Show Host | Lifestyle + Fitness Model
I just love this Episode if Josie in Paradise and I’m sure you will too. Myself and cameraman, Kim Kindinger, owner of the X5 Network, headed into the gates of North America’s premiere Catawba Cliffs neighborhood. Featured Videographer Theo Dunham also edited this entire episode. We also hit a low key waterfront restaurant nestled in a blue collar community on the Sandusky River. Here is what all is featured.
Easy breezy summer days are exceptionally serene when approached atop a beach cruiser bicycle. There isn’t any headache over trying to find a place to park and unless earbuds are in and there isn’t a stereo to shake up the placid peace. Again and again bicycling proves to be a Shangri-la mode of transport. To shoot Episode I we ventured onto South Bass Island with a bomber aboard the ferry and headed to the town hall for Hatha Yoga with Kathi Spayde. An effortless cruiser fits every island escape.
David Stover, the service manager at Fremont Cycle and Fitness readied the ride. “What you did was the basic which was a sixty-five dollar tune. That goes over truing the wheels, checking the shifting, putting the brakes in proper order and a light clean-up on the bike. That’s good for what you’re doing.”
Stover shared this in Josie in Paradise, Episode II about pedaling for a better fettle.
Josie in Paradise can be viewed every Sunday at 9:30 p on AT&T U-Verse from Key West to the Florida Keys, across the nation via ROKU on the Ohio X5 Channel, and here.
Realtor Alex Morgan Johnson is showing a four-thousand square foot, four bedroom, four and one-half bathroom home on Ohio’s north coast. Located at 1101 NW Catawba Road in Port Clinton this unshakable structure showcases the builder’s and contractors’ skills. The initial home plans were drawn out at only half of the size of the final product.
Here is the home tour as seen in Episode II.
Josie in Paradise can be viewed every Sunday night at 9:30 p on AT&T U-Verse from Key West to Boca Raton, on Ohio’s X5 Roku Channel, and here.
What is even better than releasing the first episode of a new lifestyle show that showcases the talents and products of so many great people in a community is … working out a couple of kinks, ironing out imperfections and striving to be better with each release. Episode II of Josie in Paradise makes a mark of its own.
Here is who and what is featured. Cheers to everyone who participated.
Josie in Paradise can be seen on AT&T U-Verse from Key West to Boca Raton every Sunday night at 9:30 p, on Ohio’s X5 Roku Channel and here on this web page.
“I’ve been on the journey of natural and organic living for quite some time, and I said one day too my aunt, ‘what about that recipe? Can you get it for me?’ I made and I realized: if I can make this, I can make other things,” Christie Ontko owner and operator of Freshwater Retreat and Remedies retraces some of the steps regarding her island entrepreneurial journey.
The “this” that she made is affectionately called, Grandma’s Salve.
She explains what the container contains, “camphor, pine sap, lard, bees wax, flax seed oil and it was my great-grandmother’s recipe on the island here and we grew up not having Neosporin or anything but we used this Grandma’s Salves for all of our cuts and bruises and mishaps.”
Freshwater Retreat and Remedies is nothing of a mishap, but a step into the direction of the “trend” in that the PIB crowd won’t always want to party, party, party.
She stresses she isn’t anti-alcohol by any means, “I drink alcohol. I think moderation is the key. When we’re out of balance we’re out of balance.”
She opened the couples retreat and adjoining wellness center about five years ago on South Bass Island. This true island girl, author and businesswoman is adamant about pointing out that she does not operate a spa offering services one might find on the mainland, such as, waxing, haircuts and color, manis, pedis, and eyelash extensions.
She is however, besides a true Island Girl, the creator of OntkOrganix, a line containing organic balms, skin care, even deodorant she makes herself.
“I’m very picky about what goes in my body, on my body,” Ontko voices, “I dived in for my own selfish reasons.”
Massage, Thai massage and Reiki are part of the wellness menu. Masseuse Mary Ann Billings makes the trek from Bay Village to work on guests and visitors.
“Tai Yoga Massage is a massage where I work on the energy lines of the body with palm presses, relaxation massage, acupressure and some gentle stretching. I bring my clients into some yoga poses on the table and massage them while their in the yoga poses. Especially the locals here really enjoy the service because they’re working so very hard, on their feet, all day, every day, taking care of the guests that come to Put-in-Bay. So they really enjoy getting their legs stretched out and worked on,” Billings expressed.
The “spa” segment with Freshwater Retreat and Remedies aired on Episode I of Josie in Paradise. Watch here.
Josie in Paradise airs every Sunday night at 9:30 on At&t UVerse from Key West to Boca Raton, on Ohio’s X5 Roku Channel and here.
Photos by Kim Kindinger
The owner and operator of Freshwater Retreat and Remedies has a pedigree Put-in-Bay resume one could not duplicate even if one worked around the clock.
Christy Ontko is not only a business owner, life and wellness coach, masters degree toting school teacher, columnist and author, she was born to a family of islanders. A status one can not aspire to.
“Its embarrassing sometimes to discuss, Ontko says when asked about herself humbly, “I’m just me.”
Ontko is intriguing, enchanting and educated. Setting up a retreat on South Bass Island directly across from the PIB airport which exemplifies what she stands for isn’t any surprise.
Freshwater Retreat is a luxurious place to stay. This five-bedroom guest house features five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and all organic linens. Two bedrooms are located downstairs and three are upstairs. The home was constructed back in 1985. Ontko’s great-great grandfather was on the island during this unforgotten era working as a stone mason.
Ontko reflects, “We’re thinking he probably did help build the house.”
Here’s more of Ontko’s interview and tour of her B&B as featured in Josie in Paradise, Episode I.
There’s more on this true Island Girl. She shares the Freshwater Retreat amenities. Note this property also has a converted garage or a barn where a list of wellness (not spa) services can be administered to anyone able to make their way to Put-in-Bay for the day or to stay and be guided to an adventure by this true island woman.
Josie in Paradise can be seen every Sunday night at 9:30 p from Key West to Boca Raton on At&t UVerse, on the Ohio X5 Roku Channel and here.
To see the unit(s) in person stop in any day, by boat or by car, between 10 a – 4 p. Call 419-862-7143 to schedule a tour. Also keep a close eye on the ME&YC summer social calendar. Buyers and realtors plus friends, family and clients of members are always welcome.
I’m out at Marblehead Estates & Yacht Club showcasing the boat slips, luxury condos and lots for sale. The lots are situated in four different places around the development.
As you can see from the feature photo the kitchen countertops are made with a striking quartz. Here’s a look at the living space in the second floor condo, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo overlooking the marina. The third bedroom has been left out to make for an open floor plan and open up extra space for dining.
The condos are designed for a weekend escape, or summer place in Ohio’s Vacationland! For the fashion I’m wearing today during this March snowstorm go here. A look at the prices again and information for connecting with me. Call my Ohio number, or if you have the 305 saved in your phone, feel free to use that.
Clean, comfortable and on the water.
Condo 106 at St. Hazards Resort on Middle Bass Island is a sweet spot for a weekend getaway. Or, stay for the entire week. Travelers will be basking by the pool with a homemade lemonade or ice tea in their hand after realizing the glory of the godsend that these accommodations are on an island extremely difficult to access.
Booking a place to stay on the Lake Erie Islands isn’t exactly as easy as calling the Kimberly Hotel in New York City with dates and arrival times. The islands nestled between Ohio’s coastline and Canada are only open from May through September and then again for ice fishing season. Finding, calling and making that connection for a legitimate booking is a lot of work.
Here’s a look at Room 106 and the view in the Saint Hazards Resort lakeside condominiums.
Condo 107 is a two-bedroom and has bunk beds for travelers planning to bring children.
To reach this 800 acre island catch the Miller Ferry at Catawba Point. Reservations are required to bring a car, or truck. The number to call to book this room or one similar in style is 419-285-6121.
A ferry service runs every half hour from MBI (Middle Bass Island) and Put-In-Bay from 9 am until one in the morning (1 am).
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