Time to check in on one of our favorite businesses in Newton Falls, The Five 4’s Distillery. This reporter sat down with Niki Reid for a bit of catch-up and to get the tea on an upcoming event. Niki is a bartender there, and her husband is one of the co-owners. They have been steadily growing the company by adding live entertainment, Bingo, and Trivia. Bingo is every Wednesday, Trivia is on Thursdays. The weekends are for live entertainment, often featuring local entertainers. They have even begun making some of their own food; paninis, walking tacos, and hot dogs. Fridays they have food trucks along with the live music. When we first met, the guys were waiting on their first batch to distill. It has, and it sold out immediately.
Now for the tea…trigger warning for suicide awareness.
They are hosting a special event on July 26, beginning at noon. The purpose is to raise awareness of mental health issues faced by active duty military personnel.
It’s more than just an event. It’s a mission. A movement. A call to honor the unseen battles our military heroes face every day, long after the war zone, long after the uniform is folded.
Starting at noon and continuing all day, this special gathering is about raising awareness for something too often hidden in the shadows: the mental health crisis affecting our active-duty military and veteran community. It’s also about raising vital funds for 22for22, an organization committed to one goal —ending the epidemic of military suicide.
This event is part of the 22for22 Challenge, with proceeds supporting the life-saving work of Stop Soldier Suicide, a 501(c)(3) veteran-led nonprofit dedicated to helping our warriors heal. Because asking for help shouldn’t feel like a battle. And coming home shouldn’t mean fighting alone.
Let this sink in:
According to a recent Pentagon report, suicide is now the leading cause of death among active-duty service members, more common than combat fatalities or training accidents. Sixty-one percent (61%) of these deaths are young men under the age of 30.
These are not just statistics. These are sons. Daughters. Spouses. Friends. Battle buddies. Each one a life that mattered. Why are our heroes in such danger?
It’s not just PTSD or the stress of combat. It’s the crushing weight of isolation. The sleepless nights. The transitions that feel like freefalls. The quiet fear of being labeled “weak” if they speak up. And the very real truth that many don’t know where, or how or if they should, ask for help.
That’s why we’re gathering. That’s why we’re raising our voices. That’s why this event matters.
The name “22for22” comes from a VA study that found an average of 22 veterans a day died by suicide. That number may have shifted—but the crisis hasn’t. One is too many.
So mark your calendar. Show up. Share this message. Donate if you can.
Because silence is not an option—and together, we can be the reason someone chooses to stay.
Niki relates their reason to become involved. Hers is a military family; husband Donny was in the Marines for 30 years, and her son, Logan, is currently serving. Donny’s business partner, Mike, also served. Logan is currently a sergeant, and his best friend, Conner Mills, was an active duty Marine. Conner and Logan’s families became good friends. Conner committed suicide, alone in his barracks.
“You never think, as a parent, that you will have to navigate the death of your adult child, so yeah, it’s tough.” Niki shared every parents nightmare in that one sentence.
Conner’s mother, Erica Gifford Mills, has made Suicide Awareness for Military Personnel her mission in honor and memory of Conner. Erica is an empowerment and wellness coach at Balanced Symmetree, helping clients gain focus, clarity, and purpose.
She describes her son as ‘the kind of soul who could light up a room just by walking into it. Beneath his playful charm was a deep well of strength and courage that defined him. He didn’t flinch in the face of adversity, rather he met it head on.’ This is not the description of someone you would think of being at risk of suicide. This is where it is important to continue to ask questions, look for signs, and reiterate that you are not alone.
So, in Conner’s honor and loving memory, they are partnered with 22for22 for this event. All profits will go to this charity. They are having baskets to raffle, and basket donations are welcome. They will also have a 50-50. Knowing the good people of Newton Falls, this reporter predicts that the 50-50 winner will donate their winnings back to the cause. Donation buckets will be placed around the main area.
There will be entertainers all day. The musicians have all donated their time and talent for this worthy cause. The entertainment line-up is…
12:00 to 1:00 is Whiskey Pete. A local veteran, he is known for his ‘acoustic shenanigans.’ Find him on Facebook and give him a like!
1:00 to 2:00 is Memphis Honey Blues Band. A seven piece high-energy band that performs classic, modern and original blues. Find out more at memphishoneybluesband.com.
2:00 to 3:00 is Ted Snyder. Ted is local to Newton Falls and a regular at 5 Fours.
3:00 to 4:00 is Cody Skeen. Find out more at youtube.com/@codyskeen8205?
4:00 to 5:00 is Mike Cunningham. A singer-songwriter from the area, visit mikecunninghammusic.com for more information.
5:00 to 6:00 is Lauren Brabson. Lauren is a self-taught folk musician from the Barberton. She creates emotionally rich music exploring life’s challenges. Like her on Facebook or look her up at laurenbrabsonmusic.com
6:00 to 7:30 is Neil Hogue. Neil is a singer/songwriter/musician from Warren. He specializes in Americana/Country and Southern rock. Find out more about him at reverbnation.com/neilhogue
8:00 to 10:00 is Presk View. Known as Your Favorite 90’s Rock and Alternative Cover Band! Follow them on Facebook and youtube.com@preskview. A great way to round out the day.
There will also be at least 2 food trucks available. At the time of this writing, they are awaiting confirmation, but we know it will be yummy.
Follow Five 4’s Distillery on Facebook for updates and ways to get involved.
We all say we care about our military, those still serving and those who’ve hung up the uniform. Now’s our chance to show it.
Let’s stand beside them the way they’ve always stood for us.
Let’s help Five 4’s Distillery and Balanced Symmetree do what matters most:
Bring hope. Raise awareness. Save lives.
Because together, we can make a difference. One voice, one step, one life at a time.
