New Hope: Finding Healing After the Nickel Mines Tragedy | September 2021

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SEPTEMBER 2021

PLAIN VALUES

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Cultivating Anchored Community LEADERSHIP

Our Story

Marlin Miller, publisher Kevin Bille, general manager

a long time ago...

EDITORIAL Nic Stoltzfus, editorial manager + contributing writer

The Millers adopt the first of their four children with special needs.

Ferree Hardy, contributing writer - The Widow's Path Joel Salatin, contributing writer - Confessions of a Steward Merissa A. Alink, contributing writer - Homestead + Roots

then...

Elam Stoltzfus, contributing writer - Our Heritage Jim Zumbo, contributing writer - All Things Outdoors

They start a magazine to highlight the beauty of adoption and the dignity of children with special needs.

ADVERTISING Matt Yoder, Ohio sales advisor Aaron Stutzman, Indiana + Michigan sales advisor Joshua Saufley, Pennsylvania sales advisor

now...

OFFICE + PRODUCTION Bethany Troyer, bookkeeping

The magazine grows and grows.

Jan Schlabach, customer service Isaac Hershberger, production manager

They start a nonprofit.

Seth Yoder, graphic artist Landon Troyer, photographer

And give the magazine to the nonprofit.

a: PO Box 201/2106 Main Street, Winesburg, Ohio 44690 p: (330) 601 - 6109

The nonprofit raises money for children all over the world through the magazine.

//

f: (330) 601 - 4099

w: www.plainvalues.com

OCTOBER AD CLOSE

Room to Bloom (the nonprofit) is able to support multiple families adopting children with Down syndrome with financial grants making it easier to bring these special ones home!

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e: reachout@plainvalues.com

September 7, 2021

Plain Values is published under licensed authority of Room to Bloom, a non profit, tax exempt Section 501(c)(3) organization. Room to Bloom controls the editorial content of Plain Values and authorizes Plain Target Marketing LLC to publish and circulate Plain Values. Plain Target Marketing LLC pays Room to Bloom a royalty in exchange that is applied to Room to Bloom’s mission of advocating for children with special needs, orphan care and adoption.

The magazine and nonprofit continue to grow and grow.

THE FORMALITIES This publication and its contents are published under licensed authority of Room to Bloom. Individual copyrighted items, trademarks, etc. contained within are the property of their respective copyright holders. No part of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed by any means without authorization from the publisher. Publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ offers, products, or services, and publication neither expresses or implies an endorsement.

Join us – by subscribing you help fund the work of the nonprofit and bring awareness to children with special needs.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

contents

Issue 99 // September 2021

feature 11 NEW HOPE

Finding Healing After the Nickel Mines Tragedy words by: Nic Stoltzfus

"Fifteen years have passed since the Nickel Mines tragedy. Those affected by what happened on October 2nd, 2006, understand that healing is a long and challenging road. Even today, a decade and a half later, many struggle with forgiving the gunman for what he did. Every morning one makes the choice between the path of hostility and bitterness or the path of forgiveness and grace."

simple living 27

HOMESTEAD + ROOTS

column by: Merissa A. Alink

DIY Chicken Feeder

“Since we’ve decided to invest in our chickens with quality feed, we aren't willing to let any go to waste."

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CONFESSIONS OF A STEWARD column by: Joel Salatin

Beginnings

“Does God care how I farm? That question defines my life's work and vision because it moves the visceral, practical decisions I make in my farming vocation to a place of sacredness and godly living."

PLAIN VALUES

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ONE MINUTE WITH MARLIN

ON THE COVER

FUNDS AND BENEFITS

Thoughts and ramblings from Marlin Miller, publisher of Plain Values.

A painting by Elsie Beiler, titled "Friends Forever," inspired by the events of Nickel Mines.

Every month we provide a listing of opportunities to help out those in need.

painting "A New Day" © Elsie Beiler

service 23

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

University Hospitals

“If recognized in time, heart attack warning signs can be treated before the heart is damaged."

support 34

THE WIDOW'S PATH

column by: Ferree Hardy

Grief Work

“There are many ways to express oneself, but let’s not overlook the basics: talking, crying, and creativity."

history 39

OUR HERITAGE

guest columnist: Elam Stoltzfus

History of the Amish Parochial Schools in Pennsylvania "...the group of Amish fathers gathered in a semicircle, huddled together quietly and prayed."

nature 45

ALL THINGS OUTDOORS column by: Jim Zumbo

Largemouth Bass

"When I was a youngster, I had a serious goal. I wanted to catch a fivepound largemouth bass."

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one minute with Marlin

I HAVE NOT FOUND a more perfect physical expression of the spiritual reality of what the Lord offers us through the cross than adoption. As beautiful as it is, adoption is also hard. Separation brings trauma, and trauma messes with our brains… literally. If you or someone you know is in the middle of caring for family members who have experienced traumatic things in life, good training is essential to a higher level of understanding. Darren and Stacey Gagnon have adopted 5 children, most from hard places, and they teach out of experience. I cannot recommend them highly enough. The tools my wife and I have learned from the Gagnons have made big differences in our family. You can learn more about their upcoming conference on page 2.

I have the distinct honor to welcome Joel Salatin to the Plain Values editorial team. Joel and his family own and operate Polyface Farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The farm produces pastured beef, pork, chicken, eggs, turkeys, rabbits, lamb, and ducks, servicing roughly 6,000 families and 30 restaurants in the region. He is the editor of The Stockman Grass Farmer, has written many books, and speaks extensively on land healing and local food systems. I'm sure you will enjoy his work!

Currently, I am working with our team to develop additional guard rails for selecting the people and organizations that we feature in the pages of Plain Values. I welcome your comments and suggestions on how we can do better.

I would like to extend a sincere apology to our readers who have been calling our office and perhaps getting frustrated that our phone lines were down. Unfortunately, something went haywire, and we shifted to a new number. Please call 330-601-6106, and Jan will be happy to help you. Again I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

MARLIN MILLER publisher

Lastly, a massive Happy Birthday to our friends from Charm, Ohio: Micah Troyer’s 17th birthday is August 29th, and his sister Kayla will be 9 on the exact same day!

As always, may you find joy in the simple things. //

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feature NEW HOPE: NICKEL MINES

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New Hope Finding Healing After the Nickel Mines Tragedy

words by: NIC STOLTZFUS

TWO GIRLS WALK DOWN White Oak Road, pass by the school’s white board fence, and walk up the gravel drive towards the yellow one-room schoolhouse. They are laughing, swapping stories about their weekend’s haps and mishaps. The fields surrounding the tree-shaded schoolhouse are bare, and the Amish farmers have already harvested their corn for the fall. It is a beautiful October morning — the sun overhead shines bright in the clear blue sky. The iron bell swings back and forth in the open belltower; its peals ring out, calling the children to class. School begins with a Bible reading from Acts 4. After, the children stand and recite the Lord’s Prayer in Pennsylvania Dutch. painting "Happier Days" © Elsie Beiler

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"Although overcome with grief at the loss of his granddaughter, he knew that the man who took her life had deep troubles in his heart. He said to the boys, 'We must not think evil of this man.'"

Following the morning schoolwork, the students leave the schoolhouse for recess. The morning has started to warm up — perfect for a softball match. Their teacher, 20-year-old Emma Mae Zook, spends the break chatting with her mom, sister, and two sisters-in-law who are visiting for the day. Emma Mae is excited because her students will be singing for the visitors after recess. As she chats with her family, Emma keeps an eye on her students as they play. From the porch, Emma calls the students back to class.

It was another ordinary Monday morning for the students of West Nickel Mines, until a gunman entered the schoolhouse, shot ten girls, then killed himself. Five of the girls died: Naomi Rose Ebersol, Marian Stoltzfus Fisher, Lena Zook Miller, Mary Liz Miller, and Anna Mae Stoltzfus. Five of the girls survived: Barbara Fisher, Esther King, Rosanna King, Rachel Stoltzfus, and Sara Ann Stoltzfus. It was a shocking event for the Plain community, and one Amish man called it “Our 9/11.”

Immediately following the tragedy, those left behind tried to pick up pieces of their now fractured lives. One Amish grandfather who had lost his granddaughter that day consoled a group of shaken schoolboys standing outside the schoolhouse. Although overcome with grief at the loss of his granddaughter, he knew that the man who took her life had deep troubles in his heart. He said to the boys, “We must not think evil of this man.”

The gunman, a 32-year-old local man, left behind a wife and three young children. His wife, Marie, was heartbroken by what her husband did. In an open letter digital watercolor © Elam Stoltzfus

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following the tragedy, she wrote, “Please know that our

for it? If there’s anything that you can use from this,

hearts have been broken by all that has happened. We

you use it Lord, because I can’t imagine anything good

are filled with sorrow for all of our Amish neighbors

coming from anything that happened on this day.”

whom we have loved and continue to love…We know

At the burials following the shooting, the girls were

there are many hard days ahead for all the families who

peacefully laid to rest at a nearby Amish cemetery,

lost loved ones, and so we will continue to put our hope

buried in simple pine boxes. Marie attended one of the

and trust in the God of all comfort, as we all seek to

funerals. Marie’s husband was buried at the Georgetown

rebuild our lives."

Methodist Church cemetery, located only a few miles

Likewise, Chuck and Terri Roberts were shocked by

from the school. At 28 years old, she was a widow left

their son’s violent actions. The afternoon of the shooting,

to care for her three children, all younger than seven

Henry, one of their Amish neighbors, came to their

years old. At the funeral, over half of the 75 people

house. Chuck came out to the porch to talk to Henry. His

in attendance were Amish; many of them were family

face was rubbed raw from wiping away the tears that

members of the girls who were shot the week before.

had been streaming down his face all morning. Henry

The outpouring of support for the little community

placed his hand on Chuck’s shoulder and shared with

was enormous. Thousands of letters from all over the

him words of forgiveness. Henry’s gentle words and

world poured into the local Bart Post Office, many

actions brought comfort to the mourning father.

of them containing donations or gifts. Some of the

Terri Roberts, like her husband, was also overcome

gifts were from people who had survived other tragic

with grief and pain. That night as she laid in bed, Terri

events. One such gift was the “Comfort Quilt,” originally

prayed to God and said, “God, this is the worst thing that

stitched by schoolchildren after 9/11, that had traveled

I’ve ever heard of in my life. And my son is responsible

the country after various tragedies. The quilt was sent

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The Comfort Quilt's Journey For nearly two decades, the Comfort Quilt has traveled across the United States, providing comfort to communities that have experienced traumatic events. The Comfort Quilt was created in 2001 by students from St. Hilary Catholic School in Fairlawn, Ohio, to give to students at St. James Catholic Grammar School in Red Bank, New Jersey, who had lost parents and loved ones after the 9/11 tragedy. The quilt has 35 blocks, and many of the blocks contain colorful drawings of hope and inspiration. At the top of the quilt are two hearts with the message “We Are Blessed”, and at the bottom of the quilt between two church buildings is the message “We Are Thankful.”

In a video made by the City of Las Vegas, after they decided to send the quilt on to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School after a 2018 school shooting, they wrote, “We are sending it to Parkland, Florida so they know they are not alone. Healing yourself is connected with healing others.”

up to Nickel Mines from schoolchildren from Madison,

16th, 2007 — A little over 6 months after the Nickel Mines

Mississippi, who had survived Hurricane Katrina the

shooting — the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history

year before. One particularly poignant donation was

took place at Virginia Tech. A 23-year-old gunman killed

an $11,000 check from the community of Picayune,

32 people and injured 29. Following the shooting, nearly

Mississippi, that had also been devastated by Katrina.

thirty Amish from Nickel Mines took a bus down to the

The community sent the donation because they felt a

college to attend a Sunday memorial service. Along

special connection to the Amish in Lancaster: after the

with them, in a plain wooden box, they brought a gift:

storm, dozens of Amish carpenters had traveled south

the Comfort Quilt. At the service, the student body

to repair roofs in the town of Picayune. This was their

president thanked the Amish, saying, “The quilt is a

way to give back.

sign, letting our students know that there are children

All told, over $4 million worth of donations came in.

around the world praying for us and for our friends that

The Nickel Mines Accountability Committee was formed

we have lost. Thank you for this very meaningful gift.”

to manage the funds. The group, made up of seven Amish

In reflecting about the event, one Amish grandfather

and two non-Amish members, allocated funds for the

whose granddaughter was killed during the shooting

Amish families affected by the shooting. The shooter had

said, “It just felt good to talk to them. It’s amazing how

left behind a widow with no source of income and three

God’s ways can help you heal.”

children who were now fatherless. Recognizing that the

The Long Road to Healing

shooter’s family were also victims of the tragedy, the

Fifteen years have passed since the Nickel Mines

committee shared funds with Marie and her children.

The Amish of Nickel Mines found ways to reach out

tragedy. Those affected by what happened on October

to others who had experienced loss, as well. On April

2nd, 2006, understand that healing is a long and

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challenging road. Even today, a decade and a half later,

the past fifteen years, he said, “I learned more about

many struggle with forgiving the gunman for what

the grace of God than I can put into words. Our God

he did. Every morning one makes the choice between

is so great and big, we can’t wrap our minds around

the path of hostility and bitterness or the path of

how great God is. We have no power to forgive; it’s all

forgiveness and grace.

through the grace of God.”

During a conversation with one of the parents

The

Nickel

Mines

Accountability

Committee

who had children at the school, he talked about what

— comprised mostly of Amish members — understood

forgiveness really is. He said that a strong foundation for

how forgiveness takes time, but it is possible through

children learning forgiveness is growing up in a home

surrender to God. “The forgiveness extended by the Amish

with two loving parents. Even if children have such a

community to the Roberts family was noted around the

good start, they will not fully learn forgiveness in a year,

world. The Amish did not wish such publicity for doing

two years, or even fifty years. Forgiveness is learning

what Jesus taught and want to make sure that glory is

to accept whatever God puts in our hands, and this is a

given to God for that witness. Many from Nickel Mines

spiritual practice that takes a lifetime. The father shared

have pointed out that forgiveness is a journey, that you

a story that illustrated his point. “I was at a baptism

need help from your community of faith and from God,

service for some of our youth. The bishop told the youth

and sometimes even from counselors, to make and hold

that learning spiritual practices (like forgiveness) is like

on to a decision to not become a hostage to hostility. It is

going to school. In 1st grade you only know a little. By

understood that hostility destroys community.”

8th grade, you know more. You will always continue to

Marie found healing by reaching out to God and

learn and keep growing in spiritual practices.”

her faith community. As a result, she was able to find

In reflecting back on what he has learned over

freedom from the weight of her husband’s choices and the 15

SEPTEMBER 2021

" The Nickel Mines Series" artist: ELSIE BEILER

The morning of October 2nd, Elsie Beiler heard the sirens and the helicopters from her home in Bart, less than two miles away from the West Nickel Mines school. Elsie turned on the television to the news, and she realized what had happened. She got in her car and drove over to her Amish neighbors, offering to take them down to the school. Many of Elsie’s neighbors were Amish, including Emma Mae Zook, the schoolteacher. Like many in the local community, Elsie was overcome with sadness about what happened. She thought back to those happier days when she drove past the school, and the children were out in the yard laughing and playing during recess. As a local artist who had recently picked back up painting in her late 50s, Elsie’s way of dealing with her grief was through her art. As she painted, “prayers and tears mixed with my paints as I worked with pencil and brush in hand. On my heart were the parents and families of these dear children, along with all the courageous people who responded in so many ways to their emergency.”

When she was finished, she decided to give a print of the painting to her neighbor, Emma Mae Zook. Later, at a meeting with the girls’ parents, Emma Mae shared the painting with them. The Ebersol family — who lost their daughter Naomi Rose in the tragedy — and Emma Mae decided that they wanted to give a print of the painting to the local Pennsylvania state police. This gift was presented to the police expressing their gratitude for all they did for the community following the tragedy. Today, Elsie Beiler’s painting “Happier Days” is displayed at the Troop J state police barracks in Lancaster County.

Over the next few years, Elsie did a series of five paintings in “The Nickel Mines Series.” In each painting, there are five birds in the sky, symbolizing the five girls who passed away. Along with the paintings, Elsie wrote some lines of comfort inspired by her pieces. She wrote the following words to go along “A New Day”, the third painting in the series: Each day is new as the children gather at New Hope School in Nickel Mines.

They are healing now. Life must go on. There are songs to sing, and prayers to pray. There are lessons to learn, new games to play. I pray that each of us, along with the teacher and these precious children, will grow in COURAGE & FORGIVENESS, FRIENDSHIP & TRUST. May we find HOPE in GOD for each NEW DAY! If you are interested in more artwork by Elsie Beiler, check out her Facebook page “Meadow Lane Designs” or contact her in these ways: Meadow Lane Designs 142 Country View Drive Ephrata, PA 17522 717-471-5594 ep.beiler@gmail.com PLAIN VALUES

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"It doesn’t matter what you might have done or what might have been done to you, that’s not the end of the story." oppression of being labeled the “the shooter’s wife.” The

might have done or what might have been done to you,

year following her husband’s death, Marie remarried. In

that’s not the end of the story.”

2015, she and her husband Dan Monville adopted a child

The Christmas following the tragedy—and for many

with special needs from South Africa. In a video telling

years following— a bus of Amish carolers showed up in a

their adoption story, Marie explains that the adoption

yellow school bus to sing for Chuck and Terri Roberts. As

has been a healing experience for the family, particularly

the Amish reached out to the Roberts family, Chuck and

her children. Marie said that “because of my kids’ loss of

Terri embraced the Amish in Nickel Mines, as well. They

a father,” her children were able to have compassion for

visited every family who lost a girl in the tragedy, and

a child who has lost their parents. In an interview with

Terri had tea parties with the girls from the school and

Lancasteronline ten years following the tragedy, Marie

mothers and grandmothers from the area. In particular,

said, “We all know pain and brokenness and loss. And if

Terri developed a special bond with Rosanna King, the

I hadn’t have gone through this, I wouldn’t have known

youngest victim of the tragedy, who was most severely

that God truly can bring redemption and restoration

affected by what happened. Rosanna was unable to walk

over the worst circumstances. It doesn’t matter what you

or talk, and she is afflicted with severe seizures. For many years following the shooting, Terri drove to the King’s house every Thursday to spend the day with Rosanna.

When Rosanna was younger, Terri rocked her in her arms and sang to her; she read to her from the Bible and from Anne of Green Gables; and she helped bathe her.

Reflecting on the Amish response to her son’s actions, Terri said, “They were willing to forgive, even on the first day. If they could forgive my son, how could I not forgive him? The Lord’s Prayer calls us to forgive, so I must forgive.” In another interview, also with Lancasteronline, ten years after the tragedy, she said, “I was so angry at what he had done. And yet, the realization that if I chose not to forgive him, I would have the same hole in my heart that he had… It is not automatic or without pain when we forgive. Forgiveness frees us to move forward, but it doesn’t take away all of the pain. It just helps us to know how to navigate the next step. And I think that’s what God has given me, has given the Amish community: the ability to take next steps in moving forward in order so that we can meet life and live life.”

Building New Hope The week following the shooting, the boys rang the bell at the West Nickel Mines schoolhouse for the last

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time. Three days later, in the quiet before sunrise, a backhoe came in to dismantle the school. Dump trucks were loaded up with the disassembled building, carrying it away to a landfill. That morning a local Mennonite minister planted clover and grass seed over the barren ground, returning it to pasture. Later, five trees were planted in remembrance of the five girls.

Over the next few months, the community worked on completing a new school for the children. Local businesses donated material and labor, and one of the parents provided the land. The Nickel Mines school district overwhelmingly voted to name the school “New Hope.” According to one of the parents, the name represents “the hope that God is there and protecting us.” The first day of classes at New Hope school was on April 2nd, 2007, exactly six months after the tragedy.

On a cool Monday morning in early April, the New Hope school bell rings out, calling students to class for the first time. In groups of two or three, the children walk down the lane, past the newly planted maple trees, towards the red brick schoolhouse. Inside, Emma Mae Zook watches her students as they walk through the front door and take their seats. She leads the group in a Bible reading. Then, all the students stand and say in unison: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. //

Get Involved Many of the children and families still suffer from the tragedy at the West Nickel Mines school.

Nickel Mines Accountability Committee (NMAC) still helps to pay for continued medical bills, doctor visits, and more. If you are interested in helping to support, please send your donations to NMAC, c/o Mark Beiler, 242 Country Lane, Christiana, PA 17509. Thank you and God bless.

Nic Stoltzfus is the Editorial Director of Plain Values magazine. From 2018 to 2020, he served as the caretaker of the Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead in Reading, Pennsylvania. During this time, he wrote the book “In the Footsteps of My Stoltzfus Family: A Genealogy Memoir” (Masthof Press).

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painting "Happier Days" © Elsie Beiler

digital watercolor © Elam Stoltzfus

painting "Grace & Forgiveness" © Elsie Beiler

painting "A New Day" © Elsie Beiler

digital watercolor © Elam Stoltzfus

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service BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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Recognizing the Signs of a Heart Attack can Save a Life HEART DISEASE is a leading cause of death in the United States for men and women. Each year, more than a million Americans suffer a heart attack, and many die before they reach a hospital.

The heart specialists at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute located at UH Geauga Medical Center provide lifesaving heart attack treatment. We use advanced techniques to relieve pain, preserve the function of the heart muscle and prevent death.

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when one or more regions of the heart muscle face a severe or prolonged lack of oxygen. Blocked blood flow to the heart muscle is the cause of this oxygen deprivation. Without oxygen, the cells of the heart experience serious damage and begin to die.

Learn Early Heart Attack Signs and Symptoms Like other diseases, heart attacks often have early signs and symptoms. If recognized in time, these warning signs can be treated before the heart is damaged. Learning the heart attack signs and symptoms can help you save a life – even your own.

Over 800,000 people die in the U.S. every year from a heart attack. On average, 50 percent of these patients displayed but

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SEPTEMBER 2021

ignored the warning signs. A person may experience

What Are Heart Attack Risk Factors?

some or all of these symptoms. When symptoms start,

Some heart attack risk factors are hereditary. These

they can be mild or come and go. Over time, the

risk factors include a family history of diabetes, a family

symptoms and pain increase until the victim collapses.

history of heart disease and inherited hypertension,

These symptoms include: •

Chest pressure, squeezing, aching or burning

•

Feeling of fullness

•

Pain that travels down one or both arms

•

Jaw pain

•

Excessive fatigue

•

Anxiety

•

Nausea

•

Back pain

•

Shortness of breath

•

Indigestion

•

Rapid or irregular pulse

•

Unusual fatigue and/or light-headedness

among others.

Most risk factors though are acquired and can be controlled through lifestyle changes, including: •

that may come and go •

High blood pressure

•

High cholesterol

•

Overweight or obese

•

Sedentary lifestyle

•

Smoking and using tobacco products

•

Metabolic disease, diabetes or other illnesses

•

Stress

•

For women, risks can also include birth control pills, a history of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or

Different Heart Attack Signs in Men and Women

having a low birth weight baby

Women often experience signs and symptoms of heart disease that are different from men. This is because

How Can You Prevent a Heart Attack?

smaller arteries may be blocked in women, whereas men

To help prevent a heart attack, it is important to:

often have blockages in the main arteries. Women are

•

less likely to seek immediate medical care and are more

•

Men normally feel pain and numbness in the left arm

•

may appear on the right side

save a life •

Women may feel upper back pain that travels up into Women may think their stomach pain is the flu, heartburn or an ulcer Don’t delay. If you experience any heart attack

symptoms, call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of a positive outcome.

What Are Atypical Warning Signs?

In an atypical presentation, the signs and symptoms are different. The patient may not complain about pain or pressure in the chest. Be alert for the following: •

A sharp or “knife-like” pain that occurs with coughing or breathing

•

Pain that spreads above the jawbone or into the lower body

• PLAIN VALUES

When in doubt, call 9-1-1, first responders have the medical technology to quickly save a life

the jaw •

Be alert for a heart attack in yourself or someone in your vicinity, becoming an active bystander could

Women may feel completely exhausted, drained, dizzy or nauseous

•

Learn the signs and symptoms, including differences in the way heart attacks occur in men and women

or side of the chest, but in women, these symptoms •

Understand your risk and see a doctor for early diagnosis

likely to die. Differences include: •

Chest pain, pressure, burning, aching or tightness

Difficult or labored breathing 24

After a heart attack is confirmed and you are

Save a Life with Hands-Only CPR

effectively stabilized, a minimally invasive procedure

Eighty-five percent of heart damage occurs within the

known as angioplasty may be necessary to open

first two hours of a heart attack. The use of hands-

blocked arteries.

only CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can be

In the event surgery is needed, coronary artery

instrumental in saving the life of someone having a heart

bypass surgery may be performed to open arteries and

attack. If you believe someone is having a heart attack:

restore blood supply to your heart.

1. Call 9-1-1 2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest

Cardiac Rehabilitation & Heart Attack Prevention To help you recover from a heart attack and prevent

Renowned Heart Attack Treatment Through University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute

another one, UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute recommends

and

offers

comprehensive

cardiac

Our highly experienced team is known for fast heart

rehabilitation. Our nationally accredited program uses

attack care with some of the best quality outcomes.

a three-phase approach that can help you improve your

During a heart attack, one of the following heart attack

health and overall well-being.

Through personalized education, counseling and

treatments may be performed: • •

Antiplatelet therapy to prevent further blood

exercise training, you can gain a thorough understanding

clots

of your heart condition, reduce your risk for future

Cardiac medications to prevent abnormal

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blood clotting and reduce heart rate and blood

For More Information About Heart Disease

pressure •

If you are experiencing any heart attack symptoms,

Fibrinolytic therapy to help dissolve the

call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately.

blockage and restore blood flow to your heart •

If you have a history of heart disease and would

Oxygen therapy to improve oxygen flow to

like an evaluation by heart specialists at UH Harrington

your heart •

Heart & Vascular Institute, please call UH Geauga Medical

Pain medication to reduce your pain, decrease

Center’s Amish Nurse Navigator at 440-901-1040. Our

how hard your heart has to work and how

navigator can help you find the best specialist for your

much oxygen it needs

needs and answer any questions. //

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simple living HOMESTEAD + ROOTS

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homestead

+

roots

column by: MERISSA A. ALINK

WE’VE HAD OUR CHICKENS in various coops over the years as we’ve moved, and we’ve always seemed to come up with creative ways to make each one work. Old coops, a big barn, and even an old building that we insulated with chicken feed bags–each one was unique, and each one worked for the purpose that we needed it for… a home for our feathery ladies.

In our current situation (big barn), we’ve struggled with finding a great feeding solution for our girls. Chickens aren’t exactly clean eaters, they love making a big mess with their food! Since we’ve decided to invest in our chickens by feeding them a quality feed, we are not willing to let any go to waste.

My husband is so crafty with using things that we already have and repurposing them into things that we need, so he commissioned himself with the task of creating a functional chicken feeder. Here’s how he put it together!

DIY Chicken Feeder Supply List one 4" PVC end-cap one 4" PVC 45˚ "Y" piece 4" PVC pipe length dependent on where you put it in your coop

two 4" 45˚ angle pieces PVC glue Straps to hold it to the wall

Our model is based on a version that goes through the wall since our chicken feed is on the other wide of this wall. If you just want to do a straight feeder you can skip the angled pieces on the top and just put a cap on the top that you can remove to pour the feed into.

Starting from the bottom up, glue the cap onto the bottom of the Y piece, then glue the Y piece onto your 4 inch piece of PVC. The straight piece can be cut to any length. If you don’t need it to go through the wall, you can then place another cap on top and use the straps to hook it onto your coop wall.

If you want it to go through the wall, you will glue two 45 degree angle pieces onto the top of the feeder and place them through a hole in the wall. Use another piece of the 4 inch PVC pipe to create a longer tube and stick it up along the wall, making it easier to pour the feed into. Use another strap to keep it secure against the wall.

Now all you will need to do to feed the chickens is to pour feed into the pipe, and you are good to go! The chickens will have plenty of feed as it will come down into the tube, and it will be harder for them to make a mess of their feed. //

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SEPTEMBER 2021

simple living CONFESSIONS OF A STEWARD

PLAIN VALUES

28

Confessions of a Steward column by: JOEL SALATIN

Joel Salatin is our newest columnist for Plain Values. Joel co-owns, with his family, Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia. Four generations of his family currently live and work on the farm, and his farm services more than 5,000 families, 50 restaurants, 10 retail outlets, and a farmers’ market with salad bar beef, pigaerator pork, pastured poultry, and forestry products. When he’s not on the road speaking, he’s at home on the farm, keeping the callouses on his hands and dirt under his fingernails, mentoring young people, inspiring visitors, and promoting local, regenerative food and farming systems. Salatin has published 15 books, and he is the editor of The Stockman Grass Farmer, granddaddy catalyst for the grass farming movement. He passionately defends small farms, local food systems, and the right to opt out of the conventional food paradigm.

Beginnings DOES GOD CARE HOW I FARM? That question defines my life's work and vision because it moves the visceral, practical decisions I make in my farming vocation to a place of sacredness and godly living. If God cares about physical and practical things in my life, then my theology and belief structure are more than academic pursuits.

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Joel and his parents during the early days of Polyface Farms.

They are not just discussion groups and conversations. If God cares how I farm, then I should enthusiastically embrace searching for techniques and protocols that please Him. After all, it's all His stuff. The courthouse may say I own this land, but ultimately I don't. Legally and culturally I may advocate for property rights, but really it's all God's property. Does He care how it's handled? Does He care how I leave it? Does He care what I do with it?

By extension, does God care what my farm looks like on someone's plate? Does He care if my corn goes into factory farmed chickens, high fructose corn syrup, or pastured pigs? Indeed, does what I believe in the pew show up on my menu? Does stinking up the neighborhood or polluting the water with lagoon run-off and chemical fertilizer adhere to the Golden Rule? If I owned North America, would I be pleased with a dead zone the size of Rhode Island in the Gulf of Mexico?

My dad's father wanted to be a farmer, but during the Depression he could not get a toehold. So he spent his life growing a massive garden and tinkering in his Indiana basement workshop. Post World War II, he became a charter subscriber to J.I. Rodale's Organic Gardening and Farming Magazine. That magazine launched the Rodale publishing house and extolled a biological approach to food production at a time when the chemical approach was not yet firmly embedded in our nation's psyche.

My dad wanted to farm but needed a nest egg. Already seeing the socialistic tendencies in the U.S. following World War II, where he flew in the Navy, he received a business degree on the GI bill, spent a year learning Spanish, then was hired on as a bilingual accountant for Texas Oil Company (later Texaco) serving the early oil development off of the coast of Venezuela. He saw South America as a new frontier, with plentiful cheap land and open markets. What better place to farm?

He married Mom (an Ohioan) and in just seven years saved enough to purchase a 1,000-acre highland Venezuela farm. Our family, which by 1957 included my older brother and me, moved to the farm and began raising chickens. But alas, by 1959 political unrest enveloped the country, and our family became targets for the revolution that eventually unseated Peres Jimenez from power. Unable to procure protection, we

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"...we found a cheap place in Swoope, Virginia: a

fled and eventually returned to the U.S. on Easter Sunday 1961.

Dad left his heart and soul in Venezuela; he

gullied rockpile that

loved the culture, the people, the climate. Who

looked like the badlands

wouldn't like a place where bananas, pineapples,

rather than good land.

and papayas grow wild? He hoped that once things

Did I say it was cheap?

settled down, we'd be able to go back; so rather than return to his midwestern roots, he looked at places

We moved in during July

within a day's drive of Washington D.C. in case the

1961, and Dad immediately

Venezuelan embassy called. Our family looked at

asked both public and private agricultural experts how to make a living on this 550-acre farm."

properties from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, down through the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, and as far south as Raleigh, North Carolina.

The embassy did not call. But we found a cheap place in Swoope, Virginia: a gullied rockpile that looked like the badlands rather than good land. Did I say it was cheap? We moved in during July 1961, and Dad immediately asked both public and private agricultural experts how to make a living on this 550-acre farm. All advisors agreed that we should graze the forest, plant corn, borrow more money, build silos, and buy chemical fertilizers.

My dad saw all this as a trap, a rat race, a chemical addiction. His dad (my grandfather) avidly promoted compost rather than chemicals. With three children to support (my sister was born late in 1961) and a mortgage to pay, he and Mom decided they couldn't make it without outside income. Mom taught high school health and physical education, and Dad was hired on as an accountant with a local firm.

On the side, he began experimenting on the farm, which was where his heart was. I'm now at the age where the older I get, the more I realize how smart and forward-thinking Dad really was.

One of my most poignant childhood memories was a Sunday afternoon drive to visit a farmer who built mobile shelters. I can’t remember what animal that farmer raised, but what I do remember is Dad's enthusiasm at the notion of mobile shelters.

Meanwhile, he began reading about rotational grazing. The terms mob grazing, high density grazing, or management intensive grazing had not yet been invented. Andre Voisin, author of Grass Productivity (still the iconic textbook in the grass

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SEPTEMBER 2021

pull those old rabbit runs down out of the rafters and put my chickens in them.

With a bit of retrofitting, that worked superbly and birthed pastured poultry on our farm. With both Dad and Mom working full time town jobs, our farm was an oversized homestead. We could only keep about 15 cows due to low fertility. When I began raking hay at about 13 years old, I would put 16 swaths together to make one anemic windrow. I could walk the whole farm and never set foot on a piece of vegetation; that's how much bare ground existed. Visitors would have thought we were raising thistles as a crop.

We always milked a couple of cows by hand, churned our own butter, made our own yoghurt and cottage cheese and when I was about 13, began selling at the local curb market. It was a Depression-era farmers' market that enjoyed food safety exemptions if vendors were members of agricultural extension service programs. I joined 4-H to qualify, which enabled us to sell uninspected meat, milk products, cooked chicken, field-slaughtered and home-processed beef and pork.

Every Saturday of the year from the time I was about 14 until I finished high school at 18, I got up at 4 a.m. to be down at the market at 6 a.m. farming movement), called it rational grazing (like

This period of time spanned 1970-1975; Vietnam;

rationing out the forage). In any case, Dad found this

Woodstock; hippies. Looking back, I realize we were

material early on and immediately began designing

about a decade or maybe two ahead of our time. But

mobile electric fencing. Energizers were extremely

we had loyal customers, gained invaluable marketing

primitive in those days.

experience, and most of all realized the advantages

By the mid-1960s, he had a functional system, and

of selling directly to retail customers. Wearing the

we began moving the cows every couple of weeks. We

processing, marketing, and distribution "middle-man"

planted about 60 acres of gullied steep hillsides in pine

hats in addition to the production hat enabled even an

trees to stop the erosion and get some ground cover. That

extremely small farm to make a living.

reduced the open land from 160 acres down to about 90

The conversation that set the stage for the rest of

acres, with the balance in Appalachian hardwoods with

my life occurred one morning with Dad out on the farm

no access. My older brother wanted to raise rabbits, and

lane beyond the barn. One of his accounting clients

we built a mobile rabbit hutch with outlying runs like

was a realtor and, always on the quest for another

wings on an airplane.

property to list, queried Dad about selling. "You could

After trying numerous ideas to keep the rabbits from

sell this place for $500,000 and buy triple the acreage in

digging out and escaping, we abandoned the pastured

Arkansas or Missouri," he said.

rabbit idea. Not wanting to discard something that could

Dad, always the innovator and ready for the next

prove useful in a future iteration, we pulled those rabbit

big thing, did not dismiss the idea, and I got wind that

runs up in the rafters of the barn for safekeeping. A

he was pondering over it. I approached him on that

couple of years later, my fledgling laying hen enterprise

farm lane one morning to confirm if I'd heard correctly.

(I got my first ones when I was 10) outgrew our little

He asked me if I truly wanted the farm for my life's

chicken coop behind the yard, and Dad suggested we

vocation (neither my sister nor brother were interested

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"Does God care? Yes. And when we embrace His techniques, He fills our barns a hundredfold."

in farming), and I said I did. He promised to

Within a couple of years, we'd saved enough to

never consider selling again, and he never did.

live on for a year.

From that moment on, my mind was

I resigned from the newspaper job and

consumed with how to make a living on this

came home, assuming our little nest egg

little farm. With only 90 acres of pasture and no

would run out in a year. But it never did. It

access to the rest of it, how could I make a living?

was like the widow's cruse of oil; things were

This was during the Nixon administration and

tight but we survived, direct marketing to

the Watergate debacle. A junior in high school at

local customers, starting back into broiler

the time, I worked Saturday nights at the local

chickens, selling firewood, and living frugally.

newspaper, writing police reports, obituaries,

Today that has morphed into a $4 million farm

and other spot news items. I loved writing.

business serving 6,000 families, 30 restaurants,

As early as 9 years old, I would write fiction

numerous institutions, 20 paychecks, and four

stories in spiral notebooks just for fun. We never

generations living on the farm.

had a TV (still don't), and this was part of my

The farm has responded to our care. Those

entertainment. I knew I had a flair for writing,

100-bale fields now yield 1,200. Those scant

speaking, and communication in general.

windrows are now too big to step over. Eroded

Why not become a journalist, write a

soils have built up a foot over bare rocks. To

bestseller, and then return to the farm with

watch God's abundance manifest itself in such a

royalties? That seemed like a good path, so I

profound way brings us to our knees in gratitude.

headed to college since that's what smart kids

Does God care? Yes. And when we embrace His

are supposed to do, got an English degree, and

techniques, He fills our barns a hundredfold.

returned to the newspaper, living at home and

As a result, the farm is now an object lesson of

working in town. Teresa and I married, fixed

divine mercy and grace. We love showing visitors

up the attic in the old farmhouse (we called it

what He has wrought through our hands, heads,

our penthouse), drove a $50 car, only ate what

and humility. It's all God's stuff. //

we grew in the garden, and saved every penny.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

support THE WIDOW'S PATH

Grief PLAIN VALUES

column by:

FERREE HARDY

34

Work

THERE’S A STORY TOLD about a man to whom God

his legs with a powerful burst. Then, after a quick lunch,

appeared one night, filling his small cabin in the

he’d return: thrusting sideways, then front, back, and

wilderness with glowing light. God gave him a task: he

from below. This went on day after day.

was to push with all his might on a large rock that stood

Do you have a heavy weight in your life that you

right outside his door.

must push against too? Yours might not be as visible

Every morning the man stepped outside to face

as a boulder in the front yard. Perhaps it’s a problem

the rock. For hours he’d push on it with every ounce

you’ve prayed about all year long that hasn’t gone away

of strength, first from one side, then another. When

yet, or a problem person who doesn’t seem to change.

his shoulders and upper body got tired, he’d turn and

Do you carry an invisible load of worry, or a heavy heart

flatten his back to it, bend at his knees, and then extend

of sorrow? All these things, and more, weigh us down.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

"There are many ways to express oneself, but let’s not overlook the basics: talking, crying, and creativity."

Like the man pushing against the rock, they are an ever

groups, or counseling sessions; consult with a financial

present challenge in our lives.

advisor through your bank or other organizations.

Sometimes it may seem like the Lord has given

Schedule a doctor’s visit even if you are in good health,

us more than we can bear. Sometimes we bend and

this way you’ll have a baseline to compare for the future.

begin to stagger. The story relates that the man also

Be aware of your sleeping patterns, and learn about

became discouraged. He’d fall into bed exhausted and

nutritious eating habits.

sore each evening only to wake up to more of the same

The Grief Work of Expressing Yourself

the next day. Eventually the old Devil himself came

There are many ways to express oneself, but let’s

along to taunt him. “How could anyone keep doing the

not overlook the basics: talking, crying, and creativity.

same thing day after day with absolutely no results?”

TALKING. This might sound unusual, but for married

The man began to wonder if it was time to give up. He

couples made up of a “talker” and a “listener,” often

started to feel like a failure.

living alone is a big adjustment for a quiet and more

The story about this man and the rock isn’t exactly

introverted, widow or widower. There was security in

about grief, but I’m sure that many people who have

letting their spouse do the talking; he or she was good

grieved can relate to a time when they felt exactly the

at it and enjoyed it. How we miss their enthusiasm! Now

way he did. You get drained. You can’t go on. You don’t

that they are gone, must the quieter one speak up to

see that anything will ever change. You’ve tried and

replace them? No—that would be impossible.

tried, and you just can’t do it anymore.

Now is time for the quieter spouse to begin to work

Even if you’re surrounded by people, it’s like a

on reaching out and opening up part of their personality.

wilderness. This is one of life’s loneliest times; your

Talk out loud. If you live alone, you have to get used to

heart is in one of life’s loneliest places.

hearing your voice. I’ll tell you my secret: I sometimes

Please let me encourage you that it won’t last

pray out loud, read out loud, talk to myself, and I also

forever. There are some exercises, some “grief works”

yell at squirrels!

you can do. Like the man pushing the rock, it’s not time

Start simply. Talk to other widows and widowers

to give up yet.

and share your story; this will encourage them to tell

The Grief Work of Learning

you their story, and then you can relax and use your wonderful, more natural gift of listening.

Learn about the emotional, physical, and financial effects of grief and loss. Whichever seems most

CRYING. Crying is important; it’s the body’s natural,

applicable to your situation would be the place to start.

healthy release of stress. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Borrow some library books; attend workshops, support

People who don’t cry at their loved one’s funeral aren’t

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36

necessarily strong. It’s more likely that they were able to

Lord in prayer and said something like this: “Lord, I’ve

cry beforehand, or that they are still cushioned by some

done what You’ve asked. I’ve given it my all. Yet, here I am,

shock and will cry later.

a failure. The rock hasn’t budged. Nothing has changed.”

Crying can come along unexpectedly, so expect

The Lord responded tenderly, "My child, your task

the unexpected. Memories of your loved one can catch

was to push against the rock with all your strength,

you off guard and cause you to break down, but this

which you have done. Never once did I mention to you

is perfectly normal. Roll with it and let the tears flow.

that I expected you to move it…And now you come to

They will probably last fifteen to twenty minutes; these

me, your strength spent, thinking that you have failed.

occurrences will become less frequent after several

But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are

months. Crying times are something to work through,

strong and muscled….your hands are calloused from

not hold in or avoid.

constant pressure, and your legs have become massive

CREATIVITY. Express yourself through hobbies and

and hard. Through opposition, you have grown much

crafts. For example, if your hobby is writing or poetry,

and your abilities now surpass that which you used

begin a daily or weekly journal to collect your thoughts,

to have…your calling was to be obedient and to push

prayers, or poems.

and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom.

Do you love quotes or Bible verses? A few years ago,

This you have done…” (italics added, https://bible.org/

I received a beautiful book put together by a widower.

illustration/unmoved-rock)

His wife had collected close to a thousand various quotes and Bible verses over her lifetime, so he had

Like the man, we push and push and push against all

them printed and bound in a book. He shares it now

the grief, challenges and problems in our lives. It’s hard!

with others, as God leads. It was a comfort to him to put

We don’t know if the rock will ever move, if our prayers

it together, and now it’s a help to people.

will ever be answered, or if we’ll ever be happy again.

If you never got to say goodbye to your loved

Will we be able to pay all the bills? Will our children be

one, an especially healing activity might be to write a

obedient? Will we see our marriage restored? Will our

goodbye letter. You could say how much you miss them,

lives be healed? Sometimes it seems like the answers to

what you’d like to do in the days ahead, and tell them

life’s difficult questions will never come...Yet, if we don’t

goodbye until you meet again in heaven. Put this letter

quit, if we can just push through one day at a time, God

in an envelope with his or her name on it and keep it in

will see that our efforts are never wasted.

a special place.

If we do the grief work, the grief will be worked out,

There are many more creative things to work on,

and a strong, muscular faith that accomplishes exactly

like sewing shirt fabrics into quilts, quilting throws,

what God has asked of us, will be worked in.

crocheting teddy bears, or making other creative gifts.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our

But what sets each of these acts apart as a “grief work”

outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being

is that there is intent behind it. It’s personal. It’s not

renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but

something to do just for pleasure—it’s more like medicine.

for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding

You might want to shrug it off, but deep down you sense

and eternal weight of glory…” 2 Corinthians 4:16,17

it has significance, no matter the visible result...just

(NKJV). //

like the man pushing on the rock every day. Whatever happened to him anyway?

Let's keep pushing on,

The story goes on to tell that after days of almost

ferree l

giving up, he finally took his troubling thoughts to the

To learn more about widowhood, order a copy of Postcards from the Widows’ Path – Gleaning Hope and Purpose from the Book of Ruth. It’s a gentle, biblical guide for widows that has many saying, “This is the best I’ve ever read!” Contact your local Christian bookstore or mail a check for $14.99/copy (paperback, 248 pgs.), along with your address to: Ferree Hardy, 244 Sweetwater Landing, Dr., North Augusta, SC 29860. Allow 2 – 3 weeks for delivery. Free shipping for all Plain Values readers! www.WidowsChristianPlace.com 37

SEPTEMBER 2021

history OUR HERITAGE

PLAIN VALUES

38

PA RT ON E

History of the Amish Parochial Schools in Pennsylvania column by: ELAM STOLTZFUS

“CITY LAWYER POPS UP AT HEARING, Offers Amish Surprise Legal Crutch - “13 Fathers Charged With School Law Violations NOT GUILTY PLEA IS ENTERED”.

This was the headline news for the Wednesday edition of the Pottstown Mercury on February 24th, 1960.

The article goes on to say that, “The 13 Amish fathers are charged with violating the State compulsory school attendance laws because they will not send their 17 children to the multimillion dollar Twin Valley Joint Junior-Senior High School.”

I was only 3 years old when this news came out, and I didn’t remember it at all. But the refusal of the Amish parents to send

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SEPTEMBER 2021

13 Amish fathers gather in a school room in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania on February 23, 1960, for a hearing.

They are charged with violating Pennsylvania's compulsory attendance law because they refused to send their 17 children to the new Twin Valley High School.

A P P H OTO/ S A M M Y E RS

their children to the new consolidated school would end up influencing my journey through the school system, as well. As I was doing research for these articles, I came across a photo of these Amish fathers from my home church: I knew all of them! And that’s when I realized that my own educational journey was tied up in their story, as well.

My first four years of education (1963-1967) I attended public school in West Nantmeal Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. By 1967, there was an Amish parochial school for 1st to 8th graders nearby where I lived. My next four years of schooling (1967-1971), I attended the Amish Parochial Fairview school in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania.

I can still remember my first day of school as a first grader: it was the day after Labor Day, and I woke up that morning looking forward to what this new adventure of schooling would bring.

The barnyard rooster crowed at the break of dawn, reminding my family that we had chores to be completed before breakfast. For me, it was feeding a few calves with a bottle of mixed powdered supplement milk. But I wasn’t thinking about calf-feeding — I was thinking about the new adventure of being a first grader: what new people would I meet? What would school be like? I was filled with excitement and trepidation.

After our chores, we seven children sat down to a hearty homemade meal of scrapple, toast, eggs, oatmeal and fruit. After breakfast, I changed out of my dirty work clothes into my clean and pressed school clothes: black pants with a solid-color shirt and white suspenders.

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During the busy hustle of getting cleaned and ready, mom packed four lunch meals for those of us who were school-aged. Mom packed a homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwich, fruit, and crackers in my shiny new metal lunchbox. I loved my new

Elam's First Grade Report Card

lunchbox—it was in the shape of a barn, painted red, and inside was a thermos shaped like a silo.

But instead of corn in my silo-thermos, Mom filled it with juice.

Swinging my new lunchbox back and forth as I followed behind my three older sisters, we all stopped at the end of the driveway to wait for the big yellow school bus coming down the hill on Yoder Road.

Back in the 1960s, West Nantmeal primary schools (first to seventh grade) was a collection of one or two room buildings spread across the district, so my sisters and I did not attend the same school. My older sisters attended a two-room schoolhouse in Elverson for 5th and 6th graders, the sister just older than me attended 3rd grade at Franklin School, and I attended 1st grade at Central School, which was a two-room schoolhouse for 1st and 2nd graders.

Central School was a stately white building perched up on the hill overlooking Route 82, and it was only a few miles away from where I lived.

I had the best view that Monday morning, as we first graders had class upstairs. I looked around at my fellow classmates — all of them were non-Amish,

"As Miss Ruth Ann Weiler shared

except for my cousin Melvin Zook. As I found out later, my classmates came from a variety of religious

her lesson, Melvin translated

backgrounds: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Greek

her words from English to Dutch.

Orthodox, Mennonite, and Amish.

My nervousness soon wore off

My first day of school I was nervous, as I didn’t speak English well at all. Cousin Melvin sat behind

at recess, where language is

me and acted as my translator. As Miss Ruth Ann

no barrier to fun: we laughed

Weiler shared her lesson, Melvin translated her

and carried on as we played

words from English to Dutch. My nervousness soon wore off at recess, where language is no barrier

dodgeball, tag, ring-around-the-

to fun: we laughed and carried on as we played

rosie, and spun to our heart’s

dodgeball, tag, ring-around-the-rosie, and spun

content on that wonderful

to our heart’s content on that wonderful spinning

spinning merry-go-round."

merry-go-round.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

It was during my time as a first grader that I

“The Amish, all farmers, will not send their children

met a teacher who changed my life forever. Once a

10 miles “over the mountains” from Honey Brook to

week, we had an art teacher who came to the school

Morgantown, because the Twin Valley school is, “too

to teach us the fundamentals of art. He taught us

worldly and too distracting”.

the primary colors, we did finger paintings, and he

Several Amish families had started a farmhouse

taught us how to sketch. During his class time, my

school for some of the 8th grade students. The

imagination was caught up in creating and making

fear among Twin Valley School Board was that

things. I’ll never forget when Mister Jere Brady

the Amish non-attendance would spread, so the

picked up a blank piece of paper and a pencil and

school board brought the Amish fathers to court. A

sketched out the very schoolhouse where we were

series of fines were levied against them until their

sitting! In that moment, I decided that I wanted to

students attended the new large modern complex,

become an artist.

Twin Valley School Joint Junior-Senior High School.

The Amish refused to pay the fines. The Mercury explained why they gave this response: “These people say their religion is older than

There

are

similarities

to

my

first-grade

their government and they will refuse to pay a

experience to the way that Amish parochial schools

nominal fine if they are convicted of breaking the

are today: the school was close to where I lived, the

school law. Instead, they will go to jail.”

classes were small, and we had one primary teacher.

The Superintendent and school officials from

For the Amish leaders in the Twin Valley school

Twin Valley decided to prosecute the 13 Amish fathers

district in 1960, the new consolidated school was a

for their children’s non-attendance at the new Twin

bridge too far. As quoted in the Pottstown Mercury,

Valley School. These Amish fathers were violating the

Elam's first grade class in 1963, taught by Miss Ruth Ann Weiler. Elam is seated in the second row, all the way to the left.

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42

state's compulsory education code, administrators

fathers gathered in a semicircle, huddled together

argued. The Amish refused to change their stance.

quietly and prayed. While there was pause in the

“Aaron Beiler, (spokesperson for the group) said

hearings, no one was sure what the ruling of the

they were prepared to go to jail if need be… NONE

courts decision would be.

of the children will go to the Twin Valley school…,

The article for the Mercury concludes with

however. The Amish intention is that none of them

the following line showing how dire the situation

will ever go to the school…Beiler is satisfied with

was: “If no solution can be reached, the Amish

the education the seventh and eighth graders are

have even considered leaving the twin valleys of

receiving in a Honey Brook farmhouse - a half day a

the Brandywine and Conestoga rivers - the fertile

week under an Amish woman teacher.”

farmland that [have] been their home since 1717.”

On

February

23rd,

after

several

(emphasis mine) //

lengthy

discussions with the Amish fathers, a New York City attorney representing the Amish, the judge,

In Part 2, we will find out what happened a week later in the Twin Valley school district.

and the Twin Valley school officials asked the court to adjourn the hearing until a later date. They all agreed that the issue was more complex, and they needed more time to figure things out. The judge

Elam Stoltzfus is a guest writer for Plain Values, and he currently serves as

announced that, “…this hearing is continued, and

caretaker of the Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead. In 2016, he documented

will adjourn until March 1 at 7:30.”

the Great Florida Cattle Drive, a historic cattle drive telling the story of Florida cowboys. To get a copy of the coffee table book featuring his

Upon hearing the news that the trial would

photos, mail a $35.00 check to: Elam Stoltzfus, 1700 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, PA 19609.

continue on for another week, the group of Amish

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nature ALL THINGS OUTDOORS

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ALL THINGS OUTDOORS

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Largemouth Bass column by: JIM ZUMBO

PLAIN VALUES

WHEN I WAS A YOUNGSTER, I had a serious goal. I wanted to catch a five-pound largemouth bass. In those days, that was a tough challenge. I usually fished a couple local ponds from shore, and I’d watch big bass swim by. Though I cast every lure I had at them, I never enticed one to strike. Now and then I’d catch a smaller bass, and plenty of sunfish, yellow perch, and bluegills, but the outsized bass had lockjaw. I finally caught a five-pounder when I was 16, and it was a huge thrill to achieve that goal.

As time passed, bass fishing gained in popularity, but it wasn’t until Ray Scott founded B.A.S.S. (which means Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) in the late ‘60s when the sport exploded. In a short time, the fish was elevated from being “just” a fish to one of a revered national treasure. Bass fishing tournaments are now held all over the country, with the “Super Bowl” being the three-day Bassmaster Classic where $300,000 is the top prize. Anglers must compete in tournaments around the country and earn enough points to qualify for the Classic. In 1972, the first-ever Classic was held in Lake Mead, Nevada. Until 1977, the event was a mystery to all the participants.

They flew to an unknown destination and had no chance to research or scout the lake to be fished. When that changed, fans of the Classic could plan to attend the event, and participants had a chance to size up the lake.

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Because tournaments became so popular, there was a concern that bass numbers could be seriously impacted because of all the fish caught. New rules required that all bass entered in the tournament had to be released.

As soon as they were caught, they had to be immediately placed in the boat’s live well. If any fish were dead at the “weigh-in” when the event was over, the angler was seriously penalized. That penalty could spell the difference in winning or losing, so it’s always critical for anglers to take care of their fish so they could be released unharmed after being weighed.

Many years ago, I attended a bass tournament on Lake Havasu, Arizona (not an official Classic event). I went along as a magazine reporter where the press was allowed to fish with the competitors. Each reporter rode in a competitor’s boat and was offered the opportunity to fish or just observe and take notes. The man I fished with was Rick Clunn who at the time was one of the top anglers on the tournament trail. I opted to observe because I dared not catch a bass that Rick might have caught! I was told that Rick would barely say 10 words all day, so

"This fish is called a largemouth bass, not

intent was he on concentrating on what he was doing.

to be confused with the smallmouth bass.

Rick was amazing. He caught bass in weed-choked areas

The latter has different markings, a mouth

where you wouldn’t think possible. He won the two-day

that’s not quite as large, and typically is

tournament and was awarded the $100,000 grand prize.

found in much colder water."

And yes, he said less than 10 words each day, which were,

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"Many of those huge Florida bass weigh 20 pounds or better, but not yet bigger than the world record."

“Would you please pass me a sandwich?” By the way, Rick

Most of the giant bass came from the southeast,

now is tied with another angler as having won the most

notably Florida. Curious anglers began to wonder if

Classics ever–each has won four.

there was a “Florida strain” that produced really big

Technically this fish is called a largemouth bass,

fish. Many people figured that Florida’s bass enjoyed

not to be confused with the smallmouth bass. The latter

warm water year-round and could feed all year, which

has different markings, a mouth that’s not quite as

is why they grew so large. But there were some who

large, and typically is found in much colder water. The

believed that there indeed was a Florida strain. Some of

smallmouth is found in more northerly waters, though

those fish were stocked in Southern California waters.

trophy fish inhabit some deep southern lakes.

Amazingly, those Florida fish quickly grew to record-

As fish go in America, quite possibly the most

sized proportions, far bigger than the bass that normally

famous fish of all is the world-record largemouth bass

inhabited California waters. Florida bass have now been

caught in Montgomery Lake, Georgia, by George Perry.

stocked in many more California reservoirs as well as

The monster fish weighed 22 pounds 4 ounces and was

in impoundments in Texas and other southern states.

caught in 1932. That bass, and George’s name, are now

Many of those huge Florida bass weigh 20 pounds or

a household word among bass anglers. Most everyone

better, but not yet bigger than the world record.

knows who caught that giant fish, how much it weighed,

Let’s shed the celebrity status of the bass and look

and where and when it was caught. It’s now common

at the fish itself. They endear themselves to anglers for

belief that if a bass bigger than George Perry’s is ever

many reasons. They’re often abundant in places where

caught, that angler will enjoy instant fame and fortune.

they’re found, they’re eager to strike a wide variety

Untold thousands of people have been trying to beat the

of lures, and they put on a powerful, flashy fight with

record for years — some coming very close. Interestingly,

many jumps high out of the water. But they can be

a Japanese angler caught a bass in Japan that weighs

moody and secretive, difficult to catch for reasons that

the same as Perry’s, and there’s now a tie.

only a bass knows. Largemouths inhabit underwater

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In my opinion, nothing excites a bass so much as a lively nightcrawler dangling below a bobber or a lively minnow dancing around and teasing a bass."

environments called “structure.” This can mean sunken treetops, lily pads, dense vegetation — anything offering hiding spots where they can quickly strike out at prey fish that swim too close. Their huge mouth can engulf a baseball when fully opened. They can be school fish or they can be solitary. They’ll eat anything they can catch, including frogs, snakes, birds, crawfish, swimming mice, dragonflies, and especially smaller fish. For that reason, lure manufacturers have designed untold thousands of lures over the years. Anglers have spent billions on those lures, not to mention money spent on boats, motors, clothing, and all sorts of accessories. There’s always a great deal of interest in new lures, especially those that work well in the tournaments. Some bass lures now fetch more than $20 each. Imagine snagging one of them on an underwater object and breaking it off! That’s a serious loss.

But then there’s always the reliable nightcrawlers and minnows, which we can catch ourselves. In my opinion, nothing excites a bass so much as a lively nightcrawler dangling below a bobber or a lively minnow dancing around and teasing a bass. I have tackle boxes full of lures, but to me, it’s more fun to use natural baits that I’ve caught myself. I remember when plastic worms came on the market. They created a sensation in the world of bass fishing. The most common technique was to cast it out, let it sink to the bottom, and slowly reel it in with little jerks. Problem was, the bass seldom attacked it with gusto, so the strike was very light. You had to not only be able to recognize the strike but to rear back hard and fast on the rod to set the hook. It took some doing, and many anglers initially thought they were a hoax. But they indeed work, as probably every serious

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bass angler would agree. Now the worms are offered in a large variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, and can be rigged a dozen or more different ways.

When I was a small boy, I bought my dad a black Jitterbug every Father’s Day. It was a tradition for several years. I saved up part of my allowance in order to make the purchase. The Jitterbug is a floating lure with a large metal lip that causes it to make loud plopping sounds on the lake’s surface as it’s being retrieved. Bass become agitated and interested in this action, perceiving the lure to be something to eat. This is especially true in the black of night when big bass are active. My dad would go out with a couple buddies in a rowboat and catch loads of bass on those Jitterbugs. He believed that the blackest nights were most productive when the moon and stars were hidden by thick clouds. As I grew older, I went out with my dad or a buddy on black nights so dark you couldn’t see the shoreline from your boat. You didn’t dare turn on a flashlight because that might scare the bass and interfere with what little night vision you had. More often than not, my companion or I would cast too far and toss the lure into tree limbs.

On would come the flashlights, and we’d tug on the line to hopefully break the lure free. It was a thrill to be sitting in the boat on a quiet night, listening to God’s creatures as they collectively emitted beautiful sounds.

Bullfrogs, peepers, whippoorwills, and all sorts of birds and amphibians synchronized their voices in an open outdoor choir. As I sit here writing this, I can close my eyes and still hear those sounds. That, to me, is a big part of what fishing is all about, not to mention that those bass fillets are mighty delicious when pan-fried in butter and your favorite spices. It’s a win-win any way you look at it. //

Jim has hunted all fifty states for deer, has fished in most states, has hunted elk in all the major western elk states, and has hunted on four continents. He worked for fifteen years as a forester, game warden, and wildlife biologist. Jim draws on these experiences for his monthly column “All Things Outdoors.” For more information, visit www.jimzumbo.com.

In the August issue, part of Jim Zumbo's column on moose hunting did not make it to print due to a publishing error. We apologize for the mistake. If you would like a copy of the full article, please contact our office.

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funds & benefits JONATHON ERB FAMILY FUND Would you consider helping the Jonathon and Katie Erb family with their health-related and living expenses? Jonathon, age 27, has ongoing struggles with a severe case of colitis, and they have no income as he has not worked for quite some time. They have 2 small children, ages 1 and 2.

A fund has been set up, and any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your support and prayers.

Make checks payable to Mt. Hope Charities, P.O. Box 19, Mt. Hope, OH 44660. Attn: Walnut Creek North Church, Jonathon Erb Family Fund.

JOHN AND REBECCA KAUFFMAN FUND John and Rebecca Kauffman—ages 21 & 20—are a young married couple who have been married for less than half a year. Rebecca was recently diagnosed with transverse myelitis (paralysis in the spinal cord), and she is unable to walk at this time. The couple is currently seeking help to pay for medical bills. Your support and prayers are greatly appreciated. Make checks payable to First National Bank, PO Box 35, Loganton, PA 17747.

BEN AND ELMA PETERSHEIM FUND Ben and Elma had twin girls born in the hospital, both weighing 3 lbs 15 oz. They were in the hospital for a little over 4 weeks, so they have a big hospital bill. These are their first babies. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless You! Funds can be sent to Deacon Melvin P. Weaver, 5484 Tamarack Rd., Osseo, MI 49266. Write in the memo line for: Ben and Elma.

MILLER FAMILY FUND Nathaniel Miller passed away on June 9th from complications of a brain tumor and surgery, leaving behind his wife and 5 children. A fund has been set up to help with funeral expenses. Make checks payable to Miller Family Fund. Send to: Consumers National Bank, 1017 Canton Rd. NW, Carrollton, OH 44615.

DAVID GLICK FUND A fund has been set up for David and Lizzy Glick. In March 2021, they had a stillborn baby with Down syndrome. In June, Lizzy had as growth removed, and it tested to be cancer. They are now in Mexico for medical help, and they may have to remain there for 7 weeks. In addition, Lizzie is also dealing with cancer in her lymph nodes. In the midst of this, David and Lizzie’s daughter has a wedding this fall, and they are doing work to remodel their house. Funds will be used for building material and medical expenses. Any help would be appreciated. Send funds to Muncy Bank and Trust Company. PO Box 1, Dewart, PA 17730. Make a check out to David Glick Fund.

PLEASE NOTE If you are conducting a fundraiser to assist with medical or hardship expenses, please let us know and we will be happy to feature it for one month at no cost. Funds must be payable to a bank, church, or charitable organization.

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