Don Jones celebrated his 80th birthday on Sept. 12. A party hosted by his wife Barbara and daughters Christy Kmetko and April Jones was held at his home. The 40 friends and relatives in attendance enjoyed dinner, reminiscing and a toast to Don. Guests of note were Tom and Pam Ward, who graduated from Tallmadge High School with Don. Don and Tom have been friends since first grade.
Don and Barbara were married April 22, 1966, and have been Charlestown residents for 57 years. Don retired from teaching at Crestwood High School in 2004. Along with their daughters, they have one grandson, Alex Kmetko. Don enjoys traveling, camping and collecting antique cars. Happy birthday, Don, and best wishes for many more!
The community room at Charlestown United Methodist Church was packed with family and friends when Shirley Overholt was surprised with her 80th birthday party. The party was hosted by her sisters, Jean Just and Sharon Sheffield, and her daughters and sons-in-law, Gina and Dan Kelley, Lisa and Dan Graves, and Amanda and Brian Abbuhl.
Shirley Curfman was born Oct. 8, 1943. She met her future husband, Larry Overholt, in high school, and they were married Nov. 10, 1962. Shirley became a registered nurse and worked many years at Robinson Memorial Hospital. They moved to Charlestown in 1971, buying a small farm. For 52 years, the grounds were immaculately kept and were overflowing with beautiful flowers. Even after losing Larry in 2007, Shirley managed to keep up with the work. Last year, she decided to sell and made the move to Streetsboro.
Along with her three lovely daughters, Shirley has six grandchildren: Mark and Michelle Kelley, Jacob and Emily Graves, and Sam and Sydney Abbuhl. Shirley has been an active member of the Charlestown United Methodist Church for 51 years, where she taught Sunday School; led Vacation Bible School; and started a Good News Club for the children. In more recent years, Shirley volunteered at the Portage County Clothing Center and eventually served as president. She also volunteered for Family and Community Services. You can see she has never let grass grow under her feet!
Plan to join in the fun at Charlestown’s Trunk-or-Treat event from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 at the township park. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume and enjoy the festivities. Residents passing out candy are asked to decorate their cars (optional) and arrive by 1:45. Besides Trunk-or-Treating, there will be FREE hotdogs, chips and beverages, face painting and the spooktacular BOO! WALK. Take a walk on a decorated trail through the woods and collect candy and special gifts. Residents are invited to bring their leashed dogs — in costume would be great! There will be a prize for the best decorated trunk. Hope to see you there rain or shine!
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