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Santa Claus: The Interview
Christmas in Preble County
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Inside this issue...
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Winter in Preble CountySnow is on the ground and there is a crisp bite in the air as final days of 2010 slip behind us. It's Christmas time in Preble County. Welcome to a photo-filled look at December in Preble County.Exclusive Interview: Santa ClausPreble Life sat down with one of the most famous and mysterious men on earth, Santa Claus. In this hard-hitting interview we take you behind thescenes and into the mind of a guy who really takes care of business.Whispering Christmas: Retro WONDERFUL!I don't think there's an L.E.D. (light emitting diode) in the park! It's old-fashoned bulbs and strings of lights as Eaton decorates the historic Fort Saint Clair. Experience old-town, classic Christmas splendor then get a nice meal in Eaton! Check out these amazing photos.
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From the Editor
Thanks to Our 1017 fans!
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I dislike winter more than anyone can fathom. Winter gives me the blahs and snow is cold white stuff that looks pretty for one day then causes driving problems! The best thing about winter is spring! But it is winter and even a snow cynic like me has to admit that it's really beautiful. I dragged my feet on completing this issue for a couple reasons. First, I was hoping to get some snow shots and secondly we had an interview with Santa Claus and let me tell you, getting past his media folks is tough. Santa doesn't give interviews much any more but we had a great conversation. You're gonna like it, your kids are going to love it....maybe. Being "Joe Photographer" guy, I was also waiting for the lights of Whispering Christmas to illuminate Fort St Clair. The decorations are up and with the snow on the ground its lovely.Enjoy the photos but get out to the park yourself. Since it is Christmas and many of you will be buying gifts let me make two plugs. First, shop local. Stick around and spend your dough in Preble County if its possible. If you have to spend $5.00 more to buy something in Preble rather than drive to Dayton, spend the $5.00. The more we spend in our county the better off we all are! Remember Preble Life is all about Preble County, let's help her grow and prosper. Our businesses sustain our jobs and our economy. Secondly, you'll see a few plugs for my photo business in Preble Life. I figured, why not. No one pays me for this so I'll reach out to you, the folks who read Preble Life and say, if you dig the publication, please consider buying a photo or if you know someone who needs a photographer pass on my name. Please visit www.chrisaphotograpy.com I'd love to sell you a photo or take photos of you or your family. Thanks to the people who have read and supported Preble Life. The publication has over 1000 fans on Facebook and we pick up a few more folks every week. Please spread the word about Preble Life and Preble County, Ohio. See you in 2011. The next issue will be in May, I'm taking the winter off to work on a couple books. -Ed
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Rural Winter
A snow covered Perspective of Preble County
Out on U.S 35, The "Tile Guy" smiles as usual as he points at the snow covering his field.
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Artificial flowers covered with a fresh blanket of snow add an interest splash of color.
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Looking out of place parked in a snowy field, blanketed by the dull overcast afternoon light, these stationary, mechanized monsters await the spring and the demands of Preble Life.
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The snow covered hull of the US Armys historic M4 Sherman tank silently guards the Ohio National Guard Center in Eaton Ohio.
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Preble Counties Veterans Memorial. Dozens of men and woman from Preble County serve our country around the world. Because of them we are free.
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Snow covers the rocks and pebbles between the rail road tracks that criss-cross Preble County.
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An old water tower shows its age with the contrasts of of fresh snow against it's dark stained stone.
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The county building in Eaton, decked out in its simple, yet sophsiticated seasonal splendor.
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The picture postcard beauty of Roberts Bridge in winter.
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Its another season of lights and ornamentation in the historic Fort St Clair battlefield Park in Eaton, Ohio. It's one of the most popular Christmas attractions in south-western Ohio. For decades this park has celebrated the holiday season with an old-style flair and personal touch that is genuine and enjoyable. When the gates open at 6 p.m., cars slowly creep through the park, their headlights off as the occupants oooh and awww at the vast assortment of lights. As the trail of darkened cars snakes its way through the one mile long exhibit, vehicles peel off and stop at the main cabin. Inside, cheerful volunteers offer free cookies, coffee and hot chocolate to the visitors. Sometimes Santa Claus makes an evening appearance to meet the boys and girls of Preble County and listen to their Christmas wish lists! Outside, the only sound is the wind in the trees and the crunch of snow under the slow-turning tires of vehicles cruising through. Yeah, it's Whispering Christmas at Fort St Clair. Get the spirit and visit the display!
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Santa Claus: THe Interview
Iconic Christmas figure returns to Preble County
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He's undoubtably one of the most famous people in the world. Beloved by all, recognized instantly he's chosen a reclusive life, shying away from the media and the spotlight to focus instead on his work. Interviews are rare, very rare, but after great diligence and months of negotiation, Preble Life, obtained an in-person, a sit-down interview with the man himself, Santa Claus. I have to admit I was apprehensive, I've met Presidents, royalty, professional athletes and rock stars but this was a big deal, this was Santa.Santa's people insisted we meet at Fort St Clare in Preble County for the interview. We met in the main cabin at the park late on a Saturday evening. I was nervous as I waited for Santa to show up. I mean, c'mon, I was about to meet with Santa Claus, a guy who somehow knew everything about everyone. He knew who was naughty or nice. Yikes. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of dirt Santa had on me.I didn't have long to ponder that thought as seconds later the short, wooden door swung open and there he was; Santa Claus. Had I not had an appointment with him I didn't know if would have recognized him. He looked so different without his trademark red suit, wide black belt and high topped boots. With the exception of his wife, he was alone. Wearing blue jeans, a tan sweater with a moose on the front, penny loafers and a white scarf draped around his neck and under his thick white beard, he held the door for Mrs. Claus and reached towards me with his outstretched hand."Hi Chris" he said, "good to see you again." His greeting took me by surprise. I figured he would know my name because he's Santa and it just seems natural that he would, but I don't think I'd ever met the Santa before. "Thanks, sir," I said, "But I don't think we've met." As his hand slipped into mine, the sparkle in his eyes and the smile on his face captivated me as his grip tightened. I may not have recognized him by what he was wearing, but his eyes proved he was speaking the truth. He had kind, knowing eyes with an intuitive depth and his gaze left me convinced; he was the Santa some where, somehow we had met before.He closed the door and introduced Mrs. Claus to me, a woman with a charming smile and silver hair who seemed to possess the matronly qualities of every grandmother i'd ever met. The three of us sat at one of the picnic inside the building the interview started.Preble Life: I have to admit, I could ask you a million questions sir, but let me say thanks for visiting Preble County, Ohio and chatting with Preble Life.Santa: Thank you Chris, Mrs Claus and I are pleased to be back in Preble County, we've been coming here for years and it's always hospitable. As for your questions, well, ask whatever you'd like, I'm not on the clock until Christmas eve!Preble Life: Okay, let's start there. On Christmas Eve you're going to take off in a sleigh and deliver toys to good boys and girls all over the world. It seems pretty hard for me to believe that you can visit every place on earth in one day.Santa: Well don't forget, there are a few time-zone changes that give me an edge.Preble Life: Oh, c'mon Santa, seriously, how do you do accomplish it? It's absolutely amazing.Santa: Santa has a lot deal of help and the modern world and technology have actually made my job a lot easier. Remember, Santa's not getting any younger so I'm always looking for an edge. The times have changed big-time, I remember 40 years ago we made millions and millions of toys right at our shops in Christmas Town at the North Pole. My crew of craftsmen worked 364 days a year but today the workloads not nearly as fast-paced because of what people like for gifts. 40 or 50 years ago it was toy trains, dolls, or a cap guns. Today, it's Ipods, computers, electronic games, guitars, DVDs and skateboards. As much as I'd like to say we make all those things at the Pole, we just don't. However, the upside and the good news is that pickup and delivery of toys and presents is more efficient, but I don't want to bore you with logistics of 24 hour world-wide delivery! Back to your specific question, the how do we deliver toys to good boys and girls all around the world. The keys to the success of Team Santa is we work with all best Air Forces all around the world to assist in air traffic control and identification of favorable wind patterns in the stratosphere. It's complex but normally on Christmas ever you can actually track my progress on USAF radar and see it on-line. If that's not proof enough, you're simply going to have to take my word that I visit the home of every single good boy and girl on Christmas. Preble Life: That's absolutely awesome! I simply find it incredible that you have that level of cooperation around the world. I mean, I hate to be blunt but there are people who simply don't believe in you. Santa: Ha, ha, ha, oh, yes, the Santa's not real crowd! People only say they don't believe in me, just visit the NORAD Official Santa Claus website and you'll see that the US Air Force and Canada actually track my progress on radar. That's beyond argument.Preble Life: A few rapid fire questions just for me. Who's your favorite NFL team? Do you like milk and cookies? How do you keep from getting the suit dirty sliding down chimneys? Is there really a reindeer named Rudolph and does he have a red nose? Do you say Ho, ho, ho all the time?Santa: That's certainly a lot of questions, but here goes! I love football and do have a favorite team but I'm not telling you! As for milk and cookies, are you kidding me? Love em. Santa also loves pizza! I don't slide down chimney's that's just a myth! Is there really a Rudolph? C'mon Chris, there are songs, movies, TV shows, cartoons and decorations with his face all over them. Is there really a Rudolph? Hahahha, that's as funny as the people who say they don't believe in me! Ho, Ho, Ho! Preble Life: Why can't you tell me your favorite NFL team?Santa: I'm Santa, despite the fact that I lie low and only show up in December, I'm a pretty big-time celebrity and I simply can't be endorsing products or football teams. Can you imagine what would happen to the other 31 teams? No one is going to root against a team Santa supports. It's best I keep that to myself! Preble Life: For all those skeptical people out there I've concocted a little test for you. Would you mind?Santa: Ho, ho, ho, no, give me your best shot!Preble Life: Okay, Christmas is right around the corner. I want to know if I have I been good and why don't you tell me what I want for Christmas?(Santa leaned over and whispered in my ear)Preble Life: You've gotta be kidding me. How the heck do you know that? Santa: Just remember, that's what you want... but not necessarily what you're going to get! I'm Santa Claus, this is my job, my gig, my passion and it's very important for me to know who's been good or bad. To tell you the truth I have lots of help. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandmothers, friends, neighbors all help keep me up to speed on what children are doing all around the world. So remember, you better not pout, you better not cry, you better not shout, I'm telling why, I'm coming to Preble County on Christmas and I know who's been naughty and nice!Preble Life: What's your work load look like for this year? Have the boys and girls of Preble County been good or bad?Santa: Preble County can be pretty proud of their kids, the Official Santa Index for Good Behavior Ratio Scale indicated Preble County boys and girls ranked in the top 10 in good behavior in North America. I think you can tell the readers of Preble Life that Santa's got some wonderful gifts in store for good boys and girls of New Paris, Eaton, Camden, Lewisburg, West Alexandria, Greenbush, Somerville, Gratis, West Elkton and the other other wonderful towns and villages of your great county to get the milk, cookies and pizza ready!Preble Life: Who pays for all the stuff you deliver to people? I mean, c'mon Santa, nothing is free.Santa: Of course nothing is free. I always hope that the boys and girls who find gifts under their tree on Christmas morning realize that someone they loved worked very hard to make those gifts possible. Preble Life: What do you think life is going to be like in Preble County in 2011? I mean, you're Santa, you know things.Santa: I think that's a great question and as a world traveler I think it's fair to say that your county is on the rise. When I travel around America I see lots of rural counties but I can honestly say that Preble is special. I think it's wonderful that your web photozine tries to tell other Americans about the opportunities and the great people who live and work here. I think 2011 is going to be a very good year for Preble County, Ohio. Ho, ho, ho!Preble Life: Can I fire off a few more rapid-fire questions? Do you drink beer? Do you and Mrs. Claus have any children? How accurate is your portrayal on TV and in movies? Do you have the internet? Do you own an Ipod?Santa: Do I drink beer? C'mon that's not an appropriate question for me, I'm Santa! As for children, Mrs. Clause and I have millions of children around the world! Billions in fact and we visit them each once a year! As for my portrayal, I'm actually not as fat in person as I look on TV. We've had the Internet at Christmas Town for years and we certainly use it and I have three different Ipods!Preble Life: Can I take a few photos of you in your civilian clothing?Santa: No, I'll ask you, as I ask all photographers to refrain from taking photos of me when I'm not in my official work clothing. Preble Life: Tell me something I don't know about you?Santa: How's this. Tell those doubters out there, those people who don't think I'm real, that I often make personal appearances and meet millions of children each year.Preble Life: You mean that YOU, the REAL SANTA actually do the store santa thing? Santa: Oh yes, all the time, it's the best part of my job and Mrs Claus loves it too! We love to meet all those little people from all over the world. I love their smiles, their questions. Sometimes, they are even a bit frightened of ole Santa in my red suit but not for long! I give them a cuddle and a candy cane and soon all is well! For Santa, it's not delivering the presents or the candy on Christmas, it's knowing that millions of little girls and boys are trying so hard to be good each year to earn that once-a-year visit from yours truly. The good boys and girls are listening to their parents. They are studying hard in school. They clean their rooms and they try to be helpful at home. I know who they are.Preble Life: Santa, thanks so much for your time, is there a place kids can write to you or drop you an e-mail with their wish list?Santa: Oh absolutely! In fact going back to your internet question, kids can send me an e-mail or visit the official Santa Website at: http://www.northpole.com/ and remember, my friends at NORAD track my progress and you can monitor that at http://www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html
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Merry Christmas!
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Oh oh, no more issues until May! :-(
Yes, Preble Life is taking the winter off! I'm working on a couple book project and focusing on photography. Please stay in touch with Preble Life via Facebook! During the winter you'll see postings, new photos and information about what's happening in Preble County. The Art Center, YMCA, Senior Center and many other Preble organizations use Preble Life as a method to get information out! I hope you will participate in the Preble Life Facebook community this winter! I'll be posting often!
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Eric Loy
Joy To The World from "Do You Hear" Eric Loy
copyright Chris A. Photography LLC 2010
Looking out of place parked in a snowy field, blanketed by the dull overcast afternoon light, these stationary, mechanized monsters await the spring and the demands of Preble Life.
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