Amish Heartland, December 2015

Attractions • Events • Maps • Shopping

DECEMBER 2015

Heartland FROM THE DESK OF JAVON Holiday Here and There

AN AMISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION

From the Home to the Community

Pick uup at AAA centers across Ohio

Visit www.amish-heartland.com

Sol’s in Berlin

www.solsinberlin.com

Ohio’s Largest Arts & Crafts Mall An Amish Country ‘Must See’ Since ‘93

Search: Sol’s in Berlin

June-October Open 9am-7pm Daily November - May Open 9am-5pm Daily Open Memorial Day, 4th of July & Labor Day

OPEN YEAR ROUND • Closed Sundays 4914 West Main St. • Berlin, OH 44610 • 330.893.3134

• Dinettes • Bedroom Sets • Bookcases • Curio Cabinets • Rolltop Desks • Computer Desks • Entertainment Centers • Jewelry Boxes • Rockers & Gliders

We build furniture your way All day!

New Location!

5911 S. Kansas Rd., Apple Creek, OH • 330-698-3200

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AMISH Heartland WHAT’S INSIDE

FEATURES

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LIGHT FOR MY PATH FURNITURE HEARTLAND

Christmas Moments

WAYNE CENTER FOR THE ARTS FROM THE DESK OF JAVON

Holiday Here and There

AN AMISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION

From the Home to the Community

*PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY THE HOLMES COUNTY CHAMBER, DANARA WALLACE, AMANDA NIXON AND KATE MINNICH

TRAVEL INFORMATION

12 18 34

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

What’s Going on in Amish Country

AMISH HEARTLAND MAP JUST VISITING

Amish Heartland’s Inns

IN EVERY ISSUE

02 03 28 36

EDITORIAL

Meet the Staff

BOOK REVIEW

The Imposter

RECIPES BUGGY WHEEL CONTEST

Spectrum Publications 212 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691, 330-264-1125, editor@spectrumpubs.com, www.amish-heartland.com PUBLISHER: Andrew S. Dix; NICHE PRODUCT MANAGER: Colette Taylor ext. 2220, SPECTRUM DIRECTOR: Amanda Nixon, ext. 2221; SALES: Lisa Beckman, ext. 2277, Kim Rush, ext. 1633, Barb Lang, ext. 1628 ; WRITER/ DESIGNER: Kate Minnich, ext. 2233; WRITER: Javon Miller; COVER PHOTO: Kate Minnich

Heartland MEET THE STAFF Photo Courtesy of the Holmes County Chamber

What are your Favorite Christmas Traditions?

“Eating Christmas cookies and drinking hot chocolate with my husband after midnight church service.”

-Lisa “I like to start the holiday cheer early by baking as many varieties of cookies as my freezer can hold to be shared with friends and family at their Christmas celebrations.”

- Colette

“My favorite tradition is probably making Chrismas cookies...we always get together, my girls and my mom, its my favorite time.”

- Ranee

“Going to my parents every Christmas Eve with my family for Christmas dinner.”

- Kim “My favorite tradition is my family’s Christmas Eve celebration. Several of my siblings gather with our parents and we go to mass. Afterwards we eat the big dinner my mother has prepared and everyone helps with dishes. Then the presents are opened, usually to large amounts of laugher.”

-Kate 2 December 2015

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Book Review

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by Suzanne Woods Fisher Reviewed by Amanda Nixon • AMISH HEARTLAND CONTRIBUTOR

Fisher returns to the town of Stoney Ridge, with an unexpected tale about overcoming obstacles and finding peace with your life decisions. Katrina Stoltzfus is nineteen with a broken heart. Her beau deceived her and her future plans are now in disarray.

She finds comfort in a unexpected opportunity to help an elderly widow, Thelma Beiler, on her moss farm. She becomes Thelma’s apprentice and starts to find a new purpose for her life.

But she carries a dark secret that will alter her future, once revealed. Thelma hires a farmhand, Andy Miller. His mysterious ways intrigue Katrina, but is her heart ready to trust again? Will her secret scare Andy off?

Meanwhile, Katrina’s father, the minister David Stoltzfus must find his place in the community. While the church members are pushing for modern conveniences, David feels they need to remain rooted in their old ways.

Will he be able to convince the Bishop that change is not always for the better, or will he be “quieted” for his views.

This was a great story that was hard to put down! Fisher reveals that there are many “impostors” in this once peaceful community…can their faith help them discover who they really are?

A common phrase sticks out throughout the book, “…we’re all just a few choices away from becoming just about any kind of person. Good or bad.” This book really made me reflect on the many “masks” we wear and how finding peace with who we are can really make the difference!

I am looking forward to Book Two, “The Quieting”, which will be coming out Summer 2016!

Amish Heartland 3

AMISH

Heartland INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Photo Courtesy of Danara Wallace

ATTRACTIONS

Behalt/Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center..................................23 Guggisberg Cheese Factory ..............23 Warther Cutlery...............Inside Cover

CRAFTS & COLLECTIBLES

C & C Treasure Seekers.....................04 Greenhouse Shoppe, The....................09 Main Street Bears..............................09 Parsley Pot...........................................09 Sol’s Exchange...............Inside Cover World Crafts........................................29

DINING & FOOD

Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant......04 Kauffman’s Country Bakery.............23

Miller’s Bakery....................................09 Smucker Company............................37 Troyer’s Home Pantry........................37

FURNITURE & WOODWORKING

Country Furniture............................09 Eastwood Furniture..........................10 Green Acres Furniture.......................17 Homestead Furniture........................17 Jake’s Handcrafted Oak ...................11 Troyer Furniture.................................17 Walnut Creek Furniture....................17 Yoder’s Oak and Cherry..........Inside C.

LAWN FURNITURE, STORAGE & GAZEBOS

LODGING

Berlin Village Inn...............................34 Donna’s Premier Lodging.................34 Holmes With A View..........................35 Scenic Hills RV Park..........................35

SHOPS & SUCH

Berlin Leather & Pets........................37 Gospel Book Store.............................03 Holmes Sew & Vac..........................23 The Gospel Shop................................03 Olivesburg General Store..................23 Primitive Porch...................................23 P. Graham Dunn..................................11

Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts......Back

Downtown Berlin 330-893-3287

C & C Treasure Seekers

Mon. - Sat. 5:30am - 8pm

Since “1938”

Antiques & Primitives • Shabby Chic Specializing in Gas & Oil Memoribilia

OPEN MONDAY  SATURDAY 105 Located 1/4 mile West of Walnut Creek

New Location! 3175 SR 39, Millersburg, OH 44654

www.boydandwurthmann.com 4 December 2015

330-893-1333

Like Us On Facebook!

Shopping Under the Stars When: December 11, 2015 Where: Main Street, Berlin

Gather your friends and family, and head over to Berlin for a beautiful shopping event. The stores on Main Street generally close at 5 p.m. but on this date they will stay open 9 p.m.

Unique gifts can be found for everyone on your list, from the flavored popcorn at Berlin Popcorn Company to fairy garden supplies at Country Gatherings.

For more information visit www.heartofamishcountry.com Amish Heartland 5

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Story & Photos by KATE MINNICH AMISH HEARTLAND WRITER / DESIGNER

T

he art of candle making is not widely practiced, but Mary Troyer has made the art into her profession. Mary began her candle making career at Walnut Creek Candles out of Berlin, where she learned the basics. With the closure of Walnut Creek Candles, Mary gathered all the signature candles and opened her own business. One such signature candle was the muffin. True to its name this candle is shaped like a muffin down to the whipped topping or ‘icing’ on top. In November of 2013, Mary began her own candle making business and opened Light For My Path.

Light For My Path offers a wide selection of candles in various scents and sizes.All of the candles are hand crafted by Mary in the back room; from the melting of the wax to the packaging. Offering many different types of candles, the store contains original and new ideas. The typical single color jar candle will be found in more scents than the mind can conceive, but the unusual candles scattered throughout the store will inspire anyone’s curiosity.

The candles shaped like muffins and ones that

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resemble cakes are among the more popular items.

The type of candle Mary is making dictates the type of wax she melts down. Pillar wax has a higher melting point than jar wax which makes it better suited for freestanding candles, or candles not contained within a jar. Due to the higher melting point the wax is able to stay together longer thus keeping its shape for a longer period of time.

Both the pillar and jar wax are made from paraffin wax rather than beeswax because of the improved smoke and perfume levels. A paraffin wax candle will burn longer than other candles and will emit less smoke. By keeping the wicks trimmed, the smoke from the paraffin candles will be little to none. The amount of perfume Mary can add to a candle is ruled by the amount of oil present in the wax. Typically, the paraffin wax has less oil which allows for more perfume. The more perfume present within the candle, the longer the smell will be emitted.

Mary mixes the perfume with the paraffin wax in order to maintain the smell through the entire burning of the candle. Pouring the perfume into the wax right after it has been melted, Mary then places the molten liquid into a mold or jar. This is the first pour the candle will receive, all except the smallest of candles will have two rounds of melted wax and perfume. The second round of wax is done so as to top off the candle and stop the top from sinking toward the center. Many other candle companies will only place the fragrance in this second layer of wax resulting in a limited experience. Mary works hard to ensure the of each candle is maintained as long as possible.

Various perfumes line the shelves at Light

For My Path, many of which are Mary’s own concoction. Often times the perfumes that Mary purchases don’t smell like their description and her knowledge is required to perfect their scent.

The cappuccino perfume arrived smelling like burned coffee, but after a lot of trial and error, Mary was able to modify the perfume to smell like a warm cup of cappuccino.

Specialty candles are a breed all their own where the creation process is concerned. Mary’s muffin and cake candles are also poured twice but with two different wax types. The base of the muffin and the core of the cake are created using pillar wax in order to maintain the shape of the piece. After the pillar wax has cooled, generally sitting for three hours, the second layer of jar wax is added. For these two specialty candles, the jar wax is whipped up with an egg beater in order to achieve the fluffy look of icing. Mary places the ‘icing’ on the muffins with a fork sometimes adding bits of sprinkles to give the muffin a more realistic feel.

The ‘icing’ for the cakes is carefully molded onto the pillar wax by hand, creating a fluffed surface similar to the icing on a cake.

The type and size wick of a candle is dependent on the diameter and depth of each creation.

In order to ensure the wick on jar candles is centered, Mary will glue the wick’s metal base to the bottom of the jar using silicon; assuring the wick will not move as the wax is poured into place. For candles of a wider diameter, a hotter wick is used so that the heat will be distributed evenly throughout the candle.

Candles that are created using a mold, such as the muffin, cake and freestanding candles, do not receive their wick until after they are completed and cooled. Each mold has a thin medal spike Amish Heartland 7

rising from the center, this spike created the hole for the wick. Once the wax has cooled the candle will be taken out of the mold, leaving a small hole through the center. Mary then inserts the wick through the hole and packages the ďŹ nished candle.

Beyond the candles that can be burned, Mary also carries the sensory burners and special collection of electric candles. Mary employs more molds to make the wax melting tablets for the sensory burners. Using the same methods as her other candles, Mary adds the perfume and hot wax to the molds. Once cooled, the tablets can be knocked from the mold and packaged. A new type of candle being offered by Light For My Path is an battery powered candle featuring a favorite picture. Attaching any picture to the base candle, the end result is a personalized piece to be treasured for a lifetime.

Light For My Path is a candle store ďŹ rst and foremost, with a varitey of options to enhance your home.

Offering specialty, jar or freestanding candles, Mary Troyer presents a beautiful store perfumed by lovely candles. Take in your own container to have it ďŹ lled or pick up an entirely new candle. The choice is yours.

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Light For My Path is located at 8142 TR. 574, Holmesville, OH 44633 and open Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri., or Sat., from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Thurs. by chance or appointment.

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8 December 2015

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$17,48(6 &2//(&7,%/(6

We would like to invite you to visit our special

HUGGABLES TO COLLECTIBLES FOR TEDDY BEAR LOVERS!

Christmas Shoppe

STEIFF RETIRED BOYDS BEARS

featuring a wide selection of: Collectible Santas, Stockings, Unique Ornaments, Angels, Table Top Figurines, Christmas Florals, Wreaths and much, much more.

BEARINGTON COLLECTION GUND Plus Much More!

Poinsettias, Fresh Wreaths, Greens, Roping & Winterberry

The Greenhouse Shoppe

3649 Cleveland Rd., Wooster (North of Milltown on St. Rt. 3)

www.thegreenhouseshoppe.com

330-345-5300

225 NORTH MAIN ST. • (RT. 21) • NAVARRE

(330) 879-9655 WED - SAT 10:00 - 4:00

Where You Can See & Feel The Difference Handcrafted

by Family or Select Local craftsmen.

Discover unique styles or customize

TH

A RSL E Y P P E

Where Comfort, Quality & Price Meet!

OT Since 1976

39 Years Family Owned!

4329 C.R. 168, Millersburg, Ohio 44654 1 Mile North of Berlin in Bunker Hill Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm 330-893-4455

A SHOP FOR ALL SEASONS "Celebrating 41 Years!”

Miller’s BAKERY “De Good Ole Fashioned Bakin”

697 Co. Rd. 1302 Ashland, Ohio 44805

419-281-7514 HOURS: Tues.-Sat. 9-5 Sun. 12-5 CLOSED Monday Call for directions. (look for tourist activity signs)

PIES • CAKES JAMS & JELLIES COOKIES DONUTS

• CANDIES • PASTA • CRAFTS • CLOCKS • DOLLS & MORE!

330-893-3002

4280 TR 356, Millersburg OH 44654 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 7am - 5pm • Closed Sundays

Amish Heartland 9

The Christmas Story Matthew 1:18-2:12 • King James Version (KJV) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall

Your Way...for Your Home

KIDRON ACROSS FROM LEHMAN’S 4722 Kidron Rd. • 330-857-2009 • Mon-Sat 9-5 www.eastwoodfurniture.com 10 December 2015

bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for

out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

ART HOME DÉCOR & GIFTS

630 Henry Street, Dalton, Ohio 44618 Mon–Sat 9–5 | 330.828.2105 Amish Heartland 11

Calendar of Events December

5 Pictures with Santa at the Library

1 Festival of Trees Auction

When: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Wooster Public Library, 220 W. Liberty St., Wooster.

330-262-6222 www.mainstreetwooster.org

When:5 p.m.- 10 p.m.

Where: Shisler Conference Center, 1625 Wilson Rd., Wooster.

Benefit auction of decorated trees for the American Red Cross Local Disaster Fund.

330-264-9383 www.arc-wayne.org

4 Downtown Churches Walking Tour When: 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Wooster Free walking tour of downtown churches highlighting their history, architecture, and music.

330-262-6222 www.mainstreetwooster.org

4 Dalton Merchants Holiday Open House

5 Lehman’s Old Fashioned Christmas When: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Where: Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Dalton Get in the holiday spirit at Lehman’s! Enjoy product demos, food samples, live music, and children’s activites at this annual, fun for all ages, open house. Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, and join us as we celebrate our 60th year in business with dessert and door prizes.

800-438-5346 www.lehmans.com

5 Christmas Down on the Farm

When: 5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Dalton Dalton merchants kick-off the weekends festivites with refreshments, special sales and drawings.

330-466-5948 www.daltonfestival.org

Where: Schrock’s Amish Farm and Village, 4363 OH 39, Millersburg Bring the kids out for sleigh rides, visit with Santa, gingerbread house decorating, Christmas cutout cookies, great food and much more. The entire farm is decked out for the holidays. This is an event you don’t want to miss.

330-893-3232

4-5 Holiday Artisan Market

5-6 Christmas in the Village

When: Fri., 4 p.m.- 8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Where: Wayne Center for the Arts, 237 S. Walnut St., Wooster.

Holiday market where you can purchase handmade items from local and Ohio artists. Food and music complete the holiday atmosphere.

330-264-2787 ext. 207 www.wayneartscenter.org

12 December 2015

When: Sat., 6 p.m.- 8:30 p.m., Sun., 1:30 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Where: Smithville Historical Society, 381 E. Main St., Smithville Visit Christmas past. Shop in the Mill Gift Shop.

Many activities, old-time decorations, and Santa Claus, too.

330-669-9308 www.rootsweb.com/~ohschs/index.html

5-7 38th Annual Dalton Holidays Festival Where: Dalton Coolest parade in Ohio steps off Sat. at 2 p.m., juried craft show, entertainment, and children’s activities. Visit www.daltonfestival.org for a complete schedule of events.

330-466-5948

6 Orrville Community Chorus When: 7 p.m.

Where: Central Christian School, Kidron 72nd annual performance of Messiah by George Frideric Handel. $5 admission, students through the eighth grade will be admitted free.

330-345-5322 www.orrvillecommunitychorus.org

11 Shopping Under the Stars

Where: Wayne Center for the Arts Auditorium, 237 S. Walnut St., Wooster.

Join us for this “Out of the Box” take of the Charles Dickens Classic. Adults $8. Children $5.

330-264-2787 ext. 203 www.wayneartscenter.org

15 Wayne County Choral Union Christmas Concert When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 621 College Ave., Wooster Christmas music from around the world. Special guests David and Carolyn Rice, guest musicians Roxanne Fetterhoff and Paula Vaschiko.

Directed by Interim Director Jason Meteney and accompanied by Evan White and Jane Kwan. Free will offering benefitting People to People.

330-464-9988 www.waynechoralunion.org

When: 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Where: Berlin The stores on Main Street generally close at 5 p.m. but on this date they will stay open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with sales, refreshments, music and more. www.heartofamishcountry.com

11 Millerburg Candlelight Church Walk When: 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Millersburg The finale is at 8:15 at Faith Lutheran Church.

There are four churches participating this year, Millersburg Mennonite, Millersburg First Presbyterian, St. Peter Catholic and Faith Lutheran. Please join us for an evening of fellowship, refreshments, and music.

330-674-4646

11-12 2015 Christmas Cookie Tour of Inns When: 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Where: Holmes County Celebrate ‘A hand-crafted, heart-felt Christmas’ at twelve beautiful inns of Amish Country. At each stop on this self-guided tour your sweet tooth will be satisfied with delicious indulgences.

330-674-3975 www.chirstmascookietour.com

11-13 A Christmas Carol When: Fri.- Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m.

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26 After Christmas Sale at Tis the Season Where: 4363 St. Rt. 39, Berlin.

Save 50% storewide (collectibles not included) from Dec.-Feb. 28th during our After Christmas Sale at Ohio’s largest year round Christmas shop.

330-893-3604 www.TisTheSeasonChristmas.com

26 End of the Year Sale at Gramma Fannies Quilt Barn Where: 4363 St. Rt. 39, Berlin Save 25% on fabrics, books, stencils, patterns and notions at this one day sale.

330-893-3243 www.AmishFarmVillage.com Amish Heartland 13

An Amish Christmas Tradition From the Home to the Community Story by KATE MINNICH AMISH HEARTLAND WRITER / DESIGNER

D

riving through the Heartland of Ohio during the Christmas season, there will not be Amish homes lit brightly with twinkling lights or pine trees lighting the windows. “These decorations tend to distract from the true meaning of Christmas” explains Lester Beachy, a new order Amish man and author of “Our Amish Values”. The main focus is kept on the presence of Christ and the coming celebration of his birth.

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Christmas in the Home Amish communities believe Christmas Day to be as sacred as a Sunday and a time dedicated to family. They do not work beyond the necessary chores; instead they spend the day surrounded by their family. While much of the day is spent in reverence for the birth of Christ, the simple joys of family life such as visiting and playing games allow families to enjoy the time spent together.

One of the most celebrated traditions is reading the Christmas story from the Bible. Since the Bible’s translation into Pennsylvania Dutch, Beachy and his family have enjoyed reading the story in their spoken dialect. Depending on the family, the reading takes place at different times throughout Christmas Day, but the importance of the reading is the same; allowing the family to reflect on the meaning of the day.

The family will also share a meal among immediate family members. Gathering a large family is difficult, especially when the older members are married, have families of their own and/or don’t live in the surrounding area.

For this reason, Beachy explained, Christmas celebrations can spill over into February. No matter the timing of the family meal, the event is often large and marked with special foods.

The parents will provide the main dish and all the hot foods while the married children will bring in cold food offerings.

Although they do not believe in Santa Claus, presents are given to Amish children by their parents. The presents vary widely, but the unmarried children will often receive wooden toys, bicycles or tools. Beachy fondly remembers receiving a little flashlight from his grandmother when he was a boy.

Extending further than a single day, the Christmas season is celebrated throughout the month of December. Spreading the Christmas spirit is common among the Amish as they extend their voices and hands to those who are willing.

Spreading the Christmas Spirit In the Heartland of Ohio, there lay four New Order Amish church districts who spread the good will of Christmas to all those with ears to listen. The true meaning of the season is not missed by these God honoring souls, as they travel the state over delivering the message of Christmas. They do not partake in the decoration of pine trees and they do not gift the

latest gaming systems, but their message is free and carries a loving note.

A group of the young members gather together, singing the songs long associated with Christmas. They carry their tune to state prisons in the Cincinnati and Chillicothe area, never faulting their message of God’s love. ‘Silent Night’ falls upon the ears of the inmates as the young Amish sing in a cappella harmony. Often times the group will converse with the inmates over cookies and cards as they share their love of Christ.

Traveling with the young people, four ordained men will preach sermons from the Bible. All the while the meaning behind the Christmas season is present and reflected upon. For their part, the inmates listen intently absorbing the love shown to them by their visitors. It would not be their first, nor their last encounter, as this group of Amish men and women often visit the inmates.

They come to share their faith and their trust in God through Bible courses. Through the connection of the Bible this unexpected pair, the inmates and Amish, are able to find common ground and celebrate a holiday dear to all our hearts.

The young people of this Sugarcreek church district are not the only ones who spread the joy of Christmas through music. A tradition established in the last fifty years, groups of Amish men and women visit surrounding nursing homes, shut ins and neighbors caroling the good news of the holiday season. They visit Amish as well as non-Amish, carrying with them baskets of goodies, bread and similar tokens of cheer.

The Amish community focus their celebration of Christmas on prayer, scripture and the birth of Christ, but they do not forget the dedication of family and the spirit of the season. Reveling in each others company, the family will laugh and play games, simply enjoying the time together.

Amish Heartland 15

Christmas Moments

T

he holiday season often inspires memories from Christmas’ past and hope for the event just around the corner. Some visions are surrounded by the warm golden halo of youth while others are moments just down the lane. While the chores still have to be finished and the alarm clock still rings, our thoughts have a transformative way to them that not even the Furniture Heartland stores can escape.

Erin Beachy of the Troyer Furniture Company finds her mind wandering back to the many years she spent Christmas Eve at her grandma’s house. Every year Erin and her cousins would spend the night watching movies such as The Sound of Music and Anne of Green Gables.

Now that Erin and her cousins are all older it is harder to get together, but at Christmas, when all 28 first cousins are able to attend, the event is always memorable.

For others, the memories of the past don’t hold sway over the memories being made through current family traditions and gatherings. The childhood memories Leon Swartzentruber of Green Acres recalls the sense of family and the feeling of good food filling his stomach. For Leon, Christmas Eve with his wife and children has become his first thought when the holidays arise.

Leaving work early, the day is celebrated by a big meal composed of all the children’s favorite foods. After dinner the children are given their gifts, and even though it may approach their usual bedtime, they are allowed to stay up until 16 December 2015

they cannot keep their eyes from drooping.

Traveling for the holidays often feels inevitable especially as families grow older and move further from home. Galen Swartzentruber of Walnut Creek Furniture revels in his family’s tradition of being home on Christmas Day. The feat is accomplished by celebrating with his side of the extended family before Christmas and his wife’s side of the family on Christmas Eve. Then when the actual day of Christmas arrives, Galen is able to spend the time in his own home surrounded by his wife and children. A big meal is prepared, presents are opened, but the family doesn’t have to travel and can simply enjoy each other’s company.

Codi Mast of Homestead Furniture has few memories of white Christmas’, for she was fortunate enough to have grandparents who wintered in the south. While it isn’t the Hallmark Christmas card of snow-capped hills, Codi has fond members of gag gifts lying beneath orange trees and time spent walking outside in the warm air. Time well spent with family and full of laughter.

Christmas brings with it all the joys and woes of the season as thoughts turn toward a new year.

Celebrating Christmas is unique to each family and individual, but the familiar yearning to be among family is always present. If time allows stop out at the Heartland Furniture stores, wish them a Merry Christmas and remember, there is no better Christmas than those spent surrounded by loved ones.

(*( DINING COLLECTION

closeness. craftsmanship. customization )URP IRUHVW WR IXUQLWXUH MADE IN OHIO Two Miles North of Mt. Eaton in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country 7412 Massillon Rd. Navarre, OH 44662 | 800.807.0975

www.greenacresfurniture.com

Amish Heartland 17

AROUND AMISH Heartland TR = Township Road

SR = State Route

3 Behalt/Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center 5798 CR 77, Millersburg (Berlin)

CR = County Road

US = US Route

22 Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary 5623 New Milford Rd., Ravenna (41.142673° -81.219571°)

Includes GPS coordinates

37 P. Graham Dunn 630 Henry St., Dalton (40.793873° -81.700984°)

(40.5671534º -81.7815958º)

21 Guggisberg Cheese 5060 SR 557, Millersburg (Charm) (40.5246103º -81.8043815º)

7 Boyd & Wurthmann 4819 E. Main St., Berlin (40.561531º -81.7957431º)

12 Charm Family Restaurant 4450 SR 557, Charm (40.506683° -81.785093°)

6 Berlin Village Inn 5135 SR 39, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5597161º -81.80692º)

16 Donna’s Premier Lodging 5523 East Street, Berlin (40.560806º -81.795587º)

28 J.M. Smucker Company Store & Cafe 333 Wadsworth Rd., Orrville

49 Warther Carvings 331 Karl Ave., Dover (40.525787º -81.487994º)

(40.802762° -81.763000°)

28 Kauffman’s Country Bakery 6013 CR 77, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5738493º -81.781379º)

32 Miller’s Bakery 4280 TR 356, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5308237º -81.8118837º)

24 Holmes with a View 3672 TR 154, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.508033º -81.801507º)

42 Shisler’s Cheese House 55 Kidron Rd., Orrville (40.796565º -81.746371º)

46 Troyer’s Home Pantry 668 W. Main St., Apple Creek (40.7554854º -81.8442625º)

52 Zinck’s Family of Inns 4703 SR 39, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.559689º -81.791478º)

41 Scenic Hills RV Park 4483 TR 367 NE, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5513798º -81.7821696º)

&=206.9AF <<1 @A<?2@ 8 Bulk Food Country Store 14396 Dover Road, Dalton (40.705213° -81.725843°)

11 Cardinal Hill Grocery 8221 County Hwy 192, Holmesville (40.635738° -81.905858°)

18 December 2015

23 Harvey’s Market 12636 SR 39, Big Prairie (40.588578° -82.075478°)

33 Moreland Fruit Farms 1558 Moreland Rd., Wooster (40.711712°, -81.968451°)

38 Prairie Lane Market 7841 CR 373, Big Prairie (40.633630° -82.086563°)

17 Flour Sak, LLC 2430 TR 183, Baltic (40.477627° -81.755946°)

1 Amish Country Peddler 3239 SR 39, Walnut Creek (40.5451448ยบ -81.7386129ยบ)

2 Berlin Antique Mall 4359 SR 39, Berlin

25 Holmes Sew & Vac 4897 West Main St., Berlin (40.561726ยบ -81.798374ยบ)

26 Homestead Furniture 8233 SR 241, Mt. Hope (40.6268459ยบ -81.784219ยบ)

(40.5613792ยบ -81.7939588ยบ)

9 Bunker Hill Hardware 3939 CR 135, (40.540187ยบ -81.767010ยบ)

10 C&C Treasure Seekers 3169 SR 39, Walnut Creek (40.544694ยฐ -81.736425ยฐ)

13 Charm Harness & Boot 4432 CR 70, Charm (40.506574ยบ -81.784203ยบ)

14 Country Furniture 4329 CR 168, Millersburg (40.5711508ยบ -81.776448ยบ)

15 Country View Wicker 2701 SR 557, Baltic (40.841048ยบ -81.764447ยบ)

16. Eastwood Furniture 4722 Kidron Rd., Kidron (40.7421225, -81.7443897)

18 Gospel Book Store 4900 Oak Street, Berlin

(40.561488ยบ -82.795519ยบ)

40 Quailcrest Farm 2810 Armstrong Rd, Wooster (40.899130ยบ -81.990688ยบ)

(40.55015909ยบ --81.77977010ยบ)

5 Berlin Leather & Pets 4774 US Route 62, Millersburg (Berlin)

39 Primitive Porch 4815 E. Main St., Berlin

27 Jake's Handcrafted Oak 8239 TR 562, Holmesville (40.659197ยบ -81.918054ยบ)

43 Solโ s Exchange 4914 W. Main St., Berlin (40.5617104ยบ -81.7991439ยบ)

29 Kauffman Lawn Furniture 4540 US 62, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5690155ยบ -81.7849802ยบ)

44 Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts 2131 SR 39, Sugarcreek (40.5172712ยบ -81.6999655ยบ)

30 Kikoโ s Greenhouse 15579 Lincoln Way W., Dalton (40.798652ยบ -81.646136ยบ)

45 Troyer Furniture 985 W. Main St., Sugarcreek (40.5110001ยบ -81.6529587ยบ)

32 Light For My Path Candles, LLC 8142 TR 574, Holmesville (40.608849ยบ -81.913465ยบ)

48 Walnut Creek Furniture 3473 Ohio 39, Walnut Creek (40.5463267ยบ -81.7477899ยบ)

33 Main Street Bears 225 N. Main St., Navarre (40.7225129ยบ -81.5224304ยบ)

50 World Crafts 13100 Emerson Rd., Kidron (40.7412134ยบ -81.7450194ยบ)

34 Mt. Hope Fence 7102 CR 77, Millersburg (40.603298ยบ -81.780687ยบ)

57 Yoderโ s Oak & Cherry 5911 S. Kansas Rd., Apple Creek (40.7281179ยบ --81.7760680ยบ)

35 Olivesburg General Store 4778 SR 545, Ashland (40.855888ยบ -82.318932ยบ)

36 Parsley Pot 697 CR 1302, Ashland (40.8768762ยบ -82.2596821ยบ)

(40.7071309ยบ -81.679855ยบ)

19 Green Acres Furniture 7412 Massillon Rd., Navarre (40.561738ยบ -81.799496ยบ)

20 Greenhouse Shoppe, The 3649 Cleveland Rd., Wooster (40.8453279ยบ -81.9284401ยบ)

Amish Heartland 19

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Amish Heartland 21

S UGARCREEK 12 11

11 Brick Towne Tavern 980 W. Main St., Sugarcreek (40.499299º -81.635022º)

15 6 1 22

4

12 Broad Run Cheese House 6011 Old 39 NW, Dover (40.510957º -81.573298º)

4 Sugar Valley Meats 2149 Dutch Valley Dr. NW., Sugarcreek (40.515232º -81.608855º)

15 Collectors, Decanters & Steins 119 East Main St., Sugarcreek (40.502761º -81.640391º)

1 Alpine Hills Historical Museum 106 West Main St., Sugarcreek (40.503017º -81.641373º)

22 December 2015

22 Gospel Shop, The 112 East Main St., Sugarcreek (40.502816º -81.640546º)

6 Idealz 100 W. Main St., Sugarcreek (40.502778º -81.641009º)

A Unique Experience Every Visit.

Offering Antiques, Primitives, and Country Home Decor.

STEP INTO THE PAST

Visit

OLIVESBURG GENERAL STORE

Mon. - Fri. 7am to 8pm Sat. 8am to 8pm & Sun. 9am to 7pm

CAKE & COOKIE DECORATING SUPPLIES HOUSEWARES & GADGETS 650+ COOKIE CUTTERS CROCKS DELI SANDWICHES PIZZAS HAND DIPPED ICE CREAM WILTON BRAND PRODUCTS READERS CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST ICE CREAM IN MIDOHIO FOR 2015

330-893-0150 • 4815, East Main Street, Berlin, OH 44610 facebook.com/ThePrimitivePorch • www.primporch.com

4778 STATE ROUTE 545, ASHLAND, OH 44805 419 8951038 • WWW.OLIVESBURGGENERALSTORE.COM

One of the Largest Bakeries in Amish Country

Try our own German Stollen Bread and Fruitcake for the Holiday Season!

Across from Heini’s Cheese in the Heart of Amish Country Open Monday-Saturday, Sundays www.kauffmanscountrybakery.com (May thru November)

330.893.2129 • 4357 US 62, Millersburg

We offer Great Gift Ideas: • Sewing Notions • Sewing Accessories and much more...

Elna Haute Couture 9600

Don’t have time to quilt those tops?

We offer Long-Arm Quilting Services!

We also carry Miele & Riccar Vacuums!

4897 West Main Street • Berlin, OH 44610 (330) 893-2864 holmessewandvac@yahoo.com Hrs: Tue.- Fri. 9:00-5:00 • Sat. 9:00-2:00 • Closed Mon.

America’s most-exciting cyclorama of Amish & Mennonite history; half-hour tours, bookstore, gifts; 5798 CR 77, Open Year Round.

330.893.3192 • www.Behalt.com Amish Heartland 23

The Wayne County Center for the Arts Story by KATE MINNICH

I

n this day in age the arts are disappearing from the common school curriculum, once children reach junior high, they often have to choose to be in an art class. For many people the arts are something believed to be gifted to a few and something that comes about naturally. The Wayne County Center for the Arts fights against both statements, working hard to inspire the surrounding area, spur creativity and dare to live outside the lines.

The Wayne County Center for the Arts has been present in the community for 40 years working to further individualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; art education. The center began in 1973 within the basement of the art museum on The College of Woosterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus. By 1983 they had outgrown the basement and needed a building of their own. Thankfully, members of the community recognized the importance of the organization. One benefactor, the Rubbermaid Foundation, bought and renovated the old Walnut Street School building providing the center with a home all its own. Moving in late 1984, the Center for the Arts was able to offer more classes in a larger space.

Throughout the years the Wayne County Center for 24 December 2015

AMISH HEARTLAND WRITER / DESIGNER SELECT PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY THE WAYNE COUNTY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Be inspired. Be creative. Be outside the lines.

the Arts has fought to make their services open to as many people as possible, thus spreading the joy and healing powers the arts have to offer. In order to make the arts accessible to people regardless of age, social class or demographics, leaders at the center have addressed issues related to financial aid, class variety and transportation and logistics.

Aware that a familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial situation may not allow for the enrollment of even one member, the Center for the Arts has improved their financial aid system. Originally, financial aid forms had to be filled out for every class taken. Through the generous donations of the Noble Foundation, the Center for the Arts is able to offer more financial aid opportunities, now allowing financial aid to be used in multiple classes within the same semester. The application process has also been made easier with a single application covering all the family members.

This does not mean that all members have to enroll in a program, but it allows different members to do so in the future and saves the trouble of filling out multiple applications for the same family.

The performing and visual art classes offered by

the Wayne County Center for the Arts provide a wide range of difficulty and duration. Depending on the time of year, there may be summer courses, or one time workshops for various aspects of the arts.

Usually classes are grouped by skill level as well as age range, making certain that each participantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience is appropriately tailored to their abilities.

Uncorked is one of the strictly adult programs that allows participants to challenge their views on what it means to be creative and their artistic abilities.

These events are about two to two and a half hours long during which the participants create things such as clay fired leaf plates while enjoying a glass of wine. The Center for the Arts has found that adults participating in the Uncorked events have returned for another class 30 percent of the time. Patrons are coming away from the experience surprised by their abilities and eager to challenge themselves further.

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs offered by the Center for the Arts have become more consistent in recent years, offering courses for each age group every semester.

The center has focused on a progressive curriculum, building staff and core classes in such a way that the Amish Heartland 25

children are learning new techniques on a consistent and A Chrismtas Carol. A fun take on the popular basis. Under the new progressive curriculum some children’s books by Dr. Suess, Grinchmas saw the courses require a particular skill level which allows entire first floor of the Center for the Arts building more advanced students to further their knowledge transformed into Whooville, with an outlined village rather than remain at the same stage of development. scene traveling up the stairwell that participants Recognizing that getting children to extracurricular filled in. Instead of the traditional pictures with activities can be an issue for busy parents the Santa Claus, the Grinch was present and available Wayne County Center for the Arts has started to for photos. Children were also able to try their hand take the classes out into the community. Currently at creating clay ornaments. The coming production the center sends teachers with loaded of A Christmas Carol will be unique to cars to the Salvation Army in order to "We want to be a the Center for the Arts with a modified vehicle so brighten and expand the life experiences scene play and set. See our calendar anyone can make of those relying on the organization for of events for more details about the art part of their assistance. One of the programs taken production. All the events are specialized lives.... to the Salvation Army is a drum circle to spread awareness in the community accessibility is activity that promotes healthy family to the importance of the arts within our primary to what and group interactions. By having to lives. we do” listen to each part of the drum circle the “We want to be a vehicle so anyone can participants learn that they have to listen - Lesley Williams make art part of their lives....accessibility to each other in order for the family unit is primary to what we do” says Lesley to succeed.

Williams, operations director at the Dayna Sears, executive director, doesn’t believe Wayne County Center for the Arts. The center is this is enough community outreach and has thriving today because of the current leaders, spearheaded a campaign that will make the arts more patrons, community support and donations. The mobile and accessible in the community. Similar to a Center for the Arts is working hard to make art a bookmobile the Center for the Arts has begun to put more pronounced attribute in the community’s life. together a van that will be able to haul equipment and supplies to various locations. With the addition The Wayne County Center for the Arts is located of the van the center’s off site activities will not be at 237 South Walnut Street, Wooster. For more limited to the capacity of the teacher’s vehicle. information about their programs visit www.

Raising community aware of their presence wayneartscenter.org or call 330-264-2787. and opportunities is being addressed through creative community events, such as Grinchmas

26 December 2015

Mailbag When we ask people what their favorite part of the Amish Heartland is, we get comments on our magazine and the places we write about.

Here is what some of them had to say this month:

hope Javon Miller will write some more articles. Very “ Iinteresting.

Also book reviews and recipes.

Loved it all! ”

-HARRIETT DICKINSON,ASHLAND

favorite part of Amish Heartland is the food, “ My stories in the book, photos, looking for buggy wheel, the scenery, bulk food stores and the recipes in the magazine.

”

-ESTHER STAHL, CRESTON

love our visits to your beautiful country. When “ We we can’t get there in person, we visit via your little magazine. We read every word and enjoy every photo.

Keep up the good work! ”

-RUTH & GEORGE GRAEF, JAMESTOWN

touring all the little towns and business. People “ Just favorite part of the Amish Heartland is the recipes, were so friendly. Fall is such a wonderful time of year “ My Amish stories and especially the maps as my husband to visit. Air is crisp but warm. All the craftmanship and I have recently moved to Stark County from Cuyahoga County. We are learning and visiting the different restaurants, stores, and outlets thanks to your magazine.

”

-KIMBERLY WHITNEY, EAST SPARTA

is excellent. Loved the quilts from Helping Hands in Berlin and watching the women quilting, making cheese was great to watch. All the samples everywhere were wonderul.

”

-JEAN KELLY, ALTOONA, PA

Fall Photo Contest Amish Heartland is having a Fall Photo Contest.

For the upcoming season put your photography skills to work and capture the beauty that is only found in our Amish country.

Contestants can submit up to 10 of their best photos.

Photos that have been edited will not be accepted.

The deadline for the Fall Photo Contest is Jan. 1, 2016.

The top three winners will be announced in the March issue of Amish Heartland. Winners will receive a 6-month subscription to Amish Heartland and a gift from one of our local retailers.

Send photos and contact information to Amish Heartland, 212 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691 or via e-mail to kminnich@spectrumpubs.com.

Amish Heartland 27

Recipes Barbequed Meatballs INGREDIENTS: Meatballs: *3 lb. ground beef *1 12-oz. can evaporated milk *1 cup quick oatmeal *1 cup cracker crumbs *2 eggs *1/2 cup chopped onion *1/2 tsp. garlic powder *2 tsp. salt *1/2 tsp. pepper *2 tsp. chili powder Sauce: *2 cup catsup *1 cup brown sugar *1/2 tsp. Liquid SmokeTM *1/2 tsp. garlic powder *1/4 cup chopped onion

DIRECTIONS: Combine all meatball ingredients (mixture will be soft) and shape into walnut-sized balls. Place meatballs in freezer bags until ready to cook.

To make sauce, combine all sauce ingredients and stir until sugar is dissolved. place frozen meatballs in a 9”x13”x2” baking pan and pour sauce over meatballs.

Bake at 350° for an hour.

28 December 2015

New Year’s Bread INGREDIENTS: *2 cup milk, scalded *1/2 cup sugar *1/2 cup shortening or butter *2 pkg. yeast *7- 7 1/2 cup flour *2 eggs *1 tsp. salt

DIRECTIONS: Combine sugar, shortening and salt. Pour hot milk into mixture to melt shortening.

Combine yeast with 1/4 cup warm water and set aside. Add 2 cup flour to milk mixture and then beat in the eggs, yeast mixture and 2 cups more flour. Stir in the rest of the flour. Mixture will be a little sticky. Knead a few minutes. Let rise in bowl until doubled, 1- 2 hours. Punch down, roll out and cut into three strips. Braid. Let rise another 1- 2 hours. Bake at 375° for 15- 25 minutes. This makes a wonderful sweet bread.

German Molasses Cut-out Cookies INGREDIENTS:

Hoppelpoppel INGREDIENTS: *4 medium potatoes *1 lb. bacon *3 medium onions, chopped *8 eggs *2 Tbsp. light cream or milk *1 tsp. salt *1/2 tsp. pepper *1 Tbsp. minced, fresh chives

DIRECTIONS: Cook potatoes in their skins in boiling, salted water until barely tender (about 15 minutes). Drain; return to pan and shake over very low heat to dry. Peel and cut into 1/4” slices. Cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels; crumble; reserve. Pour off bacon fat from skillet into a cup. Measure and return 5 Tbsp. fat to skillet. Add onion; saute 5 minutes or until tender. Add potato slices; cook for 10 minutes, turning to brown evenly (add more fat if needed). Beat eggs in a large bowl until foamy; beat in cream, salt, pepper and chives. Sprinkle the reserved bacon over the potatoes. Pour in the egg mixutre to cover evenly. Cook over low heat for 8 minutes, shaking the skillet once the eggs begin to set to prevent sticking. Eggs should be well set, but still somewhat moist. Remove from heat and place a warm plate - larger than the skillet - over the top. Browned side will be up. Cut into wedges to serve. Great for breakfast or with a salad for lunch or dinner.

*1 cup shortening *1 cup brown sugar *1 1/2 tsp. salt *1/2 tsp. cloves *5- 6 cups flour *2 cups molasses *1/4 cup hot water *1 1/2 tsp. baking soda *1/2 tsp. cinnamon

DIRECTIONS: Mix together shortening and brown sugar; then add molasses and hot water and stir until smooth. Mix salt, soda and spices into 2 cup of flour and add to the molasses mixture. Add additional flour until you have a nice, soft dough that holds its shape. Chill dough for at least an hour. Roll out dough on lightly floured pastry cloth or surface.

For crispy cookies, roll dough very thin; for more cake-like cookies, roll dough thicker.

Cut out with desired cookie cutters and place on lightly greased cookie sheets.

Bake at 350° for about 5 minutes (don’t let edges brown). Cool cookies slightly on cookie sheet before removing.

Home Decor • Nativities • Scarves • Jewelry Cards • Coffee & Teas • Chocolate

Stop In To See Many Unique Fair Trade Items!

Fairly Traded Handicrafts from 35 Developing Countries

330-857-0590 • Kidron

Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5

Lehman’s Mercantile beside Lehman’s • www.worldcraftskidron.com

Amish Amis ishh He Hea Heartland artlandd 299

From the Desk of Javon Miller....

Holiday Here and There

W

ith Thanksgiving behind us, and being thrown into the midst of the “holiday rush,” my mind has to travel across the globe. As we gather as a family and celebrate Thanksgiving, do we pause and truly reflect on the meaning of being thankful?

Every year we read of the elementary school children’s response to being asked what they are thankful for. We might grin at their simple little Thanksgiving ideas such as turkey, Rusty their pet dog, a favorite toy or game, Uncle Ralph or Aunt Min, or a favorite video game.

It warms our hearts if they think about Mom or Dad, brothers and sisters, or occasionally one might mention Jesus. But do we truly stop and reflect on what we have to be thankful for?

In school we study about the Pilgrims’ Thanksgiving dinner. We see pictures of little log cabins in the background with tables laden with food of all sorts in the forefront. The soft tendrils of smoke are rising from the chimneys.

The Native Americans and the Pilgrims all have contented looks on their faces and the sense of camaraderie is evident on their faces.

Do we think that this is a picture of what was going on at the time? Let’s take a look at what these poor people have been through and see if our ideas of Thanksgiving truly are realistic.

Many of these people grew up in a country where they were either religiously persecuted, 30 De December 2015

born into a poor caste of people with no hope for a future, or from places that had extreme famine, where the future was bleak. Whatever it may have been, they had to make the choice to leave all that they knew and held dear.

This included family and friends. They were setting off to a land that they had never seen.

There was no Internet to do research and look at photos and economic development. There were no phones to call back to Mom and Dad and let them know about a safe arrival. Many of these brave souls never saw their loved ones again.

In fact, many never made it to the “Land of Promise.” There were no airplanes to make a quick one-day flight. These pilgrims faced a world of unknown for a hope of a better life for their children and themselves. Alas, the way was rough. With weeks of travel by sea that depended on wind power, many became sick.

The water was stagnant and the food probably stale. Disease was rampant and medical help nonexistent to our standards. Many families lost members that were buried at sea.

My own ancestry faced this. Our family has a branch that many people do not expect of us Amish people. However, we can see that God works in mysterious ways. Thomas Dunn left the shores of Ireland with his family. On the way across the Atlantic, his wife became sick and died. She was laid to rest with a sea burial

if I am right. What a bleak future to land in to spend time in the homes of these people. unknown territory without the helpmeet* that They gave us of the little that they had. Some Thomas probably spent much time discussing even borrowed food from neighbors so that the pros and cons of such a drastic move. All they could feed us. These people would have plans had to be altered and redirected. How been disappointed if we had not shared a meal will a man move forward? with them. They served us with an open heart Thomas Dunn did the unthinkable to us. He and hands. They gave up their beds so that we gave his children out to different homes. So it could sleep in comfort. came to be that his daughter Catherine grew We also visited an orphanage. This is an up Amish, married in the church and later was experience in itself. One innocent little boy the wife of an ordained Amish Bishop, “Glay came running down the hall after us with (small) Mose.” It is said that outstretched hands and crying “Small Mose” was bigger than How many of us have out in Ukrainian that we could “Big Mose” but the former not understand. Our escorts families that we take was a nephew to the latter, told us that the poor little guy for granted? How hence the “small” nickname. many of us in America was calling out Papa, Papa. We They became the founders were told that the little boy have families and of a family that has branched does that to most men that think we don’t have out and encompasses many visit the place. His hope and time for them? Do Holmes County Anabaptist dream is that someday a father our children have residents. might take him home so that he a home and parents What became of Thomas can have a Daddy. It was very physically and yet are Dunn? After a stint as a touching. This boy was basically soldier in the revolutionary a number in the system, yet he being put into second war, he settled down on land was so hoping to have a family place because of the that he was given as payment to call his own. How many of pursuit of by the government in the sports, wealth, hobbies, us have families that we take “frontier” known as Holmes for granted? How many of us or the American County, Ohio. It was about in America have families and dream? two miles west of Walnut think we don’t have time for Creek. Growing up, we could them? Do our children have a see only the foundations of his homestead and home and parents physically and yet are being the hand-dug well on the overgrown back- put into second place because of the pursuit forty dubbed as the “government piece.” It of sports, wealth, hobbies, or the American was a part of the farm that I called home. dream?

That first Thanksgiving was a day of thanks The next holiday is Christmas. How do we to God for the deliverance from a year of view Christmas? What is the true meaning? survival that many of us will never experience. Most of us think of the nativity scene. It is These people were happy just to survive. We touching to us, this endearing scene of a may look at this and think that it was in the cherubic baby in a soft hay-lined manger. The past and forget it with all the luxuries that we lovely animals all stand around with adoring come to expect as the normal. This is not so. gazes. The very scene exudes peace and We spent a couple of weeks in the Ukraine a warmth. What is reality? number of years ago. It was an eye-opening Many stables back in those days were dark, experience for me. damp, and dingy caves. Likely it was dirty and We spent a few days with a humanitarian drafty. This was not a luxurious birthplace. It aid distribution trip. We had the opportunity was in abject poverty. The next question we Amish He Heartland eartl artlaand 31

have is, after December 25th, what do we do with this child?

Many Americans want to keep Jesus as a baby in the manger. We need to take Him into our heart for His real purpose. Thirty-three years later this man was a reviled outcast. He was beaten and bruised. His head was crowned with thorns. His back was laid open with a cat’o-nine-tails. On top of this torn and bleeding back was laid a robe. Think how that hurt and restarted bleeding when it was removed!

Next He was nailed to a rough wooden cross and left to die of suffocation. On top of this He was mocked and scorned. When He cried out, “It is finished. Into your hands I give my Spirit,” the baby in the manger’s purpose was complete. Jesus died so that my sins can be forgiven and I can look forward to spending eternity in Heaven. In order for us to fully appreciate the meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we need to take a few moments and reflect on what Christ did for us. We need to reflect on the blessings that God gave us in our land of plenty.

We could just as well have been born a poor Ukrainian, Haitian, African, or in any other poverty stricken country. We were born as privileged Americans. What will we do with that blessing?

The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday. Many people have been hurt in the greedy pursuit of Christmas gifts. What is our main reason to celebrate? Many of our children have so many toys that they are not happy with anything. We are not doing them a favor by adding more to the pile. Their eyes may glisten with excitement, but this year I challenge you to reconsider your thoughts.

This year instead of spending money that we don’t have to buy things that we don’t need, to store them on shelves that are so full that we have to host a garage sale to sell things at below what we paid for them, why not give the gift of helping some poor children? Why not let your children experience the joy of giving instead of the short-lived happiness of receiving.

32 Dece December cemb m er mb e 2015

Christian Aid Ministries is a local-based organization that gives humanitarian aid regardless of religion in countries all across the globe. Christian Aid gives food and clothing along with financial support to people in the name of Jesus. Sometimes we can reach the hearts of the people by fulfilling their physical needs first. Their main office is between Berlin and Walnut Creek. To find out how you can help, check out their website at christianaidministries.org . Call them at 330893-2428 or stop in at 4464 State Route 39, Millersburg, Ohio 44654.

Respectfully submitted,

Javon Miller Javon Miller

* helpmeet: a term referring to the husband and wife relationship and the cooperation that it demands.

See you in March....

Have a fun and safe holiday season

Photo Courtesy of the Holmes County Chamber discover more at visitamishcountry.com

Winter Photo Contest Amish Heartland is having a Winter Photo Contest.

For the upcoming season put your photography skills to work and capture the beauty that is only found in our Amish country.

Contestants can submit up to 10 of their best photos.

Photos that have been edited will not be accepted.

The deadline for the Winter Photo Contest is March 1, 2016.

The top three winners will be announced in the April issue of Amish Heartland. Winners will receive a 6-month subscription to Amish Heartland and a gift from one of our local retailers.

Send photos and contact information to Amish Heartland, 212 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691 or via e-mail to kminnich@spectrumpubs.com.

Amish Heartland 33

JUST VISITNG Where will you choose to stay?

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Amish Heartland is packed with content our readers love:

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Don’t miss a single issue of Attractions • Events • Maps • Shopping

DECEMBER 2015

Heartland

Heartland FROM THE DESK OF JAVON Holiday Here and There

AN AMISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION

From the Home to the Community

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Order your subscription by sending your name, address, phone number and check (made out to Spectrum Publications) to Amish Heartland, 212 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691.

1 Yr. Subscription = $27.50

Visit www.amish-heartland.com

Find the Buggy Wheel Rules for entry: Somewhere in this issue you’ll find a buggy wheel, just like the one below. It may be tucked in an ad, in a picture or placed somewhere else on a page. It won’t be just any buggy wheel, but just like one of the wheels at the right.

Clip the entry form below and mail it to: Amish Heartland Puzzle, 212 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691; Entries must be postmarked

by January 30, 2016. One randomly selected winner with the correct answer will receive a gift from one of our Amish Heartland advertisers.

In last month’s issue the buggy wheel was hidden on page 22.

Congratulations Fannie E. Shetler of Apple Creek, OH on being our October winner.

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36 December 2015

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Amish Heartland 37

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