Sandy Engle

Over 100 people attended “Spring into Health” at the Randolph Community Center. The keynote speaker, Klaas Martens, was the first farmer in his county to use glyphosate (Roundup). He was a successful conventional farmer for 20 years. One day while wearing protective garb and following precise herbicide instructions for 2-4-D, he became paralyzed within an hour. The entire summer, his right side was paralyzed.

The truth is, none of us would be alive without farmers. Unfortunately, farming is becoming even more challenging with weather changes, reduction of farm aid and frozen funding for conservation/easement programs (which make farms more resilient against droughts and floods). Farmers have the highest suicide rate of all occupations. However, people in Randolph care.

Despite his humble beginnings and history of severe reading difficulties, Tom Mayer is now a well-known watercolorist who has won numerous art awards. However, if it wasn’t for his older brother’s support, Tom never would have been accepted into college.

This year, several friends have decided to focus on words like “rejoice,” “beauty” and “awe” instead of making New Year’s resolutions. So, instead of shaming themselves for not keeping New Year’s goals during challenging times, they are choosing to shift their thoughts to an attribute that is uplifting.

While watching 62 firefighters from seven fire departments practice search-and-rescue skills, it was obvious that these brave individuals have found their calling. Our county auditor, Matt Kelly, looked on with pride and shared how his years of firefighting in the military created an even greater appreciation for firefighters.

Gather the threads of your life and stitch them into joy! Jody Houghton Twice a month, the Country Piecemakers Guild meets at the Randolph Community Center to learn new ways of intertwining fabric. This month, seven members donated patriotic-themed quilts to veterans. Forty hand-made dresses are sent each month to Africa. They also donate to Children’s Hospital, Ravenna University Hospital and Blessings of Kent. Since sex trafficking is a problem in Ohio, the Country Piecemakers are stitching quilts for Safe […]

In September, 88 people trekked through the fields of the Barton Family Farm to participate in the Haymaker Harvest dinner. Susan White, Randolph township trustee was one of the sponsors and attendees of this event.

Thanks to the foresight and vision of Ken Riley, a Waterloo science teacher, and the support of Mike Lanham, a member of the Waterloo grounds crew, there are extensive hiking trails that meander through meadows and forests behind the elementary school.

Let’s give thanks to the individuals and organizations who have donated their time/money to make the 2024 Randolph County Fair a success.

This is the first Around Randolph column in The Portager. Columnist Sandy Engle is a retired school psychologist. She has been a flower essence practitioner and flower essence producer for over 25 years. During her free time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, traveling with her husband Newt, and playing with her four grandchildren.