Blenko

Friday we had a leisurely visit to BLENKO GLASS in Milton, West Virginia.

Blenko is beautiful this time of year. The ducks and geese are on the pond. The Cherry trees are are loosing their blooms, everything is a lust green, the perennials and annuals are bright and cheerful.

The Glass Garden has never been lovelier. This day Doc and Randy Riders' Son (forgive me I can't remember his name) were weed eating and pulling weeds in an effort to have everything looking ship shape for the FESTIVAL OF GLASS - Aug 22-23.

The economy makes this a very difficult time for all business and most especially the glass arts which rely on natural gas. The cost of natural gas, the minerals used for the glass and water continue to increase at percentages unheard of a decade ago. The cost of doing business - workers compensation premiums etc continue to increase....its difficult. I've spent a lot of time speaking about 'Imports from China and India' but this is only a part of the problem. Is there a solution to this - - we're like Scarlett O'Hara " Tomorrow I'll think of some way . . . after all, tomorrow is another day." Its overwhelming.

I did learn the following things today at BLENKO.

1. The PRICES are going to INCREASE - so if you have your eye on an item - buy it NOW!

2. Blenko needs our support, we would like to have everyone make a phone, or in person visit and purchase for $100 or more within the month. Fenton Glass was declared DEAD and the customer base kept the plant running - with just this small amount of support. Each person

in the online groups agreed to purchase. Don't put this off. Sign on line - get out the card, make the purchase.

3. The Glass Classes will fill up quickly - pre register asap!

4. Bring your entire FAMILY on Augs 22 -23 It will be a great Family EVENT lots of unadvertised GLASS SPECIALS!

5. BLENKO continues to be an American FAMILY Owned BUSINESS Located in West Virginia employing your neighbors and friends.

SUPPORT Locally Owned Business!