2020 Blue Creek Alumni Banquet canceled

VW independent/submitted information

HAVILAND — The Blue Creek High School Alumni Banquet Committee has announced the cancellation of the 2020 annual All-Class Banquet due to COVID-19 virus pandemic warnings and restrictions.  

This measure has been taken to protect potential attendees, most of whom would be among the most vulnerable to the virus.  

Further information regarding the decision or the banquet itself is available by calling the Rev. Keith Stoller at 419.771.4026.

VWHS Class of 1965 postpones reunion

VW independent/submitted information

The Van Wert High School Class of 1965 reunion committee has postponed its 55th class reunion, originally scheduled for August 8, to August 7, 2021.

The postponement is due to various pandemic-related issues and constraints, and largely due to the ban on mass gathering throughout Ohio (in addition to other states with various restrictions) and also travel and other restrictions.

Those classmates who read this are asked to forward the information to others, since the committee does not have email addresses or phone numbers for all classmates.

Elks donate…

Schumm Family Reunion set back to 2021

VW independent/submitted information

The John George Schumm Family Reunion, originally scheduled for Sunday, August 2, has now been postponed until Sunday, August 1, 2021. With more than 250 individuals attending the reunion two years ago, it was felt to be safer to postpone due to the COVID-19 virus. 

The location will remain the same next year at Zion Lutheran Church in Schumm’s picnic grounds east of Willshire.  The reunion will have all the activities originally planned for this year, including speaker Spank Schumm, who will talk about early settler times. 

Those planning to attend should mark their calendars for next year on Sunday, August 1.

PERI May meeting canceled for COVID-19

Submitted information

In keeping with Ohio COVID-19 guidelines, the May 13 meeting of Van Wert Chapter of PERI (Public Employees Retirement Inc.) will not be held.  

State agencies: Ohioans, be wary of scams

Submitted information

COLUMBUS — March 1-7 is National Consumer Protection Week. The Ohio Department of Aging and the Ohio Department of Commerce offer tips to older Ohioans and their families to help recognize the signs of scams and know how to avoid them.

“When older adults are unexpectedly forced to manage the impacts of financial crimes against them, it can be devastating on many levels,” said Ursel McElroy, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. “It affects the people in their lives, too.”

“We are working with state and local partners to strengthen Ohio’s consumer protections to prevent elder financial abuse and hold those who would victimize seniors accountable,” added Sheryl Maxfield, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Consumers can reduce their risk of falling for a scam by being skeptical and adopting safe habits, online and off.

• Be alert to calls or emails that demand immediate payment, sometimes by unusual means, such as gift cards.
• Don’t let anyone pressure you into signing a contract or buying a product or service. Ask for written information and take your time to decide. If they won’t let you, it’s probably not a good idea to do business with them.
• Remember that you can’t win a lottery or sweepstakes you didn’t enter. If someone says you have won a prize but you must pay a fee, it’s probably a scam.
• Never give your banking information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly over the phone or internet, even if they claim to be someone you do business with, like your utility company. Hang up and call them back via the contact information on your bill.

For more consumer tips and resources, visit the Ohio Department of Commerce’s website at www.com.ohio.gov. Learn more about consumer scams that target older adults, along with other types of elder abuse and exploitation, on the Ohio Department of Aging’s website at www.aging.ohio.gov.

VWHS Florida get-together

Those who attended a Van Wert High School alumni get-together in Longwood, Florida, earlier this month included (front row, from the left) Beth Ann Bryant (Class of 1958), Mary Jane Overmyer (Class of 1958), ’65 Nancy Darras (Class of 1965), Cheryl Underwood Hall (Class of 1964), Betty Bee Bell (Class of 1964), Betty Jean Ingman (Class of 1964), Karol Kerns Agler (Class of 1964), ’64 Ben Agler (Class of 1964; (back row) Diane Cline Mengerink (Class of 1966), Barb Loudon Purmort (Class of 1969), Charlie Purmort (Class of 1966), Chuck Darras (Class of 1970), Brad Hall (Class of 1967), Onley Heath (Class of 1958), John Ingman (Class of 1964), Larry Mengerink (Class of 1964), and Larry Hoverman (Class of 1960).  photo provided

23 Twig II members meet in February

VW independent/submitted information

While thinking of chocolate because of Valentine’s Day, Twig II held its monthly meeting February 10 in Conference Room A of Van Wert Health. A total of 23 members and one guest were greeted by Hostess Judy Fox. Malinda Shellabarger gave the Invocation and lunch was served by Van Wert Health.

Speaker for the afternoon was Main Street Van Wert Executive Director Mitch Price, who spoke on “Van Wert Happening”. Price was introduced by his mother, Sue Price. Van Wert Main Street is a nonprofit organization that works to stimulate growth and development of Van Wert’s downtown district, which encompasses 25 blocks in the heart of the city.

The Main Street organization is made up of five subcommittees: Executive, Design, Promotions, BVC, and Organization. The organization’s funding comes from Van Wert city and county government, events, and donations from supporting partners.  

Price handed out the flyer Main Street Van Wert 2020 Events that lists dates of the 2020 events. The flyer also includes dates for the “Market at the Wass” program. A postcard explaining how to become a 2020 supporting partner was also included.

Price said the Chocolate Walk held recently was very successful. Also 2,600 people attended the December Christmas event held in Third Ward Park.

Nancy Wolverton, first co-chairman, called the business meeting to order, and stated the Hospital Thrift Shop will be having a jewelry sale in June. Those with jewelry they would like to donate can do so at the Thrift Shop until March 31.

Shirley Lichty introduced guest and future member Jane Barber. Committee reports were also given, with Jane Broman, scheduling chairman, stating that schedules for April 13 to June 20 will be handed out at the next meeting. Broman needs any conflicting dates by February 22. Wolverton thanked the Program Committee for the super job in planning programs for 2020. She also thanked Beverlee Profit for putting together the program books for 2020.

Twig II’s next meeting will be March 9, with Shelly Kraeger speaking on “Group Lifestyle Balance”.

Those attending the February meeting included Barbara Adams, Sharon Bolenbaugh, Jane Broman, Diana Crow, Cheryl Dray, Judy Fox, Del Free, Connie Hart, Ella Jackson, Judy Jackson, Arlene Keysor, Shirley Lichty, Judy Linton, Joy McCleery, Joyce Oechsle, Mary Anne Padden, Sue Price, Beverlee Profit, Malinda Shellabarger, Katy Sill, Shirley Soldner, Barbara Sunderland, and Nancy Wolverton.

Twig I holds monthly meeting at hospital

VW independent/submitted information

Twig I met on Thursday, January 9, in Conference Room A at noon at Van Wert Health with 24 members present. The “Pledge of Allegiance” was recited, followed by prayer given by Anne Bowen.

The speaker for this meeting was Mitch Price, executive director of Historic Main Street Van Wert. He explained that the non-profit organization was formed in 2002 and was accredited in 2006 as one of

88 Heritage Main Streets in Ohio. The entity’s mission is to stimulate growth and development in the historical areas of Main Street.

The area incorporated in Historic Main Street Van Wert includes the YWCA from the east to the YMCA on the west of Main Street and from Collins Fine Foods on North Washington to Purmort Brothers Insurance on South Washington Street. It has been noted that much improvement has been done in making many of the business fronts more attractive.

Historic Main Street Van Wert plans activities throughout the year, such as the Chocolate Walk scheduled for February 7. Many events involving the whole family play an important part in what is being held. So far

there are at least nine fun activities through December scheduled for 2020.

Price stressed that everyone should take pride in their hometown and, when possible, shop locally.

During the business meeting Chairman LaDonna Allenbaugh told the members that, at the Hospital Thrift Shop, a 50 percent off green tag sale will be held January 13-18 and 50 percent off pictures and frames will be January 20-25.

A jewelry sale is being planned for June. Costume jewelry, as well as more valuable items, will be available at that time. Donations should be taken to the Thrift Shop by March 31.

Twig I’s next meeting will be at noon Thursday, February 13, at Van Wert Health.

Members present at the January meeting were LaDonna Allenbaugh, Tressa Bissonette, Anne Bowen, Eve Braden, Dot Burley, Marge Clouse, Sharon Clouse, Carol Doner, Mae Enyart, Rosemary Foreman, Karen Gardner, Jane Geesey, Lois Goudy, Loretta Grove, Helen Huston, Lois Linser, Diana Mace, Ann McCray,

Jean Minnig, Judy Nieman, Jean Owens, Nancy Szolach, Edith Voltz, and Brenda Welker.

C’view Class of 1984 reunion

The Crestview High School Class of 1984 recently celebrated its 35-year class reunion. Members of the class met at the Convoy Fox Hunters on November 2. The Reunion Committee consisted of Julie Sheets, Teresa Klinker, and Kevin Imler. A raffle was held, raising $220 to donate to students at Crestview in need of financial assistance for upcoming class trips. Raffle winners included Lynette Braun, Matt Greulach, and Paul Dutton. Classmates unable to attend may contact Julie (Miller) Sheets at jasheets25@gmail.com to update their contact information. Class members shown include (front row, from the left) Julie (Comer) Voisard, Lynette (Vonderau) Braun, Rhonda Walker, Staci Howell, Deanna (Delorme) Murguia, Kathy (Wortman) Overmyer, Amy (Wendel) Dunlop, Teresa (Thomas) Klinker, Michelle (Hoverman) Hohman; (middle row) Rhonda (McNall) Crisenbery, Kurt Conn, Randy Sowers, Steve Richardson, Paul Dutton, Julie (Miller) Sheets, Rod Price, Matt Greulach, Ronalee (Buffenbarger) Blauvelt, Julie Smith; (back row) Nick Miller, Dan Bauer, Troy Lautzenheiser, Dave Bowen, Kent Rolsten, Rod Klinger, John Bauer. Present but not pictured: Lori (Harting) Hile.  photo provided