Middlefield Post Feb. 13, 2013

{the perfect wedding}

2 { Middlefield Post } Feb. 13, 2013

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Joyful Amish WeddingsIn the Amish lifestyle, marriage is an

extremely sacred institution since family is the very foundation of Amish society. Couples marry for life; divorce, separation, and remarriage are unthinkable. A wedding is a particularly joyous occasion, for two baptized members of the church are joining in marriage, continuing the faith, and starting a new family together. While parents do not select who their children will marry, approval is sought, and the deacon may act as the go-between. At a church service, the couples planning to marry are “published,” announced in front of the congregation. But by then, much preparation, mainly by the bride’s parents has already begun, including the planting in early summer of several hundred stalks of celery, an important part of any Amish wedding feast.

Most Amish weddings once took place from late October through December, after the autumn harvest, but Geauga’s Amish community has grown so substantially that weddings are now held from early spring through late fall. Traditionally, the days for weddings are Tuesdays and Thursdays, so there is time in between to get ready for and clean up after each. It can get very busy during the “wedding season,” with some Amish going to two or three weddings in one day.

A wedding means, of course, a new dress for the bride. They typically don’t wear white but one of the more acceptable colors of their group. They take great care in choosing the fabrics and colors of their wedding party. The wedding party, called attendants in English ceremonies, are all dressed in the same dress color, and the men of the wedding party often wear shirts of the same color. The servers, who assist at the meal, also have special colors that the bride picks for them to wear. It is traditional that all members of the wedding party be unmarried.

The Bishop and ministers preside at the church service, held in home of the bride’s parents. It is similar to the regular Sunday service, but with a focus on the seriousness of marriage. The sermons and Bible passages emphasize the relationship between man and wife. When it is time for the vows, the couple comes forward. Each is asked if they will remain together until death, and if they will be loyal and care for each other during adversity, affliction, sickness, and weakness. The minister then takes the couples’ hands in his and wishes them the blessing and mercy of God, tells them to “Go forth in the Lord’s name. You are now man and wife.”

Afterwards, the benches used for the service are put together to form tables. Ohio Amish Country weddings are usually a time where English friends are invited to join -- not so much at the service as at the meal following, which can serve as many as 200 to 600 people. A group of women gather a day or two before the wedding to set up the tables in the house. This may necessitate that the wedding actually be

held at a neighbor’s home.The head table has places set for the

wedding party and their attendants. This group could number up to 20. There might be special napkins with the couple’s names on them, pens with the date commemorated and other favors.

Because of the number of guests, a cooking tent is often set up to accommodate the portable stoves and food preparation areas needed for such large groups.

During the wedding meal, the couple sits at the corner of two tables called the “eck,” with their attendants on either side, and the unmarried boys sitting opposite the girls. Typical foods at an Amish wedding are fried or broasted chicken (hingleflesh), mashed potatoes (grumbatta mush) and gravy and other vegetables. The feast may include “roast,” a mixture of bread filling and chicken, cole slaw, apple sauce and creamed celery. Some leafy celery stalks are also put in jars to decorate the table. Among the desserts are pies, doughnuts, fruit, and pudding. There are usually several wedding cakes, some made by the women, but often one from a bakery as well. They are usually eaten later in the day. It will take several seatings to feed the many guests.

After the meal, in some groups, the bride and groom visit the wedding meal guests with baskets of candy to hand out as favors. This gives them an opportunity to greet all the guests personally. Traditionally, the parent’s give their newlyweds their first bedroom suite, handmade by the family or by another craftsman in the community. In the afternoon, the young people have a singing, and after the gifts are opened it is time for the evening meal for those who have stayed through the day. For the seating of the young people, the bride makes a list of couples who are dating or interested in each other. As their names are called, they take their place at the table. On the bride’s side are the married or soon-to-be married couples, while the groom’s side has the other couples. Hymn-singing again follows the meal, with the “faster hymns” predominating this time.

The couple often set up housekeeping with one of the parents until they can get on their feet and either buy, rent or build a new home, but they typically sleep in the parent’s home the first night. The newlyweds awake the next day to begin helping with the clean-up from the day before. The couple will spend upcoming weekends visiting relatives. Sometimes five or six houses are visited between a Friday and Sunday night. More wedding gifts are usually given to them at this time.

By the spring, the couple is usually ready to set up housekeeping in a home of their own. The groom would be growing his beard, a sign of marriage in the community. As in every culture, an Amish wedding is a joyous celebration reflecting commitments, a new position in the community, and a new relationship as man and wife.

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The Greatest is LoveBy Ellie Behman

There, next to my coffee cup, is a silly little note letting me know that my hubby is hunting in back of the cabin. It is not an ordinary note, it is a work of art with a caricature of a pleasant faced man with tufts of hair on top and a warm smile. It has become Ron’s logo and a new tradition with him whenever he leaves early to hunt.

This simple gesture warms my heart. To some it would mean nothing, but to me it is one more display of love that Ron has shown me throughout our 50-plus years of marriage; the hundreds of times he has picked flowers for me from the backyard, as well as our initials he carved out in a tree by the creek at the cabin. Yes, even some male senior citizens allude to the romantic art work of yesteryear.

Young couples who are excitedly planning their weddings want every single minute of that day to be perfect and, of course, I don’t blame them at all. But I want so badly to let them know that more important details occur after the wedding; respect for one another, compassion when they are feeling down, sitting down and talking things out when problems arise, forgiveness. One of my favorite notes reads “Sometimes flowers work when apologies don’t.” I’m sure that note was the result of some disagreement we had, but thankfully I have no memory of it.

Kindness and consideration cost nothing, but the rewards are many. I read somewhere that (and I paraphrase) “A relationship is like a bank. You have to make a deposit to receive interest.” The years together have taught me that when we are kind to the other person, we receive back so much more.

We are living in a world that thrives on superficial objects, those that can be purchased and have little or no sentimentality attached to them. If there was one bit of advice I could give to young couples who are beginning their lives together, I would encourage them to recognize what is most important in life. It is not what we can buy, but it is what we can give to one another from our heart. It may not be flowers or notes or even carving ones initials, but it can be a personal expression of our love.

Summer is long gone, but I will remember the delicate fragrance of the flowers picked for me with loving hands, laugh at the silly notes and treasure the everlasting carved initials for future generations to see and ponder. These “gifts” are my daily reminder that I am blessed to be with a man who shows his love by his actions not just words. “And now these three remain; faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Weddings of Days Gone ByBy Jacquie Foote

Likely, the first thing a modern woman would notice about a wedding in the early to mid 1800s would be the wedding gown. Men would possibly be more interested in the food.

These days nearly all wedding gowns are white and a wide variety of styles are available, everything from classic Grecian to elegant Medieval to hoop skirted antebellum to sleek modern. But, until the mid-1800s, in America and much of Europe, white was almost never worn and the gown was always made in the style of the time. You see, in all but the wealthiest families, the wedding gown was destined to serve as the bride’s “best dress” for a few years to come. With the washing soaps and methods available at the time, white was considered a very impractical color and, of course, a “best dress” had to be stylish. The color of the gown was chosen by the bride to complement her coloring, because it was her favorite color or because of what the color was said to represent. For example, blue was often chosen as it symbolized faithfulness. Although black was considered unlucky as a bride’s dress, it could be chosen by a woman marrying a widower as a sign of respect. Few brides wore any sort of veil. Wreaths of flowers or stylish hats or, for those married at home, elegant hairstyles were preferred. The flowers were usually homegrown and, therefore inexpensive and the hat was practical as it could be worn again and again. The bride’s maids’ dresses were often simply their “best dresses” and did not match each other in color. Things changed after the wedding in 1840 of Queen Victoria. Her white bridal gown and lace veil influenced bride’s wear starting with England and spreading through the western world by the late 1800s.

Brides have carried wedding bouquets for a number of centuries. It was not until the 16th century, however, that they started throwing them into crowds of their wedding guests. It seems that, at that time,

the bride’s gown was thought to be lucky, and so guests would surround her after the wedding and tear the gown to shreds in the hopes of acquiring some of her luck. Therefore, brides began throwing their bouquets and even shoes at the guests in an attempt to distract them so they could get away. Brides in the early 1800s honored this tradition by tossing their bouquets to the unmarried women at their weddings, and the woman who caught it was said to be the next to wed.

Except for the few Catholics living in Geauga County back then, the wedding ceremony, and the subsequent celebration, took place in the bride’s home, or the home of a nearby relative if it was larger. Catholics were usually married in church with the guests moving on to the bride’s home for the wedding dinner.

The wedding dinner was very like the meal served at any special occasion. Except, of course, for the dessert. No, not wedding cake. Before the mid-1800s there was no wedding cake; there was bridal pie. Some families followed the tradition of placing a glass ring in one of the pies, and the girl who found the ring in her slice was said to be the next to marry.

When the wedding guests left, the bride and groom would help with the clean up and, then, would retire to the room prepared for them in the bride’s family home. For most newlyweds there was no honeymoon but a period of time spent visiting family members who were within a day’s buggy ride or less. During this time, the bride’s family home was home base.

Jacquie Foote is a volunteer for the Geauga County Historical Societyís Century Village Museum, 14653 E. Park St., Burton. For information about the events at the Geauga County Historical Societyís Century Village Museum, call 440-834-1492 or visit the Web site at www.geaugahistorical.org.

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Chow Down for Your Catering NeedsWhat do you think of when you hear the words “Chow Down”?Probably food, Greg Tarr owner of Chow Down catering is thrilled to announce that he

recently opened a banquet hall in the Huntsburg Community Center (formerly Huntsburg Elementary School). The banquet hall has been newly renovated, can hold up to 160 guests very comfortably and offers new tables and chairs which wrap around a huge-wet-service bar. The large room is comfortable and classy.

Greg, an ex-drummer and drum lesson teacher, boasts more then 20 years of catering experience throughout the county.

He says, “I played and taught drums for ten years; but I always liked cooking. My mother was a good cook. Then an opportunity presented itself in Painesville where I purchased a sandwich bar. Later I moved this business to Middlefield.”

Greg opened Chow Down in Middlefield as a walk-in lunch service. Over time, due to requests from local businesses needing food trays for events, the service evolved into catering and this became 95 percent of the Chow Down income. Then as local businesses changed spending habits, Greg marketed more to private catering needs, such as weddings and family events. Business is now booming.

Chow Down features custom cuts of meat, fresh seafood, delicious side dishes and delectable deserts. Greg enjoys jazzing up an event with a theme. From Argentina to Zanzibar, Mardi Gras to Renaissance he loves to build themed menus. He takes the time to do the research and make sure the details are just right. The results will surely satisfy.

He says, “People will remember your event favorably if the food is good. I use the freshest ingredients to expand your palate without breaking your budget.” Greg enjoys personalizing events. He says, “ I want to make each occasion affordable and unique. I enjoy sitting with my clients and discussing how we will make their occasion special and memorable.”

Greg suggests a few hints before calling him to plan a wedding or event.Come with a plan: know the number of guests and have a budget.1. Will your event be formal or informal?2. Give him plenty of time, 6 months if possible, to plan your menu and to research if 3.

special dishes are involved. So whether it’s a party for two or a bash for 400, Chow Down Catering is the perfect

choice for any occasion.For catering services or if you have questions, call Greg Tarr at 440-632-1444, visit www.

chowdown.com. Chow Down is located at 12406 Madison Road, Huntsburg (44046).

The Tanglewood ClubIt is time to Rediscover Tanglewood Club. It has been said that location, location, location

is the key, and this gem ideally located in Bainbridge, has received a total renovation this past year. The new owners of the course and clubhouse spent tireless hours revamping the facility and course and their investment is about to start paying off. The clubhouse is booking quickly in 2013, however desirable dates are still available.

Taking a cue from the beauty of the course, the interior has been transformed to a neutral color palate of rich creams, taupe and grey. A stellar design with sophisticated elegance is the definition of the renovation. Impressive iron chandeliers suspended from the vaulted ceiling add an aura of elegance. The main ballroom, with panoramic views of the course, can host events for up to 200 guests, and smaller intimate events can be held in the adjacent pre-function rooms. Memorable moments with family and friends are certain to be enjoyed in this prime property.

The Tanglewood Club is a public course that plays like a country club. The challenge and vistas which are the basic elements of course design are still very evident today.

Please contact Rhoda Procuk, director of sales and marketing for information about special events or golf outings at The Tanglewood Club. The clubhouse number is 440-543-3752 or e-mail at Rhoda@tanglewood.com.

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By Nancy Huth

Mary Agnes and Tom had eight children, five of them girls. They used to whisper “Elope!” to the girls as they slept. Later Tom even offered to buy ladders for the young suitors. But as it turned out, each girl had a b e a u t i f u l , m e m o r a b l e wedding. That was 25 years ago.

T o d a y with the cost of weddings 5 0 p e r c e n t h i g h e r t h a n just 10 years ago, whispering “elope” sounds more and more enticing. The average cost of a wedding in the USA today i s $ 2 2 , 0 0 0 . In China it’s $44,000. Costs vary by region with Ohio falling in the $20,000 a v e r a g e , whereas New York is $33,000.

There’s also a d i f f e r e n c e age-wise. In 1960 marrying c o u p l e s averaged 20 years for the girl and 23 for the boy. Today it’s 27 for the woman and 29 for the man. Having a higher education and being more secure in their professions allows about 1/4 of couples to pay for their own weddings. One-fourth are paid for by the bride’s parents and the rest by a combination of both.

Ninety-nine percent still choose a traditional wedding, with 8 percent marrying in a religious ceremony. Five bridesmaids and five ushers is the average.

Two mothers, Sue and Julie, with daughters Sarah and Sarita, ages 25 and 30, respectively shared their thoughts on wedding preparations with us.

Sarah started preparing for her June 2013 wedding 14 months in advance. Already reception halls were booked and she had to be flexible with her dates. Though there are many reception halls to choose from, there’s big difference in price, atmosphere and features. Once this

was settled the other decisions fell into the following order of importance: church, minister, photographer, music, flowers, bride’s dress and invitations.

Sue loved spending time with her d a u g h t e r , e s p e c i a l l y choosing the d r e s s a n d seeing Sarah so beautiful and happy. Though mother and daughter are alike in many w a y s , s o m e accessories Sue recommended were no longer in style, such as using baby b r e a t h w i t h the flowers.

W h a t advice would Sue give to m o t h e r s ? “ R e m e m b e r, i t ’ s y o u r d a u g h t e r ’ s w e d d i n g . Support the young couple and what they w a n t . A n d d a u g h t e r s , listen to the advice your mothers give.

They have experience and knowledge to help.”

Julie’s daughter Sarita became engaged in November 2010 and the preparations began immediately for the June 2012 wedding, a year and a half in advance. Church and reception hall were the first in order of importance, then the date. Julie found it a big help to know friends who could help with advice on a photographer, the flowers and the music. Remember to keep cool because something unpredictable can always happen, like bad weather, traffic holdups, or car breakdowns. Sometimes the mother of the bride has to referee and keep others calm. Julie said her own wedding in a church was followed by a reception at the church, so it was much simpler.

When asked what advice she would give to other mothers and daughters, Julie replied, “Enjoy every second. Don’t forget whose wedding it is. Keep things in perspective, after all, it’s the marriage that’s important, not the wedding. Speak words of love, encouragement and comfort to your daughter.”

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(l-r) Carrie Barcikowski, sister to bride; Sarita Clark, bride and Julie Clark, mother of the bride. Post Photo/Sarita Clark

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The History of Valentine’s DayBy Joe Novak

For years I thought Valentine’s Day was a holiday that the card and candy companies made up to boost winter sales. I recently did some research and discovered that it was actually a defiant religious man who started it all.

Valentine was a priest near Rome sometime around the year 270 A.D, a time when the Christian church was enduring great persecution. His ministry helped Christians escape persecution and provided them sacraments, such as marriage, which was outlawed by the Roman Empire. Young newlywed men hated to go off to war and leave their brides and this was bad for the Roman army as they tried to conquer the world. The older guys were glad to get out of the house, however they didn’t like getting killed and with few gung-ho young bucks around to send into battle, well you can see where this is going, not good for Rome.

St. Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by the Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and during their face to face talk, Claudius attempted to convert Valentine to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity, instead. Because of this, he was executed. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing Julia, the blind daughter of his jailer Asterius. The jailer’s daughter and his 44 member household of family and servants came to believe in Jesus and were baptized.

According to legend, in order to remind them of God’s love and to encourage them to remain “faithful Christians,” Saint Valentine is said to have cut hearts from parchment, giving them to the soldiers and persecuted Christians, possibly the origin of the widespread use of hearts on Saint Valentine’s Day.

Another legend is that, St. Valentine sent Julia, (who was no longer blind) a card before his execution with the inscription, “From your Valentine.” I think he was a bit smitten with her, though I could not find any documentation to that effect. I guess I am just an old romantic and if I could have written the ending they would have fallen in love, she would have broken him out of jail and they would have ridden off into the sunset to live happily ever after together. This was at a time when Priests were allowed to get married so I didn’t break any rules with my version of the ending.

To find out what Joe would do, e-mail questions to editorial@middlefieldpost.com. Joe has 20-some years experience in manufacturing and says that as a small business owner, he found that you either learn how to solve a problem yourself or pay to have it done. Joe’s articles are his opinion and are only intended as a guide. Please consult an expert when in doubt.

Reception Planning TipsWhen planning a wedding you should do some research before deciding on a place

to hold your reception. Location should be your first consideration. You‘ll want to keep it convenient for yourself and your guests. An important decision is whether the venue has its own catering service, if you must provide your own food service and if the caterer will cater off-site. While some facilities only offer a room with tables and chairs, others offer different packages. Ask about parking, handicap accessibility, security and if such things as a dance floor and audio equipment are available. You will want to know if service equipment, linens and chair covers, tableware and servers/bartenders wages are included. Don’t forget to ask if any discounts are available if you also book a shower or rehearsal dinner.

Most couples bring a list of questions for the caterer but are unprepared for some of the questions they may be asked. Obviously you will need to provide the date, time and number of guests. You will also have to consider your budget and the type of food service you would like such as buffet, family-style or plated. If you are serving alcohol, you will need to know who will provide it and what will be served. A good caterer will also ask you if there are any special dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan or food allergies that need to be addressed. You should also be asked if there will be dancing, a band, or a DJ. Be prepared to discuss room set-up such as a head table, reception, cake and gift tables. You should also discuss decorating, preferred color schemes, table settings and centerpieces. Have some kind of a timeline prepared for such things as photos, reception line, cocktail hour, dinner, cake cutting, toasts and any special ceremonial activity.

Be sure to ask any questions you have, be sure on the costs and keep communications open. But most of all have fun and enjoy your day.

For more help with planning or to reserve The Banquet Room at St. Mary’s, call 440-286-8879 located at 401 North St., Chardon (44024).

The Welshfield Inn and Banquet CenterFor those who appreciate the kind of hospitality that embraces even the simplest of

details, the Welshfield Inn banquet facility offers a wide variety of event scheduling for weddings, rehearsal dinners, parties, business retreats and other entertainment needs.

The newly-renovated banquet facility, directly adjacent to the Welshfield Inn, features private outdoor dining under a 40’ x 60’ wedding tent that can accommodate up to 180 people amid the splendor of Geauga County as well as a beautifully decorated banquet room that fits100 people and is fully handicap accessible. Looking for a venue for both your wedding ceremony and reception? They can do that too.

Menu options are limitless - effortlessly blending casual cuisine such as clambakes, barbecues and pig roasts, to more formal plated fare. Fresh local and seasonal foods grace the menu, and the attentive and friendly service staff embodies the spirit that has been celebrated for well over a century. The Welshfield Inn are experts in creative event planning and can assist you in every step of the process. Whether you’re planning a large scale event or a more intimate, casual gathering, they can offer suggestions for themes, menus, beverages, and entertainment.

The Welshfield Inn is nestled in the heart of Amish country, amid lush farmlands and rural landscapes. It is less than an hour from downtown Cleveland, and just a 15-minute drive from Solon and Chagrin Falls.

Contact Kathy Kaucic at 440-834-0190 or kathywelshfield@aol.com to book your special day. The Welshfield Inn and Banquet Center is located at 14001 Main Market Road in Burton (44021).

Feb. 13, 2013 { Middlefield Post} 7

{the perfect wedding}

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Biking TogetherCouples who play together stay together. This particular nugget of wisdom might

just be true. My wife and I have found something that works. We ride bikes together. I am starting a bicycle shop in Bainbridge.

I want to share the love I have for bicycles. A lot of my future customers are people who already know bikes and ride. A surprising number of my future customers currently remain unaware how incredibly awesome bicycles can be. This northeast Ohio region is home to some of the best road biking I have ever experienced. Setting off on a ride from your front door down a road that is rarely traveled can make something taxingly familiar seem new and exciting again. If you can apply this approach to your marriage, it will pay dividends.

There is an emerging mountain-bike culture gaining momentum in the Cleveland area. I use my bicycle as a tool for meeting new, like-minded friends. By joining a group ride, you and your new spouse are sure to make some new friends and see the amazing trails that groups of Clevelanders have worked countless hours to create.

I grew up here, in the same town that I am starting Bike Ohio, and I just recently have been introduced to what this area can offer for someone with a bicycle and a desire for adventure.

Chad and Kate Marn own Bike Ohio. Bike Ohio is a full service bicycle shop with everything from $10,000 road bicycle to children’s bicycles located at 8576 E. Washington St. in Bainbridge. The shop’s grand opening is the weekend of March 1-3. Stop by for a beer and BBQ.

Heart Surgeons Have Declared

“Dancing Is Good For Your Heart” ... especially the hearts of couples. Date night is so necessary for busy couples to reconnect after a busy week with careers, kids and life’s frustrations, which tend to drain that spark in a relationship. To excercise together in an upbeat, romantic way is healthy and productive. When you dance, you forget your cares. A great and lasting Valentine, is to give your partner ballroom classes. Gift certificates are available and very reasonably priced for six-weekly classes, evenings or weekends. If you’re planning your wedding soon, you can encorporate your wedding dance to music of your choice in those classes ... or father-daughter choreography. This is a popular service of Crossroads Dance, Middlefield that we have come to cherish. Brush-up classes are available and beginner singles are also welcome. You can call us at 440-632-9510 for information about upcoming classes.

Call for your appointment Today!

440-632-5937

Closed Mondays; Tues-Wed 9-7:00; Thurs 9-8:00; Fri 9-5:00; Sat 8:30-3:00

Harrington Square Mall Middlefield

– FEBRUARY – free sample month

OFFER EXPIRES 2/28/13

Add an additional service to your already existing appointment

and receive a FREE travel-size item from our sample bar!

Care Enough to do SomethingWhen Cardinal English teacher, Meg Turon was asked why she is so committed to the

cause of Relay For Life, she explains, “As a senior in high school, I was baby sitting 2-year-old Kristen, the daughter of close family friends, when she was diagnosed with leukemia. I went through it with her. I watched as they broke down her immune system, as they inserted a 4-inch needle into her shin. She looked like a mal-nourished child from a third-world country. It was heart-wrenching.”

Since childhood, Meg’s parent’s instilled the value of choosing and committing to a worthy cause. As a freshman in college, Meg donated bone marrow, a quick but painful process and has had opportunity to donate twice since then. She was not a match for Kristen, but someone was. Today Kristen, a healthy 26-year-old, is teaching autistic children.

Meg is no longer able to donate bone marrow and has now taken on a leadership role with Relay For Life at Cardinal High School. She says she is proud to represent Relay For Life because all monies raised stay local. She explains, “We have superior hospitals in this area, all of the money we raise aid local patients and their families. Cancer is impacting more lives every year. I notice there are more people walking the survivors lap during the Relay event at the school. I notice, many of the signs that last year at Relay read, “In honor of ... “ this year read, “In memory of ... “.”

There are many ways to get involved in Relay For Life. Upcoming Relay events are as follows: Regular Meeting, Feb. 28 at Cardinal High School; Talent Show, March 2, 4 - 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 14999 S. State Ave. (Route 608); Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, March 23 at Jordak Elementary and Relay For Life at Cardinal High School on May 4 at noon. The Web site for Relay for Life Middlefield is http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=49543.

(l-r) Becca Klein, Mrs. Meg Turon and Drew Mast head the Cardinal High School Relay For Life team.

Susan Taddie, Realtor(440) 413-8243suetaddie@kw.com

YOUNG LOVERS-FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS!GREAT REASONS TO BUY A HOME IN 2013

• Pride of Home Ownership• Excellent Affordability• Historically Low Interest Rates (3-4%)• Appreciation Potential• Equity Buildup and Debt Pay Down• Tax Deduction Advantages• Tax Exemption

The cost of renting, at $800 per month, with the average 6 percent rental increase per year, you will pay $126,536 over a 10-year period but have zero ownership of the property! A home provides stability and security for you and your loved ones! Let me help you get settled!

Valentine’s DaySpecial

Valentine’s DaySpecial

Surf & TurfDinner

$13.99

Mon-Wed 5:30am-2:00pm • Thurs–Sat 5:30am-8:00pm • Sun 7:00am-2:00pm15916 W. High St. • Middlefield • 440.632.0191

OPEN 7 DAYS — BrEAkfASt, LuNch & DiNNErwww.crossroadscountrycafe.com

crossroads country cafe

All You Can Eat PancakesEvery Day ~ All Day

Fisherman’s Platter(Grilled or Fried)

Plus Many Other Lenten SpecialsAvailable for Lunch & Dinner Daily

At the Welshfield Inn, we are experts in wedding event planning and can assist you in every step of the process.

Whether you’re planning a large-scale event or a more intimate, casual gathering, we can offer suggestions as to theme, menus, beverages, or entertainment.

Our newly-renovated banquet facility, directly adjacent to the Welshfield Inn, features private indoor dining as well as secluded patio accommodations amid the splendor of Geauga County.

Fresh, local and seasonal foods grace our private function menus and our attentive and friendly service staff embody the spirit that is the hallmark of our organization. Think of us for:

WEDDING RECEPTIONS • REHEARSAL DINNERS • BRIDAL SHOWERSENGAGEMENT PARTIES

WI-10.25x13.75.indd 1 2/1/13 11:00 AM