As stated on the homepage of the Work in Wayne website, “With a large number of employers, excellent educational facilities, affordable housing in idyllic neighborhoods and strong community ties; it’s easy to see why so many are proud to call Wayne County home.” In addition, companies like Western Reserve Group make Wayne County an even better place through their continued commitment to give back through community outreach. 

Community outreach has always been important to Western Reserve Group (WRG), which is shown throughout its 100+ year history. In more recent years, employees were given the opportunity to use Volunteer Time Off (VTO), a type of paid time off where employees can volunteer, during business hours, for a non-profit or community organization without using their regular paid time off. “Each employee receives 16 hours of VTO annually,” stated Jimmy Williams, Assistant Vice President of Commercial and Farm Underwriting. “The time is very flexible. Employees can break it down to even a 30-minute chunk of time.

”Each employee is motivated by different things,” said Nathan Todich, Farm Underwriting Manager. “We survey employees every two years, so WRG can support organizations employees are passionate about.”

Organizations such as 4-H, American Heart Association, Meals on Wheels, Relay for Life, Wayne County Humane Society and many others are highlighted on an ‘Outreach’ wall, where each organization signifies a leaf on a tree with the saying, “Making a difference in our community.”

One of the many benefits of living in Wayne County is the abundance of local food sources. With local farmers producing a local food supply, many enjoy the farm-to-table philosophy. One Wayne County fruit farm is taking it a step further allowing many to also enjoy farm to glass. 

In 2004, the Vodraska family took over Rittman Orchard, which started in the 1920’s. “At the time, the orchard had become run down,” stated Matt Vodraska, co-owner. “My mom, dad, brother and I cleared the property and started from scratch. Replanting everything was a lot more work than we intended, but we were able to do it our way.”

For the orchard to support multiple families, Vodraska realized they needed to diversify and develop new pathways for income. Once the farmer’s markets in Cleveland started becoming unstainable, he started exploring new avenues.

Having grown up next to a larger winery, Vodraska thought it made sense to open one at the orchard since it features six acres of grapes. After lots of research, Bent Ladder officially became part of the Rittman Orchard family.

If only trees could talk, imagine all the stories and beautiful moments that could be shared from the large maple trees located on the property of the Wayne Center for the Arts (WCA). These trees were there for the 25th-anniversary celebration held on the front lawn, and they’ll be here this fall as the WCA celebrates 50 years with a large outdoor Birthday party.

Founded in 1973, the WCA was spurred by a group of women who wanted more art opportunities in the community. Before moving into its current location, the WCA was first housed on The College of Wooster campus in the basement of the Frick Art Center (now the Timken Science Library).

A few months after opening, Don and Alice Noble offered a generous contribution-matching offer to ignite further support. In the first summer, there were twelve different art classes with 150 enrolled students. Under the direction of Jon Thomas and Assistant Director, Sally Patton, the WCA saw tremendous growth. In its initial year, 2,000 individuals engaged in the center’s programming. 

In 1984, the WCA moved into its current location, which was once the Walnut Street School. Not having been used for nearly a decade, Rubbermaid, Inc. stepped in and had the building renovated. Having maintained the building until 1999, Rubbermaid then gifted the building to the WCA. “I’m so thankful for the community leaders that had the foresight to make this resource available,” stated Sara Brink, executive director.