SAVE THE DATE!
The 14th annual James A. Garfield Alumni Banquet will take place on Sept. 21, 2019, at James A. Garfield Elementary School. Doors will open at 5 p.m. followed by a delicious dinner from Guido’s of Ravenna at 6 p.m. The event is open to graduates and anyone who attended Freedom, Garrettsville, James A. Garfield, and Nelson schools. The following classes will be honored this year: 1949, 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, and 1999.
The cost is $18 per person. Cards were mailed out earlier in May, but you can send reservations to James A. Garfield Alumni, 10638 South St. Garrettsville, OH, 44231-110938. Please make checks payable to James A. Garfield Alumni Reunion and include the names and graduating year of any alumni that are attending. For further information, contact Helen Louise Paul Bouts at 330-309-2734 or at hbouts@yahoo.com.
Veterans Hike At Veterans Legacy Woods
Named to honor our Armed Forces veterans, Veterans Legacy Woods will be the site of a naturalist-led hike just for veterans on Wednesday, August 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is not required to participate – just show up!
Amassing 180 acres and most recently operated at Wicked Woods Golf Course, Veterans Legacy Woods was purchased by Geauga Park District in November 2018 with the intent of restoring these lands to a more natural state. Existing cart path mileage is 4.5 miles, and we’ll cover some of this mileage together during our hike. Please dress for the weather with sturdy footwear.
Additionally, for veterans and non-veterans alike, a naturalist is also planning to lead this park’s first Backcountry Hike on Saturday, September 7, 1 to 3 p.m. On this day, we’ll head off trail to discover Nature in forest, meadow and stream, crossing some steep, hilly terrain, muddy footing, uneven ground and downed trees. Once again, you’ll want to dress for the weather but also choose footwear that can withstand these tougher (and possibly wet) conditions. Space is limited for this hike and registration is required, so don’t delay signing up at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516.
Veterans Legacy Woods is located at 14085 Ravenna Road in Newbury Township. Please call in advance with questions.
Portage Senior Citizens Opportunities
Weekdays
The Portage County Senior Center, located at 705 Oakwood St., in Ravenna has many daily opportunities for local seniors to enjoy. On any given day, you can enjoy, bingo, Tai Chi, educational programs, art class, corn hole, cards & dominos with friends, and they even have a pool table. They serve lunch daily (by reservation) and are open M-F from 9-3. If you would like more information you may call them at 330-297-3456.
Grief Support Group
Sundays
Grief Group meets every Sunday at 3 pm. The meetings are held at Garrettsville United Methodist Church and last about 1 – 1 ½ hours. Everyone is welcome. For questions you can call the church at 330-527-2055.
Men on Mondays
Mondays
Men on Mondays, a men’s Bible study, is held every Monday from 6:45 – 8 pm at the Cellar Door Coffee Shop in Garrettsville. Coffee and pastry provided at no charge.
4F’s: Everyone Welcome
2nd Monday of Month
Please join us for an afternoon of 4F’s (Fun, Food, Fellowship & Faith) on the 2nd Monday of every month from 12:30pm to 2pm at the Garrettsville United Methodist Church, 8223 Park Ave. This FREE event is open to everyone! For questions or additional information, please call the church office at 330-527-2055.
Loaves And Fishes Free Community Meals
3rd Monday of Month
Meals served 3rd Monday of every month at Christ Lutheran Church 10827 Main Street, Mantua, OH between 5:00-6:30 pm. All are welcome!
Wing Night At The Eagles Club
Every Tuesday
Every Tuesday: 60 cent wings with purchase of a beverage– Open to public 5:00- 8:00. The Eagles Club is located at 8149 Water Street.
BINGO
Every Tuesday
St. Ambrose Church 10692 Freedom St. Garrettsville– Early bird at 6:45pm and first game at 7pm. Also featuring instant tickets, coverall jackpots, and other fun games. Doors open 5:45pm. Great refreshments!
Drawing & Painting Classes
2nd & 4th Tuesday
Any seniors interested in learning some new Drawing & Painting techniques are welcome to join the Portage County Senior Center group on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 10:00 for an instructor led class. This is a free class and all seniors are welcome, whether a novice or experienced painter. The senior center is located at 705 Oakwood St. (Floor G) in Ravenna. For further information they can be reached at 330-297-3456.
Senior Lunches
Tues – Fridays
Welcome seniors! Come and enjoy hot, nutritious lunches at the Farmington Senior Center, 150 College St., West Farmington. Lunches are served Tuesdays through Fridays (except the 3rd Tuesday of the month) and cost $2. Please call ahead by three days for lunches – 330-889-2733.
Recovery after Suicide Loss Support Group
Last Weds of Month
If you or someone you know has lost a loved one to suicide, we invite you to attend a free monthly support group to find acceptance, information, and inspiration. The support group meets the last Wednesday of each month at the Kent Free Library located at 312 W. Main Street, Kent from 6:30-8pm. The group is sponsored by the Portage County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County. For more information call 330.673.1756 ext 201.
Start Talking Portage
4th Thursday of Month
Start Talking Portage is a group of public and community partners who work together as a team to help fight the drug epidemic. We have a new location for our monthly meeting – Ravenna Library, 167 East Main Street, Ravenna Ohio in the Carlin room. Come and see what we are all about! Meetings are the 4th Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m.
Learn To Play Mahjong
Fridays
The Portage County Senior Center has begun meeting to learn the popular game “Mahjong” and has openings for any other seniors in the area who would like to learn. Mahjong is being played across the country in both senior and community centers and proves to be lots of fun. Whether you are new to the game or are an experienced player, you are welcome to join in on Fridays from 12:30-3:00 at the center which is located at 705 Oakwood St. (Floor G) in Ravenna. For more information, they can be reached at 330-297-3456.
Fish Dinners
Fridays
Friday fish dinners at the American Legion Post #674, 9960 E. Center St. Windham. Serving from 4-7 pm carryout available. Fish, chicken or shrimp dinners $10; combo $12. Open to public.
Crafters Wanted
Lordstown Apple Cider Festival will hold its annual Craft Show Saturday & Sunday, September 21 & 22, 2019. Indoor & outdoor spaces are available. Anyone interested in a space or for more info should contact: Sue Minor at Ph. (330) 824-3777 or email: sue_minor@aol.com.
Volunteers Needed
Call Today
The Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center, which is located at 3377 State Route 59, Ravenna, is looking for volunteers to help with sorting, hanging and stocking clothing and helping customers. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.If you are interested in volunteering, contact Veronica Williamson at 330-819-9760 or email fourwildwinds@yahoo.com.
Sunset Yoga
Aug 16
Meet at the James H. Barrow Field Station at 11305 Wheeler Rd. In Garrettsville at 8:00 p.m. on Aug 16. Participants will participate in yoga as the sun sets at the lovely Hils Vista. For questions or registration, contact Reverend Chris McCreight at McCreightCJ@hiram.edu.
Pig Roast
Aug 17
Come to the first annual Mantua Restoration Society Pig Roast!
On Saturday, August 17, from 1-5 p.m., come to the Mantua Township school, 11741 Mantua Center Road, for food, fun, and music. Bounce House, face painting, balloon art, corn hole, and music by Skip Schweitzer and friends. For tickets, call: Dave Pollard, 330-562-8389; Mark Hall, 330-562-1188; Carole Pollard, 330-274-0118; or Jan Oros, 330-858-8394 Walk-ins welcome, but tickets are limited.
Community Day
Aug 17
Community Day hosted by New Mercies Community Church Together we are better!! Free event for all on August 17th, 11am -4pm!! Professional face painting, balloons, bounce house, obstacle course, crafts, food, live music and more. Something for everyone! 12767 Butternut Road, Burton located on the corner of Aquilla and Butternut Road in Burton, Ohio
Beekeepers Fall Field Day
Aug 18
Portage County Beekeepers will hold their fall field day meeting on Sunday, August 18, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Learn about extracting honey and using solar wax melters. We will also do a hive visit to go through an active bee hive as well as enjoy some refreshments. We will meet at the Portage Soil and Water Office, 6970 State Route 88, Ravenna, Ohio 44266. The meeting is free and open to the public. For further information, please contact Mary Lovin at 330-325-3028.
Fire Pit Drawing
Aug 18
Win a Landmann Black Steel Wood-Burning Fire Pit from the
Freedom Community & Park Boosters. The drawing will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 1:15 p.m. during the Freedom Community Picnic at the Freedom Townhall/Pavilion (at the triangle intersection of St. Rt. 700/88/303). There will also be a Chinese Auction the day of the picnic with an assorted variety of items. The Community Picnic starts at noon. The main dish is provided by the Freedom Township Trustees. Please bring a dish to pass and come meet your neighbors!! Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Winner need not be present . All proceeds will be donated to the Freedom Community & Park Boosters Organization for continued improvement of our parks. Any questions please contact: Tom Mesaros at 330-245-6061; Matt West at 330-554-1471; Jennifer Derthick at 330-931-8227; Bev Puleo at 330-322-1837
Free Community Meals
Aug 19
The Free Community Meals held at Christ Lutheran Church, 10827 N Main Street, Mantua will be held on Monday, August 19 from 5 – 6:30 pm. Please come and enjoy a delicious meal and visit with friends and neighbors. Look forward to having you visit.
“Book to Movie” Series at the Garrettsville Library
Aug 24
Join us at the Garrettsville Library on Saturday, August 24 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a movie based on a popular book for children starring Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, and Mindy Kaling — “A Wrinkle In Time”. This film is rated PG for thematic elements and some peril. Call 330-527-4378 for the title and more information. The Garrettsville Library, a Portage County District Library branch, is located at 10482 South Street in Garrettsville.
Women’s Equality Day at the Ballpark
Aug 25
The League of Women Voters, in conjunction with Girls on the Run, Girls Scouts of Northeast Ohio and Sigma DeltaTheta, are partnering to bring you WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY at the BALLPARK! The Akron Rubberducks have declared Sunday, August 25, as Women’s Equality Day at the ballpark. Come celebrate 100 years of Women’s Right to Vote! The game begins at 2:05 PM. Tickets, which are usually $11, can be purchased for only $7. One dollar of each ticket will be donated to the League of Women Voters. Tickets at this special price can only be purchased here: https://groupmatics.events/s/other/womensequality.
Soup Supper
Aug 30
Mantua American Legion and Aux. #193 will hold its soup supper on Aug 30 from 6-7pm at the Mantua Center gymnasium. A full menu will be available for $7.
AWANA Clubs & Word Of Life Club
Sept 4
Come join our AWANA club for fun, fellowship and lessons from God’s word held at Huntsburg Baptist Church, 16401 Mayfield Rd., Huntsburg. Awana Club is for ages 3 through grade 6 and held from 6:30 – 8 pm on Wednesdays.Pre-registration will be held Aug 28 from 6-8 pm in the church fellowship hall. Pre-register for a 10% discount. First night of AWANA is Sept 4. Word of LIfe Club is for grades 7-12 and will meet in the youth room on Wednesdays from 6:30-8. For more info call 440-636-5203 or visit www.huntsburgbaptist.org.
Off Our Rockers
Aug 30
The Portage County Senior Center will be participating in next month’s Balloon-A-Fair and are looking for any local seniors who would like to join their “We’re Off our Rockers” parade team. They will meet on Aug 30 at 12:00 at the senior center to learn the simple march. There will be a van that follows the group for any seniors who get tired along the way. Last year, the seniors won a 1st place trophy, and would like to bring in additional members from the surrounding community to join in on the fun! If you are interested in walking with the seniors, or would like more info, they can be reached at 330-297-3456. The senior center is located at 705 Oakwood St. (Floor G) in Ravenna and is open to any Portage County Senior aged 60 and up.
Mantua Am. Legion Aux Meeting
Sept 9
Mantua American Legion Aux. #193 will meet on Sept 9 at 1:30 pm. Please note the permanent time change.
Clothing Drive
Sept 10,12 & 14
The MVPs (Middle School Parent Group) will be collecting clean, gently used clothing of all sizes, linens, and towels. Your donations will help raise funds for all middle school students. Drop off will be at the Garrettsville YMCA on Tuesday, Sept 10th from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept 12th from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, Sept 14th from 9-12 a.m.
Mantua American Legion Meeting
Sept 12
Mantua American Legion will meet Sept 12 at 7pm at the Post House.
Fall Festival and Craft and Vendor Show
Sept 28
The Freedom Township Historical Society and the Freedom Community and Park Boosters will be hosting their Fall Festival and Craft and Vendor Show on Saturday, September 28, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Freedom Town Hall and Community Center. There will be a selfie station along with pictures with our own Freedom “Elvis”, halo making, face and pumpkin painting. University Hospitals will be there to do blood pressure and health screening. There will be tours of the one room school house, Oscar’s store, singing, a clogging demonstration, K-9 demonstration, Civil War Reenactment, and a Blue Grass Band. There will be pumpkins, cornstalks etc for sale a 50/50 raffle along with Cow Chip Bingo!! Fun for Everyone!! Any questions or for more information please contact Jennifer Derthick at freedomparkboosters@gmail.com or 330-931-8227, or Claudia Garrett at 330-298-9141.
Senior Celebration
Oct 8
The annual Senior Celebration has a confirmed date! This great event that awards a female, male, and couple the Senior “Queen” and “King” award will be held at Underwood Hall at the Kent American Legion on Tuesday, October 8th from 10-1. (please note that this is a change from the original tentative date of September 10th.) A delicious luncheon and lots of free raffles and baskets will be included. Tickets will be available in the near future, so save the date and stay tuned for more information. Anyone interested in nominating a senior for the award can pick up a form at the Portage County Senior Center located at 705 Oakwood St. (Floor G) in Ravenna. For more info, the senior center can be reached at 330-297-3456.
