United Way donation…

United Way of Van Wert County recently received a check in the amount of $229 on behalf of Amber Davis, a realtor at Schrader Realty, and the Schrader Shares program. Schrader Realty is all about giving back to its communities. Whether a person is a buyer or seller, 5 percent of the commission brought into Schrader Realty will be donated to an organization that is on its Schrader Shares list. The United Way of Van Wert County is thankful for this generous donation, which will be given back to the Van Wert community. For more information on Schrader Shares, visit http://schraderrealty.net or call one of its offices located in Van Wert, Delphos, or Lima. Shown are Amber Davis, a realtor at Schrader Realty, and United Way Executive Director Vicki Smith. United Way photo

Poinsettia sales turned over to Peony Fest

VW independent/submitted information

The Poinsettia Committee for TWIG II has announced it has turned over the sales of poinsettias at Christmas to the Peony Festival Committee as a fundraiser. 

Those on the TWIG II Committee want all their customers to know they have greatly appreciated the support given in the past in helping to raise funds for donation to Van Wert County Hospital for equipment by purchasing poinsettias.

The list of merchants and businesses who have participated in the past has been turned over to the new committee. It is the hope of each member of the TWIG II Committee that the support given in the past will continue as this new committee takes over. Sales will be a great help to the Peony Festival Committee in raising the funds needed to continue its activities for the community.

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.