Amish Heartland, December 2020 by Gannett NEO

MAPS

AMISH

Dec.

LAND

AT T R AC T I O N S

HEAR

EVENTS

SHOPPING

2020

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AMISH –3rd–

–GALEHOUSE TREE FARMS–

Christmas & Landscaping Trees In Wayne County

–FROM THE DESK OF JAVON– God's Gift To The World

Pick up at A A A centers across Ohio | Visit www.amish-heartland.com

We value the light more fully after we've come through the darkness. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Amish Proverb

– W h at ’ s i n s i d e –

features. - Page -

- Page -

Galehouse Tree Farms Christmas & Landscaping Trees In Wayne County

Famous Christmas Carols

The Origins Of 4 Holiday Favorites

Classic Fruitcake Taylor-Made For The Holiday Season

Poinsettias

Making Them Last Throughout The Year

From the Desk of Javon Miller God's Gift To The World

Amish 06 09

– T r a v e l I n f o r m at i o n – 10 – C a l e n d a r o f E v e n t s 16 – A m i s h H e a r t l a n d M a p 24 – J u s t V i s i t i n g

– I n E v e ry I s su e – 05 – B o o k R e v i e w 26 – F i n d t h e B u g g y W h e e l

Hea

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tlan

Amis

Amish Heartland–Dec 3

Group Publisher – Bill Albrecht Content Coordinator – Aaron Bass | Sales Representative – Lisa Beckman | Designer – Noel Simms Contributing Writers – Jill Sell, Javon Miller Cover Photo by Susan Mick

–Index of Advertisers– Crafts & Collectibles Sol’s in Berlin............................................................... 07 World Crafts.. .............................................................. 18

Dining & Food Kauffman’s Country Bakery.. ............................................ 04 Sugar Valley Meats....................................................... 04

Shops & Such Berlin Village Gift Barn.. ...................................... Back Cover Gospel Book Store........................................................ 05 The Peddler................................................................. 25

Classic ic • Custom • Cuts

ORDER EARLY FOR YOUR FAMILY GATHERINGS

2149 Dutch Valley Dr. N W. OH. SSugarcreek, ugarcreek, O H. 444681 4681

50% OFF BAKED-GOOD ITEM *Up to $4 value. on Not valid with other expires 1/09/21 offers or discounts.

App

le Fritter

330.893.2129 330 330.89 .893.2 3.2129 129 Mon.-Thurs. and Sat. 7am-5:30pm; 4357 US 62 Fri. 7am-6pm Millersburg, Ohio Sun. 10am-4pm

Andy Order Online: www.kauffmanscountrybakery.com

December

WO-10724467 24467

Holiday Cookie Trays • German Stollen Breads Sauerkraut Rye • Holiday Fruitcake

sugarvalleymeats.com 330.852.4423

A Picture of Love

– B o o k R e v i e w–

By beTH W ISEM AN

Reviewed by J ILL SELL Amish Heartland Contributing Writer

aomi Byler is the young cook and housekeeper for Peony Inn, a bed and breakfast in Montgomery, Indiana. The 100-year-old renovated farmhouse is owned by two very different widowed sisters who enjoy matchmaking within their Amish community. Tender-hearted Naomi, recently jilted by her longtime fiancé, Thomas, is the sisters’ most recent Cupid’s target in author Beth Wiseman’s A Picture of Love (Vondervan). The sisters, Esther and Lizzy, know that Amos Lantz, a guest at the inn in town for a relative’s wedding, is the perfect match for Naomi. The young people even share a love of painting landscapes, a way to express their feelings. But Amos is reeling from the death of his fiancée, and Naomi has sworn off any new romances. Lizzy has been known to lock prospective couples together in the inn’s basement for hours in an attempt to encourage a budding relationship. But even she knows something else needs to happen for this relationship to succeed. That’s the main plot of this Amish romance. But a subplot, concerning Grumpy Gus Owens, who lives in a small cottage on the sisters’ property, is actually more intriguing. The sisters are obeying a promise they made to their late mother to allow Gus to live there rent-free

forever, despite the fact that he is lazy, unkempt and rude. He’s a thoroughly despicable human being. Or is he? Let’s hope Gus appears in future installments of the new Amish Inn Novels series by Wiseman. We’d like know more about the secrets belonging to this character who has a weakness for chocolate pie.

Pick up Your copy at:

BOOKS OFFICE SUPPLIES RELIGIOUS SUPPLIES

PHONE 330-893-2523 BOX 320 BERLIN, OH 44610

Amish Heartland

–GALEHOUSE TREE FARMS–

Christmas & Landscaping Trees In Wayne County

Story by J ILL SELL Amish Heartland Contributing Writer Photos courtsey: Galehouse Tree Farms

AMY GALEHOUSE, general manager of Galehouse Tree Farms in Chippewa Township, lives in the perfect Christmas card. Fluffy white snow covers thousands of pine, fir and spruce trees growing on hillsides. Laughing children wearing colorful scarves and mittens hang on tight to sleds as adults pull them along. Volunteers pack live trees to send to overseas military members, part of the Ohio Christmas Tree Association’s Operation Evergreen program. 6

December

ABOVE: Spanning seven generations, Galehouse Tree Farms in Chippewa Township, just outside Doylestown in Wayne County, is one of the oldest of its kind in Ohio.

Galehouse’s family has been farming since 1815 and began selling Christmas trees in 1932 on a 10-acre plot. That makes it one of the oldest cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in the state. When Galehouse’s grandfather lost his chestnut trees to blight on his squirrel-hunting property in Knox County, he took advantage of the federal government’s offer to re-forest with evergreens. The excess seedlings were planted on the family farm. “We started planting trees in the early 1920s,” said

“We started planting trees in the early 1920s. A lot of tree farms got their start in the 1940s, but we were a few years ahead of that. Our first trees sold for two bits.” –– Amy Galehouse General Manager Galehouse Tree Farms

ABOVE: Reindeer that are kept on the tree farm grounds love the attention of employees and visitors alike.

Galehouse, noting that now more than 200 acres of land are in cultivation with each acre supporting about 800 trees. “Then, after WWII, people were really into homes and families and wanted to celebrate with live Christmas trees. They would go into the state forests and cut down trees until the government said no more. A lot of tree farms got their start in the 1940s, but we were a few years ahead of that. Our first trees sold for

two bits.” Today the tree farm offers cut-your-own, ready-cut and live balled-and-burlapped trees, known as B and B trees. The latter type is also sold as landscaping trees all year round. Galehouse said the cut-your-own option is the most popular because many families want to carry on a holiday tradition or start one. More than once,

Sol’s in Berlin YOUR HANDMADE HOLIDAY HEADQUARTERS!

THANK YOU

for Supporting Small Business & the Crafters of SOL’S Family Owned & Operated Since 1993

OHIO’S LARGEST ARTS & CRAFTS MALL Featuring 350 Crafters in 3 Side by Side Stores

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OPEN 9 am to 5 pm Monday thru Saturday OPEN YEAR ROUND • Closed Sunday 4914 West Main St. • Berlin, OH 44610

330.893.3134

www.solsinberlin.com Amish Heartland

Shirley Galehouse, the current owner of the farm and Amy’s mother, has watched a few small children by a warm fire while their parents and older siblings venture into the cold fields to find the perfect tree.

fir, Colorado blue spruce and Norway spruce trees. Fir and spruce trees have taken over from white pine and scotch pine as favorite Christmas trees, according to Galehouse.

The farm provides handsaws, sleds and instructions. If someone really has trouble (like getting a saw blade stuck in a trunk), a farm employee may be able to help during the week when the farm isn’t as busy. Trees in the field are priced at flat rates. Pines are one price; firs and spruces another because they take longer to grow.

“People want 12-foot Fraser firs, but a tree farm would have to know a quarter of a century ago that’s what people want now. A tree farm would have to be in existence a long time to have large, slow-growing Fraser firs,” explained Galehouse, admitting that particular variety of tree is her favorite Christmas tree because it’s beautiful and keeps its needles for a long time.

But it’s more than just about a tree with a great scent in someone’s living room. Memories are made on the farm. Galehouse recalls one man with two preteen boys who said he was just too tired to cut a tree and wanted a ready-cut one. Galehouse looked at the disappointed faces of the boys and asked if they could pull a sled carrying a tree. No problem, they said. The three found a tree together and cut it. What could have been a routine shopping trip for a Christmas ABOVE: The tree farm's gift shop, with its full array tree became a life lesson. of holiday items, is open through Dec. 22 and is

All cut Christmas trees used indoors should be kept in water and the soil surrounding B and B trees should be kept damp in a tub, but not in standing water, according to Galehouse, who studied biology and chemistry in college, and who was an elementary student in Italy and France when her father worked internationally with Goodyear.

Galehouse reminds people that one acre of sustainable Christmas trees produces the daily oxygen following COVID precautions and guidelines. requirement for 18 people while The farm has a way of subtly teaching. When Galehouse was a child, she wasn’t also absorbing carbon dioxide. The trees also protect allowed to work with customers until she could make water sources and stop soil erosion. After the holiday, change. Before she was about 10 years old, Galehouse live trees can be recycled for mulch or serve as shelter and her cousins collected pinecones for sale (they got to for birds in back yards. Artificial trees are often made keep the money) and cut burlap for wrapping live trees. from non-biodegradable plastic and metals and create toxic fumes when burned, said Galehouse. Now the seventh generation is involved. (A rule about no young family members sledding on the hills while the farm is open to the public is still in effect. Galehouse was the inspiration for the restriction because as a kid she once wiped out her mother, her aunt, a minister and his wife while speeding down a hill on a snow saucer.) Of course, the learning curve with Christmas tree farming includes proper crop rotation and deciding the best pest and disease control methods. It’s a long-term investment. Future generation will need educated guesses about which species of Christmas trees people will want in the future and how long they want them. That’s not easy. The farm currently grows Austrian pine, Scotch pine, white pine, Canaan fir, Fraser fir, Douglas fir, concolor 8

December

Galehouse Tree Farms is open through December 22 and features a concession stand and a 5,000-squarefoot gift shop that sells a wide variety of decorations, including Santas, cherubs, nativity sets, bells, wreaths and garland. (The gift shop started in 1979 as a small table in the corner of a barn with handmade items made by Galehouse and her mother.) “It’s hard work all year round, but we all have a lot of fun on the tree farm,” said Galehouse, who added COVID precautions are in effect on the farm and in the gift shop.

–FAMOUS CHRISTMAS CAROLS– The Origins Of 4 Holiday Favorites

O Holy Night. The story of "O Holy Night” can be traced to a request made by a 19th century French priest. In the fall of 1847, that priest asked a French merchant named Placide Cappeau to write a Christmas poem. Cappeau’s poem was eventually shared with French composer Adolphe Adam, who quickly set the poem to music. The resulting song made its debut on Christmas Eve 1847 and has been a beloved holiday song ever since. HL20A252 Jingle Bells. The

popular Christmas carol “Jingle Bells” has an interesting history that remains a topic of debate even now. Written by New England native James Lord Pierpont, “Jingle Bells” was never intended to be a Christmas song, and in fact does not even mention Christmas or any other holiday. In addition, the song’s birthplace is disputed, so much so that there are two commemorative plaques in two different cities, each of which claims to be the place where Pierpont purportedly wrote the song in the 1850s. One plaque is in Medford, Massachusetts, where Pierpont is said to have written the song from a tavern while watching sleigh races taking place outside. The other plaque is in Savannah, Georgia, where locals believe Pierpont wrote the lyrics prior to leading a sing-along of the song at a local church in 1857. HL20A250

The First Noel.

"The First Noel" is a beloved Christmas carol that has endured for nearly a millenium. According to Classichistory.net, historians believe “The First Noël” was written as early as the 13th century. During that time, Miracle Plays that depicted Biblical stories were very popular in Europe, and “The First Noël” is believed to have been inspired by those plays. The song tells the story of the birth of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. HL20A301

Silent Night. In 2018, the popular Christmas carol “Silent Night” celebrated the 200th anniversary of its first performance. The lyrics to “Silent Night” were written by Austrian Roman Catholic priest Joseph Mohr in 1816. Over the years, the melody has been credited to the likes of legendary composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. However, a manuscript handwritten by Mohr and discovered in 1995 revealed that the Austrian composer Franz Xaver Gruber composed the music to this beloved song. HL20A253

Amish Heartland

December

'20

– ca l e n d a r o f e v e n t s –

Please use the contact information at the end of each event to confirm its scheduling, or any cancellations or postponements.

A Collingsworth Family Christmas

7 PM. Featuring deft orchestrations of both vocal and instrumental talent, all in one family. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old State Route 39, Sugarcreek, OH 44681 1-855-344-7547 | www.dhgroup.com/theater

04, 05, 06, 11, 12, 13

MALABAR FARM STATE PARK CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOURS

4 - 8 PM (Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12); 1- 4 PM (Dec. 6, 13). Tour Louis Bromfield’s Big House all decked out for the holiday! Enjoy freshly baked cookies and hot cider; you may even see Santa Claus himself! Buy tickets ($5) at the Gift Shop. Contact Malabar State Park for more information. 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas, OH 44843 malabar.farm.parks@dnr.state.oh.us 419-892-2784 | www.malabarfarm.org/events

December

HISTORIC Churches Walking Tour

Downtown Wooster, Fri 5 PM. Come celebrate the holiday season by exploring our historic churches! www.mainstreetwooster.org/upcoming-events

LIVE MUSIC—BAREFOOT McCOY

6 – 9 PM. Guggisberg Swiss Inn & Doughty Glen Winery 5025 OH-587, Millerburg, OH 44654 330-893-3600 | http://www.guggisbergswissin.com/events

SCHROCK'S CHRISTMAS DOWN ON THE FARM

12 Noon - 5 PM. Bring the kids out for sleigh rides, gingerbread house decorating, Christmas cutout cookies, great food and much more! The entire farm is decked out for the holidays, this is one event you won't don't want to miss. Schrock's Amish Farm, 4363 State Route 39, Berlin, Ohio 44610 330-893-3232 | www.TistheSeasonChristmas.com

– F e at u r e d E v e n t –

Thru Dec. 23 |

THE GÜT LIFE: CHRISTMAS WITH THE YODERS AND NICK (A Yuletide Comedy)

This show will run Nov. 13 through DECEMBER 23, 2020. Visit OhioStarTheater.com for full schedule and details. An unexpected knock. An unplanned guest. One unforgettable night. Location: Ohio Star Theater, 1357 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek, OH 44681 1-855-344-7547 | http://www.dhgroup.com/theater

LOUDONVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE & SHOP HOP

1-3 PM. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season with our annual parade. Starts 2:00 PM. Line- Up 1 – 1:30 PM. Downtown stores are open with holiday sales and refreshments. Main Street, Loudonville, Ohio 44842 419-994-4789 | www.loudonvillechamber.com

Shopping Under the Stars in Berlin

5-9 PM, Berlin Main Street Merchants, Berlin, OH 44610 http://www.visitberlinohio.org

LEHMAN'S NORTH POLE MEET & GREET

10 AM – 2 PM. Come enter a winter wonderland at Lehman's! This year, Santa has cleared his schedule and will be joining Mrs. Claus here at the store to meet you! Plus shop the store to find the perfect last minute gift for everyone on your list young and old and even the hard to shop for!. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron. 800-438-5346 |www.lehmans.com/storeevents

county line museum open house

12 Noon – 3 p.m. Parking at Shreve Mobil, Farmers National bank and downtown parking lots. Handicap parking at rear of museum, entering alley off East Robinson Street. Adults $2.00 and children 12 and younger are free. County Line Historical Society Museum, 281 N. Market St., Shreve, Ohio (State Route 226) countylinehistoricalsociety@gmail.com 330-464-4382 | www.shreveohio.com Amish Heartland

–CL ASSIC FRUITCAKE– Taylor-Made For The Holiday Season

the holiday SEASON is steeped in tradition, and many of those traditions figure to be compromised to some degree in 2020. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 that began in the winter of 2019-20 has affected holidays and how people celebrate for much of the year. St. Patrick’s Day was the first holiday to be affected by COVID-19, as communities across the globe canceled celebrations or scaled them back considerably. For example, the world renowned St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City was canceled in 2020, and many other holiday celebrations had to shift course as well.

the holiday tradition of baking fruitcake continues this holiday season.

While family gatherings to celebrate holidays like Easter, the Fourth of July and Labor Day may have been downsized in 2020, one staple of such celebrations has endured: food. That trend figures to continue throughout the 2020 holiday season. In-person dinners may or may not be possible, but families can still take to their kitchens and do some holiday baking, ultimately sharing their bounties with relatives, friends and neighbors.

Cake Directions. Preheat the oven to 325 F. If the

Though it might not have as many devotees as holiday cookies, fruitcake is a must-have for many during the holiday season. This recipe for “Fruitcake” from Jeanne Sauvage’s “Gluten-Free Baking For the Holidays” (Chronicle Books) can help holiday celebrants ensure 12

December

Fruit Directions. The day before you bake the cake,

prepare the macerated fruit. Place the raisins, prunes, dates, and figs in a large bowl. Add the citrus peel, cherries, ginger, lemon zest and juice, and orange zest and juice. Add the marmalade, jam, applesauce, and brandy and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and let stand overnight at room temperature so that the fruits soak up the liquid and the flavors meld. The mixture can macerate in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. fruit has been in the refrigerator, bring it to room temperature. Grease the bottom and sides of a 91⁄2- or 10-inch springform pan with butter. Line the bottom with three layers of parchment paper and the sides with one layer of parchment. The batter will be very sticky. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and baking powder. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the brown sugar and beat for 1 minute. Reduce the speed to low, add the vanilla, and beat until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Then beat

for 1 minute longer. Add the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Add the macerated fruit and, with a large wooden spoon, combine with the batter. This requires a bit of strength. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 2 hours, then reduce the oven temperature to 300 F and bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean, about 2 hours. If the cake browns too quickly, you might want to tent it with aluminum foil for the last 2 hours so it doesn’t burn. Remove the cake from the oven and, while it is still hot, pierce it all over with a skewer. Pour the brandy over the top. Place the pan on a wire rack and let the cake cool completely. Remove the sides from the pan and peel the parchment paper from the sides and bottom of the cake. Wrap the cake in waxed paper and place it in an airtight container or wrap it in a few layers of plastic wrap. Leave the cake at room temperature for 3 to 5 days to allow the flavors to meld. If you used alcohol, you may store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Once the cake is sliced, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Jeanne’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Makes 41⁄2 cups Flour Ingredients • • • • •

11⁄4 cups brown rice flour 11⁄4 cups white rice flour 1 cup sweet rice flour 1 cup tapioca flour Scant 2 teaspoons xanthan gum

Flour Directions. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown and white rice flours, sweet rice flour, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum thoroughly. Transfer the mix to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.

Macerated Fruit • 21⁄2 pounds raisins, pitted prunes, pitted dates, and dried figs, finely chopped • 1⁄2 cup candied orange and/or lemon peel, finely chopped • 1⁄3 cup candied or dried cherries, finely chopped • 2⁄3 cup candied or preserved ginger, finely chopped • Grated zest and juice of 1 large lemon • Grated zest and juice of 1 large orange • 1 tablespoon orange or tangerine marmalade • 1 tablespoon apricot jam • 1 cup applesauce • 2 tablespoons brandy, sweet sherry or apple juice

Other Ingredients • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing • 3 cups Jeanne’s Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour (see to the left) • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon ground ginger • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg • 1 teaspoon ground allspice • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature • 2 tablespoons brandy, rum, whiskey, sweet sherry, or apple juice, or as needed

HL20A335

Amish Heartland

around the heartlandd TR = Township Road

SR = State Route

CR = County Road

US = US Route

Includes GPS coordinates

– A tt r act i o n s – 3 Behalt/Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center 5798 CR 77, Millersburg (Berlin)

22 J.M. Smucker Company Store & Cafe 333 Wadsworth Rd., Orrville

33 Guggisberg Cheese 5060 SR 557, Millersburg (Charm)

00 List YOUR business here! By advertising with Amish Heartland

(40.5671534° -81.7815958°)

(40.5246103° -81.8043815°)

(40.802762° -81.763000°)

Call (330) 265-1125

–Dining & Food– 57 Kauffman’s Country Bakery 6013 CR 77, Millersburg (Berlin)

(40.5738493° -81.781379°)

31 Miller’s Bakery 4280 TR 356, Millersburg (Berlin)

(40.5308237° -81.8118837°)

60 Troyer’s Home Pantry 668 W. Main St., Apple Creek

(40.7554854° -81.8442625°)

–Lodging & Camping– 55 Donna’s Premier Lodging 5523 East Street, Berlin

(40.560806° -81.795587°)

56 Holmes with a View 3672 TR 154, Millersburg (Berlin)

(40.508033° -81.801507°)

40 Scenic Hills RV Park 4483 TR 367 NE, Millersburg (Berlin)

(40.5513798° -81.7821696°)

59 Whitetail Ridge Lodge 3058 TR 223, Big Prairie

December

(40.552981° -82.09569899°)

– O u t d o o r S p e c i a lt y– 14 Country View Wicker 2701 SR 557, Baltic

(40.841048° -81.764447°)

13 Kauffman Lawn Furniture 4540 US Rt. 62, Millersburg (40.568729°, -81.784071°)

16 Mt. Hope Fence 7102 CR 77, Millersburg

(40.604204°, -81.779729°)

–Shops & Such– 4 Berlin Leather & Pets 4363 SR 39, Millersburg (Berlin)

22 Hershberger Country Store 50938 Township Rd 220, Baltic

2 Peddler, The 3239 SR 39, Walnut Creek

6 Berlin Village Gift Barn 4755 SH 39, Millersburg (Berlin)

26 Holmes Sew & Vac 4897 W. Main St., Berlin

39 P. Graham Dunn 630 Henry St., Dalton

5 Charm Harness & Boot 4432 CR 70, Charm

27 Homestead Furniture 8233 SR 241, Mt. Hope

40 Pleasant Valley Poultry 3160 Pleasant Valley Rd. SW, Baltic

7 Country HIll Furnishings 4356 Co Hwy 160, Millersburg

28 House of Lace & Primitive Curtains 4550 SR 39, Millersburg

43 Sol’s in Berlin 4914 W. Main St., Berlin

15 Eastwood Furniture 4722 Kidron Rd., Kidron

29 Jake's Handcrafted Oak 8239 TR 562, Holmesville

46 Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts 2131 SR 39, Sugarcreek

17 Erb's Stove Center 4100 SR 39, Millersburg (40.54607° -81.77139°)

34 Lehman's 4779 Kidron Rd., Dalton

50 World Crafts 13100 Emerson Rd., Kidron

19 Gospel Book Store 4900 Oak St., Berlin

36 Mt. Hope Harness 8129 SR 241, Mt. Hope (40.6201379° -81.7842065°)

51 Yoder Bargain Store 7802 Salt Creek Rd., Fredericksburg (40.6750668° -81.834396799°)

21 Greenhouse Shoppe, The 3649 Cleveland Rd., Wooster

38 Parsley Pot 697 CR 1302, Ashland

52 Yoder’s Oak & Cherry 5911 S. Kansas Rd., Apple Creek (40.7281179° -81.7760680°)

(40.5613792° -81.7939588°)

(40.561007°, -81.793194°)

(40.506574° -81.784203°)

(40.619896°, -81.772613°)

(40.7421225 -81.7443897)

(40.7071309° -81.679855°)

(40.8453279° -81.9284401°)

(40.433964°, -81.799479°)

(40.561726° -81.798374°)

(40.6268459° -81.784219°)

(40.5545293° -81.788738099°)

(40.659197° -81.918054°)

(40.741602°, -81.745078°)

(40.8768762° -82.2596821°)

(40.5451448° -81.7386129°)

(40.793873° -81.700984°)

(40.440058° -81.6778544°)

(40.5617104° -81.7991439°)

(40.5172712° -81.6999655°)

(40.7412134° -81.7450194°)

Amish Heartland

–Ashland–

–D over–

16 T.H. 362

T.H. 360

T.H. 365

61 .3 .H

C.H. 1

C.H. 201

T.H. 363

T.H .3

C.H. 77

37 0 6

3 T.H.

T.H. 359

643

Shetle d rR

Miller Rd

643 643

ga rcre ek Rd

Yode r Rd 47

Bollman Rd Rage rsv ille R d

16 6 .H .

557

Shanesville Rd

T.H . 18 4

108

T.H. 18 2

T.H .

114

ht Rd n r ig lde

Steinebrey Ridge Rd

T.H. 183

Farmerstown T.H. 1 6

Smo ke yL a ne R

T.H. 162 64

41 8

T.H. 151

141

557

C Ridherry ge Dr

Sugarcreek

3 T.H. 18

600

4 16

.1 T.H

Row eR d

140 141

T.H. 163

T.H. 184

C.H. 77

Skyline Dr 35

T.H. 166

T.H. 159

T.H. 161

T.H. 188

Pen rod Rd

T.H. 1 59

T.H. 369

T.H .

T.H. 422

T.H. 369

T.H

. 3 67

Hersh berg e

T.H. 40

r Dr

6 T.H. 3 5

T.H. 356

T.H .

114

600

s Dr

Charm

Gerber Valley

140

144

T.H. 194

T.H. 117

T.H .4

114

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.4 T.H

135

T.H. 371

9 T.H. 1

T.H. 444

Simon

T.H. 118

T.H. 406

Oak Ridge Rd

5 T.H. 1

T.H. 12

T.H. 119

– C h a r m & Wa l n u t C r e e k –

515

0 T.H. 42

T. 68

T.H. 157

557

119 119

3 T.H.

T.H. 157

Walnut Creek

T.H. 374

Valley Dr

T.H. 406

T.H. 403

Dr Dr

. 37 T.H

T.H. 401

12 4

135

70 T.H. 3

T.H. 123

T.H. 401

5 . 35

T.H. 36 8

T.H. 372

T.H

See Inset

. 367 T.H

557

on Falc

T.H. 356

bir ing mm

Berlin

T.H . 419

C.H. 201

T.H .1

Parkwood Dr

6 . 62 C .H

T19 .H

. 1013

Dalbey Ln

T.H . 38 0

Berlin

Edgar St S Market St Dryer St T.H. 1016

T.H .3

T.H. 36

366 T.H.

Elm St

Rhin eR

018

T.H. 377

–Berlin–

Wa y n e & H o l m e s C o u n t i e s

42 30

Kidron Rd

60 50

44 51 29 27 36

57 3 59

28 40 17

Amish Heartland

–POINSET TiAS–

Making Them Last Throughout The Year

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POINSET TiAS are synonymous with the holiday season. These colorful plants brighten up homes with their vibrant hues in variations of red, white and pink, making them a holiday decoration many people cannot live without.

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While they’re most visible during the often chilly holiday season, poinsettias prefer warm weather. Poinsettias are native to Central America and originally flourished in an area of southern Mexico. The Aztecs used the plant for decorative and medicinal purposes.

The poinsettia may have remained a regional plant if not for the efforts of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who was the first United States Ambassador to Mexico under President James Madison. Poinsett, who would later found the Smithsonian Institution, had a love of botany and became enamored with the brilliant red plants he saw in Mexico. Eventually, Poinsett began growing the plants at home in South Carolina, and friends and others soon coveted them. Poinsettias are beautiful and the bracts (modified leaves) can be vibrantly colored. That signature vibrancy is why many people would like to preserve their poinsettias to last beyond the New Year, which is possible with the right care. The following are some tips, courtesy of Mother Nature’s Network, Habersham Gardens, Oregon Live, and Phoenix Flower Shops, to keep poinsettias thriving past the holiday season. • Start with healthy plants that have full leaves, bracts and deep colors. • Poinsettias do best when the temperature is between 65 and 75 F. Temperatures below that or drafts from cold windows can cause leaves to drop. • Position the plant in a room that gets indirect

sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sunlight can’t be avoided, diffuse the light with a sheer curtain. • Poinsettias need well-drained soil. Overwatering or allowing roots to sit in wet soil can cause the leaves to fall off prematurely. Water thoroughly only when the pot looks dry. In households with temperatures around 70 F, the plant should be watered about once a week. • Fertilize the plant after the blooming season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. • Try placing poinsettias in or near a bathroom, as they prefer high humidity. It may be possible to get poinsettias to rebloom next season. Allow the poinsettias to dry out a little more in the spring. In May, cut about four inches from each stem to produce a lush, full plant during the winter. The plants can be moved outside in June and during the summer, but keep them away from direct sunlight. Return the poinsettias indoors beginning around October. Make sure the plants get at least 12 hours of darkness per day for around eight weeks in October and November. This will help them develop a deep hue and bloom on time for Christmas. TF19C554 Amish Heartland

–FROM THE DESK OF JAVON– God's Gift To The World Submitted by Javon M iller | Amish Heartland Contributor

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." LUKE 2 : 6 - 1 1

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON is once more upon us. We are nearing the end of one of the most memorable years of our life. We have been thrust into a global pandemic called COVID·19. We have been exposed to one of the most tumultuous election campaigns of, dare I say, history. Our nation's leaders were slinging insults at each other the way that 4 year old children throw 20

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mud at each. It has clearly shown that America's values have dropped to an all time low. All the rioting that is going on is only proving the fact that humanity is showing a life of base depravity. We have a nation that is losing it's spiritual sense of right and wrong.

What is wrong? We only need to look at the coming season and truly seek the meaning of Christmas to understand what is wrong. Jesus Christ gave up his "home" in Heaven and His divinity to become an earthly man. His divinity couId not suffer the death that was required to redeem us from our sinful state. Jesus had to be born of a human birth and live on the Earth so that He could fully intercede for us in the presence of God. One thing to keep in mind, what were the circumstances of His birth? It was not in the upper echelon of society, His birth came to a lowly carpenter. A family that was used to working for a living. Why did he not come as king? Could he truly have understood what we are daily facing if he would have lived in ease and luxury? No, he wanted to live as we do. Jesus wanted to associate with the downtrodden on Earth. His ministry reached out to those that were the outcasts of society. He touched the unclean lepers, he comforted the despised Samaritans, he healed the hated Gentiles, and he changed the lives of corrupt, greedy, and conniving political figures. Jesus truly came to touch the lives of all men. He came so that we might have life and have life more abundantly. To whom was his birth first announced, the lowly shepherds who had no social standing whatsoever. Jesus came for all people on Earth. God loves all people that were ever born and will be born. He has a desire that all people and nations come to know Him intimately. Let's share the Christmas story to those around us and tell them of the love that God showed to us. Let's show the

world that Jesus is more than a baby in a hay manger surrounded by the animals of the stable. Jesus is still alive and lives in the hearts of mankind. Can the world see that He still lives'? Do you and I show those in daily contact with us that we have a hope within us that will never die? Does an aura of love and compassion surround us for all people, races and classes? I want to relate a summary of a story written as a Christmas story in 1939. The story was written by Charles Tazewell. It is titled The Littlest Angel. This story touches my heart every time that I read it. I would encourage everyone to read this short children's story and truly look beyond the story and read the heart of this little angel.

"The Littlest Angel"

There was in heaven a small 4 year angel. Everything he did was wrong. He sang off key, his halo was never straight on his head and always tarnished, he ran through the streets in a most irreverent manner, and he bit his wing tips when he was nervous, which happened often. He couldn't fly and always knocked other angel's wings askew with his blundering habits. He marred the ecclesiastical heavens with his piercing whistles. In short, he was a misfit to the perfection of Heaven.

One day he was called before the angel of peace to see what could be done about this Amish Heartland

blemish of paradise. The Littlest Angel tried to clean up as best as he could which was still not very clean. With great trepidation, he approached this angel of peace. There he found an angel that was singing in the most beautiful and merry voice. The small angel tried to make himself invisible but he could not. This feared angel of peace was known as the Understanding AngeL He asked in a kind voice what was the matter.

Finally someone showed compassion instead of disdain to this poor little soul. The littlest angel shared how at 4 years old, he had to leave all that was dear and familiar. He was homesick. He was not perfect and was not accustomed to this perfect world and it's acceptable behavior. As much as he tried, every effort failed him. He longed for the beauties of the world that his mother had brought him into. In a perfect place like heaven, there was no place for a bumbling boy like him, he simply could not measure up to the expectations that were set for him.

This Understanding Angel thought back to a time when he himself was a little boy, oh so long ago. He asked the poor downhearted little fellow what would make his life happy. The little angel thought a moment and then said that back at home under his old bed was a small box, if he could only have that he would be happy. His wish was granted and from then on he was the happiest angel in God's kingdom.

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The day came that an important announcement was made. Everyone was to make a gift, for the Son of God was to be born into the world. All the angels started to work to produce their finest. The little fellow sat and thought on his options. He could not compose a song or prayer. He had nothing worthy of the honor to present.

The great day arrived! He had a brilliant inspiration. He would give that little box that brought such a thrill to his young heart. He took it and laid it out with the rest of the angels gifts. And then ... the beauty of his crude box was lost in the splendor of the rest. He was ashamed, but it was too late! God reached down and picked it up. As he opened it, the little angel cried tears of remorse and ran in terror! But he stumbled in his old familiar way and tumbled to the foot of God. God opened the box and it displayed a butterfly, a bird's egg, stones from the creek, and a chewed on dog collar from his favorite pet. A dreadful silence had filled the heavens. The only sound was the heart-broken sobbing of the poor little fellow.

But, God said that this was the gift He was looking for. It was of His own creation. He said that His son would appreciate and treasure the very things that the people of earth derive pleasure from. God sent this into the heavens to shine for eternity as a star.

â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ This story is an accurate definition of my own insufficiency in myself. We are like this little angel in God's eyes. Our human efforts do nothing but tarnish our presentation before God. But once we bare ourselves to the Prince of Peace, then and only then can our hearts sing with joy. We can then be transformed into a new creature that those around us see as a changed person. We then become a joy to be around instead of a blemish in the fabric of God's perfectness. However, like this little fellow, we do not find this treasure made with our own hands, it is only what God has provided that will suffice. When we stand before God on that final day, our own efforts will cause us to tremble when we recognize our

own insufficiency. However, God has promised us that if we cling to Him and allow His work to manifest itself in our life, we will be found acceptable to Him. We are then promised eternity in the glories of heaven. Jesus came and gave you and me a chance at life. We can be a blessing to those around us as we share God's love. Remember the story of the Littlest Angel: of ourselves we are insufficient. But in the power of God, we are transformed from a rough unsightly box to an eternal "star" in heaven. I just encourage everyone to read the above story and then also continually read and meditate on the true story, the Bible, and allow God to speak to your heart and mold you into a vessel that He canuse. Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Jesus wants us to accept Him and be with him in eternity. The answers to all life's questions are found in His Word. He has given us a guide, the Holy Spirit, to guide us and direct our path in this life. Will you accept Him as your Saviour or will you keep him in the cradle? Please consider the wonderful things that He can do with your life, if you allow him transform you. John 17:22-24, (Jesus prayed) "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world."

John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace."

God has promised us that if we cling to Him and allow His work to manifest itself in our life, we will be found acceptable to Him. We are then promised eternity in the glories of heaven.

Respectfully submitted,

J.M.

J av o n M i l l e r

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– F i n d t h e B u gg y W h e e l – Rules for entry: Somewhere in this issue you’ll find a buggy wheel. It may be tucked in an ad, in a picture or placed somewhere else on a page. It won’t be just any buggy wheel, but just like one of the wheels at the right. Clip the entr y form below and mail it to: Amish Heartl and Puzzle 212 E. Libert y St. Wo oster , OH 44691 Entries must be postmarked by December, 2020, Winners will receive a free gift from one of our Amish Heartland advertisers. The November buggy wheel was on page 12. Cong ratulations to our November w inner, Joyce Wolhever of Welling ton, OH,

I FOUND THE BUGGY WHEEL ON PAGE NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: MY FAVORITE PART OF AMISH HEARTL AND:

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We Wish you a Restful Winter Full of Joy and Warmth. Thank you for your support and readership this past year. You make it possible for us to share all that the Heartland has to offer. Though this is our final issue for 2020, we look forward to bringing you a new issue in

March 2021.

Sincerely, â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Amish Heartland Family

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