Superman, aka Dean Cain, coming to Mansfield on March 25 to aid children in need:
Ross Dress for Less opens in Ontario:
Jeff Robertson:
Superman is coming to Richland County to help local kids in need.
On any given day in Ohio, nearly 16,000 children are being cared for in foster care. This number is expected to increase as the number of foster parents are decreasing.
But this month, superman is coming to Richland County to help these kids in need. Actor Dean Cain, who played the superhero in the 1990s series, Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, will be in Mansfield on March 25 to help launch Ohio Helping Hands.
Ohio Helping Hands is a state non-profit that provides “Foster Family Fun Packs” to foster families. They plan to donate 200 packs this year throughout Ohio. Each pack has a sturdy luggage bag for children to store and transport their personal items.
The packs are filled with games, crafts and other creative activities to help children break the ice with a new foster family, create a bond and have fun. Helping Hands was created after JCFilms Studios filmed and recently released the movie, “Chosen”, a film produced in Mansfield that stars the 55-year-old Cain and Kevin Sorbo.
Chosen is just one of several faith and family films being produced in Ohio by Cain. It highlights the beauty of adoption and foster parenting, but it also shows challenges many adoptive and foster parents endure. And it shows how communities and people of faith can come together to help.
Cain will help launch the Ohio Helping Hands effort by distributing the first set of bags to Richland County Children Services on March 25 at 6 p.m., just before the premiere of a new film, Joey & Rex Save the Church, at Crossroads Church.
Ashland’s Tom Van Meter had a career in the Ohio General Assembly
Next, some local history. Did you know that Ashland-native, Thomas Van Meter, was a member of the Ohio General Assembly? He served in the Ohio Senate from 1973 to 1982, representing the 19th District.
He also ran for the Republican nomination for governor in 1978, eventually losing to former Ohio Governor Jim Rhodes. He eventually returned to the General Assembly, serving in the Ohio House of Representatives for one term.
He ran for the Republican nomination in 1982, finishing 3rd to Bud Brown.
Ross Dress for Less opens in Ontario
Next, Richland County shoppers have a new option for clothing, shoes, home decor and more. Ross Dress for Less officially opened earlier this month at a former Staples storefront.
Elizabeth Holthouse, one the managers at the store, said she loved the energy of opening day.
As one of the nation’s largest off-price retail chains, Ross offers bargains on name brand items. And shoppers 55 and older can save even more with a 10-percent discount every Tuesday.
They have purses, clothing, home items, jewelry, beauty accessories – anything you can think of according to Holthouse.
Remembering Jeff Robertson
Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember Jeff Robertson. Jeff was born in Mansfield in 1963. He married Debbie King, his high school sweetheart. Jeff proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and worked at AK Steel for over 25 years.
With the nicknames Jazzy Jeff and The Silver Fox, Jeff would do just about anything to make people laugh or to get a reaction from them. A thrill seeker, Jeff would rather skydive, scuba dive, or cruise on his motorcycle. He listened to all music … especially hard rock.
Jeff’s everyday routine included a stop at the South Main Barber Shop, where he’d talk with the guys.
Jeff enjoyed fishing and photography. He cheered for the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and followed NASCAR. More than anything he cherished and spoiled his daughter and granddaughters.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews and extended family. Thank you for taking a moment to remember and celebrate Jeff’s life.
