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Charles Auto Drives into the 21st Century

June 17, 2013 | Villager Staff

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.

James A. Garfield Class of 2013 Graduates with Distinction

June 9, 2013 | Estelle R. Brown

Garrettsville – Threatening skies forced commencement exercises at James A. Garfield High School to be held in the gymnasium rather than the football field on June 2. But nothing could squelch the magnitude of the moment for the JAG Class of 2013.

The Image Consultants; a Cut Above the Rest

May 29, 2013 | Estelle R. Brown

The Image Consultants is a perfectly-named hair salon at 149 S. Water Street in historic downtown Kent. Owned and operated by Cheryl Germano-Smith, the salon sets itself apart by providing free customized consultations for every new client.
People usually can’t answer the big question, which is, “What do you want to …

And The Walls Came Tumbling Down…

May 29, 2013 | Denise Bly

Nelson Twp. — The Nelson Township Trustees met for their regularly scheduled meeting on May 15, 2013 with all trustees present. Chairman Tom Matota opened the meeting with guest recognition. Mark Russell from Ellerhorst Russell Insurance presented the trustees with a rebate check from their insurance company OTARMA.  The township …

At Cedar Point the World-Class Thrills Start at the Gate

May 15, 2013 | Benjamin Coll

Sandusky — On Thursday, May 9th thousands of coaster enthusiasts from across the globe flocked to America’s “roller-coast”, Cedar Point, for the opportunity to take flight on the amusement park’s latest record-shattering rollercoaster—GateKeeper.

Garrettsville’s Signature Boardwalk Turns Twenty

May 1, 2013 | Estelle R. Brown

Garrettsville – On May 2, 1993, Garrettsville’s newest attraction — the Main Street boardwalk — was dedicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Later described as “a wooden walkway to nowhere in particular except delight” in Ohio Magazine, the boardwalk held a promise of downtown revitalization and increased tourism for this historic …

Newton Falls Mayor Honored by Regional Chamber

April 24, 2013 | Mialie T. Szymanski

Newton Falls – For many Americans April 16th was a day to breathe a little easier now that their government-required financial filing is done for another year. But Newton Falls Mayor Lyle Waddell had more to celebrate last Tuesday than just the end of tax season.
Members of the Youngstown/Warren Regional …

Cinderella Comes to Life at Crestwood High School

April 14, 2013 | Stacy Turner

Mantua – Dust off your tiara, because on April 19th to April 21st, you’ll be transported into one of childhood’s best-loved fairy tales. Crestwood High Drama Club will present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at the nearby CHS gymnasium, so pumpkin coaches are not required. You’ll be transported as Cinderella, Crestwood …

S&K Sales Breathes New Life into Building

April 1, 2013 | Estelle R. Brown

Garrettsville  – Despite the obstinance of Old Man Winter, signs of Spring are adding up, from the blooming crocuses to the melodic calls of morning songbirds. There’s even a eye-catching red tractor in front of the old Paul’s Lumber building… and a new sign over the door which indicates a …

Family Literacy is a Community Effort

March 23, 2013 | Stacy Turner

Mantua – Twenty-five volunteers — including one Cat in the Hat — came from four area churches on one evening to help spread a message of family literacy at Crestwood Primary School (CPS).
“We’re grateful to be invited into the school. Family Literacy Night is a great way for us to …

Pond Clinic Offers Free Advice

March 8, 2013 | Stacy Turner

Did you know that maintaining a successful balance in your pond starts with picking the right species of fish who occupy it? Do you have questions on selecting the right fish for your pond, or how to cultivate the most beneficial aquatic plants? Would you like to hear from local …

Quilt Codes Scavenger Hunt

February 20, 2013 | Heather Braddock

Aurora -  Aurora Memorial Library partnered with the Aurora Historical Society to hold a quilt code scavenger hunt this week. The quilt codes are from the Underground Railroad and Civil War era clues that helped escaped slaves reach freedom.

One Book, One School, One Principal and Two Pigs?

February 6, 2013 | Stacy Turner

Mantua – Charlotte’s Web came to life at Crestwood Primary School (CPS) last Thursday. Students, teachers and staff learned that they had “Some School” as they saw their cafeteria transformed into Wilbur’s home at Mr. Zuckerman’s farm.  The menagerie included two sheep, one miniature horse, and one calf, courtesy of …

Pasta House Brings Italian Home Cooking to Main Street

January 31, 2013 | Estelle R. Brown

Garrettsville  – If you’re looking for comfort food, it’s time to come home to The Pasta House. This Italian restaurant is downtown’s newest addition at 8126 Main Street, owned and operated by Sherry Quiggle and her son, Jeremy.
If these names sound familiar, they should. Jeremy took ownership of Italian Garden …

Newton Falls Store Celebrates Rebranding

January 16, 2013 | Mialie T. Szymanski

Newton Falls – No, it wasn’t Black Friday. No, it wasn’t a Harry Potter midnight release party. And no, a famous celebrity from one of those vampire movies wasn’t making an impromptu appearance. But judging by the line of customers outside the door during the early hours of last Thursday …

The upside of a big snowfall? John Lambert’s amazing snow art!

January 10, 2013 | Submitted

Squad Members Serve Elf Duty

January 3, 2013 | Mialie T. Szymanski

Newton Falls – Whoever said Santa’s elves could only deliver smiles from a bright red shiny sleigh never spent the day with the members of the Newton Falls Fire Department.

Area Residents Ready to “Save-A-Lot” in Garrettsville

December 19, 2012 | Villager Staff
Garrettsville Save-A-Lot

Garrettsville – Save-A-Lot officially opened their doors to the public on Wednesday, December 19th.  After a successful “invitation only” soft opening on Tuesday evening attended by local business leaders and government officials, Save-A-Lot is well on its way to making an impact in the community.
Area residents were clamoring to be …

One Real Peach

December 13, 2012 | Krista Peterson

Garrettsville – Have you ever had that one moment in your life, when you looked at something and thought, one day this will be mine? Stephanie Dietelbach sure did. At an auction ten years ago, Stephanie visited the old Irwin Hardware building, fell in love with it and knew that …

‘Tis the Season for “Yuletide Revels”

December 7, 2012 | Submitted

Garrettsville Ushers in the Holiday Season!

November 28, 2012 | Denise Bly

Garrettsville – It was a record breaking crowd that gathered at the clock tower in Garrettsville last Saturday night as folks were ready to usher in the Christmas Season at Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Clock Tower and Tree Lighting Ceremony. The cold, snowy weather didn’t deter folks from …

Trumbull County Celebrates National Adoption Day

November 20, 2012 | Mialie T. Szymanski

On a beautiful, crisp fall day, several area families joyously celebrated their newest additions. No, it wasn’t at the local hospital. Rather, gathered outside the castle-like Trumbull County Courthouse, holding tightly to brightly-colored balloons drifting in the autumn winds, community children gave thanks for the families that adopted them and …

What’s the Story at Mantua’s Center Church?

November 8, 2012 | Stacy Turner

Mantua – If you’ve seen the weekly influx of preschoolers heading to the Mantua Center Christian Church (MCCC) each Thursday with their big people, you may wonder if they’re heading to some sort of pint-sized revival meeting. This lively group heads religiously to MCCC each Thursday, but they aren’t heading …

Christmas in the Village – Garrettsville’s Christmas Walk Returns

November 5, 2012 | Jamie Mezzina

Christmas has come early again this year in Garrettsville. If you have been in town lately you’ve probably been witness to Christmas decorations popping up all over town.  This Friday kicks off the village tradition of the James A. Garfield Historical Society’s Christmas Walk.  Every other year in November, the …

Fire Truck Food Drive Helps to Shut the Door on Hunger

October 29, 2012 | Estelle R. Brown

Garrettsville – It was cold, damp and grey outside Garrettsville’s IGA grocery store on Saturday morning, October 20. But Joe Leonard’s bright red antique firetruck with Santa on board drew curiosity seekers to the “Fill The Fire Truck Food Drive” and resulted in four truckfulls of food donations for the …

Cemetery Walk Unearths History

October 22, 2012 | Mialie T. Szymanski

Newton Township – Did you know that approximately three dozen of Newton Township’s founding fathers never left? They are still here, buried in the cemetery on North Canal Street which is just one of many final resting places currently under the watchful care of the Newton Township Cemetery Association.

At Derthick’s Farm, the Maze is Just a Kernel of the Story

October 9, 2012 | Stacy Turner

Mantua – Locals were duly impressed by Derthick’s Corn Maze & Farm Experience last week, as not one, but two Cleveland news crews visited the over 200-year-old farm last Tuesday.  Fox8’s Todd Meany was first to arrive, experiencing the farm and maze, finishing off his fun day on the farm …

Rescue Village’s “Woofstock” a Tail-Wagging Good Time

September 29, 2012 | Villager Staff

Set amidst the rolling hills of Kirtland, Ohio dozens of tents of varying colors and sizes punctuated the landscape of Holden Arboretum. Housing everything from animal clinics to local business, and t-shirt to novelty vendors, there was truly something for everyone to see and do. After an impassioned blessing of …

Up, up and Away…

September 24, 2012 | Denise Bly

Ravenna -  The 34th Annual Balloon A-Fair was deemed a success. The event offered two parades, a fireworks display, vendors, live entertainment, food, rides and, of course, two spectacular balloon launches.
Saturday’s balloon launch drew near record numbers to Sunbeau Valley Farms to watch the sky become a kaleidoscope of colors …

Hiram College Art Gallery Features Renowned Artist Robert Buganski

September 15, 2012 | Stacy Turner

Hiram – “Composing in Space: Sculpture and Assemblage by Robert Buganski,” features nearly 300 sculptural, mixed media compositions, and sketches created by Buganski over the past three years. His work has been featured in dozens of galleries across the country, and is currently on display at Hiram College’s Gelbke Fine …

Safety Comes First at Crestwood’s First Safety Town Program

September 1, 2012 | Stacy Turner

Mantua – According to statistics from the Center for Disease Control, more children die every year due to unintentional injuries than from all diseases combined. To counteract these numbers, the Crestwood Primary School (CPS) PTO, kindergarten teacher Mrs. Jolene Reese, and a core group of volunteers worked together to educate …

Restoration of Buckeye Block Building Cues Revival on Main Street

August 23, 2012 | Estelle R. Brown

Garrettsville – Restoration leads to revival. The renovation of downtown’s Buckeye Block Building is out to prove that.
Just a year ago, the village’s anchor Main Street building was in such a severe state of deterioration, officials feared it was a public threat and might need to be torn down. Along …

When the Dust Settles…

August 9, 2012 | Mialie T. Szymanski

Newton Falls – Residents of Newton Falls and recent visitors to the small town may have noticed a lot more orange and black than usual and it’s not because locals are getting into the school spirit a month early. Summer may be almost over, which means football season is right …

Accent Live Concert at Breezy Point Park

August 5, 2012 | Heather Braddock

Aurora – The City of Aurora Parks and Recreation Department has  teamed up with local businesses to provide a free concert every other Wednesday this summer. From 7-9 p.m., family-oriented music will be played by live bands out of the Breezy Point Park gazebo, with plenty of free parking located …

Author Sets New Novel in Garrettsville: Scott Starkey to Appear at The Village Bookstore

July 26, 2012 | Villager Staff

It’s been an exciting year for Hiram alumnus Scott Starkey.  In January, Simon & Schuster published his new novel, How to Beat the Bully Without Really Trying.  Geared to middle grade readers, this humorous “boy meets bully” tale has enjoyed strong appeal with parents and kids alike.  But for Starkey, …

Sailing, Sailing…Over the Bounding Main!

July 20, 2012 | Iva Walker

O.K., so it was the Nautica Queen, not the clipper ship Cutty Sark( I don’t know what was in the thermoses in the back of the bus), and it was tootling along from the mouth of the Cuyahoga River out to the breakwater protecting the shoreline at Cleveland from the …

Take a Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes…or Tyme!

July 14, 2012 | Villager Staff

Have you ever wished you could spend the day in another place and time? Perhaps desired to just simply close your eyes and be whisked off to a land where you can have a few hours to yourself in a place very much unlike your own? (But you haven’t quite …

Garrettsville SummerFest’s 8th Year, A Smashing Success

June 30, 2012 | Villager Staff

Garrettsville SummerFest lived up to all that it was billed to be and more this past weekend as the festival committee put on a smashing event. The weekend kicked off Friday night with record-breaking crowds, as the opening ceremonies paid homage to our Armed Forces. Representatives from the Air Force, …

Soapbox Derby comes to Mantua

June 18, 2012 | Villager Staff

Mantua – The Portage County Soap Box Derby will be celebrating its tenth year in Mantua on Saturday, Preparing for the big day, are (from left), Ron Reed, Dean Olson, Barb Fleming, Becca Fleming, Randy Zigler, Briana Reynolds and Tyler Fleming.
The Soap Box Derby race will start at 9 a.m. …

The 8th Count Dance Studio Holds Recital

June 9, 2012 | Villager Staff

Garrettsville- The 8th Count Dance Studio presented “Red, White and Blue Salute” last Saturday in front of two, nearly sold out crowds at the Iva J. Walker Auditorium at James A. Garfield High School. The recital had over 80 dancers performing a variety of dance routines, including hip-hop, clogging, tap, …

Reaching Beyond at GHS

May 30, 2012 | Villager Staff

Garrettsville – James A. Garfield senior Lauren Greathouse has worked for approximately six months on the new banners that are hanging proudly on the front of  Garfield High School. With the help of Jeff Lang, Lauren completed the banners in time to be hung for graduation. Lauren tossed around some …

Katherine Thomas Elementary Pre-school still going Strong

May 21, 2012 | Villager Staff

Windham – In days gone by, folks who were able to send their youngsters to a pre-school program were usually of the elite sector and pre-school was considered an option only for those who were financially blessed. Pre-schools, back in the day, were few and far between and had long …

Myth, Legend And Magic Comes To Northeast Ohio

May 11, 2012 | Villager Staff

The world is full of stories about magical and fantastic events and beings. There are centuries- old stories, songs and works of art that have brought mythic creatures to life and have given shape to mankind’s greatest hopes, fears and dreams.  Today these creatures continue to thrill, terrify, entertain and …

The Church in Aurora

April 27, 2012 | Villager Staff

Aurora – The Church in Aurora is one of the most prominent landmarks in the City of Aurora.  With its towering white steeple and beautiful architecture there is no question why so many couples, my husband and myself included, choose to share their wedding vows there every year. This is …

Facet Salon & Spa Bring New Dimensions to TLC

April 22, 2012 | Villager Staff

Garrettsville  – Step into Facet Salon & Spa at the Total Lifetime Care complex at 1 Memory Lane, and you almost feel like Dorothy entering the Emerald City. Only it’s not garish. You just feel like you’re not in Kansas — or Garrettsville — any more. Instead, the Tuscan-inspired earth …

When East Meets West: Dralion Takes Cleveland by Storm

April 10, 2012 | Benjamin Coll

CLEVELAND—The roar of dralions (a clever blending of eastern dragons and western lions) could be heard throughout lower Cleveland over the holiday weekend, drawing thousands to their temporary home within Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center. Billed as a performance that “transcends the boundaries of imagination”, the performers and crew of …

East Meets West in Cleveland This Weekend

April 6, 2012 | Benjamin Coll

CLEVELAND—Billed as a performance that “transcends the boundaries of imagination”, the performers and crew of Cirque Du Soleil’s Dralion achieve just that. Running April 4th through 8th at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center, spectators are drawn into a dazzling world of rich colors, moving instrumentals and flowing textiles. Showcasing the …

Fine Arts Night a Hit

March 29, 2012 | Villager Staff

Garrettsville – James A. Garfield Middle School presented their 15th Annual Fine Arts Night last week at the school. The event was designed to give students who excel in the arts a chance to exhibit their talents and to celebrate Youth Art Month. They featured sculptures, paintings, drawings, instrumental music, …

Dr. Leu Retiring After 37 Years as G’ville Family Physician

March 22, 2012 | Villager Staff

Garrettsville – On Saturday, March 31, 2012, Dr. Sang Ming Leu, MD will put in his last day as a family physician in his adopted hometown. After 37 years in practice at Garrettsville Family Medicine, Dr. Leu and his wife, Su, will retire to sunshine, golf and swimming pools in …

“STOMP”

March 8, 2012 | Villager Staff

Garrettsville – “Stomp” is a musical performance that incorporates singing, recorders and rhythms that are played on an unusual assortment of objects.
In this rhythm driven program the students use 5 gallon detergent buckets as drums, floor brooms that are knocked on the floor as percussive instruments, and pvc pipes that …