Published by Christine, Owner of the Community Journal
Nearly one month after the fire that destroyed 13 Garrettsville businesses and caused a loss of business for another 26, the devastation is still greatly felt. Each and every one of the 14 businesses were an intricate part of the downtown, and their absence has left a huge void in our village.
Most have decided how they will move forward. Some have re-opened in new locations; some plan to at some point and some simply cannot, as it is not financially feasible.
As I look down the list, I can recall the numerous times these businesses have supported our local non-profits, service groups and school sports/organization fundraisers. Our small businesses are the backbone to the community and they deserve our support!
Following is the most recent update on our businesses. Please keep them in your thoughts, with well wishes that all will reach the outcome that they desire.
Chic & Shabby Resale Shop
This quaint resale shop and its beautiful contents were destroyed, leaving the DelTortos (owners of Chic & Shabby) and the Steele’s (the building’s owners) with much heartache. The decision to rebuild and re-open is undetermined at this time. “We are focused on what’s best for our property and for the village”, Kim DelTorto said.
New Hearing Sales & Service
Dan Myers, owner of this quality hearing aid service and sales business has found a new location to conduct business! He is currently welcoming customers at his office located inside of Village Hair Designers (10663 Highland Avenue in Garrettsville). Myers has reviewed a few possibilities and feels this location will best serve his customers. Village Hair Designers will soon be moving to their new location in Windham. Customers with hearing aid needs can contact Meyers at 330-527-7660.
The Barber of G’ville
Our “Gville Barber” also has found a new location and hopes to open in the next few days! Jim Reppy will also be located at 10663 Highland Avenue. New Hearing Sales & Service and The Barber of Gville will have separate entrances and ample parking. Watch the Community Journal for the Barber of Gville opening date!
Shaker Tree
Shaker Tree could not be reached for any updates.
Miller Lawn & Garden
How do you rebuild a 37-year-old business? This is the question owner, Gerry Miller and her daughter Jen Click are struggling to answer. As with others, the insurance money just isn’t enough. They have not made a decision as to if they will re-open or not, but are optimistic that they will find an outcome that is best for their family and the community.
One Real Peach
Owner Stephanie Dietelbach will be operating a shop from her Bracevill Township home with business hours two weekends each month until Mike Maschek rebuilds. She is also busily working on Monica Potter’s candle and linen line. Dietelbach’s candles and body products will soon be available at the Pasts House, the Villager and Art-N-Flowers. Watch the Community Journal for her home-office opening date!
Robert Mischler, Attorney
Mischler’s could not be reached for any updates.
Shiffer’s Clock Repair
Dale Shiffer is known to be one-in-a-million when it comes to repairing clocks. From coo-coo’s to mantle clocks to grandfather clock, Shiffer could fix it. Losing everything before his eyes ‘was heart wrenching’, he said. “The insurance will never replace what I lost”, he also said. Shiffer has not completely decided to give up his clock sales and service business. Originally he had said moving to Florida was his plan, but recently has found himself re-thinking his clock business.
S. Kim Kohli, Attorney
Attorney Kim Kohli was immediately offered an office on the second floor Ellerhorst Russell Insurance, located at 10864 North Street in Garrettsville. Clients and those seeking legal assistance can reach Kohli at 330-527-7007
Dan Timmons, Attorney
Timmons was also fortunate to receive an offer of office space. S&S Financial Services, located at 8102 Main Street immediately made a great offer to Timmons, who has had a business on Main Street for decades. Timmons invites his clients and those in need of legal services to call him at 330-527-4882.
Maschek Construction
Maschek Construction is temporarily located in Hiram Township. Until a new location is found, they will continue handling business from this location. They can be reached by calling 330-569-7002.
Nelson Garrettsville Food Cupboard
The food cupboard which provides food for over 100 local families received and outpouring of support and an overwhelming amount of volunteer assistance as they transitioned after the fire between the temporary storage location at the old Tom-C-Toys building and two other storage facilities to a new more-permanent location at 12157 St. Rt. 88. The families they serve were able to receive their first orders since the fire on Monday, April 7.
T&B Tools
Owners Tom and Brenda Mesaros have been like all others working through the language of their insurance policies and are finding that there just will not be enough to restart. “We will not have enough to pay everything we owe with the insurance money”, Brenda said. “We will not be able to get up and running again, there is just not enough money”, she also said.
Garrettsville Foot & Ankle Clinic
Dr. Stoddard has found a new office location. He is seeing patients at the Total Lifetime Care facility, located at 1 Memory Lane in Garrettsville. Patients can call him at 330-833-3668.