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.
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.
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 will be provided at no charge.
Families Anonymous Meetings
Mondays
Do you have a family member controlled by drugs or alcohol and don’t know where to turn? Families Anonymous might be the support group you need. We meet every Monday (except holidays) from 7:30 to 8:30 pm at Coleman Behavioral Services, Sue Hetrick Bldg. 3922Lovers Lane/Loomis Parkway in Ravenna. For info call Peggy 330-760-7670.
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!
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!
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.
Wednesdays In The Word
Wednesdays
“Wednesdays in the Word”
A community Bible study is held every Wednesday from 10am-11:30am at Christ Lutheran Church, 10827 Main St., Mantua, Check our website for more details mantualutheranchurch.org.
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. is an affordable, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization.
Story Time at Mantua Center Christian Church
Thursdays
Children ages 2-5 are invited along with their accompanying adult (siblings are welcome too) every Thursday to STORY TIME, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. at the Mantua Center Christian Church, 4118 SR 82. No cost to families and fun for all! No need to sign up. This program follows the Crestwood School schedule.
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.
MCC Storytime Adventure
1st & 3rd Thursday
1st & 3rd Thursday of each month through May 16 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Maplewood Christian Church 7300 State Route 88 in Ravenna. Come for stories, crafts, music and movement for children ages 2 – 5 (adults stay for fun, siblings welcome). We will not meet if Ravenna Schools are closed.
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.
Coats for Kids (or adults)
by Dec 4
Deluxe Cleaners in Garrettsville has again offered
to clean any coats that are donated to the People Tree.
Please specify you are donating to People Tree when you drop them off by Dec 4th.
Clothing Center Preparing For Santa’s Closet
Nov 30
The Phyllis Zumkehr County Clothing Center will be closed on Friday, Nov. 30, to prepare for its annual Santa’s Closet program. The clothing center is located at 3377 State Route 59, Ravenna. If provides clothing and household items, free of charge, to Portage County individuals and families in need of them.
Annual Christmas Sale
Nov 30 & Dec 1
Annual Christmas Sale at First United Methodist Church, 14999 South State Avenue, Middlefield, Ohio. Friday November 30th & Saturday December 1st. 9AM to 2PM
Come browse around, something for all.
Festival of Trees
Nov 30, Dec 1, 2, 8 & 9
Dozens of decorated trees, nativities, holiday décor, sale of live poinsettias, more. Free admission, donations accepted. Fridays 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm. Partially handicapped-accessible. Sponsored by Middlefield Historical Society at the Century Inn, 14979 South State Ave. (Rt. 608), Middlefield Village. For info, leave message at 440-632-0400.
6th Annual Trains in the Town Hall
December
The N Bloomfield Historical Society will be open from 2pm to 5pm every Saturday and 5pm to 8pm every Wednesday in December for the area’s largest free O27 Lionel model train show. The winter scene features a 2 level track layout in a snowy landscape. The summer side features townscapes, commercial and industrial areas. Many volunteer hours are spent constructing the more than 500 square feet of the layouts each year in the 125 year old Town Hall at 8830 Park Drive. Visitors can enjoy free popcorn, punch, cookies and coffee as they watch the trains perform. This year on Saturday, December 8, weather permitting, a special appearance by a kiddie train will give outdoor rides around the Bloomfield green. Santa Claus will also be visiting with the children that day. The popular scavenger hunt will return again so join us for a trip down memory lane. The hall is not handicap accessible. For more information call 440-685-4410.
Annual Christmas Decoration Giveaway
Dec 1
December 1st is our annual Christmas decoration giveaway from 10am – 6pm.
EVERYTHING IS FREE! We have so many beautiful decorations to give away. They have all been donated throughout the year by many thoughtful, caring people. This year we will also have a few BRAND NEW gift items to give away. This project is sponsored by The Back Door Free Store of Hilltop Church
The giveaway is located in the fellowship hall. You can enter through the side door on the ground level. Remember it is only 1 DAY and is over at 6 PM
Hilltop Christian Church, 4572 W. Prospect St. Mantua, OH 44255
Breakfast With Santa
Dec 1
Parkman Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 1st from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Parkman Community House (16295 St. Rt. 422). Bring a camera and take your child’s picture with Santa Claus. You can then enjoy a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage & pancakes. Kids eat for only $3.00 each and $5.00 each for accompanying adults. Call to make your reservation – Sandy @ (440) 548-5740
Chinese Auction
Dec 1
December 1st, New Mercies Community Church, 12767 Butternut Rd., Burton will host a Chinese auction. Doors open at 3pm, auction starts at 5 pm. There will be food available all night. We have alot of nice items and gift certificates, please come join us for a night of fun. For more info please contact Susan at (330) 274 7093.
Craft Bazaar
Dec 1
Ohio Women’s Ministry (OWM) at Mantua Center Christian Church will be holding a Craft Bazaar on Saturday, Dec.1st 9am-3pm at the Mantua Center School, 11741 Mantua Center Rd. Raffles plus a 50/50, food available, FREE admission, FREE parking. Handicapped accessible.
Pizza With Santa
Dec 1
The Kiwanis of the Western Reserve invites you & your family to our annual PIZZA WITH SANTA, Saturday, Dec. 1st 10:00am-12:30pm in the Hiram Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 6868 Wakefield Rd, Hiram. $ 3.00 per person, naughty & nice kids 3 & under FREE. Secret Santa Shop, Cookie Decorating, Face Painting, Elf Crafts. Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa – psst, don’t forget your list!
Portage County Solar Initiative Meeting
Dec 1
Bring your electric bill and learn if solar would be a good investment for you and your community. Learn about costs, siting, solar co-ops and possible “lease shares” from Ohio Solar United Neighbors. Meeting to be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main Street, Kent. Call 330-569-8671 for more info.
Make A Handmade Writing Journal
Dec 1
Make a handmade writing journal on Dec 1 at the Mantua Pop-Up Artists’ Market, located at 10676 Main Street, Mantua — choose 1:00 pm or 3:00 pm. A personal journal you make yourself with beautiful handmade paper is a special thing to have & hold your sketches or thoughts. Make a simple one with mixed-media artist Clare Murray-Adams. *pre-register at www.revitalizemantua.org
Deck The Halls!
Dec 1
The James A. Garfield Band Boosters is hosting a family fun event on December 1st from 2:00-4:00 at James A. Garfield Middle School. Walk through Gingerbread Lane, The Polar Express and the North Pole, enjoy crafts and games, cookie decorating, a Chinese auction,a bake sale, vendors, Santa Claus and, of course, our Garfield Jazz Band. $5.00 admission at the door for children 2 and up. Adults are FREE! Come support the James A. Garfield Band!
Community Poetry Reading
Dec 2
Community Poetry Reading
Join some local poets to hear their work and some seasonal classics on Dec 2 at 2 pm at the Mantua Pop-Up Artists’ Market, located at 10676 Main Street, Mantua.
Dave Lucas Poetry Reading
Dec 2
Join Dave Lucas at 3:00 pm on Sunday, December 2 at the Mantua Pop-Up Artists’ Market, located at 10676 Main Street, Mantua. The Ohio Poet Laureate encourages the reading and writing of poetry across the state. Dave Lucas will read his own poems and discuss poetry as an art form that we can all appreciate.
Advent Celebration & Cookie Walk
Dec 2
Ready to kick off the holidays/ Need cookies for family and friends? Portage Faith Church, 9922 SR 44, Mantua has what you need. Join us at 9:30 am for an uplifting Advent Celebration where we will feaure a one act play, then from 10:30 – noon you can purchase tasty homemade cookies of your choice for a very reasonable price at our Cookie Walk. A free continental breakfast will be available after the service.
Beef Quality Assurance Program
Dec 6
December 6th, 6:30-8:00pm. BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE. As of January 1, 2019, companies such as Tyson Foods and Wendy’s Restaurant, as well as multiple auction facilities, will only accept beef that originates from a producer current with their Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification. Though this certification is currently voluntary, it is now expected by many buyers in order to maintain market access. The goal of the Beef Quality Assurance Program is to educate producers about changes in the market, while providing the information needed to produce a quality product. In an effort to keep your cattle as in demand as possible, OSU Extension is hosting a chuteside training. Learn more by calling 330-296-6432 or emailing Christensen.227@osu.edu
Walk Through Bethlehem
Dec 7 & 8
The Fountain 12888 State Route 88,Nelson Twp ( north of SR305) will hold their Walk Through Bethlehem on Friday December 7, 6-8 pm & Saturday December 8,5-8pm Come see the sights, experience the smells and the tastes of Ancient Bethlehem at the time Jesus was born. You will embark on a guided tour through Bethlehem that amaz!ing and wondrous night. Meet the merchants, the shepherds, tax and census takers. Pay your taxes and spend your own Roman coins for something good to eat.
Kid friendly and free.
Hiram Farm Craft Sale
Dec 7 & 8
Hiram Farm Craft Sale will be held on Dec. 7th and 8th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Handmade Crafts, Soaps, Mixes, Various Cuts of Pork and More! Hiram Farm is located at 11543 Garfield Rd., Hiram, OH 44234
Spaghetti Dinner
Dec 8
The Western Reserve Masonic Lodge is having a spaghetti & meatball dinner or meatball sub sandwich with salad, bread, pie, coffee, and juice on Dec 8th from 4 to 6 pm at the lodge; 216 East Main St./ Rt. 88 West Farmington. Cost is $7.00 for Adults, Ages 5-12 $4.50. Under 5 is FREE; Meatball sub sandwich alone for $4.00. Carry-outs are available for $7.50, Come join us and ask Your friends to come.
Breakfast With Santa
Dec 8
St. Ambrose Knights of Columbus is sponsoring Breakfast with Santa! Sat 12/8 at10am in the St. Ambrose Church hall 10692 Freedom St. Garrettsville. FREE to all! Please just bring a can of food for the Food Shelf! Join us for pancakes, fun activities and, of course, meeting Santa!
GPD Fill-A-Cruiser
Dec 8
Fill a police cruiser on Dec 8 at Garrettsville Save-A-Lot from 9 am – 2 pm and help make the holidays a little brighter for families in need.
Bainbridge Historical Society Open House
Dec 8
Holiday Open House Saturday- December 8th – 1pm – 4 pm. Free admission- Kenston HIgh School Chorus
Historical Museum, 17870 Chillicothe Road, Just South of Fire Station, Cookies & Hot Chocolate
Holiday Craft From Nature’s Bounty
Dec 8
December 8, 9am-12pm. HOLIDAY CRAFT FROM NATURE’S BOUNTY in Geauga County. Decorate for the holidays with a unique holiday wreath made of dried plants, flowers, pinecones and woody plants. Then, embellish your work of art with other special craft items and give your home its own special flair for the holidays. – $40. Learn more at Geauga.osu.edu.
3rd Annual Live Nativity at St. Joseph’s, Mantua
Dec 8 & 9
St. Joseph Church will present its 3rd Annual LIVE NATIVITY on Saturday, December 8 & Sunday, December 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Come out and enjoy a live reenactment that really makes the first Christmas come alive. Free-will donations of cash or 4C’s items accepted. Volunteers to serve as actors, greeters, carolers are needed. Live animals would also be a wonderful addition to our event. To volunteer or for more information, please contact Kathy Paroff (616-723-3091).
Breakfast with Santa
Dec 9
Family Renaissance Center, 9905 Wil Verne Dr. Windham,
Joins us at the Windham Family Renaissance Center for the Annual Christmas favorite – Breakfast with Santa December 9th, Saturday 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Open to children ages 12 and under. Crafts, coloring pages, letter to Santa and Breakfast with Santa! Sponsored by the Windham United Methodist Church
4th Annual Parade of Lights
Dec 9
Celebrate the holidays on Dec 9 at the Village of Windham Community Center. Parade line-up begins at Dollar General at 5:30; parade kicks off at 6 pm. There will be Polar Express train rides from 6:30 – 9:30. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ornament making and letters to Santa. All events and activities are free of charge. Please bring a canned good to donate for admittance. Everyone is invited to participate in the parade of lights — register by Dec 6th — forms available at the Windham Water Department.
Santa Present Delivery – Hiram
Register By Dec 12
Santa on the Fire Truck: For Hiram Village and Township residents will be on December 15th from 330p-830p. Please have your gifts to the fire station at 11617 Garfield Rd no later December 12th. Please include the childs name, address and phone number on the gift. (Hiram Village/Township residents only please)
St. Ambrose Church Christmas Concert
Dec 16
Please come and enjoy the sounds of the season with our choir! Concert is Sun Dec 16th at 3pm in the church-10692 Freedom St. Garrettsville. You will be refreshed and renewed with the voices and music of Advent and Christmas! The concert is free to all!
Blue Christmas Service
Dec 21
We invite you to worship with those who mourn, at our Blue Christmas Service. A service of comfort and inspiration this Christmas Season. All are welcome-bring a friend or loved one. Dec 21st, 7:00 pm
Windham United Methodist Church
9051 N. Main St, Windham, OH
Pesticide & Fertilizer Recertification Program
Feb 8
February 8th, 8am-11am & 11:30am-12:30pm. PESTICIDE AND FERTILIZER RE-CERTIFICATION in Portage County. Does your Private Pesticide Applicator’s License or Fertilizer Certification expire on March 31, 2019? If so, the Portage County Extension office will be hosting re-certification sessions for applicators at Portage Soil and Water Conservation District Office; Pesticide Applicators is 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with Fertilizer Re-Certification from 11:30am-12:30pm. Learn more at portage.osu.edu
Gardening At Your Doorstep
Feb 23
February 23, 10am-2pm. Join Medina Master Gardeners as they host Debra Knapke to discuss ”Simplifying Your Garden Without Diminishing your joy!”, Bev Shaffer ‘ Plant ‘Em, Prune ‘Em, Pinch ‘Em, Eat ‘Em’, and Deb Collins “A Look at How to Use Hostas in Containers”. Learn at medina.osu.edu