Hello Windham Family! August is one of my favorite times of year in Bomber Country. Fall sports are kicking off, back to school is on its way and signs of autumn are on the horizon. Back-to-school season evokes thoughts of new pencils, autumn leaves, and the return of sweater weather. It also marks a new school year as kids return to classes after the long summer break. Whether you love it or hate it; back-to-school time is more than just a season. It’s a feeling, and with it comes the prospect of change, challenge, and a sense of renewal.
Windham goes back to school on Monday, Aug. 26 under the direction of our new superintendent Michael Dobran. We have an action-packed column this month that I am happy to share. Many exciting things are happening in Windham, I look forward to keeping the community up to date with all the information I receive every month.
Register for Windham Schools with FinalForms, our new online platform for parents to complete required school and athletic forms before the first day of school. Use the link below to log in to your FinalForms account to update your child’s information for the 2024-25 school year. If this is your first time logging in to FinalForms, you will need to create a parent account. If you have any questions or need assistance, call the Board Office at 330-326-2711, ext. 1507.
Register here: https://windhamschools-oh.finalforms.com/.
On July 20, the Village of Windham hosted its first Fun in the Sun festival in almost two decades. Unlike the weekend-long event years ago, this year’s event was held within the Village Park instead of the Township Green. This promoted our park and was an easy way to contain all the things going on in one space. To bring back such a fun event for our town was a joy to see and to watch all the children have fun reminded me of what it was like when I was a child. This event was always a highlight of my summer as a child and to share it with my children brought a nostalgic feeling. The event featured food trucks, carnival games, craft vendors, a Texas Hold’em Tournament, a beer tent, music, and face painting. The churches of Windham hosted a booth with kids’ games. At the end of the night, there was a grand fireworks display, which was one of the best I have seen around our area in years. There were also a couple of contests and the winners were as follows:
Top 3 Rib Cook-off winners (all ribs were purchased from Buckeye Quality Meats):
1st – Landen Stanley won $100
2nd – Greg Marvin won $50
3rd – Damel Walker won $25
Hot dog eating contest winners (the hot dog eating contest was sponsored by T&B Excavating):
1st – Joe Clautti won $50
2nd – Jon Sweet won $25
This event reminded our village of unity and pride. It was a wonderful day and I cannot wait to see it grow in the future. Kudos to Mayor Mac Cunningham, the Village of Windham workers, and the Parks and Rec committee for a wonderful day.
The Windham High School Football schedule has been released; all games kick off at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted:
8/23: Away at David Anderson – Lisbon
8/30: Home vs East Palestine
9/6: Home vs Jackson-Milton
9/13: Home vs Tuscarawas Central Catholic
9/20: Away at Grand Valley
9/27: Home vs Mathews – Homecoming game
10/5: Away at St. John & Paul
10/12: Away at Vanlue (6 p.m.)
10/18: Away at Pymatuning Valley
10/25: Home vs Fairport Harding – Senior Night
The Windham High School Band has an exciting announcement this season; they are up to 35 marchers this year! K-12 Music Director Sydney DiCenso wanted to invite the community to the Windham Bomber Band Bash at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Tickets for adults will be $8 and students will be $5. They will also march in the Portage County-Randolph Fair at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25.
Have you wondered what’s behind the gates at the end of South Main Street? Thousands of residents lined up in 1941 to see, but most didn’t get in! However, the Windham Historical Society will bring you the next best thing — Tim Morgan, who has worked at the Arsenal for many, many, years. He will be giving a slide show presentation and talk entitled “An Inside Look at the Ravenna Arsenal.” It will cover the arsenal’s beginnings in 1940 up through what’s going on today with the National Guard, on its approximate 22,000+ acres.
Come out on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. to the Windham Community Center to get all your questions answered. Program to last about an hour and then questions & answers. This is a free event, however, donations will gladly be accepted, and all will go to the Village for their generosity in allowing the use of this great facility. (Thank you, Mayor Cunningham). Let us know if you plan to attend, so we’ll have a better idea of chairs, etc. (Could use some help setting up and taking them down, if so inclined.) No food or beverages are to be sold that night, feel free to bring water. (Information provided by Lynnea St. John, Windham Historical Society President.)
Katherine Thomas Elementary Open House will host a Back-to-School Open House on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Come for a school tour and meet your teachers.
Local volunteers put on a night of Bingo at the American Legion to support a local veteran Walt Turner on Aug. 10. Walt Turner is a Vietnam veteran, who served as a Firefighter/EMT in the Windham community for about 30 years. He has dead trees on the edge of his property that are a hazard to himself and the village residents who must pass them to enter the village offices. All proceeds went directly toward the cost of removing these trees.
Saturday, Aug. 24th: Windham Bombers Youth Football & Cheer will be hosting a Bingo night, and all proceeds will go back to the program as they are in a rebuilding year for league costs, referee costs, uniforms, and equipment. This is their first big in-person fundraising event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and games will start at 7 p.m. You must be 18 or older to enter. Free admission, $20 Books. Pull Tabs and 50/50 plus a Liquor Basket Raffle. Pull tabs will be cash only.
Windham Alumnus Kevin Fowler shared what a privilege it was being raised in Windham. That is where his mentors like Paul Flitcraft and Frank Omogrosso helped him develop a love of the game of baseball deep within. He shared that he was thankful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the Pan Am Games over the July 12 weekend in Cleveland. The last time the Pan Am Games were in the USA was 40 years ago. His team won their age bracket. He pitched five innings, and his team only gave up two hits and no runs while he was in. Not a lot of individuals get one of these medals since it is like the Olympics (just for older folks) and is only played every four years. Congratulations Kevin, your Windham family is proud of you!
Calling all Windham alumni! Bomber families have hosted many international exchange students over the years. In recent years, we have had a lot of successful experiences. Would you be interested in being a host for the 2024-25 upcoming school year? They still have about 300 students waiting for host families. Recent success stories include Dougle and Leigh Ann Hankins, who both work at the high school. They have hosted several students in the past few years, stating it is one of the best and most rewarding things they have ever done. It just so happens that my husband, Joshua, and I will be hosting a senior named Sara from Italy for this school year. She will be playing volleyball, and attending WHS. I can’t wait to tell you more about our exciting adventure ahead.
Here are some facts about hosting:
- You choose your student – you select a student who shares your interests or one from a country that fascinates you. The student you host is completely up to you.
- Gain a family member – students live as family members, not a guest or a border – and participate in family life.
- Enjoy cultural sharing – the primary purpose of the program is cultural exchange, so you and your student will have fun sharing and learning together.
- Rigorous student screening – students must pass screening including English skills, grades, and a full physical exam.
- Community integration – because of the focus on culture, students typically enjoy full engagement in the school and community.
Host requirements:
- Must be 25 years old
- Clear background check with no felonies
- No subsidized housing or public assistance
- Complete online application
- Provide home – own bed, transportation, and meals at home
- Treat the student like a family member and help them adjust to American life
Our local contact Debbie Vanwinkle would love to speak to you with more information. Students come with insurance and their own spending money. This is an incredible opportunity, call her today for more information 330-240-4105, [email protected].
Windham Youth Football & Cheer Update: Our hearts are brimming with excitement and anticipation. This year promises to be more than just a series of games and practices; it will be a profound celebration of unity, community, and the unwavering spirit that defines us. With more than 80 young athletes and cheerleaders joining us, this season is set to be truly extraordinary. Our theme, “Community,” is not just a slogan but a reflection of the incredible support and camaraderie that our league embodies. In every tackle, cheer, and sideline shout, you will witness the power of a small town with a big heart coming together for a shared purpose. The spirit of our community is what makes WB Youth Football & Cheer unique. Each practice, each game, and each cheerleading routine will be infused with the collective energy and love of our town. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we join forces, not just to support our young players, but to build a nurturing environment where they can thrive.
Our players and cheerleaders are not just participating in a sport; they are becoming part of a larger family. This season, as we watch them grow, learn, and excel, we also witness the heartwarming display of a community rallying around them. Every game reflects our shared commitment to fostering their development, celebrating their victories, and supporting them through challenges.
The importance of coming together for our young players cannot be overstated. They are learning valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the strength found in unity. These are not just lessons for the field but for life. And as we come together to support them, we are showing them the true essence of community: standing side by side, lifting each other up, and celebrating every milestone together. This season, let’s cherish every moment, from the roar of the crowd to the quiet encouragement from the sidelines. Let’s continue to build a legacy of support and togetherness that will inspire our young athletes for years to come. In the heart of our small town, the spirit of community shines brightly, guiding and uplifting us all. Here’s to an unforgettable season filled with passion, unity, and the joy of coming together as one. Go WB Youth Football & Cheer! – Shared from the WBYFC July 2024 Newsletter
Nostalgia is the only friend that stays with you forever. – Damien Echols
(Reflecting on the return of the Fun in the Sun Festival, I thought this quote was appropriate).
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 for September. 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].
