PC03282012 by Scott Jones

{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS} Vol. 4 No. 3

March 28, 2012

Amish Heritage Center

By Sarah Miller Work is progressing at the Old Settler’s Village as it is being turned into an Amish Heritage Center. Architect Ann Dunning was hired and her plan approved. The building is being gutted in preparation for an interior designed for the needs of the Center. A Heritage Center has been in the thoughts of many for a long while. Well over a year ago, Joe Miller (of Joe’s Window Shop in Burton) began looking for a place for an Amish Center. His first thought was Burton, at the Century Village. More than a year passed and no decision was made about location. Then, Joe heard that the Vancura Gallery at the Old Settler’s Village in Middlefield was available for lease or sale. Middlefield is more in the center of our Amish Community, therefore the decision to turn sights on the Old Settler’s Village was obviously a good choice. Ken Lawton, son of Florian Lawton, painter, became involved. Ken is the director of the Florian K. Lawton Foundation. For over 50 years, Florian produced many paintings and sketches of the Amish. Ken felt that becoming a part of the efforts toward an Amish Heritage Center was a fine way to

honor Florian’s interest in and care for the Amish. Plans grow day by day! Joe Miller, Eli Miller, Crist Miller and Sam Weaver act as the committee to guide them. At this point we know that the main gallery will be divided into different rooms including an Amish kitchen with a kitchen stove, porcelain sink, ice box, and a showcase with jams and jellies. The showcase will have a light underneath to make it sparkle. One room will be divided into a reading room with many books, some old, some new and a church room in service. A leather and woodworking shop will occupy other rooms. Continued on page 3

Mark your calendar!

There will be an Amish Wedding Dinner and Live and Silent Auction at Joe’s Window Shop to help raise funds for the Amish Heritage Center Friday evening, April 13. Carryouts 3:3 to 5 p.m. and dine in at 5 p.m. All are welcome!

Next issue Plain Country– April 18. Submission deadline–Monday, April 2. Advertising deadline–April 6. Please send the information to share to Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062, or call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year.

Plain Country

March 28, 2012

In This Issue ...

Anniversary ........................................................02 Birthdays............................................................... 02 Bits and Pieces of Yesterday........................... 06 Bookmobile News............................................. 08 Books in Review................................................. 08 Children’s Immunization Clinics................... 02 From Our Schools ............................................. 04 Greetings from Garrettsville.......................... 08 Greetings from the Plain Community........ 04 Hello from Amish Crossing Corner.............. 06 Hello from Huntsburg...................................... 06 Katherine’s Korner............................................. 04 Lines by Linda..................................................... 07 Mom’s Diary......................................................... 05 Nutrient Dense Gardening ...........................06 Obituaries ...........................................................02 Parkman Pathways............................................ 07 Plain Country’s Community Events ............02 Plain Fun............................................................... 09 Recipes.................................................................. 03 Wanted for our next issue............................. 02

{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS} Publisher: the Fontanelle group inc Editorial Coordinators: Jacquie Foote and Joe & Sarah Miller Staff Writers: Katherine M. Byler, Barbara Ann Detweiler and Donnie Miller Contributing Writers: William Bender, Daniel Fisher, Ellen Hershberger, Rachel Miller and Linda Weaver Mailing Address: P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 Phone: 440-632-0782 v 440-834-8900 v Fax: 440-834-8933 Published Every Three Weeks – Free of Charge

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year

Happy Birthday!! March 28 March 28 March 28 March 28 March 29 March 29 March 30 March 30 March 30 March 30 March 30 March 31 March 31 March 31 April 1 April 1 April 1 April 1 April 2 April 2 April 2 April 3 April 4 April 4 April 4 April 4 April 4 April 4 April 5 April 5 April 5 April 5 April 5 April 5 April 5 April 6 April 6 April 6 April 6 April 6 April 7 April 7 April 7 April 7 April 7 April 8

Leanna Mae Coblentz (21) Elizabeth Miller (31) Billy Miller (22) Mrs. Allen Miller (Lizzie) Rebecca S. Yoder (14) Linda Miller (65) James E. Troyer (27) Kathryn Kurtz (Bill) (11) Danny F. Mullet (36) (Grandma) Martin (Sarah) Miller Sharon Gingerich Kaylie Miller (2) Edna Mae Miller (17) Aaron M. Byler (12) Mrs. Gertie Byler (59) Barbara Ann Detweiler (45) Mrs. Clara Kurtz (45) Bill J. Miller (52) Mrs. Rhoda Byler (35) Katherine W. Detweiler (12) Mrs. (Paul) Mary Ann Mast Robert Yoder (30) Christopher Hershberger (7) Christine Hershberger (7) Paul Weaver Ada (Mrs. Ken) Byler Leah Ruth Coblentz (5) Mrs. Kathryn Byler (36) Melvin Ray Shetler (51) Cindy Miller (11) Esther V. Miller (21) Mrs. (Jonas) Esther Schmucker(68) Kathryn J. Yoder (18) Jonas D. Schlabach (13) Kathryn R. Miller (2) Lester J. Byler (Big 50) Kathryn Yutzy (6) Mrs. Katie Miller (47) Joe J. S. Miller (70) Owen E. Byler (25) Jacob (Aaron) Shetler (14) Jonathan (Aaron) Shetler (14) Mrs. (John) Emma Kurtz (61) Richard J. Miller (41) Dorothy S. Yoder (3) James Troyer Jr. (3)

April 8 April 8 April 8 April 8 April 9 April 9 April 9 April 9 April 10 April 10 April 10 April 10 April 10 April 11 April 11 April 11 April 11 April 11 April 12 April 12 April 13 April 13 April 14 April 15 April 15 April 17

Mrs. Joanne Schmucker (41) Michael Yutzy (23) Mrs. (Harvey) Alma Byler (79) Jonathon W. Miller (5) James Miller (15) Robert C. Hershberger (47) Mrs. Rebecca Weaver (35) Robert W, Miller (18) Ruthie J. Yoder (16) Alan Ray Miller (4) Ruth Ann Miller (18) Leona A. Mullet (6) Ruthie D. Mullet (5) Mary V. Miller (20) Ada Marie Miller (6) Cindy Byler (11) Edna M. Miller (45) Mrs. Verna Byler (33) Mrs. (Bill) Ada Byler (63) Sarah R. Miller (15) Paul E. Gingerich Paul S. Gingerich (Special) (54) Eli P. Weaver (73) Mrs. (Monroe) Sally Detweiler(73) Susan J. Miller (16) William W. Miller Jr. (22)

Plain Country’s Community

Events

nonprofit amish benefits & events are published at no charge

Send to: Plain Country Events, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 or call 440-834-8900 | fax 440-834-8933 The following events will be held at Joe’s Window Shop (Corner of Shedd Road and Route 168) Benefit Barbecue Chicken Dinner with Live and Silent Auction For Mumford Road School Friday, March 30 Carry outs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Dine in starting at 5 p.m. Everyone welcome! Benefit Amish Wedding Dinner with Live and Silent Auction For Amish Heritage Center Friday, April 13 Carry outs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Dine in starting at 5 p.m. Everyone welcome. Donations welcome for silent and live auction.

Belated Happy Birthday March 10 March 10 March 10 March 11 March 12 March 14 March 14 March 16 March 22 March 22 March 23 March 26 March 26 March 27 March 27

Anna Marie Miller (26) Lorene Gingerich Barbara Hostetler Erwin Byler (66) Bobby Miller (21) Marvin M. Byler (69) Uria Bender Ada Byler (74) Nancy Byler (55) Linda Gingerich Marty Miller (31) Elva Miller (33) Marty Miller (8) Sue Kennedy (51) Sarah Miller (18)

Pet Neuter Day Saturday, April 28 To schedule, call 440- 834 - 0326

Wanted

for our next issue Please write in and share some . . . - Favorite single-dish dinners - Recipies for homemade cleaning,

Happy Anniversary

gardening, or cooking products

- Anything from the past others would

William and Anna Bender, married March 18, 1961

be interested in.

- Benefits after April 18 - News from the schools - Birthdays and anniversaries - Tell Us a Story–send in stories or tidbits from the past, stories with morals, or Bible based stories, stories you like to tell, or stories that have been told to you Information for next edition must be received by April 2 to be included.

Children’s Immunization Clinics

Geauga County General Health District hosts local children’s immunization clinics. Immunizations for children and adolescents are free of charge for all Geauga County residents regardless of income. For non-Geauga residents, there is a $5 fee per child, per visit.

MIDDLEFIELD CLINICS Second Wednesday, April 11 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Third Thursday, April 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. Third Wednesday, April 19 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Clinics will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. NEWBURY TOWNSHIP CLINIC Wednesday, May 23 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at Grace Evangelical Bible Church, 14951 Auburn Road, Newbury.

Send to: Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 Pho: 440-632-0782 or

Fax:

440-636-9842

In Memoriam

Alma V. Miller, 70, of West Farmington, entered eternal rest March 15, 2012. She was born March 3, 1942 to the late Valentine A. and Malinda (Byler) Miller. Alma married Joseph J. Miller on Dec.15, 1966. She was a lifelong resident of the West Farmington area and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. Alma enjoyed birdwatching and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Alma will be missed by her loving husband; children, Ida Mae (Mark) Moore of West Farmington, Daniel (Lynda) Miller of West Farmington, Lorina (Donnie) Weaver of Carrollton, Betty (David) Miller of Carrollton, Joe Jr. (Karen) Miller of West Farmington, Rebecca (Paul C.) Miller of West Farmington, Benjamin Miller of West Farmington; nine brothers; two sisters; 32 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by: her parents, one brother, and two sisters. Alma’s final resting place is in Clark Road Cemetery in West Farmington. Online condolences may be sent to www. bestfunerals.com. Anne Marie Troyer, 3.5 years, of Parkman, was granted her angel wings Wednesday afternoon following an accident at home. She was born Aug. 13, 2008 to David M. and Katie D. (Mullet) Troyer. Anne will be missed by her loving parents; paternal grandparents, Mose J. and Anna Marie (Glick) Troyer; maternal grandmother, Betty J. (Gingerich) Mullet; brothers, David Samuel Troyer and Christopher Troyer; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, David L. Mullet. Anne’s final resting place is in Yoder Cemetery in Parkman. Online condolences may be sent to www.bestfunerals.com. Lydia Miller, age 78 lifelong resident of Middlefield passed away March 16, 2012 at Briar Hill Health Care Residence in Middlefield. “Together again” with her husband Eli Miller who died in 2004, they were married on April 15, 1954 in Parkman, and were together for 50 loving years before he died. Lydia was born on Aug. 5, 1933 in Parkman, daughter of Noah and Lydia (Miller) Miller. She was a homemaker and a member of Maple View Mennonite Church in Burton. Her hobbies included baking cookies with her grandchildren, sewing, putting jigsaw puzzles together, and especially loved spending time with her family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She will be missed dearly by her friends and family; six children, John E. (Sandra) Miller of Lyndhurst, Barb (Ken) Detweiler of Huntsburg, Noah (Linda) Miller of Montville, Marie (Bob) Whelchel of Thompson, Susan Miller of Middlefield, and Eli Miller Jr. of Sarasota, Fla..; two brothers, Neil Miller of Virginia, Joe Miller of Missouri, eight grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Eli; her parents; and 12 brothers and sisters. Burial was held at Maple View Cemetery. Online condolences at www. russellfuneralservicesusa.com.

March 28, 2012

Plain Country

s e p i c Re rs

Amish Heritage Center Continued from page 1

hbo

eig from the n

Vegetable Pizza

Submitted by Barbara Ann Detweiler Crust: 2 cups flour 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup shortening 3/4 cups milk Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add shortening. Mix as for a pie dough. Add milk. Roll out and put on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool. Filling: 8 ounces cream cheese 8 ounces sour cream 1/2 package ranch dressing mix Cauliflower, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, etc, cut into small pieces Sugar to taste 8 ounces shredded cheese Mix cream cheese, sour cream and ranch dressing; mix well. Spread on crust. Sprinkle vegetables over crust and shredded cheese over vegetables. Cut and serve.

In the big room on the main floor will be quilts and other crafts, some of which will be for sale. There will be a quilt in frame for those who want to try their hand at quilting. At some point, there will also be quilting lessons offered. One of our local Amish man has been asked to help paint a mural showing the Amish coming over from Europe and how we have progressed. We are hoping to add vegetable and flower gardens in time for the opening in midJune. As you can imagine, many Amish and non-Amish are working on this project. This includes a crew ready to start rebuilding the interior of the Center. We hope this project will dispel many of the misconceptions about the Amish and give the non-Amish public a better understanding of our Amish way of life. We intend to keep you informed as the project moves ahead. So, stay tuned …

Greetings from the

Plain Community By Donnie Miller March 13 ... It is time for the next letter for the Plain Country. The warm spring weather is the most talked about subject. We had better enjoy it as it can change overnight or even in the next hour! Makes one want to get our hands in the soil. May try to plant some radishes and lettuce while it is so nice. This week’s sunshine will probably put an end to the maple syrup season, which has been decent this year. We all wondered about the season after our mild winter. Which goes to show the weather within the season is what counts! This writer had been laid up with the

Peach Slush

Submitted by Rachel Miller 2 plus 1/2 cups sugar 3 cups boiling water 1 (12 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate 1 (12 ounce) can crushed pineapple 18 ounces 7-Up 4 cups chopped peaches

stomach flu and could not attend church last Sunday. With my history of stomach blockage, the children were concerned, but so far I am improving. Our children all came home Sunday afternoon and Dad soon felt better. Our sympathy to the Robert W. Detweiler family on the passing of their son Robert Jr. Robert Jr. was 7 months and 9 days old. He passed away in Rainbow Babies’ and Children’s Hospital of a lung problem. Our sympathy also to David Troyers when their daughter Ann Marie was killed in an accident on their farm. She was 3 years old. Also, our thoughts were in Chardon because of the tragic happening. It brought tears to my eyes reading how two of the boys were donors. Some families were grief stricken, and others were rejoicing! It is only March, but our thoughts are in the garden already. I wish my garden fever would be as strong in the summer when it is weed-pulling time. We pulled out our strawberry plants last fall. So we have to order new plants to put in this year. Now we must beg strawberries from our friends this summer.

Dissolve 2 cups sugar in boiling water. Add orange juice concentrate. Add 1/2 cup sugar and peaches. Add rest of ingredients and stir well. Freeze in containers. Very refreshing treat!

My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then, she stops to breathe. Jimmy Durante

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Company Potato Casserole Submitted by Sarah Miller

5 cups cooked potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 1/2 cups sour cream 1 plus 1 /4 cups Swiss cheese, shredded 1/2 cup carrots, shredded 1/4 cup onions, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dill weed 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon paprika In a bowl, combine potatoes, sour cream, 1 cup cheese, carrots, onions, parsley, salt, dill and pepper. Transfer to a greased 8 inch square baking dish. Sprinkle with paprika and remaining cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes or until bubbly.

Vanilla Pudding

Submitted by Barbara Ann Detweiler 10 1/2 + 1 cups milk 3 cups white sugar 6 egg yolks 1 cup cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla Heat the 10 1/2 cups milk. As milk is heating, mix sugar and corn starch, and then add the 1 cup milk until a smooth paste is formed. Add yolks, salt and vanilla. Add sugar mixture to milk as it just begins to boil. Cook until thickened.

Bible Trivia Answers (from page 9) 1. Love 6. Glory 2. Abraham 7. Philistine 3. Blasphemy 8. Davis 4. Silas 9. Isaiah 5. Job 10. Sweat

Plain Country

March 28, 2012

FROM OUR

SCHOOLS

Windsor Mills School

Submitted by Barbara Ann Detweiler Teacher Wilma asked her students to draw pictures of how they think they’ll look when they’re 100 years old. They also wrote about themselves at that age. Some of these were printed in the Feb. 16 edition of the Plain Country. Here are the others! I feel … old, wrinkly and worn out. I sometimes sit in my cozy chair and read a book and get a maid to do my work. But I like to be out on the porch and get fresh air.

I’m going to feel very old. Whew, 100 years old. I am not going to be able to walk; then, all I do is sit in my chair. Oh, how lazy. My grandchildren are going to come to visit me. 

I feel kind of shaky the last while, can’t even write a letter (sigh). Can almost not see. I don’t have a good memory, either. I can faintly remember something about a schoolhouse and a teacher. Can’t remember her name (sigh). Oh, my bones ache so much. Groan!

By Amanda Byler, Grade 7

Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery ■

I don’t feel quite good, but I think I can make it. My arm doesn’t feel good. I almost can’t stand it any more. My legs hurt. I almost can’t walk on them anymore. My head hurts and my throat hurts. It’s not fun hurting all over; I almost can’t work. All I do is sit on my Lazyboy and do the chores.

By Sara Kempf, Grade 6

I feel old and grim. In my little house all day. Old, old maid, I am. My cane is to help me walk. My crooked little finger is pointing at you while I tell about the 1900s. 

By Katie Byler, Grade 6

By Norman Miller, Grade 4

By Esther Byler, Grade 6

I feel like an old, old Mommy … old and wrinkled. I feel like I can’t walk any. I need to sit down and rest. I can’t work too much either. I just sit and sew a lot. Do you, too? 

Eric M. Parsons, M.D.

I feel old clumsy and tired all the time. I feel I should have a maid. I feel I’m going to fall down any time.

I feel like I am very, very, very old and can’t do anything more. I just have to sit down and relax.

By Christina Byler, Grade 4

By Malinda Byler, Grade 4

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And the horses suffer as well, when the weather warms up and they’re working with their winter coat on. It’s unbelievable, the weather we’re having in March, of all times. We humans are also shedding our winter coats much of the time. It was a good year for the syrup makers; the hard work paid off, no doubt. The church ladies in our district had a super time at (John) Betty Weaver’s recently. A breakfast haystack meal was served, a Chinese auction followed, to benefit a church family. And we got to take in the sale at Betty’s store, Grandma’s Fabrics. Mrs. (Henry Jr.) Kathy Miller is recuperating slowly from major surgery. Meals are being taken in and a sunshine box fixed up. Dan and Sarah Detweiler are still making doctor visits for checkups. Hope they continue on their road to health, and miss most of the potholes. Speaking about holes, for once will mention a fairly good road … Gates. It’s easier than to list the holey ones which does no good anyway. In my travels hither and yon, there are never roads in the condition of the Trumbull County areas. There! I’ve said it again. Which reminds me, if you have trouble falling asleep, count the days to Christmas, or to another special date. It often works for me … falling asleep before finishing, waking again and still counting! Never before this do I recall sitting outside by the campfire before mid-March. But that’s what we did on a warm Sunday eve. Soon a golf ball whizzed by and son John said, with a sigh, “It’s going to be a long summer.” They have five healthy boys to contend with, and only one girl. That’s exactly half of what my parents “tried to” raise.

Crist J. S. and better half and yours truly and mine visited at Sam and Emma Fishers one evening recently. It was very enjoyable even though Ray and Kathy Mullet (their daughter) couldn’t be there. They wanted to go to his Mom’s, Martha Mullet, to welcome her back from Florida. The John I. Troyers mentioned in last issue’s old diary of Sarah Miller’s were grandparents of Mrs. John E. Mullet (Mary Ellen) of Newcomb Road. Twas written they had the first Amish baby born in Geauga County in 1886. If this is the same family, they must have moved back to Holmes County before the year 1900. “MUST HAVE” … that brings me to a pet peeve of mine. It is never proper to use “of” in place of “have” following some words such as must, could, would and should. “Should’ve” means ‘should have” but sounds like “should of” and many times that’s how it goes on paper. ‘Nuff said. Oh, didn’t write yet about Enos Barkman’s scooter ride. I understand it was quite a fast one, and still upright at the end. Whew! Thankfully it was a dream. Must also reveal that the tomato juice Wayne Detweiler and son Andrew used to wash the dog was pizza sauce. They had no tomato juice. Suffice it to say, Andrew does not look forward to helping to scrub the dog in future. I spent four days in Carroll County with daughter Elizabeth, hubby Wayne B. and five children. It was over Sunday and was along to church at brother John’s place. That was a rarity. We went shopping one forenoon to a Goodwill Store, a Ben Franklin store and others. Then, of course, we went to the Dairy Queen for refreshments. Carroll County is about 70 miles south of us. AND they read this paper as does Mrs. Albert (Sylvia) Miller from Mio, Mich., or so I was informed. She probably shares with her globetrotting hubby. Former Geaugians, they spent a two or three weeks vacation in a southern clime. Do I sound green with envy? But now it’s so beautiful in good old Ohio, for which we are so thankful!

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Saturday, Feb. 25: Lots of snow on the ground! Wayne drove Rose Edna and Laura down to his Momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to clean her house. Katherine and I were busy here at home. Andrew cooked sap and got 1/2 pint of syrup which never made it to the house. He drank it instantly. Sunday, Feb. 26: To church, then home to rest and read. It warmed up a lot, so the snow is disappearing fast. Monday, Feb. 27: We heard of the school shooting in Chardon. I do believe God is speaking to us. The snow is mostly gone. Tuesday, Feb. 28: My grocery day. A very normal day. Wednesday, Feb. 29: Leap day. I sewed a dress for myself, and then did other odds and ends. It rained most of the day, so there are little rivers all over the yard. John started a carpentering job today. So, from now on, my day will start at 4 a.m. There was a thunderstorm tonight and it hailed good size chunks of ice. Wayne, John, Andrew and Katherine were caught in it, so they were wet and cold when they got home. Thursday, March 1: My Dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday is today, so we all went down and took ice cream. Brothers John and Steven and families were there also. Friday, March 2: I baked eight pies and a big batch of cinnamon rolls all to take along to sister Elizabeth and Wayne tomorrow. Saturday, March 3: John went to work and the rest of us went down to Carroll County to sister Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and family. Mom stayed and will come home next Wednesday.

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Sunday, March 4: Rested at home all day. It snowed again. Monday, March 5: Rose Edna is home this week, so she did laundry today. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big help. The syrup makers are still cooking away. Again, the snow didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stick around. Tuesday, March 6: A normal workday in the Detweiler household! Wednesday, March 7: What a beautiful day it was! It would be nice to clean up in the woods, etc. but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so very wet. Thursday, March 8: All the girls and I went to pick up Mom and go to my Great Aunt Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for a visit. She turned 90 last fall. Friday, March 9: We went to Wayneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister Barbara and Leroy Benderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for the evening. Saturday, March 10: Another beautiful day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so nice to dry laundry these days. Sunday, March 11: To church, then we walked two miles down to Wayneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aunt Savilla for a short visit. Monday, March 12: Rain again, so thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mud all over. The children came home from school all mud splattered, but at least they had fun playing on the playground! Tuesday, March 13: I organized a treasure hunt for the schoolchildren and teachers. They ended up in our basement for snacks and drinks. Wednesday, March 14: It was 70 degrees! Wow! Betty and Norma are into playing tetherball. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what they do most of the evenings. Thursday, March 15: We got word this afternoon that my Aunt Alma (Mrs. Joe Miller) died. She was hit by a car while walking down the road. She had just turned 70 years old. I went down to their house for awhile tonight. It is such a shock. Friday, March 16: Another quiet day ay home. Our thoughts are with Uncle Joe and family. We want to go to the viewing tomorrow and the funeral on Sunday.

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Plain Country

March 28, 2012

They live in Lancaster, Pa. but spend the winter months in Florida. The weather was perfect! Eighty degrees plus some days. ď &#x160; Debbie lives in Ocoee which is two hours north of Sarasota. She took me on a ferry ride through a canal where we saw many different birds, an eagleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nest with three young eagles, alligators, snakes and more. In this forest, nothing has been taken out or brought in for By Sarah Miller over 100 years. If a tree falls, it is cut March 12, 2012 up and left there. There is one tree Ah! We are still having spring-like still standing they say has been there since weather. Pussywillows are in bloom and B.C.! This was in Mt. Dora. Another highlight crocus are blooming, too. Will they get their was meeting up with my sister Sylvia and pretty little heads frozen off yet? Albert and niece Elizabeth and Joey from Our community was saddened with Mio, Mich. We got to spend the weekend the passing of the infant baby of Robert and together. Katie Detweiler. The baby died of R. S. V. * It looked like we might have a nice day, Also, our sympathy goes to David and Katie so I did the laundry. But â&#x20AC;Ś then it started to Troyer in the death of their 3 year rain and has been raining most of old daughter due to an accident the day. A Disc Jockey on a at home. The funeral was Son Ray is planning to country station had the afterSaturday, March 10. They help with the renovation midnight shift and took requests live on Bundysburg with at the former art all night long. About 2 a.m. a listener their two little boys. gallery in Middlefield tried to call him but got the wrong The pancake Township, changing it breakfast at Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number and woke up a farmer in Georgia. to an Amish Heritage â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you have A Sweetheart in Window Shop on Center. We hope this Tennessee?â&#x20AC;? the caller asked. Friday morning, March will help explain our 9 was a big success. The sleepy farmer replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Naw, I got a history, Amish life, wife and ten kids in Georgia.â&#x20AC;? Lots of carryouts and and help non-Amish â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is that a record?â&#x20AC;? the caller asked. around 650-700 dinebetter understand â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about that,â&#x20AC;? the ins. There were 4,800 what we believe in and farmer said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way above donuts sold! One donut how different cultures average.â&#x20AC;? was served with each can work together. It should breakfast, the rest were sold. prove to be very interesting And we could have sold more! and informative. The blood drive here on Saturday, Born to Crist and Maureen Hershberger March 10 brought in 88 donors. Thank you recently was a son named Seth. He to all who came. Thank you to grandson has a sister and brother to help cuddle Paul who donated for the first time. He is 17 him. Grandparents are Crist and Clara today. Surprising him for his birthday are Hershberger Sr. and Mrs. Kathryn Wengerd. the Mark and Wayne Miller families and Joe Born to Gideon and Freida Bender, a and I. Will also celebrate grandson Joeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter named Lydia. Grandparents are birthday, which is also today. Andy and Barbara Miller and fellow scribe My trip to Florida was a dream come Bill and Anna Bender. true! A big thank you to our children as they You all have a good week! paid for my trip for a Christmas gift! I left on P.S. The birthday party for Paul and Joey the Pioneer Trails bus on Monday, Feb. 27, has been put off until Thursday night. arriving at my friend Debbieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Tuesday * Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very morning at 10. I spent my time with her common virus that leads to mild, cold-like until Friday afternoon when she drove me symptoms in adults and older healthy children. to Sarasota for the weekend. There, I stayed It can be more serious in young babies. with friends Elmer and Rachel Stoltzfus.

From an Old Budget Letter of John H. Hershbergerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s * Submitted by Katherine Byler

The average size man, weighing 160 pounds contains enough fat to make seven bars of soap, enough salt to season one hard boiled egg, enough sugar to sweeten one cup of coffee, enough iron to make one two-penny nail, enough lime to whitewash one medium size chicken coop and enough sulfur to rid one Pomeranian dog of fleas. *John H. Hershberger was father to scribe Ellen Hershberger.

Old Time Sugaring

Submitted by Linda Weaver This literature was found amongst my fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Freeman Byler) belongings.

Chuckle

Hello from Huntsburg By William Bender

March 11, 2012 Time to get pen and paper out and see what I can come up with. We are back on fast time. When am I getting my hour of sleep back I lost last night? Dan J. Yoder had hip replacement a few weeks back. He is doing real good, or was the last time we talked to him. Sime Mattie and Dan Miriam are not feeling the best. I do not have a green thumb. I never liked to go in the garden and pull weeds, or pick peas, beans, or anything as far as that goes. Once it is on the table that is a different story. As a school kid, I put in a few hours in the garden. But I never liked it. Was that lazy? Once when we lived in Holmes County, I was getting the garden ready for planting. I

Nutrient Dense Gardening By Daniel Fisher

Humus: What does that do for my crop? Humus is a portion of what we call organic matter. Humus is a thick, sticky, opaque-colored glue that is made by the microbes digesting organic matter. Humus attaches the silty soil particles together and makes soil granulate. Soil with high Humus levels should not blow or erode easily. High levels are what we need for nutrient dense food. Cover crops and biologicals will give us higher humus levels so we get nutrient dense food like a tomato that sits on your kitchen counter for weeks and does not rot but dehydrates. Now that is a nutrient dense tomato. Yummy, may I have one now? Until next time. Daniel C. Fisher is proprieter of D & S Farm and Garden Supply LLC, 4738 Gates Road, Middlefield. Call his voice mail at 440-6934632 for more information.

was burning trash and the children brought out a bag and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t burn this bag.â&#x20AC;? I thought, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why not? I will just pick up the bag once everything else is burned up and on the fire it goes.â&#x20AC;? And that is what I did. Then I went back and started working with the horse and spring tooth. BANG! BOOM! And the horse takes off. Anna didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell me there were spray cans in that bag. She just told me not to burn it. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go back to Uncle Dan. One time, Dan and Ada were out milking and Shep (remember him?) was out in the barn. Dan told Ada, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shep knows if you talk Amish or English.â&#x20AC;? To show her, he just kept on talking and started to talk English and Shep jumped up and started barking. After he sold the farm and moved on Nauvoo Road, Dan started a harness shop. I stopped in one day. I told him all his customers should be like his nephews. He told me that if all his customers would be like his nephews, he would go out of business!

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This girl came to work one day and awhile later the boss found her just sobbing. He asked her what was wrong and she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mother died.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh,â&#x20AC;? said the boss, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Would you like to go home?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;No,â&#x20AC;? she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll just stay.â&#x20AC;? Later, the boss found the girl sobbing even more and, again, he asked her what was wrong. She answered, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My sister just called and said that her mother died, too!â&#x20AC;? An elderly woman in a nursing home declined her pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suggestion that she get a hearing aid. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At 91, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard enough,â&#x20AC;? she said.

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Saturday, Feb. Yummy with extra chips and 25: This was a beautiful crunchy nuts. winter day with 7 inches Wednesday, March 7: or more snow in Chardon. Still in the baking mode and When I shoveled the walk looking through recipe books. I realized how heavy that Now, why couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t I bake a snow was. The driver got custard pie with this wonderful stuck, but we finally made new oven! It turned out pretty it home. good, as did the sweet potato Sunday, Feb. 26: pie for a friend. A few of us visited our Thursday, March 8: We By Ellen Hershberger brother Melvin this are shocked with the news of morning. He is now on full time oxygen the death of 3.5 year old Anne Marie Troyer for his lung condition. It could have been of our church district. caused from years inhaling sawdust on his Friday, March 4: After the morning carpenter jobs. Later we had supper at a back treatment, we spent time at the wake nephewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. in the afternoon. Monday, Feb. 27: Today was mostly Saturday, March 10: I attended Anne taken up with the tragedy in Chardon and Marieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funeral all day, then did cleaning in even news crews at the library. the evening. Tuesday, Feb. 28: After a day of work, Two cousin couples of Pennsylvania our group enjoyed singing tonight at the had supper at Noah Yutzy Srs. tonight. Chris Fisher home. Sunday, March 11: Today was a day of Wednesday, Feb. 29: Before checking rest, sharing brunch with family. in to my shift, I walked around the Chardon Monday, March 12: This was a normal block and there are still news people day at work. Am enjoying the mild weather around. and sunshine. Thursday, March 1: A busy day for the Tuesday, March 13: I was free for a most part. We were surprised how full the little while this afternoon to enjoy a walk in restaurant was for the $3 spaghetti day. the spring-like weather. Friday, March 2: We had a very Wednesday, March 14: Born to informative staff meeting with a visit to the Michael and Miriam Yutzy this morning is firehouse for safety instructions on how to their third child, a second son, Jonathan. get residents to safety quickly. Then three A group of us who used to travel old time dinner friends from Warren met together with our mothers, enjoyed lunch us for lunch. After a good afternoon sleep, I by Mrs. Alma Miller of Georgia Road. did a 9-hour shift. Before heading off to a 24-hour shift, Saturday, March 3: Even though I got to hold baby Jonathan for about 10 Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m exhausted, I could only sleep an hour minutes at the Care Center. before heading into town to do errands. Thursday, March 15: After work duties, Sunday, March 4: We attended church several of us took the long walk around the on a cold, snowy day at Owen and Marian beautiful Best Lake. The spring peepers are Mulletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. out! Joy! Monday, March 5: It seems we want We were shocked to hear of the the heat turned up today! I did laundry and passing of Mrs. Joe Miller. She was killed in some cleaning. Farmington by an elderly person who hit Tuesday, March 6: Being in the baking her on Route 88. mood, I attempted chocolate chip cookies. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessings to all!

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Daniel C. Fisher is proprietor of D & S Farm William J.S. & Martha Miller .BEJTPO 3E t .JEEMFmFME & Garden Supply LLC, 4738 Gates Road, 440-548-5486 Middlefield. Call his voice mail at 440-6934632 for more information.

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Lines by Linda By Linda Weaver

March 12, 2012 Dear Readers, Hope everyone is enjoying this nice weather. In the 60s for 4 days in a row is unreal for this month. Our sympathy to the Robert Detweiler family and the David Troyer family for the loss of their precious children. We pray God is near at this difficult time and believe they are safe in the arms of Jesus. Our sister-in-law, Lena (Mrs. Albert) Weaver, in Greenville, Pa. was in the hospital for several days with symptoms of a stroke. She is much improved and is at home again. Eli Weavers, Roy Bontragers, Mrs. John (Mary) Troyer, Danny Millers and children and Jake and I went to visit with them Sunday afternoon. Their daughter, Frieda (Mrs. Norman) Byler and children from Virginia were there, too. Lena was able to go to church in the forenoon. We had a nice visit and took snacks along to nibble on. Friday evening, we visited with John Slabaughs who keep improving from their surgeries. Bill and Mary Ellen Byler and daughter Mindy also joined us for an evening of reminiscing. Bills were our former neighbors. March 4, church was here with Ministers Crist J. Weaver and Andrew Miller as visitors along with John Mullet, Jr., teachers Lydia and Barbara Miller, and our sons Pauls, Aarons and Bobs and their families. All very welcome! Most of the neighbors came back for supper in the evening. Very enjoyable. Emma Jane (1) and Martha Slabaugh (4) were in Rainbow Babies and Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital over the weekend and are still there at this writing, but are improving as of last reports. They are the two youngest of John Jr. and Esther Slabaughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children. Mother and Dad went with separate ambulances from the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office and one child was put in intensive care. But as of yesterday, they were in the same room. Jake and I hope to visit with my brother Dan and Betty Byler this weekend and to attend the wedding of their son, widower Marvin Byler to Amanda Yoder on Friday. Details in my next letter!

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March 28, 2012

Bookmobile News

By Jane Attina As I sit here looking out of the window at the bright blue sky, I wonder if anyone is as anxious as I am to get out into the garden. I am glancing through the new books coming in for ideas on what plants I may like to add to my flower garden this year.Â As I was cooking some canned corn yesterday I found myself thinking of fresh Amish grown corn cooked on the grill!Â I am ready to move my indoor plants outside for a breath of fresh air, knowing well that I might have to move them back in as it is only the end of March. It has been a glorious winter for us bookmobilers as far as traveling the county roads goes. We hear it will be a good year for maple syrup too with the warm days and cool nights.Â Oh my! here I am going on about flowers and food! It must be all of the new books coming in to the bookmobile these days. Please browse our nonfiction area next time you visit and maybe you will start dreaming of flowers and vegetables too! Personally I try to look at the bright side of things, the happy things, but alas life is not always so good. I live right in Chardon, only a few blocks from the school where the terrible tragedy took place a month ago. The red ribbons placed on trees and poles remain as a message of support. It brought back memories of the Nickle Mines School tragedy.Â I cannot imagine the sadness the parents must feel and I pray their pain eases with time. Unfortunately incidents like these can happen anywhere but we must remain strong and united and move forward. Roxanna Green along with Jerry B. Jenkins has written a heartwarming story titled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As Good As She Imaginedâ&#x20AC;?. It is the redeeming story of what people are calling â&#x20AC;&#x153;The angel of Tusconâ&#x20AC;?, ChristinaTaylor Green. Christina was the youngest victim of the deranged killer who shot Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and 18 others on Jan. 8, 2011.Â Born on Sept. 11, 2001, Christina was one of the

Books in Review By Jacquie Foote

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thunder Dogâ&#x20AC;? written by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory was published by the Thomas Nelson Company, Nashville, Tenn., copyright 2011. As the title page says, this is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The true story of a blind man and his guide dog, and the triumph of trust at Ground Zero.â&#x20AC;? Michael Hingson was born in 1950, 59 days early. The standard procedure at that time was to put the premature baby in a sealed incubator and pump in pure oxygen until the babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lungs matured. It was not until the medical community investigated why there was an epidemic of blindness in premature babies that it was found that this treatment resulted in the scarring and subsequent destruction of the retina. But Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t treat him differently from his brother because he was blind. He never went to a special school for the blind. He was expected to learn and compete in a sighted world. He was allowed to explore his world on foot, on his bike, and, from the time he was 14, with a guide dog. On Sept. 11, 2001, Michael and his guide dog, Roselle were at work in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. At 8:45 a.m., Michael, district sales manager for a data protection and network security systems company, was preparing for a meeting and Roselle was asleep under his desk. At 8:46, he heard a tremendous BOOM and felt the building shudder and begin to tip to the southwest. It leaned over about 20 feet and, then, slowly righted itself. It was obvious to Michael and his colleague, David Frank, that something devastating had happened. When David looked out the window and saw smoke and fire, they realized that, although they did not know exactly what had happened, it was best to evacuate the building. Roselle awoke from her nap but was as calm as ever. She did not sense any danger and Michael decided to trust her instincts. He strapped on his briefcase, took hold of Roselleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harness, quietly gave the command, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forwardâ&#x20AC;? and, guided by Roselle, lead the way to Stairwell B of the 78th floor of the North Tower. There were 1,463 steps to descend to get out. The book tells of two journeys, Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey to independence in a sighted world and his journey with Roselle out of the dangers of Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001. This book is a real â&#x20AC;&#x153;page turnerâ&#x20AC;?, never dragging, never straying from the facts. It is the story of a real man and a real dog whose unshakable trust in each other touched the lives of many â&#x20AC;Ś probably including yours. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thunder Dogâ&#x20AC;? is an inspiring story very well written and could be read by good intermediate grade readers as well as adults. (Warning â&#x20AC;Ś read it when you have enough time to keep going! It is very hard to put down!)

Greetings from Garrettsville By Rachel Miller

We had 18 degrees this morning and a cold wind. Daughter Sadie (Mrs. Marvin Kurtz) walked over today. A nice walk, about 2 miles. When she got here, the temperature was up to 25 degrees. She cut dresses for her girls and we did a lot of visiting. I did fold some laundry from the basement. I had dried some outside Monday. But it was a cold wind. Tomorrow, it is supposed to be sunny and go to 55 degrees, so maybe Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do color laundry. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supposed to rain Thursday. Ivan has to buzz some wood with the buzz saw tomorrow and I need to help. I like that. When we lived on Nauvoo Road we burned slab wood in day time and chunk coal at night. Ivan used to haul slab wood from the pallet shop with a team and wagon. It was about 2 miles. He did that on his vacation, I think one bundle at a time. He would get 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 bundles. I used to help and, after the children were old enough, they would help too. The tulips are up; also the daffodils and the narcissus have buds. The pussy willows are out, too. Last Tuesday, Ivan and I were sitting here having coffee when the sun came up. The grass was frosty and wet and, when the sunshine was on it, the grass was shining different colors. Very pretty! Next week, I want to spade a little and sow lettuce, plant peas, radishes and

onions. Just a small early garden. I sent my seed order and hope it comes soon so I can put my candy onions out. I also sent for celery; I want to start that. I have tomato seed here from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tomatoes to start. But I will wait until the end of March or they get too big before I get them out. The big garden, we like to put out around Memorial Day. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for fresh vegetables out of the garden. We need to put wood ashes around our raspberry plants. We have enough strawberry plants for our own use. Saturday evening, Marvin Kurtz, Barbara and we went to go see our great granddaughter Mary Beth at Allen Yoderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Son Ivans and their children will also be there. It seems we get cold weather and snow, then the next day or two itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice again. Ivan had his mowers over to get sharpened and picked them up today. So they are ready to cut grass. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thursday morning and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get my letter out yet as we got word that Robert Jr., 7-month-old baby of Robert Detweilers passed away. He was in the hospital with pneumonia. They did surgery and he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take the surgery. Robert Detweilers are in our church district. The funeral is Friday. I have a doctor appointment today and, tonight, we want to go to Robertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

children chosen to be a part of the book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Faces of Hopeâ&#x20AC;?. Christine Naman, who had a son born that day, came up with the idea of selecting a 9/11 baby from every state. Christina Taylor-Green was chosen from the state of Maryland and at 2 years old went to New York City to be photographed for the book.Â Christinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Roxanna Green, has written a beautiful book celebrating her daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life which is an inspiring model for finding redemption in the aftermath of every parents worst nightmare. The book has many family photos that will help you to get to know this remarkable family and their faith in God. Reserve your copy now as a waiting list is building. Before you know it summer will be here! We are already preparing for our big summer reading program. Edna is creating handouts and ordering the prizes that will be given to readers who complete the requirements. We are very appreciative of the Bookmobile Friends group that sells used books to raise money for this program as well as the Birds of Prey program which is presented to four schools annually. Last year over 600 children earned prize bags and we anticipate just as large a group this year! Delivery service to the Amish schools is finishing up with volunteers picking up books during the month of April. It was a good winter for them and no one got stuck in any driveways! They are hoping for a repeat performance of winter next year! We will also be making a few minor adjustments to the bookmobile schedule soon and will have copies available in the near future. Thanks to all of our faithful readers who make the bookmobile the huge success it is! Happy reading! Happy Easter! Happy spring!

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Fun!

Plain Country

It’s a Celebrate Spring Contest! The Celebrate Spring Contest is divided into three sections. You may enter one, two or all three. The First Contest is a Drawing Contest. Using pencil and unlined paper draw a picture of spring! Do not color the picture. Write your name and address on the back of your picture. If at all possible, do NOT fold your picture. The Second Contest is a Writing Contest. Write a poem or short story about spring. Write your name and address on the back of your story or poem. The Third Contest is a Game Contest. This is the only contest that you may enter with other people who helped you! Make up a game about spring; it could be a word scramble, a seek and find, a connect the dots, a logic puzzle, or other. On a separate piece of paper, put the answer(s) to your puzzle. Write your name and address and the names of those who worked with you on the back of your story or poem. There will be two first prizes in each contest. The prize for the first contest is a set of artist pencils and a drawing tablet. The prize for the second contest is a book. The winners will be sent a list of books to choose from. The prize for the third contest is a book of puzzles and games. Winning entries will be published in the Plain Country. All contest entries are due by Tuesday, April 3. Send your entries to Plain Country Contest, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH., 44046.

Bible Trivia Game

Choose the correct answer from the list following the questions. 1. What did Jesus command his followers to show to their enemies? (Like 6:35)______________________________ 2. What great patriarch took a wife named Keturah after his first wife died? (Genesis 25:1)_ ____________________ 3. According to Jesus, what sin against the Holy Spirit would result in eternal guilt? (Mark 3:28-29)_ _____________ 4. What missionary companion of Paul experienced an earthquake while being held in a Philippian jail? (Acts 16: 25-28)________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What Old Testament saint complained that God would “terrify” him with visions? (Job 7:13-14)_ ______________ 6. What did the apostle Paul say that long hair was to a woman? (I Corinthians 11: 14-15)______________________ 7. Samson’s parents were disgusted when he sought a wife of what nationality? (Judges 14: 1-2)________________ 8. What great-grandson of Ruth became the most prominent king of Israel? (Ruth 4: 13-17)____________________ 9. What major prophet had a son named Shear-Jashub? (Isaiah 7:3)_______________________________________ 10. What body fluid was part of the curse that came from Adam and Eve’s sin? (Genesis 3:19) ____________________ Abraham Hope David Job (Correct answers on page 3)

Philistine Silas

Blasphemy Glory

Isaiah Love

Samaritan Sweat