Deadline for the September/October 2021 Newsletter is Friday, August 20th
From the Mayor
By: Gary Griffith 740.768.2632
Hopefully everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather we’ve been experiencing so far this summer. A big Thank You to Jeff Kemmer and Mark Clark for mowing the abandoned lots in the Village that were not getting taken care of. Thank You to all Village residents for showing pride in our Village and keeping your properties mowed and cleaned up. This means a lot to your neighbors and visitors to our Village. As your Mayor, I love it when people come up and say how well the Village and its properties look compared to others!
Work has proceeded on the State Route 164 bridge project after a redesign of the structure and several problems have been worked out. The project with Columbia Gas, replacement of gas lines, is still scheduled for 2021. There have been questions concerning the bridge for getting materials into the Village, but we haven’t heard of any changes.
The Village has been working with the Jefferson County Land Bank on cleaning up several properties in the Village. Once the list is finalized, everyone will be brought up to date as to the properties involved.
In closing, with the 4th of July coming up, be careful and show respect to others as far as your celebrations for the holiday. As always Thank You to the residents both past and present for making Bergholz the envy of the Valley!
Mayor Gary Griffith
Bergholz Community Foundation
By: Nikki Klein
Summer is finally here. Such a beautiful time of year in Bergholz. I hope all of you are getting out and enjoying the sunshine!
We are excited to announce that the Medical Building has been named The Larry Crow Medical Building. There will be a dedication ceremony held on July 4th immediately following the parade at the Bergholz Firehouse. Larry was an amazing man that truly loved his town and the people in it! Please come out to help us honor Larry Crow.
There will now be lab services at The Larry Crow Medical Building. This started on June 2nd, and they will be available every Wednesday from 9:00am-2:30pm. They accept all insurances; however, you must be a patient of Total Medical Care to take advantage of this service. Mallory Richards Puckett, CNP sees patients on Wednesdays in Bergholz. Her office hours are from 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm. Dr. Ish Rawal will be in the Bergholz office from 9am-12pm on the 4th Friday of every month. Call 740-768-1001 or 330-956-5236 to make an appointment. We are thankful to have them as a part of our community.
Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Madison Brenstuhl, Owen Howell, Emma Scott, Nathan Kowalczyk, Haden Binkiewicz. We wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors. Such an exciting time for them! The Foundation purchased congratulation banners for the Bergholz area Edison graduates. They are displayed on 2nd Street. Take a drive or a stroll down 2nd Street to check them out.
Awesome job to those that decorated the Community Bulletin Board! Please take the time to stop by and appreciate all their hard work. If you would like a chance to decorate this board, please contact a member.
Independence Day Celebration
The Village of Bergholz will celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 3rd with a Parade and a Party in the Park! The Parade will start at 11am on the east end of 2nd Street and travel to Monroe to the Fire House. Contact Don Lyons 740.768.2680 to participate in the Parade. There will be cash prizes awarded in seventeen (17) different categories.
The Party in the Park will begin at Noon. It is sponsored by the Bergholz Ruritan, Women’s Club, Volunteer Fire Department, EMS, and local businesses. It will include a VFW salute to our Veterans and a guest speaker.
Free – Free – Free
- Children’s Rides Kurt James
- Train Rides – John Beadnell
- Hot Dogs & Drinks – Bergholz Women’s Club
- Popcorn – Bergholz VFD
- Sno-cones – Bergholz EMS
- And Other Surprises
Hope to see you there!
Bergholz Women’s Club
By: Connie Stewart 740.768.2796
The Bergholz Women’s Club continues to maintain an active presence in the community and recently participated in The Homestead Rendezvous. As part of our ongoing fundraising efforts which help to support the many civic and community projects we are involved in, home baked items, sub sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, along with KayWos cleaning cloths and Kitchenette Brooms were offered for sale.
I would like to thank all those who supported our efforts. A huge thank you to members and non-members for the hard work as well as all those who graced our table to help in our efforts by purchasing items.
The money earned from our fund raisers has helped to provide for scholarships, community events such as the 4th of July festivities, the benches in front of post office and bank, new banners/decorations, donations to multiple other giving agencies to assist those in need as well as assist with much larger projects to maintain and improve our community such as the security cameras and hopefully improvements to the gazebo.
The Bergholz Women’s Club offers two $300 scholarships each year to graduating seniors in the Bergholz area. The scholarship is based on specific criteria including grade point average.
The two $300 scholarship recipients for the High School graduating class of 2021 are Nathan Kowalczyk and Kiley Babel, both of Bergholz. Nathan plans to attend Akron University and Kiley plans to attend Kent State University majoring in pharmacy. Congratulations to both of you and for such excellent accomplishments. The very best to you and your future endeavors.
***Please don’t forget to come out for your Free Hot Dogs and drink provided by the Bergholz Women’s Club at the Bergholz Fire Hall on July 3rd
We will continue our on-going fundraisers include Rada cutlery sales, Kitchenette brooms for $12 each, and KayWos cleaning cloths for $3 each. Please look for our reminders on Facebook as well. Thank you so much.
Contact Connie Stewart at 740-768-2796 / 740-381-7175
Polly Givens at 740-768-2483 / 330-205-3683 or other club member with questions or requests for information regarding the fundraising activities.
Independence Day Parade Categories
- Best Show Car, Antique Car, or Furthest Traveled
- Best Equipped Fire Truck
- Oldest Operating Fire Truck
- Best Brush Truck
- Best Medic Squad
- Best Marching Group
- Best Patriotic Float
- Best Decorated Three or Four-Wheeler
- Best Decorated Dirt Bike or Motorcycle
- Best Decorated Tricycle or Bicycle
- Best Decorated Pet
- Best Show Horse or Team
- Best Decorated Tractor or Garden Tractor
- Best Mini Car
- Best Antique Tractor
- Best Decorated Jeep (New Category)
- Best Decorated Razor/ Side by Side (New Category)
MisFit Gym
By: Tara Givens 740.768.2715
Jessica Champion 740.768.7027
Mindy Carpenter 740.768.0313
Misfit Gym is still open for business. We are open 24/7 and taking new members daily. We know the Coronavirus has been stressful on everyone and what better way to get rid of your stress than to join a gym. You can get active and get those endorphins moving. It will make you a healthier person and make you feel better about yourself.
We have trainers that will help you get started and offer classes on Tuesdays at 7:00pm and Thursdays at 6:30pm. We are following all Covid mandates and want you to feel safe at Misfit. Follow us on Facebook to see up-dates about the gym.
To join, message us on Facebook at Misfit Gym or contact one of the owners. Come get strong with us at Misfit Gym today!
Membership prices (classes included)
- Single- $25.00
- Family- $45.00
- Single three months- $60.00
- Family three months- $120.00
- We also have Senior and Veteran discounts as well.
Misfit Gym will also be hosting a 5K run/walk on August 21st during the Lumberjack Enduro weekend event. Location and times of this event will be posted and advertised on Facebook. Contact us for early registration for this event!
Let’s Fight Together
By: T.J. Anderson 740.512.3278 740.543.4352
The Annapolis Car Cruise-In is every Tuesday 5pm-7pm. Located in Annapolis at the intersection of County Road 39 and State Route 646 (next to the Pit Stop) Free to all. Bring your cars or come check out the cruise in. Hot food and cold drinks for sale.
Annapolis Mini Flea Market, Saturday August 14, 10am-4pm. Plenty of vendors and yard sale items. Same location as the Cruise-In. Contact TJ for more information.
Northeast Jefferson County Food Pantry
By: Debbie Wiley 740.768.2471
Always here to remind everyone we are all volunteers who work for the Lord.
We would like to remind everyone about the Work Food Assistance Program. This program has been set up to help working people whose income exceeds federal and state guidelines for assistance through the Food Pantry. The distribution day of these food boxes will occur on the first Saturday of every month between 11am-1pm. The dates are: July10th, August 7th, September 4th, and October 2nd, November 6th, and December 4th. A current paystub will be needed for visual verification of work status. The distribution will occur at the rear of the Presbyterian Church, Second Street in Bergholz. Please feel free to use this program.
The Pantry would like to give a big Thank You for the generous donations given to the Pantry by all the different organizations and all the personal donations from everyone who helps keep the Pantry going. God is good!
The Pantry has changed its time. The new time is 8am-Noon It is still every 3rd Thursday of the month. July 15th, August 19th, September 16th, October 21st, November 18th, December 16th. If for any reason the date would have to change, always check the sign in the Post Office.
Our mission is to always serve God and to eliminate hunger in our community.
The Food Pantry is also helping with an outreach program of free lunches for children and adults this summer. It is happening every Saturday through August except July 3rd because of the parade. Please stop at the Bergholz United Methodist Church from 11am-1pm.
Last month we had our election for the next year. It goes as follows: President: Ronnie Shockley, Vice-President: Kathy Warner, Secretary: Matt Haas, Publicity Secretary: Debbie Wiley, Treasurers: Sheila Mashburn & Bonnie Shockley.
If you need to contact the Pantry, call President Ronnie Shockley, 330-627-4080, or Vice President Kathy Warner, 740-543-3590, or Email [email protected]
You can make donations to: The Northeast Jefferson County Food Pantry, PO Box 613 Bergholz, Ohio 43908. Please make checks payable to: The Northeast Jefferson County Food Pantry. The donations are tax deductible. The pantry is a part of a tax-exempt nonprofit 501(C) (3) organization.
If you are in need a Bible, please let us know at the Pantry. We will take your name and by the next month will have you a Bible. May God Bless!
A thought for the day: Even when I choose my own way, God still loves me. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.” John 10:14-15
WEBA Food Pantry
By: Ann Wiley 740.543.3972
As the restrictions of Covid 19 are lifting, the WEBA Outreach Food Pantry is moving distribution of food back inside. This began with the June pass out. Upcoming pass out dates are as follows: June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23, November 13, and December 11. Pass out times remain at 10:00. Clients need to wear a mask while in the building. Workers will also be wearing masks.
Produce pass out dates are as follows: July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, and December 17. Produce will continue to be distributed outside.
Keep the weekend of August 6 &7 open for some great bargains at the annual WEBA Yard Sale scheduled for theses dates. There is always something for everyone. This is the big fundraiser for the pantry. Come out and support the organization that continues to help those less fortunate in the area.
Once again, I must acknowledge and thank all of our volunteers who give of their time and energy to help the pantry function. I do not know the names of all those who volunteer. I know Sam Moore is available to drive the U-Haul to pick up and deliver pallets of food from Urban Mission. I know that Marla Hanson is diligent in posting pantry news on Facebook. I know Penny Virtue is available for emergency orders. I know Carl & Jean Foraker drive two hours from Stow, Ohio, to help distribute food. I know Irene Saho spends more time at the pantry than she does at home. Just a few of the dedicated workers that I am aware of. Thank you to all of you.
Bergholz/Chestnut Ridge United Methodist Churches
By: Pastor Lee Iden
330.894.2389/330.614.4395
And so, we rush head-long into the summer season. By the time you read this, that is exactly where we will be; beginning the summer session. I look forward to all of the seasons (yes, even winter) and I relish the warmer temperatures and the beautiful weather that Ohio gives us for a time (Solomon would say, “For a season”). I hope this year to do a little fishing, a little Kayaking, a little cooking out and a lot of MOWING GRASS! YAY, GRASS MOWING IS FUN AND EXCITING AND I really, REALLY need to get a life.
We are excited to be back in church again. Masks are now optional at Bergholz and Chestnut Ridge UMC’s. If you feel led to wear one, that’s your personal choice, and it’s cool. If you feel safe without one, that’s your choice also. I had my vaccine and don’t feel it necessary at this point to dawn a mask…I’m not going to hold up a stage coach or a bank so I don’t feel the need to hide my face…although there are, I’m sure, those who would appreciate me hiding my face, but that’s their issue, not mine.
We have begun an outreach that I am VERY excited about. During the Saturday’s when school is out, between the hours of 11:00am and 1:00pm, if you are hungry and would like to come down to Bergholz UMC, there is a small building to the west of the church building, and we are serving hot dogs, chips and a cold bottle of water for your enjoyment at no charge. Come down, sit a while, fellowship with your neighbors and enjoy a dog on us!
Also, on the last Sunday of each month, we will be combining our worship services at 11:00am for a time of music and praise and worship videos. If you would like to join us and bring a voice and an instrument, we would love to hear you. Even if you have a favorite scripture that you would like to read, we would love to hear you! We meet at Bergholz on the even months, June, August and perhaps into October and at Chestnut Ridge on the odd months, July, and September and we’ll see where it goes from there.
God is so faithful, so good, and so loving, and we are blessed to live in communities that respect and worship Him who created us and live in a country that still believes in doing the right thing. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
SHALOM
Pastor Lee Iden
Faith Community Church
By: Chad Thompson 740.768.2835
Hello to all of you amazing people in and around our community. I hope and pray you are enjoying all of the blessings that come with Summer; sunny days, vacations, swimming, fishing, cook outs, baseball games, and quality time spent with family and friends. I pray that you are doing well and staying safe.
The past 18 months have been difficult for all of us, and definitely has made things difficult for our area churches to minister, to serve each other, fellowship together, and have services to worship Jesus. I am thankful that God has seen us through this uniquely challenging time. I am encouraged by the compassion and sacrifice that I have seen from so many people in our community. I am encouraged by all of the ministry that was still able to be accomplished by our area churches, groups and individuals. I am encouraged by all of our local businesses, owners, employees that have worked so very hard to support our community. I am thankful for all of the love and patience that I have witnessed and experienced from so many. I am especially thankful to EVERYONE at Bergholz Faith Community Church for loving and supporting our community, one another, my family, myself.
We at Bergholz Faith Community Church are excited to have a Summer full of opportunities to serve God, minister, worship, and fellowship together! We are currently ministering through our “Blessings in a Bag” which is our summer food program. It is being held at the church the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each summer month at 5pm-6pm, offering all school age children a bag of approximately 2 weeks’ worth of non-perishable food items for breakfast and lunch. During this time kids are invited to join us for fun and fellowship.
We also would love for Junior High and High Schoolers to join us for Youth Group activities every Wednesday at 6:15 pm.
Come visit us and fellowship with us Sunday at 10:45am. Check us out on Facebook or call us with any questions.
God Bless you,
Pastor Chad Thompson
Amsterdam Community Church of God
8247 Bear Road SE
By: Tony Kovalesky 740.543.4041
Church: 740. 543.3927
Parsonage:740. 543.3036
The church is serving as a host sight for the Edison Local summer breakfast-lunch program from 10:30am – 11:30pm Tuesday—Thursday through sometime in August and is regardless of income. This is for students and others up to the age of 21 in the surrounding area and is not just limited to Edison Local residents.
Celebration Recovery meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 and is doing very well. CR hosted a HOG ROAST on Saturday, May 22nd with around 200 attending. There were activities, games, an outdoor movie, and an abundance of great food. If you have any habits, hang-ups, and hurts and are looking for support there is a place for you at Celebration Recovery.
The youth will be heading to Kennywood sometime during the second week of July for some fun and adventure.
It is time to start planning to go to Camp Meeting! Why go to a Camp Meeting? For a deep need for personal revival, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to receive a boldness to be the Christ-follower He has called us to be. Our theme is Walk in Truth (John16:13a ESV). There are activities and sessions for all ages. NEO Church of God will hold their annual Camp Meeting on July 25th through July 31st at the NEO Retreat Center near Berlin Center. Evening services are Sunday at 6:00pm; Monday-Friday 7:00pm with Rev. Dr. Rhonda Gibbs as speaker and Nathan Stewart serving as worship leader. For more information go to neochog.org.
Vacation Bible School is August 2-6 from 6-8:30pm. The Theme is Rocky Railway-Jesus Power Pulls Us Through. Ashley Conn and Courtnie Calhoun and their team invite all children in the area to come and have great time.
On Sunday, August 8, we will celebrate VBS by having a program presented by the kids in the AM service. Following the service, a time of fellowship will take place with hotdogs, chips, and drinks. For more information, please call the church.
We are collecting school supplies for our annual back to school book bag give away! Please consider donating supplies and book bags as soon as possible! We appreciate your participation in this community outreach.
We will have our annual Fasting and Prayer Emphasis from August 29- September 18. The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God. Biblical fasting always has to do with eliminating distractions for a spiritual purpose; it hits the reset button of our soul and renews us from the inside out. It also enables us to celebrate the goodness and mercy of God and prepares our hearts for all the good things God desires to bring into our lives. Remember, your personal fast should present a level of challenge, but it is particularly important to know your body, your options, and, most importantly, to seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.
Our Sunday morning worship service starts at 10:30 each week with the children being dismissed during the service for an experience geared towards their ages. The youth (grades 6-12) meet most Sunday evenings from 5:30 – 7:00 and have special events at other times throughout the year. On Tuesday evenings (suspended until September) at 6:30 the women meet for Prayer and Bible Study. The Men meet for Prayer and Bible Study on Thursday evenings at 7:00.
The 4th of July
Barbecues and fireworks, flags and parades, Independence Day evokes so many images of the American summer. Its original purpose to celebrate the birth of the American nation on July 4th, 1776 has given way to festivities that celebrate both America and the lives and freedoms that the accomplishments of American Independence have allowed.
The commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is a time not only to reflect on what happened at America’s founding but also to look again at the nation’s values and recommit oneself again to those ideals.
Trinity United Presbyterian
By: Richard Cunningham 740.768.2511
Is there any place better then Bergholz in the summer time? We see the beautiful green trees covering the hillsides. The people are enjoying the good weather with gardening or grilling. The whrrr of lawn mowers can be heard morning to evening. Friends walk together on the streets to get their ‘steps’ in. Children enjoy their summer vacation by spending time outside. Graduating seniors are enjoying their accomplishments and preparing for the next phase of their lives. Many of the COVID restrictions are being lifted as life returns to normal. We can thank God for our blessings of nature and neighbors, peace and tranquility.
But Mark’s Gospel, chapter 4, describes a different scene. Jesus and His disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a fierce storm descends on their boat, tossing it about and threatening to swamp it. The disciples, even the experienced fishermen, are terrified of sinking and yet Jesus is quietly sleeping in the back of the boat, unaware of the fear that has gripped the disciples. “Are you not afraid that we shall all perish?” they shout at Him above the roaring wind and crashing waves. Jesus awakens and commands the storm, “PEACE! BE STILL!” And all is calm. Then He said to His disciples “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” How many times in our lives when a storm or personal crisis has hit do we too lose our faith and have doubts, fearing the worst will happen. But if we call on Jesus and pray for His help, our prayers will be answered and our faith restored. The answer to our prayers may not be exactly what we expect, after all Jesus did not wake up, grab a bucket and start bailing the water out of the boat. No, but Jesus’ answers to our prayers will serve to get us through our personal storm and will restore the peace in our lives, if we have strong faith and pray hard.
Trinity Church will resume Vacation Bible School this year to be held August 2 to 6, 9am to 11:30am, open to all children, grades pre-K to 6th. Please call the Church with questions.
Something to Think About
My move last fall got me to thinking about “stuff.” You know, all the “stuff” one gathers over the years of life. How much does one really need of this or that? Shelva was an excellent cook. Over the years of our marriage (61) she had collected so many kinds of pots, pans, baking dishes etc. Far more than I would ever use. So, one day I invited the three grandchildren, who now each have their own apartment, to come and select items they could use.
With my two skillets, a couple of pots, and cookie trays, I do quite well.
Of course, it was quite different with my tools. As many of you know I had a well-equipped woodworking shop out on the farm. A fellow can never have too many tools, at least that what he thinks. I’ve given up woodworking so the tools are going to a grandson and two sons-in-law.
Of course, a preacher needs books. Remember, I began ministry many years before computers, Kindles, and Tablets. Back in those days, one could go into a used book store and find all sorts of books for a dollar or two. Plus, I had been blessed with the gift of many books from other preachers’ libraries through the years. When the Bergholz Church closed, I invited minister friends to come and help themselves to what they could use. What remained was purchased by a used bookstore in the area.
With all that said, there were several SUV loads taken to the WEBA Outreach Food Pantry in Amsterdam for their Yard Sale. And even then, two dumpsters were filled and hauled away. “Stuff” too outdated, broken yet still held onto, or simply “Why did we ever keep this?”
Jesus knew our human habits to gather, accumulate, and keep. For in Luke 12:15. He said, “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” How much of this or that do we really need? Is the gathering of possessions so important in our lives whether it be tools, clothing, vehicles, or whatever, that they become our driving force, our time-consuming hobby, a financial drain, that we are so engrossed that we neglect the One who gave His life on Calvary. So, as I close, I guess the question we all need to answer is, “What do we really need? Or should it be, “WHO do we really need?
East Springfield Christ UMC
By: Nicki Tennant 740.543.3002
We are continuing our Wednesday night Bible Study of the Book of Revelation. Please join us at 6:30pm for this study. Immediately following we have a special time of praise, testimony, and prayers. The Adult Sunday School class started the Summer Quarter on Sunday, June 6th. This quarter will focus on “People of Valor” in the Bible, including Joshua, Gideon, Elijah, Esther, Peter & John, and several others.
Plans are underway for our annual church picnic on Sunday, July 25th at Elkhorn Christian Camp. Worship Service will begin at 11am followed by a covered dish dinner. Then we will have the opportunity to use the Camp facilities – pool, lake, and grounds.
The ladies of the church enjoyed the Mother’s Daycovered dish dinner on Saturday, May 15th, and the gentlemen each received cookie boxes on Father’s Day. We participated in the East Springfield Memorial Day Parade with a float.
Our church family collected enough items to assemble forty-three (43) Health Kits that we donated through UMCOR. We are deciding how we can best serve the different school district needs for our Back-to-School Giveaway in August.
Beginning July 4th, our Morning Worship service will start at 11am each week. Everyone is welcome to join us each Sunday morning at 9:45am for Sunday School and 11am for Morning Worship. Mark 4:39, “Peace be still.” Don’t be afraid. The Master is near.
Larry Crow Curb Committee
Thank you to the people who helped us paint curbs on May 15th with the Larry Crow Curb Committee. Thank you to the town for supplying the painting supplies, to the volunteers for all their hard work, Officer Clark for keeping us safe, and Trinity Church for feeding us after. It was a great success and all of us together helped to make Bergholz a little brighter and nicer than before. Larry Crow was definitely smiling down from heaven that day!
Our Flag
By: Patricia A. Fleming
She waves for my attention,
So free upon the breeze.
The sun reflects her stars and stripes,
As proud as she can be.
She tells a tale of people lost,
Who came to find their way
And carried on through every loss,
To bring us here today.
She reminds me of the brave who fought
To keep our country strong
And shouts at me of victories
To right egregious wrongs.
She whispers to our children
Of all this country has to give
And begs that they stand up for her
And give thanks for how they live.
She cries to me of apathy,
Of prejudice and hate,
Of disrespect for what she stands,
And a Constitution we forsake.
She demands that I acknowledge her
And what she means to me
And dares me to imagine life
If she should cease to be.
And still in Glory she unfurls
And gives me hope again
For a people reunited,
And a country on the mend.
So each time I see her wave at me,
I’ll stop and gaze above
And take a moment to respect
This country that I love.
