Hello Windham Family!
October is almost over; can you believe it? Lately, I have been feeling a sense of restlessness. Perhaps you feel autumn-restlessness, too? It’s like we’re collectively waiting to exhale.
Everyone seems a little edgy, distracted by economic anxiety and uncertainties of the coming elections. It’s always that way in late autumn — even more so in election years.
Outside, our beautiful Windham rural landscape offers a perfect remedy. A brisk walk, kicking through fallen leaves releases fall scents to help reset your internal clock. The beautiful fall day pays little heed to financial markets, political campaigns and clocks. There is comfort in that in our little town.
As the trees are losing their lush color and begin to shed their leaves, I can only think of one thing. They are going to be bare and exposed to the world for some time. Of course, they will have their thick bark to protect them, but their outward beauty won’t be there. They will stand strong in our Northeast Ohio winters, take one storm after another, but they will still be there. You know why? Because that’s how life is. They know this too shall pass, just as an autumn restlessness can.
So, when you know you have to shed your leaves or feelings of restlessness, hold on to it for some time as it’s meant to be and feel the pain; embrace it, but then let go of it. It is alright — you won’t stay exposed for long, just like our trees, new leaves of happiness and beauty will come soon, too. Until then, embrace the beauty of our little Bomber community; there are many things to look forward to as you read below.
A letter to the Windham Community from Tara Byrd:
I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who were involved in the recent fundraiser organized for my battle against breast cancer. As a lifelong resident of Windham, I have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that has surrounded my family and me during this challenging time.
To the Windham High School volleyball team, coaches, administrators, volunteers, and all the supporters from the surrounding area — your kindness and generosity have deeply touched my heart. The dedication you have shown, not only to the sport, but also to a fellow community member is a testament to the incredible spirit we share in Windham. The hard work and effort you have put into organizing this fundraiser have not gone unnoticed. It’s no small feat to mobilize a community for a cause, and I am just so grateful for each moment of your time you devoted to this event.
In these difficult moments, what stands out most is the unity and strength among us. For my children, this experience reinforces what I always believed: they are being raised in a community that rallies together, fights for one of their own, and exemplifies compassion and support. Through your actions, you have sent an unforgettable message of resilience, love, and togetherness that will stay with us forever.
To my family, friends, and even those who I have not yet met — thank you for showering me with affection during this journey. Your kindness reminds me that hope exists in the form of community, and I am endlessly grateful to be a part of such a caring network.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your generosity inspires me every day, and
I promise to fight with every ounce of strength I have, kept afloat by the love and support you have all shown me.
With all my love and appreciation,
Tara Byrd
You’re invited to the Windham United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Talk with professionals who are here to help you prepare for life events and answer important questions. It is open to the public at no cost. Some of the participants include Insurance, Medicare Supplements, Financial Information, Counseling Services and others. They will have giveaways and door prizes. Sub sandwiches will also be sold for lunch, along with cookies and water. Proceeds will go toward Thanksgiving gift baskets to give back to the community.
The Windham Lions Club’s last sausage trailer of the season was held in early October. We are very grateful for our community supporting us, so we, in turn, can support and give back to the community. Looking forward, we will see you in January for our Pancake Breakfast to further support our schools!
You’re invited from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 to a free Thanksgiving Dinner with all the fixin’s lovingly prepared and served by the Helping Hand Society of the Windham Congregational Church of Christ. This meal will be a drive-thru only event. They hold this monthly dinner every Saturday and it is always very delicious. They are truly such a generous staple to our community.
Congratulations to Queen Quinn Justham and King Carlos Bruton for this year’s Windham Bombers Homecoming Queen and King!
Congratulations Zack Burns and Jake and Niki Eye. Celebrate Portage recognized Zack Burns as Portage County’s Employee of the Year and Jake and Niki Eye as Portage County’s Community Heroes at their 10th annual awards dinner on Sept. 26. Those are both amazing accomplishments. Celebrate Portage is a part of Portage County’s mission to educate and invigorate the vision of a vibrant and exciting community. Zack, Jake and Niki are committed to our community, and it is appreciated how much they do for Windham. Very well deserved!
K-12 Music Director Sydney DiCenso wanted to invite the community to the Windham Bomber Band Bash at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Tickets for adults will be $8 and students will be $5.
From the Windham High School Marching Band: Band instruments needed! If you have band instruments that you no longer use, please consider donating them to the Windham Band. We have our largest band in years and the instruments will be used by our students. If you are interested in donating, you can simply drop off the instruments at the Board Office.
Big Jeff and Tim Lally Chevrolet sponsored Military Appreciation Night on Sept. 13 at Windham’s Ed Liddle Field. Active military and veterans were warmly invited to attend with free admission, with a raffle offering outstanding prizes, including heated and cooled stadium seats, a cooler on wheels, and a 55-inch TV. The event featured representatives from various military branches and a halftime ceremony that honored current and former service members, with additional surprises planned. It was an exciting night to honor them and watch the Bombers face off against Tuscarawas Central Catholic. Thank you, Big Jeff and Tim Lally Chevrolet, for an amazing evening!
Village of Windham Updates:
Trick or Treat: Windham Village Trick or Treat will be on Halloween night, from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31. Windham churches will be parked at the Renaissance Center for Truck or Treat during the same time as Village Trick or Treat
Village Meetings: Oct. 22. at 6 p.m.
New location for the 2024 Election on Nov. 5: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m at the Renaissance Family Center, 9005 Wil Vern Drive, Windham.
The Portage County Basketball Preview is returning hosted by Portage Sports. The preview will be split over two different nights, allowing for the boys and girls to each have their own spotlight night. Here are some of the particulars:
Windham will play both nights at 7 p.m vs. Mogadore (2 quarters each game play)
- When: Thursday, Nov. 7, for girls basketball and Thursday, Nov. 14, for boys basketball
- Where: Rootstown High School
- Cost: $5 per person (students 10 and under and senior citizens 65 and older are all admitted free)
The American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 674 in Windham is hosting a Swiss Steak Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 26. Dinner includes Swiss steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, rolls with butter, dessert, coffee and water. Only 100 tickets are being sold for $15 per dinner.
The Windham High School Honors History class will be attending the Ohio School Board Avocation Capital Conference and participate in the Student Achievement Fair on Nov. 11 in Columbus. The class, which consists of 12 students in grades six through nine, will attend the educational convention and have an opportunity to educate others about Windham’s history, while also learning new topics they can bring back to Windham.
The fourth annual Windham/Camp James A. Garfield Veterans Day Half Marathon/5K will be at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. This is a race to honor and to benefit America’s veterans and proceeds of the race benefit Veterans Haven and Windham Schools Food Pantry. Early bird registration for the half marathon is $50 and $60 on race day. The entry fee for the 5K will be $25 in advance and $30 on the race day. Online registration is available at www.gopherarun.com.
The Windham Fire Department Association is hosting its annual Turkey Raffle at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25. Doors open at 6 p.m. Thank you for supporting the Firefighters Association.
I look forward to keeping the Windham community up to date with all the information I receive. Please contact me with anything you may like featured. The Around Windham column runs on the third Friday of each month, and I will need all the information the week prior. You may contact me via text/call at 330-283-2711 or via email at [email protected].
