Wanted — Frog Watchers!
The dates for this years FrogWatch training will be January 29th and February 5th (Thursdays) from 7:00-9:00 pm. If volunteers would like to become certified, they will also need to take the certification exam on February 12th at 7:00 pm. We will hold our sessions at the James H. Barrow Field Station (Hiram College). There is a fee of $5.00 fee for the training, course materials, etc.
The Garrettsville Curtains Up Theatre Presents “Cheaper By The Dozen”
“Cheaper by the Dozen”, is a true story of a family of 12. “Cheaper by the Dozen” is based on a story written by Frank Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth. It tells the story of Frank Bunker Gilbreth and Lillian Moller Gilbreth, and their twelve children. The book focuses on the many years the family resided in Montclair, New Jersey. The title comes from one of Frank Sr.’s favorite jokes: it often happened that when he and his family were out driving and stopped at a red light, a pedestrian would ask, “Hey, Mister! How come you got so many kids?” Gilbreth would pretend to ponder the question carefully, and then, just as the light turned green, would say, “Well, they come cheaper by the dozen, you know,” and drive off.
Chamber’s #GarrettsvilleStrong Fund Breaks $84K Mark
2014 was an interesting year for the Village of Garrettsville and our member businesses. On March 22nd our historic Main Street business district experienced a devastating fire that reduced over 150 years of history to rubble in what felt like mere moments. In the wake of the disaster, our community and supporters from across the globe united to help raise funds to aide in rebuilding Main Street through the Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce’s #GarrettsvilleStrong fund; and get business owners back on their feet through the People Tree & Garrettsville United Methodist Church’s joint efforts.
A night of recognition during Garrettsville council meeting
At the December 10th Garrettsville Village Council meeting, Mayor Patrick called Garrettsville police officer Timothy Christopher forward as he read Resolution 2014-38, which recognizes the seven years of service of police dog Taz and authorized retirement of the canine. It further authorized officer Christopher’s assumption of ownership in exchange for $1. Taz was retired earlier this year for health reasons. He now resides with his handler, Officer Christopher and his family. Christopher thanked the mayor and council for their dedication and continued support of the canine program and, though he will not be the canine handler any more, he will still be involved in a supervisory capacity. Officer Keith Whan will be Garrettsville Police’s new canine handler.
JAG Students Shine at Winter Concert
Sounds of the season resonated through the Iva Walker Auditorium this past Sunday as the High School Concert Band, High School Choir and Middle School Combined Concert Band played for a standing room only crowd.
How State Funding Effects Local School Districts
Given reductions in state spending on education, the State of Ohio has implemented state-guaranteed transitional aid to districts with declining enrollment. This “guarantee” means that the State of Ohio offers a promise to pay each district the amount of state funds the district had received in the previous year. “On the flip side,” remarked Jill Rowe, Crestwood District Treasurer/CFO, “it also means that the state feels that the district should not be getting 36% of the revenue it received in the previous year, but that the state will pay or “guarantee” the district these funds in good faith.”
Hattie Larlham receives a wheelchair accessible van
“People with developmental disabilities need to have access to the community,” said Hattie Larlham CEO Dennis Allen. “They like to go to a variety of places and this vehicle makes that happen.”
Hiram College Students share Field Station research at International Neuroscience Conference
“We presented with undergraduates from many different schools and had the opportunity to go and explore the posters and presentations from the Ph.D. and M.D. level,” Emily Mortimer said. “It was interesting to see where we could potentially be in the future. Being able to attend a conference like this one is one of the many perks of attending Hiram College.”
G-Men Mobile Now Available
Parents and students can download the application for free through Apple iTunes and Google Play app stores. Developed by Blackboard Inc., the app is also expected to be popular with alumni, incoming students, and other members of the James A. Garfield community.
Who will be the next Ravenna Balloon A Fair Grand Marshal?
Written nominations for Grand Marshal should be submitted no later than February 6, 2015. Mail to: Ravenna Balloon A Fair, Attention Parade Committee, and P.O. BOX 454, RAVENNA, OHIO 44266. For more information, call 330-296-FAIR.
W.V.F.D. Joint Fire District News
The WVFD Joint Fire District met for their regularly-scheduled meeting with all board members in attendance. The board approved the November minutes, expenditures, bank reconciliation and the temporary appropriations totaling $713,000.
Hiram Township News
At the last meeting of the Hiram Township Trustees, Assistant Chief Mark Kosak thanked village and township residents for their votes in support of the Fire Department’s latest ballot issue. Kosak announced that as of January 1st, the department will begin 24 hour staffing, with two firefighter/EMTs on staff around the clock. Due to the increase in staffing, response times should see a reduction.
Cavalier Technologies Caters to the Neighborhood
Whether for home or business, Cavalier Technologies is positioned as the local one-stop tech shop. The simple pricing structure for residential and business labor rates vary only according to whether it’s on-site (housecalls) or in-shop. Contact Chris Cavalier for more information at chris@garrettsvillecomputersrepair.com or 330-569-4196, or browse his website at garrettsvillecomputersrepair.com.
Crestwood School Board News
Mantua - At the last meeting of the Crestwood School Board, a brief discussion occurred at the start regarding the proposed 2015-2016 school year calendar. The proposal put forth recommends that the first day of instruction for students begin on August 19th, with the last day of instruction held on May 20th. Superintendent David Toth remarked that a change...
Stille Nacht. Heilige Nacht.
On Friday, December 12, the Hiram Men’s Chorus, directed by Jose Gotera, the Hiram Women’s Chorus, directed by Damaris Peters Pike, and the Hiram Community Chorus will present a musical program of seasonal and Christmas favorites—“Silent Night” in both English and German—at 7:30 p.m. in the Hiram Christian Church (corner of St. Rte 82 , St. Rte. 305 and St. Rte 700), free and open to the public.
Local Students Experience Holiday Performance on Wheels
“It’s important for our children to experience life outside of school, within their global community. It’s a nice opportunity for them to get dressed up and enjoy something wonderful with their peers.” - CPS Principal Cindy Ducca
James A. Garfield Teacher is One of Twenty-Five Chosen to Participate in ‘Auschwitz: The Past is Present’ Program
The Institute for Visual History and Education and Discovery Education have selected Steven Howell, a teacher at James A. Garfield High School in Garrettsville, as one of only 25 teachers from around the world to participate in a unique professional development program in Poland as part of Auschwitz: The Past is Present.
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Report
The plan for benches to be placed along the Headwaters Trail, involving Eagle Scout projects and grant money being made available through Rotary District 6630 and donations focused on reviving and rebuilding in the village is still taking shape but it’s in good shape.
Jingle Bell Jog brings Healthy Holiday Fun!
Mantua - Let's start the holiday season with festive exercise, jolly visits with Santa, and joyous holiday-themed activities! Jingle Bell Jog offers a 5k race that is timed for the competitive, but can be walked for those who prefer to take in the spirit of this holiday event at a more relaxed pace. Participants are encouraged to dress in...
Discover Christmas Treasures at the Secret Attic
With new items added regularly, you never know what treasures await at Mantua’s Secret Attic on East Prospect Street in Mantua. The shop is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 am - 6 and Saturdays from 9 am - 3 pm. For more information, visit the shop’s Facebook page.
Robinson Memorial Hospital Hospice Hope 5K Run/Walk raises over $10K
The inaugural Robinson Memorial Hospital Hospice Hope 5K Run/Walk was held on October 4, 2014. Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice staff coordinated the day’s events to raise funds to continue providing care to uninsured and underinsured Portage County residents. Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice serves over 300 patients a year. In 2013, over $127,000 in charity care was provided to ensure a patient’s comfort at the end of life regardless of their ability to pay.
Mantua Village Garden Club News
The Mantua Village Garden Club will hold its final meeting for 2014 on Monday, Dec.8, at Christ Lutheran Church, on Main St., in the village. The festivities will start at noon with a catered luncheon, then short business meeting to wrap up the year, and induction of the 2015 officers. The rest of the gathering will be spent making merry and holding a White Elephant auction to benefit the 4-Cs! If you're interested in finding out more about our club, and enjoying some holiday fun, please come and join us for a fun-filled afternoon.
Fill-A-Cruiser This Saturday for Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard
This Saturday, while you are out running errands, consider stopping by the Garrettsville Save-A-Lot where the Garrettsville Police Department will be having a Fill-A-Cruiser event from 10 am to 3 pm. The officers will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard which has seen a two-fold increase in the number of people they are assisting this year. In addition, the officers will be accepting cash donations which will be used for the Hiram-Garrettsville Shop-With-A-Cop program.
Local Court Receives State Certification
The Newton Falls Municipal Court has earned final certification as a Treatment Court from the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on Specialized Dockets.
Mantua Village News
Mantua - In her report, Mayor Linda Clark announced the unofficial report that issue 42 passed by 12 votes. She remains cautiously optimistic until the absentee and provisional votes are counted, but stated, “I want to thank the voters for their support of issue 42 and a very big thank you to the DMRC. I feel without their help...
CIS Students Explore the Arts at Local Colleges
Mantua - For the second year in a row, Patty Timbrook, Visual Art Teacher at Crestwood Intermediate School, lead her students on a field trip to experience the art studios at Kent State University and Hiram College, exposing them to both college and potential careers in the arts. This year, 14 students attended, with four parents and one grandparent...
Crestwood School Board News – November
In light of the recent school shooting in Seattle, Washington, Crestwood District Superintendent David Toth shared the information about safety procedures at the start of this month’s School Board meeting. Toth shared, “I got into this field to educate kids, not necessarily to talk about guns in schools, but unfortunately, it’s a reality of the time. That being said, we do multiple drills here at the Crestwood District, to try to be prepared for as many situations that we can to protect our students and staff.”
Mr. King’s Plays Return to the Stage
Garrettsville - After a three year hiatus, he’s back. Mr. King returns to the stage at James A Garfield School writing, directing and producing his play “The Right to Bare Arms.” The play mixes modern day and ancient times together as a small island learns to overcome fear, to survive the curse that it has been said to be...
Garrettsville Strong DVD Fundraiser
Garrettsville - Saturday, March 22, 2014, for the Garrettsville community, has become like 9/11 for our nation. I was preparing to leave for a long drive to Salt Lake City, Utah when that day for me turned upside down. It was a cold spring day with overcast skies and light breezy conditions. I was at my home, just a...
The LAFSOMe Group Takes on Cambridge
Our tour guide explained that at the turn of the new century (2000) a group of townspeople and businessmen, recognizing the English heritage of Cambridge, got together, planned and implemented a Dickens Christmas theme that encompassed the whole downtown. This, they surmised, would bring in business. They decked out the downtown in Edwardian style with over 180 Dickensonian life-size manikins in various scenes lining the sidewalks and in shop windows. These scenes depict real life situations of the time, such as a photographer taking a picture, groups caroling, people standing on a corner, and sitting on a bench. These are all lifelike manikins with fairly realistic faces. But there are also various real people dressed in the period clothing walking about. More than once I had the BeJesus scared out of me by a manikin that began talking to me and moved like a human. I wondered if Father Christmas was responsible for any heart attacks or strokes.
