Our next issue of Plain Country is Mar. 9. Deadline for submissions is Monday, Feb. 21. Advertising deadline is Monday, Feb. 28. Please send the information that you’d like to share with Plain Country to P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062. You may also call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933.

{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS}Vol. 3 No.1 February 16, 2010

Good News in the Plain Community

DDC Clinic for Special Needs Children*Receives Healthy Tomorrow Grant and a Donated Car

Since DDC Clinic for Special-Needs Children in Middlefield began treating patients in 2002, the doctors and researchers there have helped patients with 37 different genetic diseases but often, something as simple as transporting a patient to the clinic can be insurmountable. Now, thanks to a Healthy Tomorrow Grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics and a donation from a local business owner, the clinic’s young patients are being transported to appointments in a new car.

DDC Clinic will use its new 2010 Kia Rio - donated by Preston Superstore in Burton – to provide effective, convenient and acceptable transportation for patients. DDC staff expects this new service to result in earlier medical diagnosis; more effective treatment and better follow-up; decreased emergency room visits; as well as fewer hospital stays at larger, more costly urban medical centers; and

ultimately reduced overall clinic

Our WaySubmitted by an anonymous reader

There’s a story about a man who one day asked God what heaven and hell were like.

The Lord showed the man two doors. Behind one was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a big pot of savory stew. There were people sitting around the table. They were all sad, thin and sickly. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and, although each one could reach into the pot of stew with their spoon, none could get the spoon to their mouth. The spoon handles were just too long.

The Lord said, “You have seen hell.”Then the Lord took the man to another door.

Behind that door was a room with a large round table and a pot

costs. DDC Clinic staff will also use the car to travel to their Holmes County Outreach Clinic where they provide services once a month. In addition, Dr. Wei Li, a neurologist and visiting scholar, from Beijing, China working at DDC Clinic for the next year, will use the car to explore the area (this is his first time in the United States) and for travel to Case Western Reserve University and other local research facilities that partner with DDC Clinic. The car will be used on a predetermined schedule set by the staff at DDC Clinic.

In March 2010, the Clinic received the Healthy Tomorrow Grant, which is a five-year grant and requires the Clinic to raise $100,000 of matching funds in years two through five, in order to receive $50,000 in grant money each year. The $9,800 value of the Kia Rio is considered part of the Clinic’s matching funds. The Clinic must raise grant-matching funds above and beyond its normal fundraising, which

typically cover a portion of the Clinic

operating costs and some special programming. The grant money and matching funds will help the Clinic cover its operating expenses, in addition to enabling the Clinic to provide patient transportation.

*DDC Clinic is a non-profit primary care and research facility for special needs children with rare genetic disorders. After many years of frustration trying to find answers for their children, a group of Amish parents with special needs children helped create a clinic where their children now receive the comprehensive diagnoses and care they need. Approximately one-third of the diseases found among these children are treatable so that, especially with early diagnosis and treatment, these patients can lead nearly normal lives. Today the Clinic represents a unique collaboration between the Amish and non-Amish communities, families, medical professionals and research scientists.

of that wonderful smelling stew in the middle and people sitting around the table with those long handled spoons strapped to their arms. But these people were well nourished, even plump,

and happy and talking to each other.The Lord said, “Now you have seen

heaven.”The man said, “I don’t understand.”The Lord replied, “It is simple. You see,

these people have learned to help each other.”

And so when people have benefits and auctions and frolics and such to help other people, maybe you could say they are practicing for heaven.

Snowman by Adam J. Detweiler

Plain Country February 16, 2011

2

{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS}

Publisher: the FONTANELLE group incEditorial Coordinators: Jacquie Foote and Joe & Sarah Miller

Staff Writers: Katherine M. Byler, Barbara Ann Detweiler and Donnie MillerContributing Writers: William Bender, Daniel Fisher, Ellen Hershberger, Rachel Miller and Linda Weaver

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062Phone: 440-632-0782 • 440-834-8900 • 800-259-5869 • Fax: 440-834-8933

Published Every Three Weeks – Free of ChargeSubscriptions are available for $25 per year

In This Issue ...Benefit ........................................................................... 02Birthdays ........................................................................02Bits and Pieces of the Past .......................................08Bookmobile News ......................................................08Books in Review ..........................................................08Children’s Immunization Clinics ............................02From Our Schools ..................................................... 06Greetings from Garrettsville ...................................07Greetings from the Plain Community .................04Hello from Amish Crossing Corner .......................06Hello from Huntsburg ...............................................06Katherine’s Korner ......................................................05Lines From Linda ....................................................... 07Mom’s Diary ..................................................................05News from Windsor ...................................................08Nutrient Dense Gardening ................................... 06Obituaries ......................................................................02Parkman Pathways .....................................................08Plain Fun ........................................................................09Recipes ...........................................................................03Seasonal Influenza Immunizations ......................02Spotlight on Maple Lane Furniture ......................04Wanted ...........................................................................02

Happy Birthday!!

In Memoriam

Seasonal Influenza Vaccinations The Geauga County Health District will continue to offer seasonal influenza vaccinations on

Friday mornings from 8:30 until 11 a.m. at 470 Center St., Building 8, Chardon. These clinics are walk -in clinics; no appointment is necessary. These clinics are open to anyone 19 years and older. Pregnant women must have a signed order from their obstetrician. The charge for a flu shot is $25. If you have traditional Medicare Part B, there is no charge,

Any child six months to 18 years of age can receive a flu shot at the children’s immunization clinics. There is no charge for children at these clinics.

If you have any questions, please call the health department at 440- 279-1950.

Feb. 16 Mrs. Dan (Nancy) Fisher (60)Feb. 17 William J. S. Miller (65)Feb. 17 Allen D. Byler (51)Feb. 17 Susan D. Miller (13)Feb. 17 Rebecca W. Byler (19)Feb. 18 Mrs. Lester (Lorena) Byler (46)Feb. 19 Mrs. Adam (Leah) Byler (38)Feb. 19 Mrs. John (Ester) SlabaughFeb. 22 John A. Kurtz (60)Feb. 25 Mrs. Jacob (Arlene) Byler (24)Feb. 26 Elizabeth M. Byler (15)Feb. 26 Mrs. William (Martha) Miller (62)Feb. 27 Bill J. Stutzman (62)Feb. 27 Mrs. Paul (Laura) Miller (50)Feb. 27 John Weaver Sr. (61)Feb. 27 Mrs. William H. (Lydia) Miller (63)Feb. 28 Joey M. Miller (19)Mar. 1 Joseph W. Byler (67)Mar. 1 Matthew M. MillerMar. 5 Jonas (Yogi) Miller (72)Mar. 5 Matthew M. FisherMar. 8 Raymond D. TroyerMar.12 Allan W. Miller

Thanks to all who sent in birthday announcments and other information for us to share with the community.

Mar. 21 Mrs. Albert (Lydia) KurtzMar. 26 Mrs. Andy (Elva) Miller

Happy Belated BirthdayJan. 7 Lester Yoder Jr. (3)Jan. 11 Viola A. Weaver (26)Jan. 20 Mary Ann Weaver (69)Jan. 21 Rachel M. Miller (20)Feb. 1 Mrs. Joni (Fannie) ShrockFeb. 5 William H. Miller (69)Feb. 6 John H. BylerFeb. 6 Rudy M. Detweiler (66)Feb. 9 Melvin J. HershbergerFeb. 9 Mrs. Melvin (Mary Ann) Miller (22)Feb. 12 Johnny M. Miller (25)Feb. 14 Mrs. John Allen (Martha) Yoder

Congratulations to:Johnny and Barbara Mill on the birth of their first child, a son, Nathan, born on Jan. 13

Windsor Stairs and Millwork

Windsor Stairs and Millwork

7418 North Wiswell Rd. • Windsor 44099

• Stairs • Boxed Newels • All Interior Trim Unfinished or Prefinished

Free estimates!

• Hardwood Flooring • Handscraped Flooring For That Aged Look • Hand Hewn Beams

Custom-Built

Visit Our NewSHOWROOM !

Installation Available

Contact Dave C. Miller at (440) 272-5157

Mullet’s Footwear

4853 Kinsman (Rt. 87) Middlefield1 mile west of Mesopotamia 440-693-4363

Family Shoe Store

AVAILABLE AT MULLET’S

FOOTWEAR!Men’s & Women’s Shoesin Stock

10040 Penniman Rd.•Orwell 44076

D&L FLOORING

– Installation Available –

440-685-4385Daniel E. Miller

• Linoleum• Carpeting• Laminate • Floor Mats

Great Flooring!Great Prices!

FlooringStarting atonly 89¢ sq.ft.

Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm

Benefit Chicken DinnerFriday, March 4

Joe’s Window Shopon the corners of Shedd Rd and Rt. 168

Takeouts will be available at 3:30Sit down dinners are from 5:00 to 7:00.

An auction will follow. Benefit is for Windsor Mills School.

Children’s Immunization ClinicsGeauga County General Health District hosts local children’s immunization clinics. Immunizations for children and adolescents are free of charge for all Geauga County residents regardless of income. For non-Geauga residents, there is a $5 fee per child, per visit.MIDDLEFIELD CLINIC Second Wednesday, March 9 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at: St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at: St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Thursday, Feb. 17 from 3 – 6 p.m. Clinic will be held at: St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield.NEWBURY TOWNSHIP CLINIC Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at: Grace Evangelical Bible Church, 14951 Auburn Road, Newbury.

William M. Gingerich, 82, of Middlefield, entered eternal rest Friday morning, Feb. 4, 2011 at home surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born Aug. 19, 1928, to Mahlon D. and Mahala (Yoder) Gingerich. William married Ella Weaver on May 8, 1955. He was a lifelong resident of Middlefield and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. William enjoyed fishing, his everyday routine, and spending time with his grandchildren.

William will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Ella; children, Robert (Susan) Gingerich of Munfordville, KY, Marilyn (David) Miller of Horse Cave, KY, Shirley (Ben) Detweiler of Mesopotamia, Jim (Sara) Gingerich, Jake (Elizabeth) Gingerich, Dan (Emma) Gingerich, William Gingerich Jr., Kathryn (Mahlon) Fisher all of Middlefield, Fannie (Eli) Detweiler, and Betty (Eli) Byler both of Garrettsville; siblings, Sara (Jake) Detweiler, Mahlon (Sharon) Gingerich, Kathryn (Joe) Yoder, Betty (Al) Coblentz, and Dennis Gingerich; 59 grandchildren and 104 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and grandchildren, Nathan and Alan Miller.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 7 with Bishop Marvin Yoder officiating. William’s final resting place is in Yoder Cemetery in Parkman Twp. Arrangements were entrusted to Best Funeral Home in Middlefield. Online condolences may be sent to www.bestfunerals.com.

Wanted for Our Next Issue

Please write in and tell us what you look for that tells you Spring is here.

Please also … Share news from your schools (benefits, events, children’s works). Send in your birthdays and anniversaries. Share recipes that will make good school lunches. Share things from the past that you think others would be interested in.

Please send to Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH, 44062, no later than Feb. 21. You may also call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933.

Coleman Lanterns & Campstoves

H.C. and Lancaster LanternsParts & Repair Service

L.E.D. Lamps & FlashlightsBulk Food

William J.S. & Martha Miller16786 Madison Rd • Middlefield

440-548-5486

S & E Country Store

440-548-2347

17574 Newcomb Rd • Middlefield

Parts and ServiceOil Stoves Gifts Books

German and English• •

February 16, 2011 Plain Country

3

RecipesMaple Cream PieSubmitted by Ellen Hershberger

1 pie crust ( 9 inch)1 3/4 cups milk3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon maple syrup1/4 cup corn starch2 egg yolks1/4 teaspoon salt2 tablespoon butterCool WhipIn a saucepan, blend 1 /4 cup milk and cornstarch.Gradually add all remaining milk, syrup and salt.Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil.Stir 1 /4 cup hot mixture into egg yolks; return to pan.Cook and stir until thick and bubbly.Remove from heat, stir in butter.Cool. Then fold in 1 cup Cool Whip.Pour into crust.Top with Cool Whip which has 1 tablespoon maple syrup folded in.

Maple Pecan BarsSubmitted by Sarah Miller

1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup brown sugar, packed 1 cup Maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans 2 eggs 1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 cup butter In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour with 1/3 cup brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press into greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine remaining brown sugar with syrup in saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5 min. Remove from heat. In bowl, beat eggs with remaining flour, vanilla and salt. Gradually pour hot syrup into egg mixture, stirring constantly. Pour over baked crust. Sprinkle with pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 min. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into 24 bars.

Broccoli Cheese SoupSubmitted by Barbara Ann Detweiler

2 tablespoons chopped onion 2 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons flour1/2 teaspoon salt Dash pepper 2 cups milk1 cup shredded cheese (I use a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella) 1 1/2 mashed potatoes1 1/2 cup water2 tablespoons chicken seasoning 10 ounces broccoli (frozen or fresh)

Cook onion in butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Add milk, cook until thickened, stirring constantly.Add cheese and mashed potatoes. Remove from heat. In another pan, dissolve seasonings in water and bring to a boil. Add broccoli and cook until tender. Add to cheese mixture and stir well.(For thicker soup, use 3 tablespoons butter and 4 tablespoons flour.)

Tramp SoupSubmitted by Sarah Miller

2 quarts diced raw potatoes 1 large onion, diced2 cups water2 tablespoons butterSalt and pepper to taste 1 quart (4 cups) canned, cut up sausage or fresh sausage, fried in small patties1 pint milk plus 1/2 cup milk1 tablespoon flour

Cook potatoes and onions in 2 cups water until nearly done. Add salt and pepper and 2 tablespoons butter, add sausage and let cool thoroughly. Add 1 pint milk. Make a thickening of one -half cup milk and 1 tablespoon flour; add to soup. Stir together. Serve with crackers.

Maple Sugar CandySubmitted by Barbara Detweiler

Boil syrup to 236 degrees.

Stir while hot until milky in appearance and almost ready to set.Pour into molds.When cool, the sugar cakes can be removed from molds.

Corn ChowderSubmitted by Sarah Miller

4 cans creamed or whole corn1 pound bacon 1 large onion, chopped 1 gallon milk Instant potatoes (for thickening) Fry bacon until crisp, remove from pan.Sauté onions in bacon grease. Add corn, bacon and milk and bring to a boiling point. Add enough instant potatoes to thicken slightly. Make a pot of soup, curl up on a chair, read a book, or write someone who is lonely, soon the winter will be over ...

ICICLES ON YOUR EAVES?

Bill A.J. Byler 440-636-5711 13455 Princeton Road • Huntsburg

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW!Those big icicles form because you have

HEAT LOSS. Good insulation will fix

this problem and it is aninvestment that pays you back.

SAVE HEAT! SAVE $$!Stop in to see a sample and learn more.

Garlic Bread White PizzaSubmitted by Katherine Byler

1 (10 ounce) package frozen garlic bread1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning1 cup Alfredo Sauce1 package (10 ounce) frozen broccoli spears, thawed, drained and coarsely chopped1 cup ricotta cheese1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese1 /4 teaspoon pepper

Line small cookie sheet or cake pan with foil; spray if desired.Cut bread in half lengthwise and place on pan cut side up.Stir 1 /4 teaspoon of seasoning into Alfredo sauce and spread evenly over both halves of bread.Top with broccoli.Stir pepper and 1 /4 teaspoon seasoning into ricotta cheese; drop spoonfuls over broccoli.Bake 15 minutes at 375 degrees.Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over this.Bake until cheese is melted and starting to brown (about 5 minutes).

Sauerkraut SaladSubmitted by Katherine Byler

2 1/2 cups sauerkraut, drained and pressed dry1 medium size onion, cut fine3 stalks celery, chopped fine1 green pepper, chopped fine1 1/2 cups sugar1/2 cup salad oil1/2 cup vinegar

Mix sauerkraut, onion, celery and green pepper together.Heat sugar, oil and vinegar until sugar dissolves.Pour sugar mixture over kraut mixture.Chill for several hours.

Cold Weather Coffee CakeSubmitted by Sarah Miller

1 box yellow cake mix1 small box vanilla instant pudding1 small box instant butterscotch pudding3 eggs1 cup oil1 cup water1/3 cup brown sugar2 tablespoons cinnamon

Mix together all ingredients except brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour half of batter in a sheet pan.Combine brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle half on batter.Pour remaining batter on top; sprinkle remaining brown sugar and cinnamon on that.Bake at 325 degrees for 55 minutes or until done.

Maple Lane Furniture & Fabrics

“Solid Oak and Cherry Quality Furniture, Fabrics & Gifts at Affordable Prices”

5319 S. Windsor Rd Middlefield

440-272-5949

Open Mon–Sat 8:00-5:00;

closed Sunday

ChuckleAs Sadie got to know Michael and his family she was very impressed by how

much his parents loved each other. “They’re so thoughtful,” Sadie said, “Why, your dad even brings your mom a cup of hot coffee in bed every morning.”

After a time, Sadie and Michael married. On the evening after the wedding, Sadie again remarked on Michael’s loving parents and even the coffee in bed.

“Tell me,” she said, “does it run in the family?” “It sure does,” replied Michael, “and I take after my mom.”

A Story in RhymeSubmitted by Katherine Byler

I have an interesting story to tell,About a young man I know quite well.Some broiler chickens he wanted to raise,To butcher and eat them one of these days.

His brother-in-law raises broilers too,And gave him advice on what to do.Laying Mash was the name of the feed,His brother-in-law said he would need.

When his neighbor saw what he was feeding them,He said, “That’s feed for a laying hen!”But the young man thought his feed was right,Until one morning an egg caught his sight!

He rushed to check his brother-in-law’s feed,And found it was the same kind, indeed.So he asked him what the problem could be,And his brother just laughed aloud with glee.

He told him, “Someone played a trick on you,As laying eggs isn’t what broilers do.”So this young man went to his neighbor to see,And his neighbor admitted the “egg layer” was he!

Happy gathering eggs, Fisher!

Plain Country February 16, 2011

4

Maple Lane

Furniture and

FabricsChester and Clara Miller,

owners

Quality furniture, fabrics, notions, clocks and clothing

at affordable prices.

5319 South Windsor RoadMiddlefield

440-272-5949

Open Mon. – Sat. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Closed Sunday

Geauga County Raccoon HuntersMeetings are held at

the club on Peters Road, the 2nd Thursday at 7pm

Attention TrappersLittle Beaver Furs will be at

the club every Wed., evening throughout trapping season

buying pelts

16161 Nash Rd.(corner of Rt. 528 & Nash Rd.)

Monday thru Friday 8-5:30Saturday 8-5:00

FAMILY FOOTWEAR

Harness & Tack • DAC Supplies Lifetime Tables & Chairs • Buck Knives

Cross Cut Country Store

440-548-2259

• Wolverine • Carolina • LaCrosse • HI TEC Irish Setters • Propet • Skechers• Hush Puppies • Soft Spots & MORE!

Maple Lane Furniture and FabricsBy Jacquie Foote

A white sign at the corner of Route 534 and South Windsor Road points the way to Maple Lane Furniture and Fabrics and a short distance down S. Windsor a sign both beautiful and colorful tells you that you have arrived.

The cheerful white building that houses Maple Lane has been expanded four times since the business opened in 2003 as Maple Lane Furniture. Chester and Clara Miller who own and operate the store quickly found out that quite a few customers had hoped they would include dry goods as well as their lines of fine furnishings. They thought about it and in 2005 the Fabrics part of Maple Lane Furniture and Fabrics opened in its own part of the store. Chester, who had begun his work career at Johnson Rubber and continued it at a sawmill, really wanted to work from home. Careful thought led him and his wife, Clara, to the retail furniture business. Clara, who had worked at Spector’s in Middlefield before her marriage, felt right at home in the fabrics and notions part of the shop. So, although Chester will willingly cut fabric and Clara is familiar enough with the furniture side to be a great help to customers, Chester does most of the furniture ordering and selling while Clara handles the fabric, notions and clothing side.

Their business is, like many Amish businesses, a family enterprise. Chester’s two married daughters help in the store as needed and are especially helpful when the Millers take trips to furniture expos and fabric shows. Clara explains they often go to these events so they can keep up with what is new and so they can seek out the best prices for their customers. (They are most pleased with repeat business because it means they have done right by their customers.) Chester’s teacher daughter helps with sales also. Clara smiles as she says, “There are grandchildren coming along” who may someday also be helping at the shop.

In their quest for quality furnishings at an attractive price, the Millers deal with many different companies. In addition to the floor samples they display, Chester and Clara have

spotlight On...catalogues you can order from. The majority of companies they deal with are in Holmes County, some are in New York and some in Pennsylvania; four are local furniture makers. Clara explains it is a matter of getting the best price. Most local craftsmen prefer to sell retail whereas about 90 percent of the furniture makers in Holmes sell wholesale. If you cannot find what you want in one of the catalogs, Chester will contact furniture

makers who do custom orders. These talented craftsmen can make what you want from

a photograph or drawing. In their large show rooms are

bedroom sets to dining room sets and everything in between including reclining sofas and glider rockers. They specialize in ash wood furnishings although they can get what you want in just about any wood, even the Character Hickory that is gaining popularity these days. They will sell their floor samples for, as Clara says, “If it’s what

they want, anything is for sale.” Maple Lane Furniture and Fabrics

will do delivery. Usually delivery is $20 anywhere in the area, but at

Christmas, it is free.)The Fabric side of the store features

broad cloth, knits, creme fraiche, linings, coatings and vinyl table covers. Besides notions, there are coats, children’s clothing, vests, buggy robes, horse blankets, stocking caps, gloves, socks, straw hats, bonnets and more. Twenty-one styles of Rhythm Clocks adorn the wall in the fabric section. Clara has set them so each one chimes by itself. If none of these please, there are 50 different ones she can order for you.

Chester and Clara work to keep their shop interesting and fun to explore. There are things like delicate handmade cards and the Rhythm alarm clocks which were a big favorite at Christmas time. For Easter, you can buy one of the beautiful wooden buckets to use for a very special Easter basket. In July they have a fabric sale and October brings a drawing for a Rhythm Clock.

When you really explore this shop you will find many other great things not even mentioned here!

Greetings from the Plain CommunityBy Donnie Miller

Hello to everyone. I’m back in circulation. I’m working each day at getting my strength back. Am a bit winter weary, but I try not to complain.

We have received many visitors which help us along the way. We also are receiving six to eight pieces of a puzzle each day along with cards and letters. A real pass time. A special thanks to Amos Ella for starting this puzzle for us.

To those who were wondering what happened to me … on the evening of Nov. 30, I started with stomach pains. Had developed two hernias again. Went to Geauga E/R with the squad. There, they took a CAT scan. Had blocked bowels and was soon on the way to the Cleveland Clinic.

A five hour surgery was started the next day by Dr. Chand, the same surgeon who did my surgery two years ago. This time I came through with flying colors. The cardiologist changed my rejection medicine

before surgery, so we didn’t have any healing problems this time. I came out of the Clinic on Dec. 14, and spent ten days at Burton Health Care for therapy, coming home on Christmas Eve. What a wonderful feeling to be home!

A lot of people ask what did they do with your hernias. I do not really know. Guess he bagged them in a mesh. Truly hope this is the last time I will be bothered with a hernia.

On Jan. 31, the children of Mahlon Gert held an open house for their Mother’s 80th birthday. This was held at the daughter Amanda’s (Mrs. Rudy Troyer) on Farmington Road. Gertie has been a widow for 40 years. Her husband Mahlon J. Byler died on June 10, 1970.

Friday evening, Jan. 28, a large crowd gathered at the sale barn for a benefit auction for a cancer patient who has a very large medical bill. This is how we help each other. For extra large medical bills, we have benefit auctions, silent auctions, etc.

ChucklesIt was their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary

and the husband said, “I should do something for the wife.”

He had taken her to Florida for their Twenty-fifth Anniversary, so he thought

maybe now was a good time to go get her!

– Footwear for the Whole Family –– Men’s Work Boots –

Choose from: Redwing • LaCrosse • Danner • Wolverine • Irishsetter • Georgia • Rocky • Chippewa • Muck Boots • Hi-Tec • Vasque • Golden Retriever & more!

MULLET’S HARNESS SHOP16138 Newcomb Rd., Middlefield 440-632-1527

Hours: Mon-Thurs 8-5:30, Fri 8-7, Sat 8-5 (Closed on Sunday)

Also Available: • Horse Stall Rubber Mats• Bagged Sawdust• Brushless Buggy Wash

Stop in and Visit our Museum, Video Viewing and Cheese Outlet.

15815 Nauvoo Rd., Middlefield (Corner of Rt. 608 & Nauvoo Rd.)440.632.5228 Ext. 6000 • 800-327-9477 Ext. 6000

www.middlefieldcheese.com • Open Mon-Sat 8:00-5:30

FREE SAMPLESGift Boxes • Meat & Cheese Trays • Worldwide Shipping

Tuesdays are Golden Buckeye Days

The Home of Award-winning, High Quality, Natural Swiss Cheese

One mile N.of Middlefield on Rt. 608440.632.5228 Ext. 6000

www.middlefieldcheese.com

Visit our Museum, Video Viewing and Cheese Outlet.

Free Samples!

(Gift boxes can be shipped or picked up.)

Gift Boxes and

Cheese Trays Available

Amish ChurchOrders

Mon-Sat 8-5:30

February 16, 2011 Plain Country

5

Katherine’s KornerBy Katherine M. Byler

Christmas cards and trimmings still stacked in a Korner, waiting to be made into new ones for 2011. January is over; hope February will give me enough time to “get’er done”. Seems there are always plans in the making for “going away”.

Some of us gals visited Saloma Detweiler in the Clinic where she was a patient. She went for chemo, but had to have blood transfusions instead.

We haven’t had much let-up in the cold temperatures all winter. And I have no faith in that gopher of a groundhog that pops his head out of his hole periodically.

I’m in Dutch if I don’t get some schools visited soon. Wonder how old one has to be in order to do just as one wants?

A young couple had a scare one evening after they went to bed, hearing something in the kitchen. They figured nobody could be out there as the door was locked. Upon investigation, they discovered a mouse had jumped into a brown paper bag and couldn’t get out.

A horde of 50 guys got together at Wallace Miller’s on Girdle Road one evening to move his produce building a couple hundred feet by hand. It being after dark, I’d bet there was a headlamp on every hat there. Doughnuts and a sense of accomplishment were enjoyed afterward. Or did they have the doughnuts before the episode? One way or the other.

Mary S. Miller is home now (on Gates Road) and is enjoying visits and mail and great-grandnephews and nieces who live right there … especially Amanda and Jacob. Elizabeth, Allen and Aaron keep tabs on her as well. Always a pleasure to see how children interact so wonderfully with seniors.

Time for my “comfort food” especially now that hubby’s snoozing. He doesn’t like what I plan to have, so it’s good ‘twill be over with by the time he wakes again! It’s something Mom used to make and he doesn’t think it appears appetizing. So I make a pig of myself and feel much better! (He gets leftovers.)

33 Days to spring, snow or no snow!

By Jacob Detweiler

Mom’s Diary By Barbara Ann Detweiler

Saturday, Jan. 8: Rose Edna and Laura were helping Mom today, so the duties fell to Katherine and me. It was a calm day, thankfully, and the little girls played nicely.

Sunday, Jan. 9: We started off at 7 a.m. to go to church at Dad and Mom’s and we went only about half a mile when the buggy shafts broke. It gave me a scare, but the horse stood still, so Wayne tied the neckrope around it and we went back home. I called a taxi to take us down and we got there in plenty of time.

Monday, Jan. 10: Wayne had an appointment at his heart doctor’s today. Everything looks good except his cholesterol which is still high. They put him on a stronger medication. He is “down” to six pills a day!

Tuesday, Jan. 11: A normal boring day, which is good because that means nothing bad has happened!

Wednesday, Jan. 12: The girls and I did laundry, baked and straightened up the house. Then, tonight, friends John Henry, Katie Mae and family came for the evening.

Thursday, Jan. 13: I cut some material for dresses … now to get at that mountain of sewing. Rose Edna likes to sew, so she can help, too.

Friday, Jan. 14: I needed more work for the girls today! They were bored.

Saturday, Jan. 15: Cold, windy and snowy. The children are starting to get cabin fever.

Sunday, Jan. 16: To church at the neighbors, then home for the rest of the day.

Monday, Jan. 17: One degree this morn! Brrr! It’s nice to be inside by the stove. Wayne gets so cold since his blood thinner he has this ritual of getting the toe warmers and putting them in his boots every morn.

Tuesday, Jan. 18: Heat wave! It warmed up to 38 degrees! Finally the children can go outside and play with the snow. Betty and Norma made snowmen with carrot and celery features and Andrew and Katherine are working on a snow tunnel or fort. Everyone had popcorn and M&Ms for a snack before heading for the showers and to bed.

Wednesday, Jan. 19: Rose Edna went back to work after being off for almost a month.

Thursday, Jan. 20: Wayne’s sis Viola and Norman and three children came for the evening.

Friday, Jan. 21: It’s getting colder. Fifteen degrees all day, then down to nine degrees at 9:30 p.m. I helped clean the schoolhouse this afternoon, and then baked cookies.

Saturday, Jan. 22: Betty has a birthday in two days and she’s dreading going to school on that day. She says they’re going to sing to her and she doesn’t like that, She has never likes attention drawn to herself.

Sunday, Jan. 23: A day of rest at home. We watched the temperature go down, down, down!

Monday, Jan. 24: This morning at 3:30 the temperature here was 13 degrees below zero. A very good day to hibernate! The school children had to bundle up good.

And, yes, Betty said they sang Happy Birthday to her. A good thing they did it first thing in the morning or she would have dwelled on it all day!

Tuesday, Jan. 25: The girls and I went down to Mom’s for the day since sis Elizabeth was there. Her baby, Donnie, three months, is growing like a weed. Sis-in-law Laura was also there with her children.

Wednesday, Jan. 26: Katherine came home from school at 10:00 because she was sick! She looked pale and her stomach didn’t want to stay settled. So, down she went for the rest of the day. She didn’t want to miss a day of school, but it can’t be helped.

Thursday, Jan. 27: Katherine was well again by tonight. I’m ready to send her back to school tomorrow!

Norma is back to following me and the girls around instead of playing by herself.

Friday, Jan. 28: Norma was downstairs while Laura was doing laundry and insisted I come down and look at her. She had filled a five gallon pail with water, and then, taken off her clothes and sat in it. All I could see was her head and feet!

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Beautiful winter weather. A time to slow down and let our bodies rest before the busy time of spring arrives. I for one have not gotten very many winter projects done . . . but hopefully in the next few weeks I can work at it.

The benefit Friday evening, Jan. 28, for Danny M. Miller family, at the Middlefield Auction Barn brought out a huge crowd. Their 16 month old baby had surgery for a brain tumor. The benefit was to help with their huge hospital bills. Proceeds were $70,000.

Having surgery on a badly broken ankle on Wednesday, January 26th, was Danny Ray Miller of Shedd Rd. He will need to have a cast on for probably 6 weeks. He is 18 years old. Mail will reach him at 15060 Shedd Rd., Burton, OH 44021.

Lots of stomach flu going around. The twins of Richard Millers were both sick this past week. Their mom Sue (Mrs. Martha (Mat) Miller) has now moved into the apartment at Danny and Sylvia Miller’s home. Her new address is, 15060 Shedd Rd., Burton, OH 44021,

Before we know it sugaring season will be upon us. Hopefully, we will have a longer

season this year. Quite a difference in sugaring from what it used to be with tubing being

used, and doing away with gathering sap with horses etc.

Sunday evening sons Perry, Joe Jr., Richard, Ray, Mark and Wayne

and daughter Sylvia and families were here to remind me of

another birthday. They served cake, ice cream and snacks. A very enjoyable evening. We missed Philip, Martha and boys and also daughter Betty and family.

Visitors with Dan and Sylvia Miller of Shedd Rd., on Monday Jan. 31 were

Mrs. Amanda Slabaugh and daughters, Dave Yoder,

Rachel and Marty Troyer, Ida and Norman Miller, Wilma and

Harvey Miller, Barbara and John Yoder and Mary.

Bill Gingerich of Newcomb Rd. is very sick. Children are staying with

them. There will be a chicken dinner Friday,

Mar. 4 at Joe’s Window Shop, on the corners of Shedd Rd and Rt. 168. Takeouts will be available at 3:30, and sit down dinners are from 5:00 to 7:00, an auction will follow. Benefit for Windsor Mills School.

Hello from Huntsburg By William Bender

We can start thinking maple syrup. It has to warm up. It sure has been cold. For a while we didn’t have any temperature at all. One time the sun was shining bright and it was still only four degrees.

Huntsburg is losing a resident; the Willie Miller family on Princeton Road is moving to Bylerville on Newcomb Road.

A former Huntsburg resident from years ago and then some passed away in Stark County, Mrs. Andy J. Miller. They used to live on the Pete Kuch farm on Burton-Windsor Road. Their oldest son, John Henry, and I started in Huntsburg School together. Now, don’t ask me what year they moved to Stark County.

Crist Yoder had an overnight stay in Geauga Hospital a few weeks ago. Did’t see him since he went back for a check-up. Don’t know how he is doing.

Saw Andy Byler’s Martha come out of the doctor’s with one of the girls. She had four legs as she was on crutches. The way it looks, the young can fall too.

Just got word of another former resident of Huntsburg, Noah J. Miller. A few years ago he moved to Kentucky. He also lived on Burton Windsor Road and was nephew to the Andy Millers in Stark. Noah married a second time and moved to Kentucky. They will bury him up here beside his first wife Ruth in the Miller Cemetery.

A great deal of our typical soil treatment in the past rests on a series of ideas that are not true in the experience of those who work ecologically with the soil.

These misconceptions include: Bigger is better; Food can be standardized; Soil fertility only changes yield, not quality; Irrigation is vital to successful farming; Humus levels cannot be rebuilt; Humus and organic matter are the same thing; Plants feed only on dissolved nutrients; Weeds, insects, and disease only exist to plague man, the Word says; Lime is used only to correct Ph; Without toxic chemicals and genetically modified strains we will have mass starvation, and Toxic chemicals are safe if properly used.

Each of these misconceptions needs to be reviewed and reevaluated by any person determined to do the best for Earth’s soil and the next generation. But what is wrong with these widely accepted ideas? And why are they not working?

This is where I feel we all went down the wrong path. Out forefathers started listening to the chemical and the pharmaceutical companies. And do we think they are actually looking out for our health? Or are they looking at their bottom line?

There is over one trillion dollars spent on food annually in the U.S. Isn’t there something wrong with this picture? Don’t get me wrong, we live in a great country and we need hospitals and doctors, but something needs to be done about large corporations controlling our, our children’s, and our grandchildren’s health.

Until next time. Daniel C. Fisher is proprietor of D & S Farm & Garden Supply LLC, 4738 Gates Road, Middlefield. Call his voice mail at 440-693-4632 for more information.

From Our Schools

Windsor Mills and Georgia Rd. School NewsBy Barbara Detweiler and Linda Weaver

An Eighth Grade Spelldown will be held at Warner’s Hollow School on Feb. 11.

Don’t forget there will be a Benefit Chicken Dinner for the Windsor Mills School, Friday, Mar. 4 at Joe’s Window Shop. Takeouts will be available at 3:30, and sit down dinners are from 5:00 to 7:00. An auction will follow.

Another Annual Spelldown being practiced for is the one to be held on Patch Road for this area. It will be at Troy Parochial School, on Friday, Feb. 18.

The Dare Program graduation was held here a few weeks ago. Dare officer was Deputy James Hudson, along with Sheriff Dan McClelland and dog Midge, and Deputy Michael Mattsik and dog Marko of the Canine Unit. Other guests were Judge Charles and Mrs. Henry and his mother, a former schoolteacher. She always wanted to see an Amish school, and remarked it was just like any classroom. The above dignitaries all gave speeches and the children wrote essays about the program. First prizewinner was Raymond Hochstetler, 7th grade, with runner-ups being Philip Miller, 8th grade, and Mary Jane Slabaugh, 8th grade. Dare stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, and is help for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

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February 16, 2011 Plain Country

7

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Jan. 28, 2011 … we have 23 degrees this morning. It’s still dark out, so I don’t know if it is snowing. Last night when Barbara and I went for our walk, it was snowing … nice big, soft flakes.

Tuesday I was to sister-in-law Sarah (Mahlon) Byler’s for the afternoon. Her leg is slowly starting to heal. Also going was Mrs. Emma (Daniel) Farmwald, Mrs. Alma Miller, Mrs. William R. Byler, Mrs. Dan L. Miller, Mrs. Albert H. Miller and Mrs. Ida (Mose) Miller who came from the funeral of Noah J. Miller. It was a big funeral at three different places. The family has our sympathy. They had a funeral in Kentucky where he lived since his marriage the second time. Then they brought him here and had a funeral. He was buried beside his first wife.

Happy parents are Andrew and Rachel Miller who have a baby girl named Becky. They also have two special little girls. Grandparents are Allen Millers and Marvin Bylers; greats are

Mrs. Emma (Robert) Troyer and Dan C. Bylers.Also born a couple weeks ago, a son,

Lucas Andrew, to Aden and Martha Miller after five years of marriage.

Our church ladies will have a Chinese exchange tonight for our Christmas. I want to bake cookies to take along.

Our neighbors John Coblentz’s children are having Chicken pox.

With all the seed catalogs coming in, I’m excited to send for seeds and see what I can grow in the garden this year. It’s fun to look at the catalogs and dream what I’d like to grow. I want to start tomatoes again, but not until March or they get too big to grow in the house. I don’t know if I will start any flowers this year, but it would be fun.

Ivan put up my new birdfeeder yesterday, the one my brother Ervin made for me for my Christmas. It’s by the window. I don’t know how soon birds will find it, but I told them to come!

Lines by LindaBy Linda Weaver

January 27, 2010 …I missed writing last time because of the holiday hustle and bustle. We had our Christmas gathering here on New Year’s Day. On December 26th we were invited to Roy and Esther Bontragers for supper, for the Weaver’s Christmas.

Our sympathy to the family of Noah Miller, 60, who passed away of a heart attack in Kentucky. He moved there when he got married to his second wife, Erma (Troyer) Miller. He was brought here Sunday evening with the funeral on Tuesday and burial beside his first wife Ruth. The funeral was at his son Marvin’s on Burton Windsor Road and his burial was close by at Miller Cemetery. We attended the viewing Monday along with hundreds of others in the line stretching out onto the road for several houses. His mother, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and Erma and Ruth’s families live mostly in this area, so it was a lot of people.

Another death, this one in Kansas, of Mrs. Jonas (Ruth Kauffman) Miller, 70, had several from this area going to the funeral last week. A sister Martha and Daniel Fisher, and their daughter, Mrs. Mahlon (Ruth), Dan and Alma and son Chester, Mrs. Enos (Sara) and son David, Chester and Clara all Millers, and Henry Frey left by train. This was a distance of around 900 miles. Am sure they were thankful for a safe trip.

Neighbor women, Mary Slabaugh, Ida Gingerich, Jenny Byler, Ida Bontrager and I visited with widows Crist Miller Mary and Joe Miller Liz Tuesday afternoon. They were both so happy and cheerful and glad for company. Mary’s daughter Mrs. Atlee (Martha) Wengerd

takes good care of her and Liz’s daughter-in-law Joe Cindy sees to her needs. We had a nice lunch and visited the new Dollar General in Parkman also.

Monday afternoon the Gingerich cousins took ice cream cake along with 60 plus gifts to Mrs. Ray (Loma Mae) Millers in West Farmington for a belated birthday celebration. Her Dad, Noah Gingerich and his special daughter, Mahala, were also along. Loma Mae has trouble with her neck and arm and has been doing therapy several days a week. She said it’s better which we were glad to hear.

February 3, 2011 … Our thoughts and prayers are with my nephew, Marvin Byler and family of 5 boys and 1 daughter in the loss of their wife and mother. She was instantly killed in a tractor accident Friday. She was on her way to a friend’s house with 3 loaves of still warm bread, soup, and salad for lunch. Marvin is the son of my brother Dan and Betty (Kauffman) Byler. His address is 5943 Old Trenton Rd., Trenton, Ky. 42286.

Jake and I along with our sons Paul, Aaron, and Bob, daughter Sara Jane Mast, Daniel and Martha Fisher, Jim and Sarah Weaver, and Bill and Carol Miller left Sunday morning for the funeral, which was held Monday at the church. We were in time for the viewing Sunday eve and the beautiful singing by the youth. We started home soon after the funeral and didn’t get home till 3 o’clock Tues. morning. We encountered some bad weather between Columbus and Cleveland, but we had an excellent driver (Chris Botts), and were very thankful for a safe trip.

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8

Books in ReviewBy Jacquie Foote

Bookmobile NewsBy Jane Attina

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Buckeye Chuck, Ohio’s official weather-predicting groundhog says it will be an early spring, and we on the bookmobile sure hope he is correct. Though we try to make all of our stops there are times it is unsafe to drive the big blue bus on the icy roads. Sometimes we may run a bit late as well. Thanks to our patrons who brave the weather just to come to the bookmobile. You can phone the Middlefield Library with questions.

Please remember to let us know if there are times that the bookmobile will be unable to park at your stop due to unexpected events such as funerals or weddings. This will allow us to park somewhere else or cancel the stop.

New Book Titles Coming in March:“Plain Proposal”, A Daughters of the Promise, by Beth Wiseman (March 29th)“Sarah’s Gift”, Pleasant Valley #4, by Marta Perry (March 1st)“The Caregivers”: Families of Honor, Book One, by Shelley Shepard Gray (March 8th)

“Home Life on the Prairie” by Susan Hochstetler was published by the Carlisle Press, Sugarcreek, Ohio, copyright 2005. It is the fourth in the series of books chronicling the lives of Martin and Susan and their family in Amish communities in British Columbia, Holmes County, Montana and, finally Oklahoma. Told in first person, it is written as a journal telling of lives lived with an active, joyful awareness of the Presence of God.

Like all true stories, there are hard times (such as when their son Steven was diagnosed with Kawasaki’s syndrome, a rare disease of the lymph nodes) and many, many joyful times. In fact, simple joys were always present. There was extensive visiting by relatives from many places in the country. There were the church meetings and the singings and the frolics and the beauty of God’s world and the happiness which comes when work is done well.

The first part of the book centers on the experiences of the Hochstetler family when they came in 1985 to join a small Amish community in Clarita, Oklahoma. Parts of this section are reprints of letters Susan sent to be printed in the “Budget”.

Part Two contains the history of the Amish schools in Clarita as well as short histories of each of the 50 families that made up the Amish community in Clarita at that time. Weddings, births, deaths and some heartfelt tributes to the memory of those who were buried in the Clarita Amish Cemetery are shared.

“Home Life on the Prairie” is an honest look at the lives of people helping each other to keep a careful, joyful walk with God. It is a book quickly read, but a book with many passages you will return to and read again. Younger children would enjoy hearing some of the passages. Good readers from the 5 th grade up could read it and adults would find the story compelling.

This, and Susan Hochstetler’s other books are available at S & E Country Store on Newcomb Road.

ChuckleThe formula for a happy marriage? It’s the same as the one for living

in California: when you find a fault, don’t dwell on it!

By Marie Bender

Bits and Pieces of YesterdaySubmitted by Sarah Miller

Middlefield, Geauga County, OhioJanuary 6,1900:

We are having nice winter weather and good sleighing.

Mike P. Miller is on the sick list. Jonathon H. Miller is expected home today.

Dan Byler of Troy was visiting friends in this section for the last few days.

David Yoder has hired out to P. Pachin. J. K. Detweiler has quit working on the

sawmill. David Yoder is visiting at the writer’s

home at present. Al C. Miller, who was visiting in Holmes

County, is at home again. Letters from Canada are very interesting

to me. I would like to hear from J.R. Gerber and others.

Yours Truly, Eli J, Miller

Submitted by Katherine Byler

From the Warren Tribune, 1911Employees of the Erie Railroad in

Hubbard have organized a “non-cussing society” and from now on, any member who uses language that is more forceful than “gosh”, “darn”, “blasted”, “by hen”, “for the love of Mike”, or “fudge” will be fined 2 cents for each offense.

The contract was duly signed and the seal affixed to it at 4:00 Saturday afternoon. Before quitting time arrived, eight lovely pennies reposed in the society’s strongbox.

News from WindsorBy Barbara Ann Detweiler

John and Kathy Burkholder moved to the corner of South Wiswell and South Windsor Roads

Eighth graders were busy practicing for the Annual Spelldown which was held Feb. 11.

Windsor Mills School will be having a benefit chicken dinner at Joe’s Window Shop on March 4, starting at 5 p.m.

Parkman PathwaysBy Ellen Hershberger

Sunday, Jan. 9: It was very cold to walk to church today at Melvin Kauffman’s. The afternoon was spent peacefully resting.

Tuesday, Jan.11: Today we had a new experience when the oven caught fire at work! The bottom wire burned about two inches and the oven did not shut off until the son-in-law came and unplugged the stove for me.

In the evening I had a tough stint all night (which I like anyway), then in the morning it was off to another client’s.

Wednesday, Jan. 12 – Friday, Jan. 14: This is a routine job, after which I did the p.m. dinner shift cooking.

Saturday, Jan. 15: This was an interesting day of cooking a dinner for some of my regular customers at the home of Aden and Miriam Miller.

Sunday, Jan. 16: We who live around here had brunch together and rested in the p.m.

Monday, Jan. 17: It was a pleasure to see the shiny new stove at work!

Tuesday, Jan. 18 – Friday, Jan. 21: I just did my usual at three different places.

Saturday, Jan. 22: I finally have a day to take my time in town. Sent the taxi home in Middlefield, then called when I was ready

to go home. Bought a salad and walked on snowy, slippery sidewalks to the Village Apartments to share lunch with a friend who had just been in the hospital for eight days. I feel for these lonely people cooped up, whether winter or summer.

When I arrived home, we had visitors from Indiana, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Chupp.

Sunday, Jan. 23: Another cold trek to church, but we rode in the buggy; we didn’t walk.

Monday, Jan. 24 – Tuesday, Jan. 25: The only thing different here is that the people have an intestinal bug that has brought challenges in caregiving. But that’s all right; we’ll take what comes.

After my Tuesday night shift, I go to our other client’s place. As I’ve said before, there are many interesting things that happen, but for the sake of privacy, I am not at liberty to relate them.

Saturday, Jan. 29: After work last night, I stopped off at the auction barn where a large crowd had gathered to raise money for a $310,000 hospital bill in our church district.

I’m surprised at all the snow that is still accumulating! Today I hope to clean this dirty house and do some visiting.

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February 16, 2011 Plain Country

9

Fun!

By Johnny Miller

And the Winners Are …Thank you for your wonderful response to our Drawing of Winter

Contest. So many fine drawings! As you see from the list of winners, although we had said there would be only 2 first places in each age group, the judges had so much trouble choosing, that, in one case, we had to name more than two as the winners.

Just a reminder … if you do not follow the directions, we cannot consider your work in the contest.Our winners are:Ages 5 – 7:

Lester Detweiler (Burton Windsor Road)Joseph Miller (Pioneer Road)

Ages 8 – 10:Dan Kempf (Hayes Road)Elizabeth Weaver (N. Girdle Road)

Ages 11 and up:Marie Bender (Bridge Road)Johnny Miller (Clay Street)Robert A. Miller (Hayes Road)Steven P. Miller (Madison Road)

Honorable Mention:Jacob Detweiler, age 8 (Burton Windsor Road)We chose one winner for our coloring contest … as long as winter hangs

around, you will find some of our other winning drawings in the Plain Country.

It’s A Coloring Contest!

To enter this contest, just color the winter picture below. You may use crayons or color pencils or both. Do not use markers or paints as they don’t look good on this kind of paper.

Be sure to fill out the bottom of the picture with your name, address and age.

Send in the colored picture to Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH, 44062 by Feb. 21.

Age groups are 5–7, 8–10, and 11 and up. There will be 2 winners in each age group. Each winner will get a large set of color pencils. Winners will be notified by mail on or about March 2.

Name: ___________________________________________________________ Age: ___________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________