Debbie Friedstrom, Trustee Plymouth Township Ashtabula County

Debbie Friedstrom, Trustee Plymouth Township Ashtabula County

Our township officials work with several community groups throughout the year to plan events: - Plymouth United Methodist Church - Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department - Plymouth Grange

Communicating With Our Community The elementary school that had been located in our township since 1937 was closed in June 2011 due to consolidation. This had been a key way to communicate with township residents and parents in our township, which we lost. Now we use an annual Township Newsletter to communicate and remind our residents of coming township events. Events are also posted on the township s website, as well as the Fire Department sign to remind residents of an upcoming event. The local newspapers are always willing to run an article on each event.

Plymouth Township Community Events One or more of the Township Trustees heads up each event committee. We meet with representatives from the Church, the Grange, the Fire Department and any residents who want to volunteer to organize events.

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony A long-standing tradition, the Community Memorial Day Parade forms at the Fire Department and travels about one mile to the Township Cemetery. The parade consists of fire trucks, several floats, vintage tractors, classic cars, decorated four-wheelers and bicycles, and walkers. Award ribbons are given to all participants. The Ceremony at the cemetery begins with prayer from the Plymouth United Methodist Church s pastor, followed by the National Anthem performed by one of our township s young singers. Our local historian gives a lesson on township history, followed by a short message from the Pastor. The ceremony ends with Taps. Township officials distribute refreshments to all that attend.

Memorial Day

Meet Your Neighbor Day Brick Run Held annually on the third Saturday of August, this community celebration begins with the Brick Run, a one-mile run/walk held on an old brick road. The race is sanctioned through the township s membership in the local runners club. Participation averages approximated 75 runners and walkers. Winners are presented with a commemorative brick with brass plaque in a ceremony immediately after the race. Race results are published in the local newspaper.

The Brick Run

Meet Your Neighbor Day Meet Your Neighbor Day activities begin at 11 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., held at our Fire Department and Community Room. Community volunteers erect large canopies (borrowed from the Ashtabula County Historical Society) the evening before. The Fire Department moves all of its vehicles out and food and tables and chairs are set up in the fire bays. Tables and chairs are also set up outdoors under one of the canopies. Attendees register and receive a name tag, which allows township officials to gauge participation. Attendees receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a mum plant. The day s events include a Chinese Auction with baskets full of goodies, such as Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns themed items; kids, ladies and car wash items, etc. Volunteers coordinate children s games and face painting. The local church distributes school supplies to all students.

Meet Your Neighbor Day For the noon lunch, the church provides funds for pulled pork, which a resident volunteer prepares in his smoker trailer. French fries, hot dogs, corn on the cob, beverages and paper products are provided through donations. Most residents bring a side dish or dessert to share. The homemade pie contest is popular and winners receive a ribbon. During the luncheon, the pies are auctioned. We have had pies go for over $100! Pie proceeds are combined with Brick Run fees and Chinese Auction and go toward a scholarship fund that is awarded yearly to a township graduate from the local high school.

Meet Your Neighbor Day The Fire Department sets up the Smoke House trailer for children to go through. This always makes a big impression on the kids. Other First Responder events have included a Life Flight helicopter landing, Red Cross blood donations, and Fire Department demonstrations on putting out fires, extricating someone from a wreck or even giving CPR quick classes.

Trunk or Treat Vehicle owners park so that their trunks are facing the same way. Many people decorate their open trunks for the children to see as the candy is being given out. The Fire Department, Grange and local church provide hot dogs, beverages, cotton candy, etc. and games inside the Community Room. Very popular with the Township s children, Trunk or Treat is held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on October 31st in the parking lot of our Fire Department/Community Room. This was our third annual event, which attracted about 125 children. Since most of our township is rural, this is a good way for the community to come together and provides a safer way for kids to Trick or Treat.

Questions? Contact the Plymouth Township Trustees Deb Friedstrom Dave Waldron Kevin Presley or Fiscal Officer Maryann Stevenson (440) 992-7484 plymouthtownshipohio@windstream.net 4350 Runkle Ave Ext Ashtabula, OH 44004 www.plymouthtownshipohio.org