The Salvation Army of Portage County’s annual Kettle Kick-off and Dinner will be held Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the First Church of God, 237 New Milford Rd., Ravenna.
“The Magic of Christmas” will begin with words of welcome from Maj. Paul Knickerbocker and invocation by the Rev. Tod Huston. Musical sounds of the season will be provided by Isaac Winland.
Following dinner, the call to order will be given by Jeneen Kubala, advisory board chair, who will also introduce the members and guests. “Christmas in Portage County” will be presented by Knickerbocker.
The keynote address, “The Magic of Christmas,” will be given by the Rev. David Gray, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Garrettsville for the past 25 years.
He is the chairman of the Renaissance Family Center in Windham. He is also the moderator of the Steel Valley Baptist Association and serves as a trustee for the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Gray and his wife Betty have two daughters, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Following the basket auction and words of thanks, the benediction will be given by CSM Lola Kincaid.
The annual Christmas Open House will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, and Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Chestnut Tree Boutique & Gifts at the University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, at 6847 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna.
The Auxiliary of UH Portage Medical Center gift shop offers 20 percent off all holiday merchandise, music, giveaways and homemade cookies and cider. The event is open to the public.
The Great Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America recently held its 33rd Annual Gala at the historic Camp Manatoc dining hall. To honor the generosity and compassionate example set by Tom and Jean (Mandalari) Geopfert, they were presented with the first Heart of Gold Award.
This is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon individuals whose extraordinary generosity and kindness shine brightly in their commitment to Scouting, and individuals who make a profound impact through their acts of giving, inspiring those around them to embrace a life of service and empathy.
Tom Geopfert has served as president of the Great Trail Council, BSA and was on the Friends of Scouting Steering Committee. He has received the 2016 William Zekan Award for exemplifying spirit and community leadership and the Silver Beaver Award, the highest recognition BSA can bestow on an adult volunteer leader.
Jean Geopfert served as a board member and vice president for Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties and chairperson of their “Men Who Cook” fundraiser. She also served as the chair for the Great Trail Council, BSA Annual Gala for six years.
The couple are founding members of Kids 4 Coleman, a group of cousins (their nieces and nephews) that volunteer and raise funds (more than $138,000 since 2009) for Coleman Adult Day Services in Portage County in honor of Jean’s parents, Steve and Rosemarie Mandalari.
The Auxiliary of UH Portage Medical Center will host its 37th annual Celebration of Lights at the Medical Arts Building, Room 150, 6847 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna.
The event begins with music of the season by a local school choir at 6:30 p.m. and a 20-minute Reflection Program, followed by a candle procession walk and reception with refreshments in the hospital main lobby.
Recognition opportunities are available, including the Walk of Trees for a $100 to $200 donation, a Keepsake Angel for a $60 donation and $5 Light a Light for a loved one.
The Celebration of Lights is the Auxiliary’s largest fundraising event, directly supporting their efforts to improve patient care and services at UH Portage Medical Center. Committee members are Angie Reedy, Jeanne Tondiglia, Kathy Pangallo, co-chairs, and Roberta Held, Jodi Kornbau, Judy Scott and Doris Schuler.
And a note from nearby Kent’s Stanton Middle School’s eighth-grade football team. They finished their middle school career with a 15-1 record in the Suburban League, including back-to-back championship appearances.
Overall, this group of young men have competed in four straight championship games, dating back to their youth football careers. This class brings size, athletic talent and a winning culture to a community excited about the future of their football program. Coach Roderick Moxley Jr. has been with some of these players since they were in the second grade and, when asked about these kids, he had this to say. “Working with kids that want to achieve greatness makes coaching them gratifying, to say the least. As a staff, we have developed some special athletes in this class, and I can’t wait to watch their future unfold.”
Congratulations on a great season! This team is led by Moxley, Randy Keen, Henry Shepard, Chris Knopick and Mike Jones.
Call Angie Reedy at 330-297-7228 with your Ravenna news.
