Editor’s note: This is the first Around Randolph column in The Portager. Columnist Sandy Engle is a retired school psychologist. She has been a flower essence practitioner and flower essence producer for over 25 years. During her free time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, traveling with her husband Newt, and playing with her four grandchildren.
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – JANE GOODALL
Each day, we have the opportunity to brighten the lives of those around us, to focus on what is good, celebrate the triumphs of others, and take time to dream and envision the type of community we want. For 38 years, my husband Newt and I have lived in Randolph. Most of those years we lived quiet and secluded lives. However, now that I am retired and our two daughters are grown, I want to bring forth more joy, hope and resiliency within this wondrous community. Therefore, each month I will be sharing some of the diverse activities and events that are available in Randolph Township.
Since we are in the midst of steamy summer, how about a stay-cation? At Friendship Acres (Route 44 just north of the fairgrounds), a day pass of $5 for kids and $7 for adults will allow you and your kids to swim, fish and play on their playground from noon to 8 p.m. There is even a restaurant on the premises, so you won’t have to cook!
For any of you who are planning on participating in the Portage County Randolph Fair, please note that Aug. 10 is the last day to submit entries.
For the civic-minded, consider attending the following meetings, which are open to the public:
RANDOLPH TRUSTEE MEETINGS
- July 25, 6-7 p.m. at Randolph Township Hall
- Aug. 8, 6-7 p.m. at Randolph Township Hall
- Aug. 22, 6-7 p.m. at Randolph Township Hall
To enhance your learning, there are numerous free events at the library:
RANDOLPH PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS
- July 23, 5:30-7 p.m.: True Crime & You
- July 24, 11 a.m.-noon: Summer Storytime for Kids
- July 24, 1-2 p.m.: Learn about camping (presented by staff from Wingfoot State Park)
- July 25, 1-2 p.m.: Monarch Butterflies (presented by Jill Halligan from OSU Extension Office)
- July 26, 1-2 p.m.: Summer Olympic Fun for tweens and kids
- July 29, 2-3 p.m.: Planets, Space & More (presented by Dr. Patrick Durrell from YSU’s planetarium). Open to all ages
- July 31, all day: Teens come and pick up a book-themed box (this is a box with crafts that go with a book)
- July 31, 11 a.m.-noon: Summer Storytime for children
- July 31, 1-2 p.m.: Harry Potter Birthday Celebration for teens, tweens and children
- Aug. 7,11 a.m.-noon: Summer Storytime for children
- Aug. 7, 1-2 p.m.: Jungle Terry and his amazing animals. All ages
- Aug. 8, 11 a.m.-noon: Avoiding scams (presented by Portage Community Bank). Adults
- Aug. 13, 5:30-7 p.m.: Randolph Book Club for Adults. Pick up a copy of “Circe” at the circulation desk. Come join this group for enlightening conversations and great food!
- Aug.14, 1-2 p.m.: Pokemon Club for tweens and children
RANDOLPH CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
- The Friends of the Library is sponsoring a book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 23-24 in the Community Center. Please donate books to the library to make this sale an even greater success. All proceeds from the book sale support our library.
- The Randolph Historical Society has quarterly meetings. The next one is at 7 p.m. Sept 19 at Randolph Town Hall, and the topic will be Old Elections.
- The Ladies Cemetery Association helps to beautify the cemetery. The next meeting will be a potluck at noon Aug. 7 at the Senior Center.
Let’s support our local businesses. We have wonderful restaurants, a convenience store, a furniture store, car dealers, a local realtor, auto repair shop and other businesses that are known for their customer service.
For wine and/or music lovers, the 1875 Winery on Route 44 is hosting the following adults-only events:
- July 26, 7-10 p.m.: The 1st Annual Live Concert (Buck Naked Band) and Mechanical Bull Riding Competition. Concert tickets are $15.
- Aug. 10, 7:30-10 p.m.: Dueling pianos concert. Admission to this adults-only event is $15.
Throughout our township, we are blessed to have many egg producers. Instead of purchasing eggs from your grocery store, try supporting your neighbors. Not only will your neighbors’ eggs be less expensive than store-bought eggs, they will also be fresher!
There are small-farm owners within our township who put their heart and soul into growing healthy and nutritionally rich food. Consider visiting their farm stands and/or contacting them via phone or email about purchasing food items:
- Barton Farms and Gardens sells seasonal veggies, berries, mushrooms, eggs, chicken and dried herbs in their milkhouse store at 2943 Pontius St. NE in Hartville. You can contact them at [email protected].
- Brockett Family Farm sells grass-fed Beefalo and turkey produce. Ed can be reached at 330-714-6145, or contact them via their website at www.brockettfarm.com.
- Blessed Assurance Acres at 3089 Pontius St. NE in Hartville sells perennials and berry/fruit plants. The hours are 3-7 p.m. Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Faith has a great selection of ever-bearing strawberry and raspberry plants which will produce berries later this season!
- Clover Field Farm at 5214 Wilkes Rd. in Atwater sells eggs and honey at their roadside stand. To order whole chicken broilers, call Jen at 330-284-7687.
And remember:
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia
Feel free to contact me with upcoming events or news you would like to share with your community. Also, if there are local clubs that were not mentioned in this article, please let me know and I’ll be sure to include those organizations in future columns. Thanks!
Sandy Engle can be reached by phone at 330-325-7244 or text at 330-569-4801.
