Around Randolph

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.