22/12/2025
Cumberland News
By John E. LePage, Jr.
On the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 17, a group from the Cumberland Pilgrim Chapel on East Main Street went caroling around the village. It had been a few years since a group of carolers had been heard on Cumberland’s streets. There were quite a few posts to social media about how the carolers brought back special Christmas memories.
The SEOJSWMD’s recycling trailer is next scheduled to be at the former Spencer Township property on Mill Street in Cumberland from Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25. There were no arrival or departure times listed. Please do not place trash in the trailer or leave items on the ground next to the trailer. The recycling trailer’s schedule is subject to change. The recycling trailers will not be placed at sites during level 2 and level 3 snow emergencies.
It's hard to believe that we are approaching the end of 2025. It seems like we just watched the countdown on TV a couple of weeks ago. Once again it is time to review a few headlines that were in the Cumberland News Items this year.
On January 18, Chili Cook Off took place at the Methodist Church in Cumberland. Winning Chilis were made by Vivian Martin, Mac Wickham, Jessie Lamb, and Mark Baughman.
Word came in January, that Dollar General had leased the empty Family Dollar/Dollar Tree building on North Cambridge Street. The store opened for business on Match 12. Residents were happy to have a store back at the location. In the past few months due to illness and other factors, the store has been running into staffing problems. These problems have resulted in the store opening late, closing early, or having to shut down for a few hours in the middle of the day.
On January 30, the Farus Funeral Home on West Main Street closed. The original owner of the funeral home was Earl Tom. When he passed away in 1965, his grandson Charles Gress took over the running of the funeral home. Mr. Gress passed away in 1995 and his family sold the funeral home to the Farus family. The funeral home and the attached residence were sold to new owners. They remodeled the building and recently opened it as a bed and breakfast.
In March 2025, Derek Brown was appointed as Mayor of Cumberland through the end of 2025. An election in November will choose who fills the remainder of the unexpired term.
On April 16, a special covered dish dinner was held at the Presbyterian Church in Cumberland. Tim Berger and members of the High Hill Presbyterian Church presented the program, “Christ in the Passover.”
Near the end of April, ODOT began a paving project on SR 146. Residents agreed that it would be great when it was finished, but the weeks of construction would be inconvenient.
On April 19, the annual CVFD Easter Egg Hunt took place in the village park.
On May 24, the annual Cumberland Alumni Banquet took place at the Cumberland Firehouse. The group is getting smaller, but those who could make it had a good time. Alumni officers Sandy Wickham, John LePage and Jim Moore were re-elected for 2026.
Pickin’ in the Pavilion at the Rix Mills Presbyterian Church had another successful season of shows beginning on June 29. Featured performers were: June – Barefoot McCoy; July – The Green Valley Pickers; August – Bev & Steve Pottmeyer; and September – The Wayfarers.
On Sunday, June 29, the Rural Dale United Methodist Church held its last worship service. The church was built in 1860.
On July 24, word was received that former Cumberland Mayor Shirley Rhinehart had passed away. She served two terms as mayor beginning in 2016.
In July, Valley Grange #1586 held its last meeting Mr. Lee’s in Cambridge. The grange donated the amount remaining in their treasury to G.R.A.C.E. Pantry.
The annual Chandlersville Home Coming took place from August 1 – 3. There were various activities over the three-day celebration for everyone to enjoy.
In August, the Celebrating Cumberland Committee was established to organize community activities and events. On September 6 they hosted an All American Labor Day picnic. They hosted an After Trick or Treat party on November 1 in the Village Park. They hosted the Cumberland Christmas parade on December 13.
The 91st annual Renrock/Brookfield Township Reunion took place on September 28. The event took place at the Brookfield Township Building on Brookton Heights Road east of Hiramsburg.
On Saturday October 4, the 6th Annual Bryant Hartman Memorial Honor Flight Night took place at DaSHACK on Carl Street. On Saturday October 11, the 2nd Annual Honor Flight 5x5 Ride took place at the Belle Valley American Legion Post 641.
In October, Mill Street got a much need repaving. Council member Susan Tucker put in a lot of work seeking a grant to cover this project.
On November 1, a spaghetti dinner and gospel sing took place at the Methodist Church in Cumberland.
When the results were tabulated on Election Day, Bryan Prater won the election to finish the unexpired Cumberland Mayor’s term. Gary Stevens was also elected to the village council.
On November 28 – 30, the annual Bethlehem Walk took place in Chandlersville.
Local churches held their annual Christmas services the week of December 21.
Now it is time to look toward 2026 and get ready for the events that we’ll be recapping this time next year.
