Amish Heartland, September 2012

Attractions • Events • Maps • Shoppingg

AmishHeartland September 2012

Shisler’s Cheese House IT’S HER GOAL TO MAKE YOU SMILE

Customer Relationships Run Deep At Berlin Village Inn

A GROWING POPULATION AMISH BECOMING FASTEST GROWING RELIGIOUS GROUP IN U.S.

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Even the most basic of societies, so strongly rooted in their tradition and avoiding mainstream technology, begin to notice the need to make even the slightest changes in order to survive. For Amish communities, it can be a decision to stay on the farm or seek a “lunch boxâ€? job. By seeking these nontraditional jobs, the Amish are expanding the economy for the area by starting their own businesses. At any rate, it seems that Amish community is ourishing nonetheless.

Putting together this issue, I became very intrigued by a recent article I came across, suggesting the Amish culture is growing at a very rapid rate. Composing this particular article (found on page 12) I began to wonder, how does a community so rooted in their traditions and tight with their community make the decision to move and start a new community? What happens to cause some of the larger communities that used to reside in other parts of Ohio to slowly disseminate and eventually, completely disappear? These are all questions that I would love to explore and answer in issues to come.

In this issue of the Amish Heartland, you will not only read more about the growth of the Amish community, but also meet a woman who’s bound and determined to put a smile on your face. Her positive attitude makes you glad you ever set foot in her cheese shop or makes you want to visit it for the ďŹ rst time. You will also learn about a place to stay in Amish country that will make you feel right at home. With a caring staff that will treat you like family it kind of makes you want to book a reservation right away.

It has, however, become very clear, the Greater Holmes County area has attracted many Amish settlers and the community is continuing to grow.

What is it that attracts them to the area speciďŹ cally and could we potentially experience a county that becomes predominately an Amish culture?

As time goes on, I expect we will see some changes to the culture of the areas surrounding the Heartland. While we may not be seeing the Amish competing with Apple for next best tablet, we may very well be seeing some advancements in agricultural practices and shifts in the economy for the area.

A phrase from my college Alma Mater states “time and change will surely show‌â€? In terms of the Amish community, it will show just “how ďŹ rm thyâ€? relationships become and how rapidly the population can grow in Holmes County, “O-HI-O.â€?

Catie Noyes Spectrum Publications Editor

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eartland Contents

06 FEATURES

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Shisler’s Cheese House: It’s Her Goal To Make You Smile............................................... 06 A Growing Population...................................... 12 Furniture Heartland ........................................... 26 Customer Relationships Run Deep At Berlin Village Inn ......................................................... 32 ‘Relationship Builder’ At Troyer Furniture Switches Focus To Marriage .......................... 36

Visitors’ Guide....................................................05 Calendar of Events............................................ 16 Amish Heartland Map ......................................20 Just Visiting: Amish Heartland’s Inns ............40

Amish Heartland SPECTRUM Publications

IN EVERY ISSUE

Editorial ...................................................................... 00 Recipes ................................................................30 Buggy Wheel......................................................44

OFFICE Spectrum Publications • 212 E. Liberty St. • Wooster, OH 44691 • 330-264-1125 amishinfo@spectrumpubs.com www.amish-heartland.com General Manager Bill McKinney • Sales Manager Rhonda Geer • Sales Amanda Nixon, 330-2871668, Larry Gray, 330-287-1633; Donna Tomak, 330-264-1125 (Ext. 2210); Kim Merckle, 330-287-1628 • Managing Editor Lance White • Editor Catie Noyes

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Amish Heartland is published 12 times a year, with 38,000 copies distributed throughout Ohio and adjacent states with each printing. Subscriptions are available for $18/yr. or $30/two-yr., payable in advance. To subscribe, send payment to the above address.

AMISH HEARTLAND

1

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

For more information about advertising in Amish Heartland, contact Amanda Nixon, 330-287-1668.

ANTIQUES & ART

Walnut Creek Antique Mall .....29

ATTRACTIONS

Behalt/Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center ..........................05 The Corn Maze............................29 Guggisberg Cheese Factory........38 Helping Hands Quilt Shop and Museum ................................38 Rolling Ridge Ranch...................29 Yoder’s Amish Home..................09

CRAFTS & COLLECTIBLES

Audrey’s Attic.............................28 Parsley Pot ...................................05 Sol’s Exchange ............................08 World Crafts................................11

DINING & FOOD

Boyd & Wurthmann ...................09 Kauffman’s Country Bakery .....28 Kuntry Korner Bakery ...............09 Miller’s Bakery ...........................29 Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen ..................28 2

Shisler’s Cheese House ..............05 Troyer’s Home Pantry ................39

FURNITURE & WOODWORKING

Berlin Furniture ..........................38 Four Corners Furniture .............39 Green Acres Furniture...............27 Homestead Furniture .................27 Jake’s Handcrafted Oak ............39 Troyer Furniture .........................27 Walnut Creek Furniture ............27

LAWN FURNITURE, STORAGE & GAZEBOS Country View Wicker .................11 Kauffman Lawn Furniture ........10

LODGING

Berlin Grande Hotel ..................11 Berlin Village Inn .......................08 Berlin RV Park............................28 Blessings Lodge ..........................10 Cricket Hill Cabins .....................41 Guggisberg Swiss Inn .................41

Scenic Hills RV Park ..................05 Sojourners Lodge & Log Cabin Suites.........................41

SHIPPING/PACKAGING

PackShip USA ............................05

SHOPS & SUCH

Amish Country Peddler .............10 Berlin Leather & Pets ................28 Carriage House ...........................11 Charm Harness & Boot .............28 Harvest Moon..............................08 Kiko’s Greenhouse .....................05 Kim’s Bikes..................................10 Main Street Bears .......................05 Olivesburg Genral Store............11 Pine Cone Gift Shop ..................39 RW Leather .................................09 Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts.............................03 The Greenhouse Shoppe ...........11 Zondervan ...................................46

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www.swisscountrylawnandcrafts.com AMISH HEARTLAND 3

IN THE ‘BURG When: September 8 Starting at 5 p.m.

Where: Historic Downtown Millersburg

Second Saturdays in the ‘burg features a 1980s theme with memories of Ronald Reagan, Valley Girls, pop music, BIG hair, and Dirty Dancing.

Enjoy music, food, and other activities of the decade. Bring your lawn chairs/blankets for a night showing of “Ghostbusters” on the courthouse lawn!

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Visitors' Guide ~ HOLMES COUNTY ~ BERLIN: Behalt at the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center ³ America’s most-exciting cyclorama of Amish & Mennonite history; half-hour tours, bookstore, gifts; NE of Berlin, off US 62 at 5798 CR 77, (330) 893-3192, www.behalt.com; Open Year Round Mon.-Sat. 9-5 (June 1-Oct. 31; open Friday & Saturday evenings til 8 p.m.)

~ WAYNE COUNTY ~ ORRVILLE: PackShip USA — We pack ... we ship ... anything, anywhere; furniture, antiques, fine art — no item too small or too large; Instapak foam to protect high value items; you shop ... we’ll ship; (330) 682-PACK (7225). www.packshipusa.com DALTON: Kiko’s Greenhouse — Gift shop & area’s largest lawn ornament display, ranging from gargoyles, geese, bird baths, gazing balls, plant markers, baskets, annuals and perennials. 15579 Lincoln Way West, (330) 832-8698.

ORRVILLE: Shisler’s Cheese House — “The Best Little Cheese House in Wayne County”. Open 7 days 8am - 6pm.

Cheese, Smoked Meats, Gourmet Foods, Heggy’s & Coblentz Chocolate.www. cheesehouse.com 55 Kidron Road, (330) 682-2105

$17,48(6 &2//(&7,%/(6 HUGGABLES TO COLLECTIBLES FOR TEDDY BEAR LOVERS!

STEIFF BOYDS BEARS BEARINGTON COLLECTION GUND Plus Much More!

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

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

10060638

Scenic Hills

Located near shops and dining RV PARK in the Amish Heartland Enjoy peace & quiet of the country lifestyle 4483 TR 367 Millersburg, Ohio 44654

330-893-3607 • www.scenichillsrvpark.com 10060553

A SHOP FOR ALL SEASONS! “Celebrating 37 Years” East of Ashland, Ohio at 697 Co. Rd., 1302

419-281-7514 +2856 7XHV 6DW 6XQ &/26(' 0RQGD\

Call for directions. All major credit cards (accepted (look for tourist activity signs) AMISH HEARTLAND 5 10060548

It’s her goal to make you smile!

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATIE NOYES • EDITOR

“Every customer that comes in that door has a sign around their neck that says ‘make me feel special!’” This is what Rita Shisler of Shisler’s Cheese House tells her employees as they set out to serve customers throughout the day. Customer service is her number one priority and keeps her customers coming day in and day out. Rita makes it her personal goal to make you leave in a good mood even if you came in with a bad one. “I’m going to make you smile before you walk out this door.”

Shisler’s Cheese house was established in 1958 by Rita’s father-in-law, John Shisler. “He had a dream,” said Rita. “A dream that Shisler’s Cheese would be around for many generations.” This began the journey for what has come to be Rita’s pride and joy, her chance to own her own business. Rita has overcome many obstacles to get where she is today.

In 1988, being a single mom with one son in college and one at home in Jr. High, Rita was faced with a tough decision. In order to support her family she tried to sell the store. Due to a very slow economy, she was unsuccessful in finding a buyer so she decided to give the store one more chance.

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Every customer that comes in that door has a sign around their neck that says ‘make me feel special.’

She offered to make sandwiches for a gas station in Dalton which grew iinto ten sandwich accounts. “Making ssandwiches at 2 a.m., delivering them, opening my store at 9 a.m., greeting o ccustomers until 8 p.m., became a typical workday for me,” said Rita. Slowly w business started to increase as due to b her faithful customers not giving up on h her. “I attribute most of my success to h tthose wonderful people.”

Rita saw gross sales increase from $30,000 a year in 1958 to her goal of $1 million in 2004. Cheese sales increased m ffrom 300 pounds a week to over a ton a week and mail orders skyrocketed from one or two a week to thousands per year reaching all of the United States, Canada and 30 additional countries.

Rita says her biggest success is “the far and wide reputation.” Recently, Rita has taken to using her granddaughter in her advertising campaigns. While her son and daughter-in-law were vacationing at Hilton Head Island, another vacationer recognized their daughter, Natalia, as the face of Shisler’s Cheese.

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Being located just off of State Route 30, they are a must stop on the tourist routes, attracting not only the local traffic but the international traffic as well. “There are roughly 30,000 cars traveling route 30 daily, which is only about 5,000 less a day than Interstate 71,” said Rita. Her goal is to reach out to those traveling 71 and pull them off of the interstate.

Shisler’s has also turned into a favorite stop for bus tours. Rita says they have about three to four bus stops during the week during the spring and fall months. Rita always has a sample tray prepared for these various occasions and takes time to give the guests on the bus a brief history of Shisler’s.

While big in reputation, Rita’s tiny cheese house can sometimes lack in space. She says she is often asked about a bathroom in which she currently just doesn’t have the space to provide. Rita currently lives in the back and second story of the cheese house. She hopes to soon expand her business to include the entire lower level and install a new section to the side of the house that will serve as a small diner. “I very seldom “Shisler’s” continued on page 42 AMISH HEARTLAND 7

HARVEST MOON of BERLIN

RIB COOKOFF & HARVEST FESTIVAL SEPT. 8TH

Mon.-Sat. 10 AM-6 PM Website: www.harvestmoonofberlin.com 4792 E. Main Street • Berlin 330-893-3711

10060645

10060607

• Handmade Amish Dolls • Lighted Pictures • Locally Made Baskets • USA Made Braided Rugs • Colonial Tin • Park Design Curtains • Willow Tree by Demdaco • 4000 Sq. Ft. of Shopping Area!

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

Open Memorial Day, 4th of July & Labor Day 8

10060560

November - May Open 9am-5pm Daily

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

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Dress Belts • Ranger Belts

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R.W. Leather All belts made in our shop Specializing in Leather Waist Belts Largest selection of belts in Holmes County Guaranteed not to crack or break Purses • Wallets Leather Care Products Sheepskin Products

No Size g Too Lon

Mon-Sat 9-5 4415 CR 114, Sugar Creek, Ohio Look for blue signs on SR 39

1.5 Miles South of Walnut Creek on CR 114 10060865

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Embossed – Stitched

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KUNTRY KORNER BAKERY ““Where Whh everything ythi thhi g is i made d from f scratch� t hh�

Customer Appreciation Day September 29th FREE F R REE EE Ho Homemade Homem Homemad omeemade adde de Apple Apple Du Dumplings umplin ngs & Ice Icce ce C Cream Cre Cr reeam Hours: H Ho o ours: urs ur rs: s: Mon. Mon Mo on 7:00am-4:00pm 7:0 7: :00a 0am am 4:0 :00p 0pm • Tues.-Sat. Tues Tu es Sa Sat S at 7 7:00am-6:00pm ::0 :00 00a am m 6: 6:00p 6:00 0p pm m Owners: Eli & Edna Raber • On the corner of SR 39 and CR 51 8 mi. West of Millersburg or • 10 mi. East of Loudonville

10061048

10060838 AMISH HEARTLAND 9

5174 Somerset Dr. Berlin, OH 44610 330-204-2880 www.blessingslodge.com

Raleigh Diamondback Redline • Torker

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Kitchens

336 West Main Street, Loudonville

NOW 419.908.8299 M-F 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-3pm OPEN ON www.kimsbikes.net SUNDAYS Print your coupon from 11-3

Birds-Eye-View of

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OVER 30 STYLES IN STOCK

COME SEE OHIO’S LARGEST SELECTION!

Located 1⁄2 mile West of Walnut Creek on St. Rt. 39 330-893-2701 homespunwalnutcreek.com

FULL LINE OF OUTDOOR FURNITURE:

Concrete Statuary, Adirondack Chairs, Arbors, Bird Houses, Gazebos, Gliders, Gym Sets, Mailboxes, Picnic Tables, Swings, Storage Barns, Poly Furniture and much more!

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4540 US 62 Millersburg, OH 44654 NE of Berlin at the bottom of the hill between Berlin & Bunker Hill

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330-893-3149

STEP INTO THE PAST

Visit

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Stop in to see many unique Fair Trade Items

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Mon. - Fri. 7am to 9pm Sat. 8am to 9pm & Sun. 9am to 8pm AMISH CRAFTS GIFTS COOKIE CUTTERS OIL LAMPS & SUPPLIES CANNING SUPPLIES AMERICANA ITEMS PIZZA, DELI SANDWICHES CROCKS HAND DIPPED ICE CREAM SHAWSHANK SUNDAE RECIPIENT OF THE 2012 TOURISM AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

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Fairly Traded Handicrafts from 35 Developing Countries • Home Decor • Wedding Gifts • Scarves • Jewelry • Cards • Coffee • Teas • Chocolate Kidron, OH 330-857-0590 Lehman’s Mercantile behind Lehman’s Hardware www.worldcraftsfairtrade.com

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

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Mums • Garden Supplies Garden decor • Trees Shrubs Perennials • Tulips Daffodils • Other Bulbs House Plants • Mulches Pottery • Statuary Fountains Wind Chimes & More!

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• Window Treatments • Chair Pads • Lamps/Shades • Quilts • Rugs • Amish Made Furniture • Much More

Mark your calendar!!

Christmas Shoppe opens Nov. 3rd

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3649 Cleveland Rd. • Wooster 330-345-5300 10060131

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Country View

WICKER FURNITURE

Resin, Wicker, Rattan Furniture

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NEW for 2012 Hanamint Cast Aluminum Dining

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Mon. - Sat. 9-5 • 330-897-6007 www.countryviewwicker.com

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(South edge of Farmerstown)

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.EW ROOM LUXURY HOTEL WITH MODERN

URBAN STYLE WARM WELCOME AND FURNISHINGS LOCATED IN "ERLIN THE HEART OF /HIO S !MISH COUNTRY

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A>F8=6 $>?D;0C8>= Amish Becoming Fastest Growing Religious Group In U.S.

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATIE NOYES • EDITOR

t’s no surprise that when people think about the Wayne-Holmes County areas, they instantly associate it with the Amish. With the largest settlement located right in the Heartland, it quickly becoming the number one vacation destination. It is also rapidly becoming the fastest growing religious group in the U.S. Is it possible, that we could witness the Holmes County population becoming the first county that is predominantly Amish?

A study released by Ohio State Media Relations estimated that a new Amish Community is founded in the United States every three and a half weeks. More than 60 percent of all existing Amish settlements have been founded since 1990.

This particular growth pattern may suggest, the Amish religion is growing more rapidly than most other religions in the U.S. Paul Miller, executive director of the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, in Berlin, said that without conducting a census, it can be very difficult to truly determine the total number of Amish within a given area. While you can reference church directories, one has to keep in mind that not all Amish have become members of the church. As part of the Anabaptist movement, baptism into the church is only offered to Amish adults.

Arlen Miller, local Amish man, described the term ‘Anabaptist’ (meaning ‘again baptized’) as a nickname given to pioneers of what later became the Amish and Mennonites. “The first converts were baptized as infants in the Catholic

church and then ‘Re-baptized’ upon their confession in Jesus Christ as their lord, as adults after they are able to make a conscious decision to follow Him. Hence the nickname: Anabaptist.”

Joseph Donnermeyer, professor of rural sociology at The Ohio State University, led a census project to estimate the current Amish population in the U.S. It took two years for the census to be developed from the 2010 U.S. Religious Census.

The data suggested that there are 251,000 Amish located in the U.S. and Ontario Canada with 456 settlements located throughout. The 1990 census suggested there were 179 settlements.

If the growth of the Amish continues at this rate, Ohio State researchers predict the Amish population will grow to exceed one million Amish located in 1,000 different settlements shortly after 2050. This rapid growth will surely result in economic, cultural, social and religious change to the rural areas that Amish settlements occupy.

The census also covered the Greater Holmes County settlement, which includes Holmes, Wayne, Tuscarawas, Coshocton, Stark and Ashtabula Counties. According to Donnermeyer’s research, this area is said to be the largest settlement, home to nearly 30,000 Amish.

Paul compared this to a census count his team did back in 2008.

Their research found there were 29, 283 Amish living in the area suggesting a nearly three percent increase over the past four years.

AMISH HEARTLAND

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My guess is that in 15 years, we’ll witness a county whose population is majority Amish, and Holmes County is likely to gain that distinction first.

The Amish community “is certainly growing very rapidly,” said Paul. Over the past five years, he has experienced some of this growth as he made his way to work each day. As he made the drive on Kidron Road from Orrville to Berlin he noticed the formation of eight new Amish residents on the southern edge of Wayne County.

Donnermeyer’s research and Paul’s observances both reflect that these new Amish communities are mainly “Old Order,” meaning those who maintain a horse-and-buggy lifestyle and avoid or limit their use of modern technologies.

“Even though selected modern conveniences are considered necessary to conduct business and for enhanced life experience, the Amish leadership is typically very hesitant to make changes to their cultural practices,” 14

said Arlen Miller. Even though they may use some of these modern conveniences (i.e. motorized vehicles and desktop computers) for work related activities they are resistant to welcome these modern technologies into their home.

Donnermeyer’s research also predicts the Amish will buy land vacated by farmers in rural areas close to community services, but availability of this farmland may not be able to keep up with the ever growing Amish population. This means Amish will be more likely to seek non-farm jobs (i.e. woodworking and construction) which could in turn affect land prices and potentially enhance the local economy in which they inhabit.

“While the inherent nature of the Amish lifestyle is agricultural, since

the basic mode of travel is horse and buggy, there has been a shift, where many have taken employment in factories and office environments over the past several decades,” said Arlen.

“This is often somewhat frowned upon by the elders within the Amish culture and given a negative connotation and has been labeled ‘lunch box syndrome’ referring to the potential for drawing Amish away from their agricultural and farm-based lifestyle.”

“The growth of the Amish is indeed amazing,” said Arlen. Several Amish settlements have been established in nearby states such as: Pennsylvania and New York. These settlements originated from the Holmes County area as a result of overcrowding. Many young Amish families were motivated to make the move as a result.

“It’s phenomenal in any respect, in terms of an ethnic group, rooted in tradition and stability, to be able to make the decision to uproot themselves,” said Paul.

Ohio is home to the most Amish community members – 60,233; with Pennsylvania following in a close second with 59,078 Amish residents and Indiana trailing at 44,831 Amish citizens, according to Donnermeyer’s census information. “My guess is that in 15 years, we’ll witness a county whose population is majority Amish, and Holmes County is likely to gain that distinction first,” said Donnermeyer.

To read the full article on Joseph Donnermeyer’s research with The Ohio State University, visit http:// r e s e a r c h n e w s. o s u . e d u / a r c h i v e / amishpop.htm AMISH HEARTLAND

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September FFullll eventt llisting i tti ffor th the month th can bbe ffound d online at www.amish-heartland.com!

5 Mt. Hope Weekly Livestock Auction

When: 11:30 a.m.

Where: Mt. Hope Auction Barn; 8076 SR 241, Mt. Hope Amish and non-Amish bring their animals to market every Wednesday year round.

Observers will see very old-fashioned carts and wagons and horses and buggies coming and going from the market.

During fair weather flea market vendors sell their wares on the outside. A large building also provides shelter for flea market vendors and shoppers. Flea market opens at 7 a.m., Hay Auction and Produce Auction begin at 10 a.m., Livestock Sale begins at 11:30 a.m. and the Poultry Sale begins at 1 p.m. During the summer, small animals such as ducks, chickens, geese, turkeys, rabbits, etc. are sold.

For more information call 330-674-6188 or visit www.mthopeauction.com.

6-27 Orrville Farmers’ Market

Where: W. Market St. by the railroad tracks, downtown Orrville (immediately west of city parking lot; plenty of parking spaces available) When: Every Thursday, 3-6 p.m.

16

Vendors and products change on a weekly basis. Visitors are encouraged to attend the Orrville Farmers’ Market every week as no two Thursdays will be the same.

Space for vendors is limited but still available. If paid in advance, the cost is $4 per week for the whole season ($68/17 weeks) or spaces can be rented on a weekly basis at $6/week. Call Shelby Winning, market manager, 330-682-5041 for additional information and a contract.

7 Music on the Square

When: 7 p.m.

Where: The Square in Berlin

8 Amish Country Challenge Bike Race When: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: Historic Downtown Millersburg, beginning on the courthouse lawn, through the rolling hills and winding valleys of Amish country, and ending at the Trail. For more information call 330-674-3955 or visit www. historicdowntownmillersburg.com

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Harvest Festival Parade & Rib Cook-off

Where: Village of Berlin For more information call 330-893-3192 or visit www.heartofamishcountry.com

Second Saturdays in the ‘Burg – 1980s Theme When: 5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Millersburg, courthouse lawn September brings our celebration of the excellent 1980s with Ronald Reagan, valley girls, pop music, big hair, and Dirty Dancing! Enjoy music, food, and other activities of the decade. Bring lawn chairs/blankets for a night showing of Ghostbusters on the courthouse lawn. For more information call 330-674-3955 or visit www.historicdowntownmillersburg. com

8-13 163rd Wayne County Fair

When: 10 am – 10 p.m., gates open at 8 am $3 adult/senior, under 12 free, except Thurs. Seniors free until 4 p.m. Call 330-262-8001 or visit www. waynecountyfairohio.com for more information

8-Oct.27 Downtown Wooster Farmer’s Market When: Every Sat. from 8 a.m. - Noon Where: Downtown Wooster

13-15

Bluegrass Festival

Where: Mohican Wilderness One of the country’s leading festivals promoting high school and bluegrass bands. For more information visit www. discovermohican.com

14 Music on the Square

When: 7 p.m.

Where: The Square in Berlin

14-16

28th Annual Great Mohican Pow-Wow

Where: Mohican Reservation Campground; 23270 Wally Rd., Loudonville For more information call 740-599-6631 or visit www.mohicanpowwow.com

14-Oct.27

Quilts by Kathryn Arango: The Jungle Series

When: Daily Where: Wayne Center for the Arts Wooster native and quilt artist Kathryn Arango shares her fun and descriptive quilts that relect her experiences living for 15 years in rural Columbia. Call 330-2645787

AMISH HEARTLAND

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16-22

159th Ashland County Fair

A good old fashioned county fair! Enjoy livestock shows, live entertainment, baking contests, car races, harness racing and much, much more. A great event for the entire family. Call 419-289-0466 or 877581-1234 ext 1003. For more information please go to www.ashlandcountyfair.com

21-22 P. Buckley Moss Signing and Gallery Show

Where: Berlin Creek Gallery; 5042 SR 39, Berlin Come and enjoy the inspirational beauty of original artwork by P. Buckley Moss September 21 and 22. Meet the artist herself and have your prints signed from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. both days. Call 330-8932686 for more information.

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Fall Festival at Lehman’s

Mt. Hope Weekly Livestock Auction

When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Lehman’s Hardware; 4779 Kidron Rd., Dalton For more information call 330-857-5757 or visit www.lehmans.com

20 Brian Free and Assurance Gospel Concert

When: Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Where: Amish Door Restaurant;1210 Winesburg St., Wilmot Chart-topping Southern Gospel quartet Brian Free & Assurance will host an evening of inspiring Christian music, including their hit “Long as I Got King Jesus.” For more information call 888264-7436 or visit www.amishdoor.com/ entertain

18

When: 11:30 a.m.

Where: Mt. Hope Auction Barn; 8076 SR 241, Mt. Hope Amish and non-Amish bring their animals to market every Wednesday year round.

Observers will see very old-fashioned carts and wagons and horses and buggies coming and going from the market.

During fair weather flea market vendors sell their wares on the outside. A large building also provides shelter for flea market vendors and shoppers. Flea market opens at 7 a.m., Hay Auction and Produce Auction begin at 10 a.m., Livestock Sale begins at 11:30 a.m. and the Poultry Sale begins at 1 p.m. During the summer, small animals such as ducks, chickens, geese, turkeys, rabbits, etc. are sold.

For more information call 330-674-6188 or visit www.mthopeauction.com.

28

28-Oct.4

Music on the Square

Coshocton County Fair

When: 7 p.m.

Where: The Square in Berlin

28 - 29 Overboard, dinner theatre

When: Doors open at 6:15 p.m., matinee showing, 12:15 p.m., available for 28th Where: Amish Door Restaurant;1210 Winesburg St., Wilmot A hapless television executive on the run is mistaken for a legendary sea captain by a group of Irish ďŹ sherman. Watch as two brilliant actors play dozen of roles in this fast-paced comedy thriller. A daring new adaptation of the book of Jonah from award-winning 34west. For more information call 888-264-7436 or visit www. amishdoor.com/entertain

60th Annual Swiss Festival

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Woosterfest

When: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Where: Downtown Wooster Traditional Octoberfest celebration featuring entertainment, food, talent show, arts and crafts, children’s activities, Biergarten, Winegarten, and more! Call 330-262-5735 or visit www. woosterchamber.com

The county fair is always an exciting time in Coshocton County and this year is no exception. With free nightly entertainment in the Grandstand, you can’t beat the value. You can also visit the numerous exhibits produced throughout the year by our talented youth programs and adult organizations. And, don’t forget the fabulous fair food. For a schedule of events, call the fair ofďŹ ce at 740-622-2385 or visit www.coshoctoncountyfair.org. More Coshocton information available at www. visitcoshocton.com

29 Apple Festival Days

When: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: Bauman Orchard Enjoy wagon rides into the orchard to pick your own apples. Music, pony rides, petting zoo and hayrides. For more information call 330-925-6861 or visit www.baumanorchards.com

29-30 Potato Festival

When: Sat. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. & Sun. 1 – 5 p.m.

Where: Ramseyer Farms; 3488 Akron Rd, Wooster Visit Ramseyer Farms two giant corn mazes, farm animals, scenic hayrides, Spud Slinger, Spudway Racetrack, Corn Crib Chute, and thousands of pumpkins! For more information call 330-264-0264 or visit www.ramseyerfarms.com.

AMISH HEARTLAND

19

A ROUND TR = Township Road

A H mish

SR = State Route

eartland

CR = County Road

US = US Route Includes GPS coordinates

3 Behalt/ Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center 5798 CR 77, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5671534º -81.7815958º)

12 The Corn Maze

18 Guggisberg Cheese

37 Rolling Ridge Ranch

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

3691 CR 168, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5710402º -81.7519373º)

21 Helping Hands Quilt Shop

20 Yoder’s Amish Home

& Museum

6050 Ohio 515, Millersburg (40.5753226º -81.7126356º)

5841 State Route 39, Millersburg (40.556679º -81.832382º)

4826 E. Main St., Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5615638º -81.7961283º)

9 Boyd & Wurthmann

28 Kuntry Korner Bakery

40 Shisler’s Cheese House

4819 E. Main St., Berlin (40.561531º -81.7957431º)

12305 SR 39, Big Prairie (40.618801º -82.071999º)

55 Kidron Rd., Orrville (40.796565º -81.746371º)

24 Kauffman’s

30 Miller’s Bakery

44 Troyer’s Home Pantry

4280 TR 356, Millersburg (40.5308237º -81.8118837º)

668 W. Main St., Apple Creek (40.7554854º -81.8442625º)

Country Bakery 6013 CR 77, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5738493º -81.781379º)

31 Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen 8101 SR 241, Fredericksburg (40.6241479º -81.7915683º)

5 Berlin Grande Hotel

8 Blessings Lodge

39 Scenic Hills RV Park

4787 TR 336, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5594623º -81.8910436º)

5174 TR 359, Millersburg (40.5644642º -81.8078983º)

4483 TR 367, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5513798º -81.7821696º)

7 Berlin Village Inn

14 Cricket Hill Cabins

41 Sojourner's Lodge & Log

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

5631 TR 351, Millersburg (40.5646509º -81.8497804º)

49 Berlin RV Park

19 Guggisberg Swiss Inn

4359 SR 39, Berlin (40.5550282º -81.786886)

5025 SR 557, Millersburg (40.5229551º -81.8039052º)

20

Cabin Suites 2156 Durstine Rd., Dundee (40.6679637º -81.6913663º)

1 Amish Country Peddler

23 Jake's Handcrafted Oak

3239 SR 39, Walnut Creek (40.5451448º -81.7386129º)

8239 TR 562, Holmesville (40.659197º -81.918054º)

2 Audrey’s Attic

25 Kauffman Lawn Furniture

147 N. Main St., Orrville (40.841048º -81.764447º)

4540 US 62, Millersburg (40.5690155º -81.7849802º)

46 Walnut Creek

4 Berlin Furniture

26 Kiko's Greenhouse

5044 CR 120, Millersburg (40.556679º -81.832382º)

15579 Lincoln Way West, Dalton (40.7986495º -81.6467745º)

4872 McKinley Place Dr., Walnut Creek (40.5404832º -81.7202957º)

6 Berlin Leather & Pets

27 Kim’s Bikes

4774 US Route 62, Millersburg (40.5613792º -81.7939588º)

336 West Main Street, Loudonville (40.7986495º -81.6467745º)

10 Carriage House

29 Main Street Bears

3213 SR 39, between Walnut Creek and Berlin (40.5450908º -81.7383975º)

225 N. Main St., Navarre (40.7225129º -81.5224304º)

11 Charm Harness & Boot 4432 CR 70, Charm (40.506574º -81.784203º)

13 Country View Wicker 2701 SR 557, Baltic (40.841048º -81.764447º)

15 Four Corners Furniture 7000 TR 652, Millersburg (40.599304º -81.761186º)

16 Green Acres Furniture 7412 Massillon Rd., Navarre (40.7071309º -81.679855º)

17 Greenhouse Shoppe, The 3649 Cleveland Rd., Wooster (40.8453279º -81.9284401º)

20 Harvest Moon 4972 E. Main St., Berlin (40.5617802º -81.8012863º)

22 Homestead Furniture 8233 SR 241, Mt. Hope (40.6268459º -81.784219º)

45 Troyer’s Furniture 985 W. Main St., Sugarcreek (40.5110001º -81.6529587º)

Antique Mall

47 Walnut Creek Furniture 3473 Ohio 39, Walnut Creek (40.5463267º -81.7477899º)

48 World Crafts 13100 Emerson Rd., Kidron (40.7412134º -81.7450194º)

32 Ole Mill Furniture 4422 SR 557, Millersburg (40.505882º -81.78427º)

33 Olivesburg General Store 4778 SR 545, Ashland (40.855888º -82.318932º)

34 Packship USA 1347 N. Main St., Orrville (40.856341º -81.764703º)

35 Parsley Pot 697 CR 1302, Ashland (40.8768762º -82.2596821º)

36 Pine Cone Gift Shop 2877 Kidron Rd., Kidron (40.7653453º -81.7452453º)

42 Sol’s Exchange 4914 W. Main St., Berlin (40.5617104º -81.7991439º)

43 Swiss Country Lawn & Crafts 2131 SR 39, Sugarcreek (40.5172712º -81.6999655º)

AMISH HEARTLAND

21

33 35 17

23 27

28

25

34 2

17

26

CARR RD

40

36 48

44

29 16 38 41 23 31 22

15

5

25

14 12 49

20 24 8 3 37 9 7 6 42 46 1 10 21 20 47 4 39 19 43 30 37 18 32 11 13

45

U P CLOSE TO B ERLIN – T HE HEART OF A MISH C OUNTRY >

5

37 14 3 9 12

7

42

20 21 6

49 4

30 18

24

39

3 Behalt/ Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center 5798 CR 77, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5671534º -81.7815958º)

18 Guggisberg Cheese

37 Rolling Ridge Ranch

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

3691 CR 168, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.571

21 Helping Hands Quilt Shop 12 The Corn Maze

& Museum

5841 State Route 39, Millersburg (40.556679º -81.832382º)

4826 E. Main St., Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5615638º -81.7961283º)

9 Boyd & Wurthmann

30 Miller’s Bakery

4819 E. Main St., Berlin (40.561531º -81.7957431º)

4280 TR 356, Millersburg (40.5308237º -81.8118837º)

5 Berlin Grande Hotel

49 Berlin RV Park

4787 TR 336, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5594623º -81.8910436º)

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

4359 SR 39, Berlin (40.5550282º -81.786886)

39 Scenic Hills RV Park 4642 TR 367, Millersburg (Berlin) (40.5513798º -81.7821696º)

14 Cricket Hill Cabins 5631 TR 351, Millersburg (40.5646509º -81.8497804º)

4 Berlin Furniture 5044 CR 120, Millersburg (40.556679º -81.832382º)

6 Berlin Leather & Pets 4774 US Route 62, Millersburg (40.5613792º -81.7939588º)

20 Harvest Moon 4972 E. Main St., Berlin (40.5617802º -81.8012863º)

42 Sol’s Exchange 4914 W. Main St., Berlin (40.5617104º -81.7991439º) AMISH HEARTLAND

25

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

The Furniture Heartland www.furnitureheartland.com

THE DINING ROOM:

A PLACE FOR FAMILY’S, A PLACE FOR DESIGN

From family meals to holiday gatherings, the dining room symbolizes a place where friends and family can come together, enjoy each other’s company and feast. Food is an important part of our everyday lives, why not have a warm and inviting place to enjoy it.

From the pattern of the chair coverings to the texture of the table itself, the mood of the room can be easily changed by your design choices.

Whether your feeling a more vintage style or a country charm, the key is to pick a style that fits you best.

The world is modernizing in every aspect. With this being said, designers and craftsmen are, therefore, working hard to create pieces that will draw a customer’s attention. This also means that just because something is modern, it can still draw from a traditional design.

26

No matter how small or large the room may be, there are plenty of options to do what you want with it. The factors to consider, however, are not limited to what type of decorations you want to use or where to position each type of furniture.

Experiment with design. Eclectic furnishings have become very popular in today’s society. Try pairing an antique table with modern chairs or a contemporary table with old-fashioned seating. Mixing and matching has become a hot design tool in the dining room.

Another key factor to take into consideration when planning your dining room, is comfort. This is an area where family can gather to relax and enjoy a great meal. Pick a table and chair set that will enhance everyone’s comfort.

Make your space functional. Consider a table that can expand and contract as needed. While most dinner gatherings may only require seating for six, special events could require seating for ten.

Consider the shape of the table. Does a square or rounded table fit your space more comfortably?

The ultimate decision is up to you.

What do you want your space to look and feel like? How do you want your guests to feel as they join together for meals? Take all of these ideas into consideration when planning your next dining room design.

:V\W»Z VU : ( ( WSLHZPUN ISLUK VM JHZ\HS HUK ]]PU[HNL PU [OL *HWL (UU +PUPUN :L[

ʛʚʗ ˙ʎ ˏ˃ˋː ˕˖ʎ ˕˗ˉ˃˔˅˔ˇˇˍʏ ˑˊ ʖʖʘʚʓ ʕʕʒʐʚʗʔʐʖʙʗʔ ˖˔ˑ˛ˇ˔ˈ˗˔ːˋ˖˗˔ˇʎ˅ˑˏ

147 N. Main St. Orrville, OH 44667 330.683.3384 Mon.-Sat. 10-5; Open ‘til 7 on Thurs.

LLC

On the West edge of Berlin in the Heart of Amish Country Full Hookups Pull-Through Sites 30/50 Amp Service New Restroom Facilities Big Rig Friendly

www.shopaudreysattic.com

FALL OPEN HOUSE

• Nature Hiking Trails • Playground Free Wifi

5924 State Route 39, Millersburg, Ohio 44654 330-674-4774 • www.berlinrvpark.com 10060876 One of the Largest Bakeries in Amish Country Baked Goods Made Fresh Daily

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!

Sept. 10th-15th

10060593

• • • • •

Daily Door Prizes & Refreshments

BERLIN LEATHER Specializing in leather waist belts Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5 • Fri. and Sat. 9-6 Closed Sun. Large Selection of Straw Hats

Bakery • Café Ice Cream Parlor

10060633

330.893.2129

4357 US 62, Millersburg Across from Heini’s Cheese in the of Amish Country Open Monday-Saturday Sundays (May-Thanksgiving)

www.kauffmanscountrybakery.com

10060654

• Moccasins • Straw Hats • Pet Supplies • Saddles & Tack • Western Home Decor

“Featuring Grilled Panini Sandwiches”

330-893-7038 ext 3 Located 1 mile east of Berlin on SR 39 at Schrock’s Amish Farm

Work • Western • Hiking Footwear & Clothing MERRELL

10050706

®

4441 Co. Rd. 70, Charm • 330-893-0402 Mon. & Tues. 7:30-5:00; Wed. & Fri. 7:30-7:00; Thurs. & Sat. 7:30-3:00

Delicious Family Style Meals Made from Scratch

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7am-8pm • St. Rt. 241 in Mt. Hope

330-674-0922 • www.mrsyoderskitchen.com

28

3 miles north of Berlin & 18 miles south of Massillon

10060829

MILLER’S BAKERY

Opening Sept. 14th Busy As A Bee

X

De Good Old Fashioned Bakin”

Pies • Cakes • Jams & Jellies • Cookies Donuts • Candies • Pasta & more!

Crafts, Clocks & Dolls 10060641

Hours: Mon. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Sundays 330-473-8175 4280 TR 356, Millersburg OH 44654 Off SR 557 Near Charm

-11,000-square feet of Antique dealers(Next to Walnut Creek Water Tower)

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5 • Fri. 9-6 • Sat. 9-5

Mon. by appt. 330-275-7759 Tues-Wed: 9-5 (Field Trips and Special Events Groups) Thur-Sat: 9-8 • Sun. Closed Prices: 36” under – FREE; 37”-11 yr. $7.00 Seniors $5.00; Adults $10.00 Group Discount (20) $8.00 each Thursday Evening 4-8 – Buy One Get One Free

4872 McKinley Place Drive, Walnut Creek (330) 893-4010

Petting Zoo!

5841 State Route 39, Millersburg, Ohio 44654 For Information Call: 330-275-7759 Phone: 330-674-4267

10060568

Picnic Area!

White Buffalo are a very rare entity and they are not easy to find.

Playground

Walk-Thru!

Birthday Parties

Gift Shop!

$

200 OFF with Coupon

Per Person For Wagon Tour - Up to 6 people. Not valid with group discounts or other offers. Expires 10/13/12 DR

10061088

Walnut Creek Antique Mall

• Pig Race • Corn Cannon • Corn Slide • Homemade Ice Cream • Kettle Corn • Fun for the family

Open 4th of July and Labor Day Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm Closed Sundays

LOTS OF NEW BABIES BORN!

ROLLING RIDGE RANCH ANIMAL PARK 3691 CR 168, Millersburg 2 miles from Heini’s Cheese, 3 ⁄ miles from Berlin 330-893-3777 • www.visit rollingridge.com

AMISH HEARTLAND

10060872

1 2

29

Ingredients:

Cheesy Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:

Herb Biscuits

*2 cups flour *2 tsp. baking powder *1/4 tsp. baking soda *1 tsp. salt

*1/4 tsp. dry mustard *1/2 tsp. celery seed *3/4 cup buttermilk

*1 package frozen Tater Tots or hash browns *8 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed *6 eggs

Directions: 1.Mix together the dry ingredients and herbs. Cut in the shortening; add liquid and stir to make a soft dough. Knead lightly about 20 times. Roll or pat out 1/2-inch thick. Cut into biscuits and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

2.Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown and done.

*1/4 cup milk *Salt and pepper to taste *1/2 cup ham, cubed

Directions: 1.Grease or butter 9 x 9-inch casserole dish and place a layer of Tater Tots over the bottom. Next, layer on the Velveeta cheese 3.Whisk together eggs and milk and season with salt and pepper. Pour over Tater Tots and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.

4.Remove from oven and sprinkle ham over top; return to oven for another 15 minutes or until eggs are completely set.

30

AMISH HEARTLAND

31

Farmer’s Favorite Soup

Directions: 1.Brown meat and onion and drain off fat. In a Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, add the meat and onion mixture, celery, potatoes, carrots, salt and pepper, tomato sauce, and 2 1/2 quarts water. Simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender.

2.Make a thin paste of the cornmeal and 1/4 cup water. Add to the soup, stirring as you do so it doesn’t lump up. Continue stirring until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

*1 lb. hamburger *1 large onion, chopped *1 cup celery, chopped *1 large potato, peeled and sliced (at least 1 cup) *1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced *Salt and pepper to taste *1 cup tomato sauce *2 1/2 quarts water *1/4 cup cornmeal *1/4 cup water

Ingredients:

Customer Relationships R at the Berlin Village Inn STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATIE NOYES • EDITOR

If you’re looking to stay at a place with some history, a great staff that will make you feel like family and not break the bank, look no further than the Berlin Village Inn. Located at the west end of Berlin, the Berlin Village Inn was the first hotel built in the village. The Inn has a great reputation of long time returning guests and excellent customer service.

Deanna Rausch, manager, said people often tell her that they can remember when a large big red barn once sat on the property. It’s these returning guests that Rausch values most. They return year after year sharing and

32 32

reminiscing about when they first stayed at the Berlin Village Inn some 20 plus years ago, when it first opened its doors.

Rausch has been with the Inn for seven and a half years and is amazed by how much tourism has grown within the area. Thousands of guests travel to the heartland year after year for shopping, site seeing and enjoying the fine Amish cuisine. At the end of a long day taking in the sites and sounds of Amish country, tourists are looking for a peaceful place to retreat for the evening. Many have found the Berlin Village Inn to be the perfect place to

s Run Deep retreat to and return multiple times throughout the year to stay there.

“Guests that we have been close with, come [to Berlin Village Inn] three or four times out of the year,” said Rausch. “When they walk in the door we hug ‘em because we are excited to see them.” One couple visits from North Carolina twice a year and brings fresh vegetables from their garden back home to share with the staff.

It is all fun and games at the Berlin Village Inn. Rausch explains how she has a women who visits with her group of girl friends each year and can be quite the prankster. “I usually

find rubber snakes and plastic spiders at the front desk whenever she visits,” joked Rausch.

“It’s people like that we are really going to miss,” said Rausch. “As people get older, they eventually find that they can’t make the trip anymore.” Rausch gets a little emotional as she recalls a dear couple that used to make the trip to Berlin Village Inn a couple times a year.

“After her husband passed away, I didn’t think I would be seeing her again,” said a teary eyed Rausch as she recalls an emotional visit from a faithful customer. “When she walked

’’

When they walk in the door we hug ‘em because we are excited to see them.

’’

AMISH A AMIS AM M IIS S H HE HEARTLAND H EA AR RT TL L AN AND

3 33 3

in the door we both just stared at each other.” There were no words as she embraced her guest and friend, and they mourned together. It’s these strong relationships and connections that keep Rausch’s guests coming back year after year.

Berlin Village Inn also maintains a strong and healthy relationship with the Berlin community because they have been in the area for so long.

The original owners and builders of the Inn still live in the community as well and keep in touch with the current staff. Rausch stays connected with the community by being a part of the Berlin Merchant Meetings.

The meetings are composed of other business owners in the area who come together once a month to discuss how to make the community and their individual businesses better.

Rausch says their biggest success is how low they are able to keep their 34

rates low by only providing the basics amenities. “We’re not as fancy as most hotels. We don’t have the hot tub or Jacuzzi, we’re a basic hotel.” Some of the basic amenities and services include; a flat screen, cable-TV, air conditioning, coffee maker and minirefrigerator as well as fresh linens and daily room cleaning.

The main focus of Berlin Village Inn is “to cater to those on a fixed income,” said Rausch. “We are affordable and accessible to those who don’t want the fancy.” Another key factor into Berlin’s success is their focus on building and maintaining strong customer relationships.

The staff also plays a major role in the success of the Inn. “Three of our employees have been here for 25 years or more,” said Rausch. With a small staff on hand for the small business, everyone takes on different roles throughout the day. By staying small

they keep the costs low and keep from becoming commercialized.

“Because we are the first hotel, there are some updates and remodeling to be done,” said Rausch. Dealing with an older building can be a challenge when it comes to making these updates.

For instance, while they do provide Wi-Fi, the signal does not always travel through the thick old walls of the building, explained Rausch. It is a slow process but Rausch hopes to refurnish the furniture and update the rooms as much as possible while still maintaining an affordable rate for guests.

When gas prices first began to soar with the oil crisis of 2008, Rausch feared the worst. Surely people would not be willing to make the drive and would be more concerned with saving money. “We were pleasantly surprised that this was not the case,” said Rausch.

More people chose to stay home and

as a result they attracted a more local crowd.

The future of the Berlin Village Inn looks very bright. Rausch hopes to update their logo and give it a fresh new look. To keep up with the ever advancing technological world, Rausch hopes to have an online reservation system in place making the reservation process even smoother.

The Berlin Village Inn is located on State Route 39 just west of downtown Berlin. Office hours are Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday’s from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Reservations can be made in person or over the phone by calling 330-8932861 (toll free 1-800-869-7571.) Berlin Village Inn is featuring its frequent stay program. Stay any seven nights at the regular rate, and receive the eighth night free. Visit www.berlinvillageinn. com for details.

AMISH HEARTLAND

35

‘Relationship Builder’ at Troyer Furniture Switches Focus to Marriage After 49 Years Of Single Life STORY BY ARLEN MILLER • HEARTLAND CONTRIBUTOR

Scores of people flowed through the doors of Troyer Furniture on Friday to see one person— actually two people. Troyer Furniture invited friends, family and friend customers of Joanna Troyer to an informal cake and ice cream reception to celebrate a recent development in Joanna’s life: romance. After 15 years of building quality relationships with scores of clients, she is now beginning a new chapter—or as she would describe it, ‘a new book’—in her own life.

Joanna Troyer began selling furniture at Troyer Furniture in Sugarcreek in 1997. Her two and a half mile bike ride from her home off Cherry Ridge to the furniture store was ‘a breath of fresh air’ before spending the day indoors learning about furniture and building relationships with clients who came to see Amish Country and visit the Holmes County area. Then, suddenly, on April 14, she bid farewell to her familiar stomping grounds.

Joanna married Mahlon Troyer, an Amish minister of Berlin, on June 23, 2012. Joanna is 49 years old, all of them single. “Courting was a little awkward at first because Mahlon has grown children from his first marriage so I was not only building a relationship with Mahlon but gaining acceptance from his children. While I will never replace the mother and wife that lost her battle to cancer four years ago, I try very hard to just be there for them while emotional adjustments are being made,” Joanna said.

Joanna has made many friends at the furniture store over the past fifteen 36

years. “People would talk to her about anything,” says owner Matt Beachy.

“That’s a gift, I think.” He and his wife, Liz, purchased the store in 1993 from original owners Norman and Karen Troyer of Sugarcreek; and he’ll tell you, “it’s all about relationships.” He is very deliberate about relationships and firmly believes that the relational element of business is the crux of any thriving or growing enterprise.

“Joanna rarely sold anything that she didn’t connect with a customer first,” Matt said. He said the relationship came before the sales for Joanna.

Matt and Liz have so much appreciated the contribution that Joanna has made to the company and the atmosphere she has helped to create at the store, that they wanted to show it by hosting the reception for her and her family of clients. “She had mentioned before that there were so many customers she’d love to invite to her wedding, but can’t. That’s where the idea came from,” Matt said.

When Matt mentioned the idea of a reception at the store, “she loved that idea,” he said.

Earlier this year, Matt asked Joanna to make a list of customers she wanted to invite to celebrate with her. Troyer Furniture sent out the invitations and guests came from as far as Greensburg, PA to join the four-hour reception to celebrate the marriage of Joanna and Mahlon.

How did she feel? “Very unworthy, but very flattered,” Joanna said.

Sharon Haught, from Parkersburg, West Virginia, visits Troyer Furniture

T o co fr

Troyer Furniture of Sugarcreek hosted an infomal reception event for Joanna and Mahlon Troyer in celebration of their June wedding and Joanna’s 15 years of service to the company and for her personal contribution to the company’s friendly atmosphere and her signature relational style. Scores of guests attended the event coming from as far as Greensburg, PA. Joanna is 49 years old, all of the previous years single.

about four times each year and attended Joanna’s reception along with a friend. “That was always our first stop because we liked Joanna so much,” Haught said. “She was always fun.”

Haught has an entertainment center and a bookcase Joanna sold to her.

“We always laughed a lot when we were there with her,” she said. “She doesn’t pressure you or try to sell you anything. She just tries to help you find what you want,” Haught explained as she recalled Joanna’s relational style.

Joan Kress from North Canton also attended the event at the store and has enjoyed working with Joanna to finalize her furniture buying decisions.

“I [furnished] my whole home with Troyer Furniture,” she said. “It was just a real delight to have her help me with the selection,” she said.

Harvey Cunningham of Coshocton, along with his wife Ruth, visit the store two or three times each year. “You can feel the atmosphere. It’s a very calm atmosphere when you go in there.

Very pleasant. Very warm. Friendly,” he said. His first words to describe Joanna: “She’s a good listener.” The Cunninghams have five or six pieces of furniture purchased from Joanna at Troyer Furniture, and they recalled one of Joanna’s signature traits. “She remembers her customers and what we are interested in and what we have done. She was able to talk about that with us,” he said.

Joanna remembers every single year at Troyer Furniture as a delightful experience and recalls that those bike rides home were therapeutic after a day on her feet at the store.

AMISH HEARTLAND

37

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AMISH HEARTLAND

39

? g n i t i s i V t Jus mish Stay at A

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The Inn offers 23 standard and one jacuzzi suite. All guests of the Inn are welcome to come and enjoy breakfast in the glassed in dining room.

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A secluded countryside retreat with luxurious cabin and lodge suites tucked away on 20 acres in Amish country!

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AMISH HEARTLAND

41

“Shisler’s” continued from page 42

’’

I have put my heart and soul into this business.

have complaints,” said Rita. “When I do have an unhappy customer, I go above and beyond to make it up to them.”

Rita attributes most of her success to being able to give back to the community. “You impress upon people when you’re kind and I try to encourage young people of this,” said Rita. The teenagers that Rita hires to work for her in the summer are all encouraged to give back as well. She encourages them to volunteer and signs them up for beneficial clubs and organizations.

By hiring these students, Rita hopes that she has been a good role model and given them more than just parttime job skills, but also provided them with valuable life skills. “I want to give back to the community,” said Rita and she does just that by being involved in many community activities and organizations.

Recently, Rita has focused some of her charitable efforts and attention overseas. She was introduced to a man looking to raise money for clean water in Peru by selling coffee beans. Rita now sells the Reach coffee brand at her store with proceeds going toward 42

’’

providing clean water to Peru. “I just love doing those kinds of things,” said Rita.

Ben Heggy’s chocolate and nuts can also be found in her store and is a very popular item among customers.Rita also sells various hams and meats at her store.

For Rita, it has always been about establishing a relationship with her customers so that they continue to come back. She also feels strongly about family and hopes to keep Shisler’s Cheese as a family affair. Her oldest son opened up his own Shisler’s Cheese House in Copley, Ohio, which makes her very proud. She hopes to be able to pass on the business fully to her sons but don’t worry, she does not plan on leaving any time soon. “I suppose I will be working till I’m 95,” said Rita.

“I have put my heart and soul into this business.”

Shisler’s Cheese House is located at 55 Kidron Road in Orrville. You can visit Shisler’s seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Contact Rita at 330682-1307 or visit www.cheesehouse. com for more information.

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 have to say this month:

cream at Big Budd’s, colorful furniture “ Ice with wire statues of little men, antique store, simple way of life of the Amish and kettle corn.

”

-DAVE AND JUDY BARTELL, WOODVILLE

articles, recipes and pictures. We “ The visit Holmes County at least three times a year. My husband and I call it “God’s Country. ” about interesting things “ Ithatlovearereading coming up in Amish country. I also love the pictures. ”

-RUTH GRAEF, JAMESTOWN

July issue was the first issue I had “ The ever picked up and I found I liked the entire issue. Full of a lot of information that was useful for our next trip. ” many beautiful pictures and good When we had our camper, we would stay “ Sorecipes. “ at Scenic Hills RV for several year. We ” still come up to visit to enjoy the peace and quiet and the people. ” maps, pictures, Amish “ Iwaylikeofeverything, life and no one is in a big rush. ” like that you have complete ads. My “ Igrandmother was Mennonite so I’m Unique crafts, wonderful food and interested in learning about her life. ” “ bakery items, flea market and ”produce.

-SUSAN HOPP, BEREA

-PHYLLIS DECKER, GALION

-DOROTHY THOMAS, WOOSTER

-ALICE MANGEN, VERSAILLES

-RUTH REINHART, TIFFIN

-DONNA EBRIGHT, FORT MYERS FL

-MARILYN LOVEJOY, CONNEAUT

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 as many photos as they want.

The deadline for the Fall Photo Contest is DEC. 1, 2012.

The top three winners will be announced in the January 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 to Amish Heartland, 212 E. Liberty St., Wooster or via e-mail to AMISH HEARTLAND 43 cnoyes@the-daily-record.com.

Don’t’t miss a single issue of Amish Heartland

AmishhHeartland

Attractions • Events • Maps • Shoppingg

September 2012

1 Yr. Subscription = $18 2 Yr. Subscription = $30

Shisler’s Cheese heese House House IT’S HER GOAL TO MAKE YOU SMILE

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.

Customer Relationships Run Deep At Berlin Village Inn

A GROWING POPULATION AMISH BECOMING FASTEST GROWING RELIGIOUS GROUP IN U.S.

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 May 31, 2012. One randomly selected winner with the correct answer will receive a six-month subscription to Amish Heartland.

In last month's issue the buggy wheel was hidden on page 2.

I FOUND THE BUGGY WHEEL ON PAGE ____________ NAME: __________________________________________________ ADDRESS:_________________________________________________ PHONE:________________________________ MY FAVORITE PART OF AMISH HEARTLAND: ____________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ 44

In Material Witness, the third book in the Shipshewana Amish Mystery Series, the Fall Crafters Fair has barely begun when murder strikes the small town again.

It will take all of the sleuthing skills Deborah and Callie possess to catch the perpetrator as crowds fill the town.

But the stakes are higher than ever, since the material witness is their best friend’s child.

Like Vannetta Chapman on Facebook to learn more

10060659

A Shipshewana Amish Mystery

Book 1

Book 2