Garrettsville – Mark was born and raised in Garrettsville’s “east side” on the west side of Water St. He grew up delivering newspapers, baling hay, and making pizzas.
He graduated in 1981 from James A. Garfield High School. Since 1977 he has been involved as an integral role in Garfield’s football program as a player, filming, coaching, and volunteer. He was a key member of the founding committee for Garrettsville’s pewee football league, serving on the board and coaching the upper division team for two years. He transitioned to become head coach for Garfield’s middle school football program where his legacy continues through volunteer coaching.
Mark has been an essential part of Northeast Ohio’s Maple Syrup Industry. He started by helping some local sappers until 1986 when he began gathering his own sap and boiling at his sugar shack on Hewins road. He relocated to Hiram for a stint before settling in to farm property in Nelson Township. He helped start the Northeast Ohio Maple Producers Association. Mark, Garrettsville’s Historical society, and Jim and Gwen Mayor brought recognition to Garrettsville’s sweet maple history. At one time Garrettsville was the largest exporter of Maple syrup in the United States. The historical plaque is located behind the Mott building on High Street. Mark said he still dabbles in making syrup and is proud to be part of this industry. He guestimates he’s made around 7500 gallons of syrup thus far. He’s infamous for his maple dogs and maple-bomb recipe.
He worked for Community Ambulance 24 years and continues as a volunteer for the Garrettsville Nelson Freedom Fire Department.
Mark was one of the founding members for Summerfest. He organized and ran the canoe races, helped with fundraising, and lending help wherever it was needed to get the festival off the ground.
Mark said “Garrettsville is the greatest little town out of anywhere and everywhere.”
