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AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, March 11, 2021

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Volume 8, Issue 10

PANDEMIC ANNIVERSARY

One year of COVID chaos SPECIAL EDITION A state of emergency was declared in Ohio on March 9, 2020, as worries grew about a mysterious virus that originated in China and made its way to the United States. JASON HAWK EDITOR

his was no ordinary cold or flu. Scientists said SARS-CoV-2 — a new strain of coronavirus — was far more contagious, and had a higher mortality rate. And it's symptoms could take up to two weeks to manifest, meaning carriers could spread it unknowingly before they ever knew they were sick. For the most part, those symptoms looked a lot like the flu. In many people, the tell-tale sign of COVID-19 was a loss of taste or smell. But especially among senior citizens, the “We know the illness caused serious damage. It tore through confirmed nursing homes, weaknumbers are ening already fragile only a small bodies and making them more vulnerable fraction of to heart conditions, pneumonia and cancer. those infected. It preyed on those The numbers with diabetes, sickle will grow.” cell disease, kidney disease, asthma, cystic Gov. Mike DeWine fibrosis, HIV, AlMarch 12, 2020 zheimer's disease and cirrhosis of the liver. Alarms were ringing long before March, but few were listening. The danger seemed far away. By the time Ohio was under a state of emergency, colleges and universities were already beginning to suspend classes. By the end of that week, K-12 schools were scrambling to move online, the public was barred from nursing homes, events were being canceled en masse, park facilities and libraries were being shuttered and national sports organizations were suspending their seasons. Life turned upside down. SPECIAL EDITION PAGE A3

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Classifieds, legals, display advertising, and subscriptions Deadline: 1 p.m. each Monday Phone: 440-329-7000 Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday News staff Jason Hawk news@lcnewspapers.com Phone: 440-329-7122 Submit news to news@lcnewspapers.com Deadline: 10 a.m. Tuesday Send obituaries to obits@chroniclet.com

‘It was supposed to be an easy year’ JASON HAWK EDITOR

ELYRIA TWP. — It was a phone call that would change everything. David Covell listened in late January 2020 as Oberlin College asked for advice about students returning after winter break from Wuhan, China, where a new virus was causing panic. "They were worried about what they should do in terms of quarantine and isolation," he recalls now, more than a year later. The Lorain County health commissioner had been tracking reports of COVID-19 overseas. There had been some discussion about what it would mean if the virus reached American shores, "but it didn't really hit home until that first phone call," Covell said. After nearly 35 years in COVELL PAGE A3

‘We thought it was pneumonia’ Daughter mourns the Rev. Gary West, who spent weeks on a ventilator JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — When Gary West started coughing, his family didn't think it was anything serious. They were wrong. West and his adult daughter, Candice Regal, started feeling ill Dec. 11. "We both all of a sudden started with fevers and chills, and just not feeling 100 percent," Regal remembered in a recent interview. West would get sick around the holidays every year, and Regal has a chronic medical condition. They shrugged it off. But while Regal recovered, West's cough grew progressively worse. He delivered his last sermon Dec. 13 from the pulpit at Christ Community Church on West Herrick Avenue, where he had been pastor for 15 years. His family later discovered West had been COVID-positive that morn-

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Candice Regal, of Wellington, holds a photograph of her father, the Rev. Gary West, at Christ Community Church. ing. Most of the congregation was watching the service virtually, with only a handful in the sanctuary. Around 11 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17, West told his family he was going to the hospital. His cough had become deep, guttural, bark-like.

He couldn't breathe. He could barely stand. "At first I thought, 'It's just pneumonia,' but then they called and said it was COVID," said Regal. "We thought he was strong. I mean, he WEST PAGE A3

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Send legal notices to jyoder@chroniclet.com Submit advertising to chama@chroniclet.com

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Lorain County Public Health Commissioner David Covell sits for a portrait on Thursday, March 4, a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he never expected to end his 35-year career this way.

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Tyson makes $385,000 offer to buy city land • B1

Phoenix, Firelands bow out in basketball semifinals • B4

‘Lunch shaming’ policies ending at schools • B1

OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A5 • CROSSWORD B2 • SUDOKU B2 • KID SCOOP B6

Page A2

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

OBITUARIES Linda K. 'Lynn' Anderson

Annette E. Peek

Marlene H. Schreiber

Linda K. 'Lynn' Anderson (nee Plavchan), 71, of Vermilion, ascended into Heaven on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at her home after a brief illness. She was born March 27, 1949, in Lorain and had been a Vermilion resident for the past two years moving from Amherst and Avon Lake. Lynn worked as a legal secretary for several attorneys including for her husband's Law Office, Alan Anderson, for many years, retiring in 2005. She also was a secretary for St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Amherst. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Vermilion. Lynn was an avid genealogist and received many certificates from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies at the University of Toronto. She was also a weather enthusiast and was a NWS Storm Spotter. Lynn enjoyed camping, traveling and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Alan Anderson of Vermilion; children, Jay (Donala) Anderson of Twinsburg, Heather (Kenneth) Mahlich of Avon Lake and Adam (April) Anderson of Mars, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Ayona, Jayna and Landon Anderson, Ethan and Matthew Mahlich and Ariana, Ashlyn, Alec and Ainsley Anderson; brothers, Michael Plavchan of Kentucky, Thomas Plavchan of Grafton and David Plavchan of Avon Lake. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Louisa (nee Lawler) Plavchan. The family received friends Monday, March 8 at Riddle Funeral Home in Vermilion. A Mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Vermilion. Father Paul Schreiner and Father Ron Brickner concelebrated. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneral home.com.

It is with sadness that I announce that my dear wife, Annette E. Peek, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, at age 81. But my heart overflows with gratitude to God for sending her into my life for almost 63 years of honeymooning. Annette was laid to rest at Westwood Cemetery in Oberlin in a brief, private graveside ceremony with eight family members in attendance. Dependent on Covid-19 restrictions, an announcement of a memorial event might be forthcoming. Annette leaves to mourn her absence our three adult children, Cheryl, married to Anthony Ball and their two adult children, Chloe and Kelsey, Joseph and Angela, married to Jose Padilla and their two school-age children, Anya and Zoe Lauree. Additional grievers are her two remaining brothers, Isaac and Cyrus Jones. Her youngest brother, Melvin, passed away recently; Shirley Maxwell, her only sister and maid of honor in our wedding, went home to God many years ago. Annette loved us all, but it was also very clear that she loved all her students, colleagues and friends, first for a few years in Florida schools, some years at Elyria West High School and finally so many more at Oberlin High School. To the end, she was an exuberant cheerleader coach able to do all the jumps and splits, especially on students' birthdays. She retired from the profession with over 40 rich years of sheer pleasure having served as a most tireless, tenacious and trusting personal supporter and counselor to students generally and to those specifically who were members of the Spanish Club and participants in the American Field Services activities. Students enjoyed her often fun-filled classes, admired and respected “Senora Peek.” Her incandescent smile lit up their lives. We in the family always knew she had another family and we had to accept all our other “relatives.” I tried desperately to do that. And in return, Annette eagerly volunteered all her summers, with barely a vacation, to help me in WAVE, Oberlin College's summer academic program free to all children in Lorain County. From the second she learned she had Alzheimer's until the end more than 15 years later, Annette just 'celebrated the day,' going to the mall, Cedar Point, movies, etc., until she physically couldn't any longer. She deserves to rest in peace, while her memory inspires us all to shine her light of cheerfulness, peace and happiness on all - on all our relatives in the world!

Marlene H. Schreiber (nee Bound), 72, of Lorain, passed away Monday, March 8, 2021, at Mercy New Life Hospice, Lorain. Marlene was born in Cleveland on July 29, 1948, to Wayne and Helen (nee Stotts) Bound. In 1969, Marlene met and married Ade Schreiber. Together they had two sons, Kurt and Brian and one daughter, Holly. In the 1970's, they began their family life in North Ridgeville and then moved to Amherst in 1980, where they lived for the rest of their lives. Marlene and Ade remained married until Ade's death in 2008. Marlene had a successful career in bookkeeping that started in the 1980's working for her husband, Ade's, real estate company, Home Mark Realty & Investments. In the late 1980's, she started working at Lorain County Community College in the controller's office. In the early 1990's, she spent a short time working for ServPro in Elyria. Then, in 1993, she accepted a position in the Controller's Office at Oberlin College in Oberlin. This position was the most rewarding experience of her career and she stayed at Oberlin College until she retired in 2016. Marlene had a deep passion for and devotion to God for over 40 years. She was an active member of many churches for the past 40 years and enjoyed participating in several church activities, such as prayer groups, sign language, and potlucks. She especially enjoyed teaching the children during Sunday morning services. Most of her closest friendships were with other members of the many churches she has belonged to over the years. Over the years, Marlene has enjoyed several creative hobbies that included cross-stitching and scrapbooking. She used to cross-stitch beautiful designs that she then would turn into pillows that she gave as gifts to family and friends. In the latter years of her life, she began scrapbooking and was working on memory books for her children and grandchildren until her health began to deteriorate. Marlene loved to travel. She enjoyed several family vacations to Florida with her husband, sons and daughter and the May and Mitnick families, with whom Marlene and her husband, Ade, had a deep friendship for over 50 years. Within the last several years of her life, Marlene has enjoyed vacations to Disney World, Myrtle Beach and The Great Smoky Mountains. Marlene's greatest love was her children and grandchildren. She shared a unique relationship with each of her children and enjoyed each one separately and together. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Helen; brothers, Wayne, Gary and Billy; her in-laws, Adolf and Elsa and her husband, Ade. She is survived by her sons, Kurt (Deanna) and Brian (Christy); her daughter, Holly; her grandchildren, Sophia, MaKayla, Luke and Amanda; her older sister, Sharon; her goddaughter, Tiffany; her younger sisters, Deleen and Shawna; her younger brothers, Jimmy, Raymond and Jeffrey, as well as several nieces and nephews. Family received friends on Wednesday, March 10 at the Garland-Misencik Funeral Home, Amherst. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mercy New Life Hospice for the exceptional comfort and care they provided to Marlene and her family. Donations can be made to the Mercy Health Foundation, 3500 Kolbe Rd., Lorain, OH 44053.

CHARLES W. 'RUSTY' GATES JR., 83, of Bowling Green, passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Wood Haven Nursing Home. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home. For information about placing an obituary or death notice in the Community Guide, call 440-329-7000.

FACEBOOK FEEDBACK We asked Facebook followers: What's been the strangest part of the COVID-19 crisis for you? Kathleen Reising Litkovitz "For me the worst part of the pandemic has been not being able to have my children and grandchildren come to visit and hugging them. They're the joy of my life." Judith Lamb Handley "The loneliness. Senior citizen living alone and couldn’t interact with family because of my health. Missing birthdays and Christmas, hugs and kisses. Lunch with my friends." David Arcuri "One of the strangest parts for me is figuring out what to do for my business and the other local businesses (I am on the Main Street Wellington board). It's been hard but most of us are surviving. It's weird looking out at the downtown area and seeing no one out and about at times."

Chris Ketchum "Relocating my family from Wellington, where I was born and raised, to Oklahoma. I was required to report to work in Oklahoma just as the 14 day lockdown ended. I then spent the next few months and several thousand miles with truck and trailer moving all of our belongings and finally my family to our new home." Dawn Nicolo Rangel "My daughters are both ICU nurses. The stories of suffering from them. The PTSD they have. No one will ever fully understand the heroes our nurses really are. I am still praying for them all." Pamela Goswick "Definitely the loss of a loved one." Bailey Ann Zech "The weirdest thing was bringing my son into this world. Now he is seven months old and gets to look at people masked up as if it's normal. And babies go off facial expressions so it's hard for

them to read a person's face. I will not let him think that this is normal." Dan Boone "People not looking at the science, statistics and blindly believing everything that they’re being told!" Rebecca Rookstool "How people have put their hope in man alone and not in God." Damita Deibler-Vanche "The loss of my father and worry my special needs son will get it." Raynelle Wasem Bozicevich "Not seeing my mom who is in an adult care facility as much as I used to. Not having Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner with her." Katrina Juchnik "Homeschooling seven kids and just the shortages on foods, etc., has been rough."

Expanded bus service

The Oberlin connector bus service has expanded and is now available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Call (800) 406-7541 to schedule a ride. Trips are $2, one way. Discounts are available. The service area includes the city of Oberlin and portions of New Russia Township, Amherst Township, the city of Amherst, Lorain, Sheffield Township, Elyria and Carlisle Township. Learn more at www.cityofoberlin. com/oberlin-connector.

LETTERS Letters to the editor should be: • Written to the editor. We do not allow open letters or those to specific residents, politicians, or groups. • Concise. There is a limit of 350 words on letters. • Polite. Letters that use crude language or show poor taste will be rejected. • Opinions. We reserve space for letters that share a unique perspective. Press releases are not letters and will be considered for publication in other parts of the paper. • Free of advertising, product or service endorsements or complaints, poetry, language that could raise legal problems, or claims that are measurably false. • Signed. Include your name, address, and daytime telephone number for our records. Up to two signatures. • The deadline to submit letters is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. They are used on a space-available basis. We reserve the right to edit any submission for length, grammar, spelling, and clarity, or to reject any submission.

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE B2

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE B2

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Thursday, March 11, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Hard calls: How contact tracers fought the virus JASON HAWK EDITOR

ELYRIA TWP. — Imagine picking up the phone and calling a stranger to let them know they had COVID-19. Fifteen to 30 minutes later, you dial another unlucky soul's number. And then another, and another. Ali Corrigan doesn't have to imagine. She's part of the small band of Lorain County Public Health contact tracers that's spent the past year dealing with the pandemic one patient at a time. "You never know what you're going to get," she said, remembering the thousands of phone calls she's made since last March. "You could pick up the phone, someone could be awful to you, not want to speak with you. You could pick up the phone and someone is crying because they live with their children or their immunocompromised family member, and they're so worried that they're going to spread it to them." Some people have tried to laugh off the bad news, cracking jokes, she said. Others have reacted with horror, because they lost loved ones to COVID and knew the stakes. Corrigan was one of seven contact tracers at the county health department when the pandemic barreled down on Lorain County last spring. She said they pulled a lot of overtime, even when case counts were extremely low, and felt in danger of burning out. "It was exhausting," she said, recalling feverish seven-day-a-week efforts to reach as many of the infected as possible. LCPH staff were all afraid of getting the coronavirus themselves — and the possibility of unwittingly spreading it through the office, crippling the county's ability to help those in need. Andrew Herron was part the first wave of seasonal contact tracers hired in June as relief. He vividly remembers his first call to a local patient. Herron said he was unsure of himself, stressed and knew he didn't have all the answers the person on the other end of the line would want. Practice made each call shorter, more efficient. But Herron said it was never easy. There was always the temptation to tell people — especially those who cried — everything would be all right. "The reality is that this can be a deadly disease. I shouldn't and can't tell (people) with confidence that you're 100 percent going to be OK," he said. Contact tracers knew that not everyone they spoke with would survive the pandemic. Corrigan said a friend tried to comfort her, saying she was seeing the worst of the ordeal at work every day, and that death wasn't everywhere. But it was just on the other end of the telephone line: "You'd hear that somebody you'd just spoke to on the phone the other day has passed away... I didn't know that person, but you still feel

something," Corrigan said. Herron said there was a false hope over the summer, on days when only a few new COVID cases were identified. It turned out to be far from the end of Ali Corrigan the pandemic. In the fall, there were days when health department staffers were "flabbergasted" by the recordsetting case counts, Herron said. "I think we all this mentality of, 'OK, it can't get worse than this.' Then the next Andrew Herron day would come and sure enough it was worse," he said. As cases and deaths climbed, so did resentment toward contact tracers, Corrigan and Herron said. People stopped answering their phones as much. Some who did answer were hesitant to talk, even upset. Personal politics played a role in those attitudes. "They were kind of set in their ways in terms of their opinion of the virus," Herron said. Talking with COVID deniers was upsetting, he said: "We are speaking to people and finding out days later that they died. Those are families that are losing loved ones. And although someone might not be struggling with the virus themself, we see firsthand how much people are truly struggling." Corrigan also felt frustrated. You're spending all of your time, you're spending your weekends here. "You're spending late nights and you're trying to make a difference," she said. "It does get really hard, but you just have to stay resilient." Now, with case counts falling, the focus at LCPH has turned to vaccinating the population. Herron said he still spends a lot of time on the phone — but it's more about telling people how to get their COVID shots, and convincing them the vaccines are safe. Corrigan said she feels good about the vaccine. Not only does it mean the numbers in general are going down, but she said her 98-year-old grandmother recently got her second dose. "I just hope that people are still careful. I hope that people still try to stay safe," Corrigan said. Herron said he's also hopeful about what the coming months hold. Not all of his fears have evaporated, though. "My only worry is that although things are looking up right now, I feel as though this is not the time to go back to life as usual," Herron said. "I feel like we really need to stamp this fire out before we even think about going back to how we were prior to when COVID hit."

Health orders will left when new cases drop Ohio’s COVID-19 health orders will be revoked when the state’s incidence rate drops below 50 new cases per 100,000 population over a two-week period, Gov. Mike DeWine said last week. Recent statewide incidence rates are more than three times higher than his target measurement, at 179 new coronavirus cases per 100,000 population.

However, ongoing declines in the number have the governor hopeful for the future. Describing the 50 new cases per 100,000 population threshold as “very doable,” DeWine urged Ohioans to continue wearing masks and to get the COVID-19 vaccine if eligible. Last Thursday, Ohio entered Phase 1C of its

vaccine distribution. That means all Ohioans age 60 and older are eligible, as are those with certain medical conditions, law enforcement officers, funeral service employees, child care workers and more. "The end of our fight is now in view, but we must continue pressing forward in the final days," DeWine said in his televised address.

SPECIAL EDITION

FROM A1 This week, we take an in-depth look at how COVID-19 has affected us here in Lorain County. It's also important to look ahead. As of Sunday, 1.97 million Ohioans had started their vaccines — that's 16.86 percent of the state's population. Add the recently-approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine to the ones from Pfizer and Modern that are already in use, and there is some light at the end of the tunnel. According to a report published last Friday by Pew Research, 69 percent of American adults intend to get a vaccine or have already gotten one. That's a decentsized jump from the 60 percent who said in November that they'd get vaccinated. Other key takeaways from Pew Research's survey: • A majority of Black Americans (61 percent) now say they will be vaccinated,

up from just 42 percent in November. • 41 percent of older adults who are most vulnerable to the virus say they've already gotten at least one dose. Another 44 percent say they will "definitely" or "probably" get vaccinated. • Fewer women (66 percent) say they'll get vaccinated than men (72 percent). • Democrats (83 percent) are far more likely to be vaccinated than Republicans (56 percent). • Among those who don't want to be vaccinated, 89 percent say they are worried about side effects. • In the same group, 85 percent said they feel the vaccines were developed too quickly to be trusted. • 80 percent of those who are disinclined to get a vaccine said they'll wait to see how well they work on others, and 68 percent said they don't think they need it.

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COVELL

FROM A1 public health, sidestepping the disasters SARS and the avian flu could have been here, Covell thought his career would end quietly. He never suspected he'd end up shepherding Lorain County through a pandemic that has killed nearly 400 local residents, 17,000 Ohioans and 500,000 Americans. Now he's counting the days until Dec. 10, when he can retire. By then, he said, "we'll be far done" with the pandemic. Looking back, and knowing now what he didn't know in early 2020, Covell believes it would have been impossible to prevent COVID from setting the United States aflame, no matter what steps were taken. Restricting travel and shutting down all but Ohio's most essential businesses in March and April were exactly the right steps to take, he said. Covell praised former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton and Gov. Mike DeWine for "shutting down at the right time and trying to let the wave go past us. That helped a lot," he said. The spring lockdown gave hospitals time to dust off emergency plans and expand bed availability. The storm didn't come right away — that's a good thing — finally arriving in late October as cases surged. Ohio weathered the storm far better than many other states, Covell said. The March to May shutdown, while painful, worked. What hurt was politicizing the virus, he said: "Bad information on the internet has really hurt us." Covell said Ohio did a good job of listening to scientists and trying to balance their advice with public policy. The path was narrow, with job loss and foreclosures threatening on one side and hospitalizations and deaths on the other. "There are always things we can look back on and say, 'If only we could have done this a little better.' Some of that is around long-term care facilities," Covell said. In his mind, Ohio health officials should have focused their limited COVID testing resources in nursing homes instead of the general public, where severe symptoms

and deaths were not as prevalent. The fight has been exhausting, Covell said, not only for himself but for Lorain County Public Health's staff — in the early days of the pandemic, some worked 28 days straight, practically collapsing before they had a break. Contact tracers especially are emotionally drained, he said. Often they have found themselves interviewing people who didn't make it. Others they have saved lives; Covell recalled occasions where tracers called 911 during their interviews, getting patients to the hospital just in time to prevent a death. In the last couple of months, his staff's remaining energy has been put into the long process of vaccinating the population. "It's been tiring. But I think the dedication of people in public health is a little different than people in other businesses sometimes. We have a sense of mission," Covell said. COVID will be around for a long time, he said. Health workers believe vaccines will get the world back to the point where life can return to normal, where the virus is a nuisance like the common cold or flu but no longer taking millions of lives. "This is important — the vaccine is really to stop people from having bad health outcomes," Covell said. "It does well against death and hospitalization. For a vaccine to wipe out a virus completely, that takes a long time." The key for now is getting as many high-risk people vaccinated as possible, he said. Once that is done, masks will no longer be an everyday necessity. Covell said he will always be proud of the hard work public health employees put in during 2020 and 2021. Residents and politicians also need to remember it when "peacetime" comes, he said. They can't afford to allow infrastructure and health funding to once more slip away. "I hope that 10 years from now, when this is all in the past and a part of history, people will understand the importance of having that public health infrastructure in place so we're ready for the next time something like this might happen," Covell said.

WEST

FROM A1 was healthy as a horse." West was blind — famously embraced by the community as "the blind preacher of Wellington" — and had heart surgery years before. The family thought he'd easily weather a short stay in the hospital, then return home, said Regal. That didn't happen. West was transferred to Mercy Health Lorain Hospital, where before long he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Just before Christmas, doctors placed the pastor on a ventilator and into a medically-induced coma. That took some doing. Regal said her father had a do-not-resuscitate order, but doctors convinced him his lungs had a decent chance of healing if only they could rest. From time to time over the coming weeks, they would take him out of the coma and West would quietly signal he was OK. He wasn't. His lungs were getting worse. They swelled, and developed a leak that doctors said couldn't be fixed, according to Regal. On Jan. 2, the family was allowed to have a Zoom call with West. "We sang to him," Regal said, crying. "We told him it was OK if he couldn't hang on. We'd be with him, and he'd be with God soon." But they couldn't be there with him in person — Regal said it was "impossibly hard" not to be able to hold her dad's hand as his body weakened.

Early the next day, around 2:30 a.m., she felt something was different. Regal said she called the hospital to ask whether her father was still alive. The answer was yes, but just barely. "My spiritual opinion is he wasn't there anymore, not inside his body, because I could feel him with me," Regal said. The doctors said West's lungs had hardened and it was just a matter of time. When they took him off the ventilator, the reverend was gone in just a matter of minutes. "He was our rock," Regal said, only barely reining in her tears as she told the story. "My peace and comfort at this point is that my dad is no longer suffering. He's not dealing with this worldly drama anymore," she said. She said she believes her father is now in heaven, and is no longer blind. And believing is everything, Regal said. A self-described "stereotypical pastor's daughter who led a wild life," she said she had spent years addicted to drugs, and has now been clean for a decade. She had wandered from the faith, battling her personal demons, and only recently had started attending her father's church again, once more feeling it was home. Regal said she had started turning back to God, but it took the death of her earthly father to fully show how much she needed Christianity in her life again.

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Lorain County Community Guide

Thursday, March 11, 2021

TIMELINE: HOW THE PANDEMIC UNFOLDED 2019

• Dec. 1: "Patient zero," the first human known to have COVID-19, was a man in his 70s in Wuhan, Hubei, China. • Dec. 16: The first COVID-19 hospital admissions in the world happen in Wuhan.

2020

• Jan. 2: Illnesses in Erie, Licking, Lucas, Mahoning, Summit and Warren counties were COVID-19. They were not identified as such until long after the fact. • Jan. 3: Chinese officials notify the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that a "mysterious respiratory illness was spreading" in Wuhan. • Jan. 5: The World Health Organization reported a "pneumonia of unknown cause" in Wuhan. • Jan. 8: The CDC issues the first public alert about COVID-19. • Jan. 12: China publicly shares the genetic sequence of COVID-19. • Jan. 13: The first recorded case outside of China is identified in Thailand. • Jan. 16: The virus spreads to Japan. • Jan. 17: The CDC dispatches screening teams to airports in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. • Jan. 18: Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar briefs President Donald Trump on the coronavirus outbreak; Trump calls him an alarmist. • Jan. 20: After previously playing down the idea, Chinese scientists confirm COVID can be passed from human to human. The first American case is reported, affecting a U.S. citizen traveling from China to Washington state. Dr. Anthony Fauci announces the National Institutes of Health have started work on a vaccine. The virus spreads to South Korea. • Jan. 22: Trump is asked by reporters for the first time about the danger posed by the virus. "It's one person coming in from China... It's going to be just fine," Trump says. • Jan. 23: The coronavirus is designated a "mandatory reportable disease" in Ohio. China places 11 million Wuhan residents under quarantine. • Jan. 24: The U.S. Senate is briefed on COVID. Sens. Richard Burr, James Inhofe, Dianne Feinstein and Kelly Loeffler allegedly sell stock ahead of a market dive. France becomes the first European nation to report a case. • Jan. 25: Liang Wudong is the first medical doctor to die from exposure to the virus in Wuhan. • Jan. 27: The World Health Organization calls the risk posed by the virus "high at the global level." • Jan. 29: 195 State Department employees and their families are evacuated from China. • Jan. 31: The Trump administration declares a public health emergency and imposes a 14day quarantine for U.S. citizens who had visited Hubei Province in China during the prior two weeks. For only the sixth time in its history, the World Health Organization declares a global health emergency. • Feb. 2: Restrictions are placed on air travel around the world. • Feb. 6: The CDC and WHO begin sending viral detection tests to labs. Patricia Dowd, 57, of San Jose, California, becomes the first person to die of COVID-19 in the United States; an autopsy in April revealed the presence of COVID. • Feb. 9: The White House Coronavirus Task Force briefs state governors.

• Feb. 22: South Korea, Iran and Italy become hot spots for viral spread. • Feb. 24: Trump tweets, "The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA ... CDC and World Health (Organization) have been working hard and very smart." • Feb. 25: Azar testifies to the U.S. Senate that the Strategic National Stockpile has just 30 million surgical masks and 12 million N-95 respirators in reserve — a far cry from the estimated 300 million of each needed to protect health care workers. The WHO warns COVID-19 is on track to become a pandemic. • Feb. 26: Vice President Mike Pence is appointed to lead the Coronavirus Task Force, replacing Azar. • Feb. 29: What was incorrectly believed at the time to be the first coronavirus death in the U.S. is reported at EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland, Washington. • March 2: There are 100 known COVID cases in the United States. • March 4: The CDC lifts restrictions to allow any American to be tested for COVID, provided they have orders from a physician. • March 5: The Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival in Columbus is the state's first major event to be restricted due to the looming threat of the virus. Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton and Gov. Mike DeWine hold a summit for public health officials to discuss Ohio's preparations for COVID-19. • March 6: Trump signs a bill giving $7.76 billion in aid to federal, state and local authorities to help fight the spread of the virus. • March 9: Trump incorrectly says COVID is "very much under control" and less deadly than the flu, and cases will soon drop to zero. Ohio State University suspends in-person classes. What are believed to be the first COVID cases in Ohio are identified in Cuyahoga County. On Acton's advice, DeWine declares a state of emergency. • March 10: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose orders voting locations to be moved from nursing homes and senior centers across the state. DeWine and Acton urge colleges to move online. Lorain County Community College and Oberlin announce their intent to move online. • March 11: The first known instances of community spread in Ohio are reported. DeWine orders visitors at nursing homes to be limited to one per patient each day; he also bans all gatherings of more than 1,000 people. The World Health Organization declares COVID-19 has reached pandemic status. A ticket refund policy is announced for the night's Lorain Titans boys basketball game. Lorain County schools scramble to make plans for remote learning if necessary. The Cleveland Clinic ends all international business travel. The Diocese of Cleveland announces changes to liturgy at Catholic churches. • March 12: DeWine and Acton order Ohio's K-12 schools to shut down through at least April 6, and ban gatherings of more than 100 people. Visitors are completely barred from nursing homes and state psychiatric hospitals. Acton predicts there are more than 100,000 cases statewide that have not been detected. A large number of colleges and universities start to move online. The NHL and MLS suspend their seasons; MLB cancels spring training games. March Madness is canceled.

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• March 13: County jails and corrections centers are closed to all visitors. Trump takes a COVID test after being exposed to several people who had the virus. A federal report that is later leaked predicts the pandemic will last 18 months or longer. Trump declares a national state of emergency, making available billions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds. • March 14: The first case is confirmed in Lorain County. University Hospitals, Mercy Health and the Cleveland Clinic announce additional safety protocols are being put in place. • March 15: Ohio restaurants and bars are ordered to close dining rooms; delivery and carryout business is allowed to continue, but some 22,000 establishments and 500,000 workers are affected. The CDC recommends limiting gatherings to 50 people. • March 16: DeWine seeks to move the primary election to June 2; his request is denied. Movie theaters, bowling alleys, gyms and fitness centers and other indoor entertainment venues are shut down by public health order. Public gathering sizes are limited to 10 people. Polling stations are ordered closed on the eve of the primary election. A liquor buy-back program is put in place in an attempt to soften the financial losses of restaurants and bars. DeWine asks parents to remove children from daycares if possible, saying he intends to close them. There are 50 confirmed cases in Ohio. • March 17: In a bid to conserve protective equipment, elective surgeries are put on hold at hospitals. State daycare is opened to the families of doctors, nurses, police officers and other essential personnel in health and public safety jobs. The Peace Corps terminates all of its 7,300 volunteers in 61 countries. Courts across Lorain County scale back operations, postponing trials. • March 18: Hair salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, hair and nail salons and nearly all Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices are ordered closed statewide. DeWine asks the Legislature for a grace period for expired driver's licenses and vehicle registrations. Ohio businesses are asked to take employee temperatures every day. • March 19: Ohio's first known COVID death is reported; attorney Mark Wagoner Sr., Lucas County Republican Party chair and a friend of DeWine, died at 76. Telehealth options are expanded by executive order in a bid to provide medical care without the need to visit hospitals and doctor's offices. DeWine activates the Ohio National Guard for humanitarian efforts. Because of the danger posed by the virus, 3,000 medical workers sign a letter asking Immigration and Customs Enforcement to release people detained due to alleged immigration violations. • March 20: The United states has just under 20,000 confirmed cases and 250 deaths. • March 21: Pence tests negative for COVID-19. The U.S. Census Bureau cancels field operations. Ohio's income tax filing deadline is bumped to July. • March 22: Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, canned goods and guns fly off store shelves as residents stock up, anticipating the possibility of a state or national quarantine. Many churches choose to switch to virtual services. • March 23: A statewide stayat-home order issued by Acton goes into effect. Older adult daycare centers and senior centers are closed. A state government hiring freeze is announced. • March 25: The primary election is extended through April 28 by House Bill 197, which also stops water utility disconnections. Senate Democrats and Republicans reach a stimulus deal to send $1,200 to most adults. The Tokyo Olympics are postponed. • March 26: Childcare centers in Ohio are required to have temporary pandemic licenses to operate, and are restricted to six kids per class; most childcare centers are forced to close. Passing China, the U.S.

becomes the country with the greatest number of confirmed cases in the world. • March 27: Acton predicts cases will peak in Ohio at 10,000 per day by mid-May. DeWine signs House Bill 197. Trump signs the CARES Act, with $2 trillion in aid. • March 29: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves new technology developed by Battelle Labs of Columbus that allows large numbers of N-95 masks to be sterilized. • March 30: School closures are extended for another month. • April 1: Acton signs an order intended to speed up processing of COVID tests. DeWine asks landlords to suspend rent and mortgage payments for small businesses. • April 2: Ohio's stay-at-home order is extended through May 1. • April 3: DeWine recommends the early release of 38 vulnerable prisoners at state facilities after three guards the the Marion Correctional Institution test positive. Campgrounds are closed. Retailers are required to post signs limiting the number of people allowed inside stores at one time. • April 4: The death toll in Ohio surpasses 100. State officials recommend wearing cloth masks. • April 6: The Ohio National Guard is dispatched to central Ohio to help with an outbreak at a federal prison. • April 7: Properly licensed bars and restaurants are allowed to deliver alcohol to customers, two drinks per meal. • April 9: The first protest against the shutdown is held at the Ohio Statehouse. • April 13: Nursing homes are ordered to notify residents and their families within 24 hours of any positive tests among residents or staff. DeWine orders $5 million in funding for food banks and $1 million for homeless relief. • April 14: First responders must be told whether their patients tested positive for COVID. Trump announces he will halt U.S. funding of the World Health Organization. • April 16: DeWine says the isolation caused by a statewide shutdown has slowed the spread of the virus. He announces plans to slowly reopen businesses starting May 1. • April 20: Acton says the vast majority of COVID cases — around 70 percent — may show no symptoms. • April 27: DeWine says businesses must enforce maskwearing, but backpedals the next day. • April 28: COVID cases are identified in every county in Ohio. • April 29: High school and college graduation guidelines are put in place, with suggestions for virtual and drive-thru ceremonies; DeWine begs residents not to hold graduation parties. • April 30: Ohio's stay-at-home order is extended through the end of May. DeWine puts forward a schedule for certain industries to reopen through the month. • May 1: Ohio deaths surpass the 1,000 mark. Medical, dental and veterinary offices are allowed to reopen, and many elective surgeries are allowed to resume. • May 4: Construction and manufacturing companies reopen. • May 12: Non-essential retailers are allowed to reopen. • May 15: Barbershops and salons are allowed to reopen, and bars and restaurants are allowed to serve customers on patios. • May 21: Dine-in service is allowed to resume at restaurants and bars. Campgrounds are allowed to reopen. • May 22: Gyms and fitness centers are allowed to reopen. • May 26: Bowling alleys and other sports entertainment venues are allowed to reopen. • May 27: COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. exceed 100,000. • May 31: Childcare centers are allowed to reopen. Nearly 1.8 million cases have been reported in the United States. • June 8: Outdoor visitation begins at assisted living facilities. • June 11: Testing reveals there were 302 cases in Ohio before the "first" one discovered March 9, according to the state health

department. • June 12: Movie theaters and zoos are allowed to reopen. • June 16: A cheap steroid called dexamethasone becomes the first drug proven to improve survival rates among hospitalized COVID patients. • June 18: After a spike in cases in southwestern Ohio, residents in certain zip codes in Hamilton, Montgomery, Greene, Warren and Clark counties are urged to get tested. • June 19: Amusement parks, water parks, casinos and racinos are allowed to reopen. • June 22: Contact sports practices are allowed to begin. • July 2: A color-coded COVID danger map is used to show the risk posed by county. Guidelines for fall K-12 school openings are released. • July 4: A large outbreak of 91 cases is credited to an infected man who attended a single church service in Ohio. • July 7: Mask-wearing is made mandatory in counties with Level 3 or Level 4 health alerts. • July 9: Oberlin College cancels all fall sports. Lorain County is listed as "red" on the state's COVID threat map, making mask-wearing mandatory. • July 14: New York and Connecticut require quarantines for travelers from Ohio, due to the state's high positivity rate. • July 20: Outdoor visitation at nursing homes is allowed. • July 23: Masking becomes mandatory in public spaces across Ohio. • July 27: In a narrow vote, the Lorain County Fair is restricted to Junior Fair events only, and closed to most of the public. • July 28: The CDC calls for schools to be reopened. DeWine orders county fairs to be reduced to Junior Fair events only, with no concerts and other large events. • Aug. 4: Acton resigns as Ohio's health director, saying she felt pressured to sign orders she didn't believe in. • Aug. 6: DeWine tests positive for COVID while waiting to meet a visiting Trump in Cleveland. • Aug. 7: DeWine announces follow-up tests have returned negative. • Aug. 8: The U.S. case count passes five million. • Aug. 10: Global cases cross the 20 million threshold; the U.S., Russia, India and Brazil have more than half the world's cases. • Aug. 13: NCAA cancels fall championships. • Aug. 21: Ohio State University suspends 228 students who violated COVID safety rules. • Aug. 23: The Cleveland Browns cancel practice after several players test positive. • Aug. 24: Three Ohio House Republicans draft articles of impeachment against DeWine. • Sept. 2: The Trump administration orders a halt to the eviction of many renters through the end of 2020. • Sept. 16: The federal government reveals its plan to provide mass vaccinations at no cost to individuals. • Sept. 22: The U.S. death toll surpasses 200,000. • Sept. 23: DeWine issues an order allowing restaurants to fully reopen with safety rules in place. • Sept. 26: The nomination ceremony for Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett becomes a "super-spreader" event, as prominent Republicans who gathered unmasked later test positive. • Sept. 28: The worldwide death toll hits 1 million. • Oct. 2: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump test positive for COVID-19. • Oct. 5: The World Health Organization says 1 in 10 people across the globe may be infected. • Oct. 8: Ohio has 18 counties under red alert; the sudden jump is the first alarm heralding a massive surge through the holiday season. • Oct. 12: The death toll in Ohio surpasses 5,000. • Oct. 19: Confirmed COVID cases across the world pass 40 million. • Oct. 22: Cuyahoga, Clark and Hamilton counties are put on "purple watch" due to spread and hospitalizations. Lorain County moves back into red alert.

• Nov, 7: Kicking off a series of new daily records, 7,101 new cases are reported in a single day. The daily total continues to climb dramatically. • Nov. 8: The number of confirmed cases in Ohio passes 250,000. • Nov. 9: The U.S. case count exceeds 10 million. • Nov. 11: DeWine threatens another crackdown on restaurants, bars and gyms as cases mount. • Nov. 13: Schools nationwide start suspending in-person classes again. The Lorain County JVS is the first to announce it will move online. • Nov. 17: Federal regulators allow emergency use of the first at-home coronavirus test, with results ready in 30 minutes. • Nov. 18: Public health directors in Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton issue stay-at-home advisories. • Nov. 19: A curfew is put in place, requiring retail businesses to close between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Ohio Republicans push through a bill to limit DeWine's powers to issue health orders, and DeWine promises to veto it. Franklin County goes to purple alert and Lorain County is on the edge. • Nov. 20: The Lorain County League postpones winter sports. • Nov. 24: DeWine says Ohio's first batch of vaccines will arrive by Dec. 15. • Nov. 25: Lorain County goes to purple alert as emergency room and hospital admissions soar. The Southwestern Conference and Elyria Schools press pause on the winter high school sports season. • Dec. 2: The United Kingdom authorizes the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for emergency use. • Dec. 8: The statewide case count passes 500,000. Across the U.S., the number hits 15 million, with about one in every 22 Americans testing positive since the start of the pandemic. The UK gives its first COVID vaccinations. • Dec. 11: The Pfizer vaccine gets emergency approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. There are more than 10,000 cases in Lorain County, meaning 1 in every 30 residents has been infected. • Dec. 14: The U.S. death toll passes 300,000. The first COVID vaccine in the United States is given to New York City intensive care unit nurse Sandra Lindsey. Six workers at the OSU Wexner Medical Center become the first in Ohio to be vaccinated. • Dec. 18: The Moderna vaccine gets emergency approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. • Dec. 21: The first 500 vaccine doses arrive at Lorain County Public Health. • Dec. 23: Respiratory therapist Eric Farschman is vaccinated at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, the first person in Lorain County known to get the shot. • Dec. 26: Another milestone is set as one in every 1,000 Americans has died from COVID-19. • Dec. 29: The first American case of the United Kingdom variant is confirmed in Colorado. • Dec. 31: More than 700,000 cases in Ohio since the start of the pandemic.

2021

• Jan. 1: The U.S. case count passes 20 million. • Jan. 15: The death toll in Ohio surpasses 10,000. • Jan. 17: The first firefighter paramedics are vaccinated in Lorain County, during a clinic at the New Russia Township Hall. • Jan. 19: The U.S. death toll exceeds 400,000. Eightyyear-old Edna Hall of Elyria becomes the first member of the general public from Lorain County to be vaccinated. • Jan. 22: The U.S. case count passes 25 million, which means one in every 13 Americans has tested positive for COVID-19. • Jan. 28: A statewide curfew is moved back to 11 p.m. • Feb. 11: The statewide curfew is lifted. • Feb. 12: The death toll in Ohio surpasses 15,000. • Feb. 17: There are more than 20,000 cases in Lorain County.

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

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Free guided walk celebrates women’s history The Oberlin Heritage Center will offer a free women's history walk at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 20. Enjoy a guided 75-minute walking tour of Oberlin landmarks and monuments with historic connections to women's continued efforts to gain rights and respect with this Women's

History Month offering. In 1834, John J. Shipherd pledged Oberlin's commitment to "the elevation of female character" through education. This tour takes participants through campus and community to explore how Oberlin confronted and defined issues of femininity in

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

the 19th and 20th centuries. Although the outdoor tour is free and all are welcome, capacity is limited to 12 participants and advance reservation is required. Participants must wear masks and follow social distancing recommendations. To register, call (440) 774-1700.

School registration opens

School donations

The following donations totaling $11.219.67 were accepted Feb. 16 by the Wellington Board of Education: • $3,514.67 worth of teaching materials from Ohio Schools That Work, to be used at Westwood Elementary School. • $5,000 from Forest City Technologies for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $250 from People & Waggoner Ltd. for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $50 from Vasu Communications for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $100 from Norton Eastman Funeral Home for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $100 from Lorain County Engineer Ken Carney for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $50 from Nancy Myers of Looks Unlimited for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $300 from Susan Lucio of Whitney Home Care for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $50 from Rodd Torbert of Jostens for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $250 from Mohr Stamping for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $75 from Herrick Memorial Library for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher

program. • $200 from King Realty for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $250 from Precision Fittings for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $100 from Tom and Tina Drake for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $25 from Judge Chris Cook for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $100 from Gary Jordan for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $30 from Steve Dupee for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $100 from Dimitri's Corner Restaurant for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $100 from Robert Mackin of ROMCO for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $100 from Trent Insurance Group for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $50 from an anonymous source for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $100 from the Law Offices of Brett Murner for shirts for the Battle of the Books Competition. • $300 from Ayers Ratliff for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program. • $25 from Ayers and Heidi Ratliff for the Wellington Dukes Pride Carnival for the summer food voucher program.

CLASSIFIEDS FURNITURE LA-Z-BOY COUCH like new/barely used must pick up $200. 440-823-3563

LEGALS PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on March 1, 2021. 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 Nancy Greer @ 204-2050 (Nancy_Greer@cityoflorain. org). The following summary of legislation passed has been reviewed/approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws. Resolution 13-21 Commending the life & legacy of Patrolman Les George for 50 years

of dedicated public service. 14-21* Repealing Reso 42-20 previously adopted by City Council and removing the special assessments from real property in the City of Lorain (Norcare). Ordinance 26-21* Approving the repeal of Ords 173-20 & 174-20, previously adopted by the City of Lorain and removing the special assessments (Norcare) 27-21* Auth the Auditor to pay an invoice submitted by the Utilities Dept. invoking the Then & Now Exception Process & to pay for said invoice. 28-21* Appropriation. 29-21* Temporarily increasing the compensation for the employees of the Lorain City Council office. (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.) L.C.C.G. 3/11-18/21 20678895

PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on Feb. 15, 2021. The complete text of each item

American Legion Post 118 in Amherst will hold a St. Patrick's Day celebration from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at 921 North Lake St. Enjoy corned beef and cabbage and reuben sandwiches. There will also be shamrock shakes, green beers, Irish mules and other beverages. The post will hold a 50-50 raffle, and others for meats, bottles and baskets. Carryout will be available. Call (440) 984-3662.

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 Nancy Greer @ 204-2050 (Nancy_Greer@cityoflorain. org). The following summary of legislation passed has been reviewed/approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as required by state laws. Resolution 10-21 Commending & memorializing Toni Morrison & celebrating Toni Morrison Day on Feb. 18, 2021. 11-21 Recognizing & commending Jessica Santiago on her driveway pantry and exemplary community service. 12-21 Reso. of necessity auth the S/S Director to apply for & accept a grant for the designation of Broadway to be listed on the Nation Register of Historic Places. Ordinance 19-21Adopting the recommendation of the Planning Commission to approve the final development plan of Sandy Springs Development. 20-21 Accepting the plat of Sandy Springs Subdivision #1. 21-21 Amending Ord. #97-16

& 86-20, replacing the CRA Agreement for commercial property w/ 550 Broadway Management, llc. 22-21* Amending Ord 16-20 & 18220, creating 2 new management positions in the BHP Dept. 23-21* Auth the City of Lorain to enter into a contract for the sale of approx 17.07 acres of real property located in the Colorado Avenue Industrial Park. 24-21* Repealing Ord. 1-21 and adopting & replacing Ch. 923 of the Lorain Codified Ordinances est. Flood Plain Management Measures. 25-21* Appropriation. (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.) L.C.C.G. 3/4-11/21 20678721

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO 2615 E. ERIE AVE. STORM WATER OUTFALL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Sealed bids will be received by the Engineering Department of the City of Lorain, Ohio until:

TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIVING BIDS: UNTIL - 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 25, 2021 Lorain time, Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor. TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lorain City Hall 1st Floor. Bids must be accompanied by Certified Check or Cashier's Check or Letter of Credit equals to ten percent (10%) of the amount bid, or a bond for the full amount of the bid as a guarantee that if the bid is accepted, a contract will be entered into and a performance bond properly secured. Should any bid be rejected, such instrument will be forthwith returned upon proper execution of a contract. Cash deposits will not be accepted. The bid check/bond should be enclosed in the sealed bid, but in a separate envelope clearly marked 'BID CHECK/BOND' with the bidders name & address on the bid check/ bond envelope.

Labor shall be paid not less than the prevailing wage rate as determined by the Ohio Department of Commerce as state in Section 4115 of the Ohio Revised Code. Bid blanks and specifications may be secured at the Engineering Department, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio, 44052 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30PM Monday through Friday. Bid blanks and specifications will be available online at www.cityoflorain. org free of charge. Bidders may request printed sets for a non-refundable fee payable either by check or money order for each set taken out. Checks are to be made payable to the City of Lorain. The Director of Safety/Service reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. By order of the Director of Safety/Service L.C.C.G. 3/4-11/21 20678724

PLACE YOUR AD Call (440) 329-7000

Prekindergarten and kindergarten registration forms for the 2021-2022 academic year at www.tinyurl.com/ OberlinRegistration.

Blood drive

The Oberlin Police Department will host a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 19. The Vitalant Bloodmobile will be in the station’s parking lot at 85 South Main St. Schedule an appointment at www.vitalant.org/OhioDonorPortal using the group code 2352. Masks will be required.

Fish fry dinner

A carryout only fish fry dinner will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 19 at Pittsfield Community Church, located at the corner of routes 58 and 303. Drive up, order and your meals will be provided to you with no need to leave your car. The cost is $12 for adults, $8 for ages seven to 12 and free for kids six and under. All are welcome.

TO THE EDITOR Political maps need fixed To the editor: Over the last 10 years, an average of 55 percent of Ohio’s citizens have voted Republican, while 45 percent have voted Democrat. As a ‘purple’ state, Ohio’s representatives in Congress and in the Ohio Statehouse should reflect these percentages, but that is not the case. Thanks to excessively gerrymandered district maps, since 2012 75 percent of Ohio’s Congressional representatives have been Republican, leaving 25 percent Democratic. Similarly, Ohio’s House of Representatives has a 65 percent Republican and 35 percent Democratic split, and the Ohio Senate has a 75 percent Republican and 25 percent Democratic split. Is that fair representation? Does that ensure freedom and democracy for all Ohioans? The citizens of this great state do not believe so and in 2015 and 2018, new laws were passed with overwhelming support to ensure that Ohio’s state and congressional district maps would be drawn fairly in the future, without benefiting one party over another. The new laws require these maps to be developed and approved by autumn 2021, but the process hasn’t even begun. Ohio’s Legislative Task Force on Redistricting needs to get to work now to allow ample time to develop fair maps and allow the public to weigh in. All Ohioans want fair districts, and if we don’t start the process of redistricting now, the maps will be drawn hastily and without adequate public input. I call on Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman and Ohio Speaker of the House Robert Cupp to get to work now. Do your jobs and make sure all Ohioans receive fair representation in the future. Katie Rivet

-Advertorial-

Local Business Spotlight: Gutter Cover Co. Jim Carbone Elyria’s Gutter Cover Company

Gutter Protection products have many different designs, but the goal has always been the same- Keep the Leaves out and let the rainwater in. Here are some strategic details to look for when choosing a gutter cover and who to call to install it. A good gutter cover needs to perform in certain areas in order to be successful: • Must allow debris like small leaves, needles, spinners, seedpods and roof shingle grit to naturally slide off the cover. • Must handle heavy amounts of rainwater without overflowing. • Must be wind resistant and strong enough not to “cavein” under heavy snow loads. • Must not require any trips up the ladder to maintain performance. • Cannot have vertical openings like screens or filters that can clog easily. Don’t be fooled…All screens can clog! The Gutter Cover Company has been installing Gutter Topper for almost 23 years. Gutter Topper is proudly manufactured right here in Ohio and made to withstand our wicked weather. It is a smooth, solid aluminum cover that has no holes or gaps on top. A sloped, self-shedding design prevents spinners, pine needles, shingle grit or

seedpods from clogging the gutter. Gutter Topper can handle heavy downpours of up to 22 inches of rain per hour and 110 mph winds. It also features a lifetime transferable performance warranty. Many competing gutter guards require full replacement of both gutters and downspouts. Gutter Topper installs over your existing gutters, and each installation includes cleaning, tightening, resealing and properly aligning your gutters. New seamless gutters are also available. The Gutter Cover Company also offers a safe and effective way to stop big icicles and ice damming. An optional add-on product called Heater Cap can be installed with or without Gutter Topper that gently heats the gutter area with a self-regulated heat cable. Heater Cap can be installed on most existing gutter covers. Hiring the right company to install the cover correctly is very important. The Gutter Cover Company has a proven track record of success in Northeast Ohio and the locals have been referring their friends and neighbors for years. “Our company takes pride in solving gutter problems the right way. Our product, experience and attention to detail really make us stand out from the big box stores and other competitors. Free estimates are always punctual and

professional, but still friendly and casual.” -Jim Carbone, Owner You can reach The Gutter Cover Company at 440-3660688 or 1-800-335- 4367. View short videos of Gutter

Topper and Heater Cap at: www.gutterguard1.com. The Gutter Cover Company is your locally owned and operated source for the ultimate in gutter protection.

Schedule a free estimate by April 10, 2021, and receive a $400 discount on Gutter Topper or Heater Cap when you mention this story.

Additional discounts available for seniors and veterans. Jim Carbone is the owner of Elyria’s Gutter Cover Company,

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• Smooth, sloped and self-shedding profile works great for maple spinners, pine needles, roof grit and other small leaves. • Lifetime Performance Warranty. • NOT a screen or filter that can clog. • Installation Includes: - Gutter & Downspout Cleaning - Resealing Seams & Tightening - Proper Slope Alignment

• Proven to handle heavy rains and 110mph winds. • Patented “Bird Guard System” and comes in 14 colors. • Proudly located in Elyria and locally owned since 1998.

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Heat Available For Open Gutters & Most Existing Gutter Covers

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Lorain County Community Guide

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Brenda Sowders, a server at Chris' Restaurant in Lorain, stands for a portrait on Thursday, March 4 during her shift. She said she's worried about the regulars she hasn't seen over the past year, and has tried reaching out to several on social media or phone.

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Reeling, restaurants hope for warm weather revival JASON HAWK EDITOR

Too many of the familiar faces that used to fill Chris' Restaurant in Lorain are missing, said server Brenda Sowders. She's worried — during her 16 years waiting tables on West Erie Avenue, Sowders has befriended the eatery's regulars, especially the over-70 crowd. "They're like family," she said. "They're my family, and I'm worried about them." Business at Chris' and other restaurants across the county has never quite recovered from the statewide shutdown last spring, when the threat posed by COVID-19 was still mysterious and new. A year later, some 4,600 across Ohio are closed, either temporarily or permanently, according to Homa Moheimani, spokeswoman for the Ohio Restaurant Association. That's an estimated 1 in every 5 of the state's 23,000 restaurants, she said. There have been casualties here in Lorain County, too, from small, familyowned establishments like Salvatore’s Ristorante Italiano in Vermilion to chain restaurants like Golden Corral and IHOP in Elyria. Oberlin suffered several losses: Quick & Delicious, Black River Cafe, Cowhaus Creamery and The Corner Joint are all gone. The blow to the United States economy has been huge. The restaurant industry is the country's second-largest private sector employer, according to the National Restaurant Association. It estimated that with more than a million food service locations and 15.6 million employees, industry losses were above $240 billion in 2020. Checking in When emergency health orders were handed down last spring, it hit small momand-pop restaurants especially hard. Christine Buzaleski, owner of Bread-NBrew in downtown Wellington, said in an April interview that she was doing just a third of her regular business, and praying every day that she'd be able to cover her bills. She laid off six workers, and was keeping the doors open with just herself and her daughter covering shifts. "We're feeling pretty good lately," she said March 3, saying business was back to about 85 percent of its pre-pandemic strength. "But we're always going to be scared now. It doesn't feel like this is over, or that it will ever be over." Customers helped Bread-N-Brew survive by buying gift certificates early in the crisis. They treated them like bonds, "investing" in the restaurant's future, Buzaleski said. It helped. Surprisingly, so has a steep rise in people working from home, Buzaleski believes — instead of commuting to nearby cities every day, there are a lot more Wellington residents around to buy lunches and dinners, she said. "It's a small town. People talk and people care," she said. "So many people were coming in and saying, 'We want to see you survive.' " Dine-in sales have been hurt the most. At Olde Town Pizza House in Amherst, owner Darrell McCarty said it used to represent 40 percent of his business, but now is 20 percent at best. The restaurant had just been through a costly remodel a few years ago, and put a lot of money into its dining room, he said. Now, a lot of tables and chairs have been removed to meet health guidelines, and "it's been really slow going," he said. Carryout surged in the summer months. The McCarty family changed their operation to match, adding an inside waiting area that holds 10 to 12 customers safety distanced from each other. But even with strong support from the Amherst community, every day is a guessing game, McCarty said — "You can't ever really tell what kind of a day it's going to be," he said. "We're going to make it

through. But it's been up and down." Denise Worthy, owner of Nancy's Main Street Diner in Grafton, said she lost about 50 percent of her dine-in seats. She was among the restaurateurs who said in interviews last April that they were installing plexiglass dividers between tables. Like McCarty, Worthy said carryout sales have been a life-saver. She tried delivery, but it just wasn't the right fit. So she adapted to the pressures of the pandemic by numbering the parking spots outside her 1950s-style diner and treating it like a "car hop" — though Worthy said she hasn't been able to get insurance coverage to have servers on roller skates. Business remains steeply down from where it was in 2019, she said, but "We're going to be fine," Worthy said. "We were a little scared the first couple of months because of the unknown. That's what really gets to people: the unknown." On March 15, 2020, just days into the COVID crisis, Wendy Wolfe, owner of Wolfey's Bistro & Pub in Elyria, said in an interview that she was encouraging her 80 workers to file for unemployment. Now she estimates her business is back to between 50 and 65 percent its former level. "We have been fortunate. I know there are other places and families that are much worse," Wolfe said. She said it's been difficult to watch fellow restaurant owners close their doors, relocate to other states or even change occupations altogether. While other restaurants have latched on to delivery as a lifeline, Wolfey's has none. Like others, Wolfe said carryout has boomed, while dine-in has been slow to make a return. She said when her dining room was allowed to reopen, there was a lunch and dinner rush, but customers "naturally fizzled out" around 8 p.m., no official curfew necessary. Now that Ohio's pandemic curfew has been called off and business is picking up a bit, Wolfe said she plans to stick with the 11 p.m. closing time instead of going back to 2:30 a.m. Looking to the future The sun is shining more. With the snow melted, people are getting out in their yards, staying active a little later and starting to think about dining out, Wolfe said. For restaurants with patios — she has 10 outside tables — the shift in weather holds a lot of promise. "We're feeling like we're on the uptick. We're looking forward to spring, to outdoor patio season," Wolfe said. Moheimani said spring weather will be a boost for many establishments. But Ohio Restaurant Association surveys show more than 60 percent in the state don't have outdoor dining spaces. Some cities are trying to find ways to help by opening street dining, placing picnic tables and allowing food to be served in parking lots, she said. "We're hoping things get better with warm weather, but within three months there could be even more businesses closed, unfortunately," said Moheimani. Rain, of all things, could wash away a comeback for many restaurants, she said. Surveys done by the association show 32 percent of operators believe it will take seven to 12 months before it's business as usual once more, she said. Nearly 30 percent say it will take more than a year, and 10 percent feel the industry will never recovery fully. "Certainly, we're hopeful... It's just a really hard thing to pinpoint," Moheimani said. There are positive signs, though. Anthony McCarty, a next-generation partner at Olde Town Pizza in Amherst, said COVID vaccinations are already helping to restore confidence in dine-in options. "Some of our elderly customers have gotten the vaccine, and they're coming out now," he said. "Some of them are even boasting about it — 'We got the shot. Look, we can go out to eat again.' "

OUR TOWNS

Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, March 11, 2021

Die, thrive or evolve

How Lorain County is dealing with the pandemic economy JASON HAWK EDITOR

Years, maybe even decades worth of economic destruction and regrowth have happened in just 12 short months — all because of a microscopic virus. Some industries will be slow to recover, said Anthony Gallo, president of the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce. Others are already thriving, finding ways to evolve. "After every disaster, people start new businesses, invent new items and find new ways to meet people's needs," said Gallo. Some aspects of work life will never, ever be quite the same, he said — home offices and video meetings are two huge ways the face of business has changed, and they are unlikely to go away. Damage done In 2020, the United States economy suffered its biggest loss since 1946, according to the Commerce Department. That's in terms of the gross domestic product, or all the goods and services the nation creates. The pandemic could cause GDP losses of between $3.2 trillion and $4.8 trillion over two years, a study by the University of

“Some people think everything is going to go back to the way it was. I'm not one of those people.”

Anthony Gallo President, Lorain County Chamber of Commerce

Southern California projected. Unemployment peaked at 14.7 percent last April, and about 25 million people were on unemployment insurance at the height of the nation's shutdown. In May, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 20.5 million nonfarm jobs were gone. After months recovering from the spring lockdown, the country ended the year with 9.3 million jobs lost, which is a 6.1 percent drop from 2019. Restaurants, hotels, the tourism industry, sports and the arts bore the brunt of the damage.

Gallo said restaurants are limping along. But only time will tell whether the other damaged industries recover from their wounds. For now, many consumers are still not confident in going out in public, Gallo said. "There are some people who have gotten into a routine where they don't want to go out," he said. "They've gotten used to not spending their dollars in restaurants, and not spending their dollars to go see a play or see a concert. I think we're going to have to learn how to do that again." Traditional retailers, already undergoing an intense transformation because of online competition, found the process fast-forwarded. A lot of small stores adopted new tactics to stay alive, such using live social media videos to sell products and offering curbside pickup options, said Main Street Amherst Director Teresa Gilles. Downtown Amherst, for example, didn't lose any brick-and-mortar establishments during the pandemic, mostly because customers rallied to support them. "Yes, we've been lucky that everybody is still here with us," Gilles said. The historical shopping district actually gained two businesses: Sugar Buzz Ice Cream Shop and Dollhouse ECONOMY PAGE B2

Amherst State of the City Costilow ready to put $2.4M carryover to work JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Income tax collections may have dropped in 2020 as the COVID crisis caused strife. But in his 2021 State of the City address Monday night, Mayor Mark Costilow said Amherst managed to scrimp and save $2.4 million in general fund cash. Now he's ready to put that money to work. He's earmarked about $1 million for summer road paving, targeting portions of North Main and South Main streets, Hilltop Drive, Wildwood Drive and part of Sunrise Drive with Ohio Public Works Commission grants. A list of more streets will go in front of City Council on Monday night, Costilow said. The pandemic also forced widespread sidewalk repairs to be put on hold last year. They'll resume this summer, and Costilow said he intends to see all sidewalks on the south side of Amherst fixed in 2021. "Rest assured, that with the balanced budget City Council has recently approved, we are well on track

AMHERST — Chris Bartish signed a contract last June to have his dream house built on Apple Orchard Lane. Seven months later, he learned of plans to build enormous power transmission lines across the back of his property. Bartish and his neighbors were alarmed when they were contacted by representatives for AMP Transmission, which is studying four possible routes for a new high-voltage line on Amherst's west side.

JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — A $385,000 deal would trade city park land for a safer employee entrance and new parking at Tyson Foods, which is expanding and has 270 hourly job openings. Amherst's Community Improvement Corporation embraced a pitch Friday to sell 5.9 acres behind the Tyson facility on Cooper Foster Park Road. Plant manager Brandy Shaw said 575 workers already produce about 750,000 pounds of food per week — that's three million sandwiches and burritos. The company has invested more than $20 million in its Amherst factory, she said. But it has a problem, according to Shaw: There's still just one plant entry for both workers and semi truck delivery traffic, and Tyson expects to soon double its usual 18 inbound and outbound semi shipments each day. Despite guardrails along a pedestrian path to the plant, there is concern for safety, she said. Tyson Foods wants to build a completely separate employee entrance to protect them from cross traffic, Shaw said. It would also add 150 new parking spaces. Buying an unused portion of DePaola Park just to the south would be "the best solution to resolve this growing problem," she said. Amherst owns 16 acres along Route 2. About 10 of those acres are used heavy on warm weekends by children's soccer leagues. The property was donated in 1976, and it came with strings attached: It must be used for parks, and if the city ever attempts to sell it or use it for any other purpose, the land must be turned over to Lorain County TYSON PAGE B2

WELLINGTON SCHOOLS

‘Lunch shaming’ policies will end JASON HAWK EDITOR

Mayor Mark Costilow delivers his 2021 State of the City address to Amherst City Council on Monday, March 8. providing all the quality services Amherst residents rightfully expect," he said in his address. The health and well-being of residents and city employees will continue to be Amherst's top priority this year, he said, reflecting on the challenges posed by the virus in 2020. "Our city's biggest strength contin-

ues to be in our residents and in our businesses," said Costilow. "During the times of isolation that we all experienced, we found unique ways to work together to meet our everchanging needs. Businesses adapted. The schools adjusted. And we all learned to interact differently so that ADDRESS PAGE B3

$9M power line path stirs anger JASON HAWK EDITOR

Tyson gets first OK to buy park land for $385K

The goal is to build a second main power feed to the city, a project estimated at $9 million. "The lay of the land will be decimated," said Joel Vasko, a neighboring Apple Orchard resident whose property is likely to be impacted. He and wife Katie Vasko said AMP Transmission intends to clear-cut a 100-foot-wide section running parallel to the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks that bisect Amherst. That would level the trees that act as a noise buffer between the busy train tracks and their home, they said.

They also expressed concern about a possible link between high-voltage power lines and child leukemia cases. The National Cancer Institute is among the many organizations that say there is no evidence to support such claims. "Studies have examined associations of these cancers with living near power lines, with magnetic fields in the home and with exposure of parents to high levels of magnetic fields in the workplace," the federal agency said. "No consistent evidence for an association between any source of nonionizing (electromagnetic

field) and cancer has been found." Resident Sam Silva said the transmission lines would pass over his driveway, within 100 feet of his house and less than 25 feet from an in-ground swimming pool. "My concern is that if those lines were to fall, or anything... What am I supposed to do?" he said. Silva said he wouldn't have a problem with the transmission line running through the woods at the rear of his property, but AMP Transmission "wants the best part of my land," POWER PAGE B3

WELLINGTON — No more stripped-down meals for kids who don't have lunch money, and no more charge limit for cafeteria debt. The Wellington Schools are moving to end decadesold practices that alienate children whose families have trouble paying for food. From now on, any student who can't pay will still get a meal, no matter how large their tab, the Board of Education announced last week. Ayers Ratliff, who has been a board member 20 years, said he's received endless complaints from parents about the district's lunch policies. They've involved kids who were given "sustenance lunches" of just peanut butter and jelly, or staff "throwing the lunch away right in front of the kids," he said. "This went on for years and years and years," Ratliff said. "And I am so glad... that every kid gets a normal lunch, a child cannot be made fun of and so on because they can't pay and you can't throw food away from a child that is getting a lunch and needs to eat a lunch." Problems with district lunches were thrust into the spotlight in January 2020, after cafeteria worker Barb Ziegler took a lunch from in front of a McCormick Middle School student and dumped it in the garbage — all over a $6 debt. "They offered him no food after," said the boy's mother, Jamie Babb, who shared security video footage of the incident. "He was nervous and he was LUNCHES PAGE B2 1960-2021

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Page B2

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

ECONOMY

FROM B1

Boutique. That doesn't mean everyone is doing well, or that they can survive this way forever. Gilles said business owners are eager to see shoppers out and about again in full force. "I think it's going to just take a lot more time for people in the community to feel comfortable, to come back out," she said. "It's going to take time to get back to the way we were before COVID hit." The good news Some manufacturers have done extremely well during the COVID crisis, pivoting to meet new demands. "They've bought million-dollar pieces of equipment. They've hired people. They've never stopped working," Gallo said. "They had record years last year and they'll probably set more records this year." Nina Holliday, spokeswoman for the nonprofit economic development organization Team NEO, agreed. "I have friends in manufacturing, and I know their companies are thriving," she said. Companies that switched over their operations to mass-produce personal protective equipment have done especially well, said Holliday. She pointed to Avon Lake-based Thogus, which early in 2020 started making face shields for frontline workers. A year-end report from Team NEO said that while leisure and hospitality have been hard hit, other industries are investing. Team NEO said it completed 84 projects in Northeast Ohio during 2020 that resulted in $3.35 billion in capital investment, 8,528 new jobs and $449 million in new payroll. For example, it celebrated SherwinWilliams' decision to build a research and development center in Brecksville, and commitments by Lordstown Motors to bring 1,570 high-tech jobs to the region to build the world's first full-size, all-electric pickup truck. "Despite significant challenges, the Northeast Ohio region finished 2020 with the highest number of new jobs created in a single year since we started tracking regional economic indicators," Team NEO reported. Large corporations are also putting money into Lorain County, said Gallo

and Lorain County Economic Development Director Rob Duncan. Carvana is building a $23 million facility in Elyria Township. It's expected to open later this year with 200 new jobs, and eventually add 400 more. Ford has pledged to pump $900 million into its Avon Lake plant and add 1,500 jobs. Contracts from those kinds of largescale investments will have a positive ripple effect, said Duncan. "These kinds of businesses are going to cause ancillary businesses to come in as well, to provide parts and such," he said. The work ahead Ford and Carvana are expected to bring higher-paying jobs, and Duncan said that's a relief — but it's not enough to make a full recovery. Lorain County also needs to upgrade its infrastructure, especially transportation, he said. If he suddenly had a windfall of millions of dollars to spend on nursing the county back to health, Gallo said he'd plug the biggest chunk into public transportation, where he believes those dollars would get the most mileage. "It would solve a variety of other ills," he said. "It would solve our workforce situation where people can't get to and from jobs because they don't make enough money to afford a car. It would solve food desert issues because it could get on a bus to get to and from a grocery store. It would solve medical problems, because they could go to and from doctor's appointments and pharmacies to pick up their pills. It would solve problems with access to education, because people could get to and from Lorain County Community College." Decades ago, the county's big industries were concentrated in its biggest cities, Lorain and Elyria. Gallo said that's simply not the case anymore — jobs have moved into the suburbs, into Amherst and Avon, North Ridgeville and Oberlin. The trolley cars of the 19th century are long gone, and the bus routes of the 20th century have shrunk, he said. Some form of public transportation needs to grow to connect where people live to where they work. Duncan said there also must continue to be an emphasis on relief for businesses that don't have the resources of giant corporations. "There are still especially small busi-

nesses that are struggling. We need to do what we can to help those businesses get over the hurdle," he said. People, not just businesses As long as Second Harvest Food Bank is supporting more than 100 food pantries and school clinics in Lorain County, the pandemic won't be "over," said Cindy Andrews. She is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, which has leveraged millions of dollars for relief over the past year. Early on, as mass layoffs and furloughs sent demand for food through the roof, the foundation rushed through a $250,000 grant for Second Harvest. Feeding the hungry has remained a funding priority since. "None of us really know how long it's going to be until we're able to recover, in that sense," Andrews said. The Community Foundation has turned its efforts to supporting mainly nonprofits that focus on emergency assistance, youth and education programs. To that end, it put together a COVID response fund that has raised more than $250,000. And in the fall, Andrews and company ran Connect to a Cause, a telethon-style fundraiser that netted nearly $150,000 for nonprofits. But many of the donations that have poured in this year have been earmarked for specific uses. Andrews said the Community Foundation doesn't have as much available in unrestricted funds for grants, which means making hard decisions. For example, there won't be much to give Main Street organizations that support downtown shopping areas in Amherst, Oberlin, Wellington and Lorain. Andrews said scholarships are a way to develop the workforce and help businesses. There are about 4,000 high school seniors in Lorain County, and she wants to give as many as possible a chance for a little help toward paying for four-year college, a technical academy or job training programs. Education is incredibly important for recovery, said Gallo, because manufacturers are having trouble finding trained people to fill skilled jobs. But with the right guidance, the obstacles caused by the pandemic will only be temporary, Duncan said. "Business owners here in Lorain County, they're resilient. I think we have a bright future," he said.

BASEBALL ACROSS 1. Turkey trot, e.g. 6. Dadaist Jean 9. *____ crew, Milwaukee Brewers fan base 13. Poppy seed derivative 14. Afghan monetary unit 15. Hotel room option 16. Category of artistic composition 17. Between northeast and east 18. Relating to pond scum 19. *Babe Ruth’s first major league team 21. *____-and-____ sport 23. Dog command 24. Bald eagle’s home 25. Witchy woman 28. Back wound? 30. Siskel or Ebert 35. Smoothing appliance 37. Distinctive flair 39. Stomata, sing. 40. Burlap fiber 41. Archeologist’s find 43. Estimated arrivals 44. Discompose 46. Cobbler’s concern 47. Merlin or Gandalf 48. *B in RBI 50. Close by 52. Spade for stony ground 53. Karl of politics 55. Between ready and go 57. *Left, center or right one 61. *Yankees’ only #4 64. Blast from the past 65. Crew tool 67. Helped 69. ____ one’s time, past tense 70. Schiller’s poem 71. Express contempt 72. What Simon does 73. Cut grass 74. Intoxicating DOWN 1. *Eat a hot one at the game 2. Copycat 3. *Number of standard baseball positions 4. Miss Muffet’s meal 5. Vomiting 6. Highest point 7. *Scoring unit

8. Annapolis frosh 9. Tulip’s early stage 10. Capital of Latvia 11. Et alibi (2 words) 12. Water source 15. Bacchus’ attendants 20. Weasel’s aquatic cousin 22. *Baseball trajectory 24. Diver’s edible reward 25. Muslim woman’s headscarf 26. Caribbean island destination 27. Gained access to (2 words) 29. Hoppy beers 31. Individual unit 32. Bottom line 33. Idealized image 34. *Katie ____ or “____ at the Bat”

TYSON

FROM B1 Community College instead. City Council authorized the CIC to work with Tyson and LCCC to hammer out a deal. Handing off negotiations to the public body allows Amherst to sidestep laws that would normally require the property to be sold to the highest bidder. Negotiations were actually done by Amherst Law Director Tony Pecora in private. He said LCCC has agreed to take $300,000 from the sale of the 5.9-acre portion to Tyson. "It's a great opportunity to build a great business," he said. Dan Cwalina, who chairs the CIC, agreed. He said he's watched too many companies leave Lorain County in the past few years, taking well-paying jobs with them. "We don't need a vacant facility," he said. "... We just can't afford in Lorain County to lose any more businesses." The CIC didn't make a counter-proposal on the sale price. In a unanimous vote, it agreed to recommend the deal back to City Council, which will have the final say. If Council also endorses the sale, Amherst keep the 10 acres that hold the soccer fields. Mayor Mark Costilow said the city would also get $85,000 to make improvements to DePaola Park. However, that land will no longer have the protection of the deed restrictions, according to Pecora. The commercially-zoned land could be sold anytime, a situation that he called "good," "great" and "actually fantastic" at various points Friday. After the CIC meeting, he said the city shouldn't necessarily make a provision to permanently protect the soccer fields. "I think there are checks and balance at that point with City Council," he said. "The typical process at that point is the public could then decide, 'Well, we really think this should be a park property." If Amherst ever wanted to create a new park, DePaola could be sold to buy new land, Pecora said. "If on my watch, anything like that would ever happen, we'd have to end up with bigger, better soccer fields somewhere else," Costilow said. The land will remain deeded to the Amherst Park Commission, and any further changes or sales would require that board's approval, he said.

LUNCHES

FROM B1

embarrassed." Other parents stepped forward early last year to lodge complaints about similar run-ins with staff, particularly at McCormick. Superintendent Ed Weber said early in the investigation that the situation was not reflective of the kind of organization the Wellington Schools want to be. "Sometimes employees do things by accident and you can coach them through it. But in this case, I'm totally disappointed in how the staff member acted," he said. Ziegler was fired in April by unanimous vote of the school board. Through the whole process, community members who read news accounts of the incident stepped up to donate cash to wipe out all students' outstanding cafeteria debt. During the pandemic, school lunches have been provided for free to all students who want one. While operating remote classes, the Wellington Schools made food available to families for free in drive-up distributions. The board's decision to permanently change its rules came as the U.S. Department of Agriculture urges districts nationwide to reconsider policies that cause "lunch shaming," or stigmatizing children whose families struggle with financial needs. The Wellington Schools are also looking at investing in their food service operations. Treasurer Mark Donnelly said kitchen equipment, plumbing and electrical work at Westwood Elementary and Wellington High School are needed. The estimated price tag is $20,000. Modern kitchens have a host of newer equipment than either school, making meal preparation faster and more efficient, he said. "We're still using 20- to 30-year-old processes for food... (If) you want it to taste like they get at Applebee's or something, we're probably not producing that kind of food," he said. Federal relief funding may help pay for the upgrades, according to Donnelly — the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund signed into law in late December provides $54.3 billion to schools.

36. Empty when kids leave 38. World’s longest river 42. Cut it out 45. Moved a flock of sheep 49. Certain John’s or Jane’s last name 51. Re-use old ideas 54. Car sound, to a toddler 56. Trinity 57. Small door-opening devices 58. One of the hipbones, pl. 59. Whirlpool 60. “Big Little ____” 61. What Jack’s beanstalk did 62. It comes to mind 63. Turned to the right, like a horse 66. Commotion or fuss 68. Wine quality

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B3

Wellington Schools looking for new vision JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — With questions swirling about construction and demolition, the Wellington Board of Education intends to simply listen. Tom Speaks, co-founder of the Hudson-based consulting firm The Impact Group, said the school district needs a strategic plan to set its direction for the future. It should start with listening to what residents want, he told the school board last week, not preconceived ideas about where the school system should be headed.

Speaks said his company recommends running focus groups of 10 to 30 people via Zoom, and including junior high and high school students. "You need to take some time just to listen," he said. An online survey should be part of the effort, he said. A phone poll — which isn't accurate when targeting younger groups — would be ideal for senior citizens. "Major influencers" such as political leaders and business owners need to be part of the conversation, he said. School board president Brett Murner said the process is intended to get information from the ground up rather than the

top down. "Our job is to do what people want us to do and make this district better. But if we don't know what that is, how can we do that?" he said. In the past, the school district has tried sporadic surveys to get feedback from its constituents. That approach alone wasn't enough, he said. Once district officials have heard what residents want the schools to deliver over the next few years, the plan can't simply sit on a shelf, Speaks said. "Any time you build trust, you build trust by saying you're going to do something, and then doing it," he said. That includes facilities, which

ADDRESS

FROM B1 we could go on with our day-to-day activity the best we could.” He said it would have caused catastrophe if any single city department had shut down last year due to illness. That didn’t happen — some services to the public actually improved as Amherst workers adapted to the threat, Costilow said. For example, a new utilities payment system has been put in place, providing a paperless option, mobile payment options, text notifications and online access to past bills. In addition, homeowners and contractors can now apply for permits and pay fees remotely. The building department issued more than 1,300 residential and commercial building permits in 2020, Costilow said. New home construction was strong, adding 64 houses, and that's expected to continue this year as more are built at the Reserve at Beaver Creek and Eagle Ridge subdivisions. Amherst is also seeing commercial development, with a new Akron Children's Hospital site under construction, expansion at Tyson Foods and a new medical office, all on Cooper Foster Park Road. There are now 360 active businesses within the Amherst city limits, Costilow said. Storm and sanitary sewer improvements remain a high priority, he said. An agreement signed last year with Lorain will result in upgrades to a ditch that crosses Cooper Foster near Terra Lane, reducing flooding on Amherst's north side. Perhaps the most important project in the works, Costilow said, is the construction of a second main power feed into Amherst. Right now, there is just one electrical feed into town, and in the past five years it's failed 21 times.

Eight were just momentary before the lights flickered back on, but 13 lasted longer — and a couple were eight hours or more. "Those outages are completely out of the hands of the city of Amherst. There's nothing we can do about those outages," Costilow said. A train derailment near Route 58 in December just missed knocking out the power to all of Amherst. Costilow said it could have meant no power for days. City Council has entered into an agreement with AMP Transmission to build a $9 million secondary feed on Amherst's west side, and is working to acquire land rights. The target date for completion is 2024. City workers installed an eight-inch water line along Washington Avenue last year, and additional lines on Jackson Street. Both projects were intended to improve water pressure and quality. The city's wastewater treatment plant is engaging in a flow study mandated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency as part of a permit renewal process, Costilow said in his address. It will address capacity at the plant. In the meantime, the EPA has approved a clean water discharge permit for five more years. The Amherst Fire Department responded to 971 calls in 2020, after signing an agreement with Amherst Township to expand its coverage area to the south. The AFD was also awarded nearly $100,000 in grants to buy two sets of Jaws of Life rescue equipment, vehicle stabilization kits and air mask attachments and filters. This year, firefighters will start replacing much of their gasoline-powered, handheld equipment with batterypowered alternatives, Costilow said.

POWER

FROM B1 crossing through his front yard where there is an old sandstone quarry. "It's beautiful. They want to ruin it with these lines," he said. So far, at least four property owners have decided not to allow anyone to conduct tests and take soil samples needed for the project. They met Tuesday morning with Mayor Mark Costilow to air their concerns, and didn't walk away happy. The Vaskos said the meeting included their attorney, who was there to attempt to stop their land from being seized. They said Costilow told them he would, if necessary, use eminent domain to get the land needed for the new transmission line. "If we don't play along nicely now, ultimately in the end, they're going to do what they want to do," said Joel Vasko. In a follow-up interview, Costilow confirmed that he is considering the use of eminent domain, which entails asking the courts to force the sale of land at what is deemed a fair price. He said workers need to gain access to the land to run tests and to determine how much owners should be offered. "If it was in the back of my backyard, I would not be happy either," Costilow said. "But I don't think anybody could make a logical decision without knowing what the property is worth." Bartish said AMP Transmission floated an opening number of $15,000 per acre, which he called "an insult." He and the Vaskos both said having high-voltage lines running across their land would cause the property value to plummet. Joel Vasko said he plans to live on Apple Orchard Lane for years to come,

and was getting ready for a $30,000 kitchen renovation. Now he's torn, estimating his home's value would drop by a quarter if he ever chose to sell. "Our first thought was, 'Let's bail. Let's get out of here before the ship sinks,' " he said. Bartish said he never would have chosen to build a new house if he'd known the city and AMP Transmission had their eyes on the property. But Costilow said it's crucial to get a power feed on Amherst's west side. Electricity for the entire city is fed at a single access point near Route 58 and Middle Ridge Road, next to the Norfolk Southern tracks. If that one point fails for any reason, it's lights out for all of Amherst. Costilow said there have been two dozen blackouts in the last five years that originated at the main power feed — and a train derailment in December just missed knocking it out completely. "The recent derailment shows the importance of this. If that train would have gone 20 feet in another direction, it would have been a huge problem," he said. "We know how important it is to get another line." Costilow said the route in question is the one that would affect the fewest property owners. It's also the shortest. He said the project is also needed to ensure economic development — hospitals, factories and retailers need stable power. "I know this is an unpopular project for those particular landowners, but it's still the right thing to do for the entire city," Costilow said.

Speaks believes has to be part of the planning. Voters have rejected plans to make costly repairs to Westwood Elementary and Wellington High School in the past couple of years. Earlier in 2021, the Board of Education heard pitches from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission for using state cash for a new building project. The most costly option presented by OFCC spokesman Steve Roka in January was a $22.5 million addition to McCormick Middle School, which would enable it to become a prekindergarten through 12th grade campus. If the community feels build-

ings are a priority, they will bubble to the top of the priority list early in the strategic planning process, said Speaks. He told the school board that people don't tend to support buildings — they only see buildings as the means to achieving other goals. "The only way we can get better is to honestly address what we do well, and what we don't do that great," Speaks said. It should take three to four months to develop a strategic plan, he said. That means that if the Wellington Schools start immediately, it could have a new vision in place in time for the start of the 2021-2022 academic year.

Golden Acres furnishings will be sold at auction DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA — Lorain County commissioners made moves last week that they hope will entice a new prospective owner to bid on the former Golden Acres retirement home in Amherst Township. Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement with Fast Track Auction Sales in Elyria to sell all the furniture and equipment left in the building at 45999 North Ridge Rd., with the county paying Fast Track 20 percent of the gross sales. "There's a lot of Third World countries that will purchase a lot of those equipment which we can't use today because of the guidelines change in the United States," Commissioner Dave Moore said. "This company's actually hooked up through the whole country even though they're an Elyria-based company with 85,000 buyers throughout the country they can actually purchase these beds. Hopefully we should do pretty good because all that stuff is just sitting there and nobody can use it." He said "we do have a lot of people circling Golden Acres right now." "In the next 30 days, we might have more information on that corner" on

which the property sits, Moore said. Commissioner Matt Lundy said previous attempts by the county to get rid of the furnishings didn't receive much interest. Golden Acres sits on about 22 acres appraised at $1.53 million, according to the Lorain County Auditor's Office. The county took over the property in 2013 and it closed for good in 2015. A levy that would have raised $2 million to put Recovery One, a one-stop substance-abuse recovery center, in the former nursing home appeared on the November 2018 ballot but was defeated by voters. Moore said monthly utility costs at the building continue to be a concern and the county wants to keep costs down until it finds a buyer. County Administrator Tom Williams is working on plans to winterize the building "so it doesn't continue to cost us money every month," Moore said. Lundy said the building is "pretty big" and wasn't sure what the cost of winterizing it might be. The county most recently fixed the roof there to prevent leaks and stop the building from deteriorating further from disuse. "Heating it has always been the biggest challenge," Lundy said.

Warfield named to Big Brothers Big Sisters board Oberlin Police Chief Ryan Warfield is among the new board members at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County. He is one of four members recently elected to the board, along with Clearview Schools Superintendent Jerome Davis, Synergy Home Care business consultant Kenneth Belton, and Green Circle Growers digital marketing manager Jose Martinez. “I believe what Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Lorain County is doing in our community is absolutely necessary,” Warfield said. “I care about the future of our young men and women. I want to see them succeed. I have participated on different boards and committees and this is

Ryan Warfield the type of board that you really do see the fruits of your labor.” As a former Big Brother himself, he joins the board with considerable experience, and said being a father has shaped his priorities. Board chair Susan Elder said the new members' positions of leadership,

influence and professional expertise will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County. “As board chair, I welcome them to our organization and look forward to working with them and the rest of our board to help advance our one-onone mentoring mission in Lorain County," she said. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County provides local children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported and monitored one-on-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better. Adult volunteers, called "bigs," are paired with "littles" ages six through 18 to meet in person or virtually.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 MARCH 11, 2021 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live MARCH 15, 2021 ..........REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 7:00 P.M. MARCH 16, 2021 ..........HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION – 8:00 A.M. MARCH 16, 2021 ...........RECREATION COMMISSION – 7:00 P.M. 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.

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SPORTS

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

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

VIRUS ENDS COMETS' POSTSEASON Bray, Weatherspoon take home top SWC honors STAFF REPORT

Pat Bray, who led Amherst to a 17-3 overall record this year, has been named the Southwestern Conference Coach of the Year. But his team's chance at post-season glory was agonizingly cut short last week by COVID-19. The Comets were forced to quarantine after a player

tested positive for the virus, and had to give up their Division I district semifinal contest against St. Ignatius on Wednesday night. While the Comets watched from home, the Wildcats automatically advanced to the district final Saturday against Lorain. “This has been a phenomenal season and I’m not going to let this one thing ruin what a special year this has been,” Bray said. “I spoke to the team

and although it stinks that we didn’t get the opportunity to go play St. Ignatius and see where we rank against an elite team like that, at the end of the day no one can take away that we were conference champs. “We will always be a champion, no matter what is said or done.” His players have the trophies to prove it. The Comets' Ty Weatherspoon has been named the Most Valuable Player in the Southwestern Conference for the 2020-2021 boys basketball season. The senior was also

named First Team AllConference along with fellow shooting guard Austin Bray, a junior. Juniors George Fayer and George Gotsis, who were instrumental in running up scoreboard totals this winter, were named Second Team All-Conference. Juniors Jordan Koury and Torre Weatherspoon received honorable mentions. Under Pay Bray's leadership, the Comets boys won their first SWC championship in 29 years. They clinched a share of the title in mid-February after downing North

Pat Bray

Ty Weatherspoon

Ridgeville 51-46. Olmsted Falls' 47-40 loss to Avon on Feb. 22 sealed the deal, breaking a tie with Amherst in the loss column.

Amherst girls varsity basketball players Kayla Ferancy and Kristen Kelley received All-Conference honorable mentions.

FALCONS KNOCKED OUT IN SEMIFINAL

Photos by Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

Oberlin’s Darreon Barnes scoops past Jesse McCulluch of Lutheran East in the Division III district semifinal.

Photos by Russ Gifford | Amherst News-Times

Akron Buchtel put Firelands away 60-48 last Thursday night, ending the Falcons' postseason dreams in the Division II district semifinal. The Falcons spent the middle of the game trailing, only managing to tie close to the end of the third period on a pair of treys from Caden Bomback and Jackson Talbott. Riding a seven-point advantage into the fourth quarter, the secondseeded Fighting Griffins powered up on a couple of Chris Livingston dunks end widened their gap with a 22-17 finish. Mitchell Hodges racked up 13 points while also keeping Firelands' defense on guard; Talbott put up 12 points and Bomback had 10 more. Livingston ended the night with 24 to his name, and Buchtel also had Travonne Jackson as an ace in its pocket with another 15 points. ABOVE: Firelands’ Caden Bomback gets a basket at Buchtel. BELOW: Firelands’ Casey Kelley pulls up for a jumper in the lane at Buchtel.

First-ranked Falcons smash Oberlin in district semifinal ERIK ANDREWS CORRESPONDENT

Playing true to form, the state's top-ranked Division III team, Lutheran East, controlled play and outdistanced the smaller Oberlin Phoenix 101-35 in the district semifinal. In the final game of this COVIDabbreviated season, Oberlin played well but was simply overmatched by the Falcons, who averaged five inches more height per player than Oberlin's starting five. The Falcons opened the scoring with a long range three, but Oberlin returned fire with a bucket from Trajen Chambers to cut the lead to 3-2. But from there Lutheran East put on a shooting clinic, connecting on seven three-pointers in the first quarter alone, helping build a comfortable 25-10 lead after the first eight minutes. The Falcons kept the ball moving to get open shots, which they hit at a stellar 67 percent clip (41 of 61). When Lutheran East did miss, there were a host of Falcons there to clean up for put-backs, as the hosts outrebounded the Phoenix 43-16. Despite the Falcons' tight defense, the Phoenix only committed 11 turnovers on the night, and when they did get to the charity stripe, they shot well (11 for 13). Senior Trajen Chambers led Oberlin with 13 points while juniors Ty Locklear and Isaac Thompson chipped in nine and eight for the Phoenix respectively. Coach Kurt Russell noted just how proud he was of his team after the

Marius Harrel of the Phoenix looks for space against Collin Albert. game. "It was a tall order for us to come into their building and play the number one ranked team in the state," he said. "But our boys were out there competing 'til the very end. Yes, we were at a size disadvantage, but not a deficit of will or heart. I'm

very proud of how this team played tonight." The Phoenix close the season with a respectable 13-7 overall record, including 10-4 in the Lorain County League. That's good for a third place finish in the LCL.

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

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DIVISION III MUSCLE Both the Wellington Dukes and Black River Pirates made a strong showing at the Division III district wrestling meet at Garfield Heights. Wellington scored 39 points to place 17th: • Jeremiah McKee was runner-up in the 132-pound class after a pin by Mike Prikryl of Rootstown. He pinned Hayden Garner of B.C. Western Reserve in the semifinal and Andrew Sas of Mapleton in the quarterfinal. • Trayton Bowman lost by decision to Gavin Pahanish of South Range in the fifth place match, 113-pound class. After wining by major decision against Domanic Devault of Waynedale and pinning Kaitlyn Justice of Tuslaw, he was pinned by Trent Sigler of W.S. Northwestern in the consolation semifinal. • Derrick Andolsek lost by major decision to Tate Geiser of Dalton in the quarterfinal match, 152-pound class, and by decision to Josh Brown of Berkshire in the third consolation round. He had won by decision over Gavin Walsh of Chippewa. • Cayden Conrad was pinned by Louka Babic of Kirtland in the 152-pound second consolation match. He previously defeated Roclen Bettura of Crestview. • Wade Bowman lost by decision to Southern Local's Aiden Spahlinger in the 120-pound consolation match.

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

ABOVE: Wellington’s Derrick Andolsek calculates a move at the Division III district meet. LEFT: Wellington's Jeremiah McKee maneuvers for leverage. BOTTOM LEFT: Black River’s Travis Owen controls his opponent. BELOW: Wellington’s Derrick Andolsek lifts and tosses his opponent.

Black River scored 41 points to place 15th: • Travis Owen was pinned by Victor Verba of Pymatuning Valley to finish as runner-up in the 285-pound weight class. He pinned Seth Phillips of Western Reserve in the semifinal, and won by decision over John Avalon of Cardinal in the quarterfinal. • Brandon Rollin was defeated by decision by Cameron White of Rootstown in the 152-pound fifth place match. He fell by decision to Josh Brown of Berkshire in the consolation semifinal and by major decision to Keegan Sell of Garfield in the semifinal and pinned Chandler Parish of Columbiana in the quarterfinal. • Hunter Yeaples lost by decision to Jacob Lyons of Tuslaw in the 145-pound third consolation round. He pinned Camden Kline of Mapleton in the second consolation match, and lost by technical fall to Cody Coontz of Rootstown in the quarterfinal. • Joe Dennis was pinned by Hunter Newell of South Range in the 106-pound second consolation match. He pinned Clayton Carman of Cardinal in the first consolation match. • Cooper McKean was pinned by Zach Hall of Grand Valley in the 170-pound first consolation match. • Charlie Wells was defeated by Neil Miller of Chippewa in the 182-pound first consolation round.

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Thursday, March 11, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Kid Scoop regularly features topics related to money and financial literacy. Financial literacy means knowing how to spend, invest and save your money carefully. It also includes donating your time and treasure to make your community a better place. This is called philanthropy. Read the article about a six-year old girl who became a philanthropist and helped her local zoo!

Children are born curious. From their earliest days, sensory exploration brings delight and wonder. New discoveries expand their minds. When they unlock the joy of reading, their world widens further. Magic happens. Kid Scoop opens the doors of discovery for elementary school children by providing interactive, engaging and relevant age-appropriate materials designed to awaken the magic of reading at school, at home, and throughout their lives. For more information about our literacy non-profit, visit kidscoopnews.org

Replace the missing words in this article.

n March of 2020, California’s Oakland Zoo had to close its gates to ____________ because of the coronavirus. By July, the zoo was still closed and it was in trouble.

ccording to the Oakland Zoo, Andy’s fundraiser helped feed and care for the animals. Because the Zoo was closed from mid-March through the end of July, there were no ticket _______ or other ways to raise money. The animals still needed food and care, so Andy’s fundraiser was VERY helpful.

A Castro Valley six-year-old named Andy learned that the Oakland Zoo was running out of _________ and might have to shut its doors forever. It made Andy sad, but it also made her think. An idea came to her. “My brain just told it to me,” said Andy. “I thought I could make and give bead bracelets to people who ______________ $25 or more. My goal was to raise $200.” Andy and her mother, Kelly, sent messages to friends and family who quickly donated and asked for bracelets.

The Oakland Zoo and the animals wanted to show their appreciation. Andy was given a ___________ tour of the Zoo.

Big Thanks

Andy got to see a new baby giraffe named Kijii and a huge tortoise. She got to pick out ________ for a grizzly bear to make a painting, just for her. She also got to feed a tiger a __________ of goat milk!

For helping to save the Oakland Zoo, Andy got thank you notes from a tiger and a grizzly bear!

Big Idea Gets Bigger

heir friends and family did more than donate. They ________________ Andy’s project information to their friends and families. Those people sent the message to their friends and families. And so on, and so on until more than 4,000 people sent in donations.

What is Andy’s advice for other kids who want to help? “All you need to do is have an idea and just start helping!” Andy and her family enjoying a bird’s-eye view aboard the Oakland Zoo’s gondola ride.

Fortunately, Andy’s friends wanted to help. Andy made 500 bracelets and her friends made another 700.

A Letter is a Gift

Look through the newspaper for people who are working hard to care for others in your community. Write a letter to the editor thanking them.

My Time

I have time during the week when I could do something kind for another person or help out the community. Check the boxes to show when you might have time to help. Recess Before School After School Saturday Mornings Saturday Afternoons Sunday Mornings Sunday Afternoons

My Talent

What is your talent? Can you play a musical instrument? Can you sing or dance? Paint? Do you enjoy talking to people? There are many kinds of talents that help others. Make a list of your talents.

Andy was also interviewed by Kelly Clarkson for her TV show!

In six short weeks, more than 4,000 people from all over the ________________ made donations. About 900 of them wanted bracelets.

How much did Andy’s project raise? It raised a whopping $226,558!!!

Are there ways you can help in your community? Work with a family member to complete the following:

My Treasure

Treasure isn’t only money. You might have some toys, books or clothing you have that are in good condition and that you don’t want anymore. Someone else may really treasure those! Make a list of items that you can donate.

1. What is the name of the zoo helped by Andy’s money? 2. In which city does Andy live? 3. What did Andy charge for her bracelets? 4. How did the zoo use the money Andy raised? 5. What kind of animal did Andy feed with a bottle of goat milk?

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple, written directions.

Can you find the tiger that’s different?

BRACELETS DONATED ANIMALS HELPFUL PROJECT TROUBLE THANKS MONEY CLOSE BRAIN ANDY IDEA SAVE BEAD ZOO

S L U F P L E H H O

L T E V A S W S D T

A H E O O Z E S O R

The noun talent means a natural skill or ability.

N Y D N A C N I T B

Vivien showed her talent for watercolor painting by creating a portrait of the teacher.

I D C E E D K N A U

A I O E A Z A A E L

O M B E A R H R D E

P R O J E C T B B O

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

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

Start a New Business

ANSWER: It was a nice jester.

Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

TALENT

M A V L A Y S E N O

Find a Philanthropist

Look through the newspaper for three people who help others. Cut out and glue the articles onto a piece of paper. Under each, write what they gave and tell whether it was time, talent, treasure or more.

This week’s word:

If you could start a business, what would it be? How do you know if people need what your business offers? Explain why you would start this business.