2014 Gathering

From Cheryl:

I am offering to be the pick up person for anyone wanting to place an order at Wholesale Supplies Plus for delivery to the Gathering.  I have been in touch with Debbie May and we have coordinated the following:
(Important note:  your deadline for ordering is:  WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23RD.)  This gives them time to process and pull our orders.

1.  Go to the WSP website (www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com) and create an order.
2.  At checkout you will need to select the "pickup" option and you must type "Ohio Soaper's Gathering" in the comment section. 
3.  You must pay for your order at that time.  I am not collecting money for this.
4.  Let me know via Facebook or e-mail (bythehearth at aol dot com) that you have an order.  I would also appreciate a contact number in the event there is a question at the time of pick up.  It rarely happens but I like to be prepared.

A couple things of note: 
1. when you place an order for pickup you receive 20% off the published prices online
2. if you don't want to use the website you may call it in but it must be paid for at the time of order. 
3.  I will pick up on Friday, 4-25.
3.  I am not driving my SUV this year.  I will have room but I obviously won't be able to accommodate huge orders.

I finally made connections with Debbie May at Wholesale Supplies Plus!  She has kindly offered to host a post-gathering dinner on April 26 in Sandusky.  If you are interested in attending this dinner, it is imperative that you let me know no later than Wednesday, April 16.  I can't get into the Ohio Soapers website so I'm asking that Kim or someone else please send this on to the email list for anyone who doesn't get this blog or facebook.  Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this as it should be a fun event!

Here are the directions to the Gathering:  Take State Route 250 N to where 250 veers off to the right, and you'll see the "Four Corner" bar.  Go straight through the intersection with the traffic lights and turn at the first right after the lights.  You'll see the building right there.  :o)

Please be reminded that I MUST have your lunch orders by Saturday, April 12! 

Here's a new "blurb" I just received from Brandy at Soap Equipment:
"SOAPEQUIPMENT.COM is excited to be a vendor at the Ohio Gathering this year!  We'll be bringing a variety of things for you to view and purchase.  This is a great opportunity to ave on shipping costs!  All major Credit Cards as well as Checks will be accepted.  Is ther a piece of non-custom equipment you would love to be able to see and touch?  Want to place an order now to ensure that particular item will be brought to the Show?

Please contact Brandy at 765-886-4642 or brandy@soapequipment.com with yoru requests or inquiries."

She's awesome, and their products are wonderful!  It'll be well worth your time to check out all their products.

Here's the list of attendees from whom I've received payments so far -
Sharon Phillips
Donna Young
Jeff Nourse
JoAnne Nourse
Lynne Akalin
Kathy Irvin
Joy Andrews
Barbara Lyons
Karin
Wishner
Pamela McFadden
Angela Dobbins Rivera
Nancy Kegley
Renee Solano-Szuba
Margaret Neff
Theresa Langham
Rhonda Frye
Micfhelle Grant
Mark Parker
Mary Jean Hammann
Samantha Corwin
Alsatia Corwin
Savannah Corwin
Susan North
Anna North
Noami Kell
Mary Mullet
Cheryl Blazek
Rachel Blazek
Lora Dobbins
Kay Bright
Jackie Clifford
Donna Wagner
Melody Kitzmiller
Kristy Schemrich
Anne Lailo
Juanita Reed
Bobbie Eastman
Seree Sewell
Judi Gardner
Kay Tibbs
Dawn Hicks
Kim Craigs
Andrea Schlenkerman
Ralph Schlenkerman
Candi Groh
Joanne Wittenbrook
Alonza Jackson McCabe

Please note that I still need lunch choices for the following:
Joy Andrews
Pamela McFadden
Renee Solano-Szuba
Rhonda Frye
Naomi Kell
Donna Wagner
Kim Craigs
Alonza Jackson McCabe

I just got an email from Deborah Ward from Nature's Garden regarding pre-gathering orders.  She wrote, "Orders must be paid in fulol when placing order.  Then, in the special instrucftions comments area they should write the following:  Please deliver to the Ohio Soapers Gathering.  We will credit them for the shipping they paid, and give them 5% off their entire order.  We will then deliver those orders to the gathering."  Their fragrance oils are wonderful, and I know nobody will be disappointed with their order.  So please visit their website and place your orders!  :o)

I just got an email from Debbie Ward of Nature's Garden.  They're sending a rep to our Gathering!  There will be a table with their products, and according to Debbie, pre-orders will be welcome so please visit their website to see what you'd like for their rep to bring along.  Isn't this wonderful news?!

Just a reminder that I need the registrations no later than April 1 in order to receive a goodie bag.  You have till April 12 for your lunch choices, but the registrations must be in by April 1.  I thought I had mentioned that before, but I thought I'd re-post this in case anyone missed it the first time.  I've been getting payments and am eagerly looking forward to seeing these new (and "old") faces on the 26th!  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!  :o)

The Gathering lunch choices are as follows: 
 
Ham and Cheese or Turkey and Cheese Sandwich on a bun 
Chicken Salad on croissant 
Veggie Wrap 
Potato Salad or Cole Slaw 
Chocolate Chip Cookie 

choice of soda

There will be chips available for anyone who wants them

coffee and water available all day 

Lunch choices need to be sent to northcoastsoaps@buckeye-express.com by April 
12th

Registration information:

Registration is $35. 

If sending a check or money order, please send it to:
 Jackie Harris
 516 E. Madison St.
 Sandusky, Ohio  44870

If using paypal, please send it to jmharris270@bex.net   Choose "I'm sending money to family or friends" and the fee will be added to your final total and not deducted from the amount that Jackie receives. 

Rol thought someone might want to know what restaurants there are here in town, whether you like sit-down places, fast food or buffet.  Following is a list of the restaurants:

Longhorn Steak House
Outback Steak House
Olive Garden
Chipotle
Mekong
Red Lobster
TGI Friday
Applebees
Chilis
Cracker Barrel
Brick Oven
Fazoli
Diana's Deli
Danny Boy
Manny's
Samurai Japanese Steak House
Bob Evans
Ruby Tuesday
Steak & Shake
Panera Bread
El Camino
Andy's Chinese
Ming's Garden
Five Guys
McDonald's
Burger King
Wendy's
Arby's
Lee's Chicken
Taco Bell
Long John Silver's
Sonic
Pizza Hut
Home Family - Chinese take-out
Subway
Domino's Pizza
Marco's Pizza
Papa John's Pizza
Chet & Matt's Pizza
Ryan's Buffet
China Dragon Buffet
And if there are any veterans - there are the American Legion, Amvets & VFW

After posting the things to do in Sandusky, I was reminded of 2 more water parks here in town - Rain (which is associated with Quality Inn and The Thirsty Pony which is a betting parlor) and Castaway Bay which also has a hotel which I listed, and a spa.

At the Thirsty Pony/Quality Inn/Rain water park, there is laser tag as well.

There is Skate World if you like roller skating;

There are 2 museums - the Merry-Go-Round Museum down town and the Maritime Museum, both of which close somewhere between 4 and 5. 

I have a list of the Sandusky hotels that are open now and will be open for the Gathering.  Pease note that Milan Road is Route 250.

Fairfield Inn - 419-61-9500
6220 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Hampton Inn - 419-609-9000
6100 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Best Western Plus - 419-627-9595
6211 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Comfort Inn - 419-61-0200
5909 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Super 8 - 419-625-7070
5410 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Maui Sands - 419-621-7357
5513 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Sleep Inn - 419-625-6989
7509 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Econolodge - 419-626-8720
3309 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

La Quinta - 419-626-6766
3304 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Howard Johnson - 419-626-3742
2809 Milan Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Quality Inn - 419-626-6761
1935 Cleveland Rd.
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Castaway Bay - 419-627-2334
10 Harbour Pky
Sandusky, Ohio  44870

Although I've been working at trying to get special rates for the attendees of the Gathering, I've been running up against brick walls.  So tomorrow (if I can borrow this computer again) I'll post a list of the local hotels - also along Route 250 - from which you can choose.  I know you're all anxious, so I'm just letting you know that I'm working on it.  I generally can't get online during weekends or evenings, but I was able to borrow one for tonight so I could bring you all up to date.  If I've forgotten anything, please don't hesitate to let me know as I'm truly trying to get all of this done as soon as I possibly can.  :o)  And thank you for your understanding.

Someone asked about activities in the area for Friday.  My husband and I enjoy touring wineries when we go to new places, but there are also some local water parks that are a lot of fun for visitors - Kalahari, Maui Sands, and Great Wolf - all on Route 250 (the same road on which the Gathering will be.)  There really isn't a lot else to do close to Sandusky this time of year.  We also enjoy zoos, and there are 2 of those within an hour and a half from here in Toledo and Cleveland.  The local metropark is always nice to visit, too, you also enjoy being out in nature.  Osborn Park has some lovely walking trails.  I hope this helps -

I've learned that Kay Tibbs - the swap lady - will not be attending the Gathering this year.  However, never fear - there will be a swap.  If you'd like to be a part of this, please bring 5 handmade items with you, and you'll receive 5 handmade items in return.  This is always fun so please plan to bring some of your best work to share with the group.  It's always been something to which we look forward so we'll hope for some wonderful items again this time.  :o)

So far the vendors who will be coming to the Gathering are as follows:

Soap Equipment
Essential Depot - they are planning to debut a new product at our Gathering so you won't want to
     miss that!  :o)
Kay Bright with her wonderful goat's milk fudge, goat's milk and hopefully some tallows. 
Planktown Hardware

I have invited some other special vendors who are still waiting to get back to me, but I'm sure this will not be all who will be there.  However, please feel free to contact them to see about pre-show orders to save on shipping!  :o)

The tentative schedule so far for the Gathering this year is as follows:
8:30 - sign in and pick up your goodie bag
9:00 - Bobbie Eastman will demo her fabulous hair shine
10:00 - Kim Craigs has agreed to demo her wonderful handmade cream.  (You won't want to miss that one!
11:00 - Kristy Schemrich will show us how to make laundry soap
Noon - lunch
12:45 - Swap
1:00 - Cathy McGinnis will be doing an awesome demo altho she hasn't said just what
2:00 - I need a volunteer for this spot altho I have someone in mind to do a demo
3:00 - Door prizes

We are supposed to be totally out of the building by 4 so they can set up for church services the following day.  This schedule isn't carved in stone yet, but at least you can get an idea of what'll be happening.  I hope you all will enjoy this -

Do you like garage sales?  There will be one at this year's gathering.  So if you have any unwanted soaping supplies, please bring them to the Gathering with your name and price on them and see what you can buy to replace them.  There will be envelopes for your convenience in making change.  I've gotten some fantastic bargains and more at previous Gatherings so come prepared to see what you can find.  :o)

I have a correction to the lunch menu.  The Ham & Cheese and Turkey & Cheese will be on buns instead of bread.  I hope that will be all right with those of you who had wanted those sandwiches.  The caterer is wonderful, and I know you'll all be happy with your choices!  Please get those in to me by April 12 if not before.  Thank you :o)

The Gathering lunch choices are as follows:

Ham & Cheese or Turkey & Cheese Sandwich on bread or croissant
Chicken Salad on croissant
Veggie Wrap

Potato Salad or Cole Slaw

Chocolate Chip Cookie

There will be chips available for anyone who wants them.
Please let me know what soda you prefer.  There will be coffee and water available all day.

I need to have your lunch choices by April 12 please.  :o)

OK, soapers -
Mark your calendars for April 26, 2014 for this year's annual Gathering.  It's going to be at the Sandusky Community Church of the Nazarene located at 1617 Milan Rd., Sandusky,  Ohio  44870.  The cost will be $35 per person, and I would ask that payments be either by check or money order sent to Jackie Harris, 516 E. Madison St., Sandusky, Ohio  44870.  I've been working really hard to get all the ducks in a row along with the tremendous help of my friend Margaret.  The cut-off date for payments to be sent is April 1.  I hope to see you all!