WELLINGTON — Someone up there must like Christopher Krupka and EmilyWhileKois.thunder threat ened throughout the Lorain County Fair’s opening cer emony Sunday evening, the rain held off until after the new Junior Fair king and queen were crowned. Or at least hatted — breaking with tradition, no red felt and chrome were placed on Krupka’s brow. Instead, the king was fitted with a black ball cap with his title stitched across it in white.“Idon’t wear a crown in the barns,” he said, ex cited by the change. “Those things would just get dirty fast. I’m going to wear this every single day of the week.”
Photos by Jason Hawk
JASON HAWK EDITOR ROYALTY PAGE A3
Hudson Smith, 4, of Wakeman, helps his sister Natalie wash a Boer market goat. fair amount of fun
Photos by Jason Hawk
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Christopher Krupka is named king and Emily Kois is named queen of the Lorain County Junior Fair during the opening ceremony on Sunday.
AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 Submit items to news@LCnewspapers.com Volume 9, Issue 34 COMMUNITY GUIDELORAIN COUNTY $1.25 OnlyUseServicePostalU.S. Classifieds, legals, display advertising, and subscriptions Deadline: 1 p.m. each Saturday8MondayHours:Phone:Monday440-329-70006:30a.m.to5p.m.throughFridaya.m.to10a.m.onandSunday News staff Jason Phone:news@LCnewspapers.comHawk440-329-7122 Submit news to Deadline:news@lcnewspapers.com10a.m.Tuesday Send obituaries to obits@chroniclet.com Send legal notices to jyoder@chroniclet.com Submit advertising to chama@chroniclet.com Copyright 2022 Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company SPECIAL: Back to school Wellington Wellington focuses on STEM, attendance and staffing • A4 Oberlin Schools are ready to move past COVID • B3 Teachers get three-year contract, raises • B1 OBITUARIES A2 • CLASSIFIEDS A4 • CROSSWORD B2 • SUDOKU B2 • KID SCOOP B6 INSIDE THIS WEEK Get the scoop delivered to your home weekly. Subscribe to the Community Guide Call 440-329-7000 your news Your town AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY GUIDELORAIN COUNTY $1.25 EVERY WEEK: Count on us to reportthe top local stories Don’t miss an issue!
| Enterprise ▲ Julie Palmer of Henrietta Township pets a steer named Baker Mayfield, who was raised by her Morgandaughter,Adkins. Harness racing kicks off on the fair track with 3-yearold filly pacers.
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| Wellington Enterprise
Kois said the Junior Fair boys respectfully requested the switch-up. They’d even considered going with a kingly belt buckle, but that option proved surprisingly expensive.Thequeen’s headwear didn’t change. Kois donned a sparkling tiara on the small stage in front of the grandstand.“Ilikethe tiara better. I think it draws a little more fanciness to it,” she laughed.Krupka, a 2022 gradu ate of Elyria Catholic High School, has been part of 4-H for seven years. He is the son of Frank and Donna Krupka of North Ridgeville. He plans to attend the University of Akron this fall to study mechanical engi neering.“Ilove rebuilding tractor engines. So I figure I like building, I like math — engineering sounds like the way to go,” he said. On the family farm, it’s his job to repair a Ford 3000, his great-grandfa ther’s Farmall A and a Yanmar. The Farmall is his favorite by far – it’s simple, doesn’t have a lot of wiring and it’s easy to take apart andRunners-uprebuild. for the Junior Fair king crown — or ball cap — were Noah Clegg of North Ridgeville, who is the president of the Junior Fair board; and Elijah Kyser of Elyria, who has been in 4-H for 10 Kois,years.ofGrafton, was cho sen from a field of four can didates for queen. A 2022 graduate of Midview High School, she is the daughter of Robert and Stacy Kois. “It’s exciting, a little bit overwhelming,” she said — as a Junior Fair board member, she’s been getting Kois and Krupka are Junior Fair royalty
OBITUARIES
Our condolences go out to families that have suffered the loss of a loved one. To place an obituary or death notice in the Community Guide, call (440) 329-7000.
“By coming together to remember those who lost their lives to accidental overdose and increasing the aware ness of those struggling with substance abuse disorder, we can reduce the stigma and hopefully the number of drug-related overdose deaths,” Doud said. Those in recovery and the families of people whose lives were lost to overdoses are invited to share their stories and tributes during the vigil, which is free and open to the public. Partners in the fight against addiction will be present to share information with attendees. Free Narcan kits and other resources will also be available. People who are unable to attend the vigil but still want to show their support are asked to light up their homes in purple on Aug. 31. They can also wear purple that day and share photos of their gatherings on social media with the hashtag #EndOverdose.
A retrospective exhibit of paintings, prints and other pieces by Ohio-based artist Elaine Albers Cohen is on display in Kendal at Oberlin’s gallery through Monday, Oct. 10. Cohen will give speak at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 in the Heiser Lounge — the first artist talk open to the public since the pandemic began in March 2020. Visitors will be temperature-screened for COVID symptoms and masks are required.Cohen graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art and Case Western Reserve University, where she received a degree in art education. She studied enameling with K. Bates, ceramics with Toshiko Takaezu and finished an inde pendent study in ceramics at BaldwinWallace College, where she created large sculptural vessels. After graduation, Cohen worked in the Lorain City Schools as a high school art teacher. She now works from her home studio in Avon. Cohen has exhibited in many galleries and shows around the country, includ ing the Boston Mills Art Show in Ohio, the Cola Bjel Gallery in New York and William Ris Gallery in New Jersey. She has received merit awards from the International Society of Experimental Artists and the North Coast Collage Society. Cohen has been involved with the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve since its beginning and became an Archived Artist in 2011.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention esti mate there were 107,622 drug overdose deaths nation wide in 2021, an increase of almost 15 percent from 2020. The majority were caused by opioids, the class of pain relievers that includes fentanyl, oxycodone, hydro codone and morphine. Overdose deaths also rose sharply during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, up 30 percent from 2019 to Overdose2020.Lifeline trainings are offered for free in Lo rain County. These courses are aimed at educating and training the public on the facts of addiction, the opioid crisis, combating stigma and harm reduction. Contact Jinx Mastney at (440) 434-5711 or jmast ney@mharslc.org to request a training for your faith community, school, workplace, civic organization or other group. Vigil to remember lives lost to accidental overdoses
The all-breed Lo rain County Ken nel Club Show fin ished with a thrill on Sunday, Aug. 14 — winning Best in Show were Heather Buehner and Markbytrophypresentedhonors.Kennel2022winnersTrumpet,oftheWestminsterClub’stopTheywerewithahand-madeclubmemberYourich.
LCPH also runs programs to encourage wearing seat belts, driving sober and pre venting motor vehicle crashes that can be deadly.
Provided photo
SOLUTION TO SUDOKUSOLUTION CROSSWORD ON PAGE B2
“Because of travel and the study of many primitive cultures, my works reflect a wide variety of symbols and designs that tell a story or set a mood,” Cohen said. The exhibit is open for public viewing during business hours.
ELYRIA — A vigil in memory of the 143 lives lost to accidental drug overdoses last year in Lorain County will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31 at Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Confer enceTheCenter.eventwill be held on International Overdose Awareness Day. In 2022, there has been a series of unusual spikes in overdoses, said Michael Doud, executive director of the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County, which is holding the vigil in partner ship with the Lorain County Opioid Action Team.
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Page A2 Lorain County Community Guide Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GUIDE LORAIN COUNTY COMMUNITY GUIDE (USPS 673-960) is published every Thursday, 52 weeks per year by Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company, 225 East Ave., Elyria OH 44035. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $40 for 52 weeks in Lorain County; $45 in Erie, Huron, Ashland, Medina, and Cuyahoga counties; $50 in all other Ohio counties; $55 outside Ohio. Periodical postage paid at Wellington OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Lorain County Community Guide, PO Box 4010, Elyria OH 44036. LETTERS Letters to the editor should be: • Written to the editor. We do not allow open letters or those to specific residents, politicians, or groups. • Concise. There is a limit of 350 words on letters. • Polite. Letters that use crude language or show poor taste will be rejected. • Opinions. We reserve space for letters that share a unique perspective. Press releases are not letters and will be considered for publication in other parts of the paper. • Free of advertising, product or service endorsements or complaints, poetry, language that could raise legal problems, or claims that are measurably false. • Signed. Include your name, address, and daytime telephone number for our records. Up to two signatures. • The deadline to submit letters is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. They are used on a space-available basis. We reserve the right to edit any submission for length, grammar, spelling, and clarity, or to reject any submission.
Gita Kooba Gita Kooba, born Feb. 11, 1935, in Tallinn, Estonia, to Gerhart and Hildegard Poldemann, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, in Parma at the age of 87. Gita and her family immi grated to the United States from Estonia in 1949 when she was 14 years old. She graduated from Sum mitville High School in Summitville, Ohio in 1953. After graduating from high school, she earned a nursing degree from the Salem City Hospital School of Nursing in August of 1956. She obtained an additional degree in operating room supervision and management from New York Polyclinic Medical School and Hospital in 1958. She was employed at Cornell University as a neurosurgical nurse when she met her husband, Eino Kooba. Gita and Eino were married on May 30, 1959, at the Finnis Synod Church in Cleveland. After Eino completed his residency they moved to Allentown, Pennsylvania, where she and her husband both worked at Coatsville Hospital. In 1961, they moved to West Liberty/Bellfon taine, Ohio, where they had a private medical practice until 1964 when they chose to settle in Lorain, and opened a private medical practice, retiring in 1992 after working side by side for 35 years. Gita had a passion for traveling along with supporting her Estonian heritage participating in multiple Estonian Festivals and events worldwide throughout her life. One of her favorite places was Zurich, Switzerland, where the family lived for two years while Eino completed an internal medicine fellowship at Zurich Medical School. She loved gardening, reading, especially history books, playing the piano which, she taught herself, and singing. Eino would prepare a proper Scandinavian breakfast each morning. Gita cherished that special time together. Gita loved being surrounded by family and friends and her church community. She was an active member of the Amherst Community Congregational United Church of Christ, where her prayer group enjoyed lunches at Blue Sky Restaurant. Gita spent a lot of her time graciously volunteering with the Salvation Army and numerous other community organizations and functions that she gener ously supported with her time. Gita is survived by her son, Dr. Erik Kalev (Kelly) Koo ba of Bloomington, Illinois; grandchildren, Teresa Kooba, Alexander Kooba, Lakyn Bowman, and Logyn Bowman and her brother, Gosta Poldemann of Powell, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Eino, in 2012. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 26, 2022, from noon until 2 p.m. in the Dovin & Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Amherst. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. in the funeral center with Pastor Peeter Pirn of Unity Evangelical Lutheran Estonian Church in Cleve land. Interment will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. dovinreberjones.com.
Betty J. Storrow, 95, of Wellington, passed away under hospice care with her family at home on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022. Born on June 10, 1927, in Fairview, she was the daughter of the late Hubert and Ruth (nee Ponting) Jordan. Betty graduated in 1945 from Wellington High School and was actively involved in every aspect of the farm life with her husband for many years before his passing in 2006. She was a 70 year member of the First United Methodist Church in Wellington. She was also a member of the LaGrange Engine Club and The Grange, and worked at Westwood Elementary cafeteria. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, bird watching, listening to music - especially Judy Garland and Elvis, and tending to her livestock. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Betty is survived by her children, Ruth (Scott) Ander son, Frank H. Storrow, Thomas (Rosanne) Storrow, and John Storrow, all of Wellington; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and brother, Roy Jordan. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Frank Storrow; grandson, Steven Tolliver; great-grand daughter, Shelby Tolliver, and four siblings. A private service will be held and burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery, Wellington. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's honor may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Wellington, Stein Hospice, or the National Diabetes Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Norton-Eastman Funeral Home and online condolences may be expressed at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.
Kendal Artist Talks reopen to the public in Oberlin
View LCPH’s display focused on the full picture of health, highlighting safe trans portation, clean and safe water, healthy moms and babies as well as opportunities for shadowing, internships and job and volunteer opportunities in Lorain County.
“Whether you’re at the fair, commuting to work or expecting a baby, your health and safety are our priorities,” said county Health Commissioner Mark Adams. “Every day, we work to protect your well-being, prevent diseases and promote overall health.” That includes providing COVID-19 vac cines as well as other recommended vaccines to prevent disease. County workers inspect every place in Lorain County that sells food, such as restau rants and grocery stores. They act as con sultants and educators for homeowners that have septic systems.
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TRUMPET AGAIN
WELLINGTON — In an effort to prevent disease from spreading, county health work ers are supplying hand sanitizer and inspect ing food vendors at the Lorain County Fair this week. At Lorain County Public Health’s booth behind Building 17, staff are also greeting fair-goers and answering public health ques tions.You can take part in “Walk for Water,” a challenge that rewards walkers with an icecold bottle of water.
Health workers are safeguarding the fair
Betty J. Storrow
Amherst history museum tours
Chris Jordan, who has represented Pittsfield Township on the Lorain County Fair board for 15 years, receives the Clair Hill Memorial Award from Craig Adams of WEOL AM 930. ready for months to show her own Boer goats and chairs the Junior Fair Boer goats committee.Nowshe’s preparing for a new chapter. As a freshman at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, Kois will major in agriculture science education and special education and minor in Spanish. Runners-up for queen included Natalie Calfo, daughter of Joe and Amy Calfo of Wellington; Chloee Howard, daughter of Peter and Christina Howard of Spencer; and Allison Tuggle, daughter of Curtis and Marisa Tuggle of Amherst. Sunday’s opening ceremony included the raising of the American flag, a perfor mance by the 4-H band and presentation of 4-H scholarships.
Ribbon to be cut Aug. 31 at the new Firelands HS
The ribbon-cutting will be held on the east side of the building, which is the far side from the roadway. In the event of rain, the celebration will be moved into the auxiliary gym. The school system will have a staggered start this fall. Grades 1-6 and 9 will head back to class on Tuesday, Sept. 6, while grades 7-8 and 10-12 will begin Wednes day, Sept. 7. Kindergarten will begin Friday, Sept. 9. With the opening of the new high school, all classes will be consolidated on Fire lands’ Vermilion Road campus. The former South Amherst Middle School has been vacated and sold to Indus trial Realty Group for redevelopment.
Provided photo Seen here from the east, Firelands High School doesn’t have a true “front.” The public entrance is on the west side of the building facing Vermilion Road, while buses will drop students on the far side to enter from the east.
Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 Lorain County Community Guide Page A3 1854 (440)Lorain,BroadwayOH244-5173 Ohio’s #1 Independent Grocery Store By Ohio Grocers Association Prices Good for These Days in AUGUST 2022 GROCERY HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE NOW AT FLIGNERSMARKET.COM LET US DO THE SHOPPING FOR YOU! Fligners/MeatUsHereFindUsOn FullCarryServiceOuts We Carry Fligner’s Gift Cards and Gift Certificates We Accept Debit, Master Card, Visa, Discover & Express.American We Reserve the right to Limit Quantities Play Ohio Lottery and MegaHereMillions ATM MoneyAvailableOrders59¢Each We Carry Ohio Beef From Ohio Farmers You Can Now Pay Your Gas, Light, Cable And Many Major Credit Card Payments At Fligners! Not Responsible for TypographicalErrors We Carry A Fine Selection of Beer, Wine & Tobacco at State Minimum Prices $399 LB. ECKRICH BLACKHAMFOREST $369 LB. ECKRICH ALL MEAT OR GARLIC BOLOGNA We Honor All AndW.I.C.EBT $399 LB. ECKRICH HAWAIIANHAM JUMBO HIGH-COLOR MANGOS 99¢EACH OPEN Daily 8am - 6pm Sunday 8amFlignersmarket.com2pm $299 BY THE 40 LB. BOX FRESHROASTINGPIGSALLSIZESREADYFORTHESPIT! $199 LB. CHICKENWINGS $399 LB. ECKRICH SPICY PINEAPPLEHAM 24 Fligner’s Catering... We use only the finest and freshest ingredients in all our recipes. Special Events like weddings, graduations and more! www.flignersmarket.comSideDishesAvailable along with full line catering!of $489 $649 LB. TROYER HABANERO-JALAPENO CHEESE $329 LB. DELI SLICED AMERICANCHEESE FRESH - NEVER FROZEN OHIO GROWN GREEN CABBAGE 39¢ $2.49 LB. LOOSE $799 EACHLB.SNOW $CLUSTERSCRAB1299 LB. OUR OWN FRESH GROUNDCHUCK $429 LB. SWEET SOUTHERN PEACHES $149 25 26 27 28 29 30 BONELESS NEW YORK STRIP STEAK PORK SPARERIBS$199 LB. BYCASETHE $299 LB. LOOSE HASS AVOCADOS 99¢EACH HOMEGROWN SLICING TOMATOES $149 LB. HOMEGROWN ROMA TOMATOES $149 LB. JOIN THE CLUB For Up to The Minute Specials TEXT "FLIGNERS" TO apply.Message855-261-0566&dataratesmayTextSTOPtooptoutorHELPforhelp. LB.EACH BONE-IN CENTER CUT CHOPSPORK $299 LB. LOIN END CHOPSPORK $249 LB. OHIO GROWN 69CUCUMBERS¢ BONELESS TOPROASTROUND $599 LB. SLICED FREE! $999 LB. SEMI BONE-IN RIBEYESTEAK $249 CHICKENBONELESSBREAST LB. $2.99 LB. LOOSE BY THE 40 LB. BOX BORDEN GALLON CHOCOLATEMILK BEST OF SEASON JUMBO CANTALOUPES EACH $299 LB. 4 PACK COLORED PEPPERS FREEZER BEEF Ohio Beef from Ohio Farmers Hind Qtr. 180-200 lbs. $389 Front Qtr. 200-220 lbs. $359 Full Side 380-400 lbs. $369 No Family Pack Required For Savings ALL OUR FRESH MEAT IS CUT BY ONE OF OUR “ARTISAN MEAT PROFESSIONALS”
ROYALTY FROM A3 HENRIETTA TWP. — A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Firelands High School will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednes day, Aug. 31 at 10521 Vermilion Rd. The $23 million, 106,000-square-foot build ing opens this fall, and the ceremony will be the first time the public can head inside. Approved by voters in 2018, it includes space for academics, the arts, agricultural education, two gymnasiums, a stage, ex tended learning areas, offices and a kitchen to serve to students in grades 6-12.
JASON HAWK EDITOR
It also included recognition of Chris Jordan, a 15-year member of the Lorain County Fair board, representing Pittsfield Township.Hewaspresented with the Clair Hill Memorial Award, given by Lorain County Printing and Publishing, which owns The Chronicle-Telegram, WEOL AM 930 and the Lorain County Community Guide. The radio station news director and morning show host said choosing who will get the award is difficult “because so many people work so hard to make this the best fair in all of Ohio. And if you’ve been to other fairs, you know what I’m talking about.”Jordan, a lifelong resident of Wellington, took part in 4-H as a boy. His children were in 4-H, his mother was a 4-H advisor and this year his granddaughters are show ing cows at the fair. Over the years, Jordan has served in scores of ways, from the building and grounds committee to overseeing the demolition derby and tractor pulls, sales, scholarships and annual church service on the fairgrounds. “This is one busy, dedicated, committed guy,” Adams said. The award caught Jordan by surprise. When he was asked to present Kois and Krupka with scholarships, he “knew some thing was up” and quickly found it was a ploy to get him to the stage. “It’s a pleasure to serve,” he said, taking the award in stride. The Lorain County Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 28.
“The dedication of this building is made possible by the countless individuals who saw the need to improve our educational environment,” said district Superintendent Mike Von Gunten. “Because of the part nership with our community, we are able to open this new building, which will serve our students and the residents of Firelands, for many years to come.”
The Quigley Museum, located on the corner of Milan Avenue and South Lake Street in Amherst, will be open for tours every Sunday from 2-4 p.m. through November. The Amherst Historical Society museum is the original house built by Joseph Quigley in 1832, and the build ing is a rare example of early sandstone architecture. The museum displays exhibits that celebrate accomplishments of Amherstonians since the founding of theForcity.more information or to schedule a group tour, call the historical society at (440) 988-7255.
NOTICE SKILLED Basket Weaver wanted to make Amish Baskets for our store. We will come to you. All baskets will be paid for at pick up. Steady income. If interested call 440-864-3620 or write to 9794 Leavitt Rd. Elyria, OH 44035
The Oberlin High School Class of 1972 will hold its 50th reunion celebration on Sept. 23-24. Members will meet at 5 p.m. Friday at The Hotel at Oberlin, and on Saturday for dinner at Steel Magnolia restaurant. Sign up by emailing northsho@ix.netcom.com or by messaging the Oberlin High School Class of 1972 page on Facebook. Back-to-school preview
The 39th Annual Wellington Harvest of the Arts, a juried craft fair featuring about 70 folk and fine art vendors, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18 at the Herrick Memorial Library, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington. There will be indoor and outdoor vendors, a lunch cafe and a handmade quilt raffle. Admission and parking are free. This is a fundraiser for the library’s community programming. For more information, call (440) 647-2120.
The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club will hold a break fast from 8-9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Sugar Creek Restaurant, 5196 Detroit Rd., Sheffield. Barbara Whitmore of Ohio Votes Count will speak on perceived issues with voting. Attendees are responsible for their meals.
The Amherst Marching Comets’ Night at the Races will be held ats 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Amherst Eagles Aerie 1442, 1161 Milan Ave. The fall fundraiser will include food, drinks, raffles and horse betting. Proceeds go toward the cost of the marching band’s trailer fuel and competition costs, Senior Night, eighth grade night and all other costs and instrument repairs not covered by the school district across all grade levels. This event is restricted to people ages 21 and older. For tick ets, visit www.tinyurl.com/MarchingComets.
WELLINGTON — Roughly 950 students are expected to attend classes this year in Wel lington school buildings, report ing for the first bell on Monday, Aug.Superintendent29.
BACK TO SCHOOL
The Oberlin Heritage Center will hold an evening of pictur esque views and drinks from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at Quarry Hill Winery, 8403 Mason Rd., Berlin Heights. Plenty of seating is available indoors and outdoors. Tickets are $40 per person and include two drink tickets for a glass of wine, a beer or a non-alcoholic drink, as well as hors d'oeuvres. Guests will also enjoy live acoustic music and several raffles. Proceeds from this special event support the Pat Murphy Endowment for Heritage Preservation. Attendees can also hear a brief history of the winery, which was founded in 2005. Register at www.tinyurl.com/OHCwinery.
Nathan Morris, an educator of 20 years, has been named dean of climate and culture for the middle school building. His job will be to coach staff and students toward good decisions before more difficult situations develop, Weber said. Morris’ new role will be similar in ways to an assistant principal, counselor and mentor. Students are only one part of the equation, though. “The hard part going into this year is that staffing has been dif ficult for us,” Weber said. With the first day of school just around the corner, he’s still work ing to fill open positions for bus drivers as well as teachers in math, science and other core subjects.
Page A4 Lorain County Community Guide Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 CLASSIFIEDS
The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8 at Father Ragan Knights of Columbus Hall, 1783 Moore Road, Avon. Author and radio host Tom Niewulis will present “Constitution and the Bill of Rights Defense.” Lorain County Commissioner David Moore will speak about county issues. The cost is $5 for guests.
The Lorain County chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will meet virtually at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12. Peggy Lauritzen will present "Navigating Our Way Through FamilySearch." To join this program, contact meetings@lorain coogs.org and ask to be added to the list. FamilySearch.org changes frequently and there are many hidden assets that many people do not utilize. This virtual pro gram is open to the public and free.
Clydesdales in Amherst
More science, technology, engineering and math courses have been added to the offerings this fall at McCormick Middle School. They include courses on energy and the environment, green architecture, hovercraft, robotics and solar cars. Weber said exposure to STEM concepts at a younger age helps provide students with options from middle school through col lege. The classes help kids decide whether attending the Lorain County JVS or going with a more liberal arts track is the right fit. Increasing Wellington’s basic literacy rate remains a high prior ity, Weber said. Last school year, teachers saw big gains there as students recovered from the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, including periods of fully remote and hybrid Returninglearning.toin-person classes every day in 2021-2022 helped tremendously, Weber said. At the same time, the Wel lington Schools saw problems with attendance across the board. Those issues were especially transparent at Wellington High School, where the daily atten dance rate was in the 80-90 per cent range, according to Weber. “The high school never broke back into the 90s, so we really need the high school to hit its at tendance target of 93 percent this year,” he said. Social and emotional supports are also important for helping get students back on track, especially at McCormick, he said.
The Budweiser Clydesdales will visit downtown Amherst on Saturday, Aug. 27. Main Street Amherst will hold a special vendor sale and car show from 4-7:30 p.m., much like Walkin’ on Wednesdays but on the weekend. The horses will appear during the event. Park Avenue and Church Street will be closed to traffic starting at 1 p.m. Vintage and vintner social
PUBLIC NOTICE To UNKNOWN FATHER, whose last known address is unknown in Lorain County, Ohio, you have been named as a Defendant in the legal action entitled Patricia Wright, and Mother, Angela Horvath, et al. This action has been as signed Case No. 22 JG 63349 and is pending in the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas, Elyria, Ohio with the Honorable Judge Sherry Glass Thepresiding.object of the Complaint filed in the above-captioned case is for paternal grand parent, Patricia Wright, to be granted custody by their Complaint for Legal Custody of minor child, K. H., born You01/18/2013.arerequired to answer the Complaint within twenty-eight (28) days after the last publica tion of this Notice, which will be published one day pursuant to Rule 16 of the Ohio Rules of Juvenile Procedure. The last publication will be made on the 22nd day of September, 2022. Your time for answer will com mence on that date as service of process by publication will be deemed complete as of the last date of publication. In the event of your failure to answer or otherwise respond within the time allowed by Ohio law and the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, judgment by de fault will be rendered against you without further notice for the relief demand in the Com LCCGplaint." 8/11,18,25; 9/1,8, 2070682515,22/22
Wine tasting at Findley
The Lorain County Community Guide Bulletin Board is for local nonprofit and not-for-profit events. Items are published on a space-available basis and will be edited for style, length, and clarity. Send your items to news@lcnewspapers.com
Ed Weber said he wants to build on academic progress seen last year. He also expects the Ohio Department of Education’s annual report card to show the school system improv ing for the sixth straight year. That’s a big deal — Welling ton has spent much of the past decade clawing its way out of a state watch for overall per formance while also fixing its special education program. “Things are all looking better, although you might say it’s just been slow and steady progress,” Weber said. “But we’re back to being a reputable organization.” “I think you can say we are not a failing school system any more,” he added later. “We are in good shape, and we want to be up there with the very best.”
Amherst City Golf League Aug. 16 results and standings from Forest Hills: Ted Svenson shot 40 for low gross while Louis Vida had low net of 32. League prizes were won by Louis Vida and Wally Cipo. Current standings: • Team 8 — 172 points, Star Builders — 153, Sons of American Legion — 143, Amherst Sportsmens Club — 140, Team 1 — 140, Team 11 — 139, Dr. Stocker Optometrist — 129, Hempel Funeral Home — 127, Steve Polansky Meat Market — 116, Olde Town Pizza — 113, Team 7 — 111, Team12 — 101.
Rochester chicken dinner
OHS 50th class reunion
JASON HAWK EDITOR
Plastic in the Great Lakes Lara Roketenetz will present “Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6 for the Black River Audubon Society at the Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., Carlisle Township. While we often hear about the extent of plastic pollution in the oceans, freshwater water bodies face some of the same pressures. Roketenetz will present data from local, regional and national sources and also discuss the importance of reducing plastic pollution, as well as collective action that can help our lake and the people and animals that depend on it. She serves as director of the University of Akron Field Station where she educates students from kindergarten to college on environmental issues. Roketenetz helps organize beach clean-ups in the Greater Cleveland area with partner organizations such as Black River Audubon and Keep the Lakes Great to raise awareness and action for Lake Erie. This program is free to the public.
Lorain City Council passed Reso. No.24-22 on June 6, 2022, requiring the following property owners to construct/ repair sidewalks in accor dance with the provisions of ORC Section 729 and Lorain Codified Ordinance Ch. 903. The specifications and cost estimates prepared by the City Engineer are on file and listed Thebelow:owner of said lots abut ting/abounding the proposed sidewalks above shall con struct and/or repair, in accor dance with said sections, plans and specifications of file in the Clerk of Council and City Engi neering Office within a period of 30 days after the service of notice. The Council shall have the same construction/repair completed and the entire cost shall be assessed on the prop erty of each defaulting owner made in a lien thereon, to be collected in a manner provided by law, with penalty and inter est. 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 Av enue, Room 103, Lorain, Ohio, within two weeks after the ex piration of the receipt of notice provided for 3-00-050-101-020,herein.T & G LLC $4140. 3-00-049-101-001, EAST ERIE LORAIN LLC $3540. 3-00-048-101-003, 2625 East Erie Ave, KOURY HANY A & KOURY KELLY M $5988. 3-00-048-101-024, 2531 East Erie Ave, BROWN HITE LISA L & HOLLIFIELD CRYSTAL B $4032. 3-00-049101-021, 2507 East Erie Ave, GUMMO JOSEPH C & GUM MO AMANDA L $864. 3-00049-101-019 2471 East Erie Ave, KOPRONICA RICHARD J & DAWN M $4464. 3-00049-101-017 2447 East Erie Ave, RIFICI FRANCES $432. 3-00-049-104-020 2446 East Erie Ave, BRUNKOW CHRIS TOPHER G & BRUNKOW JENNIFER E $4310. 3-00049-101-015, 2415 East Erie Ave, SMITH JAMES R & RICKETTS GINA E $4308. 3-00-049-101-014, 2407 East Erie Ave, STARK VALERIE G $864. 3-00-049-101-012, 2373 East Erie Ave, RYBARCZYK LEAH JOY & RONALD ROSS $1800. 3-00-049-101-026, 2333, East Erie Ave, KANARY KENNETH $1368. 3-00-049101-027, 2327 East Erie Ave, RLR INVESTMENT PART NERS LLC $1812. 3-00-049101-004, 2223 East Erie Ave, ZAGORSKY JAMES P & TULE T $2160. 3-00-049-101002, 2203 East Erie Ave, FER RIS RICHARD B & FERRIS DONNA M $3096. 3-00-050101-012, 2035 East Erie Ave, ROGERS BLAKE M TRUST EE $4020. 3-00-050-101-011, 2025 East Erie Ave, MASON JANIS R $672. 3-00-050101-009, 2019 East Erie Ave, EDELBROCK JENNIFER L & EDELBROCK ERIC F $1296. 3-00-050-101-008, 2015 East Erie Ave, REIMUELLER JA SON & REIMUELLER CAR RIE $3168. 3-00-050-104-002, 2014 East Erie Ave, PALMER LESLIE S $6480. 3-00-050101-003, 1827 East Erie Ave, TEAGUE AIDA TRUSTEE $864. 2-00-051-101-036, 1759 East Erie Ave, BASINSKI MATTHEW $2088. 2-00-051101-017, 1419 East Erie Ave, PAGAN LINDA L & PAGAN ROSARIO JR $3528. 2-00051-105-009, 1356 East Erie Ave, HALL DANIAL $2880. 2-00-051-105-008, 1350 East Erie Ave, JOHNSON ALISA RUIZ & STEPHEN R $2736. 2-00-051-101-015, 1339 East Erie Ave, DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND $12,252. 2-00051-105-001, 1304 East Erie Ave, KANE DENNIS $5400. 2-00-051-101-002, 1127 East Erie Ave, STEFANSKI IRENE M & CHESTER L $3960. 2-01003-103-005, 1053 East Erie Ave, GORDON TODD $2592. 2-01-003-103-010, 1033 East Erie Ave, ZIENTARSKI DAVID J & KIDD NICOLE L $5256. 2-01-003-107-008, 960 East Erie Ave, EAST LAKE PROPERTIES LTD $2340. 2-01-003-102-013, 937 East Erie Ave, ROLL JULIUS PETER & TSIRONIS JOHN $5184. 2-01-003-107-007, 936 East Erie Ave, DIESEL & DG LLC $2040. 2-01-003-107005, 914 East Erie Ave, EMT INVESTMENTS LLC $300. 2-01-003-107-002, 910 East Erie Ave, EQUITY TRUST COMPANY $2220. 2-01-003106-004, 826 East Erie Ave, WEINS PROPER TIES LLC $3096. 2-01-003101-014, 825 East Erie Ave, TOWNE DENNIS A & JOANNE E $7836. 2-01-003-101-010, 813 East Erie Ave, OSORIO ORREGO MARLIN $3432. 2-01-003-101-007, 801 East Erie Ave, PUTRINO JAYNE & REID DEBRA ALLEN $2736. 2-01-003-104-007, 758 East Erie Ave, WENGERD CHRIS TINA M $3816. 2-01-003104-003, 712 East Erie Ave, OHIO PROJECT LLC $1260. 2-01-002-103-032, 637 East Erie Ave, WILSON LORETTA F $3156. 2-01-002-103-031, 629 East Erie Ave, WILSON LORETTA F $3792. 2-01-002107-003, 628 East Erie Ave, HARPER DONALD L & HARPER SHARON K $1584. 2-01-002-103-030, 617 East Erie Ave, YESTREBI AARON $4116. 2-01-002-103-029, 607 East Erie Ave, HAGWOOD HERBERT M JR $3216. 2-01-002-103-026, 557 East Erie Ave, BRITVEC EDNA E 20706700LCCG$3024.8/11,18,25/22
Sandstone fundraisers
ABUTTINGOHIOSIDEWALKSNECESSARYDECLARINGLEGALSITTOCONSTRUCTINTHECITYOFLORAIN,ANDREQUIRINGPROPERTYOWNERSTOCONSTRUCTTHESAME.
The Amherst Historical Society will hold garage sale fundrais ers at its Sandstone Village, 763 Milan Ave., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through October. Feel the rhythm Cardio drumming is held at 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the LCCC Wellington Center, 151 Commerce Dr. Be sure to take your own bucket, ball and drumsticks. The cost is $5.
Republican club meeting
The Pittsfield Township Historical Society will host a public event from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 16889 State Route 58 to celebrate the restoration of its historic 1836-1846 wood framed, one-room schoolhouse. This 187-year-old wooden schoolhouse is a rare find and great progress has been made in restoring it to its original form. Shawn Godwin of Historic Preservation & Restoration Services has led the project for more than 10 years and will attend.Premium ice cream and homemade pies will be provided. There will be games for children and “cow pie squares” with a live cow. You can bet on a square for $10 for a chance to win a 50-50 raffle. A country blues band will provide music.
Learn about FamilySearch
A barbecue chicken dinner will be held by pick-up only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Rochester fire station on Eagle Street. The menu includes a half-chicken, potatoes, corn and roll for $12, with proceeds supporting the volunteer fire department. There will also be a 50-50 raffle and basket raffles.
The Oberlin City Schools will hold an “open doors” back-toschool event from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 at Oberlin Elementary School.. Students, parents and community members are invited into the district’s buildings to meet with teachers and other staff prior to the first day of school. There will be vendors and activi ties geared toward school-aged children.
Night at the Races
Harvest of the Arts
The National Education As sociation says schools across the United States need roughly 300,000 more teachers than have applied for jobs this year. Boom ers, the largest generation in American history, are retiring at a rapid clip, some younger teach ers are frustrated and leaving the profession, and studies show fewer college students taking up education majors. Efforts to recruit more people into teaching slowed during the pandemic. Weber said that mix means Wellington will likely need sub stitutes to cover some classes for at least a few weeks until perma nent staff can be hired. Luckily, he still has full-time building subs hired during the worst of the COVID crisis. The plan had been to end their contracts this year, but it quickly became evident they are still needed, he said. This year is also all about managing financial resources wisely, Weber said. Paving was completed earlier in 2022 at Wel lington High School’s driveway loop, and some roofing repairs were made at Westwood Elemen taryTheSchool.listnow includes get ting rid of barbed wire around the Dickson Street field house and making minor locker room repairs. The Board of Education also voted in August to replace the WHS bleachers, though We ber said it will be a year before that happens because of supply chain issues. For capital improvements, the big question continues to be the future of Westwood Elementary. The 70-year-old building has seen better days, and voters have rejected multiple attempts to pay for large-scale renovations. District Treasurer Mark Don nelly said the students who attend kindergarten through third grade there deserve to have a building that’s in good working shape. That means putting money into it for maintenance, he said, regardless of the cost. Enrollment will be a deciding factor in what happens to the elementary school, said Weber. If it were declining, it might be plausible to close Westwood and consolidate grades at McCor mick.But the opposite is expected. Weber said Westwood’s enroll ment is up by 20 percent over what was forecasted, with signifi cant growth in kindergarten and third grade.
Wellington focuses on STEM, staffing and attendance
Republican breakfast
BULLETIN BOARD
The 7th Annual Friends of Findley State Park Wine Tasting will be held from 2-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the park’s campground pavilion. Sample vintages from local wineries and enjoy live music, food and drawings while raising money to support the state park. No outside food will be allowed. Admission is $20 and includes a souvenir wine glass, five tastings and an entry to win a wine basket valued at $100. Additional tasting tickets will be available to purchase. Sealed bottles will be sold for off-site consumption. Proceeds benefit projects and educational programs at the park. ID will be required. Cash or Paypal will be accepted. No pets. For more information, email secretary@friendsoffindley.org.
Schoolhouse celebration
WELLINGTON — If he’s lucky, a man’s life will carry him through a lot of seasons. He will be young and he will be old. He will know a time to work and a time to retire. He will see the fruit of his labor count for something . For some men, the trail markers those lives would travel are marked early and marked deep. Ray Hildebrandt, 89, of Carlisle Town ship is one of those men. He can tell you how old he was when he found his lifelong career (10), exactly when he met his wife, Sally (just hours after he came home from the service in 1955), when they bought their home (June 1960), the day this daughter gradu ated from college or this grandson wasNoborn.matter what the season of Hildebrandt’s life, one constant has remained: the Lorain County Fair. In the past 85 years, only two things have stopped him from going: the Army and a heart attack. The first time he went? “That would have been 1937, 1938,” he said, settling back into his easy chair at his family home, just three miles or so as the crow flies from where he grew up on LaGrange Road. “I was 4.” Back then, the fair was in down town Elyria on its original home site since the 1850s through the Great Depression. Hildebrandt remembers it off West Avenue and Third Street. “We were just looking at cows. It’s not like today. There was no racing. There were cows, sheep. People raised chickens and showed them,” he said. “It was not big grounds, all dirt roads, all mud.” Hildebrandt remembers riding to the fair from his family’s home in his dad’s 1929 Lincoln coupe — not, at the time, considered a nice car. But the fair was still the biggest excitement of the year, and a chance to see everybody you know, he said. In just a few years, the fair went through a sea change: In 1941 it moved to the Wellington fair grounds.“Thatwas the best thing that ever happened to it. It struggled through the war years, but it continued to grow,” he said.
Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 Lorain County Community Guide Page A5
After 59 years, Brighton church’s iconic fair booth closes
No more onion rings
JASON HAWK EDITOR
A lifetime
Provided photo After debate through much of 1963, members of Brighton United Methodist Church’s Couples Club, which later was renamed the Friendship Club, opened a deep-fried onion rings booth at the Lorain County Fair. It has closed after 59 years.
Provided photo Ray Hildebrandt and his daughter Monica Denowski enjoy the family's favorite Lorain County Fair attraction, the demolition derby, in a previous year.
With a vote of the church coun cil, the die was cast. As goes the fair booth, so too may go the church at the corner of state routes 18 and 511. Wacker said it’s been struggling for years and the pandemic has decimated its finances. Average Sunday attendance has fallen to 10 to 20 adults and eight children. Gone are a full-time paid pianist, a choir director and Sunday school teacher. The Rev. James Ellis is stretched thin, shared by congregations in Brighton, Roch ester and Nova. Swiss steak dinners served on election days have also been halted — they used to draw about 500 inperson diners, plus 200 carry-outs, with money buoying the church’s operations.“Allofour fundraising has been practically nil from March 2020 to today,” Wacker said. “Like all small churches, we’re struggling.”French,now 65 and dealing with intense arthritis, said it is difficult to say goodbye to all the memories made under the grandstand. Yet after decades of being there at 6 a.m. and cleaning up long after dark, he’s relieved to have a rest: “I liked seeing the people, but it’s an awful lot of work,” he said. With the booth turned over to a new vendor, French said he doubts he will travel to the Lorain County Fairgrounds at all this year. Instead, he will enjoy the first Fair Week vacation in many years. Wacker also said there is zero chance of a fair booth revival — “I’m just keeping my fingers crossed the church will stay open,” she said.
WELLINGTON — It’s the end of an era. After 59 years, the Brigh ton United Methodist Church’s fa miliar booth has disappeared from its home under the Lorain County FairThegrandstand.venturethat started in 1963 with deep-fried onion rings over the years became a go-to booth for shrimp baskets, fish and Pepsi. Darrell French, who spent more than three decades working behind the counter, remembers an endless parade of sleepy-eyed 4-H kids who would show up to eat shrimp and french fries for breakfast. “It’s not good for you,” he laughed. “But that’s what people like. Fried food is good no matter what it Onionis.”rings always remained the staple, and French said church volunteers made sure prices stayed low — after all, dining all week on fair food can get expensive. Young farm families from the Brighton church’s Couples Club hotly debated starting a fair booth in early 1963. At first, the idea was struck down in a 6-7 vote, accord ing to handwritten minutes from thoseLatemeetings.inthesummer, debate continued with the possibility of selling ice cream and soft drinks. Eventually, with Fair Week closing in, members decided “it had to be onion rings or nothing at all,” and the booth was approved. That first year, it brought in $318.25 in net sales, for a $260 profit, the minutes show. The next year, Harvey Funk built a more permanent booth, and Ed Donahos crafted the sign that was seen by generations of fair-goers. By 1966, onion rings and other fare were raking in $3,120. In the decades that followed, the booth became the largest source of reve nue for Brighton United Methodist. The church also directed much of the money to an array of nonprofits and relief efforts, including Habitat for Humanity, flood and hurri cane victims, missions projects, Well-Help, Wellington firefighters, Boy Scouts and Builders for God International.Growingolder, the couples who founded the fair booth stepped down in 2002. Business was smooth until latter years. Katherine Wacker, who worked there for decades and has been a member of the church since 1971, said membership shrank dramati cally in the last decade and staffing the booth became difficult. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. It closed all but Junior Fair activities in 2020, choking off revenue and causing food short ages, she Atlanticsaid.Foods couldn’t provide any clam strips or onion rings in 2021, said Wacker and French. Without the fair favorites to rely on, and with COVID keeping many volunteers from filling 180 four-hour shifts, the booth’s fate was“Oursealed.membership is getting older. We’re getting tired. It was just a decision we had to make,” Wacker said. “The ones who were there day-in and day-out decided we just couldn’t do it anymore.”
For years he would go with the family of a lifelong friend, Gerald Squires.“Hewas a good friend of mine from school, we’re still friends. His parents treated me real good and I’d work on their farm, tying wires on the baler. They’d take me out to the fair with them,” he said. The family would take their cattle and livestock 4-H animals out to the fair and leave the kids out there to sleep on straw in the back of the cattle truck, park in the infield of the racetrack. They would pack food and Hildebrandt would cook while his friend took care of the animals. Hildebrandt remembers the fair in 1948 when the back pocket of his old jeans caught on a fence rail and ripped off, taking his billfold with it. When he discovered it missing later, the loss was indescribable. All the money a boy had — $13 made picking strawberries for a penny a quart, mowing lawns, tying up hay for a penny a bale — was missing. “It took you a long time to make $13,” he said. “I didn’t know what toAdo.”friend told him they were call ing for him at the judge’s station. When he went down to see what was going on, an adult said, “Hey, you lose something?”
Someone had found his wallet with his name inside and a small religious medal he’d found one day at school and slipped in there. He didn’t even know why. He always carried it with him, even years later when he went off to the Army. Every penny was there, too. Then there was the fair of 1949, when he fought the chimp. “That was a big one,” he said, thinking about it for a minute. “But I don’t know that it was my favorite.” That was the year — long before the days of animal rights activists, he points out — when one of the midway attractions was a chance to box a chimpanzee. For rural Lorain County, this was quite an opportunity. Even better, and more alluring, was the prospect of making money off the deal. “They’d pay you a dollar a round and nobody would go in. So I said I’ll be the first one to go in,” he said. “That chimpanzee would run from me. Then it would lay down like it was hurt. It didn’t do nothing to me. It had these things tied on his hands so he couldn’t scratch me. We fig ured out if you stood in one corner, he pretended he was hurt. If you stood in another corner, he would run from you. And if you stood in another corner, he would beat hell out of you. “We figured that out real quick, watching the trainer,” he said. “I made $3. But then another friend of mine, he couldn’t be showed up and he went in there and it jumped up around his neck and started drill ing him like a speed bag. I made it out OK but Jay didn’t. His dad got all over me: ‘If you didn’t do it, he wouldn’t have done it!’ I said what did that have to do with me? He got a bloody nose and everything.” Hildebrandt was a grown man before he missed a fair. He graduated from Elyria High in 1952 and at 20 he left for the U.S. Army during the Korean War, but “once they heard I was coming they called a truce,” he joked. He spent most of two years in Germany before coming home. “My buddy, mother and dad picked me up. I was home a couple hours, making my rounds to see what I missed, and I met my wife at the White Horse custard and ice cream stand that used to be on the corner of 16th Street and West Avenue,” he said. “My mom was a 16-year-old counter girl working there,” said his daughter, Michelle Dolensky. “He was an almost-22-year-old service man.” “I waited three months to ask her out on a date, because I wanted to make sure my service man lan guage was cleaned out,” he said, shrugging. “She was the only one I ever dated.” Eventually they figured out they had, technically, met each other before: He had been a sixth-grade crossing guard and she, a little blond girl with a Polish mother, crossing the street at West Avenue and 13th Street years before. They didn’t marry until she graduated from high school. Sally passed away last year, just three weeks short of their 62nd anniversa ry. Their lives involved the fair, too. He remembers a double date to the fair in the ‘50s, when he real ized he’d ripped his pants. He left Sally and the other couple at the fair while he nipped over to his aunt’s house near the fairgrounds to sew them up in pinch before returning. Once their two daughters arrived, it was their annual pilgrimage, too. Dolensky said she remembers spending Family Day at the fair, when the Carlisle Township Fire Department would usually be the fire department on duty for the day. Her father retired in 1996 as the longtime fire chief of the depart ment. She and her sister, Monica, would get the ride pass and spend all day on the Scrambler, the Dodge-Em cars, the Ferris wheel, the Zipper. They’d long for the fair food but often ate the “whole meal” at the Grange Hall. “We didn’t like it as kids, we wanted the junk,” Dolensky remembers. “You had to have to corn dog, the fries with vinegar, the lemon shake-ups. The sugar would be this thick in the bottom. We’d save the cup and add water to it to get every bit of the goodness,” Dolensky said. “The cotton candy, maybe. Caramel apple, definitely.” “You’d be tired and exhausted and it was fun, ride all the rides and play the games. Throw the ping pong balls and bring various goldfish home in a bag,” she said. “And then it was time for school to startHildebrandtagain.” has watched the fair change over time. He remembers when the bathrooms had no running water and dirt floors, with outhousestyle seats inside. He remembers the old livestock barns, and the year the famous Clydesdale horses visited and circled the racetrack. There was the bicentennial year, when a blast furnace was onsite to mold a brass bell for the county. He watched the molten brass pour into the mold, which then took days to cool. More recently, a family mem ber was married on the porch of the blacksmith shop. He knew to never fall for the freak shows — “I don’t believe them, they’re all fake” — and until he got a disability parking permit he still parked by Gate 4, by “Dad’s tree” that he planted in the 1940s as a 4-H project. He’s lived to see his own kids follow him into 4-H. He’s lived to see his grandsons love the fair,Thentoo.came 2000. Aug. 10 of that year, a heart attack put Hildebrandt into the hospital for more than two weeks. Some of that time he was in an induced coma in the intensive care unit. He was just getting out during Fair Week, his daughter recalled.“Weprobably already had tickets bought for the demolition derby already,” she said. “I probably could have gone if somebody could have wheeled me around,” her father answered, while she just shook her head. That was the only other year he’s ever missed. He’s already got his membership pass and his demolition derby tickets purchased. They’ve borrowed a wheelchair from the Amvets so he could keep easily attend this year. Will he ever quit going to the fair? “The day they put me in the ground,” he said. of memories, measured by passing fairs
RINI JEFFERS FOR THE COMMUNITY GUIDE
North Pointe Ballet will present “Bal let in the Park II” at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26 at Lakeview Park in Lorain. The performance will kick off the company’s seventh season of making classical ballet accessible. Presented in partnership with the Lorain County Metro Parks, the free concert will fea ture classical and contemporary cho reography presented outdoors near the park’s historic rose garden. Audience members are encouraged to take a blanket or chair to sit on for lawn seating. Admission is free and no reser vations are required.
North Pointe Ballet is a nonprofit organization founded by director Janet Strukely-Dziak in 2016. It offers familyfriendly professional ballet productions, field trip matinees and sensory-friendly performances in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties, as well as several missionbased programs, including community engagement workshops and performanc es for K-12 schools and community organizations.
Circuses have changed tremen dously in the last 40 years. The days of trained lions, tigers and elephants are largely history, due to complaints of mistreatment.
The Cincinnati Circus Com pany has a number of touring groups with varying shows; the stunt show has “no animals, no clowns, because that’s just too much,” said Weibel Shepard. Instead it focuses on the unique skills of each of its four perform ers — “We do all kinds of dan gerous tricks,” she said — and the act is constantly evolving to include new derring-do.
thrills and chills
See classical ballet performed at Lorain’s Lakeview Park
Page A6 Lorain County Community Guide Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 ORDER ONLINE AT www.romeospizza.com Order Online Online Orders of $25 or More Online Only$5OFF Expires 2/28/22. Premium Toppings extra. Cannot be combined with any other offer Please present and surrender coupon. Please use code ONL2 when ordering. romeospizza.com ONL2 Order Online Online Orders of $15 or More Online Only$3OFF Expires 2/28/22. Premium Toppings extra. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Please present and surrender coupon. Please use code ONL1 when ordering. romeospizza.com ONL1 Order Online Online Orders of $30 or More Online Only$7OFF Expires 2/28/22. Premium Toppings extra. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Please present and surrender coupon. Please use code ONL3 when ordering. romeospizza.com ONL3 LUNCH DEAL EVERY TUESDAY IS BOGO DAY * Additional toppings and extra sauce are an extra charge. * Minimum $10 subtotal for delivery. Excludes: Deep Dish, Calzones, and Stromboli. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Offer above is only valid on Tuesdays. Monday - Friday 10am-2pm Online or Mobile AppCHOOSE ONE OF YOUR FAVORITES: • Any Salad • 8 Boneless Wings • Classic Sub $7.99 BOGO• Small Cheese Pizza • Stromboli • Calzone Lunch specials include a 20 oz. drink Buy any regular priced pizza online or on our app, get a second pizza of equal or lesser value for FREE! BUY ONE PIZZA GET ONE FREE! 12/31/22.12/31/22.12/31/22. AON3 AON5 AON7 AON7AON5AON3 WELLINGTON — Standing atop stilts and raising his voice over the Lorain County Fair grounds, ringmaster Kyler Raisor welcomed all to the Cincinnati Circus thrill show. The feats spectators would see Monday afternoon were real, he warned: “The stunts are danger ous! The fire is sizzling!” Ariana Rinehart twisted and twirled on a high rope and Gia Bolton flung hula hoops around her arms and torso, but a storm cut short the first show of Fair Week before fire twirling and ax throw ing could begin or the “Wheel of Death” could be set in motion.
The wheel is the big “ooh and ahh” grabber of the show, said Ali Weibel Shepard, who pulls double duty as the circus’ artistic director and a performer. She runs around a circular cage high in the air, while at the end of other arm of a steel beam Bolton swings from a trapeze bar. “We make dreams come true,” Ali Weibel Shepard said. “You know when you’re a kid and you see something truly amazing? We try to give that feeling to everyone.”
Circus
Weibel Shepard, who hails from Dayton, has been with the circus for 12 years, and got her start as a design student at the University of Cincinnati. A friend who was a juggler convinced her to take a job there, promising flexible hours, she said. When the circus started touring in 2012, she was part of the original cast and has since climbed the high-dive ladder, so to speak. “It’s hard to retire from the cir cus. There’s something stressful but magically about it,” she said. The COVID-19 pandemic caused catastrophe for circuses, causing many to shut down. Wei bel Shepard said the Cincinnati Circus survived by changing — instead of touring, its performers stayed put. They hosted drivethrough shows, welcoming long trains of cars that slowly drove past to see the acts. Now they’re back out on the road. The circus will run all week at the county fair, with free daily showings at 1, 4 and 7 p.m. The troupe keeps its stunt show fresh by mixing in dif ferent themes each day, from a traditional big top-style show to pirates, Batman, safari and outer space flavors. Each show averages 45 min utes, but can go longer if the performers get carried away try ing out new bits or acts, Weibel Shepard said. delivers to the county fair
JASON HAWK EDITOR
Photos by Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise TOP
circusstilts,RaisorRingmasterTOPoftocontortingrope,aroundRinehartLEFT:LorainshowCompany’sCincinnatireadyandArianaWeibelPerformersRIGHT:AliShepard,RinehartGiaBoltongettobegintheCircusthrillMondayattheCountyFair.Arianaswingsaverticalflippingandherbodytheamazementthecrowdbelow.LEFT:Kylerstandsonintroducingacts.
OBERLIN — It was a deal that seemed cut and dry. When Oberlin city workers needed a 2022 Ford F600 hooklift truck, Council approved a $125,230 purchase from Valley Ford of Cleveland. That was in December. So why hasn’t the city gotten its vehicle?“Fordnever built that truck,” Public Works Director Jeff Baumann told Council last week. This summer, the dealership reached out to let him know the heavy-duty vehicle isn’t coming. With limited parts available to build, automakers have had to make decisions about what they can and can’t pro duce, according to Jenny Loveland, who handles govern ment sales at Valley Ford. “The chip and other commodity shortages that are ravaging my industry began to catch up with the manufac turers around (the) second quarter of this year,” she wrote to Baumann. “This is an unprecedented time in the auto industry, with produc tion down 85 percent.” Modern vehicles can contain up to 150 microprocessors that control everything from engine timing to turn-by-turn directions, according to Kelley BlueButBook.those microchips are in high demand and short supply. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, auto companies scaled back their orders to the chip manufacturers. The electronics industry didn’t, though — it saw consumers rush to buy laptops, smartphones and other digital devices as they changed gears to work and learn from home.
AMHERST — Wearing a brand new costume and showing off some mad dance skills, Comet Man welcomed about 300 freshmen to orientation at Marion L. Steele High School on Friday morning. Principal Joe Tellier said he wanted to make experience a memorable one for new students, giving them the red carpet treatment at the school’s courtyard entrance. “For some of these freshmen, it’s the first time they’ve set foot on our campus,” he said. Cheerleaders and marching band members were there to welcome freshmen, who got fist bumps from Comet Man and passed through a giant inflatable football helmet on their way inside Steele. Tellier said the old Comet Man costume was badly deteriorating — trying it on himself just for fun, he felt pieces crumbling and said it smelled pretty bad, too.
A surplus at the end of fiscal year 2022 allowed Donnelly to move about $400,000 into the permanent improvement account, where it can be tapped for repairs to roofing, playgrounds and other maintenance.Thedistrict is also consider ing new bleachers at Wellington High School and the purchase of a new maintenance truck to plow and salt parking lots, he said. Income is expected to remain stable the next couple of years, with a renewal levy likely to hit the ballot in 2023, Donnelly said. The Wellington Schools’ finances were hit hard by the CO VID-19 pandemic, said Weber. Federal relief money came to the rescue, and the district is no longer worried about the prospect of layoffs, he said. There are some trade-offs, however.Wellington teachers’ new con tract bars working spouses from using the school system’s insur ance coverage, if the spouses can get insurance from their own employer. That’s potentially a large added expense for some
“The auto industry is changing, with a major shift moreTheseelectricautomationtowardandvehicles.requireyetchips,causingfurtherstrainonanalreadystretchedindustry.”
CONTRACT PAGE B2
JASON HAWK EDITOR WHAT’S
Wellington teachers get raises, three-year contract UP, FRESHMEN?
Oberlin’s truck woes give a glimpse into the auto industry’s shortages
WELLINGTON — Teachers will get a 3 percent raise this year, due to a new contract ap proved last week by the Welling ton Board of Education. The three-year deal includes pay increases of 2.5 percent in 2023 and 2.25 percent in 2024 for the district’s 78 teachers, guidance counselors and other licensed professionals. Those increases are higher than what has typically been negoti ated in the past, said Superinten dent Ed Weber. But the raises don’t come anywhere close to keeping up with inflation, he said. In the past year, the prices of consumer goods have risen by 8.5 percent, according to the U.S. Department ofWeberLabor.described the contract as “great for kids and fair to teach ers” based on what the district can afford to pay while keeping the books balanced. Budget shortfalls in previ ous years have limited raises or resulted in wage freezes.
“This is an odd thing. It’s the global marketplace come to town,” Baumann said. His workers still need a new truck. With a 9-foot dump bed, the ability move dumpsters and to quickly hook up big tools like Oberlin’s brine tank, the all-purpose work horse serves any number of uses throughout the year. The Public Works Department bought its first hooklift equipped truck — a 1.5-ton Ford F550 — in 2004 and a second one, similarly equipped, in 2009. Now the 17-year-old model is just about exhausted. Baumann said he can continue using it until the replace ment is delivered, then sell the aging vehicle to the highest bidder online. City Council voted 6-0 to approve the new truck pur chase with emergency status, hoping not to be thwarted again.
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‘It’s the comemarketplaceglobaltotown’
JASON HAWK EDITOR MARKETPLACE PAGE B2
District Treasurer Mark Don nelly said four staffers who have resigned or retired in the past year were not replaced. The cost savings “allow us to breathe easier when it comes to handing outTheraises.”increases added up to about $158,000 per year when including the cost of wages, retirement, Medicare, workers’ compensation and health care benefits, he said. The Wellington Schools aren’t flush with money, but they have improved their financial position in recent years.
Photos by Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times
A big part of the issue is reliance on overseas operations. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and COVID resurgences in China have continued to wreak havoc on supply chains, J.P. Morgan said. In the past, government orders have typically been given preference when parts were scarce, Loveland told Baumann, according to a memo provided to Oberlin City Council. But now market conditions are so severe that even that courtesy isn’t possible, she said. That means Oberlin isn’t getting its Ford F600. The dealership has offered instead to provide a Ford F550 for $141,390 — a price increase of about $16,000.
An analysis by J.P. Morgan Research found that by the time vaccines rolled out, allowing automakers to rev up their factories again, the chip-makers weren’t ready to handle the volume. “While the COVID-19 pandemic was the initial catalyst for the chip shortage, structural factors are also part of the picture,” the research firm said. “The auto industry is changing, with a major shift toward automation and electric vehicles. These require yet more chips, causing further strain on an already stretched industry.”
JASON HAWK EDITOR OBERLIN — Smith Paving & Excavating of Norwalk has been awarded a $967,250 contract to re pave West College Street. While no timeline has been set yet, Oberlin Public Works Director Jeff Baumann told City Council last week that he intends to see the job done by the end of the year. The project includes re placement of failing rolled curbs, new curb and drive way aprons, milling down and replacing 3.25 inches of asphalt and painting new pavement markings including bike lanes. Based on the declining condition of the roadway and curbing, the project was bumped to the top of the list for 2022, Baumann said.The city’s estimated cost for the work was $1.05 million. Three other bid ders shot past that mark.
Funds are available from Baumann’s budget, which has a $290,000 positive balance. J.P. Morgan Research says chip production is now slowly catching up. It expects a boost from the arrival of more chips late this year. Global car production is forecasted to rise by 7 percent in fiscal year 2023, the firm said. The U.S. Department of Commerce said the chip short age could last into 2023. On Aug. 9, President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law. The $280 billion bipartisan legisla tion package includes about $52 billion in subsidies for American chip manufacturers, $24 billion in tax credits to help build new factories like Intel’s Ohio plant and many more billions for research and development. Biden called it “a once-in-a-generation investment in America itself, a law that the American people can be proudCompaniesof.” responded immediately by pledging huge investments in semiconductor manufacturing, according to the White House. Micron announced it will spend $40 billion on memory chip manufacturing, creating up to 40,000 jobs. It plans to increase the U.S.-made share of chips from 2 percent to up to 10 percent in the next decade.
MARKETPLACE
A big chunk of the proj ect — 37 percent — will be covered by a state grant ofCouncil$400,000.voted 6-0 to approve the contract with emergency status so the project can get underway as soon as possible. Oberlin officials have already started looking ahead to 2023. Council also voted to apply for $248,000 in Ohio Public Works Commission grants to repave East Hamilton Street from Route 58 to the city limits. The total project cost is estimated at AlditoandformoneyfortheDoingmillion,wouldtheofResurfacing$512,618.theentiretyHamiltonStreet,botheastandwestsides,costabout$1.5Baumannsaid.sowouldexhaustentireprojectbudgetnextyear.CouncilwantstoreservetostartpreparingconstructionofbikepedestrianpathssouthU.S.Route20,whereisunderconstruction.
Page B2 Lorain County Community Guide Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 ACROSSSCIENCE 1. Out of harm’s way 5. Street, in Paris 8. *Citric or sulfuric one 12. *Female gamete 13. Comedian Carvey 14. Excessively fat 15. Trunk extension 16. Wading bird 17. Savory jelly 18. *Distance per unit of time 20. Prep a salad 21. Omit or suppress 22. Hair goo 23. Preterm infant, colloquially 26. Free from slavery 30. Rapid escape 31. Lady slipper, e.g. 34. Ruptured 35. Goodbye, in Puerto Vallarta 37. Long, long time 38. Greek Bs 39. “Cheers” regular 40. Sheep’s coat 42. Over the top, in text messages 43. Tangle up 45. a.k.a. sea hawk 47. U.N. workers’ grp. 48. Xbox user, e.g. 50. Zero, on a court 52. *Vertical distance 55. Pavarotti, e.g. 56. *Radical, in math 57. Smidgen 59. *Chemically inactive 60. With competence 61. Countess’ husband 62. *Ammonia or baking soda, e.g. 63. ___ canto 64. Proofreader’s mark DOWN 1. Source of light, in Spanish 2. Tel ____, Israel 3. Cloud of particles 4. Bald Eagle to Americans, e.g. 5. Fanatical 6. Rallying cry to the workers of the world 7. ____-peasy 8. *____ zero, lowest possible temp 9. Large edible mushrooms 10. Osiris’ wife 11. Yuletide mo. 13. Chancier 14. Like Cheerios 19. Mixtures 22. Cowboy’s shoe prod 23. *Two-dimensional shape 24. *Radioactive noble gas 25. Middle Eastern V.I.P.s 26. Collier’s office 27. *Energy-converting device 28. Very angry 29. Easily irritated 32. *Basic unit of life 33. Tiller’s tool 36. *Plant- and animal-eater 38. Continually annoy 40. Back, to a pendulum 41. State of harmony 44. Heads-up 46. Prigs 48. Shakespeare’s theater 49. *Model of Earth 50. Diva Horne 51. Change for a five 52. Saudi, e.g. 53. “Doggone it!” 54. Hibernia 55. *Tebibyte abbreviation 58. Deli order SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2 SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2
OBERLIN — A new wetland habi tat and park, shaped from the basin of a former reservoir on Morgan Street, is on schedule to open to the public in mid-September. Two city reservoirs existed sideby-side next to Oberlin College’s Arboretum for decades. When the Ohio Department of Natural Re sources demanded about $1 million in repairs there in 2019, Oberlin of ficials went with a different plan. They hired Big Trees Inc. of Valley City to instead drain the western reservoir. The company has spent nearly a year moving earth.
West College to be repaved for $967K
The Ohio Department of Development, in partnership with the Ohio Public Utilities Commission, has increased the Percentage of Income Payment Plan, or PIPP threshold, from 150 percent of the federal poverty level to 175 percent. PIPP is a payment reduction program that allows eligible cus tomers to pay just 5 percent of their monthly income or $10 for their gas service each month.
Qualcomm and GlobalFoundries announced a partner ship that includes $4.2 billion to make chips in Upstate New York. Qualcomm said it will increase semiconductor production in the United States by up to 50 percent in the next five years.
• Pay the "budget payment" amount on their August bill • Online at columbiagasohio.com/budget • Call (800) 344-4077 to speak with a representative The budget plan lets customers avoid higher heating costs in the winter by spreading payments out over 12 months. Once enrolled, customers will pay the "budget payment" amount listed on their monthly bill through July 2023. The bud get payment amount will be the same each month, eliminating guesswork and avoiding increased heating costs during the win ter season, Columbia Gas said. Accounts are reviewed and adjusted, if needed, for accuracy in March. Budget plan amounts are calculated individually by looking at previous usage rates, 30-year typical weather and the present and estimated cost of natural gas.
CONTRACT FROM B1 Columbia Gas signing up customers for budget plan
“It’s a big change, and I’m hopeful people will be pleasantly surprised,” said Oberlin Public Works Director JeffTheBaumann.jobhastaken longer than expected, mostly due to draining the basin, which delayed planting and seeding.BigTrees’ subcontractor, Schirmer Construction, has also been delayed “by larger economic forces including materials and labor shortages that have pushed them behind schedule,” Baumann said.
If nature cooperates, Oberlin’s wetland will open in September
FROM B1 teachers’ families. Some classroom sizes may also grow, Weber said. On average, there are 17 students for every Wellington teach er, which is quite low when compared to other districts. There are also some changes to the school calendar. Un der the new contract, the teaching workday was extended by 10 minutes, while the number of work days decreased from 186 to 181. Those five days will come off the end of the year, not from mid-year vacations, said Weber. The contract was also designed to simplify some poli cies, such as how coaching and other extracurricular pay is handled, he said. Dave Conklin, president of the teachers' union, said it was “an engaging process with a lot of dialog from both sides.” He did not sound thrilled by the final outcome of nego tiations, even though union membership voted to accept the“Anydeal.time you compromise, you never get everything you want. Neither side does,” Conklin said.
JASON HAWK EDITOR
Columbia Gas has announced that enrollment is open to all customers for the 2022-2023 budget plan. The budget plan is free and open to all Columbia Gas custom ers. During August, customers may sign up for the budget plan in one of three ways:
Now a boardwalk and observation deck have been completed, along with stairs on either side of the wet land spillway and handrails for stone stairs on the southwest corner of the project.Those stairs will be refurbished to connect to the college’s arboretum, which features trails, bridges and towering trees. Big Trees is finishing grading now at the wetland, planting more trees and shrubs and will soon complete construction of a trail that loops around the water, Baumann said. Water is being returned via rain fall and pumping. As it rises again, Big Trees will place “plugs” — 360 starter plants such as dark green bul rush, soft rush, broadleaf arrowhead and great blue lobelia. The wetland will also be seeded with a mix of 20 native plant species. As work finishes, Big Trees will remove access drives it used for con struction and build a circular gather ing area with pavers. That work will ideally happen be fore the end of the month, Baumann said. Final seeding and site cleanup is slated for the first two weeks of September.“I’mexcited for the public to see it and enjoy it,” he said. “That land scape has been changed dramatical ly, and only a handful of (workers) have seen it.” Oberlin Recreation Superintendent Ian Yarber is eager for the property to open as a park. “We do know a lot of people miss being able to walk around the reser voir. The wetlands add a whole other educational dimension,” he said. The plan is to eventually place informational signs to teach visitors about the ecosystem and the native plants, birds, insects, fish and frogs that make a home there. The city’s Recreation Commission has talked about possibilities for the long-term development of the park. Yarber said there are a lot of ideas: remodeling the fire-damaged water works building as a nature center, building restrooms, adding a “nature play”Someplayground.residentsalso want docks there to accommodate canoeing, kayaking and rowing, he said. Those options are expensive. Yar ber said it’s unlikely any will come to fruition for at least three to five years.Inthe shorter term, he expects dog-walking, hiking, fishing and small weddings to make a comeback on Morgan Street.
ment detailing the experiences of Sara Lucy Bagby, the last slave to be prosecut ed as a runaway slave under the Fugitive Slave Act. Bagby escaped and made it to Cleveland before she was captured and returned to servitude in Virginia. The Heritage Center will offer free “Freedom’s Friends” tours at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29 and 11 a.m. on Satur day, Oct. 8, starting at the First Church in Oberlin.Theyfocus on landmarks connected to the cause of abolitionism in the city’s past. Manahan said the tour highlights the brave people who freed themselves from slavery and those who guided others to safety; but also covers the underly ing racial issues the community had to overcome, even after the Civil War and emancipation.Aread-aloud is scheduled for Wednes day, Sept. 21 in conjunction with Banned Books Week at the Oberlin PublicAnotherLibrary.isbeing planned on campus, where people can read passages from their favorite book that has been chal lenged or removed from schools and libraries.“Homegoing” has often been targeted by groups seeking to remove it from shelves.InMarch, parents in Georgia de manded it be pulled from shelves in the Cherokee County Schools, which have 42,000 students. In May, the Nixa Board of Education in Missouri voted to restrict access to copies of the novel, allowing them to be checked out of a high school library only with parental permission. The American Library Association tracks attempts to remove books from public spaces. It says many of the most culturally important and influential titles are often targeted, including “The Great Gatsby,” “The Catcher in the Rye,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Song of Solo mon,” “1984,” “The Lord of the Flies,” “Catch-22” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” The Big Read program has been going since 2006, using $24 million to fund more than 1,700 programs nationwide. Oberlin last received a Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2011. “It is inspiring to see how NEA Big Read grantees like Oberlin College utilize these books as launchpads for their own programming, often creating opportunities for community conversa tions, new partnerships and encourag ing participants to incorporate art into their daily lives,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, chair of the National Endow ment for the Arts.
• Watch for bikes. Children on bicycles are often unpredictable, so expect the unexpected. Motorists should slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between their vehicle and bicyclists.
• Plan ahead. Leave early and build in extra time for congestion. If possible, modify routes to avoid school zones. Take extra caution as schools reopen
“We are a well-vaccinated community with extremely high percentages of our faculty, staff, and students being fully vaccinated,” the bulletin said. “We believe we can continue to be safe and provide a transformative edu cational experience by apply ing a prudent combination of protocols.”OberlinCollege continues to require COVID-19 vac cination, though there are medical and religious exemp tions.Students can begin mov ing in Sunday, Aug. 28 and classes begin Thursday, Sept.There1. will be no classes on Labor Day, and fall break will run from Saturday, Oct. 15 to Sunday, Oct. 23.
BACK TO SCHOOL
OBERLIN — Reading is good for the soul. But it can also cast light on uncom fortableOberlintruths.College will use a $9,400 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to explore one of the world’s dark est chapters, by asking the community to read Yaa Gyasi’s novel “Homegoing” together.Ittells the story of half-sisters born in different villages in Ghana in the 18th century. Spanning 300 years, it describes how one branch of the family was caught up in centuries of warfare against British colonists in Africa while the other was enslaved in the American South. Making it through the book has been difficult, “just thinking about slavery in itself, the whole act of taking people from one land to another against their will,” said Eboni Johnson. In addition to organizing the NEA’s Big Read in Oberlin, she is an outreach and programming librarian at Oberlin College and a member of Oberlin City Council. Johnson, who is Black, has traced her ancestry to West Africa and said her great-grandparents were born into slavery.“That’s not all that far removed, if you think about it, from the end of slavery,” sheAmandasaid. Manahan, museum education and tour coordinator for the Oberlin Heri tage Center, has also read “Homegoing” and agreed it was a difficult read — yet highly recommends it. “There were parts of the book that I had to put it down for a little bit, especially some of the stories of the women,” she said. Manahan, who is white, said she was moved by the struggles of the novel’s characters to overcome both racial and gender barriers. Many experienced sexualTurningabuse.each page, Manahan hoped to see new generations of the family find a better life. But as she read on, the hard ships continued to rain down through theTheyears.Big Read will kick off in Septem ber. Oberlin College, The Oberlin Heri tage Center, the Oberlin Public Library and other groups will partner to host book discussions, history tours and creative activities centered on the themes of “Homegoing.”Johnsonsaid those programs will tie into the city’s role in the Underground Railroad and fight for abolition of slavery.Sheis working to schedule a reenact
AAA offers drivers this advice to keep children safe:•Ditch Researchdistractions.showsthat glanc ing away from the road for just two seconds doubles the chances of crashing.
OBERLIN — “This is the year of com ing out of COVID,” David Hall said last Thursday, taking a brief break from his busyThatday.morning, Oberlin City Schools buildings sprang to life again, opening doors to teachers eager to get their class rooms ready for the new year. As superintendent, Hall was less worried about hanging posters and arranging desks than he was about dealing with the 10-ton elephant in the room: the lingering effects of the pandemic. His mission this school year is to help kids recover from the anxiety and shock of the past two “COVID years” and get them back on track academically. “We know from last year that some kids are going to be coming up with socialemotional needs,” he said. Whether they are straight A students or just barely hanging in there, entering kindergarten or starting their senior year, students are carrying a lot of baggage into 2022-2023, Hall said. After quarantines, cancellations and masks, many need tutoring. They need mentoring. They need normalcy. Most of all, they need to know there are people they can talk to about how they’re struggling, Hall said. Like many other school districts, Oberlin enters the year armed with counselors and social workers. “I’m worried about the stuff we don’t see. That’s the problem,” he said. “You may see them acting out. You look at the data and see how they’re doing… You also see the kids walking around holding so much inside.”
The Big Read asks Oberlin to delve into ‘Homegoing’
Provided photo Lisa Thacker, a sixth grade social studies teacher at Langston Middle School, creates a classroom display about the continents.
JASON HAWK EDITORAschildren
The first day for Oberlin students at all grade levels is Monday, Aug. 29. About 850 to 900 students are expected to attend. They’ll find academic coaches waiting at Oberlin Elementary, Langston Middle and Oberlin High School. They’ll find new textbooks for science, American Sign Language, financial literacy and health. They’ll find more opportunities for handson experiments. They’ll find Oberlin Col lege tutors returning. They’ll find a larger playground at the elementary school, giving more space to burn off energy. And preschoolers will find a five-day week instead of the four-day schedule offered in the“We’repast. getting out of COVID and get ting back to normalcy, to field trips, going places, having speakers coming back in,” HallKidssaid.will also be greeted by a new as sistant principal at Oberlin Elementary. Following the departure of Celina Bigio for the Elyria Schools, Felicia Webber is stepping into the No. 2 spot. The Phoenix also have a new athletic director in Bryce Johnson, who is taking over for former AD John Carter. More changes are in the wind. Hall said spring interviews with teachers revealed there’s a need to address the culture within the school system, and to improve com munication.Studentswill also be asked to weigh in via a “youth truth” survey. It will ask how they feel about academic challenges, how well they are engaged, relationships, working with others, obstacles to learning, college and career readiness, instructional methods and social-emotional health. A grant will be used this year to provide “restorative practices and cultural humil ity” training for all staff members. He described it as “addressing people’s heart, what makes them individuals” and having open conversations about how everyone’s experiences differ. Principals have also been working to get parent groups back together, now that COVID dangers have greatly dimin ished. The goal is to get parents more involved inside the school buildings again, Hall said.
Oberlin schools ready to move past COVID
Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 Lorain County Community Guide Page B3 85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 AUGUST 25, 2022 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. BOARD AND ALLMEETINGCOMMISSIONDATESMEETINGSWILLBE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live
JASON HAWK EDITOROBERLIN
Caution as Oberlin College students return
— Masks will still be required indoors this fall semester at Oberlin College, at least for a few days. The college will require them from Aug. 28 to Sept. 10 to reduce the chances of COVID spread as students return, according to a notice to the campus community. Exceptions will be made for athletics and other approved activities.Mealswill be grab-and-go during that same period, and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to keep 6 feet from each other.
return to school, AAA East Central has launched its annual “School’s Open, Drive Carefully” campaign. It encourages parents to talk about the importance of school zone safety with their teen drivers and younger children, and advises motor ists to take extra caution when traveling through school zones or near buses. “Since children can move quickly and cross the road unexpectedly, it is important to obey speed limits and be ready to stop at a moment’s notice,” said Lori Cook, safety advisor for AAA East Central.According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph is about two-thirds less likely to be killed as com pared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 mph. Moreover, nearly one in five children ages 14 and younger who die in traffic crashes are pedestrians.
• Stay alert. Don’t rush into and out of driveways. Expect pedestrians on the sidewalk, especially around schools and in neighbor hoods. Mind vehicle blind spots, check for children on the sidewalk, in the drive way, and around the vehicle before slowly backing up.
• Brake for buses. It may be tempting to drive around a stopped school bus, but not only is it dangerous – it is against the law.
ABOVE: Wellington's Josh Nocella gets past Western Reserve's Chris Buchanan. BELOW: Wellington's Nolan Sasack picks up yardage after a catch at Western Reserve.
Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise When Dukes senior quarterback CJ Polen injured his ankle Friday, West ern Reserve had a 21-0 lead. Landon Wright stepped into the spotlight and led Wellington was the silver lining, mounting two scoring drives to get the Dukes to 21-12 by the time the clock expired in Collins. Welling ton’s Josh Nocella finished the night with 42 rushing yards on six car ries and 43 yards receiving, while Wright went 11-20 for 111 yards in the air. Johnnie Kinter had 24 receiving yards for the Dukes.
The Comets battled to a 2-2 draw in their first match of the season, coming from two behind to tie the North Olmsted Eagles in non-conference action. Kamille Coleman scored both equalizers, the second on a penalty kick after being dragged down at the mouth of the goal. Amherst keeper Natalie Pleban finished the game with seven saves.
It wasn’t the best season opener in Comets football his tory. Overwhelmed by Patriots running backs, Amherst took a 44-15 loss last Thursday to Val ley Forge in play at Byers Field in Parma. By the time Landon Fallenstein scored on a quick dump from Cole Norris in the third quarter and tacked on a 2-point conversion via a pass to Mason Fisher, the Comets were down 30-8. Bishop Fryson went on to score another Amherst TD on a 1-yard run. Nathan Stewart added the PAT. Norris ended the night with 59 passing yards and Fryson led the green and gold on the ground with 66.
Russ Gifford | Amherst News-Times
ABOVE: Amherst's Kamille Coleman moves onto a pass against North Olmsted.
COLEMAN TIES IT UP
| Wellington Enterprise Morgan Janicek scored twice to lead Firelands on a 7-0 rampage over Wellington. The Falcons’ Bella Simmons notched a goal and racked up four assists in the match. Keeper Kenzie Janosik had a single save to keep the Dukes off the SimmonsandJaclynABOVE:scoreboard.Wellington'sKrakompergerFirelands'Bellabattle.
BURIED IN PARMA
JANICEK LEADS FALCONS
ABOVE: Amherst’s Spencer Leibolt and J.R. Bires chase down Valley Forge’s Dylan Schonberger at Byers Field, RIGHT:Parma. Amherst’s Cole Norris is hit hard and fumbles.
SILVER LINING
Page B4 Lorain County Community Guide Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 RSVP by July 12th to Shannon Shupp at 440-937-2735 orThursday,71-market@atriumlivingcenters.comJuly14that2pm Location: St. Mary of the Woods 35755 Detroit Rd. • Avon, OH 44011 Join us as Jennifer Herron Underwood discusses downsizing tips, prepping and pricing your home for sale, contracts, inspections, and other questions that come up during the selling process. Please join us after the presentation for appetizers, refreshments and tours. 101 Presented by Jennifer Herron Underwood, Senior Real Estate Specialist with Howard Hanna ReserveYourSpotToday!Jen REALTOR®Herron-Underwood&SeniorReal Estate (440)jenniferherron-underwood@howardhanna.comSpecialist®371-2862|www.downsizing411.com Seating is Limited! Reserve your spot today - Call 440-371-2862 Take the Stress Out of Downsizing and Come to a Lunch & Learn! Upcoming Seminars Sept. 13, 11:30am • Downsizing - Where do you start? North Ridgeville Senior Center Sept. 15, 11:30am • Downsizing 101 - Preparing Your Home For Sale Splash Zone, Oberlin Sept. 29, 12 Noon • Organizing Your Personal Documents Jenkins Senior center, Olmsted Falls SPORTS Send sports news to news@lcnewspapers.com. Deadline for all submissions is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. Printed as space is available.
Photos by Angelo Angel | Amherst News-Times
Russ Gifford
Commissioners approve $1.6M in ARPA grants
The Lorain County Board of Com missioners handed out more than $1.6 million in grants last week from the county's share of American Rescue Plan Act funds, including $1.5 million toward new construction at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. Numerous Fair Board directors were present at the meeting, a week after some of them gave commissioners a preview of an $8 million plan to build a new exposition center, Junior Fair beef building, a covered outdoor arena and to improve parking. The board's vote was unanimous to ap prove the request made Aug. 10. The fair draws an estimated 120,000 people to Lorain County each year, and many of the grants handed out were to organizations that promote a positive business atmosphere in Lorain County along with tourism, arts and culture. Fair Board members said the fair can't survive on just one week of business each year. They want to spend the $8 million they said the new buildings will cost to expand non-fair week offerings to include sporting events, trade shows and enter tainment.SeniorFair events were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic and the fair board lost $1.5 million as a result. State and local grants made up about $300,000 of that lost funding. The $1.5 million grant was the largest handed out by commissioners from the county's more than $60 million share of ARPARepublicanfunds.
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HEALTHY START
Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune Oberlin girls soccer, under the leadership of second-year head coach Ben Eiskamp secured the first win of the season, a 4-1 victory over the visiting Lorain Titans. Juniors Mercy Shuck and Katlyn Streator each struck for a pair of goals as the Phoenix moved to 1-0 on the young season. First-year goalie Michaela Streator recorded six saves during the match, surrendering a goal to a penalty kick during first half action.
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Main Street Wellington received $10,000 after it had to pull some money from its endowment to help it cover costs in 2020. Director Jenny Arntz said the grant will help her organization fix up its building.TheOberlin Business Partnership also received $10,000 toward its efforts to promote economic growth and develop ment, from micro-businesses to individu al entrepreneurship and small business. The pandemic saw downtown Oberlin businesses "severely challenged," Execu tive Director Janet Haar said.
Republican Commissioner David Moore voted for the Lorain County Fair grant, but declared himself "pres ent" when it came time to vote on the 12 smallerMooregrants.saidhe would have preferred to spend the money on infrastructure and economic development or use it to boost municipal public works or economic projects. "Feel-good stuff," he said, "doesn't help infrastructure and economic development."Mooresaidthe grant to the fair is dif ferent because "it's generational" and will pay dividends in the future. He noted that Fair Board members said Aug. 10 that plans have been in the works for 40 years to build new facilities that will ensure the fair is financially stable for years to come.
FALCONS RUN UP THE TALLY
Commissioner Michelle Hung said she found it "wonderful" to attend Fair Board meetings in the past month to hear what it takes to prepare for the annual event. "Thank you for everything you do for our county and our community," she said, including helping to preserve the "rich culture and history of Lorain County."
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ABOVE: Karen Regalado-Martinrez dribbles past her Ti tans opponent.
The Amherst Historical Society re ceived $10,000 to help it continue providing public programs and historical education. The group was "handcuffed" when the pandemic shut down its fund raising activities which help it promote among other things "our rich history in sandstone," Executive Director Sandra Kaiser said. The Oberlin Heritage Center got $10,000 to provide educational programs and tours. Business manager Bethany Hobbs said the center's four historical buildings including an 1836-era oneroom schoolhouse help preserve and share Oberlin's heritage through summer camps, field trips for students, and hous ing historical collections.
Twelve additional $10,000 grants went to multiple organizations around the county that were negatively affected by lesser crowds or the inability to raise money during the COVID-19 pandemic in the past two-plus years. Hung and Commissioner Matt Lundy, a Democrat, voted for all of the allocations.
Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise Gabe Toth came through with a goal, but otherwise it was a tough day for Wellington as the boys were bested 9-1 by Firelands. Alec Urbansky and Garrett Yakunovich each found the back of the net twice to lead the Falcons. Additional points were added to the tally by Preston Cairns, Ty Griebe, Ryan Zimmermann, Silas Skvor and Trace Karoloak.
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ABOVE: Wellington keeper Connor Norton comes out to collect the ball against BELOW:Firelands.Wellington's Gabe Horoschak tries to knock the ball away from Firelands' Trace Karolak.
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Moore also said he hopes to give more ARPA grants for economic development this year. Among the nonprofit organizations that received the $10,000 grants was the Main Street Amherst "to support and market lo cal businesses" affected by the pandemic.
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Page B6 Lorain County Community Guide Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022 Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.BUSCARSSEATZONERIDINGPARKEDSTREETHELMETBUCKLEDANGERSAFETYWALKINGBOOSTERCORNERSDIFFERENCE HYRSPECSE NOAETSECT GAELREEAS METNNKRRO OOREEAAES WRTZTDFDB YAESTEFAS WUSALKING DNGBTFIIRKUBBCLEYR Many children are injured each year while getting on or off school buses. This is because the bus driver cannot see certain areas around the bus. The danger zones are shown below. Avoid these danger zones by always taking 10 giant steps away from the bus after you exit. Always wait for the bus driver or another adult to tell you when it is safe to cross the street. It’s fun to be safe! How many differences can you find between these two school busses? Select a photo from the Whatnewspaper.doyouthinkhappenedbeforethispicturewastaken?Whatdoyouthinkhappenedafter? Standards Link: Reasoning: Students distinguish between observation and inference. Before and After Photo Finish the sentences using these words:Take the safe path to school, not the shortest one. Help Amy nd the best path to school. ANSWER:Byschoolbuzz! My name is ____________ and I take time to be safe. I always look ________ ________ before ____________ the ____________ . I walk, and don’t _________ . I never walk between parked ________ . I cross streets only at ______________ or _____________ . I ____________ up when riding in a car and wear a ____________ when riding my bike.
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Link: Health: Know concepts and practices concerning injury prevention and safety. Select a word to complete each safety rule. Then, cut out these rules and put them on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror as a daily reminder. Wear light ______________coloredat night. Do not wear clothing with ____________ or jewelry that can get caught on playground equipment. Walk or skate _________ tra c, so you can see oncoming tra c. Wear an approved bicycle _____________ if you are riding a bike or scooter or skating. If you travel on skates or a skateboard, also wear _________ guards and elbow and _______ pads. Don’t walk or skate alone. Before you go anywhere, CHECK FIRST with the ____________ in charge. (Check in again if you ___________ your plans.) Never take a __________ with someone without checking with your parents rst. 7.6.5.4.3.2.1.
Standards Link: Reading: Understand informational text
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Cause Many times headlines tell happened” the news. This is the effect an article to find out what caused effect in the article’s headline.
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Calculate sums. Do the math to reveal these important car safety tips. Complete the grid by using all the letters in the word SAFETY in each vertical and horizontal row. Each letter should only be used once in each row. Some spaces have been filled in for you. © 2022 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 38, No. 38
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