The pantry’s hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. for shopping convenience, especially those who work, according to Anne Marie Wojton, coordinator.

The pantry item list includes products like toilet paper, multi-purpose cleaners, detergent, bar soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, baby wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, deodorant, feminine hygiene and adult briefs, according to Wojton.

The most needed items include body wash, conditioner, deodorant, detergent, shampoo, toilet paper and toothpaste, she said.

Upon arrival, guests fill out a survey with information, including where they heard about the pantry from, Wojton said, which is a main part is word of mouth and Facebook.

“The word has gotten out,” she said. “Getting the word out has been a big thing for us this year.”

Donations can be made to the church, as well as cash gifts which go toward purchasing pantry items, according to Wojton.

Community engagement also has played a part in donations, especially with the holidays and the recent donation drive, she said.

“We recently had a drop-off drive over the holidays, and some of the stores in Vermilion had drop-off boxes,” Wojton said. “That was a big help.”

When the pantry is open, there will be a snack table, coffee and seating area with tables for guests to feel comfortable, she said, as well as a resource table for different programs and organizations in the area.

“We try to make them feel at home,” Wojton said. “We want to be friendly and like we’re inviting people into our own homes.”

The sense of community has been felt among the volunteers who work the pantry, Wojton said, but also among those who frequent and those who visit occasion.

“It’s kind of brought a sense of community,” she said. “Not everyone come every month; there’s some that come once or twice because they just needed a little help.”

Inspiration came to Wojton in January 2022 with the realization she said that there are little to no pantries in Northeast Ohio for essential and hygiene items, as compared to food pantries, which are more common.

“I’ve been taking these little steps of faith, and by August, we had our pantry open,” she said.

A main driving force was the fact that food stamps don’t cover items such as toothpaste or laundry detergent, Wojton said, which is something people might not know.

With visitors from places like Huron and Lorain, the Essentials Pantry has been striving to provide to those in need year-round, she said.

“People come in with tears in their eyes, and they thank us for doing this,” Wojton said. “It’s been a blessing to us (volunteers) as well.”

Information on the pantry can be found on the Essentials Pantry – Vermilion Facebook page or visit https://www.discoververmilion.org/news-and-events/news/params/post/4167670/essentials-pantry-offers-free-essentials.

Julene Woods, owner of Woods Family Farm, said the roadside stand, which is more like a little building, has electricity that allows a refrigerator and freezer to be hooked up for meat and online orders waiting to be picked up.

Woods husband, Brett, built the structure and the farm opened it for business in spring 2022, she said, and wanted to focus on accommodating people who cannot pick items up during normal business hours but still want quality food.

“People can come and just swing by the freezer and grab their order at any time,” Woods said. “It is the honor system.”

Meat products found in the stand include home-grown chicken and turkey, and other food items like honey, syrup and black walnut syrup, according to Woods.

The farm does accept online orders, as well as for halves and whole pigs.

“They can just go in there and do their convenient shopping,” Woods said.

Although it is a farm stand, the family wants to keep that face-to-face interaction with customers who visit, she said.

“We don’t want it to be just the stand and we stay away,” Woods said. “We have our regulars, and if we see them out there, we go out there and chit-chat and they pretty much expect us to come out there if we’re home.”

Woods said her family — with children Emmarose, Carter and Katelyn — started out with goats in 2016 as 4-H projects, and made the switch in 2019 to run their farm based on another farm in Virginia, focusing on pasture-raised systems.

In line with the family’s faith in which the farm is based on, this practice helps sustainability in the environment and provides a more natural quality of life for livestock, Woods said.

“You’re giving back to the land because then those animals are stirring up the different seeds that have been dormant,” she said. “It’s really enriching the land rather than killing the land.”

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Woods said she saw a rise in people wanting to shop locally for items, specifically food, because they wanted to ensure where it was coming from, which reflects one main goal of the farm: to connect the community with their food.

This practice helps to show just exactly how the animals live, she said.

“The biggest thing is, it’s not about how many customers we can get, but it’s how we can connect people with their food,” she said.

Woods said the farm especially values other local farms and gardens, and the work that can be done together to connect each other with customers, sometimes in need of specific items that Woods Family Farm doesn’t have.

“We’re really big about community; we’re really big on making this pleasant for the community, but also being able to give our time and giving back to the community,” she said. “The farm community is amazing around here.”

Woods said she started a listing of farms and gardens in the area, each with different specialties, in hopes to post it for followers to have access to locally made items, she said.

“It’s not competitive; it’s about connecting people with their food and connecting people with the farms,” Woods said.

“Ideally, a book a week,” said Alex Vargo, public relations assistant for the Amherst Public Library. “It is such a broad event. There’s no specifics about it; you just have to read a book.”

This year, the challenge involves participants filling out tickets each time they read a book for a chance at one of three raffle prizes, something that is new to the event, Vargo said.

“For this particular style of reading challenge, it is the first year,” she said.

The three prizes each are themed and include a Mid-Read Munchies prize with snacks; Library Swag, with various library materials; and a Comfort Collection, with a blanket and a thermos for hot chocolate, according to the library.

There are no rules for what books to read, making the program a great opportunity for community members, especially ones needing a reason to get out of the house, Vargo said.

“Giving them an opportunity to use that reading as a way to participate in an activity with the other patrons in the community, is really nice,” she said.

In years past, there have been as many as 100 people signed up, Vargo said.

This year, there are about 50 with more on the list, she said.

Since events for children — a sing-along or a story time — are easier to keep general, the turnout for this specific event tailored for adults has been successful, Vargo said.

“We kind of have to adhere to what people like when it comes to the adults here,” she said. “For adults, it’s a little more difficult, so we have to see what works and doesn’t work here.”

Vargo said not only does this event give people an opportunity to participate in something out of the house, it allows the library to be used to its full potential while guests seek a book for the program, which can be done in-person and online.

“Being able to just come into the library and get out and see what’s new or maybe even revisit a favorite … it’s nice to be able to have options open for these activities,” Vargo said.

“Our goal is to make the patrons have a place to find solace in and just be happy,” she said.

While this year’s program recently started, Vargo said there are plans to bring it back next winter.

“We are adding more adult activities and teen activities soon,” she said.

The third annual watch party is a fundraiser for the organization, according to Sandy Kaiser, executive director of the Amherst Historical Society.

Doors will open at 5 p.m.

The event will feature a 10-foot screen to project the game with “tailgate food,” Super Bowl squares and card games, Kaiser said.

“Anything that you’d can expect for tailgate food; your chips, your dip all of that kind of good stuff,” she said. “We’ll have other board and card games for people who are maybe not interested in the football game itself, but maybe want to sit and play cards or Yahtzee, whatever they want to do.”

Squares are $50 each, which includes entry to the event, otherwise admission is $10 per person, Kaiser said.

The watch party is B.Y.O.B. and not recommended for people younger than age 18.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, a basket raffle with various themed baskets, some of which will be football, Kaiser said.

Baskets are made possible by the generous donations from people and businesses in the community, she said.

“That’s how we exist is the generosity of the people in the area,” Kaiser said. “So, if somebody would like to make a donation, we would be delighted to accept it.”

The first two years of the Super Bowl party were very well received by the community, and to the surprise of the Historical Society, attended by more than was expected, Kaiser said.

Attendance the first year was more “normal” with 60 to 70 people, and increased to over 100 last year, she said.

“We had a full house last year,” Kaiser said.

Money raised will help with several projects, including a “sandstone patio gazebo” that will pay tribute to the sandstone industry and a military museum in Sandstone Village, according to Kaiser.

Although the organization is a history focused group, “it’s all about community, young and old” and events are planned to pertain to all interests, she said.

“Yes, we love history, and we love to educate the community on history, but we love to have fun,” she said. “One of our goals is community outreach — getting the people of the community involved in doing fun things that, maybe, we sneak a little history in there and educate them on the side.”

Reservations are required by Feb. 5 by calling 440-988-7255 or sending an email to office@amhersthistoricalsociety.com.

Burnham’s offers a wide selection of home-grown apples, depending on availability, according to Alexis Burnham, chief operations officer for Burnham Orchards.

Some apples now available are pink lady, Fuji, empire, granny smith, golden delicious, gala and McIntosh, Burnham said.

“It’s pretty unique because the process of which we pick them, clean them, polish them and store them, allows us to carry eight different varieties year-round,” she said. “During the fall time, too, we have certain orchards that are just for pick-your-own.”

The farm also produces four types of “premium, renowned apples” including honeycrisp, rosalee, ludacrisp and evercrisp, according to Burnham.

Since the farm is over 200 years old and in its seventh generation of operation, the family has been able to maintain an older apple variety, called Stayman Winesap, that is an uncommon find, she said.

“It’s a firm, sort of spicy, baking type of apple, and it’s not one that a lot of farmers still carry; it’s kind of an older variety,” Burnham said. “That’s an exciting one for us.”

Other produce at the farm includes peaches, blackberries and cherries, all of which are seasonal, she said, but the quality level is something that makes Burnham’s renowned.

As part of the winter season, the farm has started two different events that are free and open to the public.

They are Sample Saturdays and Try-A-Pie Sundays, according to Burnham.

“Every weekend, for free, you can come out and try different things we have in the market,” she said.

In the market, guests will find a bakery and tap room, both featuring homemade products and items grown on the farm, Burnham said.

Hard apple cider is made on-site from Burnham’s apples.

Bakery items include cookies, cupcakes, doughnuts and pies.

“What we’re most well-known for from the bakery, is our pies and our apple fritters,” she said. “People drive all the way from Michigan on baking days throughout the whole year just to get our pies.”

For the upcoming year, Burnham said guests can look forward to new products, a bakery expansion and new events like a series of movie nights and a Meet-the-Baker event, for those who have questions about bakery item recipes.

“We have been sort of a mentor to the community in that way (for recipes), so we look forward to continuing that,” she said. “Everything we’re doing is to get us to bring people in.”

Burnham Orchards has its fair share of community outreach through nonprofits, fundraising and sponsoring organizations and sports teams, Burnham said.

“We’re always looking for new ways to be involved in the community,” she said.

To keep up with events and activities at Burnham’s, visit burnhamorchards.com.

Contestants must be between ages 5-10, live in Lorain County, be of Mexican descent and have at least one parent belong to the group, according to the organization. Parents can register themselves for the group for $10.

The pageant winners will be chosen based on the amount of raffle tickets each contestant sells, said pageant director, Loren Rodriguez. The winner of the pageant will also participate in the Lorain International Festival parade in June, according to Rodriguez.

“The princess that sells the highest amount of raffle tickets will be named queen,” she said. “They will present the little girls — they’ll either be named duchesses, princesses or queens.”

Mia Arredondo, scholarship co-chair for the Mexican Mutual Society, said in addition to contestants being escorted by rank at the pageant, there will be a crowning with a trophy and  traditional dance as well.

The pageant was started in 1980s, according to Rodriguez.

“The reason for the pageant is to get the younger generations of families and their children involved with Mexican culture,” she said.

Arredondo said the Mexican Mutual Society is a member-based cultural organization and was originally started with a purpose to help mill workers and their families in Lorain. It has since switched focus to instead being a support to the Mexican community through things like scholarships and fundraisers.

“The Cinco De Mayo little queen pageant is something we wanted to bring back because our committee is really focused on bringing in more families, continuing traditions for younger generations,” she said.

The organization, which recently celebrated its 95th anniversary, has awarded $65,000 in scholarships to 70 students, and holds different activities throughout the year — such as Browns Backer events and Meet the Politicians and Celebrity Bartender Nights, according to Arredondo.

For more information on the pageant, contact Loren Rodriguez at 440-654-3463.

While there are many outdoor trails and parks as part of the Metro Parks system, there is a fair share of indoor ones as well, according to Mariah Deitz, public information officer at the Lorain County Metro Parks.

This includes the Carlisle Visitor Center, French Creek Nature Center in Sheffield Village, the Vermilion River Carriage Barn and two recreations centers: Amherst HealthPlex and Splash Zone in Oberlin.

The Carlisle Visitor Center,12882 Diagonal Road, and the French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., both are home to indoor play places for children, as well as trails and meeting rooms available for rent, according to Dietz.

“The Carlisle Visitor Center offers an indoor children’s play space, the Dino Room, the Discovery Den for wildlife observation and the Raptor Center, which is home to seven non releasable raptor animal ambassadors,” she said.

Similarly, the French Creek Nature Center features an indoor play place as well as The Classroom, where many animal ambassadors are on display, Dietz said.

“A patio behind the center, features views of the creek valley and the walking trails which meander through the forest,” she said.

The Miller Nature Preserve Conservatory will be closed January and February while necessary maintenance and upgrades are made that, according to Dietz, the organization is excited to share with visitors.

“We are confident this minor inconvenience will allow visitors to enjoy this tropic oasis for many more years to come,” she said.

While winter may seem like the “off-season” in terms of the Lorain County Metro Parks, Dietz said some of the organization’s largest events take place in the winter with sell-out crowds and registrations that fill up in no time.

Some events to come include Fire & Ice at Vermilion River Reservation on Jan. 20, and the Hearts A Glow event at Schoepfle Garden in Birmingham on Feb. 10.

The program lineup for January and February has over 200 programs including outdoor hikes, painting classes, swim lessons, craft programs, fitness classes and the brand new Research and Conservation Symposium on Feb. 3, according to Dietz.

“This first-ever symposium will feature presentations and displays from the numerous groups that conduct research projects within Lorain County Metro Parks,” she said.

For more information or a list of programs, go to loraincountymetroparks.com.

Most products are made from Vandergriff’s homemade chocolate.

“I try to make everything myself,” she said. “That’s why I’m trying to keep the (nostalgic) feel.”

According to Vandergriff, items made with the homemade chocolate include chocolate-covered pretzels, strawberries and Oreo cookies, and other sweets like dipped caramel apples, pies and cookies.

“Every time I think of something, I think, would I buy that? Would I want that for my grandkids? Would I give that to my friend?” she asked.

According to Vandergriff, one of her best-selling items is the candy bouquets, which feature an arrangement of different candies and chocolates, some even come with flowers.

“The candy bouquets are probably what I sell the most of,” she said. “They sell like crazy.”

Vandergriff said vendors in her shop usually are close friends or family, and items they offer all are homemade as well.

“Everything here is homemade — even the crafts are homemade,” she said.

After closing the bakery she owned two decades ago, also called Gammy’s, Vandergriff said she decided to open a new shop with a focus on chocolate, since that is what she took the most interest in throughout her career.

“I really missed it and I wanted to open just a chocolate shop because that’s what I loved doing the most,” she said. “Since I’m older, I’m just going to do what I love.”

With the help of her daughter, Shannon Trembly, Vandergriff said they make everything.

The artwork on the walls is because of Trembly’s hand for art, the mom said.

“She did all the artwork; she did all the characters on the windows,” Vandergriff said. “She’s very creative.”

As a small business in a small town, Vandergriff said reception from the community has been positive, especially with the help of Main Street Wellington’s Support Local Saturdays.

The event helps local businesses and organizations spread word of their goods and services or special upcoming event.

“It’s awesome; everyone is just so friendly, welcoming and supportive,” Vandergriff said. “They’re (Main Street Wellington) really great about keeping the small businesses going, so they always have something going on that you can get involved in.”

With her experience and techniques, Vandergriff said she helps keep the spirit of an old candy shop alive through her creations and often spends time at home researching new recipes and ideas.

“I never get bored; I could stay here all day and make chocolate,” she said. “There is a lot more I want to do.”

For store hours and more information, call 440-420-5907, visit gammyscandy.com or Gammy’s Country Cottage on Facebook.

Miller, a volunteer and former master of Amherst’s Stonington Lodge, will present a history on the men George Washington trusted as his own distinguished masons.

“Norm is a member and volunteer of the Amherst Historical Society, and is a wealth of knowledge of the Amherst community and history,” said Elizabeth Fought, public relations manager for the Amherst Historical Society. “Anytime he can do presentations, we are absolutely thrilled.”

Miller said he will dress as people did in the 1700s to give guests a more realistic feel for the history of that era.

“I will be dressed in revolutionary attire as if I was attending a lodge meeting in the 1700s,” he said. “I won’t have a powdered wig though.”

Among Washington’s Freemasons, Miller said he learned of a picture featuring men like Benjamin Franklin and Marquis de La Fayette, and wanted to bring awareness to just how much Washington trusted them.

“All the people that were responsible for the victory of the Revolutionary War, were under Washington’s command, and all of them happened to be Master Masons,” he said. “Some from Ireland, some from England, some from the colonies — but all members of the Masonic Fraternity; he put his faith and trust into all these men.”

Miller said he will touch on the history of each individual involved in both the Revolutionary War and Freemasonry, including his own ancestor Nathaniel Greene, also known as “The Fighting Quaker.”

“I felt like it was worth bringing out to the masses of what and why he thought this way,” he said. “It connects to Amherst, around the way it comes back to Amherst and the Masonic Fraternity.”

Miller’s ancestors tied to the history include Abram Powers and Diedrick Hoffman in the Revolutionary War, as well as his grandfather Fred R. Powers in Amherst, according to Miller.

“This is an opportunity to share more of the history of the people of our community, and the Masonic brotherhood,” he said.

According to Miller, history always has been important to him, especially because of his ancestors from the area.

“Our family is very historically connected to the community,” he said. “I think it’s wonderful that the Amherst Historical Society brings these opportunities to the community.”

Fought said the event is free to the public.

“It offers a very nice community-based comradery to have people come together to learn about history,” she said. “The Historical Society is very grateful to Norm Miller for giving his time to put on this fantastic presentations and bring history to life for our community.”

Editor’s note: This story was edited at 9:49 a.m. Jan. 12, 2024 to correct the date of the program.

The third annual drive is one of the group’s community outreach efforts, said Angie DeLeon, advisor and Steele High science teacher.

All of the items donated will be given to Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, DeLeon said.

“What we do, is we ask local businesses and restaurants to help us by placing a collection bin in their establishments throughout the month of February,” she said. “If they fill up partway through the month, we go and collect the food, and we drop it off at Second Harvest.”

Drop-off locations for this year include Amherst Police Department, Kiedrowski’s Simply Delicious Bakery, Lorain Estates Senior Living, 1907 Assisted Living at Central School, ESP Brewing Co. and Amherst Public Library, DeLeon said.

The first year of the drive, roughly 1,700 items were collected, and last year around 2,500 items were collected, she said.

“Every year, we’ve gotten more food collected, and our goal is to reach 3,000 items this year,” DeLeon said. “And obviously, we can’t do it without the support of these businesses and community who have been really amazing the past two years.”

Among items needed are baby formula, pasta, peanut butter and cans with tabs to open.

Without businesses and organizations support, the drive would not be successful, she said.

“The past two years, we have just been overwhelmingly amazed,” DeLeon said. “We’re just so excited and positively overwhelmed with the community’s support.”

There are several main focuses to EcoLeague, including education and issues concerning the environment, DeLeon said.

The organization hopes to raise awareness among students in junior high and elementary schools, she said.

“Education is a big part of what we do,” DeLeon said. “Things like food awareness, food scarcity awareness, climate change, recycling — what is recyclable, what’s not recyclable.”

The Steele High EcoLeague even received silver in the E4 Program, sponsored by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, she said.

The program recognizes K-12 schools’ achievements in environmental stewardship and educating students on environmental topics, according to the EPA.

“We’re an award-winning school when it comes to the environment, and that’s due to the efforts, of not only EcoLeague, but the entire building,” DeLeon said.