Lorain County Community Guide - June 9, 2022 by Lorain County Printing and Publishing

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AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, June 9, 2022

Submit items to news@LCnewspapers.com

Election board preps for Aug. primary with ‘rigged’ maps

Volume 9, Issue 23

The hard questions

JASON HAWK EDITOR

The order has officially been handed down from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose to county election boards: Start preparing for Aug. 2. That’s when a second primary election has been scheduled to choose party nominees for state central committee, state senator and state representative. All three races were removed from the May 2 ballot due to a running legal fight over gerrymandered election maps. By law, they are supposed to be redrawn every 10 years using census data to accurately reflect the political preferences of the state’s residents. The maps drafted by state RepubliPaul cans are still illegally skewed to benAdams efit their party's candidates, according to rulings by the Ohio Supreme Court, but a federal court has ordered them to be used anyway because time is ticking away. Precinct workers from 23 of the state’s 88 counties have sent a letter of protest to LaRose’s office, saying the refusal to use constitutional maps prevents Ohio’s elections from being fully free and fair. Marilyn They accuse both LaRose, who is a Jacobcik Republican, as well as the Republicanled Ohio Redistricting Commission on which he sits of “rigging elections with gerrymandering in violation of the Ohio Constitution” and said they “cannot support such flawed and illegitimate elections.” The letter said the Secretary of State has repeatedly praised the patriotic service of poll workers, who during elections put aside partisan differences to work together to make sure elections are fair, accurate and secure. “We cannot uphold the integrity of elections in polling places when the outcomes of those elections have already been predetermined by politicians who manipulated PRIMARY PAGE A3 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

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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

Angelo Angel | Wellington Enterprise

Fist pumping, Wellington High School Class of 2022 President McKenna Chappell marches from the gym after commencement Sunday afternoon, arm in arm with Kennedi Benko.

Wellington grads join search for answers after high school JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — What do you want to be when you grow up? For Wellington High School valedictorian Natalie Calfo and her friends, the question was an easy one in the halcyon days of kindergarten. The answers came easily then: They wanted to be firefighters, astronauts, famous athletes, teachers and veterinarians. As the Class of 2022 stood Sunday afternoon in the Wellington High School gymnasium, those answers no longer came so quickly or eagerly, Calfo said. “The question and its answer seem imminent, more real,” she said in a commencement speech to 89 fellow graduates. Class President McKenna Chappell agreed that “What do you want to do when you grow up?” became a more intimidating question as graduation day neared. She said the prospect of entering the “real world” is a scary one — but the class has overcome earlier fears, faced down the COVID-19 pandemic and exceeded expectations in the last Photos by Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise four years, Chappell said. Graduates Amir Ebeid and Mikayla Paramore share a moment ANSWERS PAGE A2 together before their graduation ceremony.

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Premier Toyota donates $10K utility vehicle • B5

‘Thank you for teaching us to fight,’ say OHS grads • B1

Troy Pitts is named new assistant fire chief • A3

OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A4 • BULLETIN BOARD A5 • KID SCOOP A6

Page A2

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

Tyson offers ride-sharing

OBITUARIES Judy Greening Shepherd January 23, 1948 - June 1, 2022

Judith Lee Greening Shepherd spent her childhood as the youngest of four children in Monroe, Michigan. The family retreat for father, Charles; mother, Marian; brother, Chuck, and sisters, Nancy and Gretchen was a turkey farm in Davisburg, Michigan. There, the Greening children learned how to fish and skeet shoot while the girls slept outside in a structure that was called the Dollhouse. A summer cottage along Monroe's Lake Erie shoreline was remembered for its great views and lack of air conditioning. Upon the untimely passing of her parents; brother, Chuck and his wife, Julie, became guardians for Judy and Gretchen. While surviving and thriving in 12 years of Catholic education, Judy was sent to boarding school because she was allegedly hanging out with the wrong kind of people - and also because she wanted to be closer to Gretchen. Judy had fond memories of St. Joseph's Academy in Adrian, Michigan, where she graduated in 1966 and ultimately served on the alumnae association board for many years. She always thought of that school as a second home, and the young women were a second family even though she and 17 friends were once sent home after being caught smoking in a nearby cemetery. Music was a mainstay in the Greening household, and Judy learned how to play piano at St. Mary's Academy in Monroe. Judy was studying musical arts at Bowling Green State University when she met Jay Shepherd. Married on August 3, 1968, Judy and Jay enjoyed over 39 years of marriage mostly at their home on Main Street in Wellington. Judy launched her own business as a piano teacher at the age of 23 so that she could earn her own income while being a stay-at-home Mom for her son, Patrick. That enterprise lasted more than four decades as she taught hundreds of Lorain County-area grade school age students the art of playing piano. She served as President of the Ohio Music Teachers Association Northeast Ohio District for three years. In addition, she spent time supporting the work of the Cleveland Piano Teachers Organization. Judy played at church services, served as accompanist at events, and was a judge at area music competitions. She wrapped up her teaching career in 2015 and refused to allow her son to throw a retirement party because she did not want the attention. Judy, Jay, and Patrick enjoyed many road trips in Shepherd Chevrolet cars, passenger trains, and the occasional boat. There were regular family camping expeditions to Findley State Park, from which they would flee the two miles home if it started to rain or the weather became disagreeable. Dogs and cats frequented the Shepherd household over the years, and the Siberian Husky, Mushka, was particularly close to Judy. Summers included Judy's play on the softball team sponsored by Looks Unlimited and Shepherd Chevrolet. Judy's volunteer work in Wellington included being a Cub Scouts Den Mother and service on leadership boards for the Friends of the Herrick Memorial Library and Well-Help, a local food bank. She delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. A notable memory was a messy 1976 paper mache project staged in the Shepherd home with the Wellington Women's League to build a Statue of Liberty float for Wellington's Bicentennial parade. Judy shared many adventures with her beloved sister, Gretchen, including a Catholic summer youth camp on Kelleys Island where the young women walked over Inscription Rock and the Glacial Grooves without restriction. A memorable excursion around Michigan's 'mitten' along the Lake Michigan and Lake Huron coastlines was led by their mother. The sisters cherished a legendary trek to Ireland, which was the trip of a lifetime. Judy and Gretchen shared a passion for social justice. While Gretchen was once arrested when dressed as a clown in a demonstration in support of world peace, Judy was one of the protest speakers against an Ohio Constitutional Amendment to ban gay marriage at a 2004 rally in Cleveland's Market Square. In more recent years, Judy and Patrick enjoyed Mother's Day road trips along the Lincoln Highway, the Ohio River, and through the Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches. She made regular trips to Cleveland to spend time with Patrick and his husband, Jason Lansdale. Lunches with friends, Words with Friends, gardening, and a Facebook Smile of the Day were regular endeavors. Judy thought of her life as one well-lived. There will be a private family celebration of her life later this year. In lieu of flowers, Judy asked that you volunteer for or make a contribution to a nonprofit organization in your area to help make the world a better, safer, and more loving place in which to live. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

Our condolences go out to families that have suffered the loss of a loved one. To place an obituary or death notice in the Community Guide, call (440) 329-7000.

LUANN ADELE BURRER (nee Faight), 63, passed away from this life into eternal life on Sunday, June 5, 2022 following a sudden illness. Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, she moved to Elyria with her family as a child, and was a lifelong resident. Arrangements by Hempel funeral Home. JEAN KATHERYN ROBEY (nee Sandry), 89, of Vermilion, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27, 2022 at Stein Hospice Center in Sandusky, following a full and meaningful life. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home. MELISSA KAY SMITH (nee Harrison), 47, of South Amherst, passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on Monday, May 30, 2022, at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home.

AMHERST — With the cost of gas soaring and car prices also hitting new highs, Tyson Foods is now offering a ridesharing program to help its employees save a little cash. More than 1,000 workers at 26 facilities nationwide now use the program, including 46 at the Amherst plant, according to information provided by spokeswoman Miranda Joyce. Tyson’s food plant on Cooper Foster Park Road is running eight vans for workers to share on their commutes, she said. Here’s how it works: The company partners with Enterprise Rent-A-Care to get minivans, passenger vans or SUVs, and provides maintenance and insurance. Employees split driving duties, the cost of renting the vehicle and gas. On average, the arrangement saves each ride-sharer between $15 and $25 per week, according to Tyson Foods. That works out to between $780 and $1,300 per year. “This program gives (employees) a reliable way to work while also helping them save money. It also helps offset the impact of higher fuel prices,” said Hector Gonzalez, head of labor and team member relations for Tyson Foods.

Jessie Teter, Zoli Phan, Dominic McKenna, Jayden Roberts and Kaleb Woldrop celebrate backstage.

ANSWERS

FROM A1 Because of the trials of the past two years, adaptation has become second nature for seniors, said salutatorian Catherine KasickiRodriguez. They’ve learned to face the unknown. “If our future careers are anything like our high school years, we should be fine to pivot at a moment’s notice,” she said. In a farewell to her first crop of Wellington High students, Principal Donna Keenan warned that impermanence will always follow them. Jobs, families and homes will all change as the years wear on. “My challenge for you is this: Go buy yourself a pack of these Post-It notes,” she said, urging graduates to write down dreams, goals and inspiring quotes to guide the way. Sometimes it will be necessary to crumple up some of those notes and throw them in the trash, said Keenan — her advice is to always replace them with new ones. Jordan Wells, the Lorain County JVS honor student from Wellington, also had some advice for classmates. “I was once told that if you want your dreams to come true, you have to work for it,” she said. “… Don’t underestimate the power of

Valedictorian Natalie Calfo delivers her address to the Class of 2022, talking about how once-clear choices have grown harder.

Alphabetically, Ava Zadorozny and Justin Yeager are the last two members of the Wellington High School Class of 2022 to graduate. your dreams, because you are the one making them come true.” Calfo told her classmates to pursue every avenue to find joy, and help others find it as well. Find joy in the people you work with, your neighbors, community, friends and activities, she said, and remember that a little positiv-

ity goes a long way. “No matter how small or large a moment of your life is, you need to acknowledge it and celebrate or cope with it, because every moment matters and creates who you are,” Calfo said. “You need to take in everything because you only get one life.”

ALMA MATER

Staunch among the towering trees Stands our alma mater fair Days of priceless worth are these None in memory compare With hearts to dare, high hopes to win Life for us must soon begin Not as slaves but glad and free Wellington, all hail to thee

Kavai Xia is given the Community Service Award by Principal Donna Keenan. Seniors must complete volunteer hours as a graduation requirement, and many go above and beyond. Xia had them all beat with 456.5 hours during her high school career.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GUIDE LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE (USPS 673-960) is published every Thursday, 52 weeks per year by Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company, 225 East Ave., Elyria OH 44035.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $40 for 52 weeks in Lorain County; $45 in Erie, Huron, Ashland, Medina, and Cuyahoga counties; $50 in all other Ohio counties; $55 outside Ohio. Periodical postage paid at Wellington OH.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Lorain County Community Guide, PO Box 4010, Elyria OH 44036.

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

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Pitts named Wellington’s new assistant fire chief JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — Troy Pitts has been named the Wellington Fire District’s new assistant chief. He will fill the full-time position vacated by Assistant Chief Bill Brown, who bowed out Friday to become the new fire chief for the city of Vermilion. “Troy is committed, very dedicated,” Brown said. “He is a working officer – in other words, I think he’d rather be inside the structure (fire) than outside telling people what to do. That’s the kind of guy he is.” Pitts has been a Wellington firefighter for 30 years, starting in February 1992. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2002, and again to second assistant chief in 2015. He is an emergency medical technician, an assistant fire instructor, a fire safety inspector and for years has been a diver for the Lorain County rescue team.

Above all else, Pitts is a hard worker who likes to get his hands dirty, said Wellington Fire Chief Mike Wetherbee. “He’s been that way ever since I’ve known him. Him and Bill and I, we all went to school Troy Pitts with him, and he’s always been a good guy,” Wetherbee said. “Whatever he does, he’s committed to.” There is little difference rank-wise between the second and first assistant chiefs. Brown said that while his own role has been mostly administrative, Pitts has headed up the operational side of the district, handling equipment more than paperwork. Pitts will phase into the new role over the coming weeks, with his first official day marked as July 1. During that window, Brown said he’ll be just a phone call away to help with the transition.

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All children up to age 11 can join the Herrick Memorial Library’s reading club in Wellington by registering in the Children’s Room. Then pick up a reading log and track the time you spend reading books you’ve checked out from now to July 30. Earn a paperback book of your choice for every five days you spend reading. Ages 12-17 can join by registering at the front desk. Librarians will fill out an entry for each book that you read and enter you into our summer prize drawing that will take place Aug. 1. Adults can also take part in the summer reading fun. Register at the front desk and librarians will fill out a ticket when you check out our books, audio books, magazines or digital reading materials. On Aug. 1, they’ll draw one ticket for a prize.

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FROM A1 districts to prevent fair competition,” the letter said. Precinct worker Ann Faulhaber of Avon was the signatory from Lorain County. She was reached Friday but chose not to provide further comment. Lorain County Board of Elections Director Paul Adams, a Democrat, said he shares in the frustration of any precinct official who does not like the way the redistricting process has played out and is concerned about the constitutionality of the maps used. At the same time, it’s his responsibility to carry out the election under the rules that have been adopted by the state and backed by the court, Adams said. “The path to fix the problem of gerrymandering in Ohio is not by trying to compromise the election system by not showing up,” he said — it’s by filing legal challenges through the courts and lobbying elected officials for change. Marilyn Jacobcik, a Republican who serves as president of the Lorain County Board of Elections, said she feels the maps being used to determine district boundaries fairly represent voter percentages across the state. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump earned a bare majority of Ohio votes — 53.3 percent — compared to President Joe Biden’s 45.2 percent. In October 2021, LaRose’s office reported that 947,027 voters were registered Democrats, while 836,080 were registered Republicans and 2,847 were registered Libertarians. A far larger share — almost 6.2 million residents — were unaffiliated. Yet the maps give Republicans an almost bulletproof guarantee of gaining a supermajority in the General Assembly, enough to push through any legislation and override any veto. Even though Republican Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor was the deciding vote in deeming the maps unconstitutional, Jacobcik called the Ohio Supreme Court’s motives into question. “I think there’s probably more politics involved in determining whether the maps are legal or not,” she said, later adding, “We know that every 10 years our maps are going to be in the courts.” The Lorain County Board of Elections met last week to begin planning for the Aug. 2 primary in accordance with LaRose’s directives. The good news is that before going to their summer recess Ohio legislators approved $20 million to pay for the cost of another round of voting. Adams said it’s unclear how much Lorain County will get, but it’s his understanding the amount will cover the estimated $350,000 to $400,000 price tag. Why so expensive? Because statewide races mean running every polling location in the county. In addition to equipment and supplies, that also requires about 1,000 poll workers. Adams said a meeting is scheduled for Monday morning to begin organizing a campaign to drum up that work force. His worry is that many of the usual

volunteers will be unavailable due to vacations, family reunions and back-toschool preparations. Jacobcik said she’s worried about staffing the election, and also concerned about voter turnout. Many voters will think they already did their civic duty in May and won’t venture to the polls again. “The average person out there is not invested in this at all,” she said. “Just making sure they know there is an election and they’re prepared to vote is going to be one of the biggest issues.” Splitting the primary in two is “completely unprecedented territory,” said Adams. During the 1990s, a similar dispute over redrawing election maps caused the entire primary to be delayed, but to his knowledge it has never been chopped up. Two primaries are “obviously not the way most elections people would have chosen to do it,” said Jacobcik. “Having said that, we will all step up and be ready.” But there’s also the chance the entire situation will change again, said Adams. There are still ongoing lawsuits, and he said he’d be unsurprised if they resulted in further orders. The county Board of Elections has scheduled a special meeting for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22 to cast procedural votes necessary to green-light the Aug. 2 primary. In Lorain County, the ballot includes: • Dan Ramos for state central committee (Democratic man) • Anne Tanner for state central committee (Democratic woman) • Peter Aldrich, David Arredondo and Mike Witte vying for state central committee (Republican man) • Jean Anderson and Patty Stein vying for state central committee (Republican woman) • Democrat Anthony Eliopoulos for state senator, 13th District • Republicans Kirsten Hill and Nathan Manning for state senator, 13th District • Democrat Regan Phillips for state representative, 52nd District • Republican Gayle Manning for state representative, 52nd District • Democrats Joe Miller and Dan Ramos (write-in) for state representative, 53rd District • Republicans Marty Gallagher and Sarah McGervey for state representative, 53rd District • Democrat Bryan Burgess for state representative, 54th District • Republicans Kathleen Beyer (writein) and Dick Stein for state representative, 54th District Note that Ramos appears on the ballot twice, seeking different offices. While that is typically not legal, Adams confirmed that it is allowed by state law in this instance because state central committee is a party office, not a government office. Theoretically, Ramos could be elected to and allowed to hold both posts, Adams said.

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Thursday, June 9, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

AMAZING ART AT COUNTY EXHIBIT The Lorain County Schools Art Exhibit was held at the West Ridge branch of the Elyria Public Library. It was sponsored by the Educational Service Center of Lorain County and featured works in colored pencil, paint, photography and many other mediums.

CLOCKWISE: “Untitled” by Aubrianna Dudas, eighth grade, North Ridgeville Academic Center. “Tree” by Rowan Wolfe, eighth grade, Southview Middle School, Lorain. “Tessellation” by Isabel Sikora, eighth grade, Avon Middle School. “Peace Poster” by Hailee Kozak, sixth grade, Amherst Junior High School.

Cops warn of a nasty scam

Scammers posing as Discount Drug Mart employees are targeting seniors, Wellington police are warning. Investigators described a new scam in which fraudsters call seniors under the pretense that it’s time to sign up for their next COVID shot. Then the scammer asks for personal information. According to police, Drug Mart denied making such calls.

Diaper drive for Blessing House Trinity Lutheran Church is holding a diaper drive to benefit Blessing House Children’s Crisis Care Center. It is collecting diapers for newborns to size 6 through Saturday, June 11. Donations may be placed in the drop off box at the front door at the church, 3747 Liberty Ave., Vermilion. Monetary donations are also welcome.

CLASSIFIEDS OFFICE SPACE OFFICE SPACE available in downtown Wellington. The 500sqft space features 2 offices, a reception office, waiting room & restroom. Rent is $550/month including some utilities. Please call Bob King at 440-935-0425 for showings

LEGALS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO PAWLAK PARK IMPROVEMENTS W. 14TH STREET, LORAIN, OHIO Sealed bids will be received by the Law Department of the City of Lorain, Ohio until: TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIVING BIDS: UNTIL - 11:00 AM, June 27, 2022, Lorain time, Law Department, Lorain City Hall 3rd Floor. TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, June 27, 2022, Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lorain City Hall 1st Floor. COMPLETION DATE: June 27, 2022 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. Bid blanks and specifications may be secured at www.cityoflorain.org. Each bidder must insure that all employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, creed, color, sex or national origin. All bidders must comply with the provisions of the American Disabilities Act. All federal minority business enterprise and women business enterprise requirements shall be met. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will to the extent practicable use Ohio products, materials, services and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must be listed on the ODOT pre-qualified list for highway construction. Bidders shall submit a list of available equipment, and labor shall be paid not less than the prevailing wage rate as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor Davis Bacon requirements for Lorain County, Ohio. NO BID WILL BE OPENED WITHOUT THE CERTIFICATION OF QUALIFICATION OR THE ACCEPTABLE LETTER OF APPLICATION ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE AS DIRECTED. The Director of Safety/

Service reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. No Pre-Bid meeting is scheduled. By order of the Director of Public Safety/Service L.C.C.G. 6/9-16/22 20702782 LEGAL NOTICE Public meetings will be held to provide residents, taxpayers and interested individuals an opportunity to discuss the revised Ordinance 182.81, CREDIT FOR TAX PAID TO ANOTHER MUNICIPALITY. The meetings are scheduled as follows: Monday, June 13, 2022, at 6:45pm Monday, June 27, 2022, at 6:30pm Meetings will take place at South Amherst Village Town Hall, 103 West Main Street, South Amherst, Ohio. L.C.C.G. 6/2-9/22 20702789 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO LOR LORAIN TRAFFIC SIGNALS PID 109412 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, July 5, 2022, Lorain time, Law Department, Lorain City Hall 3rd Floor. TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, July 5, 2022, Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lorain City Hall 1st Floor. COMPLETION DATE: June 1, 2023 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. Bid blanks and specifications may be secured at www.cityoflorain.org Each bidder must insure that all employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, creed, color, sex or national origin. All bidders must comply with the provisions of the American Disabilities Act. All federal minority business enterprise and women business enterprise requirements shall be met. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will to the extent practicable use Ohio products, materials, services and labor in the implementation of their project. Bidders must be listed on the ODOT pre-qualified list for highway construction. Bidders shall submit a list of available equipment, and labor shall be paid not less than the prevail-

ing wage rate as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor Davis Bacon requirements for Lorain County, Ohio. NO BID WILL BE OPENED WITHOUT THE CERTIFICATION OF QUALIFICATION OR THE ACCEPTABLE LETTER OF APPLICATION ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE AS DIRECTED. The Director of Safety/Service reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. No Pre-Bid meeting is scheduled. By order of the Director of Public Safety/Service L.C.C.G. 6/9-23/22 20702797 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO SHAFFER DRIVE PAVEMENT RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT (OBERLIN AVE TO ASHLAND AVE) HUD FUNDED PROJECT Sealed bids will be received by the Law Department of the City of Lorain, Ohio: TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIVING BIDS: UNTIL - 11:00 AM, Monday, June 27th, 2022 Lorain time, Law Department, Lorain City Hall 3rd Floor. TIME AND PLACE FOR OPENING BIDS: 11:15 AM, Lorain time, City of Lorain Council Chambers, Lorain City Hall 1st Floor. COMPLETION DATE: OCTOBER 1, 2022 Bidders shall submit a list of available equipment, and labor shall be paid not less than the Wage Determinations as set forth by the U.S. Department of Labor. 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. Each bidder must ensure that all employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, creed, color, sex or national origin. All bidders must comply with the provisions of the American Disabilities Act. All federal minority business enterprise and women business enterprise requirements shall be met. All contractors and subcontractors involved with the project will to the extent practicable use Ohio products, materials, services and labor in the implementation of their project. Electronic packages may be secured at the city website: www.cityoflorain.org/Bids. aspx. The Director of Safety/Service reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. By order of the Director of Safety/Service C.G. 6/9-16/22 20703209

Oberlin historians embracing Ohio’s pending Underground Railroad month JASON HAWK EDITOR

COLUMBUS — A bill designating September as International Underground Railroad Month has unanimously passed the Ohio House and Senate, and is on the way to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk to be signed. “The passage of House Bill 340 will allow us to continuously recognize the sacrifices made by those who used the Underground Railroad and the struggles and hardships felt by those who were enslaved,” said state Rep. Willis Blackshear Jr., D-Dayton. “This bill will solidify the history and enshrine the legacy of those who fought for freedom in our state and across the country.” In the three decades prior to the Civil War, abolitionists used a covert network of safehouses to offer shelter and food to escaped slaves. The refugees would work north, mostly seeking freedom in Canada where slave-catchers could no longer hunt them. “So many of the Underground Railroad stories that run through Ohio are international stories, where we can trace freedom seekers to their destinations in Canada,” said Carol Lasser, Emerita Professor of History at Oberlin College. She is also property manager at the Bruce Wilson Evans house on East Vine Street in Oberlin. It was a well-known “station” along the figurative “railroad.” The city was a well-

known destination for escaped slaves seeking to cross Lake Erie into Ontario, said Liz Schulz of the Oberlin Heritage Center. It was also a unique stop, due to its large Black community, which made up about 20 percent of the city’s population, she said. Oberlin was home to a couple dozen Underground Railroad havens. Schultz said the city’s white and Black families alike were known to hide travelers venturing north to port cities such as Lorain, Sandusky and Cleveland. “Many people were just one day away from freedom once they got this far north,” she said. Others took different routes as they fled slavery, according to the National Park Service. “Wherever and whenever slavery existed, there were efforts to escape,” says its website on International Underground Railroad Month. “We know free Black communities, and in some cases Indigenous tribes, came together to aid freedom seekers in their fight for freedom, not just Quakers and wealthy white abolitionists. We know that freedom seekers who made the decision to escape traveled not just north to Canada, but south to locations like Spanish Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico in order to reclaim their freedom. All of these puzzle pieces can help us understand the Underground Railroad as one of the first American Civil Rights movements.” Ohio is not the first state to choose September to

recognize the importance of the Underground Railroad. Maryland and Michigan have worked with the National Park Service since 2020 to honor the work that went into protecting refugees traveling the stealth network. Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri and the Wyandot tribal nation all signed similar proclamations last year. September was chosen because it is the month that two of the most important Underground Railroad operatives — Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman — made their own escapes from bondage, the Park Service says. “Not only is the Underground Railroad a story of self-determination, it is a story of people from diverse backgrounds and motivations, working across these differences, in ways that changed not only the lives of individuals, but the world,” said Deanda Johnson, Midwest regional manager of the parks’ Network to Freedom Team. “It remains an important example of the social change people can affect through collaboration and cooperation, a reminder of what unites us is more important than what divides us.” September is also appropriate to local history, said Schultz — it is the month in 1858 that Oberlin and Wellington residents came together to rescue escaped slave John Price, who had been abducted by a federal marshal and his posse. Acting under the authority of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, they took

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Price to Wellington to await a train that would return him to enslavement. He was freed when a crowd took Price back by force and returned him to Oberlin, where he used the Underground Railroad to make his way to Canada. For more than a decade, the city of Oberlin has been working to renovate its historic Gasholder Building as a small museum. Late last year, City Council doubled down on finishing the long-delayed Oberlin Underground Railroad Center on South Main Street. Jessie Reeder, who chairs the team responsible for seeing that vision through, said tremendous progress has been made. She hopes the center will open to the public later this year. “Hopefully people will gain a greater respect for the slaves” through programs and exhibits the center plans to host, she said. “If we say Black lives matter, the slaves matter. They left a mammoth amount of information for us. We just have to dig and find it.” While it’s unclear whether people will be allowed inside, the center has been chosen as the site of Oberlin’s Juneteenth celebration from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 18. “Dancing and Celebrating through the Second Line: Releasing Enslaved Spirits to Freedom” will be the holiday’s theme. The day will feature a traditional parade using a parade at noon travel from Spring Street Park down Groveland Street to Pleasant Street and end at the Underground Railroad Center. There will also be games, face painting, raffles, vendors and food. A second parade — this one in the New Orleans “second line” style, will later travel down Morgan Street to Westwood Cemetery. It will honor the spirits of Black people, “when death was one of the ways our ancestors were free from slavery, Jim Crow laws, lynching, the Reconstruction Era, Black Codes and segregation,” according to the Juneteenth Oberlin Executive Board.

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

BULLETIN BOARD Yoga at South Amherst park

Yoga will be offered at South Amherst Community Park this summer. “Walk and Yoga Stretch” will be held from 6-6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays starting June 8. Loosen up with guided stretches and take a walk, rain or shine. No special equipment is needed. “Seated Yoga Flow” will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Thursdays beginning June 9. It’s geared toward all levels and ages, including beginners. The class will focus on breathing and movement, stretching and strengthening muscles, plus increasing flexibility. Wear comfortable clothes and take water.

Oberlin library meeting

The Oberlin Public Library board will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 at the library. The meeting is open to the public.

Republican club meeting

The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 at the Father Ragan Knights of Columbus Hall, 1783 Moore Rd., Avon. A candidates night will feature state Sen. Nathan Manning and primary challenger Kristen Hill; state representative primary candidates Sarah McGervey and Marty Gallagher; and state representatives Gayle Manning and Dick Stein. The cost is $5 for guests.

Second Saturdays return

“Discover Oberlin” will be theme when Second Saturdays return to the city starting June 11. The Oberlin Business Partnership invites families downtown for fun, music, shopping and a chance to win prizes. The June 11 event will kick off at 9 a.m. with the opening of the Oberlin Farmers Market. There will also be family activities at that time in the East College Street courtyard. There will be sales and promotional events, tables for community and nonprofit organizations, a white squirrel scavenger hunt from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a guided “Freedom’s Friends” history tour starting at 11 a.m. at First Church in Oberlin.

Car show in Amherst

The Amherst Historical Society will hold a car and bike show from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 12 in the Sandstone Village, 763 Milan Ave., Amherst. There will be food from Pogie’s Club House, Sawyer’s Food Truck, Staniero’s Pizza and Kona Ice. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date of June 26 has been set.

Explore an ocean of stories

The Amherst Public Library’s summer reading program will provide “an ocean of stories” from June 13 through July 20. The library will offer three programs for readers of all ages: • Kids Reading Club is for newborns up to kids entering fifth grade. • The Young Adult Reading Club is for kids and teens entering sixth through ninth grades. • Adult Summer Reading is for 10th grade and up. All ages have the chance to win prizes, and enter for a grand prize drawing. Visit the original 1906 portion of the library on Park Avenue to get started. Reading records and entries will be available for pick up 1-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday until the expansion and renovation project is completed. There will also be story times for preschoolers and younger elementary children at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays from June 13 to July 18 (except July 4) at Amherst Township Park, 44780 Middle Ridge Rd. The program may be canceled in the event of thunderstorms.

Amherst library meeting

The Amherst Public Library board will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 13 at the library. The meeting is open to the public.

Find your Slovak roots

Lisa Alzo will present “Find Your Slovak Roots Online” at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 13 in a virtual meeting of the Ohio Genealogical Society’s Lorain County chapter. Alzo is a researcher, speaker, writer and teacher who has developed several courses that can be found at www.researchwriteconnect.com. The chapter meeting is open to members and the general public. Those interested in watching the presentation should email meetings@loraincoogs.org to be added to the invitation list and to receive the online link.

Art and gardening camp

A Growing Artists Summer Camp will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon from June 13-17 at The People’s Garden, 285 South Professor St., Oberlin. The event, sponsored by Oberlin Community Services and the Allen Memorial Art Museum, is for children ages 8 to 10. The free camp will celebrate art and gardening, exploring connections between people and the land they live on. To register, visit www.bit.ly/Growing_Artists.

Herrick library meeting

The Herrick Memorial Library board of trustees will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14 at the library, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington. This meeting is open to the public.

KoC blood drive

A blood drive will be held from 2-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14 at Ragan Hall, 1783 Moore Road, Avon. Knights of Columbus Francis McManus Assembly, the Father Ragan Council of Avon and the James L. Martin Council of Lorain are sponsoring the event, which will be held on Flag Day. All donors will receive a 3-by-5-foot U.S. flag. The nonprofit Vitalant will run the blood drive and donors can make appointments at www.vitalant.org with the donor sponsor code 0079. Drop-ins are also welcome and get the first available donation station. For more information, call (440) 725-7369.

The Lorain County Community Guide Bulletin Board is for local nonprofit and not-for-profit events. Items are published on a space-available basis and will be edited for style, length, and clarity. Send your items to news@lcnewspapers.com.

Whale of a tale

A life-sized inflatable humpback whale will appear at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14 at Wellington Town Hall. “Nile” will visit as part of the Herrick Memorial Library’s summer reading program, which has an ocean theme. Kids ages 5 and up will be able to explore the whale’s insides to learn more about how they live. To register, call (440) 647-2120.

Learn to paddleboard

A free introduction to stand-up paddleboarding will be offered on Friday, June 17 at Findley State Park south of Wellington. Naturalist Wiz Moore will offer three sessions, starting at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the beach area. Registration is by email only at williard.moore@dnr.ohio.gov. Participants must be at least 12 years old, physically able to maneuver a paddleboard and dressed for the water. Those under age 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

Learn to ride like a pro

The Amherst Police Department’s Bike Rodeo and SelfAwareness Day will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 18 in the south parking lot at Marion L. Steele High School. Join police staff to learn about bike fun and safety, ride through a course designed to test and teach skills, and sign up for a chance to win a new bike. Be sure to take your bike, helmet, knee and elbow pads. Amherst firefighters and LifCare Ambulance paramedics will also be on hand. In the event of rain, the bike rodeo will be held Saturday, July 9.

Summer craft days

Visit the Amherst Public Library’s front lawn for weekly summer craft days from 2-6 p.m. each Wednesday from June 18 through July 13. No registration is required. Craft days will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather.

Tee off for veterans memorial

A golf outing to benefit the Carlisle Township Veterans Memorial will begin with a 9 a.m. shotgun start on Saturday, July 2 at the Carlisle Golf Club, 39709, Slife Rd. The cost is $280 per team, four-person scramble style; or $20 per skins team. There will be prizes for first, second and third place finishers, and dinner for all paid participants will be served at AMVETS Post 32, 11087 Middle Ave., Elyria. For tickets, call Larry Stevaus at (440) 610-0684, Jim Lynsky at (440) 773-4831 or Ray Hildebrandt at (440) 4585814. Checks should be made to Carlisle Township Veterans Memorial. Sign up and pay by June 20. Hole sponsorships are available for $50 each. Raffle baskets and 50-50 raffles will also be available.

Meeting cancellation

The New Russia Township trustees have voted to cancel their regular business meeting on Tuesday, July 5. The next trustees’ meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19 at 46300 Butternut Ridge Rd.

Summer theater camp

The Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts and Wellington Schools will hold their first summer theater camp for children ages 7-11. The two-week camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 11-22. Camp will conclude with a single performance of “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Fairy Tales” at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 22 at the Lindley Center, 627 North Main St., Wellington. Participants do not need to be residents or students of the Wellington school district. Tuition is $375 per student, and funding is available. Completed applications and tuition are due no later than June 28. Spots are limited to 30 students. All applicants will be notified of their status by July 1 via email. Completed applications will be accepted on a firstreceived basis. For more information or to register, visit www.tinyurl.com/ LindleyKids.

South Amherst alumni banquet The South Amherst alumni board has announced its annual banquet will be held Saturday, July 16. It will honor the classes of 1970,1971 and 1972. Invitations will be sent out after Memorial Day and must be returned by June 24. If you have changed your address, be sure to contact Barbie Standen at (440) 988-3505. Donations are also being accepted for the alumni scholarship fund.

Sale to benefit county parks

The Friends of Metro Parks will hold an indoor garage sale fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 at the Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., Carlisle Township. Sales are by cash only. A final clearance sale will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, July 31 — buy a $5 bag from the Friends and fill it. Donate your unwanted household items such as kitchen items, linens, decor, holiday decorations, books, movies, arts and crafts, framed artwork, sports equipment, tools, baby items, toys, board games, puzzles and jewelry. The Friends request no clothing, shoes, electronics, large furniture, artificial Christmas trees or broken or dirty items. Tax-deductible receipts can be provided. Drop-offs will be accepted from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, July 24; 1-7 p.m. on Monday, July 25; and 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 28.

Page A5

Friends aim to help 17-year-old badly injured in car accident CHRISTINA JOLLIFFE WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE

WHAT: Benefit dinner for Tristan Thompson WHEN: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, June 12 WHERE: Wellington Eagles 2051, 631 South Main St., Wellington COST: $12 per person FOR TICKETS: Text or call (440) 935-5928

WELLINGTON — Three months ago, Tristan Thompson was a typical 17-year-old, shooting hoops, spending hours gaming with friends and lifting weights. The Keystone High School junior helped around the house, mowed the yard and always asked what needed to be done. All of that changed on March 11, when a fateful car accident left him broken and battered, fighting for his life and left his mother struggling to cover the bills. On that day, Christina Reisinger, a single mother of six, was driving to a storage unit she purchased to pick up the items to resell, a side hustle the Ford worker started to supplement her income. Her 21-year-old daughter was following behind her with her son, Tristan, in the car. Reisinger was at state Route 303 and Marks Road making a left turn as she saw a truck coming and knew her daughter would have to wait. Reisinger slowed down, but heard a horn and looked in her rearview mirror to see the initial impact between the truck and her daughter's car. Stopping the car, Reisinger ran across the road. And at first, she was relieved. Her daughter seemed OK. Then, she made her way to the other side of the car, where she discovered Tristan was trapped. She and a passerby tried to pry the car door open to no avail. Reisinger’s daughter was taken to Southwest General Hospital. And when emergency crews freed her son, he was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he would spend the next several weeks. “When I eventually got to see him, they told me they lost him for three minutes and had to bring him back,” Reisinger said. Two collapsed lungs, a ruptured spleen that eventually was removed, broken ribs, a cracked sternum, blood in his stomach, a lacerated lung and liver, a cervical fracture, a traumatic brain injury and a bolt drilled into his head to relieve pressure on his brain were the initial concerns. “Everything was super scary,” his mother said. “By the time I got to see him, there were tubes down his throat and they had cut him from his ribs past his belly button.” Tristan was in a medically induced coma for three weeks. And Reisinger barely left his side. When she wasn’t there, Tristan’s father, Jeremy Thompson, and his family made sure he was not alone. “They definitely played a big part being there for him,” Reisinger said of her son’s father and family. This was not the first time Reisinger faced losing a child. “It’s been a rough couple of years,” she said. Two years and three months prior to Tristan’s accident, her then 17-year-old son, Brandon Bruce, was shot in the face and killed while sleeping on a couch in a friend’s garage. The trial in that shooting is set to begin in August. She also divorced her now ex-husband less than a year ago. Reisinger has worked at Ford long enough to qualify for Family and Medical Leave Act, but she is not being paid. “After the accident happened, I was not leaving Tristan’s side,” she said. Her sister, Kayla Reisinger, and her stepmom and dad, Patti and Raymond Reisinger, offered to put together the benefit dinner to help pay for expenses not covered by insurance. “I’ve gone through my savings and I’m maxing out my credit cards,” she said. Reisinger is grateful for the benefit and for all of the people who have donated baskets for the raffles and put in an effort to help. The dinner includes fried chicken and pulled pork, baked beans, pasta salad and assorted desserts. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. A 50/50 raffle, Chinese raffle, tip board and more games will be available throughout the evening. After spending nearly six weeks in ICU, Tristan was transferred to the Avon Rehabilitation Center. He was released May 13 and is in outpatient therapy in Oberlin. Since the crash, he has lost 45 pounds and has no muscle tone, Reisinger said. And while he is able to get around on his own, it is slow going. If he gets up too quickly, he gets dizzy. “Even going to the store gets him winded quickly, but we’re trying to get him out of bed every day to start building his endurance,” she said. Tristan also developed a bedsore from spending weeks in the hospital, which is being treated at home. Although Tristan missed the last three months of school, he should be able to start the school year as a senior so he can graduate with the rest of his class, Reisinger said.

Page A6

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

What is a sea star and what is it not? A starfish is not a fish at all. Many marine biologists want to change its name to a sea star, because most of them look like stars. Sea stars are echinoderms (eh-keen-oh-durmz)—animals that lack a back bone.

he ocean is full of amazing creatures, and one that is unique is the sea star or starfish. It is a sea creature, but it lives close to the shore. Sometimes they are washed up on the beach or stranded in a tide pool, giving people a chance to see this mysterious creature up close.

Are you an eagle-eyed reader? Read the story below and circle the nine errors you find. Then rewite the story correctly.

Amazing Sea Stars Sea stars do something nearly no other animal. Can do. If a a sea star loses a ray, it will grow another ray. Not only that—the ray that broke off can become an entirely knew sea star. In fact, if a sea star is brokens into pieces, each peace can become a whole new sea star. While sea spars love eating clams, they will also eat a ded fish or dead krab, if it is lucky enough to crawl over one.

Sea stars have arms but no legs. Their arms are called rays. Some sea stars have five rays, some have six, ten or twenty.

Sea stars have no eyes, no ears, no nose. They do have a ______ on their underside. To eat, a sea star ________ on top of, and slowly wraps its ______ around its food.

Sea stars don’t have skeletons. Their spiny, tough skin gives them their shape and protects them.

One thing sea stars like to eat is clams. Once one has wrapped its rays around a clam ______, its hundreds of tentacles ________ to the shell and hang onto it as it pulls and pulls until the shell opens. As soon as it opens just a little, the sea star ________ its stomach out of its body and into the shell and __________ the clam. This can take an hour or two.

Do the math to match each sea star to its name.

25 = chocolate chip star 22 = sun star 48 = candy cane star 18 = basket star

Sea stars have feet but no toes. If you look on the bottom of a sea star’s ray, you will see rows of soft tentacles called tube feet. The sea star slowly creeps along on these feet. These sea stars swiped some of the words from paragraphs at left. Write in each word where it belongs.

27 = cushion star 12 = fat star 32 = comb sea star 16 = sunflower sea star

How many sea stars can you find on this page in 30 seconds? Now have a friend try. Who found the most? Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

You can create a new creature from the parts of creatures pictured in today’s newspaper. Cut out different parts of different people and animals found in today’s newspaper. Use these to create a new creature. Give your creature a name. Make up things about it, such as what it eats and where it lives. Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

Standards Link: Life Science: Students know examples of diverse life forms in different environments; physical structure or behavior may improve an organism’s chance for survival.

There are more than 3,600 different kinds of sea stars. They come in lots of different colors and shapes. Some sea stars are colored to match the surfaces on which they live. This camouflage helps them hide from predators. How many sea stars are hidden here? Standards Link: Life Science: Animals have structures that serve different functions.

SEA STARS SKELETONS TENTACLES CREATURE PREDATORS CRAWLS RAYS SHORE TUBE CREEPS TIDE POOL ARM

E T C S H O R E S P

H I E S Y A R N N R S S E N E U O R M E

L S T D T T U B E D

This week’s word:

BIOLOGIST

A T E L R T C A S T

The word biologist means a specialist who studies the science of living things.

C K C R E E P S E R

The biologist discovered a new species of sea star.

W P I A E A S E A A R R E A R S F L H O S A R M I P O O L S

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

Little-Known Facts

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

Summer Jokes and Riddles

Look through today’s newspaper and find three to five facts that you think not too many people know. Create a question for each fact. See how many people know these facts. ANSWER: At a seafood restaurant.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Ask questions to demonstrate comprehension.

… eating lots of fruits and vegetables all summer long.

Send us your favorite summer jokes and riddles.

OUR TOWNS

Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, June 9, 2022

Road of trials and tribulations

After hardships, Oberlin HS grads thank those who taught them to fight JASON HAWK EDITOR

ELYRIA — Stepping into the spotlight in cap and gown less than two weeks after 19 children and two teachers were gunned down some 1,500 miles away in Uvalde, Texas, Ryley Steggall said she was grateful for her own safety. In a commencement speech Saturday at Lorain County Community College’s Stocker Arts Center, the Oberlin High School class president told said she was thankful to have made it to graduation without having to mourn the loss of her friends to gun violence. “A lot of other students across the country won’t be able to say the same thing when they graduate,” Steggall said. The past few years have not been easy, she said. Two years of feeling helpless in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it easier to accept that some change is unavoidable. Those years have also made it obvious there are battles that must be fought, uncomfortable conversations that must be had to bring about justice and equality. “So a big thank you to everyone who has taught us how to fight, but especially thank you to the people who have taught it’s OK to sometimes not be able to,” Steggall said. Her message was met with thunderous applause from 61 fellow graduates of the Oberlin Class of 2022. Of those, 13 earned honors diplomas, and International Baccalaureate diplomas were claimed by Julian Anderson, Lily Petersen and Kieran Thornhill. The class received more than $365,000 in scholarships, and a third of seniors earned college credits before crossing the commencement stage, said district Superintendent David Hall. He also spoke frankly of struggle, warning graduates their lives will be full of obstacles and unfairness. Hall also praised the Class of 2022 for weathering the pandemic and taking on humanitarian efforts to help Ukrainian refugees. “Never forget that chapter one of your book started in Oberlin and Oberlin City Schools,” he said. “We will always be there for you to help you and support you writing your 100-plus pages ahead of you, your

Photos by Jason Hawk and Angelo Angel | Oberlin News-Tribune

ABOVE: DaCierra McCampbell receives her diploma from Board of Education President Anne Schaum during Oberlin High School’s 160th annual commencement exercises, held Saturday morning at Lorain County Community College. BELOW: Valedictorians Katherine Doane, Anna Fritz, Katrina Ganson, Hannah Jones and Lily Petersen.

future.” Katherine Doane, one of five valedictorians recognized this year by Oberlin High, recalled the intense isolation of 2020 and 2021 due to COVID fears, and how “so many of our connections to the world were broken.” Following the “great lockdown” of the pandemic, the social convenience school offered suddenly vanished. When students were finally able to return in person, Doane said she felt a fierce sense of loyalty to her classmates, a unity brought about by shared hardship. “We’ve seen each other grow up” through four especially long years, agreed valedictorian Lily Petersen.

Members of the Oberlin High School Class of 2022 throw their caps into the air, completing the OBERLIN HS PAGE B2 graduation tradition outside Lorain County Community College. 1960-2022

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Protecting What’s Important LEFT: National Teacher of the Year Kurt Russell delivers the commencement address for Oberlin High School, where he’s taught the entirety of his 25-year career in education. RIGHT: Ryan Leyva receives his diploma and makes the transition from senior to alumnus.

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Page B2

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

Redefining retirement

Senior members of the Oberlin High School choir perform “Old Irish Blessing” under the direction of Bronwen Fox.

OBERLIN HS

FROM B1 She cast her memory back to the early weeks of March 2020, when the OHS Drama Club almost completely lost its spring production. Oberlin was among the few that staged a hurried play for parents during rehearsals, while others across the nation waited and then canceled. Valedictorian Katrina Ganson said Oberlin has always had a strong community bond. “These four years will go by in a flash and are meant to be crammed with emotions and mistakes and memories,” she said. Sometimes even Pyrrhic victories have been enough to sustain the soul, said valedictorian Anna Fritz. One of her favorite memories was of the varsity girls soccer team’s lone goal of the season against Wellington, in the last minute of the game, to bring the score to 13-1. It was the first time the Phoenix had scored on the Dukes in three years. Enduring adversity was also the theme of a commencement address by Kurt Rus-

sell, the National Teacher of the Year, who has spent the entirety of his 25-year career in education at Oberlin High School. He told graduates to embrace failure, because it is only a preface to success for those who keep trying. Failure is a fact of life, said Russell: “It doesn’t matter how smart you are, how intelligent you are, how kind you are, failure is going to come knocking on your door one day,” he said. “It’s inevitable.” Success is being strong enough to move past defeat, he said. Life is difficult, like buying new shoes, he said. The only way to make them comfortable is to walk in them until they’re broken in. Graduates need to buy their own shoes, not the ones parents want, Russell said. If that means following the dream of being a farmer instead of a doctor, or vice versa, then that’s a choice adults must make. “I never met an individual and purchased shoes because someone else liked them,” he told the Class of 2022.

SIROCKY SAYS

“Do your best, even if you can only get a C. You did your best,” Cassandra Sirocky, honor student from the Lorain County JVS, told fellow graduates from the Oberlin High School Class of 2022. Turning to teachers, she said they “put up with all our bad days, got to listen to the latest gossip and didn’t even mind the students in the back of the classroom pulling out a four-course meal. I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

ALMA MATER

When darkness all about us hovers And midnight shades are drawing nigh We’ll sing as truly ardent lovers To thee, our sacred Oberlin High We love, we trust thee in thy splendor And ever more until we die Our hearts for thee will be more tender Our love more sacred — Oberlin High

PEP SONG

There’s a high school down in Oberlin In the good old Buckeye State Where they all know how to play the game With a spirit truly great We will rise and give a mighty shout For the red and blue to win And our praise will ring forever In a cheer for Oberlin

Christopher Frank receives his diploma.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 JUNE 9, 2022 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live JUNE 14, 2022 ....................... PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION – 4:30 P.M. – CONFERENCE ROOM 2 JUNE 6, 2022 ......................... PUBLIC HEARING – 6:00 P.M. – COUNCIL CHAMBERS PURPOSE: To consider recommendations from the Planning Commission to amend the Zoning Map from “R-1B”/Single - Family Dwelling District to “P-1”/Public Park & Recreation District located at 36 South Prospect Street. The City of Oberlin proposes to use the existing elementaryschool building on the subject property for City office and meeting spaces, recreation programming space and as an election polling location. 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.

Provided photo

Bret Scott has had help from his son, 11-year-old Nathan, in transitioning to an all-new career after working more than 20 years at Ford.

Bret Scott prepares for his next career with LCCC ELYRIA — After 31 years working at Ford Motor Company in Brook Park, Bret Scott is ready to retire. Sort of. The Vermilion resident, who drives a forklift for the auto company, earned his pre-license real estate sales agent certificate of completion at Lorain County Community College in December, and he plans to spend some of his retirement years building a new career. “I have two friends who are in real estate, and they’ve been bugging me for 20 plus years to help them out,” Scott said. “I’m ready to get into something different.” Everything about what Scott’s done over the past couple years while earning his license has been different. He started working at Ford right out of high school, never considering college, and for the past three decades, has had a predictable and reliable work routine. “Ford is a good place to work,” he said. “I get there at 5:30 a.m., then load and unload the trucks. When I get off work, I pick up my son from basketball, he

does his homework, and I put him to bed. And then I get back up and do it all over again.” Last August, Scott started LCCC’s Fast Track to Employment program to earn his certificate of completion in real estate. Fast Track focuses on in-demand fields with projected job growth and is designed for people starting new careers. Most programs can be completed in just 16 weeks, and are tuition-free. Still, Scott was nervous about altering his and son’s routine, throwing his classes and study time into the mix. But his son Nathan, who’s 11, has been a positive influence on his studying habits. “I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to handle the workload,” Scott said. “Nathan has helped me study. He’d help quiz me. If it wasn’t for him, I don't know if I would have done it.” Scott said his son spent so much time studying with him, Nathan began to master the course concepts, too. “He could probably have done better than I did in the test,” he said. “Maybe he’ll get into real estate with me one day.”

You’re all my kids, too Graduates, it’s time to share a secret with you. You don’t see it because I have a camera to shield the view, or am hunched over a keyboard typing furiously. But I sit at your commencement ceremonies every year, fighting furiously not to cry. Every year. I don’t personally know most of you in my beat across Amherst, Firelands, Oberlin, Wellington and Black River. That hardly matters. A community isn’t about knowing every single member individually — it’s about understanding what we all share. For 20 years now, I’ve watched generations of Lorain County kids grow up, keeping tabs on you from behind a camera lens. I’ve walked your hallways,

THE WAY I SEE IT JASON HAWK

sat in the back of your classrooms, given high fives and fist bumps to a lot of you. I’ve seen your school plays. I’ve chatted with you about community service projects. I’ve run your honor rolls, your FFA accomplishments, snapped

shots of you with your animals at the Lorain County Fair. Lord knows I’ve edited your sports photos and pored over game statistics. I’ve seen you at your best as you help others. I’ve seen you at your worst when there have been guns or bullets of thefts at school. I’ve seen you as you are, and thought about what you will be. And so when you cross the stage at the end of each school year, looking happy and sad and confused and lost and found and excited and depressed and every shade inbetween, I see you. And I tear up. Because you are your parents’ children, but you are also ours. And in a very small way, mine. I’m proud of you.

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B3

‘It doesn’t Wellington kids trade math for mulching on service day happen overnight’ JASON HAWK EDITOR

Lorain County workers already on the trail for 2024 property valuations JASON HAWK EDITOR

Don’t be surprised to see yellow-vested workers knocking on doors and ringing bells all across Lorain County. They have already started doing the groundwork for new property valuations that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024. That effort entails visiting some 170,000 addresses over the next year, said county Auditor Craig Snodgrass. “It doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. “It takes a lot of time. That’s why we have to start so early — now — to go out there and get as much information as possible.” For the first time ever, his team is assessing property values all in-house instead of hiring outside contractors to help. Snodgrass said going that route will save taxpayers money. But there is one big hitch to the whole process: Residents are often guarded, and it’s not uncommon for them to mistake Lorain County Auditor’s Office workers for door-to-door salespeople, Snodgrass said. He is working with law enforcement to prevent misunderstandings. And assessors carry county ID badges Craig and their vehicles will be marked with Snodgrass magnetic signs. They’ll often approach homeowners and identify themselves to avoid problems, but county workers simply don’t have time to go inside every home, Snodgrass said. There are some legitimate reasons to see inside a residence, but that will be done by appointment, he said. Workers won’t ask to go inside on a routine, unscheduled visit. There’s still a year and a half until the new valuations are released, and no one knows what will happen to the market in that time, said Snodgrass. Every indicator, though, is that residential property values will continue to rise steeply. Lorain County is on pace to again set a new record for home sales this year, after a frenzy-filled 2021 that saw houses sell just hours after hitting the market, he said. Last year, the Auditor’s Office collected $7.2 million in conveyance fees from those sales, said Snodgrass. Unless something changes dramatically, that number will be surpassed by Dec. 31. Donna Templeton, a Howard Hanna realtor based in Amherst, said she is continuing to see home sale prices rise. “Buyers will put in an offer at list price or maybe a few thousand above, and then they lose the bid because it’s gone $10,000 or $20,000 over,” she said. Homes are still being built in certain areas, but the stock is just not keeping pace with demand, said Templeton. That’s especially true for popular construction types, such as ranch-style cluster homes: “People want to downsize,” she said. “People my age, hey, a lot of our kids are gone. We want to get rid of the big house, but there aren’t many options.” Snodgrass also attributed the huge sale price bump in the last two years to Lorain County’s limited housing stock. It’s a simple matter of supply and demand, he said — demand is increasing and supply is dwindling, so prices are skyrocketing. “It’s always been this lack of inventory, and it’s not getting any better,” he said. Templeton said she expects prices to remain high over the next few years, but to at least stabilize instead of continuing to climb. She doesn’t believe demand will suddenly drop anytime soon, though. Templeton said prospective buyers are still getting pre-approved by lenders, but unlike the conditions that led to the foreclosure crisis of the early 2000s, those approvals now require proof of income at a steady job. “In 2007 and 2008, they were giving money to anybody, literally just stated income. You didn’t have to provide documents,” she said. “… These buyers have to be qualified. They gotta have the money.” Overall, commercial property values are likely to stay fairly flat across the county, said Snodgrass. The X factor there will be “construction or demolition that’s outside the norm,” he said. A huge investment in the Ford Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake might fit that ticket. So might the development of land on Baumhart Road in Vermilion, long rumored but not confirmed to be Amazon. Workers are also out visiting farmland this month, said Joni Poli, real estate tax administrator at Snodgrass’ office. The goal is to ensure they are being plowed and planted, which makes them eligible for agricultural tax reductions. There are some 6,000 farm properties in Lorain County, and officials circle around to all of them at least once every three years.

“Buyers will put in an offer at list price or maybe a few thousand above, and then they lose the bid because it’s gone $10,000 or $20,000 over.” Donna Templeton, Howard Hanna realtor

WELLINGTON — Taylor Morris’ arm and leg muscles were starting to burn late the morning of Tuesday, May 24 as she pushed around a wheelbarrow loaded with mulch. “I’ll be really strong by the end of this,” the Wellington High School sophomore laughed, sweat beading on her face. She was part of a student work crew that spent five hours sprucing up the Town Hall grounds. Nearby, Wade Bowman, Kaitlyn Wright and Brooke Lehmkuhl all put muscle into spreading mulch delivered by village workers. John Bowman, the Dukes athletic director, also lent a helping hand while supervising. About 225 high-schoolers — nearly the entire student body — took part in a day of community service, racking up credits required for graduation, he said. Under blue skies instead of a school roof, kids spent time learning a different but equally valuable kind of lesson, said Bowman. “It’s not always pencil and paper,” he said. “There’s stuff here to learn — teamwork, leadership and giving your time. I think you see a new set of skills out here that the kids don’t always show you.” Spread out across the village and surrounding township, students did lawn work, painted and washed windows for residents who needed a little bit of help. They volunteered at Findley State Park, Elms Retirement Village and the Kelly Street fire station. At First United Methodist Church, another group helped pick weeds from the rocky landscaping. “They’ve washed windows. They’re polishing the pews,” said David Bragg, a parishioner who worked alongside the students. “It’s a total clean-up. You look at what they’ve done and it’s unbelievable.” Art teacher Kaitlin Krajcik also rolled up her sleeves to help with

ason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Wade Bowman rakes mulch into flower beds in front of Town Hall during Wellington High School’s Community Service Day, held Tuesday, May 24. Nearly the entire student body spread out across southern Lorain County to paint, mow, weed and wash. weeding. The Community Service Day was a chance for some kids to come face-to-dace with neighbors they’ve never met, and to try out types of menial around-the-house work they’ve never done. “At first they might talk about whether they’re going to finish early,” Krajcik said. “But when they get here and get going, it’s just a different environment for them. Their attitudes change. They get

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Page B4

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

Campus life, interrupted

Photos by Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

▲ Oberlin College seniors make their way onto Tappan Square on Sunday morning for the institution’s 189th commencement ceremony. Faculty in colorful robes lined the way, and the long procession of 665 graduates stopped along the way to shake hands, hug and give high fives to favorite professors. ▼

Oberlin College Class of 2022 emerges stronger after pandemic JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — For Cyril Amanfo II, four years at Oberlin College were the best of times and the worst of times. “I’ve walked this campus with my hand on my heart, and I’ve measured its rhythm,” he said in an address Sunday to 664 fellow graduates in the college’s 189th commencement ceremony, held on Tappan Square. A neuroscience and theater major from Massachusetts, Amanfo was called “Oberlin’s Lin-Manuel Miranda” by college President Carmen Twillie Ambar. But finding his place was difficult. Amanfo said that in his freshman year he wanted to be anywhere else than a strange campus in a strange land, far from home. Just as he gained solid footing, the COVID-19 pandemic stripped it away. Suddenly the normal college experience was suspended, classes moved entirely online. Life “became pixelated,” Amanfo said. The Rev. David Dorsey, chaplain to the campus community, acknowledged the hardships students endured, including for some the death of loved ones. “You have persevered, and for all the joy we feel at this moment, we are not without loss,” he said. There were long, painful nights in the past four years, and moments of exhilaration, he said: “In all things, you belonged to one another.” The Class of 2022 was away from campus 10 months. When Amanfo was finally able to return, he did so “with a vengeance in my mind and my arms wide open,” he said. As life slowly returned to normal, he resolved to embrace every opportunity. And where none existed, he determined to make more. It is that kind of thinking — not the name of the elite school stamped on a diploma — that makes for success, said commencement speaker Josh Angrist, a 1982 alumnus of Oberlin College and winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize in economic sciences. Angrist said he’s spent his career, like famed author Robert Frost, thinking about what lies at the end of paths not taken — chief among his questions is what would have happened had he chosen to attend elsewhere. “Which of our life choices are fateful? Does it really mat-

▲ Senior speaker Cyril Amanfo II prepares to take his turn at the microphone. ter where we go to college?” he asked. As a young man, Angrist said he resisted college, but eventually was lucky enough to be accepted at Oberlin. He was initially drawn to psychology, but the introductory course didn’t grab him; he only passed calculus and a freshman literature course with help. Then he discovered economics. After graduating, he emigrated to Israel and was drafted into the army, serving in a paratrooper unit. Two years later, he returned to the United States and economics, and started to empirically study how military service affects career trajectory. Angrist analyzed the Vietnam draft lottery and concluded those who volunteered for service later found increased work earnings; the opposite was true for those who were conscripted. Likewise, research showed elite schools are great at choosing high-performing students, Angrist said. But hard work, not selection to a prestigious institution was the best indicator of success, he said. Oberlin College is not without its successes. It conferred honorary doctorates on several luminaries, including Angrist; John Brombaugh, an electrical engineer and pioneer in the construction of pipe organs; and George Lewis, a composer, musicologist and computer installation artist. Ambar also presented awards for Distinguished Service to the Community. Recipients included Dr. James Anthony, an Oberlin alumnus who serves as system medical director of occupational health for Bon Secours Mercy Health and

medical director of Mercy Occupational Health in Lorain. He helped guide the college through the COVID-19 pandemic. Kurt Russell, the 2022 National Teacher of the Year, was also a recipient. An Oberlin High School history teacher of 25 years, he is also the Phoenix varsity boys basketball head coach and adviser of the Black Student Union. Young Kim, president of the college’s alumni association, also provided its highest honor to Bonnie Green Millikan and Joel Millikan, 1963 graduates. They began volunteering as admissions representatives. Since then, one or both have served their class in many capacities, including co-chairing its 50th reunion committee and inspiring classmates to raise a record-

breaking $21 million to support student scholarships. Ambar also stepped forward to “right a wrong,” conferring posthumous diploma for Mary Edmonia Lewis 159 years after she would have graduated from Oberlin’s ladies course in 1863. Lewis was the first sculptor of African American and Native American descent to achieve international recognition for her work. She began studying at Oberlin College at age 15, but biographers say she was dogged there by racism and sexism. In 1862, Lewis was accused of poisoning two friends, and after being acquitted was assaulted by white vigilantes and left for dead. A year later, she was again acquitted after being accused of stealing art supplies from the college. Months later, she was

targeted once more and charged with burglary. Oberlin College barred her from enrolling for her final semester. Lewis moved to Boston, where she rose to fame. She died in 1907 in England. “She has long deserved to have her official recognition of her interrupted studies,” said Caroline Jackson Smith, professor of theater and Africana studies. Student Senate member and graduating senior Darielle Kennedy accepted Lewis’ diploma. In an act of protest, graduating seniors called out what they view as another wrong: As one, they silently turned their backs when Christopher Canavan, chair of the Oberlin College board of trustees, took the microphone to speak. Afterward, several seniors said the demonstration was over the college’s financial decisions, including its termination of union employees. Canavan told graduates — their backs, at least — that Oberlin has weathered complicated times in the nation’s history. He said the Class of 2022 will be relied upon to stop global warming, “heal our democracy” and show what dignity, respect and pride mean in the 21st century. Ambar said new Oberlin alumni are stronger for all they have endured. “I can assure you that you have gotten all that you need from Oberlin,” she said. “I can assure you are ready for what awaits you in the world beyond.”

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B5

Premier donates $10K utility vehicle to Main Street JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Keeping downtown flora vibrant through the hot summer months will be a breeze with the help of a donation worth $10,000 from Premier Toyota. The Cooper Foster Park Road dealership was thanked last Thursday for buying a new Coleman Outfitter utility vehicle for Main Street Amherst. Volunteers will use it to carry water every day to hanging baskets throughout the city’s historical downtown district, said Main Street Director Teresa Gilles. “It’s a pleasure to be a part of a small community, because you can really make a difference,” Premier owner Bob Fisher said in a meeting of the Amherst nonprofit, which supports the local business community. “You can enrich lives. And small business really drives our country, drives our communities and drives our families. I thank you for all the work you’re doing.” The dealership opened its doors in 2006, and agreed to sponsor the popular Danc-

ing on Main Street one-day festival, which was held annually for more than a decade. While the festival has since been discontinued, Gilles and The Mermaid’s Tale owner Judy Recknagel haven’t forgotten how Fisher helped make it successful. “He was brand new. He didn’t know us from Adam,” Recknagel remembers. “We came in, introduced ourselves, asked him for money and he gave it to us.” Fisher has continued to lend Premier’s support through the 16 years he’s been in business, she said. Last year, Main Street again approached him with a big ask — they hoped he’d help buy a used utility vehicle, something like a John Deere Gator. “I thought they wanted a reptile,” Fished joked. Gilles said he denied their request for a used model and insisted on buying a new Outfitter from Tractor Supply Co. in Amherst, helping to keep the money circulating locally. Main Street members applauded last week as Fisher and his staff were presented with a certificate of appreciation and cake from Kiedrowski’s Bakery.

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Premier Toyota owner Bob Fisher accepts thanks from Main Street Amherst member Judy Recknagel, owner of The Mermaid’s Tale, for the donation of a Coleman Outfitter worth $10,000.

‘Hometown heroes’ to be honored with big banners in downtown Wellington

GRAND SEND-OFF

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Eight Comets gathered Friday morning on the Richard S. Cooley Track at Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst for a ceremonial send-off. As a rally bell rang, they boarded a Columbus-bound bus to head to the state track meet at Jesse Owens Stadium. They are 4x200-meter relay team members Ella Baker, Megan Ciura, Annabelle Stewart and Alanna Woodworth, who placed 14th of 18 teams; and 4x400-meter relay runners Baker, Stewart, Catherine Turner and Aurora Wilson, who placed eighth overall in the finals. Baker also ran in the 400-meter individual race, placing eighth in the finals, and Natalie Pleban and Alex Vargo went as alternates.

DoorDash is helping Second Harvest reach senior shut-ins who need access to food Second Harvest Food Bank and DoorDash are teaming up to deliver food boxes to seniors. ProjectDASH has been testing food deliveries to older Lorain County residents throughout May. Eligible seniors can have shelf stable food, cheese and produce delivered to them at home as part of this monthly program. “Seniors now make up more the 18 percent of who is served at food pantries, but we know many are still unable to access help because of a lack of transportation or mobility,” said Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO of Second Harvest. The effort is funded through the federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which Second Harvest has been a part of since 2015. During the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the National Guard delivered boxes and dedicated volunteers continued the

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program. Second Harvest was limited to serving 80 seniors each month with the help of volunteers, but can now enroll more seniors through ProjectDASH. Currently, it can deliver within a 10-mile radius of Second Harvest’s Baumhart Road facility in Lorain, which is the designated hub. That reach extends to Lorain, Vermilion, Amherst and parts of Elyria Township and Sheffield. As the program expands, Second Harvest will look to set up additional hubs in strategic locations to expand its reach. The program is open to residents age 60 or older with an income at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line, currently $17,667 annually for a single person. Seniors can call Second Harvest from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at (440) 960-2265 to apply for the program.

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WELLINGTON — Banners will soon fly over downtown streets, honoring the village’s veterans. Similar to the tribute lining Detroit Road in Avon, Wellington Mayor Hans Schneider is planning to print and hang the likenesses of those who served their nation in uniform. The goal is to have “Hometown Heroes” banners aloft in downtown Wellington and along East Herrick Avenue by Memorial Day in 2023. “We’ve seen communities where this is done, and they’re always just very inspiring. There’s always a sense of pride,” Schneider said. “I think we have a very rich history, and this will be another added way for us to show that.” After conferring with village Electric Superintendent David Bealer and Council President Gene Hartman, Schneider announced the patriotic project last week on social media. It calls for 30-by-80-inch banners in the historic downtown commercial district, which families can purchase at a cost of roughly $240; or 24-by-45inch banners along East Herrick, which families can purchase for $175. There is room for an estimated 50 to 65 pieces to fly, Schneider estimated. Using a submitted photo of a beloved service member to be honored, Display Sales of Bloomington, Minnesota, will print the cloth flags. The village will store them in the off-months and hang them for patriotic holidays. “I think the key takeaway is that we keep our focus on the things that matter most in our society,” said Village Manager Jonathan Greever. While Americans are divided on many issues, they can all agree that those who gave everything for the preservation of the country’s ideals should be honored, he said.

His fear is that without visual reminders, Americans are only a generation or two away from forgetting about military service members’ sacrifices. “These were not just historical events. They were real people,” said Greever. “They are us. They are our relatives, our forefathers. They gave us everything.” Schneider said the banner idea has been percolating in his mind for a couple of years. The removal of decorative locust trees from the downtown shopping area this spring spurred it on, he said. “We’ve had a lot of people comment, ‘Wow, I didn’t realize there were all these signs downtown because the trees covered up a lot,’” he said. “And when they were taken down, everything looked so crisp and clean.” Business owners have also been happy with tree removal, because it has made their storefronts more visible, he said. The original intention was to replace larger, grown locust trees with new saplings. Now Schneider said he is leaning toward reducing the number of trees or replacing them with smaller greenery, so that signage and the Hometown Heroes banners are more easily seen. Within a single day, one company and one Wellington resident had already offered to cover the cost of a banner for families that couldn’t afford one themselves, Scheider said. He said his hope is to create a fund so that donations will cover the cost of replacing banners once they are worn by weather and time. Schneider said he is still developing all the rules about the project, and is undecided about who will be eligible to be honored as a “Hometown Hero.” He’s reached out to Mayor Bryan Jensen to learn how Avon set its rules for its Route 254 banner project. Avon allows family members of service members who were honorably discharged or killed in action to be honored.

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Page B6

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Lorain County Community Guide

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