Mrs. Wise and her agriculture students. Sandy Engle/The Portager
Around Randolph / Atwater / Opinion / Randolph
Around Randolph: Waterloo agriculture students excited for the future of farming
- Sandy Engle
“Hope is the fertile soil that makes flowers blossom.” – Lailah Gifty Akita
Nov. 9-15 was Ohio Soil Health Week, and throughout Ohio there were events to honor the soil. Surprisingly, within a spoonful of soil there are more living organisms than there are people currently on this planet. As we enter this season of delicious festivities, may we be grateful to the farmers and soil microbes which make our food nutritious and tasty.
While visiting Katrina Wise’s Agriculture Career and Tech class at Waterloo High School, it was heartwarming to see the enthusiasm and passion her students expressed about farming. Savannah and Kyleigh shared that agriculture was their favorite class, and they loved learning about the rudiments and the complex digestive system of cows. Keyshawn was fascinated about the artificial insemination process of cows and was grateful for discovering new plants he never knew existed. Derek appreciated the food preservation lesson which resulted in the making and sampling of pickles. Lailana and Shelby mentioned that flower arranging and weed identification were their favorite topics. When asked how they would like to see the field of agriculture evolve: Kyleigh would like to get rid of animal cruelty, Savannah would make drugging livestock illegal since some drugs affect the immune system of animals, and Shelby would like farming to be safer for animals and people. Listening to the responses of these wise students fills me with even greater hope that we can have a bright and flourishing future.
In this tiny township of just over 5,000 residents, I continue to be amazed by the kindness and generosity within. Due to an increase of families visiting the RSA Food Shelf, it is estimated that the food shelf will be providing food to 102 families in November. On Nov. 17, the Portage County Library teamed up with Friendship Bible Church to provide the volunteers with a pop-up drive thru food pantry which delivered groceries to 89 families. The next pop-up drive thru food pantry at Friendship Bible Church, located at 1703 State Route 44, will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 15. Only an ID is required. The food was provided by the Akron Regional Foodbank. Thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors for making our community even healthier and more vibrant!
If you are looking for a way to make your holidays brighter, consider visiting the Elegant Illusions Christmas drive-thru event at the Portage County Fairgrounds at 4215 Fairgrounds Rd. in Atwater. The event will run from Nov. 20 to Dec. 28; hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, and 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. This year, the drive-thru will be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Cost is $20 for cars, $40 for limo/party bus and $50 for a tour or school bus. On Dec. 4 and Dec. 11, if you bring four non-perishable items for the RSA Food Shelf, admission will be $10. Also, you can purchase a five-visit ticket for $60. This year, new light displays and Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and gift shop have been added. At the end of the 1½-mile drive, you can visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch and savor hot beverages and decadent snacks. With over a million lights at this event, you and your family will be bedazzled with joy.
The Randolph Historical Society will be having a historical Christmas crafts and music event at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at Randolph Town Hall. Mark and Jody Roliff will provide the music. This is a free event suitable for children and adults of all ages. Snacks will be provided.
RANDOLPH PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS
Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-noon – Fall Family Storytime for children ages 3-6
Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon – Fall Baby & Toddler Storytime
Nov. 26, 4-6 p.m. – Thanksgiving Day Crafts for tweens and kids
Dec. 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Randolph True Crime Club: The case of JonBenet Ramsey
Dec. 6, noon-1 p.m. – Mrs. Claus will be making an appearance
Dec. 9, 5:30-7 p.m. – Randolph Book Club. Pick up a copy of “The White Lady” at the circulation desk
Dec. 10, 4-5 p.m. – Christmas crafts for tweens and kids
Dec. 15, 9-11 a.m. – Pop-up drive thru food pantry at Friendship Bible Church, 1703 State Route 44
Dec. 18, 3-4 p.m. – Teen Mental Health Matters. Presented by a representative from Townhall II.
Dec. 19, 5-5:45 p.m. – Calming Winter Zen Art for adults
At 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13, there will be a Wreaths Across America ceremony at St. Joseph’s Grotto, where wreaths will be placed on all the graves of veterans at St. Joseph and St. Peter’s cemeteries. At 10 a.m. the same day, a Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held at Hillside Cemetery Chapel; youth from Trailside USA and American Heritage Girls will place a wreath on each of the 371 veteran graves in Hillside, German Reformed and Center cemeteries.
How wonderful these youth are honoring those who have served and learning how veterans contribute to the ongoing freedoms we all enjoy.
“The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.” – Carlos Santana. Enjoy the holidays.
For news, events and stories you would like to share, please contact Sandy Engle at 330-569-4801 or sandyengle83@gmail.com.
Sandy Engle