Around Ravenna: A lot of happenings during holiday season

So many things happening!The Salvation Army of Portage County had its annual Kettle Kick-off on Nov. 10 at the Christian Life Center on Summit Road. The speaker was the dynamic Pastor Cornell Jordan. He was truly an inspiration. I’m sure after hearing his presentation, almost everyone wanted to ring the bells and start standing at the kettles.If you are interested in doing so, call the office at 330-296-7371 The Chestnut Tree gift shop at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna hosted its annual Christmas Open House recently and it was a huge success. As usual, Jenny Turner, gift shop manager, worked her magic and the shop was transformed into a beautiful Christmas Wonderland. Stop in and see all her magic, you won’t be disappointed.Speaking of U.H., don’t miss the Auxiliary’s 35th annual Celebration of Lights on Dec. 7. The ceremony and reception afterward start at 6:30 p.m. This will be in-person with mask requirements. The Auxiliary thanks you for your continued support. For more information, call the Auxiliary office at 330-297-2594.The Portage County Historical Society will hold its second annual Christmas Walk/Open House from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18, 6549 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna. In addition, they will have speakers Richard Whitmore, Jim Wade and Wayne Enders. Santa also will be there from 5 to 7 p.m. both days.Don’t miss the opportunity to see all the Society has to offer and a chance to visit neighbors. The tickets can be purchased at the door; and at Susie K’s Cafe and Tea Room and the West Main Street Winery, both in Ravenna. Tickets are $10 per person or $20 per family.

Cathy Rufener and her late husband are well known and beloved in Ravenna, and were former grand marshals of the Balloon A-Fair.

Cathy has been involved in raising money for The Haven since its planning stages. Her main fundraiser was sleeping in her car as part of a fundraiser at a local church. She is deeply motivated by her Christian faith and call to service. And she gets other folks involved and gives them the credit.

When the church ended their “sleep in your car” fundraiser, she took up the idea and brought it to her neighborhood. Cathy and some of her local supporters spent an evening in the cold, sleeping in their cars on the street near her home. The pledges are over $2,000 so far. Donations are still being accepted. Checks should be made out to The Haven of Portage County, and sent to Cathy c/o First United Methodist Church of Ravenna, 263 S. Prospect St., Ravenna 44266.

Next year’s event is in the planning stages.

Call Angie Reedy at 330-297-7228 with your Ravenna news.