Poland Historical Society celebrates holiday season

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Neighbors | Submitted .Ed Virostek handed over the old school bell he used to call meetings to order to Larry Baughman at Poland Historical Society's final meeting of 2013 Dec. 17.

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Neighbors | Submitted .Members of the Poland Historical Society celebrated the holiday season together with a potluck dinner at the Little Red Schoolhouse Dec. 17.

Members of the Poland Historical Society celebrated the holiday season together with a potluck dinner at the Little Red Schoolhouse before the Dec. 17 meeting. At this final meeting of the year, newly elected officers were introduced.

Larry Baughman was elected as the society’s president, replacing Ed Virostek. Virostek became involved with the Historical Society in 1996 and served in various positions throughout the years, including two separate terms as president. He will continue his involvement as a trustee.

Laurie Fox was re-elected to the position of vice-president.

Pepper McGarry, outgoing treasurer, has been an active member of the society since it was formed in 1979. McGarry announced that she would like to retire from the position, but she will also remain with the society as a trustee.

Sara Hill Strock was elected to serve as the new treasurer.

Dave Smith was elected to the position of secretary for the Historical Society, replacing Sue Holloway. Holloway has been with the society for several years and has been responsible for sorting through the donated items and papers in storage at the Little Red Schoolhouse. As a trustee, Holloway will continue the task of organizing and filing the artifacts.

In addition to Ed Virostek, Pepper McGarry and Sue Holloway, trustees include Dave Grimm, Ted Heineman, Ginny Meloy, Chris Roussos, Lew Shirey, Pete Sturbi and Diane Walkama.

Annual membership to the Poland Historical Society is $10. Anyone wishing to become a member should send a check made payable to Poland Historical Society and mail it to P.O. Box 5052, Poland, Ohio 44514. Be sure to include name, address, phone number and email address. Membership provides a substantial portion of the overall budget and donations will continue the mission to preserve the history of Poland, create exhibits that show the significance of the area and help to fund educational programs.