comes to Shawnee Park 6 PM: Children can visit with Santa, Tree Lighting and Carriage Rides. sponsored by Xenia Parks and Rec. Dept.
Friday 12/12
Historical Walking Tour 11 AM: Tour starts at the Greene Co. Historical Society’s Victorian House, King & Church St.
Dog Pictures with Santa at C J’s Boutique 4-6:30 PM 72 S. Detroit St. (Dogs must be on leash.)
Live Music at Xenia Towne Square Noon-7 PM: Open Stage sponsored by The Cavern
Llamas at Xenia Towne Square – 2-5 PM
Live Music by Lizz and Rex at Oasis Cafe: 6-8 PM Free, followed by Ballroom Dancing 8-11pm; Lessons begin at 8pm ($10 cover charge includes dance and light snacks.)
Saturday 12/13
Open Houses all over Xenia with refreshments and substantial Holiday discounts
Strolling Carolers all over town
Open Stage music at Xenia Towne Square 12-4 PM
Pancake breakfast and bake sale at Evangelical UM Church 195 W. Third St., 8-12 AM
Story Time at Blue Jacket Books 12-2 PM
Make a Christmas Ornament while listening to Live Music at Express Yourself Coffeehouse and Art Gallery, 78 E. Main St. 12-4 PM sponsored by Kiddie Kingdom Childcare.
Gift Wrapping at X*ACT/Second Act Thrift Store, 45 E. Second St. 12-5 PM Donations accepted
Bob Ford at Xenia Towne Square 4:30-7 PM: Traditional songs and folklore.
Carolers at Carr’s Corner Restaurant, 434 Cincinnati Ave. 5:30-7 PM
Keep-A-Breast Cancer Benefit rock show at The Cavern, 78 E. Main St. 8PM
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides sponsored by the Xenia Area Merchants Association
Noon-4 PM at IHS Pharmacy, 100 N. Detroit St. ($2 fee for anyone over 12)
1-4 PM at Montgomery Ins., 114 S. Detroit St. ($2 fee for anyone over 12.)
Horse Drawn People Carriers
12-5 PM at Dodd’s Monuments, 123 W. Main St. Free
1-4 PM at Handyman Ace Hardware in Kennedy Korners, 165 S. Orange St. Free
Santa’s Schedule:
1-1:45 PM CJ’s Boutique (bring your own camera)
2-2:45 PM Express Yourself Coffeehouse & Art Gallery
3-3:45 PM Homestead Frames & Art
5 PM Santa arrives at Towne Square on Xenia Fire Truck
5:05 PM Tree Lighting at Towne Square
5:15-7 PM Children visit with Santa
We are still searching for sponsors to help defray the very substantial costs of Xenia’s Hometown Christmas, especially the horses and carriages. If you would like to be recognized as a sponsor of this great community event, please contact one of the following members of the XAMA Hometown Christmas Committee:
Elizabeth Svendsen
Blue Jacket Books
60 South Detroit Street
Xenia, OH 45385
www.bluejacketbooks.com
937-376-3522
Caroline Archer
C J’s Boutique
72 S. Detroit Street
Xenia, Ohio 45385
937-620-5017
Alan King
Express Yourself
Coffeehouse & Art Gallery
78 E. Main St.
Xenia, OH 45385
www.ExpressYourselfCoffeehouse.com
937-372-7446
Posted in Christmas, events, news, Xenia
Tagged Hometown Christmas, meeting, particpate, Santa's Schedule, schedule events, sponsorship
Beginning on December 1st, a number businesss downtown will be hosting X*ACT‘s Wreath Fundraiser. Attached is a photo of the wreath Express Yourself Coffeehouse has up for auction. This silent auction runs through Dec 13th. The most current bid for the theater’s wreath is $20. (This must one of those black Friday special deals!)
The following stores will also be displaying wreaths Dec 1st-13th, so please visit and support the arts!
We are looking for local musicians, musical groups, and singing groups who would like to donate their time and talents to entertain Xenia families during our Hometown Christmas event December 11-13. We have arranged for Bob Ford to perform during Santa’s visit on Saturday evening and we would like to have music and caroling on Thursday and Friday evenings and during the day on Saturday December 13 as well if it is possible. If you or someone you know would like to share your talents or at least your enthusiasm this holiday season, please contact Alan King at Express Yourself Coffeehouse as soon as possible and we will get you onto the schedule. This is also an open call for Friday night carolers in the downtown area. Individuals and families are cordially invited.
Express Yourself
Coffeehouse & Art Gallery
(937) 372-7446
Santa is discussing plans with community organizers committee members about making a special visit to Xenia. All kids young and old are invited in advance to meet and greet Santa. It’s better to get on his good side before the big day (25th) you know. Anyway….
There will be a meeting of the Hometown Christmas Planning Committee at the Oasis Cafe on Wednesday Nov. 19 at 6:15 PM. If you are interested in participating in the planning (and the work) of Hometown Christmas in Xenia this year, we encourage you to attend. The cooperation of citizens and merchants from all over town last year made this local event a resounding success. Hundreds of people told us that they really appreciated that Xenia was alive and well and they were proud of their Hometown pulling together again. Let’s all help make some memories for our children and grandchildren to remember.
For more information about Hometown Christmas or to help with a donation, no matter how small or large, please contact one Santa little (cough) helpers:
Elizabeth Svendsen
Blue Jacket Books
60 South Detroit Street
Xenia, OH 45385
www.bluejacketbooks.com
937-376-3522
Caroline Archer
C J’s Boutique
72 S. Detroit Street
Xenia, Ohio 45385
937-620-5017
Alan King
Express Yourself
Coffeehouse & Art Gallery
78 E. Main St.
Xenia, OH 45385
www.ExpressYourselfCoffeehouse.com
937-372-7446
Posted in Christmas, events, news
Tagged Hometown Christmas, planning committee, XAMA
