Community Guide Jan. 25, 2024

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

Submit items to news@LCnewspapers.com

Volume 10, Issue YY

JVS to keep teaching Wellington school supt. controversial book is retiring Board says it will not suspend ‘Looking for Alaska’ curriculum Lauren Hoffman The Community Guide

The Lorain County JVS will not suspend the teaching of “Looking for Alaska,” bringing an end to months of heated discussion over the novel.

The decision was announced at the JVS’ board meeting last week.

“One of our educational goals at the Lorain County JVS is to foster and promote critical thinking,” Superintendent Glenn Faircloth said.

“Our adolescent students are thoughtful readers who have the intellectual capacity to explore difficult issues and our English language arts teachers are well trained to foster conversation in the classroom.”

Faircloth said that students read a wide variety of texts ranging across genres that contain things central to human experience. Those topics can range from faith, friendship, family, body images, relationships, sexuality, physical and mental health, social and personal identity to death and resiliency, Faircloth said.

“We encourage parents and guardians to take time to talk with their children about these different types of readings in classes,” he continued. “And research supports the idea that such conversations both improve reading achievements and critical thinking and give parents a chance to engage with their children in a sustained and meaningful way.”

The school board voted 11 to 2 against a motion to suspend the book as part of the ninth grade curriculum.

Board president and Amherst representative Rex Engle said board members view the book as necessary

are a testament to the WELLINGTON — Sudedication perintendent Edward Weber, and hard who has been with Welwork of our lington Exempted Village outstanding Schools since December staff, students Weber 2016, has officially anand parents.” nounced his retirement.

“If I could His last day will be Aug. 1. stay longer, I would,” he “During his time in Welsaid. lington, Mr. Weber has been “But I have thoroughly instrumental in the steady enjoyed my last 20 years success of our district,” Ayers working in education and it Ratliff, Board of Education is time for a change.” president, said. “His dedicated Weber also said he is focus on improving academics looking forward to spending and the overall student experi- more time with family but ence leaves a lasting impact.” let the district know that if Since 2016, Wellington has they ever need him to return, steadily improved in academ- he will. ics and student outcomes, The board will use the including receiving the state’s Ohio School Board Asimproved report card rating. sociation’s superintendent The district also implement- and treasurer search service ed a comprehensive socialand community members emotional learning program to and staff will be invited to support the well-being of all participate and provide input students. during the search.

Projects brought to the “I am confident the board district under Weber include will identify a candidate who the STEM-oriented Project shares our vision for continLead the Way curriculum at ued improvement and will McCormick Middle School, guide our district to even Advanced Placement courses greater heights. at the high school and a robust “I look forward to witnesscollege planning process. ing the ongoing success of “I have been blessed to our school district in the see remarkable growth and years to come,” Weber said. positive change within our district,” Weber said of his Contact Lauren Hoffman at (440) 328-6902 or lhoffman@ time in Wellington.

“These accomplishments chroniclet.com.

Lauren Hoffman The Community Guide

STEVE MANHIEM / COMMUNITY GUIDE PHOTOS

Lorain County Joint Vocational School Superintendent Glenn Faircloth, left, and Deborah Melda, board vice president, listen to public comments about the book.

to the curriculum.

“I have had more people call me and say that the book needed to be read than not,” Engle said. “Further, I have had two or three educators who also called and said that the value in the lesson in the book has nothing to do with the content subject of sex and I believe that. I’ve heard more good things about the psychological components of the book more than anything else.”

Amherst mom Diane Kerecz, who first raised concerns about the book, was not pleased with the vote.

“I implore you, implore you, please do not give this Diane Kerecz of Amherst was the most vocal critic book to our 14-year-olds,” of the book. “I implore you not to give it to 14-yearshe said. “I am not saying olds,” she said. to ban this book and if you must teach it, please do not give it to 14-year-olds.”

Kerecz’s husband, Mike, who had similar sentiniments had talked their daughter into going to the vocational school.

A manufacturing engineer at Contour Total in North Ridgeville, said he was delighted when his daughter expressed interest in the machining field.

“I saw this as an opportunity for my daughter to take advantage of the lack of interest in blue collar careers and so I talked her into going to JVS and I was surprised when I found out that they were exposed to stuff in ninth and 10th Ayers Ratliff, Wellington Schools representative, listens to public comments at the Lorain County grade,” he said.

See JVS, A2

JVS board meeting last week.

“One of our educational goals at the Lorain County JVS is to foster and promote critical thinking.”

Superintendent Glenn Faircloth

County predicts gas tax deficit vehicle gas tax, or MVGT, funds. Annual local costs are approximately $1 million The Lorain County Engineer’s Office is projecting a or more, according to the engineer’s office. deficit in its motor vehicle A five-year forecast, using gas tax fund, which it uses to 2022 vehicle registration match federal and state dolnumbers, projects a deficit lars to fix and maintain roads of $456,201 in the MVGT and bridges, over the next account at the end of 2024; five years.

Most federal highway and minus $215,408 in 2025; minus $825,227 in 2026; roadway funding comes to minus $832,904 in 2027; and Lorain County through the a deficit of $1,124,985 in the Ohio Department of Transportation or the Ohio Public MVGT account by 2028 if revenue doesn’t increase and Works Commission. costs don’t go down.

Federal funding pays 80 Engineering staff includpercent of most eligible ing Assistant County Engiprojects, and 20 percent of neer Robert Klaiber, Bridge the remaining cost is paid by the county using motor See GAS TAX, A2 Dave O’Brien The Community Guide

INSIDE THIS WEEK Amherst

Popular restaurant closes. A3

Oberlin

Comprehensive plan unveiled. A5

Wellington

It’s a hammering good time. A4

SPORTS A6 • CROSSWORD A7 • SUDOKU A7 • KID SCOOP A8

Page A2

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

Lorain County Community Guide

OBITUARIES Archbishop Love D. Walker

Rita Camille Recznik

Oberlin College returns artwork stolen by Nazis

Rita Camille Recznik, 89, of Toronto, Ohio, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Valley Hospice in Steubenville, The Community Guide Ohio. She was surrounded by her loving New York prosecutors family in her final days. Camille was born have returned two pieces March 25, 1934, to Charles Patrick and of art they say were stolen Mabel (Mertz) Henry in Amherst, Ohio. by Nazis from a Jewish Throughout her school years, she was Rita performer and collector an excellent student, receiving multiple Camille murdered during the Hohigh honors in state competitions. She Reczik locaust, one of which was also enjoyed playing sports and was a recovered from the Allen Cleveland Indians fan. Camille graduated Memorial Art Museum at from Amherst High as valedictorian in 1951. Afterward, Oberlin College Camille took a job as a clerk/typist at Nelson Stud WeldThe artworks were suring in Lorain. There she met her future sister-in-law, Rose rendered by museums in who introduced Camille to her brother, Edward Recznik.

Pittsburgh and Oberlin, but They began dating in 1952, and right away Edward began prosecutors are still fightintroducing Camille to friends and family as his ‘future.’ ing in court to recover a The couple married on Sweetest Day, October 17, 1953, third artwork by the same at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amherst, Camille’s artist, Austrian expreshometown. By God’s infinite mercy, they went on to have sionist Egon Schiele, that nine children. was seized from a Chicago Camille devoted her life to caring for her husband, museum at the same time. children, and later, grandchildren. She enjoyed going to Austrian Expressionist Last week in Manhattan, Egon Schiele (1890-1918) daily Mass, praying, singing, and reading spiritual books, the estate of Holocaust health books, and articles. drew “Girl With Black victim Fritz Grünbaum ac- Hair” in 1911.

Camille was preceded in death by her husband of 52 cepted “Portrait of a Man,” years, Edward Recznik (1929-2005); her father and which was surrendered by Simakis said via email. mother, Charles and Mabel Henry; sister, Shirley Ann “It is inconceivable that the Carnegie Museum of (Helmut) Oeftering; brother, John ‘Jack’ (Rose) Henry, Parkhurst would have Art and “Girl with Black and their spouses. knowingly purchased any Hair,” surrendered by Camille is survived by all nine of her children, Mark artwork that he believed (Anne) of Wintersville, Ohio, Kim (Daniel) Feeley of the Allen Memorial Art might have been stolen.

Toronto, Ohio, Joel (Joan) of Toronto, Raymond of Museum.

“The Manhattan District Wintersville, John (Mary) of Manchester, Michigan, Prosecutors have colAttorney’s Office, through Charles of Toronto, Rose (Dino) Orsatti of Wintersville, lectively valued the two its ongoing investigation, Ann of Richmond, Ohio, and Dawn (Kevin Joe) Harris of pieces at about $2.5 milnonetheless raised quesDonald R. ‘Ducky’ Anthony, 88, a lifetime resident Richmond. She is survived by 35 grandchildren, Bridget lion. tions about the ownership of Amherst, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024 at (Matthew) Rudzki, Monica (Jackson) Howey, Mary Clare Oberlin College Direcof ‘Girl with Black Hair.’

O’Neill Healthcare Bay Village, following a one year (Benjamin) Schweitzer, Theresa (Maximilian) McManus, tor of Media Relations “As a result, we volunillness.

Christina Recznik, Brian (Melanie) Feeley, Michael (ReAndrea Simakis said that tarily returned the drawArrangements are being handled by Hempel Funeral bekah) Feeley, John (Chiara) Feeley, Joseph (Angelica) the college had invested ing.

Home.

Feeley, Sister MaryRose of the Resurrection Feeley, “significant resources” in “We hope this will SOLT, AnneMarie (Nicholas) Orsay, Catherine (Phillip) investigating the ownerprovide some measure of Sullivan, Bernadette (Harrison) Juliano, Regina (Aaron) ship of “Girl with Black closure to the family of Kelly, JoelMichael (Bernadette) Recznik, Maria (Richard Hair” after questions of its $250,000 annually over the III) Wismer, Mark (Grace) Recznik, Daniel (Naomi) RecFritz Grünbaum.” origins came to light. next five years, increased znik, Joseph Recznik, John Recznik, Anna Recznik, Clare Ten of Schiele’s works Simakis said the invesFrom A1 materials costs — the cost Recznik, Matthew Recznik, Edward (Rebecca) Recznik, have now been returned to tigation had concluded of asphalt has increased 30 It extends the life of a John (Laura) Recznik, Joan (Ryan) Milne, Hollie (Jonathe family, but “Russian the work had been lawroad and prevents skidding, percent since 2021 — and a than) Hoover, Heather (John) Koehnlein, Michael (Grace) War Prisoner” remains at fully purchased by Charles smaller staff than in previaccording to the Ohio DeOrsatti, Alyson Orsatti, Kevin Joe (Jacqueline) Harris, the Art Institute of ChiParkhurst, the director for partment of Transportation, ous years, according to the Jr., Maximilian (MaryCeline) Harris, Benjamin (Kateri) the museum from 1949 to cago, which maintains that engineer’s office. but officials said it can be Harris, Camille ‘Lily’ (Wiatt) Gallaher, and Rose Harris. it was legally acquired.

1962.

The revenue from the unpopular with motorists Camille is also survived by 66 great-grandchildren.

Grünbaum was the son of “As one of the ‘Monurecommended $5 fees may and residents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. a Jewish art dealer and law ments Men,’ (Parkhurst) only be used for “planning, The county engineer’s John Fisher Catholic Church at 7457 State Route 152 in school student who began was celebrated for trackoffice is responsible for 274 construction, improving, Richmond, Ohio, today, Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 10 performing in cabarets in ing down and returning art miles of roadway, including maintaining and repairing a.m., with open casket visitation from 9:30 to 9:55 a.m.

Vienna in 1906. looted by Nazis in WWII,” 124 miles of asphalt-paved public roads, highways and streets” by Ohio law, and roads and 150 that have a not for hiring or salaries. a list of what the curriculum is and contact their teachers directly to dischip-and-seal surface, and Some of the proposed then let parents choose what they cuss how to best do this.”

235 bridges in cities, vilfees also may be shared From A1 feel comfortable about to help with Following the failure of the motion, lages and townships. with cities and townships in “I was disappointed when I found transparency.”

“Looking For Alaska” can still be a Of those bridges, which either a 50-50 split between out that she is learning life lessons, Faircloth noted that under the JVS’s part of the ninth grade curriculum but are inspected every year, the county and cities or a but not the ones that I sent her to new policy, all classroom materithat does not mean it will be taught on a 0-9 scale 78 are rated 70-30 split between the JVS to learn. It has become quite als will be provided on Canvas, an forever, Engle said. “fair” (5 or below) and 42 county and townships, Duf- clear that you have no intentions of online classroom app that students, Faircloth agreed with Engle’s point. are eligible to be fixed usfala said. making any changes and you are educators and teachers all can access.

“Education, especially at the ing federal funds.

Klaiber said the majorgoing to continue to indoctrinate our “Texts will be introduced on high school level be it nine or 12, it If revenue doesn’t go up, ity of bridges and roads children.”

Canvas, which is real time so there changes,” Faircloth said. the engineer’s office might maintained by his office Board member Anne Schaum, who should not be a delay in the process “We are not an elementary school have to postpone road and are in the townships. If that represents Oberlin, said suspending a of informing students and parents and it is our job as educators to exbridge projects or ask the infrastructure isn’t repaired, book is a slippery slope. of the curriculum and syllabus for pose them to real world matters and board to ask for money township residents suffer “You don’t know what’s going to classes,” he said. to teach.” from the county’s general the most, he said. be a problem for some people and “Students also will have the right to fund, Duffala said.

With the proposed fees I don’t see how we could ask our request alternate texts or assignments Contact Lauren Hoffman at (440) There are also rising “what we collect, stays employees to make those decisions,” and no student will be penalized in 328-6902 or Lhoffman@chroniclet. costs to replace equiphere,” Klaiber said. she said. “I mean, we could provide this situation. We ask that parents com. ment, which will increase Archbishop Love D. Walker, 86, of Oberlin, a lifelong member of The Almighty Church, answered our Lord's call to come home Friday, January 12, 2024, surrounded by his adoring family. He was born May 2, 1937 in Girard, Ohio.

He was a self-employed long-haul truck driver operating under 'Love Express' Archbishop supporting his wife of 65 years, Calvesta Love D. Walker, and their seven children. Later, Walker driving for Norwalk Furniture and D & D Rides, LLC. He enjoyed spending time with family, being on the open road, and, most of all, reading his Bible.

Love leaves to cherish his memory his loving & devoted wife of 65 years, Calvesta Walker (nee McKinney); four sons, Richard (Roslyn) Walker, Duane Walker, Rev. Christopher (Maria) Walker, and Sean Walker; two daughters, Barbara Walker and Angela (Daryl) Melson; seventeen grandchildren; forty five great-grandchildren; one great-grand dog; and many other friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Lorenzo Sr. & Pincy Mae (nee Tarver) Walker; brothers, John Joseph Walker and Lorenzo Walker Jr.; sister; Nellie Walker Caver; son, Charles Walker Sr.; daughter's-in-law, Margarita Gibbs & Angela Walker; grandson, J. Elliott Walker; and granddaughter, Calvesta Walker.

Services will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 beginning at 11 a.m. at Christ Temple Apostolic Church, 370 W. Lincoln St, Oberlin, OH 44074. Rev. Christopher J. Walker of Abundant Life Church, KY, Officiating.

Wyers-Bollinger Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. www.wyers-bollinger.com

Donald R. ‘Ducky’ Anthony

ROADS

JVS

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SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE A7

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE A7

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Thursday Jan. 25, 2024

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A3

Barra restaurant closes

Find Us On

Car had slammed into downtown eatery Lauren Hoffman The Community Guide

Despite what owners described as “unwavering community support,” Barra restaurant at 105 Park Ave closed Sunday.

“The impact of a car accident has left us unable to recover,” the restaurant posted to its Facebook page Thursday night. “We ask that you join us for a final meal this weekend as we bid farewell to our outstanding staff.”

The restaurant closed last spring after a Volkswagen Tiguan operated by 18-yearold Connor Cordy slammed into the building, causing the entire face to crumble during the early hours of May 27.

Cordy and a 16-year-old passenger were treated at Mercy Hospital for injuries from the crash. Cordy was cited by the Amherst Police Department.

Cordy pleaded guilty in Oberlin Municipal court on June 13 and was fined $190 for failure to control a vehicle. He also sustained two points to his license.

The restaurant, which opened in 2020 and survived the COVID-19 pandemic,

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Barra, which featured tacos and cocktails, never recovered after a car hit the building, located at the five-points intersection, in May.

repaired the crash damage and reopened for business in mid-August.

But, five months later it closed.

It is not known if another business has plans to move into the building.

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Meanwhile, closed Sugar Buzz to reopen next week The Community Guide

Sugar Buzz in Amherst has been sold and is scheduled to reopen Tuesday with a new owner, Jessica Wildhaber.

“It is with mixed emotion that I write to tell you that I have sold Sugar Buzz,” former owner Karen Foltin said in a recent Facebook post.

“As much as I love the store and enjoy hanging out with all of you, I need to dedicate time to my family.”

Foltin said that her husband switched jobs a few years ago to make more time for his family and it is time she does the same.

“I have missed too many soccer, basketball, volleyball and softball games and lost out on vacation time,” she said. “I have two incredible young daughters who need more time with their mom.”

Foltin opened the business, which is located at 201 Park Av., in 2020 right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

AMHERST POLICE BLOTTER Wednesday, Jan. 3 8:08 p.m. - North Leavitt Road, traffic stop; driver taken into custody on a warrant and released to Elyria police.

Thursday, Jan. 4 2:17 a.m. - Cooper Foster Park Road, traffic stop; driver taken into custody on a warrant and released to Lorain police.

4:55 p.m. - police department, a man came to the station to complete a witness statement for an incident and police discovered he had an active warrant through another agency, took him into custody and released him into the custody of county deputies.

Friday, Jan. 5 11:45 a.m. - 450 Washington Street, a 14-year-old student at Marion L. Steele High School was cited for possession of marijuana.

12:23 p.m. - Hume Hill Drive, assisted emergency medical personnel to transport a patient to the hospital.

1:18 p.m. - 47000 block of Middle Ridge Road, a resident of Pinecrest Apartments reported that the great-grandmother of a child went to an apartment and repeatedly hit the door, but left the address before officers arrived.

Saturday, Jan. 6 12:36 a.m. - North Leavitt Road and Kresge Drive, traffic stop conducted when driver was spotted using a cellular device; citation issued for expired plates.

1:33 a.m. - Hickory Hollow Court, report of an elderly woman in psychiatric distress; assisted medical personnel to transport patient to the hospital.

1:40 a.m. - North Leavitt Road and Kresge Drive, traffic stop; citation issued for driving without a valid license.

6:28 p.m. - 799 N. Leavitt Road, report of theft at Sheetz; investigation is ongoing.

Sunday, Jan. 7 3:01 a.m. - 200 block of Habant Drive, report of a person in psychiatric distress; the person was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

11:23 p.m. - 712 N. Leavitt Road, traffic stop conducted after an officer watched a vehicle pull into Speedway and learned the driver had a suspended license; a citation was issued for driving under suspension.

Monday, Jan. 8 1:05 a.m. - Ashwood Boulevard, traffic stop; citation issued for driving under suspension.

Wednesday, Jan. 10 9:55 p.m. - 100 block of Idlewood Drive, domestic violence complaint; Whitney Eaton, 46, of Amherst, was charged with domestic violence.

Thursday, Jan. 11 1:46 p.m. - 400 block of Sunrise Drive, a resident reported that her daughter made several unauthorized debits from her checking account while she was hospital-

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6:09 p.m. - North Leavitt Road and Kresge Drive, random registration check led to a traffic stop; citation issued for driving under suspension.

8:41 p.m. - Cleveland Avenue, traffic stop; citation issued for driving under suspension. The passenger was taken into custody on an active warrant and released LB. LB. LB. to deputies.

11:35 p.m. - No location given - traffic stop conducted on a vehicle for multiple moving violations; the vehicle fled from officers at a high rate of speed, reaching over 100 mph, police said. The pursuit was terminated by the shift supervisor and the vehicle escaped. After an investigation, the driver was identified as Samuel Kline, 23, LB. of Amherst and was charged with failure to comply, obstructing official business, headlights required, stop sign violation and CHICKEN • STUFFED CABBAGE GEESE - $ 99 LB. willful or wanton disregard for safety. The DUMPLINGS • GREEN BEANS $ 99 LB. BREAD & UTENSILS charges are misdemeanors with the excepDINNER CAPONS tion of the obstruction of official business, FLIGNER'S OWN ECKRICH SPRING MEADOWS which is a fifth-degree felony.

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12:17 a.m. - state Route 58, traffic stop; citation issued for driving under suspension and driver was taken into custody on a warrant and transported to Lorain County Jail.

No time given - 100 block of Cleveland Avenue, disturbance reported between residents who share a duplex; parties agreed to split up for the evening.

5 p.m. - 799 N. Leavitt Road, theft reported at Sheetz; offenders fled before officers arrived. The incident remains open and active.

6:31 p.m. - 7560 Oak Point Road, theft reported at Panera Bread. Employees said a man entered and conducted a “quick change scam” after ordering a menu item from the cashier. A total of $160 was believed to have been taken during the exchange. The incident remains under investigation.

Sunday, Jan. 14 12:13 p.m. - 600 block of West Martin Avenue, 911 hang-up reported; determined to be a verbal argument but one of the parties involved had an active warrant and was taken into custody and released to Elyria police.

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Friday, Jan. 12 3 a.m. - 400 block of Milan Avenue, Angelica Romero, 34, no permanent address, was found sitting on a sidewalk and was charged with persistent disorderly conduct by intoxication and taken to Lorain County Jail.

7:50 a.m. - 3300 block of Eastlawn Street, Lorain, to serve a warrant.

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Page A4

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

Lorain County Community Guide

Wellington junior high FFA program considered Lauren Hoffman The Community Guide

The Wellington Board of Education heard from four FFA members at its monthly meeting who urged board members to approve a junior high FFA program.

Led by Communications Director Amy Sword, the students discussed some ongoing FFA programs and how a middle school level would help add to them.

“This all started as a discussion back in the fall when my son Nick Sword and his cousin, Luke Sword, said they were interested in seeing if they could have an FFA elective as eighth graders,” Sword said.

“They wanted to come over to the high school and see if there was any way something like that could work.”

Luke, who said he has watched his older brother take part in FFA for as long as he can remember, said he is looking forward to entering the program as a high schooler next year but wishes he could have started sooner. He is not alone.

“There’s a lot of opportunity in this and maybe if we can get FFA into the classrooms for our seventh and eighth graders, we can introduce more people to agriculture where it gives them more leadership skills and benefits,” Sword said.

Current FFA president Jillian Stannard agreed, citing the ongoing FFA for a Day program as an example of success.

“We will have our seventh and eighth grade program be a lot more involved than our previous days because these are our next FFA members,” she said.

“We want them to grow into those leadership roles sooner and they’ll be getting those leadership skills and doing those projects as freshmen now instead of waiting for their junior or senior year.”

Stannard and FFA Vice President Scotty Hooks applied and received a grant from the Wellington Endowment at the beginning of this year for the program, becoming the first students to do so.

Through FFA for a Day, members of the High School FFA, previously Future Farmers of America, bring agriculture education to grades kindergarten through eighth grade. As the program moves up the grade levels, the workshops become more intensive to prepare students for what FFA is like once they reach high school.

Other schools in the area, including Firelands and Black River, already have a junior level of FFA and have seen greater numbers of students participating at the high school level as a result.

Wellington’s FFA program currently has more than 70 students involved and Nick Sword said there are at least 15 students in the eighth grade alone interested in a junior high level program.

“Our hope is to have every student in seventh and eighth grade go through the program,” Amy Sword said. “We already have seen interest through our FFA for a Day program as well.”

Board member Jen Kasmierczak took notice of the excitement and told the students that she admired their work thus far.

“There’s a lot of students in the district that look up to you,” she said. “They see you as leadership roles and you guys are leading the path and making changes for a lot of younger generations. Kudos to you.”

Work on introducing a middle school program will continue to be discussed within the board but there is no word yet on when the project might get the green light.

Contact Lauren Hoffman at (440) 328-6902 or lhoffman@chroniclet.com.

LAUREN HOFFMAN / COMMUNITY GUIDE

LaGrange Engine Club member Brad King uses a power hammer for one of his projects at the hammer-in.

Hammering home their skills Members of LaGrange Engine Club bond over blacksmithing the members leading to member Bob Gordon locating a barn in Wellington WELLINGTON — Through the quiet suitable for a shop. The building was snowy Sunday morning, the sound of moved to the fairgrounds, and the shows hammers rang out across the empty Lo- began soon after. rain County Fairgrounds. The noise was But even when the shows aren’t going followed by laughter and the inviting on, Schworer and his group continue to warmth of a blacksmith’s forge as mem- hone their skills — hence the creation of bers of the LaGrange Engine Club came the hammer-ins. together for their monthly hammer-in.

“We get together once a month out Led by President Bob Schworer, the here at the shop and someone comes handful of smiths ranging from their up with a project for us to do,” he said. early 20s to late 70s indulged in their “Our inspiration of what the project will favorite pastime and a lost art, according be has us looking for items that can be to Schworer. done by the average person but also use“We are the LaGrange Engine Club, ful.” and what you’re looking at today is our This month’s project had the smiths blacksmith shop,” Schworer said. creating a spindled pencil holder. While In the Lorain County Fairgrounds’ some worked to mimic the demo, othHeritage Barn, the club’s hammer-ins ers turned their hammers to personal have been a staple for many years. The projects. club’s origins stretch back to a small “I am working on creating a dragonbarn in LaGrange in the 1970s. The shaped wall hanger,” Owen Urbansky, group celebrated its 50th anniversary in 21, of Oberlin, said. “I was always into 2020. blacksmithing a little bit and would “Blacksmithing is a part of our shows watch YouTube videos trying to melt that we do here on the fairgrounds and down cans to make things.” traveling,” Schworer said. “While blackUrbansky said it all changed when he smithing is most popular, we also work and his grandfather attended one of the with steam engines, gas engines, tracgroup’s shows. tors and just about anything else that has “After the demo, I went up and started been lost to time.” talking to them and they asked if I In 2014, interest in the lost hobbies wanted to join, and I said yes,” he said. like blacksmithing began to grow among “That was two and a half years ago, and Lauren Hoffman The Community Guide

Shot by police after knife incident, Wellington 38-year-old due back in court Scott Bakker, 38, will be back in court Friday to determine if he should be institutionalized.

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Contact Lauren Hoffman at (440) 328-6902 or Lhoffman@ chroniclet.com.

Man not guilty by reason of insanity

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I knew even then it was something I had to do.”

Other members like Brad King from Burbank, said he’s been in the hobby for over 40 years.

“I started out as a farrier and, you know, you gotta be skilled with what you’re doing with that,” he said. “This hobby, it’s where it all started years ago.

If you needed horse shoes, silverware, hinges, you came to the blacksmith.”

King also talked about how the hobby has changed over the years, switching from secretive to more open to new members.

“This was their livelihood, and so they would be relatively secret about how they made items until recently,” he said. “It wasn’t too long ago that people started to come together like this and share tips and tricks of the trade.”

The monthly hammer-ins are open to the public for viewing. The next one is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Feb. 11 with dates are posted on the LaGrange Engine Club Facebook page. Those interested in the trade are also welcome to join the group for a membership fee of $5 a year.

“Blacksmithing is the one thing where you can make your own tools as well as the tools for every other trade,” Schworer said. “It’s endless.”

Dave O’Brien The Community Guide

A Wellington man who was shot and wounded after he armed himself with a knife and confronted two village police officers in 2022 and was found not guilty by reason of insanity earlier this month is due back in court Friday.

Scott Bakker, 38, will be back in court for a hearing Friday, during which Lorain County Common Pleas Judge Melissa Kobasher will determine whether he should be institutionalized.

Bakker, of Courtland Street, was shot once and wounded by Wellington police Cpl. Kayla Chrosniak just before 7 p.m.

July 23, 2022, after he approached her and Officer Allan Geitgey with a knife.

The officers were responding to a disturbance call, one of 20 times officers had been to his house since October 2021, with most of those calls related to Bakker’s mental health, according to Wellington police.

Officers had been called to 419 Courtland St. three times that day alone, police said.

Body-worn camera footage from Geitgey and Chrosniak show Bakker challenging

the officers to fight, throwing furniture out of a window, and officers retreating when Bakker yelled at them to get back.

Bakker came out of the house, swore at the officers, then went back inside and continued smashing household items, according to the camera footage.

On Jan. 8, Kobasher ruled, “The court finds as follows: That (Bakker), at the time of the offense charged, did not know, as a result of a severe mental disease or defect, the wrongfulness of (Bakker’s) acts charged.”

Bakker has been held in the Lorain County Jail on $500,000 bond, according to court records.

Friday’s hearing will be “to determine whether (Bakker) is a mentally ill person subject to court order or a person with an intellectual disability subject to institutionalization by court order.”

The criminal charges against Bakker came after a grand jury charged Bakker with two counts of felonious assault on a police officer and one count of obstructing official business, also a felony, in September 2022.

Bakker pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in Common Pleas Court in October 2022.

Two psychological evaluations were performed by a psychologist in October 2023 and a third was to be scheduled prior to Friday’s court hearing.

Police said at the time of the incident that Chrosniak fold Bakker she had no reason to go inside his house, and told neighbors the police were there to try and help Bakker.

Bakker then came out of his house, armed with a 12-inch knife, and approached Geitgey.

Chrosniak shot Bakker with a Taser device, but the electrical shock didn’t slow him down, and Geitgey ordered Bakker to drop the knife.

Bakker then turned on Chrosniak, who fired two shots from her handgun. Bakker was hit in the abdomen.

Chrosniak and Geitgey were placed on paid administrative leave — standard policy when officers are involved in such an incident Chrosniak was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Contact Dave O’Brien at (440) 3297129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com.

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A5

Comprehensive plan for Oberlin is unveiled

IMAGE PROVIDED

An example of zoning plan that a consultant proposed to council to further implement the comprehensive plan.

growth, community services, arts and culture and communication and collaboraThe city of Oberlin unveiled its new tion within the city. comprehensive plan for the city following “People were very concerned about the years of focus groups conducted through- lack of finding a decent house to rent,” out the city.

Date said. “The high taxes also were a Presented to Council Tuesday night significant addition to the cost of living in

by Kirby Date of KM Date Community Oberlin making costs further inflated.”

Planning LLC, the comprehensive plan Community members expressed a need is expected to cover five core areas of for growth within the city but reminded interest.

Date that it must fit with the small-town character the city is known for.

Lots of community interest “Folks really showed up and they really Tout Oberlin College challenged us to think fully about the plan “Just about everyone said growth, yes and I found that really robust,” Date said. we need it, but it has to be the right kind “Through our work in steering commitof growth,” she said. “No one wanted a tees, we developed a plan that will build sprawl or more typical faceless developupon public engagement, technical analy- ment, they wanted to see Oberlin’s charsis and previous work, design a guide for acter to be extended and continued.” future development, serve as a vision for Oberlin has long been known as a hub future development and redevelopment for the arts thanks to Oberlin College, and put the city of Oberlin in the best but residents said they feel that those position possible for the future.” programs are not as well known as they Lauren Hoffman The Community Guide

Want affordable housing The plan, which was finalized last Friday, went through five phases beginning in August 2022.

Connecting with more than 780 people across Oberlin, Date found that an overwhelming number asked for affordable housing, economic development and

into helping out community services.”

Weidenbaum said she is confident City Council can take care of the housing Zoning meets objective codes and zoning without hiring a consulThe best way to address all of these ob- tant and wasting more city funds. jectives, according to Date, would be for “I think the city should be very much the city to consider rezoning certain areas involved and I think those decisions ought to align with the comprehensive plan. to be communicated clearly to the public,” Under the zoning plan, many areas she said. “What takes an expert and really would be rezoned for mixed zoning use, what just takes community discussion and allowing the city to develop various types common sense judgment, I don’t think it of housing and businesses within its limits has to be that complicated.” while keeping a unique feel. Date said that while she cannot do the zoning, she Keep moving forward recommends that the city look into profesNeither City Council nor Date had a sional firms dedicated to it. response at that time for Weidenbaum Resident Aliza Weidenbaum disagreed. but Council President Eboni Johnson did “My comment and questions are about note that she believes Council must move this idea of a zoning consultant because at forward with the process. this point it has not been communicated to “I think we owe it to our community me at all as a member of the public why that we follow up and follow through on we should spend very much city money at all of the hard, intentional work that was all on one,” she said. done to create this plan and I fully expect our community to keep us accountable in Consultant cost questioned doing so,” she said. should be.

“Instead I think we should take the Council approved the first reading “Folks told us that they want to see an conversation and look at dividing it more of the plan later in that meeting. It will expansion in communication and collabo- between residential and commercial now move on to the second and third ration among the city, Oberlin College, because it sounds like there’s an interest reading and if passed will go into effect Oberlin Schools, businesses, downtown, in getting more housing and it does not Feb. 20. arts and social organizations in order to take an expert to know that we want to Contact Lauren Hoffman at (440) show off the programming Oberlin is be more permissive and be able to put up known for,” Date said. “This also will tie duplexes more easily.”

328-6902 or lhoffman@chroniclet.com.

Speaker talks at Langston Middle on overcoming obstacles, kindness Lauren Hoffman The Community Guide

OBERLIN — Growing up in Avon Lake, Jim “Basketball” Jones was diagnosed with dyslexia in the first grade. He struggled with reading and writing so much that he was placed into the special education program, leading to five years of intensive work with tutors and speech therapists.

It would take countless hours of work before Jones would find himself in a regular classroom, but these adversities ultimately shaped his view of the world and provided him with many life lessons about how to help others.

This led Jones to return to the classroom, teaching students how to overcome adversity and appreciate the differences. Last year alone, he brought his engaging and highly interactive school assemblies to more than 450 schools in the United States.

Earlier this month, Jones’ journey brought him to Langston Middle School to participate in its positive behavioral interventions and supports program, or PBIS, and the Great Kindness Challenge. Jones uses music, dance and basketball tricks during his assemblies to keep students engaged.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 JANUARY 25, 2024

assembly with Langston Middle School administrative assistant Terri Gregory leading the way for the PBIS Kindness Dance BOARD AND COMMISSION Challenge.

PHOTO PROVIDED “Our students and staff reMEETING DATES Jim “Basketball” Jones ally enjoyed today’s assemALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed “We are going to do some bly,” Principal Sheila Hicks said. “Mr. Jones connected @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live activities today while we with the middle school stulearn,” Jones said as he FEBRUARY 1, 2024 .... ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS – 4:00 P.M. – 36 S. PROSPECT ST. began his speech to the stu- dents in a way that included PURPOSE: To hear about an application for a variance to the maxdent body. “And remember, enthusiasm, energy and imum height requirements for a freestanding sign in a commercial failure is the stepping stone inclusion for all.” district located at 331 S. Main St. and to review an application for a to success.”

For more information on variance to the minimum side yard setback located at 230 Forest St. Jones also used the disJones, please visit www. trict’s RISE motto as part of jimbasketballjones.com.

NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com his speech, explaining that Contact Lauren Hoffman at (440) NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE. “Responsible, Involved, 328-6902 or Lhoffman@chroniclet.

Safe and Empathetic” are keys to success and can be Up used in everyday scenarios.

To “At one school, I had students line up to participate in ‘Simon Says’ and as one student tried to get on the line, he struggled with walking due to his canes and the audience laughed,” Jones said.

“Then one student moved from the line and walked next to his classmate, in between him and the audience; and then gave up his space in 207 North Leavitt Rd., line for the student as he Amherst moved to the end. That Across from Drug Mart • Foot and Ankle Alignment Assessment and on Route 58 is kindness. That is being Arch-Type Evaluation With In-Store Fitting. www.januzzi.com kind. That is being responsible, involved, safe and empathetic.”

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Page A6

SPORTS

Lorain County Community Guide

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

Send sports news to news@lcnewspapers.com. Deadline for all submissions is 10 a.m. each Monday. Printed as space is available.

The snow doesn’t stop the action on the courts

Amherst’s Kayla Ferancy gets two points and a foul against Normandy’s Samantha Perdue. The Comets take an early lead and win, 51-27, over the Invaders.

Photos by RUSS GIFFORD | The Community Guide

Columbia Raider Sadie Schulke gets two points on a layup against Black River on her home court. The Black River Pirates, who lost star Riley Kubitz during the second half when she was injured, lost 71-30.

The Amherst Comets stayed close to the Avon Eagles through the first three quarters, trailing 44-37, at the end of the third quarter. However the Eagles blew the game open in the fourth quarter and won, 70-49.

At left, Amherst’s David Dudziak makes a move on Avon’s Zane Austin. At right, Avon’s Nolan Good drives to the basket past Amherst’s Eli Solak.

Thursday, Jan, 25, 2024

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A7

BULLETIN BOARD Designer purse raffle

Designer Purse Raffle, doors open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, 23000 Fairgrounds Road, Wellington. Pre-sale tickets are available at www.mainstreetwellington.org or Wellington Music, 117 W. Herrick Ave. until Feb. 3. Tickets are $50 per person and include: Hot meal catered by Bread-N-Brew, dessert, three drink tickets for pop, beer, seltzer or Matus wine and a chance to win one of over 20 prizes, including designer purses from Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade or Dooney & Bourke, with additional raffles and games available to play.

Big Brothers/Sisters race night

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County annual Night at the Races, 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at Nick Abraham Auto Mall, 1111 E. Broad St., Elyria. All-inclusive tickets are $50 and include food and drinks. To purchase tickets and learn more, go to https://2024BigRace.givesmart.com or visit the BBBSLC website at BigLorainCounty.org. All proceeds benefit mentoring and support programming for Lorain County children.

Spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Emergency Veterans Support of Lorain County, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at American Legion Post 30, 1112 West Erie Ave., Lorain. Dinner tickets are $15 each. Meal includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad and desserts. Event sponsors are $100; table sponsors $50; gift baskets needed. Meal cooked by UAW Local 2000 Community Service Committee. Email EVSloraincounty@gmail.com for more information.

Lorain County Office on Aging seeking volunteers to deliver food boxes to senior citizens The Lorain County Office on Aging is seeking volunteers to help deliver food boxes to senior citizens once a month or to be on standby in case of a shortage of delivery volunteers.

The boxes weigh from 10 to 20 pounds but can be separated to make a lighter load. Mileage is paid and deliveries are in the Lorain County area.

Anyone willing to help out are asked to call the Lorain County AmeriCorps Seniors Staff at (440) 326-4800.

Any Lorain County residents over 60 needing the service, are disabled or unsure where to turn for assistance should contact the Lorain County Office on Aging, (440) 326-4800.

Information and assistance services offered include determining what services a person is eligible to receive and helping them connect to programs in the area that can help. Follow-up services also are available.

The Lorain County Community Guide Bulletin Board is for local nonprofit and not-for-profit events. Items are published on a space-available basis and will be edited for style, length, and clarity. Send your items to news@lcnewspapers.com. due to public health concerns, said Friends President Sue Forthofer.

“But we’re back and stronger than ever,” she said. Lots of people had asked about the festival’s return.

February walking challenge

The KEY health collaborative invites residents to a February walking challenge in recognition of heart health month. The challenge runs Feb. 1 through Feb. 29. All ages and abilities are welcome. No pre-registration required.

To participate, attend indoor walking at one of two loca-

tions — LaGrange Village Hall, 301 Liberty St., LaGrange, 9-10:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays (indoor walking continues through April 29) or Keystone Elementary School, 531 Opportunity Way, LaGrange, 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, (indoor walking continues through April 30).

Enter the building’s main doors and sign in at the indoor walking table each time you attend, and provide your name and email or phone number.

Participant names will be entered into a random prize drawing for every indoor walking event attended (for example, attending 10 indoor walking events earns 10 entries into the drawing).

Three winners will each win one $25 gift certificate to a local business of their choice.

The winners will be emailed on March 8.

All ages are welcome to attend, including people using wheelchairs and strollers.

If a building is closed due to weather or a holiday, indoor walking is also canceled.

View all the indoor walking details on KEY’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/KeystoneEmpowersYou, or at LorainCountyHealth.com/UnitedWeSweat.

A HAPPY COLLISION

The Chocolate Fest is back

Vermilion’s annual winter Chocolate Fest will return the first weekend in February.

The event is a morning-only chocolate buffet of sweet treats prepared by members of the community and sold at Ritter Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 3.

The Chocolate Fest is sponsored by the Friends of Ritter Public Library. The enormously popular event was last held in February 2020, just before the pandemic shutdown and former library officials did not want to schedule the event since then

BRUCE BISHOP / COMMUNITY GUIDE

Kayla Lake, top, laughs after being hit by her friend Katherine Salsbury as they sled down the hill at Cascade Park in Elyria. Snow is a pain for drivers but a blast for kids.

Ayers Ratliff named as board president

Classic Toys ACROSS 1. Sri Lankan language 6. Something to chew on, especially for cows 9. Mascara holder 13. Muscat resident 14. “____ Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” 15. Father, colloquially 16. Jewish folklore creature 17. Debtor’s letters 18. Art class prop 19. *Barbie’s little sister 21. *____4 game 23. One less than jack 24. *____Frog educational toy 25. Nutcracker’s distinguishing feature 28. Taboo, alt. sp.

30. Cooking fat 35. Deserter’s acronym 37. President’s David 39. Shower accessory 40. Pro ____ 41. Conical dwellings 43. Prep flour 44. *Thomas or Henry, e.g.

46. Law school test acronym 47. Genealogist’s creation 48. Maurice of “Where the Wild Things Are” 50. Flying saucers 52. Make mistakes 53. Chemically-induced curls 55. Harry Potter’s Hedwig 57. *Certain Patch 61. *Not real dough 65. Normal 66. Clingy seed container 68. ____-____-la 69. Theater curtain fabric 70. Put into service 71. Female deer, pl.

72. Pub offering 73. Goo on a trunk 74. What’s in your e-wallet?

DOWN 1. Duds or threads 2. Wildly 3. French Sudan after 1960 4. All thumbs 5. Marine gastropod 6. Coconut fiber 7. *Shedding-type card game 8. Tie in tennis

The Community Guide

The Wellington Board of Education has elected Ayers Ratliff president of the board.

Phillip Mohrman was named vice president and Jennifer Kazmierczak was named treasurer pro tempore.

The board also filled its empty fifth seat as Patricia Shellhouse joined the board for the first time. Shellhouse, formerly a longtime Elyria resident, has made various contributions to the community in past years, including Main Street Wellington. In 2014, Shellhouse and her husband, Gil, were

9. Shark’s provision 10. Part of cathedral 11. Work detail 12. “Stop!” to marchers 15. Correspondence friend (2 words) 20. Make, as in a law 22. Edible type of grass 24. Complete payment (2 words) 25. *Banned lawn darts 26. Fully informed 27. Supreme Teutonic god 29. Get-out-of-jail money 31. Like Neverland boys 32. France’s longest river 33. Bid on a house, e.g.

34. *Certain gun ammo 36. “Best ____ schemes o’Mice an’ Men”

awarded the Patricia J. Lindley Volunteer of the Year Award.

Shellhouse’s appointment to the board is also expected to prevent deadlock votes.

On Jan. 2, members of the school board found themselves locked in a stalemate on votes for the board president leading to all elections of officers being tabled.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the board successfully elected officers. Acting president Penny McClaflin nominated Ratliff for president and Mohrman seconded the motion.

38. “La Vie en rose” singer 42. Counter seat 45. Flamethrower fuel 49. Party barrel 51. Swaddle 54. Type of puzzle 56. Words in song, sing.

57. Intersection of two arcs 58. Ascus, pl.

59. “____ after reading” 60. Switch’s partner 61. Get ready, for short 62. Comedian Carvey 63. Ford contemporary 64. Jumble 67. North American country

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Page A8

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

Lorain County Community Guide

© 2024 byVickiWhiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 40, No. 8

ost people agree that doing kind things for others makes them feel good.

Scientists nowbelieve doing kind things for others is also good for you!

Kindnessis Catching!

Please help me deliver these donationstothe food drive!

Five Weeks of Kindness Experiment

Two scientistsat OhioStateUniversity askedstudents whowere feeling worried orsad to do threesmallacts of kindness twice a weekfor five weeks.The studentsdid thingslike:

Opendoors for others.

Smileat people they haven’t met.

Volunteerto help someone.

When you do something kind foranother person, it is catching.Theperson you are kind to will likelygoout and do something kind for someoneelse.

Shovel a snowy sidewalk.

Carrysomeone’s groceries.

Give compliments.

Answer these questions after you’ve read this Kid Scoop page.

Have a family member check to see if you answered them all correctly.

1. A study at Ohio State University found out that doing acts of kindness made people feel a. lonely b. hungry c. silly d. better 2. When you do a kind act, it often causes other people to do acts of kindness, too. a. TRUE b. FALSE 3. A student at Ohio State University put these all around the campus: a. flowers b. apples c. sticky notes with kind words d. jokes 4. Opening a door for someone is an act of kindness. a. TRUE b. FALSE

Let someonecut in line in front of them.

Givesomeone acookie.

Walk a neighbor’s dog.

At the endofthe fiveweeks,studentsreported feeling lessworried andmuch happier. Being kind makes people feel good!

Standards Link: Language Arts: Read informational text.

Notes of Kindness

One student at Ohio State spread kindness around the entire campus. She wrote positive and kind words on sticky notes and stuck them to doors, signs, mirrors, and walls around campus.

Fill in the missing vowels to discover some kind words to share.

5. To feel happier and less worried, it helps to help others. You can: a. smile at someone new b. carry someone’s groceries c. give someone a cookie d. walk a neighbor’s dog e. shovel a snowy sidewalk for a neighbor f. give compliments g. volunteer to help someone h. open doors for others i. let someone cut in front of you in line j. all of the above!

6. Kindness is catching. a. TRUE b. FALSE Standards Link: Write descriptively.

Thanking a Local Hero

Look for a newspaper article about a person or a group who is helping others in your community. Write them a letter of appreciation and send it to the newspaper’s editor for publication.

Standards Link: Language Arts: Write using letter format.

Standards Link: Language Arts: Spell grade-level words correctly.

How kind! Someone surprised the teachers at Main Street Elementary School with flowers.Can you find the two arrangementsthat are exactly the same?

A

D

B

E

C

F

COOKIE DOG EDITOR FRIEND GOOD GROCERIES HAPPIER KINDNESS LESS NOTES OHIO PERSON SIGNS SMILE VOLUNTEER

S E I K O O C F S T

I F E D I T O R P G

G J K H A P P I E R

N T B I Z C K E R O

This week’s word:

KIND

S E T O N I A N S C

The adjective kind means helpful, friendly, good.

L Y I D B O N Y N R

Your kind note cheered me up when I was feeling sad.

O M G T Q D V D O E S S E L O O V E O I

O I H O E G B H S E V O L U N T E E R S

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Try to use the word kind in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.

KindThings to Say

Helping Others

Look through the newspaper for an article about someone in your community who is struggling. How could you do something kind for this person?

Write down three kind things you can say to others.

ANSWER: Because she didn’t want to be owl alone.

Standards Link: Understand civic responsibility.

With hundreds of topics,every Kid Scoop printableactivity pack features six-to-seven pages of high-interest extralearning activities for home and school! Get your free sample today at:

Standards Link: Write descriptively.