Maple Leaf Home for the Holidays Special Section 2017

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Geauga County Maple Leaf

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Green, Greedy Grinch to Raid Middlefield this Year

By Ann Wishart ann@geaugamapleleaf.com

This Christmas season, the Grinch, in all his green, greedy glory, will be visiting Middlefield Dec. 9 on his quest to collect as many children’s gifts as the good people of Geauga County will donate over the next month.

And, keeping in character, he and his minions will turn around and deliver those same toys, games and goodies to Santa Claus at Santa’s Hideaway Hollow, where they will be given away to area children.

Decorated boxes or carts will be located at dozens of Middlefield businesses, ready for the collection of unwrapped, new gifts, according to the Middlefield Chamber of Commerce.

This is the first year the Grinch will be meeting visitors at noon Dec. 9 at the Middlefield Library and hand out signed books, according to the chamber’s flier.

“The Grinch will travel through the area, stealing toys, ruining Christmas throughout the day. He will culminate his nastiness with a grand finale visit to the Great Lakes Outdoor Supply store,” which is located at 14855 N. State Avenue in Middlefield, the chamber said.

How did it happen the Grinch chose Middlefield for his nefarious activities this holiday season?

The Grinch (a.k.a. Jim Sasak) lives in Parkman Township and has an impressive history of grinching in Fairport Harbor for a dozen years.

He “stole” donated gifts from the village shops, signed books at the library, read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” to up to 800 residents from the top of the lighthouse and posed with Santa and Max for pictures with those attend-

• Grinch Schedule • Dec. 9

10 a.m. Grinch visits stores Noon-1:30 - free books at library 6 p.m. – free photos, dramatic presentation, fireworks at Great Lakes Outdoor Supply ing the reading.

This year, all that will happen in Middlefield, including fireworks after dark.

Sasak, 62, decided to relocate his program this year to be closer to home and give himself a break.

Although he is a fit long-distance bicyclist, creating and maintaining his alter ego — and all his Grinchy tricks — for a full day was wearing.

“I decided to turn it over to a younger Grinch,” Sasak said. “I started off as a young Grinch of 50. Now I’m a Grinch on Social Security.”

Also, when the Grinch first arrived on the Fairport Harbor scene, he was visiting 17 stores to “steal” presents.

Last year, there were 44 businesses involved, he said.

When it takes two hours to layer his make-up on, and nearly as long to take it off, keeping the holiday spirit was challenging.

So Sasak pitched the idea to Kim Breyley at the Middlefield Chamber of Commerce, and the idea took hold.

As of Nov. 5, there were 22 merchants in the Middlefield area with collection boxes in place and Sasak is excited for

ANN WISHART/KMG

Jim Sasak, of Parkman Township, will dress up as the Grinch and raid Middlefield stores for toys, meet kids at the Middlefield Public Library and recreate Dr. Seuss’ story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at Great Lakes Outdoor Supply in Middlefield, followed by fireworks on Dec. 9.

Dec. 9, when he will visit the stores, read the story, pose for pictures and hand out free, signed copies provided by the Middlefield Friends of the Library.

Gifts from the boxes will be collected by off-duty police and taken to Santa’s Hide-Away Hollow on Bundysburg Road in Middlefield Township.

It is a nonprofit organization founded in 1981 dedicated to working with seriously and terminally ill children and their families to provide comfort and support throughout the final stages of the child’s illness, according to the website.

“Many children ask to see Santa for a last Christmas as they near the end of their struggle. Santa’s Hide Away is

committed to meeting that very need any time of the year,” the website reads.

The full story about Santa’s summer home can be found at www.santashideawayhollow.com.

Sasak, a cheerful person by nature, can only maintain his Grinch façade for a few hours a year.

His cross-country bike riding has shown him that people in the U.S. are great, and the “ugly society” seen on the news and social media are a tiny minority.

“Americans are the biggest-hearted people,” Sasak said, adding he likes to give back that attitude.

“I look forward to bringing out the schtik and grinching locally,” he said.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

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Thursday, November 16, 2017

Get Your House Clean Before the Holidays

830 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Village OH 44143 • 440-442-1267

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Submitted It is never a busier time than during the holidays, yet everyone’s homes still need to be cleaned. With the right plan, your house will be sparkling clean in no time.

How It’s Done • Don’t procrastinate. You don’t have to set aside four or six consecutive hours to get the job done because you can successfully clean your home in little blocks of time over the next few days.

• Start with the entranceways, foyer and central closet area to create room for guest coats.

• The next day, take a small block of time to clean bathrooms, hallways and sitting areas.

• Day three, clean bedrooms and

any other areas your guests may encounter.

• Consider obtaining the latest in microfiber dusting cloths, mop heads and ceiling fan dusting attachments.

Microfiber products are no longer expensive and they allow you to dust and clean without using chemicals, as they remove 99 percent of bacteria when used alone.

• Last but not least, get the kids involved. All hands on board to clean and “deck” the halls for the holidays.

Too busy planning your party? Don’t have time for a good cleaning?

Call Molly Maid at 440-256-8080 and speak to Brandy about scheduling a one-time cleaning before your big holiday bash.

Local Business Approaches 50-Year Anniversary Submitted Colonial Wine will be celebrating 50 years of business in Chester Township in January 2018, a remarkable achievement for a main street shop in an increasingly crowded field of competitors.

Founded in 1968 on the north side of Mayfield Road, the original location operated as a sort of general store, supplying bread and eggs along with wine and beer. As Chester grew, the shop transformed into a more beverage-centric operation. In 1989, the shop moved to its current location on the south side of Mayfield Road.

The shop evolved into the wine powerhouse Chester has come to know under the leadership of Bob Eppich.

Eppich focused intensely on offering a glut of closeout, value-priced wines and providing extremely attentive and knowledgeable service. He also established Colonial as a deeply involved community partner, fundraising for schools, charities and churches throughout the area. Under Eppich, Colonial became the largest independent wine shop on Cleveland’s east side.

Under the new ownership of the Cowie family, Colonial has sought to continue the traditions of the past, as well as offering a fresh take on this

community treasure.

“It’s important that as a 50-year-old company, you continue to walk the walk and not just talk the talk,” Wes Cowie says. “We live our core values.

This includes fundraising for West Geauga Schools, Kiwanis, Rotary and other charities in town. Civic engagement is deeply important to us.”

In addition to continuing community service, the Cowies have reached out to Eppich, who now mans the shop on most Mondays and offers priceless guidance to the new ownership.

“We continue to stock more closeout wines than any shop in Northeast Ohio,” said Cowie. “All are stacked many cases deep – our customers enjoy making a visit every month or so to mix up a case or two. The average price of a case of high quality wine out of our door is just over $100. The front-line value of such a case is typically $200$250.”

Colonial’s physical space has undergone a radical transformation in the last year, sporting a clean, spacious and modern look with a surprisingly warm touch.

“Look for new offerings in January — wines by the glass and small plates are not too far away,” Cowie said.

For more information, call 440-7297303.

Kirtland Flower Barn Offers Special Gifts for Special People Submitted Every day is a holiday at Kirtland Flower Barn.

As you walk through the front porch, you know you’re about to enter someplace special. You are surrounded by vintage country chic furniture and gift items, one-of-a-kind accent pieces for your home, quality candles, planters, vintage jewelry, silk flower arrangements and more.

There’s soft music playing, amidst the scent of fully stocked roses, carnations and wild flowers. There’s a warm and friendly staff of family members to greet you. It feels like home.

In addition to custom-made fresh flower arrangements for every occasion: birthdays, love and romance, weddings, holidays and funerals or those just-because moments, there are also fresh flower arrangements made daily waiting for you in the cooler for

that spur-of-the-moment pickup.

Kirtland Flower Barn offers sameday delivery, Monday through Saturday, to homes and businesses in Geauga, Lake and Cuyahoga counties. Also a member of the FTD and Teleflora networks, they can provide worldwide delivery service. With decades of experience, Kirtland Flower Barn has a creative staff of artists and floral designers with a love for vintage and antique finds.

From traditional or modern to free style, they’ve got you covered.

The Holiday Open House is Nov. 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Refreshments all day with 20 percent off all purchases during open house.

Kirtland Flower Barn, located at 8281 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 440-379-7155 for more information.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 16, 2017

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Make This the Year to Budget for Charitable Giving MetroCreative Budgets are an important component of personal financing. Without a thorough understanding of the rate of money going in and out of their bank accounts, people cannot accurately assess their potential for spending and saving. Budgets are also handy for paying off debt and planning for the future.

Those who budget may find they have more money to devote to leisure or other worthwhile endeavors, such as donating to charity.

Establishing a charity budget makes it possible for people to focus on doing good and helping others. Charitable giving also comes with the beneficial side effect of establishing extra tax deductions for some individuals.

Many people only think of charitable giving at the end of the year, when the holiday season tends to inspire philanthropy. However, many people’s end-of-year finances are already stretched thin thanks to holiday shopping and entertaining. As a result, men and women who wait until the end of the year to donate may not be able to be as charitable as they would like.

That’s why focusing on charity as part of a yearly budget can stretch dollars even further.

Establish a giving level By examining their finances, people can get a better picture of how much money they have for discretionary spending, including charitable giving.

However, income alone may not dictate

just how charitable a person can be.

For example, according to a McClatchy analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the poorest Americans often donate larger percentages of their incomes than their wealthier counterparts. Generally speaking, the typical amount most people aspire to donate to charity ranges from 3 to 10 percent of taxed income.

To make a charitable giving budget work, consider these tips. • Make a list of charities that have meaning to you. If you do not have specific choices, select categories, such as politics, education and community, and then go from there. • Assess your giving ability in dollar value. Be sure charitable giving does not come at the expense of necessary daily living. • Divide the available funds against the charities selected. • Set aside specific times of year that you will make the donations so as not to feel burdened at any one time of year. • Leave an emergency fund for donations that cannot be planned, such as diaster relief or to help someone with medical bills. • Sign up for recurring payments for yearly giving to take the work out of remembering to give. Other organizations can distribute donations to the kinds of charities you prefer, making giving even more automatic.

Budgeting for charitable giving enables greater year-round control of funds for beneficial purposes.

Need help? Want to help?

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Ways to Cope with Loss this Season Submitted When we are faced with the loss of a loved one, the joyful spirit of the holiday season may not necessarily represent how we feel inside.

The holidays can trigger a myriad of emotions for the bereaved and this year, for many families, Christmas may be worse then ever.

It creates a strange kind of paradox: The absence of a loved one is noted and highlighted by what is supposed to be a time of celebration; yet there are associations and memories that remind the bereaved of the absence of the person they love.

What we experience while grieving may depend on the details of our loss.

There is no “rightâ€? process for coping with loss, but there are some things you can do to make it more manageable. • Be direct. If you’re not in the holiday spirit, that’s okay. It’s important to let others know so they can understand what they can expect from you. • Carry out a ritual. Carrying out your loved one’s ritual, whatever it may be, is enriching and shows your respect. It could be very healing. • Let someone in. While you may feel vulnerable expressing your sadness, having an ally will make you feel

much less isolated. Choose someone trustworthy and mention that you’re not expressing your feelings to many people. Finding a grief group may also help the bereaved feel less alone over the holidays. • Make a new tradition. Making a conscious decision to spend some part of the holidays talking about this person will enable others to feel like they have permission to talk about him or her, too. • Have an exit strategy. Drive yourself or plan a taxi; it will give you control over where you are and how long you have to stay. • It’s OK to cry. In fact, your tears may help others access their own emotions and can help take the pressure off “keeping it together.â€? • Practice self-care. Get enough sleep, watch the alcohol intake, eat well and exercise.

DeJohn Funeral Homes will also be hosting its annual Tree of Remembrance on Dec. 3 at 1:30 p.m. at DeJohn Funeral Homes in Willoughby Hills for family and friends who have lost a loved one the past year.

RSVP for the DeJohn Funeral Homes Tree of Remembrance ceremony online at www.DeJohnCares.com or call 440516-5555 by Nov. 30.

Tues.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 6

Thursday, November 16, 2017

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Sal Scampitilla, owner of The Backyard Nature Company in Mayfield Village, has been providing nature-loving consumers a unique in-store shopping experience with the finest quality seed and top brand feeders, bird houses, birdbaths and more since 2002.

Backyard Nature Company Celebrates 15 Years

By John Karlovec editor@geaugamapleleaf.com

The Backyard Nature Company brings nature-loving consumers a unique in-store shopping experience, highlighting the excitement and joy of attracting wildlife for people of all ages with the finest quality seed and top brand feeders, bird houses, birdbaths and more.

It was Sal Scampitilla’s passion for wildlife that took him from longtime customer to founder of The Backyard Nature Company in 2002.

“I have been in the business world my whole life and love nature and backyard birding, so for me it was a great fit to put the two together and make the Backyard Nature Company,” said Scampitilla, the business’s president and CEO. Located just south of the Route 91 and Wilson Mills Road intersection in Mayfield Village, Backyard Nature Company is a nature-oriented gift shop that specializes in birdseed and birding products for the backyard.

“Our most popular item is birdseed,” Scampitilla said. “We have many varieties and are very competitively priced.”

The store also carries wind spinners, chimes, statuary, jewelry, candles, essential oils, greeting cards and books, flags and seasonal gifts.

“We do very well with our jewelry lines and garden decor for the backyard,” he said.

Like many small business owners, Scampitilla has been forced to adapt to an ever-changing business climate.

While it used to be OK for a small business to be priced a bit higher than

The Backyard Nature Company

830 S.O.M. Center Road Mayfield Village, OH 44143 Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone: (440) 442-1267 BackyardNatureCo@aol.com big box stores, that model has caused many “mom and pop” shops to go out of business.

“The small businesses that are left, we know we have to be competitive with big box and online pricing as well as offer superior customer service,” Scampitilla said. “In today’s world, you have to be competitively priced or you’re done.”

He attributes Backyard Nature Company’s businesses longevity and success to quickly reacting to and making changes to as customers’ expectations change as well as their buying habits.

“In other words listen closely to your customers all the time,” said Scampitilla. “They are your best resource.”

He added, “We will just continue to adjust product mix as our customers’ expectations and tastes change. It never gets easy. In fact, it seams each year it gets harder to run a small business.”

And Scampitilla has one simple request of those with a passion for nature.

“Please don’t just drive by Backyard Nature Company,” he asked. “Don’t assume we will be priced higher. Please give us the chance to service you. Compare our prices. We want you to be our next customer.”

Geauga County Maple Leaf

It’s the time of the year when many people think about giving back and the staff at Palma’s Hair Design want to do their part.

All through the holidays, Palma’s is offering a special. For every $20 spent on products, the salon will donate $5 to a local family dealing with cancer.

Many people know someone who has been affected by cancer and know how difficult it can be to handle. This is one way to help someone else’s holiday be that much brighter.

We offer a wide variety of products from Redken, Matrix and OPI. Come in and buy a present for your mother or sister and you will also end up helping a local family have a happy holiday.

Palma Hill is the owner of Palma’s Hair Design and she opened it 10 years ago, offering world-class service with a local flavor.

The salon tends to all of your beauty needs with its exquisite cuts, color, styling, nail services, waxing and all bridal services for your special day.

Palma’s is also famous for its amazing and talented staff members who are warm and friendly. They go out of their way to cater their services just for you in a friendly, family atmosphere.

When you come to Palma’s Hair Design, you feel like you are coming home.

All of the manicurists are not only professional, warm and friendly, but they are also perfectionists and dedicated to your total satisfaction. The manicures and pedicures last longer than other locations because Palma’s only uses the best quality products.

Palma’s Hair Design isn’t just for women, either. Its extensive male clientele enjoys coming in not only for a haircut, but a facial trim as well. The comfortable and welcoming atmosphere is for everyone.

Come and experience the difference at Palma’s Hair Design. Let its staff make you look and feel beautiful.

Palma’s Hair Design is in the West Geauga Plaza, at 12628 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township. Call 440729-1966 or visit palmashairdesign.com to make an appointment.

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Palma’s Hair Design Gives Back for Holidays

Page 7

Rt. 534

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Helpline Offers Alzheimer’s Advice to Caregivers Submitted Do you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease? Do you have a loved one recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease? Are you a caregiver trying to navigate complex care issues? Do you just need someone to talk to who understands?

The Alzheimer’s Association is here for you! Call the toll-free Helpline at 800-272-3900 and speak with a dementia expert any time of the day or night.

We have master’s degree-level counselors and social workers available 24/7.

We are ready to talk when you are.

Whether you need information about the disease, medications, treatment options, safety, caregiving, local resources in Geauga County, services, referrals and problem-solving through complex care issues, or you just want to talk to someone who gets it — we are here for you — and as close as your telephone.

“The free 24/7 Helpline is a critical

element of our mission. The Helpline is one of our most important resources connecting individuals who need information, answers and support any time of the day or night with trained Alzheimer’s Association specialists.

You’re not reaching a pager or waking someone up in the middle of the night.

You’re reaching a trained Association staff person focused on you and your needs,” said Nancy Udelson, president and CEO, Cleveland Area Chapter.

The people on our helpline receive over 100 hours of new-hire training as well as ongoing coaching and training every month. Our team is waiting for your call. This is part of our mission and we are proud to serve you.

The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter office has three locations: In Beachwood at 23215 Commerce Park, Suite 300, in Avon at 37309 Harvest Drive and in Mentor at 8522 East Avenue. Visit us Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm. Visit www.alz.org/ Cleveland anytime.

M

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The Origins of Christmas Music MetroCreative

Scores of artists have released Christmas albums or holiday-infused singles during their careers. Christmas music can be broken down into two distinct categories: traditional hymns and carols and popular secular songs.

Some believe that the religious standards have been passed down since the earliest days of Christianity. However, that is not so. Before the 12th century, music wasn’t typically included in religious services, and even then music was included only sporadically. In present day, religious tunes identified as Christmas music typically are not sung until Christmas Eve and thereafter until the Epiphany.

Many of the oldest Christmas songs are not old at all. Many popular carols sung today are less than 200 years old.

The world’s most popular Christmas carol was originally a poem penned

in 1816 by Austrian Catholic priest Josef Mohr. Two years later, Mohr asked Franz Xaver Gruber, an organist and local schoolteacher, to put his words to music. The resulting song, “Silent Night,” was not translated into English for 40 years.

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” also originated from a poem and had the original opening line of, “Hark how all the welkin rings.” The subsequent version was more catchy, and the faster-paced accompaniment was courtesy of Felix Mendelssohn, added 100 years after the poem was written.

“Jingle Bells,” a nonreligious tune that has become synonymous with Christmas, was not originally written as a Christmas tune. In fact, the song was intended to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Christmas music is diverse, with lively tunes, modern interpretations and religious classics enjoyed through the years.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

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Thursday, November 16, 2017

Don’t Eat the Mistletoe: Avoid Medical Mishaps MetroCreative

Chesterland Floral Boutique 12650 West Geauga Plaza • (440) 729-8989

Gifts for All:

Decadent chocolates • Blue Q Socks Grace and Lace (featured on “Shark Tank”) Maeve’s All Natural Skin care • Holiday Flowers Now Carrying Wine and Gourmet Gift Baskets

Holiday Open House Saturday, December 9 • 11am - 3pm

The holiday season might not be the most hazardous time of the year, but there is an uptick in safety concerns during this season of festivity and fun.

Components of the holiday season such as decorating, shopping, celebrating, and traveling, carry some risk. The National Fire Protection Association says 30 percent of all home fires occur during the months of December, January and February. Christmas trees and decorative holiday lighting displays contribute to the uptick in fires and other accidents between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. But fire is not the only concern during the holiday season. Revelers who celebrate a bit too much can pose a threat, as can road weary travelers or overnight guests who unknowingly put loved ones in harm’s way during their stays.

Thankfully, many accidents that occur during the holiday season are avoidable if holiday celebrants focus on safe ways to celebrate.

• Choking: All of that entertaining and partying means more food is consumed. To keep up with the hustle and bustle of the season, many people must eat on the go. The National Safety Council says nearly 3,000 people in the United States die each year from

choking. Taking small bites and chewing completely, while also avoiding talking while chewing, can help. Children should be kept away from small decorations, as even pine needles can be a choking hazard.

• Toxic plants: Some plants, including mistletoe and holly, can be toxic to pets and young children whose smaller bodies may be more vulnerable than adults’.

When decorating, consider decorating with artificial plants instead of live, potentially poisonous plants.

• Alcohol-related incidents: Holiday fun frequently involves alcoholic beverages. Law enforcement officials point out that the rate of driving while intoxicated tends to increase during the holidays. Implementing strict “designated driver” rules and making contact information for taxi or ridesharing services readily available to holiday guests can prevent tragedies.

• Medicine mishaps: Relatives visiting for Christmas may bring their prescription medications along when staying overnight. Curious children may encounter the drugs and think they’re candy, so encourage guests to place their medications in childproof bottles or containers.

Staying safe during the holidays involves diligence and keeping an eye out for potential dangers.

Dreaming of a Light Christmas MetroCreative Staying fit during the holiday season can be quite challenging, even for the most ardent fitness enthusiasts and disciplined calorie-counters. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, many people are offered a wide assortment of foods, beverages and other indulgences — typically in mass quantities.

According to researchers at Stanford University, although the average person only gains around one pound during the holiday season, quite frequently that pound sticks around, and those extra pounds add up year after year. As a result, it doesn’t take too many years of holiday bundt cakes to gain a considerable amount of weight.

Holiday season weight gain is not unique to the United States and Canada. Investigators at Tampere University of Technology in Finland tracked weight gained in the United States, Germany and Japan during those countries’ festive times and found that each country’s participants gained weight, particularly during the holiday season.

Annual holiday weight gain can contribute to weight-based problems such as obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

The holiday season might not be the best time to start a diet, but holiday eating does not have to derail healthy lifestyles. The following are ways to avoid holiday weight gain and still enjoy all of the parties, adventures and time spent with friends and family.

• Focus on festivity instead of food.

When hosting holiday festivities, make the bulk of the celebration about an activity rather than food. If guests are focused on fun, such as a sing-a-long, dancing or tree-trimming, they may be less likely to overeat.

• Don’t show up starving. Eat a light,

Pack in the fun without packing on the pounds this holiday season.

healthy snack before participating in any holiday revelry. Hunger pangs may drive one straight to the buffet table.

• Survey your options prior to eating. Guests should scope out the food choices and then make the smartest selections possible. Avoid creamy sauces, greasy foods and those that are heavy on cheese. Fill up on vegetables and then you won’t feel bad about splurging on a dessert.

• Go sparingly on alcohol. People seldom realize how quickly calories from beverages can add up. A 12-ounce glass of beer has about 150 calories, a five ounce glass of red wine has about 125 calories and a 1.5-ounce shot of gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, or tequila has about 100 calories, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Furthermore, alcohol lowers inhibitions, so you may be more likely to overindulge in more spirits or extra food when intoxicated.

• You can’t buy back calories with exercise. Putting in a marathon exercise session the next day probably will not undo the damage done from overeating the night before. Maintain a consistent workout schedule all through the holidays.

Holiday weight gain is not inevitable for those who take control and exercise discipline.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Roasting Entrepreneur Talks Quality of Fig Leaf Coffee Submitted Roast master, roasting manager or coffee roaster. I feel more like a roasting entrepreneur with the development of the Fig Leaf Coffee Company brand.

These are all names given to the individual responsible for creating the heart of the beverage a large number of Americans rely upon daily — coffee. What a lot of consumers of this lovely drink don’t realize is that the coffee bean in its raw form is fairly useless. It is dense, tasteless and a medium green hue. It’s not until heat is applied through the roasting process that the bean begins to resemble the color, smell and taste we know as coffee.

While most anyone can buy green coffee from a number of places, the art of roasting comes with patience, time and experience. Under-roasting coffee usually yields an acidic cup where over-roasting leads to bitterness and a flat burnt flavor. Timing is everything and you can lose a batch in a matter of seconds. Two roast masters can roast the exact same coffee, but end up with a cup tasting totally different. I bring the level of patience and experience needed to create coffee that is exciting, memorable and consistent.

This is what sets apart Fig Leaf Coffee Company from all other small roasters. Utilizing the understanding of how

Holden Arboretum Hosts Gifts from the Heart of Nature

Submitted

The Holden Arboretum’s annual holiday show, Gifts from the Heart of Nature, will open Nov. 17 and run through Jan. 3, showcasing nature-inspired work from regional artists.

The seasonal show, which features environmentally-friendly and unique gifts for the holidays, will begin with a preview party and light refreshments as well as live holiday music with musicians and strolling carolers Nov. 17 from 3-8 p.m.

The official show and sale begins that Saturday with local artists displaying their wares, including wood and alabaster items, jewelry, glass and metal art, children’s items, ceramic pieces, nature photography, paintings, knits, alpaca, botanicals and leather goods.

A special holiday trunk show will be held Dec. 8 from 5-9 p.m. Guests will get a chance to meet the artists and shop additional items.

Light hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages will be served. Henna body art and massages will also be available.

Admission to Gifts from the Heart of Nature is free. Visit holdenarb.org or call 440-946-4400, ext. 224 for more information.

a coffee bean reacts at different temperatures is paramount in creating a highly loved cup of coffee. It is not easy and there is a great deal of nuance that goes along with this creation process.

Fig Leaf Coffee Company carries a wide variety of coffees from all over the world. We carry specialty grades 1-3 coffee from Brazil, Ethiopia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Rwanda to name a few. Each coffee is roasted to a level that provides the most flavor from the coffee bean when brewed. This usually is between City (medium light) and Full City + (medium dark) roast level.

We also created an espresso blend, which is dense, sweet and loaded with flavor.

Our roastery is located in the West Geauga Plaza at 12628 Chillicothe Road, Suite G, Chester Township. We have a very user-friendly website at www.figleafcoffeecompany.com where you can order online with free delivery if you live in Chester. Please call 216645-6167 or check our website for store hours. Check us out on social media as well for discounts. Stay caffeinated and thanks for your continued support.

Tom Nemeth, owner and roasting entrepreneur.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 16, 2017

A Great Experience at Lantern of Chagrin Valley Submitted by Jean Makesh The Lantern of Chagrin Valley is a brand new, state of the art, assisted living community located on Chillicothe Road in Chagrin Falls. Driven by our focus to provide a natural and realistic living space for our clients, the Lantern is a unique building designed to embody a town with neighborhoods to travel throughout your days all within the safety of our community. We serve the community with a variety of services ranging from independent or assisted living to memory care, with an emphasis of an age-in-place philosophy. To learn more, go to www.lanternlifestyle.com.

Relationships built on and around great experiences are more valuable, fulfilling and sustainable. Mutual respect, trust, partnership, selflessness and fairness are some of the essential building blocks. A great relationship is prone to disruption when there is unilateral questioning that could be perceived as an interrogation. Sustainability of a relationship depends not just on a good experience but a great experience.

Many times, I have experienced a daughter visiting her mother with Alzheimer’s disease. The conversation goes as follow:- Hi mom, how are you? This is Elissa, your daughter from Phoenix. Give me a hug, I love you and I really miss you. Brandon is doing great, he received a college scholarship for music. Do you like this place? How are they treating you? Do you like the people around you? Did you have breakfast? What did you have? Do you get your medications on time?

Elissa is genuinely concerned about

her mother’s well-being. Elissa feels that she let her mom down and was not able to be there when she needed her most. Elissa’s feelings are valid and normal. However, how important is it for her mother?

She was trying her best to engage with her mother. Upfront, she assumed that her mother would love to know about her son. Elissa also asked many questions and demanded a hug.

For a moment, let me be her mother.

I don’t know the individual that claims to be my daughter. I don’t remember what I had for breakfast or what medications I take. I like the people that are around. Why is she asking me all these questions? I’m confused. Where am I? Who am I? Who are these people?

I need to get out of here. Now I’m very upset. I’m being held against my will.

Elissa’s sincere concern has now upset her mom and possibly triggered an unwanted and undesired behavior.

The key in this case scenario is for Elissa to enjoy her visit with her mother and vice versa. A great experience is all that counts.

This is what I would do if I was Elissa.

I would walk towards my mom, greeting her with a simple “Hello”. Compliment her on something that she is wearing; verbally engage her; allowing ample time for her to respond. If she is unable to recall my name, I would not volunteer.

Often, a consistent and pleasant engagement could trigger memories. There is a great chance that my mom would recognize me and her grandchild. The only intent of my visit should be to extend an opportunity to my mother to discover herself and engage with me on her term.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Geauga County Maple Leaf

How to Prepare for Black Friday MetroCreative Black Friday devotees know that the day after Thanksgiving is a day for deals. While some shoppers may associate Black Friday with midnight openings or crowded stores, many retailers have gone to great lengths to make Black Friday shopping safer and more customer-friendly.

Shoppers who want to land the best Black Friday deals need not camp outside their favorite stores on Thanksgiving night. Oftentimes, landing the best deals just takes a little preparation and due diligence on the part of shoppers.

• Peruse Black Friday ads in advance of the big day. Many retailers begin advertising their Black Friday deals well in advance of Thanksgiving.

Shoppers who know which stores they want to visit on Black Friday should begin looking for those stores’ fliers in early November, and continue to do so as Black Friday draws closer. This gives shoppers a chance to plan their Black Friday shopping so they can visit stores with the most enticing or time-sensitive deals first.

• Create a list and make shopping a team effort. Once retailers have announced the details of their Black Friday sales, shoppers can make a list of items they hope to purchase. When shopping, don’t go it alone. Instead, team up with a spouse, neighbor or older children who can then be given certain items to find in the store once doors open.

• Bring snacks. Unless shoppers are visiting specialty retailers who cater to a small and very distinct clientele, they should expect long checkout lines on Black Friday. As a result, shoppers should bring healthy snacks along so they get an energy boost and don’t suc-

cumb to hunger while waiting on line.

• Download retailer apps. Many retailers now have their own smartphone apps, which may or may not advertise Black Friday deals. Download such apps so you can stay up-to-date on the latest deals. Some retailers may even match their competitors’ app-advertised deals.

• Bring an envelope for receipts.

Many Black Friday deals include discounts that are offered via mail-in rebates. These rebates typically require consumers mail their receipts to a retailer or manufacturer listed on the receipt. Shoppers can avoid losing out on rebate-based savings by bringing along an envelope for their receipts.

Black Friday is a day for deals. Holiday shoppers who plan ahead can save substantial amounts of money and may even get much of their shopping done early.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Stankus Brings Experience to Heating & Cooling Needs

SUBMITTED

Call Stankus Heat and Cooling today at 440-543-5000 for your winter tune-up, emergency service, whole home humidifiers, air filters, sump pumps or water heaters.

They offer free estimates and service contracts. Stankus has been serving their customers for more than 40 years.

How to Cut Back on Waste MetroCreative

The holiday season is a joyful time of year. But the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day also tend to be very wasteful. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that household waste increases by more than 25 percent during the holiday season.

Reducing waste come the holiday season does not mean celebrants have to forgo big family meals or beautifully wrapped gifts. In fact, there are several ways to reduce waste without spoiling the spirit of the season.

• Give eco-conscious gifts. The environment may not be the first thing that comes to mind when holiday shoppers are looking for gifts for their loved ones. But giving reusable gifts can have a positive, long-term impact on the planet. Reusable coffee mugs or water bottles can dramatically reduce waste over time, and such items make great stocking stuffers. Shoppers also can look for items made from recycled materials, which run the gamut from home furnishings to calendars to clothing, as eco-friendly alternatives to gifts produced without the environment in mind.

• Reuse holiday-specific items.

Many people only use gift wrap, gift boxes and gift bags during the holiday season. Such items are oftentimes discarded after Christmas morning. But these items can be reused to cut back

on holiday waste. Reusing wrapping paper from year to year can be especially beneficial to the environment. That’s because wrapping paper tends to be dyed or laminated, and many wrapping papers contain non-paper additives that cannot be recycled. Reusing wrapping paper, purchasing only recyclable paper or wrapping gifts in old newspapers or magazines can help holiday celebrants reduce their carbon footprints.

• Prepare less food and donate any leftovers. The Worldwatch Institute notes that, during the holiday season, celebrants generate three times as much food waste as they do during other times of the year. Large family meals are a tradition of the holiday season, but hosts who routinely find themselves discarding leftovers can plan on preparing less food this year. Consider how much guests are likely to eat and plan meals accordingly instead of buying enough food to feed a small army.

Donate leftovers to nearby shelters so nothing goes to waste.

• Recycle live Christmas trees. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 25.9 million real trees were sold in the United States in 2015. Trees put out on the curb for collection after the holiday season has ended typically end up in landfills, but some communities recycle Christmas trees each year.

Real tree enthusiasts can contact community officials to determine if they can recycle rather than discard their trees.

The holiday season is a wasteful time of year, but there are ways for celebrants to dramatically reduce their carbon footprints between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 13

Think OuTside The BOx...

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SUBMITTED

Wendy Thacker, who is a fiber artist, is the featured artist for December at Artisans’ Corner Gallery.

Artisans’ Corner Gallery Perfect for Unique Gifts Submitted Artisans’ Corner Gallery in Newbury Township and its array of artists are proud to serve and inspire you.

“Handmade and local” is more than just a slogan, it is a badge of honor.

In the world of mass production and the ability to buy anything at the click of a button, it is refreshing to step into a small business that focuses on its neighbors.

These individuals sometimes work a real job and turn around, come home, take care of family and then settle into their studio to create a piece that expresses themselves — creating a thing of beauty, a one-of-a-kind work of art, whatever the medium.

Their passion and need to express through art and craft gives the gallery, at 11110 Kinsman Road, an opportunity to offer an outlet for those neighbor artists and workshop dwellers.

Art has the unique ability to inspire us to think outside the box of everyday life. An artist can take ordinary objects to inspiring heights. String, fabric, paper, paint, wood or even an eggshell, these are some of the building blocks for the creative mind.

Artisans’ Corner artists see beyond the raw materials and make their vision into a work of art like no other.

These works of art have a certain energy about them that reproductions and mass-produced decorative items simply don’t have. You know just by looking at it another human being made it and not a machine.

When you step into the gallery, you will find a large diverse collection of

handmade items and yes, all made by friends in the community. With the holiday season fast approaching, Artisan’s Corner Gallery invites you to find that unique and special gift for friends or loved ones. Not only are you supporting the community and your neighbors, but you are giving something from the heart.

“When you buy something from an artist, you’re buying more than an object. You’re buying hundreds of hours of errors and experimentation. You’re buying years of frustration and moments of pure joy. You’re not just buying one thing, you are buying a piece of a heart, a piece of a soul, a small piece of some else’s life.” – author unknown.

Monthly, the gallery features specific artists. On that first Friday of the month, the gallery hosts a special after-hours event that is free and open to the public. This event gives you an opportunity to meet many of the artists and mingle while enjoying refreshments and live entertainment. Special demonstrations and programs are also held from time to time.

On Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., the gallery is featuring artist Wendy Thacker, who works in wool, creating wonderful felted pieces for the wall or to wear. As a special bonus, the gallery is having her husband, Bruce, a retired Navy Band member, lead everyone in a special Christmas sing-along.

For information regarding featured artists, classes and other events, find the gallery at Facebook.com/artisans cornergallery, call 440-739-4128 or visit www.artisanscornergallery.com.

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 14

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM! • Carpet • Ceramic Tile • Hardwood Floors • Luxury Vinyl Tile • Floor Mats • Sheet Vinyl

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Thursday, November 16, 2017

SUBMITTED

Shawn Dolan is the owner of CCM Rental, which has locations in Chester Township, Chardon, Middlefield and Mentor.

CCM Rental Helps Make Events Memorable

Submitted

CCM Rental is a family-owned and operated business that began as Fred’s Rental. In 1971, David Dolan bought the business and began a family legacy spanning three generations.

Back then, it was a small rental company with one location, and was known as Chester Rental. In the 1980s, Tom Dolan took over the business and continued the tradition of hard work and unparalleled customer service.

Over time, additional locations were added, first in Chardon, then in 1994, Middlefield was opened, and most recently, Mentor was acquired in 2008.

Together, the four locations make up CCM Rental. Two and a half years ago, Shawn Dolan purchased the business from his father and now manages and runs all day-to-day operations.

Shawn has fond memories of growing up in the family business. As a child, he would be at the Chester Township location often, playing in the party warehouse and climbing on the bulldozers. He is now the proud owner.

CCM Rental rents almost everything you can think of, from large earth-moving machines to bounce houses and bistro lights. Whether you are looking to complete a home project or have a party, CCM has got you covered.

They have party packages that include tents, tables and chairs — perfect for graduation celebrations. They also rent chafing dishes, coffee pots and roasters for the holidays.

They can turn any party into an event that will be remembered with slushy, popcorn, cotton candy and sno cone machines. In addition to a full line of party equipment, CCM also rents everything you need for DIY home projects like cleaning your carpets, power washing your house or sanding a floor.

They meet the needs of contractors with boom lifts, jackhammers, excavators, concrete saws and more. They have everything needed to complete all jobs, large and small and four convenient locations to serve you.

While the company has grown over the years, the core values of hard work and good customer service have unmistakably been passed down from grandfather to grandson.

Much like his grandfather, Shawn can be found working the counter, making deliveries or setting up tents — whatever is necessary to please the customer. So, if you have never been in CCM or if you’re in every week, they invite you to stop by and see them, share a donut and a laugh or two, because the one thing you will always find at CCM is Shawn’s laugh.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Holiday Cookies the Whole Family Will Love MetroCreative Many people enjoy baking come the holiday season, and perhaps no dish is more synonymous with holiday baking than cookies. Children leave cookies out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, while adults may indulge and enjoy an extra cookie or two at family gatherings or holiday office parties.

Cookies come in all shapes and sizes, so bakers have an array of options at their disposal when planning their holiday menus. Chocolate chip cookies may be among the most popular types of cookies, and bakers who want to capitalize on that popularity while giving loved ones something a little different may want to try the following recipe for “Double Chocolate Chip Cookies” from Maxine Clark’s “Chocolate: Deliciously Indulgent Recipes for Chocolate Lovers” (Ryland, Peters & Small).

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes about 12 large cookies 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 5 tablespoons granulated sugar 5 tablespoons light brown sugar, sifted 1 large egg, beaten 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla essence or chocolate extract (see note) 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons self-rising flour 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 2⁄3 cup (or more) dark and white (or milk) chocolate chips (or roughly chopped chocolate) Preheat the oven to 350 F. Use a heavy, nonstick baking sheet Using an electric mixer, cream the

butter and sugars together until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla essence.

Sift the flour with the cocoa and salt in a small bowl. Fold into the egg mixture with the chocolate chips.

Place 4 heaping tablespoonsfuls of the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart. Press down and spread out to about 1⁄4-inch thick with the back of a wet spoon or with dampened fingers (you may like to scatter some more chocolate chips over the top). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute, then transfer to a wire rack.

When cool, store in an airtight container. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Note: Chocolate extract is a fat-free flavoring ingredient made from a blend of roasted cacao beans, water and alcohol.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Give Gifts that Pamper MetroCreative Stress can be bad for the body, contributing to depression, anxiety, hypertension, and even obesity. Unfortunately, more than half of working adults and 47 percent of all Americans say they are concerned with the amount of stress in their lives, according to a survey from the American Psychological Association. Canadians, too, are feeling stressed. The North American research company Ipsos found that stress affects 76 percent of the Canadian population.

Reducing stress can be especially important during the holiday season, which, thanks in part to its hectic nature, tends to produce extra feelings of stress. Gifts that pamper, relax and rejuvenate might be the ideal fit for those who need a little rest and relaxation.

• Aromatherapy: Studies have shown that aromatherapy, or breathing in certain scents, can trigger reactions in the brain and affect emotions, mood and memory. Specific essential oils can help relieve stress, induce relaxation and even promote better sleep. Scents such as lavender, lemon or yuzu, bergamot, ylang ylang, and jasmine can promote relaxation in many people.

• Candles: The combination of subtle, low flickering light and relaxing aromas can make candles soothing gifts. Put together an entire gift package with decorative candle holders or a nice tray on which candles of various heights can be placed.

• Plush robe: Sometimes lounging around the house is all that’s necessary to create a soothing atmosphere.

A plush robe that is luxurious and comfortable will help that someone special unwind after a long day or after sleeping in on the weekend.

• Home aquarium: Stress can melt away watching underwater life flick and

Page 17

Give the Gift of Peace and relaxation with Massage and lymph drainage Massage Therapy can help reduce stress, increase circulation, help increase flexibility, loosen tight achy muscles, and much more.

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Facials, aromatherapy, candles, and comfortable bed linens are gifts that can pamper and relax.

flitter through the aquarium. Combined with soothing bubbles and the gentle hum and splash of the filter, it is easy to see how having a fish tank in the home can alleviate stress. Make sure the gift recipient is able to care for the fish and select low-maintenance species.

• Bed linens: Treat someone special to the gift of added relaxation in the bedroom. Buying bed linens is often a chore and an expense that people put off. Pima cotton, silk, satin, or sateen sheets can be cool, comfortable and soothing.

• Facial treatment: A massage session can be relaxing, but so can a facial.

There’s something serene about having a professional apply products and rub areas of the face and temples. Stress will slip away in an instant.

Pampering gifts can help ease anxiety, tame stress and help anyone feel more relaxed and happy.

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MetroCreative The hustle and bustle of the often hectic holiday season can make it easy to overlook religion during this special time of year.

Come the holidays, adherents of Judaism celebrate Chanukah while many Christians celebrate Christmas.

Though different, the two holidays share some similarities.

In celebration of Chanukah, families gather for an eight-day commemoration to honor the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a miracle in which a small amount of oil illuminated a menorah for eight days.

Perhaps because it falls during the holiday season, Chanukah has become one of the most well-known Jewish celebrations, even for those who do not adhere to the Jewish faith.

For devout Christians, Christmas isn’t about eggnog and Santa Claus.

Christmas (Christ’s Mass) is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the son of God. Christmas is a day of great joy in the Christian faith because it marks the beginning of Jesus’ time on earth.

Both Chanukah and Christmas, while joyous celebrations, are laced with solemnity. The Second Jewish Temple was desecrated by Greek-Syrians, who had erected an altar to Zeus and sacrificed pigs within its sacred walls. At this point in time, Jews had to practice their faith in secret, reading the Torah underground and using dreidels to simulate games and confuse

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The period leading up to Christmas known as Advent is a time for repentance and preparation for the grace and miracle of Jesus’ birth. According to Christianity.com, the word “advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming.” Advent is a time to both reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Much like Lent, Advent is intended to be a season of fasting, prayer and reaching out to God. During the holiday season, houses of worship customarily host prayer sessions and special holiday-related events. The faithful are encouraged to participate in these events in celebration of their faith.

Prayer can help remove distractions during the holiday season, helping individuals reconnect with the true meaning of the holiday season.

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Page 18

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Debunking Black Friday Myths MetroCreative Black Friday arrives every year, and with it sometimes comes a bit of misinformation. As shoppers prep their wish lists, separating the Black Friday facts from fiction can make the day that much more successful.

leviate safety concerns. Some may offer specific doorbusters throughout the day. Therefore, shoppers can schedule their shopping trips around when items they’re targeting are going on sale.

Myth: There’s no need to shop on Black Friday because of the Black Friday “creep” phenomenon.

Fact: Although many stores offer sales throughout Thanksgiving weekend, some stores limit their deepest discounts to Black Friday itself. Shoppers who are seeking tech gifts or other hot items should know that Black Friday often provides the best chance to grab these items at deeply discounted prices.

Myth: Online shopping is much easier.

Fact: While there is a certain convenience to online shopping, many sales are time-sensitive and may appear one minute and sell out the next. This could result in being tied to a computer or tablet all day seeking sales. Visiting stores on Black Friday enables shoppers to make their purchases immediately, saving them the potential hassle of dealing with disappearing deals, while also saving them money on shipping costs.

Myth: All stores are chaotic on Black Friday.

Fact: Many retailers have redesigned their Black Friday models to al-

Myth: Only big box retailers participate in Black Friday deals.

Fact: The Black Friday phenomenon See Myths • Page 19

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 16, 2017

SUBMITTED

Sugar Pines Farm Offers Tips for Cutting a Christmas Tree It’s that time of year when many families across Geauga County are preparing to head out to local Christmas tree farms to choose and cut the perfect Christmas tree. But a visit to a Christmas tree farm is much more than just hunting for the perfect tree.

“When visiting a Christmas tree farm, families get the chance not only to choose and cut their own trees, but build memories that last a lifetime,” explains Jane Neubauer, of Sugar Pines Farm in Chesterland. “It’s much more than just choosing a tree, it’s the whole experience of visiting the farm together that becomes part of a family’s tradition.”

To make the most of the experience of visiting a local tree farm, Neubauer offers the following tips: • Dress for a day at the farm and for the weather. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and don’t forget good gloves.

• Plan ahead for the size tree that will fit in your space at home, including not only the height but the width.

Trees often look smaller in the field or barn than then do when you get them home!

• Allow enough time to enjoy all that the farm has to offer. Some have wagon rides, Santa visits, animals, food -- take time to enjoy!

• Plan ahead for transporting your tree home. Most farms provide twine and help with securing your tree, but check ahead to be sure.

• Choose & cut farms typically provide saws and many provide sleds, but if you have a favorite bring it along.

Leave chainsaws and other gas powered equipment at home – most farms don’t allow them.

• Check ahead if you are planning to bring a pet (some farms do not allow them).

• Tree farms are small, seasonal businesses – do not assume credit cards are accepted, better to check in advance if you are planning to use one.

A number of beautiful cut-your-own Christmas tree farms can be found throughout Geauga County and Northeast Ohio. For a listing of farms near you visit the Northeast Ohio Christmas Tree Growers at www.neochristmastrees.org. Most open for the season starting the day after Thanksgiving (or earlier) but check individual farm listings for more scheduling information.

Myths

centers, home improvement retailers, and much more.

is not limited to big box retailers. While big box stores may get the most attention thanks to their sizable advertising budgets and national reach, local businesses also offer their share of Black Friday savings. What’s more, stores shoppers may not immediately associate with Black Friday deals may be well worth a visit. These can include drug and sundries stores, outlet shopping

Myth: Black Friday shopping can quickly bust holiday budgets.

Fact: Consumers can approach Black Friday shopping as they would any other retail excursion. By sticking to a list and avoiding impulse purchases, it’s possible for shoppers to stay within their budgets.

Black Friday is an ideal opportunity to save money and score big-ticket items.

Submitted by Jane Neubauer Owner, Sugar Pines Farm

from page 18

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Page 19

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Page 20

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Creative Ways to Reuse Cards Submitted

CuT YOuR Own Spruces, Pines and Firs up to 11 feet

Fresh Cut Frasier Firs, Handmade Wreaths, Swags, Pine Roping and Accessories weekends 9am - 4:30pm weekdays 2pm - 5pm Cash and Checks only

8719 Mulberry Road, Chester Twp., Ohio 1/2 mile east of Rt. 306

Roughly 1.6 billion Christmas cards, including boxed cards, are purchased in a given year. That’s quite a lot of cards to address and mail, and many festive greetings for recipients to read and display.

With so much money and effort put into sharing Christmas greetings, some people may wonder how they can prolong the merriment offered by these cards. Here are some creative ways to put Christmas cards to new use once this holiday season has come and gone.

• Make your own gift tags. Christmas card stock is the perfect medium to turn into gift tags for presents. Cut the cards into squares or rectangles or use a stencil to create whatever shape you desire. Then use a hole punch to create a space for ribbon or another tie. Use the tag to dress up gifts with something more unique than self-stick tags.

• Get magnetized. All it takes is a scissor, some glue and sheets of magnet for a decorative and fun craft project. Turn favorite Christmas cards into mementos that can be saved year after year, which also will dress up refrigerators or other magnetic surfaces. This idea works well for photo greeting cards as well.

• Make Christmas card ornaments.

Use the cards to create uniquely shaped ornaments for the tree. Cards can be turned into block shapes and hung with ribbon. Another idea is to punch out circles or ovals from the cards and tile them on a foam egg to look like a multicolored pine cone. Explore your creative side and decorate your tree at the same time.

• Create greeting card garlands. Display cards by stringing them together and hanging them from the mantle or

Holiday greeting cards can be recycled into gift tags, ornaments or even framed to stretch out their usefulness.

another prominent area. If cards are too large, punch out large circles from the cards and then attach those disks to heavy thread.

• Decorate your packages. Instead of overspending on preprinted gift bags, make your own. Buy plain bags in a solid color and then embellish them with cutout patterns or pictures from Christmas cards.

• Frame favorite cards. Make greeting cards a permanent part of holiday decor by framing the most decorative ones you receive. Use these frames year after year and put them on display with other holiday decorations.

• Make a wine bottle gift tag. Use a 11⁄4-inch hole punch to create an opening for the neck of a wine bottle on a piece of folded card stock. Glue a greeting card to the portion of the card stock that will lay flush with the wine bottle and you have a decorative wine tag.

• Shred older cards for confetti.

Fill gift boxes or bags with homemade confetti made from recycled Christmas cards.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Geauga County Maple Leaf

What is Plaid Friday?

MetroCreative Plaid Friday is an effort to encourage holiday shoppers to shop local on the day after Thanksgiving, a day that many know as “Black Friday.” Conceptualized in Oakland, CA, Plaid Friday has spread beyond northern California to cities across the United States.

While Black Friday is often associated with big box retailers, Plaid Friday focuses on small, locally owned businesses. But why plaid? According to OaklandGrown.org, an organization

that celebrates and supports independent business leaders, artists and activists in the city of Oakland, plaid symbolizes the weaving together of a creative and diverse community of small businesses.

Consumers interested in learning about Plaid Friday events and sales in their communities can contact local businesses or small business organizations in their areas to find out more and learn the various ways to support locally-based businesses this holiday season.

SUBMITTED

Investing in a New Kitchen Is a Recipe for Success Submitted According to the experts, remodeling your kitchen can make financial sense.

The return on investment can range from 91 percent to 98 percent, but the real benefit is adding to the quality of life for the cook and the family. The kitchen is the heart of the home, the central gathering place, where everyone loves to be.

If you’re ready for a kitchen makeover, but have the same trepidation as most homeowners — wondering “where do I start?” — you’re in luck.

Store with Style has everything you need, all in one place, with customer service and attention to detail that has made it a “go to” for many of your neighbors around Lake County.

Store with Style has an A+ rating with the BBB and Angie’s List Super Service awards for five years running.

Its certified kitchen and bath designer also holds a certification for aging in place design and as a general remodeler. Store with Style has a design plan in place that will take you through every step of the process with one point of

contact and an emphasis on one-stop shopping.

On display in the Tyler Boulevard showroom are beautiful Wellborn Cabinets, with Cambria quartz countertops.

There are hundreds of door styles and finishes to choose from and best of all, both Wellborn and Cambria are proudly made in the USA. The store also has a complete closet and garage cabinetry showroom.

Store with Style’s team will walk you through your selections from flooring, to paint, cabinets, counters, lighting, hardware and more. The store partners with many Lake County businesses to insure you have reliable suppliers in your neighborhood.

If you are already working with a contractor and they are telling you to start shopping, no worries. Store with Style is “contractor friendly” and can work together to deliver you the kitchen of your dreams.

So, if you’re ready to take the first step towards your new kitchen, give Store with Style a call at 440-974-8201.

It is the only stop you’ll need to make your dream kitchen a reality.

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Cure for brine and salt

Corrosion FREE is a clean, clear, drip-free lubricant gel. It will never crack or peel. It is especially formulated for today’s better built vehicle. It protects all metals, not just steel. For older vehicles, it releases cleaners and moisture inhibitors to penetrate and treat damaged areas, establishing a basis for the Cure for Rust.™ A treatment at least once every 18 months is the best protection you can give your vehicle.

Velotta Auto Service

10874 Chillicothe Rd.| Kirtland, OH 44094 440-256-1226 Mon–Fri 8:30am - 5:00pm

“Go to corrosion free video formula 3000 on You Tube”

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Trees are very popular today. According to StatisticsBrain, 10 million artificial trees are sold in the United States each year, while 34.5 million real tress are sold annually. Such trees require decorating, and the following secrets and tips can help celebrants do just that.

Festive Tree-Trimming Tips and Techniques MetroCreative People have visited forests to select their Christmas trees for centuries.

While tree sellers conveniently stationed in store parking lots and artificial trees displayed in various retailers have led fewer people to venture into the wilderness, the Christmas tree is still an important component of holiday celebrations.

Long before the spread of Christianity, evergreen plants and trees held special meaning for people during the winter. Boughs and garlands were hung in homes and over doors and windows to repel evil spirits and illnesses. On the winter solstice, the greenery would represent that spring would once again arrive and banish winter’s dreariness.

Germans who decorated trees inside of their homes are credited with starting Christian Christmas tree traditions during the 16th century. Early Americans were late to adopt Christmas trees because early Puritan set-

tlers thought the tradition — as well as carols and other concepts — were Pagan influences. It took the popularity of England’s Queen Victoria and her German Prince Albert appearing around a decorated Christmas tree to eventually win over much of Europe, Canada and the United States.

Trees are very popular today. According to StatisticsBrain, 10 million artificial trees are sold in the United States each year, while 34.5 million real tress are sold annually. Such trees require decorating, and the following secrets and tips can help celebrants do just that.

• Prune the tree first. Be sure to shape the tree as desired, since natural trees will have branches sticking out.

Wear gardening gloves to avoid being covered in sap.

• Position trees away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, vents or radiators, which can cause the tree to dry out prematurely and become a fire risk.

See Trees • Page 23

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Geauga County Maple Leaf

Talkin’ Turkey All Year Long MetroCreative Aside from the occasional sandwich, many people think turkey is solely for the Thanksgiving dinner table. However, turkey is much more than a holiday centerpiece. Anyone concerned about healthy eating would be wise to learn more about the health benefits of turkey and find ways to include it in their diets throughout the year.

Turkey is low in fat and high in protein, making it an important source of nutrition. One piece of turkey breast without the skin measures up at 160 calories, four grams of fat and a whopping 30 grams of protein, according to the USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory.

Dark meat and turkey legs are higher in calories but boast similar amounts of protein.

The average portion of turkey is 100 grams, or 3.5 ounces of meat. This is about the size and thickness of a deck of cards. A single serving of turkey can provide around 65 percent of the recommended daily intake of protein.

But turkey is more than just a lowfat source of protein. The meat is rich in niacin (B3), which may help increase HDL cholesterol, widely known as the “good” form of cholesterol. Niacin, in addition to helping balance cholesterol levels, can lower a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease by reducing atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries. The resource Healthline also says niacin may help reduce inflammation and symptoms of arthritis.

Turkey also is rich in vitamins B6 and B12. B6 helps keep red blood cells healthy and reduce fatigue, while B12 can decrease levels of homocysteine that can contribute to cognitive decline.

Turkey is also a good source of selenium, which helps to keep hair and nails healthy while serving as an immune system booster that protects against damage to cells and tissues.

Around 20 percent of the recommended daily amount of selenium can be obtained from a single serving of turkey.

Turkey is lower in calories and fat and higher in protein than chicken.

Trees

from page 22 • For added safety, anchor a tree to a wall or ceiling, so it will not tumble over onto children or curious pets.

• In homage of the first German Christmas trees, decorate with natural ingredients, such as berries and pinecones. Also, use apples, nuts and marzipan candies.

• To free up more space for presents, place a narrow tree stand inside of a waterproof planting container.

Place the tree inside. This will provide a more streamlined look that’s neater than a tree skirt.

• The more lights the better, especially on dense trees.

• For a whimsical approach, match the tree decor to home decor and the color of furniture.

• Make handcrafted ornaments with the whole family.

• Hang the most delicate pieces toward the top where they won’t be disturbed.

• Step back and enjoy your handiwork, which will also give you a chance to find any blank spots that need filling in.

Tree trimming is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season, and there are no rules other than safety guidelines when it comes to decorating.

Turkey is much more than just a Thanksgiving staple.

Those who routinely consume chicken as part of a healthy diet can substitute it for turkey for even greater nutritional benefits. Turkey is particularly low in saturated fat, which may contribute to increased levels of the LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol.

Turkey also is versatile, as it can be baked, boiled, stir-fried, grilled, ground, chopped for salads, and sliced for sandwiches. Turkey can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Home chefs often find they can substitute turkey for any meat in a recipe with good results because turkey’s mild taste takes on the flavor of other ingredients.

Turkey is much more than a Thanksgiving staple and can be enjoyed in various ways throughout the year.

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Geauga County Maple Leaf

Thursday, November 16, 2017