“All of us know that freedom is not free.” – Allie Makin
The Randolph Lions intertwined a diversity of local groups into a meaningful Memorial Day parade honoring the 700 veterans buried within Randolph. Allie Makin, Waterloo senior, gave a thought-provoking speech at the memorial service. The morning concluded with the adorning of local veterans with Quilts of Valor.
During Memorial Day, community members with differing beliefs stood side by side and greeted each other with smiles and laughter. As we heal from multi-generational scars from war, my dream is our community will morph into an even more harmonious future with curiosity and compassion. A Chinese proverb states, “There are three truths: my truth, your truth and the truth.” I wonder what would happen if each of us chose to ask those with divergent views why they believe the way they do, and then listen. By listening, perhaps we may have a softening and growing compassion within, which can guide us to better understanding “the truth.”

On May 29, Sentry Mapping of Mississippi used a combination of ground-penetrating radar and drone-derived GPS locations to determine where unidentified human remains are located in Hillside Cemetery, German Reformed Cemetery and Center Cemetery. Although we will never know the names of everyone who is buried within these cemeteries, soon we will have a map showing exactly where people are resting peacefully. Thank you, Randolph Historical Society and Randolph Township, for funding the mapping of over 150 unmarked graves and reminding us that each and every life within Randolph is worthy of recognition.
On June 4, Jackie Beach gave a talk to the Randolph Ladies Cemetery Association about the Atwater family and other prominent families buried in Atwater Cemetery. Listening to the legacies these families left made us ponder how future generations may benefit from what we are doing now. The next Randolph Ladies Cemetery Association meeting will be at noon July 2 at the Randolph Senior Center. New members are welcome.
The Senior Luncheon will be held at noon July 14 at the Randolph Senior Center. Please bring a covered dish to share, your own table service and $2 to cover the cost of Bob’s chicken.
RANDOLPH LIBRARY EVENTS
– Summer Art Club for children meets from 3 to 4 p.m. every Monday (until Aug. 12)
– Summer Storytime for children meets from 11 a.m. to noon every Wednesday
– June 23, 1-2 p.m.: Magic is Art. Register ahead for this. Limited to 50 kids/tweens
– June 24, 1-2 p.m.: Sign Language for kids
– June 26, 1-2 p.m.: Homeschool group meeting
– June 26, 2-3 p.m.: Teen Book Club
– June 28, 11 a.m.-noon: Benjamin Baughman will speak about Ohio’s involvement in the Civil War
– June 28, 1-2 p.m.: CPR training for adults presented by the Randolph Fire Department. Register for this. Limited to 15 participants
– June 30, 11 a.m.-noon: Mr. Jeff’s show for kids
– July 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Randolph True Crime Club
– July 2, 4-5 p.m.: Chess for kids and tweens
– July 3, 11 a.m.-noon: Learn about Nature for children
– July 3, 4-5 p.m.: Toy Bingo for kids/tweens
– July 8, 11:30 a.m.-noon: Visit with Princess Belle
– July 8, 5:30-7 p.m.: Randolph Book Club. Pick up a copy of the “God of the Woods” at the circulation desk
– July 12, 1-2 p.m.: Chair Yoga
– July 15, 3-4 p.m.: Movie Matinee – “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”
– July 15, 4-5:30 p.m.: Bingo for adults
– July 19, 1-2 p.m.: Girl with Scales – A performer with reptiles and frogs
– July 22, 1-2 p.m.: Sign Language for kids
– July 24, 1-2 p.m.: Homeschool group meeting
– July 26, 1-2 p.m.: Tiny art show. Adults have fun creating a masterpiece on a mini-canvas. Art materials will be provided
UPCOMING TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE MEETINGS
– June 26, July 10 and July 24 at the Randolph Senior Center. Meetings start at 6 p.m.
On June 12, State Representative Heidi Workman met with township officials and constituents to answer questions about property taxes and share what she has been doing since being in office.
St. Joseph’s Festival will take place from 6 p.m. to midnight July 11 and 12 and from 1 to 9 p.m. July 13 at St. Joseph Church. Some of the highlights will include frog jumping, pedal tractor pulls, cornhole tournament, and fireworks on Friday night. There will be a 5K run/walk at 7 p.m. Saturday (call Trishia Eichler at 330-414-2997 to register). For musical entertainment, the Smakmule band will play Saturday evening, while Johnnycake Hollow will perform Sunday night.
Friendship Bible Church will hold its Kids Camp from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 21-25 for kids in grades 3-6. Dinner will be provided each evening.
“We are a nation of communities….a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.” — President George H.W. Bush
For news, events or stories you would like published, please contact Sandy Engle at 330-569-4801 or [email protected].