VOL. 8 NO. 9
Dec. 4, 2013
Tight Lies and Timberdoodles
Inside This Issue ...
By Patrick Robinson
I
t’s that time of year again. The day’s light is slowly fading and the changing colors have shown themselves. Every new morning is ushered in with a new chill in the air that rejuvenates the lungs with each breath. You look around and see the squirrels and chipmunks busily collecting what they can find for their winter caches. As you look skyward you notice the activity of birds is ever increasing. These are all signs of the cold season that is drawing nigh. And now, snow will be falling and the throws of winter will be upon us. But hold on, wait just a second! What about those fabulous days of fall? Fall, although almost past, has been a favorite time for many people and hunters are no exception. The beautiful colors, cooling temperatures and ever-shortening days drive even the most complacent homebodies to spend more time in the outdoors. I for one don’t need much driving. If the time is available, I am going to take advantage of it. In fact just the other day, I found some of that availability and decided to capitalize on it. With the looming busyness of steelhead season just a week away, it was now or never. For several weeks, I had been dreaming of the subtle whistle of
Middlefield Village Page 6
Local Schools Pages 10-12
“Out ‘N’ About” Page 17
Plain Pages Pages 13-15
Be Thrifty This Yuletide
PreSort Std U.S. Postage PAID Middlefield, OH 44062 Permit No. 77
By Nancy Huth
o you need holiday stuff? Want bargains? Want to exchange your Christmas decorations for someone else’s? Most importantly, do you want to help those less fortunate? If so, then head to the Thrift Shop at the United Methodist Church, 14999 S. State Ave. (Route 608) in Middlefield (44062). Although the Thrift Shop operates all year, Christmas is its busiest and most profitable time. Right after Thanksgiving volunteers come to clear out and price items in the Christmas storage closet, now bursting with Santas, angels, bells and poinsettias. The Christmas Bazaar will be held on the first three weekends in December on Fridays and Saturdays. On Dec. 6 and 7 it will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Dec 13,14, 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. The “Be Thriftee Shoppe,” as it was originally called, is an old institution;
Postal Customer Local / ECRWSS
D
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
Middlefield Post P.O. Box 626 Middlefield, OH 44062
some Woodcock?” He had no clue what they were, but in contrast to staying home on his day off school, it seemed the better option. After all, isn’t every young boy up for adventure? I was very excited for the opportunity to see some new ground, so we loaded up the truck, kenneled the dog and we were off to visit a patch down the road from my house that I had never hunted. Upon arrival, we got the guns out, made sure we had all the necessities such There lay a place in a distant wood, out there, somewhere, as collars, leashes, cameras, that many a soul won’t go. and ammunition, and off we It’s a place too tight for the timid type, went. In all honesty, I didn’t that challenges the spirit so. expect to see a whole lot, as But in the midst of such cover, there is a place like no other, my past trips (more than I where the woodcock will always be found. would like to count) were less And on those days, when life’s pressures are delayed, than productive. In fact, in the my feet will be found on such ground. last two years, for whatever ~ By Patrick “Flybum” Robinson reason, I went without a single flush on Woodcock. Needless to say, it was getting under my skin. It was affecting my Woodcock wings and this day seemed as confidence. Something had to change. good as any to get out and hunt them. The After a short time afield, we came previous few days of hard frosts and cooler into what I would consider prime lies for temps to the north had me thinking that I Woodcock. My dog was working with might be able to get some flight birds. So, all the excitement you would expect with the desire burning deep within and for the first outing of the year and was a dog that was going ballistic at the sign covering ground well. Within moments, I of hunter orange, I looked at my son and noticed she was getting birdy. With all of said, “What do you think about going after Continued on page 8
this is its 41st year. Esther Smallwood Schinagle and Maude Warne Lorson started it in 1972. It has been a source of revenue for many projects of the United Methodist Women, but also provides a valuable service to the community by enabling others to purchase good, usable clothing and household items at minimal cost. The shop also contributes items to families who have suffered a loss by fire or other tragedy. Three bulging rooms in the church basement are used for storing, sorting and selling donated items. The most sought after things are clothing and bed linens. Approximately 40 to 45 people make use of the Thrift Shop on Fridays and Saturdays during the year from 9 a.m. to Santa’s elves at the Thrift Shop of the United Methodist noon. Your donations are accepted at this Church are (l-r) Ed Pollari and Naomi Pollari (seated) Continued on page 2 Shirley Siracki. Post Photo/Nancy Huth