Congratulations to Steve Geiss, owner of Take it Outside in downtown Ottawa! He, alongwithhiswife,Sharon,areveryinvolved in the community and give back in several ways. Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, the business got its name after Steve thought about how his mom always toldheandhisbrotherstotaketheirfunand fighting outside since she didn’t want them “tearing up the house.” Many of us can sure relatetothat!Stevehadtheideaofamilitarysurplusstoreafterretiringin2011fromthe National Guard after 37 years of service and accumulating many items. He decided he needed an outlet for his items and decided on its current location in February 2012. Take it Outside has more than 5,000 square feet of military surplus and camping/ outdoor equipment. It’s the only store of its kind within an hour drive of Ottawa. Steve and Sharon are also very involved in maintaining our Main Street corners and own The Painted Lady Bed and Breakfast. Thank you to Steve for all your years of service! Definitely an “un-sung hero” in our community! Photos by Betty Birzer/For The Herald
