Newcomerstown News: Donation of telescope makes eclipse more meaningful for students
Steven Pritchard, a physical and environmental science teacher at Newcomerstown High School, was able to capture pictures of the eclipse on April 8, thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Terry Overholser.
The Overholsers moved to Newcomerstown in 1974 and operated a practice until Dr. Overholser retired in 2011. Their son and daughter are NHS graduates.
“Dr. Terry Overholser got a hold of me before Christmas of 2023 to ask about donating a telescope with its solar filter for the purpose of having it available at the high school for the eclipse. He wanted to make sure we received it before they left for Florida for the winter," Pritchard said.
“My favorite class in college was astronomy, and since we haven’t used the telescope for a while, we thought the schools in Newcomerstown would enjoy it,” Dr. Overholser said.
“(Superintendent Jason) Peoples informed us of the early release for the district on the day of the eclipse. He felt that an early dismissal day was the best of both worlds, thus allowing us to have a day of education and allowing for students to witness the eclipse event with their families,” he added.
"I really encouraged my students to try to get to totality to view the eclipse. However, I knew that some of them would not have that opportunity, so students at the high school that were not able to reach totality had the opportunity to come back to the high school and view the eclipse with parental consent. I had a few families take me up on that. Also, Dr. Overholser and his wife had just made it back in time from Florida to come down and join us. So, it was nice having them there too. All in all, we had around 20 individuals show up from around the community.”
Mozena’s Highlanders
J.P. and Tisha Mozena will be hosting Spring on the Farm with the Coos. Coos are a Scottish breed of Highland cattle, known for being docile. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Attendees will get to tour the farm and visit with the Coos. The cost of admission is $10. Mozena’s Highlanders is located at 5969 U.S. Highway 36 in Newcomerstown.
Community cleanup
The village cleanup days will be held from May 3-5. The bins will be located at the Newcomerstown Street Department, 210 S. College St. Furniture, washers, dryers, and stoves will be accepted, however refrigerators, tires, paints, or aerosol cans will not be accepted.
Community yard sale
A community yard sale will held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27 at the Victory Assembly of God Church, 311 S. College St. All proceeds will be split between the Christmas Castle, a program that buys Christmas presents for Newcomerstown children in need, and Operation Christmas Child, a program that provides presents for children all over the world. Items for donation to be sold at the yard sale are being accepted until April 24. To make arrangements to drop off items. call the church at 740-498-6547
Mother’s Day craft show
A Mother’s Day craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Sterns Enterprise, 347 W. Church St., hosted by Roni’s Family Creations. Hot food, fudge, resin, treats, wax melts, crafts, and other items will be available.
Newcomerstown Now
Newcomerstown Now has started a new Facebook page entitled Happenings in Newcomerstown (NOW) where residents can learn of upcoming events and list their own events.
This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: Overholsers donate telescope to Newcomerstown High School
