Lorain County Community Guide - Nov. 30, 2023 by Lorain County Printing and Publishing

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023

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Volume 10, Issue 47

Number of races, issues on primary ballot grows DAVE O’BRIEN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

The field of candidates is shaping up for the March 19 primary election in Lorain County. The partisan primary features multiple judicial races, as well as larger national races for president and statewide offices. The most recent local candidate to announce their reelection campaign is Lorain County Domestic Relations/Juvenile Judge Frank Janik. Janik is seeking a third term on the bench, after first being elected in 2012 and then again in 2018. The term commences in January 2025. A 23-year veteran attorney who worked as an assistant prosecutor in the Lorain County Pros-

ecutor’s Office and in private practice in Amherst, Janik also held an at-large seat on Amherst City Council. He currently is president of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges, which “promotes the common business interest of the Ohio juvenile court judges and provides leadership for a just and effective juvenile court system throughout the state of Ohio,” according to a biography Janik provided in his campaign announcement. Janik also has been appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court to serve on the Advisory Committee on Children and Families, currently serves on the Juvenile Justice and Family Law Reform subcommittees and Juvenile Law and Procedure Committee, the Education Com-

mittee and Executive Committee of the Ohio Judicial Conference. Janik is one of six county judges up for election next year. As of Nov. 22, the field of candidates looks as follows, according to the Lorain County Board of Elections:

Common Pleas Court

Dan Petticord, chief of the Civil Division at the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office and legal counsel to the Lorain County Board of Commissioners, is running for Judge James Miraldi’s seat in the March primary. He is a Democrat from Sheffield. James Miraldi is prevented from running again due to age limits. No Republicans have filed in that race.

Attorney Giovanna ScalettaBremke has announced her candidacy for Judge John Miraldi’s seat as a Republican, but has yet to file her petitions with the Board of Elections. John Miraldi, a Democrat, is expected to retire at the end of his term, though he has yet to make a public announcement or return a message seeking comment. Scaletta-Bremke is the current president of the Lorain County Bar Association. No Democrat has announced to run in that race. Incumbent Common Pleas Judge Chris Cook, also of the court’s general division, has filed for reelection in the Democratic primary. He is a Lorain resident first elected to the bench in 2016.

Commissioner

Democrat Charles Brown of Elyria has filed to run for the seat held by Commissioner Michelle Hung, a Republican. Hung has yet to file. Incumbent Lorain County Commissioner David Moore, a Republican from Amherst, has filed for reelection. He served one term from 2001-2005 and was reelected to a second nonconsecutive term in 2020. Both terms commence in January 2025.

Sheriff

Democrats Rick Thomas, who has filed his petition, and Rich Resendez, who is running a campaign but who has not yet filed his petitions with the Board PRIMARY PAGE A4

Firelands Life Scout gives back to Amherst considers Veterans for Eagle Scout project tobacco licensing program

LAUREN HOFFMAN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

For Firelands High School senior Daniel Dempsey, it is all about leadership. That’s why for his Eagle Scout project earlier this month he decided to put those skills to the test by leading his troop through a group clean-up effort at Amherst Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1662. “Our project included cutting back a ton of overgrowth around the perimeter of both the parking lots at the Amherst VFW and was about 100 hours of man hours in labor,” Dempsey said. Leading a group of 25 people, Dempsey chose this task for his Eagle Scout eco-project due to the connection his troop has to the VFW and its veterans. “The VFW has helped us out a lot in the past years,” he said. “And they’re veterans, so we wanted to help them out of course.” Before the clean-up effort began, half of the parking lots were unusable due to the thick overgrowth, something that was due to be a problem ahead of the VFW’s annual Veterans Day brunch. In all, Dempsey said the group managed to fill two large trucks full of thick tree trunks in addition to 60 bags of leaves, trash and smaller sticks. “We had bagged a lot more than we thought we FIRELANDS PAGE A2

LAUREN HOFFMAN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

PROVIDED

Firelands senior Daniel Dempsey helps clean some of the overgrowth in one of the Amherst VFW parking lots.

AMHERST — The city is set to consider entering into a program with the Lorain County Public Health Department that could crack down on the number of underage tobacco sales. Proposed by Police/Fire Council Committee head and Council at-large member Chuck Winiarski, the ordinance mirrors one that had been passed in Lorain earlier last week. “One year ago, the state of Ohio changed the age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 but it left the disciplinary actions in the hands of the cities to figure out,” Winiarski said. “In response to this, the county health department has offered a program that would take care of this in conjunction with our police department.” The program would allow the Lorain County Health Department and the Amherst Police Department to conduct routine inspections at the city’s 24 tobacco establishments and give out citations to businesses that violate the new law. “This is something that gives us teeth to hold those TOBACCO PAGE A4

INSIDE THIS WEEK Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Difference Makers announced ● A3

Schools face staff shortage ● A5

Village to replace water meters ● A4

OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A4 • CROSSWORD A7 • SUDOKU A7 • KID SCOOP A8

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Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023

Lorain County Community Guide

OBITUARIES Thelma Corine Quinn Smith Thelma Corine Quinn Smith passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 101 Monday, October 16, 2023, in Stockton, New Jersey where she has lived with her son, Roger, for the past several years. Thelma was born in Oberlin, Ohio July 12, 1922 to loving parents, Mary Hatter and Joseph Quinn. The youngest of six children, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Beulah, Elsie, and Ruby; brother, William; and husband, Robert Stanley Smith, who passed away in 1975. Thelma is survived by her sister, Josephine, age 105; and her five children, Linda, Delores, Diane (Bruce), Robert, Roger (Leslie) and their families. Thelma has been a leader in many community projects and served with many organizations in the Oberlin area. She served on the Board of the Oberlin Heritage Center from 1996 until she was appointed an Honorary Trustee in 2005. Her impact on history organizations and the greater community cannot be overstated. A profile of her life and accomplishments will be posted in an upcoming website in her honor. Thelma will be remembered by her children as a loving mother who inspired and guided her family to lead purposeful lives filled with joy. ‘The sky is the limit’, she would say, ‘if you follow your heart’. She guided us and showed us all what a well-lived life can be! A memorial website is coming soon at tippyquinn.com with more information on Thelma’s ‘Celebration of Life’ memorial service which will be held in the Spring of 2024 in Oberlin, Ohio.

PROVIDED

As part of his Eagle Scout project, Daniel Dempsey organized clean ups of the VFW parking lot and surrounding area.

FIRELANDS FROM A1 would and so we needed to find a way to get all of the trash out of the way so the VFW wouldn’t have to deal with it,” he said. “That’s why we reached out to the city of Amherst and Republic Services.” General Manager of Republic Chase Ritenauer answered the call and promised the 17-year-old that something would be done. “He sent out a truck that was specifically purposed to pick up the bags of trash at no charge to us or the VFW,” Dempsey said. “This happened right before Veterans Day so we were able to have the parking lot clean for their breakfast and pinning ceremony.” Ritenauer’s leadership left an impression on the Life Scout — the rank below Eagle Scout — solidi-

fying his belief in leadership as a way of life. “I want to be a firefighter when I graduate and I know that that takes a lot of leadership and bravery,” Dempsey said. “Both of those are also parts of the Scout Law.” Dempsey said he hopes to follow in his older brother, Sam’s footsteps in becoming an Eagle Scout. Right now he only has two more merit badges required before he can reach that rank, something that he needs to do before he reaches the age of 18. “I grew up watching my older siblings in scouts and wanted to complete that trilogy myself by getting the Eagle Scout rank,” he said. “This project taught me a lot about leadership and its importance and I will carry that with me.”

LEFT: Jason Fink finishes building his chimney swift tower for his Eagle Scout project. RIGHT: Jason Fink stands next to his finished chimney swift tower.

PROVIDED

Teen aims for Eagle Scout award by giving chimney swifts a home CHRISTINA JOLLIFFE THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

AVON LAKE — His desire to support the environment and help with conservation propelled one Avon Lake teen to dedicate his time recently to building a chimney swift tower as his Boy Scout Eagle Award. Chimney swift towers are built to conserve the little mosquito-gobbling chimney swifts that spend most of their lives flying. Their long claws are suited not for perching but for clinging to walls like those inside chimneys, caves and hollow trees. The towers are constructed much like a traditional chimney and serve as roosting and nesting habitats for the birds. Jack Fink, 17, a senior at Avon Lake High School, spent 82 hours personally and 233 hours with his team of 15 volunteers, planning and constructing the tower in Elyria’s Black River Audubon Park. Jack reached out to Rob Swindell, president of the Black River Audubon Society and the bird columnist for The ChronicleTelegram, in January to see if he could work with the group on any projects. He had two projects in

mind at first, but after talking with them, he decided the tower was the better project, Jack said. “They are really a pain to build and Jack really did his homework,” Swindell said. “It’s just really great to see young people get involved with conservation. He has a lot of talent. He had to present his plans to the Elyria Building Department and they were ready to hire him. He’s just a really impressive young man.” Jack started in Cub Scouts in first grade, moving up to Boy Scouts in fifth grade and still remembers that first informational meeting he attended at the school. “My dad was in Scouts and encouraged me to pursue ranking up,” Jack said. “Once I got to a certain point, I reasoned I’d already made it as far as I had, so I might as well continue. Eagle Scout was always that lofty goal at the end of the mythical process.” Visible growth was a strong motivator for him. “Being in Scouts, the ability to see the various stages of growth is powerful,” he said. “I remember being in fifth, sixth grade and seeing the

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older Scouts moving up the ranks, thinking ‘Wow, I want to be there.’” Memorable camping trips, such as a two-week trek backpacking through Philmont, New Mexico, helped as well. While the hard work is over, the process is not quite complete as Jack waits for the board review of his Eagle Scout application. “This project was entirely new to me,” he said. “I didn’t want to mess it up, that’s for sure. The day we finished was very exciting. We did not anticipate finishing that day, a day early, so it was really exciting knowing we were finished and we were not coming back the next day.” Jack couldn’t have finished without the help of many volunteers, including local businesses like Green Thumb Landscaping and PuroClean, and the tower building plans of Georgean and Paul Kyle of Texas. “The Kyles were instrumental in this project,” Jack said. “I based my designs off of theirs. PuroClean and Green Thumb Landscaping donated supplies, tools and workshop space and dug the foundation. They were all absolutely invaluable to me.”

There aren’t many chimney swift towers around the county; one is located in the Oberlin Preserve and another is in the Lorain County Metro Parks Royal Oaks Golf Course. Black River Audubon Park is lucky to have one, Swindell said. “There probably won’t be any (chimney swifts) until spring,” Swindell said. “We have a lot of chimney swifts in Elyria. For part of the year, it will only be used by one pair to nest. Later, more will move in. As they’re diving in at night, it’s pretty cool to see.” While Jack doesn’t consider himself a birder, he is very fond of the winged creatures and said his project incorporates both the environment and conservation of chimney swifts, which was his goal when starting the project. “Boy Scouts is absolutely invaluable for people like me, my age,” he said. “It’s one of the few things you can do in high school that really matters for the rest of your life.” Jack, who is the son of Tamara and Stephen Fink, plans to major in computer science after high school and is still considering colleges.

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Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023

Lorain County Community Guide

Leadership Lorain County kicks off 40th anniversary with 2024 Difference Makers Gala STAFF REPORT

Leadership Lorain County is kicking off its 40th anniversary year by honoring community activism with the announcement of the 2024 Difference Maker Award honorees. The Difference Makers Gala will be held on Feb. 15. The 2024 Difference Makers are: ● Eric Nord Award for Excellence in Leadership: Gayle Reeves, attorney and partner, Dooley Gembala McLaughlin & Pecora Reeves was called “a visionary, innovator, and servant-leader in Lorain County for over 40 years.” She began her private practice as an elder law attorney when there were few female attorneys in Lorain County and even fewer who practiced estate planning and probate law, according to Leadership Lorain County, and was one of the first to embrace long-term care planning as a new area of practice. Reeves has served on the Elder Law Committee of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Probate Committee of the Lorain County Bar Association, and the International Committee of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, traveling the world “to learn unique solutions adopted by other countries to manage the legal challenges facing the elderly,” according to Leadership Lorain County. She has held numerous leadership positions on the Lorain County Bar Association, mentored young female attorneys and “continues to be sought out by her peers when they have elder law questions because they know Gayle always takes the time to assist her colleagues.” Reeves also received the bar association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 and was honored at its 100th Anniversary Gala. She served on the board of the Epilepsy Foundation, is past chairwoman of the board of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, past board member and chairwoman of the board at the Second Harvest Food Bank and helped raise $5.1 million to fund a new food distribution center. Reeves also volunteers on the Medical Ethics Committee for Kendal at Oberlin. ● Excellence in Leadership Award: Dr. Mark Ballard, CEO, WNZN 89.1FM radio and Lorain City Schools Board of Education Lorain born and raised, Ballard “is the quiet force behind many of the social services and initiatives that ensure Lorain County is a great place to live, learn and work,” according to Leadership Lorain County. “His time and voice have contributed to the development of policy, programming and support benefiting public schools, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, healthcare, environment, politics and perhaps most significantly, our children and families.” Ballard not only is CEO of WNZN 89.1-FM radio, but a member and past president of the Lorain School Board of Education; chaplain of the Lorain Police Department; member of the executive board, Northeast Ohio Boys and Girls Club; trustee at Greater Victory

Ministries; member of the Mercy Health Diversity and Inclusion Board; member of the City of Lorain Sewer Water Advisory Board; member of the Executive Committee of the Lorain County Democratic Party; founder of 100 Men of Lorain County and the PACE Foundation; and president of the Lorain County Association of Black School Educators. Ballard’s work with the nonprofit PACE Foundation focuses on youth development, job training and workforce development, and economic development projects. When gang violence disrupted the community in the early 2010’s, he founded 100 Men of Lorain County to connect male mentors with at-risk juveniles to develop their respect for family, spirituality, justice and integrity, according to Leadership Lorain County. ● Excellence in Leadership Award: James Vandemark, owner, Vandemark Jewelers, Elyria Vandemark started his career at Brandau Jewelers in Elyria at the age of 16 in 1981. He graduated from Elyria High School in 1983 and continued working at Brandau Jewelers, obtaining his certification from the Gemological Institute of America, being certified in diamonds and diamond grading. He opened Vandemark Jewelers, located on Broad Street in Elyria, in October of 2002. Vandemark was president of the Elyria Jaycees 1990 to 1991, established the Elyria Jaycees scholarship fund, and was involved with Elyria Noon Kiwanis for 25 years, running their annual Halloween parade for 15 years. Vandemark also served on the board of the Elyria Downtown Commons group, reorganized as Main Street Elyria, for over 25 years, and was chairman of the board for three years. He has been on the Elyria City Schools Endowment board since 1996; cochaired two school levy campaigns for Elyria City Schools; is a past board member for the Lorain County Historical Society; and a past member and president of Sales and Marketing Executives of Lorain County. Vandemark serves on the board for the Elyria Apple Festival, helps coordinate the car show and is the emcee for the Century Club fund-raising dinner for the festival. He served on the Community Foundation of Lorain County’s board from 2008-2015, was board chair in 2014 and remains involved on the grants committee. Vandemark also is involved with the Elyria Public Library Endowment Board, serving as president from 2020-2022, and is a member of Elyria Noon Rotary and a trustee of the Ely Trust. ● Emerald Award for Inspirational Leadership: Christopher Cocco, senior designer, Clark & Post Architects Inc. Cocco “has always felt a strong connection to place. His first job at The Lorain Palace Theatre would cultivate a lasting bond to Downtown Lorain and its nearby waterfront. These formative experiences as a youth would instill core Lorain values of celebrating diversity, loyalty, and community,” according to

Leadership Lorain County. A graduate of the Ohio State University Department of Design, with a bachelor’s degree in design, he became interested in the human-centered approach to design and how improved interactions and experiences between humans, spaces and objects have profound impact on lives and society, according to Leadership Lorain County. In 2019, he was part of a group at the Lorain Historical Society that formed Main Street Lorain and served as the board president and vice president. His professional work with Clark & Post Architects Inc. includes “a proud history of working with the nonprofit sector in Lorain County,” including on projects with the Lorain Historical Society, Neighborhood Alliance, United Way of Greater Lorain County, Road to Hope, Blessing House, Oberlin Community Services, and Second Harvest Food Bank, according to Leadership Lorain County. ● Excellence in Leadership Award Organization: Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City School District Student Services Team The Student Services Team of the SheffieldSheffield Lake City Schools provides behavioral health and social-emotional learning support for the communities of Sheffield and Sheffield Lake. A district social worker, family engagement specialist, and five school counselors work to provide support by identifying gaps in service and environmental barriers that impede student learning, according to Leadership Lorain County. The Student Services Team helps address food insecurity, housing, and clothing, educational tools, training, and information nights for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers as well as students. A mobile food pantry started in 2019 through a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank — one of four county distributions initiated during the onset of the pandemic that continues to serve more than 400 families per month. Available to residents of Lorain County, its service has reached over 6,000 families and over 21,000 individuals since then. The team coordinates grant-funded literacy and resiliency kits, geared to increase adult-child interactions by providing kitchen and other family-oriented activities via hands-on learning experiences. There is a locally developed clothing “store” and community clothing/shoe distributions so students can go to school in clean, fitting clothes and have access to hygiene and laundry services. No-cost vaccination clinics help keep communities and schools safe, according to Leadership Lorain County. Students serve as the volunteer workforce in these outreach projects, earning community service credit. More information on each of the 2024 Difference Makers honorees, sponsorship opportunities, and 40th anniversary events can be found on the Leadership Lorain County website at www.leadershiplorain county.com or on the organization’s Facebook page.

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Thursday, NOV. 30, 2023

Lorain County Community Guide

Ex-Lorain County employee refiles lawsuit Former benefits coordinator sues Commissioners, former county officials

DAVE O’BRIEN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

A former Lorain County employee who sued the Board of Commissioners and several now-former department directors in 2022 alleging that she was fired “to silence her criticism of the financial corruption” of county government, then dismissed the lawsuit in September, recently refiled her complaint in Common Pleas Court. Former benefits coordinator Alexis Swiniarski filed a new complaint on Oct. 26, which has been assigned to Judge John Miraldi’s courtroom. She claimed violations of her

First Amendment rights, intimidation, retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy and sex discrimination. The 29-year-old LaGrange Township woman, who worked for the county from February 2017 to March 2021, named the board of commissioners, former county administrator Tom Williams and former human resources director Jen Sinatra in her complaints. All of the defendants are represented by the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Dan Petticord, legal counsel for the board, said Monday that the policy is not to comment on pending

litigation. The county prosecutor’s office filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on Nov. 15, according to court records. Miraldi gave Swiniarski and her attorney, Michael Conway, until Jan. 4 to respond to that motion. In the new lawsuit, Swiniarski claimed that the reasons given by county officials for her firing — telling lies about Sinatra, violating the confidentiality of personnel records, failing to remove former employees from county benefits programs, failing to process hiring paperwork for between 20 and 30 new county employees, improperly handling personnel records, failing

to file Affordable Care Act reports for the county, altering and back-dating official public records — are “ever-changing,” “verbose,” “false” and “retaliatory.” “Aside from the falsity and insufficiency of the allegations against (Swiniarski), the (Board of Commissioners) and its leaders did not search for any evidence of her alleged misconduct until after she made a complaint to Williams and Sinatra in the presence of (now-former) Deputy County Administrator Rob Weber” about alleged fraudulent medical billing at the Lorain County Jail, according to Swiniarski’s lawsuit.

Second Harvest holiday campaign runs through Dec. 24 Second Harvest Food Bank’s Holiday Cheer campaign runs through Dec. 24. The campaign, in its 40th year, hopes to raise $100,000 to provide 700,000 meals to families in Lorain, Crawford, Erie and

Huron counties. A $5 donation can provide 35 meals to those in need, President/CEO Julie ChaseMorefield said. Funds raised go to Second Harvest’s 120 partner charities that run food pantries, soup kitchens

and shelters. As in years past, Second Harvest has partnered with WOBL/WDLW in Oberlin, acting as a drop-off site for canned goods and nonperishable items and by matching donations from

Dec. 15-17. Last year, Second Harvest raised $90,316. For more information, visit secondharvestfoodbank.org or call (440) 9602265, ext. 307.

TOBACCO

increase. The ordinance also does not have a clause on transferring licenses or concrete language on what fines would look like. “This is something that concerns me as to where it currently sits,” Daryl McCarty, owner of Dairy Mart and Olde Town Pizza in Amherst, said. “We have gotten caught at Dairy Mart in the past and while it isn’t often, it does happen.” Lorain County Public Health Commissioner Mark Adams responded to McCarty’s worries by asking the Council to

introduce an educational warning ahead of fines. Adams said that he has long believed in education first to deter behavior. Amherst Schools has seen the surge of underage tobacco sales in recent months with vape products being found on a regular basis at both the high school and junior high. “In just the past four weeks, we have found 10 vapes in the bathrooms of the high school,” Ryan Lamb, school resource officer at Amherst High School, said. “Of those

10 kids with vapes, six of them said that they got them from a store in Amherst.” Similarly, at the Junior High, School Resource Officer Sean Gawlik said that 22 warnings have been given to students in the past five weeks with 15 ending in charges. The ordinance was tabled once more by the Council and will continue to be discussed at its next committee meeting in two weeks. Winiarski said that businesses affected by this ordinance are invited to come to the meeting and that information on the new ordinance will be sent to them soon. If passed on to the Council following that meeting, the ordinance could go into effect as early as the first week of March.

Prosecutor

can to replace Tomlinson.

Recorder

“In just the past four weeks, we have found 10 vapes in the bathrooms of the high school. Of those 10 kids with vapes, six of them said that they got them from a store in Amherst”

Ryan Lamb,

School resource officer

any evidence against her, according to her lawsuit. Swiniarski refused to attend the hearing and Weber recommended she be fired. Documents in Swiniarski’s personnel file alleged that county officials found more than $840,000 worth of uncashed health care premium checks in her workspace. They also alleged that she falsified former county administrator Jim Cordes’ signature on a benefits change form. Swiniarski has denied county officials’ claims in legal filings, alleging in her court filings that Sinatra and Williams made up the allegations against her and that Weber doesn’t like her because she is a woman.

Wellington plans to replace utility meters STAFF REPORT

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accountable who don’t want to follow the law,” Amherst Police Chief Mark Cawthon said. “Each citation will take a hit on these businesses’ licenses in addition to the fines given and repeat offenders could lose their licenses.” While the plan has some Council backing, some are still skeptical of the language within the current version of the ordinance proposed. “I really struggled at first with the fact that we would be punishing the sellers, not the 19-year-old buying the product,” Councilwoman Stephanie Smith, Fourth Ward, said. The pricing for licensing is also a point of contention. Currently, the cost for a license begins at $450 with no restrictions on how much the price could

Swiniarski claimed that she discovered that another county employee had not been making reimbursement payments to medical care providers treating Lorain County Jail inmates or had falsified them, according to her lawsuit. Swiniarski claimed she reported her findings to Sinatra by email on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, and was handed a pre-disciplinary/ termination notice the following Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. She further claimed that prior to a “sham” disciplinary hearing, she was denied legal counsel, denied a clear explanation of the charges against her and wasn’t allowed to review

Wellington plans to replace all utility meters throughout the city beginning early next year. A main impetus for the effort is that the village has 63 million gallons of water unaccounted for as the aging meters aren’t accurate, Mayor Hans Schneider said. “This has been a problem that we have noticed for some time and instead of kicking the can further down the road, we decided we are going to do a reset and replace them all now,” Schneider said. Schneider said that 2,636 electric meters and 2,013 water meters will need to be replaced and the process is expected to take several months. The replacement is set to cost the city $1.9 million. “Our current bid that has been accepted is from

Eaton Corp. for $1.9 million to fix everything,” Council President Gene Hartman said. “I do believe the bid contains some financing opportunities with Eaton built into it as well.” Both Schneider and Hartman have assured residents that they will not be billed for the missed charges or the new meters, but rather they see it as a way for the city to “start fresh.” “We have had this project in the works for some years now and while it will take a couple of months to get it completed, it is time to do so,” Schneider said. The bid has been sent to Council, where it is expected to be accepted during the next meeting, Hartman said. “I am mostly certain that Council is in agreement of this issue,” he said. “It is time the city does a reset.”

PRIMARY FROM A1

of Elections as of 4:30 p.m. Friday, are expected to face off in the Democratic primary in March. Republican Jack Hall has filed his petitions to run for sheriff in 2024. Incumbent Sheriff Phil Stammitti, a Democrat who has held the job since 2000, announced in September that he would not seek reelection.

Incumbent Prosecutor J.D. Tomlinson, a Democrat, has announced his intent to run for a second consecutive term and is campaigning in Lorain County, though he has yet to file his paperwork. A former assistant prosecutor in Tomlinson’s office, Anthony Cillo of Avon Lake has announced his intent to run as a Republi-

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Clerk ofCourts

Incumbent Lorain County Clerk of Courts Tom Orlando, a Democrat from Avon, has filed for reelection. He was appointed to the seat by fellow Democrats in 2015 and elected unopposed in 2016.

Engineer

Incumbent county Engineer Ken Carney, a Democrat from Amherst, has filed for reelection. He has held the job since 1989.

Kurtz

Christmas Trees OPEN NOV. 18 Cut Your Own Fresh Cut

Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, White Pine, Canaan Fir

Fresh made Wreaths 22350 QUARRY RD. WELLINGTON 440-328-9140

Daily 10am-7pm www.kurtzchristmastrees.com

Incumbent county Recorder Mike Doran, a Republican from North Ridgeville, has filed for reelection to a second consecutive term.

Court of Appeals

All Ohio counties will have elections for the 12 district courts of appeals in the state. Lorain County is part of the 9th District Court of Appeals in Akron, serving Lorain, Medina, Summit and Wayne counties. State Central Committee, Republican Women Jean Anderson of Vermilion has filed to run. The deadline for candidates to file to run in

partisan races in the March primary in Ohio is 4 p.m. Dec. 20.

Issues

So far, there are seven issues that voters in Lorain, Elyria, North Ridgeville and Brownhelm Township can expect to see on the March primary ballot. The Elyria school district has two issues on the ballot, both renewals. One is a 4.95-mill renewal levy for current expenses for a continuing period of time. Another is a 12.85-mill, 10-year renewal levy for emergency requirements. The Lorain Port and Finance Authority is asking voters to approve a 1-mill, five-year replacement levy for operating expenses. North Ridgeville vot-

ers will see a 2.25-mill, five-year renewal levy for ambulance and EMS service and a 1.91-mill, five-year renewal levy for current expenses at the North Ridgeville branch of the Lorain Public Library System. Brownhelm Township is asking for a 2-mill, fiveyear renewal levy for fire and EMS services. Finally, voters in Lorain’s Ward 1, precinct F will see a Sunday sales liquor issue for Knights on Kansas, 1620 Kansas Ave. As with the deadline for candidates, the deadline for issues to get on the March primary also is 4 p.m. Dec. 20, Board of Elections Director Paul Adams said. Issue numbers will be assigned by the Board of Elections at a later date.

CLASSIFIEDS KURTZ Christmas Trees Fresh Cut or Cut your Own Fraser Fir - Canaan Fir Douglas Fir - White Pine Trees to 12 ft tall. Fresh Handmade Wreaths White Pine Roping Open Nov. 18 - Dec. 24 Daily 10am - 7pm Quarry Rd. 1/4 mi. South of Rt.18, Wellington 440-328-9140 kurtzchristmastrees.com PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by

Lorain City Council on November 6, 2023. The complete text of each item may be viewed or purchased in the Clerk of Council Office @ Lorain City Hall, 200 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH, during normal business hours or contact Breanna Dull @ 204-2050 (Breanna_Dull@cityoflorain. org). The following summary of legislation passed has been reviewed/approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws. Ord. 235-23* Amending Ord 202-23 updating equipment

list w/out increasing fiscal impact of original ord. 23623 Auth the S/S Director to enter into a contract for the Lorain Pellet Terminal Redevelopment Project Phase 2. 237-23* Amending ord 139-23 & 189-23 auth the S/S Director to enter contract for the Pellet Terminal Proj. Phase 1. 23823* Auth the S/S Director to enter into a 5-year agreement with Brightspeed for PRI lines. 239-23* Auth the S/S Director to enter a 5-year agreement with Brightspeed for MAN. 240-23* Amending ord 92-

19 & the Lorain Codified Ordinances Chapter 192, Section 192.012 (2) Purposes of Tax; Rate. 241-23* Amending Ord. 111-23 auth the S/S Director to enter into agreement for IVR & IWR services for the Utilities Dept. 24223* Assessing the cost of abating nuisances by cutting noxious weeds. (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.) LCCG 11/23/23 20728484

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Lorain County Community Guide

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Oberlin Schools struggling to fill open teaching positions LAUREN HOFFMAN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

OBERLIN — Some math students at Oberlin Schools are on their third teacher midway through the year as the district struggles to fill open teaching positions. The district has relied on substitutes to fill as many as 10 open full-time positions. The teacher shortage is not limited to Oberlin Schools; it’s been a nationwide problem since the COVID-19 pandemic. Research conducted in August by Taun Nguyen, a professor at Kansas State University, showed that there are nearly 55,000 vacant positions nationwide and 270,000 positions in which an underqualified educator is leading the classroom. Additionally, data collected by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce found that rural districts are

one of the groups struggling the hardest to retain educators. “We can’t afford to have a teacher down,” David Hall, Oberlin Schools superintendent, said. “With the size of our district, every teacher that is out is felt.” This year alone, one math classroom has filtered through two separate subs trying to fill the position. One mother addressed the school board about the vacancies — saying her son’s class had lost their teacher and it was up in the air on how the students would be instructed and graded. According to the Lorain County Educational Service Center, Oberlin is not the only district struggling. “It is not just an Oberlin problem but rather an all-over one,” Pam Gamble, coordinator for substitute teachers at the Lorain County Educational Service Center, said. “Anytime a teacher

has a free period, they can be forced into teaching another class and this is being seen at Oberlin especially.” Gamble said that the district has reached out to her on 10 separate occasions within the last few months to help fill positions, but due to high demand throughout the county, even finding subs has been difficult. Hall said he believes the Ohio Legislature bears some of the responsibility for the challenges of finding teachers. “There have been a lot of recent mandates and laws passed that are restricting our teachers and are causing many to not want to work,” he said. “I encourage parents to write their legislators and ask if the new laws coming up are really necessary.” Liam O’Donnell, president of the Oberlin Teachers Union, said there are a number of factors in play.

“With a district like Oberlin, teachers out is something that is really felt by all of us,” he said. “We have 96 members and so even if three people are out across the three schools, that’s 3 percent of our staff that is down.” O’Donnell said that the district has also struggled because of absent teachers with health issues, something that started back during the pandemic. “COVID affected educators more than I think people realize,” he said. “We have teachers that were used to teaching face-toface and when we went remote, it added a lot of stress to them due to the unfamiliarity.” District administrators have been traveling to job fairs throughout the state to find teachers but have had little success. The district has five permanent substitute teachers on retainer but still has 10 open positions in its three schools.

“Our children are suffering; our staff is suffering; and it is something that needs to be addressed and we are working on it,” Meisha Baker, director of curriculum and special programs at Oberlin Schools, said. Baker and Hall both said that sometimes residents need to be reminded that teachers are only human. “We sometimes forget that our teachers are human and that they will have crises just like us,” Hall said. “When one of us is down, we are all down.” Those interested in applying for substitute positions need a bachelor’s degree and can do so by visiting the Oberlin Schools website and clicking on the employment link. Additionally, the Lorain County Educational Services Center will be holding a job fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 9 at its office, 1885 Lake Ave., in Elyria.

Trooper Michael Wearsch named Elyria post ‘Trooper of the Year’ STAFF REPORT

Trooper Michael Wearsch has been selected as the 2023 “Trooper of the Year” at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Elyria post. He was recognized for exceptional service at the Elyria post this year. Wearsch’s fellow troopers selected him for the honor based on his leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous behavior toward others, enthusiastic work attitude, and cooperation with supervisors, peers and the public, according to a news release. The award now makes Wearsch a candidate for District Trooper of the Year and the statewide Trooper of Year award. Wearsch joined the Highway Patrol in 2018 BRUCE BISHOP | The Community Guide

Jackie Peguero, a monitor at the Haven Center, and Rebecca Haywood, Chief of Staff for Neighborhood Alliance, go over census data at the Haven Center in Lorain.

Agencies work to open warming centers

STAFF REPORT

As temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing this week, a collective of agencies is working to bring those without a home inside to safety. Organized by Place 2 Recover’s Circle of Support, the “warming shelters’’ are a collection of heated spaces available for those in need now until April 15 when temperatures drop below 32 degrees. Available beds at existing shelters get filled first, and then other locales are found for those without a bed for the night. Unlike in years past, there will not be a gym or large room filled with cots — a traditional version of a warming shelter. “There is no specific place but rather a collection of places for people to go when shelters fill up,” Wendy Caldwell from Place 2 Recover said. “The locations of these places are contingent on shelter bed openings, but we will make sure there is a place for those who need it.” One such example is motel rooms. “Motel rooms seem to be

the way to go this year,” Rebecca Haywood, chief of operations at Neighborhood Alliance, said. “It’s a bit of a nicer option, I think, because you don’t have to dedicate that entire space to one population of people, but rather are able to take everyone in, including men, women, families and members of the LGBTQ community.” To connect to a warming shelter location and services, call Coordinated Entry at (440) 242-0455 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For afterhours and weekends, call (440) 830-1011. Those in immediate need can also visit the two shelters in Lorain where they can be connected to a warming shelter. Haven Center, 1536 E. 30th St., is open to single women, single men and families. Catholic Charities St. Elizabeth Center, 2726 Carolina Ave., is open to single men. “Our warming centers are able to take men, women and families just like our shelter would, but it is nice to have that extra layer of having those extra rooms to be able to take care of people,” Haywood said. “Before COVID-19,

churches were very involved in having warming centers, but I think COVID really killed all of that and it was very difficult for churches to maintain and so the warming centers became a thing.” Caldwell said that the need for shelter is expected to rise in the next week as the first winter storm of the season moves in. According to the National Weather Service, the county is predicted to get 5 inches of lake effect snow coupled with 35 mph winds, plunging the area into negative wind chills. “We want to be able to give everyone a space that may need it,” Caldwell said. “When the beds at the centers fill up, we will have hotel vouchers available depending on need and availability.” “These are great places to stay for those in need, especially when it gets cold,” Maria Brown, a resident at Haven Center said. “They have spaces to sleep, shower and eat.” On Nov. 14, Autumn Ball, a 34-year-old from Elyria, was found dead, likely because of exposure to the elements, in Cascade Park in Elyria. A warming center was not open dur-

ing the time of her death because it was not cold enough. The hope is that these warming shelters will prevent any additional deaths. “Ultimately it’s not about me, it’s not about the Haven Center, it’s not about the agencies involved, it’s about our clients,” Haywood said. “We want what’s best for them so that they have everything they need to succeed going forward.”

and has since been serving at the Elyria post. Originally MICHAEL from WEARSCH Amherst, he is a graduate of Marion L. Steele High School. Wearsch has received the Criminal Patrol ribbon award five times, and also received the Ace ribbon, Field Training Officer ribbon, Physical Fitness ribbon with star, Safe Driving ribbon, Traffic Safety ribbon, Certificate of Recognition and numerous commendation letters during his career, according to the Highway Patrol. Wearsch, 27, and his wife Brenna live in Elyria.

Highway patrol: Eight killed on Ohio roads over Thanksgiving STAFF REPORT

Eight people were killed in seven crashes on Ohio’s roadways over the Thanksgiving holiday, the lowest number of deaths in that time frame since 2018, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The five-day Thanksgiving reporting period began at midnight Wednesday

and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Of the eight people killed, one was not wearing a safety belt and one crash involved impaired driving. Troopers arrested 319 people on DUI charges and made 111 arrests for illegal drugs. Troopers also issued citations for 526 safety belts, 181 distracted driving violations and assisted 1,567 motorists.

SUBSCRIBE!

Love local news? Get 52 issues a year by signing up for a subscription, conveniently delivered to you each week in the mail. Get the Amherst News-Times, Oberlin News-Tribune, and Wellington Enterprise bundled together for the same low price! Call (440) 329-7000 during business hours.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 NOVEMBER 30, 2023 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live DECEMBER 1, 2023 .....COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE 8:00 A.M. - 36 S. PROSPECT ST. DECEMBER 4, 2023 .....REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS DECEMBER 5, 2023 .....HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - 5:00 P.M. 36 S. PROSPECT ST. DECEMBER 6, 2023 .....PLANNING COMMISSION - 4:30 P.M. - 36 S. PROSPECT ST. DECEMBER 7, 2023 .....SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 7:00 P.M. CONFERENCE ROOM 1 - PURPOSE: To adjourn into executive session to discuss the employment of a public official and to invite the city manager. NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE.

Page A6

SPORTS

Thursday, NOV. 30, 2023

Lorain County Community Guide

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

Dukes start season strong

RUSS GIFFORD | The Community Guide

LEFT: Wellington’s Savannah Gundert gets to the basket ahead of Rittman’s Allyson Stuart. RIGHT: Wellington’s Brooke Lehmkehl gets two points against Rittman. Wellington won their home opener against Rittman 36-57 on Nov. 22.

Nicholson family shares sports talents at Elyria South Baseball Club clinic DAVE O’BRIEN THE COMMUNITY GUIDE

The clink of aluminum bats, the thump of kickballs and shouts and laughter of children echoed off the walls at the Thomas O. Shores South Recreation Center in Elyria on Nov. 25 as children in the Elyria South Baseball Club got first-hand lessons on the basics of the diamond sports. A special treat came from coaching, teaching and life lessons from members of the Nicholson family, one of the most elite families in Elyria sports history, particularly softball. A graduate of Elyria High School and member of the Elyria Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2017, Angie Nicholson has been the Georgia State University Panthers softball coach since 2021. A standout softball player at Cleveland State University, she graduated there in 2000 and later coached the team, winning several titles while also coaching current Elyria High School softball head coach Megan Bashak, Angie Nicholson also coached at Cuyahoga Community College, Ursuline College, Butler University, Cleveland State, Eastern Illinois University and Hampton University. Her husband, Rick Nicholson, an Elyria High School and Cleveland State graduate and wrestling standout, is her

STEVE MANHEIM | The Community Guide

Payton Nicholson, softball player at Georgia State, works with kids at a softball/baseball skills clinic, at Elyria South Recreation Center, on Nov. 25. assistant coach for Georgia State softball, where their daughter Payton plays. Daughter Taylor plays softball at Arizona State University after a stint at the University of Missouri, daughter Mackenzie is on the Jacksonville State University softball roster after time at Arizona State with her sister, and son Darian, a sophomore in high school in Georgia, is

a multi-sport athlete. The family of six was in Elyria for the Thanksgiving holiday, and took time out of their vacation opportunity to volunteer to coach the 30 young athletes who showed up at South Rec on Saturday. Elyria South Baseball Club organizer and coach Aric Bowens said he played football at Elyria High School with Rick

Nicholson and was happy that his former teammate and family took time out of their holiday to pass on their sports knowledge. “They’re a world-class softball family,” he said. Angie Nicholson said the clinic was about fundamentals: Running bases, throwing, catching, hitting, all the basics for children of various ages and talents.

The young people played kickball, the skills for which translate to softball and baseball, just with different tools, according to the volunteer coaches. The youths also took swings off tees and tossed footballs to warm up and help with catching. Hand-eye coordination is challenging, but there were some young athletes who, with the right focus

and coaching, “could be good,” said Taylor Nicholson. Angie Nicholson said it was great to see the young athletes learn and listen and for her family to give back to her and her husband’s hometown. Bowens said he wants the young athletes not only to get exercise, but have a good sports IQ. He hopes to get more classroom time with them, and was excited about the city building a new field at South Park for the children to play on as they start to outgrow their current field. Every child who showed up Saturday got a T-shirt, breakfast, pizza and snacks. There were 175 children on 14 teams last year, said Bowens, who said he specifically tries to keep registration costs low to allow more children to take part. Bowens said clinics are being run every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. through the end of the year. Skill ranges are from T-ball to coach-pitch to competitive leagues. There are more opportunities for children to get involved: Coach Amanda Coleman said she’s looking for more girls interested in playing softball. “We plan to continue to grow,” reach out to more children and invest in the community, Bowens said. For more information, to learn how to register or get involved, like or follow the Elyria South Baseball Club on Facebook.

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Lorain County Community Guide

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BULLETIN BOARD Wellington Salvation Army

The Wellington Salvation Army is in need of bell ringers for its annual red kettle drive. Locations are Farm and Home (120 S Main St.); Village Market (816 N Main St.) and Apples Market (209 E Herrick Ave.). Shifts are two hours long, and funds raised in the kettle drive stay in the Wellington community. For more information, scan the QR code or call (440) 647-7600.

Ohio Genealogy Society

The Lorain county Chapter of the Ohio Genealogy Society will meet virtually at 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Christina Yetzer Drain, a genealogy and history researcher will show how to explore land patents and deeds, historical maps, tax records and more to piece together a timeline of ownership. The program is free and open to the public. To receive a link, email meetings@ loraincoogs.org and ask to be added to the list.

Oberlin Salvation Army

Volunteers are needed at multiple locations to ring bells for the Oberlin Salvation Army’s upcoming kettle campaign. Volunteers are needed at indoor and outdoor locations: Oberlin IGA, Drug Mart, and Walmart. Any sports team, or busi-

ness or organization can get $500 for ringing collectively over the holiday season of 124 hours. You can adopt a kettle and give any amount. The Oberlin Facebook page has a QR Code and a link for any donations. All donations made out to The Oberlin Salvation Army and/or put in the kettle, stays in the Oberlin area.

North Pointe Ballet

North Pointe Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” returns to the Lorain Palace Theatre and Berea-Midpark High School Performing Arts Center in December. Between Dec. 1-3 and 16 -17, audience members will see NPB professional artists perform alongside youth from local dance studios. Participants from NPB’s A Chance to Dance program for dancers with disabilities will join the cast during a special Sensory-Friendly matinee on Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 in partnership with Beyond Words: Music & Dance Center. NPB’s SensoryFriendly performances provide accommodations to reduce loud sounds and adjust dramatic lights, provide a space for taking a sensory break, and allow for a relaxed theater environment. Featured in this performance are two youth actors to help narrate the story of The Nutcracker, courtesy of The MAD* Factory Theatre Co. in Oberlin. NPB’s performances will be held at the historic Lorain Palace Theatre,

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. 617 Broadway, Lorain December 1-3 and the Berea-Midpark High School Performing Arts Center, 165 E Bagley Rd, Berea, December 16-17. For showtimes and tickets, visit northpointeballet.org/ nutcracker.

Workshop Players

Workshop Players will present “Santa Sing-aLong” directed by Valerie Farschman at 3 p0.m. Dec. 9 and 10 at 44820 Middle Ridge Rd., Amherst. Tickets are $12 or five for $50. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets can be purchsed online at www. workshopplayers.org or by calling the box office at (440) 634-0472.

Craft show

Mercy Health Allen Auxiliary holiday craft show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at Mercy Allen Hospital in Oberlin. Free admission, silent raffle and 50/50 raffle.

South Amherst Tree Lighting

The Village of South Amherst will host its annual tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7. The Firelands Tri-M members will sing carols and a reception at the fire station will immdiately follow the

tree lighting. The South Amherst Fire Association and Village officials will provide hot chocolate and donuts and the ladies of Sandstone Commuity Church will share homemade cookies. Toys for Tots will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need. The event is free and open to the public.

Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club

The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club will meet at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Father Ragan knights of Columbus Hall, 1783 Moore Rd., Avon. Prof. Jeffrey Sikkenga, executive director of the Conservative Ashbrook Center at Ashland University, will speak, alongside John Stover, president of Ohio Value Voters and a radio personality. Guests cost $5.

5k fundraiser

A 5k run and 1-mile fun walk benefiting Blessing House is 9 a.m. Dec. 24. The Jingle All The Way 5K is $20 for adults or $5 for children. Prices increase after Dec. 1 to $25 for adults. Registration includes a t-shirt or mug and jungle bell for each runner or walker to wear during the race. The race, sponsored

MATH 101 ACROSS 1. Loaded up 6. Tube in old TV 9. Pouches 13. Tequila source 14. Stick in water 15. Jig’s French cousin 16. TV’s “____ Secretary” 17. Money in Myanmar 18. Photoshop maker 19. *Result of multiplication 21. *Whole number 23. *Say 2+2 is 5, e.g. 24. Arctic floater 25. Dashboard acronym 28. Fountain serving 30. Spanky or Alfalfa 35. Short for “hurry up” 37. Live bait 39. Turn upside down 40. Cassette contents 41. Retire from military, for short 43. Jason’s vessel 44. Sicker 46. “Sight for ____ eyes” 47. Puppy cry 48. Denver option, at a diner 50. Apartment 52. Green turtle’s domain 53. Final 55. Personal trainer’s place of employment 57. *Venn ____ 61. *Point in 2.5 65. Barrel racing meet 66. Gobbled up 68. On the rocks (2 words) 69. *Fields Medal to a mathematician, e.g. 70. Sports official, for short 71. 8 of something 72. Like Gulf Stream 73. Big bang maker 74. Required things DOWN 1. “I lift my ____ beside the golden door” 2. Petri dish gel 3. Carpenter’s groove 4. Dodge, as in tax bill 5. Takes exception to 6. Native Egyptian, in Roman times 7. *Line with one endpoint 8. Path in the woods

9. Left or right, e.g. 10. Awestruck 11. *Three-dimensional figure with 6 square faces 12. Palm reader, e.g. 15. Cake with filling 20. Three people? 22. Neither here ____ there 24. Subcontract (2 words) 25. *1:2, e.g. 26. Sacred song 27. Canada’s favorite tree? 29. “Nobody ____ It Better” 31. Fix a cat 32. First discovered asteroid 33. *Measured in degrees 34. Parkinson’s disease drug 36. Banana remnant 38. Between dawn and noon

by Community Congregational united Church of Christ, starts and ends at 379 S. Main Street, Amherst, and loops through downtown.

Amherst Historical Society For more information or to register for a program, call (440) 988-7255 or email office@amhersthistoricalsociety.org. Amherst Historical Society’s German Christmas Holiday Celebration is 6-9 p.m. Dec. 2 at Sandstone Village, 763 Milan Ave., Amherst. Parking and shuttle service is at the Amherst Junior High School, 548 Milan Ave. The event is free to attend. Meet Santa and Mrs. Clause, visit decorated village buildings and blacksmith shop, shop at The Shops at Sandstone Village and items made by the blacksmith, as well as a bake sale and hot chocolate for donation.

encouraged to dress up like residents of Whoville in ugly holiday sweaters and comfy pajamas. ● Adult craft is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Registered attendees will receive the supplies needed to create two holiday decoupage coasters. ● Music and Movement storytime is 11:15 a.m. Dec. 8 and 22. For children 2-6 and their caregivers. ● Cookie decorating storytime is Dec. 11-14. Holiday Cookie Storytime for Toddlers (ages 2 – 3) Monday, December 11 at 10:30am. Holiday Cookie Storytime for Preschoolers (ages 3 – 5) Monday, December 11 at 11:15am. Holiday Cookie Storytime for Waddlers (up to 24m) – Wednesday, December 13 at 11:15am. Afternoon Holiday Cookie Storytime (ages 2 – 6) – Thursday, December 14 at 1:15pm

Outside Vermilion GOP Circle Theater The Vermilion GOP will Project meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Martino’s International, 4415 liberty Ave. For more information, visit www. vermiliongop.org or call (440) 213-3058.

Amherst Library

Registration is required for most events. Visit AmherstPublicLibrary.org or cal (440) 988-4230 for more information. ● Yoga Flow is 1 p.m. every Friday in December. Learn breathing techniques to clear the mind and be present in the moment as instructor Cindy Miller leads attendees through movements to stretch and strengthen muscles and joints. Classes are suitable for all ages and experience levels. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing and bring water to stay hydrated. ● Canine Reading Buddies are back the first Saturday and third Tuesday of the month. Licensed therapy dogs will be on hand for all ages to read to them at 11 a.m. Dec. 2 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19. ● Merry Grinchmas is 11 a.m. Dec. 10. Enjoy crafts, snacks and themed entertainment while keeping an eye out for the Grinch sneaking around the library. Attendees are

The Outside Circle Theater Project will sponsor a poetry slam for local poets, spoken word artists and monologuists to raise funds for its March 2024 production of “The Downside” by Molly McFadden. The poetry slam is 6-9 p.m. Dec. 7 at Broadway Mary’s, 939 Broadway, Lorain. In addition to performing, attendees can submit works for a chance to be published in the upcoming production’s playbill. Entry fee is $10 via CashApp, Venmo or cash at the door. For more information email outsidecircletheaterproject@gmail.com or call (440) 258-0704.

Board of Trustees

● The Oberlin Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting followed by the 2024 Organizational meeting at the library on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. The meetings are open to the public. ● The Amherst Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting followed by the 2024 Organizational meeting at the library on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 5:45 p.m. The meetings are open to the public.

42. Brown shade 45. Retread, past tense 49. Non-alcoholic brew 51. Rockefeller or Bezos 54. Like today’s phone 56. Kind of pie 57. No-win situation 58. Wisconsin neighbor 59. Jewish month of Purim 60. Disease-causing organism 61. Clever 62. Indoor allergy cause 63. Crushed it, as in a test 64. “____ Make a Deal” 67. *X

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Page A8

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Lorain County Community Guide

Popping Ears

Ifyouhavetraveledintothemountains,ortaken anairplanerideyoumayhavenoticedyourears feeling pluggeduporevenhurting.

There are ways we can try to avoid catching a cold and the flu, like washing our hands and getting vaccinated.

Theairpressureinhigheraltitudesislowerthan theairpressureinloweraltitudes.Whenthe pressureoftheairinsideyourearsandoutside aredifferent,youfeelabitpluggedup.

But, there is something you can’t stop yourself from catching.

What can help balance the inside and outside pressure?Thelettersalongthe correctpathrevealtheanswer.

What is it? It’s YAWNING! Give it a try! Start yawning and watch to see if people around you start to yawn. Even reading about yawning can sometimes cause a person to yawn. Are you starting to yawn yet?

START

AnimalsYawn,Too!

Your eyes will usuallee close or squint during a yawn. The bigger the yawn, the more tightly your eyes squeeze clozed.

Scientists think closing the eyes helps the muscles in your face to relaxed, making it possible to yawn bigger.

Do your eyesclose when you yawn?

By forcing your eyes to stay opens, you can actually stop or slow down a yawns.

Are you an eagle-eyed reader? Circle the five errors in the article below. Then, rewrite the article correctly on the blank lines.

Many animals also yawn. And some animals “catch” yawning from each other. Some people say w e tthey ey yaw e dog w te yaw when yawn,, ttheir will ooften yawn,, too. W

Howmanydifferences canyoufindbetween thesetwopictures?

N V N S J

Amazing Facts AboutYawns Use the secret code to reveal these facts! Howlongdoestheaverage humanyawnlast? 8 18 3

END

4 18 13 7 22 9

8 22 24 12 13 23 8

Thelongestknownyawnwasmadebya smallPomeraniandognamedBelle. Howlongdidheryawnlast? 7

What time of yeardo peopleyawnthe most?

4 22 13 7

14 18 13 6

7 19 9 22 22 7 22 8

26 = A 25 = B 24 = C 23 = D 22 = E 21 = F 20 = G 19 = H 18 = I 17 = J 16 = K 15 = L 14 = M

13 = N 12 = O 11 = P 10 = Q 9 =R 8 =S 7 =T 6 =U 5 =V 4 =W 3 =X 2 =Y 1 =Z

What is thestudy ofyawning called?

24 19 26 8 14 12 15 12 20 2

Dogiraffesyawn? Sofar,they’venever beenobserved yawningbyscientists.

Standards Link: Life Science: Understand that humans and animals have structures that aid in survival.

Number the paragraph parts in order to reveal facts about hippopotamus yawns.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Understand informational text.

Syllable Search

In a news article, circle all the one syllable words in red, two syllable words in blue, three syllable words in green and four syllable words in orange. Next, create a bar graph showing the number of one, two, three, and four syllable words in the article. Standards Link: Language Arts: Apply syllabication rules.

AIR BALANCE COLD DOG DROWSY EARS FACTS FLU LAST LOUD PRESSURE WINTER WORDS YAWN YEAR

Large and Loud Large and Loud both

start with the letter ‘L’. When more than one word in a sentence starts with the same letter, that is called an alliteration. Look through the newspaper for words that start with the same letter. Use these words to write a new sentence. Standards Link: Language Arts: Identify alliteration in text.

Withhundredsoftopics,every Kid Scoop printableactivitypack featuressix-to-sevenpagesof high-interestextralearning activitiesforhomeand school!Getyourfree sampletodayat:

C L B A L A N C E F

P O E U B A D T R A

R W L A H J S V E C E F E D R Z W T T T

This week’s word:

ALTITUDE

S D R O W S Y Q N S

The noun altitude means the height of a thing above the earth or above sea level.

U C X G T O A P W Y

The altitude of Mt. Everest is over 29,000 feet above sea level.

S V O L N L E A I R

R S L A C U R J I N E G Y S I D A T L P

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

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

Yawn!

One day, I yawned REALLY big and … Finish this story.