Lorain County Community Guide - July 29, 2021

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AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, July 29, 2021

Submit items to news@LCnewspapers.com

Volume 8, Issue 30

State: Students should mask up this fall JASON HAWK EDITOR

No statewide mask mandate is being pushed as kids get ready to return to school this fall, but the Ohio Department of Health is strongly recommending they be worn by all unvaccinated students, teachers and staff.

"This is a bad virus, even for our children," said the state's chief medical officer, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, in a press conference Monday.

After a period of steady decline, Ohio continues to see a pattern of rising COVID-19

cases — the state vaccinated. average has risen Continuing to from 27 to 45.8 vaccinate is the cases per 100,000 best chance to keep residents in the in-person classes past two weeks. running five days Vanderhoff said per week this year, the increase is he said. due to the spread Students who of the delta varicannot or will not ant, which is far get vaccinated more contagious should wear masks Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Dr. Patty Manning-Courtney than both the at school this year, and Dr. Shefali Mahesh original virus the state health and its first department says. egy for stopping COVID, said variant, B117.

Districts will each decide whethVanderhoff. So far, more than Vaccinating all eligible people er and how to enforce masking 5.3 million Ohioans and some — shots are available for ages policies.

162 million residents across the 12 and up — is the best stratEven in those districts that opt United States have been fully

County makes bid for sewers in S. Amherst

not to require it, parents can still have their children wear masks as a matter of personal choice, said Vanderhoff.

Lorain County Public Health Commissioner David Covell met with local superintendents on Friday to give guidance.

"They were a little worried I was going to come out with some kind of a mandate, but I don't have authority to do that," he said.

What Covell is asking schools to consider is a universal masking policy for students ages 11 and under.

For kids 12 and up, masking MASKS PAGE A2

Cleveland Guardians

JASON HAWK EDITOR

SOUTH AMHERST — Sanitary sewers have been an on-again, off-again dream for the village for decades.

Now officials are once again trying to kickstart an ambitious plan to extend sewers not only to South Amherst, but to the entire western side of Lorain County.

"Now is the opportunity for us to try to address a long-standing problem," said Don Romancak, the county's storm water and community development coordinator.

In a meeting last Wednesday morning, he told Village Council members he envisions a "one system, one solution" approach to getting longtime septic users tied in to sanitary lines, and feels the county commissioners are strong backers.

They see rural sewers as "probably their No. 1 infrastructure priority," Romancak said.

For South Amherst Councilman David Troike, it's a change that can't come fast enough.

He said a lot of village residents are dealing with failing septic systems — he knows of at least three that have broken down in the past month, leaving homeowners SEWERS 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

Kristin Bauer | Oberlin News-Tribune

Sundance, executive director of the Cleveland American Indian Movement, and his son Devon Shults, 16, stand for a photo.

For indigenous activists, new name is a home run JASON HAWK EDITOR

For 50 years, Robert Roche has been embroiled in a personal war with the Cleveland Indians.

His anger has never been about the team's bullpen, the batting lineup or who's traded away — "It hasn't really been about anything except the name and logo, which was exploiting us," the Native American activist said.

Alongside other indigenous people, he has spent decades campaigning, protesting and suing in hopes of getting the franchise to surrender its native imagery. American Indians are not mascots to be

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GUARDIANS PAGE A3

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One of the Cleveland baseball team’s namesakes watches over the Hope Memorial Bridge.

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profited from, but living, breathing people, he has said in interviews down through the years.

So Roche was stunned to learn Thursday, a day ahead of the public announcement, that the team would become the Cleveland Guardians.

"I honestly didn't think I would be around to see it," said the now 75-year-old Oberlin resident. "... I was just overjoyed, jumping up and down. My girlfriend thought I was crazy."

A number of native activists make their home in Oberlin.

Among them is Sundance, the executive director of the Cleveland American Indian Movement.

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Police chief placed on indefinite leave • B1

Ceiling collapse spoils Peace Church’s in-person return • B1

‘Summer Warriors’ turn out in full force at McCormick • B1

OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A5 • CROSSWORD B5 • SUDOKU B5 • KID SCOOP B6

Page A2

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

MASKS

OBITUARIES Keith ‘Kip’ Kiplinger 1934-2021

FROM A1

Eugene ‘Gene’ Nichols

Eugene “Gene” Nichols, of Rochester, passed away Col. Keith “Kip” Kiplinger at the age of 93 on Saturwas a skilled F-4 fighter day, July 24, 2021, having pilot, flying 180 combat lived a life full of everymissions in Vietnam and thing he loved including his earning the Distinguished family and his 1958 Harley Flying Cross and 12 other and he did it all without medals. He devoted himself apology. to serving his country and He was a hardworking, training a new generation of kind gentleman, who had pilots. However, his family a bit of a wild streak and and friends knew him as wasn't afraid to tell it just so much more. He had a like it was.

If a sense of booming 'party laugh,' was humor could save lives, he a true Porsche fan (owning would have gone on living and racing many over his forever.

In fact, if you're life) and cooked amazing reading this you probably family dinners full of love. went to the same different A tenacious athlete, Keith school together and didn't held Wellington High's even know it. The only friends he didn't have were the basketball scoring record people he had yet to meet. for two decades, 38 points Gene spent a significant portion of his life in service to in a single game, despite the Oberlin community, where he also lived at the time. being 5'9" and 117 pounds.

Resigning as a Lieutenant on June 30, 1995, he wrapped He attended Kent State on a up a 39 year career with the Oberlin Fire Department, basketball scholarship, but where, among other duties, he was an instructor for the ultimately graduated from water rescue teams.

For many years in his younger life he Ohio State. Growing up worked as an auto body technician; later from 1960 until in Wellington, he married his retirement in April 1989, he was an operator for OberAlice, the farm girl he met lin Municipal Light and Power.

He spent much of the 60's in first grade, spending 65 and 70's being very actively involved with the Boy Scouts years together. of America where he served as the District Commissioner Keith is survived by Alfor the Black River District of the Fireland's Council. ice; son, Dan Kiplinger and Honorably discharged from the United States Army in wife, Maureen; daughter, October 1955 he returned home to care for his wife and Marci Bailey and husband, Amos; daughter, Lori Pandy newborn son.

In his free time, he was a tinkerer; he loved and husband, Scott; daughter, Lisa Kiplinger and husband, building things, turning wrenches on anything with a moPeter Brewington; six grandchildren and two great-grandtor and solving problems.

Beyond fishing and hunting he children. also enjoyed baseball, any sports his grandkids, or greatHe wasn't a fan of funerals or flowers, so a family celebration will be held in the future. We would love to hear grandkids were playing and eating. His favorite teams were the Indians and his wife, Roxie's cast iron skillet colyour stories, though, so please regale us with tales and lection, where he voted her MVP of the southern kitchen remembrances of Kip's adventurous, funny and purposeful life at suncitycenterfuneralhome.com. He loved telling league the last 28 years in a row.

While some have trouble finding love in their life Gene stories, so what a fitting tribute that would be. was fortunate to have the opportunity twice. Some years after losing his first wife, Rosemary to cancer his sisterHAROLD EUGENE DALTON, 74, of Vermilion, in-law, stepped in (as they sometimes do) and set him up went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, on a date with a friend of hers. It must have been one heck July 21, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family, folof a date, as Roxie agreed to marry him on October 16, lowing a brief illness. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Sweetest Day, of that same year.

Home.

In addition to his wife, Roxie; Gene is also survived by his son, Gary (Norma) Nichols; stepdaughters, Joy (Jeff) MARION “MICHAEL” DOUGLAS HALL, 76, of Brown, Linda (Scott) Trager and Terry (Tony) Kristy; Vermilion, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at his grandchildren, Jennifer (Allen) Rogers, Mandy (Josh) home following a courageous battle with cancer. Arrange- Bennett, Dillon (Heather) Collins, Zach (Amanda) Colments by Hempel Funeral Home. lins, Lori Bohland, Kendra Bohland, Jeff (Amy) Brown and Tony Kristy; along with four great-grandchildren, Daniel, Emerson, Hannah and Charlotte; brothers, Nick, Our condolences go out to families Wes and Glen Nichols and sister, Ann (Kurt) Howe. He that have suffered the loss of a loved one. will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephFor information about placing an obituary or death ews, other extended family and many good friends. notice in the Community Guide, call (440) 329-7000.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Edrie (Crooks) Nichols; his first wife, Rosemary (Humm) Nichols; brother, Allen Nichols and sister, Jane Flanigan.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 West Main St., New London, with burial to follow at Rochester cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at www.eastman For details, call (440) 329-7000 funeralhome.com.

Obituary and memoriam reprints also available

will be a matter of personal choice, and likely on the honor system, he said. Covell said he doesn't foresee schools requiring older students to show vaccination cards if they want to go maskless, but theoretically districts could require them to do so.

"That is a dilemma, as it is with adults," he said.

Superintendents have voiced some concerns about how isolation and quarantines will be handled, especially for kids who don't wear masks. Covell said that if those who choose not to use masks come in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID, they'll have to quarantine.

The Ohio Department of Health said masks will be especially important indoors and in crowded settings this school year.

In general, they won't be necessary outside, so teachers should consider ways to move classes and activities outdoors whenever possible, Vanderhoff said.

Dr. Patty Manning-Courtney, chief of staff at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, said "it was the most pleasant surprise" how well masks did at controlling significant COVID-19 outbreaks at schools last year.

In Lorain County, school districts reported 1,057 student cases and 494 staff cases to the state.

"Schools did this really well last year. We learned how to keep people safe in school," Manning-Courtney said.

The plan won't be foolproof. Vanderhoff said that while children are less likely than adults to get severely ill from COVID-19, they aren't invincible — just like adults, they get sick from COVID and some have severe outcomes Masking helps prevent children from carrying COVID home to at-risk family members, ManningCourtney said. It keeps teachers, whom she called "the backbones of our schools," healthy too.

Without masks this fall, there are sure to be outbreaks and quarantines, Manning-Courtney predicted.

Masking policies will be "critically important" to keeping schools up and running, she said.

School administrators should continue to lower the risk of transmission by improving ventilation, opening doors and windows whenever possible, stressing the importance of washing hands and covering coughs and allowing students and workers to stay home when they are sick, Vanderhoff said.

The state recommendations unveiled Monday are "essential to the health of Ohio's youth and the success of the coming school year," he said.

Dr. Shefali Mahesh, medical staff president at Akron Children's Hospital, said schools need to stay open this year.

In-person learning provides students with a safe, supervised environment where they can grow and thrive, she said.

Mahesh said she tells patients COVID-19 is a "vaccine-preventable disease." But lately it's been heartbreaking to see more children placed on cardiopulmonary bypass machines or dialysis due to virusrelated multi-system inflammatory syndrome.

Vanderhoff said "this is fast becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated," and only "a fraction of a fraction of a percent" of COVID hospitalizations in Ohio are among people who have gotten shots.

That's why Mahesh encourages people who feel uncomfortable being vaccinated or wearing masks to have a talk with their physician — and in the meantime, to wear masks.

"Masks protect us but also allow transmission to be interrupted to the point that this will all be behind us, hopefully, sooner than we can imagine it to be," she said.

Vaccine advice for teens from Lorain County Public Health Lorain County Public Health recommends that high schoolaged students ages 16 and up get a COVID-19 vaccine before this school year ends.

Due to the timeline for COVID-19 doses, there is a twomonth period when a person cannot receive any other vaccines. This is important to keep in mind so that high school

students have enough time to get back to school vaccines and the COVID-19 vaccine before this fall.

“As a parent, I know that August is a busy month for families and students,” said county Health Commissioner David Covell. “Getting the COVID-19 vaccine now will help students and their fami-

lies safely enjoy traditions like prom, graduation and summer vacations. And they’ll have plenty of time to get any other vaccines needed for the upcoming school year.”

Dose spacing guidelines are important to keep in mind when scheduling an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine:

• No other vaccine can be received two weeks before the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

• No other vaccine can be received during the time between the first and second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines.

• Individuals must wait two weeks after receiving the last

dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before receiving any other type of vaccine. This means that two weeks after you have received your second dose of the Modera or Pfizer vaccine, you can get your back-to-school vaccines.

Visit www.loraincountyhealth. com/signup or dial 211 to find a vaccine appointment near you.

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SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE B5

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE B5

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Thursday, July 29, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

SEWERS

FROM A1 to cover the $15,000 or more expense of replacement systems.

Mayor Dave Leshinski is also raring to get sewers installed in the village of about 1,800.

"I can get some shovels. We can start working this afternoon," he said.

South Amherst needs sewers in order to be sustainable, he said; there is a lot of developable land in the area, but investment won't come without modern sanitation.

To ensure the future of not just his own village but all of western Lorain County, sewers are "a necessity, not a luxury," he said.

Troike said he also feels South Amherst must take a step forward. "We have to grow somehow, and that has been our stopping point, the sanitary sewers," he told county officials. "Just give us some hope."

The prospect of getting sanitary sewers is not new ground for South Amherst's elected officials. Leshinski said he has a feasibility study from 2005, when the cost would have been around $12 million.

Today, the price tag for that plan would likely be around $40 million, he said.

Any number of ideas have been put forward in the past to connect the village to the city of Lorain's sewer system.

Aaron Appell of Bramhall Engineering said a study done by Poggemeyer Design Group in 2016 was "fairly thorough." It included several scenarios for how Lorain and the Lorain County Rural Wasterwater District — or LORCO — could work together to extend lines south and west.

Romancak andAssistant County Engineer Robert Klaiber said plans in the past have included running sewers down either Route 58 or Baumhart Road. Both are options that should be explored again before decisions are made, they said.

Klaiber said existing sanitary sewers in the area of routes 58 and 113 probably aren't an option for servicing South Amherst. They weren't built to handle the added volume from the village, and would have to be upsized.

There are already questions about how the county will handle the Sandstone megadevelopment planned near that intersection in Amherst Township. It calls for 770 new homes and a sizable shopping area to be built just south of the Ohio Turnpike.

Klaiber said the first look needs to involve the Baumhart Road interceptor sewer.

"There was a lot of work done into that, and does it make sense to reinvent the

GUARDIANS

wheel?" he said.

The smart move would involve extending sewers to South Amherst from multiple directions, said Romancak. He said there could be at least two sanitary sewer sheds — one for the village's east side and another for the west side, for example.

"Just like transportation, the more ways you have to get around, the better off you are, rather than having everything go down one pipe," he said. "And if that pipe goes bad, we have an issue."

Cost will be the biggest factor in choosing an engineering solution, said Appell.

He suggested taking advantage of federal stimulus dollars.

Klaiber also said federal relief funds may offset a part of the project. Ohio House Bill 168 puts aside $250 million in American Rescue Plan cash for sanitary projects statewide.

"We'll take it," Leshinski said.

Protecting Lake Erie is an issue weighing on state lawmakers' minds, said Appell, and he believes they are interested in funding projects that would reduce septic system usage.

Other sources of revenue will be needed, said Romancak. Development of the former quarries could help on that front, for example. Officials also discussed the possibility of using a Tax Increment Financing district to pay for sewers. A TIF diverts additional tax money from new development to pay off infrastructure debt.

Romancak said he believes he is close to locking down an agreement with the Firelands Board of Education to share TIF funds.

At first, he suggested the county should get 100 percent of TIF money for 30 years to pay for sanitary sewers, and the school board countered with a 90-10 split.

The new sewers would also service the Firelands campus on Vermilion Road in Henrietta Township, and would likely lead to an enrollment boost there, Romancak said.

But a TIF only works if developers show up to invest, he warned: "Somebody has to come."

No decisions were made at Wednesday's meeting. Instead, engineers said they would put their heads together and compare notes.

Officials must figure out who will be responsible for project design, complete studies, re-evaluate existing and anticipated sewer capacities and come up with a request for qualifications.

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Page A3

FROM A1 "The announcement is making its way through the native community now, so everyone is excited. It's not a moment too soon," he said Friday.

His voice was tinged with relief that a half-century fight with the Major League franchise seems to be near its end. Indigenous residents will remain wary, he explained, until the transition is actually made sometime in 2022 or 2023.

Nor will efforts to dismantle old stereotypes end when the Indians are gone, he said.

Both Sundance and Roche were influential in the 2007 decision by the Oberlin City Schools to shed their Indians sports teams' name. They said Friday there is much more work to be done to convince other Ohio school districts to follow suit — Indians, Redskins, Apaches, Chieftains, Braves, Seminoles and Senecas are all used across the state.

Jeff Pierce, director of the American Indian Education Center in Cleveland and spokesman for the Ohio and Cleveland American Indian Movement, said he suspects some friction will continue with the Cleveland Guardians. It won't be due to the new name, but likely in connection to the continued use of the Indians name and logo in special merchandise.

He believes issuing "throwback" gear will become a profitable venture for the team. But using the old Indians branding for anniversary or collector edition merch would be "just as appalling" as a celebration of the franchise's history, Pierce said.

"Why would you want to honor a dishonorable time in history?" he said.

Pierce wants the Indians name, copyrights and trademarks signed over to himself and Roche so they can "safeguard it and make sure no one else exploits us," he said.

They would not release any merchandise themselves, and don't want to make money off the Indians branding, Pierce said — the

goal would be to keep other companies from obtaining the rights and rekindling the fight all over again.

"We want to make sure no money is made off a caricature of us," he said.

What is important is that the name will be permanently and irrevocably retired, said Roche.

He said he believes the Cleveland Indians have made more than $1 billion over the years "by exploiting us. And they don't want to let go of that money. I don't trust them. I don't."

Pierce said no one in his circle has qualms about the Guardians name, based on the Guardians of Traffic statues on the Hope Memorial Bridge in Cleveland.

The choice is an "appropriate" one that showcases the region's history and culture at no one's expense, he said.

Roche said he believes fans will eventually come to embrace the new name, too, though he believes it will take many years. While he doesn't like the prospect of a slow transition to using the Guardians name at Progressive Field, he said doing so could help hesitant fans soften to the idea.

Sundance said the team's decision may also win over new fans in the indigenous community.

He, for instance, grew up watching baseball and loves the sport, but has not been able to root for Cleveland.

That may change, though healing will take some time.

"I think I can be a fan of the Guardians at some point," Sundance said. "But I think the wounds are still fresh for us here."

Pierce said he was thrilled with the franchise's public announcement Friday, which "was about time."

With the reveal, the Cleveland team crossed the point of no return, he said.

"There's no turning back, and if they do, God help them."

The decision comes after 1,198 name options were considered, 40,000 fans were surveyed, 140 hours were spent interviewing fans, community leaders and front office personnel, and more than 100 hours of brainstorming, according to Major League Baseball.

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Call of the wild

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

L

orain County has great parks, outdoor play spaces, hiking trails and natural wonders to enjoy. This is the second part of our series visiting some of the county’s most amazing parks to explore their recreational features and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Best Boating Spots

Best Beaches

The big beaches make the grade here, but don't overlook all the smaller views of Lake Erie along the shoreline.

Vantage points such as Brownhelm Township Lakefront Beach, or West Shore Park Playground in Sheffield Lake, are more secluded and provide good picnic spots.

• Lakeview Park in Lorain sets the standard for our county. Walk the sandy beach, lay out in the sun, venture out on the breakwalls and see spectacular sunsets from the 20-acre park on Route 6.

There are limited concessions hours at the Sunset Cafe due to COVID-19, but most other amenities remain available. Take your paddleboards, kayaks or canoes out on the water and keep those eyes peeled for passing sails and even tankers on the horizon.

Off the water, there is a small playground, a large rose garden laid out in concentric circles, volleyball in the sand, lawn bowling and shelters. With pleasant winds that whip in off the lake, the beach also makes a great space for flying kites.

• Avon Lake's Veterans Memorial Park is where the action is at. If you're not familiar with the Route 6 park, you might accidentally miss the entrance to the 300-footlong sandy beach. It's well-kept and features washrooms, umbrellas and a clean swimming area.

• It's not in Lorain County, so feel free to call this one a cheat: Huntington Beach on Route 6 in Bay Village, just across the Cuyahoga County line, has some beautiful views. Picnic tables are perched atop the long bluff the runs along the Lake Erie shore. Venture down the park's steep stairways and you'll find the sand, where you can rent beach chairs, grill out or launch jet skis. Huntington also features a kayak drop-off area.

The Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is just across the street, and connected by tunnel. General admission is free on Tuesday through Saturday, and puts you close to live animal exhibits both indoors and outdoors. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lorain County’s parks provide some amazing opportunities for birdwatching.

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Being out on the water is peaceful. And for those still concerned about the waning threat of COVID-19, boating provides natural social distancing.

If you're lucky enough to own a motorboat, chances are you know the joys of getting out on Lake Erie. But if you're looking for a smaller boating experience — say, a canoe or kayak — then Lorain County offers some great adventures: • Travel the 27-mile Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail from Mill Hollow on North Ridge Road in Brownhelm Township through the city of Vermilion.

When the trail hits the river's terminus at Lake Erie, it continues east along the shore through Showse and Lakeview parks and into the mouth of the Black River.

The water trail continues to the Black River Reservation in Elyria.

The trip isn't for beginners, and you should be prepared

for possible hazards along the way. Consider starting with a shorter trip, such as the 5.4-mile stretch from Mill Hollow to the South Street boat launch in Vermilion.

• The 93-acre lake at Findley State Park, located on Route 58 south of Wellington, offers a range of opportunities. Boats with electric motors can use the launch ramps, or you can take your own canoes, rowboats or paddleboats.

• The Wellington Reservation Metro Park spans 550 acres with more than four miles of trails. Water lovers can play on the 21-acre lake. Take your own, or rent a kayak or paddleboat for an hour.

During the coronavirus crisis, boat rentals require preregistration. They are available Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day weekend; the cost is $5 for paddleboats, $15 for single kayaks and $25 for double kayaks.

Best Nature Spots

• If you like geology, you've got to check out Mill Hollow.

The Vermilion River has cut down through the thousands of years worth of shale and sandstone, laying bare its layers.

Watch for rocks that continue to fall in from high above, but the boat launch near the entrance to the Vermilion Reservation Metro Park is a favorite for kids who want to wade through ankle-deep water and skip stones.

You can walk along the inside bank for quite a ways — at some

spots, you'll have to either pick your way through the trees or get wet — and find some great secluded spots for a picnic lunch.

There are lots of little darters in the water. Keep eyes peeled for herons, ducks, geese, bass and trout along the way. Keen-eyed watchers can sometimes spot bald eagles circling above or swooping down to hunt.

A boardwalk on the south side of the park also gives some great insight into the important of wetland wildlife.

• Upstream, on Market Street in Birmingham, you can find the Lorain County Metro Parks' Schoepfle Garden.

Wander through 70 acres of botanical gardens and woodland, with topiaries, hostas, roses and tons of other colorful flowers. A half-mile garden path rings the park; there is also a .6-mile river valley trail and a one-mile loop through the woods. See dogwoods, Japanese pines, cedars and maples along the winding Vermilion River.

Best Playgrounds • If your kids enjoy scaling rocks, running across bridges and splashing around, then Cascade Park may be the right pick.

Located on Furnace Street in Elyria and operated by the Lorain County Metro Parks, the site features not one but two inclusive playgrounds.

The first, opened in 2018, includes spraying water on a soft surface with lots of ways to climb and swing. It's wheelchair-friendly, has musical instruments for kids to experiment with and there are swings, slides and

tunnels.

• They don't make 'em like the playground at Maude Neiding Park anymore. The big, wooden play structure on Cleveland Avenue in Amherst is a maze of steps, tires, ropes, secret alcoves, tunnels and ladders. Little kids will be hard-pressed to find a better public place for hide-and-seek or tag.

The park gets a lot of love from city staff, who have kept the decades-old playgound in good shape, repairing broken parts, making changes where

replacements are no longer available and painting the entire structure. A 26-year-old rocket-themed slide — an Amherst landmark — got a $4,000 makeover in 2019.

The playground is also right next to one of the only public swimming pools in Lorain County to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Anna Schmauch Memorial Pool is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends through Aug. 15. Capacity is limited to 175 people

at a time. Admission is $8 per day ($8.25 if using a credit card), with no season passes.

• The best thing about the playground at South Central Park on Avon Belden Road in North Ridgeville? The trees.

They provide cool shade over the entire play area and much of the 1.2-mile asphalt walking path, which circles a small fishing lake.

The more modern playground is perfect for little climbers, with a bridge, platforms, lots of ladders and slides of all shapes.

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

LC Public Health celebrates its pandemic partnerships

LETTER TO THE EDITOR The ‘longest intermission’ is finally over To the editor: Olde Towne Hall Theatre in North Ridgeville found unique ways to stay connected with their actors and audience throughout 2020, but live theater just isn’t the same virtually.

Community theater provides a safe space for people of aall ages to grow not only as a performer, but also as a person. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges for everyone, but those of us who love live theater and musicals were lost without the connection with our theater and our “theater family.”

The beauty of theater is that a cast becomes so much more than another actor or singer on the stage — they become family. Families of all sorts were restricted from spending time with one another throughout 2020, and the reunions of 2021 have been heartwarming.

The same can be said for the family of performers at Olde Towne Hall Theatre. The 2021 season kicked off with an outdoor performance of Johnny Cash’s "Ring of Fire." The OTHT Junior Theater youth performers planned to perform outdoors in May but the storms rolled in and we had to quickly formulate a Plan B! The Oberlin City Schools and the high school administration and facilities management team threw open their

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doors and welcomed us with open arms. Despite the hectic chaos of creating their own Plan B due to Oberlin High School graduation being moved indoors, Principal Chris Frank and his team graciously allowed us to perform "Beauty and the Beast Jr." in the OHS Brubaker Auditorium.

In July, the summer theater youth were planning to perform "Frozen Jr." in an outdoor venue, but Hurricane Elsa had other plans. Olde Towne Hall Theatre was again blessed with an indoor space when North Ridgeville City Schools allowed us to use their Academic Center stage.

Our theater, actors, board of directors and families want to express our gratitude to these two school districts. Olde Towne Hall Theatre is a community theater in the purest form, bringing together individuals from all corners of Lorain County and beyond. We are so grateful to be embraced by these school districts which allowed our “show to go on.”

The Olde Towne Hall Theatre Players look forward to giving back to the community at the Corn Festival by performing Friday night oldies but goodies from the 50s and 60s, and selections from the golden age of Broadway on Saturday night.

Heidi J. W. Freas

DYLAN REYNOLDS THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA TWP. — Lorain County Public Health closed its office an hour early last Thursday afternoon to welcome groups and individuals who have helped fight the coronavirus pandemic alongside the health department.

Between 60 and 80 guests were expected at the open house, where public health staff gave tours and provided food for those who have played a role in managing the pandemic in one way or another.

“We wanted to make sure we could find an opportunity to celebrate all the partners that really helped us navigate through this pandemic, because a lot of the efforts from first confirmed case all the way through vaccination were successful because of our partnerships,” said Erin Murphy, director of health promotion and chronic disease prevention.

Partners included local government officials — several of whom attended — safety forces and members of other agencies. But they also included area school districts, which Murphy said were a big help for Lorain County Public Health during the pandemic.

“Our health commissioner was able to connect with them on basically a weekly basis,” she said.

“And in the long run that was great, because as we came toward vaccination time, they were some of our best partners for hosting big vaccination clinics, always very willing to help.”

Volunteer members of the Medical Reserve Corps, who have played key roles at vaccine clinics, were also invited to the open house. Murphy said medically trained members of the corps administered vaccines for the health department, while non-medically trained members filled other roles like security, promotion and helping lines move.

“We are celebrating them too because those were all volunteer hours, very long volunteer hours,” she said.

Guests were guided through numerous areas in Lorain County Public Health’s headquarters on Murray Ridge Road, which was completed in December 2019, just months before it became the center for much of the county’s pandemic response.

It was fortunate the building opened when it did, giving the health department enough room to operate during the pandemic, said Health Commissioner David Covell. The larger building was needed to better serve a larger population after city health departments in Lorain, Elyria and Avon Lake merged into the county agency, Murphy said.

The Elyria Health Department was the last city health department in Lorain County that merged, at the start of 2017.

Guests were shown where vaccines are administered, where food safety inspectors work, where mosquito larvae are tested for disease, where employees can work out in a fitness room, where staff plan public health campaigns and other spaces throughout the office.

CLASSIFIEDS GARAGE SALE

OBERLIN 346 Reamer Place.

Multi-Family Garage Sale: Fri & Sat. 9am - 4pm

LEGALS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO 2021 SEWER LINING 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, Friday, August 13, 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. 7/29; 8/5/21 20686859

PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on July 19, 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 30-21 Concurring w/ the expenditure of $50k of ARPA Funds. Ordinance 117-21* Submitting the question to the electors of Lorain for their approval/rejection on 11/2/2021 whether a charter framed by the Charter Comm. shall be adopted/effective 1/1/2023 118-21* Auth the S/S Director to apply to State of Ohio in accordance w/ ORC 4301.82 to expand the boundaries of the existing Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area 119-21 Denying the Planning Commission's recommendation to rezone 6075 Middle Ridge Road from B-2 to R-3. 120-21* Amending Ord. 101-19, Section II- defining funding. 121-21* Auth the S/S Director to procure park equipment from Midstates Recreation to enhance the

community parks. 122-21 Amending Section II of Ord. 39-21, auth the S/S Director to enter into an agrmt w/ Sustainable Strategies DC (S2) for prof services related to securing state/federal funds. 12321* Auth the City to enter into a contract for the demolition of 4 blighted properties. 124-21* Assessing the cost of abating nuisance by cutting noxious weeds during 2021. 125-21* Auth a new lease agreement between the City & LCCAA to continue operations at 1050 Reid Avenue. 126-21* Auth the S/S Director to advts for bids for the sale of real property no longer needed for muni purposes. 127-21* Appropriation. (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.)

L.C.C.G. 7/29; 8/5/21 20686875

LEGAL NOTICE Nora Everett, Defendant, whose last known address is 4070 Abbe Rd. Sheffield Village, Ohio 44055 ADDRESS, is hereby notified that Rollin Everett Jr., Plaintiff, has filed his Complaint for Divorce on DATE, captioned Everett vs. Everett, CASE NO. 21DR088943, against her in the Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, Lorain County Justice Center, 225 Court Street, Elyria, Ohio, Lorain County, Ohio, asking for Divorce, on the grounds

of INCOMPATIBILITY. Said Defendant is required to serve upon the Plaintiff, a copy of an answer to the Complaint within twenty-eight (28) days after service of the publication of this notice. Your answer must thereafter be filed with the Court within three (3) days after the service of a copy of the answer on Plaintiff and that the case will be set for hearing on or after the 1 th day of September, 2021, at 10 o'clock A.m.

Rollin J. Everett Jr. L.C.C.G. 7/8-15-22-29; 8/5-12/21 20685682

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A PETITION TO VACATE A PORTION OF REGINA AVENUE (60 FT. IN WIDTH) FROM THE SOUTH LINE OF SUBLOTS 123 AND 303 OF THE FALBO SUBDIVISION NORTHERLY A DISTANCE OF 20 FEET. Notice is hereby given that on July 16, 2021, Lorain City Council received a petition to vacate a portion of Regina Avenue (60 ft. in width) from the south line of sublots 123 and 303 of the Falbo Subdivision northerly a distance of 20 feet.

The signed frontage on the petition was certified by the Lorain City Engineer to represent one-hundred percent

of the frontage between the points named and one hundred percent of the frontage owning lots in the immediate vicinity, and/or abutting the portion of the street prayed to be vacated or have an interest in said street.

As required by Chapter 723 of the Ohio Revised Code, Lorain City Council will hold a public hearing on this matter on Monday, August 23, 2021 @ 5 p.m. in Lorain City Council Chamber, First Floor City Hall, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio, The petition, maps and any other documention pertaining to this matter are on file for examination and inspection by the general public during normal business hours in the Clerk of Council Office, City Hall First Floor, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio.

N. Greer, CMC L.C.C.G. 7/22-29; 8/5-12-1926/21 20686588

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Please be advised that Lorain City Council will host public hearings on Monday, August 23, 2021 in the Lorain City Council Chamber 200 West Erie Ave., Lorain, Ohio.

The hearings will commence at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the following items: ZCA-9-2021 - Application to

rezone PPN 03-00-101-119001, 03-00-101-120-031, 0300-101-108-029, 030, 031, 032, 033, 034 @ 3956 Globe Avenue, Todd Hall is the applicant; ZCA-10-2021 - Application to rezone PPN 02-01-003-168006, from B-2 to R-3 and PPN 02-01-003-168-036 from R-2 to R-3 @ 205 W. 21 Street and adjoining rear land on W. 22nd Street, Family & Community Services, applicant; ZCA-11-2021 - Application to rezone PPN 02-01-003-167017 @ 2100 Reid Avenue from B-2 to R-3. Family & Community Services is the applicant.

ZCA-12-2021 - Application to rezone PPN02-01-003-150016 & 02-01-003-150-001 - 1657 Broadway Avenue; Vermilion Shores LLC is the applicant.

The Lorain City Planning Commission met on July 7, 2021 and on July 14, 2021, and recommend approval of the items above to Lorain City Council.

Copies of all documentation related to this proposal will be on file for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk of Council, 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio. Please contact Nancy_Greer@ cityoflorain.org for additional information. NANCY GREER, CMC L.C.C.G. 7/22-29/21 20686466

DECLARING IT NECESSARY TO CONSTRUCT SIDEWALKS IN THE CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO AND REQUIRING ABUTTING PROPERTY OWNERS TO CONSTRUCT THE SAME. Lorain City Council passed Reso. No. 26-21, on June 21, 2021, requiring the following property owners to construct/ repair sidewalks in accordance with the provisions of ORC Section 729 and Lorain Codified Ordinance Chapter 903. The specifications and cost estimates prepared by the City Engineering are on file and listed below: Cesar Rodriguez 2-01-006153-001 1061 W. 22nd St. 76 s.f. $912, Nathan Kolcun 3-00-099-109022 2041 E. 42nd St. 60 s.f. $720, Kid Lameer 3-00-097-116-041 4708 Watford Road 72 s.f. $864, Barbara Fries 2-01-006-117040 1144 W. 11th St. 72 s.f. $864, Healing Wings 3-00-098-105031 300 E. 28th St. 312 s.f. $3,744, Mark Pager 2-02-008-101-012 4172 Cambridge 60 s.f $720, Devan Brown 2-02-013-111002 4012 Cambridge Ave. 68 s.f $816, Dowell Clifton 2-02-012-113004 2743 W. 40th st. 68 s.f. $816, Kenny Leetch 2-02-013-108-

018 2708 W. 40th St. 64 s.f $768, Jeffrey Phillips 3-00-098-116018 3002 Denver Ave. 452 s.f. $5,424, Michael Savioli 3-00-048-102008 2630 E. Erie Ave. 172 s.f. $2,064, Christopher Way 3-00-048102-019 2621 Cleveland Blvd.

184 s. f. $2,208.

The owner of said lots abutting/abounding the proposed sidewalks above shall construct and/or repair, in accordance with said sections, plans and specifications on file in the Clerk of Council and City Engineering Office within a period of thirty (30) days after the service of notice of passage of Reso. 26-21. If said construction/repair is not completed within such time period of 30 days after the service of the notice, the Council shall have the same construction/repair completed and the entire cost shall be assessed on the property of each defaulting owner made in a lien thereon, to be collected in a manner provided by law, with penalty and interest. Any person objecting to an assessment on said list shall file an objection in writing with the Clerk of the Legislative authority @ 200 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, Ohio, within two weeks after the expiration of the receipt of notice provided for herein.

L.C.C.G. 7/15-22-29/21 20686022

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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.

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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

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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.

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Thursday, July 29, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

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Over breakfast, Patti Young talks with others who 23 years ago helped found Main Street Wellington.

‘Founders Day’ breakfast for Main Street pioneers JASON HAWK EDITOR

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WELLINGTON — A thank-you breakfast was held last Tuesday to honor the volunteers who came together 23 years ago to form Main Street Wellington.

The first Founders Day and Lifetime Member Celebration was held at the Main Street office on West Herrick Avenue.

Richard Saccardi, the nonprofit's current president, said he is thankful for those who had the foresight to create an organization to help downtown businesses thrive.

"They had a vision in mind to keep the town quaint and simple, and make it an attractive place to visit," he said.

Patti Young was one of those founding members. "There was so much that had to be done," she recalled, talking about how the village streetscape has been revitalized with flowers, benches, paint and a lot of marketing since 1998.

Over the past few decades, village officials have tended to focus on developing Wellington's industrial park, which brought big-dollar anchors to town, she said. Main Street Wellington was needed in the historical heart of town, where shops used to struggle.

Now its shady walks, stores and restaurants have become a destination for shopping tourism, said Young. "These places are thriving. I never would have dreamed of it," she said.

Jenny Arntz, Main Street Wellington's executive director, said the breakfast was intended to remind folks how much change their investment in the town has wrought.

"As we grow and adapt to what the community needs, it's so important to stay connected to our beginnings," she said.

ORIGINAL MEMBERS

The original members and businesses that cooperated in 1998 to form Main Street Wellington included: - Denise Breyley, Beriswill Insurance Agency - Marc Lupico, Billing Co. - Larry Broome - Bill Brumfield, Brumfield Foods - George Usalis, Cleveland City Forge - Chris Mallett, Elms Retirement Village - Sara Bogojevich, Ewers & Bogojevich - Diane Hinkle, Farmer's Daughter - Tom Lee, Farmer's Savings Bank - Judy Kucas, FirstMerit Bank - John Cloud, Forest City Technologies - Morris Furcron - Frank Ashbaugh, Frank E. Ashbaugh Co. - Dale Durkee, Grafton Cable - Alice Harrison - Ralph Hayes - Patricia Lindley, Herrick Memorial Library - Connie Johnson, Johnson & Dolesch - Kenyon Glor, DDS - Robert King, King Realty - Dean Lewis, Lewis Plumbing - George Melnyk, Livery Apartments - Carmel Grissinger, Pizza House - Larry Querin, Querin Apartments - Tim Simonson, Simonson Clock Shop - William Schlather, Sponseller-Peterson Agency - Ted Hyde, Strongsville Savings Bank - Ron Stevanus, Sun Lettering Service - Dan Trinter, Trinter Agency - Joan Eaton, Village Antiques - Karen Webb, Village of Wellington - Ralph Hayes, Wellington Enterprise - Patti Young, Wellington Implement - Tom Zupan, Whirlaway Corporation - Margery Young

Wellington gives police ‘chronic nuisance’ law JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — Police are being given more legal muscle to handle problems with repeat offenders in the village, over the objection of one councilman.

Wellington Village Council voted last week to reinstate its "chronic nuisance" ordinance. First passed in 2016, it is intended to give cops leverage when they are called time after time to the same address for certain violations.

They include issues with disturbances, assault, menacing, domestic violence, criminal damaging, sale of tobacco to minors, theft, criminal trespass, accumulation of junk, sex offenses, alcohol violations — the list is long, and includes any and all felonies.

Police Chief Tim Barfield previously said he'd never had invoked the ordinance, but liked having it there as an option.

He said it was used to force the kinds of conversations that led to problems being resolved.

But the nuisance ordinance fell off the books two years ago, by design. It was originally passed with an expiration date that came and went, unnoticed.

This time, it was placed on the books

permanently. Council voted to strip it of a proposed five-year sunset clause.

"I don't see any reason to put a time limit on this ordinance and have it expire," said Councilman Gene Hartman.

The chronic nuisance ordinance is a tool for police that is "progressive in nature," he said.

As written, it allows police to abate a problem at the property owner's expense.

The provision can be invoked when officers are called to the same address three or more times in a 12-month period.

Councilman Guy Wells objected to extending the nuisance ordinance's power indefinitely, and provided the lone vote against passage. He said he believes it should be reviewed periodically.

Wells' objections in last week's meeting were vague. He called the ordinance an example of "laws that are so unneeded that you don't notice when they lapse" and said he believes it could have unforeseen consequences.

He said he is wary of "the ballooning of things you can stick on a property owner" over time if unchecked.

Hartman said Wellington's laws can be reviewed and amended anytime without the need for a sunset provision. He also said the nuisance ordinance has an appeal process built in as a check and balance.

New Russia funding meeting

The New Russia Township Board of Trustees will meet at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 31 at the township administrative offices, 46300 Butternut Ridge Rd. On the agenda is a discussion of how to use federal American Rescue Plan funding in the township. The meeting is open to the public.

B

OUR TOWNS

Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, July 29, 2021

Nonpartisan election filing deadline is Aug. 4 DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA — Lorain County's elections director is asking anyone interested in taking out petitions to run for nonpartisan school board or township races this fall to do so soon.

The deadline to file for nonpartisan races is 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, Lorain County Board of Elections Director Paul

Adams said.

Anyone thinking about running in one of those races can stop by the board of elections office at 1985 North Ridge Rd., Sheffield Township, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to pick up a petition.

Once the appropriate number of valid signatures are collected, the petitions should be dropped back off at the office.

Anyone with questions about running for elected office may

call the board of elections at (440) 326-5900 or contact elections officials through the board's website at www.voteloraincountyohio.gov.

Those running for nonpartisan races in the cities of Vermilion, Avon Lake and Sheffield Lake already have filed, and do not need to do so again, Adams said.

The deadline for those races has already passed.

The Aug. 4 filing deadline also does not include partisan races in

Elyria, Lorain, Amherst and North Ridgeville that are on the November general ballot, Adams said.

Adams said it is acceptable and legal for interested candidates to go online to the Ohio secretary of state's website and print out their own petitions, but he said the county Board of Elections recommends first-time candidates go to the board of elections to ensure they get the appropriate petitions and get their questions answered.

Errors most frequently are

caught after the petitions have been circulated, signatures obtained and the petitions filed with the board, Adams said.

Having the incorrect petitions or not printing the full petition found online could result in the petition being rejected "because (the candidate) did not follow the rules or filed the wrong petition," he said.

The board plans to meet the week after the deadline to certify the nonpartisan petitions, Adams said.

Police chief placed on paid leave during investigation

WELLINGTON SCHOOLS

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Photos by Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

Gavin Flynn, Tristan Kent and Gavin McMullin have a blast doing yoga in the McCormick Middle School gym on Thursday, June 22.

‘Summer Warriors’ are getting ready for the fall JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — "I like to do yoga," said Makenna Cole, moving through the forms, from downwardfacing dog to warrior pose.

She stood in a circle last Thursday morning with more than a dozen other kids, stretching their arms and legs in the McCormick Middle School gymnasium.

Cole and her friends were among

the more than 140 students who showed up for the "Summer Warriors" program. It's aimed toward the preschoolers through third-graders who will attend Westwood Elementary this fall.

The number of children taking part in the five-week summer school through Aug. 19 has Kubasak excited — it's more than half the kids Westwood normally hosts during the academic year.

"Having that many students engaged shows me our community

takes education seriously," she said.

Parents understand the impact COVID had on young learners, she said. They've seen the disruption the pandemic caused both academically and socially.

Kubasak said participation shows parents understand that kids need an extra boost before this fall. They want their kids to be competitive with students in other Lorain County districts.

WARRIORS PAGE B2

Ceiling fall-in disaster spoils Peace Church’s in-person return JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — When everything was starting to look up, the ceiling came crashing down.

Peace Community Church was planning its return to in-person worship services for Sunday, July 25. It would have been the first time the congregation had been together in person to sing and pray since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last March.

But the celebration was prematurely canceled when a 105-year-old patch of plaster dislodged. It fell 30 feet or so, crashing onto the altar and shattering the glass of the communion table.

"I'm just glad no one was in there when the plaster fell," said the Rev. Erica Saunders.

The heavy plaster narrowly missed a historic

AMHERST — Police Chief Joseph Kucirek was placed on an indefinite administrative leave starting late Friday afternoon.

The paid leave will be in effect pending the results of a fact-finding investigation regarding complaints about working conditions at the Amherst Police Department, according to public records obtained through a request under Ohio's Sunshine Law. "While on leave, you are prohibited from contacting the police department employees regarding the investigation," said a letter from Mayor Mark Costilow to Kucirek.

It also barred the chief from the North Lake Street police station's premises.

As the focal point of a report detailing friction within his department, Chief Joseph Kucirek Kucirek issued a brief statement last week.

"During my 30+ years with the Amherst Police Department, I have always strived to conduct myself with the highest of standards, including the honor and integrity that this noble profession demands, and more importantly that society demands from us," he wrote.

"I know that the community stands behind our agency because of the hard work, compassion and professionalism of our officers, dispatchers and staff, which I am very proud of."

The statement did not directly address the conclusions drawn by LeBrun Management Solutions, which was hired by Mayor Mark Costilow and Safety Service Director John Jeffries to dig into turnover and low morale among officers.

The company used interviews and surveys of employees, and determined the authoritative leadership style used by Kucirek must change.

"Discontinue with the micro-management/autocratic mentality and learn to inspire, empower and motivate the department through delegation of power to lieutenants and sergeants," the report said. "Becoming a 'transformational leader' requires the chief to consider the unique needs, skills and motivations of the team players and removes any concern of an environment that may be supporting a 'bully' mentality."

It said turnover in the ranks is likely to continue KUCIREK PAGE B2 1960-2021

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The Rev. Erica Saunders sits on the altar of Peace Community Church, Oberlin, amid the debris from a ceiling collapse. The entire ceiling is in danger of collapsing. organ owned by Oberlin College and often used by students for practice, she said.

Saunders was on vacation when she got a text

from music director Ryan Dearon, who discovered the damage in late June.

She pointed to the damaged area last Thursday morning. It's a small circle

above the altar, but caused a lot of damage below, throwing dust and debris everywhere.

CEILING PAGE B2

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Page B2

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Groundbreaking for $5.6 million library addition JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Nearly two years of planning have gone into a $5.6 million addition to the Amherst Public Library, but it took just a few short seconds to turn over the first few shovels of dirt.

There were cheers last Wednesday afternoon as ground was broken in a ceremony on Spring Street.

"We weren't always sure sometimes if we were going to make this happen," said Laura Dulmage, president of the library board. "We certainly knew that a lot of people in the community were supportive."

A chain-link fence has already gone up at the rear of the library, and spray paint marks utilities under the surrounding sidewalks and parking lot.

Concrete will be removed from the lot in the next couple of weeks, clearing the way for a two-story, 7,500-square-foot expansion.

The construction timetable is already running slightly behind due to final planning, Dovala said, with work expected to continue through the winter and wrap up next March or April.

The main entrance on the south side has already been cut off.

Patrons can now enter and exit on the Spring Street side of the building.

Dovala gave assurances that the library will remain open as much as possible throughout the construction process — but he's been clear that closures will happen, and areas inside may periodically be unavailable.

Dulmage said the expansion project is important "because the world's changing. Information is available if we access it. Information is a powerful tool in every aspect of our lives. We need to take the time to look, to listen, to view and consider."

That was the belief of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, who sponsored construction of the Amherst library in 1906 and some 3,000 libraries across the world before his death in 1919.

Carnegie held that a library outranked any one other thing a community could provide for its people, Dulmage said — he called it "a never-failing spring in a desert."

And in return, the residents of Amherst and surrounding towns have embraced the library's vision, Dovala said.

"We are grateful for the community's support and trust as we begin this next chapter in the library's history," he said.

Photos by Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

ABOVE: Trustees and staff members dig into the soft dirt at the Amherst Public Library in a July 21 groundbreaking ceremony for a new addition.

LEFT: Library director Don Dovala. RIGHT: Library board President Laura Dulmage talks about living up to the legacy of Andrew Carnegie.

KUCIREK

FROM B1

WARRIORS

FROM B1

Makenna Cole stretches during a yoga session in the Summer Warriors program for Westwood Elementary School.

And so many Wellington families have pushed aside the stigma typically reserved for summer school. Kubasak said she personally called about 100 families in the district to explain it has nothing to do with low grades, and is in no way a punishment.

Instead, "Summer Warriors" is a chance for kids to have fun, blow off some steam and get a leg up on the start of the new school year at the same time.

A little extra academic attention is needed for everyone this year, she said: "Some of our kids did very well, but a lot of others really struggled," she said.

"We're trying to catch all families, not just those that are at risk."

The summer camp features fun activities for kids, mixed with short smallgroup sessions where teachers can work on phonics and other fundamental skills.

Twelve teachers, three paraprofessionals and an assortment of high-schoolers and other volunteers have chipped in to make it all happen.

There are sessions for Zumba, music, nutrition, sports time with Dukes varsity athletes and field trips to the Herrick Memorial Library where each will get their own library card.

There are also stories and science and technology projects. Kubasak showed off kits that challenge kids to use technical and problem-solving skills to build a craft, like electric buzzers to be used for a quiz show.

Every student received a "bridge" book filled with activities to keep their academic skills fresh as they head into the fall. Those who complete the workbooks will get a T-shirt, a free book of their choice and another prize.

unless officers are lifted up by their superiors.

Leadership from sergeants and lieutenants was rated well by Amherst Police Department employees, the report said.

But it also noted a rift between Kucirek and Lt. Dan Makruski that "is displayed publicly and well known by the staff, making everyone uncomfortable."

Lack of manpower, a perceived failure to listen, prolonged time before decisions are made and particularly discontent over disciplinary tactics were all key complaints noted in LeBrun's report.

Staff cited lack of communication, lack of trust and lack of effective positive leadership as the top challenges the Amherst Police Department faces, the assessment said.

Most staff have decided going to Kucirek or Lt. Mark Cawthon with their ideas and feedback isn't worth it, "as it will fall

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on deaf ears," the report said. A common theme in interviews was that Kucirek does not care — "Do things his way or leave," the LeBrun report said.

Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed, which included both current and former staff, said they did not find it easy to meet with department leaders about a problem.

Another 61 percent said they do not feel leaders demonstrate job competency.

Another takeaway: 69 percent said the leaders — later defined in interviews as Kucirek — did not admit errors and mistakes, because they were always right.

Mayor Mark Costilow previously say the report was intended to get an unbiased look at the climate within the police department, and that the results were unexpected.

He said it's too early to tell how the report may be used to change the culture among Amherst police officers.

Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

Peace Community Church, located on East Lorain Street, was built in 1916 and maintenance has been a concern for many years, said the Rev. Erica Saunders.

CEILING

FROM B1 The larger concern is that the rest of the ceiling is in the same shape and poses a danger, Saunders said — services can't return to normal because the church can't guarantee the congregation's safety.

The the condition of the building has been a concern for a long time, she said.

Her predecessors, the Revs. Steve and Mary Hammond, had considered closing the building several decades ago as the congregation dwindled. Keeping it open took hard work and sacrifice, and often delaying maintenance projects.

"And with a 100-year-old building, a lot can go wrong," Saunders said.

Quotes put the ceiling repair bill at between $5,000 and $10,000. The church has an average attendance of just 25, so covering that cost just isn't possible without new revenue, Saunders said.

"We have historically been pretty cashstrapped," she said.

Not only is there a small pool of wallets to draw from, but the church prefers to use its offerings to help people in need, she said. Whenever there is extra cash, it's sent to Oberlin Community Services, used for adopting families at Christmas, given to environmental groups and earmarked to support groups such as Equality Ohio and the Lorain County LGBTQ and Allies Task Force.

The only option now is to gear up for a capital campaign for repairs. Peace Community Church is asking for donors to send cash or checks to 44 East Lorain St., Oberlin, OH 44074, or to give via a Paypal link that can be found at www.pccoberlin.org.

In the meantime, Saunders said there are discussions being held about having inperson worship just a few blocks away at the First Church in Oberlin United Church of Christ for the coming weeks or months until the problem is fixed.

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B3

Gallery of Success inductees named From theater teachers to medical pot magnates, 2021 alumni honorees are diverse JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Ten people will be inducted into the Amherst Distinguished Alumni Gallery of Success this fall, the largest class since the inaugural class in 1986.

The selection process was difficult with 20 nominations received this year, according to teacher and district historian Russ Marty, who oversees the biennial ceremony.

A panel of students narrowed the field to 10 finalists, he said.

"It's such a diverse group," said Marty. This year's inductees include: • Patricia (nee Schwitzke) Baum, a 1971 graduate.

She works in cardiovascular and peripheral vascular medicine and research at the Cardiovascular Clinical Science Foundation in Boston, Massachusetts.

• David Cotton, a 1966 graduate. He spent his entire 30-year career at the Amherst Schools, teaching English, speech, drama and founding the television production program that gave rise to the high school's daily news broadcast. After retirement, Cotton continued teaching theater at Lorain County Community College. He was also artistic director of Sandstone Summer Theater, directed numerous plays at the Workshop Players Theatre and was a columnist for the Amherst

Patricia Baum

David Cotton

Ben Criss

Erica Mantell

Jeffrey McCourt

Joseph Mlakar

Gary Orseno

Cody Stollings

Nicholas Teets

Scott Vilagi

News-Times.

• Ben Criss, a 1969 graduate. He is an artist and restoration expert responsible for designing and building fantasy installations. Among his works are a subterranean fantasy world at Citizen's Capital Corporation in New York City, restoration of the Lorain Palace Theater interior and a "Godzilla bathroom" for a Shaker Heights mansion. Criss also restored the north and south exterior sandstone walls at Amherst Town Hall, restored the mayor's office and rebuilt the downtown bandstand.

• Erica (nee Kelly) Mantell, a 2010 graduate.

She is resident physician at Dublin Methodist Hospital near Columbus and has been selected to be a chief resident next year. Diagnosed in college with acute lumphoblastic leukemia, she underwent a bone marrow transplant and today the cancer is in remission.

Mantell was named the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's 2020 Woman of the Year for central Ohio after raising $80,000 for the nonprofit.

• Jeffrey McCourt, a 2002 graduate. He is the founder and CEO of Firelands Scientific, a medical marijuana company. After cannabis was legalized in Ohio in 2016, McCourt was awarded one of the state's 12 large grower licenses and oversaw construction of a more-than $20 million cultivation facility in Huron. His company is now the largest medical marijuana cultivator in Ohio.

• Joseph Mlakar, a 1979 graduate. He is a plastic surgeon in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and clinical assistant professor of plastic surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine at Fort Wayne.

• Gary Orseno, a 1978 graduate. He worked as an Amherst teacher for 30

years, mostly as a physical education instructor at the elementary level. In addition to coaching football for 31 seasons, Orseno has also coached eighth grade girls basketball and junior varsity softball over the years. He has also served the Amherst community as a part-time firefighter and a member of the Lorain County Dive Team.

• Cody Stollings, a 2004 graduate. He is a senior master sergeant and superintendent of the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron at Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming.

Stollings is responsible for overseeing security for in-transit and store nuclear weapons and weapons systems. He was previously the non-commissioned officer in charge of operations for Air Force Two, in charge of the vice president of the United States' security in flight.

• Nicholas Teets, a

2003 graduate. He heads an international team of researchers that has made three trips to Antarctica to study the Antarctic midge, the only insect species endemic to the continent.

Teets hopes his research can lead to breakthroughs in cryopreservation of human tissues and organs for transplantation.

• Scott Vilagi, a 1978 graduate. After working at the Nordson Corporation in Amherst, he patented a new saw blade design and helped vastly boost sales at Oldham, a North Carolinabased company that was eventually sold to Black & Decker. He went on to serve as vice president of sales for Gorilla Glue, growing the business to about $400 million. Today he serves on the company's board of directors, and also sits on the board of the nonprofit Hope to Walk, which uses Gorilla Glue to manufacture low-cost

prosthetic for people in developing nations.

The Gallery of Success Class of 2021 will be inducted in a by-invitationonly ceremony on Friday, Sept. 24 at Marion L. Steele High School.

"We want to celebrate the diverse successes of our alumni. But I also think it's really important for our student body to see that people who have walked these halls and have gone on to do great things," said Marty.

The ceremony is also intended to show that success can be defined in many ways, he said — it can be measured in terms of wealth, service, scientific advancement, lives saved and many other metrics.

"It's so cool to see what these people have done with such a wide range of success," said Marty.

"They make me even more proud to be from Amherst."

Ohio Supreme Court refers request to unseal Gibsons v. Oberlin College evidence to mediation DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE

The Ohio Supreme Court has referred a request by several media outlets and support organizations to unseal evidence to a mediator in the lawsuit by Gibson's Bakery in Oberlin against Oberlin College.

WEWS-TV in Cleveland and other petitioners had requested a writ of mandamus from the Ohio Supreme Court to force Lorain County Common Pleas Judge John Miraldi to release photos of Facebook posts by Allyn D. Gibson, the son and grandson of the owners of Gibson's Bakery, that were included in an exhibit during the 2019 civil trial, but never introduced in court.

An attorney for The Reporters Committee For Freedom of the Press joined WEWS-TV's re-

quest for a writ, according to court documents filed July 15.

The state's highest court "refers this case to mediation ... and stays all filing deadlines for this case until further order of this court," Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor wrote in a brief decision handed down last Thursday. "The court will not issue any decision on the merits of this case until mediation has concluded."

The suit against Oberlin College ended in June 2019 with a jury finding in favor of the Gibsons for more than $35 million in damages and attorney fees for libel and interference. Both sides have since appealed and are awaiting a decision on the matter from the 9th District Court of Appeals in Akron.

In those documents, attorneys for the news organizations argued neither the Gibsons nor

Oberlin College presented arguments to Miraldi to justify sealing Exhibit G, containing photos of Allyn D. Gibson's Facebook posts.

Miraldi denied a request

by Oberlin College attorneys to make the evidence public in September 2019.

Because Miraldi sealed it from public view, it remains unclear what the exhibit contains except more than 30 pages of Allyn D. Gibson's Facebook posts.

Miraldi had ruled there was "no less restrictive alternative to complete restriction" of access to the evidence, according to court documents, but according to the petitioners failed to identify "what risks of injury, privacy interests, or harms to the fairness of the adjudicatory process might potentially be affected by unsealing Exhibit G, nor did it identify or make specific findings

Interested in a career in real estate?

Lorain County Community College will hold a real estate career information session from 6:30-9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5 in the Health Sciences building, room 201.

Attendees will learn about the state requirements for becoming a real estate sales agent and meet local brokers. Informa-

tion on how to earn a short-term technical certificate and an associate degree in real estate will be shared.

Register at www.lorainccc.edu/realestate or call (440) 366-4030.

Lorain County Community College is located at 1005 North Abbe Rd., Elyria.

as to why or how continued sealing of Exhibit G is essential to preserve those interests."

Miraldi again denied, in an April 2020 ruling, a request by WEWS-TV, Advance Ohio — owner of the Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com — and the Ohio Coalition for Open Government and several other media organizations and outlets to publicly release the evidence.

WEWS-TV appealed that ruling to the 9th District Court of Appeals in June 2020, an appeal

that was denied without a hearing on June 17 this year. The appeals court ruled it was outside its jurisdiction to consider the matter and said it was more suited to a writ of mandamus filed with the Ohio Supreme Court, according to court records.

Allyn D. Gibson was not a party to the lawsuit filed by the bakery, his father David and grandfather Allyn W. "Grandpa" Gibson. Oberlin College did not call the younger Allyn Gibson as a witness at trial in 2019, though

his father and grandfather both testified.

Miraldi previously wrote that the material in the exhibit "largely pre-dates the events giving rise" to the lawsuit, though he had allowed the posts to be introduced as character evidence regarding the younger Allyn Gibson.

Attorneys for the Gibsons argued that Oberlin College "waived any argument that these materials were admissable" by failing to attempt to introduce them as evidence.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 JULY 29, 2021

BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE.

Page B4

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

‘I don’t like to pull punches’

Russell a finalist for Ohio Teacher of the Year JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Kurt Russell has never been one to shy away from frank discussions about race.

The topic is impossible to avoid in his U.S. history classes at Oberlin High School. When conversations on slavery, civil rights and the way Black people have struggled against oppression arise, Russell said he is careful not to tell students what to think.

But he makes sure they think hard.

"I don't like to pull punches. I like to make sure students know the truth," he said.

The teacher of 25 years said he feels his approach — being completely authentic and giving teens room to talk through tough issues — is among the reasons he is being honored by the Ohio Department of Education.

Russell has been named the Ohio Teacher of the Year for District 2, which includes Lorain, Huron and Erie counties.

On Monday, he was named one of Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune Basketball coach and teacher Kurt Russell leads four finalists for the title of the state's top teacher for 2022. a summer camp earlier this year in the Oberlin Also in the running are Allison High School gymnasium.

National Night Out

Wellington police are inviting the public to National Night Out from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3 on the village green downtown.

The event is intended to build partnerships, trust and camaraderie between officers and residents in towns all over the United States. In Wellington's case, police say its goal is "to make our village a safer, more caring place to live and work."

The evening will include food and drinks.

Beware of scams

The village of Wellington will not call residents to demand payment of utility bills, officials said this past week in an online warning customers to be wary of scams.

To address nonpayment issues, the village mails past-due notices, then red tags and finally disconnection notices.

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Tomlin of the Upper Arlington City Schools, Maggie Oliver of the Akron Public Schools and Carla Neely of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Russell was placed in the mix after being nominated by a parent, which he said made it "a little more meaningful to me."

He said he is humbled to be considered among the state's top teachers, and said he believes his longevity is another reason he is being honored.

A 1990 graduate of Oberlin High School, he said he never wanted anything but to teach at his alma mater, and has no plans to retire soon.

"I've stayed at Oberlin High School because I love it so much," he said. "I guess you could say I'm in it for the long haul."

But Russell said he believes the way he's handled discussions on critical race theory have put him in the spotlight this year.

The nation is struggling to decide how to teach K-12 students about race. Some states are whitewashing the horrors of the past, while others are trying to examine how the machinery of American society continues to limit opportunities for people of color.

Russell said those issues have been a topic not just in the classroom, but also with members of the OHS Black student union, for which he is the adviser.

"It's something we cannot hide from," he said — and often gives rise to questions for which he does not have the answers or solutions.

The goal is to help students understand America to the best of his ability, Russell said.

Over the course of the past quarter century, he has taught African-American history, international baccalaureate history of the Americas and a course on race, gender and oppression.

His efforts to guide teens through difficult issues of history and society earned Russell Teacher of the Year awards from the Oberlin Heritage Center in 2009 and the Oberlin Chapter of the NAACP in 2019.

The state education department also cited his work as head coach of the Oberlin Phoenix boys basketball team since 1996. In that capacity, Russell has previously been named the Lorain County Basketball Association’s Coach of the Year and the Northeast Ohio Coach of the Year.

Oberlin College alumna nominated

by Biden to serve in Middle East post STAFF REPORT

Tamara Cofman Wittes, a graduate of Oberlin College, has been nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as assistant administrator for Middle East, United States Agency for International Development.

Wittes is a senior fellow in the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C.,

that researches ways to solve problems at the local, national and global level.

There she focuses on U.S. policy in the Middle East.

Before joining Brookings in 2003, she served as a Middle East specialist at the U.S. Institute of Peace and director of programs at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

She has also taught courses in international relations and security studies at Georgetown University.

Wittes has prior experience in foreign affairs, serving from November

School donations

The following gifts have been accepted by the Wellington Board of Education: • $27 from Dawson and Jill Boyd for the Dukes track program.

• $28 from Sandra Gasper for the Dukes track program.

• $500 from the American Legion for the Dukes track program.

• Water, eggs, spoons, ice cream cups and other supplies valued at $180 from Village Market for the senior send-off.

• $500 from Gary and Tracey Feron for the Wellington High School and McCormick Middle School drama clubs.

• Five stainless steel water bottles

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2009 to January 2012 as deputy assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs under President Barack Obama. She is also a co-host of "Rational Security," a weekly podcast on foreign policy and national security issues.

Wittes was one of the first recipients of the Rabin-Peres Peace Award, established by President Bill Clinton in 1997.

Named for two Nobel Peace Prize winners, it recognizes those who have devoted themselves to seeking peace in the

valued at $125 from Nathan and Sarah Baxendale for McCormick Middle School student incentives.

• Clothing, shoes, personal care items and more valued at $19,300 from Tammy Koleski for the Cares Closet at Westwood Elementary School.

• $600 from Ashland University for the Westwood Principal’s Fund for the school hosting education students during the spring semester.

• Six $25 gift cards to Altitude Trampoline Park from Emily Campofredano for the winning Battle of the Books team members.

• $100 from Herrick Memorial Library for the Wellington Duke

Middle East.

At Oberlin College, Wittes earned a bachelor's degree in Judaic and Near Eastern studies. She went on to earn a master’s and doctorate in government from Georgetown University.

Her nomination comes shortly after another Oberlin graduate was named to a Biden Administration post. In late June, fellow alumna Jennifer Sung was nominated by the president to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

Pride Carnival for the Summer Food Voucher Program.

• $500 from Valley Chevrolet for the Wellington Duke Pride Carnival for the Summer Food Voucher Program.

• $33,030.70 from the Dukes Running Club for the Dukes cross country and track programs to be used for equipment needs only.

Amherst library meeting

The Amherst Public Library board will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 9 at the library. The meeting is open to the public.

ROWLAND IN CONCERT

Schedule a FREE pickup by September 30 and get $100 for responsibly recycling a working appliance.

You’ll also save on your electric bill by not running your old appliance.

ELIGIBLE APPLIANCES: REFRIGERATOR • FREEZER • DEHUMIDIFIER • ROOM AIR CONDITIONER Certain conditions apply. Contact Efficiency Smart for more information.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE PICKUP TODAY: Visit www.efficiencysmart.org/wellington-ohio and select “Appliance Recycling Rewards” or call Efficiency Smart at 877-889-3777.

One of the energy efficiency initiatives offered in partnership between Village of Wellington Utilities and Efficiency Smart.

Angelo Angel | Wellington Enterprise

Country recording artist Ava Rowland performs a free concert for her hometown Saturday evening at the Wellington town square gazebo.

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B5

JVS’ Bacsi ranks among top young pastry chefs in U.S. PITTSFIELD TWP. — Lorain County JVS culinary arts student Leah Bacsi placed fifth in the nation in the Baking and Pastry event at the 2021 FCCLA Virtual National Competition.

“I am extremely proud of Leah,” said Lorain County JVS culinary arts instructor Chef Tim Michitsch. “Leah is the type of student that goes above and beyond what is expected of her in class and for her competition. She puts in countless hours to master her skills and knowledge to be successful.”

Due to the scheduling of this year’s virtual competitions, Bacsi had only one week to prepare for the national competition, and she didn’t let the tight time frame phase her, Michitsch said.

“Leah set goals for the competition, and she accomplished each goal

without any distractions,” he said. “I was honored to have Leah in class and the opportunity to train her for this competition. I have no doubt that she will have a successful career in the hospitality industry.”

Bacsi said it was weird for all of the competitions to be virtual.

“I had to practice at home for the competitions, which is not the same as practicing at school with all of the commercial grade equipment," she said. "However, it was less nerve-wracking being able to record my competitions because there weren’t all kinds of people around watching.”

“I wanted to participate in the competitions to see how my skills compared to others in my age group,” said Bacsi. “I wanted to be challenged and learn as much about culinary arts as I could.”

Leah Bacsi of Keystone virtually competes at the 2021 FCCLA National Competition.

Where’s Quarry Bear?

The Amherst Public Library’s 17th Annual Scavenger Hunt is underway through Monday, Aug. 23.

Library mascot Quarry Bear has traveled all over the world with his trusty red suitcase. But now he has a problem — he’s lost his vacation photos and can’t share them with his friends.

The library is asking for families to help find Quarry Bear’s missing photos. Visit the second floor of the library and look for Quarry Bear and his red suitcase to pick up an entry sheet, then get searching! Turn in your completed entry by 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 23 to be entered into prize drawings.

Midnight Madness

The Wellington Dukes football team will kick off the fall season with a practice under the lights starting at the stroke of midnight, as the calendar flips from Saturday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 1.

Parents, families and the community are encouraged to watch and support the team at Dukes Football Stadium in Dickson Street. An exhibition game will be played at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12 at Rittman.

HAPPY HOUR ACROSS 1. Sail support 5. *Percentage of alcohol, acr.

8. Cheesy sandwich 12. Oil, in Italy 13. What refugees do 14. Noble one 15. *Moscow ____ 16. Wrinkly fruit 17. Cereal killer 18. *Non-alcoholic cocktail 20. Elementary particle 21. Old and feeble 22. American cuckoo 23. ____ tunnel 26. Create a misnomer 30. *Tap choice 31. Tooth cover 34. A wedge in golf, e.g.

35. Wesley Snipes’ 1998 movie 37. Notable time 38. Fancy neckwear 39. Denim innovator 40. *Beer ____, or biergarten 42. Before, archaic 43. Particular marking on a butterfly 45. Neuter in language, e.g.

47. Red Cross bed 48. Île de la Cité river 50. Lump of stuff 52. *18th Amendment, a.k.a. ____ Act 55. Assemblage of members 56. D’Artagnan’s weapon 57. Freight horse cart 59. “It’s Always ____ in Philadelphia” 60. Wooden pegs 61. *Margarita garnish 62. Lend a hand 63. *Not sweet 64. Sun rising direction DOWN 1. May honoree 2. Homecoming guest 3. Farmer’s storage type 4. Steel on a work boot 5. Relating to aquarium scum 6. Misrepresent 7. Bride screen 8. *Often served dirty, pl.

9. Cogito ____ sum 10. Rumpelstiltskin’s weaver

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Provided photo

11. *Half whiskey, half absinthe cocktail 13. Pointless 14. Chili con carne legumes 19. Between 10 and Queen 22. Breathing matter 23. C in CNN 24. Stray cat’s home 25. Plunder 26. *Fermented honey and water 27. Formed a curve 28. “Fahrenheit 9/11” documentary director 29. Go in 32. *Straight from the bottle 33. Make a blunder 36. *One appeal of happy hour

38. About or concerning, archaic 40. “____ Milk?”

41. Knights’ breastplates 44. Dorothy’s sleeping aid 46. Conifer attribute 48. Deep sleep 49. Lament for the dead 50. ____hub food takeout service 51. Solitary 52. Hawk or peddle 53. Toreador Song from “Carmen,” e.g.

54. River obstructions 55. Geological Society of America 58. Thus far

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

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Page B6

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Lorain County Community Guide

© 2021 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 37, No. 34

Here’s aGreekfable by a man m named Aesop abouta raace between a tortoise anda haare.

It maysurprise youwho wiins!

One person is the hare andthe other is the tortoise. Race against a family member to reachthe finish line first.

The hare ran so fast som me of the words flew out of o the story. Can you find where each word belongss?

T

G GO GO!

zipped off The hare zip the starting line in a blur, leaving the tortoise in a puff of dust.

The tortoise coughed, __________ her eyes, and took the first of her slow, steady steps.

here h once was a hhare who h always bragged that he was the _______ animal in the forest.

“Not even the wind is as fast as me!” the hare would boast.

The tortoise got ________ of such bragging.

The hare was soon way ahead, far down the road. The tortoise could hardly see the hare in the distance, but she wasn’t worried.

“We all have heard you talk and talk about how fast you are, but we have never seen you ______.

I’ll race you,” said tortoise.

wake up. The tortoise didn’t stop.

She just kept walking her slow and steady pace.

When the tortoise was nearly to the finish line, the hare woke up. Yawning and rubbing his eyes, he was shocked to see the tortoise nearing the __________ line.

As the hare rounded the bend in the road, he laughed and thought, “This is too _______! I’m going to rest. That tortoise is so slow that I’ll get up in time and still beat her to the finish line!”

The hare __________ to his feet and ran as fast as he could to try catching up to her to ______ the race.

The hare laughed and laughed.

“There’s no way you can beat me! I am the fastest and you are the ____________!”

T

he hare and the tortoise agreed to race the next __________.

They would race to a big tree down the road and around a bend. Many other animals came out to _________.

About Aesop

Aesop was astoryteller. He lived about 2,500 years ago inancient Greece. His favorite storyto tellwas afable. Afable is a very short story witha moral, or a lesson to teach.

The hare laid down on the warm, soft grass and fell asleep! Later, when the tortoise walked right by the ____________ hare, he didn’t

B

ut by then it was much too late.

The slow little tortoise ________ the finish line first. All of the forest animals cheered loudly for her!

Use the code to discover the moral of Aesop’s fable TheTortoiseandtheHare.

Aesop’s fable TheFoxandtheGrapes tells about a fox whotries and tries to reach grapes on a high branch. Embarassed by being unable to jump high enoughto reach them, the fox walks off angrily, saying loudly that the grapes are sour and not worth the effort anyway.

=A

=O

=C

=R

=E

=S

=I

=T

=L

=W

=N

=Y

There’s Lots of Hares in There!

How many hares can you findin two minutes? Have a friend try.

Who found the most?

and

the

.

TORTOISE BRAGGED FASTEST LAUGHED SLOWEST ASLEEP BOAST AESOP MORAL FABLE HARE BEND BEAT RACE WINS

Look at a photo in the newspaper. Can you make the pose of the person in the photo?

How long can you hold the pose?

Standards Link: Value physical activity for enjoyment and health..

S S O P H B E A T E

P L F S L A R O M H

F O A E C A R T P G

A W S A B T L E E U

This week’s word:

BOAST

B E T E O E E S W A

The verb boast means to brag about what you do or about things that you own.

E T S E S R E D N M

Kayla always boasts about being the best tennis player.

L S E I A L N W I L

O E T A T R A L S S

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

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

The Great Outdoors

ANSWER: Because they have turtlenecks!

Standards Link: Language Arts: Identify action verbs.

Kid Scoop opens the doorsof discovery forelementary school children by providing interactive,engaging and relevant age-appropriatematerials designedto awaken themagic of readingat school, at home,andthroughout theirlives.

Formoreinformation about our literacy non-profit, visit kidscoopnews.org

A D E G G A R B E D

Hop Through the News

Hop is a verb. It is an action word. Look through the newspaper for 10 or more action verbs such as swim, run, walk, etc. Can you act out each one?

Children are born curious.

From theirearliest days,sensory exploration brings delightandwonder.New discoveries expand their minds. When they unlock the joy of reading,their world widens further.

Magic happens.

What do you love about being outdoors? Write about these things while sitting outside in the shade.