Join in the fun at the Fall Fling on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Charlestown United Methodist Church beginning at 5-7 pm. There will be games, crafts, a bounce house for the kids and a hayride for everyone! Bring a lawn chair and sit around the campfire. Enjoy BBQ pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chips and dessert. This is free community event for everyone of any age. All are welcome!
The opening ceremony of the Portage County Randolph Fair had a special moment to honor the late Dale Nething of Maplecrest Farms in Charlestown. Dale and his wife, Helen, started the Portage Porkers 4H Club when their sons, Don and Dennis, raised hogs to sell at the fair. That club has existed for over 50 years with Dale serving as an advisor until his passing in February. Dale also gave many hours of service in helping establish and run the tractor pulls.
The ribbon cutting included Helen, her oldest son, Don, and her oldest great granddaughter, Ginny Jo Nething. Other family members attending included son Dennis Nething, Lori Nething and Don's wife, MaryAnn; grandsons Daniel, Cory and wife Kylee, Benjamin, Brock and wife Jessica; and all seven great grandchildren, Christopher, Parker, Sawyer, Ginny Jo, Charlee, Will and Roy. The Nething family would like to thank the fair board for this honor to Dale.
Charlestown United Methodist Church recently had a celebration service and brunch to mark the "burning of the mortgage" on the community room that was built in 2014. There were 60 people in attendance. This past February, the final payment was made not only on the addition but also on a loan for new boilers that had failed during the COVID pandemic. Praise God for all the people whose gifts made it possible for the 15 year mortgage to be paid off in 11-1/2 years!
Joining the members, former members and donors, were special guests; former pastors, Reverend Norma Bates, who "planted the seed" of the idea of an addition and Reverend Greg Hogan, who guided the church through the actual construction of the addition. Reverend Dr. Brian Ogelsbee, who was unable to attend, served the church between Pastor Bates and Pastor Hogan. He was responsible for preparing the members for the huge project of choosing a construction company, making a plan and fundraising. Over the years, the addition has allowed the church to host community events, birthday and graduation parties, showers and weddings and fellowship dinners.
The church invites you to attend Sunday morning service beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee fellowship in the community room. All are welcome to come where you'll find Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors.
Jeff and Debbie Phile welcomed their new grandson on July 28, 2026. Little Everett Jeffrey Ozimec entered this world at 9 lbs. 9 oz. and 22 inches long! Everett's proud parents are Josh and Jenna Ozimec of Ravenna. Jeff and Debbie also have 2 granddaughters, Olivia and Ellery Dixon of Reynoldsburg, OH.
Get ready for some Halloween fun at Trunk or Treat at the Charlestown Township Park on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 2-4 p.m. Residents are invited to decorate their trunks and pass out treats to the kids. You may even win the prize for the best decorated trunk! Please arrive at 1:30 p.m. to allow time for set up before the kiddos arrive. Kids will also enjoy the BOO! Walk in the decorated woods where they can collect more candy and toys. Free hot dogs, chips and hot chocolate will be served. Don't miss out on the fun!
Please contact me with any community news or announcements at ruthannbartholomew@yahoo.com or text to 330-281-3723.