March | 2019 | Gypsy Road Trip

Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for March, 2019

FMJ Indoor Shooting Range Promotes Firearm Education and Safety

fmj shooting range To become good at anything takes practice. Shooting is no exception.

The FMJ Indoor Shooting Range has only been around for a couple years, but its popularity has caught on quickly. Phil and Stephanie Lappert were vacationing in Missouri several years ago when they noticed indoor shooting ranges at several places. They brought that idea back to Guernsey County and built a new facility on Glenn Highway just west of Cambridge.

Experienced staff includes Justin Wilson, manager Dave Scurlock, owners Stephanie and Phil Lappert and Shane Lappert.

An important function of FMJ is their concealed carry classes, which are held each month. After completing this eight-hour class, an applicant must then file an application with the Ohio Attorney General. Before a license is issued, an extensive background check takes place.

This map is colored coded to enable students to see which states recognize an Ohio concealed carry license.

First Shots, an introduction to shooting, is frequently held at the facility so check their schedule for available dates. You never forget your first shots, and FMJ would be the perfect place for that experience. The seminar will include safety instructions, information on gun ownership requirements, and recreational uses. If you’ve been thinking of giving shooting a try, this is a great opportunity.

Thirteen computerized shooting stalls give an opportunity for practice.

This state of the art indoor shooting range has 13 lanes, each having a maximum distance of 25′. Each lane features Fusion Targets, a digital motorized target placement material so the shooter can set the distance he wants to practice and the target will automatically be placed there. Important ear and eye protection are always available.

If you’re trying to decide on what gun to purchase, here’s the place to rent a gun just for practice to see if it fits your purpose.

FMJ’s Lightning Works Gun Repair features an ultrasonic gun cleaning machine.

This isn’t just a place for shooting though, as they also have a gunsmith room, Lightning Works, to make needed minor repairs to guns. Included is an ultrasonic gun cleaning machine.

Black Rifle Coffee would make a great gift for any outdoorsman.

Their store has a wide variety of firearms, ammunition, firearm parts and accessories. You’ll be surprised at some of the things that you’ll find there from stun guns and pepper spray to tee shirts and Black Rifle Coffee.

Members of Cambridge Writers recently held a field trip there to gather information for their mystery novels. Pictured are Orval Gosnell, manager Dave, Cindy Stonebrook, Barbara Allen, and Paulette Forshey.

Dave Scurlock, the manager, presented an educational slide show that gave background information and was required viewing for all applying for a concealed carry license. Their Training and Conference Center holds up to 90 people and can be rented for business meetings.

Dave explains safety regulations and instructions for setting targets in each lane.

Dave grew up shooting and fishing so loves the outdoor sports. He introduced his granddaughter to her first rifle at the age of four. Dave thinks that everyone should know how to handle a gun properly. He recommends shooting fifty rounds a month for better aim. “Practice, practice, practice.”

Dave explained different bullet types and sizes as well as the benefits and weaknesses of each.

When being attacked, it is recommended to aim for a large part of the body. “Aim small, miss small” is a slogan they follow. Revolvers are most reliable but they don’t recommend a lady carrying one in her purse.

They highly recommend that ladies carry pepper spray with them.

In its place, ladies might carry a taser gun or pepper spray to defend themselves. It’s available at their store in varying strengths. The pepper spray that can carry for 10′ is most desirable as it can even stop a rattlesnake or bear.

A wide variety of people come to the facility for many different reasons. Many teachers are coming here for their concealed carry permit since school boards have seen the need to approve having someone on staff to carry in case of emergency. School boards that have approved include Caldwell, Cambridge, East Guernsey, Rolling Hills and Shenandoah.

One lane is specifically designated for handicapped use.

Men and women participate at the shooting range but staff reported that as a whole, women shot 90% better than the men. People often come in wheelchairs and have a special handicapped lane in which to practice. Their oldest frequent visitor is an 80-year-old man, who served in Vietnam.

In their showroom, the history of guns is honored through this personal collection.

Their facility had some surprise uses in my opinion. Birthday parties, bachelor parties, and family reunions find FMJ the perfect place to meet and have a little target practice. My suggestion was a divorce party, but that hasn’t happened yet.

A bit of artwork in the form of “Rattlesnake” by Frederic Remington graces the counter.

At FMJ, you can target practice, purchase firearms, have services of a gunsmith and receive training. Their staff has years of experience in the firearms industry so can give good guidance when needed.

Stop by FMJ Indoor Shooting Range on Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00–5:00 to learn more about gun safety and perhaps practice shooting a little yourself. Practice makes gun safety perfect.

FMJ Indoor Range and Training Center is located at 6653 Glenn Highway on Route 40 west of Cambridge, Ohio. If you are coming in on I-70 take exit 176, then take a right at the light. Check out their website at www.fmjrange.com

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Cambridge, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Canonsburg PA McDonald’s Honors Musical Stars

McDonalds When friends suggested a stop at McDonald’s during our visit to Canonsburg, PA, it was difficult to figure out why they insisted on eating here this evening. But once we entered the doors, the sound of popular songs of Perry Como, Bobby Vinton, and The Four Coins filled the air.

All these local men, who had gone on to become musical legends, were honored here by owner and operator, Ron Galiano. When the old McDonald’s on Bobby Vinton Boulevard needed to be replaced, Galiano wanted the new building to have a local connection. The new two million dollar home-town themed restaurant did just that.

This Hit Parade listing just inside the front door lists the popular singles recorded by Canonsburg artists since 1944.

Inside the front entrance, they proudly display “The Canonsburg Hit Parade”, which lists songs that have been released by Canonsburg artists from 1944 to 2006. This is just a sample of over 400 songs that fit that description. This was and still is a musical town.

Major focus began on Canonsburg’s native sons Perry Como, Bobby Vinton and The Four Coins. Together they had 196 top hits. Canonsburg was proud. The most recent addition has been Jason Walker, who is climbing the pop-dance charts.

Several photos of Perry Como at all ages can be found throughout the restaurant.

Pierino Ronald Como came from a large family and early in life became a prominent local barber. In the 1940s he joined the popular radio show, Chesterfield Supper Club as a vocalist.

Perry Como’s wife painted this picture for him.

Perry had his own television variety show and also appeared in several movies. During his career, he sold over 100 million records. His first big hit, “Till the End of Time”, stayed number one in the charts for eleven weeks in 1945. One of my favorites was “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes”.

Bobby’s version of “Blue Velvet” hit the charts at No. 1 in 1963

Bobby Vinton was born Stanley Vinton, namesake of his father who was a popular bandleader. When Bobby was 16, he formed his first band. After attending Duquesne University and a short time in the Army, Bobby took his band to Guy Lombardo’s “Talent Scouts”, where he was awarded a contract with Epic Records.

In the mid- 60s, Bobby even outsold Elvis Presley and therefore has been called the most successful male vocalist of the rock era by Billboard Magazine. His first No. 1 hit was “Roses Are Red” and later recorded one of my favorites, “My Melody of Love”, which Bobby recorded partially in Polish. The Polish Prince stopped by McDonald’s to sign autographs on a recent visit to Morgantown, WV.

In 2003 the group reunited and continue to perform at Doo Wop shows around the country.

The Four Coins all grew up in Canonsburg as well. They formed a high school band and combined with Bobby Vinton to form the “Band of Tomorrow” orchestra. They were of Greek heritage and began singing as The Four Keys until they discovered that name was already being used by another group.

They were known for their great harmonies and Doo Wop sound. Their biggest hit was “Shangri-La”, which earned a gold record. They appeared on numerous television shows, movies and toured the world with song.

Perry Como received a Grammy Award and five Emmys. He has three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Bronze busts of Perry Como and Bobby Vinton are situated within. They automatically play songs like “Catch a Falling Star” and “Roses are Red” when customers walk by. There’s a large number of memorabilia on the walls or in showcases donated by or purchased from local residents, collectors, and auctions.

Billboard Magazine called Bobby Vinton the “all-time most successful love singer of the Rock Era” from 1962 to 1972.

There’s so much interesting information that it might take several visits to enjoy it all. Check out the many photos, albums, yearbooks, clothing and instruments on display. They have discovered so much memorabilia that exhibits have to be rotated periodically.

McD Vinton favorite tux and highschool sax

Bobby’s favorite tux is featured in an enclosed case along with his high school saxophone and a red rose.

This popular restaurant is located near I-79 so has a lot of traffic in their double-laned drive-thru. But you’ll want to head inside to view this special collection. It’s one of the few McDonald’s where after you place your order, they actually bring the food to your table.

Sit back and relax over a Big Mac and your favorite soft drink while checking out the memorabilia that will take you on a journey back in time.

McDonald’s in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania can be reached off I-79 at Exit 45 – PA 980/Canonsburg. You are sure to spot the McDonald’s sign off the interstate. The restaurant is located at 100 Bobby Vinton Blvd.

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History, Museums, Music, Pennsylvania, Uncategorized

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Cathy Gadd Combines Creative Abilities: Artist and Bluegrass Musician

cathy redone Creativity runs through Cathy Gadd full steam ahead. Not only is Cathy an excellent artist, but she also plays bass in a musical group with her husband. Her creative side comes to life after working all day for Cambridge City Schools, where often she uses her creativity as well.

This old barn has a fencerow of sunflowers.

All her talents were present from early childhood. Perhaps it started as doodling on her papers, but soon her teachers discovered this little girl had talent. She took art courses in high school and later in life took lessons from Sue Dodd. But even back in grade school and high school, Cathy was receiving first place ribbons for her artwork.

Cathy was playing bluegrass with her dad back in 1968/

Music also occupied much of those early years. When she was eight, her dad, Richard Frasher, a Bluegrass musician, introduced her to the mandolin. After that, she began playing guitar and today she plays the upright bass. It’s important what we instill in our youngsters.

What a peaceful country road!

At the age of ten, Cathy went with her parents to the Frontier Ranch Festival, where Loretta Lynn was performing. Eager young Cathy got as close to the stage as she could. When Loretta Lynn began singing “You Aren’t Woman Enough to Take My Man”, Cathy sang along. Loretta reached over the side of the stage and brought that little girl on stage to sing with her. What a memorable moment for an aspiring young singer!

This bouquet she painted seems appropriate for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion.

In seventh grade, she won a Country Music Contest in Woodsfield and four years later was singing in the All Ohio Youth Choir, which performed at the Ohio State Fair and around Ohio. The following year she took part in their European tour, a great time for a young girl from Barnesvillle.

After her children were grown, Cathy again began performing with her dad on stage at various festivals and venues. Their talents were known from the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival to the Ohio River’s edge in Fly.

This painting was donated to an auction at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Guernsey County.

Today many find out about her skill at painting through their Bluegrass connection. Cathy often donates one of her paintings to raise money at benefits. The orders follow.

This flag barn in the snow certainly fits the winter season.

Most of her pictures are painted with specific requests. Someone will send her a picture of a barn or house that they want to be painted. Within 7-14 hours, Cathy has re-created their favorite picture with her brushes on canvas. Her pictures reflect reality so well.

This painting is on the Wall of Veterans in a home in New Martinsville, WV.

One of her favorite things to paint is barns with the American flag. She has painted several of these on large 16′ x 24′ canvas. She’s always admired old barns and added the flag after her son served in Korea and Iraq and returned home safely.

Frank and Cathy have always had that special musical connection.

Life has been exciting for Cathy and her husband, Frank, as they have had many chances to demonstrate their Bluegrass talent. They formed the Wills Creek Band and for twelve years have performed all over Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Several times they have appeared on The Wheeling Jamboree, at the Pennyroyal Opera House, and festivals all over southeastern Ohio. Gospel music is a favorite of theirs and they frequently sing at their home country church, Wesley Community Chapel.

Frank and Cathy played at the Wheeling Jamboree Roadshow.

An interesting sidenote is the fact that Cathy doesn’t read music. In fact, she says that bluegrass performers like to have ‘jam sessions’, which require that they just go with the flow of the music. Very adaptable!

Cathy also likes to write songs and one of them is on this Stoneycreek CD.

Cathy also writes her own songs. Often requested is her song, “Table of Memories”, which tells of her mother’s kitchen table, which was rather small, but filled with great family memories. One song she wrote is on a CD by Stoneycreek and is entitled, “Walk Along with Me”. This lady has so much talent.

“Table of Memories”

Mom’s in the kitchen fixing dinner

The smell of fried chicken fills the air.

Soon we’ll all be sitting around the table

Making some memories to share.

Years later I look at that little table

And think of the years that have gone by

Someday I’ll get that little table

And keep the memories alive.

Vacationing is something they hope to do more in the future. Here they visit the Badlands.

As she thought about their musical life, Cathy remarked, “We are truly honored and privileged to have picked with some great talents.” Perhaps that’s because Frank and Cathy are great fun to be around as well as being known for their exceptional harmony. They are well known in Bluegrass circles.

Her cat, Millie, likes to watch her paint.

Cathy focuses on her paintings right now and dreams of traveling more when she retires. She has her eye on the New England states. Wherever she goes, this creative lady will find pictures to paint and songs to sing. What a talented artist!

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Art, Music, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Sarris Candies Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour

Made By Our Family Just For Yours

Sarris Chocolate Factory occupies an entire city block.

Visiting the Sarris Candies Chocolate Factory is a candy lover’s dream come true. Most adults feel like a kid again in this total candy atmosphere from the ceiling chandeliers to walls covered with candylike themes. Even their handrails look like pieces of licorice.

Athena and Frank Sarris

Frank Sarris developed this dream after trying to find the perfect gift for his sweetheart, Athena. Frank presented her with a gift to match her sweetness – a box of chocolates. The box he purchased just wasn’t the quality he expected so Frank began making his own chocolates.

Their 12′ high Chocolate Castle contains 2600 pounds of sweetness at a cost of $130,000.

Sarris Candies has been on the scene since 1960 when Frank started making chocolates in the basement of their Washington County, Pennsylvania home. He learned the secret of producing chocolate from a lifelong friend John Macris, the founder of Philadelphia Candies.

A friendly bear greets you inside the front door.

It wasn’t long before the business outgrew their basement and he built a small candy shop next door to their house. Over the years, this company has grown to over 350 employees and $16 million in annual sales.

Their Ice Cream Parlour offers all combinations of cool ice cream treats.

Licorice handrails led to their busy ice cream parlour.

Frank never forgot going to the soda shop or buying penny candy and wanted to incorporate those items into his candy store. In 1982, his son, Bill, helped him create his very own old-fashioned ice cream parlor complete with red and brass booths and crystal chandeliers.

Sarris’ Odd Fellow Sundae has a chocolate topping, of course.

People come from miles around to sample homemade Sarris Ice Cream with wonderful toppings. You can select one of their many favorites or design your own sundae.

A painting of Frank’s candy-striped orchid can be found near the Chocolate Castle.

As a philanthropist, Frank donated to many local organizations and causes. After Frank’s kidney transplant in 2002, their family established the Frank Sarris Outpatient Clinic, which provides pre and post-surgical care to transplant patients. There’s a library named for him and even a candy-striped orchid at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Their candy counter is the perfect place to select your favorite piece of chocolate.

Even their ceiling is decorated with Candy Land scenery.

Before Frank’s death in 2010, he arose early each morning, seven days a week, to greet his employees and customers. He cared about his hometown and returned the rewards of his success and good fortune to make it a better place to live. His love for every piece of candy will continue to make the world a sweeter place for years to come.

Their chocolate covered pretzel is a hometown favorite. Shelves were a little bare when stopping just after Valentines Day.

Today his son, Bill, continues the legacy of fine chocolates with the help of his mother, Athena, his sister and brother-in-law, and his two daughters. The family chocolate tradition continues with customer favorites being the peanut butter meltaway and their chocolate covered pretzels.

Life-sized stuffed animals can be found throughout the store.

Now the Sarris Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour in Canonsburg take up the length of a football field. That’s 100 yards of chocolate, penny candy, ice cream, gifts for every holiday and lifelike plush toys. It’s always great to find a place that contains products made in the USA.

Their trucks are always ready to deliver products for a fundraiser to your school or organization.

But it doesn’t stop there, as now Sarris has expanded to over 1,200 locations in over ten states. Their mail order business is very popular as well as their fundraising opportunities for schools and churches.

This singing statue of Perry Como had laryngitis during a recent visit. Nice to see the town still remembers musical legends from Canonsburg.

While in town visit the statue of home-town singing barber Perry Como. Stop by McDonald’s where you’ll find walls covered with a tribute to local musical artists Perry Como, Bobby Vinton and the Four Coins.

Decorative stained glass marks the entrance to the Ice Cream Shoppe.

Be sure to stop at Sarris Candies on your next trip through Canonsburg and surround yourself with the smell and taste of chocolate. It’s more than a candy store!

The love story of Frank and Athena continues through their candy stores. After one taste, you too will fall in love with Sarris Chocolates.

Sarris Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour are located just a couple blocks off I-79 at Exit 45 – Canonsburg. The street address is 511 Adams Avenue. There’s plenty of parking very handy to the store.

Category:

History, Just for Fun, Pennsylvania

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Gypsy Road Trip

Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for March, 2019

FMJ Indoor Shooting Range Promotes Firearm Education and Safety

Canonsburg PA McDonald’s Honors Musical Stars

Cathy Gadd Combines Creative Abilities: Artist and Bluegrass Musician

Sarris Candies Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour

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Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for March, 2019

FMJ Indoor Shooting Range Promotes Firearm Education and Safety

Canonsburg PA McDonald’s Honors Musical Stars

Cathy Gadd Combines Creative Abilities: Artist and Bluegrass Musician

Sarris Candies Chocolate Factory and Ice Cream Parlour

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