As the residents of Holland and Springfield raise their glasses and welcome in the New Year, the Holland-Springfield Journal staff would like to take this opportunity to take a look back at the people and events that shaped 2022.
While other issues may grab readers’ attention and occupy the front pages, these stories remind us of the values of our community.
For many, 2022 was another step on the road to recovering from the pandemic, but it is important to remember that as a community we are so much more than that. 2022 was a year of local success stories, giving back, growth and accomplishments.
The staff at the Journal expresses its appreciation to the members of our community who shared their stories with us during the past year.
J anuary— Springfield High School JROTC cadets participated in annual Wreaths Across America effort, laying wreaths on the gravesites of local veterans to remember and honor their sacrifice.
Springfield Township board of trustees appointed five residents to serve on the zoning commission and board of zoning appeals, members include Matthew McFadden, Robert Klumm, Robert Dematteo, Steven King and Jack Amlin.
F ebruary— Holland’s Hucky Bella Rose delivered her first Groundhog Day forecast, an accurate prediction for six more weeks of winter.
Springfield High School’s cheer and dance teams competed at the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators state competition.
M arch— Springfield High School’s Blue Devil Drama presented Roger and Hamerstein’s Cinderella as its spring production.
Lucas County Commissioners lifted covid restrictions, making masks optional at the Huntington Center and Glass City Center.
A pril— The YWCA of Northwest Ohio received $2 million from Lucas County Commissioners.
Springfield Area Prevention Coalition in cooperation with the Wolf Creek YMCA, Holland branch library and Texas Roadhouse, hosted an Easter egg hunt for local preschool through fifth graders.
M ay— Springfield High School seniors celebrated their commencement on May 21, marking 125 classes of SHS graduates.
Oak Openings 48 acre tract of land received H2Ohio Restoration funds to help preserve and restore the wetlands.
J une— Nearly 400 walkers, runners and volunteers participated in Toledo Humane Society’s 37th annual Bark in the Park event.
Springfield Township Fire Department promoted Joshua Johnson to lieutenant following years of exemplary service to the community.
J uly— Locals celebrated Independence Day with music, food trucks, activities and fireworks on July 2, at Homecoming Park.
Kindergarteners in the Holland/ Springfield township community took part in the annual, two-week Safety Town summer program, held at Holloway Elementary.
A ugust— Springfield Schools Foundation hosted its 11th annual Tee it Up for Technology golf outing, raising funds for the school district to enhance students’ learning through technological purchases.
Penta Career Center received its third Gene Bottoms Pacesetter School award in recognition of its innovative practices and success.
S eptember— Fire department captain, Robert Wepler, retired this year and was recognized by the Springfield Township trustees for his 37 years of service to the community.
TARTA and Lucas County Veterans Service Commission formed a partnership to ensure that local veterans will have easier access to public transportation.
O ctober— Lucas County Canine Care and Control, partnered with Humane Ohio, was granted more than $19,000 to support the Big Fix spay and neuter program, which aims to offer affordable procedures to local pet owners and reduce the number of unwanted litters and dogs in shelters.
On October 31, kids and families enjoyed Trick or Treat in Holland Village and Springfield Township.
N ovember— Lieutenant Daniel Ball retired from the Springfield Township fire department and was presented with a proclamation commending his 21 years of service.
Students from Crissey Elementary offered ideas about how to cook a turkey, some recipes included 83 pound turkeys, 120 cups of basil and cooking 15 pound birds in 10degree ovens for two hours.
D ecember— Springfield High School students held their eighth annual ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital toy drive, collecting toys for kids aged 0 through 3 years.
The Village of Holland and the Community Development Committee organized the second “Happy Holland Days” event. Festivities were held on December 3, at Strawberry Acres Park and brought joy to members of the community both young and old.
