Lorain County Community Guide - June 1, 2023

Congratulations Class of 2023!

Short parade, long history

Brownhelm Memorial Day parade still honoring fallen soldiers

BROWNHELM TWP. — No one knows exactly when the annual Memorial Day Parade culminating at Brownhelm Cemetery in Vermillion began, but it seems to get bigger and grander every year.

May 28 was no exception, as dozens of people from Brownhelm Township and beyond marched from the corner of Claus Road and North Ridge Road just under a half mile on North Ridge to the cemetery.

The procession was led by members of the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard and made up of rep-

resentatives from a wide variety of other organizations: Amherst American Legion Post 118, the Brownhelm 4-H Club, local Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, the South Amherst Fire Department, the Brownhelm Historical Association and more.

There were classic cars, Scouts and Honor Guard members alike in full regalia, a fire engine from South Amherst, several classic cars and even a cart carrying several Brownhelm Historical Association members in period-accurate clothing from around the time of the township’s founding in the early 1800s.

The Brownhelm Historical Association has been the primary organizer

Oberlin College ends contract with Catholic healthcare company

Oberlin College has ended its contract with a health care company criticized for its stance on providing reproductive and LGBTQ medical services.

In a message sent to the college community and The Chronicle-Telegram, Oberlin College announced the end of the contract with Harness Health Partners. The college plans to bring student health services inhouse due to “philosophical differences.”

Hospital in Oberlin. Harness Health Partners also handled COVID-19 testing for Oberlin College through the pandemic, according to previous reporting.

Prior to the 2022-23 academic year, Oberlin College contracted health services with University Hospitals for the 2021-22 year.

of the Memorial Day parade for at least the past 30 years, with current president Marsha DePalma taking over as the lead organizer from Ed and Marilyn Brill several years ago.

The Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard has been involved with the parade for decades, and Commander Clark Bruner has participated in every one since joining the Honor Guard 26 years ago.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Marsha (DePalma) and all the citizens of Brownhelm for inviting us back this year,” Bruner, who is also Commander of American Legion Post 118, said. “I don’t know how long we’ve been doing this, but I’ve

When Oberlin College began its partnership with Harness Health, it was assured the health care provider would give a full range of services, including comprehensive reproductive health care and LGBTQ-affirming care to students, according to the statement. But shortly after the contract was finalized, Harness changed its perspective on the services it could provide, according to Oberlin College.

At that time, Oberlin College made those services available through other health care providers through the 2022-23 academic year, but the college prefers to offer those services in a “more integrated way, consistent with Oberlin’s values.”

Harness Health Partners is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, a Catholic health care network. Bon Secours operates nearby Mercy Health - Allen

When issues arose with the college’s new health care provider prescribing contraceptives and other reproductive care, Oberlin College initially provided those services through a partnership with Family Planning Services of Lorain County. It later transitioned to offering those services, as well as gender-affirming care for LGBTQ individuals, via a contracted nurse practitioner on campus, Oberlin College spokesperson Andrea Simakis said.

Since announcing the end of the contract, Oberlin College has reached out to the nurse practitioner and other staff at Student Health Services to continue working as Oberlin College employees, in an effort to provide continuity of care Simakis said.

The change from contract to in-house services will be complete before the fall semester, she said. On-campus health services are not offered during the summer, and the change will not affect the cost of services for students on college insurance plans.

Bon Secours spokesperson Jennifer Robinson did not return requests for comment.

Amherst grads celebrate end of ‘unforgettable’ journey

CLEVELAND — Amherst Marion L. Steele High School’s 135th graduating class could not have a brighter future, Valedictorian Ashley London told her fellow Comets on Saturday afternoon.

Gathered at the Wolstein Center, the Class of 2023 recognized the work it had put in to walk across the stage: from working through a pandemic to making the most of their senior year.

“Rather than succumbing to these circumstances, we chose to move forward and make the best of it,”

London said.

It’s been four years of football games, concerts, musicals, class trips, and countless memories. While things may not have gone as planned — as the class was sent home in the latter half of freshman year during the COVID-19 shutdown, and didn’t return in-full until their junior year it was “unforgettable in the most beautiful way,” she said.

Lorain County Joint Vocational School student Keyshia Maysonet said the gains and losses the class of 2023 experienced makes them who they are.

Maysonet studied cosmetology at the JVS to give others confidence in

themselves, she said. She implored her fellow graduates to help uplift others where they can and leave the world better than they found it.

Class President Evan Draga said he was trying to find a treasured memory from the past 12 years with his classmates — but found he couldn’t speak for all of them. It could be the ups and downs of watching the Comets football team or attending volleyball games, theater productions, a middle school trip to Mohican State Park or the countless daily interactions with a classmate or teacher.

“What is valuable is the

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OWEN MacMILLAN | The Community Guide

Matt Stempowski is followed by a procession of Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts in the Brownhelm Memorial Parade on May 28.

THOMAS FETCENKO | The Community Guide

Amherst’s class of 2023 graduated at the Cleveland State Wolstein Center on Saturday, May 27.

OWEN MACMILLAN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

CARISSA WOYTACH THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

CARISSA WOYTACH THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

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‘Reading of the Names’ honors Vietnam War dead

AMHERST — It has been 50 years since the last American combat troops left Vietnam.

Among the nearly 3 million U.S. soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who served, more than 58,000 were killed.

Of those, 98 were from Lorain County.

The names of all 98, their ranks, branches of service and hometowns, were read aloud May 27 during the 36th annual “Reading of the Names” ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Lorain County on North Lake Street in Amherst.

For each of the names that were read, a bell was rung one time.

“We can’t thank our 98 enough for their sacrifice,” organizer and Disabled American Veterans Post 20 Cmdr. Don Attie said.

The dozens of Gold Star family members — those who lost loved ones in the war — friends, wellwishers, veterans and others in attendance were called upon to “remember

been around for about 26 years and we’re still doing it.”

After the parade arrived at the Brownhelm Cemetery, Bruner took over and led a ceremony honoring the veterans interred there, as well as all the rest who had died fighting for their country.

“We’re here today to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in the service of our country, and those others who dropped the burden of the wayside by their life, and have gone to the eternal rest,” he said. “May the ceremonies of today be fitting reverence for our departed friends and comrades.”

Honor Guard Chaplain Jack McNaughton led the gathered crowd in singing the national anthem, and also gave a prayer honoring the fallen.

Those who spoke to the crowd did so beside the cemetery’s veterans monument, which resides within the raised family plot of Seth Morse, a veteran of the Revolutionary War and one of Brownhelm’s earliest residents.

Greg Rivet, a member of

our gift of freedom” and the “selfless sacrifice” of the dead by Tim Carrion, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran who gave the invocation at Saturday’s ceremony. “Their sacrifice embodies the true spirit of heroism,” Carrion said. “May we strive for peace and understanding in a world where the sacrifice of those individuals was not in vain.”

Attie and Carrion were joined by Don Killinger, Rebecca Temarario-Lloyd and a number of Gold Star family members in reading all 98 names.

This year, students at Avon Lake High School made ceramic red poppies that were gifted to the memorial and placed on stems in a patch beside the memorial.

Poppies are a familiar symbol of war memorials and remembrances around the world, after Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae wrote about them in his 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields” while serving in World War I.

Art teacher Yvonne Craigo said students researched all 98 names so they could craft individual poppies,

making “meaningful connections ... so their learning will be deep and enduring.”

That included reading letters from the men to their families and letters from the families back to their troops — some undelivered or written years after their deaths.

It wasn’t lost on the students or their teachers that some of the 98 who died were just months or years out of high school, nearly the same age as the students who researched, designed and made the ceramic poppies, Craigo said.

Organizers said the poppies were a welcome addition to the annual event.

“This has become our ‘Flanders Field,’” said Mike Schrull, past commander of American Legion Post 211 and one of the organizers of and speakers at Saturday’s event. He presented Craigo with a plaque thanking her and her students for their art in remembrance of the 98.

The poppies, Schrull said, were “a dream that finally came true.” “Very well done,” Attie said. “Very heartfelt.”

Oberlin Schools host Memorial Day ceremony, showcase marching band

OBERLIN — Starting at 11 a.m. May 29, Oberlin Schools hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Wright Memorial Park.

well. “We prepared selections out of the patriotic book and then ‘Sky Ranger’ by Carl L. King and ‘Sousa on Parade,’ which is an arrangement of John Phillip Sousa marches,” Jaeckin said of the band’s repertoire.

the historical association, served as the event’s keynote speaker and explored the history of Morse and other Revolutionary War veterans.

“Today, as we remember those who gave their lives in service to our country, I thought we should take a moment to consider a special category of American soldiers; those that fought for our country before it officially existed,” Rivet said.

Approximately 230,000 people fought in the Continental Army over the course of the war, Rivet said, but due to the nascent nature of the country they fought for many of their

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names have been lost.

“One of the most interesting things, I think, about the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War is how many gaps still exist in our knowledge about the Continental Army and the men that served in it,” he said.

Rivet asked that when those in the crowd honored fallen veterans on Sunday and into Memorial Day Monday, they set aside a moment to think of Continental Army veterans whether they be revered local figures like Morse or those who had their names lost to history.

After Rivet spoke, the Honor Guard placed a

white wreath facing the monument and performed a seven gun salute.

Matt Stempowski then played a rendition of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.

“Through the efforts of Ed Brill here and Marilyn they have managed to continue to build on this wonderful parade through the years and I think this is one of our best, with lots of interesting people in costume and our bagpiper,” DePalma said to close the event. “I want to thank all of you that came out today to spend your day with us, we appreciate you.”

In years past, the event has taken place in other arenas, such as last year’s gathering at Oberlin Elementary School, but it returned to Wright Memorial Park once renovations there were done.

The program began with a welcome from Oberlin City Council President Bryan Burgess and featured a keynote speech by U.S. Air Force veteran Rev. Duane Anderson.

According to Marketing and Communications Specialist for Oberlin City Schools Melissa Linebrink, Oberlin High School students were also involved in the event.

Oberlin High School Band Director Ryan Jaeckin, who was present for the celebration, felt that the event went really

The band performed from atop a small hill, its brass echoing, beckoning passersby from across the street.

“Our students prepared very well for it and I think that it was well received by the community members,” Jaeckin said. “It’s always nice to give back to the community that we are a part of and I think that that’s probably one of the main reasons I do it as a band director. I like giving back to the people that I serve. I like making beautiful music with people that I care about. I’m really fortunate to do what I do.”

To watch the full ceremony, visit Oberlin Schools’ YouTube page.

JEFF BARNES | The Community Guide Rick Stone places poppies in the field during the 36th Annual ‘Reading of the 98 Names’ Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Lorain County on May 27 in Amherst.

ALEXA STEVENS CORRESPONDENT

OWEN MacMILLAN | The Community Guide Members of the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard lead the Brownhelm Memorial Day Parade up North Ridge Road toward Brownhelm Cemetery on May 28.

Amherst police: 2

after SUV crashes into Barra Restaurant

Two young motorists were injured early May 27 morning when the SUV they were in crashed into a downtown Amherst restaurant.

In a news release, the Amherst Police Department said officers responded to Barra Restaurant at 105 Park Ave. shortly before 4:30 a.m. after a 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan crashed into the building, “causing significant damage.”

The occupants, 18-yearold Connor Cordy and 16-year-old Savannah Lee, were injured and taken to Mercy Health Hospital in Lorain.

Amhest police said their injuries were not lifethreatening. Impaired driv-

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support we’ve given to one another over the past 12 years,” he said.

Superintendent Mike Molnar shared a story he remembered from his own senior year of high school. At the time, he was required to bring in a current events newspaper clipping and chose one about Biosphere 2, a research facility in Arizona built as an enclosed ecosystem. He said the scientists in the sphere’s early days faced an unexpected challenge: the trees fell over.

Looking at the root system and bark of the trees, it was found a lack of stress from the wind was the cause — while wind can be destructive, it is also a source of strength, he said.

“Today, as you prepare to face the world outside the academic walls of high school, you will face the inevitable wind of life,” he said.

Those stressors are what will help each graduate grow and mature, finding their strength, he said.

While some students collected tardy slips on their way to the finish line, High School Principal Joe Tellier said no matter how — or when — they came through the doors of Marion L. Steele each morning, it was the best part of his day.

“Regardless of how you entered school every morning, this class of 2023 is full of geniuses, art-

ing is not believed to be a factor in the crash, according to Amherst police.

The police news release did not specify which of the two teens was driving. A message seeking comment was left for a police spokesman.

Officers were assisted at the scene by the Amherst Fire Department and LifeCare. The crash remains under investigation, police said.

The restaurant — at the

“5 Points” intersection of South Main Street, North Main Street, Park Avenue, Cleveland Avenue and Milan Avenue — was seriously damaged with a gaping hole in the front. Bricks and timbers were spilled onto the sidewalk.

“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we will be closed until fur-

ther notice,” said a post on Barra’s Facebook page, accompanied by photos of the damage. “We hope to see you soon, Barrachachos.”

As of 1:30 p.m. Saturday, there were concrete barriers, orange safety cones and fencing around the site.

The crash also resulted in changes to the Amherst Memorial Day Parade route on Monday.

The parade lineup started at 9 a.m. at Marion L. Steele High School on Washington Street and steped off at 10 a.m.

The parade proceeded south to Forest Street, made a right turn to Park Avenue, a left to Church Street, another left onto Tenney Avenue, and concluded in the green space at the northeast corner of Church Street and Tenney Avenue.

ists, musicians, athletes, theatrical extraordinaires, inventors and creators that will continue to blossom,” he said. “Every doorway you walked through prepared you for this next chapter of your life.”

He left the soon-to-be alumni with parting wisdom: It’s not what you do, but how you do it; treat others the way you would want to be treated; and en-

joy the little things in life. Whether the class of 2023 is walking through doors at military bases, college campuses or their new career, they will be ready for whatever is thrown their way, he said. “And remember: ‘Once a Comet, always a Comet,’ he said. “The doors of Steele will always be open for you.”

STAFF REPORT

JEFF BARNES | The Community Guide

Construction workers clean up the wreckage of Barra in Amherst on the afternoon of May 27 after a car drove through the front of the building early that morning.

THOMAS FETCENKO | The Community Guide Amherst graduate Jo’Vonna Hernandez waved to family and friends during commencement ceremonies held at the Cleveland State Wolstein Center on Saturday, May 27.

‘We all have the potential to do great things’

OBERLIN — Oberlin High School’s 74 graduates filled Finney Chapel May 27 to celebrate the end of their high school career.

Class President Audrey Halstead said every year the class of 2023 spent at Oberlin High School was different. And while they struggled to learn alone during the COVID-19 shutdown, and changed as people, they’ve learned to be self-motivated and take responsibility for themselves and their work.

While leaving the halls of Oberlin High is bittersweet, the next chapter is just the beginning, she said.

“We all have the potential to do great things,” she said. ‘We just have to start somewhere.’”

Representing Lorain County Joint Vocational School graduates, Sean Butler Jr. said attending the vocational school on a whim starting his junior year allowed him to meet students from other districts and learn how to take apart a computer, configure a router and so much more.

And while he only attended Oberlin High for part of the day, he was always made to feel welcome.

Four students gave Valedictorian speeches:

Zenobia Calhoun, Alexandra “Sasha” Chen, Silas Jenkins and Nathaniel

Malakar

Calhoun congratulated her fellow graduates on a simple fact: “We’re done.”

The last four years may have been complicated, she said, but the Phoenix walking across the stage Saturday morning were stronger, more independent and more knowledgable

about the world for it.

Chen said graduation always felt so far away.

But she took to heart what her mother always reminded her as the day grew closer: On her graduation day, time would stand still.

“I never fully appreciated what she meant by this, until today,” she said.

“Standing here … I now understand that this graduation is not merely a ceremony or a piece of paper. It is not something to rush through.”

Whether her fellow graduates went through high school always late to first period, holding down jobs or pushing through the school’s International Baccalaureate program, it was a path that brought them to Finney Chapel on Saturday.

And that work has been transformative. Graduation represents that change and the anticipation of what is to come for the class of 2023.

Jenkins remembered the young adults behind him as the kids who used to kick volleyballs into the street at Langston Middle School.

But as they’ve grown, their problems have become more complicated than just getting in trouble for using a hotel iron to toast bread on their Washington, D.C., trip or playing games while they’re supposed to do work.

He said he’s struggled with the idea of his waning childhood, reminiscing on friendships and simpler times.

But while their bodies and minds age, he asked his classmates to continue their childhood — to make mistakes, continue learning and have fun.

Malakar took inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s declaration

when sending men to the moon: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade, and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.”

Embracing the future is not always about taking the easy road, he said, and as they leave Oberlin High behind, he hoped JFK’s famous words would inspire the class of 2023 to embrace the challenges ahead.

Heidi Freas, class of 1993, delivered a commencement address.

Thirty years ago, she remembered sitting on the stage at Finney Chapel, ready to leave Oberlin far behind.

But her path brought her back to running her family business, Welcome Nursing Home.

When she graduated OHS those years ago, she was class president and gave a speech inspired by Disney’s “Aladdin,” which was coming out that summer. Her theme of “A whole new world” was just as applicable then as now, she said.

Regardless of what comes next, it will be different, she said.

While each graduate can’t control their future,

or what obstacles they may face, they can control how they respond, she said. She reminded them to respond with integrity; find a way to incorporate their passions into their lives; and help those struggling.

THOMAS

ABOVE: Oberlin High School graduate Jameson Clark accepted a diploma on Saturday.

Black River graduates 81

SULLIVAN — On May 27, 81

seniors graduated from Black River Schools during its 63rd commencement at the Black River High School gym. Of the graduating students, 26 will be going straight into the workforce from the Medina County Career Center or will continue their education and two will be serving in the military.

Speaking at the ceremony was Rachael Strader, who has been with the district for 25 years and has served as the high school counselor since 2019.

Before becoming the school’s counselor, Strader was an eighthgrade English teacher in 2018, teaching many of the graduates.

Strader reflected on the memories she has of the class of 2023 from hearing them in the hallways as they walked into the middle school to the annual eighth-grade trip she chaperoned.

“Needless to say, the story of Black River’s Class of 2023 certainly has a lot of dynamic characters from trips to Washington D.C. to my fourth-period class’ rousing renditions of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads,’ ” Strader said. “You guys never disappoint.”

Strader said she has spent her last five years with students encouraging them to spend the next five to 10 years workshopping ways to rise from their challenges, building ways of survival and developing ways to care for themselves.

Learning how to navigate the difficult paths and how to grow from them, Strader said, making those skills a part of them will help not only overcome the hard times but make the joyful times more enjoy-

shootings.

Murray Ridge graduates five

ened the lives of those around him.

ELYRIA — Five students graduated from Murray Ridge School on May 24.

Mason Crouch, Paulina Lilly, Sierra Long, Marshall Richardson and Jaydon Smith all celebrated their achievements alongside school staff and their families during a ceremony at the school.

Superintendent Amber Fischer said Wednesday was a day of new beginnings, recognizing each student’s hard work to cross the stage.

Murray Ridge staff and the student’s families have instilled confidence and growth in each of Wednesday’s graduates, Fischer said. The ceremony marked the five students’ transition from Murray Ridge School to the center’s larger selection of services for adults with disabilities.

“Among them are a Girl Scout and ballerina, a technology whiz, appreciators of music and dance, stylish dressers and even a good-natured prankster,” she said. “Equally impressive, and ever so important in life’s journey, are their happy, helpful, humorous, friendly and sociable natures. These qualities, along with the continued support of families, friends and professionals, will certainly serve our graduates well as they travel their paths through the adult world.”

Guest speaker Chase Ferris, executive director of Save Our Children, recognized the contributions each graduate gave to the halls of Murray Ridge School.

Richardson, the class’s resident “techy,” was known for helping with the SMART Board and computer, Ferris said.

Crouch’s infectious laughter and smile bright-

Long’s laughter and smiles also spread warmth around the room, he said.

Smith’s passion for music and dancing were an inspiration.

And Lilly’s intelligence and friendliness shine, alongside her mischievous pranks reminding everyone to “embrace the lighter side of life,” he said.

“These incredible individuals, together with their families, exemplify the strength, resilience and determination that have carried them through their journey to this momentous day,” Ferris said. “They are proof that when we surround ourselves with love, support and understanding, we can overcome any obstacle and beat the odds.”

Senior classroom supervisor Stacie Starr said she and the students’ families have had difficult discussions leading up to Wednesday’s milestone, noting there will be support from the Murray Ridge community available to graduates for the rest of their lives.

“In our time together, you have claimed a special place in our hearts and we shall carry those memories with us,” she said to the Class of 2023, reminiscing about each student’s personality and impact.

She reminded them all that time flies when they’re having fun, but it also flies when they’re changing the world.

“As you enter into your adult lives, remember to continue to show everyone what kindness and love looks like,” she said. “For you all make this world such a better place.”

Jaydon Smith received the 2023 David Elsasser Spirit Award, presented by Elsasser’s mother, Kathy Oblak.

Ross Environmental Services, in partnership with the Eaton Township Fire Department and the Midview School District, announced May 24 that more than 180 buckets of medical supplies have been delivered to Midview Schools so that life-saving materials can be stored in every classroom districtwide.

Should an emergency arise, tools such as tourniquets, dressings, gloves, compact chest seals, surgical masks and trauma shears will always be within arm’s reach, Ross Environmental said in a news release.

The delivery marks the end of a process that began earlier this year: Fire department officials trained more than 300 Midview staff members on how to properly administer life-saving techniques in response to school violence such as mass

able.

“This is what your next 10 years should look like. Not searching for happiness, not following some dream, she said. “But truly cultivating yourself and building the skills you will use for a lifetime. Grow from your challenges with intention so that you can have more fulfilling relationships with others and most importantly, with yourself.”

Valedictorian Nicholas Newman and salutatorian Ivey Neff both

Ross Environmental Services approved donations collectively worth about $18,000 to the Eaton Township Fire Department to purchase “Stop the Bleed” kits and provide 5-gallon buckets for staff members to store the kits.

“If this means Midview students are a little safer than they were yesterday, then it’s worth it,” Jim Larson, CEO of Ross Environmental Services, said in the news release. “We were happy to partner with the fire department on this endeavor.”

Midview Schools Superintendent Bruce Willingham said the district welcomed the opportunity to take a proactive approach.

“Our top priority will always be the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” Willingham said in the news release. “It’s unfortunate that this is the reality we live in, but we understand the importance of being prepared.”

reflected on the past four years. Both looked ahead to their futures and those of their fellow graduates.

In her speech, Neff encouraged everyone to become a catalyst for change in the world and in other people’s lives.

“What’s important is what you choose to do next,” she said. “Walk out of here tonight knowing that you have a purpose and that you can make change where it needs to be made.”

“Complacency is not an option as we continue to reinforce our commitment to safety, and we are thankful to have partners and supporters like Ross Environmental and Eaton Township Fire Department who share in that sentiment,” he said.

Eaton Township Fire Chief Robert Resar echoed the sentiment.

“No one wants to think about it, but teachers and school staff members need to be prepared for

the unthinkable,” Resar said in the news release.

“We’re grateful to be able to use the ‘Stop the Bleed’ campaign for the benefit of Midview staff and students.”

The Stop the Bleed program is administered by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, which was formed in 1922. The goal is to improve the care of injured patients before, during and after hospitalization.

SARA CRAWFORD THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

RUSS GIFFORD | The Community Guide

Black River salutatorian Ivey Neff speaks Friday, May 27 during commencement.

Black River Valedictorian Nicholas Newman reaches out to catch his mortarboard Friday, May 27 during commencement

CARISSA WOYTACH THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

BRUCE BISHOP | The Community Guide Paulina Lilly, of Oberlin, smiles during the graduation ceremony at Murray Ridge on May 24.

Oberlin College to ‘mow’ solar array field with sheep

OBERLIN — Oberlin College has traded mechanical lawnmowers for the four-legged variety.

On May 24, 70 sheep were delivered by Katie Carothers and Cam Maierle with New Slate Land Management to the college’s solar array field near the North Athletic Fields.

By the end of the week, another 70 were expected to be at the field, munching away on the tall grass and white clover.

Carothers said the sheep will be on-site through mid-June, eating and trampling down the grass as part of a new groundsmanagement contract with the college.

It was an anti-solar mailer alerting of a site coming to their native Knox County that first brought the idea of solar grazing to the Carothers household.

“We reached out to the developer and said we’d be interested in grazing sheep under the panels, so we kind of got started there,” she said.

Border Collies Dougal and Storm helped herd the sheep into the pasture, which will be divided into four sections to make sure

Oberlin College’s new woolly contractors do a thorough job.

“There’s plenty of grass out there for them,” she said.

Joel Baetens, campus energy and resource manager, said he’d heard from the college’s grounds crew about how hard the solar

array field was to mow — tearing up machinery with rough terrain, while ticks, mosquitos and horse flies posed hazards to staff.

The solar arrays have been in place since 2012. In that time, Oberlin College staff have mowed and trimmed the field or outsourced it to save from the

Family spreads awareness of domestic violence after woman’s death

CHRISTINA JOLLIFFE THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

ELYRIA — Taking Action Reversing Abuse (T.A.R.A.) is working to bring awareness to domestic violence and reduce the stigma surrounding it after the organization’s namesake, former Wellington resident Tara HowardMuhammed, was killed as a result of domestic violence.

Howard-Muhammed was killed in front of three of her children in their Cleveland home by her boyfriend in May 2022, just two days before her 44th birthday and Mother’s Day.

Charm Gray, 32, also pistol-whipped her teenage son and kidnapped her youngest daughter during the attack. Gray pleaded guilty to five counts in the case, including manslaughter, in January of this year. He was sentenced in February to a maximum of 23 years in prison.

Howard-Muhammed, who worked as a guardian ad litem and notary public, left behind six children between the ages of 9 and 27.

Her family does not want anyone to have to go through what they have gone through.

“There were signs,” said her sister, Tarina Howard, of Cleveland. “We just didn’t see them in time. He tried to separate her from everyone. They were

together for two and a half years, and she never brought him to any family functions. I met him once. He would normally stay upstairs if I stopped over.”

Howard wishes she would have seen the abuse before it was too late.

A few months before her sister’s death, Howard flew to Las Vegas for a birthday celebration with friends and family. Howard-Muhammed was on the guest list.

“She paid for different events we planned and the party bus, but she didn’t show up for any of it,” Howard recalled. “She didn’t show up for my birthday dinner.”

When Howard did finally meet up with her sister, it was on the street and Gray was with her.

“He wasn’t supposed to be there,” she said.

“She handed me a pair of diamond earrings, gave me a hug and kiss and then he took her away.”

Howard-Muhammed’s death a few months later shook the family, which also includes sister Tonia Howard of Elyria, brother Tremayne Howard of LaGrange and mother Sharon Howard.

“After my grandma died a few years ago, Tara took over as the matriarch,” Howard said. “She kept in contact with everyone and made sure everyone visited. Her death broke us. It broke all of us. Some harder than others.”

Howard doesn’t know

why her sister didn’t reach out for help and there is no way to know now. She assumes it was because she was embarrassed, which is where T.A.R.A. comes in.

“Our goal in this is to bring awareness to domestic abuse and remove the stigma associated with talking about it,” Howard said. “My sister tried to hide it as much as she could. We want to be there to support victims and survivors of domestic violence.”

Howard wants to bring awareness to the topic so victims and loved ones of victims are not afraid to speak up.

She hopes to raise funds to support HowardMuhammed’s children, who are living with various family members and continue to need counseling from having witnessed their mother’s death, and also other children who have lost a parent to domestic violence.

“It’s about giving them what they need and providing those things that their mother is not able to do for them,” Howard said. “My sister’s story is not isolated just to her.”

A Mother’s Day brunch and adult prom, sponsored by Corinne Bozin-Grizzell and the Grizzell Team Realtors with Hot Doors Real Estate Services and City Wide Development, was the organization’s first event. More activities are in the works for this summer.

Mercy Health hosts hospice memorial walk

BRUCE BISHOP |

The Community Guide

Kenyetta JonesTerrell, Alaina Jones-Terrell, Shayla Jones, back row, Carolyn McLeod, and Mark Jones. The group walked at the Mercy Hospital - Lorain New Life Hospice Memorial Walk with their grandmother Carolyn McLeod, to honor the memory of her husband, Charles McLeod on May 23.

wear and tear on college equipment.

But outsourcing cost more, Baetens said, prompting the staff to look for other solutions.

“That’s when I started looking for a solution,” he said. “I was trying to do robot lawn mowers, we talked about just paving

the whole thing … just flirting with all these different ideas.”

And then Baetens thought of goats. But when The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences informed him goats wouldn’t stop at the grass, but would try to

eat the arrays, sheep were suggested as a more docile alternative.

From there, Baetens called several farmers near Oberlin College interested in solar grazing before finding New Slate Land Management out of central Ohio.

Baetens said the new grazing program reduces the cost of cutting grass on the pasture, alongside lowering carbon emissions.

“So we’re paying them just like we’d pay a lawnmowing service,” he said. “The deal is they’ve got to get the grass down to a certain amount and keep it there.”

Oberlin College is expecting to have the woolly workers out several times this summer to keep the field cut down.

The sheep walking through the field will also help flatten out and aerate the soil, he said.

“It’s just a beautiful synergy that happens when you bring the grazers back to the pasture,” he said. The solar arrays, and subsequent sheep grazing, are in an active construction zone for the college’s geothermal dig, Baetens said. Those interested in seeing the sheep at work should contact him at joel. baetens@oberlin.edu.

Five

Lorain Correctional Institution graduates first group of peer recovery supporters

GRAFTON — The Lorain Correctional Institution graduated the first group of peer recovery supporters in the state.

Eight inmates completed hours of training to receive the designation on May 23, allowing them to offer support to fellow inmates struggling with mental health and addiction recovery.

Trena Butcher, with LORCI, said she was amazed at what the men had accomplished, including dozens of peer-to-peer sessions, leading groups and starting suicide companion contacts to talk to men in crisis.

“I wish I had more words to explain what they have been able to accomplish, and what they’ve been able to do for those people incarcerated here … which is what it’s all about,” she said.

The five men recognized Tuesday hit the ground running, she said, noting they’ve also become a bonded group and are able to lean on one another as well as support their fellow inmates.

Each man had to complete 16 online modules, which took more than 16 hours, and then go through 40 hours of training from peer recovery supporters

already working in the field.

Keynote speakers Stanley Frankart and Craig Dunson worked with Butcher and the five men to see them complete the certification.

Both men once stood in those inmates’ shoes before changing their own paths.

Frankart recognized peer support is the downtrodden helping those in a similar state find healing and redemption.

“Each of you has put in the work, the heart work, to become peer recovery support specialists,” he said. “The journey of our experience is one that most people would say started off a little shaky. … But as peer recovery supporters, we know the No. 1 thing we bring is what? Hope.”

The five men to complete the program are trailblazers for those behind them, defining the meaning and significance of what peer recovery support will mean at LORCI, he said.

Dunson said the fact those five men were seated before him showed they’d survived what was meant to destroy them — and there will always be a place for each of them moving forward.

“You don’t even know the greater things you’re about to accomplish,” he said, noting peer support is not just providing one-onone support for their fellow inmates, as the help they

give can help that individu-

al’s support system as well.

One of the graduates, Shawn Ratliff, said he knew he wanted to participate in the program because it was for those taking their recovery seriously, and who had been in “bad places” and wanted a chance to help others.

“It’s a way, I think, to give back,” he said. “(I’m) taking responsibility and accountability for myself. It’s a good way … to help others, (and) inspire them to do the same.”

Ratliff hopes to continue working in peer recovery support once he is released. His next parole hearing is in January, with an expected eligible release date in March.

“I don’t see me leaving this,” he said. “I’m also a dog handler here too, but this is definitely where my heart is … I think it’s the best program I’ve ever done in prison — just seeing the people that we work with, how much better they’re doing. That’s what it’s really about.”

He said not everyone in prison is bad — some are trying to take responsibility and accountability for what they’ve done, and part of that means giving back.

“For us, it’s just about being able to give back, and it’s such a new thing, getting it out there to where people know about it,” he said.

CARISSA WOYTACH

BRUCE BISHOP | The Community Guide

Far to the right, Storm a trained sheep herding dog moves the sheep through the Oberin Solar Array field that will be their home for the next three weeks. The animals will graze and trample the grass.

CARISSA WOYTACH | The Community Guide

inmates graduated from Lorain Correctional Institution’s new peer recovery support program, allowing them to help fellow inmates with mental health or addiction recovery needs, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

CARISSA WOYTACH THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

Boys & Girls Clubs

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio ll participate in the summer food service program, providing food to children at sites throughout Lorain, Erie and Huron counties June 12 to Aug. 11.

Children up to 18-yearsold. Individuals 19-through21-years-old with mental or physical disabilities currently enrolled in an educational program can also receive summer meals.

McCormick Middle School in Wellington, along with several schools in Lorain and Elyria are feeding sites.

Brownhelm

Historical Association

The Brownhelm Historical Society will host an open house and vintage wedding display at the Brownhelm Station Church, 1355 Claus Rd. from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. The vintage wedding display wil include two unique fashions from the late 1800s, one from the 1915s and another from the 1920s, as well as every decade to the 1960s.

Light refreshments will be served.

Ohio Genealogy Society

The Lorain County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogy Society will host a virtual program on gravestone restoration services by Kate Rivet, of Brownhelm, and Jane Cradall, of Markblehead.

The group has more than 10 years of combined expe-

BULLETIN BOARD

rience in cemetery restoration and preservation.

The presentation will focus on cleaning, resetting and repairing historic headstones, along with additional information about stone types, iconography and burial practices.

For more information, or to receive a link to the free meeting, contact meetings@loraincoogs.org

South Amherst Alumni Banquet

The South Amherst alumni banquet is July 15 at the New Russia Township Hall. The class of 1973 will be honored. Invitations have been sent out and must be returned by July 1. t. If you haven’t received one, please call Jerry Bozicevich at 440-773-5546.

Any senior who’s parents or grandparents have graduated from South Amherst is eligible to apply for a $500.00 scholarship.

Please call Jerry for an application. Donations for the scholarship fund are always welcome. For more information, call Raynelle Bozicevich (440) 242-1283, raynelle187@ oh.rr.com or Jerry Bozicevich (440) 773-5546.

Lorain County 4-H Endowment

The Lorain County 4-H Endowment fund hosted a sold-out dinner and auction at the Lorain County Fairgrounds on March 25. It raised more than $22,000, benefiting more than 8,000 4-H youth.

THEME: AT THE MOVIES

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

Herrick Memorial Library

Summer Reading Program: June 1 to July 31. Partcipants can win prizes in their age category. Regustration starts June 1 and the more books read or listened to, the higher chances of winning prizes.

● Sidewalk Chalk Art: June 1

● Library Board Meeting: 10:30 a.m. June 6

● Lorain County Public Health vaccine clinic: 2-6 p.m. June 7

● Open Tech Help: 1:30-3 p.m. June 14

● Read to Putter the therapy dog: 3:15-4:30 p.m. Thursdays

● Acrylic Hearts 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. June 5. Children ages 5-and-older can decorate an acrylic heart with tissue paper and ModPodge.

C.S. Lewis and Friends

C.S. Lewis & Friends Book Group will meet at the Amherst Library on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 7:00.. We will begin discussing Lewis’s book, “The Great Divorce.” It is a short book so please try to read at least half of it for the gathering. Contact Marcia Geary at 440-988-9803 or mgeary@gearylawllc.com with any questions you may have about the group. All are welcome!

Amherst Historical Society

● The Amherst Historical Society extended its deadline for trade, vocational school and certification scholarship applications. There are two $1,500 scholarships available. The new deadline to apply is 4 p.m. June 23 to the Amherst Historical Society office, 113 South Lake St., Amherst.

Applications must include a two-pages or less, doublespaced personal statement, including information on eligiblility and/or need. The full application can be downloaded at amhersthistoricalsociety.org.

● The Sandstone Village Car and Bike Show is Sunday 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 Historical Society’s night with the Crushers is at 6:05 p.m. June 10. Tickets are $13, with a portion of sales benefiting the Amherst Historical Society. For more information, or help purchasing tickets, contact Tanner Carlson at (440) 934-8233 or tcarl son@lakeeriecrushers.com

● 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.

Oberlin Heritage Center

● The Oberlin Heritage Center will offer its ‘Freedom’s Friends: Abolition and the Underground Railroad’ history walk in June. Prior to the Civil War, as many as 3,000 African Americans passed through or lived in Oberlin after escaping from slavery. The town was said to be second only to Canada as an asylum for freedom seekers. Guests on this history walk are guided by a docent from OHC who discusses the historic decisions that shaped Oberlin’s growth as a station on the Underground Railroad and the individuals and events that marked Oberlin as one of the most active stations.

Tours are 11 a.m. Saturdays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24. The group meets on the front steps of First Church at the corner of routes 8 and 511.

Registration is recommended. Participants can register online at oberlinheritagecenter.org or by calling (440) 774-1700.

History Walk Fees: $6/ adult

Children/students/members: Free

● The Heritage Center’s summer camp registration is now open.

Architecture Camp is 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 7-11. It is for children ages 8 to 13.

Members (including children and grandchildren of members) $110

Non-members $125

Atronomy and antiquity camp is 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 14-18. It is for children ages 10-15.

Members (including children and grandchildren of members) $110

Non-members $125

For more information, please email our Museum Education and Tour Manager at tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org or register online at oberlinheritagecenter.org

● An exploration of historical flutes is 7 p.m. June 8. Oberlin Conservatory Prof. Michael Lynn will present an introduction to the development of the flute, using his personal collection of instruments. Flutes will range from 1760 to 1900 and are all in playable condition.

The program will be in the parlor of the Commu-

nity Music School of the Oberlin Conservatory at the historic Burrell-King House, 315 E. College St. The program is free but advance registration is required due to limited seating. Please register online at oberlinheritagecenter.org, email Liz Schultz at director@oberlinheritage.org, or call 440-774-1700.

Oberlin Farmers Market

The market season will run on Saturdays, May 20 through to Oct. 14, starting at 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The market specializes in seasonal fresh farm produce, fruit, farm raised meats, natural sweeteners, an assortment of baked goods, such as pies, breads, cookies, flowers, plants, jams, sauces, crafts and more. The market is located in the parking lot of Oberlin Public Library and Oberlin City Hall across from the post office at 69-85 South Main Street, Oberlin, OH 44074.

Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club

Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club Friends’ Breakfast from 8-9 a.m. June 7 will feature Nick Jarmoszuk’s Vision for the upcoming opening of “Racing in Lorain” at the 430-acre River Park Motorplex along the Black River. The motorsports facility will focus on go-karting, including both public “arrive and drive” indoor-outdoor tracks and a high-speed, 2-mile competition track. Additionally, a spectator stand, marina, hotel and restaurants are planned. Breakfast is at the Sugar Creek Restaurant, corner of Detroit-Abbe Roads, Sheffield Village Plaza. Attendees are responsible for their meals.

Westwood Cemetery

Stone cleaning at Westwood will be 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. the first Saturday of the month, May through October. Cleaning techniques are easy and supplies are provided. Please bring any small gardening tools, gloves, and/or brooms to help remove debris. Please note that all participants will complete a volunteer form which will be provided once you arrive. Cleaning sessions depend on the weather; check our Facebook page for updates. Everyone is welcome.

in poker

58. Popular dunking cookie 59. “Little ____ fact” 60. Simon and Gurfunkel, e.g. 61. *Sentimental movie, or ____-jerker 62. Literary “even” 63. *Shooting location 64. ESPN award

DOWN

1. Not intellectually deep

2. ____pilot

3. Holly family

4. *Kate Hudson’s “____ Famous” (2000)

5. Put someone in a bind (2 words)

6. Modified leaf

7. Tick-born disease

8. Ralph Lauren’s inspiration

9. Puts two and two together

10. “Owner of a Lonely Heart” band

12. Vandalize

13. Pitchers

14. *Tub contents

19. Behave like a coquette

22. Comes before first Mississippi

23. Bracelet add-on

24. Barrel racing meet

25. Think tank output, pl.

26. *Widescreen cinematography abbreviation

27. Dimmer, e.g.

28. Do penance

29. Re-establish

32. Neuter

33. Investment option acronym

36. *Movie ad 38. Boredom 40. *Upcharge for an online ticket purchase, e.g. 41. Aerie baby

Pine

Indicate

*Movie theater, e.g.

Set of eight

Teenager’s breakout

Land of Israel

X-ray units

Wraths

Type of tide

*Like a bloody horror movie 56. Short of Isaac

Colorone o these books e timeyou rea bookthis summer!

This summer,besuretospend timeatyour local library.Did you knowitisa magical place? Kid Scoop’sJim the Librariansays, “Be suretotell yourlibrarian the kindsofbooks you liketoread Your librarian is yourguidetothe magic of thelibrary!”

Books called biographies introduce you to famous people. Read about thelivesof someinteresting peoplethis summer!

Usethe code to reveal the namesof some famous people.Read more aboutthem at your library!

Magazine Shelf

Everytimeyou spend 10 minutesormore reading amagazine, colorinone of the magazines on this shelf

TravelThrough Time!

Do you want to learn about pirates? Dinosaurs? Pyramids? History books can letyou travel through time!

Canyou nd the two identical robots?

Canyou ndatleast10di erencesbetween thesetwo dinosaurs?

Books and stories areset in interestingplaces,all over theworld andeveninmagical places. Color in part of this rocket’s trail foreach real or imaginary place youreadabout thissummer.

This week’s KidScoop pageis one bigcharttokeep track of your summer reading!Savethis page andpost it somewhere so youcan trackyourreading accomplishments!

Howmanystars can you nd on this pageintwo minutes?

Everytime you do one of the following, cross outthat box. Score yourself:

1-3 boxes: 4-7boxes:

8- 11 boxes: 12-15boxes:

16 -19boxes: 20 -23boxes: All24boxes:

Read outside for30 minutes

Reading POPS!

Every time you do a Kid ScoopExtra! Extra! this summer, color in afirecracker!

Standards Link: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Library Adventures

BrightBeginner Strong Starter RisingReader Reading Rock Star Super Summer Reader PowerhouseReader ULTIMATEREADER!

Read in bed. Read with a friend

Talking Pictures

Read to a parent

Read to someone older than you.

Read to someone thanyoungeryou. Listen to astory read to you.

Playa board game

Read undera tree.

Read a book that makes you laugh.

Read a book written before you were born. Read a booka parent enjoyedas a child

Read a newspaper article to a family member

Read to a friend over the phone.

Read a spooky story.

Read and followa recipe.

Read rst thing in the morning.

Read withyour feet in apool.

Read with afriend, taking turns reading aloud

Read by a camp re.

Geta library card

Read 10 comic strips

Read astory written in rhyme

Writea storyand read it aloud

The adjective imaginary means somethingunreal that exists onlyinthe mind.

Tryto use the word imaginary in asentence today when talkingwith your friendsand familymembers.

Cutest Animal on Earth

to share your opinion.