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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Wakeman, OH

Home Care Wakeman, OH

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Black River Ghost Ship gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Wakeman, OH is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Wakeman, OH

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“This was the first time we had tried in home care for my mom. They made an experience I was nervous about, a huge relief for my family. Setting up the care was easy and I knew from their knowledge that my mom was in good hands. We received amazing care from the nurses, communication was easy so we knew what was going on at all times and everyone was so friendly. I will use them anytime the need arises for vacations or just a caregiver break.”

Niccole M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have used always best care twice now for a bit of respite care and they are awesome !!! The nurses are wonderful with my mom who is 90 and has dementia So caring and loving with her from scheduling to care It was the best experience .”

Christine S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Staff is very friendly and always take great care of mom, really took the pressure off. Its a win all the way around! Perfectly splendid!”

Jim F.
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“The entire staff is fantastic to work with! They are professional and knowledgeable, and go above and beyond for their patients! Highly recommend!”

Lynn Z.
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“Always Best Care has provided excellent nursing care and therapy to both my mom and mother in law.”

Linda G.
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“Staff is excellent to work with and communication is quick and responsive. I am able to easily work with everyone within the company for any issues that have come up.”

Ryan M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Undoubtedly would recommend to any individual in need of their scope of services. Exceptional customer service in all aspects. The best company to use by far in Northern Ohio and top notch quality in any category you can think of! The staff are superb and efficient and have been helpful beyond measure with my Aunt Betty Lou and Uncle Jim! The best!”

Tierra T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Absolutely AMAZING staff to work with! They care for their patients like it's their own grandma, grandpa, mother, father, aunt, uncle etc. They respond to all requests expeditiously and not only instill but expect these same expectations in all their staff. Highly recommend ABC whether for medical or non-medical needs!”

Tammy V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This company is amazing. The staff are excellent and they do everything they can to make life easier for their clients and family. Even on short notice they provided great service on a Sunday.”

Ruth Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This was our first outreach for support - the first time Dad expressed an interest in support while I was out of town. I wasn't sure we could find anyone who would be able to provide care quickly enough, especially through a large organization like the VA (and) I was really nervous about the type of person who would be showing up at our house. Fortunately, the VA connected me to Rebecca at Always Best Care in Grafton who helped to push through the request with our VA connection (who was also awesome) and took the time to learn a LOT about what Dad's needs would be. She chose the perfect caregiver/aide for his Respite Care, and Jada was able to start the day I left on my trip. I can't say enough wonderful things about Jada. She took the time to read my notes on her first day... about Dad's situation, our home, the cats, and my suggestions about starting and finishing her 4 hours, etc. and she followed both the letter and the spirit of my/our request for assistance. She was on time, she communicated any urgent information with me (Dad had a minor fall before she arrived one day), she respected his wishes, his way of doing things, and held the line about medicine, hydration, meals, and other essential things. She gave Dad the confidence that she would be there everyday to help him and support him. We will be back the next time I travel, we will request Jada, and I cannot recommend ABC Grafton more highly. We were so unsure about what we were asking and now know where we can turn for the assistance we need. Thank you!!”

LauraL.
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TESTIMONIALS

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Kelly B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My dad was a patient of ABC of Grafton after triple bypass surgery. The nurses and office staff was great to work with about his care. Jaime the nurse had so much compassion, she even called him periodically during the dad to remind him to do his deep breathing exercises. Our dad and family is so happy with all the services.”

Becky G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would recommend them to everyone that I know. I have been with them since November of 2019. My nurse Jamie is amazing. I also love the everyone at the office they are very helpful, courteous and friendly people.”

Diane P.
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“My nurse Jamie is amazing and very caring , the off was always very helpful”

Kevon P.
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“Nice service, staff helpful. Glad they were recommended”

Elina S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been in there care since November of 2019. Jamie my nurse is amazing and will always go above and beyond for me. The office staff is very helpful, courteous and amazing to work with. I always recommend them. Thanks again for all you guys do. Stay safe.”

Diane P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My nurse Jamie was awesome, and support staff always helpful”

Kevon P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The entire staff helped tremendously with my father's care. Jim is certified in Alzheimer's and dementia care and took the time to sit with our entire family a provided a great deal of information, knowledge and tips on care as this is so overwhelming. Helped get us connected with the VA, as dad was a vet and also provided other community resources to lend assistance. Aides who care for dad are truly a blessing and mom is much less stressed. Highly recommend-they're GREAT!”

Jim S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They took care of my father-in-law AND my mother-in-law and they couldn't have been better. Very attentive to their needs, called before coming out. The nurses are wound certified and provide excellent care. I highly recommend them and would use them again anytime the need arises.”

Cathy M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The entire staff helped tremendously with my father's care. Jim is certified in Alzheimer's and dementia care and took the time to sit with our entire family a provided a great deal of information, knowledge and tips on care as this is so overwhelming. Helped get us connected with the VA, as dad was a vet and also provided other community resources to lend assistance. Aides who care for dad are truly a blessing and mom is much less stressed. Highly recommend-they're GREAT!”

Jim S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff there are very knowledgeable and kind”

Jaime F.
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“care taken in matching aides to clients”

Christi B.
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“Great place and good people”

Bonnie D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Good service that seems to care about the clients.”

Mesaros
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have hired Always Best Care. The caregiver comes in. She washes the floor, she cleans the bathroom, she vacuums, she changes the beds, and she does the laundry. She also talks to me. It is good. The management is very cooperative with us. There have been no problems. The pricing is reasonable.”

RK
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TESTIMONIALS

“I used Always Best Care Senior Services. There were problems, but not very many. There was a few people I didn't care for and neither did the management over there. They would come over every day, and they did a pretty good job. There were times when they were short on people, and the younger people took a while to immediately give people what they needed. There were a couple of times when they were supposed to come in, but the caregiver was too young and she didn't show up on a Saturday night. As far as everything else they seemed to be alright.”

Theodore
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TESTIMONIALS

“Couldn't be more pleased with the service and how nice the people are. - Michael D.”

Michael D.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Wakeman, OH?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Wakeman, OH

Types of Elderly Care in Wakeman, OH

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Wakeman, OH
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Wakeman, OH
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Wakeman Community Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Wakeman, OH
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Sterk's Restaurant or visit Brownhelm Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Wakeman, OH

Benefits of Home Care in Wakeman, OH

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Wakeman, OH, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Wakeman, OH

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your OH's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Wakeman, OH

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Wakeman, OH understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Wakeman, OH

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Wakeman, OH

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Kingston Residence of Vermilion
  • The Abbewood
  • Sprenger Health Care Anchor Lodge Retirement Village
  • Sprenger Health Care Elms Retirement Village
  • Kendal at Oberlin
  • Mill Manor Care Center
Home Care Wakeman, OH

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Wakeman, OH

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Wakeman, OH 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Wakeman, OH

Latest News in Wakeman, OH

Wayne County Fair announces judging results for the Holstein Show

Special to Wooster Daily RecordPurebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Junior Heifer Calf1st - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH2nd - Randy Schaeffer, West Salem, OH3rd - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH4th - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH5th - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH6th - Jamison Gilbert, Wooster, OH7th - Hunsberger Holsteins LLC, Shreve, OH8th - Renwind Farms, Dalton, OH9th - Jacoby Gilbert, Wooster, OH10th - Hartman Dairy Farm...

Special to Wooster Daily Record

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Junior Heifer Calf

1st - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

2nd - Randy Schaeffer, West Salem, OH

3rd - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

4th - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH

5th - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

6th - Jamison Gilbert, Wooster, OH

7th - Hunsberger Holsteins LLC, Shreve, OH

8th - Renwind Farms, Dalton, OH

9th - Jacoby Gilbert, Wooster, OH

10th - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Intermediate Calf

1st - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

2nd - Allison Mangun, East Liberty, OH

3rd - Jacoby Gilbert, Wooster, OH

4th - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

5th - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

6th - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

7th - Wil-San Farm, Wooster, OH

8th - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

9th - John & Brian Conry, Wakeman, OH

10th - Wil-San Farm, Wooster, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Senior Heifer Calf

1st - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

2nd - Grace Gunkelman, Burbank, OH

3rd - Jason Miley, West Salem, OH

4th - Tanner Topp, West Salem, OH

5th - Richman Farms, Lodi, OH

6th - Willow Brook Dairy LLC, Shreve, OH

7th - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

8th - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

9th - Miley Holstein Farms LTD, West Salem, OH

10th - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Summer Yearling

1st - Tim Gunkleman, Burbank, OH

2nd - Wil-San Farm, Wooster, OH

3rd - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

4th - Willow Brook Dairy LLC, Shreve, OH

5th - Richman Farms, Lodi, OH

6th - Jim Marty, Rittman, OH

7th - Emma McDonnell, Lakeville, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Junior Yearling

2nd - Miley Holstein Farms LTD, West Salem, OH

3rd - Willow Brook Dairy LLC, Shreve, OH

4th - Miley Holstein Farms LTD, West Salem, OH

5th - Willow Brook Dairy LLC, Shreve, OH

6th - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

7th - Wil-San Farm, Wooster, OH

8th - Tim Gunkleman, Burbank, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Winter Yearling

1st - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

2nd - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

3rd - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

4th - Renwind Farms, Dalton, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Senior Yearling

1st - Jacoby Gilbert, Wooster, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Junior Best Three Females

1st - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

2nd - Miley Holstein Farms LTD, West Salem, OH

3rd - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

4th - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Senior Yearling in Milk

1st - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH

2nd - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Junior Two Year Old

1st - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

2nd - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

3rd - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

4th - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

5th - Rupp Vue Farm, Sterling, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Senior Two Year Old

1st - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

2nd - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Junior Three Year Old

1st - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH

2nd - Willow Brook Dairy LLC, Shreve, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Senior Three Year Old Cow

1st - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

2nd - Alp-View Dairy, Ashland, OH

3rd - Wil-San Farm, Wooster, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Four Year Old Cow

1st - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Aged Cow

1st - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

2nd - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Dry Cow Class 3 & over

1st - Jacoby Gilbert, Wooster, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Dam - Daughter

1st - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

2nd - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

3rd - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Produce of Dam

1st - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

2nd - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

3rd - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Senior Best Three Females

1st - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

2nd - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

Purebred Cattle - Dairy Breeds - Holsteins - Exhibitor Herd

1st - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

2nd - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

3rd - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

4th - Hartman Dairy Farm, Wooster, OH

1st - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

1st - Morlock Farms, West Salem, OH

1st - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

1st - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

1st - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

1st - Glenn Craemer, Smithville, OH

1st - Delbert Yoder, West Salem, OH

Summers’ truck pulling is ‘red hot’ and ‘twisted’

WAKEMAN, Ohio — As a boy, Mike Summers used to pour oil down the exhaust of his garden tractor to make it smoke and drive it around with the hood off so it looked more powerful.Neither thing added to the tractor’s performance, but it gave Summers, who now pulls professionally on the national and Ohio Tractor Pullers Association c...

WAKEMAN, Ohio — As a boy, Mike Summers used to pour oil down the exhaust of his garden tractor to make it smoke and drive it around with the hood off so it looked more powerful.

Neither thing added to the tractor’s performance, but it gave Summers, who now pulls professionally on the national and Ohio Tractor Pullers Association circuits, a feel for something big.

Summers, 49, had an interest in pulling since he was 8. He raced motocross when he was in high school and started pulling trucks in 2006.

It didn’t take the Erie County puller long to be successful. He finished fifth his first year of pulling at the nationals in Bowling Green, and in 2009 and 2010 he was runner-up in the grand nationals. Last year, he topped all honors by winning the Grand National Championship with his super modified four-wheel drive trucks “Twisted” and “Chili Pepper.”

He’s a little behind in the standings this year, because he got a late start due to his main job — an excavator and owner of D & M Earth Moving. But he won his first three times out, and there’s still a few late-fall pulls to come.

Summers affirms what a lot of people already know about pulling — it’s an expensive hobby.

He’s lucky to win enough to cover repairs to the engine, which usually has to be taken apart and rebuilt every year.

“If you don’t blow something up and totally destroy an engine — the normal wear on parts — you can win enough to support that part, but never all of it,” he said.

There are many ways to spend your money, and for Summers, it’s through pulling.

“Some people are into golf, country club memberships that cost money, boats cost money, camping costs money and motor homes,” he said. “This is what I do. I like engines, I like power, so this is what I do.”

When he’s not pulling or working on the truck, he spends time collecting antique tractors. His family recently put together a display of 44 tractors at his business. He goes to some pulls early, so he can walk around the fair and look over the antiques.

His mother, Sally, is an important part of his pulling team. She travels to most pulls and helps with some of the lighter things — “a polish here and a polish there –” as she puts it.

“He’s never asked me for a penny,” she said. “Luckily, he’s always been a worker, so he manages.”

At times, the pulling team consists of a dozen members, including Summers’ girlfriend, Vanessa, and two of Mike’s cousins — Matt and Mike Finnegan.

Summers gets some help from Mark Cook Racking of Wakeman, but the rest of the work is done by family — often at late hours and into the night.

“You need time on your hands and you need lots of people that are into it and willing to stick with you and make it happen,” he said. “Especially when something’s broke and you’ve got an event the next day. Sometimes you’re up part of the night getting (repaired).”

Always improving. Even if things are going well, and he’s winning, he still has to keep up on the new technology and ways to make his truck better.

“You’ve got to constantly be looking for something coming loose or something wearing or threads coming out on a blower belt … you only get one chance,” he said.

Summers said pulling is “a good family sport” and other pullers will loan each other equipment if needed.

There are no secrets as to what the tire tread looks like or the outside of the engine — because everyone can see those things. But lips are tighter when it comes to what’s inside the engine and drivetrain, and how it’s geared.

“You’ve got to be careful when you open your mouth,” he said. “If you find something that works, you want to keep it a secret as long as possible.”

Summers is mostly self-sponsored. He bought his trucks from other pullers, but had to learn on his own how to take care of them and make changes.

“I knew I had something good to start with, but the minute you take that thing apart, you’re on your own,” he said. “It’s not what it was when you got it from that guy. You’ve got to prove that you can put it back together and you can update it.”

To future pullers, especially youth, he encourages them to be persistent.

“There’s lots of farm kids out there that would die to have this opportunity and all I’d like to say is work hard, don’t give up on thinking of ways to make it happen and be determined and sooner or later that opportunity will be there and you’ve got to go for it,” he said.

Teen overcomes disability to continue farming

WAKEMAN, Ohio — As soon as his father helped him out of the car and into his power chair, Austin Yaworsky headed straight for the barn to check on his animals. Spinning his tires in the soft, wet earth as he rolled along, Yaworsky came face to face with a cream-colored pygmy goat on the wrong side of the fence. He immediately chased the escapee back to its pen.“That’s not even my goat,” he said. “Those are my sister’s.” His goat was the large Boer goat that popped its head out from inside the ...

WAKEMAN, Ohio — As soon as his father helped him out of the car and into his power chair, Austin Yaworsky headed straight for the barn to check on his animals. Spinning his tires in the soft, wet earth as he rolled along, Yaworsky came face to face with a cream-colored pygmy goat on the wrong side of the fence. He immediately chased the escapee back to its pen.

“That’s not even my goat,” he said. “Those are my sister’s.” His goat was the large Boer goat that popped its head out from inside the barn. “Anything that I raise has to have a purpose,” the teen said, explaining his Boer goat would eventually be sold for meat, unlike the pygmy goats his sister owns.

After making sure the goat was securely in place, he makes his way to the chicken coop, again spinning his tires trying to get into position. This time he’s stuck.

As he patiently waits for his father to come to his rescue, he explains how he ended up with the small flock of meat chickens. “I don’t know how I got talked into them,” he said, explaining a friend encouraged him to take them.

John Yaworsky trudges across the yard to free his son. After a couple minutes of pushing and spinning his tires, Austin is moving again — for now.

He apologizes to his father for having to free him and, after tending to the chickens, Yaworsky speeds off to the next barn.

• • •

Austin was born premature, at 32 weeks, said Angie Yaworsky, Austin’s mother. “He was born black and we didn’t think he was going to make it.” It turns out Austin was born with spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that affects his lower body.

Austin’s mother said the disease causes his legs to tighten and affects the part of the brain that would normally tell those muscles to contract. His back muscles are also too loose, which makes it hard for Austin to stand. “As you get older, you age quicker,” said Angie. “He uses a walker around the house, but he can’t use it for long periods of time.”

The Yaworsky family farms 110 acres of corn and beans in Huron County and owns a total of 155 acres. John Yaworsky’s father and uncle also farm grain and hay close by.

“I think farming is something that gets in your blood,” said Angie Yaworsky, “and I think Austin has that.”

• • •

As Austin rounds the corner to check the backside of the barn, he speeds up, hoping he will make it through the puddle ahead. He’s stopped short once again. Again, he apologizes to his father for having to come to his rescue, before peeking around the back of the barn to check on his cattle.

“I trained my cow Betsy how to push me out when I get stuck,” said Austin. Tying calves to his wheelchair, he would halter break them. From then on, whenever Austin was out with his cattle, the heifer knew when to give him a push to keep him moving.

• • •

At 17, Austin has come to realize his disability would make it difficult to pursue grain farming, so the animals would be his connection to the farm. “We’ve never limited him,” said Angie.

Austin started showing 4-H animals at age 10, and has shown rabbits, chickens, turkeys, miniature ponies, goats, pigs and beef cattle. He trained the rabbits, chickens and turkeys to sit at his feet on his power chair when he entered the show ring and then would ask the judge to hold and flip the animal over so he could answer questions about his animal.

He wanted to take a feeder calf one year, so they reached out to John’s cousin, Nick Wagner, and his wife, Darlene, to help them get started. Nick and Darlene Wagner raise 60 head of registered black Angus cattle on their farm in Attica, Ohio. Austin showed a calf at the Lorain County Fair, winning reserve champion honors that year.

“It’s something that he seems to be very interested in,” said Nick Wagner. With Wagner’s help, Austin pursued his own beef breeding project when he started the FFA program at Western Reserve High School, in Collins, Ohio.

Currently, Yaworsky has two cows and two heifers of his own, which he sends to Wagner’s farm for breeding. “He’s been dealt a difficult hand in life,” he said. “Austin can’t read and, to me, that is a tremendous handicap because I do a lot of reading.”

But Austin relies on the minds of his farming friends and family to help him when he has a question about farming. “I will continue to give Austin any help and advice I can,” said Wagner.

• • •

See also:

Austin’s dream is coming true

and

Austin Yaworsky’s new track chair

After finding his cows were tucked away inside on this dreary afternoon, Austin spun his chair around to head back toward the house. Again, he faced the menacing puddle ahead of him and thought maybe this time he could trudge through on his own — almost, but not quite.

Again, his dad came to the rescue and, again, Austin apologized. “It’s all right, Austin,” John Yaworsky would tell his son every time.

“They give up a lot of time to help me,” said Austin. “I don’t want them to have to.”

• • •

Austin’s dream is to own an Action Trackchair that would make it easier to get around the farm. Originally designed for military veterans, the all-terrain wheelchair uses tracks instead of wheels and can move the operator from a sitting to a standing position. Yaworsky and his parents feel the chair would help him maneuver around the farm, as well as give him a better state of mind.

Micayla Finchum, a senior at Western Reserve High School and FFA chapter president, has been Yaworsky’s classmate since kindergarten. She’s heading up a chapter spaghetti dinner benefit Dec. 10 that will help raise funds for Austin to get a Action Trackchair.

“(Austin) has been working harder than any of his classmates that are not as limited as he is,” said Finchum. “He could tell you anything about beef cattle.”

Yaworsky has participated in numerous FFA events, from soil judging to livestock judging, with the help of his classmates. His first two years of high school, a couple of older, stronger boys would carry Yaworsky down into the soil pit so he could judge the soil, explained Angie. As he got older and those stronger boys graduated, Austin would roll his chair to the edge of the pit and ask a fellow student to bring him samples.

For the past two years, Yaworsky has been a student at the Erie, Huron, Ottawa Vocational Education (EHOVE) Career Center. “I can’t read or write too well, so I know it’s where I need to be, but I miss my friends (at Western Reserve),” said Austin.

But that hasn’t stopped him from being a part of the FFA chapter activities and meetings, said Finchum. “Austin has a phenomenal willingness to learn,” said Mark Starkey, Western Reserve FFA adviser.

While he has only been at the high school for a year, Starkey has already seen Yaworsky’s character. “I have a tractor I brought into the shop to restore,” said Starkey. Austin immediately began asking how he could help.

The Austin Yaworsky Spaghetti Dinner benefit is Dec. 10, 5-8 p.m., at the Western Reserve High School Auditeria, 3841 U.S. Route 20 E., Wakeman.

• • •

About this time in the afternoon, Austin’s little brother Justin, 8, gets off the school bus and runs to greet his brother. “Hi buddy,” says Justin, tossing Austin his backpack. Justin enjoys helping Austin out around the farm and Angie believes he shares his big brother’s passion for the animals.

“I’m the brains of the operation; he’s the legs,” said Austin, as his brother runs off to help their parents halter a calf.

While Austin and his family know he is limited, and Austin knows he won’t be able to do everything without a little help, he also knows he wants to carry on the farming tradition. John and Angie purchased a second farm with 10 acres of pastureland — which they intend to expand to 20 acres — for Austin to expand his herd.

“My dream is to make the farm depend on itself,” said Austin. And he’s determined to power through any of life’s “mud holes” to make that happen.

Ohio’s Olsen Preserve showcases wildflowers, cliffs along Vermilion River

WAKEMAN, Ohio – The late Gussie Olsen would be proud.Her 83-acre gift to the state of Ohio has grown into a 132-acre state nature preserve that features multi-hued bluffs along the picturesque Vermilion River in north-central Ohio.Welcome to the Augusta-Anne Olsen State Nature Preserve, one of the best wildflower spots in northern Ohio.The preserve north of Wakeman in northeastern Huron County features three miles of trails and almost a mile of the Vermilion River, which makes a great bend to the northwest on the p...

WAKEMAN, Ohio – The late Gussie Olsen would be proud.

Her 83-acre gift to the state of Ohio has grown into a 132-acre state nature preserve that features multi-hued bluffs along the picturesque Vermilion River in north-central Ohio.

Welcome to the Augusta-Anne Olsen State Nature Preserve, one of the best wildflower spots in northern Ohio.

The preserve north of Wakeman in northeastern Huron County features three miles of trails and almost a mile of the Vermilion River, which makes a great bend to the northwest on the preserve.

The riffle-and-pool Vermilion River is only about 35 miles in length and empties into Lake Erie. It drops about 500 feet in that distance and cuts through the Berea Escarpment. It is a pretty stream with bluffs of sandstone and shale that reach 100 to 200 feet in height.

The lower two-thirds of its cliffs are made up of thin layers of dark, crumbly Cleveland shale. There is also a layer of fine sandstone. The upper third is a soft, grayish-red Bedford shale that gave the river its name: After heavy rain, the hue would wash out and stain the cliffs reddish-orange, vermilion in French.

At river level, you can find the soft, bluish Chagrin shale that is 360 million years old, the oldest exposed rock in Northeast Ohio.

In the winter, water seeping from the cliffs creates giant ice displays, especially in shady spots.

Paddlers enjoy the Vermilion in the spring and after heavy rains. It passes small farms and second-growth woodlots.

The section north of Wakeman may be the prettiest and most rugged section along the Vermilion, with a wider floodplain. That’s where you will find the Olsen preserve, off West River Road in Wakeman Township.

In the early 1970s, William and Augusta-Anne Olsen purchased a 140-acre farm north of Wakeman on the west bank of the Vermilion River.

Augusta-Anne Olsen had grown up in Maryland and her old family farm had been lost to a naval installation. She was especially drawn to the site by the dense patches of club moss or crowsfoot that reminded her of her childhood.

In 1985, she donated 83 acres to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to become the Vermilion River Preserve. In 1997, the state purchased an additional 47 acres of the farm. In 2000, it became the Augusta-Anne Olsen State Nature Preserve.

It features ridge tops with oaks and maples that rise above a mixed floodplain forest along the river. It offers views high above the river on a ridge of serviceberry and witch hazel.

Because of the bend in the river, the preserve is home to different plant communities because of the varying exposures. It offers a great deal of biodiversity in a small area.

It is also known for excellent birding, especially in the spring. Pileated woodpeckers, scarlet tanagers and wood warblers may be spotted. Bald eagles are often sighted along the river.

The trails have practical names – River Trail, Sassafras Trail, Old Field Trail, Spring Trail – and are short. The River Loop Trail is 1.5 miles, the Sassafras Trail a half-mile.

You can access the preserve via the Old Field Trail. It skirts a small pond and then cuts through an old farm field where plant succession is taking place. A few bird boxes have been installed in the rolling field.

To the left are deep woods of beech and mixed hardwoods that gently slope to the Vermilion River. That’s where you will find the Spring Trail. It connects to the River Trail, which connects to the Sassafras Trail.

The Spring Trail makes a big loop through the maples and oaks that grow in the floodplain.

The damp woods are at their colorful best for wildflowers in April and May. Wildflowers include twinleaf, bluebells, sessile trillium, large-flowered trillium, drooping trillium, ginger, bloodroot, marsh marigold, hepatica, wild hyacinth, golden saxifrage, dwarf ginseng and showy orchis.

The woods are also home to vernal pools that house numerous amphibians. There are no rare plants or animals found in the preserve, ODNR says.

The Sassafras Trail features one of the largest sassafras trees in the state of Ohio, 4 feet in diameter. Sassafras is a member of the laurel family and was once used as the flavoring in root beer.

The preserve has few amenities, no restrooms or picnic areas. There is an information kiosk near the parking lot, and small bridges and wooden boardwalks in swampy areas.

For more information, contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 614-265-6561, http://www.ohiodnr.com.

You can also access the Vermilion River and its cliffs at the Vermilion River Reservation, a 1,301-acre tract in western Lorain County, north of the state preserve.

It is at 51211 North Ridge Road in Brownhelm Township, a great place for a picnic or a short hike. It is owned and operated by the Lorain County Park District and includes the Mill Hollow and Bacon Woods parks on opposite sides of the river.

Settler Benjamin Bacon arrived from New England in 1817. The small community was initially called Brownhelm Mills; later it became Mill Hollow. The mill and town thrived until about 1900, although Mill Hollow peaked in the 1860s.

An 1845 Greek Revival house built by Bacon is a museum in the park. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Call 440-967-7310 for hours and tour information.

You can find the sites of old mills and even the remnants of a millrace, or ditch, that was built in 1825 to divert water from the river to power the sawmill and gristmill.

For more information, contact the Lorain County Park District at 440-458-5121 or 800-526-7275,

http://www.metroparks.cc

. Call the park at 440-967-7310.

Another nearby outdoor option is Findley State Park in southern Lorain County. The 931-acre park off state Route 58 features a charming woodland, 14.9 miles of hiking trails and nine miles of single-track mountain bike trails that circle the lake.

The park also features a 1.2-mile nature trail with 15 self-guiding stops, an 18-hole disc golf course, a geocaching course and eight picnic areas.

The campground with 231 sites and three cabins lies on the southeast edge of 93-acre Findley Lake. There is a 435-foot grassy beach and marina concession on the lake’s north side. Canoes and rowboats are available. Electric motors are permitted.

The land south of Oberlin was part of a rich farm area known as Cheesedom. Lorain County once produced 1 pound of cheese for every man, woman and child in Ohio.

The area was farmland until it was donated to the state in 1936-1937 by Guy B. Findley, a Lorain County judge. He had begun purchasing local farms outside Wellington starting in the 1920s to return them to woodlands.

He donated the land to the state of Ohio to be maintained as a state forest after the Civilian Conservation Corps planted an estimated half million pines and hardwoods. Findley helped plant the trees himself.

He struck up a friendship with author and noted conservationist Louis Bromfield, who had recently returned to Ohio, and whose Richland County farm later became Malabar Farm State Park.

In 1950, Findley’s land was transferred to the newly formed Division of Parks.

The park also features a habitat for a rare butterfly, the Duke’s skipper. It is a small, brown butterfly with yellow spots. It favors shaded wetland areas.

Wellington is also home to painter Archibald M. Willard, who painted the Spirit of ’76. About 75 percent of the town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For information, contact Findley Lake State Park, 440-647-5749, http://www.ohiodnr.com.

Bob Downing:

Rick Wakeman On Those Bowie Songs He Played On

Rick Wakeman was the keyboard player of choice on two of David Bowie’s best known song ‘Space Oddity’ and ‘Life On Mars’ and a lot of why those songs sound like they sound is because of Rick.He says, “In 1969 I got a call from the great producer Tony Visconti saying that he would like me to go up to Trident Studio to play on a track for one of the artists he was producing. I said fine, shot up there and it was to play on an instrument called the Mellotron. It was relatively new and ...

Rick Wakeman was the keyboard player of choice on two of David Bowie’s best known song ‘Space Oddity’ and ‘Life On Mars’ and a lot of why those songs sound like they sound is because of Rick.

He says, “In 1969 I got a call from the great producer Tony Visconti saying that he would like me to go up to Trident Studio to play on a track for one of the artists he was producing. I said fine, shot up there and it was to play on an instrument called the Mellotron. It was relatively new and very few people played it because it was almost impossible to keep in tune. I went up, did the session. It was for David Bowie and the track was ‘Space Oddity’ which became a massive hit”.

Wakeman also played piano on Bowie’s ‘Life On Mars’. ‘David gave me free range to play on the piano for his wonderful song. It was particularly prevalent on ‘Life On Mars’. He just said “do what you like”. I did.

Rick also played on Bowie’s ‘Changes’ and ‘Oh You Pretty Things’, Cat Stevens ‘Morning Has Broken’ is all Rick on piano. He was the piano player on T. Rex’s ‘Get It On’ and Elton John’s he is the Hammond Organ player on three ‘Madman Across The Water’ tracks ‘Razor Face’, ‘Madman Across The Water’ and ‘Holiday Inn’.

Rick was a member of The Strawbs between 1969 and 1971 before joining Yes. He also had hit solo albums including the 1974 number one album ‘Journey To The Centre of the Earth’ and 1975 number two album ‘’The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table’.

In 2021 Richard Christopher Wakeman became Commander Wakeman. Rick was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music and broadcast in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

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