Around Randolph / Randolph / People
Around Randolph: For the birds
- Sandy Engle
“What kind of intelligence allows a bird to anticipate the arrival of a distant storm? Or find its way to a place it has never been before? Or precisely imitate the complex songs of hundreds of other species? Or hide tens of thousands of seeds over hundreds of square miles and remember where it put them six months later?” – Jennifer Ackerman
Randolph resident Cindy Laford has been bird sitting, grooming and rescuing birds for 28 years and continues to be astonished at their intellect. Recently her son visited and said, “This coffee is horrible.” Cindy replied, “Then take it back.” He responded, “Naw, I’ll just drink this foul-tasting stuff.” Maynard, a blue and gold macaw, replied, “Coward.”
A while back, an Amazon parrot she had rescued said something incriminating.
Immediately, Cindy called the owner and restated what the bird had said. The owner replied, “Don’t worry, that s.o.b. is in jail and will never see my daughter again.”
Just like people, birds react to stress and often will abuse themselves when their owners are ill or anxious. Cindy has dozens of pictures of birds who had plucked their breast raw, but after receiving proper nutrition and tender loving care, they are now healthy with fully restored plumage.
If you are thinking of getting a bird, Cindy asks people to please do your research. Some birds can live 30 years or more, and different species of birds require varied diets. She cooks two to three times a day for her bird buddies and cleans their cages daily. Despite all this work, it is easy to understand why Cindy does this. Each of her birds, with their antics and language skills, reflect her gratitude and love in their own unique way.
Cindy’s birds often repeat the chirps and shrieks of wild fowl in her yard, and recently the wild cardinals and blue jays in her area have started saying hello and other words! She does not rehabilitate wildlife but is concerned about the declining number of birds in this country. According to the 2025 North American Bird count, there are 43% fewer grassland birds and 27% fewer Eastern forest birds than in 1970. On a positive note, due to conservation, there is a 16% increase in waterbirds. For tips on how to help wild birds, check out this article: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/get-involved/10-ways-to-help-birds/
The Waterloo Vikings PTO is having a reverse raffle at 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 2697 Waterloo Rd. There will be food, drinks, raffle baskets and more. All proceeds go toward providing field trips and needed equipment for Waterloo Local Schools. For tickets, go to https://my.cheddarup.com/c/2026-pto-reverse-raffle/items
The Randolph Wellness and Massage Center will be raising its fees in February; however, if you book a massage or spinal flow treatment in January, the old fees will be locked in place.
Valentine’s Day is coming up, and what a wonderful gift for loved ones or yourself. Go to https://www.randolphmassage.com/home to learn more about spinal flow, and consider attending the walk-in spinal flow clinic that will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Randolph Wellness and Massage Center. There will be three practitioners available to provide this healing service, which costs $30 for a 30-minute session. Melanie suggests that you wear comfy, non-bulky clothing.
The Friends of Randolph Library will hold a book/puzzle/game sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 13 and 14 at the Randolph Community Center.
Randolph Public Library events
- Every Tuesday, 11 a.m.-noon – Winter Story Time
- Every Wednesday (except Jan. 28), 11 a.m.-noon – Baby & Toddler Story Time
- Jan. 21, 4-5 p.m. – Zentangle for children/tweens
- Jan. 22, 4-5 p.m. – Dog Safety with Portage APL
- Jan. 24, 10-11 a.m. – Who’s been here? Animal Tracks with Holly Stoneberg from Portage Parks
- Jan. 29, 4-5 p.m. – American Girl Day for kids/tweens. Bring your favorite doll
- Feb. 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – True Crime Club: The case of Mary Ann Cotton
- Feb. 4, 4-5 p.m. – Zentangle for teens
- Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-noon – Tech 101: Library tech overview
- Feb. 10, 5:30-7 p.m. – Randolph Book Club. Pick up a copy of “The Frozen River” at the circulation desk
- Feb. 12, 4-5 p.m. – Flower Arranging for Teens. Create a stunning floral arrangement that you can take home
- Feb. 17, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – An Evening of Watercolor, presented by Tom Mayer
- Feb. 21, 11 a.m.-noon – Research 101: How to do research
Randolph Township meetings
All meetings take place in the Randolph Senior Center:
- Jan. 22, 6-7 p.m.
- Feb. 12, 6-7 p.m.
- Feb. 26, 6-7 p.m.
And remember: “Until he extends the circle of compassion to all living beings, man will not himself find peace.” – Albert Schweitzer
If you have news, stories or events, please contact Sandy Engle at 330-569-4801 or sandyengle83@gmail.com Thanks!
Sandy Engle