Lorain County Community Guide - April 20, 2023

Western Reserve Land Conservancy opens boardwalk

OBERLIN — Nature lovers in Oberlin now have a new spot to visit.

The city and Western Reserve Land Conservancy opened a new boardwalk and overlook at the Oberlin Preserve on April 11, built along an existing hiking trail and vernal pools and wetlands within the patch of longstanding wilderness.

Andy McDowell, vice president of Western Field Operations, said the woods were first identified as a conservation priority in the late 1800s. More than 100 years later, The Western Reserve Land Conservancy acquired the 63-acre property in 2015. In 2021 the Land Conservancy created its Signature Parks and Preserves program, opening and managing six properties throughout Northeast Ohio for public access — including the Oberlin site.

“It gives you more of an immersive experience to be out there and just absorb nature around you and the health benefits associated with it,” McDowell said of the boardwalk.

The property includes a prairie, with nearly 600 native wildflowers and 200 native trees, as well as the Oberlin Great South Woods.

City Council President Bryan Burgess

remembered running the woods as a child — when it was a truly overgrown wilderness before Reserve Avenue was put in.

In the years since then, the city, Land Conservancy and other partners have worked to clear the paths and make them usable again.

“Since then it’s become one of the bestkept secrets in Oberlin,” he said and was excited to add the boardwalk to the list of amenities there.

Volunteers helped pre-drill the plastic and pressure-treated lumber for the walkway, toting them from Associate Field Director Kate Pilacky’s home a few miles away to the site. She said the project was actually completed in October, but for the first time in 20 years the area was dry — and it didn’t make much sense to have a grand opening without the wetlands and vernal pools living up to their name.

The Oberlin Preserve was once owned by John and Delilah Copeland, free people of color who moved to Oberlin in the 1840s. Their son, John Anthony Copeland Jr., was involved in two significant anti-slavery events prior to the Civil War: the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue of 1858 and the raid at Harpers Ferry in 1859, for which he was later executed.

The Western Reserve Land Conservancy maintains an Underground Railroad

Carnival

tradition benefits Wellington students throughout the summer

Former EMA director resigns from county

Less than a week after being replaced as head of the Lorain County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Jessica Fetter resigned.

Director since June 2021, Fetter sent a two-line email to county HR Director J.R. White that was copied to County Administrator Jeff Armbruster and Deputy County Administrator Karen Perkins: “Please accept this email as my official resignation from the Emergency Management Agency and the County of Lorain. This will be effective as of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12,” she wrote in the email, obtained by The ChronicleTelegram.

“The county and I are going in two different directions,” Fetter said April 13 when reached for comment.

Fetter was hired by the Lorain County Board of Commissioners to replace her former boss, Tom Kelley, upon his retirement in 2021. She had worked at EMA as an emergency operations manager for 2½ years prior to that.

management in Wayne County. He is scheduled to start Monday. After delivering the news to her on April 6, Armbruster and Perkins offered Fetter the chance to go back to her old position as emergency operations manager, she told the Chronicle on April 11. Commissioners also announced they were replacing Lorain County 911 Director Jeff Young, the former Sheffield Fire chief, with former Avon Lake mayor Rob Berner.

Commissioners said they were impressed with Berner’s credentials, including his master’s degree in public administration, and said plans are to merge EMA with 911. He also is scheduled to start Monday.

Neither Fetter nor Young was fired after the new directors were hired. Commissioners said they hoped to find roles for both former directors.

Wellington High School saw a great turnout for the 13th annual Duke Pride Carnival on April 13.

The carnival’s proceeds provide meals throughout the summer to students who receive free or reduced lunches during the school year.

Nadia Greer, 17, and Naudika Boden, 16, posed with Stomper, the Lake Erie Crushers mascot, as Bryant Santee, 17, took their photo during the Duke Pride Carnival.

Commissioners voted unanimously on April 7 to replace Fetter with William “Dave” Freeman, currently the director of emergency

Young’s replacement was met with criticism by county fire chiefs, who backed their former peer. They questioned Berner’s credentials and ability to fill the role.

BRUCE BISHOP | The Community Guide

Ray Stewart, of Amherst, a member of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy looks for small marine life to show to people at the ribbon cutting for the new wetlands overlook and boardwalk trail at the Oberlin Preserve in Oberlin while people chack out the new overlook.

JEFF BARNES | The Community Guide

DAVE O’BRIEN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

PRESERVE PAGE A4

JESSICA FETTER

Couple thanks Eaton Twp. ‘angels’

Rhonda Lee Smith-Jones

Rhonda Lee Smith-Jones (nee Currier), 71, of Amherst, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Lorain. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home.

Community rallies to pay for kitten’s surgery

CARISSA WOYTACH THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

SHEFFIELD LAKE —

Mavrick Spelich and his kitten, Max, have been inseparable since the pair met a few months ago.

But when the 4-monthold kitten took a tumble from the 5-year-old’s top bunk bed and broke her leg, it left Mavrick’s mom, Jenna Nieves, distraught at the prospect of being unable to pay for the surgery Max needed.

“It’s just so hard because like I was telling the surgeon, do I tell my kid his cat’s not coming home or we have to amputate the poor kitten’s leg … It’s our mortgage payment, it’s our car payment, it’s groceries for weeks,” she said. “No one just has that much money laying around.”

Max is Mavrick’s emotional support animal. The 5-year-old has Chiari malformation, causing extra fluid to build on his brain, which disrupts his sleep, Nieves said, and during the day he has some ADHD and anxiety.

After discussing it with Mavrick’s pediatrician about a month ago, Max was approved as an emotional support cat and “when they’re together, he’s amazing,” his mom said.

“I’ve never seen a little kid love an animal so much,” she said.

The first emergency trip to West Park Animal Hospital in Cleveland cost about $800 for X-rays and pain medication for the little orange cat, and even after a deep discount on the services from the surgeon,

it was still an estimated $1,500 for Max’s required surgery.

Without the surgery, she would either need to have the leg amputated — as the kitten’s unsuccessful jump had damaged a growth plate in her leg — or the family would have to surrender Max for a shelter to take over her care.

“You pick your life and your bills and your groceries over your animal, how do you do that?” she said. “So I was like I just need to do everything I can. And he’s like ‘Hey mom, how about we do a lemonade stand?’”

So Nieves took to Facebook, hoping she’d get some help from her community.

And Sheffield Lake didn’t disappoint.

Nieves woke up to an envelope of cash from a local motorcycle club, and as family and friends helped Mavrick staff his lemonade stand, visitors were paying well over the $1 asking price for a cup of pink or regular lemonade.

On April 13 they’d collected $1,560 — with the lemonade stand alone bringing in about $1,250.

Any funds beyond what was needed for Max’s surgery would be donated to West Park Animal Hospital’s fund to help other families in need, Nieves said.

“I just thought this would be maybe a couple hundred dollars. ... It gives me faith in humanity, and I truly mean that. There’s a lot of crap in the world and a lot of mean people and people with bad intentions and it’s just amazing (to see this happen),” Nieves said.

ELYRIA — Longtime Lorain

County Democratic Party Chairman

Tom Smith has died at age 81 and is being remembered for his impact on Lorain County

Smith is remembered by friends and colleagues as a mild-mannered voice of reason who helped steer Lorain County in a positive direction for a generation.

Board of Elections Director Paul Adams, who also serves as chairman of the Lorain City Democratic Party, said several people had contacted him Saturday about Smith’s death and honored his steadfast wisdom.

“Tom was always the calm voice of reason and stability. Never one to raise his voice in anger, and the first to work toward common ground. His style of leadership was the steady hand in Lorain County politics for decades I grew to admire.”

Smith served as chairman of the Lorain County Democratic Party between 1992 and 2012 and was a Board of Elections member between 1990 and 2021, leading the county Democrats for a generation before passing the torch to Anthony Giardini.

He resigned from the Board of Elections in January 2021 for health reasons.

Current Lorain County Democratic Party Chairwoman Sharon Sweda remembered Smith for setting a positive tone for leadership. A loyal party supporter, he was a consensus builder and a free thinker but down to earth and friendly for someone as intelligent as he was, she said.

“He would always let you know his thoughts. He would lay out the way he thought things needed to go. But he would always be a fair consensus participant. So that if perhaps the overall consensus went a way different than what he wanted, he didn’t he didn’t have sour grapes, he didn’t go stomping out of the room, he didn’t refuse to participate. He supported what was best for the

group, and what the group wanted to do,” Sweda said. He was constantly trying to improve the people he worked with, supporting and coaching them for the betterment of all.

“Just a solid guy. He was always leading with integrity. He was dedicated, he was a hard worker. He was supportive of anybody in the party who was perhaps leading different charges that he wasn’t hands on, he would always still want to weigh in and, and give them his thought, his angle so that maybe they’d be better,” Sweda said.

Shortly after Sweda took office, the party named Smith as their first chair emeritus, honoring him for his leadership. Up until this year Smith continued attending Democratic Party meetings and remained involved, desiring a seat at the table.

Sweda noted Smith was particularly concerned about the role of dark money in politics and the $60 million House Bill 6 corruption scandal that led to convictions for former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder among others.

Smith did much of the background research for Lorain County Democrats and Sweda believes he would’ve been pleased at the outcome.

‘A friend to all’

Sheffield Mayor John D. Hunter remembered Smith as a friend to him and said he was a friend to everyone in Lorain County as a fierce advocate for Lorain County Community College and as someone who worked across the aisle to improve quality of life for all.

A native of Sheffield Village, Hunter has known Smith for 60 years and was a dear friend to him. Their paths crossed both personally and professionally. Smith served as the attorney for UAW Local 2000 in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s when

JEFF BARNES | The

Community Guide

Ken Scheckelhoff surprised Eaton Township firefighters during an open house April 15. Scheckelhoff visited the fire department to thank first responders for saving his life on Aug. 6, when he had a heart attack at the gas station at State Routes 57 and 82. Seated in the middle are Regina McClure and Ken Scheckelhoff. Standing are (left) Jack Bailey, Andrew Brumfield, Brandon Urig, Matt Schutz, Kevin Blair, and Chris Becker.

Former Democratic Party chair Tom Smith dies

Hunter served as president. Upon being elected as Sheffield Mayor in 2007, he tapped Smith as his law director, a position he held for 10 years until his retirement.

“Tom Smith was a personal friend and a strong leader, and he cared about everyone. He was a leader in the community, he was a leader in the Democratic Party. But the main thing he was a loyal friend to everyone,” Hunter said.

Ego was a word that didn’t exist in Smith’s vocabulary, Hunter said, echoing that losing him will be a big loss to everybody.

“I don’t know if he ever had a bad word for anyone. He was one of those people that was always looking for the middle ground. Always looking for some way to draw people together,” Hunter said.

Smith also served as chairman of the Elyria City Democratic Party and on the Lorain County Community College Board of Trustees, the latter of which he held almost since the college’s inception in 1963 in addition to LCCC’s foundation board.

Current Board of Elections Chair Marilyn Jacobik remembered Smith for serving Lorain County with integrity and bridging the gaps in finding solutions.

“Tom served on the Board of Elections for many years. He always served with integrity, setting the highest standards for honest elections. He was a steady voice considerate and appreciative of staff efforts. He was able to bridge both parties for the right solution when political interests enter into the discussion. He was an honorable man throughout and he will be missed,” Jacobik said.

Jacobik added Smith never had an ego that entered into anything he was doing and he was always looking to do the right thing.

Smith was an attorney with Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook and Batista Co. in Avon before his retirement.

Outside of politics, Jacobik said Smith was an avid golfer and his family was very important to him with his wife, Linda, and his grandchildren were his pride and joy.

KEVIN MARTIN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

TOM SMITH

JEFF BARNES | The Community Guide Mavrick Spelich, 5, pours a cup of lemonade to help pay for his emotional support kitten Max’s surgery.

JEFF BARNES | The Community Guide

The painting “Primitive Dentistry” by Archibald Willard circa 1875 has been restored through the generosity of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie #2051. It how hangs in the Spirit of ‘76 Museum located at 201 N. Main St. in Wellington. It was donated to the museum by the original owner’s granddaughter Virginia Martina of York, Pennsylvania.

Spirit of ‘76 unveils new Archibald Willard painting

WELLINGTON — The Spirit of ‘76 Museum debuted the newest piece to its Archibald Willard collection on Saturday with “Primitive Dentistry” in an open house.

The piece was commissioned by Dr. Martin Noble in 1875 after attending an art exhibition by Willard in the Philadelphia and was donated to the museum by Noble’s granddaughter Virginia Nobel Martina of York, Pennsylvania.

The painting depicts a blacksmith extracting a tooth from the farmer supporting himself on the floor and a horse.

Wellington gas station sells winning lottery ticket

WELLINGTON – A local business sold a winning scratch-off ticket.

The Certified Oil gas station at 201 W. Herrick Ave., sold a $500,000 lottery ticket to Richard Brown, of Ashland.

After mandatory state and federal taxes totaling 28 percent, Brown will receive $360,000 in winnings.

$500,000 Cashword is a $10 Scratch-Off with a top prize of $500,000. As of April 12, 2023, there are four top prizes remaining in the game, according to an Ohio Lottery news release.

To date, the Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $29 billion to education since 1974.

Actress, author to speak at LCADA benefit

Actress and author Mariel

Hemingway will be the keynote speaker at The LCADA Way Pearls of Wisdom Annual Benefit and Recognition Dinner on Oct. 26, the organization announced April 17.

The LCADA Way Pearls of Wisdom Annual Benefit and Recognition Dinner honors individuals and organizations who help those impacted by drug, alcohol and gambling addiction. The annual benefit helps raise awareness of addiction support and raises funds to assist the nonprofit on its mission. It will be held at Embassy Suites Rockside in Independence on Oct. 26.

Noble Martina described the history of the piece in a plaque accompanying the painting on display.

“My grandfather, Dr. Martin James Noble, and his wife Estelle, of the Reading, Pennsylvania, area were the original owners of the painting. Later it was passed down to my father, Allen James Noble, and my mother, Janet Scott. And upon her death in 1987, to me, Virginia Noble Martina. The Noble family valued and enjoyed the painting for several generations,” she wrote. Willard’s painting, Martina said, inspired her grandfather to commission a painting depicting early dentistry that he could be

displayed in his dental office.

“Early dentistry was performed by the local blacksmith. Hopefully, you can see the tear falling from the horse’s eye. My thought always was that Grandfather’s patients would be less fearful knowing how it could be.”

The painting the was in the same family for three generations and is now on display for the public to see after being restored with help from the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2051.

The Spirit of ‘76 Museum was founded in 1968 bearing the name of one of Willard’s most famous paintings and housing several of his works.

Kitchen Cabinet Installations, Garbage Disposals, Dishwashers Interior / Exterior doors & Storm doors

Plumbing, Fixtures, Toilets, Faucets Water Heaters, Sump Pumps Call Steve 440-315-4744

CONSTRUCTION

STAFF REPORT

Oberlin Council talks affordable housing

OBERLIN — Six years since a housing study highlighted Oberlin’s need for affordable housing, a project to provide some could be moving forward.

City Council held a work session Monday evening to discuss a proposal by Revitalization Strategies Group to build eight homes on city-owned property.

The homes would be on in-fill lots, each costing about $225,000 to build.

Federal housing subsidies would bring the cost for homeowners down to about $125,000 to $150,000, Councilman Ray English said. Homeowners would first rent the properties for up to five years while receiving financial counseling to be able to take out mortgages to purchase the properties, he said.

The proposed homes are two- or three-bedroom units, with one-and-a-half or two bathrooms, according to the submitted design plans by LDA Architects.

The proposed properties for the in-fill units include 225 Sumner St., 878 Kimberly Circle, 69 S. Park St., a Prospect Street lot, two lots on South Pleasant Street, a lot on Grafton Street and a lot on Smith Street.

The city has been in talks with Michael Bowen of Re-

vitalization Strategies since November 2021, Councilwoman Eboni Johnson said. Late last year, Bowen toured several sites around the city, including the infill lots part of Monday’s proposal.

English said the entire project is expected to cost $2.3 million to $2.4 million. It will be up to Bowen to secure financing, from private investment, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits or other subsidies for the project to move forward. It is unlikely to receive a tax abatement, English said.

The city will provide $20,000 per home in American Rescue Plan Act funds, and complete a Phase I environmental review of each lot before construction moves forward. If anything is found during that environmental review, it will be up to the city to remediate those issues before the property can transfer to Revitalization Strategies.

The city has until 2024 to allocate ARPA funds, and until 2026 to spend them.

Councilwoman Kristin Peterson expressed concern about what would happen if Congress imposed clawback measures on unexpended funds — questioning if the city would have to make up the difference. That answer remains unclear.

Once the eight plots transfer, construction can begin — estimated to start in the first half of 2024 if

the development stays on its projected schedule.

Residents of the singlefamily homes will be chosen based in part on income and creditworthiness, with preference given to those currently living in, or looking to move back to, Oberlin, English said. Families would have up to five years to rent the homes and receive financial counseling to be able to purchase the home for a long-term mortgage.

English noted the rents and subsequent mortgage rates would be affordable for low-income families. Revitalization Strategies still needs to develop a selection plan fully, English said.

If, after five years, tenants were unable to purchase the home, a new family would be selected for the house, English said. A family’s rent would not count toward their mortgage or down payment.

Former councilman Ronnie Rimbert was disappointed Bowen wasn’t at Monday’s meeting, but Council clarified Bowen wasn’t invited. The work session was meant to give Council a chance to hear the project in full, and listen to residents’ concerns.

About two dozen residents came out Monday, many expressing support for the project.

Ralph Thompson, a member of the city’s Social Equity Work Group’s Housing subgroup, said the opportunity for homeownership is one that generates wealth for families and was satisfied with the commit-

PROVIDED | Oberlin City Council Packet Floor plans for two and three bedroom affordable infill housing proposed on city-owned properties in southeast Oberlin.

ment to equity Bowen has had as the project has been in the works. No ordinance was introduced for the proposal and further work sessions were

requested by residents.

The city’s 2017 housing study, completed by Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs,

recommended at the time the city address maintenance and rehabilitation needs in its current housing stock, and provide smaller, affordable homes for sale.

Freedom Garden on the north end of the property.

Grants from Lorain County Public Health and the Ross Foundation funded the $20,000 boardwalk project.

The boardwalk will even-

tually tie into a planned stretch of woodland trails coming from the open prairie through the woods. The Western Reserve Land Conservancy hopes to have the trails open by next summer, McDowell said, depending on funding. The proposed trail is a roughly $150,000 project, and the nonprofit will know later this year if its grant request was successful.

North Pointe Ballet

North Pointe Ballet will host its original production of “Beauty and the Beast” at the Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway, April 21-23.

A special sensory-friendly matinee is Saturday, with participants from Murray Ridge School and NPB’s A Chance to Dance program joining the cast on stage. Showtimes are 7 p.m. April 21 and 22, 2 p.m. April 23. The Sensoryfriendly show is at 2 p.m. April 22.

Tickets are $22 to $26. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Lorain Palace Theatre box office at (440) 245-2323 or online at northpointeballet.org/ beauty-and-the-beast.

Another, abbreviated production will be at Lakeview Park, 1800 West Erie Ave., at 7 p.m. May 12. The Lakeview Park performance is free, with lawn seating available. Attendees should bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

Oberlin Heritage Center

The Oberlin Heritage Center will host a “paired with history” wine and cheese tasting at 6:30 p.m. May 9. The event is in collaboration with the Black River Wine Shop and Bar in downtown oberlin. Admission is $25 or $20 for OHC members. The event is for those 21-and-older and IDs will be checked at entry. For more information or to register, visit oberlinheritagecenter.com or email tourinfo@oberlinheritage. org

BULLETIN BOARD

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

Black River Audubon Society

The Black River Audubon Society will host Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist Tim Jasinski at 7 p.m. May 2 at the Carlisle Reservation Visitor’s Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange. Jasinski began his involvement with the Lake Erie and Nature Science Center in 2007 first as a volunteer and then seasonal worker, before attaining his current fulltime position in wildlife rehab. He will discuss what wildlife rehab is and give some specifics on what his job entails along with some special success stories. This program is free to the public.

Amherst Historical Society

● Afternoon Tea is 1-3 p.m. May 21 at The Grange Hall in Sandstone Village. Please join us for tea and refreshments, enjoy beautiful wedding dresses on display, and tour the Village gardens maintained by the Amherst Garden Club. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 for members. Please RSVP by May 15 to (440) 988-7255 or office@ amhersthistoricalsociety. org. Payments can be made

THEME: FILL-IN-THEBLANK

by cash, check or card.

You can also register and pay by card using https://form.jotform. com/230463915767161

● The Sandstone Village Car and Bike Show will be June 4 with registration from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and the Car Show from 12-4 p.m. There will be a photo area, Village building tours, garage sales, a blessing of the cars and bikes, raffles, DJ, food court, and more! Spectator parking will be at Amherst Junior High School with shuttle service to Sandstone Village.

● The Taste of History Military Living History event is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 17 at The Sandstone Village, 763 Milan Ave. The event will have samples of military food and rations, displays, kids’ activities and more.

League of Women Voters of the Oberlin Area

The League of Women Voters of the Oberlin Area will hold a public informational meeting about Ranked Choice Voting and what it could mean for Lorain County voters. The meeting is in the Dye Auditorium of the Oberlin College Science Center at 6:30 p.m. April 26. Speakers will include Justin Wells, the Co-Executive

of Ranked Choice Ohio, and Duncan Buell, Chair Emeritus in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of South Carolina, a noted researcher in electronic voting, and currently visiting professor at Denison University. The meeting will consider what ranked choice voting has to offer the voters of Lorain County and what difficulties lie in wait before any implementation can happen. Parking will be available in the Woodland Street lot across from the science building.

Amherst Library

● Celebrate spring with a short story contest. Youth of all ages are invited to enter the Amherst Public Library’s short story contest now through April 29. Winners will be chosen by May 5.

● Learn how to make your own cleaning products at the Amherst Library’s program 6:30 p.m. today. with baking soda, vinegar, peroxide, castile soap and essential oils.

● Adapted storytime is 10:15 a.m. Saturday.

● A creative storytime for children is 11:30 a.m. Saturday. The program is designed for ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Dress for a mess.

● The Library’s Japanese Tokusatsu club will meet at 6 p.m. April 25. The group is recommended for ages 15-and-up. The group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month.

To register for events, or for more information, call the library at (440) 9884230 or visit amherstpubliclibrary.org.

PROVIDED | Oberlin Schools

Oberlin High School Orchestra Instructor Ms Audrey John Melzer conducts the students as they perform “Songs of the Ocean Winds” while guest composer Mr. Adrian Gordon virtually listens

Oberlin High School Orchestra works with guest composer

Gordon gave the students a round of applause.

OBERLIN — The Oberlin High School orchestra had the opportunity to virtually perform for guest composer Adrian Gordon.

Gordon is an active performer, composer and music educator from Charlotte, N.C. He has written several acclaimed works for string orchestras including “Songs of the Ocean Winds,” which the Oberlin High School orchestra will perform at its May 8 concert.

Before hearing Gordon’s feedback, Oberlin High School Orchestra Instructor Audrey John Melzer conducted the students as they performed Gordon’s “Songs of the Ocean Winds.”

After the performance

“The total center is pretty good and the ensemble is good,” he said virtually. “Some ideas I have are to slow down the tempo in a few areas and exaggerate the dynamic in another.”

Gordon then explained which areas of his piece he referred to as students took out pencils to make notes on their sheet music.

“It was our honor and pleasure to perform for you today Mr. Gordon,” said Melzer. “We appreciate your time and your feedback. We are looking forward to taking your suggestions when we perform for our families.”

The Oberlin High School Orchestra will perform its Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. May 8 at the high school auditorium.

Local judge reappointed to Judicial College board

ELYRIA — Lorain County Probate Judge James T. Walther has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees of the Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College, according to a news release.

The appointment was made on March 31 by Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy for a three-year term ending December 31, 2025.

The Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College provides continuing legal and professional education for judges, magistrates, acting judges and nonjudicial

court personnel to ensure the effective administration of justice for all Ohioans. “I have been working on Judicial College planning for many years and have been teaching new judges orientation for Ohio probate judges since 2011. I am especially interested in development of training for Ohio guardians,” said Lorain County Probate Judge James T. Walther. “I am grateful for the trust Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy has placed in me and I am thrilled to continue working with the Judicial College.”

STAFF REPORT

Somesoft plastics arenot recyclable and end up in landfills.

People around the world are using thesesoftplastics to make ecobricks. Ecobricks are plastic bottles tightly packed with wrappers andother soft plastics. They canbeusedfor building walls, furniture, play structures, houses and more

All it takes is imagination andsome plastic bottlesand plastic waste.

Canyou nd these things hidden in the ecobrick?

HowtoMakeanEcobrick

Stu you need:

•Plastic bottles (including lids)

•Clean and dryplastic garbage

•Scissors

•A stick thatisatleast the length of the bottle

•Scales

•Permanent markers (for writing on the bottle)

Whattodo:

STEP1: Makesureyour plastic materials arecleanand dry

STEP 3: Pack it tight. Tip: mix up soft and hard plastic.

Don’tover ll it

Thereshould be 1-2cm between the capand the plasticinside.

STEP 2: Addsmall pieces of plastic, plasticbagsand otherkindsof clean plastictothe bottle.Use the stickto push more plastic in as you ll the bottle.

ThePlastic Problem

Over380 million tons of plastic is produced every year.The world uses500 billionsingle-useplastic bags every year. Aplastic bagisused for only15 minutes on average, but the plasticitself canlast more than 1,000 years!

Plastic pollution is a big problem, but people aroundthe world are finding solutions.

Ecobricks is one of the solutions.

Ecobricks canbeset in concretetobuildwalls forhomes, planter boxesand much more

Standards Link: Solutions for human impact on ecosystems.

Whatcangoinan ecobrick?

Do themath undereachitem. Even-numbered answers can go in ecobricks. Odd-numbered answers can not.Circlethe things thatcan go into an ecobrick bottle in green and cross out the things that can’tinred

STEP 4: Choose aproject to support. Find out if thereare anylocal communityprojectsthatare looking forecobrick donations.Ifyou can’t nd one,there arehundreds online to getinvolved in.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

How muchshould an ecobrick weigh?

A2-liter bottle should weigh about 1½poundswhen fullofclean plastic.

Look verycarefully.

Can you findthe ecobrick that’s different than all the others?

Look throughyournewspaper for examples of people findingsolutionstothe plastic problem. Write aletter to the editor about how making ecobricks could help reduce plastic pollutionin yourcommunity.

Ecobricks aresometimes called bottle bricks Why do you think that name fits?

Plastic Scavenger Hunt

Lookthroughanewspaper to find examples of products that come in plastic or have plastic in them. Choosefiveand comeupwitha way to get that product without plastic.

Standards Link: Use the newspaper to locate information.

The noun solution means a way to solve aproblem. SOLUTION

Arecycle bin in class wasthe solution to our litter problem.

Trytouse theword solution in asentence today when talkingwith your friends and family members

Planet ProtectorTip

Share atip with other children on ways theycan help protect ourplanet.

©2023byVickiWhiting,Editor Je Schinkel,Graphics Vol. 39,No. 20

Using the picturesasclues, work withafamily member to fill in the missing letters.