Page 2
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM! • Carpet • Ceramic Tile • Hardwood Floors • Luxury Vinyl Tile • Floor Mats • Sheet Vinyl
Fisher Flooring 16115 Nauvoo Rd. Middlefield OH 44062 440-632-1957
MON-FRi 7:30-4:30 • Sat 7:30-NOON
“When it comes to floors we have you covered.” Since 2011
ANN WISHART/KMG
Marilyn and Mike Muriwald of Madison stopped by For the Birds in Chardon in May to purchase a bluebird feeder.
Geauga Celebrates Spring By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com
One reason people love to live yeararound in Geauga County is the wonderful contrast in the seasons. When the heat of summer exhausts us, fall, with its cooler air and beauty, arrives. When the leaves fall and the landscape turns grey and brown, winter drapes a pristine cloak over everything. And when the holidays wane and we can’t stand the snow and ice any longer, we start to look for the first signs of spring and make plans for the outdoors. Plans lead to shopping and there is plenty of opportunity for that in this county.
For the Birds
It seems like spring didn’t arrive in Geauga County until very late this year, but the Cardinals have been singing their happy songs since the end of March. Nothing spells the onslaught of warmer weather and the retreat of winter like the arrival of our feathered friends who have the sense to spend the cold months farther south. Residents all over the county have been hopefully beckoning blackbirds and goldfinches with suet and sunflower seeds since February. But there is a movement to encourage less-common birds such as Baltimore orioles and owls for their liquid songs and rodent-catching abilities, respectively, to the homestead. Wilma Miller, salesperson for For the Birds in Chardon, said owl houses have become very popular this year, and houses for woodpeckers and bluebirds are always in demand. The best nesting boxes are made of cedar and not just stapled together, she said. People wanting to attract bluebirds also might want to buy mealworms and a special
feeder to keep the rest of the bird population from horning in, Miller said. The feeders are made of a special recycled plastic with a clear roof and small entries so only bluebirds can chow down on the dried mealworms, she said. “Those have sold really well this spring,” Miller said. Orioles prefer to build their own hanging nests, but will be tempted to stay near the source of grape jelly and orange slices, she said. Of course, hummingbirds are a favorite and For the Birds sells a variety of feeders and the nectar concentrate as well as pre-mixed nectar to bring in the quick-moving hummers. “We have feeders that attach to the window,” she said, adding ant guards can be mounted above the feeders to keep the army of pests away. People with house cats might want to take precautions when the birds discover the window feeders. “A lot of people’s cats go crazy,” Miller said.
Claridon Structures
Pre-built structures aren’t just for tool sheds any more. At Claridon Structures, 13065 Mayfield Road, Claridon Township, every kind of wood building — from dog house to vacation cabin — can be seen, purchased and delivered in a matter of days, depending on the weather. In a day and age when families don’t have the time or the skills to build their own play houses and chicken coops, they can visit the Alpine Structures Outlet and choose from more than 50 buildings on the property. “We are swamped,” said Bob Rice, who runs the lot for Alpine. The biggest sellers this year are the bigger cottages and the loft barns, he said. See Spring • Page 3
Serving Geauga County since 1966
Residential & Commercial
REPAIRS • RENOVATIONS • INSPECTIONS w w w. t i m f r a n k s e p t i c . c o m
440-636-5111 • 800-319-2847
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
ANN WISHART/KMG
Claridon Structures on Mayfield Road in Claridon Township has more than 50 pre-built structures for sale on its lot.
Spring from page 2
The only problem has been the weather. Trying to deliver and install a 20-foot-by-24foot log barn with an eight-foot overhang requires time, skill and dry ground. “The weather is not cooperating,” Rice said, adding the larger structures need a foundation and, most places, approval from the building department and possibly a zoning permit. But business is as good this year as last at Alpine’s largest display in Ohio, Rice said.
Four Green Fields
Joanne and Gregg Gannon have been selling flowers, vegetables, fruit trees and bushes for 27 years this month and also find the weather to be extraordinary this year. “It’s been our most challenging season in 27 years,” Joanne said. “Some things are a little behind.” However, with four retail green houses and plenty of stock outside, she has faith the spring of 2018 will be a success. “People really are buying,” she said, adding even if they are pushing the planting season a bit, it is not too early to plant cabbage, lettuce and peas — all cool-crop vegetables. With temperatures bouncing up and down and constant rain, people are lucky to be able to get into their gardens. “It’s an awkward time of year. We say ‘Put on your high waders,’” Joanne said. But it is a good time to plant fruit trees, berry bushes and vine crops that Four Green Fields stocks outside. “We have a rule posted here: If you find it outside, it is safe to plant,” Joanne said. Meanwhile, she said the greenhouses are famous for their hanging fuchsia baskets, which can be kept inside until warmer winds blow through Geauga County.
D&D Massotherapy
Gardeners, athletes and weekend warriors all know their enthusiasm for spring activities will be paid back ten-fold with sore muscles, sunburn and a variety of aches and pains. Lower back pain and tight hamstrings are just a few of the physical issues Dana Drayer can ease at D&D Massotherapy Clinic, 12966 Chillicothe Rd., Chester Township.
Licensed since 2004, Drayer said she specializes in a number of modalities such as therapeutic and cranial-sacral massage, lymph drainage, positional release, Swedish massage, myofascial techniques, reflexology and pregnancy massage. “I have a lot of tools in my tool belt,” she said. About 90 percent of her clients are women and she is seeing an increasing number of children. “I work on kids in gymnastics and track,” she said. The most common problems are people who have started exercising or doing a lot of yard work and have lower back pain. “Some are just exhausted,” Drayer said. Most sessions last an hour to 90 minutes and actual massage is preceded by a conversation to pin down those areas in need of attention, she said.
Chagrin Valley Farms
Both children and adults enjoy hours of riding and instruction at Chagrin Valley Farms in Bainbridge Township, starting when school adjourns in the spring. Purchased by the Schneider family in 2017, the well-known farm has been undergoing major renovations as it continues to evolve as a full-service equestrian campus with two indoor arenas and four outdoor rings. CVF’s riding camps offer participants of all levels one or more weeks of horsemanship and fun. Classes start in June and fill quickly, so parents are encouraged to register early. Children and teens starting as young as 4 years old are invited to experience the responsibility that partnering with a horse entails. Care, feeding, tacking and grooming complement the daily riding lessons, which are designed to start and expand campers’ skills. Sessions provide riders with the attention and focus on safety that every parent would expect from a top riding academy. The full-day program of weekly sessions culminates with a summer riding camp horse show where the students demonstrate riding skills and take home ribbons. Adult mentors are also welcome to assist during camp and have fun with horses and kids. For more information, go to the CVF website at www.chagrinvalleyfarms.com.
Page 3
Page 4
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Thursday, May 24, 2018
The Season within Art Submitted By Aiden Burkley
With sunny skies and fresh breezes whisking in this season, inspiration becomes boundless. It’s from the blooming flowers, buzzing insects and chirping birds that artists find it so simple to paint, sketch, mold and carve the intricate beauties in life. What can often be passing thought to some is recreated through the variety of mediums; as a reflection of the exhilarating world growing around artists. Using skilled hands and a free-spirited mind to blend and form the overlooked Excellencies of life is a task artists are the best at managing. At Artisans’ Corner Gallery, creators from all around Ohio are showcased and shared in the various forms that they express themselves. From beads mimicking dragonflies or canvases displaying green trees and blue streams, the season lives, is revived and takes shape within each piece in a unique way. Surely among the walls strewn with carvings, portraits and landscapes above floors filled with sculptures, furniture and decor, anyone is bound to find the piece that speaks to them the way the natural world does. The essence of art is able to fill not only the gal-
lery that showcases it, but your own home — for every bare wall needs a window to somewhere else, whether that be a cluttered forest or open field. Art may not even transport you to another place; rather, it may be another state of mind: tranquility, elation, wonder. Textile and woven scarves and shawls hang in a sea of color and warm tones. Glasswork and pottery sit on display in marble patterns of the rainbow and a variety of hues. The jewelry provided offers a compliment to any outfit, the styles and colors unlike any other you’d find. The woodwork, carved ingeniously to represent a beauty not crafted by any other, and the canvasses painted, inked, colored with entirely original ideas of an artist’s mind are completely accessible to anyone willing to find them. The possibilities of an artistic perspective on life and the welcome of artwork from our gallery into your home will bring with it the refreshing breeze and rejuvenating warmth of the season. You can view the diversity of art and prospect with the ease of a stroll through the Artisan’s Corner Gallery, located at 11110 Kinsman Road, in Newbury Town Center in Newbury Township. The gallery also can be reached by calling 440-739-4128.
Grinding Your Coffee Daily Makes a Big Impact on Taste By Tom Nemeth Owner, Fig Leaf Coffee Company Coffee is like any other high-end beverage we create. With wine, we must age it properly or the flavor profile will be flat or sour. With beer, we must use the right amount of yeast for fermentation or alcohol production will not occur. When we look at the main variables impacting the flavor of coffee, we look at coffee freshness, water quality, grind consistency and water temperature. The main focus of this article is to help coffee drinkers understand the impact of proper grinding, which, in turn, gives you a much better cup of coffee. Each coffee brew style has a corresponding grind setting. For example, if you use a drip coffee machine at home — this is the most popular brew style — you would select the drip setting when grinding your coffee. Sounds pretty straight forward, right? Most of the time it is. However, if you keep getting a less than adequate cup of coffee from your machine, you might need to tweak the settings a little on your grind. If the coffee tastes sour and flat, with no flavor notes when you drink it, you may want to try a finer grind for your next brew. That leads us to flavor extraction. Flavor
extraction refers to the way water pulls flavor out of ground coffee. The finer the grind, the slower the water filters away from the coffee, creating a deeper flavor. The coarser the grind, the faster the water filters away from the coffee, leaving a watered-down and sour cup of coffee. Not all grind settings work the same for all machines. Sometimes you will need to adjust it based on your personal taste. If you don’t grind your coffee at home each day, it’s not the end of the world. I do, however, recommend grinding each day, as freshly ground coffee will almost always lead to a better tasting cup of coffee. You don’t have to spend hundreds on a grind either. Fig Leaf Coffee Company carries some inexpensive options that can get the job done nicely. One recommendation I have is to stay away from blade grinders as they tend to bust up the coffee bean unevenly leaving behind large, uneven chunks of coffee. This leads to that sour, watered down cup of coffee. If you have questions on grinders or other coffee hard-goods, please stop in the shop and we can talk about what’s right for you. Fig Leaf Coffee Company is located in West Geauga Plaza at 12628 Chillicothe Road, in the strip by the Ohio BMV and title bureau office. You can also visit us at www. figleafcoffeecompany.com.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Page 5
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Store with Style Hits 10-Year Anniversary By Cassandra Shofar cassandra@geaugamapleleaf.com
As Kathy Wallace sees it, authentic customer service seems to be a thing of the past for most businesses. But not hers. Store with Style, in Mentor, is celebrating a decade of providing just that — customer service that exceeds expectations. “The customers, pure and simple, are what we love,” Wallace said in a recent interview via email. “It’s so satisfying to exceed our customers’ expectations. We excel at customer service and that’s what sets us apart. From the first meeting, we treat every customer’s project as our ‘most important one.’” Store with Style, at 8250 Tyler Blvd., is a total home organization company that focuses on solutions first, according to its website. The store offers “expert designs and professional installation.” Its team works with homeowners to determine the best solution for their problem areas. “What sets us apart from our competition is we listen. We don’t try to tell you what the best answer is unless we can completely understand your needs,” Wallace said. Another aspect that sets Store with Style apart from its competition is the business is family owned and operated, Wallace said, recalling the year she decided to take the plunge and set up shop in Mentor. “After 30-plus-year careers in the housewares manufacturing and distribution, we (Wallace and her husband, Tony,) decided to stop traveling and spend some time meeting our neighbors and learning about our community,” she said. “We were also tired of rarely feeling like a customer and decided to start a business that would allow us to ‘do business the right way, for the right reasons.’ “In 2008, we opened as Garage Outfitters and were focused solely on the garage organization business. With the recession
SUBMITTED
This is one example of Store with Style’s custom kitchen design center showroom, with Wellborn cabinets and Cambria countertops.
deepening, we diversified to add closet organization to our business in 2010,” Wallace added. “Things really took off in 2012, when we moved to our present location on Tyler Boulevard, changed our name to Store with Style, welcomed our two (master carpenter and cabinet builder) sons into the company — Aaron and Adam Wallace — and began offering kitchen and bath cabinetry to complete our home organization story.” Wallace said they had steady growth the first few years and a 300 percent growth in their company within the last three years.
“We are realizing our dream of creating a business that can be passed on to the next generation and serve Northeast Ohio for years to come,” Wallace said, adding their clientele ranges from areas in Lake and Geauga counties, Chagrin Falls and Solon, to Brecksville and Avon. When customers walk into her family’s store, they can expect a “pleasant experience with people who are passionate and knowledgeable about their business,” Wallace said. “They will deal with people who listen carefully and then work hard to deliver an ‘as or-
dered, on time’ experience. Working with the family both in the showroom and on the installation in their home ensures our customers have a consistent and professional result that keeps them coming back.” Exterior services and products include garage cabinets and storage systems, wall and overhead storage solutions. Interior products include custom closets, storage for home office and professional office spaces, laundry and mudroom, or other rooms often used. Kitchen products include Cambria countertops and Wellborn kitchen and bath cabinets. Looking back over the last 10 years, Wallace recalls some of her favorite projects they have worked on. “One of our favorites was a longtime customer who is planning retirement and bought a home in Melbourne Beach, Fla.,” she said. “They came into the store excited about their new home and wanted us to remodel the kitchen. After we explained that would be difficult with it being 1,200 miles away, they proceeded to produce airline tickets and had us as their guests for a weekend —which of course included a design and layout consultation for the kitchen. When we returned, we did all of the design work in our Mentor showroom, had the cabinets shipped from the factory to a dealer in Melbourne that handled the installation. The kitchen is beautiful and of course, we had to make a visit the next year to see the finished product.” Wallace said her family has also enjoyed supplying closets for the YMCA Dream House and St. Jude Dream Home every year. “Both of these projects are great fundraising events that serve children and families in Lake County and beyond with two organizations that are focused on building a brighter future for our children,” she said.
Page 6
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Thursday, May 24, 2018
The Wide & Wonderful World of Italian White Wines By Wesley Cowie Wine making and Italy are so deeply entwined the ancient Greeks referred to it as, “The vine-covered isle.” An appropriate name, to be sure, Italy is home to more than 2,000 distinct grape varieties. Yet, for all these possibilities, most Americans stick to a handful of tried-and-true Italian wines: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Prosecco and maybe a stray Brunello or Barolo. My mission today is to pique your interest in that vast, delicious cornucopia of other Italian wines, specifically its dry whites. Come with me on a quick trip from north to south Italy by way of three tasty bottles. We start in Tuscany, in the ancient hilltop city of San Gimignano, a place renowned for its well-preserved medieval towers and palaces. The soil here is an uplifted ancient seabed, the vines are planted among fossilized seashells and the wines carry a hint of salty seashore breezes. 2015 Mormoraia Vernaccia di San Gimignano ($17.99) Vernaccia is the traditional white grape in this area, producing a bright, citrus-driven wine that carries hints of fleshier peach fruit and a nice underpinning of briny minerality. Grab some mussels and Italian sausage, cook it all up with some garlic and a dash of the Vernaccia, and you’ve got a nice patio meal. Moving south, we’ll stop off on the eastern coast in the region of Abruzzo to check out some delicious Pecorino (no, not the cheese). The climate here is much warmer; you’ll find palm trees among the olive groves and vine-
yards. Because of this, the grapes achieve more ripeness and render a richer, fuller wine. 2016 Talamonti Trabocchetto Pecorino di Colline Pescaresi ($16.99) Pecorino has always called the hillsides of Abruzzo home, likely planted originally by the Greeks thousands of years ago. With intense aromas of sage and rosemary, the wine gushes across the palate with notes of peach and summer melon. A great pair to grilled chicken and veggies; it has enough ‘oomph’ to hold up to some grill char. Moving further south still, we find ourselves in Salento, part of the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot. This part of Italy is dominated by the ocean — surrounded on three sides and buffeted by Mediterranean winds. The soil is mainly limestone, which lends a subtle chalkiness and elegance to the wines of the region. 2017 Produttori di Manduria ‘Zin’ Fiano ($14.99) Fiano is an ancient grape grown in southern Italy. It has adapted a thick skin to deal with the intense baking heat of the sun. As a result, the wines have great structure to underpin their lovely fruit. Aromas of orange blossom and pear give way to a zippy wine on the palate with subtle nutty undertones. Serve this Fiano with a Frutti di Mare with tomato base over linguine. SALUTI! Wesley Cowie is owner of Colonial Wine & Beverage, 8389 Mayfield Road, Chester Township. For more information, visit www.colonial-wine.com or call 440-729-7303.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
SUBMITTED
The Kinetico Retail Store at the corner of Auburn Road and state Route 87 is headquarters for water softener sales, drinking water system sales, salt, filters and supplies. Visit them daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Second and last Saturday of each month offers special savings on salt and supplies. Drop off your home water samples for a free test.
Fight Fatigue or Dehydration With Great-Tasting Water Submitted Everyone understands the importance of drinking enough water during extreme heat and while exercising, but hydration should not only be a concern for athletes or those battling summer weather. Staying adequately hydrated allows our bodies to function as best they can, yet nearly 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated without ever knowing it. A small drop in hydration, as low as 2 percent, can cloud short-term memory, cause difficulty with basic math and make it hard to focus on a computer screen or printed page. Lack of water is also the number one cause of daytime fatigue. The presence of enough water speeds chemical processes, which helps people stay energized throughout the day. To receive the maximum benefit from being hydrated, one must consume the highest quality water. A home filtration system can
protect against microbiologic and inorganic contaminants that can be harmful to one’s health. Some contaminants actually work against the benefit of being hydrated. Look for a water-treatment system that produces water free from more than 99.99 percent of contaminants. Staying hydrated is easy when water tastes great. Treated water and filtration systems remove unappetizing water additives that cause water to have a rotten egg or chlorine smell and a fishy or metallic taste. Kinetico Water Systems is one of the nation’s premier water-treatment innovators, pioneering the art of water purification without electricity. Their process begins by testing your water in your home to determine what modifications, if any, are necessary. For information on your personal water solution, contact Kinetico at 800-444-1387 or visit www.kineticocleveland.com.
Page 7
Page 8
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Thursday, May 24, 2018
GPD Offers Outdoor Adventure Camps
Submitted “Camp is exceptional.” “It was fabulous.” “Counselors were great.” “Rated over 9,000.” With reviews like that, how could you not be tempted to sign your kid up for Geauga Park District’s Summer Camps? Registration is open – but limited – for adventures including biking, kayaking, fishing, stream exploration and sending rockets high into the sky. Plus, new this year, camp adventures expand to the new Claridon Woodlands, which will serve as a base camp for all campers’ biking day and the older campers’ high ropes challenge. “New locations for camp activities that are completed every year will also include kayaking at Bass Lake Preserve,” said GPD naturalist Karie Wheaton. “First day ‘Survivor-like’ activities will include a fire building
challenge, a ring retrieval challenge and a scavenger hunt.” Geauga Park District’s sixth-annual camps are offered in weeklong forms for youth entering grades 5 through 7 the weeks of June 25, July 9, July 16, July 30 and Aug. 6. A Junior Naturalist Camp will also take place the week of June 11 for this age group. Weeklong experiences for teens entering grades 8 through 10 will be the weeks of June 18 and July 23. Single-day X-Treme Adventures for the older kids will also be held July 2 and 5 (kayak challenge) and July 3 and 6 (high ropes challenge). According to 2017 camp surveys, the majority of campers said they could recognize more plants and animals than they could before camp, and 100 percent of campers entering grades 5 through 7 said they enjoy outdoor activities more as a result of their camp experience. Fees and additional summer camp details can be found online at bit.ly/gpdcamps.
Saving Bees One Hive at a Time: The Basics of Backyard Beehives MetroCreative Scientists and environmentalists have been warning the public for years that honeybees are disappearing at alarming rates. Scientists were initially uncertain in regard to what was decimating bee populations. Even though no single cause is to blame, data has pointed to pesticide use and the mysterious colony collapse disorder, which is a name given to the dwindling colonies seen around the world. National Geographic News says bees are essential because of their roles as pollinators. Agriculture industries rely on honeybees, especially managed honeybees, to keep commercial crops pollinated and productive. Estimates indicate that roughly one-third of U.S. crops rely on honeybees — accounting for more than $15 billion in crop production. Without bees, the costs of everything from blueberries to apples to broccoli would rise, as farmers would have to use a different, more expensive pollination method. Even though backyard beehives or bee farms may not be crucial to consumer agriculture, bringing healthy colonies back to various areas is beneficial to the environment overall. The art of beekeeping has become an important endeavor, and just about anyone with some time and resources can start their own apiary. • Start by studying bees. Interested beekeepers can begin their journey by reading all they can on beekeeping. The American Bee Journal or backyard beekeeping books and articles are great places to start. Local beekeeping associations also are invaluable resources for information on local bee species and traits. • Know the laws. It’s important to get the go-ahead from local authorities before introducing bees into the community. By checking
city or town ordinances, potential beekeepers will know how many hives are allowed and which type of property sizes are amenable and allowable. • Get the right supplies. Research can help prospective beekeepers understand the type of equipment they will need. One can purchase this equipment, but some beekeeping organizations may be willing to lend or rent it to interested parties. Hive boxes, bottom boards, a veil, a jacket, a smoker, and a top feeder are just some of the supplies needed. • Order bees. Bees can be acquired from other beekeeping enthusiasts or can be ordered online. The bees will need to consist of the queen, drones and worker bees. According to the resource Bees Brothers, a starter set of bees is called a “nuc.” Bee suppliers start selling in the winter for spring swarms. • Place the hive. It’s important to set up hives away from foot traffic. In addition, face hives away from strong winds, with the ideal directions being east and south. Hives need sunshine and some shade on summer afternoons, advises BackYardHive. With time, homeowners can become successful beekeepers and do their part to replenish much-needed bee colonies.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
The Basics of Mulching MetroCreative Mulch is available in various forms. Like other land and garden products, mulch can go a long way toward helping plants thrive. Mulch comprises just about any material that is spread over the surface of soil. Its purpose is primarily to help soil retain moisture. In addition, mulch can staunch weed growth, keep soil cool, improve the aesthetics of garden beds, and even improve soil nutrient composition. When the right mulch is chosen, it can reduce the amount of time homeowners spend watering and weeding their gardens and insulate plants from dramatic changes in weather. Gardeners may not realize that mulch also can prevent garden soil from becoming overly compacted, according to HGTV. This can mean beneficial earthworms can move easily through the soil, creating channels for water and depositing their nutrient-rich waste products. Gardeners can choose organic or inorganic mulch. Organic mulches are derived from natural materials that will decompose over time, lending organic matter as well as various nutrients to the soil. Organic mulches also may contain beneficial microorganisms that can fight against plant diseases. Inorganic mulches may be made of stones, landscape fabrics and plastic. Both types will need to be amended or replaced as they degrade. Those who want the most environmentally-friendly mulching materials can choose all-natural mulches instead of synthetic alternatives. To work effectively, mulch should be applied in a two- to three-inch layer of material, state the experts at Old World Garden Farms. This is the ideal amount to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth without choking plants. Also, mulch that is too thick may make it impossible for water to penetrate, or it may prevent the soil from airing out, causing continuously wet conditions that lead to
root and stem rot. The University of Connecticut Home & Garden Education Center says mulch should not be placed directly against plant crowns or tree bases, as this can promote the development of disease. It may also serve as a habitat for bark- and stem-eating rodents. The center also suggests watering newly installed bark or wood mulches to prevent fungi from colonizing in dry mulch and causing problems like a water-repellent surface on the mulch. Home landscapers considering mulch types may find that compost, manure and grass clippings (from nonpesticide-treated lawns) can be inexpensive and versatile in garden beds. The home advice site The Spruce notes that newspaper may also be effective. Many newspapers have switched over to organic dyes, especially for their black and white sections. Newspapers are an inexpensive way to suppress weeds and act like organic mulch in beds. They can be covered with other organic mulch, like shredded bark, for more visual appeal. Mulch can be a versatile asset when doing gardening projects around home landscapes. And the benefits are more than just aesthetic.
Page 9
Page 10
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Cure for brine and salt
AUTO RUSTPROOFING DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!
Corrosion FREE is a clean, clear, drip-free lubricant gel. It will never crack or peel. It is especially formulated for today’s better built vehicle. It protects all metals, not just steel. For older vehicles, it releases cleaners and moisture inhibitors to penetrate and treat damaged areas, establishing a basis for the Cure for Rust.™ A treatment at least once every 18 months is the best protection you can give your vehicle.
Velotta Auto Service
10874 Chillicothe Rd.| Kirtland, OH 44094 440-256-1226 Mon–Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm
“Go to corrosion free video formula 3000 on You Tube”
/ Spring Special\
,$30 OFFI :
OneTime :
A SPLASH : Cleaning : OF PINK WILL TAKE CARE MOLLY MAID OF CUYAHOGA. OF THAT. LAKE & GEAUGA COUNTIES 440-256-8080 j
Minimum of 2 hrs.
:
'••,• onerwalldoottl1111perflotlsellold.01111Elplres:6/16/18:'·: •
ft-"7
MOILYMAID.
WE'RE MAID FOR THIS.
Visit us at MollyMaid.com to learn more.
C2015 MolyMaid,1-c. Eacllfrwlclise� �aldq::ier.ited. Molly Maid is a membuol the Senolc1 Brandi lnt1rna11onal family.
SUBMITTED
Two Men And A Truck recently hosted its Movers for Moms collection drive and delivered 3,500 items to WomenSafe’s Green House shelter.
Two Men And A Truck Wraps Up Movers for Moms Drive Community-Supported Program Aids Moms in Crisis Submitted On the second Sunday in May, moms across the country are deservedly showered with attention on Mother’s Day. Unfortunately, while most moms are being treated to breakfast in bed or flower deliveries, tens of thousands of women spend their Mother’s Day living in shelters due to homelessness or domestic violence. Heartbreaking statistics from the Domestic Violence Resource Center state that one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. According to a national study from the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, approximately 25 percent of homeless women are homeless because of violence in the home. As a way to show love and appreciation to mothers this Mother’s Day, Two Men And A Truck Cleveland recently hosted its Movers for Moms collection drive to provide critical gifts to local women staying in community shelters this spring. This year, the Cleveland moving company worked with local businesses such as The Lake County Captains, Mentor Public Library, Home Savings Bank, ReMax Results in Concord, as well as a number of Howard
Hanna locations to collect essential and comfort items. More than 3,500 donations were collected and delivered to WomenSafe, Inc., the Green House. WomenSafe is a nonprofit organization that provides free support to anyone experiencing violence in their home or dating relationship. This includes comprehensive programming for adults and children including counseling, art therapy, court advocacy, hospital advocacy, outreach services and aftercare. WomenSafe offers all services completely free of charge. “We work with Two Men and a Truck year round with our Resale Shoppe located in Chesterland. They are always willing to help us out and the Movers for Moms donations are always appreciated,” said Megan Fisher, assistant director of community affairs. This spring marked the 12th anniversary of Movers for Moms. Since its introduction, the program has expanded nationally to all 42 states and more than 300 franchises. Last year was the program’s most successful year to-date, with more than 295,000 items collected for donation to hundreds of shelters across the country. This year, Two Men And A Truck’s goal was to collect 350,000 items for moms in need across the country. Follow Movers for Moms online at www. twomenandatruck.com/moversformoms.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Run Like a Caveman June 10 Submitted
Think this 5K will be hard? A caveman would have done it in mammoth skin shorts and bare feet! Registration is now open for Geauga Park District’s eighth annual trail-pounding, heart-pumping, cave-costume-wearing athletic event, the Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk, on Sunday, June 10, at The West Woods. All ages are welcome to walk or run the 5K or walk the mile, with all funds benefiting the Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure — getting kids out into the parks through youth programming including summer camps for youth entering grades 5 through 10. Race day registration starts at 7 a.m. and the race itself steps off at 9 a.m., with free food and awards afterward. Many more details, online registration and a course map can now be viewed at the new www.geaugaparkdistrict.org under Activities, then Special Events & Art Shows. Early sign-up guarantees you a race T-shirt and cheaper fee of $20, so sign up to-
day and start warming up for some fun. Geauga Park District is grateful for continued support and sponsorship of University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, Patterson Fruit Farm, Cavitch Familo & Durkin Co., LPA, Junction Auto Family, John W. Rosenthal Capital Management Inc., Kinetico and Sunrise Springs, and to the Geauga County Public Library for helping spruce up the morning with its Fun Bus. Also, come dressed in prehistoric garb for your chance, at 8:30 a.m., to win a special handcrafted Best Costume award in youth or adult categories. Don’t have that perfect cave-costume for the contest? Perfect Occasion Costumes and Magic in Middlefield is offering 15 percent off retail merchandise and 20 percent off rentals for Caveman Crawl costumes. Stop in to see what they might have for you. The West Woods is located at 9465 Kinsman Road (Route 87) in Russell Township. Overflow parking with a free shuttle to the park will be at ASM International, also on Route 87, followed by Wiegand’s Lake Park. With questions, please call 440-286-9516.
What Causes My Pond to Have Plant and Algae Blooms? Submitted Your lake or pond is the product of its watershed — the area that drains into your lake or pond. Through this drainage or run off, nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorus — will build up over time. Just add sunlight, warmth and presto! – Nature at work. Plants and algae are necessary for a healthy ecosystem to thrive. However, a pond can get “out of balance” and invasive weeds and algae can crowd out desirable species. Through knowledge and experience AQUA DOC will prescribe the safest most cost effective management plan to restore your waters balance and beauty. Aquatics is our passion. Managing the care of our waters is something we love and, as stewards of this valuable resource, we utilize only EPA-approved materials applied by licensed specialists. For 35 years we have used the safest environmentally friendly approaches and methods to achieve the beautiful open waters our customers expect and deserve.
How to Banish Mosquitoes MetroCreative Time spent in the backyard on spring and summer afternoons and evenings contributes heavily to the popularity of these times of year. Many homeowners go to great lengths to make their outdoor living spaces as luxurious as possible, only to be bothered by uninvited and bothersome guests: mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not just pesky nuisances, but they’re also harmful. According to the American Mosquito Control Association, more than one million people across the globe die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Such diseases include malaria, dengue, yellow fever, West Nile virus, and the Zika virus. The AMCA notes that many of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes can be linked to travel to endemic areas. But mosquitoes in North America can still be harmful, and bites may result in severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva. Homeowners can employ several measures to prevent mosquitoes from invading their backyards this spring and summer. • Remove standing water. Stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, so homeowners must be diligent in their efforts to remove standing water around their properties. Mosquitoes can breed in bird baths, pets’ water bowls and empty plant pots that collect rain water. Routinely tipping these items and refilling them with fresh water can prevent mosquito infestations, pro-
tecting both humans and pets alike. • Inspect property for hidden pockets of water. While bird baths, pet bowls and kiddie See Mosquitoes • Page 13
Page 11
Page 12
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Thursday, May 24, 2018
When to Tackle Weeds in Your Lawn MetroCreative Weeds are the bane of lawn and garden enthusiasts. Weeds can spread rapidly and overrun pristine grass, choking lawns and robbing them of their lush green look. In garden beds, weeds can steal water from thirsty plants, threatening their survival. A proactive approach that prevents weed growth is easier and less frustrating than dealing with weeds after they have sprouted. That means addressing weeds before they release seeds, and not waiting so long that the damage is already done. According to the home and landscape experts with This Old House, spraying herbicide for weeds in June and July can address weeds before seeds are set. Tilling and installing a new lawn in late August or the beginning of September can help the lawn establish itself before the first frosts arrive, all the while avoiding weed growth. The weed control experts at Roundup also suggest a springtime application of weed killer if this is the desired route. Early treatment can prevent weed roots from spreading too far in the soil, which can reduce the chances that weed remnants will be left behind to grow at a later time.
Homeowners with small lawns or gardens or those who prefer hand-weeding or using nonchemical ways to treat weeds must take steps to address the weeds early. Gardeners can try suffocating weeds by placing wood, blocks or plastic over them. Wet newspaper used as mulch can block weed formation and also clear patches of unwanted grass so that garden beds can be mapped out. Pouring boiling water on weeds or pulling them by hand is more effective when roots are young and have not yet spread. The UK-based company Lawnsmith also suggests a mid-spring weed killer application. This ensures that all weeds that have surfaced are addressed and that none are missed by weeding too early. The Idaho-based Town & Country Gardens suggests lawn and garden enthusiasts wait to tackle weeds. By waiting and applying weed treatments in the fall, when dandelions and other weeds are absorbing food and nutrients in larger quantities to survive winter, homeowners can rid their lawns and gardens of weeds efficiently. Weeds are a nuisance and an eyesore in lawns and gardens. Choosing the right time to treat them can ensure they don’t adversely affect lush landscapes and thriving gardens.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
SUBMITTED
I’d Rather Be at The Library Submitted Your library is your community resource, a place where you connect with people for valuable information, find great entertainment or escape into a reading area to quietly enjoy a book or magazine. Here is where you discover literary voices, find your next favorite musician, learn computer skills, get help with tax preparation or learn a new language. From the practical to the whimsical, your library is where you find the resources that help you achieve your goals and reach your dreams. It’s no wonder why so many people would rather be at the library. Geauga County Public Library recently completed a strategic plan that focused on conversations held with hundreds of people throughout the county who were asked what they want in their communities. Residents said: • “I want to live in a safe, welcoming neighborhood that values education.” • “I want my community to be educated, safe and tolerant.” • “I want to live in a friendly community with people who care about each other.” On the surface, these comments do not
Mosquitoes from page 11
pools are easy to find, homeowners may be unknowingly hosting mosquito breeding grounds elsewhere on their properties. For example, tarps used to cover pools, automobiles or grills that are not tightly secured can fold up, creating pockets where rain water can collect and give mosquitoes somewhere to breed. Mosquitoes also may use gutters to breed, so homeowners should routinely inspect and clean their gutters during spring and summer. • Keep a well-manicured lawn. Well-manicured lawns are less likely to be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Because water plays such a crucial role in the mosquito breeding process, it’s necessary that all potential water sources in a yard be removed. Fallen leaves that are not removed and pockets of soil beneath trees and plants can collect rain water or water from lawn sprinklers, which can be just enough for mosquitoes to breed. • Use fans. Consumer Reports tested the efficacy of oscillating pedestal fans to keep mosquitoes from invading decks and patios and found that such fans cut mosquito landings by 45 to 65 percent for those sitting closest to the fans. When hosting backyard barbecues, homeowners can set up several such fans on their decks and patios to keep mosquitoes at bay.
seem library-focused, but the deeper conversations point to a need for cohesion of services that foster education, good will and acceptance. What better place for this than the library? GCPL will be renovating its existing locations or building new facilities during the next few years. The library system looks forward to providing a robust collection, excellent programming and a knowledgeable staff ready to help you pursue your interests. Why would you rather be at the library? Do you have a library story you’d like to share? Email marketing@geaugalibrary.net. Let’s keep the conversations going!
Page 13
Page 14
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Design a Dream Outdoor Entertaining Space MetroCreative Upon the arrival of warm weather, many individuals prefer to spend their free time outside, relishing the fresh air and sunshine and evenings spent under the stars. But cracked patios and makeshift chairs and tables may not establish the desired ambiance. An outdoor entertaining area that offers the same amenities found inside a home can make outdoor retreats both comfortable and functional. Creative planning can help homeowners design dream areas perfect for hosting friends or family.
Establish goals
As with any project, the first step when coordinating outdoor living areas is to determine what you hope to achieve with the space. Will it be a location for lounging? Will people be cooking meals outside? Is the pool the central focus of the yard? Answering these questions and more can help homeowners decide how to design their entertaining spaces. Remember, however, that goals may evolve as landscape designers and even architects make their own suggestions for the space or present limitations.
Evaluate the space
Look at the lot and decide what will go where, such as where to place the party space, where to create a quiet hideaway and where to locate a poolhouse or outdoor shower. A large, flat yard can be divided into a series of patios that serve different purposes. Yards that are built on a hill or a slope can still be utilized with creative design elements, such as multi-tiered decking. By working with
qualified designers, homeowners can bring their ideas to life.
Easy food and drink access
Traipsing in and out of the house for refreshments can become tiresome when entertaining outside. In such situations, people also can track dirt inside of the home or leave a trail of pool water in their wake. Outdoor kitchens allow easy access to food and drink that makes outdoor entertaining much easier. The experts at Angie’s List suggest outdoor kitchens be built close to the house to make it easier to run electricity and plumbing to the outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens should include a sink, small refrigerator, built-in grill, and bar area.
Creature comforts
Homeowners should think about the things that make the inside of their homes so comfortable and then replicate that outside. Sofas and loveseats covered in fabric suited for outdoors and plenty of pillows can make for great lounging. Lighting that can be adjusted for day or night, or even to set the mood, is another consideration. Shade structures, like a trellis or retractable awning, will keep the area comfortable and can also define outdoor “rooms� and establish privacy.
Fire it up
Many homeowners enjoy having fire elements in their yards. Lanterns and candles may create a romantic feel, but a fire pit or outdoor fireplace may help extend use of the outdoor entertaining area beyond summer. Entertaining outdoors is made that much more enticing with a dream outdoor living space full of amenities.
Did you know? Rain barrels provide an eco-friendly opportunity to repurpose rain water while helping homeowners conserve water and save money. But homeowners must exercise caution when using rain barrels in their lawns and gardens. Water collected by rain water should never be used for drinking, cooking or bathing. Pet owners should know that water collected by rain barrels also should not be used to bathe pets. Rain barrel lids should also be tightly secured to prevent mosquito infestations. Secure rain barrels to also protect children and pets from falling in. Overflow valves should always direct water away from structures to prevent water damage to homes or sheds. In addition, to reduce risk of falls and injury, homeowners should be certain that water is not directed toward sidewalks, driveways or other areas where foot traffic is common. Before the arrival of winter, homeowners should disconnect their rain barrels from downspouts to prevent the formation of ice.
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
SUBMITTED
Looking for Equipment, Tools or Party Items? CCM Rental Has You Covered Submitted CCM Rental has been providing equipment, tool and party rental items since 1971, when Tom Dolan opened his Chesterland store. Since then, Dolan has grown the business into the four CCM Rental stores — Chesterland, Chardon, Middlefield and Mentor — serving Northeast Ohio. Recently, his son, Shawn Dolan, has transitioned into the CEO position of the company. Tom and Shawn continue to run the stores with the “hometown” values and feel. CCM Rental constantly works to improve its inventory offering and expand the services and products it offers its customers. To that end, this year CCM Rental purchased and received six scissor lifts, two additional boom lifts, a new trencher, a SK800 Skid steer and two straw blowers. On order, yet to be delivered is a new 12-inch chipper and two Track stump grinders. On the party side, we have added to our
linen collection and purchased additional bistro lights for backyard entertaining. But CCM Rental is more than a rental business; it also has a retail side. CCM currently sells wire mesh, safety glasses, sandpaper and saw blades. It can cut hydraulic hoses for its customers to any length or size. In addition to these offerings, CCM Rentals is also able to order equipment parts for customers through any of its OEM suppliers. Need Skid steer track replacements? CCM can get them for you. CCM Rental is expanding this summer the retail offerings to include concrete dyes, a larger variety of blades and joints for the concrete contractors. CCM Rental would like to remind its customers that it offers Penske truck rental at its Chesterland and Chardon stores, and U-Haul at its Middlefield store. CCM Rental wishes everyone a safe and prosperous season. We look forward to working with you.
Page 15
Page 16
Geauga County Maple Leaf Special Section
Thursday, May 24, 2018