I have come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that is as unique as a fingerprint and that the best way to success is to discover what you love and find a way to offer it to others in the form of service – Oprah Winfrey
While watching 62 firefighters from seven fire departments practice search-and-rescue skills, it was obvious that these brave individuals have found their calling. Our county auditor, Matt Kelly, looked on with pride and shared how his years of firefighting in the military created an even greater appreciation for firefighters.
The Bauer family, which donated the burn house for the live-fire training, had to remove roof shingles, vinyl siding, asbestos-laden window trimming, carpeting and vinyl flooring before the EPA would issue a burn permit. Throughout the day, firefighters simulated pulling people out of the fire, practiced forced entry skills, refined their usage of thermal-imaging devices, and took turns lugging the heavy fire hose through the smoky structure.
A firefighter who has been on the Randolph Fire Department for 22 years mentioned that because of the increased usage of plasticizers and plastic compounds in upholstery, flooring and other household items, the chemicals released during house and corporate fires have become even more toxic. Since 2017, any firefighter who was exposed to carcinogens at work and develops cancer is now covered by workman’s compensation.
Each day, these courageous individuals risk their lives to save others, so please include them in your prayers. The fire department received an early Christmas gift from Mary Rodenbucher, Randolph’s fiscal officer, who shared that the recent $1.1 million addition to the fire department is now completely paid for!
On Dec. 14, the youth group from Friendship Bible Church placed a wreath on each of the 300 veteran graves at Hillside Cemetery. For a unique sensory adventure, stroll through Hillside cemetery at sunset. Besides breathing in the pine fragrance, seeing the solar lights flicker on is a reminder that life continues on in our memories.
Holiday festivities
– Randolph Historical Society: Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at Randolph Township Hall. Learn about the history of the Christmas tree and participate in the making of Christmas ornaments.
– ELEGANT ILLUSIONS CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DRIVE-THRU EVENT will continue until Dec. 29. Elegant Illusions is providing a drive-thru Christmas lighting event at the Randolph County Fairgrounds (4215 Fairgrounds Rd) from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Cost is $20 per car, $40 per limo and $50 for a tour bus. Please dress warmly so you can stroll through Santa’s workshop, visit the Grinch and sit on the photo op benches.
– Randolph Library: Dec. 19, 3-4 p.m. The Science of Santa’s Sleigh for kids/tweens. Use your knowledge of robotics and engineering to find out what drives Santa’s sleigh.
– Matt Corey: Live Sax at 1875 Winery on Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m. Adults only.
– Santa & Mrs. Claus at 1875 Winery on Dec. 21, 6-8 p.m. Adults only.
Randolph library events
– Dec. 16, 4-5 p.m.: Lego free build for kids/tweens.
– Dec. 17, 4-5:30 p.m.: Bingo for adults.
– Dec. 18, 11 a.m.-noon: Winter Storytime.
– Dec. 18, 4-5 p.m.: Poetry Club for kids/tweens.
– Jan. 2, 4-6 p.m.: Toy Bingo for kids.
– Jan. 3, 4-6 p.m.: Tech Help from teens.
– Jan. 6, 2-3 p.m.: Bluey Celebration. Celebrate your favorite blue heeler with games and crafts.
– Jan. 7, 4-5 p.m.: Chess for kids.
– Jan. 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Randolph True Crime Club.
– Jan. 8, 11 a.m.-noon: Winter Storytime for kids.
– Jan. 9, 1-2 p.m.: Homeschool group. Homeschool families are invited to share ideas and suggestions about what you would like the library to do for you.
– Jan. 9, 3-4 p.m.: Snow Storm in a bottle. Jill Halligan will show you how to create a snow storm in a water bottle.
– Jan. 10, 3-4 p.m.: Learn sign language for children.
– Jan. 13, 4-5 p.m. Lego Free Build for tweens and kids.
– Jan. 14, 5:30-7 p.m.: Randolph Book Club. Pick up a copy of “Someone Else’s Shoes” at the circulation desk.
– Jan. 15, 11 a.m.-noon: Winter Storytime for kids.
– Jan. 15, 4-5 p.m.: Poetry Club for tweens and kids.
– Jan. 16, 4-5 p.m.: Teen Book Club. Join us to talk about a book, comic or graphic novel you’ve enjoyed reading.
– Jan. 21, 2-3 p.m.: Games, relay races and more for tweens/kids.
– Jan. 21, 4-5:30 p.m.: Bingo for adults. Will you be the one to win the grand prize?
– Jan. 22, 11 a.m.-noon: Winter Storytime for kids.
– Jan. 23, 3-4 p.m.: Build your own board game for tweens/kids.
– Jan. 27, 3-4 p.m.: Paw Patrol & Blippi Fun Day for tweens/kids.
– Jan. 29, 11 a.m.-noon: Winter Storytime for kids.
– Jan. 29, 4-5 p.m.: Chinese New Year Bingo for tweens/kids.
A meta-analysis of 135 research studies revealed that massages and hugs balance cortisol levels, increase the weight of young infants, reduce pain, and decrease anxiety and depression. Therefore, please consider sharing the gift of touch this holiday season. The Randolph Massage and Wellness Center has five massage therapists. Gift certificates can be purchased online at www.randolphmassage.com.
A hug is a perfect gift. One size fits all, and it can be exchanged!
And
Hugs are like fire extinguishers. They can save lives. – Nancy Arora
Please call or text Sandy at 330-569 4801 or email [email protected] with news and events you would like published. Enjoy the holidays!