Village of Hiram         

House fires are always awful, but the timing couldn’t have been worse for the searing blaze Nov. 11 that burned Hiram Village Fire Department Assistant Chief Jason Groselle and his family’s historic home on Ryder Road to the ground. Fortunately, nobody was home when the fire happened.

“It’s the middle of November heading into the holidays, and absolutely everything burned,” Mayor Anne Haynam said. “They’re running around shopping for their kids to have clothes and toothbrushes and what not, so they’re going to have a long road. With their homeowners insurance, they’ll be able to rebuild, but it’s an awful process to go through to lose all of your stuff and replace it. Jason is especially near and dear to us with his commitment to the village. It’s devastating for his family.”

The village is coming together in an effort to help the Groselles get through this terrible time. Donations can be dropped off at, or sent to, the Hiram Christian Church at 6868 Wakefield Rd. (the office in the annex building).  

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Meanwhile, the fire department, which also serves Hiram Township, received a $10,000 grant to be used for purchasing air packs. An air pack most commonly refers to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used by firefighters and rescue workers in order to breathe in toxic or oxygen-depleted environments. It consists of a high-pressure air cylinder, a face mask and a regulator system that provides breathable air, allowing the user to operate safely in smoke-filled or hazardous conditions. 

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The Village of Hiram recently hosted an early screening of Netflix’s “Death By Lightning,” a four-part historical drama miniseries that depicts the election and presidency of James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States. Included are Garfield’s anti-corruption and pro-civil rights stances as well as how his path crossed with Charles J. Guiteau, who assassinated Garfield on July 2, 1881, less than four months into his term as president.

Garfield has deep roots in the area. He attended the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, the precursor to Hiram College, from 1851-54; was a teacher at the school; and served as its principal (same as president now). He also married his wife while living in Hiram; the couple’s first three children were born there, two of whom are buried there.  

The screening was shown Nov. 5 in Hayden Auditorium on the Hiram College campus. The miniseries was created by Mike Makowsky and based on the 2011 book “Destiny of the Republic” by Candice Millard. Makowsky and Millard were joined by other Garfield historians on a discussion panel.

“It was a really powerful event in the village. We had 477 people in attendance,” Haynam said. “Mike [Makowsky] was so touched to be in a room full of people who care about James Garfield’s legacy so much.”

Village of Mantua

The Downtown Mantua Business Holiday Open Houses will start at 10 a.m. each day from Thursday, Nov. 20 to Saturday, Nov. 22. Many of Mantua’s downtown businesses are hosting Holiday Open Houses. Check out their websites and social media posts for more information.

Nov. 21 is also Pink Friday, the day designated to shop local before Black Friday. Pink Friday encourages residents to spend their holiday dollars locally before heading to the big-box stores for Black Friday. Shopping local helps local retailers get out of the red sooner – thus turning their books pink as they head toward the black side of the ledger.

Also on Pink Friday, there will be a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), a specific, limited area where adults over 21 can legally carry and consume alcoholic beverages purchased from participating local establishments during designated hours. The DORA is intended to exempt the area from some open-container laws, allowing people to walk with their drinks in specially marked cups while following all other laws like those against public intoxication or littering. 

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The Rotary Club of Mantua’s Christmas Tour of Homes 2025 will be from Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 7 and also Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 14. A $20 ticket gets you into four fantastically decorated homes in the Mantua area. Visit at your leisure from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sundays. A special home will be open Sundays only. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit mantuarotary.org/christmas. You can also purchase tickets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the day of the event at the Mantua Station Drug Company at 10870 Main St.

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The Holiday Market at R44 Coffee Event Space will take place Saturday, Nov. 29. R44 is located at 10675 Main St. Stop by between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Shop Small Saturday.

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The Turkey Trot will take place Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27 at Advanced Rehab at 4707 Mill St. Non-perishable donations for the 4C’s will be taken at 7:45 a.m., with the 30-minute run starting at 8 a.m.

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Stop by the green space downtown between 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 and tell Santa what you want for Christmas this year! Plus, make a craft and have a treat. Sponsored by the Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Friendship Alliance Church will present its annual Live Nativity Scene at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 on the green space downtown next to R44 Deli & Meats at 10682 Main St.

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The movie “Elf” will be shown at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 in the Martin S. Hura Lodge at Buchert Park at 4810 E. High St. Admission is free. Bring a blanket/chair and make yourself comfortable. Popcorn and water will be provided. The event sponsor is Serenity Realty.

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The Santa Shuffle will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23 at Advanced Rehab at 4707 Mill St. Wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater for a one-mile fun run and participate in some festive exercises. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for anyone under 18. Register at arhs.us.

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The Portage County Library Bookmobile is at Buchert Park from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. every Wednesday. The park is located at 4810 E. High St.

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Upcoming events every Wednesday in the Martin S. Hura Lodge’s Crestwood Community Center at Buchert Park:

• Nov. 19 – SAIL class (Stay Active and Independent for Life), fitness and balance class by the Portage Health District at 11 a.m. … Lunch & Learn: free lunch at noon provided by Long Meadow (RSVP by Monday, Nov. 17). … Lynn Hermensky from Hospice of the Western Reserve will present “Coping with Grief in the Holidays” at 1 p.m.
• Nov. 26 – No events due to Thanksgiving.
• Dec. 3 – SAIL class at 11 a.m. … Lunch on your own or bring a dish to share at noon. … Bingo donations accepted at 1 p.m.
• Dec. 10 – SAIL class at 11 a.m. … Lunch & Learn at noon, free lunch provided by Long Meadow (RSVP by Dec. 8). … Lynn Hermensky from Hospice of the Western Reserve will present “Creating and Achieving Your Bucket List.”
• Dec. 17 – SAIL class at 11 a.m. … Potluck party: bring your favorite holiday dish to share and a $5 wrapped white elephant gift. … Winter trees watercolors guided painting by Patty Timbrook (RSVP by Dec. 15).
• Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 – No events due to Christmas and New Year’s.

Mantua Township

A craft bazaar will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Mantua Center School at 11741 Mantua Center Rd. in Mantua Township. There will be more than 20 craft booths featuring one-of-a-kind handcrafted items as well as a 50/50 raffle and food, including a bake sale. Free parking and handicap accessible. The event is sponsored by the Ohio Women’s Ministry of Mantua Center Christian Church.

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A fundraising dinner for the Mantua Restoration Society will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 inside Mantua Center School’s gymnasium. Dine-in or carry-out. No charge, but donations are accepted. A variety of entrées will be provided, including one supplied each month from Main Street on the River. Also on the menu are several salads and a variety of desserts, including homemade pies. All food is home-cooked and donated by the MaRSI members. Light piano music will be provided by Steve Stork. Note: This is not a free community meal but rather a fundraiser for the Mantua Restoration Society that helps provide funds for the restoration and upkeep of Mantua Center’s historic buildings and sites. For more information, contact Susan Pollard at 330-586-8337.  

Windham Township

A Windham Township resident requested a proposed amendment for a zoning change that would allow a second house on agricultural land for family members to help out on the farm, which must be at least 10 acres. This would include Current Agricultural Use Valuation, an Ohio program that reduces property taxes for landowners who use their land exclusively for commercial agricultural purposes.

Garrettsville

“Breakfast Bowl with Santa!” will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 at SkyLane Bowling at 8311 Windham St. in Garrettsville. Included will be breakfast and a beverage, two hours of unlimited bowling, a visit with Santa, face painting and Christmas crafts. Cost is $20 for adults and $14 for kids 10 and under. Kids 3 and under get in free. Reservations are required. To reserve your spot, call 330-527-9999. 

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Garrettsville’s annual Pub Crawl will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. To reserve your spot, text Aaron at 330-524-2646.