Ray Booth | Times-Reporter correspondent
NEWCOMERSTOWN — The Chamber of Commerce has begun having in-person meetings and Chamber President Dee Stocker has a message for the community in a newsletter put out by Brei Fechuch, secretary.
In part, Stocker wrote: “What a resilient community! Newcomerstown has a strong, rich history that continues to amaze even during Covid-19. I personally want to thank everyone for helping others during these difficult times. I am so proud to be your neighbor and friend.
“We are listening, I have heard from so many about the current job opening situation. We are going to have a feature listing of our current members who have positions available.”
Stocker said the Chamber will be partnering with the schools to promote fire safety and said the Chamber is also promoting the Small Business Development Council to provide free, in-depth business consulting.
The Chamber is also offering a $100 gift card at Riesbeck’s Grocery with area residents able to register at the store on April 22.
Board of Education
The Board of Education met in February and accepted a scholarship pass-through of $16,049.21 from the estate of Sara Grewell, which will be forwarded to the Newcomerstown Scholarship Foundation.
The board also accepted a donation of $100 from the Newcomerstown Historical Society towards a high school art class trip to the Alan Cotrill Studio and Gallery in Zanesville.
The board approved:
• Tuition reimbursement for Jennifer Milligan.
• Proposal for engineering for a property condition assessment at the Middle School.
• Hiring Amanda Resh as multiple disabilities classroom aide at the West Elementary; hiring Nick Greenwood as eighth grade girls basketball coach.
• Open enrollment policy for the 2022-2023 school year.
• Family medical leave for Danelle Simmerman.
• Spring sports schedules.
• Field trip for the high school Leadership Class to the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas.
Candy, cookies, crafts
The Easter cookie-candy-craft sale at Christ United Methodist Church will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 2, in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
Available will be an assortment of chocolate decorated pretzel rods, cut-out cookies, Buckeyes, caramels, orange cookies, chocolate peanut butter eggs and lots more goodies. There will also be lots of homemade crafts.
Murder Mystery
A murder mystery, “Monsters Menu for Murder,” will be presented on April 29-30 at the Olde Main Street Museum on Canal Street in Newcomerstown.
Tickets are on sale now, with a social hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event will include the mystery, dinner music by Mike Hoskins, a wine tasting hosted by John Ourant and a meal that will include lasagna, salad, bread, dessert, along with snacks, “and of course, murder!”
The mystery will be directed by Chris Hart, who will also play the part of Charles “Cheese” Strudel. John Ourant will be the emcee, while other parts will include: Peggy Snyder as Penelope “Peaches” Melba, Vane Scott as Clemente “Clams” Casino, Dave Boyer as Bruno “Beef” Stroganoff, Marlene Ross as Cheryl “Cherries” Jubilee, Susie Hart as Concheta “Chickie” Cacoatore, Ray Booth as Egbert “Eggs” Benedict, and Michael Wise as Rocco “Rocky” Rhodes.
Those attending are encouraged to come dressed as a favorite gangster and join the fun in solving the murder with prizes for the winning table.
The dinner of lasagna, salad, bread, dessert and drinks, plus the show will be $35. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. starting with a wine tasting by John Ourant. Social hour music will be provided by Mike Hoskins.
Call 740-498-7735 for box office times to reserve tickets.
Hero Hustle
The Hero Hustle 5K Color Run and Walk is planned for Saturday, May 7, at Cy Young Park. Rain date is May 14.
Sponsored by #orangeandblackgetfit and Operation Veterans Helping Veterans, the opening ceremony will be at 8:45 a.m. with the race beginning at 9 a.m. The cost is $30 and all participants will receive their choice of a muscle tank shirt or a t-shirt. Shirts only will be $25 for adult sizes and $20 for youth sizes. The event is free for veterans and for children under 9 (shirt not included for youths).
The event is free for veterans. All proceeds go towards supporting Operation Veterans Helping Veterans and #orangeandblackgetfit to continue both non-profit programs.
Online registration is located on the event’s Facebook page from April 1 to May 1.
For more information, contact Phil Valdez at 330-340-5626 or Autumn Hendershot at 740-624-1617.
Benefit
There will be a benefit for the family of John Poland, who recently passed away, on Saturday, April 2, at 7550 Wolfe’s Crossing Road, Gnadenhutten.
A donation of $10 for a pasta dinner will include pasta with meat sauce, salad, roll, dessert and a bottle of water. Dine-in or carry out will be available from 3-5 p.m.
To submit an item for “In The News,” email the information to rbooth7747@gmail.com.
