DDC Clinic Leads in Identifying Genetic Disorders
By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmedi
The Amish community experi ences a higher prevalence of rare health conditions, said Eli Miller, executive director of the DDC Clin ic, following the Middlefield State of the Village address April 21.
Das Deutsch Center for Special Needs Children was established in 1999 in Middlefield Township with support from Amish community bishops and the medical communi ty, according to the clinic’s website.
Miller highlighted the clinic’s works during a presentation at the Burton Middlefield Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
“We see more disorders in this little clinic than in any other clinic in the world,” he said before an au dience of more than 100 gathered in the DDC meeting room.
“There are too many disorders, unfortunately, there are no treatments for. That’s what keeps us going,” Mill er said, adding about 90% of the clin ic’s patients are Amish or Mennonite.
“Rare genetic disorders are not unique to Amish and Mennonites, but there are more because a small group came here in the late 1700s,” he said.
Over the past 24 years, Wang has played a key role in the clinic’s scientific discoveries, describing new diseases and associated
than 2,500 patients across 38 states, as well as New Zealand, Canada and Asia, Miller said.
“We do see anyone. We like to say we’re an Amish clinic,” he told the audience.
Most of the research is conduct-
2026 Cardinal Prom Royalty
The lab enables use of a genetic awareness panel — a single blood
“The genetic awareness panel is an educational tool, as well,” Miller said, adding about 50% of Amish families choose to have the test performed on their newborns.
“It’s a very proactive approach and has been very well received by the community,” he said.
DDC also operates a family heart center, where patients with genetic heart conditions receive regular cardiac evaluations.
That work led to Wang publishing a medical journal article on cardiomyopathy in 2006, Miller said. About a decade later, a California pharmaceutical company contacted the clinic after developing a gene therapy for cardiomyopathy that showed success in laboratory animals.
“Today, they are doing clinical trials on adults. It’s very promising, so far,” Miller said. “This is why our research is so important.”
Miller also discussed the clinic’s nonprofit status and its ability to maintain low patient costs.
“Low patient fees is not a sustainable way to run a business,” he said, adding insurance, contributions from various organizations and grants take care of a large part of the cost of tests and treatments.
“We are very grateful for the community’s support,” Miller said.
Xzavier Apathy and Marietta Miller were named this year’s Prom King and Queen. Also on the prom court were Lauri Ala-Uotila, Peeratas Jutamatyangkul, Dominic Harris, Emily Pleva, Adelyn Grant and Ivy Kaminski.
LEARY STUDIO
Donations Needed
Donations are needed for the Middlefield Historical Society’s upcoming garage sale being held on June 4-6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Donations of anything except adult clothing may be dropped off on May 15, 22 and 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Underloft located at 14979 S. State Ave. Call Barb at 440-5036444 for information or pickup.
Town Crier
Spring Drive-It-Yourself Tour
May 16, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Join Destination Geauga’s 22nd annual self-guided tour of Geauga County with 25 participating businesses throughout the county.
Each stop offers either a discount, giveaway or sample to enjoy. Pick up a map of participating businesses and collect a stamp at each stop.
The event aligns with America 250 celebrations and concludes with a grand finale from 2:45-4 p.m. at Adam Hall, 11455 Washington St., Auburn Township, featuring refreshments and prize drawings. All tour maps must be validated by 4 p.m. and participants must be present to claim prizes
For more information and the list of participating businesses, visit www.destinationgeauga.com or call Kathy at 440-632-1538.
Bloom & Browse Market
May 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ohman Family Living at Briar will host Bloom & Browse, a free outdoor green market, at 14820 N. State St., Middlefield.
The event will feature more than 20 local vendors offering flowers, handcrafted goods, artisan breads, specialty coffee, natural skincare and more, along with a food truck and live demonstrations. Vendor booths will include plants, handmade items, specialty foods and garden-related goods.
The market is part of Briar’s community engagement series. Cottage tours of The Cottages at Briar will be available during the event.
Admission is free and open to the public.
For information, contact Kristin Wallace at 440-261-4808 or visit ohmanfamilyliving.com.
Gardening 101 Series Continues
Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers will continue the free Gardening 101 series at the Patterson Center at the Geauga County Extension Office, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton.
“Working and Maintaining the Garden” will be held May 16 from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by “Harvesting and Preserving Your Garden’s Bounty” on May 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration is required. Call 440-8344656 or visit geauga.osu.edu for information.
Bloodmobile
American Red Cross asks donors to give blood or platelets now to help maintain a
healthy blood supply. Visit RedCrossBlood. org or call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment.
May 20, Middlefield Library, 16167 East High St., Middlefield, 12-6 p.m.
May 27, Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, Parkman, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holiday Polka Party
May 25, 1-6 p.m.
A Memorial Day polka dance party will be held at SNPJ Farm, 10946 Heath Road, Kirtland. Enjoy ethnic food and live music featuring the orchestras of the Frank Stanger and Anthony Culkar bands. Bring an instrument to join the jam session.
Open to the public. For information, call 330-318-3004.
Maple Splash Raffle Tickets on Sale
The Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club is selling tickets for its annual Maple Splash Raffle, featuring a grand prize of a 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Custom 4WD or a $30,000 cash option.
The final early bird drawing is May 27. The main drawing will be held July 11 at the Maple Splash Raffle Festival.
Visit Maplesplashraffle.com for tickets, prize listings and official rules.
LCGS Meets
May 28, 10 a.m.
The Lake County Genealogical Society will meet via Zoom. Following the business meeting, Kelli Jo Bergheimer will present "How to Organize and Pass on Your Family History." To receive a Zoom invitation, email lcgsohio@lcgsohio.org at least two days in advance.
GCRTA Luncheon
June 2, 11:15 a.m.
The Geauga County Retired Teachers Association will meet at the Tanglewood Golf Club, 8745 Tanglewood Drive in Bainbridge Township. Social time will be followed by the business meeting at 11:30 a.m. and a salad buffet lunch at noon. The program will include speakers from the STRS Board and ORTA with updates and discussion. For information and reservations, call Judy Miller at 440-487-4324 by May 23. Please bring paper products or canned goods for the Geauga County Hunger Task Force.
Library
MIDDLEFIELD BRANCH
16167 East High St., Middlefield, 440-6321961. Programs require registration unless otherwise noted. Visit www.geaugalibrary.net.
Animal Zoo
May 14, 4-4:45 p.m.
Connect with local librarians to learn about zoo animals and their habitats using a variety of crafts and games. This is a family program.
Library Led Discussions
No registration is required.
• May 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m., “Daughter of Daring” by Mallory O’Meara
• May 26, 7-8 p.m., “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick
SUBMITTED
International Educators Visit Hershey Montessori
Hershey Montessori School recently welcomed a dozen Montessori educators from New Zealand, the Czech Republic, Argentina, the Netherlands and Australia to its Huntsburg Campus as part of a 25-day global study tour.
The group, on a curated expedition to observe Montessori education in action, identified Hershey Montessori as a key destination. Visitors referred to the school as “the Mecca of Adolescent Education,” reflecting its reputation as a global leader
in Montessori practice for students ages 12–18.
Educators observed students in adolescent classrooms, stayed through lunch and met with faculty, students and adolescent program founder Laurie Ewert Krocker, an internationally recognized Montessori trainer.
Among the visitors was Mirka Vlcková, founder of Montessori Schools Andílek and the Montessori Institute Prague, an AMI training center in the Czech Republic.
Community Meetings
Listed are upcoming public meetings and executive sessions in Huntsburg, Middlefield and Parkman townships, the Village of Middlefield and Cardinal Schools. (Please note: These meeting notices are NOT legal notices.)
Huntsburg Township: May 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings held at the Town Hall, 16534 Mayfield Road.
Middlefield Village: May 14, 5:30 p.m. – Recreation Committee, 6 p.m. – Finance & Ordinance Committee, 6:30 p.m. – Safe-
ty Committee, 7 p.m. – Village Council. All meetings are at the Municipal Center, 14860 N. State Ave.
Parkman Township: May 19, 7 p.m., Board of Trustees. All meetings are held at the Parkman Community House, 16295 Main Market Road, unless otherwise noted.
Cardinal BOE: May 13, 6:30 p.m., regular meeting; May 27, 6:30 p.m., work session. All meetings held at BOE Office, 15982 E. High St., Middlefield, unless otherwise indicated.
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Deadlines
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Circulation
• The Middlefield Post is distributed for free to homes and businesses in the Middlefield community. It is mailed through the U.S. Postal Service.
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International Montessori educators visit Hershey Montessori School’s Huntsburg Campus during a 25-day global study tour.
Faith Matters Discover Your Uniqueness
Lately I have been watching the swallows swoop down around the pond behind our house. They are aeronautical wonders to behold. The agility, speed and change of direction of these birds is just phenomenal. Their flight seems to be almost effortless as they glide along.
In addition, I get the impression that swallows love what they are doing. If birds could smile, that is exactly their mood.
Of course, God made them to do what they are doing. The Creator designed them to be masters of flight. It reminds me of the 1924 Olympic runner, Eric Liddell, who said, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.” Liddell was known as the Flying Scotsman and is featured in the movie, “Chariots of Fire.”
use that to serve others. It is not just about making money or achieving success. Rather, there is great joy and satisfaction when we see ourselves as created by God for a purpose. When I went off to university in 1970, I had no idea what I should study. I had to name a major field for my desired degree, so I put down geology. After one course in that subject, I quickly realized I did not want to focus my study on the earth’s formation and structure. The real reason I was there was to play football and compete on the wrestling team.
By Roger Kruse
In Psalm 139:14, David tells us that he prais es the Lord because he himself is “remarkably and wonderfully made.” God’s workmanship is to be appreciated and even marveled at.
How about you? Are you grateful for the way God made you? Some people are not satisfied with their own uniqueness. They lament that their ears stick out too much or their nose is too big. Men and women alike have different surgical procedures to change the shape of their bodies as they strive for a more “handsome” or “beautiful” look.
Your uniqueness is a God-given reality. No need to reinvent yourself or make changes. Your Creator made you for a purpose. Nothing is accidental. The individual characteristics of your life and personality are there for a reason. The Lord has given you a genetic code from your parents, certain talents and abilities, with the possibility to grow and enhance these gifts.
If you are a follower of Jesus, then you also are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He imparts spiritual gifts to you that are meant to be utilized for God’s glory.
If you ask people about themselves, they haven’t always taken the time and effort to figure out what makes them unique or what “drives” their life. We all need to figure out what passion fuels our life and how we can
Nevertheless, it was during that year that I gave deep thought to my life. I remember wandering along the shores of Lake Erie one night, trying to figure out my personal identity and find peace in my heart. Not long after, I met up with some friends from high school. They both shared the life-changing discovery of a personal faith in Jesus. I was surprised to hear such talk from people who were not at all “religious.” Yet, I could see and hear that their lives were now very different. They seemed to know who they were and spoke of God’s love and power at work in their lives. My decision to become a Christ-follower was the outcome of our conversation. Over the next few months, my life changed dramatically from the inside out. God’s Word, the Bible became my “soul food.” Within a year, I knew I was called by God to serve Jesus.
The result has been an amazing journey of faith, living in India, Indonesia and New Zealand. I have been privileged to serve Christ in countries all over the world. I have also found great pleasure in growing vegetables, trees and flowers. In addition, I marvel at the beauty of wood and enjoy crafting tables and charcuterie boards.
My prayer is that God will guide you as you consider and discover your own uniqueness. His purpose is to bless you and to make you a blessing to others.
Roger Kruse pursues his life with an appreciation for how God has made him and seeks to fulfill the God-given purpose for each new day.
Students Compete at Envirothon
Cardinal High School students recently competed at the Regional Envirothon held at the Holden Arboretum, showcasing their knowledge and teamwork in science. Two Cardinal teams placed in the top 15, with another team finishing in the top 30 — an impressive accomplishment among strong regional competition.
Mr. Clutter and Miss Moon coached the teams.
Third row: William Rayburn, Dominic Harris, Gage Wagamon, Lucas Gresch, Grayson Yoder and Kaithe Buresch. Sec ond row: Brooke Baker, Delilah Turon, Izzy Lingler, Alaina Hickox and Evan Everett. First row: Madison Hilger, Felicity Little and Layla Marcum.
Guliano Award Recipients
Several students from the Northeast Athletic Conference were honored with the Pat Guliano Award, which is presented to senior athletes selected by administrators. Recipients are recognized for demonstrating fairness, respect, honesty and ethical conduct on and off the field and court, including toward officials, opponents and teammates. Sam Pannetti and Ali Puruczky were among the Cardinal recipients.
Kiwanis Honors Third-Graders
The East Geauga Kiwanis Club recently
recognized two third-graders from Cardinal Elementary School as “Outstanding 3rd Graders” for the fourth grading period, based on their grades and good behavior. Carsynn Brilla, a student in Mrs. Pollock’s class, and Chase Tilton, a student in Mr. Topalian’s class, each received a certificate and four literature books donated by the Kiwanis Club.
SolidWorks Certification Earned
Several Cardinal students recently completed the SolidWorks certification test, demonstrating hard work, dedication and technical skills through these career-ready opportunities.
Real Estate Transfers
Following is a list of area real estate transfers for the weeks ending May 1 and May 8, 2026, provided as a public service by the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Transfers may involve the sale of land only.
MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP
Johnny J. and Rachel D. Stutzman, 16236 Old State Road, to Chester E. and Susan U. Weaver, $375,000. (6.47 acres)
MIDDLEFIELD VILLAGE
Sherpa Development Company LLC, 16003 E. High St., to Union Valley Real Estate I LLC, $750,000. (1.43 acres)
Michael Dulka (trustee), 15958 E. High St., to Tina M. Dulka, $300,000. (0.09 acres)
PARKMAN TOWNSHIP
Albert F. Miller, Freemon A. Miller and Amanda D. Miller, Bundysburg Road, to Trumbull Garage Doors LLC, $290,000. (3.01 acres)
Thomas F. and Lori Galena (TOD), 16095 E. High St., to Jared D. and Stephanie M. Schiele, $220,000. (0.49 acres)
Cardinal students recently completed the SolidWorks certification test.
grading period by the East Geauga Kiwanis Club.
FOR RENT
Claridon: Efficiency Apartment for rent. $450/mo. Singles only. No pets. Please call after 5pm. 440-4794961.
Auburn: 1BR apartment, w/ covered porch, laundry rm, attached garage. $995/mo. Call 440-221-0649.
FOR SALE
Anchor Brand Folding Bench Wringer Floor Stand: 48” tall, Patent 1896, $240. 440-554-5731.
Vinyl Pool Liner: 24’ round, claims to fit 48/52” wall, did not cover my 52” frame. Never filled, sat in a pile in attic. Cost me $450, yours for $225. 440-487-7901. 2025 KZ Sportsmen 130RB Camper Trailer, used. $12,000. 440-470-5890.
HONEY: local, raw, bottled. 1-lb $9; 2-lb $17; 12-lb (1-gal) $75. Mesquite and Buckwheat honey available. 440-567-2586.
2020 Troy-Bilt rear tine tiller, not used much. $1,200. 440-635-0067.
Family Burial Plot for sale. All Souls Cemetery. Serene location in prime section. Section 16. 216-440-8743. Cuisinart Elemental 11-Cup Food Processor. Model FP-2GM. Polished aluminum. Never used. $215 brand new. Selling for $110. 440-669-2763. Mobility Scooter: Pride-4. $1,500. Call daytime by 6pm. 440-286-3380. Ask for Chuck.
LATHEM TIME RECORDER CLOCK, RECORD ALBUMS, Old Cameras, large granite counter-top pieces, fresh/ salt water aquariums, old clocks, kerosene lamps. Inquire. 440-338-3563. Russell.
Used natural hickory kitchen cabinets with island. Array of wall and base sizes. Looking to sell. Take all for $1,500. Call if interested. Hartsgrove. 440-897-5865.
Powermate Portable Generator: 4000 watts, excellent condition, 121 hours, used only during outages. $250. 440-637-3274.
Nikon D/70 digital camera w/24-70-mm lens, Nikon 70-300-mm telephoto lens, Promaster 7500 EDF flash, all for $125. 440-338-3039.
Cookinex Juicer, used twice, $35. Vintage Koken Barber Chair, make offer. 440-346-7708, leave message. Two double-hung Provia replacement windows: combined dimensions 75 7/8 X 53 5/8. Perfect for a front window, $475. 440-336-5044 George. Custom sizes & shapes available.
GARAGE/ESTATE SALES
UNIQUE WEEKLY SALES: Something for everyone! All items priced low. Monthly drawings too. Thurs-Sat 9am5pm. 9098 Old State Rd, (Rt 608, Chardon). More info 440-940-4020.
Trunk-To-You Community Garage Sale: Saturday, May 30th, 9am-2pm. Rain or Shine. The Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Rd. Come find some treasures!
HELP WANTED
Nature’s Way Landscaping. Hiring landscape, construction, lawn maintenance, foreman, laborers, and crew leaders. Must have driver’s license. Chesterland area. 440-729-3779 call/text.
Now Hiring Maintenance Associates! Full and part-time positions available at Legacy Village and Oakwood Commons. Apply: hiring@first-interstate.com
PETS & ANIMALS
For Sale: 135-gal aquarium $135. 440-729-0070.
Dog Boarding Day Care: in-home. Call John 440-5338870. www.happyhoundhouse.com
“Franklin” adult gray tiger cat needs indoor home. 14 pounds of sweetheart! Social, neutered, vaxxed. Good with other cats. Rebecca 440-321-2485.
MISCELLANEOUS
DONATIONS NEEDED for Middlefield Historical Society Garage Sale. No adult clothing. Drop-off Fridays 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 9a-12p at 14979 S. State Ave. For info/ pickup 440-503-6444.
FREE fact: “casual” use of marijuana easily becomes an addiction. Young people “try “ things. Warn them! Help them.
Community members can now drop off their hand-written submissions to the Middlefield Post at Erb’s Variety Store, 13924 Bundysburg Road, Middlefield Township. Submissions will be picked up by newspaper staff every Thursday at noon. Please call our office at 440-729-7667 with any questions. The Middlefield Post will accept personal columns about community events, recipes or family events. Photos are welcome, but may not be returned. Please include a phone number if possible, in case of questions. Please include a note if you would like your submission considered for inclusion in the Geauga County Maple Leaf, Chesterland News or Kirtland Chronicle. All submissions are subject to editing for grammar, spelling and/or length. Submissions are printed at the discretion of the editor.
REAL ESTATE
.34-acre Bainbridge lot on 306, part of Lake Lucerne community with amenities. Tap into utilities: gas, electric, sewer, private community well. SAVE BIG! 75k. 440-574-1599.
4194 Helsley Fusselman Rd, Southington. $1,200,000. Horse farm, 24+ acres, barns, lg indoor arena, 3800sqft house w/7 bedrooms. Kathie Lutz 330-687-5900 or Ryan Neal 330-687-0622.
For Sale: Mobile Home at Jacques Park, Chardon. 2023 3BR, 2BA, central AC, all electric. 62’x14’. $55,000. 440-840-2844.
Private Investor paying cash for homes/land in any condition. Call or text Brian today at 440-346-0161 for a No-obligation offer. No repairs needed. Fast closings.
WE BUY HOUSES & LAND IN AS IS CONDITION OR ANY SITUATION: Ugly.. Gorgeous.. Or hasn’t been updated since the Browns last won it all! Fast.. Friendly.. Local. Text or call 330-269-9595.
SERVICES
SUMMER CHILDCARE: 18+ years experience, CPR certified, Reasonable rates, Flexible hours, In my home on Sperry Road in Newbury. Call or text Marie 216-5133668.
Driver for Amish: Available 7 days/week. 2500 Dodge Ram, diesel, crew cab, can haul trailer. Hunting and fishing trips. Also, minivan for family trips. 234-3037149.
Taxi Driver: 2022 F350 Super Duty, extend cab, 6 seats, tows any trailer. Local or long distance. Call Brian Morgret 440-650-9385.
AM RIDES LLC: CREW TRANSPORT. Reliable job site transportation serving Geauga, Trumbull & Ashtabula. Clean, well-maintained vans. Experienced drivers. Daily & long-distance service available. Contract work preferred. Call/Text: 330-431-8282.
Buckeye Landscaping looking for new clients for upcoming season. Services including mowing, mulching, pruning, spring/fall clean-ups, also snow plowing. Call 440 883 9124.
Do you need a Caregiver? Will do personal care and light housework. Certified with references. 440-3131804.
Offering Junk Removal and Demolition: 440-883-9124.
WANTED TO BUY
Old fishing tackle wanted: fishing lures (wood or plastic), mouse to bear traps, wooden duck decoys. Call Lee 440-313-8331.
4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, dirt bikes, mini-bikes, go-carts, golf carts, gators, farm tractors/equipment, trailers, riding mowers, snowplows. Paying cash. 440-413-3119. Also, scrap cleanup and removal.
