“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein
Numerous studies reveal that being in nature enhances attention span, reduces anxiety, decreases depression and improves math computation, math reasoning, science test scores, language arts and creativity. Thanks to the foresight and vision of Ken Riley, a Waterloo science teacher, and the support of Mike Lanham, a member of the Waterloo grounds crew, there are extensive hiking trails that meander through meadows and forests behind the elementary school.
Waterloo Schools are affiliated with Monarch Watch, Project Feederwatch, Homegrown National Parks, and Ohio Division of Natural Resources stream monitoring, which are citizen science programs. Sandy Forshey, a speech pathologist, is aware of nature’s healing gifts and periodically holds therapy sessions outside. The trails would benefit from additional maintenance such as cutting back brambles, eliminating invasive species, weeding, painting trail signs and repairing benches. If you or your organization have free time, contact Ken Riley at [email protected] to help with this meaningful project.
Trees emit aromatic phytoncides which enhance our immune system, and while outside we are breathing in soil organisms that can make us smarter. By attending Waterloo Vikings football games, cross country meets and soccer matches, not only will you be supporting our local teams, you will be enhancing your health and well-being!
Other Randolph areas where you can enjoy nature include:
– Old School Park on state Route 44, which has a modern handicapped-accessible playground and walking trail. Our township trustees ask that you supervise your children to make sure they treat the playground with respect and do not move any of the landscaped items.
– Moyer Fields at 3636 Waterloo Rd. has a half-mile hiking trek around the ball fields.
– Beverly Bird Sanctuary at 4638 Fairgrounds Rd. has a bench for birdwatching.
Beyond our township are 10 scenic county parks. For more information, contact:
https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/portage-park-district.
RANDOLPH PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS
Sept. 20, 3-4 p.m.: Learn Sign Language for children
Sept. 23, 4-5 p.m.: Lego Free Build for kids/tweens
Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-noon: Fall Storytime for kids
Sept. 27, 5-6 p.m.: “The Wild Robot” book discussion for tweens/kids
Oct. 1, 1-2 p.m.: Chess for kids
Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-noon: Fall Storytime for kids
Oct. 3, 4-6 p.m.: Toy Bingo for kids
Oct. 4, 3-4 p.m.: Learn all about mail for tweens/kids
Oct. 4, 4-5 p.m.: Tech Help from Teens
Oct. 8, 4-6 p.m.: A girl with scales reptile show for tweens/kids
Oct. 8, 5:30-7 p.m.: Randolph Book Club. Pick up a copy of “Mexican Gothic” at the circulation desk.
Oct. 9, 11 a.m.-noon: Fall Storytime for kids
Oct. 10, 1-2 p.m.: Homeschool club
Oct. 12, 2-3 p.m.: Learn about fire safety for tweens/kids
Oct. 15, 1-2 p.m.: Learn about bats
Oct. 15, 4-6 p.m.: Bingo for adults
RANDOLPH TRUSTEE MEETINGS
Sept. 26, 6-7 p.m. at Randolph Town Hall
Oct. 10, 6-7 p.m. at Randolph Town Hall
RANDOLPH ZONING MEETING
Sept. 26, 7 p.m.: Zoning commission meeting at the Randolph Senior Center
RANDOLPH ORGANIZATIONS & LOCAL BUSINESS MEETINGS
– Randolph Garden Club: 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Randolph Senior Center. Program will be a pumpkin-decorating contest.
– Randolph Historical Society: 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Randolph Town Hall. Topic is old elections.
– Northeast Railroad Historical Society: Sept. 21 at Randolph Town Hall. Pizza at 6:30 p.m. Program about the new locomotive being assembled in Dover starts at 8 p.m.
– Randolph Senior Potluck Luncheon: noon Oct. 14 at the Randolph Senior Center. One of our elected officials will speak about local current events.
– If you are in the mood for a tasty apple, pear or plum, call Bill Stotler at 330-947-3373 to find out what varieties are available. After placing an order, you can set up an appointment with Bill to pick up your order at 522 Horning Rd. in Atwater.
– May’s Fall Farm Market at 4357 Alexander Rd. has pumpkins, cornstalks and straw bales to assist with your fall decorating.
– Herchek’s Farm Market at 1324 state Route 44 has sweet corn, shelled corn and other produce.
In the midst of worldwide wildlife decline, Ken Riley is inspired by Doug Tallamy, who has written a book titled “Nature’s Best Hope.” According to Doug Tallamy, each of us homeowners can make a difference by planting more native plants, which provide conservation corridors to healthier and more harmonious ecosystems in our own backyards.
And remember:
“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” – George Washington Carver
And:
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” – Rachel Carson
Please contact Sandy Engle at 330-569-4801 or [email protected] regarding upcoming events or news you would like included in future columns. Thanks, and please get outside and enjoy this glorious season!
