Around Ravenna: Celebrating loved ones and helping out for the holidays

Getting ready for this year’s Celebration of Lights are UH Auxiliary members and representatives of Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Homes, big supporters of the event. They are, from left, Nancy Harris, Angie Reedy, Ron Spicer, Brad Crislip, Jeanne Tondiglia and Kathy Pangallo. Submitted photo

The Auxiliary of University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna will host their 36th annual Celebration of Lights on Wednesday, Dec. 6 in Room 150 of the UH Portage Medical Arts Building, 6847 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna.

The holiday season offers a time to remember and show appreciation for friends and loved ones. Celebration of Lights is a meaningful way to recognize those who have gone before us, as well as those who currently impact our lives.

The event begins with handbell music of the season by Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Royal Ringers at 6:30 p.m. and a Reflection Ceremony at 7 p.m., followed by a candle processional walk and reception with refreshments in the hospital main lobby.

Recognition opportunities include:

$100 – $200 – “Walk of Trees” personalized outdoor metal tree recognition

$60 – “Keepsake Angel” personalized ornament recognition

$5 – “Light a Light” on the hospital grounds recognition

All recognitions are prominently displayed in the hospital’s outer lobby windows from Dec. 6 through Jan. 2.

Celebration of Lights is the Auxiliary’s largest fundraising event, directly supporting its efforts to improve patient care and services at UH Portage Medical Center.


Immaculate Conception Church will host its final spaghetti dinner of 2023 on Nov. 16. The dinners will resume in January.

The dinners are held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Parish Hall, 251 W. Spruce Ave., Ravenna. This is another good place to see friends and enjoy delicious pasta. Dinners include spaghetti, meatballs, salad, dessert and beverage and are open to the public.

See you there.


The Haven of Portage County did it again! On Oct. 7, they had their annual fundraiser for the Haven, and it gets better and better every year. It was great to see so many familiar faces and get caught up on people’s lives.

Diana Kane’s brother, Neil, and sister-in-law, Pat, were visiting from Houston, TX, and attended. They were impressed with the food, decorations and baskets to bid on. Of course, it helps make events fun when you have interesting people sitting at your table and we certainly had that.


Another fundraiser I attended recently was Hope in a Handbag that benefitted Safer Futures. We played “bingo” for designer purses. It was great fun! They also served food and had baskets for bidding. I even won a door prize!

It was a good time. Don’t miss these two events next year and, of course, they are for good causes.


Call Angie Reedy at 330-297-7228 with your Ravenna news.

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