Manage Coronavirus-related Stress
During this time of uncertainty, many of us are experiencing high levels of stress & anxiety. Follow these tips to help you cope during this stressful time. Also know that mental health professionals are available to help. Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. It is important to get good information to help you prepare and respond, but don’t overwhelm...
Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard Expands Efforts in JAG District
Garrettsville – As an increasing number of area residents find themselves affected by the “Stay at Home” order in effect for Ohio, the Nelson Garrettsville Community Cupboard (NGCC) is seeing an increase in new clients seeking assistance due to food insecurity. In March the NGCC partnered with the James A. Garfield Local School District to provide over 6,000 additional...
Less Than Pretty Nashes
“1950s Nashes were ugly. My father had Nashes. We’d get ‘em real cheap when they were a few years old and drive ‘em a while until something major went wrong. Nashes didn’t hold their values even in the 50s. They were always odd looking. Then we’d get another one. I have had Nashes—later American Motors automobiles—pretty much all my...
YMCA Cleveland Encourages Activity with Virtual 5K Challenge
As many events are being cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland wants to encourage individuals to stay active and safe with a fun outdoor fitness challenge. The YMCA Virtual 5K Challenge has begun and will end on Monday, April 13. Challenge winners will be selected on April 14. Four participants will be awarded with $25...
Churches Pivot to Electronic Palm Sunday as Buildings Remain Closed
Churches have traditionally been gathering places where congregants come together every week to receive inspired teachings, share prayer requests and enjoy fellowship with one other. Shared handshakes, hugs, prayer circles, Bible studies, communion, pews and potlucks are all part of church culture that has come to a sudden close in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Local churches have scrambled to...
First Responders Share PSA
The Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of EMS, in partnership with the Mentor Fire Department, has created “Be Part of the Solution”, a public service announcement (PSA) that the Division of EMS is providing as a resource for EMS systems to provide education and empowerment to their community when non-transport protocols are implemented. As communities prepare for the Covid-19...
Townhall II and Portage County School Districts Continue to Teach Health and Wellness During Closures
Schools may be closed, but the Portage County school districts and Townhall II are still delivering important drug prevention lessons to students. Townhall II’s Prevention and Education Department provides education and activities essential to improving critical life skills and social/emotional learning such as decision-making, refusal skills, goal setting, healthy friendships, and feelings recognition and management. “All the school districts have been...
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Report
Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary tip-toed into the 21st Century under duress, when a limited number of members got together online (zoom) to discuss a limited number of topics relating to the current situation vis-a-vis the novel corona virus/ Covid-19. There was discussion of the legal ramifications of the rules of isolation as they pertain to meetings of government entities and other...
Portage Park District COVID-19 Response
The Portage Park District is concerned about ensuring the health and safety of all our park patrons during this COVID-19 pandemic. Our parks and trails remain open and we encourage the public to enjoy the great outdoors to support physical and mental health while continuing to follow the guidance of our health experts to maintain social distancing. To discourage...
Carlson Funeral Homes is Prepared to Safely Care for Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Garrettsville - Carlson Funeral Homes remains committed and prepared to safely care for the families it serves during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Whenever possible, Carlsons will continue to enable families to participate in the rituals that are most important to them. And according to the CDC, at this time, there is no known risk associated with being in the...
Thankful For Your Help; Portage EMA Still Needs Your Extra Protective Wear Donations
Ravenna – Donations of masks, disinfectant and gowns are slowly coming into the Portage County Emergency Management Agency so the agency is urging businesses and the public to check office and home supplies and consider sharing to help local safety and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 response. EMA Director Ryan Shackelford announced to the Portage County task force collaborating in...
Ice Cream Parlor Sweetens up the Town
Ravenna - We all need a little sugary pick-me-up sometimes and having a sweet treat can be the bright spot in everyone’s day. Vance’s Carriage House Creamery, the new hand-dipped hard ice cream shop, has just the flavor you will need to bring a smile to your face. Happiness seems so tricky to come by and yet joy can easily...
Garrettsville Chamber Selling Gift Cards for Garrettsville to Support Member Businesses
The Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce is helping to support our member businesses that have been forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering gift cards. If you normally dine out or shop at a local establishement, purchase a gift card today for use later ~ all proceeds from the sale of these gift cards go directly to respective...
A Message from Garrettsville Mayor Rick Patrick
Dear Residents, I have received many phone calls, emails and texts wanting to know what I know about the corona virus and how it is affecting our Village. I am not in direct contact with Governor DeWine but I do receive updates through Portage County EMA Director Ryan Shackleford almost daily. I must commend Governor DeWine for what he is doing...
Local Crafters Use Skills to Make Masks For Healthcare Workers
As hospitals and health care facilities across the country are running dangerously low on essential supplies, the CDC has declared that handmade masks are acceptable and can provide healthcare workers with an additional layer of protection. If you’ve got some time and some basic sewing skills, you can make reusable fabric masks to help protect local healthcare professionals using...
Windham School News
Two weeks ago, give or take, Governor Mike DeWine ordered all schools closed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This action left many districts scrambling to get digital/ online classes and hard copy educational plans ready for their students. Windham Exempted Village School was no different in getting that set up. Administration and teachers armed with Chromebooks...
What Were You Doing Before The Corona Virus Hit?
Funny you should ask that question. Me, I am just sitting here in my command chair (as my daughter and lady friend call it), watching the depressing, minute by minute updates on CNN about the Corona Virus situation out of the corner of my eye-- sound turned off --while trying to write about something familiar, exciting and reminiscent of...
Portage Cares 4 Seniors
All of us at Home Instead Senior Care and our Portage County Community care so deeply for our seniors that we want to provide information and contacts for seniors to stay in their homes and remain healthy. To the Home Instead Senior Care® network, enhancing the lives of aging adults and their families isn’t just about providing care services. If...
Portage County Health District temporarily discontinues walk-in services
Ravenna - In an effort to follow Governor DeWine’s and the Ohio Department of Health’s Director Dr Acton’s recommendations to flatten the curve and lessen the spread of COVID-19, the Portage County Health District will be temporarily discontinuing walk-in services to the public. This will be effective Monday, March 23rd, until further notice. Necessary, in-person meetings will be provided by...
Local Experts Share Their Gifts Online
As people are encouraged to stay home and schools and local business close their doors, many people are finding new, safer alternatives to continue doing what they love. For example, while local zoos and other family-friendly locations have closed their doors to in-person visits, experts have moved online to share about the animals they care for with online visitors...
Food Cupboards Put Protocols In Place To Protect Volunteers & Clients
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to affect our region, the health and safety of the community is our primary concern. Area foodbanks are taking action to protect the volunteers and the neighbors being served. The Nelson-Garrettsville Community Cupboard has made adjustments to their upcoming distributions - during the month of April, clients will be asked to remain in their vehicles...
Townhall Will Continue Offering Services To Clients
Although Gov. DeWine has issued a “Stay At Home” order, Townhall will remain open because we are considered to be an essential business. The only change is that we can no longer have face-to-face sessions with our outpatient counseling clients- no groups will be held and individual sessions will be done over the phone. Clinic patients should still come...
Pochedly Greenhouse Offers Online Orders
Mantua - In this time of uncertainty, families may struggle to find a sense of normalcy. Adjusting to sheltering at home, usual springtime activities like yard work and garden planning may help pass the time and remind us of our typical springtime activities. Some may begin thinking of planting flowers or tending a vegetable garden. In times of stress,...
PORTAGE COUNTY EMA COLLECTING PROTECTIVE WEAR FOR REALLOCATION TO PORTAGE HEALTHCARE AND SAFETY WORKERS
RAVENNA, OH – ThePortage County Emergency Management Agency is asking businesses and the public for a variety of specific donations to help local safety and healthcare workers during the response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.EMA officials are requesting that donations be limited to what is listed. Items for safety and healthcare workers should be delivered to the EMA office at...
Difficult Decisions For Small Businesses
Given the uncertainty and rapidly changing nature of the environment, many small businesses are doing thier best to determine the services that can be offered. The Villager companies (Weekly Villager, Villager Emporium and Villager Printing) are family-owned and operated and the health of our families and our employees are the most important thing! Our company is not alone, some businesses have...
Portage Park District Suspending Programs
Ravenna - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines to reduce public exposure of the virus, the Portage Park District is suspending all public programs until further notice. If you have already registered for an upcoming program, our Public Engagement staff will be in contact to inform you when they are rescheduled. We encourage the public to continue to...
Portage County Senior Center Discontinues Activities
Ravenna - The Portage County Senior Center has announced for the safety of their members, they will discontinue all social and recreational activities until further notice. They will be open only for those members who are in need of a carry-out lunch. For more information, the senior center can be reached at 330-297-3456. The Kitchen can be reached directly...
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Suspends Activities
Ravenna - Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Portage County will be suspending all face to face operations as of Monday, March 16 for the next 60 days. This will include all interviews, match meetings and activities. In addition, they are placing all matches on hiatus for the next 60 days. Matches will not be meeting in person but are encouraged...
Haylett’s Corner Store Expansion Planned
Mantua - In these uncertain times, good news is always welcome. And for those of you who frequent Haylett’s Corner store, you’ll be happy to know that the local business has plans to expand in the near future. The store is already offering grab and go items at Restoration 44 -- items that are exclusive to the local coffee...
