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 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!
Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Meetings
1st Tuesday of Month
The Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Area Chapter makes Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups available free of charge, open to all caregivers, family members, and friends with a loved one affected by the disease or another form of dementia. First Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., UH Portage Medical Center, 6847 North Chestnut St. (Room A), Ravenna. Groups meet monthly. For more information or to confirm, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
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 more info call 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, in the Carlin room. Come and see what we are all about! Meetings are the 4th Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m.
Loaves & Fishes Meal
Last Thursday of Month
This FREE meal is open to all residents in Mantua, Hiram, Garrettsville and surrounding areas. Anyone who needs to stretch their food dollars or even if you just love a homemade meal, you are cordially invited to come eat and enjoy some fellowship. This meal is from 5-6:30pm the last Thursday of each month from January – October at Mantua Center Christian Church, 4118 S.R. 82, Mantua Center.
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 info call 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.
Cemetery Books Are Now Available!
We know it’s not Halloween time yet but the James A Garfield Historical Society has still been in the cemeteries!! If you missed the cemetery tours, there is still a chance for you to check out the not so spooky tours. All three cemetery books are now ready and will be available on Saturday, September 7, from 10-2 pm. Stop in at the Mott building to pick up yours!! These books are available for a $5 donation for each. Park Cemetery, Drakesburg Cemetery, and West Cemetery. Each book tells the tales of about 30 “residents” of the cemetery. Thrilling tales of soldiers, farmers and some hair raising facts about the dead! Also, don’t forget to join us on September 18, at 7:00 pm for the Baptist Cemetery Tour. The last cemetery tour of this season. (although we do have more planned for next summer!!) For any questions, contact Debbie Smith 330-389-1859.
In Search Of Vendors
Looking for vendors for the Holiday Craft Show being held at the Windham United Methodist Church on November 2. Contact Eva at 330-212-9554.
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.
Library Closed Labor Day
Sept 2
All offices and branch libraries of Portage County District Library will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday, with normal service hours resuming Tuesday, September 3.
Chicken Dinner
Sept 4
Southington UMC, SR’s 305 & 534, Southington will be holding a Chicken Dinner, on Sept. 4th, 3:30 to 6:00. The menu includes: 1/4 chicken, scalloped potatoes, green beans, applesauce, coleslaw, homemade desserts, beverage. Price Adults $9.00, Children/Chicken Tenders dinner Children ages 4-10 $4.50, Children 3 and under free. Carry Outs available. Call 330-898-2156.
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.
SUPER JOY: Learning To Celebrate Everyday Life
Sept 4
Wednesday September 4th, 2019, 9:30am: MONTHLY Book Review & Discussion at the Garrettsville YMCA, 8233 Park Avenue. The book’s Author, Psychiatrist Paul Pearsall, PhD emphasizes the rewards of “Joyology”. Each chapter is followed with a short quiz intended to help recognize individual needs. A stimulating hour is shared exchanging impressions & opinions. Presented by Dr J Patella in cooperation with Garrettsville YMCA. Community members welcome: No fee. Membership & book not required. Questions: YMCA (330)469-2044.
Chicken Barbeque
Sept 7
Come join us for our annual Chicken Barbecue at Hilltop Christian Church in Mantua. Saturday, Sept 7th Noon until 6 pm. The dinner includes barbecued chicken, homemade potato salad, green beans, rolls, beverage and homemade pies .Adults (10 and up) are $10.00. Children (5-9) are $5.00 and 4 and under are free. We are just up the hill from the Potato Festival. 4572 West Prospect St. Mantua, OH.
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.
Where’s My Milkman
Sept. 10
The Freedom Township Historical Society will host local historian Scott Lawless at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Freedom Community Center, 8940 S.R. 700. Mr. Lawless will share photos and information from his extensive research on the former home dairies in the Garrettsville, Freedom, and Hiram from 1910 through 1966.Mr. Lawless wrote a book about the subject titled “Where’s My Milkman?,” which he donated to local historical societies. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
Hiram Community Chorus Rehersals
Sept 10
Heads up! Good. You can sing better that way. Conductress Damaris Peters-Pike is putting out the news that rehearsals for this Fall’s edition of the Hiram Community Chorus will be beginning on Tuesday, September 10 in the Frohring Music building on the Hiram College campus at 7:30 p.m. All singers, all ages, are welcome. Subsequent practices will be, as usual, on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The concert finale is tentatively scheduled for December 3, before the holiday madness is in full swing. Come one, come all; tuneful times are good for the mind, body and soul.
Cub Scout Pack 3141 Meeting
Sept 10
We are preparing to launch our pack meetings for 2019-20 scouting season. We will host our first meeting on Sept 10th, at First United Methodist Church in Middlefield, OH. The address is 14999 S State Ave, Middlefield, OH 44062. We will be there meeting and greeting all new families at 7-8 PM. If you miss that meeting, we will continue to meet every Tuesday at 7 PM, same location. We are family-oriented, meaning, we host all youth between the ages of 5 and 12 to join. Parents are included in our meetings. We teach leadership, group activity, self esteem, good citizenship and physical fitness. Stop by, check us out or just say, “Hi”. All welcome.
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.
Sports Fest Raffle
Sept 14
Huge 50 item sports raffle supporting Geauga Veterans featuring guns, sports equipment and cash in Middlefield on Sept. 14, 2019 at Great Lakes Outdoor Supply, 14855 N. State Ave. (44062) from 1 to 6 p.m. See list and purchase ticket from GeaugaVets.com or call Middlefield Chamber at 440-632-5705.
Get Septic Smart!
Sept 19
Preventative maintenance of your septic not only extends the life of the system, but also protects your investment, our water resources, and the public health. The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District and Geauga Public Health are excited to announce a free SepticSmart Program on Thursday, September 19th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Patterson Center on the Geauga County Fairgrounds (14269 Claridon-Troy Road Burton, OH 44021). This program is free, but reservations are required due to limited seating. Registration deadline is Monday, September 16th and can be made at geaugasepticsmart.eventbrite.com or by contacting Geauga SWCD at 440-834-1122 or gprunty@geaugaswcd.com.
Garrettsville YMCA Open House
Sept. 21
The Garrettsville Family YMCA, 8233 Park Ave., will host an open house from 2 to 4 pm Sept. 21. Attendees can tour the facility and learn about the programs and classes offered for local residents of all ages. Also, James A. Garfield graduates are invited to meet up and reminisce at the former school before the annual alumni banquet begins at 5 pm at James A Garfield Elementary School. For more, contact Kim Curry at (330) 469-2044 or at kcurry@clevelandymca.org
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. The theme is “Pick of The Patch” and there will be a delicious catered meal, in addition to square dancers, and lots of free raffles for our seniors. Because of the gracious support from our community, tickets will remain at a low $10. They are available now at The Portage County, Streetsboro, and Aurora Senior Centers, in addition to Kentway Apartments. Anyone who knows of a senior who donates their time to the community is invited to nominate them for the award, and forms are available at The Portage County Senior Center located at 705 Oakwood St. (Floor G) in Ravenna. For more information you may call 330-297-3456.
Slow the Flow with Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens!
Oct 17
Rain gardens and rain barrels are two easy practices that bring backyard conservation benefits while reducing rooftop runoff. Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is collaborating with the Geauga County Master Gardeners on Thursday, October 17th at 6:00 pm for an overview of both including how to get started, things to consider, design and installation tips, and many helpful resources. This introductory workshop will be held at The West Woods (9465 Kinsman Road, Russell, OH 44072) and is guaranteed to “wet” your water conservation appetite! Visit geaugaslowtheflow@eventbrite.com to register by Tuesday, October 15th or contact Geauga SWCD at 440-834-1122 or gprunty@geaugaswcd.com. This program is part of the 2019 Runoff Reduction: Stormwater, Phase 2, and You education series.
