“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” Carl Sagan
As I wrote this column by candlelight, it made me wonder what life was like for our ancestors who lived before electricity. Without the distraction of blue light screens, they most likely slept better and without the massive onslaught of information they probably were more peaceful. So, despite our electricity being reinstated, I’m planning on going on a digital diet just like Waterloo students. Anyone else want to join me in experiencing a simpler life filled with more handwritten notes, walks in nature and face to face communications?
Calling all farmers and innovative thinkers: If you are concerned about the extraordinary cost of gas/diesel, food, fertilizers and chemical farm inputs then consider registering for the Stinner Summit. This summit invites farmers and people from various backgrounds to brainstorm ideas to reduce fossil fuel usage in agriculture. After exploring these suggestions all participants will vote on which research projects will be funded by the Stinner Foundation. This is a free event on Sept. 18 at Malabar Farm, Lucas, Ohio. And who knows? Maybe your farm will be chosen to be part of a fully funded research study. Registration ended Sept. 11, but spots may be available at go.osu.edu/amp
Here is the schedule for the Balloon A-Fair festivities at the Portage County Fairgrounds:
Sept 25-5 p.m.
- 5 p.m. Tethered balloon rides begin
- 5:30 p.m. Whiskey Outlaws Band
- 5:30 & 8:15 p.m. Mike Hemmelgarn juggling/ventriloquist show
- 6:45 Girls with Scale reptile show
- 8: p.m. Embers of Floyd live music
- At dusk-Balloon a Glow
Sept 26
- 3 p.m. Jeep show
- 3 & 6 p.m. D.J. Krooze & the Krew Wy Experience Band
- 4 p.m. Car Crush
- 4 p.m. 1052 Band
- 4 & 7:15 p.m. Juggling/ventriloquist show
- 5-6 p.m. Balloon Launch
- 5 p.m. Tethered Balloon rides begin
- 5 & 7:30 p.m. Ride 4 Life Motorcycle stunt show
- 8 p.m. Michael Weber band
- 8 p.m. Dinoroar
Sept 27
- 1:30 p.m. Homeroom Hangover Band
- 2 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 6:15- comedy/juggling/ventriloquist show
- 3 p.m. Car Show-sponsored by Sarchione Ford of Randolph
- 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. Ride 4 Life Motorcycle stunt show
- 3:30 p.m. Girl with Scales reptile show
- 5-6 p.m. Balloon lift off
- 5:30 p.m. Dinoroar
Daily activities at the Balloon A-Fair include: food vendors, craft booths, helicopter and monster truck rides, inflatables, mechanical bull, axe throwing, putt-putt golf, face painting, train rides and mobile smash room for $10 a person. Children 12 and under are free. Parking is free.
Randolph Home Furnishing at 3991 Waterloo Rd., will be having a Girl’s Night Out on Sept. 17 from 4-8 p.m. There will be food trucks, numerous local vendors and live music. This is a great event to find unique gifts and savor local foods.
Randolph Historical Society and the Country Piecemakers Quilt Guild will be teaming up to provide two events regarding the historical significance of Quilts in history:
- Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Randolph Townhall-The Quincentennial Ohio Star Quilt block and its role in Randolph’s history
- Oct 17 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m at the Randolph Community Center-250th Quilt Square Workshop. For a $10 donation you can sew your own quilt square. All donations will be given to the Randolph Suffield Atwater Food Shelf. Fabrics are donated by Pomegranate Place Quilt Shop and all other materials are donated by Country Piecemakers Quilt Guild. You can register for the Quilt Square workshop at the Sept. 17 event. All are welcome to attend. If you have always wanted to try quilting-this is your opportunity to learn new skills with fun-loving master quilters.
And remember: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt
For news you want to share please contact Sandy Engle at 330 569 4801 or sandyengle83@gmail.com. Thanks!