Christmas Walk a big Success

As we draw close to Christmas 2006, the fourth weekend of the Christmas Walk has now been completed. It is generally agreed that this year was a bigger success than last, and the crowds were awed not only by the beautifully decorated and lit town but also by the awesome weather!

There is still a full week till Christmas day, and the questions are rolling in fast from the website about store hours and activities for the remainder of the year.

Some shops will be open during the week and on the weekend through the end of the year, but trying to determine who all will be open is like trying to nail jello to the wall- almost impossible.

So come visit the town and enjoy the beauty and the shops that ARE open.

Henry Ferguson - Mayor of Metamora

The Metamora Economic Development Corporation announces Mr. Henry Ferguson as the winner of the honorary Mayor of Metamora election today. Mr. Ferguson won with 706 votes/dollars collected. Runner up, and already appointed by Mr. Ferguson as the Vice-Mayor of Metamora in his first official act as Mayor, is Crystal Fraley, the four-year old granddaughter of local shopkeepers Roz and Don Fraley. Crystal, whose campaign was managed by Mike McCain, captured 502 votes/dollars.

The unusual election has been going on all summer long in Metamora as a fundraiser to help complete the construction of a new public restroom facility in the village. All together, the election fundraiser generated about $2,300 dollars. This is expected to be enough funds to complete the restroom facility construction and placing in service as soon as the local sewer system construction is complete later this year or early next year. The 12 candidates for mayor each paid a $20 registration fee to get on the ballot, then collected votes which were purchased for $1 each. Metamora is an unincorporated town, thus, the position of Mayor is purely an honorary one, with no legal standing or true responsibilities.

Third place went to “Grandma” Shirley Beyer, a local shopkeeper, and 4th place to Ms. Shelly Walls, a Metamora-loving tourist from Bedford Indiana who has been collecting votes for herself from her customers at the Bedford restaurant where she is a waitress. Both had well over 300 votes. Fifth place went to Whiffy the Skunk, a mascot of the Metamora “Smelly Gourmet” gift and coffee shop, with 221 votes.

The final two-hours of voting took place at the town park in Metamora on Saturday, with live music presented by Metamora’s own band known as the Baggy Bottom Boys. The gala event included free food and drinks donated in part by Pavey’s BP in Metamora, the IGA in Brookville, and Kroger’s in Batesville.

At the end of the voting time, Henry Ferguson was presented the Key to the Village of Metamora by Franklin County Commissioner Lou Linkel in a short but emotional ceremony.

In the photo: Franklin County Commissioner Lou Linkel (left) presents the Key to The Village of Metamora to Henry Ferguson (right), long-time resident of Metamora and now the Honorary Mayor of Metamora.

Autumn Approaching

The car show and soc hop on September 16 was a lot of fun for the participants. Not huge crowds, but still quite enjoyable and some really cool cars there to look at.

The Merchant Association is sponsoring a Scarecrow Contest for decoration of the town, with judging to be accomplished by tourists in town on September 30.

Then the residents and shopkeepers brace themselves for the onslaught of tens of thousands of people for the Canal Days weekend, where visitors will find all sorts of wondrous things offered by the shops and the hundreds of outside vendors. Should be a lot of fun-- we are praying the weather will cooperate to enhance the experience.

Hope to see you then- October 6, 7 and 8.

Metamora Indiana Car Show and Sock Hop

Sept 16 at 4:00. Wander down main street and see all the amazing cars and chat with the owners. Enjoy a 50's dance on the street featuring all your favorite oldies. More info... To register your car print the registration form or email us and will send you the form. Awards, trophies and dash plaques to be given out as well as many other prizes. Call Ron at 1-765-647-3360.
This is a fundraiser for the "I Believe" campaign sponsored by Metamora Economic Development Corporation

Metamora Music Festival Sept 2 - 3

The 2006 Metamora Music Festival founded by local musician Jim Wendel is Labor Day Weekend. This years events are sure to please everyone of all ages.

What better way to spend your Labor Day weekend than in relaxing Metamora. Not only can you enjoy the music scheduled throughout the town, but you can visit the grist mill where you can watch them make corn meal; take a ride on the canal boat pulled by horses and get a history of the canal era; walk around the historical town and enjoy this relaxing, quaint village; do a little shopping and enjoy a wonderful meal.

WORKSHOPS SCHEUDLE Saturday, Sept. 2 (subject to change)
11:00 AM Pete and Sarah Walthery-Harp/Dulcimer/Flute
12:00 noon Tom Shinness-Harpguitarist
1:00 PM Chris Carlisle-Dulcimer
1:30 PM Jim Wendel-Harmonica, Washtub
2:00 PM John Gates-Mandolin
3:00 PM Tom and Missy Strothers-Mountain Dulcimer

PERFORMANCE(subject to change, please check back)Meadow Mainstage
11:00 AM Baggy Bottom Boys
12:00 PM Jim Innis and Flatrock River Boys
1:00 PM Pete and Sara Walthery
2:00 PM Old Friends
3:00 PM Calvary Gospel Quartet
4:00 PM Missy and Tom Strothers
5:00 PM Folkgrass Explosion with John Gates and Harvey Mosteller

GRISTMILL PERFORMANCE
Noon and 2:00 PM Music Americana
American history told through story and songpresented with the support of: The Whitewater Canal State Historic Site Indiana Arts Commission

6:00-9:00 PM EDT EVENING CONCERT Meadow Mainstage
Jim Innis Flatrock River Boys
Shawnee Valley Dulcimer Society
Old Friends
Calvary Gospel Quartet
Baggy Bottom Boys

Sunday, Sept. 3
PERFORMANCES Metamora Gristmill
Noon and 2:00 PM Music Americana
American history told through story and songpresented with the support of: The Whitewater Canal State Historic Site Indiana Arts Commission

Beginning at 12:30 Performances(subject to change)

For More Information Call:
Jim Wendel at 765-629-2662
Al Rogers at 765-647-2194

Mayor Campaign Status

The Mayor of Metamora Campaign is underway. Henry Ferguson continues to lead the election currently with 222 votes, but Crystal the 4 year old girl is catching up rapidly with nearly a hundred votes, and Grandma Shirley, grandmother of ten, not too far behind Crystal. Whiffy the skunk is catching up with 74 votes.

Remember, ANYONE can vote- even YOU. Votes are $1 each, and you are encouraged to vote early and often. You can cast your vote(s) at several places in town (see the large posters in the windows) or on the web at www.MetamoraIndiana.com/Mayor.htm.

All proceeds from the election are for a new Public Restroom facility on the east end of town, and then the "I Believe" campaign to raise funds for the Whitewater Canal Corridor Interpretive Center. Super causes that will preserve our heritage for our kids! Please help by giving - er, donating - uh, VOTING!

Bluegrass Music "Baggy Bottom Boys"

Some local musical talent has been getting together and jamming in the evenings after the shops close. They are calling themselves the "Baggy Bottom Boys". Guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, acoustic bass and some pretty good singing might be heard Wednesday evenings at the gazebo in town if you happened to pass by.

Not quite ready for Nashville yet, but they're having a lot of fun and making some toes tap...

Summer "I Believe" Fundraising Campaign

The planning is shaping up for the fundraising events this summer designed to help us purchase the MacLyn Campground property on US 52 for the purpose of developing an Interpretive Center for the entire Whitewater Canal Corridor Region, consisting of several counties in Southeast Indiana and probably a couple of counties in Southwest Ohio.

A big project- nearly a million dollars are required for the project, but we have identified a grant that will cover 80% of the purchase price, and have secured commitments for some significant chunks of our 20%. We still need to raise on the order of $20,000.

July 4th will be a big day in Metamora with the parade getting underway about 6:00 p.m., the Ducky Derby at about 6:30, a stage show at 8:30 pm consisting of the Mayor of Metamora candidates debate and maybe some live music, followed by the annual fireworks show at dusk.

The 2nd Annual "Metamorons Actors Guild" Dinner and Show is scheduled for two nights this year, August 4 and 5, at the Depot Restaurant in Metamora. This is a fundraiser dinner at $30 per ticket (call 765-647-3360 to make your reservation or email copperron@aol.com ) and a live stage show/variety/comedy show with local Metamora talent. Last year's show was such a success that it was planned for two nights this year.

September 16 will see the 2nd Annual Car Show and Soc Hop. This year the show will take place on the streets of the town itself, and many more cool cars are expected. Show starts at 3:30 pm, food and dancing starts at 5:00 pm while judging of cars goes on. Awards presented at 9:00 pm.
Call 765-647-3360 or 4328 for more info.

You can be the Mayor of Metamora Indiana!

You can be the Mayor! Metamora is going to elect an honorary Mayor as a fundraising event for the "I Believe" Southeast Indiana Whitewater Canal Corridor Regional Interpretive Center.

There are no residency requirements to run for Mayor. In fact, there are only TWO requirements to get on the ballot: You must 1) be breathing, and 2) have no more than four (4) legs!

Did you ever want to be the Mayor of your own little town in the Midwestern U.S.? How about putting up your daughter, friend, or your favorite pet (not more than four legs, please)? And not just any town, but the wonderful historic village of Metamora! All you have to do to register to get on the ballot as a candidate is go to www.MetamoraIndiana.com/Mayor.htm and sign up yourself or your friend(s), paying the $20 registration fee with your credit card or Paypal account.

Registered candidates will receive a very nice frameable certificate stating they are on the ballot for the Mayor of Metamora in 2006.

Voting for yourself or other candidates can be done online also from the Mayor election web page. Just like in small town politics the world over, money talks! All votes are purchased for $1 per vote. VOTE EARLY AND OFTEN! Get your friends, family and co-workers to vote for you, and you can actually be elected as honorary Mayor. You need not be present at the final voting event in early August to win, and duties of the person elected are whatever the Mayor wants them to be.

All funds received will be used first to finish the new Public Restroom Facility on the east end of the historic district, then all remaining funds raised will be used towards the $1 million purchase price of the property for the Whitewater Canal Corridor Regional Interpretive Center near the middle of town.

So get in on the fun, help a wonderful cause, and start by registering yourself as a candidate now through the web by going to http://www.MetamoraIndiana.com/Mayor.htm. Your certificate will be mailed to you.

Current candidates include Bonnie, the horse that pulls the carriage ride in town, Grandma Beyer, grandmother of ten, Crystal, the three-year-old daughter of a local shopkeeper, Whiffy, the skunk mascot of a Metamora coffee bar, and Sheri Riggs, a local shopkeeper.

Make yourself the next candidate!

Please note: Only for those who wish to participate: There will be a formal public introduction of all registered candidates on the June 3/4 weekend in Metamora, and a candidates debate on the July 4 weekend (candidates may have a human or adult campaign manager speak for them if desired).

Ready For Visitors

Metamora is greening up quite nicely as we head deeper into springtime! The Grist Mill is now open, and the Canal Boat is back in service after a winter "hanging out" in Gordon's Lock.

Horse Controversy for Metamora Mayor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Steve Collier
President, Metamora Economic Development Corporation
Post Office Box 95
Metamora, Indiana 47030
(765) 647-4328 (Daytime except Mondays)
(812) 623-1114 (Home)
stevecollier@suscom.net
http://www.metamoraindiana.com/


CONTROVERSY OVER HORSE FOR MAYOR LOOMS BETWEEN STATE AND METAMORA

Metamora, Indiana – May 1, 2006 – In the first-ever election for honorary Mayor in this small historic town in Southeast Indiana, candidates must meet only two requirements—they must be breathing, and they must have no more than four legs. Jerry, the Belgian draft horse that pulls the state-owned canal boat down the state-owned canal for tourist rides, meets those two requirements. But some think that it would be a conflict of interest for a state employee to hold the only public office in the town. So the question facing the State of Indiana today is whether or not a draft horse is truly considered a state employee.

This small historic canal town and tourist village is conducting an Honorary Mayor election as a fundraiser for additional public restroom facilities and for the construction of a Southeast Indiana regional Interpretive Center. Since this is an honorary position, there are no residency requirements for the job of Mayor. Anyone who meets the two requirements can run for the office. But, as is frequently the way in small-town American politics, there is always someone trying to stretch the rules- such as, in this case, running Jerry, an employee of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, for Mayor in the town in which he works.

With Candidate registration just beginning Saturday, the only candidates currently on the ballot are Bonnie, the horse that pulls the carriage ride through the scenic town, and Whiffy, the skunk- mascot of the Smelly Gourmet coffee bar on Main Street in Metamora.

It is believed there will be several other candidates on the ballot, which only requires a $20 fee to register—and gets the candidate a nice frameable certificate stating they ran for Mayor in the town. Other possible candidates include one of the town’s ducks (who better to deal with the duck poop issue?), a fish (which brings up the question about whether or not the thing fish do with their gills is actually “breathing”), and several humans including possibly Trapper the local chicken hypnotizer known for hypnotizing his rooster into thinking it’s a duck. But since the job is open nationwide to anyone with $20, its hard to tell who might materialize as the election continues through the summer.

And in any case, its hard to tell which candidate might win the election- voting will continue through the summer as the campaign progresses, and electors are genuinely encouraged to “vote early and often”. As is usually true, but frequently denied, in all elections, all votes are purchased – in Metamora’s case, for $1 each. Voting commences June 3 and continues through August.

But the overriding issue at the moment seems to be whether or not Jerry’s candidacy will be allowed by the state of Indiana, and would it violate Indiana’s conflict of interest laws by Jerry’s running as Mayor while he is a state of Indiana employee in the town.

No response has yet been obtained from the Indiana Secretary of State of Department of Natural Resources (Jerry’s boss) offices.

Anyone can buy their way onto the ballot, and cast their votes, with their credit card by going to www.MetamoraIndiana.com/Mayor.htm



END OF PRESS RELEASE

The Delware Rangers

The Delaware Rangers pose for a portrait after the April shoot-'em-up at Metamora. Be sure to bring earplugs if loud noises bother you!

Civil War Shootout!

The bad guys were taken out, the good guys were heros, and the town visitors were well pleased by the show put on by the Delaware Rangers when the train arrived at Metamora recently.

The action occurred April 1st with the first arrival of the Whitewater Valley Railroad train in Metamora. This arrival signals the end of the winter and the beginning of another season of great things to do and see in our great little town. The Delaware Rangers will be making periodic visits with the Railroad to town throughout the summer. If we can get a schedule, we'll post it on the MetamoraIndiana.com website.

"I Believe" needs your support

The Metamora Economic Development Corporation is working hard to raise the $200,000 to purchase the 35 acre property on highway 52 to build an Interpretive Center. This project is a huge undertaking that will impact Metamora and the surrounding counties. By completing this project we will be able to preserve the history of Indiana and pass it on to tourist and schools. This will be a remarkable educational and cultural breakthough.

Many fundraisers are planned for 2006. Please help us with this endevor by attending these fundraisers. We are also accepting dontations. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Help Metamora share the history of Indiana. If you are interested in donating to this worthy cause please email us at mail@metamoraindiana.com.

History is to important to forget!

Metamora Indiana's Smelly Gourmet Coffee Bar Passes the European Test!

The "Smelly Gourmet" in Metamora Indiana is an unusual shop! It's a handmade bath and body shop and European Coffee Bar. You'll know were open when you see the Italian flag flying outside.

You'll most likely be greeted by Steve, the owner and he will tell you, "I make the best Cappuccino this site of the Atlantic!" He's not shy about it, he'll even guarantee it! You won't leave the Smelly Gourmet unhappy.

True coffee drinkers agree with Steve. We had one lady from California tell us she as been all over the U.S. and has never had a drink as good as this. Another customer told Steve to move to Chicago and open the Smelly Gourmet there so she can have a good drink everyday. We get comments like this all the time.

But the real critic was Pietro, an Italian man! Nobody knows espresso better than the Italians!
Pietro walked in and began speaking in Italian. My guess is that Pietro did not expect Steve to respond in Italian but he did. To say the least watching the two of them talking Italian was a very fun experience. Steve is so passionate about Italy so spending 45 min or so with Pietro and Debbie was a real treat. I love the sound of the Italian swirl of the tongue!

Later that evening we receive the below email from Pietro.

Debbie and I stopped at the Smelling Gourmet this afternoon. Steve Collier prepared an espresso coffee that was just like being in Italy.

It started even before I took a sip of it to realize that the thick ceramic cup contained the creamy miscela the way is supposed to be.

Visually and aromatically the small content of the espresso cup brought to mind the Bar Roma in Sabaudia, where I used to stop few times per day for the espresso, 33 years ago, before leaving Italy for the USA.

Intentionally I prolonged the time before drinking, fearing it was only a dream. But wow, the taste was also there, full force, unadulterated, just like Italy!

Thank you Steve,

Pietro

He'll never claim he's better than the Europeans but he is not shy about telling you he's the best here in the states!

Steve spent 7 years in Italy where he learned the art of making true European coffee. Come in and test the coffee!

Metamora in Winter

For those familiar with our quaint little burg during the October Canal Days festival, or during the December Christmas Walk, Metamora is a much quieter place in the winter. Few tourists roam the streets, few shops are open.

But, for those who venture out for a visit anyway-- and there are actually quite a few of those sort of adventurers-- Metamora will still be found as a lovely little gem hidden just off of Indiana Highway 52 about eight miles west of Brookville. The Whitewater Canal waters still flow melodiously over the waterfall next to the 1800's vintage Grist Mill. Most of the ducks do NOT fly south for the winter, instead choosing to remain local in hopes of handfulls of corn from a few of the local shopkeepers who brave the winter months in town.

During the week, when they get tired of walking through the village to take in the fascinating historical buildings and talking to the ducks, visitors can always count on warming up with one of the self-proclaimed "Best Cappuccinos this side of the Atlantic Ocean" at the "Smelly Gourmet" European Coffee Bar and beauty products manufacturing store on Main Street (closed on Mondays, open the other six days of the week.) And the engaging Master Barista who runs the coffee bar is always ready with animated conversation about his years of living in Italy before he retired from the US Navy Submarine Force.

On weekends, you'll almost always find George and Gail open in their shop on Main Street called "Words and Images/The Train Place". Between George's excitement over his antique lanterns and model trains, and Gail's knowledgeable conversations about art, history and her books (she is also known as "the Book Lady") a visitor will have an enjoyable time.

Next door to George and Gail, in the building with the tall letters spelling out "HOTEL", is the "Walnut Creek Home and Garden" shop, a name that doesn't do justice to the many wonderful handcrafted items by more than twenty artists and craftsmen. In addition to Ron's copper items, you will find handcrafted jewelry, paintings, Candy's wood furniture, long-beard Tony's stained glass, and much more. This place is usually open six day a week, and you'll usually find Ron the coppersmith working away at his craft while Candy, Ron's wife, keeps turning out beautiful art works when she is not (as she usually is) engaged in activities to help get the word out about the wonders of the town of Metamora.

Even in winter, there are still the occasional visitors who spend a weekend or an overnight stay at the Metamora Inn, one of the towns' best-known Bed and Breakfasts, which remains open throughout the winter. The proprietors, Glenn and Jo, live at the Inn and thus remain open throughout the winter. They won't find much night life in town, but for a peaceful, quiet getaway, the natural beauty of the town and the interesting buildings and people make for a very satisfying retreat from the hustle and bustle of life in the big city or annoying corporate environment.

Welcome to Al Payette

Al recently purchased Shiela and Paul's building, the former Tea Room in Duck Creek, and is in the middle of renovating the building to (among other things) improve the kitchen facilities. The Hen House (location C-6 on the website map) will remain in business with Al.

After years of visiting Metamora, Al purchased the property to give himself something to do since retiring from a career with Delta Airlines.

Say hi him when you see him.

MEDC MEETING VOTING FOR NEW OFFICERS

If you are a member of MEDC please attend the meeting on March 4th at 5:00 in the church basement. The meeting is for electing new officers. Come and make your vote count!

Local Author Rose Bush to Celebrate Women's History Month

To celebrate "Women's History Month" in March, local authoress Rose Bush will be at the Brookville Library discussing her book Falling Blossom. Rose will also touch on the aspects of writing historical fiction and what it really takes to create an accurate background for fictional characters.

There will be a book sale and signing after the program and a sneak preview of Rose's next book due to be released late fall of 2006.

Come and join Rose on Tuesday, March 7th at 6:30pm at the Brookville Library.

Arts Grants Program Information Meeting

There will be an information meeting to tell you about the Arts Grants Program of the Indiana Arts Commission administered through the Columbus Area Arts Council Region 9 (Franklin County is part of region 9.)

This program has grants available to non-profit organizations in the county to support the arts.

Jeff Kuehl, the Region 9 grants program coordinator, will be presenting on Monday, January 23 2006 at the Franklin County Community Foundation Building, 527 Main Street, Brookville Indiana. Start time is 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited- this is a public meeting.

For more information, e-mail Gail Ginther at metamora@gmail.com.

Working Together

An ad-hoc meeting was held last night (January 4) to exchange ideas on preserving the local history of the town. A “brainstorming” approach was used to attempt to recount all the good things that have happened in the past year in town, and to identify the most significant obstacles to improving the town along with possible solutions to these obstacles.

The meeting was considered a landmark gathering because those present at the meeting last night represented all of the other civic groups in the town, including the Merchant Association, Commissioner’s (town) Council, Historic Metamora Inc., Metamora Economic Development Corp (MEDC), Duck Creek Property Owners Association, and the Lion’s Club.

Several people volunteered to do some research on specific areas identified and report back to the group at a follow-up meeting scheduled next month.

Comments From Town Visitors

A survey of about 200 visitors to the town of Metamora was conducted during the recent Christmas walk. Much information about the demographics was collected, and is available for those interested by contacting Candy Yurcak at Walnut Creek Home and Garden. The survey also included a section for visitor comments on the town. A few are reprinted here:

"Nice, friendly, clean placde to bring family and visitors."

"This is a wonderful place!! Great history for children, great learning too!"

" I am out here at least six times a year. Need more bathrooms!!!!"

"All of the stores are very nice."

"Our family loves Metamora- we want to spend more time here."

"We love this place and we'll keep coming back as long as stores stay in business."

"Very interesting and quaint."

"Wonderful place to visit- I plan on coming back year after year."

"Been coming since I was a child. Love the older town and unique stores."

"Keep Metamora alive!"