Ravenna – If you are taking a stroll in downtown Ravenna keep your eyes peeled for the newest addition to Honorary Way. In recognition for his outstanding community service and citizenship Don Everett was awarded a walkway named after him in front of the Portage County Courthouse at the corner of Main and Parkway. On Thursday, March 21, approximately 20 area citizens and local business owners turned out with positive cheers and bright colored signs to celebrate Everett as a small town hero. A new black and white sign and stone bench on the corner have been renamed “Don Everett Way” in his honor.
On this brisk yet sunny and bright day the mood was positive as Ravenna Mayor Frank Seman introduced Everett and all the good promoting and volunteer work he has done for the community. “I don’t want to call it a fault, but he is very humble. He doesn’t understand why we would honor him,” Seman said. Reminiscent of the loveable Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs character Bashful, Everett came up and accepted the gratitude of his town.
“One way you can honor me is shop downtown,” Everett said. “If you need a candle go to Charmed Wix. She is better than Yankee Candle.” He went on to say if you need wine go to West Main St. Winery and if you want carrot cake, Tavern 1888 has the best you can find anywhere. Looking for a gift to give? House of Holiday Ornaments is the place to go. “Everyone needs an Aunt Bea and Barbara Burner is Ravenna’s,” he said. Burner runs the local ornament store and is a quintessential example of “Aunt Bea” from The Andy Griffith Show that existed in the on screen town of Mayberry.
“I am the wealthiest person in this town,” Everett said. “When I leave this Earth I want to take one more trip around Ravenna.” It is rare to meet a human being with a sincere heart, but if ever there was one, Don Everett is that man. Full of hometown pride, he went on to say with a smile, “the people of Ravenna are a valuable resource.”
Owners of West Main Street Winery, Jim and DeAnne Wade said he is a blessing in the community and a positive influence. Which is evident in his involvement by partnering with the Chamber of Commerce for the Taste of Ravenna which was a huge success, said Ryann Kuchenbecker, executive director of the chamber. He wants people to feel they have a purpose, so he got seniors from local assisted living facilities to make signs for the event.
Everett has also helped with Midnight Madness and instigating the beautification of Ravenna project by connecting with merchants. At Christmas, Kuchenbecker said, we needed new wreaths for decorating the town. He contacted the Girl Scouts to redo them and sprucethem up, saving Ravenna thousands of dollars. She praised him by saying, “He is a great value, with visions for the community.”
The event itself was sponsored by Tavern 1888 and a reception with breakfast pastries and coffee was hosted by them after the Honorary Way unveiling.
