Let's Talk--with Michele Hardman

I'm on the road quite a bit, both for my writing and for some of my other work, and people are always asking me where I've been or about a particular restaurant I've posted about.  I love to explore the smaller towns and find the locally owned diners and cafes.  The unique shops, the fascinating people.  So after several suggestions from my listeners, I'm starting a travel series of podcasts for you all.  They're not too long, just a quick recap of some of the things and places I find out on the road.  In this first episode I'm taking you to the town of Rockville Indiana.  With it's brick lined streets around the town square and the awesome variety store that has a little of everything you could possibly need.  Give it a listen.  Then get out and check it out for yourself.  Enjoy!

You know how some places just make you feel at home?  The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxed.  That's how I feel at the Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center in Pigeon Forge Tennessee.  This was already a nice hotel, but they started a major renovation at the first of 2022, and I stopped back in for a visit in early May to check on the progress.  New furniture, lighting, flooring and larger refrigerators are part of the project, plus a brand new Dog Park just off the end of the building.  Listen to my latest podcast to hear all about it.  

So what all is there to do in Perry County Indiana?  And where is it?  It's in the far southern part of the state, along the Ohio River, and packed with cute boutiques, great restaurants, coffee shops, homemade ice cream, train rides, cabins to rent right along the river, history, and lots of fun events all throughout the year.  Of all of the 9 counties in the state that the massive Hoosier National Forest covers, Perry County has the most of it with over 60,000 acres of prime area to hunt, fish, hike and horseback ride.  Listen to my conversation with my friend Betty Cash, Executive Director at the Perry County Visitor's Bureau, and hear about some of the interesting things this county has to offer.  Find more at:  www.pickperry.com   

Do you really know what the Chief Deputy does at your Sheriff's Department?  I was lucky to spend some time talking with Gregg Taylor with the Lawrence County Indiana department, and heard about his 25 year career there, his 10 years as their D.A.R.E. Officer, and more.  Take a few minutes and listen to this podcast and learn more about Gregg, and how his love and passion for his job and his career have now led him to run for Sheriff on the Republican ticket.  **Note**   Gregg accidentally gave out his former email address on the podcast, so if you'd like to contact him, you can do so at:  [email protected].  

You have lots of options for lodging when you visit Pigeon Forge Tennessee, but not all of them have the welcoming feel of a comfy home like the Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center does.  From the two-sided fireplace and comfortable furniture in the lobby, complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cider, a nice breakfast buffet, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor firepit, bar, and more, they have everything you need, and the friendly staff will take great care of you.  Conveniently located right in the heart of town and close to all the attractions and restaurants, the Ramsey Hotel is the perfect place to come back from a fun filled day exploring the Smokeys and relax.  I had the pleasure of spending some time while I was in town and recording a podcast with the Assistant General Manager at the hotel--Don Ward.  I invite you to listen to our conversation to learn more about what all the Ramsey has to offer, including their gorgeous convention center that's attached to the hotel.  Book a stay with them the next time you're in the area and see for yourself how these folks share their warm southern hospitality.    

Often times there's a cultural stigma with things like mental health issues, domestic violence and Dementia.  People feel uneasy letting anyone know they're struggling with any of these things.  The Rural Dementia Network is making a strong effort to alleviate this by offering free information and assistance to anyone who wants it.  In this podcast conversation, you'll learn signs to recognize in folks who are dealing with this fatal disease, and how to deal with it best.  There are support groups you can attend, including caregivers who are helping others manage this situation.  Follow Dementia Friendly Lawrence County on Facebook or on their website for more information.  And I encourage you to please share this podcast with anyone you know who might benefit.  They currently serve Lawrence and Orange County southern Indiana.  

Did you know there's a beautiful 43 acre park in northern Lawrence County Indiana?  It's located on the former Avoca State Fish Hatchery property, in the small burg of Avoca, and is now being ran by Marshall Township.  Although the fish hatchery is no longer in operation, the park still remains for the public to use.  It's a very tranquil place, with large shade trees, picnic tables, shelter houses, a playground, waterfall, and nice, flat walking trails.  Listen to my conversation with Sam Bond--one of the dedicated volunteers who are all working hard to provide an enjoyable space for the community.  If you'd like to rent one of the two shelter houses or any part of the property for a special event or fundraiser, or you just want to make a donation to help keep the park maintained, we'll give out a phone number towards the end of this podcast.  They can also always use more volunteers to help with various maintenance and upkeep around the park if you'd be willing to donate some of your time.  This park is such a fabulous asset to have and I encourage you all to get out and enjoy it.

Did you know that Hoover's Candy Shop has been around in the Bedford, Indiana area since 1908?  Amazing!  After several different owners throughout the years, it's still in the family.  Jenny Purcell and Amanda Childers purchased it at the start of 2021 and have really taken off with it since then.  You may see their food truck at numerous festivals and vendor shows around southern Indiana, or you can stop by their shop between Bedford and Bloomington.  They're still cranking out long time favorites like hand-made caramels, their famous cinnamon logs, mint melt-aways, and more.  They're also giving back to the community who has been so supportive of them.  For each t-shirt you purchase from them, they donate $5 to the local Agape House non-profit organization.  Visit their website at: hooverscandyshop.com

So what's the real estate market like in the summer of 2021?  What do you need to do before you even start looking at properties?  How much work and improvements do you really need to do before you list your home for sale?  Can you get pre-qualified for a loan? And what's involved with that?  What can you do if your credit isn't where it need to be?  Hear helpful answers to all of these questions and more in my conversation with Angel Hawkins from Hawkins & Root Real Estate in Bedford, Indiana.  

Especially if you live in a more rural area, who are usually the first people to show up when you have any kind of emergency?  Your local volunteer fire department crew is always there long before an ambulance or law enforcement arrives.  They're there for us in all sorts of sickness, health problems, accidents, fires and more, and we all need to be so thankful for their dedication and sacrifice.  Think about that, and how you can help support them, either with cash donations, your time, or maybe donating items for their next fundraiser.  Listen to my conversation with Fire Chief Jason Lewis from the Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Department in Judah and you may gain a whole new appreciation for these men and women that we all depend on so much.