VOL. 7 NO. 2
Aug. 22, 2012
The Great Geauga County Fair Edition Inside Inside this issue...
Labor Day Weekend Horse Trial
I See What’s Happening “Out N About” Pages 14-15
A Visit to Africa Page 16
An Evening With Jack Nicklaus Page 24 Amish Business Directory
New in Plain Country
Postal Customer Local / ECRWSS
OR CURRENT RESIDENT
Middlefield Post P.O. Box 626 Middlefield, OH 44062
PreSort Std U.S. Postage PAID Middlefield, OH 44062 Permit No. 77
Page 8
f you enjoyed watching the Olympic equestrian sports on television this month, you can have a chance to experience it right here in Middlefield on Sept.1 and 2. More than 100 riders from surrounding states are expected to travel to the area for the annual South Farm Fall Horse Trial. The Horse Trial is similar to 3-day eventing, but combines all three riding disciplines— dressage, cross country, and stadium jumping over 2 days. Divisions are offered, from introductory to advanced, with varying degrees of difficulty designed to test the ability and versatility of the horse and rider in the multiple disciplines. Many breeds, colors and sizes of horses can be seen at the competition. Penalty points are assessed for errors, including riding too fast or too slowly, and the duo with the lowest score wins the event. “We look forward to a great event, seeing all our friends return to the horse show and greeting all the spectators who just come out to watch and enjoy the day. We are grateful for the support of our sponsors: Big Dee’s Tack and Vet Supplies, CANTER of Northeast Ohio, Fairmount Sports and Recreation, The Middlefield Post, Schneider’s Saddlery and Western Reserve Farm Cooperative. These organizations are supporting our great sport of
Heidi Hoffmann of Chardon guides Gypsy over an obstacle in the stadium phase of the South Farm Horse Trial. The Farm will host its Fall Horse Trial Sept. 1 and 2. Post Photo/Brant Gamma. eventing and helping us to put on a wonderful event for everyone,” said Sarah Greer, owner of South Farm. If you are looking for a fun, free activity for your family, grab some lawn chairs and head over to South Farm to watch the multiple phases of the horse trial. The horse show is
expected to start around 8 a.m. on Sept.1, with dressage and cross-country. Sunday’s stadium jumping competition is expected to begin around 8:30 am. The farm is located at 8398 Bundysburg Road. For information, visit www.southfarm.netor call 440-632-5501.
Middlefield Means Business By Margie Wilber The Village of Middlefield launched its new, two-faced Web site this week, less than 4 months after Mayor Ben Garlich all but declared war on the area’s muchtoo-long economic slide. “We will not use the global economic crisis as an excuse for complacency,” says Garlich. “We are determined to bring the Village of Middlefield to new heights and to do that we simply must up our game.” The redesigned site, www. middlefieldohio.com, has a double purpose: 1) to showcase the area’s rural beauty, unique charm, and many attractions and services to residents and future residents, and 2) to make a compelling case to commercial and industry sectors to build or move business to Middlefield. The site is the first visible outcome of Middlefield Means Business, a three-year stimulus
Middlefield Village Economic Development Commitee (l-r) Geauga County Planning director, David Dietrich; Council member, Ron Wiech; Council member, Bill Blue; Mayor Ben Garlich; Write 2 The Point principal/owner, Margie Wilber; resident, Dick Schill; resident, Dave McDowell and Village administrator, Dan Weir. plan developed by Garlich and the Village’s newly formed Economic Development Committee. Businesses can bypass the residential Web site by using www. middlefieldmeansbusiness.com. “We have to demonstrate to
business leaders that we will rally around them and respond to their needs,” Garlich maintains. “We have the shovel-ready land. We have numerous tax incentives. We have a wealth of natural resources, good transportation and competitive
utilities. And we have an extremely high-performing, nonunion workforce. There is no reason we shouldn’t have manufacturing and other industries forming a line at our Continued on page 2