Safer Futures is having its 14th annual “Hope in a Handbag” fundraiser. It will be held from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 228 Gougler Ave., Kent.
The event will feature purse bingo and a silent auction and basket raffle, and small plates and spirits will be served at this event for their important cause. Safer Futures is Portage County’s only domestic violence shelter and resource center.
Safer Futures is looking for sponsors, so if you can help, call 330-297-7027, ext. 306, or plan to attend. Tickets are $50 per person.
What a fun evening I had when I attended Haven of Portage County’s Summer Soiree! It was held outdoors in June at the Byers DiPaola castle on South Prospect Street in Ravenna.
To begin with, It’s About Thyme catered the outstanding food and Alli Snyder did the delightful bakery treats. Boomers 330 — Tom Wolski and Mike Costello — supplied their fantastic performance of songs from the ’60s and ’70s. They were wonderful.
I would be remiss if I did not mention Debbie Mann, who did a great job of trying to get people to sing. You made it fun, Debbie.
It turned out to be a good Saturday weather-wise, because it poured all day but cleared up at 5 p.m. when the event started. I couldn’t say enough about the good time — prizes were great and the 50/50 was too, though I didn’t win.
Everyone sat under tents, but food items were inside the castle. There were about 100 people in attendance and it looked like everyone was enjoying the evening. I hope the Haven does it again next summer!
Octane Nights is returning to Ravenna from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7. Thousands of people and classic and antique cars will come to East Main Street in Ravenna. The road will be closed to traffic from North Freedom Street to Cotton Corners for this 10th annual event.
We will “Rumble Ravenna” at 7 p.m. by asking everyone to start their engines in honor of the late founder of Octane Nights, Gary Krause, who passed away in 2020. Our DJ keeps us entertained by playing music throughout the evening. Bring the kids to watch Scott and his Ride4Life crew perform their Motorcycle Stunt Shows throughout the evening. We welcome classic cars & trucks, modern muscle and semi’s (no trailers due to space restrictions).
This is a free family-friendly event — no tickets are required — cars do not need to be pre-registered unless you’re purchasing a VIP parking spot — no alcohol, no golf carts, no bicycles and no animals. Hope to see you there!
Renovations are complete at Reed Memorial Library in Ravenna and the parking lot is open to patrons. Come check it out!
The officers and trustees of the Portage County Historical Society will host a re-dedication of the Salmon Carter House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at the historical society grounds, 6549 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna.
Local officials and community members are invited to take a tour of the newly renovated Greek Revival farmhouse, furnished with period items. “The house received state capital funding in recent years to get a new roof, new wiring, installation of air conditioning, leveled floors, new paint and a new alarm and fire system,” said Debbie Sunderland, President of the Portage County Historical Society.
There is also now a connection between the Salmon Carter House and the Historical Society’s museum, making the buildings handicap accessible.
The Salmon Carter House was built in 1832 by one of the first-generation European settlers in the Western Reserve, Salmon Carter. The Historical Society acquired it in 1962 and has kept it in shape since then with many restoration projects throughout the years.
This house is just one example of the work that the Historical Society does. Their 12-acre campus is full of history, and some of their houses are available for rent.
Reservations are required for the re-dedication event either through a call to the museum at 330-296-3523 or to Sunderland at 330-730-2114.
A lot more work is needed, but the society must wait for additional funding. If you can help, that would be wonderful. We in Portage County should be proud of our museum and all the historical society has to offer. This will be a good time for a tour and information.
Light refreshments will be served — please plan to attend. While there, plan to attend a book sale with books from the Historical Society.
Call Angie Reedy with your Ravenna news at 330-297-7228.
