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Quite a notable serving line at Sherman-Dayspring cookout
dayspring fullThird-graders from Sherman Elementary School and residents of Dayspring Assisted Living and Care Facility gather for a cookout in the shelter house at Dayspring after enjoying games on the adjacent lawn.

      When was the last time you went to a cookout and were served by the mayor of Mansfield, two Richland County commissioners and the reigning Miss Ohio?

      That was the scene at Dayspring Assisted Living and Care Facility on Olivesburg Road Friday when residents were joined by 34 Sherman Elementary School third-graders for games, hotdogs, potato salad, chips and soft drinks.

      The annual picnic was the fourth visit of the school year for the students, all members of Sherman’s third-grade leadership team. They had joined Dayspring residents for celebrations at Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter.

      Dayspring executive director Michelle Swank said residents eagerly anticipated the cookout.

      “They look forward to every visit they have with the children,” she said. “Today they get to say goodbye to the students they have met this year. Next year, there will be a new group of third-graders. There are a lot of smiles here today.”

      Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker grilled the hot dogs, assisted by Richland County Commissioner Darrell Banks and on the serving line by Commissioner Marilyn John.

      “Having the students here makes the residents feel like they are part of the community. It means so much to them,” John said. “Transportation is provided for residents to make trips into the community but it’s so nice for the students to visit here. It’s good for both the residents and the young people.”

      Matti-Lynn Chrisman, Miss Ohio 2018, was seated at a picnic table with several Sherman third-graders attired in bright orange T-shirts.

      “We’re hanging out with the residents and having a good time,” she said. “I was also here with the kids for the Valentine’s Day party.”

      Doc Stumbo of Graham Automall, who brought Miss Ohio to the picnic, said he has been involved with the Sherman-Dayspring annual visits for 15 years. Graham provided soft drinks and potato chips, while Dayspring contributed potato salad.

      The Sherman third-graders provided the hot dogs and buns, purchasing them with money they raised from selling potato chips at school.

      Mother Nature contributed a sunny day in the low 70s.