Garrettsville – The Charles Auto Family has been a Garrettsville institution for 56 years. Now, “The Little Guy for the Best Buy” is getting a major facelift that promises to transform the Chevy/Buick dealership from a traditional small-town establishment to a “sophisticated, 21st-century, world-class dealership,” according to owner Bruce Abraham.
Read the full story »
Community News »
Library Foundation Seeks Chapman Award Nominations
The Geauga County Library Foundation is currently accepting nominations for its 2013 Chapman Award. This yearly recognition is bestowed upon a special individual (or group of individuals) whose deeds have promoted the enjoyment and value of books and reading and whose involvement has directly benefitted the Geauga County community.
The prestigious Chapman Award, inspired and named after the late Mrs. Newton B. Chapman of Chardon, is presented at the Foundation’s annual ceremony and social event in October. Past recipients include Norma B. Chapman (1994), Anderson A. Allyn, Sr. (1995), Barbara Inderlied (1996), Donald Cornish (1997), Jeannette “Teeter” Grosvenor (1998), Patricia Caunter-Billington (1999), Isabelle Gardner (2000), Elizabeth “Lee” Fisher (2001), Amy Kenneley (2002), Beverley Buettner (2003), Hope Merryfield (2004), Larry Dolan (2005), Anne Prusha (2006), Paul Newman (2007), Betty Wallis (2008), Regina “Sunny” Doxey (2009, Nancy Speck (2010), Mona J. Trybus (2011), Judy Carruthers (2012), Ann Lyman (2012), Mary Jean Moreno (2012), and Pat Weyandt (2012).
The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 15, 2013. Nomination forms are available at all Geauga County Public library branches including Bainbridge, Chardon, Geauga West and Middlefield Libraries, Newbury and Thompson Stations, the Bookmobile, and at the Geauga County Public Library Administrative Center 12701 Ravenwood Dr., Chardon. More than one nomination form may be submitted per person.
For more information, contact the Geauga County Public Library Administrative Center at (440) 286-6811.
Mantua Olympian to Run the Melana Memorial Race at SummerFest
Would you like to run a race with an Olympic athlete? Now is your chance! Mantua Native Bridget Franek, a member of the United States 2012 Olympic Team will join in the fun and run in the Melana Memorial 5K/1 mile Walk/ Run Race at SummerFest this year on June …
Whole Life Insurance: An Overlooked Foundation of Business Succession Planning?
Many business owners realize that they will be forced to deal with issues such as business succession at some point, which is why they want to have a plan that’s guaranteed to be there when they need it. The versatility, guarantees, and permanence of whole life insurance can help solve …
Beyond the four walls
High school classrooms tend to follow a similar pattern: students arrive to class, sit in rows, listen to the teacher and take notes, memorize the information, and take the test. All of this is usually accomplished in periods lasting about 45 minutes. At the end of the period, the bell …
Costume Crises
Well, it’s all the talk. Superman, in the new movie coming out soon, “Man of Steel”, has a new look–no tights!
“Single Champagne Bottle Worth $1.8 Million”
“Single Champagne Bottle Worth $1.8 Million”… that was the headline that caught my attention last week. After imagining what I would do with $1.8 Million I started thinking about what makes a bottle of wine or in this case, champagne, worth $1.8 million?
“Why is Fido a popular name for a dog? Where does it come from?”
Over the years, the Newton Falls Public Library staff has found that patrons are often interested in the origins of words.
Maplewood Career Center Celebrates GED Graduation
Ravenna – The smell of angel wing begonias and pride filled the air at the Maplewood Career Center’s Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) GED graduation on Thursday, June 6, 2013. The room filled up with approximately 250 guests as they witnessed the 2013 GED graduates walk down the …
LOOP Ministry Provides Support for Families of Prisoners; Ravenna meeting to start in fall
After her son was incarcerated a few years ago, Linda Davis of Clinton said she began to feel emotions that were too strong to bear on her own.
The co-founder of Loved Ones of Prisoners Ministries (LOOP), Davis described visiting her son at prison as “the most uncomfortable thing in the …
Portage County Literacy Coalition Hosts 22nd Annual Spelling Bee
Ravenna – It was a spellbinding event on Friday, May 24, 2013, at the Ralph Regula Conference Center located at NEOMED in Rootstown, Ohio. The Portage County Literacy Coalition (PCLC) held its 22nd annual “Jeopardy-Style” Spelling Bee. This year there were five teams that competed against each other. The Community …
Hudson Art Show Celebrates 50th Year
Looking for a way to enjoy the arts a little closer to home than a trip to Cleveland or Akron? Join in a summer tradition that’s been taking place in Hudson since the early 1960s – the Hudson Society of Artists (HSA) Clothesline Art Show. This year marks the 50th …
Windham Township Trustee Meeting
Windham Twp. – Windham Township Trustees met for their regularly scheduled meeting June 6, 2013 with all board members present. The trustees approved the minutes and expenditures. Commander Paul Fitzgerald was in attendance and asked if the American Legion could take over organizing and executing the Memorial Day Service in …
Beat the Heat in an Uncommon Way
Middlefield – Although summer break has barely begun, it won’t be long before your kids will say, “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” When you hear those words, or if you’re just ready for a little summer fun yourself, here are some ways to enjoy summertime with your kids without …
Crescendo Club Awards Scholarship
Newton Falls – The Newton Falls Crescendo Club is please to announce the winner of this year’s Scholarship. Band Senior Taylor Phelps was selected by the Scholarship Committee to receive the $500 award. Taylor will be attending Kent State next year to study Zoology. Congratulations!
Nelson Trustee Educated on Definition of Slander
Nelson Twp. – Nelson Township Trustees met for their regularly scheduled meeting with all trustees and fiscal officer in attendance. After approving the minutes and expenditures, Chairman Tom Matota opened the floor for comments and discussion from the gallery. Present at the meeting was Jed Wise, President of Ravenna Oil …
Garrettsville – Hiram Rotary Report
The triumphal return of Jessica Lyons from her stint as a Rotary Exchange student in Norway was celebrated at the June 3rd meeting of the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Club.
Jessica and her parents, Doug and Karen Lyons, recounted their experiences on both sides of the Atlantic and expressed appreciation for the assistance …
Chiropractic Center Awards Scholarship
Chiropractic Center of Garrettsville is happy to announce Andrew Anderson as the recipient of the sixth annual scholarship awarded to a James A. Garfield graduating senior. Mr. Anderson was awarded eight hundred fifty dollars to assist in his goal to further his education in the field of business management .
The …
Headwaters Adventure Race Set for July 13 in Mantua
Run, pedal and paddle for trails and watershed conservation! The Portage Park District Foundation is presenting the Headwaters Adventure Race on July 13, 8:00 a.m. in Mantua Village as a fun(d)raiser for supporting trail maintenance and conservation projects. The event starts at Buchert Park and includes a 2-mile run on …
Child Advocates Needed for Summer Training Class
Geauga County – CASA for KIDS of Geauga County (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is recruiting volunteers to advocate for the “best interest” of abused and neglected children involved in the juvenile court. No particular background is required, but you must be at least 25 years of age and have no …
Ravenna Lions – Celebrating 60 years of service
Ravenna – The Ravenna Lions will be celebrating 60 years of serving the Ravenna Community on Friday, June 28th at the Ravenna Elks Club, 776 N. Freedom Ave. Social hour starts at 6:00 pm, and dinner will be served at 7:00 PM.
The buffet dinner consists of; Sliced Roast Beef au …
CHS All-District Band Picnic and Dodge Drive Event
Mantua – Crestwood band members from 5th grade up to graduating seniors enjoyed an afternoon of food and fun during the All-District Band Picnic held on Saturday, June 1. This was the second event of the year that involved all the band members in the school district. The first event …
Gardens Galore, Art and More
If you are a gardener, you don’t want to miss this event. There’s so much going on and over 1500 perennials, trees, bushes, herbs, annuals….all donated by Master Gardeners, friends of Master Gardeners, arboretums and Master Gardener nursery friends. Admission is free. People from out of state have come each …
Triple Author Book Signing Event
Middlefield – Meet three authors from Northeast Ohio for a Triple Book Signing at Sparrow Christian Bookshop in Middlefield, Ohio on June 15th . Kathleen Fuller, Mary Ellis and Amanda Flower will be signing copies of their latest novels from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Kathleen Fuller is the author of …
Newton Township Cemetery Association
Newton Twp. – The Newton Township Cemetery Association will hold its monthly meeting on June 20, Thursday, at 6 o’clock at the Township Administration Building on Arlington Road. The public is welcome and invited.
The 2014 calendar should be available any day now and may be purchased thru any member of …
Garrettsville SummerFest Adds $100 Prize for Steeplechase
Dubbed a race for the toughest of tough, the Steeplechase Canoe Race is not for the weak or faint at heart. It is a paddle-and-drag type race that will require not only canoe skills, but strength and endurance as well. One will be required to navigate the mighty Silver Creek …
We’re All Invited
5K Race / 1 Mile Fun Run / Walk
Register Today!
The Garrettsville SummerFest and the Friends of Melana Foundation (www.stopkidscancer.org) is planning the 3rd Annual 5k Race and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. It will be held on June 30th, in downtown Garrettsville at 9:00 AM. Come out and support a great …
By The Numbers: Disability Facts that Might Surprise You
In times like these, good decisions matter. And when it comes to protecting a portion of your income from disability risks, it’s important to base your decision on the facts. In the case of disability, some of those facts might surprise you.
For example, more than one-quarter of today’s 20 year-olds …
Be Careful what you order
Dating is brutal. Finding that special someone who doesn’t drive you to commit an act that will grant you 25 to life in federal prison is a daunting task. I have had my fair share of losers and “did that really just happen?” moments but today is not about me; …
Spam
Just in time for the summer cooking-out season, the Hormel company has now fessed up to producing ten–that’s 10 different kinds of SPAM. Well, who’d a thunk it?
Puppy Tails
It had been quite a while since Doodle Dog found himself outside after dark. Though indeed quite curious most hours of the day, the little floppy-eared puppy always tried to make sure he was home, tucked safely in the office, before the sun went to bed and the street lamps …
Wine Events
2013 is certainly flying by! I’m not sure if it’s Spring, Summer or Fall any more so it’s hard to believe it’s already June! The good news is the official start to summer is right around the corner – and that means one thing to me! The Annual Summer Solstice, …
One Book, One School, and One Big Surprise
Mantua – Students and staff at Crestwood Intermediate School got a huge surprise during the One Book One School (OBOS) final assembly last Friday. Erica S. Perl, Washington D.C.–based author of When Life Gives You O.J., surprised the school by joining the assembly in person, instead of via Skype, as …
Library Awarded Grant from the Hiram Community Trust
Portage County District Library is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Hiram Community Trust. This $2,400 grant will be used to enhance the current Book Box program and replace current copies of titles. The Book Box program, popular among educators, features multiple copies of …
D-Store & Deli… Delicious
Freedom Twp – D-Store & Deli, located next to Detour Drive-Thru at 6869 SR 303, is giving one lucky individual the chance to win a free sub. Simply present the coupon located on page 4 when purchasing one of their delicious sandwiches, to be entered into the drawing.
Not content to …
Windham Hires Two Part-Time Police Officers
Windham – Windham Village Council met for their regularly-scheduled meeting Tuesday May 28, 2013 with all council members, fiscal officer, the mayor and the village solicitor in attendance.
Council approved the fiscal report, the minutes from the previous meeting and special meeting, and the fire, police and dispatchers reports as well.
Garrettsville Summerfest Announces Grand Marshal
Each year, the Summerfest Committee looks for a community member who serves tirelessly in the community, who has sacrificed time, energy and yes, even money to see Garrettsville grow and attract visitors. This year, the Garrettsville Summerfest Committee has chosen Barb Bejger to be Summerfest’s 2013 Grand Marshal, honoring her …
For the Birds
How about being a “do-gooder”?
helptheparrots@parrothope.org is seeking individuals who desire to help animals in need. This group would like to put to good use your skills and/or talents to benefit the community and the birds.(“It’s for the birds” is not a bad thing). This could result in volunteer experience to …
McCrae Places First in Competition
On May 4th, Brevin McCrae, a student at Iron Eagle Martial Arts in Mantua participated at an Open Martial Arts Tournament in Kent and earned the following medals: 1st Place in Forms, 1st Place in Weapons Forms, and 2nd Place in Sparring. Brevin is a Yellow Belt in Taekwondo …
Openings Available For Playground Camp
Ravenna Recreation Department still has openings its Summer Playground Camp program for children entering K-7th grade in the Fall 2013 and the Jr. Camp Counselor program for children entering 8th, 9th and 10th grade in Fall 2013. Program is held at John Tontimonia City Park from June 10 to August …
Middlefield Village to host Amish Farmers Market
Middlefield – As a part of its ongoing “healthy county” initiative, University Hospitals (UH) Geauga Medical Center will be a community supporter of the Middlefield Farmers Market, which will take place every Saturday morning from July 6th through September 28th at Mineral Lake Park on Sperry Lane in The Village …
Farmers Market returns to Robinson Memorial Hospital
Ravenna – The Auxiliary of Robinson Memorial Hospital will again sponsor a farmers market twice a month on Fridays from 11am – 1:30pm beginning June 14 through September 27. The markets will be held outside in the parking lot of the hospital, located at 6847 N. Chestnut Street in Ravenna. …
GMS Track Fares Well At State
James A. Garfield Middle School track team went to the Ohio State Finals on May 26th and did great considering we don’t even have a track to run on. They practice in the school parking lot! Lauren Jones finished 1st in state and set a new track record in discus …
Dig Into Reading at Windham Library
Windham – Join us for a fun-filled summer at Windham Library. School-age children are invited to “Dig into Reading”, Summer Reading Club 2013. Registration starts Wednesday, May 29. We have a wonderful schedule of events planned to guarantee a summer filled with fun.
We’re All Invited
5K Race / 1 Mile Fun Run / Walk
Register Today!
The Garrettsville SummerFest and the Friends of Melana Foundation (www.stopkidscancer.org) is planning the 3rd Annual 5k Race and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. It will be held on June 30th, in downtown Garrettsville at 9:00 AM. Come out and support a great …
Audience “Mobbed” at Dance Recital
Garrettsville - Last Saturday, many friends and family members of dance students spent “A Night at the Movies,” as they watched The 8th Count Dance Studio present their Fourth Annual Dance Recital at the James A. Garfield High School’s Iva Walker Auditorium. Each group of dancers danced to music from …
Crestwood Primary’s Right to Read Week Goes to the Dogs
Mantua – For a full week, Crestwood Primary School (CPS) students, staff and community members went doggone crazy celebrating their 10th annual Right to Read Week. It was only fitting, considering that this year’s theme celebrated Clifford the big red dog’s 50th birthday. And the famous big red dog’s likeness …
Major Dennis Missimi returns to serve on MHRB
Major Dennis Missimi of the Portage County Sheriff’s Office is the newest member of the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County but he’s no stranger to the organization, having served previously as a board member and on staff.
First Fishing Trip: First Boat Ramp Frackas
It was the best of days; it was the worst of days. It was a day that we had been looking forward to since last September. This was the first time we could get out fishing this spring, and it was long overdue! Because of our cold spring the fish …
A Bad Spell
It wasn’t pretty.
The brain trust here at the Weekly Villager sallied forth to adventures in orthography by participating in the22nd Annual Community Spelling Bee for Literacy, co-sponsored by the Portage County Literacy Coalition Community Partners at the NEOMED Conference Center on Friday, May 24, 20013. And fourth…maybe fifth… was about …
Notes from the vineyard
As I mentioned last week, what a month May has been; warm temperature, cool temperatures, hot days and some really cold nights. After I mentioned that we lost most of our vines to the frost some of you noticed that are few vines looked like they were coming back. We …
Will that incessant noise ever stop!
As we make the transition from spring into summer, the wildflowers are fading, flowering trees and shrubs are ablaze in color, and the mosquitoes, deer flies, and other insects are making their presence known in one way or the other. We are all too familiar with the biting and blood …
Columns & Editorials »
Notes from the vineyard
About a year ago I wrote an article about how Mother Nature gave us a run for our money by May. And while this year’s winter was more of your typical Cleveland winter and spring, we sure have had a number of changes in the weather. While the weather held …
Community News »
Garfield Schools Celebrating Excellence
Garrettsville – Congratulations to the students and staff of the James A. Garfield Local School District. The district as a whole has achieved an “Excellent”, or “Excellent with Distinction” rating for five consecutive years with many of the schools holding these titles individually much longer than that. Beginning with the …
Club News »
Village Piecemakers Donating Quilts
Garrettsville – Members of the Garrettsville Village Piecemakers quilt guild and others have made over 36 quilts for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Previously they made and donated 47 quilts to Joplin, Missouri.
“We feel it’s important to use our time and talents to help others,” said Phyllis Bolden, shown, with 15 …