Annual Chestnut Crossing Block Party held

The 16th annual Chestnut Crossing Block Party was held Aug. 10.

Angie Cantrell has been the outreach program director for the Chestnut Crossing Learning Center for the past 17 years. She said, “The block party started as a small party for families at Chestnut Crossing to have fun, food and fellowship, and also, it is a big back-to-school bash, a last minute of fun before we go back to school that has turned into a community event."

Several churches helped with the event, and multiple organizations have come and volunteered such as the Junior Women's Club.

“Three Rivers Fire Department comes and fills our dunk tank every year,” Cantrell said. “Chief Powelson always comes through for us. We've got a new band this year — Brad Rust and Friends — so we are excited to have live music.”

Cantrell said her family is very supportive.

“My boys used to help, but they are in Florida now, and they pray for me while they are away, but they're supportive,” she said. “My daughter Cassidy Berry and her husband run the bounce house. My husband Kevin is here all day with me helping. I have a number of great people, Mary Friegalli helps every year. Suzie Tupper has been a huge help to me this year. She headed up the list of volunteers from Junior Women's Club, and they have been great.

"Every year we are kind of struggling for volunteers, and this year I was not, thanks to Suzie Tupper. We have a number of organizations, and we've got the Ohio Army National Guard. Dillon Helmick and one of his guys have a big Army truck over there for the kids to explore. That is also something I look forward to because some of the kids don't know what they want to be when they grow up, so they get to see our soldiers, and that is something that might click with them. They see the firefighters, and maybe they will want to be a firefighter when they grow up and be somebody that will want to serve the public in service to the Lord, and that is our big thing.”

The Coshocton Anchor Church brought a popcorn stand for everyone to enjoy. Ben Nutter, pastor of the Anchor Church on Pine Street, said, "This is the first time we've been to this community event. We've had a great time. I think this is going to be a long-term thing for us. Being involved in the community, helping kids and connecting with people, that's what it's about."

Tamera Cornelius was at the coin toss stand.

“Today we are having an outreach to show the love of Jesus,” she said. “It's really to let people know that God loves them. We have free games for the community and for all who want to come out for food, fun and games. Nobody loses. There is always a winner. We do this to help Angie. She is amazing, and she shows the love of Jesus. She has been doing this for years, and everything is free. You would be surprised how many people don't get to do anything like this all summer because they can't afford to, and she has invited me to come out and be a part of it. It's amazing.”

Four-year-old Paul Dickerson was excited to win a yo-yo at Kelly Bratton's fishing booth. She was there with the Junior Women’s group helping the kids learn how to fish.

Kirsten Brillheart and her daughter Eleanor live at Chestnut Crossing. "I love it. We come every year,” Brillheart said. “I enjoy it, and the kids love it too. It's a great outreach program for the community. The kids look forward to it every year."

Michaela and her 18-month-old daughter Jobie were having fun sitting in the grass eating ice cream. "She loves ice cream," her mom said.

Cantrell said this event is dear to her heart. “It is my biggest event of the year. This is my full-time position here as the outreach director, and I am very thankful for the position. I have no doubt that God placed me here. This is my second home here with these people. The learning center is where I serve this community.”