Deadline for the March/April Newsletter is Friday February 20th.
From the Mayor
By: Gary Griffith 740.768.2632
First of all, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! May your new year be blessed with happiness and prosperity! So far it seems as if our winter has been normal to the past several years with the cold and precipitation.
Congratulations to the Council Members that won reelection in November TJ Balint, Ron Gower, Ruth Ann Kirkman, and Mike Smyth. It has been a pleasure working with you in the past, and I’m sure it will be the same in the future.
Hats off to Village Residents for passing the Village EMS Levy for ambulance service. When the Bergholz EMS approached Council for the additional funding provided in the levy, Council asked, “If the levy was put on the ballot and passed, could this extra funding go towards what village residents are billed over and above what their insurance pays?” With some negotiations with the EMS, they agreed to go on a yearly basis, providing council with documentation. If the levy monies are not covering the EMS’s expenses in the Village, then what can be done before the Bergholz EMS can start billing Village Residents again? Remember this is only residents within the Village limits. Just a reminder that the levy money will not be collected until a year after it’s implemented. This is when the agreement goes into effect. I want to thank Donna Dailey, Dwayne Morley, and Craig Allen for meeting with Aaron Richardson, Village Solicitor, and myself to come to this decision.
A big shout out to Jim Davis Enterprises for the much-needed patch work around the Village! Council has budgeted more money for 2026 to do more patching. Some may ask, ”Why are you just patching and not completely paving the streets?” It is because the Jefferson County Water and Sewer Department is working on replacing the aged water lines in the Village. The agencies that the Village goes through to obtain grants will not administer any grants to municipalities that have plans to tear up streets that grant money is being used on. So once the water line project is complete, the Village can apply for those grants.
On December 14, 2025, the Village’s beloved Police Chief, Mark Clark, lost his home to a devastating fire. Anyone that would like to help Mark and his family can do so by dropping donations off at Ron Davis Heating on State Route 43 in Fairfield during their normal business hours. If you need to make special arrangements, you can call the business at 740-765-5282.
A big shout out to Chad Hazelip for cleaning up the Village Streets and keeping the Village looking great for residents and visitors!
A big Thank You to all Village Residents both past and present for doing your part to make Bergholz envy of the Valley!
Mayor Gary Griffith
Bergholz Community Foundation
By: Nikki Klein
We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! The Foundation has been very busy planning the 2nd Street Revitalization Project, and we’re excited to see it beginning to take shape. This project is focused on making 2nd Street a more welcoming, functional space for everyone in our community.
Interior construction of the library will be starting soon, and work on the courtyard next to the library is already under-way. Be sure to drive by and take a look at the progress when you have a chance. The project also includes a free community hotspot, green space, walking paths, seating areas, and streetscape improvements that will enhance the look and feel of the area.
This is a major investment in our community, and we’re grateful to be partnering with the Village of Bergholz to make it happen. The total project budget is $1,675,000. The Foundation has committed $1,000,000, and the Village will be pursuing additional funding through state, local, and government agencies to raise the remaining $600,000.
We are also asking for community support, specifically to help fund the courtyard portion of the project. Any donation—large or small—will help bring this vision to life. The generosity of our community makes projects like this possible. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email the Foundation at bergholzfoundation@gmail.com.
Reminder: Community Healthcare is seeing patients right here in Bergholz. To schedule an appointment with Mallory Puckett, CNP, please call 330-854-2510or740-768-1001. Mallory is available in Bergholz on Thursdays.
Happy New Year!
East Springfield Community Recreation & Service Center
By: Sue Call 740.543.3700
I hope everyone had a wonderful, blessed time of Thanksgiving and Christmas. We usually don’t schedule too many activities during these cold, icy months at the Center, but springtime is right around the corner. We will soon be back in full force with our monthly meals and other activities. Before you know it, it will be time for the Memorial Day Parade. It’s not too early to start planning your parade entry!
Check social media or flyers posted in the community for details of all Center activities. The Center is available to rent. Please contact me for prices and availability. Happy New Year from all of us at The East Springfield Community Recreation & Service Center.
WEBA Food Pantry
By: Ann Wiley 740.543.3972
The WEBA Food Pantry continues to serve hundreds of families each month with much needed food. Clients must now have their ID card when they come for food, both produce and pantry. This ruling comes from Mid-Ohio who supplies our food each month. If you come without your ID card, you will be unable to get food.
On the 3rd Friday of each month, clients can come for fresh produce. Take advantage of this pass out. Pantry pass out remains on the 4th Saturday of each month.
On pantry day, remember to bring your boxes, baskets, or crates to load your food. Produce is distributed on a first come, first serve basis until it is all gone.
Pantry begins at 10:00am. Seniors and handicapped persons are served first.
Pantry and produce dates for January through June 2026 are listed below.
- Produce January 16; Pantry January 24.
- Produce February 20; Pantry February 28.
- Produce March 20; Pantry March 28.
- Produce April 17; Pantry April 25.
- Produce May 15; Pantry May 23.
- Produce June 19; Pantry June 27.
Let’s Fight Together Outreach
By: T.J. Anderson
740.512.3278 740.543.4353
I still have jerky for sale! $15.00 donation for a half gallon bag. The selection of flavors are: Original, Beast, Dill Pickle, Teriyaki, BBQ, Maple Bacon, Carolina Reaper, Mild Hot, Hot BBQ, Spicy Dill Pickle, & Spicy Teriyaki.
Venmo 7405123278. PayPal letsfighttogether58@yahoo.com
I want to thank everyone that’s supported Let’s Fight Together this year. 2026 will be the 13th year for this organization that helps local people who are battling kidney disease and supports other needs in our community.
I’m going to take a much-needed break until March. On March 14th I will be hosting an Indoor Flea Market at the East Springfield Community Center, 10am-4pm. The Center will be filled with people selling things of all varieties. There will be a 50/50 and a Spaghetti Dinner. All the proceeds will go to Let’s Fight Together. Everyone is welcome!
Steubenville and Jefferson County
By: Jennifer Cesta
740.282.9782
BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE:
Tuesdays:
January 13th
February 3rd & 24th
March 17th
Grammy’s Diner Amsterdam
10am-11am
Bergholz Fire Hall
11am-12:00pm
Red Dog RoadHome Delivery
12:15pm
Contact the Library to learn about our Book Club dates and current titles
Bergholz Fellowship /Chestnut Ridge Churches
By: Pastor Lee Iden
330-205-1732
Someone said, “Boy, Christmas is coming fast this year!” I looked at him and wondered what he was talking about, Christmas was still a way off yet. Then, I realized he was correct! Christmas is less than three weeks away!!! I am not a person to panic; never panicked in my life. My statement has been, “Don’t panic until I panic, then you PANIC!” But I came close that day, too close! I’ve been working on Advent readings for the last couple of weeks, and I’ve looked at about a gazillion different offer-ings in about a gazillion different sources and I just didn’t like any of them, so I write my own. Not that mine are better, but if I decide I don’t like them, I’ve got no one to blame but me.
So, I’ve been doing things that needed doing, and Christmas just crept up on me. Not the first time, it won’t be the last time. Don’t misunderstand me, I LOVE Christmas! I love the scripture, the music, the Bethlehem story, EVERY-THING! Ok, maybe not that whole shopping thing, but I endure that, but everything else about Christmas, I LOVE! Yes, Christmas is a busy time, but it’s a GOOD busy!
We, at Chestnut Ridge Church, had a pre-Thanksgiving lunch that my wonderful wife Darlene planned and it was GREAT! We had over 30 people who were “stuffed” (sorry, couldn’t help myself,) into our basement fellowship hall. The smells were great, the food was amazing, the laughter was infectious, the conver-sation was wonderful, and it was just a GREAT day! I hope we can do it again next year!
Our Bergholz Fellowship Church and Chestnut Ridge Church have been helping the Friendship Room in Steubenville. That has been such a blessing! The good people of this church have stepped up and are being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in a dark and hurting world. Being a country boy who has never spent much time in any city, it is hard for me to comprehend that we have homeless people so close to where we live!
Also, we took a page out of the Samaritans Purse playbook, and we packed up bags of Christmas presents for under-privileged children and that was such a blast! The church has been collecting small gifts and trinkets for the last couple of months, and we met the other day after worship and shared a good meal and packed the bags with so much stuff! It was a bit confusing at first trying to figure out what should go where, but once we got going, it smoothed out and we are going to make quite a few children happier this Christmas morn-ng. PRAISE GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS ON SO THAT WE CAN BLESS OTHERS!
We are excited to be able to host Mark Allen Chapman on December 14th during worship. He’ll share a couple of Christmas carols; we’ll adjourn to the fellowship hall for a covered dish lunch and then return to the sanctuary for more GOOD CHRISTMAS MUSIC! I’m excited for that! The concert will be over by the time you read this, but trust me when I tell you, it will be GREAT! Mark and his wonderful wife Thelma and I have been friends now for almost a decade and I can’t wait to see them again.
If you don’t have a home church, we’d love to have you visit us. We meet every Sunday at 11:00, even months at Bergholz Fellowship and odd number months at Chestnut Ridge Church. Come on out and join us! We don’t bite.
Shalom Pastor Lee
Trinity United Presbyterian
By: Steve Jenkins
740.768.2511
Happy New Year from Trinity Presbyterian
2026, we begin a new year with events yet unknown. Events which will send our emotions from high to low and cause us to try to determine why they happened. We have passed from this year of 2025 and many of us have suffered, uncertainty, loss, and disappointments as well as seeing and feeling great triumphs and happiness that are now a piece of the history of God’s creation. As we move forward, we do so with the benefit of historical evidence that we can use going forward to analyze the results of human decisions. Some were good and some bad. This historical Narrative can be used in the future, but only if it is used in truth and totality, We cannot find any value in history of it. It only consists of what we want it to say, We also can see clearly the advancements for all mankind, advancements based on the charity we are called to provide as followers of Jesus Christ. As well as the significant hurts and destructive results which have been caused by the greed of mankind and our desire to possess worldly riches.
As you look forward to 2026, I charge you to review the results of your life choices this past year. Did you shy away from speaking truth, which Christ requires of you? Did you avoid confrontation so as not to be singled out by friends and family because you were ashamed of being a follower of Jesus.
You cannot go back and change any of those things, however you can make a difference in this world as you move forward. Will it cost you? I would suggest it will cost much less than what Christ paid for our eternal salvation. Remember, in all things follow him. In all things and decisions about your actions and the actions of our leaders follow him, hold all people to accountability in the way he requires us to go.
Every week I look at the front of our sanctuary, and there are 2 flags. I ask you, which is the most important, is it the flag of the United Staes of America which represents the interests within our borders as well as the policies and laws which have been designed to serve special interest or the Christian flag which represents no borders and says to all who see it that it represents that they are the special interest we look out for and serve. interest but only the interest of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, the flag that shows the world that the followers of Jesus Christ stand behind it and not only represent their faith but have taken an oath to obey and act upon the new covenant that was established by our Father, our Lord and our GOD. From all of us at Trinity, we wish you a safe happy and Blessed New Year.
East Springfield Christ UMC
By: Nicki Tennant
Pastor Deborah Kellar
740.543.3002
November and December were very busy months in the life of Christ UMC. A time of Thanksgiving and Advent were celebrated throughout both months.
We started November with All Saint’s Sunday to remember people of our church and community who have passed. It was a special time in our worship service.
The Wednesday Bible Study is finishing our study of The Characters of Christmas by Daniel Darling. Pastor Deborah’s sermon series has been from the characters in this book. We looked at the lineage of Jesus from Matthew 1. We’ve taken a closer look at Zechariah & Elizabeth, Simeon & Anna, the shepherds, the angels, the innkeeper, even Herod’s role in the Christmas story! She will explore Mary, the mother of Jesus on Christmas Eve, and conclude with the Wise Men, Magi, on Epiphany Sunday, January 4th. Our Bible Study will take a winter break until after Ash Wednesday, February 18th.
The Adult Sunday School Class winter quarter’s theme is “God, the Holy One.” We will look at God: His Holy Presence, His Holy House, and His Holy Expectation.Sunday School meets at 9:45am, and there is plenty of room for more people to join us!
Our Mission & Outreach Team has been in high gear. Our first and second collection of coats, hats, gloves, and mittens from our Mitten Tree was given to the Urban Mission. A large donation of blankets was also delivered. We will continue to collect these items throughout the winter season. We continue collecting non-food items to donate to the WEBA Food Pantry.
Christmas cookie trays were assembled and delivered to businesses in East Springfield to say thank you for being a part of our community. Approximately twenty businesses received trays.
This new year looks just as busy for us. We start the year celebrating Epiphany and the Baptism of our Lord
Please stop at our Little Free Library and borrow a book or two. It is located along the sidewalk in front of the church.
If you are looking for a home church, or just want to stop in for a visit, Sunday School is at 9:45am and Morning Worship at 11:00am. Please come and join us. You will be welcome!
And just like that, it is the season of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 18th.
Isaiah 6:8 reveals a stunning truth:
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’
Notice Isaiah didn’t list his qualifications or promise exceptional abilities. He simply offered his availability. This is the heart of presence ministry; showing up matters more than showing off.
When we make ourselves available to God, He transforms our simple presence into powerful ministry. Moses had a speech impediment, David was the youngest, Mary was an unknown teenager. Yet their availability changed history. God specializes in using available people, not necessarily able people. Your willingness to show up today could be the miracle someone desperately needs.
As we start a new year, let’s embrace a profound truth: practice presence ministry. Availability trumps ability. God doesn’t need our perfection; He desires our willingness. Today, let your simple “yes” become the doorway through which His extraordinary power flows.
Something to Think About
By: Dave Miller
As I write today, Christmas 2025 is just one week away. Therefore, I would like to share some reflections on Christmas. I am certain that beginning December 26 some of us will be asked, “How was your Christmas?” There will be many answers. Some are struggling this year. But isn’t it wonderful to note how many individuals, churches, schools, and civic groups have responded to provide food, toys, and clothing for those in need! Our church provided gifts for a group of children in foster care.
By the time you receive this copy of the newsletter, the lights may be down, the tree put away or disposed of, the yard decorations stored until next year. I wonder if we’ve taken time to think about the real reason for the season. I enjoy the lights, and we take time to drive through town and area to see them each year, but as we enjoy their beauty and brightness, do we pause to remember that they exist because the “Light of the World” was born?
I also enjoy the music of the season. Especially the wonderful carols that we hear only at Christmas time. “Silent Night, Holy Night,” O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Joy to the World” are some of my favorites. It’s a shame we only sing them once a year.
Christmas also means special food in our homes. Our dessert will be cheesecake. Our son David spent 18 years on Wall Street in NYC. He retired from there, took a nine-month intensive cooking school session and became a chef. He developed a cheesecake recipe, and it graces our Christmas table every year. Daughter Kara now bakes it for us.
Christmas also means that many families were able to be together. I know some cannot, some will not gather for various reasons. But isn’t it a joyful occasion when a family can meet together, share conversation, food, and time in harmony and peace. In our early years in New York, several times we left after Christmas Eve Services at our church and drove through the night to be at Shelva’s parents here in Bergholz for breakfast Christmas morning.
As we reflect upon Christmas, we must always remember that there is Christmas because the eternal God “So loved the world that He sent His only begotton Son into the world.” Not as a king, not as an educator, not a physician but as a Baby, born in a manger in Bethlehem. If you would like to learn more about this wonderful Baby following His birth story, read the New Testament of the Bible.
May you have a Happy and Blessed 2026!
Valentine’s Day Symbols
Valentine’s Day is celebrated with various symbols that represent love, romance, and affection, including hearts, roses, Cupid and love birds.
Main Symbols of Valentine’s Day
Hearts
The heart shape is universally recognized as a symbol of love and affection. It represents deep emotional connections and is often used in cards, decorations, and gifts during Valen-tine’s Day celebrations.
Roses
Red roses symbolize romantic love and beauty. Different colors of roses convey different meanings. For example, yellow roses symbolize friendship, while pink roses represent admiration. The tradition of giving roses on Valentine’s Day has historical roots in the language of flowers known as floriography.
Cupid
Cupid is often depicted as a cherubic figure with bow and arrow. Cupid is the Roman God of desire and love. He symbolizes attraction and the idea that love can strike unexpectedly, much like an arrow.
Love Birds
Doves and other birds are symbols of love and fidelity. They are often associated with the idea of couples choosing their mates, particularly around Valentine’s Day.
Love Knots
This symbol represents the unbreakable bond between lovers. It signifies commitment and the intertwining of lives and hearts.
Valentine Cards
Exchanging cards is a long-standing tradition that dates to the 15th century. These cards often feature romantic messages and symbols of love.
January
1st – New Year’s Day
6th – Epiphany
7th – Orthodox Christmas
19th – Martin Luther King Jr Day
February
2nd – Ground Hog Day
14th – Valentine’s Day
16th – President’s Day
18th – Ash Wednesday
