Lorain County Community Guide - Feb. 23, 2023

Advocates push free school meals

CARISSA WOYTACH

Ahead of state budget talks, advocates are pushing for free school meals for all students.

The Hunger-Free Schools Ohio coalition hosted a virtual news conference Monday morning, calling on state legislators to make free meals available to

all students, regardless of familial income.

Spearheaded by the Ohio Education Association and Children’s Defense Fund, the effort comes after two years of expanded access to meals during the pandemic ended with the 2022-23 school year.

Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro said the evidence is clear: Students can’t learn

Harvest for Hunger campaign kick off March 2

KEVIN MARTIN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio will kick off its 2023 Harvest for Hunger campaign on March 2 with the goal of raising 3 million meals in support of its four-county service area.

The Harvest for Hunger kick-off event will take place at Second Harvest Food Bank, 5500 Baumhart Road in Lorain. The event will include a short program with comments from this year’s honorary chairperson, Sundaram “Naga” Nagarajan, president and CEO of Nordson Corp.

“We know we have individuals and families with children right here in our community who are hungry,” Nagarajan said.

“When you are hungry and do not know where your next meal will come from, everything else becomes secondary. Couple that need with inflation hitting a 40-year high, and there has never been a more important time to give. I am proud to serve

as the Honorary Chair of the 2023 Harvest for Hunger Campaign and rally businesses and organizations in our community to join this important effort to help our entire community to combat hunger and create access to nutritious meals.”

The annual campaign is a collaborative effort to help raise funds and restock local food pantries. The campaign encompasses two major components: group campaigns and “Check Out Hunger” with more than 120 businesses, schools, organizations and families holding food and donation drives throughout March, April and May.

Supermarket shoppers can scan a $1, $5 or $10 coupon at the register to support Harvest for Hunger through “Check Out Hunger.” Participating supermarkets include Giant Eagle, Heinen’s Fine Foods and Buehler’s Fresh Foods.

In working with Nordson Corp. for the 2023 campaign, Second Harvest President and CEO Julie Chase-Morefield said the

on empty stomachs.

Katherine Unger, Ohio policy associate with The Children’s Defense Fund, agreed. She recently wrote a white paper looking at child hunger in Ohio, noting as many as a quarter of kids in some counties live in a county that faces hunger. But more than a third of students who live in a household facing food

insecurity don’t qualify for school meals, her research showed.

And even when students are eligible to receive free meals, about a third don’t access them due to stigma surrounding the program, she said.

Outside of the pandemic, free and reduced school lunch availability is based on individual household income, unless a school

building or district qualifies for a federal Community Eligibility Provision because it serves a lowincome area.

But a Baldwin-Wallace University survey found Ohio caregivers want to expand that access, Unger said.

About 87 percent of respondents believed school meals should be provided for all children,

she said, and another 82 percent agreed the meals are helpful for families — regardless of their political affiliation or socioeconomic status.

In Lorain County, Wellington Schools parent Megan Thompson said her family is able to pack lunches, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t see the need within her district.

Comets come together

KRISTIN BAUER | The Chronicle-Telegram

TOP: Amherst Steele High School’s team cheered from the bench while participating in the Unified Special Olympics basketball tournament at Lorain High School on Thursday, February 16. Four teams, Lorain High School, Elyria High School, Marion L. Steele High School, and May S. Hayes High School (Cleveland), gathered in Lorain to participate in the event.

LEFT: Amherst Steele High School’s Jericho Bailey (45) takes a shot while playing in the Unified Special Olympics basketball tournament at Lorain High School.

THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

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Paul J. Molesky, Sr.

Paul J. Molesky, Sr., passed away peacefully Saturday, February 18, 2023 in Wellington. Paul was born November 18, 1946 to Paul and Helen (Jacob) Molesky.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Molesky.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Constance Molesky; sister, Sue Molesky; children, Paul (Heather Lyle) Molesky, Kelly Molesky (Todd Eaton) and Todd Molesky. Paul is also survived by his grandchildren, Justin, Maia, and Hazel; great-grandchild, Justin Jr.; plus many nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of Bedford High School and then attended Lindsey Wilson College and Western Kentucky University where he met his wife. Paul had a passion for nature and the outdoors. He loved fishing and sleeping under the stars. He was an active participant in the Boy Scouts of America, earning his Life Scout badge. He remained involved with the organization, serving as a volunteer, troop leader, and local commissioner for several years.

Paul’s favorite time of the year was Christmas. He portrayed Santa Claus in the Wellington community for over 40 years, hearing generations of Christmas hopes and wishes. Paul spread joy wherever he went. Paul, above all else, was a family man. He was happiest surrounded by his loved ones. Whether he was a husband, brother, dad, grandpa, uncle Moe or friend he will be missed.

A casual and loving Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mill on Main, 95 S. Main St., Oberlin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to Boy Scouts of America: Lake Erie Council, BSA, P.O. Box 93388, Cleveland, OH 44101-5388.

Roy McClurg

A Graveside service for Roy McClurg, 65, will be held Saturday, February 25, beginning at 10 a.m. at Wellington Greenwood Cemetery.

Roy was a lifelong Wellington resident and 1976 graduate of Wellington High School. He passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

A full obituary and expressions of sympathy may be found at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

Letter to the editor

Democracy and the American system of government depends on an informed citizenry who think logically and understand science, history and government. This is why our forefathers saw education as critical to the maintenance of our Constitutional system. Our various medias of information, including TV and radio are expected to be sources of quality information.

When a “news” corporation deliberately misinforms their viewers they are no longer serving the public good as a source of information.

Unfortunately, Fox viewers have been mislead by the producers, executives, and the stars of the Fox Network. They knowingly broadcast misinformation of a “stolen” election because they saw their viewership drifting to other channels. Therefore, Fox corporation took up a banner to support the lies and innuendos of the Trump campaign.

Even internal memos of fact checks of the Fox corporation demonstrate that claims of election fraud were incorrect and without merit. Fox has long failed to serve the public information good. The current emails,the internal memos comments of their employees, demonstrate that the “news” corporation is no more than a source of fantasy entertainment.

Jane Sidwell-Coniam Avon Lake

LETTERS

Letters to the editor should be:

• Written to the editor. We do not allow open letters or those to specific residents, politicians, or groups.

• Concise. There is a limit of 350 words on letters.

• Polite. Letters that use crude language or show poor taste will be rejected.

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• The deadline to submit letters is 10 a.m. each Monday. They are used on a space-available basis. We reserve the right to edit any submission for length, grammar, spelling, and clarity, or to reject any submission.

Brian Roy Mahoney Palfrey

Brian Roy Mahoney Palfrey, 88, died Monday, February 13, 2023. Born in Swansea, South Wales on July 21, 1934, Brian moved to the U.S. in 1977 and spent several years in Florida.

A coal miner in his early years, he later began working in Tamworth, UK at Foseco. At Foseco, Brian then became a director of engineering for the company, moving to Strongsville.

He had a quiet, but distinguished, presence and striking blue eyes. A hard worker, Brian always tried to improve himself and he never complained. Brian loved to read, was a fan of Formula 1 racing and Aston Villa FC. On Fridays, he enjoyed pizza and every Saturday was a picnic with cheese (stilton being a favorite) and a baguette. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting with his wife, Margaret, watching Wheel of Fortune and holding hands. Brian is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Margaret (nee Titmus) Palfrey; children, Michele (Huw)

Morgan of Wales, Deborah (Mark) Lansman of Wellington, Gary (Jamie)

Palfrey of Seattle, and Lisa (Ken) Hall of Olmsted Falls; 13 grandchildren, Melissa, Thomas, Kenny, Drew, Austin, Kyden, Sam, Sammy Jo, Nevaeh, Alysia, Brandon, Liam and Gabby and four great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Elizabeth, Dominic and Liam.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Iris (nee Marney) Palfrey and brother, Terry. A private family service will be held. Expressions of sympathy may be given to his family at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com

‘Difference Makers’ honored

ELYRIA — Leadership Lorain County honored four individuals and one organization on Friday for their decadeslong impact at the 2023 Difference Makers gala.

The 2023 class of honorees is the 30th anniversary of the Difference Makers honors and its first in-person ceremony since 2020.

Timothy Harris was honored with the Eric Nord Award for Excellence in Leadership. Harris is president and CEO of Insurance Board and has 32 years of experience in insurance and risk management. After relocating to Northeast Ohio in 2007, he immediately got involved in the community, working with numerous nonprofit organizations including the Community Foundation of Lorain County and Elyriabased Save Our Children.

In accepting his award, Harris said he was “humbled and honored to be in such good company,” and said he wouldn’t be standing here today had it not been for great teachers he had who advocated for him, leading him on the path that brought him to Lorain County.

“The power of community is in its people. I can think of no greater investment than that,” Harris said.

Norva J. Ross, Linda Ong Styer and the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce were honored with the Excellence in Leadership Award.

Ross founded Pathways Enrichment Center in 1995 with the vision to inspire, teach and train individuals to enhance their potential in all aspects of personal development. Its mission

is to bring resources to enhance the body (physical), the mind (cognitive) and relationships with others (social). Ross believes that this enrichment will have positive outcomes in aiding a person to enhance their behavioral and spiritual journeys.

In her acceptance speech, Ross said she was overwhelmed with gratitude that her work was being recognized.

“It’s been a privilege to serve my community with pride and joy for over 50 years,” Ross added. She said she was able to persevere through her faith in God and belief that all things are possible.

Styer was a senior program officer with the Community Foundation of Lorain County from 1996 to 2021.

Her initiatives through the Community Foundation include Project Match sending life-saving equipment to 21 fire departments, Patchwork Trails of 18 barn quilt squares created by 4-H Clubs highlighting our farms and the beauty of rural Lorain County, and One Lorain County connecting diverse grassroots urban voices and strengthening community ties. Her goal with each initiative is to invest and empower individuals to follow their passions to be difference makers in their own ways.

Accepting the honor, Styer advocated for a new leadership framework of relational leadership focusing on inclusion and sharing power in building a vision for a more meaningful and sustainable future.

“Inclusion and working together is the only way we will survive the 21st century,” Styer said. Lorain County Chamber of Commerce President Tony Gallo called small businesses the unsung heroes of communities and spoke on the importance of advocating for Lorain County’s business community, reflecting on giving close to $750,000 back to small businesses through grants during the COVID-19 pandemic, pledging to continue to fight for Lorain County.

Carmen Verhosek was honored Friday with the Emerald Award for Inspirational Leadership. An attorney and partner at Dooley Gembala McLaughlin & Pecora, Verhosek said she was humbled and honored to be recognized.

JEFF BARNES | The Chronicle-Telegram

On behalf of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, President Tony Gallo, makes his speech after accepting the Excellence in Leadership Award during the Leadership Lorain County Difference Makers Gala on Feb. 17 at the John A. Spitzer Conference Center in Elyria.

KEVIN MARTIN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

Amherst’s Workshop Players Theatre presents ‘Barefoot in the Park’

JOHN BENSON FOR THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

When it comes to Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park,” most folks either know the show thanks in part to the Tony Awardwinning production on Broadway or the Academy Award-nominated film.

For local community theater veteran Dave MacKeigan, his entry point to the Simon classic was the former.

“Way back in 1981, I was in the military stationed in Louisiana,” MacKeigan said. “My wife auditioned for ‘Barefoot in the Park’ and got the lead part of Corie. I got pulled in to do the technical side.

“Then I was deployed to Germany where they gave me an opportunity to direct the show, which I did in 1984 or 1985. That’s my first time directing it. I never directed ‘Barefoot in the Park’ again but I did a whole bunch of other shows.”

Those whole bunch of shows included plenty at Workshop Players Theatre, where MacKeigan returns again directing, you guessed it, “Barefoot in the Park.”

The local company presents the comedy featuring a cast of six performing weekends Feb. 23 through March 5 at the Amherst venue. “It’s a quirky show that gives the cast a lot of opportunities to have a lot of fun,” MacKeigan said.

The narrative revolves around newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter. The former is a straight-as-an-

HARVEST

two organizations have a long history of partnership and 40 years of working together to bring the community “much-needed food and hope.”

Volunteering with Second Harvest for 30 years, Nordson also played a role in the organization’s expansion to its present facility, directly impacting its ability to respond to the increased need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nagajaran said Nordson has always sought to invest in the communities it serves as part of its rich heritage, investing $13 million in Northeast Ohio in 2022, and carrying that philosophy to communities it operates in across the country.

On Monday, Chase-Mo-

arrow lawyer, the latter a free spirit.

Married for just six days, the couple has just moved into their overpriced and underwhelming apartment when Corie’s mother drops in.

The director said the legendary playwright was on to something special, capturing the nascent and delicate early days of nuptials.

“It’s one of what I think is Neil Simon’s better pieces,” MacKeigan said. “I like the era, I like the way the characters play out. It’s a walk down nostalgia lane for me. It also hits on early marriage and the things that happen.

“Every young couple at one time or another has gone through the same kind of thing where you just get so wound up but, yet, you are compatible and everything works out in the end. They don’t get divorced — spoiler alert.”

refield said the campaign comes at a tumultuous period, with Second Harvest still seeing a 30 percent increase in demand for services from pre-pandemic levels.

With federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits set to end at the end of February, the need could grow with ripple effects throughout Lorain County.

“We’re really concerned and we’ve never seen a drop this significant and so it’s hard to say what sort of impact it’s going to have because it’s coupled with high gas prices and inflation especially,” ChaseMorefield added.

The campaign couldn’t come at a better time, she said, not only to raise

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Workshop Players Theatre presents Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23-25 and March 3-4; 3 p.m. Feb. 26 and March 5

WHERE: Workshop Players, 44820 Middle Ridge Road, Amherst TICKETS: $18.50

INFO: call (440) 634-0472 or visit facebook.com/ WorkshopPlayersTheatre

Another spoiler alert is in regard to MacKeigan’s next Workshop Players Theatre show.

While he originally was supposed to do “Pippin” before the pandemic shut down the production, the musical will have to wait.

“Maybe we’ll do ‘Pippin’ in a couple of years,” MacKeigan said. “Next, I’m directing ‘12 Angry Jurors.’”

awareness about food insecurity but also to respond to the multiple factors in play with benefits ending along with the continuing impact of inflation.

For the average senior citizen, benefits will decrease on average from around $283 to $23. Across the board, the average drop is $170 up to $560 for a family.

SNAP benefits account for approximately $4 million spent monthly in Lorain County grocery stores. Changes to the program could result in economic shifts locally.

Chase-Morefield explained every $1 in SNAP benefits has a multiplier effect of $1.90 in economic impact.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Paul (Desmond Ragland) and Corie (Hannah Watson) in Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

Corie (Hannah Watson) Mrs. Bratter (Judy MacKeigan), Mr. Velasco (Preston Postle) during a rehersal of “Barefoot in the Park.”

Community Foundation announces Toni Morrison scholars

The Community Foundation of Lorain County announced the 2023 Toni Morrison Scholars on Thursday.

This year, the committee received 88 submissions from students across the county, showcasing the talent and passion of young scholars. After a thorough reading process, 18 students were honored, including five scholar emeritus members and one honorary mention.

The Toni Morrison Essay Contest is an annual competition that encourages students to explore the

MEALS FROM A1

Wellington Schools serves about 1,000 students, according to its most recent state report card. More than 1 in 4 of its students are low-income.

“It’s kind of cruel, really, that that’s what some families have to deal with,” she said. “When they had lunches and breakfast given to their kids you just know that was something that made their lives easier and to just have it taken away in a way that feels somewhat arbitrary is really hard.”

She said lunch shaming is a very real thing, such as when students with delinquent accounts are unable to eat hot lunches, as well as the stigma attached to only low-income families receiving free or reduced meals.

“It’s something that just

themes and literary works of Morrison, a Nobel Prize-winning author and Lorain native. The contest is open to all students in Lorain County and aims to promote a love of literature and learning. This year, students were asked to respond to one of two prompts: “If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down” or “What’s the world for you if you can’t make it up the way you want it?”

The essays were judged by a panel of community volunteers, including retired teachers, librarians, professors, nonprofit partners, members from the African American Com-

doesn’t go away,” she said, noting meals just need to be free for all children.

Oberlin Community Services, which focuses on Lorain County’s rural southern half, has served 700 to 800 children per month this school year, Food Programs Coordinator Liv Hanson said in a statement.

Universal free school meals were valuable to families who don’t normally qualify for food services as it freed up money to pay other bills, Hanson said.

While school breakfasts and lunches are relatively inexpensive for districts at $4.50 or so per meal, it can add up to about $300 per month for a family with three children paying for both meals each day.

“Free lunches really make a difference in how

munity Fund, the Women’s Fund and more.

Elementary School

Maximus Georgas, Walter G. Nord School (Amherst)

Christopher Lipian, Zoltan Academy

Noah Pysell, Toni Morrison Elementary School (Lorain)

Ava Salter, Toni Morrison Elementary School (Lorain)

Savannah Tidmore Toni Morrison Elementary School (Lorain)

Middle School

Cecelia Zseberan, General Johnnie Wilson Middle School (Lorain)

Sadie Harris, Amherst

Junior High School

Jacob Shawver, Westwood Middle School (Elyria)

Cianna Ortiz, Amherst Junior High School High

School

Jason White, Elyria High School

Cali Hildebrandt, North Ridgeville High School

Victoria Venable, Marion L. Steele High School (Amherst) Abigail Clayton, Elyria

High School

Caitlin Gardner, North Ridgeville High School College

Makalia Jones, Lorain County Community College (Elyria)

Malcolm Bamba, Oberlin College

Nicholas DuFresne, Lorain County Community College (Elyria)

Alena Aguayo, Ashland University

“We are thrilled to continue this initiative and introduce the next generation of writers and thinkers to Toni Morrison,” said Brittany Lovett, marketing and communications

officer at the Community Foundation.

“These essays are powerful reflections about identity, culture, and place, and we are excited to see these students continue to grow and make an impact in their communities.”

The scholars were recognized at a celebration on Toni Morrison Day, Feb. 18 at the Lorain Public Library System Main Branch.

For more information or to view the winning essays, visit peoplewhocare.org. If you have questions or would like to become involved, contact Brittany Lovett at blovett@people whocare.org or (440) 984.7390.

have free breakfast for all students, with the Board of Education paying the gap between the funds provided by the federal government and the cost for all children to eat for free.

Unger said universal school meals have higher participation rates, and estimates it would cost about $200 million for the state to cover both breakfast and lunch for all public schools per year, or about $60 million for just breakfast.

financially stable families are,” she said. Oberlin Community Services stocks a small pantry at Oberlin High School with longer-lasting perishables like apples and bread to help reduce hunger among students, and it works with the Oberlin Rotary Club to provide weekend food “backpacks.” It is in the process of launching

a similar program in Wellington Schools.

“Morally, making sure kids have food to eat is just the right thing to do,” she said.

In Athens County, staff with Alexander Schools have seen their lunch debt more than double since before the pandemic, and found working families had relied on the expanded free breakfast and lunch programs to help meet their children’s nutritional needs.

Alexander Schools Director of Special Programs Lindy Douglas, who previously served as its superintendent for eight years, said while three of the five districts in the county meet federal poverty guidelines to provide meals to all students, Alexander and Athens City schools do not — and oftentimes the students who are not on free or reduced lunch programs are not eating, or not bringing nutritious food with them.

Alexander Schools does

“This is half a percent of our general revenue,” she said. “It’s well worth every dollar.”

DiMauro was encouraged by the current administration and Ohio House leadership’s commitment to move the fair school funding plan forward as a sign that public school-focused legislation may have a pathway to legislation in this General Assembly.

Unger also said serving in larger quantities reduces food waste, and allows for more local sourcing, supporting Ohio farmers and the economy while feeding kids.

Starting next school year, students who receive Medicaid insurance will be automatically certified for free school lunches, but the issue still lies in even students who are eligible don’t always participate due to stigma.

Locally, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio has seen a slight increase in fami-

lies with children seeking food assistance, CEO Julie Chase-Morefield said in an email. The food bank serves families in Lorain, Erie, Huron and Crawford counties.

Chase-Morefield believes the increase in families coming to its food distributions this year has been mitigated by the increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program allotments during the pandemic — which are set to end March 1.

“When this sunsets in March we anticipate that need may increase by as much as 20 to 30 percent in the populations most affected: families with children, disabled individuals and seniors,” she said.

SNAP benefits were expanded to the maximum amount for all recipients, taking some from 20-some dollars a month to more than $200.

While the increase had to end eventually, social service agencies have been bracing for impact since the rollback was signed into law Dec. 29 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

“Providing free breakfast and lunch during the pandemic was an incredible safety net for vulnerable students and why we believe consideration should be given in Ohio to establishing universal free breakfast and lunch for all students,” Chase-Morefield said. “You can’t learn on an empty stomach.”

The state’s biennial budget will move through the Ohio House and Senate this spring and summer. It must be signed by the governor by June 30.

“Providing free breakfast and lunch during the pandemic was an incredible safety net for vulnerable students and why we believe consideration should be given in Ohio to establishing universal free breakfast and lunch for all students.”

Julie Chase-Morefield

Senior honored for character, service

SARAH COLSON OBERLIN HIGH SCHOOL

Each month the Oberlin Rotary Club honors select students as “Senior of the Month.” These young people are recognized for their good character and positive attitude. They have contributed their time and energy to helping the school and community and are excellent role models. The Oberlin Rotary Club will donate $25.00 to a charity or project of the student’s choosing in their name. The Oberlin High School senior honored for the month of January is Iliana Bennett.

Bennett has been a member of the OHS Marching Band throughout high school, working her way up from assistant drum captain to drum captain in her senior year. She has also been a four year member of the OHS Queers and Allies Club.

In all her extracurricular activities, she says, she has chosen activities that provide honest, open, and secure places where students can truly be themselves and work toward personal and group goals.

Bennett also participated in Academic Challenge and Ohio Model United Nations.

This past year at Model UN her group received an award for their representation of Belgium. She has just been elected captain of the OHS tennis team. Bennett has also been

a member of the OHS Orchestra for four years and plays violin. This past October she was part of the OHS String Quartet for the national tour of Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown. She says it was exciting to be part of a professional music production, including being interviewed on the local Fox 8 TV station. Being part of the Quartet at this level required tremendous commitment and long hours rehearsing with Ms. Audrey John Melzer, OHS Orchestra Director.

During her sophomore and junior years, Bennett volunteered at Kim’s Grocery as part of her community service hours for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. She has also provided community service through the many Marching Band and Orchestra concerts staged throughout the community.

Bennett is currently employed at the Riverview Pointe Care Center in Olmsted Falls. In her role as dietary aide, she makes sure residents eat well and on a set schedule. Her job requires patience and efficiency to make sure residents receive the correct meal with any specified modifications. She says she always strives to make residents feel comfortable and safe.

Bennett has been accepted to Bowling Green State and Dayton Universities, and has received a University Freshman Academic Scholarship from BGSU. She is still waiting to hear from several schools, including Oberlin College and Ohio State University. Her future career plans include music education and music therapy.

‘Black History 101’ aims to bring history to life in Oberlin

OBERLIN — Students are used to sitting at a desk and hearing the names and accomplishments of great historical figures and memorizing dates of important events.

They gather the information, file it away for an upcoming test, then store it in their minds for later use.

But what would it be like to bring history to life? To actually see a document signed by Frederick Douglass? Or discover that hip-hop is a part of history and not just pop culture?

“He would be very pleased,” Thomas said of her husband. “He loved students and he loved the community. He would do anything he could to bring more education to the community and for the betterment of the community.”

J.B. Thomas worked at B.F. Goodrich until he retired. After retirement, he tutored students in the Oberlin Schools and was an assistant football coach at Elyria Catholic High School.

When she learned about the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, Thomas knew it was a worthwhile project to undertake in her husband’s name.

pieces to the exhibit in Oberlin.

“It spans quite a bit of time,” Thomas said. “The information and the items go from slavery through to today. Three days is not really enough time.”

Thomas has worked to bring other programs to Oberlin through the J.B. Thomas Fund over the years, including a Johnny Appleseed program and author and Oberlin Conservatory graduate James McBride, who won a National Book Award for his work “The Good Lord Bird” about John Brown.

Conner Grisez of Oberlin, OH was among students from Miami University who received degrees during the fall commencement Dec. 9. Grisez graduated with a B.S. in Commerce degree, majoring in Small Business Management.

Maya Schane, a native of Oberlin, was recently initiated into the Tulane University Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society. The Society welcomed 213 new initiates from 10 universities during January 2023.

Students initiated into the Society must be sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate/professional students in the top 35% of their class, demonstrate leadership experience in at least one of the five pillars, and embrace the ODK ideals. Fewer than five percent of students on a campus are invited to join each year.

The founders established the ODK Idea-the concept that individuals representing all phases of collegiate life should collaborate with faculty and others to support the campus and community. ODK’s mission is to honor and develop leaders; encourage collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and alumni; and promote ODK’s leadership values of collaboration, inclusivity, integrity, scholarship, and service on college and university campuses throughout North Ameri-

ca. The Society’s national headquarters are located in Lexington, Virginia.

Kamryn Dziak of Amherst earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Psychology from Georgia State University during the fall 2022 semester.

More than 3,000 students graduated from Georgia State University during the fall 2022 semester at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral levels.

James Steindl from Oberlin has been named to DePauw University’s Fall 2022 Dean’s List.

The Dean’s List recognizes students who achieve a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Congratulations on this well-earned achievement!

The Black History 101 Mobile Museum contains more than 10,000 original artifacts of African American memorabilia from the trans-Atlantic slave trade era all the way to hip-hop culture — and it’s coming to Oberlin.

All Oberlin Schools students will view the exhibit during the school day on March 6-8, while the public is invited from 3:30-5 p.m. March 6. The public also will get a chance to view the exhibit from 6-7:30 p.m. March 8 at the Seeley G. Mudd Center on the Oberlin College campus.

The Mobile Museum is headed to Oberlin thanks to the efforts of retired Oberlin orchestra teacher Harriett Thomas and the fund established for her late husband, J.B. Thomas, through the Lorain County Community Foundation.

“I want students to be able to see the diversity of the collection,” she said. “With more than 10,000 artifacts, we will get to see a small part of it. He has memorabilia from the civil rights era to Angela Davis, George Washington Carver, Lena Horne and so much more.”

Beyond just seeing the items, Thomas hopes everyone takes away an important message.

“I want the students to know, everyone to know, that regardless of what happens to us, we can still pick ourselves up and we can still rise,” she said.

Black History 101 Mobile Museum founder and CEO Khalid el-Hakim spent 30 years scouring the country for memorabilia to include in the collection. He will bring about 300

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Black History 101 Mobile Museum WHEN: 3:30-5 p.m. March 6

WHERE: Oberlin Elementary School gymnasium COST: Free

WHAT: Black History 101 Mobile Museum WHEN: 6-7:30 p.m. March 8, with a lecture to follow WHERE: The Seeley G. Mudd Center, 148 W. College St., lower level COST: Free

Christina Jolliffee FOR THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

Black History 101 Mobile Museum contains

can memorabilia from the trans-Atlantic slave trade

ILIANA BENNETT

Western Reserve

Ruritan Club

The annual Western Reserve Toy and Collectible Show is back for its 32nd year. The toy show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 5 at Western Reserve Elementary School in Collins, 3851 U.S. Route 20.

The Western Reserve Ruritan Club had 32 vendors filling 73 in 2022.

Anyone interested in hosting a table, or for more information, contact Rich Ruess at (419) 706-9612 or Steve Zimmerman at (419) 744-0796.

Amherst Golf League

The Amherst City golf league has openings for players for the upcoming season. Two man teams or singles to play as subs or regulars are needed. This is a men’s league, mostly retirees, for fun with competition. We play Tuesday afternoons at Forest Hills. Please contact Gregg at 440-277-7349 if interested.

Amherst Historical Society

We are having a Craft Beer and Wine Tasting with food pairings on Saturday, March 11th from 1-3pm at ESP Brewing Company, 8055 Leavitt Rd, Amherst!

Reservations are required by March 3rd, either by using this link https://form.jotform. com/230384967105156 ,

BOARD GAMES

in mg

5. Medicinal amt. 8. Say no

BULLETIN BOARD

scanning the QR Code on the flier, calling 440-9887255 or emailing office@ amhersthistoricalsociety.

org Space is limited! $35 for AHS members and $40 for non-members There will also be Raffle Baskets and a 50/50 Raffle!

LORCI

Lorain Correctional Institution is hiring correction officers.

The prison is hosting a career recruitment open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 2. LORCI is located at 2075 Avon Belden Rd, Grafton.

Oberlin Library

The Oberlin Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting at the library on Thursday, March 9 at 5:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

Avon-Avon

Lake Republican Club

● Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club Friends March Breakfast: Marty Gallagher,Board Member of the Lorain County Port Authority Board Will speak about the County’s Midway Mall Purchase Project, Enjoy Socializing with Republican Friends on Wednesday, March 1st from 8 to 9 AM at the Sugar Creek Restaurant, corner of Detroit-Abbe Roads, Sheffield Village Plaza. Learn something new and participate in a casual free

exchange of ideas about current positions with like-minded and concerned candidates, officials and your neighbors every first Wednesday. Bring guests. Attendees are responsible for their meals.

● 6 p.m. March 9 The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club is proud to present Lt. Gov. Jon Husted who will speak about Lorain County’s role in high-tech manufacturing opportunities. Also speaking, are state Reps. Gayle Manning and Dick Stein who will address the issues surrounding the Ohio Speaker of the House at the Knights of Columbus Ragan Hall, 1783 Moore Rd Avon. The Club meets on the second Thursday of each month. Snacks and Refreshments will be available. Members are free and guests $5.

Knights of Columbus

● University Hospitals Fitness Program Introduction will be 7 p.m. March 16 at the Knights of Columbus Ragan Hall, 1783 Moore Rd. Avon. Renee Barrett, Fitness Professional with the Fitness Center, will present on Cardiovascular and Strength Training benefits, training methods and ways to keep you motivated. The 60,000

sq. ft. award-winning UH Fitness Center has state-ofthe-art fitness equipment, two pools, racquetball, a full-size gymnasium, tennis courts, more than 70 weekly group fitness classes and an indoor walking/running track. Please RSVP by March 13 to rudybreglia@ gmail.com. Snacks and refreshments will be served. Public is welcome.

● “Knights at the Races” will be at 7 p.m. March 25 at the Knights of Columbus Father Ragan Hall at 1783 Moore Rd. Avon. Doors open at 5 p.m. Buy a Horse or a Race, Relax with friends. Cash Bar, Side Boards, Big Prizes & Chinese Raffle. Tickets are $25/person for Dinner & Access to Betting. Mail Checks to Father Ragan Hall, PO Box 224, Avon, OH 44011and Make Payable to Fr. Ragan Council #3269. For Reservations/ Information Call Pete Catanese at (440) 465-4946 RSVP by March 7 for ads with Your Name(s), the number attending, your phone number, email and check.

Avon Democratic Club

Join the Avon Democratic Club for our meeting on Thursday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Avon Senior Center at 36784

Detroit Road in Avon. All are welcome.

Candidates Geoffrey Smith and Wayne R. Nicol will discuss their campaigns for Municipal Judge of the Avon Lake Courts. The Avon Lake Municipal Court serves Avon Lake, Avon and Sheffield Village.

Lorain County Democratic Women’s Club

The Lorain County Democratic Women’s (LCDW’s) Club will meet at 5:30 p.m. March 7 at Royal Grill Sushi Buffet at 5234 Cobblestone Rd., Sheffield.

Black River Audubon Society

● The Black River Audubon Society is pleased to welcome Chad and Chris Saladin and their program “Cleveland Peregrines” at 7 p.m. March 7 at Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange.

Chad and Chris Saladin have a passion for peregrine falcons. They were official peregrine falcon nest site monitors in the Cleveland area for the Ohio Division of Wildlife from the 1990s until the monitoring project ended in 2015 as peregrines recovered adequately enough to no longer be considered as “threatened” in Ohio. Their program will highlight the many adventures they have experienced with peregrines as well as address their future.

This program is free to the public. For more information about programs, volunteering or becoming a member, please visit www. blackriveraudubon.org and remember to like us on Facebook.

● The Black River Audubon 65 Year Anniversary Outstanding Speaker program will feature wellknown naturalist, author and birder Scott Weidensaul and his program “A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds” at 3 p.m. March 25 at the Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange.

Connecting for Kids

Connecting for Kids will host a resource fair 6-8 p.m. March 14 at Lorain County Community College, 1005 N. Abbe Rd., Elyria. The organization hopes to bring awareness to providers in the community offering help to those struggling with ADHD, learning issues, autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays.

The free event will feature more than 70 local providers including therapists, mental health professionals, funding sources, transition services, adapted summer camps and more for children birth through 22-years-old.

Families who pre-register and attend in-person will be entered to win a $100 VISA gift care. Pre-registration is available at connectingforkids.org/lorain -resource-fair or by calling or texting (440) 570-5908.

Amherst Public Library

● Kanopy is now available at the Amherst Public Library. Those with an Amherst Public Library Card can now borrow streaming films, documentaries and television series. Services can be accessed by downloading the free Kanopy app on a device or visiting amherstpubliclibrary.kanopy.com to create a free account with an Amherst Public Library card number and pin.

● An Oscars Trivia Contest is now underway at the Amherst Public Library. Entry forms are available in the first floor Adult Services area through March 13, with statuettes throughout the first floor to find answers.

Correct and completed forms will be placed in a grant prize drawing for a Movie Night Pack, and bonus entries are available to those who find and check out a specially selected item. The contest is for those 16-and-older.

Not quite right

Ready for picking

35. Reasons to sue

37. Romanian money

38. English county

39. Popular Arabic name

40. Lemon, in Paris

42. Latissimus dorsi, for short

43. Angola’s southern neighbor 45. Dairy farm glands 47. Relax, or ____ out

48. Brooke or John Jacob, of New York

50. USPS delivery 52. *Cards against what?

55. Medicinal plant with purple berries

56. Bug-eyed

57. Tiny bottle

59. a.k.a. jumping bone

60. Plucked string instrument

61. Makes a mistake

*”____ Day,”

7. 100 centavos in Mexico 8. Rum cake 9. Particle in A-bomb 10. What’s-old-is-new-again prefix 12. Somewhat late 13. Be at the helm 14. *Not chutes 19. #39 Across, pl. 22. Is no longer

23. *Trade, build, settle this island

24. Oenophile’s concern

25. Curtain fabric

26. *Connect how many?

27. Theater passage

28. Asparagus unit

29. Written works

32. Hipbones

33. Butterfly catcher

36. *Like pursuit of no vital importance

38. “____ ____ a high note”

40. A Camel, for short

41. Result of equipment failure

44. The beauty of the ball?

46. Morgan Freeman in “Driving Miss Daisy,” e.g.

48. Sign of bad news

49. Inflict a blow

50. Supernatural life force

51. Drunkard, slangily

52. Exhibiting good health

53. Swing seat, sometimes 54. Knitter’s supply 55. Tree fluid 58. Dropped drug, acr.

This program is free for members, $10 for nonmembers. Pre-registration for attendees is required and tickets can be purchased by following the link at www.blackriver audubon.org

● Learn all about the Iditarod Trail sled dog race with local enthusiast Eleanor Csizmadia at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Csizmadia will share photos, videos, facts, race history and her own experiences braving the sub-zero temperatures to experience the race firsthand, as well as updates and predictions for this year’s race.

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

Amanda wasborn in LosAngeles in 1998. Her love of poetry began when she was in the third grade.

Amanda wasencouraged to read her poems out loud. This was achallenge for Amanda. She had a speech impediment,which means she had trouble saying certain letters, especially the letter r.For Amanda, poetry was away to express her feelings and practice pronouncing words that weredifficult forher

Andsoweliftour gazes,not to what stands between us,but whatstandsbeforeus.

We close thedividebecauseweknowtoput ourfuture rst,wemust rstput our di erencesaside

We laydownour arms so wecan reach out our arms to one another

We seek harm to noneand harmony forall.

From TheHill We Climb by Amanda Gorman

Whatisa Poet Laureate?

InAncientGreece, athletes and people who were the best in their elds were givenacrown made of laurel leaves. Today, we use the word laureate, which comes from the word laurel, to recognizepeople of achievement in many elds.They don’t wear crowns of laurel leaves, but they do get the special title

Conquering Fears

Normally, justpop stars perform at the Super Bowl.But Gormanwrote andread aloud apoem at Super Bowl LV.Use the code to ndout which year this happened =0

Amanda forPresident?

Amanda has said shewants to be President of the United States as soon as she is oldenough. She hastobe35torun for president. In whatyear will she be 35? Addthistothe timeline.

Elections forPresident are held every fouryears. Will there be a Presidentialelectionthe year she turns35? If not, what yearcan she runfor President?

Somehowwe’ve weathered and witnessed anation thatisn’t broken, but simply un nished.We, the successors of acountryandatime where askinnyBlack girldescended from slavesand raised by asinglemother candream of becoming president, only to nd herself reciting forone.

Lookthrough the newspaper for atopic thatyou wouldlike to writea poem about. Work with afamilymember to writea cinquain

What’sa cinquain?

Acinquain is afive-line poem that doesn’trhyme,which followsthis formula:

Line1: Subject– one word only

Line2: Descriptionofsubject in three words

Line3: Something more about the subject

Line4: Opinion aboutthe subject

Line5: Oneword related to the subject

Example:

Amanda Brilliantpoet, famous Cares about the world She is thebest Inspires

Give it atry!

Line 1:

Line 2:

Line 3:

Line 4:

Many peopleare afraid of entering competitions and performing in front of people even Amanda Gorman She advises people to just go for it and don’t hold yourself back, even if you are nervous or afraid.

Howmany di erences canyou nd between these twopictures?

Amanda’s WritingTip

Circle every otherletter to discover one of the keys to Amanda’s amazing creativity

AV MCAFNBDLAK AU LNWR AC Y

HSDL CIJSUT WEVNT SGT YO BM

DU ASJIVCRWLI MT X HROFUB TJ

WMOIRGD T SNWPHOECNT S CHJEIWLRGIQ TDEVSL.

Adjective Search

Line 5:

LocalLaureates

Lookthrough the newspaper andfind five people youthinkshould be calledlaureates. Write down each name. After the name, write what you think they should be called.

Examples: amayorlaureate ateacher laureate a construction laureate aparentlaureate

leaving anice note telling afamily member how much you love them.

This week’sword:

LAUREATE

The adjective laureate is atitle given to apersonof achievement in artorscience

AmandaGorman was the first person to be named National YouthPoet Laureate

Trytouse the word laureate in asentence today when talking with yourfriends and familymembers.

My Favorite Poet

Who is your favorite poet, and why?

Poetryatthe SuperBowl?

Amanda Gorman’s Timeline

Howold wasAmanda Gorman in each of these years? Writethe answeroneach line

Amanda Gorman born in Los Angeles.

AGE:

Amandabecomesthe Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles

Amanda Gorman becamethe National Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. AGE:

Amanda Gorman reads her poem, TheHillWeClimb, at the inauguration of President Biden.