Family-to-Family Education Program Coming to Windham
Registration is now open for the Portage County Family-to-Family Education Program, a free, 12-week class for families and others who have a loved one with a mental illness.
The class will be held every Wednesday starting March 15, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Renaissance Family Center located at 9005 Wil Vern Drive in Windham.
A national program through NAMI, the class is taught by NAMI-trained family members and includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises. The free class is co-sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Portage County and the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Portage County and provides education and support to help families and others who have a loved one with mental illness to better understand the disorders, behavior, treatments and impact. Some of the topics covered will include the types of mental illness, medications and side effects, how to communicate more effectively with your loved one, recent changes in mental illness courts, medical insurance, and more.
NAMI Portage County is a local chapter of the national NAMI organization that brings together people with mental illness and their families to work on improving the lives of people with mental illness. For more information, go to www.namiportagecounty.org
To register, call 330-673-1756 or email laurab@mental-health-recovery.org.
Kindergarten Registration Time!
The James A. Garfield School District is now taking reservations for Kindergarten registration for children that will turn age 5 before August 1, 2017. Registration will take place on, Monday, March 27nd , Tuesday, March 28th and Friday March 31st, 2017. Please call the Elementary School office at 330-527-2184 to schedule an appointment.
Preschool Screenings for Fall 2017
Preschool screenings will take place at James A. Garfield Elementary on Friday, April 21 for children age 3 through 5 years of age that will not attend Kindergarten. The appointment will take approximately 60 minutes. Please call 330-527-5524 to schedule an appointment.
Newton Falls Kindergarten Registration
Registration for children entering the Newton Falls Exempted Village School District for the 2017-2018 school year will be held: March 13 through March 17, 9:00-11:00 a.m. & 12:30-2:30 p.m. daily. You do NOT need an appointment, but please only come during these times. It is not necessary to bring your child at this time. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years of age by August 1, 2017. Upon registering, you will be given an appointment to bring your child to the school in the spring for screening. Bring the following items with you when registering: Your child’s legal birth certificate;Immunization records; Proof of residency; Child’s Social Security Card and custody papers (if applicable)
Families Anonymous Meeting
Mondays
Families Anonymous meetings for families dealing with drug addicted members meet every Monday from 7-8 pm at Coleman Behavioral Services Sue Hetrick Building, 3922 Lovers Lane/Loomis Parkway in Ravenna. For more info call Heather 330-569-4367 or Peggy 330-760-7670.
Men on Mondays
beginning March 6
“Men on Mondays” a Men’s Bible Study will be starting on Monday, March 6th. and continuing every Monday thereafter at the “Cellar Door Coffee Shop in Garrettsville. We will meet at 6:45pm and end at 8:00 pm. Coffee and pastry will be provided at no charge.
BINGO
Every Tuesday
ST AMBROSE CHURCH 10692 Freedom St. Garrettsville– “Early bird” at 6:45p and first game at 7pm. Also featuring instant tickets, coverall jackpots, and other fun games. Doors open 5:45p. Great refreshments!
BINGO At St Michael’s
Every Thursday
St. Michael’s Church Weekly Bingo at 7pm every Thursday at 9736 East Center Street Windham, OH 44288.
TOPS Meetings
Thursdays
TOPS OH#1941, Ravenna meets Thursday mornings in the fellowship hall of the Maplewood Christian Church, 7300 State Route 88, Ravenna with weigh-in from 9-9:45 a.m. and a meeting/program following at 10:00 a.m. TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is an affordable, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization.
2nd Thursday Storytime
through May 11
2nd Thursday Storytime at Maplewood Christian Church. Come for stories, crafts, music and movement for children ages 2 – 5 (adults stay for fun, siblings welcome). This event will be held the 2nd Thursday of each month from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at 7300 State Route 88 in Ravenna. We will not meet if Ravenna Schools are closed.
American Legion Fish Fry
Fridays
Fish fry dinners will be held at the American Legion Post 674, 9960 East Center St., Windham from 4-7:30 pm. Cost $8. Choice of fish, chicken, shrimp or a combo dinner. Open to public. Carryout available.
SS Mary & Joseph’s Ladies Guild Kolache Bake
Order by April 1
SS Mary & Joseph’s Ladies Guild of Newton Falls will be baking homemade Kolache for the Easter holiday. You may purchase this taste of eastern Europe at the low cost of $10 each. The filling offered are: apricot, nut and poppy seed. To order call Patty at 330-980-8560 or Barbara at 330-872-1951. Pick up times willbe April 4 from 10 am – 4 pm and April 5 from 10 am – 6 pm. The last day to order is April 1.
American Legion Fish Fry
Through April 14
The Lake Milton American Legion Fish Fry is back! Serving every Friday beginning Feb 3 through April 14 from 3-7 pm at the 737 Legion Post, Milton Avenue
Haddock Fish Dinner or enjoy Chicken or Shrimp, french fries, cole slaw & roll $10. Perogies – $4
Lenten Fish Fry
Through April 14
Lenten Fish Fry will be held at Newton Falls VFW, 433 Arlington Blvd. every Friday during Lent – March 3 – April 14 from 4-8 pm. Dinners include fried or baked fish, bread, & 3 sides of your choice. $10 each; 10 and under $5. Proceeds benefit Newton Falls Athletic Booster Club.
Portage Faith Church Ladies Night
March 10
On March 10th 7-9pm, the Portage Faith United Methodist Church (9922 State Route 44) in Mantua is having a “Ladies Night Out” fundraiser to help raise money for a mission trip to the Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland. We will have chair massages, manicures, jewelry demonstrations, healthy snacks, drinks, give-a-ways and more. Admission:$10 contact for the event: Chris 330-357-2388 or email: dsike01@yahoo.com
Spaghetti Dinner
March 10
The Kiwanis of the Western Reserve invites you to the a spaghetti dinner in partnership with Mantua Center Church’s Weekend Snackpack program on March 10 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at the Hiram Christian Church.
Crestwood High School’s Annual Rummage Sale
March 10
Crestwood is hosting it’s annual rummage sale once again on Friday, March 10th-running from 9am up until5pm at the high school. For cheap, you will be able to find anything from toys, clothes, and books all the way to furniture! .
Indoor Flea Market
March 10-12
Ravenna Moose Lodge 1234
5727 State Route 14, Ravenna is hosting an indoor flea market on March 10, Noon – 5; March 11, 9 am – 5 pm and March 12, 11 am – 5 pm. Open to the Public! Any Vendors are Welcome! You can sell whatever you want! New or Used! There will be a Bake Sale! Questions or to reserve a table – contact Tomi.moorhouse@gmail.com
Cost is $20.00 per table – for all 3 days.
Soap Box Derby Car Clinic in Shalersville
March 11
The Portage County Soap Box Derby will be hosting ”Introduction to Soap Box Derby Racing” race clinic on March 11 at 11:00 am. The location is the Shalersville Elementary School gymnasium (Corner of S R 44 and S R 303) This will be a free Derby Clinic to learn what is involved in Derby Racing. A child has to be 7 years old to race, and may race until they are 20 years old. At this clinic there will be Derby Racers present to explain their racing experiences, A derby car will be partly dismantled, and reassembled , and questions answered on how to get started racing, and how to make a Derby car go fast! For more information: portagecounty.soapboxderby.org , or call 330-351-3035
Windham Band Spaghetti Dinner & Concert
March 11
Windham Band Spaghetti Dinner Concert will be held on
Saturday March 11th. 5-7:30pm in the high school cafeteria. Concerts by grades 4-12. Cost: Adults -$8, Students -$5, Kids 4 and under are free. There will be a Chinese Auction and 50/50 raffle.There is no charge for just attending the concert.
Please help support the Windham Band by purchasing a dinner and enjoying the concert.
Free Lunch
March 11
Come to a great free Lunch on Saturday, March 11. Cincinnati Chili will be the main dish of the day. The Lunch will be held from 12:00-1:00 @ the Brick Chapel, 9003 N Main Street, Windham. The Chapel is handicap accessible, with a ramp at the front of the fellowship hall. Kim Kiser is in charge of this meal. Please come and join us for a great meal and a time of fellowship. All are welcome! For more information call 330-326-3133.
Mantua Soccer Registration
March 12, 19,26
Spring 2017 In-Person Soccer Registrations will be held on Sundays in March ( 3/12, 3/19, 3/26) from 1pm – 3pm at St. Joseph’s Church in Mantua. A printable registration form will be posted on the web site closer to the start of March and a reminder announcement will be made then. https://mantuasoccerohio.com/
Pancake & Sausage Breakfasts
March 12, 19, 26
The Parkman Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 50 years of Pancake and Sausage Breakfasts at the Parkman Community House (16295 Main Market – Rt. 422) on Sundays: March 12th, 19th and 26th from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Adults eat for $8.00; children – $4.00 (Pre-schoolers are free). Adult take-outs are also available. Our pancakes are served on real plates (no disposables here) and we use only real Geauga County maple syrup. Our own secret recipe is used for our sausage patties. You can even buy some sausage to take home and enjoy after our pancake breakfasts are done for the year. Gather your friends and family and join us for breakfast!
Crescent Chapter Meeting
March 13
Crescent Chapter No 7 O.E.S. of Garrettsville will meet March 13 with a potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. The regular meeting will follow at 7:30 p.m. Members are urged to attend.
2017 Pond Clinic
register by March 13
Join the Geauga and Portage Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) for an informative and free Pond Program on March 16th from 6 – 8 pm at Centerville Mills Park Dining Hall, 8558 Crackel Road, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023. Learn more about managing your pond with featured speaker Eugene Braig, Aquatic Ecosystems Specialist with Ohio State University Extension and School of Environment and Natural Resources. Registration is required due to limited seating. Please contact Portage SWCD at 330-297-7633 ext. 3 or email mwillett@portageswcd.org to register by March 13th.
Freedom Twp. Historical Society Meeting
March 14
March 14 is the next scheduled meeting of the Freedom Historical Society. The 1 PM meeting will be held at the Freedom Community Center off SR 700; this facility is completely handicapped accessible. Light refreshments will be served. From this point forward, the “program or sharing” part of the meeting will be held at the beginning; the business portion will begin after the conclusion of the program. As always bring your memories, stories and pictures to share. This month we will be finalizing the last of our organizational details Starting in April when daylight lingers much longer our meetings will begin at 7 PM. Remember to like us on Facebook – Freedom Township Then & Now.
Who Is INEZ And What is LWV?
March 15
The League of Women Voters of Northern Portage County invites you to a get-together to learn about Inez Milholland and about the League of Women Voters. Please join us for heavy hors d’oeuvres and wine, March 15, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at 595 Walnut Ridge Trail, Aurora. Please RSVP your name and email (to let us know how many are coming and how much to plan for) to Asecura@hotmail.com or 330/562-8292. Further questions may be addressed to April Secura at the above email.
Portage County Beekeepers’ Meeting
March 16
Thursday, March 16, at 7:00 pm Learn some inherent and not so inherent problems associated with being a modern day beekeeper when John Grafton speaks at the next Portage County Beekeepers meeting. John retired in 2008 after spending 32 years with the apiary inspection program. John has received the Beekeeper of the Year award from the Ohio State Beekeepers Association and the Exceptional Service Award presented by the Apiary Inspectors of America. Free and open to the public! Maplewood Career Center, 7075 St. Rt. 88, Ravenna, Ohio 44266, Conference Room A. For more information, contact Mary Lovin 330-325-3028.
All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner
March 17
Western Reserve Kiwanis & Kids Weekend Meals will be serving up All-U-Can-Eat Spaghetti on Friday, March 17th 4:30-7:00pm at the Hiram Christian Church. Adults $7.00, kids 8 and under FREE! Spaghetti with choice of meat or marinara sauce, salad, garlic bread, beverage, & ice cream.
Swiss Steak Dinner
March 18
The Nelson United Methodist Church will be hosting their Swiss Steak Dinner at the Nelson Community House on Nelson Circle in Garrettsville, Ohio 44231 on March 18th, 2017. Dinner is served from 4:00- 6:00 PM. The price is $10.00 for Adults and $6.00 for Children age 6-12, Children 5 and under Free. The dinner consists of: Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Corn Casserole, Drinks, and Dessert. Carry-Out is also available at the same location.
Free Clothing
March 18
The next free clothing giveaway will be held on March 18 from 9 am – noon at the old Mantua Center School, 11741 Mantua Center Rd., Mantua. There will be clothing of all sizes and for all genders. Bring your friends and family to this free event!
Chili Cookoff & Chinese Auction
March 18
Huntsburg Grange #2541 is holding their 17th annual chili cook off and Chinese auction on Saturday, March 18 from 11:30 – 2:30 in the Huntsburg Gym, corner SR 322 & SR 528. Enter your chili; cash prizes to first and second places. Live entertainment, cake walk, raffle, games, vendors. Contact Colleen at 440-636-3052.
Free Youth Shotgun Shooting Lesson
March 19
The Streetsboro Sportsman Association is hosting a youth Shotgun Shoot free to the public for ages 10-18 on March 19 at 10:00 AM. Space is limited. All shotguns and ammunition provided. For more information or to reserve your place contact Russ Vandercook @ (330)274-3566 or email at rvclays@aol.com. The club is located at 11280 Bloom Road, Nelson Township 44231.
Pancakes at Hambden Grange in March
March 19
Hambden Grange #2482 is serving an AYCE Pancake Breakfast with maple syrup, corn fritters, fruit, sausage, juice, cocoa and coffee, Sunday, March 5th , from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Grange is located at 9778 Old State Road. The cost is $7 for Adults and $3 for Children 10 and under. We will also have a Pancake Breakfast March 19th and April 2nd.
Free Community Meal
March 20
Christ Lutheran Church, 10827 N Main Street, Mantua, will be sponsoring their Free Community Meal on Monday, March 20. The meal will be served between 5 and 6:30 PM. Come and enjoy a delicious meal.
FED UP
March 20
Monday, March 20th at 10:30am, Garrettsville YMCA invites you to join us at 8233 Park Ave, Garrettsville for the following FREE event: Dr J Patella offers the 99 minute film FED UP. This Sundance hit narrated by Katie Couric is poised to be the Inconvenient Truth of the obesity epidemic revealing a 30-year campaign by the food industry, aided by the U.S. government, to mislead and confuse the American public. The film follows families battling to lead healthier lives and reveals why millions struggle with diabetes, childhood obesity and other serious conditions. This vital information could change the way we eat forever! If you are interested in a stimulating exchange of impressions and opinions please join us at the YMCA.
Spring Craft Show
March 25
The Ravenna Club of the Portage County Gardeners will hold a Spring Craft Show on March 25, 2017 from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00p.m. at The Portage County Gardener’s Center, 5154 S. Prospect St. in Ravenna, Ohio 44266. The show will include door prizes, a raffle, lunch and over 20 crafters for your consideration to find one of a kind or unusual gifts for purchase. This is always a fun and friendly event so be sure to save the date, bring a friend or neighbor and stop in for awhile.
Blarney Stone Dash
March 25
2017 Blarney Stone Dash 5K Walk/Run and 1Mile Fun Run will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Crestwood Middle School, 10880 John Edward Dr., Mantua, OH 44255. 8:00AM Registration; 9:00AM 5K Run; 9:30AM Fun Run Please visit our website at
www.crestwoodbands.com for more information and online or mail-in registration.
2nd Annual Safety Forces Fundraiser
April 1
On Saturday, April 1st, 2017, we are having our 2nd Annual Safety Forces Fundraiser. It is a fundraiser for the Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Fire Department, Community EMS Association and the Garrettsville Police K-9 fund. We have 34 crafters/vendors so far. There will also be refreshments, a 50/50 raffle and a Chinese Auction.
The event will be held at the Garrettsville Fire Station, 8035 Elm St. Garrettsville, Ohio from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. Information can be requested from pamisue48@hotmail.com PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE EMERGENCY NUMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
Spring Sew & Social
April 1
Portage County Gardeners will sponsor a 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Spring Sew &Social at 5154 S. Prospect St. Ravenna, Ohio 44266 on April 1, 2017. Bring your sewing machine, an extension cord, your projects and sewing needs and a food to share. Come join in for a day with those who love to sew, quilt, share ideas and socialize. Call Leslie Geer for registration and pre-pay at 330-678-5022. Deadline for registration is March 27, 2017. The day is limited to 12 participants so hurry and call. The fee is only $10.00 made payable to the Portage County Gardeners.
Sweet Harmonies
April 2
Come and enjoy the music of “Sweet Harmonies,” a brother & sister duo presenting the Gospel by way of Southern Gospel music. This free gospel concert will be presented at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 10585 Windham-Parkman Road, Garrettsville, Ohio on April 2nd @ 11 AM. You are invited to stay for a potluck dinner following the concert.
Dinner & Silent Auction
April 6
On April 6th, 2017, the Salvation Army is having a dinner and silent auction. Our theme for the event is Showers of Blessings and will be held at the Maplewood Career Center, 7075 State Route 88, Ravenna, OH, 44266. The doors will be open at 5:30pm for the silent auction and dinner will begin at 6:30pm with program to follow.
Chili Bowl 5K Walk & Run
April 7
Starts at 4707 Mill Street Mantua, OH 44255 at 6 pm and goes east on Headwaters Trail. Pre-Registration (Customized ceramic mug for 1st 72) – $20; Students – $10;
Day of Race – $22(if mugs left); Day of Race – $15(if no mugs left); Registration opens at 5:15PM. Please stay after to try all the delicious chili and vote for your favorite bowl. There will be prizes for the winners of the Vegetable and Meat Chili Contest. Enter your own favorite chili for a chance to be the 2017 Chili Bowl cook-off winner. Call us by March 30th at 330-274-2747 to enter into the cook-off. Register by coming into the office.
Pancake Brunch
April 8
The Kiwanis of the Western Reserve invites you to a Pancake Brunch in partnership with The Little Learning Village on April 8 from 9:30 am – 1 pm at the Hiram Christian Church. There will also be an Open House at Little Village.
Quarter Auction Fundraiser- Newton Falls
April 8
Parents of Troop #124 will be holding their 3rd annual Quarter Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, April 8 at the United Methodist Church, Ridge Rd., Newton Falls. Admission is $6.00 per person. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Refreshments are available. The Auction begins at 6:00 pm. For tickets or information call Louanne 330-872-1353 or Teresa 330-503-9388.
Miracle Network Fun Ride
May 28
The 8th Annual Children’s Miracle Network Fun Ride & Poker Run will be May 28. Route maps and rules will be available at registration starting at 10AM at BikeTown Harley-Davidson in Austintown, Ohio. Ride will begin at noon which includes three card stops along a scenic route of approx 75 miles. Route ends at Social 45, Lisbon, OH where there will be food and refreshments, two Live bands, and Chinese Auction. Cost is $15 per bike; $5 per passenger. In case of rain, go to Social 45 at 3:30PM. Motorcycles are not mandatory to participate. Call 330-502-9813 for more information.
