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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
September 2021
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
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Bountiful Geauga: Farmers Adapt to New Market Demands By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com
This is the time of year – the Great Geauga County Fair time – when residents appreciate the bounty area farmers produce. Whether it’s cutting up fresh green beans for dinner, stacking bales of aromatic hay in the loft, picking blueberries at a neighboring orchard or enjoying the farmers market on Chardon square every Saturday morning, Geauga residents are intimately aware of the benefits of living in a community that yields great produce for fair prices. Fields of corn, wheat and soybeans can be seen, mostly along the southern and eastern back roads of Geauga County. Increasingly, they form a checkerboard with modest parcels focused on smaller crops – eggs and vegetables at a roadside stand – and middle-sized operations that raise Christmas trees, sheep, beef and dairy cattle or stable horses for various purposes. Chances are, if it can be raised and marketed in Ohio, you will find it growing in Geauga County. But, like any industry, agriculture has had its ups and downs here and Les Ober, Newbury Township farmer and long-time agent at The Ohio State University Cooperative Extension Service, has seen it all. “Dairy was always the largest animal industry through the ‘70s,” he said in a recent phone interview. When the rest of the economy went south, dairy farming did, as well, and the number of farms in Geauga County dropped through 1983,” he recalled. “That was the last major downturn until the last few years.” Big farms turned to raising grain rather than dairy cows, but to make a profit, several thousand acres of crops are needed, he said. So, some smaller farms shifted to the equine gear. “It changed the agriculture industry to horses,” Ober said.
Gift Horse Farm
One example is Gift Horse Farm, owned and operated by Melissa Bowsher on Pearl Road in Hambden Township. A boarding stable, Gift Horse Farm has 10 acres and stalls for 12 horses. Bowsher said she has seen demand for boarding and training facilities go up in the northern part of the county since she bought the property 15 years ago. “Everybody is moving out east,” she said. Housing developments don’t usually have room for horses, so when people relocate to Lake or northern Geauga County, they need a place to board their horses. “It’s more convenient for Lake County
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Melissa Bowsher trains and sells hunters and jumpers and rehabilitates injured horses at her Gift Horse Farm in Chardon.
people to board horses in this part of Geauga County. Business is great out here,” Bowsher said. “There are no farms available for people to buy. People want their horses closer to where they live.” Besides boarding, Gift Horse Farm offers horses for sale and provides conditioning, layup and rehabilitation services, according to its website. Bowsher said most of her boarders are local amateur riders and she is happy to customize her horse care to meet her boarders’ needs, from self-care to full-care. With an agriculture degree from Texas A&M University, Bowsher said she has showed hunters and jumpers in Europe and spent time in horse-show-heavy Florida, but prefers the Ohio area because it is a colder climate. “I know horses are healthier here. They don’t like the heat,” she said. Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture ignores the horse industry and has no official figure on the equine population in Geauga County, Ober said he believes in the 1980s, the horse market was the largest agricultural sector in the county. “I know it declined mid-2000 to 2010. People didn’t have as much spendable income and private stables declined,” he said. Other surveys indicate Geauga County now has one of the highest horse populations, per capita, in Ohio, said Ober, who owns several horses. The growing Amish population in Geauga County adds to those figures, with most families owning at least one buggy horse.
“If we want to preserve out farms, we’ve got to keep our land. We need to protect what we have.” – Les Ober The Amish are responsible for a number of the small dairy farms, keeping the dairy industry active, Ober said. They supply milk to the two cheese companies in Geauga County – Rothenbuher Cheesemakers in Middlefield Township and Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op on Kinsman Road. While large-scale farming has declined, Geauga’s farm count held steady at about 970 for years, Ober said. Today, there are about 1,049 property owners who classify their property as a farm with an average size of 67 acres, according to a census of agriculture done in 2017, Ober said. “Geauga County is holding its own. There hasn’t been a lot of development in the last few years,” he said.
One reason is farmers who don’t want to sell the family farm have put the acreage in conservation easements to keep the property in agriculture. “One thing that has deterred ag in Geauga County is the inability to get land to farm,” Ober said. “If we want to preserve out farms, we’ve got to keep our land. We need to protect what we have,” he said. Several years ago, he put his family farm in a conservation easement. Land in a conservation easement usually cannot be developed, but it can continue to be farmed. “Dad requested the farm be preserved as farmland. He hoped the farm in Newbury would stay there,” Ober said. See Farms • Page 5
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
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The Belew family at Messenger Century Farm in Auburn Township produces and sells maple syrup.
Farms
from page 3 Messenger Century Farm
Conservation easements and maple syrup making are common threads among farm families, including the Belew family at Messenger Century Farm in Auburn Township. The Messenger family, which owned the property on Messenger Road since the early1800s, started tapping the sugar bush using horses to gather the sap, according to the farm website. The OSU is researching maple syrup producers and reaching out to producers to help them improve production, Ober said. Bill and Dee Belew bought the acreage on Messenger Road in 1992 from Louis and Helen Messenger and modernized the sugaring process on the 70-acre farm. “Our original sugar house, although now vacant and reportedly the oldest sugar house in Geauga County, still stands as a constant reminder of days gone by,” the Belews wrote on their page, adding they have modernized their operation, but still use horses for hauling equipment. “Three generations of the Belew family work diligently today to maintain, tap and boil,” according to the website. Ober said the area needs younger people to get back to the farm. Across the country. the average age of a farmer is 58, which is edging toward retirement age for many. But one reason farming is making a comeback is that Geauga County’s younger generation seems to have an interest in following the area’s farm culture. The Belew family is only one example of Generation X finding they like the independence of raising crops and animals and selling them to their appreciative neighbors. GAR Horizons Another example is Catherine Wolcott, who began farming as a teen. She and her husband, Steve, started off selling produce at farm markets. They opened GAR Horizons on state Route 6 in Hambden Township in 2018. They farm 9 acres there, as well as leasing fields for crops to feed their stock and pasture for the cattle they raise. Their beef, pork and poultry are slaughtered and packed in Middlefield and return to the shop where customers can buy packages out of the freezer, she said. The fledgling business grew rapidly in 2020 when COVID-19 made people shy away
from more public commercial locations. Wolcott, in her early 30s, said they saw about 50% growth in a short time. “We were always slammed and running out of product,” Wolcott recalled. She started making home deliveries during the pandemic and did a phone interview Aug. 13 on her way to Chester Township to drop off an order. Their farm connections in the area paid off and the Wolcotts have friends who sell through the business. “We feel it is important to know where your food comes from and be able to have a conversation with the farmer. Our motto is ‘Know Where It’s Grown,’” she said, adding business dropped off a bit when the pandemic eased. But now GAR Horizons has been discovered, she and Steve, who has a full-time job, stay very busy. “He comes home to work again,” she said. They aren’t shy about using the internet to market their goods. Their website lists packages such as the Horizon sampler, monthly meal bag, breakfast bundle and Horizon griller, and their produce can be ordered online.
Farmers Adapting
Ober said the 2017 survey shows nearly 70,000 acres in the county is dedicated to farming, with orchards, nurseries, hay, Christmas trees and vegetables balancing out the traditional grain crops. “There was a time people just sold their land. They felt there was not a future for agriculture,” he said. “This is a new era. People want locally-grown produce. They want to buy from people they know.” As people move into Geauga County and buy small farmsteads, they start to look around for advice on making their land pay. “I get more calls on how to start a small farm,” he said, adding many are looking for specialty crops. That doesn’t mean he is writing off fields of soybeans and corn in Ohio, but those crops are affected more by the global market. Ober noted decreased sales of soybeans to China in the last few years can affect farmers’ choices on what to grow, but technology has made farming more efficient than in past decades, which is a plus. In addition, OSU CES provides programs that focus on soil health and sustainable crops, helping farmers improve yields and make a profit. “We’re back to where we can make money on (farming),” he said. “I’m not pessimistic about agriculture in Geauga County.”
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September 2021
Pre-Winter Perennial Pruning Pointers MetroCreative Foliage and football might be two things people instantly associate with fall, but there’s more to this beloved season than brightly colored leaves and action on the gridiron. Gardeners know that spring is an ideal time to plan and plant their favorite flowers and most flavorful fruits and vegetables. However, seasoned gardeners know that gardening is a year-round commitment. Pruning is one of the keys to keeping perennials coming back for years to come, and fall is an ideal time to take on this important task. Pruning perennials in the fall is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, some perennials can be cut down after the first killing frost, while others can be left to benefit wildlife, including birds and insects. Understanding pruning and when to do it this fall can help gardeners lay a strong foundation for their gardens that will benefit them next spring.
Why should some perennials be pruned?
The College of Agricultural Sciences at Pennsylvania State University notes that perennials that have become diseased or infested with insects are pruned to prevent those problems from resurfacing in the spring. In addition, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, many herbaceous perennials have old foliage and dying stems after several hard frosts. If dead foliage or dying stems aren’t pruned, disease, slugs and other pests can overwinter in the plants. Cutting these plants down to the ground after several hard frosts allows the base of the plant to remain dormant over the winter but makes the plant less hospitable to disease and insects.
Which perennials should I prune?
The first step to pruning perennials is to recognize which need to be pruned and which can be left intact for the winter. The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that bee balm and phlox are prone to powdery mildew and
should be cut back once they’re gone. Hostas harbor slug eggs, so they, too, should be pruned after a hard frost. Hosta leaves that have fallen on the ground should be removed as well. There’s no need to cut back certain perennials if they’re healthy. For example, hardy geraniums do not require pruning in the fall, and Penn State Extension notes that hardy perennials like garden mums are more likely to survive a cold winter if they’re left intact. That’s because the tops of such plants will collect leaves and snow for insulation and moisture over the course of winter. Gardeners who are unsure about fall pruning can speak with their local gardening center for additional advice regarding which plants to cut back before winter.
When to prune perennials
Gardeners need not rush to prune perennials in the fall. Diseased or infested plants can be pruned at the first sight of disease or infestation, but gardeners can wait until several hard frosts have occurred before they prune healthy perennials. In gardening parlance, a hard frost refers to when temperatures drop below 28 F. Several hard frosts kill the uppermost growth of most perennials, making this an ideal time to prune them. Pruning perennials in fall can be the first step toward creating an awe-inspiring spring garden.
September 2021
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
Great Geauga Fair to Make Full-Fledged Return By Hannah Lewandoski editor@geaugamapleleaf.com The Great Geauga County Fair is back Sept. 2 in all its glory. Despite a limited fair last summer due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s fair aims to be as close to “normal” as is possible, said fair board Director Paul Harris in a recent interview. “Everything will be as close to 100 percent as what people are used to,” said Harris. Extra sanitation stations will be available and additional cleaning will take place behind the scenes, he added. Harris had no issue getting vendors back this September. In fact, all available spaces have been sold out. The exhibition halls, which had an Aug. 11 submission deadline, have seen many admissions, as well, Harris said. “Everyone’s eager to get back to business,” he said. Fairgoers can expect to see plenty of familiar entertainment acts, along with a few new shows packing the midway. The fair was able to hold onto a few performers this September that were originally supposed to launch last year, Harris said. New acts such as the Sea Lions Splash will be debuting three to four shows daily alongside the midway of the fairgrounds, with Circus Incredible and the acrobatic Wallenda Family performing three daily shows, as well. Chris Higbee will also be performing a
free country music concert Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. in the small grandstand. Regular performers such as the BB Magic Show and the Great Geauga County Fair Band will also be in attendance. Harris said the fair has been monitoring other fairs and events going on around the state and expects to see similar jumps in attendance to happen in Geauga. For the first time, fairgoers can get their tickets before even stepping foot on the fairgrounds. The fair is offering a digital ticket option this year, where patrons can now get online and pre-order tickets for a $2 discount, Harris said, adding the mobile option allows fairgoers to avoid the ticket lines and offers a cash-free and touch-less alternative. Digital pre-order tickets are also available for entertainment events such as the Demolition Derby and the Truck and Tractor Pull. The fair is offering a five-day pass for $35. A $50 value, one person can use the pass all five days of the weekend, or five people can use the pass for one day, Harris said. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.geaugafair.com/tickets. For those who choose to get their tickets in-person, admission will be $8 on Thursday and $10 the rest of the weekend. On Sept. 6, families can purchase a $10 bracelet that allows them access to rides all day. Admission to the fair Sept. 3 will be free for all veterans and seniors. For more information, visit geaugacountyfair.com.
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
Local Food Connections Maintained after COVID Boom By Amy Patterson amy@geaugamapleleaf.com Local shoppers are still turning to Geauga County farmers and growers for their favorite foods, a year and a half after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a tightening of supplies which sent them looking for homegrown meats and vegetables. Bill Patterson, president of the Geauga County Farm Bureau, said the supply issues in spring 2020, the first months of the pandemic, brought more people to local markets, which put strain on local supplies at first. However, his family’s Patterson Fruit Farm has been much busier than before, as shoppers continue to build connections to their local farms. “One thing that is notable is that we are actually maintaining most of the increase in business from last year,” Patterson said, adding Geauga farms are maintaining a portion of the increased business they got due to COVID-19. Ty Higgins, senior director of communications and media relations for the Ohio Farm Bureau, said America’s food system didn’t make it through the pandemic without its scars. Major processing facilities had to limit their workforce, or stop production altogether to ensure the safety of their employees, which led to a temporary meat shortage that had consumers scrambling to find what are normally ample choices of all types and cuts of protein. Patterson’s farm, which operates school
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Geauga County Farm Bureau President Bill Patterson said his family’s farm, which operates school tours, pick-your-own access, a farm activity center and a family fun fest, has been busier than before the pandemic.
tours, pick-your-own access, a farm activity center and a family fun fest, is considered “agri-tainment,” but even farmers growing corn, beans and cattle have been impacted by the demand created by the pandemic. “We produce our own turkey, chicken and eggs, and we were able to go to local suppliers (for meat),” Patterson said. “When the people were coming out, we had a unique opportunity to sort of say who we were, what we are and offer that up.” See Connections • Page 9
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
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Vine-ripened peaches at Patterson Fruit Farm
Connections from page 8
Kevin O’Reilly — who operates Little Ireland Farm in Middlefield and with his wife, Amy, and owns Geauga Feed and Grain Supply — said he has seen an increase in interest in farming. “For sure we have seen an increase in sales of chicken and livestock feeds,” he said. “More people in our area are interested in raising their own meat and eggs.” Patterson said while it is important to appreciate the growers of food sold at grocery stores, having access to fresh and local produce and meat makes a difference. A grocery store’s goal is better, fresher and faster food, he said, but there is a difference in local, vine-ripened produce. “If you know how things grow, … the building blocks are usually starches and when the fruit matures, it’s those starches turning into sugars, which all occurs in the last few days in ripening,” he said. “It’s such a difference between a peach picked a week ahead and now it’s our responsibility as producers and farmers to continue to make the case — it doesn’t take long, when you go to a store, to say, ‘Gee, I love going to the farm market, but this is right here.’” Higgins said although there is already a lot to be excited about when it comes to what has been accomplished on behalf of agriculture, there are still plenty of challenges ahead.
One challenge being that during the pandemic, livestock farmers were forced to hold on to animals longer than they normally would, causing a panic similar to the one felt by consumers. “In response, Ohio’s budget created the Meat Processing Investment grant program and funded it at $10 million to help existing plants in Ohio expand their capacity and fund new construction,” Higgins said. “This will be a major benefit for small and medium-sized meat processors and will develop a resilient local food system for farmers and consumers.” Another issue brought to light by COVID-19 lockdowns was the need for robust internet access in rural Ohio. Broadband is a priority issue for the farm bureau, Higgins said. Among the biggest items for Fiscal Years 2022-23 was $250 million for the Ohio Rural Broadband Expansion Grant Program. Currently, 11.7% of Ohioans are not able to access reliable high-speed internet, but broadband companies will now be offered these grants to assist them in building the much-needed infrastructure for faster internet access in all corners of Ohio, he said. “Ohio agriculture suffered its share of challenges and setbacks over the past 18 months but, as always, the industry has proven its resiliency,” Higgins said. “Even as most of the world seemed to come to a standstill, farmers continued to produce the most safe and affordable food supply to keep our communities fed.”
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
Introducing the 2021 Junior Fair Court Four girls and four boys will vie for Junior Fair Queen and King Court during the coronation at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2 at the Junior Fair Pavilion.
Queen Candidates Brittany Adams
Brittany is the 18-year-old daughter of Mark and Tina Adams. She is a recent honors graduate of Chardon High School and has been accepted into the nursing program at Lakeland Community College. She is a member of National Honor Society and the International Thespian Society, and has participated in drama club, advanced choir groups and Model United Nations Club. She is a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association and has participated in the National Holland Lop Club and Ohio State Rabbit Breeders Association. Brittany has been featured in several magazines, including Inspiring Teens and Senior MUSE. She is a current member and officer of Greener Fields 4-H Club and Junior Leaders, and is a past member of Girl Scouts. She is the recipient of both the Junior and Senior Gold Award for Leadership, the Senior Gold Award for Achievement and Outstanding 4-H Member Award. She received her Silver Award from Girl Scouts for cleaning up the fairgrounds. Brittany has been a member of Junior Fair Board for six years and currently serves as president. She has assisted with several shows, including the Dog Show, the Rabbit Show, Poultry Show and the Sheep Show. She organized the Diaper Dash for five years. In 2020, Brittany achieved first place in the Showmanship Sweepstakes. In her spare time, she works at OSSO Farm Restaurant.
Samantha Bergansky
Samantha Bergansky is the 16-year old daughter of Dennis and Kathleen Bergansky, of Auburn Township. She is an active sports enthusiast and member of the varsity golf team, basketball and lacrosse teams. When she isn’t playing sports, Samantha is coaching youth basketball, working youth sports camps and refereeing youth soccer, softball and basketball. For the past five years, Samantha has volunteered as an instructor for the Auburn/Bainbridge Safety Town. She also is a three-year camp counselor for the Heiman Girls Basketball Camp. She has won the Scholar Athlete Award for golf, basketball and lacrosse in both her freshman and sophomore years. Samantha is a member of Kenston’s Bomber Bash leadership program at Kenston that organizes, fundraises and executes the community and school events that support the NE Ohio Chapter of A-Kid-Again. This charity provides enriching adventures for medically fragile children and their families
in the local community. When she’s not incredibly busy with everything else, let’s not forget her love of 4-H. She thrives in Greener Fields 4-H Club, where she was past treasurer and currently is club president. Samantha is a member of Junior Leaders, a three-year member of Junior Fair Board, and her family are farm bureau members. Each year, her club, Greener Fields, leads the Geauga County Hunger Task Force, along with all the 4-H clubs participating in raising thousands of dollars and collecting/distributing donated food items for the county. She has participated in the Livestock Sale for eight years with turkeys and chickens. In the past, she has raised the Reserve Champion Chicken Pen, Grand Champion Hen Turkey, Reserve Champion Turkey and Grand Champion Turkey. This year she is expanding her projects to include market swine and goats.
Rachel O’Reilly
Rachel is the daughter of Kevin and Amy O’Reilly, of Parkman Township. She is 17 and a senior at Notre Dame Cathedral Latin High School, where she participated in several activities, including Student Activities Board, Mu Alpha Theta Math Club, where she was awarded the competitions highest points, NASPA Certified Peer Educator, Cornhole Club and outdoor track and field. She volunteers in Parkman for the Chamber of Commerce Pancake Breakfast and the Congregational Church dinners. She belongs to the Ohio Cattleman’s Association BEST Show Circuit, where she is the junior representative on the OCA BEST Show planning committee and an OCA Stockmanship Top 5 finalist. Rachel is active in her church, belonging to the St. Helen’s Life Teen Youth Group, an alter server, a volunteer at the Cleveland Osman Center for the Poor and Homeless, and a Lifeteen Harvest worker, participating in a week-long community service activity. Rachel has been a member of Flockmasters 4-H Club, since 2009, where she has served as president, vice president, secretary and historian. She is also a member of Breeders and Feeders 4-H Club and Junior Leaders, where she currently is serving as president in both. She has participated on the Portage County Livestock Judging Team and participated in The Ohio State Livestock Judging contest. She is a 4-H camp counselor and a family member of farm bureau. Rachel has been awarded the Gold Medal for Beef and been named Outstanding 4-H Member. Her family hosted a 4-H LABO exchange student from Japan for four weeks. Rachel is also a Junior Fair Board member and has participated at fair with clothing projects, market beef, lambs, chickens and fancy chickens. She has been awarded at the state level for her sewing project and has participated there with market lambs and poultry. See Royalty • Page 11
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September 2021
Royalty from page 10
Brooke Taylor
Brooke is the 16-year-old daughter of Frank and Amy Taylor, of Huntsburg Township. She is a homeschooled junior and an 1-year member of Breeders and Feeders 4-H Club, where she shows beef and swine. During her time with 4-H, she has held multiple positions with Breeders and Feeders, and currently is the treasurer. Brooke has helped with veterans’ blankets, organized Red Tulip donations and made donations to the Geauga Hunger Task Force and Geauga Humane Society. She helps with landscaping for her neighbors, making feed and hay for her animals, and helps manage a 60-head cattle farm. Brooke’s family are members of the farm bureau. Awards Brooke has won through 4-H include the Junior Gold Medal in Beef and the 2018 Ted Gaynor Memorial Award. She has also taken first place in beginner and junior showmanship for market steers.
King Candidates Garrett Bosse
Garrett is the son of Rick and Melissa Bosse. He is 18 years old and recently graduated from Berkshire High School with honors, while playing and lettering in varsity baseball, where he received 2nd Team All CVC as well as All Academic CVC honors. This upcoming fall Garrett plans on attending The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute to study biochemical science with a pre-veterinary track. He also is a member of National Honor Society, an umpire for youth baseball and served on the chain gang for youth football. Garrett currently works at Ferguson Show Cattle and is a family member of the Ohio Farm Bureau, a junior member of the American Simmental Association and a member of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and its Best Program, where he was awarded Champion Senior Stockman in 2021. Garrett is a member of Little Porkers 4-H Club, where he has held the offices of treasurer and vice president. He also is a two-year member of Junior Fair Board and has participated in the fair with swine projects for seven years and beef projects for six, notably winning Reserve Champion Market Steer in 2020. He also participates at the State Fair Level with cattle.
Mason Douglass
Mason is the 18-year-old son of Mike and Molly Douglass, and a senior at Chardon High School, where he helped serve breakfast and lunch to the kindergarteners at Maple Elementary School. He is a four-year member of Granny’s Kids 4-H Club and a 4-H camp counselor. Mason also is a member of Junior Fair Board and Junior Leaders. As a superintendent on Junior Fair Board, Mason has worked the goat and poultry shows at the fair. He currently is the holder of the record sale price for a non-champion market goat.
Jacob Grinstead
Jacob is the son of Dave and Amy Grinstead. He is 17 years old and a senior at West Geauga High School, where he is in the marching band. He has been a squad leader for three years and is a member of the band council. He plays soccer and has been a team captain for two years. He was the chairman of the blood drive at school, and he participates in Student Council, Interact and Animato Club. Jacob has been awarded the William F. Allen Award for his band participation and The Harvard Book Award for his academics. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. Jacob belongs to the Breeders and Feeders 4-H Club, where he has held the office of treasurer for four years. He takes rabbits and swine to fair. He has won Grand Champion Meat Pen for Rabbits once and Reserve Champion Meat Pen once. He is also a member of Junior Fair Board and a 4-H camp counselor. Through his participation in the Rabbit Department, he was the recipient of the Pitorak Family Memorial Outstanding Member award. In Jacob’s spare time, he works at CVS in Chester Township.
Robert Jefferson
RJ is the 18-year-old son of Al and Jeanne Jefferson. He is a graduate of West Geauga High School and is now a student at Youngstown State University. At Youngstown, he is a member of National Society of High School Scholars Honor Society. He has been active in 4-H for 10 years as a member of Geauga Prime Time, where he has held the offices of president, vice president and treasurer. He is a member of Junior Fair Board and assists with the beef, swine, poultry shows, and a member of Junior Leaders. He helps the night of the Livestock Sale with set-up and tear-down. RJ has shown the Grand Champion Duck for four years and the Grand Champion Turkey once. Also on his list of achievements is Outstanding 4-H member, a Gold Medal in Leadership and a Gold Medal in Poultry. In his spare time, he works at Giant Eagle in Chester Township.
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September 2021
The Chimtek Difference: A Sure Solution to Chimney Problems Submitted Chimtek combines quality materials and advanced technology to create America’s safest and most efficient liner for masonry chimneys. The double lining concept is an important part of Chimtek’s performance. The Chimtek inner liner is made of a special blend of volcanic pumice aggregates and refractory cements to withstand extremely high temperatures and resist corrosive acids, which are present in solid-fuel gases. The innermost part of the liner becomes hot almost instantly when a fire is started and remains warm during periods of slow-burn. This improves the efficiency of the heating appliance and reduces creosote formation. The Chimtek secondary liner consists of a very special grade of expanded clay aggregates called leca. The leca is mixed with a small amount of cement and poured in place between the inner liner and outer structure of the chimney. The high insulating qualities of the secondary liner results in efficient chimney operation even in the coldest climates. Leca is also resistant to moisture. Any moisture that might find its way into the secondary liner is quickly absorbed through the inner liner and evaporated up the chimney. The Chimtek Difference: • Safer: Chimtek is designed to with-
stand severe chimney fires without breaking or transmitting high temperatures to adjoining combustible materials. Chimtek has been successfully tested to the industry’s toughest safety standards. • More Efficient: Modern stoves and fireplaces rely on controlled combustion for maximum efficiency. A poorly-insulated chimney results in poor draft and an oxygen-starved fire, which produces excessive smoke and wastes fuel. Poor combustion is also a major cause of creosote formation. A Chimtek Liner System helps modern solid-fuel stoves perform efficiently by providing a warm, well-insulated chimney to ensure proper combustion over a wide range of operating conditions. • Longer Lasting: A Chimtek Liner System, if properly installed and maintained, should last a lifetime. • Better Value: As might be expected, the initial cost of a Chimtek Liner System is usually more than traditional masonry liners. However, Chimtek Liner Systems normally require less cleaning, improved stove efficiency and withstand conditions that would require replacing traditional liners. In the long run, Chimtek is your most economical choice. For more information about the Chimtek Liner System, call William Byler at Byler’s Chimtek Chimneys at 440-228-4061 or visit 17673 Nauvoo Road, Middlefield 44062.
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September 2021
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
4-H Spotlight Ben Joles Ben Joles, age 13, is bringing a market hog to fair in his second year with Geauga Beef & Swine 4-H Club, and sixth year in 4-H. Come visit the pig barn.
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
Catch the Buzz and Name the Bee Staff Report John Beran, owner of John’s Country Nursery, is calling on all honey bee fans to help him name his new mascot, who will be at the Great Geauga County Fair with the nursery display. He is starting the buzz by asking area residents to submit possible names by filling out a form that can be found in the hive at 15808 Old State Road in Middlefield. Deadline is Sept. 7. Beran will also have forms at his booth at the fair. The name will be announced at facebook. com/JohnsCountryNursery on Sept. 10 and the new bee will be introduced during the John’s Country Nursery’s second annual Honey Bee Festival Sept. 18. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors to the festival can explore the nursery and enjoy dozens of vendors’ goods and buy tickets for many raffles. Items to be raffled off include a bee hive – minus the bees – and a gift basket. Money from the tickets will be used to cover the costs of the free festival. Tickets will also be drawn for $25 gift cards to John’s Country Nursery. John and Carol Beran started their nursery in 1986 and have been expanding their offerings every year. Besides selling bees, beehives, plants and supplies, they hold classes on beekeeping, making fairy gardens, bird watching, wildflower identification and how
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John Beran, owner of John’s Country Nursery in Middlefield, is asking children and adults to help him find a name for his new mascot in a Name the Bee contest. Deadline is Sept. 7 and forms will be available at the nursery and at Beran’s booth at the Great Geauga County Fair.
to cook with local herbs. Christine Princic, former Geauga County apiary inspector, has been at the nursery for seven years as beekeeper and manager of the greenhouse. Admission to the festival is free, but there will be a minimal parking fee.
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This Wheel Continues To Spin to New Heights MetroCreative
www.GeaugaMapleLeaf.com
In the late 1800s, few may have imagined that a civil engineer specializing in bridges and other steel designs would help revolutionize not only the skyline of carnivals and fairs, but summertime entertainment as one knew it. George Washington Ferris, Jr., was not a household name before 1893, but he certainly was afterward. After the Eiffel Tower stretched into the sky for the 1889 World’s Fair, officials in Chicago, which would be hosting the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, were looking for something of a similar magnitude to serve as the hallmark of their event. Organizers announced a competition to design the fair’s centerpiece attraction. Ferris proposed building a 264-foot wheel with suspended carriages to take passengers around for an arial view of the fairgrounds. But other engineers claimed the wheel would not revolve. According to Smithsonian, even the exposition’s organizer Daniel Burnham balked at the plans for Ferris’ wheel, which would feature slender rods that would carry people higher than the recently opened Statue of Liberty, claiming they would be too fragile. Even though Ferris was not the first to envision and build rotating wheels (smaller incarnations called roundabouts were built and featured in Atlantic City), he was the first to take the wheel to this magnitude and financed much of its building. Ferris’ design had 140-foot tall steel towers, with a 45-foot long axle between them. The wheel had a diameter of 250 feet, with 36 wooden cars that could each hold up to 60 riders. It also was lit up by 3,000 of Thomas Edison’s new light bulbs. The Ferris wheel was a big hit and made an impression on fairgoers. After the fair, the wheel was moved to Lincoln Park, and later became an attraction once more at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Miss. Unfortunately, Ferris went into debt designing and building his vision, and he later died of typhoid fever while embroiled in litigation. His original
wheel, which was later demolished, was the only true Ferris design. But Ferris’s wheel lives on in many forms by ubiquitous copycats, and the name “Ferris Wheel” has become the generic reference for these types of rides. A Ferris wheel is often a staple at amusement parks, local fairs and carnivals and even serves as a permanent sightseeing attraction at attractions around the globe. Pushing the limits of engineering, today’s Ferris wheels reach dizzying heights. The tallest in the world is the Ain Dubai, slated to open in 2020 just ahead of the Expo 2020 in October. The observation wheel will be roughly 850 feet tall (250 meters) and will tower over what was once the tallest wheel, the High Roller in Las Vegas, which stands at 520 feet. Other immense observation wheels include the Singapore Flyer, Star of Nanchang (China) and The London Eye. The famed Ferris wheel lives on in many cities and towns. Once a modern marvel, it is now a customary sight and hallmark of recreational fun.
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
4-H Spotlight Brittany Adams Come to the auction to bid for Lily the turkey, raised by Fair Court Member Brittany Adams. One-half the proceeds for Lily will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation!
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History of the Great Geauga County Fair The Great Geauga County Fair is Ohio’s oldest continuous county fair and one of the oldest existing agricultural fairs in the nation.
First Agricultural Society Takes Root in Geauga
In 1823, James Monroe, our 5th President, was proclaiming the Monroe Doctrine, the United States was still a young nation, the State of Ohio was only twenty years old, much of Ohio’s Western Reserve was yet a rugged wilderness and the invention of modern conveniences, like the telephone, television, automobile and Internet, were decades away. Yet, in Geauga County in February 1823, a hardy group of pioneers, some of whom were among the first settlers to Ohio’s Western Reserve region at the turn of the century, had the vision to band together to form one of the state’s earliest agricultural societies— The Geauga County Agricultural and Manufacturing Society. The Society, one of the nation’s oldest such organizations still in existence, was designed to “promote Agriculture & Domestic Manufactures. Members of the Society then set out to formally organize the annual county-wide fair that would showcase the development of agricultural products, plus the newest farm labor-saving devices, and also would celebrate
and preserve the nation’s economic independence, bountiful harvests, common New England heritage and ideals. In the spirit of hard work, perseverance, fellowship, American Yankee ingenuity and good old- fashioned fun they prevailed and thereby began a tradition that endures to the present.
First Geauga County Fair Held in 1823 Thus, The Great Geauga County Fair was officially born in 1823, with the first “Fair & Cattle Show”, held on October 23 in Chardon, lasting just one day. Rail pens were built on the square for livestock and agricultural and domestic products were exhibited in the old log courthouse. Premiums were awarded for the best exhibits in each class, among them were awards for the best: bull-$10 to Eleazer Hickox; heifer-$8 to Edward Paine; buck-$6 to Lemuel Punderson’s Administrator; ewe-$6 to Edward Paine Jr.; piece of woolen cloth-$6 to Mrs. Sophie Howe; piece of bleached linen-$5 to Mrs. Catherine Kerr; table linen-$4 to Mrs. Alice Beardslee; grass or straw bonnet-$4 to Miss Caroline Baldwin. Agricultural society president Judge Peter Hitchcock, later Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, gave the public address at the 1823 fair.
The Geauga County Fairgrounds in 1908.
Early Geauga Fairs and The Fair Today The early Fairs were alternately held between Burton and Chardon, with at least one Fair held in Painesville, prior to the formation of Lake County, which separated from Geauga County in 1840. After that time, and since the mid-1800s, the Great Geauga County Fair has been held continuously in Burton once the County Fairgrounds was permanently established there. The Fairgrounds today still houses several buildings that date back to the nineteenth cen-
tury, including the Domestic Arts Hall (built 1856, rebuilt 1889) and Flower Hall (built 1890), both of which are listed (since 1979) in the National Register of Historic Places, plus a replica of the original Small Grandstand (circa 1892, rebuilt in 1997) and a section of the old C & E Interurban railway station which now serves as the Fair’s Administration building. Since its inception in that late autumn of 1823, The Great Geauga County Fair has been held continuously each year (a somewhat remarkable feat in itself) despite multiple national conflicts, including the Civil War, See History • Page 19
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Spanish American War, two World Wars, the Great Depression, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and various droughts and hardships other significant periods and events in America’s history - and it flourishes to this day. Each year some quarter million people of all ages from throughout the Northeastern Ohio region and beyond flock to the Burton Fairgrounds, in the heart of Geauga County’s scenic Amish and maple syrup country to enjoy the more than 12,000 exhibits, animals, rides, food, music, entertainment and special attractions which are featured, as billed in the Fair’s motto “Something for Everyone Since 1823”. While many of the early Ohio agricultural societies in the 1800s started up several times or later disbanded, The Fair’s sponsor, The Geauga County Agricultural Society, (Manufacturing was dropped from the title when it was reorganized during the 1800s), a non-profit group, still endures uninterrupted as the oldest existing organization in the county. The governing Board of Fair Directors represents each of Geauga’s sixteen townships with five directors elected at-large. Membership is open to any county resident 21 years of age or older. A Junior Fair, initiated in 1938, also is held during the Fair for area youth.
“Jollifications” & Eastern Influences Pre-date Fair
The origins and spirit of the Great Geauga County Fair actually date back another twenty-five years to 1798 when the families of the earliest settlers in Burton, the Umberfields, first held a gathering that June. The annual “jollification”, or fair, as it became
known, based on the early Fairs of Europe and the East, continued in Geauga County for the next two and a half decades. This “jollification,” drew widespread public interest and participation from area residents, until finally becoming formally organized under the auspices of the county’s newly created agricultural society in 1823, at the urging of prominent farmers and landowners, notably Lewis Hunt who lived in what is now known as Huntsburg Township. Mr. Hunt, a knowledgeable horticulturist with an interest in raising fruit trees, had been associated with the State Horticultural Society in Massachusetts when he lived there and was therefore familiar with the benefits of such institutions when he came to Huntsburg in 1817. His home state of Massachusetts was also the home of Elkanah Watson, generally credited as the “Father of Modern Agricultural Societies and Fairs in America”, who helped to establish the Berkshire Agricultural Society in Pittsfield in 1810. That Society, no longer in existence, held a county fair in 1811 and is considered to be the model after which subsequent American agricultural organizations and county fairs were patterned.
Changes Since 1823
During the 1800s and 1900s, the dates for the Geauga County Fair were expanded and moved up to be held earlier in the season in an effort to showcase the year’s harvest, yet avoid Ohio’s sometimes unpredictable late fall weather. Today, The Great Geauga County Fair is now held annually each Labor Day weekend, Thursday through Monday, and is the “grand finale” highlight to Geauga County’s summer fun events. The “Great” in the Fair’s name and seal was officially added in this century to signify the Fair’s seniority standing as the “Great Granddaddy” of Ohio’s county fairs!
Fresh Veggies are Not Exclusive to Summer Spring and summer may be the seasons most often associated with gardening. But people who love to grow their own vegetables can do so even when the weather outside is frightful. Various vegetables thrive in cool temperatures. The home and garden experts at HGTV note that some winter vegetables are hardy. That means they can handle frosts in temperatures as low as 25 F without being damaged. Others are even sturdier in the face of all that winter can throw at them, capable of tolerating temperatures that dip into the high teens. Growing vegetables in winter requires a different approach than growing in spring and summer, as gardeners must be ready to prevent damage from frost if temperatures get especially chilly. For example, the experts at Michigan State University Extension note
that gardeners may need to utilize floating row covers to protect sensitive crops from frost. Gardeners interested in planting winter vegetables can speak with a local garden center professional about which crops to plant and what to do if temperatures push winter vegetable gardens to the brink. Though it’s up to gardeners what they want to plant, the following are some popular winter vegetables that can make for wonderful, fresh additions to any dinner table even after the traditional gardening season has come and gone. • Arugula • Parsley • Broccoli • Parsnips • Brussel sprouts • Kale • Cabbage • Radishes • Carrots • Rutabagas • Collard greens • Spinach • Endive • Swiss chard
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4-H Spotlight Samantha Bergansky Samantha Bergansky, of Auburn Township, has been selling MARKET CHICKENS & TURKEYS for eight years! Buyers love the quality meat the Bergansky family raises. Auction at The Great Geauga County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m., or bid online at bwfinaldrive@breederworld.com. Please Support Geauga 4-H!
County Fair to Live-Stream 4-H Shows This year, the Great Geauga County Fair will be live-streaming its 4-H shows to cater to those who cannot attend in person. Multi-Track Productions will be live-streaming the shows in real time, said David Somrack, Geauga Farm Bureau volunteer. “The shows can be watched from four
different platforms including YouTube (and the) Geauga County fair website,” he said, adding the live-streaming is being sponsored and paid for by the Geauga County Farm Bureau. Check out the shows the mornings of Sept. 2 and Sept. 3.
You are invited to visit us at
www.geaugamapleleaf.com
September 2021
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
Caveman Crawl Returns for 10th Year
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The caveman missed his running buddies last year at The West Woods and can’t wait to get back to business on Sept. 12! That’s right, Geauga Park District’s Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk is back for its 10th anniversary, and everyone who finishes the 5K will receive a commemorative finishers medal for their support. Early registration is just $20, and all ages are welcome to participate in this fun (but hilly) trail run through the woods. You can learn more about the costume contest, awards, course map and much more at http://bit.ly/gpdcaveman.
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What’s Happening to the Humble Honeybee? By John Karlovec editor@geaugamapleleaf.com In 1989, Karen McCune told her husband, Gene, he needed a hobby. He played a little golf, but wasn’t very good. On his Auburn Township property, however, he had 30 blueberry bushes and he had bought a couple of apple trees. He just need a hive a bees to pollinate them. So Gene bought two hives from a guy in Burton. Two hives turned into 10, 10 turned into 50 and 50 into 100. Today, McCune Family Apiaries owns about 120 hives, which can be found throughout Northeast Ohio. Last year, Gene said his hives produced close to six tons of honey. “I enjoy it and I’m working harder now than when I actually had a job for a living, and I love every second of it,” he said. He added, “The honeybee is probably the most sophisticated insect in the world. Name me another insect that produces a food source.” Unfortunately, honeybee populations are in decline, posing a threat to agriculture. In June, Gene discussed that decline and why it matters as part of a Community Life Collaborative series at the Family Life Center in Bainbridge Township.
Players Inside the Hive
Pollinators are a vital part of agricultural production. Honeybees pollinate about onethird of American crops, a critical process for a healthy supply chain. It’s estimated that honeybees contrib-
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Gene McCune’s 120 bee hives produced close to six tons of honey last year. McCune is passionate about beekeeping and doing his part in reversing the decline in the honeybee population, which poses a great threat to agriculture.
ute nearly $20 billion to the value of U.S. agriculture. They’re essential to the production of fruits and vegetables, and declining numbers will not only impact what consumers put on our tables every day, but
the economy at large. As bees dart from plant to plant gathering nectar for their survival, they pollinate crops such as apples, cranberries, melons and broccoli. Some crops, including blueberries and
cherries, are 90-percent dependent on honeybee pollination. And inside the hive, it all starts with the queen bee. “She has one function and that’s to lay eggs,” said McCune. “She’ll start, usually at the end of February . . . laying a few eggs just to start the process going. And right now (June), she’s laying between 1,500 and 2,000 eggs a day. She will take that hive of about 12,000 bees in the spring and that hive before August will be somewhere between 60,000 and 80,000 bees.” A honeybee only lives six weeks in the summer, so the queen constantly needs to replenish the quality of the population. Surrounding the queen are nurse bees whose function is to feed and clean her. “And she has a pretty good life until she starts to age and slow down,” McCune said. “When that happens, and the bees around her sense that, they will drag her out and kill her, and they will make a new queen, because they understand their survival is based on numbers.” The new queen will take a mating flight and mate with up to 30 drones, or male bees, in order to keep the bee population genetics strong. When she returns, she rarely ever leaves the hive again — unless they swarm. “The reason they swarm — May is the swarming season — is because she (queen) is starting production on laying those eggs so fast, if she runs out of room, the old bees will put her on a diet, she gets down to flying weight, and she will leave with all the old See Bee • Page 25
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Bee
from page 24 bees and look for a new home,” explained McCune, adding the queen leaves provisions in the hive so all the young bees are able to make a new queen and maintain the colony. McCune also explained each queen of a hive gives off a pheromone, which the nurse bees pass to sister bees who pass it to sisters and so on. That is how bees know which hive to return to when there are many located next to each other. The also queen has the ability to lay a fertilized or unfertilized egg. The former produces a worker, or daughter bee, and the latter a drone, or male bee. Like the queen, drone bees — which don’t have stingers and look like big horse flies — have one job: to mate with a virgin queen in the spring. “They fly out and they all meet like in a good ole’ boys club up in the air and they form this big circle, and virgin queens will look for these big drone congregations and they will fly back and forth through that drone mating area to mate with drones. Now, unfortunately, a drone who is lucky enough to hook up in space with a virgin queen, after the act is complete, he dies a very terrible death — his parts fall off and he falls from the air and is dead.” Drones who don’t score have a pretty good life; they get to go back to the hive every night and eat — at least until the fall when the weather begins to turn cold and food is at a premium. “The drones are marched out of the hive and they’re not allowed back in, and they freeze to death,” McCune said. Finally, there are the worker bees, or female bees, the ones that do everything. When a worker bee emerges from her cell, she instinctively knows her first job is to be a nurse bee, helping to feed the larva of her sister bees. Weeks later, she becomes
a house bee, cleaning and removing anything that doesn’t belong in the hive. Then, she becomes a guard bee. “Nothing gets in that colony that doesn’t have the scent or pheromone of that queen. They secure the entrance and make sure nobody enters the hive that doesn’t belong,” McCune explained. Their final job is that of a forager, and based on the relationship between the sun and their hive, they will return to the hive and let their sisters know the location of food sources.
Products of the Hive
The main product, of course, is honey. “Honeybees actually have two stomachs, a honey stomach and a regular stomach,” McCune said. When a honeybee goes out to forage, nectar goes into the honey stomach and is mixed with enzymes. When she returns to the hive, she transfers that nectar a sister bee who transfers it to another sister bee and so on until it get to the top of the brood — the area where the queen lays her eggs. “Bees always store their food source above the brood,” he said. When the nectar finally reaches its resting place, the bees vibrate their wings and draw moisture and enzymes out of the nectar. What’s left is honey. “Honey is two sugars, glucose and fructose,” McCune said, noting honey was used for medicinal purposes — cuts and burns, coughs and colds — before it was used as a food source. Another product is pollen, a high-energy protein food. “We sell a lot of it to health food stores, I sell a lot of it to athletes,” he said. “They call it the super food. It contains everything a human being would need to survive except vitamin D.” See Hive • Page 26
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from page 25 Hives can produce up to two pounds of pollen per day. Beeswax is a popular bi-product of honey production. McCune said they make candles — which burn cleaner and 70% longer than paraffin candles — and sell blocks of beeswax to crafters. He also said one beekeeper he knows ships beeswax to France, because the base for most women’s cosmetics is 100% beeswax. Propolis, or bee glue, is a resinous mixture that honeybees produce by mixing saliva and beeswax. McCune said he sells propolis to a woman who makes a throat spray with it. Cough drops also are made with propolis. Another main product of the hive is pollination. One-third of everything we eat is attributed to the honeybee, McCune said, explaining the largest pollination event in the world, involving more than 1 million hives, happens in California in late February and early March with the pollination of almonds.
What’s Happening to Bees
Honeybees face multiple threats, both natural and manmade. First is the quality of the queen bee. When McCune started beekeeping he would buy queens for $5 from commercial growers in Georgia, Florida or California. Today, a queen bee costs $35-40, and is not of the same quality. “Beekeeping is an expensive hobby. People get discouraged because the rate of loss just in Ohio this year, and for the last 30 years, is 50%, which is not sustainable,” he explained. “They can’t product quality queens fast enough for the world that needs them.” Habitat loss certainly has impacted the space honeybees have to roam and create hives. Bees travel for miles and need broad areas with lots of flowers, a source of water and undisturbed nature in which to build hives. Residential and commercial development has replaced nature in many areas, making it difficult for bees to find a home. “We don’t have enough bee pasture left for bees throughout the country, throughout the world,” McCune said. “This isn’t just happening in Auburn Township, this is happening all over the world.” Monoculture farming has hurt honeybees, McCune said, because bees get tired of eating the same crops every day — and bees don’t care for corn or soybeans. In addition, an increased use of chemicals both in farming and residential living has decimated bee populations. Even when
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McCune Family Apiaries sells various honeys, bee pollen and products at The Hungry Bee caterer at 8326 E. Washington St. in Bainbridge Township.
the pesticides are not meant for bees, they often kill any insect in their path and winds can carry droplets across large geographic areas, contaminating bee environments and damaging colonies. Also, many plants today are grown with a neonicotinoid insecticide coating prior to planting. When those plants bloom, bees are bringing poison back to their colonies, McCune said. Scientists also believe climate change is impacting bees. Climate change is bringing on extreme weather events that can affect the timing of when flowers start to bloom. Fewer flowers available in the early spring mean less food for bees. Finally, disease and predators have accounted for declining bee populations. Pests like the mites hurt bees by invading their hives, and sometimes causing Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), which makes bees sick, disoriented and unable to find their way back home. Predators like bears, mice and even moths and wasps can destroy hives and their bee population. “You can’t lose half your hives every year and keep building more,” said McCune. While beekeeping can be tough, frustrating and demoralizing at times, McCune loves his “hobby.” “I wake up every morning thinking about what I can do new or different,” he said. “And I can tell you that after 33 years, if there is a mistake to be made, I’ve done it and that’s the great thing about having longevity.” Editor’s Note: Gene and Karen McCune are both 1971 graduates of Kenston High School. They are the parents of two daughters, Kimberly and Kate, and grandparents to five grandchildren. McCune Family Apiaries products can be found at The Hungry Bee restaurant and caterer, which chefs Kimberly McCune Gibson and her husband Jimmy Gibson own at 8326 E. Washington St. in Bainbridge.
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September 2021
4-H Spotlight Samantha Bergansky Samantha Bergansky, of Auburn Township, is selling her MEAT GOAT at the Jr. Livestock Sale at The Great Geauga County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 4th at 5 p.m., or bid online at bwfinaldrive@breederworld.com. Please Support Geauga 4-H!
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G.A.R. Horizons Grows Another Year Submitted Looking back on 2020, COVID-19 was a blessing to G.A.R. Horizons, as the little farm store was finally “found.” Located on state Route 6, three miles east of the Chardon Square, and owned by Steve and Catherine Wolcott, G.A.R Horizons started from scratch with no family farming background for either Wolcott. Their meat sales to just friends and family turned into a business and their farm motto is: “Know where it’s Grown.” In 2014, Catherine started selling their freezer meats at local farmers markets during the summer months. In October of 2017, they broke ground to build an all-year farm store at their house and by May of 2018, the building was complete and the doors were opened at the farm. By 2019, the Wolcotts “retired” from the markets to focus on the store. Each year,
more freezers have been added in the store for new products along with other local items. Starting with six flavors of pierogis, there is now a two-door freezer dedicated to The Pierogi Lady’s creations, including gluten free and vegan options. One year ago, G.A.R. launched bacon burgers as a new product, which has been a top seller ever since. You can purchase meat packages or even whole animals to stock the freezer. Another popular item has been the monthly meal bags, including farmer’s choice pork, beef and chicken along with pierogis, vegetables and your choice of bakery, honey or maple syrup — which changes monthly. Catherine will even bring your orders to your home. Starting this year, G.A.R. now offers home delivery. More information can be found online when ordering. Visit http:// www.garhorizons.com for hours, location, ordering and more. Follow G.A.R. on Facebook or Instagram to see daily farm happenings.
Keep Kids Safe in Crowded Areas MetroCreative Amusement parks, beaches, tourist attractions, concerts, and local fairs attract families each year. Such outings can be exciting and enjoyable excursions, but panic sets in immediately when parents lose track of their children. It takes mere seconds for curious children to wander off, and as the minutes tick by and kids don’t return, parents may be overcome with anxiety. Many parents have lost track of their children in crowded public places. Having a plan in place can save families anxiety when traveling through crowded locations. • Take an up-to-date photo. Snap a digital head-to-toe picture the day of the trip. This can make it easier for authorities to identify lost children. In a stressful situation, parents may forget what their children were wearing when they went missing. A photo taken the day of the event can help authorities. • Dress children in bright colors. Dressing children in very bright colors makes them more visible in a crowd. Lime green, yellow and red clothing can help make children more noticeable. • Write down parental contact information. Some parents tuck a piece of paper with their cell phone numbers in their child’s pocket, while others write the number directly on a kid’s arm with a marker or pen. Some parents even apply temporary tattoos indicat-
ing their home and/or mobile numbers. Such efforts make it easy for authorities or other adults to contact parents if a child needs assistance. • Establish an emergency plan. Families should come up with a plan for reuniting if they get separated. This may include children going up to an authority figure for help or another mother with children. Families also can choose a meetup location, such as a highly visible spot in a theme park (think roller coaster or Ferris wheel) or at the front gate. Upon arriving at your destination, go over the plan so it is fresh in everyone’s mind. • Identify people children can look to for help. Kids who were taught “stranger danger” may hesitate to go up to other people and ask for help. Parents can identify lifeguards or workers who can assist them should kids become separated from their parents. • Assign an adult to each child. It’s easy for one parent to think the other parent is watching. In a family of four, Mom might be watching Joseph while Dad is watching Caitlin. A clear plan means parents can focus their attention accordingly to keep kids safe. • Use a child safety harness. Safety harnesses can calm the nerves of parents worried about wandering toddlers. This device tethers a child to his or her parent or guardian, preventing kids from wandering off. Being prepared and acting calmly can help parents quickly find their lost children.
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September 2021
4-H Spotlight Dennis Bergansky
Dennis Bergansky, of Auburn Township has been selling MARKET CHICKENS & TURKEYS for 10 years. Looking for a Great Thanksgiving TURKEY? Jr. Livestock sale is Saturday, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m., or bid online at bwfinaldrive@breederworld.com.
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Who Gives a Cluck? Are Backyard Chickens Right for You? MetroCreative
www.GeaugaMapleLeaf.com
Raising backyard chickens has been a growing phenomenon for several years. Many cities have passed laws legalizing backyard chickens, encouraging many to raise chickens as a rewarding hobby. One of the biggest benefits to raising backyard chickens is that their eggs are fresher and often tastier than store-bought varieties. Hens can lay one egg per day. Multiply that egg per hen, and breakfast is always available. Another benefit to chickens is they produce a natural fertilizer that can be used in gardens. “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” says chicken manure can be composted, aged and eventually added to the garden. In about six months, a person will accumulate about one cubic foot of manure per chicken. Egg shells and other compostable material can be added to create an even richer formula. Chickens also can help control bugs around the yard, offers the experts at Tractor Supply Company. Before investing in backyard chickens, people should determine if chickens will fit with their lifestyle. Costs and care are a big consideration. Each chick will cost anywhere between $3 to $5 a bird. Then there’s feed to consider. The most expensive item will likely be the coop. The experts at The Happy Chicken Coop, a resource for raising chickens and starting coops, says handy men and women can build homemade coops, but ready-made ones will cost a few hundred dollars. The coop will need to offer around four square feet of space per chicken (or what’s recommended for the breed). Despite being seemingly independent birds, chickens need people to be active caregivers. They require feed and water daily. The chickens will need a caregiver while you vacation. People who are frequently away from home should reconsider chickens.
Chickens also are prone to worms, parasites and lice. They need to have rear feathers trimmed to stay clean and sanitary, and they will require an area where they can “dust” and self-groom. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises not to cuddle and kiss chickens like pets because they can carry salmonella. Not every coop is completely varmint-proof, and some chickens may succumb to predators. Squeamish or sentimental folks may find chickens aren’t the right fit. Chickens require commitment and care that many people can provide. It is essential to do one’s homework to ensure that backyard chickens are a sound investment.
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September 2021
4-H Spotlight Samantha Bergansky LOVE BACON? Samantha Bergansky, of Auburn Township, is selling her MARKET HOG at the Jr. Livestock Sale at The Great Geauga County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m., or bid online at bwfinaldrive@breederworld.com. Please Support a Geauga 4-Her!
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
The Role of Tech in Agriculture MetroCreative When asked to think of industries that utilize technology in unique ways, few people may immediately think of agriculture. But technology has left a significant footprint in every industry, and the agricultural sector is no exception. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture notes that modern farms operate a lot differently than the farms of yesteryear. Dramatic changes have taken place within the agricultural industry over the last few decades, helping farming operations become more efficient and profitable as well as safer and more eco-friendly. Robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technologies are now routinely employed within the agricultural industry. The NIFA notes that the value of such technologies cannot be understated. Thanks to the technologies at their disposals, farmers no longer have to uniformly apply water, fertilizer and pesticides to their farms.
Technology now allows them to use only the minimum amounts required as they zero in on individual plants and target specific areas of their farms. The NIFA notes that the utilization of these technologies produces some very real benefits, including: • Higher crop productivity • Reduced impact on natural ecosystems • Less runoff of chemicals into rivers and groundwater • Increased worker safety Safer, more efficient and more eco-friendly operations can only make the agricultural industry more successful in the decades to come. That’s especially notable as the world continues to confront climate change and how it might affect the food supply. Though few may recognize the role of technology in modern farming, there’s no denying the impact that various technologies have already had on the agricultural industry. And that impact figures to become even more profound in the decades to come.
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
4-H Spotlight Geauga County Coyotes
Aim high with the Geauga County Coyotes 4-H Shooting Sports. We are in our 17th year of introducing the youth of our community to the joys found in the shooting sports experience. The safe and proper use of firearms and archery equipment build confidence and teach lessons that go beyond hitting a target. Visit us at the fair for more information. We are located at the north end of the pond in the ODNR area.
Try Northeast Ohio Satellite For TV, Internet Options Submitted Today we are featuring Northeast Ohio Satellite operated by Ron Gregg, who has been serving Ohio and Geauga county for over 40 years with DirecTV, Dish Network, ATT cell phones Hughes Net and Rev Gen portable internet. Ron started the business to provide customers with an alternative to cable television and to serve rural areas where there was no access to cable television or Internet and serves such local businesses as The Cowboy, Zeppies, Auburn Inn, Kuhnle trucking, Cleats, Cleveland CAVS, NASA, the Browns and thousands of houses and small businesses. He pioneered the first small dish satellite system in Ohio in 1994 and installed the first Digital dish in the United States in 1986, for which he was featured in Time Magazine. His company is best known for quality local installations and service, and he feels passionate about providing quality service at a value to his customers. However, in addition to satellite services, Northeast Ohio Satellite also sells and installs Hughes Net, Windstream internet and Rev Gen portable internet. Northeast Ohio Satellite also can provide internet and phone service to any
home or business in the country with (Rev Gen) or Hughes Net for your RV, truck, campers or homes with long driveways and poor internet or cell service. What distinguishes Northeast Ohio Satellite apart from other businesses in this field is prompt “Local” service, experience, and Ron’s dedication to treating every installation as if it were being done in his own home. They provide DirecTV, Dish Network satellite tv along with 4/8k TV,s. They remove old dishes, hide new Dishes to preserve the aesthetics of the home or business and if needed provide a dish heater for customers in snow areas. What are you waiting for? Call Northeast Ohio Satellite and start saving money over Cable tv/ Spectrum or switch from one satellite provider to the other to save money and receive a upgrade in technology! Remember! Most sports bars, Casino’s, thousands of small businesses nationwide along with 40 million homes have satellite tv. It is all about expert installations and service from a Local company for a quality experience from Northeast Ohio Satellite. 330-801-7200. www.forgetcable.com or email us at a1digitalhome@ yahoo.com
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
7 Reasons to Shop Farmers’ Markets
MetroCreative
A farmers’ market is likely coming to a field or open parking lot near you — if there isn’t already one operating nearby. The United States Department of Agriculture says that, between the years of 2008 and 2013, the number of farmers’ markets doubled across the country. Farmers’ markets will continue to thrive and expand as people increasingly realize the benefits of supporting local food providers. Buyers who are not yet familiar with farmer’s markets can examine the following seven reasons to break the ice. 1. Enjoy fresh, seasonal foods. Foods at farmers’ markets tend to be limited to in-season offerings. Some nutritionists suggest eating seasonally available foods is better for your body, because humans ate seasonal produce for thousands of years before shipping and refrigeration changed how people received the majority of their foods. In addition, many people feel that fresh, seasonal foods taste better than the alternatives. 2. Discover new foods. There’s always something new at a farmers’ market, and this can entice shoppers to expand their flavor palates. Explore interesting, locally grown items. Even children may fall in love with colorful fruits or vegetables and their refreshing tastes. 3. Embrace organic and non-GMO offerings. Many farmers’ markets offer foods that are organically grown and are produced without GMOs. Farmers’ market retailers also tend to give firsthand accounts of where their foods come from and how they are grown or raised. 4. Indulge in nutritious foods. The vivid colors and smells emanating from farmers’ markets indicate just how fresh and nutritious the offerings tend to be. Farmers who peddle their wares at farmers’ markets adhere to careful farming methods to ensure their foods are as nutritious as possible. 5. Learn secrets and recipes. In addition to fresh produce, farmers’
markets may offer baked and other prepared goods. Shopkeepers often mingle with their customers, offering trade secrets and recipe ideas. Additionally, local farm families supported by farmers’ markets generally offer supreme customer service to keep shoppers coming back week after week. 6. Turn the trip into a social excursion. A farmers’ market can be an exciting and flavorful social gathering place for families and groups of friends, as well as a great place to meet other members of the community. Sometimes farmers also mingle with local artisans, so the market can be a onestop-shopping locale for locally produced food and art. 7. Save money. Farmers’ markets may sell organic produce at a cost comparable or even lower than other retailers. That’s because local farmers don’t have to transport their items as far as retailers whose foods were shipped from far away places. Any time of the year is perfect for grabbing a tote bag and browsing the wares at a nearby farmers’ market, where shoppers are bound to find something fresh, unique and delicious.
September 2021
Picking Pointers Apple picking is a beloved autumn tradition. While many traditions had to be put on the back burner as the world dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, apple picking seems like one activity that can endure in a world dominated by social distancing. Apple picking season tends to begin in mid- to late-September and ends sometime in early October. That makes apple picking a perfect social distancing activity, as it’s both outdoors and at a time of year when the weather is generally pleasant no matter where you live. Individuals interested in apple picking this fall can take heed of these tips to ensure their trip is fun, safe and successful. • Contact the farm in advance. Apple picking is a wildly popular activity, so expect a crowd to be there on a typical autumn weekend. That can be tricky to navigate while social distancing, so call ahead to learn about new protocols and if the operating hours are the same. If the farm is open several days per week, ask which days are the least busy and schedule your trip when foot traffic figures to be minimal. • Choose firm apples without bruises. According to Pickyourown.org, apples should be crisp and firm. Don’t worry about the color of the apple, as color is not an indicator of ripeness. Instead, Pickyourown.org advises people to ask the farmers which apples are ripe, which is determined by how long it’s been since the trees flowered. • Gently place picked apples into your basket. Pickyourown.org recommends gently placing apples into your basket after picking them. Tossing them into the basket may cause bruising, which can lead to the apples spoiling prematurely. While it depends on the variety, many apples that are not bruised tend to last a long time, especially when stored in a cool place. So taking care of them when picking them can mean you get to enjoy apples for several weeks. • Clean apples before eating them. The Food and Drug Administration notes that produce can be contaminated even after it’s been picked and brought home. The FDA advises consumers to wash their hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce. Produce should be rinsed before it’s peeled so any lingering dirt and bacteria are not transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable. If bruising has occurred, cut away the damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating it.
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
4-H Spotlight Dennis Bergansky Barbecue Anyone? Dennis Bergansky, of Auburn Township, is selling his MARKET HOG at the Jr. Livestock Sale on Saturday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m., or bid online at bwfinaldrive@breederworld.com. Support Geauga 4-H!
Safety First When Clearing Land MetroCreative New homeowners often see their homes as blank canvasses. Looking at a home as a blank canvas is typically associated with its interior, but it also can apply to landscaping. Homes are empty of furniture and decorative items like photos and art on the walls when new homeowners move in. That makes it easy to see the interior of a home as a blank canvas. But that’s not always so easy in the garden or the yard, where brush, overgrown plants or trees and other eyesores might have been left behind by the previous owners. A landscape must be cleared out before it can be seen as a blank canvas. Though clearing land may seem like a straightforward process, no one knows what lies beneath overgrowth or neglected areas of a yard or garden. Do-it-yourselfers can typically clear land on their own, but some safety strategies should be kept in mind to ensure the process goes smoothly. • Wear appropriate PPE. Personal protective equipment should be worn when clearing land. The appropriate PPE when clearing
land includes attire and other gear that many homeowners likely already have on hand. A long-sleeve shirt, puncture proof pants and gloves and slip-resistant work boots should be worn when clearing land. Homeowners also may want to invest in a hard hat if they See Land • Page 38
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September 2021
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
Page 37
Two Common Mammogram Myths – Debunked Submitted by University Hospitals
The Radiation in Mammograms Is Dangerous
The Myth: “Mammograms cause cancer from the radiation. I don’t want all that radiation giving me cancer!” The radiation you receive from a mammogram is minimal. It is equivalent to the amount you are exposed to as a result of a transatlantic flight. Or it is the difference in the level of ionizing radiation present in the environment between Cleveland and Colorado. The amount of radiation is also radiation minimal when you weigh the benefits of mammograms versus the risks. The benefits are less deaths, less surgery and less need for chemotherapy because of earlier detection and the detection of pre-cancer, among others. The risks are radiation exposure, anxiety, inconvenience, false positives and false negatives. Out of 100 women who get a screening mammogram, about 90 will be told their mammograms are normal. Around 10 will be asked to return for additional mammograms or ultrasounds. Of that 10, six will learn that their mammograms are normal, two will be asked to return in six months for a follow-up exam, and two will be recommended to have a needle biopsy.
Breast Cancer Doesn’t Run in My Family
The Myth: “I don’t need a mammogram! No one in my family has ever had breast can-
cer. Plus, I check my breasts in the shower every month, so I will know if something is up.” Mammograms are recommended even if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer. Nearly 75 percent of women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Further, breast cancer is the most com-
mon cancer in women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death and is the leading cause of death in premenopausal women. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. You cannot rely solely on monthly breast self-exams. These monthly exams should be in addition to annual screening mammograms. When we find cancers with a mam-
mogram, they tend to be smaller and more treatable. Cancers that are felt are larger and can be more difficult to treat. The smaller the tumor, the higher the survival rate. Finding cancer when the tumor is smaller saves more lives. For more information or to schedule your mammogram, visit UHhospitals.org/Mammogram.
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
Page 38
September 2021
Explaining Granges and How They Affect Rural Residents MetroCreative Local granges serve as a center of rural life in many agricultural communities. People who live outside such communities may be unfamiliar with granges, including what they are. The most basic definition of a grange is an outlying farm or land with a manor building on the property. When first developed in 12th century Britain, granges were properties that may have been owned by a lord, who chose to live on the property or leased it to others. Other granges were held by the church, mainly by monasteries. The grange definition and system was modified when the concept was brought to North America. After the Civil War in the United States, Oliver Kelley, the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, realized while touring the region that poor farmers in the South bore the brunt of the war’s devastation. Kelley noted outdated farming practices that were disorganized and largely ineffectual. He considered an organization that could bring farmers together across the country with a spirit of mutual agricultural cooperation. Out of this idea the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry (also called The Grange) was established as a nonprofit organization in 1867. The goal was helping rural American families with a strong emphasis on issues related to agriculture. The first grange (Grange #1) was founded in 1868 in Fredonia, New York. Other granges soon sprung up across the country. The organization operates on four tiers: community, county or district, state, and national level. It is the oldest American agricul-
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r 26, 2020 Thursday, Novembe , Ohio 47 • Chardon Vol. 27 No. leaf.com www.geaugamaple $1.00
Chardon wins state the Div. III hip champions 31-28 over St. Columbus les Francis DeSa
PS STATE CHAM
of pacing and here was plenty sidelines the wide eyes on GEAUGA COUNTY Tiger Stadium of Paul Brown St. Francis as a in Massillon in goal attempt DeSales field went left the second overtime Hilltoppers and the Chardon Div. III state 2020 became the in a 12-0 season champions, coronavirus. the time of the page 14 Continued on
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Thursday, November 26, 2020 Vol. 27 No. 47 • Chardon, Ohio www.geaugamapleleaf.com $1.00
SANDY WARD/KMG
STATE CHAMPS
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Columbus GEAUGA St. COUNTY as Francis DeSales ent officers and law enforcemto inspect retail here was plenty of pacing and designated the power the powers for wide eyes on the sidelines the having ments and enforce forcement inspectors in of Paul Brown Tiger Stadium officials establish n health and safetyWorkers’ Compenmasks, local in Massillon as a St. Francis By Amy PAtterso of wearing of views on stAff rePort f.com DeSales field goal attempt in APleleA Ohio Bureau d opposing an Unit. of Nov. 19, Compliance Amy@geAugAm have expresse the second overtime went left s in sation Retail On the evening pointed Di- their legal authority. the CVS Scott and the Chardon Hilltoppers and shopper man robbed Under its newly-ap , ODH Employees County Sheriff are reon became the 2020 Div. III state McCloud unidentified on Geauga ments ie exiting GEAUGA COUNTY message before establish champions, a 12-0 season in times rector Stephan order asking Ohio- Hildenbrand posted a Ohio retail store in Chardon police officials. an while his masks at all the time of the coronavirus. g to quired to wear fined or ordered also issued home between the Facebook Nov. 18 saying Counfoot, accordin Continued on page 14 several calls stay be the Geauga g to ans to 5 a.m. from office had received or they will At 8:48 p.m., a 911 to as “Gov. 10 p.m. and hours, accordin he referred Office received CenDe- hours of closed for 24 Dec. 10. about what on that ty Sheriff’s 296 from the Ohio Nov. 19 through CVS store at mask order Mike DeWine’s suggesti a Nov. 19 order Chardon wins call from the had oc• Page 4 Health. While the updated es, local the Div. III state g a robbery See Masks updatpartment of employe championship Chief ter St. reportin order, an 31-28 over specifies BWC ents or districts, Chardon Police The ODH statewide Columbus St. curred, said departm of a July 23 health tAff r ePort Francis DeSales Nov. 21. ed version new senthey Scott Niehus , includes T reported that forcement powers for designated and law enforcement officers as By Amy PAtterson mask mandate On the evening of Nov. 19, an “The clerk Page 3 • having the power to inspect retail health and safety inspectors in the Amy@geAugAmAPleleAf.com unidentified man robbed the CVS See Robbery school of Workers’ Compen- establishments and enforce the the Bureau Ohio original plan, store in Chardon before exiting on the shoppers on EmployeesInand in tosation Thomps wearing of masks, local officials Retail Compliance Unit. offered foot, according to police c officials. was the lure Ohio retail establishments are reto c property Under its newly-appointed Di- have expressed opposing views on m KAthy as opposed By p.m., $1times At 8:48 the Geauga Coun- f.com p for masks at all their legal authority. APleleA quired to wear rector Stephanie McCloud,Chardon ODH CVS Who Can Enforce a Mask Mandate? Townshi to demol@geAugAm ty Sheriff’s Office received a 911 $320,000 editor Robbed Nov. 19 or they will be fined or ordered Geauga County Sheriff Seems Scott to Know also issued an order asking OhioNobody Nov. board spending s r the at call from the CVS store at 296 Cenmove closed for 24 hours, according to ans to stay Hildenbrand B A Pposted a message on ish it. In aasurprise sold to ahome between the @ . ter St. reporting robbery had ocTrustees a Nov. 19 order from the Ohio De-ed or if of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Facebook Nov. 18 saying while his n Township If not demolish hours demoliThompsoPolice curred, said Chief Board Health. 18 Chardon office had received several calls Nov.ed19 through Dec. 10. designat e Schoolspartment of new owner,an the new Scott Niehus Nov. 21.Berkshir on thethe The ODH order, updatWhile updated mask order about what he referred to as “Gov. meeting, John Manfredi could be spent funds “The clerk reportedmember that they ed version oftion a July 23 statewide all-grade specifies facility BWC employees, local Mike DeWine’s suggestion that of Education reclaimwas mask e Schools departments or districts, See Robbery Page 3 See Masks • Page 4 on the mandate, includes new en- health the•district nt Berkshir construction announced n of the Ledgemo currently under nt • Page 5 , said ing dispositio Berkshire Rescinds Offer of Ledgemont to Thompson See Ledgemo School property B K m c Elementary @ . Leffel. Trustee Erwin $1.00plan, the school In the original By KAthy mcclure Edition Single property was offered to Thompson editor@geAugAmAPleleAf.com XXX SANDY WARD/KMG
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here was plenty of pacing and wide eyes on the sidelines of Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon as a St. Francis DeSales field goal attempt in the second overtime went left and the Chardon Hilltoppers became the 2020 Div. III state champions, a 12-0 season in the time of the coronavirus. Continued on page 14
SANDY WARD/KMG
Berkshire
tAff
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On the evening of Nov. 19, an unidentified man robbed the CVS store in Chardon before exiting on foot, according to police officials. At 8:48 p.m., the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from the CVS store at 296 Center St. reporting a robbery had occurred, said Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus Nov. 21. “The clerk reported that they See Robbery • Page 3
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Employees and shoppers in Ohio retail establishments are required to wear masks at all times or they will be fined or ordered closed for 24 hours, according to a Nov. 19 order from the Ohio Department of Health. The ODH order, an updated version of a July 23 statewide mask mandate, includes new en-
forcement powers for designated health and safety inspectors in the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Retail Compliance Unit. Under its newly-appointed Director Stephanie McCloud, ODH also issued an order asking Ohioans to stay home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Nov. 19 through Dec. 10. While the updated mask order specifies BWC employees, local health departments or districts,
Berkshire Rescinds Offer of Ledgemont to Thompson y
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In a surprise move at the Nov. 18 Thompson Township Trustees meeting, Berkshire Schools Board of Education member John Manfredi announced the district was reclaiming disposition of the Ledgemont
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Chardon CVS Robbed Nov. 19
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Chardon wins the Div. III state championship 31-28 over
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In a surprise move at the Nov. 18 Thompson Township Trustees meeting, Berkshire Schools Board of Education member John Manfredi announced the district was reclaiming disposition of the Ledgemont Elementary School property, said Trustee Erwin Leffel.
Elementary Township for $1 as opposed toSchool theproperty, said Trustee Erwin Leffel. board spending $320,000 to demolish it. If not demolished or if sold to a new owner, the designated demolition funds could be spent on the new Berkshire Schools all-grade facility currently under construction on the See Ledgemont • Page 5
and law enforcement officers as having the power to inspect retail establishments and enforce the wearing of masks, local officials have expressed opposing views on their legal authority. Geauga County Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand posted a message on Facebook Nov. 18 saying while his office had received several calls about what he referred to as “Gov. Mike DeWine’s suggestion that See Masks • Page 4
In the original plan, the school property was offered to Thompson Township for $1 as opposed to the board spending $320,000 to demolish it. If not demolished or if sold to a new owner, the designated demolition funds could be spent on the new Berkshire Schools all-grade facility currently under construction on the See Ledgemont • Page 5
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from page 36 will be cutting branches off of trees or cutting trees down. A face shield also may be a good bet depending on the scale and potential dangers of the project. • Contact your utility company. Overhead power and telephone lines are visible to the naked eye, and homeowners should be conscious of those lines as they cut any high branches. But underground lines are not visible, and that can make clearing land dangerous. Homeowners are urged to contact their utility companies before they begin to clear any land so they can determine if any underground lines are beneath areas they intend to clear out. • Get a lay of the land. Carefully inspect the area to be cleared prior to starting the project. Inspections can reveal the density of any vegetation that may need to be removed
tural advocacy group with a national scope. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it has membership in the hundreds of thousands. According to The Grange, their mission is to “strengthen individuals, families and communities through grassroots action, service, education, advocacy, and agriculture awareness.” In addition to agricultural advocacy, The Grange has been involved with a number of legislative and practical initiatives. For example, it currently is aiming to find ways to reduce the cost of Medicare as well as helping to reform the U.S. Postal Service. It also is advocating for open auctions of spectrum frequencies used for wireless technology to provide greater access to high-speed wireless technology to rural areas. Various Grange halls and centers are located across the country, and these facilities host events and provide gathering spots for families. Tracing their origins to 12th century Britain, granges remain a central component of agricultural life in the 21st century. and reveal if there are any harmful plants like poison ivy growing. Many DIYers can remove small trees on their own, but a professional tree service may be necessary for large trees or those located close to the house. Homeowners won’t want to cut down a tree, even a small one, if it can potentially fall onto the house. In addition, homeowners who are unfamiliar with chippers or stump grinders may be better of hiring a tree service to clear trees. • Don’t go it alone. No one should clear land alone. Even small projects are best tackled by at least two people. Should someone get injured during the project, the presence of another person ensures someone can immediately call for help. In addition, clearing land can be more difficult than it appears, and having at least two people to pull old shrubs or carry tree branches reduces the risk of injury. Safety should be the utmost priority as homeowners prepare to clear land on their properties.
September 2021
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
Fall Harvest of Fruits and Veggies MetroCreative Food is a big part of fall, and farms play a significant role in seasonal celebrations. Each fall, families plan apple picking excursions with their eyes on baking homemade apple pies. And while Halloween is made even more fun when carving jack-o’-lanterns, savvy celebrants know that carving sessions are not complete without some roasted pumpkin seeds. The fall harvest is a great time to indulge in some freshly picked healthy foods. While the picking season may vary depending on where you live, and specifically the climate in your region, the following are some fruits and vegetables that might be ripe for the picking this fall. • Apples: Apple-picking season typically begins in late summer and extends into fall. Many farms offer a variety of apples, which may be harvested at different times. For example, in the northeastern United States, Gala apples tend to be harvested in late summer, while Granny Smith apples may be best picked in early October. • Beets: The Spruce: Eats notes that beets may be in season in temperate climates from fall through spring. • Broccoli: Fresh broccoli makes a healthy addition to any dinner table, and Pickyourown.org notes that broccoli can have a lengthy harvesting season. Early harvesting may begin in May in some regions, though
it’s still possible to pick fresh broccoli in late October. If you want to pick fresh broccoli, The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends doing so in the morning when the buds of the head are firm and tight. • Cabbage: If you’re looking to do some late fall picking, cabbage might be for you. The online resource Harvest to Table notes that cabbage can survive under snow without being harmed, making it an ideal late fall vegetable. Spoiled outer leaves can be pulled away after harvesting without affecting the quality of the remaining cabbage. • Peaches: People who can’t wait to whip up a peach cobbler may need to do so before fall even begins. According to Pickyourown. org, peaches can be ready for picking as early as July in the northeastern United States, and the picking season generally ends around mid-September. The season is even earlier in places like Georgia, a state known for its peaches where the picking season can begin in mid-May and extend through early August depending on the variety. • Pumpkins: Thanks in part to Halloween decor and the popularity of pumpkin pie as a Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkins are synonymous with the fall harvest. And pumpkin picking season aligns perfectly with each of these holidays, typically beginning in early or mid-September and extending deep into October. Fall is a great time of year to pick fresh fruits and vegetables at a local farm.
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
Thursday, September 2, 2021 “Fun Day, Fair Day”
Fun Day, Fair Day $8 Admission Geauga Learn – a cooperative day of learning for Geauga County schools. Chicken Flying Contest – Noon in the Small Grandstand KOI Drag Racing at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Grandstand
8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Jr. Fair Poultry Show Jr. Fair Dairy Goat Show Jr. Fair Horse Show Jr. Fair Sheep Show Jr. Fair Swine Show Open Miniature Horse Show Natural Resource Area Opens B & B Magic Show Chicken Flying Contest Youth Fishing Opens Circus Incredible “Let’s Talk Turkey” - National Wild Turkey Federation Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration B & B Magic Show Trapping Demonstration – Ohio State Trappers Sea Lion Splash Native Plant & Rain Gardens – GSWCD Great Geauga Fair Band Jr. Fair Rabbit Breed Show Monarch’s on the Move – Geauga Park District Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Jr. Fair Pygmy Goat Show The Dogs That Make A Splash – Buckeye Retrievers B & B Magic Show Sea Lion Splash Feathers, Fur & Scales – Lake Metroparks Taste of Maple – Maple Producers of NEOhio Shari Staiduhar – Woodcarving Demonstration Fishing Ends The Dogs That Make A Splash – Buckeye Retrievers Circus Incredible B & B Magic Show Flag Drop KOI Drag Racing Jr. Fair King and Queen Coronation Natural Resource Area Closes Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Great Geauga Fair Band Sea Lion Splash
Poultry Barn Natural Resources Area East Show Ring Small Arena Arena Small Grandstand Natural Resource Area Troy Trail Stage Small Grandstand Natural Resource Area Midway Stage 2 Natural Resource Area Woodcarver Tent Troy Trail Stage Natural Resource Area Midway Stage 1 Natural Resource Area Vernon Howard Pavilion Rabbit Barn Natural Resource Area Woodcarver Tent Small Arena Natural Resource Pavilion Troy Trail Stage Midway Stage 1 Natural Resource Pavilion Natural Resource Area Woodcarver Tent Natural Resource Area Natural Resource Pavilion Midway Stage 2 Troy Trail Stage Main Grandstand Main Grandstand Jr. Fair Stage Woodcarver Tent Vernon Howard Pavilion Midway Stage 1
Friday, September 3, 2021
SENIOR CITIZEN AND VETERANS’ DAY Age 65 and Older and All Veterans Admitted Free
Harness Racing with Paramutuel Betting – Main Grandstand at 5:30 p.m.
8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Chris Higbee Free Country Music Show - Small Grandstand at 8:00 p.m. Open Dairy Goat Show Small Arena Jr. Fair Horse Show East Show Ring Open Haflinger Halter Show Small Grandstand Jr. Fair Rabbit Showmanship Rabbit Barn Jr. Fair Beef Cattle Show Arena Jr. Fair Dairy Cattle Show Arena Jr. Fair Poultry Showmanship Auction Tent Open Draft Horse Halter Show Small Grandstand Sea Lion Splash Midway Stage 1 Natural Resource Area Opens Chardon Polka Band Jr. Fair Stage B & B Magic Show Troy Trail Stage Youth Fishing Opens Natural Resource Area Circus Incredible Midway Stage 2 “Let’s Talk Turkey” - National Wild Turkey Federation Natural Resource Area Open Beef Cattle Show Arena Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Woodcarver Tent B & B Magic Show Troy Trail Stage Trapping Demonstration – Ohio State Trappers Natural Resource Area Sea Lion Splash Midway Stage 1 Native Plant & Rain Gardens – GSWCD Natural Resource Area Great Geauga Fair Band Vernon Howard Pavilion Circus Incredible Midway Stage 2 Monarch’s on the Move – Geauga Park District Natural Resource Area Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Woodcarver Tent The Dogs That Make A Splash – Buckeye Retrievers Natural Resource Pavilion B & B Magic Show Troy Trail Stage Sea Lion Splash Midway Stage 1 Feathers, Fur & Scales – Lake Metroparks Natural Resource Pavilion Flag Drop Main Grandstand Harness Horse Racing with Paramutuel Betting Main Grandstand Taste of Maple – Maple Producers of NEOhio Natural Resource Area Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Woodcarver Tent Chordials Jr. Fair Stage Fishing Ends Natural Resource Area The Dogs That Make A Splash – Buckeye Retrievers Natural Resource Pavilion B & B Magic Show Troy Trail Stage Circus Incredible Midway Stage 2 Championship Ranch Sorting East Show Ring Great Geauga Fair Band Vernon Howard Pavilion Natural Resource Area Closes Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Woodcarver Tent Chris Higbee - Free Country Music Show Small Grandstand Sea Lion Splash Midway Stage 1
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
Saturday, September 4, 2021
Apple Pie Day, Apple Pie Auction at 1:00 p.m. Jr. Fair Livestock Sale: Support our Geauga Jr. Fair Youth! Small Animal 2:30 p.m. in Auction Tent Large Animal 5:00 p.m. in Arena (Registration at Noon) Demolition Derby at 8:30 p.m. in Main Grandstand
8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Donkey and Mule Show Jr. Fair Horse Show Open Rabbit Show Open Dairy Cattle Show Open Sheep Show Jr. Fair Small Animal Show Sea Lion Splash Natural Resource Area Opens B & B Magic Show Draft Horse & Pony Fun Show Youth Fishing Opens Livestock Buyers Registration Circus Incredible “Let’s Talk Turkey” - National Wild Turkey Federation Apple Pie Auction Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration B & B Magic Show Trapping Demonstration – Ohio State Trappers Sea Lion Splash Jr. Fair Small Animal Livestock Sale GEAR Show - Robotic Demonstration Native Plant & Rain Gardens – GSWCD Great Geauga Fair Band Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Circus Incredible Monarch’s on the Move – Geauga Park District The Dogs That Make A Splash – Buckeye Retrievers B & B Magic Show Take II Sea Lion Splash Feathers, Fur & Scales – Lake Metroparks Jr. Fair Large Animal Livestock Sale Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Taste of Maple – Maple Producers of NEOhio Fishing Ends The Dogs That Make A Splash – Buckeye Retrievers Circus Incredible B & B Magic Show Great Geauga Fair Band Natural Resource Area Closes Pony Pulling Contest Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Flag Drop Demolition Derby Sea Lion Splash
Sunday, September 5, 2021
8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 p.m. 12:00 Noon 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:15 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Small Grandstand East Show Ring Rabbit Barn Arena Small Arena Jr. Fair Building Midway Stage 1 Troy Trail Stage Small Grandstand Natural Resource Area Arena Midway Stage 2 Natural Resource Area Vernon Howard Pavilion Woodcarver Tent Troy Trail Stage Natural Resource Area Midway Stage 1 Auction Tent Jr. Fair Building Natural Resource Area Vernon Howard Pavilion Woodcarver Tent Midway Stage 2 Natural Resource Area Natural Resource Pavilion Troy Trail Stage Jr. Fair Stage Midway Stage 1 Natural Resource Pavilion Arena Woodcarver Tent Natural Resource Area Natural Resource Area Natural Resource Pavilion Midway Stage 2 Troy Trail Stage Vernon Howard Pavilion Small Grandstand Woodcarver Tent Main Grandstand Main Grandstand Midway Stage 1
Band-O-Rama: High School Marching Bands Perform at 1:30 p.m. in Main Grandstand Truck and Tractor Pulls at 6:30 p.m. in Main Grandstand Rooster Crowing at 4:00 p.m. in Small Arena Hosted by Mark Nolan WMJI Open Western Horse Show East Show Ring Pony Show, Draft Horse & Pony Hitch Show Small Grandstand Worship Service Jr. Fair Pavilion Entries for the Anyone Can Bake Contest Jr. Fair Building Sea Lion Splash Midway Stage 1 Natural Resource Area Opens B & B Magic Show Troy Trail Stage Legacy Band Jr. Fair Stage Geauga K-9 West Side of Floral Hall Youth Fishing Opens Natural Resource Area Circus Incredible Midway Stage 2 “Let’s Talk Turkey” - National Wild Turkey Federation Natural Resource Area Results from the Anyone Can Bake Contest Jr. Fair Building Shari Staiduhar – Woodcarving Demonstration Woodcarver Tent Flag Drop Main Grandstand Band-O-Rama Main Grandstand B & B Magic Show Troy Trail Stage Trapping Demonstration – Ohio State Trappers Natural Resource Area Sea Lion Splash Midway Stage 1 Geauga Highlanders Strolling Native Plant & Rain Gardens – GSWCD Natural Resource Area Great Geauga Fair Band Vernon Howard Pavilion Circus Incredible Midway Stage 2 Monarch’s on the Move – Geauga Park District Natural Resource Area Shari Staiduhar – Woodcarving Demonstration Woodcarver Tent Rooster Crowing Contest Small Arena The Dogs That Make A Splash – Buckeye Retrievers Natural Resource Pavilion Geauga Highlanders Strolling Jr. Fair Dog Show Arena B & B Magic Show Troy Trail Stage Swamp Rattlers Jr. Fair Stage Sea Lion Splash Midway Stage 1 Feathers, Fur & Scales – Lake Metroparks Natural Resource Pavilion Shari Staiduhar – Woodcarving Demonstration Woodcarver Tent Taste of Maple – Maple Producers of NEOhio Natural Resource Area Fishing Ends Natural Resource Area The Dogs That Make A Splash – Buckeye Retrievers Natural Resource Pavilion Flag Drop Main Grandstand Truck and Tractor Pull Main Grandstand Circus Incredible Midway Stage 2 B & B Magic Show Troy Trail Stage Great Geauga Fair Band Vernon Howard Pavilion Natural Resource Area Closes Geauga County Fair Horse Challenge Small Grandstand Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Woodcarver Tent Sea Lion Splash Midway Stage 1
Page 41
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021
Monday, September 6, 2021
LABOR DAY – FAMILY DAY Discount Ride Bands: All-day ride bands for $10 Frog Jumping Contest – 3:00 p.m. in the Arena Broken Horn Rodeo at 3:00 p.m. at the Main Grandstand 8:30 a.m. Open English Horse Show 9:00 a.m. Pony Show, Draft Horse and Pony Hitch Show 11:00 a.m. Natural Resource Area Opens Jr. Fair Showmanship Sweepstakes 12:00 p.m. Youth Fishing Opens Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration 12:30 p.m. Circus Incredible “Let’s Talk Turkey” - National Wild Turkey Federation B & B Magic Show All Animal Costume Class B 1:00 p.m. Buckeye Pedal Pulls – Kiddie Tractor Pullers Contest 1:30 p.m. Great Geauga Fair Band B & B Magic Show Trapping Demonstration – Ohio State Trappers All Animal Costume Class A 2:00 p.m. Sea Lion Splash Jr. Fair Style Show 2:30 p.m. Native Plant & Rain Gardens – GSWCD 2:45 p.m. Flag Drop 3:00 p.m. Broken Horn Rodeo Frog Jumping Contest 3:30 p.m. Circus Incredible Monarch’s on the Move – Geauga Park District Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration 4:00 p.m. The Dogs That Make A Splash – Buckeye Retrievers 4:30 p.m. B & B Magic Show Great Geauga Fair Band 5:00 p.m. Sea Lion Splash Feathers, Fur & Scales – Lake Metroparks 5:30 p.m. Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration Taste of Maple – Maple Producers of NEOhio 6:00 p.m. Fishing Ends The Dogs That Make A Splash – Buckeye Retrievers 7:00 p.m. Natural Resource Area Closes Shari Staiduhar - Woodcarving Demonstration 8:00 p.m. Livestock Released Jr. Fair Exhibits Released Open Show Exhibits Released
East Show Ring Small Grandstand Arena Natural Resource Area Woodcarver Tent Midway Stage 2 Natural Resource Area Troy Trail Stage Jr. Fair Building Bill Plants Pavilion Vernon Howard Pavilion Troy Trail Stage Natural Resource Area Arena Midway Stage 1 Jr. Fair Building Natural Resource Area Main Grandstand Main Grandstand Arena Midway Stage 2 Natural Resource Area Woodcarver Tent Natural Resource Pavilion Troy Trail Stage Vernon Howard Pavilion Midway Stage 1 Natural Resource Pavilion Woodcarver Tent Natural Resource Area Natural Resource Area Natural Resource Pavilion Woodcarver Tent
Program Schedule 2021 Open daily 11:00am to 7:00pm with youth fishing at 12:00pm Educational Demonstrations and Activities as follow: 11:00 Natural Resource Area opens 12:00 Youth fishing begins 12:30 “Let’s talk turkey” - National Wild Turkey Federation 1:30 Trapping demonstration - Ohio State Trappers 2:30 “Native plant and rain gardens” - Geauga Soil & Water Conservation District 3:30 “Monarch’s on the move” - Geauga Park District 4:00 “The Dogs That Make A Splash” - Buckeye Retrievers 5:00 “Feathers, Furs And Scales” - Lake Metro Parks 5:30 “Taste of Maple” - Maple Producers of NE Ohio 6:00 “The Dogs That Make A Splash” - Buckeye Retrievers 6:00 Fishing ends 7:00 Natural Resource Area Closed Presentations on the half hour located at their facility around the lake and presentations on the hour located at the pavilion.
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Page 43
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Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
Bainbridge Bend
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The Great Geauga County Fairgrounds
September 2021
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Page 44
Barns, Farms & Fair Special Section
September 2021