The Greenhouse at Kent State University Geauga

By Robert Stehli

There was much activity this April at the John Gander Greenhouse on the Kent State University Geauga Campus. Through the cooperation of Kent State University Geauga Regional Academic Center and the Northern Nut Growers Association, the Gander Greenhouse is the home of one thousand super hybrid blight resistant chestnut trees and two thousand eastern filbert blight resistant hazelnut trees. Seed for this project was donated by NNGA members: Dr. Sandra Anagnostakis (Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station), Dr. Thomas Molnar (Department of Plant Pathology, Rutgers), Troy Pabst (Forestry Properties Manager, University of Nebraska), Dr. Mike Gold (Center for Agroforestry, University of Missouri), and Robert Stehli (Wintergreen Tree Farm, Mantua). The Seed was in cold storage at Wintergreen Tree Farm, but there wasn’t anywhere to plant. Then providence

took over; Ron Etling, a retired educator and friend of Stehli’s brought the problem to the attention of KSU Burton’s Associate Dean Dr. Mathew McIntosh. Stehli and McIntosh met at the campus March 21 with Ron Etling, Dave Day (Director of Advancement), and Carol Gardner (Special Assistant), and within a week three thousand seeds had found a home on campus in the John Gander Greenhouse: the use of which they are providing to the NNGA free of charge.

Most of the chestnut trees being propagated are from seed of the cultivated variety (cultivar) Sleeping Giant, which was bred by the late Arthur H. Graves for nut quality and blight resistance. Sleeping Giant is a super hybrid (a hybrid of at least three species) of American, Chinese and Japanese chestnut. The seedlings are vigorous growers often attaining a height of over 30 feet in 10 years. Because of their

genetic diversity they have good resistance to many native pests and diseases as well as the invasive pests and diseases. Seedlings of the Sleeping Giant usually produce large nuts of excellent quality. Another chestnut seed being propagated are from two timber tree type seedlings of Campbell N-C-9. These two were the most vigorous timber type chestnuts out of a planting of 4,425 trees planted on a research plot in Hiram by Wintergreen Tree Farm.

Eastern filbert blight is a disease of American hazelnuts that has devastated commercial plantings of European filberts in the eastern United States and Canada. Recently it was introduced to America’s West Coast where the

Middlefield Post April 18, 2012

Edition Two

Second of three fabulous guides for homeowners and garden enthusiasts

commercial hazelnut industry is centered.The hazelnuts being propagated at the John Gander Greenhouse are from eastern filbert blight resistant plants collected by Rutgers University, and the University of Nebraska. There is a good chance that many of the seedlings being propagated will have better blight resistance and nut quality than their parent plants, as the parent plants were bred with other blight resistant plants.

Last spring the NNGA and Portage County Soil and Water Conservation District distributed over 500 seedlings of Sleeping Giant to the public to be used in plantings throughout Portage County. We hope to be able to extend this program to Geauga County next spring.

Bob Stehli from Wintergreen Tree Farm and his helpers, Jacqueline and Hannah Billger.

{ home and garden }

2 { Middlefield Post } April 18, 2012

Spring Cleaning Continues By Jacquie Foote

Early Geaugans made most of the cleaning products they used, often with things they had in their pantries. Let’s take a closer look at some of these and see if we may be able to save a few dollars and use some of their homemade products ourselves.

First ... salt. From the earliest days here, settlers made regular trips to Painesville to obtain salt from the mines of Lake Erie, buying enough to sell to their neighbors. They used regular table salt to make a wide variety of cleaning products. In these recipes, when a “paste” of salt is called for, it means to add the dry ingredient to the liquid until you get something the consistency of toothpaste. Old recipes do not use exact measures. So, here we go.

Salt was sometimes used alone as a cleaning agent. If a pie or sugary item boiled over onto the fireplace or oven, early Geaugans sprinkled the spill with salt while the fireplace or oven was still hot, allowed it to become crisp and simply lifted off the spill with a spatula when the oven or fireplace cooled. How much salt depended on the size of the spill. Salt was also used to get rid of grease in a cooking pan before washing it. Just sprinkle salt into the pan, then wipe with a damp rag or sponge.

As the wood burning cook-stove became the popular alternative to cooking in a fireplace, the recipe for cleaning burnt-on food from the stovetop was a mixture of cinnamon and salt sprinkled on while the stove was still hot and wiped off immediately.

As homes improved in early Geauga and rugs covered the floors, settlers used a mixture of one part salt to four parts clear spirits to remove greasy spots, rubbing hard in the direction of the nap, and then rinsed

with rainwater. Rainwater was collected in big barrels for use in cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene as well as for drinking.

When wooden furniture got a burn made from a hot pan or poker or such, a thin paste was made of oil and salt, wiped on over the burn, buffed and wiped off with a soft cloth.

Pewter was used extensively. To clean it, a mildly abrasive cleaner was needed. The settlers mixed a small amount of salt to a cup of vinegar, and added flour to form a smooth paste. The paste was spread over the pewter piece and allowed to dry. Then the pewter piece was thoroughly rinsed in warm water, preferably rainwater, and polished with a soft cloth.

Iron parts of farm machinery were subject to rust then as now. The early Geaugans combated it with a paste of lemon juice and salt applied to the rusted area and rubbed with a soft dry cloth. The use of a housewife’s precious store of canned lemon juice in this instance shows the importance of the iron farm machinery.

The lady of the house also valued salt as an aid to making ironing easier. It wasn’t bad enough that the flat irons had to be heated on a stove and were heavy; these irons could rust and become sticky. This was solved by letting the iron cool to half heat, then running it over a piece of paper with salt sprinkled on it.

Next time, vinegar.

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

Heavy-Duty CleanersSpring has sprung, and that means cleaning. Nancy at River Valley Coleman and Variety

has some great products to offer to those searching for reliable cleaners. MMR is a heavy-duty cleaner to get rid of mold and mildew. It’s a great replacement for bleach and is 100 percent biodegradable.

Scale Away removes limescale thoroughly and quickly leaving nothing behind but a beautiful shine. It cleans and restores brick and cement like magic.

Super Blue is a heavy-duty cleaner that makes dirt disappear from walls and floors. These products can be found at River Valley Coleman and Variety while you are

there shopping for gifts, Coleman products, housewares, baby gifts, toys, cookbooks and sweatshirts. They are located at 900 State Route 534, Middlefield. Call 440-693-4380.

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Tips From Amish Home CraftEmma at Amish Home Craft is a wonderful baker, but she doesn’t care to share her work

with those pesky ants. She would, however, like to share with you a tip on ant proofing your home. Take one cup of Borax dry powder, mix it with one cup of sugar, and sprinkle it thickly all around the outside of your house. Repeat as often as needed, at least twice.

If weeds are your problem, an inexpensive and healthy alternative to poisons is yard salt. It’s much like table salt, can be bought in bulk at the feed store, and sprinkled on your lawn or in sidewalk cracks to get rid of weeds.

When you’re finished ant and weed proofing your home, stop in at Amish Home Craft for a fry pie to go with that well-deserved cup of coffee. Look for their ad in Plain Country. Amish Home Craft is at 16860 Kinsman Road in Middlefield. Call 440-632-1888.

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{ home and garden }

April 18, 2012 { Middlefield Post} 3

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Creekside Lawn Furniture SpecialsCreekside Lawn Furniture is offering irresistible Mothers’ Day Specials. Planter benches

and bent-style rockers are 20 percent off. They are made of beautiful, durable, low-maintenance cypress wood that can be stained, painted or left to weather. It’s recommended, if you do stain, to do so about every 3 years. The bent-style rockers can be used indoors or out, and the bench planters are lovely on a deck or out in the yard. There are options to add another bench to make it longer, to go around a corner, or to customize it to fit your space. Plant flowers in them, and you instantly have a beautiful display. Everything is made right there in the Swine Creek Road shop, and Mom and Grandma are sure to love that special item you choose for them. If you can’t decide between the elegant designs, gift certificates are available. You’re sure to want to pick up something for yourself, too. All the Cypress Breeze products are backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Visit them at 17245 Swine Creek Road, Middlefield or call 888-768-7534.

Fine Crafts at Pine CraftSpring cleanup and organization can be challenging. Paul Wengerd, of Pine Craft Storage

Barns, maintains that everyone needs to have a plan. Too many of us are not organized; our tools are tossed in the garage in dissarray and implements have not been well-stored for the winter. One great idea is to get an outbuilding from Pine Craft so you can get those tools out of the garage and the car and bikes back in it.

Paul says that many first time customers are surprised by the beautiful selection of outbuildings that can be custom-built from scratch. You can get many standard designs, anything as big as a three-car garage, or something as small as a garbage can shelter. It’s about appearance as much as practicality, and they will create what you need to compliment your yard. One design they offer has the appeal of a cute playhouse in front, but in the back there are large double doors for accessibility and utility, so the building can blend into a yard design without being an eyesore.

If you have a need to improve your yard and solve your storage problems, but don’t know where to go with it, Pine Craft will help you. The sky’s the limit, and they will build whatever you need. Stop by at 13650 Madison Road, Middlefield or call 440-632-0174.

Go See Joe Joe’s Saw Shop is a Briggs and Stratton dealership, and Joe now also carries that brand of

washing machine engines. He also carries chainsaws, leaf blowers and trimmers, and tunes up lawnmowers, sharpens their blades and services their engines. String trimmers also need regular care, so bring those in and then cut through your chores quickly and cleanly. This is the place to have all brands of yard tools serviced, and if they don’t have the parts you need, they can get them. Keeping your tools in good shape helps you finish your chores easier, safer and faster.

Joe’s Saw Shop is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 14530 Butternut Road, Burton. Call Joe at 440-834-1196.

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The Garage Door Guy“The Garage Door Guy” aka Burzanko’s Home Maintenance (BHM) is thankful to be

counting this year as their 10th year in business. BHM specializes in sales, service, and installation of garage doors and openers. Their main line of doors is Safe-Way Garage Doors bought through Anderson Door. Openers are the Liftmaster brand. They can and will get any brand a customer prefers, and they’ll install all doors and openers.

Your garage door is one part of every household that is used every day, and without proper maintenance and upkeep will experience problems long before it should. One very basic but important maintenance issue is lubrication. Every 3 to 4 months, spray all moving parts (rollers, hinges, cables and especially the springs on top and on sides of door) with a spray lubricant. Never use axle grease or any heavy grease as it attracts dust, doing more harm than good. One tip: keep the area around the opener’s safety sensors clear. It’s usually at the bottom of the track on each side of door . If they’re blocked or have been bumped and are not pointing at each other, you’ll have problems.

The Garage Door Guy’s business philosophy is simple: honesty, integrity and dependability. They keep prices fair and reasonable, and if they can save their customers money, that is what they will do. So if you have a problem with your garage door give them a call. If they can help you through it over the phone, it will save you the $55 cost (for most Geauga County residents) of a service call. Call Rich at 440-636-3203.

{ home and garden }

4 { Middlefield Post } April 18, 2012

Great Selection ofPre-owned

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Grandma Has MovedGrandma’s Garden has settled into their new Shoppe at 15065 Kinsman Road, west of

Middlefield in Berkshire East Plaza by the License Bureau and Zeppe’s Pizzeria. They continue to get new molds so the stock is constantly growing, and the Fairy Garden Collection is almost complete. There is a 20 percent off sale the rest of April to jump-start your gardens.

Mothers‘ Day is just around the corner, and there are items for Mothers and Grandmothers, mostly custom pieces. They have some designs on paper to show you, or bring in something new for them to try. Since they cast and paint all items, they can even do one for your Godmother or favorite Aunt. Custom pieces do take a little time, so be sure to stop in and order early.

May 19 is Middlefield‘s Relay For Life event. Grandma‘s Garden has been invited on the grounds with their stones in memory of those who have lost the battle, supporting those who are fighting, and celebrating those who have survived.

Focus will then turn to Graduation and Fathers‘ Day. There are lots of options for Dad and Grandpa from a large selection of military, fire deptartment, and sports on hand, or they can custom design one for you.

The Love Collection has many pieces that can be personalized and make unique wedding gifts.

Owners Sandie and Terry Simmers hope to see you soon. You can call them at 440-477-0782.

Quality Country Furnishings Country Side Furnishings offers only well-built high-quality furniture made mostly by

Amish craftsmen from Ohio and Indiana. They use solid oak, rustic cherry and cherry fine wood pieces of every description in County Mission, Shaker, Queen Anne, Charles Schneider or contemporary styles.

Country Side Furnishings won’t settle for just the usual styles, and they go to furniture shows regularly to explore the latest designs. They update their pieces to stay with the trends but always incorporate good old-fashioned workmanship and excellence, like dove tailed joints and full extension drawers. They have faith in the over 100 Amish craftsmen they use, and guarantee you can trust them to do a good job.

Along with their handsome furniture, Country Side Furnishings has a selection of original gifts, wall hangings, crafts, toys and accent pieces. Country Side Furnishings is located at 16403 Nauvoo Road, Middlefield (44062). Call 440-632-0248 or visit www.countrysidefurnishings.com.

ReStore Your Space and Help OthersIf you are spring cleaning, downsizing, moving or remodeling, forget about time

consuming garage sales, costly advertisements and strangers coming into your home. Give the Geauga County Habitat for Humanity ReStore a call, and friendly professional volunteers will help clear out your clutter.

The ReStore is looking for new and gently used appliances, furniture, housewares, tools, cabinets, hardware, antiques, lighting fixtures, and more. Donations are tax deductible and proceeds go to building safe, affordable housing for hard-working Geauga County families. By donating goods to the ReStore you’re helping local families in need of housing, and other community members in need of affordable appliances, furniture and other items.

The ReStore offers free pick-up for items too large to be dropped off. Donation drop-off hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ReStore is open Fridays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The ReStore is located at 12180 Kinsman Road, Newbury, just west of Route 44. To schedule a pick-up or to learn more about donations call 440-564-7475 or go to www.habitatgeauga.org/restore.

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Garden Tour and Plant SaleThe Geauga County Master Gardeners are presenting their fourth Garden Tour and

Plant Sale on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Love of gardening will be evident at selected gardens in the Auburn/Bainbridge area. No pets or children. Tickets are available at 440-834-4656 or at Adam Hall Community Center, 11455 E. Washington St., Auburn Township (44023) east of Route 306 the day of the sale. Visitors will enjoy a blooming rose garden, sculpture in a wooded wonderland, specimen trees, unique patios, and a community designed and maintained herb garden.

The Plant Sale at Adam Hall the same day will offer an abundance of perennials, annuals, houseplants, trees, shrubs, tropicals, vegetables and herbs. MGs will be on-site to help with plant selections and care advice. Tool sharpening (most items $5 to $10) and knives, scissors and garden tools will be for sale at a reasonable prices. Cash or personal checks only.

{ home and garden }

April 18, 2012 { Middlefield Post} 5

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A Special EggBy Ellie Behman

Sitting on the front porch on a breezy, sunny morning brings with it interesting stories to share. One such morning last summer my husband Ron and I watched two birds on the ground, staying close to one another. We decided they must be mom and child, spending quality time together. Each time the mom jumped and moved, the baby followed nearby. They were inseparable as the mother scratched for fresh earthworms that she fed to her hungry child.

Ron looked at those two birds and said, “That little baby must be her favorite egg. Let’s tell our youngest that she is our favorite egg.”

This became the family joke for quite a while. Our daughter is now known as “Sunnyside.” She doesn’t mind since the alternative names could have been “scrambled,“ “hard-boiled” or “cracked.”

Whatever nonsense we came up with that bright summer morning certainly put a smile on our faces and that of our “youngest egg.” I thought about the bond between the mother bird and her baby and realized that a caring, human mom is not that much different. Her children are watched over and protected, they are fed until they can feed themselves and then when it’s time for them to “leave the nest,” they are encouraged and prepared for that new adventure.

As for our daughter, well she is completely pleased at being compared to the baby bird. After all, she knows without a doubt that she was “egg-sactly” what we needed to make our family complete and she was totally comfortable in the “nest” until it was time to make a life of her own. She is also quite the performer and doesn’t need us to “egg” her on at family get togethers. She is no “egg head” when it comes to bringing joy to those around her.

Hayes Road GreenhouseDan C. Miller at Hayes Road Greenhouse has lots of shrubs, fruit trees, black and blueberry

bushes, red and black raspberry plants, strawberry plants, rhubarb, roses, and asparagus plants. He also has the food and sprays to keep them healthy. The greenhouse carries peat moss, shredded hardwood mulch, organic lime, potting soil, and fertilizers, such as Fertrell’s organic blends and Triple 12. They still stock their normal items like Basic H, fire starter blox, heavy frost protect row cover, grass seed, birdseed and water softener salt.

Dan is always happy to answer questions to help you grow gorgeous flowers, superb trees and healthy plants that will supply you and your family with a bounty of delicious home grown products. Hayes Road Greenhouse is at 13015 Hayes Road, Middlefield (44062).

OSU ScholarshipsThe Geauga County Master Gardener

Volunteers offer two $1,000 scholarships to any Geauga County high school senior or high school graduate planning to attend or attending The Ohio State University or The Ohio State University, Agriculture Technical Institute, Wooster Campus pursuing a degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or Environmental Science.

For details visit www.geauga.osu.edu or call 440-834-4656. Applications must be received at the OSU Extension Office at P.O. Box 387, Burton, OH 44021 by April 30.

Neetlights Open in BurtonBy John Melaragno

Hello everyone. My name is John Melaragno and my wife’s name is Linda. Together we run our small business called Neetlights. We have been in business for 4 years now but just opened our new store in Burton. We also sell our products online and at local Gun Shows. We are a unique store with lots of ‘neet’ things.

We have a large selection of LED flashlights, hunter and tactical lights, weapons lights, laser lights, laser bore sites, emergency preparedness products, personal security products, battery and crank powered lanterns, headlamps, pet lights, bike lights, 12-volt battery chargers, batteries, camp in gadgets, fire starters and just a lot of ‘neet’ stuff. We are adding new things every day. We have products by JETBeam, Fenix, Thrunite, LED Lenser, Streamlight, Inova,

NiteIze, UTG, Aim, Aimshot and more. If you are looking for something bright, come see our Nitecore Tiny Monster with 2,000 Lumens of power. We are located at 14533 N. Cheshire St., Burton. Contact us at 440-218-7153, neetlights@gmail.com or visit www.neetlights.co.

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Maple Lane Furniture and FabricsMaple Lane Furniture and Fabric has solid oak, ash, hickory and elm furniture. Although

you will always find a great selection in stock, they are happy to order whatever you need.You can’t beat their prices on fabrics. Whatever your sewing needs may be, they’ve got

it. They also carry Amish handmade bags, bonnets and straw hats. It’s the place to go to find the perfect gift for that special person.

Stop in at Maple Lane Furniture and Fabrics, 5319 S. Windsor Road in Middlefield. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call them at 440-272-5949.

{ home and garden }

6 { Middlefield Post } April 18, 2012

Earth Day ~ April 22By Nancy HuthEarth Day is observed on April 22 in 175 countries worldwide, thanks to Rachel Carson,

whose 1962 book “Silent Spring” sparked environmental concern and the realization that we can help preserve our planet for our children. Her book spurred a reversal in national pesticide policy and led to a ban on DDT and to the creation of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

Eight years later in 1970 “Earth Day” was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin when he chose April 22 for an environmental “teach-in” at universities in the USA after seeing the devastation that a 1969 oil spill had caused on the coast of Santa Barbara.

The familiar logo that we see on recyclable products (three green triangular arrows) was introduced that same year. Gary Dean Anderson, a 23-year-old, designed it and won a competition sponsored by the Container Corporation of American that recycled paper. Gary’s symbol was meant to suggest paper going over rollers and coming back on itself in an infinite process.

It is estimated that the annual revenue from the recycling of bottles, cans, paper, electronics and other materials was $75 billion in 2010. So if you haven’t already started, this April 22 celebrate Earth Day by taking your bottles, cans and paper to the containers off North Thompson near Cardinal High School.

Mark your calendar, May 5, the Middlefield Village will hold it’s annual Clean-up Day. Place your appliances with doors removed at the curb by 6:30 a.m. Bring old tires to the Municipal building, 14860 N. State Ave., Middlefield.

Sparkling Spring WindowsSqueegees, crumpled newspaper, sponges and paper towels are all old tried and

true methods of cleaning winter grime off windows, but a relatively new development in cleaning technology provides us with one that works like a charm. Microfiber cloths, which are particularly kind to glass. Manufactured from plastic compounds, they behave differently depending on whether they’re wet or dry, and they act like magnets for the particle dirt that accumulates on windows.

Use two cloths, one damp and one dry. Fold each into quarters so you have eight clean wiping surfaces, four front and back, before you need to rinse or change cloths. Begin by using the damp cloth to clean the window. Water, alone will do, and detergent is not necessary. Wipe the window down, then use the dry cloth to dry and polish the glass, but be sure the microfiber cloth is clean. The tiny fiber strands do a great job of attracting grit, but scrubbing your window with that grit can scratch the glass. Not only do the cloths clean the dirt away, they don’t streak and they leave the glass gleaming. This is an amazingly easy method, and it gets great results, especially considering that the most expensive of these machine washable cloths cost only about $5 to $7 each.

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• Pet Supplies• Plumbing Supplies• Power/Hand Tools• Stihl Dealer/Repairs• Water Softener Salt• Screen Repair

New Construction or Replacement Windows

oRWell WiNdoW & dooR

8221 Parker Road, Orwell 44076 • Marvin Shrock, Owner Call Us at 440-437-8458 or 440-437-2031 (Let Ring)

We Also Offer SCREEN REPAIR

SIDING

®

FREE In-home Estimates

& Installation Available

and

Attention RoofeRs & HomeowneRs!

– estAte cleAnups – CALL JIM - CELL: 440-336-0544 / HOME: 440-834-1282

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIALA container can be delivered to

your job site or home.10-15-20 Yards

AJ & JROLL-OFF

CONTAINERS

Free Appliance CollectionThe Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District is pleased to announce a free

appliance collection. The collection will be held Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Geauga County Engineer’s yard located at 12665 Merritt Road, Chardon (44024).

Residents of Geauga and Trumbull Counties are encouraged to take advantage of this free collection to drop-off household appliances. Freon will be removed free of charge from Freon-bearing appliances by certified technicians. Some acceptable appliances include refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, hot water tanks and stoves. Residents are asked to remain in their vehicles, workers will be available to unload. Absolutely no hazardous waste will be accepted at this time.

If you have any questions contact the District office at 330-675-2673 or visit www.startrecycling.com.

Complete landsCape serviCesLIGHT EXCAVATING • PATIOS • RETAINING WALLS

DRAINAGE • PRUNING • LANDSCAPE DESIGNFree estimates

Double Ground Dark Bark Mulch

Premium Triple Ground Limited Fading

Premium Farm Rich Screened Topsoil

Red / Black MulchFlower Bed / Garden Compost

$22 / yd.

$32 / yd.

$18 / yd.

$28 / yd. $30 / yd.

WE USE PREmIUm mATERIALSPICk-UP or delivery

WE HAVE GRAVEL & DRIVEWAy STONE TOO!

Yard: 440-548-5379Office: 440-632-5126

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Sat 8am-2pm (weather permitting)

{ home and garden }

April 18, 2012 { Middlefield Post} 7

Traveling With Your PetTraveling with your pet can be a wonderful and bonding experience. Make sure your

pet is healthy and all their shots are updated. Pet ID tags are essential, permanent tags with updated contact information, and a temporary ID listing where you are staying or anything to make it easier to reunite you with your pet. Carry a picture of your pet so others can more easily help you find your pet.

Bring your pet’s bedding, a favorite toy, litter and litter box, leash, collar, tags, grooming supplies, a first aid kit, and food and water dishes. Collapsible dishes are less awkward and bulky. Ice cubes are easier on the pet than large amounts of water. Keep feeding to a minimum. When traveling by car, a light meal is advised 2 to 3 hours before leaving.

Be sure your pet is safely restrained in a pet safety harness, behind a vehicle barrier or travel kennel. Be sure kennels are well ventilated and stabilized. Pets should never travel in the front seat, have their head out the window, or be in the back of a pickup.

Make frequent bathroom and exercise stops. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. On warm days, temperatures can rise to 120 degrees, even with windows slightly open.

Map out where you’ll be staying and take advantage of the numerous pet-friendly accommodations if you’re driving a long distance. Be safe and careful, and you and your pet can have a fun and relaxing vacation -- together.

Scheid’s located just north of Middlefield are your vacation experts and have Pop-up and Travel Trailer rentals, and is a dealer for Fautras Horse Trailers, EdenPURE Heaters, and ECOBricks. Scheid’s is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 pm.; Friday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., reopening from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and most Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop by and meet the owners, Neil and Andrea Scheid. You’ll be glad you did. 13680 Old State Road (Route 608) Middlefield (44062). Call 440-632-6321 or e-mail andrea@trucnrv.com.

Oil Change IntervalsBy Joe Novak

I discussed lubricants in past articles and now I want to discuss oil change intervals, and OMG the dealer charged how much?

Dealers send coupons for $19.99 oil changes to get you in and you drive away wondering how the bill ended up at $250. The fear of voiding the warrantee keeps us coming back at whatever mileage is written on that window sticker the dealer put there as a reminder to return to the scene of the crime. Do yourself a favor and check the interval in the owner’s manual. My new car manual read: every 3,000 miles, no wait on another page it was 3,750 miles and on another page 3,000 miles the first time and 5,000 every time after that. Good thing I read every page in the “maintenance” portion of my manual as I was waiting to get the few hairs I have left on my head trimmed. My friend gets his styled by a voluptuous girl that charges him three times as much. My barber, however, doesn’t have any cleavage.

If your car is still under warranty, stick to the owner’s manual recommended intervals and always keep the receipt, especially if you do it yourself or use a shop other than the dealer.

If your car is past the warrantee period, you can extend the change intervals by switching to synthetic oil and synthetic oil filters. I recommend NAPA platinum filters designed for extended service and synthetic oils. Go to www.edmonds.com and read their recommendations for oil change intervals.

Now about that $250 bill, the dealer’s

price on a cabin air filter for my car is $79 and Napa’s price is $19.95. Installation is about 3 minutes, once you can find it; they hide it so you give-up and pay their price.

The free 50 point “inspection” is not for your safety, it’s for his kid’s college beer fund; oops, I meant education. They are looking for something they can fix and I assure you they will find it. Don’t fall for an engine flushing, or fuel additives that will “improve” your fuel mileage; Wal-Mart’s $2.99 product works as well as their $9.99 stuff. Disc brakes do not need to be adjusted and rotating your tires every 3,000 miles is nonsense.

Always ask for the used parts back, it’s the law. If they refuse, don’t pay for the repair, if they say there is a core charge, take a picture of the used part for your records and if it has a part number on it, make sure you write it down or it appears in the photo, than compare it with the invoice. If you think you were fleeced, you have something as proof. If they ask why you want that greasy old part, say your husband, brother or father is a mechanic and needs to see it. An informed consumer is less likely to get ripped off.

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.

Scrap Tire CollectionsThe Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District has awarded $32,324 to

implement localized scrap tire collection programs to financially assist the political subdivisions in Geauga County. If you are a resident of Geauga County, visit www.startrecycling.com, or contact the District office, or your local elected official for information on collection dates and program guidelines at 1-800-707-2673 or 330-675-2673.

MILLER’STOP SHOP

Specializing in CountertopsLaminate Top with Undermount Sinks

and will also do Solid Surface Countertops

18960 Nelson Rd, Garrettsville 44231

440-548-5872 (let ring)

14545 North Cheshire, P.O. Box 413Burton, Ohio 44021

Phone & Fax : (440) 834-4471

Hill Hardware Company

Monday-Friday 8-6, Sat 9-5, Closed Sunday

Your old-fashioned, hometown hardware store

Grandma’s Garden

Sandie & Terry Simmers

Unique Custom Garden Art

15065 Kinsman Road, Middlefield (Just west of Middlefield - next to Zeppe’s)

440-477-0782 www.grandmasgarden.vpweb.com

GARDEN & STEPPING STONES:150+ • moldsA variety of themes•Custom-made stones too! •

20 % OFF Grandma’s Garden • 15065 Kinsman Rd, Middlefield • 440-477-0782

Any Purchasewith coupon. exp. 4/30/12

LAKESIDESAND & GRAVEL

330-274-2569

Since 1954 • 58 Years of Service

Fast Delivery • Quality Materials • Competitive Prices

Residential & Commercial

• Washed Sand & Gravel• Road & Driveway Gravel• Limestone Products

• Screened Topsoil• Fill Sand & Dirt• Landscape Boulders

3498 Frost Rd, Mantua • www.lakesidesandgravel.com

Mastercard, Visa and Discover Accepted

While Supply Lasts - Regular Price $399.00

We also carry saw supplies and parts for most major brands of chainsaws, including Stihl, Homelite, McCulloch, Poulan and many others.

455 Rancher - 20” ChainsawX-TORQ 55cc 3.4hp 3/8” Saw Chain

Special $368.00

16891 Kinsman Rd. (Rt. 87) Middlefield 44062

440-632-5068800-845-0526

Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 9am-3pmwww.firstqualityonline.com