Plain Country Sept 14th, 2011 by Scott Jones

{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS} Vol. 3 No. 11

September 14, 2011

Canning Tips from Your Neighbors Home canning is on the rise across the nation, with industry data claiming a 35 percent increase in home canning supplies over the past three years. Many home canners say they are canning the produce from their own gardens to help save money on food costs, to have more control over the source of their food and to preserve the fresh tastes of the foods they can. Since it is probable that at least some of those canning are new to the process, here are a few tips gathered from your Amish neighbors to help you be successful.

Food preparation tips

Do not thicken with starches or flour, or add rice, barley or pasta to canned products – With the exception of Clear-Jel, things that thicken will absorb liquid during processing and slow the way in which the food heats. Under-processing (and unsafe food) could result. Add acid (lemon juice, vinegar or citric acid) to tomato products when directed in the recipe. Modern tomato varieties are lower in acid content than the older varieties and must have acid added. Lemon juice will add a sharp taste to canned tomatoes; citric acid will change the flavor less and vinegar is part of many recipes anyway. If necessary, you can always balance the tart taste by adding sugar. Don’t add more seasonings or spices than the recipe calls for – these items are often high in bacteria and excess spices can make a canned item unsafe. Avoid adding butter and fats to the foods you are canning. Butters and fats do not store well, they may also slow the rate of heat transfer, and result in an unsafe food. To prevent darkening of peeled or cut fruits (such as peaches, apples, nectarines) – you may use a commercial ascorbic acid mixture like “Fruit-Fresh”, or you can put the cut fruit in a solution of 1 teaspoon ascorbic acid (vitamin C, available in a powdered form from the drug store) and 1 gallon water (drain before canning).

Canning tips

Jars can be reused, but they should be checked for cracks and chips. Jars should be clean and hot. The flat lids can be used only once, (the screw bands can be reused as long as they are in good condition.). Check jars for seals within 24 hours of canning. Once the lid is on the jar, tighten the screw cap only until resistance is felt. Overtightening may cause seal failure. When all the jars are filled and are ready for processing, lower the jars into the boiling water canner making sure the jars are completely submerged with at least 1 inch of water over the top. Place the lid on the canner and bring back to a boil. When the water returns to a boil, start counting the processing time according to the recipe. When the processing time is up, remove the jars from the water and place on a dishtowel to cool for 24 hours. While cooling, you’ll hear the pop of the lids being pulled down. That sound is the sound of a good seal. If the sealing cap isn’t pulled down, the jar needs to be reprocessed within 24 hours. If a second processing doesn’t give you a good seal, refrigerate and use first.

Our next issue of Plain Country is Oct. 5. Submission deadline is Monday, Sep. 19. Advertising deadline is Sep. 26. 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.

Plain Country

September 14, 2011

Help Wanted

– part-time advertising sales person to join the Plain Country staff. Must have an outgoing personality, like to talk with people and able to adhere to deadlines. If you think that you might be interested please call us at 440-632-0782

{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS} Publisher: the Fontanelle group inc

Plain Community

Events published at no charge

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

Send to: Plain Community Events, PO Box 626, Middlefield 44062 or call 440-834-8900 | fax: 440-834-8933

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 v Subscriptions are available for $25 per year

Benefit Bar-B-Q chicken Dinner, live and silent auction For Sawmill Lane School Friday, September 23 Joe’s Window Shop (Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168) Carryouts start at 3:30 p.m., dine in at 5 p. m. Auctions follow. Everyone welcome.

Happy Birthday!! Barbara Ann Bender (16) Sylvia E. Miller (3) Amanda C. Byler (16) Kathy S. Yoder (12) Steven Weaver (8) Betty A. Weaver (50) Marcus Schmucker (1) Freemon J. Miller (25) Mrs. Rebecca Hershberger (23) Maria A. Detweiler Danny Ray Miller (44) Esther Bontrager Mrs. Susan Hershberger (30) Mrs. Viola Miller (twin) (35) Mrs. Verna Byler (twin) (35) Linda Frey (33) Cindy D. Miller (11) Arlene M. Miller (12) Mrs. (Owen) Elizabeth Byler (24) Mrs. Martha Hershberger (43) John H. Miller (56) John Paul Yutzy (8) Barbara M. Byler Mrs. (Andy) Barbara Miller (59) Melvin W. Miller (9) Emma J. Byler Bonnie Ward Kathryn Weaver Ivan C. Miller (6)

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 CLINIC Second Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Wednesday, Sept 21 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Thursday, Sept. 15 from 3 – 6 p.m. Clinic will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. NEWBURY TOWNSHIP CLINIC Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at Grace Evangelical Bible Church, 14951 Auburn Road, Newbury.

Sept. 27 Emma Sue Yutzy (10) Sept. 27 Mrs. (Freeman) Edna Mae Mullet (30) Sept. 28 Mrs. (Bill) Betsy Miller (46) Sept. 29 Cristy D. Schlabach (15) Sept. 30 Owen W. Miller (20) Sept. 30 Irene E. Byler (21) Sept. 30 Aden R. Miller (14) Oct. 1 Mrs. (Abner) Mary Miller (56) Oct. 2 James Lee Kurtz (13) Oct. 3 Wilma C. Miller (3)

Health, Safety and Fun Night Thursday, September 29 Joe’s Window Shop (Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168) Hot dogs, Grilled Hamburgers and Ice Cream served starting at 5:00 p.m. Washer Board, Games and Prizes for the children. Farming and other Safety Presentations Arthritis Foundation Presentation United Way 2-1-1 Information Everyone invited to come for a fun night.

Belated Happy Birthday Aug. 28 Sept. 1 Sept. 4 Sept. 5 Sept. 7 Sept. 11 Sept. 11

Willard J. Miller (20) Martin H. Miller (73) Alan C. Mullet (34) Paul Yoder (24) Karen M. Miller (1) Amy S. Byler (1) Mrs. (Aden) Liz Miller (25)

Birthdays............................................................02 Bits and Pieces of Yesterday ..................... 08 Bookmobile News..........................................08 Books in Review..............................................08 Children’s Immunization Clinics................02 From Our Schools...........................................02 Greetings from Garrettsville.......................07 Greetings from the Plain Community.....06 Hello from Amish Crossing Corner...........06 Hello from Huntsburg...................................06 In Memory ....................................................... 02 Katherine’s Korner..........................................04 Lines by Linda..................................................06 Mom’s Diary......................................................05 News from Windsor ..................................... 08 Parkman Pathways.........................................07 Plain Community Events..............................02 Plain Fun............................................................09 Recipes...............................................................03 Spotlight On M & W Coleman and Variety Store . ..................................................04 Understanding Horses ............................... 07 Wanted...............................................................02

David RS Sharp

In Memory

Lucy D. Miller Born Dec. 8, 1994 Died Sept. 1, 2002 7 years, 8 months, 24 days old

Wanted

for our next issue Please write in and tell some . . . - Recipes for apples or pumpkins - Benefits between Oct. 5 and Oct. 26 - Birthdays and anniversaries - Share anything from the past that you think others might be interested in reading about - Memories from your school days - News from the schools - ‘Tell Us a Story’ – send in stories of the past, stories with morals, or Bible based stories. Stories you like to tell, or stories that have been told to you - Write to the editor with questions or comments you have. Please include your name (we will withhold your name from print, if you wish) We will print as many of these letters as space permits. Information for next edition must be received by September 19 to be included. Send to: Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 . Pho: 440-632-0782 or Fax: 440-636-9842

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Windsor Mills School News By Barbara Ann Detweiler

Windsor Mills School opened its doors to a new term on September 6, the day after Labor Day. Teachers are: Wilma Wengerd – grades 1, 2, 3, and 5 Norma Wengerd – grades 4, 6, 7, and 8 Laura Detweiler – Special Ed. Betty Wengerd – Helper

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Book Signing Thursday, September 29 3:00 – 6:00 Friday, September 30 2:00 – 5:00 Joe’s Window Shop (Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168) Meet local author Sandy McDermott. * (*See review of her book, McKenzie’s Jericho, on page 8.)

FROM OUR

Sept. 15 Sept. 15 Sept. 15 Sept. 16 Sept. 16 Sept. 18 Sept. 18 Sept. 18 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 20 Sept. 21 Sept. 21 Sept. 21 Sept. 21 Sept. 21 Sept. 22 Sept. 22 Sept. 23 Sept. 24 Sept 24 Sept. 25 Sept. 25 Sept. 26 Sept. 27 Sept. 27 Sept. 27 Sept. 27 Sept. 27

In This Issue ...

Visit Our SHOWROOM !

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September 14, 2011

Every Saturday 7am-Noon

from our neighbors

Pizza Sauce

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Cook onions and peppers in tomato juice for 1 hour. Put through strainer and return to kettle. Add all seasonings plus 1/2 of the tomato paste. Cook for 1 hour, then add the other half of the tomato paste. Mix well. Put into jars. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. This recipe makes 25 pints.

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Make a solution of: 3 3/4 cups vinegar 6 cups sugar 3 tablespoons salt 4 1/2 teaspoons celery seed 3/4 teaspoons mustard seed 4 1/2 teaspoons turmeric 1/4 teaspoon alum Bring solution to a boil. Pour over pickles in the jars. Put another head of dill on top.

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1 peck green tomatoes 5 pounds brown sugar 2 cups chopped raisins 2 teaspoons cloves 2 teaspoons allspice 2 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons cinnamon 1 cup vinegar 6 large apples, chopped Chop tomatoes; drain off juice. Add as much water as juice drained off. Add sugar and raisins. Cook slowly until tomatoes are tender. Add spices and vinegar. Boil for 45 minutes. Add 6 chopped apples. Continue boiling. When apples are soft, put mixture in jars and seal. Boil in hot water bath for 10 minutes. (Hint: I use a food grinder to chop tomatoes, apples and raisins.)

Tomato Soup

Submitted by Linda Weaver 4 quarts tomato juice 1 cup butter, soft 2 cups flour 1/2 cup sugar 8 teaspoons salt Pepper and paprika to taste Heat tomato juice; do not let it boil. Mix butter, flour, sugar and salt. Add a little hot juice to mixture until smooth. Add to juice and also add rest of ingredients. Cold pack for 30 minutes in sterile jars. Add milk when heating for soup. Delicious for lasagna or chili.

Send to: Plain Community Events, PO Box 626, Middlefield or call 440-834-8900 | fax: 440-834-8933

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September 14, 2011

Korner

out walked a lone horse toward our lights. Whew! What next? Ray D. Byler saved us By Katherine M. Byler and tied the horse in a barn. Then, when we came back down the road, there was I’ve heard it so many times; don’t the horse standing sadly peering at the hat. do it! But a fact is a fact, 101 days All’s well that ends well, I guess, but we were to Christmas! And the frost didn’t leery ‘til we finally saw the light of day. transpire on August 27, thankfully, We enjoyed going to a horse auction. but we had as low as 46 degrees Stopped at a yummy “Breakfast Buffet” already one morning. Weather is restaurant. The big bowl of ice cream on perfect for canning, for weddings ice that several of the granddaughters took and for horse auctions. turned out to be butter! Now they know. Now schools have started again; it No more Back Acres. Get it? Back Acres; seems like the kindergarteners get smaller that’s what the late chiropractor, Dr. Langer, every year. Twenty years ago, in 1991, was called his property on Girdle Road, south of my first year to help at Mespo School. Route 87. It has been sold and a barn has Now I was helper at a wedding of one of been going up. the students of that year in kindergarten! Grandson Robbie Byler, of Carroll Cristina Byler wed Joel D. Hostetler on County, got too excited, I guess, September 1. playing hide-and-seek in the Oh, groan! The cool nights 101 make us aware of soon-to-be days to dark at the neighbors. He crashed Christmas! and his foot was just swingin’. By fires a-burnin’ in the heating midnight, he was in surgery, two stoves and fireplaces. And we screws nailed in, according to big all know most of the stoves, sister Lori (age 6). Robbie is 5 and said he stovepipes and chimneys will not be ready had a blast in the hospital, returning home fro the first cold snap. I heard some stove the next day. He’ll get a cast later. This was (and parts) store operators barely have time just above his ankle, a clean break of both for lunch on the days when folks just HAVE bones. to have their stoves set up. I should work Speaking of such – here is a little song there, ‘twould be good for my diet. you can sing to the tune of Yankee Doodle. Leaving town in the early hours can “The six best doctors anywhere, be pretty nerve wracking. Even if you have And no one can deny it, a good driver like we did. “We” backed Are sunshine, water, rest and air, out of a driveway kind of fast and scraped Exercise and diet. the bushes, lost a mirror and scared me These six will gladly you attend, frightfully. Next, we spotted a straw hat in If only you are wiling. the middle of the road; didn’t stop to pick Your mind will cheer, it up because it was holey. Before our driver your ills they’ll mend, (Jaye Burg) finished uttering the thought And charge you not a shilling.” aloud about something else in the ditch,

Katherine’s

Plain Country

On...

spotlight

M & W Coleman & Variety Store

By Jacquie Foote

It seems that 18 years ago Martha Miller told her husband, William, that she wanted something for their girls to do. William thought, “home business”, and the M & W was born. They started out as a bulk foods store, but William and Martha listened to their customers, went to merchandising shows and, little by little, added the items their customers requested, becoming a good old fashion neighborhood store. You will see their sign at the edge of their driveway on Madison road (AKA Route 528). At the right side of the end of driveway is a neat white store that looks deceptively small. When you enter the building and begin exploring it, you feel that it is somehow triple the size you thought it was. But, more of that later. The store’s name, M & W Coleman shades. There are even replacement parts and Variety Store, tells you of the unique for Aladdin Lamps. feature of this business. Few other places The children are not forgotten either! have the wide variety of Coleman products For them are many jigsaw puzzles, a fine … lanterns, heaters, camp stoves and array of coloring books and games, games, replacement parts for them. . . that you games. Want an old favorite like Sorry, Uno find here. William will fix your Coleman or Dutch Blitz? You will find them on the appliance be it propane, white gas or shelves along with the Marble Game and battery. In addition, he sells and services the Deer Hunt Challenge. And just plain other brands of gas lamps and irons (both toys! You will also find miniature sleds and white gas and butane). wagons and full size scooters. The neat, well laid out shelves also For babies, they have just about contain food items everything a Mom or such as maple syrup, Grandma would like. powdered cheddar There are blankets, cheese, pastry fillings in bath sets, cups, bibs, many flavors, candy in small toys and more! great variety, munchies And there are and some baking and William J. S. and Martha Miller, the odds and ends candy making supplies. owners … little things you Oh yes, and there are need like small LED Specializing in: bulk foods. flashlights, scissors Is popcorn your Coleman, H.C. and and fine pocketknives. delight? Here, at M & Lancaster Lanterns sales, Of course, as in every W Coleman and Variety parts and repair good variety store Store, you will find not in a real variety store! there are also things only corn to pop but you might not know also a nice variety of 16786 Madison Road you need until you see popcorn seasonings Middlefield them, such as books you can try. 440-548-5486 (including recipe For the home are books), journals, Open M, T, W & F 8:30-5:00 light bulbs (both LED boxed greeting cards Open Saturday 8:30-4:00 and fluorescent), Vortex and shopping tablets. blenders, coffee and tea Closed on Sunday andThursday This store also has presses, large kettles, the greatest variety of smaller kitchen utensils decorative gift bags I’ve seen around. such as egg beaters and spatulas, and wall Gloves, headscarves, socks and stockings clocks, thermometers and decorations. are there to remind us that cooler weather Fans are featured near the front of the is coming. store these days. You will find small hand Brooms and mops remind us that fall held fans up to 14 inch floor fans, all battery and winter can be messy. operated. A variety of homeopathic remedies And lamps!!! All battery operated! From remind us that life happens and sometimes a small hand held lamp … to a desk lamp pain follows. If the aches and pains come, … to a graceful table lamp with a beautiful there are tried and true products such as B glass shade … to a floor lamp that will light & W Ointment, Chickweed Ointment and up a good portion of your room … to a REP (which uses plant oils). gooseneck work light that can attach to a For someone who really knows shelf … they are all displayed so as to be Coleman products and how to care for easily seen and picked up and thought over. them … for a great place to shop for a wide There are replacement shades of various variety of things … M & W Coleman and types and replacement glass panels for Variety Store is for you!

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September 14, 2011

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Plain Country

Saturday, Aug. 6: Friday, Aug. Rose Edna, Laura, 19: No big girls home Katherine and I went to today, but Katherine is a Chinese auction at the getting to be a good Windsor Community worker, more so when Center. We won a she’s the oldest girl at few items … nothing home. By spectacular! I did sewing, Barbara Ann Detweiler Sunday, Aug. 7: We ironing, baking, drove down to Dad and cooking and a little Mom’s. Andrew drove the pony and wagon. cleaning. Wow! I amazed myself! It was very warm, but cooled off a little Saturday, Aug. 20: I went to the viewing after it rained tonight. We’re still using the fan of Mary Jane’s Mom in Clymer, N.Y. every night. Sunday, Aug. 21: Home all day and had Monday, Aug. 8: Wayne’s brother bored children. They like to say we never go Chesters have a new little baby, so Laura went anywhere. down to help them out today. I was left with Monday, Aug. 22: Cool this morning, the laundry and got a late start. then very pleasant all day. I went out and Katherine went to a friend’s house for the washed off the schoolhouse windows and night. Wonder if they’ll get any sleep!? frames which get very dirty from all the work Tuesday, Aug. 9: Katherine came home the men are doing there. tired. They did get 3-4 hours of sleep in! We had our first meal of sweet corn. That Betty and Norma went out to the mill is a highlight of the summer! shop and decided to play in the sawdust. Tuesday, Aug. 23: 45 degrees this When I finally thought to check on them, they morning. Wow! It gives us a hint of what is to had sawdust in every nook and cranny of their come in the near future! bodies – hair included. Groan! Andrew picked all the sweet corn that Wednesday, Aug. 10: A cool morning was ready and we husked it. I’m planning on and perfect day. What fun to work and not get canning and freezing it tomorrow. over heated! Wednesday, Aug. 24: It took 4 1/2 hours Tonight all our church families gathered to cut off all that corn we husked last night. to say Good-by to Steven and Barbie Byler and John drove me to the freezer with it tonight. I family. They will move to Kentucky at the end canned almost half of it also. of August. We will miss them. I took a melatonin pill tonight to help me Thursday, Aug. 11: Another perfect day relax and sleep. Norma was worried because – for me anyway! I got lots of work done and I told her I had to take one 1/2 hour before could have done a lot more if the day had not going to bed. She said, “Don’t take one ‘cause ended! you have to sit by my bed with me a while.” We sat around the campfire tonight and She assumed I’d fall asleep exactly 1/2 hour roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. after taking it. Norma came inside this afternoon, Thursday, Aug. 25: Wayne and I went to looking pale. She lay on the couch, which is Willis Miller and Laura Shetler’s wedding. The very unusual. I thought, “Uh oh! She’s getting children were invited in the evening, so they sick.” And, sure enough, she had headache went to Dad and Mom’s house, which is close and stomach ache and threw up once. Where by, and then walked up for supper. do these bugs come from!?? The excavator dug out under our porch Friday, Aug. 12: Norma was awake 5 and entrance for a bigger basement. So now times during the night, but she didn’t throw there’s lots of work for the men to do. up at least. She finally slept a few h ours Friday, Aug. 26: Wayne and John and straight toward morning and when she got brother Chester poured footers today and up she felt better, Yay! Hopefully, no one picks got ready to lay blocks tomorrow. This is very up the germ. exciting for us all. I went to the Special Ed families’ picnic Saturday, Aug. 27: Chester and brotherwith Laura. She is getting excited about in-law Steven laid the blocks. teaching. Laura ate at a buffet restaurant this Saturday, Aug. 13: I went to the funeral morning and thought she had ice cream. of Joe Kurtz. I’ve known him all my life and it’s When she got to her seat, she discovered it hard to believe he isn’t with us anymore. was butter … and she had taken two scoops! Sunday, Aug. 14: To church, then home. Sunday, Aug. 28: Niece Nora Mae called The children got bored, so we played a game and said her brother Robbie, age 5, broke with them. his ankle. He was running and crashed into Monday, Aug. 15: These cool nights and a clothesline pole. I want to get Betty and cooler days are so wonderful. Norma to make cards for him and send him My day was full with canning peaches. something. I’m sure he’ll have some long days I peeled for 3 hours straight and my fingers ahead. were numb and sore when I was done. Monday, Aug. 29: Laura and Katherine Tonight the girls and I walked down to had dentist appointments this forenoon. see the new baby at Bill and Rosemary Miller’s. Then, this afternoon, Laura and I went out and They named her Saralyn. did some cleaning in the schoolhouse. Tuesday, Aug. 16: Today a few of us Had sweet corn and hot dogs for supper. mothers painted the schoolhouse walls and Tuesday, Aug. 30: I had to run errands ceiling. It was more enjoyable than I thought today so Wayne could work on the house it would be! tonight. It’ll be slow going until everything The Special Ed room is coming along. It is done with only Wayne working on it in the should be ready by the first day of school. evenings. Wednesday, Aug. 31: A normal, busy Wednesday, Aug. 17: I went to Guys day. I did lots of odds and ends while Laura Mills, Pa. with a load of women to visit an did laundry. Katherine, Betty and Norma piled old time friend, Martha Mullet and her Mom, campfire wood, but not without whining a bit! Amanda. Tonight I went out to the schoolhouse to Thursday, Aug. 18: The children and I help clean some more. I do think it’s almost went down to Mom’s for he day. We got word done now. Only a few last minute cleanings there that my brother Joe’s wife Mary Jane’s yet before school starts. mother died. She lived in Clymer, N.Y.

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September 14, 2011

Lines by Linda

Miller Jr. of Madison Road. He has been a very sick boy. Mail will reach him at 15478 Madison Road, Middlefield, 44062. Emanuel J. Hershberger of Tavern Road spent several days in the hospital this past week. He was diagnosed with diverticulitis, a painful inflammation of the bowels. September 4, 2011 … Sunday evening and it’s raining again. It will probably put the admission to the By Sarah Miller Geauga County Fair down. September 2, 2011 … Oh my, it’s time The widowers from Geauga for another letter. How fast the summer County were invited to the home of David is going by. Already some schools have E. Barkmans on Georgia Road tonight. They started. Fair started yesterday. were served a delicious supper. They visited Pretty soon we’ll hear the hum of and then also sang a while. There were farmers filling silos. And that is a 18 who showed up. sure sign of … fall! On Monday, Labor Day, The grandsons were widow Kathryn Wengerd has helping Joe split wood today, invited the widows of Geauga I was talking to the using a splitter, which goes doctor about a weight-loss County plus some friend much faster than splitting by patch I had seen advertised. widows from Kentucky and hand. Supposedly, you stick it on Cass City, Mich. over. Mrs. Ray Judy Miller of and the pounds melt away. Son Mark and family Shedd Road spent two days spent Sunday evening here “Does it work?” I asked. in the hospital this week after “Sure,” he said, “If you put with us. We had ice cream and having numbness on her left snacks. it over your mouth.” side. They did another MRI. Announced for marriage Mrs. Ray Fannie Burkholder are Will, son of Bill and Betzy of Old State Road had surgery on Miller, Tavern Road and Amanda J. Wednesday, August 31. We wish her a Byler of Donley Road. The wedding is to speedy recovery. be on September 15. Also having surgery twice was Levi

By Linda Weaver

I’m sure you’re all enjoying those beautiful days we have been having. The sky and clouds look very fallish though, don’t they? But, it’s that time of year when children are excited for school to start and mothers are busy canning and getting last minute sewing done. Son Aaron and Rose are having church on September 4, so Rosa Beth Mast, our granddaughter is helping out there a few days this week before school starts. We attended the benefit auction Friday night for Meadowbrook School at Sawmill Joe’s. They had lots of nice things to sell and a lot of people to enjoy the fish fry, which was delicious as always. It was our lucky night as we won the big wagon and also a nice basket filled with many useful items from the silent auction. Saturday night, we, along with Erwin Jr. Gingeriches and daughter Ruth Ann, Lee Bontragers and daughter Jennifer, Marty Masts and three children surprised John Slabaughs for his birthday, which was August 26. He was 63. We enjoyed sitting around the firepit eating ice cream and cake. As it was quite cool lots of coffee was enjoyed too. Last night our family was at Robert and Laura Troyers for snacks, where we also sat around the firepit and a lot of coffee was consumed. The occasion, Laura had had surgery on her foot with a plate and screws put in. So far, she has not put any weight on it and gets around with a walker. Others there were their son Paul, Rose and baby Lucas, and grandpa Jake and Mary, along with daughter Sally and Marty, all Troyers. Robert is Jake’s nephew. Grandpa John had to have a new battery put in his defibrillator at the hospital, as did Mel C. Miller, my cousin. They both had them for eight years. The new ones are supposed to last for 10 years and are better made. John had birthday number 77 recently. Cute and true … Our grandson Jeremy, 3, heard the preacher say, “God makes no mistakes.” He told his mother, “The preacher said God makes no more steaks.” Then he quickly added, “I didn’t want more anyway.”

Chuckle ~~~~~~~~~~~

Greetings from the

I’m writing this on Saturday morning, August 27. My thoughts go back as 54 years ago today was my mother’s funeral. Mom died of a Rheumatic heart at the age of 47. My, it is hard to believe how fast time moves along! Fall is in the air. Next weekend is the Burton Fair and Labor Day. Can winter be far behind? It has been many years since we have seen the corn look as nice as we see this year. Hay was a good crop, too. But the oats were not as good this year.

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Mary Mrs. John H. Slabaugh is coming along from her recent back surgery. Mary is still taking it slow and easy. Her husband John is almost done with his radiation treatments. John must then see two different doctors and will be facing surgery in the near future. Visitors with John and Mary lately were Jake and Linda Weaver, David and Ada Miller, Son Ervin and Betty, and Johnny and Esther Slabaugh. Let’s keep John and Mary in our thoughts and prayers. Bishop Eli E. Troyer spent time in Geauga Hospital with infection and fever. We hope Eli is coming along OK at home and is not too hard to take care of. (Smile.) My brother Wayne and Emma from Southern Ohio paid us a visit on August 18. And were at our house for lunch. Sisters Ada Marie Byler and Sally Detweiler were also able to join us. Wayne’s daughter Donna furnished Wayne’s transportation and also lunched with us. A very enjoyable day sharing memories.

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By William Bender

It is that time again, time to get my thinking cap on and get some lines for this paper. Stillwell Country School had a benefit sale the other Friday eve. Willis Miller came back to his old neighborhood here, and was he ever glad to be back! You would think he had moved out of the U.S., not just a few miles away. And did he get on my case for not sending longer letters! (Since he moved out of Huntsburg, there isn’t much going on and nothing to report.) Mosa John’s Bills had a wedding and Little Ervin stopped in from Cass city. Ervin Anna is out there and missed the wedding which was at Crist Yoders. One of Ray Miller’s sons and Susie married. It was their second wedding. We were in McKay to a wedding at Jonas Nisley’s (sister Susie) for their daughter Nancy and one of John Yoder’s sons. We had to miss the wedding at Melvin Miller’s, as it was the same day. Some schools are ready to start and some already started. Where did the summer go? Fall is on the way with nights that are good sleeping weather. Cristy Kauffmans had the neighborhood cookout with a nice turn out. Reuben Emma and her children had a get together at Dan Fisher’s on Labor Day.

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September 14, 2011

By Rachel Miller

August 25 It’s time to get my letter written once more. We were to Garrettsville today. Ivan had a follow up at the doctor’s. He waited a while, then we shopped, so the day was about past when we got home. I did do laundry and folded tea towels and, just now, put the sheets back on the bed. I folded tea towels and dishrags. It’s 7 p.m., Barbara is finishing up cleaning the upstairs. Last week, she was gone from Monday through Saturday on the Bill Stutzman bus tour. They had a good time and a nice group to travel with. They were in New Hampshire, the nicest mountain state, and enjoyed beautiful scenery. They spent three days there and also in Vermont. It was a very good trip. I had granddaughter Rachel here to help me Monday. I did laundry and we picked a wheelbarrow load of corn, got it ready, put it in bags and froze it. We kept some back to have for lunch. So we got corn out of the garden after all. And there’s still some that’s not ready.

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Saturday, Aug. 13: We the entrance a scrubbing from are enjoying our first sweet top to bottom. The guys have corn and also those wonderful cemented the front part of the tomatoes from the seeds we basement. saved from previous years. This evening, we had a Sunday, Aug. 14: I good singing by the Melvin attended church at John Hostetlers. Fishers on Nash Road where Saturday, Aug. 27: Lydia my friend, widow Alta Miller, Kaufman and I had a nice visit from Delaware was visiting. this morning. She is recovering We see each other about every By Ellen Hershberger from major surgery. We work 15 – 20 years or so. This was her first visit to with the same clients in Chardon and South Geauga County. Russell. Then a friend paid for a Chinese Monday, Aug. 15 – Friday, Aug. 19: lunch in Middlefield and it was home sweet To my dismay, I left my dresses hanging at home to rest and sleep in the afternoon. home, so for five days at work I wore the Everyone on the home front is busily same old dress, and just kept washing it at cleaning houses and shops to have church night. services here the next few times. Saturday, Aug. 20: I took a long Sunday, Aug. 28: I attended church at morning walk to Bylers Seed Store to pay nephew Vernon Hershberger’s, then home for my winter’s supply of coal. I thought to rest and sleep in the afternoon. traffic was going too fast in this fog! Congratulations to Leroy and Kathryn Sunday, Aug. 21: We attended church Yoder on the birth of a son. Their youngest at Melvin Fishers and, after some rest and child is 13, and they are a happy family! sleep in the afternoon, I reconnected/visited Monday, Aug. 29: This day has with two former helpers of mine, and I saw memories for us, as it was our Mother’s birth the newborn. A perfect ending to the day. date. She would have been 94 today. Monday, Aug. 22: About fine minutes At work, in between daily duties there after arriving at work, we experienced is writing, reading and memorizing to while a scheduling glitch when another aide away the hours. This will be a long week walked in! All ended well when she left, until Friday night, but am thankful to GOD being happy for the day off. for work. Among the daily duties, I made a bread Tuesday, Aug. 30 – Wednesday, Aug. pudding, cleaned the carpet and weeded 31: Work as usual. awhile in her garden. I enjoy learning how Would you friends of Rita Nichols to use some of the herbs she raises. send her a card? She is having surgery and Tuesday, Aug. 23: When my friend would love to hear from her friends. Her picked me up from work, we decided to address is: 16139 East High Street, Apt. 111, stop at a little place called Judy’s and have Middlefield. a late breakfast. After a bank and library You all have a blessed month. stop, we headed home where I finally gave

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I canned banana pickles yesterday. I’ve had all I want and gave a lot away. Now the plants are dying. I hope I can have some left to eat fresh. I won’t have any beets to can; something ate the plants. I like pickled beets and buttered beets. I think there were three weddings today! They had a nice day. We are looking forward to grandson Raymond’s wedding to Susie, daughter of Crist Yoders, on September 1. We didn’t get any blackberries this year. I don’t think we have any in our woods. When we lived on Nauvoo Road, I used to pick a lot in our woods. I would take the boy’s beagle along as I thought he would keep the snakes away!  The children helped pick, too. I used to stomp in the brush to get the nice big ones. We canned a lot and made jam and jelly. Blackberry juice is good for diarrhea and blackberry wine is good for arthritis. If I had a lot of blackberries, I would try to make some. On Tuesday evening, brother Ervin and Mary Ellen, Albert Detweilers and Fannie, Mose Millers and Sarah, our Barbara and we went to Atlantic, Pa. for a late birthday surprise for sister Anna Mary, Mrs. Melvin Detweilers, their two sons, Alberts and Crists were also there. The two daughters were home also. On August 9, 10,11 and 12, we were on a sight seeing trip with Urie Bylers to Lancaster and the Big Valley. We visited with our cousin, Ben Raber, one evening and were also to the graveyard where Rudolph Detweiler is buried. He would be the seventh generation of Urie Byler and Ivan’s relative. Rudolph came over on a ship when he was 14 years old.

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By Daniel Fisher

We are having a Nutrition / Health meeting Sept. 27 starting at 6 p.m. Questions such as: What benefits are there to eating Nutrient Dense? What is causing the diseases in us and our animals? Is it lack of nutrition in our food? Why do we at D & S try to raise Nutrient Dense produce to sell? All are welcome. I’ve been in the natural health business for quite a few years now. The problem with being in the natural health food business is that people will not change their junk food diet, don’t want to take supplements or say, “Oh, that’s way too expensive.” But in later years, all these different diseases set in and I guess doctors and hospitals are cheap. But most generally, if you tell that same person to change his horse’s diet he won’t hesitate to do so. If you tell him garlic is food for the horse’s immune system and so is selenium and vitamin E, he’ll feed them to his horse. Selenium and vitamin E also help the horse to relax his muscles and keep him from tying up or getting azoturia*. The same is true for humans. For example, when you recover from the flu you feel stiff and sore. You’ve used up your selenium and vitamin E and need to supplement. Until next time. Daniel C. Fisher is proprietor of D & S Farm & Garden Supply LLC, 4738 Gates Road, Middlefield. Call his voice mail at 440-693-4632 for more information. (* severe muscle cramping)

Plain Country

September 14, 2011

Submitted by Sarah Miller

Books in Review

“August 12, 1898 Middlefield, Ohio A friendly greeting to all, Weather is nice at present. Thrashing oats and plowing are being done. Peaches and plums are getting ripe and are plentiful. Apples are not very plenty. Lots of sickness among the children in our neighborhood. Gideon Detweiler and wife are blest with a baby girl. J. H. Miller and wife of Sugarcreek, Ohio are visiting friends here. A. A. Coblentz and wife Sundayed with friends in Troy. D. C. Byler and wife were guests of C. J. Kauffmans on Sunday. Daniel C. Miller of Newberry, Mich. arrived here on Saturday with his trunk, and will make this his home. August 20, 1898 Nice weather but had plenty of rain last week. C. J. Schmucker had a horse stolen from his barn last night, and is now on his way to Chagrin Falls in search of the missing animal. Blackberries are a good crop. Later (that day) Jacob, son of C. J. Schmucker, has just turned up with the missing horse. It seems that Jake came home later on Saturday and needing a horse he took his father’s instead of his own. Thus the horse wasn’t stolen after all!! Respectfully yours, M. D. Miller”

By Jacquie Foote

“Voyage of No Return” written by Norma Plank was published by Carlisle Press, Sugarcreek, Ohio, copyright 2008 and is in its second printing. For six generations, the story of the coming of the founder of the Plank family to America has been carefully preserved. Now, a well-researched and lovingly written book has been produced to share that story with all. In the summer of 1767, Johan Melchior Blankenburg* and his wife Margaret traveled to the Rotterdam Port to say good-by to friends who were immigrating to America. The Captain invited them to spend the night aboard ship with their friends, as it would not sail until the next day. However, when they awoke in the morning, they found that the ship had sailed the night before and that they had been kidnapped by the unscrupulous Captain Boswell to be taken to America and sold as indentured servants. The story covers their voyage and their seven years of indenture in America. A story of adventure? Yes! But, more than that, this is a story of their great belief in and deep love of God which sustains them, rescues them and changes the lives of many around them. Told in a simple, well-paced style, Voyage of No Return is very hard to put down. You may think of the book as an historical work, clearly showing life in another time. And it is. You may see it as a story of faith and a profound joy in it that lifts the spirits not only of Johan and Margaret but also of those around them. And it is. Best of all, you may take more than a few lessons in the power of a close walk with God. *It seems that illiteracy is at the root of the change of the surname “Blankenburg” to “Blanckenburg” to “Blanck” to Planck” to “Plank”.

Book in Review By Sarah Miller

“McKenzie’s Jericho” written by Sandy McDermott is a Christian/Fiction book that could very well be true. There are many misconceptions about the Amish and this book helps dispel some of them. McKenzie’s Jericho brings out the different lifestyles as neighbors watch each other from a distance and prejudices grow out of ignorance.

A master story teller, Sandy McDermott weaves through the lives of her characters bringing them to life in this heart-warming thriller of healing through God’s love. Both “English” and “Amish” families learn just what God can do when given a chance. Sandy is a long time resident of northwest Ohio, a former paramedic and physician assistant, and a member of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville. We have been friends for many years. I hope you will enjoy her book as much as I have.

Bookmobile News By Jane Attina

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was writing about the hot days of summer and fresh vegetables growing in the garden. Now, here it is only a month later; the weather is changing and school is back in session. Our library volunteers (many of whom are retired school teachers committed to putting wholesome books in the hands of our children) were excited to get started delivering books to the schools. We have approximately seven thousand books in the Amish School collection and most all of them have been donated form other libraries or individuals over time. This year we are very grateful that our library was able to provide us monies to purchase 700 new books. We bought chapter books, as those were the ones we had the least of in the sets. Titles like Henry and Midge, Amelia Bedelia, Dr. Seuss, the Bernstein Bears and Dick and Jane are now a part of the special collection. Hopefully, in the future, we can continue to add new books to replace the old worn titles. Our library also provides story-times at the schools from time to time. Please contact Kara at the Middlefield Library (632-1961) if you are a teacher and are interested in this special service. After a week off the road, the bookmobile has started the fall schedule this week. Rusty spots, scratches and a couple of small dents have been repaired and the bottom half of the bus repainted. We have asked patrons to please trim any trees that may rub up against the sides of the bus so as to avoid damage to our fresh new paint. If tree trimming isn’t possible we can move our parking space to another drive hopefully not too far away. With Kim’s departure to become a schoolteacher last month we have one promotion and one new staff member. Many of you already know Edina who has now moved into the full time position. Edina will be on the bus more often and helping me in the office with my many tasks, which includes placing holds for the books our patrons ask for. Our new staff member is Sheila who was a delivery driver for the library before she moved to our bookmobile department. Sheila has fit right into the job and is learning the roads of our county. Sheila was a driver for the Morley Bookmobile in Painesville until they discontinued services a couple of years ago. She is very happy to be back in the driver’s seat, greeting and serving the bookmobile patrons. Stop in and say hello to these ladies and check out our fall display. You will find books on comfort foods, canning & preserving and, of course, football for the boys. Happy reading from the bookmobile!

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In Memoriam

Willis B. Miller, 3, of Colebrook, was granted his angel wings Wednesday evening, Sep. 7,2011. The cause of death is pending. He was born March 27, 2008 to Billy D. and Mary Ann (Slabaugh) Miller. Willis will be sadly missed by: his loving parents; paternal grandparents, Dave C. and Ida M. (Miller) Miller; maternal grandparents, Eli C. and Lydia J. (Weaver) Slabaugh; siblings, Lori Ann Miller, Wilma Miller, and Marlin Miller; great-grandparents, Crist J. and Betty U. (Miller) Miller, Melvin and Mary M. (Yoder) Miller, Crist and Amanda M. (Slabaugh) Coblentz, Joseph B. and Emma (Miller) Weaver; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. His great-grandfather, Crist Slabaugh, precedes him in death. Funeral services were held Saturday, Sep. 10, 2011 with Bishop Harvey D. Miller officiating. Willis’ final resting place is in Clover Hill Cemetery in North Bloomfield. Online condolences may be sent to www. bestfunerals.com.

Help Wanted

News from Windsor By Barbara Ann Detweiler

A daughter, Elva, to Daniel and Sadie Byler. Grandparents are William A. Bylers and Robert H. Millers. Steven and Barbie Byler and family moved to Munfordville, Ky. on Thursday, August 25. Willis Miller, son of Dave Millers and Laura Shetler, daughter of Melvin Ray Shetlers got married on August 25.

SEPTEMBER 17th

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September 14, 2011

A Logic Puzzle Contest for You or for the Family.

Fun! A lot of you like a challenge! Thank you for the many fine entries in our Coloring Contest. The judges had a hard time deciding (especially in the 11 and up category)!

And the Winners Are …

Ages 5 to 7 Becky Frey (Parks West Road) Robert Yoder (Tavern Road) Ages 8 to 10 Michael John Miller (Newcomb Road) Samuel Weaver (Kinsman Road) Ages 11 and older Amy & Elizabeth Ann Byler (Girdle Road)) Danny E. Mullet (Nauvoo Road) Daniel Yoder (Parkman Mespo Road) Honorable Mention Adam Detweiler (Hayes Road) Danny Yoder (Bundysburg Road) Winners have been notified by mail.

Math Challenge 1

Try to fill in the missing numbers. Use the numbers 1 through 9 to complete the equations. Each number is only used once. Each row is a math equation. Each column is a math equation. Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

Use the clues below to answer the questions at the end of this Logic Puzzle. Then cut out and send in the questions at the bottom of the puzzle, remembering to fill in your name and address on the lines provided. Send your entry to Plain Country Logic Puzzle Contest, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, Ohio, 44062 to arrive by Sept. 21. The first 25 right answers received will receive a packet of stickers. Have fun and remember … Logic Puzzles can be tricky!

Lunch Box Pie Logic Puzzle

The 4th and 5th graders in High Meadows School decided to spark up lunchtime by exchanging lunches. They wanted to be sure that everything would be fair, so the 10 children in those grades decided that each would bring in a lunch that contained a sandwich, some kind of fruit, something to drink and a piece of pie. They would keep their lunches in their lunch boxes. The teacher would number the boxes 1 to 10 and the children would each pull a number from the teacher’s number cards. They would get the lunch box corresponding to the number they drew. The teacher made sure that no one picked their own lunch box. Betty and Eli had green lunch boxes and Bob and Carol’s were blue. David, Carol and Kate all brought apple pie. Bill’s lunch box was the only purple one. Eli and Sara had picked the blackberries their Mom used to make the pie for their lunch. Andy lost his lunch box, so he just had a bag. Kate and David got the same kind of pie they brought. Betty was allergic to cherries. Andy and Jon’s Moms were good friends and liked to can peaches for pie filling together. The blue lunch box belonging to a boy had cherry pie in it. Jon got the purple lunch box which was good because he loved cherry pie. The boy who brought his lunch in the lunch bag got a lunch box with apple pie. A boy and a girl picked the blackberries in the pie they brought and a different boy and girl got to eat those pieces of pie. Eli thought the yellow lunch box he got was silly, but he loved the cherry pie that was in it. Only one person got blueberry pie. Bob thought it funny that the lunch box he got was really a bag. Jon was glad his cousin Carol got his peach pie. Andy brought _ ___________ pie and got _______________ pie. Betty brought _ ___________ pie and got _______________ pie. Bill brought _ _____________ pie and got _______________ pie. Bob brought _ ____________ pie and got _______________ pie. Carol brought ____________ pie and got _______________ pie. David brought ____________ pie and got _______________ pie. Eli brought _______________ pie and got _______________ pie. Jon brought ______________ pie and got _______________ pie. Kate brought _____________ pie and got _______________ pie. Sara brought _ ____________ pie and got _______________ pie. Name: ________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________

Plain Country