Submitted information
The Central Insurance retiree community along with their guests came together at Pizza Hut in Van Wert for their monthly luncheon in August. The gathering was alive with cheerful banter, heartfelt exchanges, and the unmistakable warmth of rekindled friendships including a card game or more of Euchre (front row, left to right): Linda Holden and Viv Langhals, and back row, Phil Steinen and Dorothy Helmke.
Attendees were as follows (front row, left to right): Linda Holden, Penny Duer, Annette Hirschy, Vivian Langhals, Nancy Wollenhaupt, Deb Boroff, Ruth Ricker; back Row – Phil Steinen, Terry Knebel, Chuck White, Royce Baden, Loren Shindeldecker, Paula Giessler-Scott, Dorothy Helmke, and Dewaine Johnson.
The Central Insurance retiree group and guests gather on the fourth Wednesday of every month to reconnect and share good company. The next monthly gathering will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 24, at Pizza Hut. Come enjoy great company, good food, and meaningful conversation with fellow retirees and guests.
POSTED: 09/22/25 at 7:12 am. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
Submitted information
Mary Jo Hammond, a local social worker, presented a slideshow about marijuana and cannabis to the Heartland Patriots at their meeting this month.
One of her first statements was that today’s marijuana is very different than that of the 60’s and 70’s. Marijuana and hemp are the same plant. Hemp is a mixture of male and female cannabis plants, and produces less than .3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), while marijuana is more than .3% THC.
Hemp is legal in most countries, and has been legal in the US since 2015.
The FDA approved medical marijuana in 2020 for two conditions: child epilepsy and nausea for cancer patients. It cannot be smoked publicly. Its most popular forms are gummies and mints. It also comes in liquid form. A law was passed in November, 2023 to allow a person to grow six plants, or 12 per household. They must be out of sight. Renters must have permission from landlords. They cannot be sold for profit.
“Head shops” (“smoke shops”) can sell cannabis-related accessories, such as pipes, bongs, rolling papers, lighters, and vaporizers. Unlike dispensaries, they are not allowed to sell cannabis. Van Wert County has one dispensary, located in Delphos. There are 1,200 dispensaries in Ohio, and approximately 15,000 in the U.S. as of early 2024. Dispensaries must be state-licensed. Doctors cannot prescribe marijuana, only suggest it as a possibility for various symptoms. Medical marijuana cards can be purchased. They are not covered by insurance companies.
The topic for the October Heartland Patriots meeting will be the upcoming election. The public is welcome and urged to come at 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, at Wesley Church on Center St. in Van Wert.
POSTED: 09/18/25 at 7:25 am. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
Central Insurance retirees and guests held their July get together on July 23 at Pizza Hut in Van Wert. Lunch buzzed with lively conversation and the comforting presence of good friends. Attendees were as follows (front row, left to right): Grace Haselman, Lela Benneman, Paula Giessler-Scott, Sharon Baer, Luanne Watson (guest) Back Row: Val Sluterbeck, Phil Steinen, Annette Hirschy, Doug Watson, Gloria Tumblin, Chuck White, Dorothy Helmke, Linda Holden, Viv Langhals, Ruth Ricker, Deb Boroff, and Dewaine Johnson. Not pictured: Kay Sluterbeck (guest) The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month, with the next one be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 27, at Pizza Hut, 735 W. Ervin Road, Van Wert. The guest speaker for August will be Angie from the Shangri-La Dispensary of Delphos and will discuss alternatives to prescription painkillers All retirees and guests are invited. Photo submitted
POSTED: 08/25/25 at 6:41 am. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
Submitted information
The first graduating class of Parkway High School, the Class of 1962, has planned a reunion in celebration of the 63rd year since graduation. The reunion will be held at Shanes Hall in the park at Shanes Park in Rockford on Friday, September 12.
- Social time 4-5:30 p.m.
- Dinner at 5:30 p.m.
- Class meeting
- Football game vs. Minster, for class members who are able to attend.
Those from Rockford High School and Willshire High School and community members who wish to meet and chat with the Class of 1962 are invited to attend the social time.
POSTED: 08/08/25 at 9:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles, News
A longtime county employee is now enjoying retirement. Dennis E. Parsons, also known as “Hammer” retired this week from the Van Wert County Courthouse after 26 years serving as their custodian. Photo submitted
POSTED: 07/15/25 at 8:49 pm. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles, News
Central Insurance retirees and guests held their June meeting on the 25th at Pizza Hut in Van Wert. Lunch brimmed with animated chatter and the warmth of good company. Following the meal, retiree Chuck White shared insights about a fire safety sensor called “Ting,” designed to detect electrical hazards before they cause fires.Attendees were as follows (front row, left to right): Terri Ulrey, Gloria Tumblin, Deb Boroff, Ruth Ricker, Linda Holden, and Dorothy Helmke. Back row, left to right: Dewaine Johnson, Sue Karst, Grace Haselman, Phil Steinen, Paula Giessler Scott, Chuck White, Luanne Watson (Guest), Patty Kiehl, Loren Shindeldecker and Doug Watson. The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The next luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, at Pizza Hut, There will be no program or presentation this month. All retirees and guests are invited. Photo submitted
POSTED: 07/15/25 at 12:20 pm. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
Submitted information
The Van Wert Area Retired Teachers Association (VWARTA) will have a summer luncheon meeting and program at 12 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Willow Bend Country Club.
Members are encouraged to attend to hear updates from speaker Dr. Robin Rayfield, ORTA Executive Director, and/or other ORTA officers on the STRS pension system and the Ohio Retirement for Teachers Association response to recent legislation passed in Ohio’s budget bill that limit the voices of retired and active teachers in the decision-making process involving their retirement futures. VWARTA members are welcome to invite other interested retired educators as guests to this luncheon program.
The luncheon menu includes: BBQ chicken breast, twice-baked potatoes, southern green beans, fruit cup and sweet treat, along with coffee and iced tea. The meal cost is $13 and reservations must be made by 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 9. Meal reservations may be made by contacting Jean Minnig at 419.203.0642, or by email, jaminnig@hotmail.com.
The mission of the Ohio Retirement for Teachers Association (ORTA) is to advocate for Ohio’s active and retired educators in protecting their retirement benefits. ORTA also supports public education and for fairness to all students.
For more information about the local VWARTA Chapter or this meeting, you may contact Deb Kleinhenz at 419.203.2283.
POSTED: 07/04/25 at 8:14 pm. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles, News
Submitted information
Central Insurance retirees and guests held their May meeting on the 28th at Pizza Hut in Van Wert. Lunch was a vibrant mix of lively conversations and delightful companionship. The following were in attendance: Dewaine Johnson, Doug Watson, Royce Baden, Phillip Steinen, Val Sluterbeck, Linda Holden, Sharon Baer, Ruth Ricker, Deb Boroff, Pam Linton, Viv Langhals,Dorothy Helmke, Paula Giessler Scott, Grace Haselman and Kay Sluterbeck.
The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The next luncheon will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 25. All retirees and guests are invited to Pizza Hut, 735 W Ervin Rd., Van Wert. Chuck White will give a brief presentation on the “TING” device/service.
POSTED: 06/22/25 at 9:01 pm. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
Submitted information
Central Insurance retirees and guests held their most recent monthly meeting on April 23 at Pizza Hut in Van Wert. Lunchtime was filled with engaging discussions and great company. Following lunch, Nikki Wenzlick, PT and owner of Van Wert Physical Therapy shared insights on the services offered at the clinic, with a focus on fall prevention tips.
The following were in attendance: front row seated (left to right): Loren Shindeldecker, Doug Watson, Sue Karst, Grace Haselman, Vickie Ingman, Luanne Watson, Annette Hirschy, Patty Kiehl, and Dorothy Helmke. Back row (left to right): Nikki Wenzlick, Guest, Dewaine Johnson, Chuck White, Phil Steinen, Viv Langhals, Sharon Baer, Ruth Ricker, Paula Giessler-Scott, Linda Holden, and Kathryn Herman.
The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The next luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28. All retirees and guests are invited to Pizza Hut on W. Ervin Rd. in Van Wert. There will be no guest speaker in May.
POSTED: 05/08/25 at 7:15 am. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles
Central Insurance retirees and guests held their March meeting on the 26th at Pizza Hut in Van Wert. There was abundant discussion before, during and after lunch. Those in attendance included (seated, from the left): Dan Cramer, Grace Haselman, Dorothy Helmke, Paula Giessler-Scott, Sharon Baer, Teri Ulrey, Rhonda Altman. (standing) Val Sluterbeck, Phil Steinen, Nancy Wollenhaupt, Vickie Ingman, Kay Sluterbeck, Linda Holden, Gloria Tumblin, Susan Gunsett, and Dewaine Johnson. The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The next luncheon will be on April 23 at 11 a.m. All retirees and guests are invited to Pizza Hut, 735 W. Ervin Road in Van Wert. The guest speaker for April will be Nikki Wenzlick, owner of Van Wert Physical Therapy, who will discuss issues with age-related falls. photo submitted
POSTED: 04/16/25 at 9:32 am. FILED UNDER: Lifestyles