Lorain County Community Guide - Dec. 3, 2020

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LORAIN COUNTY

AMHERST NEWS-TIMES • OBERLIN NEWS-TRIBUNE • WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

SPECIAL EDITION

www.lcnewspapers.com

Volume 7, Issue 49

The year without a Santa Claus?

The Lorain County League and Southwestern Conference have both postponed the start of the high school winter sports season, and there are concerns it may not get off the ground at all. So we decided to take a special look back through photos at the fall sports season for the teams in our weekly news coverage area. PAGES B3-B5

Black Friday quiet as sales move online JASON HAWK EDITOR

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Erin Link was patiently waiting for her first customer to walk through the door. At 10:08 a.m. on Black Friday, that was anything but normal.

"It's not like other Black Fridays, not with this virus," said Link, owner of Etc. Boutique in downtown Amherst.

The store has been open 10 years. Link said she's Online sales become accustomed to havcould jump ing a line outside the door when she flips the open by 20 to 30 sign on the morning after percent for Thanksgiving.

This year, downtown the holidays.

Amherst felt empty.

— National Retail That makes sense, given the prediction the National Federation Retail Federation has made for the holiday shopping season.

It expects online and other non-store sales to jump this year by 20 to 30 percent — that's between $202.5 billion and $218.4 billion total in online sales.

In 2019, holiday shoppers spent $168.7 billion online.

Since then, the pandemic has gotten shoppers even more accustomed to using home delivery and curbside pickup options.

Link said big box retailers used to be the big competition for small businesses like hers — now online shopping is, specifically Amazon, especially with shoppers BLACK FRIDAY PAGE A3

U.S. Postal Service Use Only

Classifieds, legals, display advertising, and subscriptions Deadline: 1 p.m. each Monday Phone: 440-329-7000 Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday News staff Jason Hawk news@lcnewspapers.com Phone: 440-329-7122 Submit news to news@lcnewspapers.com Deadline: 10 a.m. Tuesday Send obituaries to obits@chroniclet.com

Tim and Cindi Manning of Amherst, dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, waive to passersby along state Route 58 on Friday. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Santa Claus’ local helpers are finding new ways of spreading holiday cheer in 2020.

Some Santas say they’ll sit this Christmas out due to pandemic JASON HAWK and DYLAN REYNOLDS

D

on’t expect to see mall Santas or pancake breakfasts with Old Saint Nick this year.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command promises Kris Kringle is still on for his Christmas Eve sleigh flight around the world to deliver presents. But in the meantime, COVID-19 will force him to sit out traditional visits with good boys and girls “It’s extremely tough to have to say no,” said Tim Manning, an Amherst resident who usually would spend late November and December listening to kids’ Christmas list wishes.

Five years ago, he donned a red Santa suit for the first time to visit children at an Oberlin homeless shelter. He was admittedly reluctant at first, but it felt right.

The next thing Manning knew, his wife Cindi was booking him for more appearances as Santa, with her at his side as Mrs. Claus.

"It's all about seeing the kids' faces light up,” she said. “They're so in awe. It's about bringing the spirit of Christmas. It really feels good."

Then the pandemic struck. But Nov. 1 it was clear the virus wouldn’t be gone in time for a merry Christmas — Cindi had a heart tumor removed three years ago and has autoimmune issues due to a blood disease, so she is especially at risk of infection.

"I just can't take that risk," she said, and children would have been in dan-

Copyright 2020 Lorain County Printing & Publishing Company

ger as well. "When they see Santa, they want to sit on Santa's lap. They want to touch Santa and hug Santa.

That’s not safe right now.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and America’s leading expert on the virus, recently said Santa is immune to the coronavirus.

"Santa is exempt from this because Santa, of all the good qualities, has a lot of good innate immunity,” he told USA Today.

The same can’t be said for the

mortal helpers, like the Mannings, who spread good tidings in his name.

They said there’s no option but to put away their costumes for 2020 amid cancelations of events for Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Oberlin Business Partnership, Sandstone Candle Works in Amherst and more.

Joe Conley of Lorain has portrayed Santa at parties, church events and reunions since 1979. An avid lover of Christmas, nothing would make him SANTAS PAGE A4

INSIDE THIS WEEK

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

Angelo Angel | Chronicle

Santa Claus waves from a fire truck driving through Oberlin on Saturday morning. The big man made a socially-distanced visit because of COVID-19, touring around through the city's neighborhoods.

Amherst

Oberlin

Wellington

Cookie care packages for the USS Kidd • B1

Public schools predict deficit spending by 2024 • B1

Beds-for-kids charity donors step up their giving • B1

OBITUARIES A2 • CROSSWORD A4 • SUDOKU A4 • CLASSIFIEDS A5 • KID SCOOP B6

Page A2

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

OBITUARIES Barbara A. 'Babs' Wurster

William “Bill” T. Sexton

Albert W. Sprague, Jr.

Barbara A. 'Babs' Wurster (nee Brillinger), 93, died Nov. 21, 2020. She was born Nov. 5, 1927 and raised in Willoughby, where she graduated from high school before attending Bowling Green State University. She and her husband Keith lived in Elyria, Mentor and Oberlin before spending their last years as residents at Wesleyan Village.

A lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, she was always active in United Methodist Women's groups as well as the church's philanthropic societies, often playing key leadership roles in those organizations. She was also a member of the Oberlin Forum. Generally a soft-spoken person, Babs had a remarkable way of making herself heard on any issue she chose to champion, most notably her activism regarding the establishment of an asphalt plant just outside Oberlin which threatened the integrity of homeowners' land in that area. She was an accomplished seamstress, an avid reader and an excellent table tennis player. She and Keith had a great passion for square and round dancing and enjoyed dancing with many groups in the area-especially their extravaganza 50th wedding anniversary dance held for all of those groups at the Lorain County Fairgrounds.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Keith in 2009 and is survived by daughters, Sue Wurster of Waltham, Massachusetts and Chris Jordan of Oberlin; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service was held at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township with The Reverend Dalton D. Love officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Elyria Public Library, 1194 West River Road North, Elyria, OH 44035.

Arrangements were in the care of Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elyria.

For online condolences visit dickenfuneralhome.com.

William “Bill” T. Sexton, 55, of Sullivan went home to the Lord Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Lakewood to Billie and Annie (nee Crowder) Sexton Feb. 3, 1965.

Bill was a graduate of Black River High School. He was an extremely hard worker and enjoyed working as an Expeditor at Charter Steel in Cleveland. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed the people he worked with. Bill loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, being the number one fan for his children, watching his sons play sports and being a 'Papa'. His family meant everything to him. His children and grandchildren were the highlights of his life and his greatest accomplishment. His grandchildren, Coy, Cru, Riya and Mason were the apples of his eye and being their Papa was his dream come true. He looked forward to every moment he got to spend with them.

He was a devoted husband to Shirley (nee Weber) for 35 years. They were married on May 4, 1985, and built a beautiful life together.

Bill will be greatly missed by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Tiffany (Andrew); sons, Tyler (Payton), Travis (Jenna) and Trent (Janelle); sister, Shelly Wingard (Dave), Jewell Sollars and Annie Wood; brothers, Dan (Leslie) and Matt (Andrea); grandchildren, Coy, Cru, Riya and Mason and many nieces and nephews.

He was reunited in heaven with his mom, Annie; dad, Billie; sister, Jeanne and son, Timothy.

Family and friends gathered Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, Wellington. A private funeral service and burial will be held at a later date. Social distancing will be enforced and all attending will be required to wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to support them during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.nortoneastmanfuneralhome.com.

Albert W. Sprague, Jr., 70, of Oberlin, died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020.

Born in Everett, Massachusetts, Al was a 1972 graduate of Michigan State University. He went on to receive his Master of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio in 1974 and his masters in Rehabilitation Teaching of the Adult Blind from Western Michigan University in 1979.

For more than 20 years, Al served as a United Methodist Pastor in churches in the Western Michigan and East Ohio conferences. For several years, he also provided services to visually impaired adults. His next ministry was in the developmental disabilities field, where he worked as an administrator for several agencies, including the Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities, LEAP-Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential-in Cleveland and Ashland County Residential Services.

Al enjoyed riding his motor scooter and bicycle, walking in the woods and kayaking and camping, especially with his wife, Anne. A self-proclaimed nerd and a voracious reader, he loved to sit by a campfire with a good book. Music and church were a big part of his life and Al enjoyed singing in the church choir. He was a fount of knowledge about campers and cars. He was generous with his time, with his love, and with his laughter and sense of humor which was quiet and understated.

Al is survived by his wife of 20 years, Anne and his children, Jimmy Pearson, Christopher, Timothy and Patrick Sprague and Carrie Meagher.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The First Church in Oberlin, UCC, 106 N. Main Street, Oberlin, OH 44074.

Arrangements were in the care of Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elyria.

For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome. com.

Robert Alan McQuate Robert Alan McQuate, 73, of Lorain, died Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, at Mercy New Life Hospice. Born on March 20, 1947, in Lodi, Robert was the son of the late Robert E. and Mary (nee Campbell) McQuate. Bob lived in Wellington until moving to Lorain in 1988.

Bob worked for the Wellington Foundry for five years and then for Bendix for the next 15 years. He spent 20 years working at the Lorain Co. Detention Home. Bob also worked with the South Lorain County Ambulance District.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and camping as well as attending concerts and watching football games.

Most of all, Bob cherished his family and time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his children, Eric (Maggie) McQuate, Ann Marie McQuate, both of Columbus and Mark (Deanna) McQuate of Gainesville, Georgia; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Dennis (Nancy) McQuate, Karen (Tom) Younglas, Rick (Elaine) McQuate, Mindy (Kevin) Vaughan; sister-in-law, Brenda McQuate and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anita; brother, Bill and great-granddaughter, Kinsley Marie.

A memorial service and burial at Greenwood Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Well-Help, 127 Park Place, Wellington, OH 44090.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Norton-Eastman Funeral Home and condolences may be expressed online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

NORVEL “RICHARD” GLEN BELT, 74, and a resident of Amherst, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at Symphony at Olmsted Falls Memory Care. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home.

MARY SUSAN 'SUE' BREWER (nee Byard), 85, of Camden Township, passed away Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, at New Life Hospice Center in Lorain, following a lengthy illness. Arrangements by Hempel Funeral Home.

Richard A. “Dick” Donahue Richard A. “Dick” Donahue, 85, passed away Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. Born Aug. 3, 1935, in Akron, graduating from St. Mary's High School in Akron and John Carroll University in University Heights.

Dick retired from Dun & Bradstreet in 1995 serving as a salesman in the Cleveland area, District Sales Manager in Harrisburg and Philadelphia Pennsylvania, completing his career as Director of Sales Policy at the headquarters in Murray Hill, New Jersey. He relocated to Penfield Township in 1995 building his dream retirement home on a seven acre property.

Colonel Richard A. Donahue had a dual career, serving his Country on active duty and active U.S. Army Reserve Service, graduating from the Command and General Staff College, Leavenworth, Kansas and Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.

He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America serving as a Scoutmaster and was the second generation of four generations to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. In retirement, he served Penfield township as Zoning Inspector for 18 years, during which time he graduated from

the Ohio Township Leadership Academy.

He was an active member of St. Patrick's Church in Wellington serving as lector and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

For many years, he served as a member of the Board of Trustees at St. Patrick Manor, a senior independent living center. He and his wife, Erma of 62 years enjoyed traveling to Ireland, Germany, Spain and many other fun cruises. He enjoyed horseback riding, gardening and taking care of his mini “farm.”

Survivors include his wife, Erma (nee Walsh); his children, Mark (Kathy) Donahue of Strongsville, Peggy (Jimmy) Rhein of Collinwood, Paul (Shirley) Donahue of Middleburgh Heights, Tim (Janice) Donahue of Columbus, Mary Beth (Jack) Westerh of Streetsboro, John Donahue of Berea; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom looked forward to celebrating Christmas on the family 'farm' each year; sister, Marie (nee Donahue) Manion of Wellington.

Funeral Mass will be at St. Patrick's, 512 N. Main Street, Wellington on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. and a burial service will be planned in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Manor in Wellington.

Need help paying for medicines?

If you’re having trouble affording your prescription medicines, the prescription assistance program through Lorain County Public Health may be able to help.

It helps provide medicine at no or low cost to people who are uninsured or underinsured. The pro-

gram even helps people who have a high deductible or co-pay.

For more information, call (440) 322-6367 and ask about the prescription assistance program.

You’ll get connected to a public health nurse who will listen to your needs and help you find a way to

afford prescription medicines.

You can also visit www.bit.ly/ LorainCoMeds to view a list of options a nurse may walk you through.

The program does not cover controlled substances, EpiPens or diabetes test strips.

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.

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• The deadline to submit letters is 10 a.m. each Tuesday. They are used on a space-available basis. We reserve the right to edit any submission for length, grammar, spelling, and clarity, or to reject any submission.

SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD ON PAGE A4

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE A4

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.

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Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

OHS students attend virtual college tour OBERLIN — Deciding which college to attend after high school graduation may be a difficult decision, but with the added pressure of COVID-19 restrictions on visits, more students are opting for virtual tours.

In the past, the Lorain County Urban League has taken more than 40 students in grades 10 to 12 from Oberlin and other high schools on the annual “Road to Success Spring College Tour.”

Now the League is helping high school students navigate college tours in a whole new way. The im-

pact of the pandemic has challenged the organization to be innovative in its approach to the college tour, said President and CEO Parris Smith.

“For the safety of our students and staff, we decided to host our college tours virtually, allowing students to see campuses and to continue our goal of connecting students with admissions offices and current/recent graduates,” she said.

Participating from Oberlin High School are Risa Jackson, Tierra Barbra, Mar’Khila Holloway, Jenna Tatum and Mikah Smith.

Page A3

Firefighters escort Santa

South Amherst firefighters plan to escort Santa Claus around the village starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13.

After he makes his rounds through South Amherst, Saint Nick will be driven through Brownhelm Township, Henrietta Township, and New Russia Township. The procession will stop at driveways so kids can walk next to the fire truck and get their pictures taken with Santa.

Due to time restraints, Santa will remain in the truck but will be at the window, where kids can stand up next to the truck with him for a quick picture.

If you are interested in having Santa come by your house in the SAFD coverage area, visit www.southamherstfd. com/santa and fill out a form used to plan Santa's route.

For more information, call (440) 986-5901 or email contact@southamherstfd.com.

American Legion closed

American Legion Post 118 has temporarily closed its doors until further notice to protect members and customers.

“None of our members have informed us of a direct positive COVID-19 exposure — however, the high number of cases in our close proximity is concerning enough to the point of taking a step back,” the post officers announced.

“Financial profit does not come before the value of a life. We as a membership will stick to that. Stay safe and happy holidays!”

Well-Help food drive

Well-Help will collect food for needy families in the southern part of Lorain County from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Wellington Eagles, 631 South Main St. You can drop off food under the portico. The nonprofit organization is asking for nonperishable food and household necessities only.

The event is sponsored by the Wellington Firefighters Association and Eagles.

Oberlin electric music pioneer

Kristin Bauer | Chronicle

Chris Brixius, a sales clerk at Etc. Boutique & Gifts in downtown Amherst, checks out customers on Friday afternoon, what the stored called “Plaid Friday,” an initiative for local businesses to encourage shoppers to choose local options for the holidays.

BLACK FRIDAY

FROM A1 shy because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her workers were ready to do temperature checks and provide hand sanitizer for customers on Friday.

They wore masks and planned to limit the number of people inside to just 10.

Those steps have won over customers who feel safer at Etc. than in the aisles of a department store, Link said.

As a result, the boutique is doing well. "We're not in danger of going out of business," she said. "There's no extra fluff here, but we're not in danger."

Walmart, Target, Meijer and other mega-retailers aren't in danger of folding, either. But traffic at Lorain County locations this Black Friday didn't match the frenzy of years past — it looked more like a typical weekend than the Christmas rush.

The exception was the toy aisle.

Those at the Deerfield Target and Lighthouse Village Walmart were packed with parents grabbing deals.

Tina Cornwell, a bell-ringer collecting for the Salvation Army, was dishing out "Merry Christmas"-es to shoppers at Lighthouse Village in Lorain.

She said foot traffic at Walmart

there was "steady, but no one's breaking down the doors" for extreme sales.

Cornwell was a star on an otherwise underwhelming shopping day, dancing up a storm to entertain customers. "If I don't dance, I don't have fun, and then people don't react," she said. "When they have a good reaction, that makes my day and they're pretty likely to give."

The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign has gone virtual this year, too.

Reduced foot traffic at retail stores during the holiday shopping season is expected to deal a huge hit to the nonprofit — about a 50 percent drop in donations at a time when demand for Christmas assistance is up 155 percent.

"We're actually getting a lot of donations," said Marion L. Steele High School senior and Leo Club President Eliza Stojkov, who rang the bell Friday outside Giant Eagle in Amherst with friends Hailey and Kendra Shimrock.

The trio said the weekend after Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the best for the Red Kettle campaign, and grocery shopping Friday was brisk. "Of course, it may be different than at other stores, because this

is stuff that people need, the essentials," said Stojkov.

Despit the pandemic, the National Retail Federation is predicting strong holiday sales — even if they way purchases are made is drastically different.

“We know this holiday season will be unlike any other, and retailers have planned ahead by investing billions of dollars to ensure the health and safety of their employees and customers,” said President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Consumers have shown they are excited about the holidays and are willing to spend on gifts that lift the spirits of family and friends after such a challenging year. We expect a strong finish to the holiday season, and will continue to work with municipal and state officials to keep retailers open and the economy moving forward at this critical time.”

The NRF forecasts U.S. holiday sales in November and December will increase between 3.6 percent and 5.2 percent over 2019.

The total could reach $766.7 billion, the organization predicts.

If sales hit that target, it would represent a 4 percent increase, beating the 3.5 percent annual increase over the past five years.

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Amherst Leo Club members Kendra Shimrock, Hailey Shimrock and Eliza Stojkov ring bells for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign at Giant Eagle on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.

A free program about Elisha Gray will be presented at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8 by the Oberlin Heritage Center.

Gray was an Ohio native who became a successful inventor and entrepreneur, and who returned to Oberlin College as professor of dynamic electricity from 1880 to 1900. Roderic Knight, Professor Emeritus of Ethnomusicology at Oberlin College, will present an introduction to Gray’s life and many accomplishments, but the main focus of the evening will be on Gray’s invention of the world’s first electric musical instrument. The program will also include a live demonstration on a reproduction of Gray’s musical telegraph.

Questions will be welcomed at the end of the presentation.

Advance registration is required for this online event.

Register at www.bit.ly/3eN9KK9.

Oberlin library meeting

The Oberlin Public Library board of trustees will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10 via Zoom. A regular meeting will be followed by a 2021 organizational meeting.

Both are open to the public. Visit www.oberlinlibrary.org for meeting access information.

Amherst library meeting

The Amherst Public Library board of trustees will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14 at the library.

A regular meeting will be followed by a 2021 organizational meeting. Both are open to the public.

COVID TESTING Source: Lorain County Public Health, which recommends PCR testing because it is more accurate than antigen testing.

• Cleveland Clinic W.O. Walker Building, 10524 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Symptoms, doctor's order and appointment required.

Call (216) 444-2200.

• CVS locations: Visit www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing.

• Lorain County Health & Dentistry, 1205 Broadway, Lorain. Doctor's order required; by appointment only, Monday through Friday. Tests kids. Call (440) 240-1655.

• Mercy Health Avon, 1813 Nagel Rd. Appointment only, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Doctor's order and symptoms required. Kids ages 18 months and up tested.

Call (440) 937-4600.

• Mercy Health Lorain, 1957 Cooper Foster Park Rd. Walk-in, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Doctor's order and symptoms required. Kids ages 18 months and up tested. Call (440) 2135333.

• Rite Aid locations: Visit www.riteaid.com/ pharmacy/services/covid19-testing.

• University Hospitals Avon Health Center, 1997 Healthway Dr. Symptoms

and doctor's order required. Drive-thru open 9 a.m. to noon Mondays, 2-6 p.m. Tuesdays, 12:30-5 p.m. Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m.

Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Urgent care and fever clinic open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Tests kids. Call (440) 988-6020.

• University Hospitals TW Miller Building, 934 Center St., Ashland. Doctor's orders and symptoms required. Walk-in 8-10 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Kids tested.

Call (419) 289-0491.

Kurtz

Christmas Trees OPEN NOV. 21 Cut Your Own Fresh Cut

Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, White Pine, Canaan

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

Daily 9am-7pm www.kurtzchristmastrees.com

Page A4

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

SANTAS

FROM A1 happier than to put on his Saint Nick costume for a big holiday gathering.

Like the Mannings, he said hitting the town to hug kids just isn’t in the cards this year.

Conley works as a cashier and financial counselor at Mercy Health Lorain Hospital by day, so he sees firsthand the potential consequences of being careless during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now, it’s not a laughing matter. Now, it’s not, ‘Oh, it’s no big deal.’ It has hit close to home,” he said. “I see it daily.”

One patient visited Conley’s office this spring for a financial matter. Three weeks later, the patient died in the intensive care unit because of COVID-19.

Conley said he attended the funeral virtually and hasn’t forgotten it.

Rather than accepting any inperson gigs this year, he has decided to make appearances only over Zoom or Facebook Live.

He figures it’s the best way to prevent a big spike in COVID-19 cases at the North Pole.

Virtual visits with Santa probably won’t hit the same for kids as in-person visits always have, Conley acknowledged, but he believes he can preserve most of the magic if parents provide a few pieces of information in advance about the good and bad things their kids have been up to this year.

Conley’s “Mrs. Claus” — his wife, Barb Conley — helped clean out their workshop in the basement to serve as a North Pole toy workshop for the virtual visits.

It feels more authentic to Conley to appear on a screen in the workshop than in person behind a plexiglass divider, as some other Santa’s helpers are doing.

“That’s like jail. I just wouldn’t do it,” he said.

But Tony Tomanek of Avon Lake thinks he has an idea to pull off plexiglass visits without looking like “Santa in a plastic bubble.”

Angelo Angel | Chronicle

Michael Henery Jr., as Santa Claus, waves at folks from inside the window of the Encore Shoppe in Vermilion on Sunday.

The Santa’s helper and president of the Avon Lake Historical Society knows a thing or two about adapting to the pandemic — he’s been coming up with creative ways to adapt historical society programs to social distancing requirements since the spring.

Tomanek has joined with the city to organize a Santa event at the city’s Veterans Memorial Park. The idea proved so popular that tickets sold out in five hours.

Part of the event will have the park’s gazebo outfitted with plexiglass and equipped with a microphone system so kids can talk with Santa.

“They stand in front of Santa.

They’re not going to touch him or get in contact with him, but the photographer is going to work so they can stand in front of Santa and take photographs without reflection,” Tomanek said.

Even if being behind the glass alters the experience for kids sharing their wish list, he said it’s safe and far better than cancelling Santa altogether.

Ken Beaver of LaGrange Township has carved out a niche as a Santa-for-hire, starting with tours on the Polar Express at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

He’s since appeared as Santa for home visits, school visits, at

Crushers Stadium in Avon and even for the Cleveland Browns.

Beaver said his role has changed as well in 2020 — there are still some outdoor visits, he recently recorded an appearance for Midview’s North Elementary School students and video chats are another alternative way to spread holiday cheer.

“It’s an adjustment,” he said.

“It’s one of those things where I’m still getting the jobs. I still get to see the kids. But it’s not as fun as when the kids get to come up and sit on your lap and talk to you.”

Tim Manning said he’d be open to playing Santa in a safe,

DISNEY

SANTA EVENTS • Santa Nights at the Carlisle Equestrian Center: 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, 10 and 17.

See Santa from the comfort of your vehicle. His elves will collect letters and Santa will read some of the letters on the Lorain County Metro Parks Facebook page.

• Santa Nights at Lakeview Park: 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, 9, 13 and 16. See Santa from the comfort of your vehicle. His elves will collect letters and Santa will read some of the letters on the Lorain County Metro Parks Facebook page.

• See Santa from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 at Veteran's Memorial Park in Avon Lake. The event is hosted by the Avon Lake Parks and Recreation Department and Avon Lake Historical Society.

For tickets, visit www.avonlakerec.com.

• The North Ridgeville Lions Club will connect kids with Santa and Mrs. Claus via a direct phone line to the North Pole. Parents who would like their children to receive a phone call from Santa must register at www.nridgeville.org/ parksandrec or at the Parks and Recreation office. There will be time for one phone call to each family. The event is free for children ages 3 to 6. remotely-staged event as well. “I pretty much let Mrs. Claus make all those decisions, though,” he laughed.

If none comes together, he said it will be a blue Christmas without seeing wonder painted across children’s faces.

"When you see the look on their face, when they're totally buying into it, you can't put a price on that," he said. “Most of the time, when they sit on your lap, they just want toys. Every now and then, they’ll ask for a relative to come home or a loved one to get out of the hospital or stop being sick. Those are the moments I live for.”

Downtown StoryWalk

ACROSS 1. *Bambi and others like him 6. Nail a criminal 9. Use a paring knife 13. Cornucopia’s shape 14. Lawyers’ org.

15. Interior designer’s focus 16. *Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor’s draw 17. 1/100 of afghani 18. Tapestry 19. *Minnie Mouse’s full first name 21. *”Be Our Guest” performer 23. Kukui nut necklace 24. #22 Down competitor 25. Dojo pad 28. Pillow filler 30. Detected 35. Burden of proof 37. Ness’ domain 39. Vernacular 40. Poker amount 41. Divvy up 43. U.S. freshwater invader 44. Relating to nose 46. Golfer’s warning 47. “The Three Musketeers” dueling sword 48. Isaac of science fiction fame 50. *”The Princess Diaries” leading actress 52. Pigpen 53. Candle burner 55. Greek letters on campus 57. *Remy’s idol Auguste ____ 61. *Pongo’s mate 65. Radio sign 66. J. Edgar Hoover’s org.

68. Was dishonest with, two words 69. *Iago and Kevin 70. *Scar to Simba, e.g.

71. At the point of death, archaic 72. Command to Fido 73. Seed alternative, to a landscaper 74. Loses color DOWN 1. Fraud 2. Famous Amos 3. Before long, to Shakespeare 4. Alef and Bet follower 5. *Like a Haunted Mansion

Take a "StoryWalk" around downtown Amherst now through Dec. 22 and read "My Winter City" by Joey Gladstone.

Start at the Amherst Public Library on Spring Street, then visit each participating location to read the story.

Write down the letter at each location and unscramble them to reveal a special message and win a holiday themed prize.

The downtown Amherst StoryWalk map is available to pick up in the library or can be found at www. amherstpubliclibrary.org.

Take and make crafts

Visit the Amherst Public Library for take and make craft kits for both kids and adults. Each kit contains almost everything you need to make a fun craft, all you’ll need to add are basic supplies like glue and scissors.

Right now, kids can pick up a friendly reindeer kit, and adults can pick up a mini wreath ornament kit. Craft kits are available via the library's curbside pickup service while supplies last.

visitor 6. California valley 7. *Aladdin’s sidekick 8. What football and baseball have in common, pl.

9. “Frasier” actress Gilpin 10. Homesteader’s measure 11. *Shere Khan’s cry 12. Highland tongue 15. Woman in trouble?

20. Actress Davis 22. Package delivery service 24. Reveal the true nature 25. *”How Far I’ll Go” performer 26. *____ of Arendelle, pl.

27. Hutu’s opponents, 1994 29. *Raksha or Rama 31. Cote d’Azur locale 32. Ginger cookies 33. Kind of heron

34. *Beardless dwarf 36. Clothing line 38. Honker 42. It may be perfect 45. Moves down 49. Itinerary word 51. Cap attachment 54. Part of a sleeve, pl.

56. Organ swelling 57. Loads 58. Military group 59. Sarah, alt. sp.

60. Not a slob 61. ____ Piper 62. Object of worship 63. Tear, past tense 64. *”A Bug’s Life” characters 67. *Human child in | Monstropolis

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE A2

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Page A5

Common pleas judges halt Oberlin to dip into general fund for pandemic relief trials over COVID cases DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA — Lorain County's Common Pleas Court judges have decided to suspend all jury trials at the Lorain County Justice Center until at least Jan. 4 in response to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases reported in the county.

In an administrative order posted on the court's website, the judges wrote: "The increasing rates of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths make it impracticable and unsafe for certain in-person court events to continue at the level reached during the past few months.

"In response to the precipitous rise in COVID cases in Lorain County, the Court of Common Pleas Judges voted on Wednesday (Nov. 18) to suspend jury trials until January 4, 2021. The Judges will continue to monitor the infection rates in the community and re-evaluate periodically to determine when jury trials will resume in 2021."

"All persons entering the Justice Center are subject to a temperature scan and series of health questions. Everyone is required to wear a face covering while in the building and follow all COVID-19 safety protocols, including social distancing."

"The Court will continue to be guided by experts in public health as it administers court operations in a manner that prioritizes the safety of court users," the judges wrote.

The court remains open for civil and criminal matters, and remote services such as teleconferencing and videoconferencing are being used to continue the courts' business unless otherwise directed, according to the order.

It's not the first time the Common Pleas Court has halted trials. Judges took the same step in March when the pandemic first hit the region.

The courts took a hard line early on in the pandemic to make sure only those with business in the courthouse were allowed into the Justice Center on Court Street in Elyria.

Trials were postponed in March, and only resumed in Lorain County Common Pleas Court five months later in August after court officials obtained personal protection equipment, built barriers for jurors, got grants from the state to help pay the cost of constructing barriers and obtaining PPE and consulted with attorneys, prosecutors, the Lorain County Sheriff's Office and Lorain County Public Health on the best way to safely reopen.

Those trials suspended included the death penalty trial of Jocquez Ross. In that case, court officials confirmed at least one witness had tested positive for COVID-19 and another witness was forbidden by their employer to travel due to the pandemic.

Genealogy meeting The Ohio Genealogical Society's Lorain County Chapter will meet online at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Participants are asked to share a favorite genealogical photo. The chapter's president, Norm Lewicki, will lead an exploration of the photos, looking for hidden details and clues about your ancestors.

You don't have to contribute a photo to participate but if you choose to do so, email it to president@loraincoogs. org. Include your name, state of residence and any facts you know about the picture.

This online program is open to Lorain County chapter members and the public. Those interested in joining the program should email lcc-ogsmeetings@loraincoogs.org to be added to the invitation list. The chapter uses the BlueJeans video conferencing platform, which does not require you to download anything.

Submit your news items to the Community Guide!

Email information to news@ lcnewspapers.com. The deadline is 10 a.m. Tuesday. Items are published as space is available.

The trial resumed in August.

In September, county commissioners approved the purchase of temperature scanners and thermal imaging equipment to be installed at the Justice Center to take the temperature of visitors. For almost two months prior, court staff had been using forehead scanners to test visitors to the courthouse and asking health screening questions.

Health screeners have been present at the courthouse entrance for some time to ask if visitors have had contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or if they have had a fever or other symptoms.

Rumors of positive cases among judges, court staff and attorneys at the county level recently were investigated by The Chronicle-Telegram, but no court officials, judges, attorneys or staff were willing to speak about them on the record.

Probate Judge James Walther, the court's presiding judge, told the county's Community Protection Team at its meeting Tuesday that despite taking all recommended precautions, five staff members in his court — which handles marriage licenses, adoptions, estates and other civil matters — have tested positive for COVID-19, Walther said.

He also said he knows of three judges who have had it, but he declined to elaborate.

His court has made marriage license applications available by appointment only, and disallowed walk-in applicants. There also is a table set out in the sixth-floor hallway in front of the probate clerk offices where staff members go to meet applicants, who currently are not allowed to enter the court's offices.

Despite those precautions, he said the five cases were reported within a week of the last meeting of the Community Protection Team. At the Nov. 17 team meeting, he mentioned that all divisions of the Common Pleas Court had at least one positive COVID-19 test in the past several weeks.

Asked recently about positive cases among court staff, Court Administrator Sherry Clouser confirmed that three staff members at Lorain County Adult Probation previously had tested positive for COVID-19, but had all since recovered and returned to work. She referred all other questions to the Common Pleas judges.

Lorain County Prosecutor Dennis Will also previously declined to comment on any positive cases he was aware of among court staff.

Elyria Municipal Judge Gary Bennett is the lone Lorain County judge to publicly confirm he has tested positive for COVID-19. He said so Monday, the same day he closed his courtroom and ordered his staff be tested for the virus.

Attorneys and court visitors who came in contact with his courtroom also were being informed, he told The Chronicle-Telegram.

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LEGALS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF LORAIN, OHIO SALE OF CITY PARCEL 401 IDAHO AVENUE The City of Lorain will be accepting bids for a City owned parcel of land located at 401 IDAHO AVENUE, LORAIN, OHIO PP#0200051116001.

Parcel is sold in as-is condition. The bidder is responsible for all costs. These costs include but are not limited to: transfer costs, survey, title fees, closing costs, recording fees and all other costs associated with the deed preparation and title transfer.

Bids are due December 3, 2020 at 11:00 AM to the Engineering Department, Lorain City Hall 4th Floor. The opening of the bids will take place December 3, 2020 at

11:15 AM in the City of Lorain Council Chambers. In the event no bids are received for the individual parcel prior to 11:00 AM on December 3, 2020, then the bidding process shall remain open for the parcel and the City may thereafter, at its sole discretion, accept or reject any bid received for the parcel after December 3, 2020. Any materials or objects that are found on the parcel will become property of the bidder and be the bidder's responsibility. The City is not liable for any materials or objects that may be found on the parcel property.

All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the bidder's name and contact information on the outside of the envelope and be accompanied by a certified check on a solvent bank, drawn and made payable to the City of Lorain, Ohio, in the amount of 10% of the total bid in good faith.

Should any bid be rejected, such check will be forthwith returned to the bidder; and should any bid be accepted, such bond or check will be returned upon proper execution and securing of the contract.

Bid forms and specifications may be obtained by contacting the City of Lorain Engineering Department at 440-204-2003 or at 200 West Erie Avenue, City Hall- 4th Floor Lorain, Ohio 44052. All bids shall be subject to the additional items and conditions set forth on the bid forms.

By order of the Director of Public Safety/Service

L.C.C.G. 11/5-12-19-26; 12/3/20 20672740

PUBLICATION OF LEGISLATION The following is a summary of legislation adopted by Lorain City Council on Nov. 16, 2020.

The complete text of each item may be viewed or purchased in the Clerk of Council Office @ Lorain City Hall, 200 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH, during normal business hours or contact Nancy Greer @ 204-2050 (Nancy_Greer@cityoflorain. org). The following summary of legislation passed has been reviewed/approved by the Law Director for legal accuracy as

required by state laws.

Ordinance 134-20 Adopting the recommendation of the Lorain City Planning Commission to approve the revisions to the final development plan at Harborwalk to allow for boat/ RV storage in a R-PUD district.

135-20* Auth the S/S Director to enter into a contract w/ lowest & best bidder for the Black River WWTP Clarifiers Rehab project. 136-20* Auth S/S Director to apply for, accept and enter into water pollution control loan fund agrmt for rehab of Black River WWTP digesters and solids handling equipment. 137-20 Auth the S/S Director to enter into contracts for the purchase of supplies for use by the Lorain Utilities Dept. not to exceed $500k. 138-20 Auth the S/S Director to enter into an agrmt w/ Coldwater Consulting for prof services related to the Black River Dredge Reuse Facility Solids Evaluation. 139-20 Repealing Lorain Codified Ordinance Ch. 1539 "Point of Sale" and related ordinances. 14020* Auth the Auditor to pay invoices submitted by the Fire Dept. that invokes the Then & Now Certification Exception Process totaling $3411.76.

141-20* Auth the Auditor to pay invoices submitted by the Safety/Service Dept. that invokes the Then & Now Certification Exception Process totaling $16,121.75. 142-20* Auth the S/S Director to enter into a contract for the sale of approximately 7.71 acres of land located in the Colorado Avenue Industrial Park. 14320* Amending Sec. 1548.04 "Requirements for Placement of Portable Storage Units" of the Codified Ordinances and Sec. 1 of Ord 126-20. 144-20 Auth the S/S Director to enter into an agrmt to amend the contract previously entered into w/ CT Consultants for the construction of new water lines in the Red Hill pressure district.

145-20 Amending Sec. 16.4 of Ord 16-20 providing for the creation of one management classification series within the BHP Dept and revising and correction various positions previously omitted from Ord 16-20. (*Denotes legislation was passed as an emergency.)

L.C.C.G. 11/26; 12/3/20 20673716

JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — Nonprofits have just a few short days to ask Oberlin City Council for taxpayer dollars being re-purposed for pandemic relief.

In a special session Monday, elected officials voted unanimously to use operating cash to help social safety nets cope with COVID-19 costs.

Carrie Handy, the city's planning and development director, said nonprofits would be able to use the cash to pay for medical supplies, sanitizing products, food delivery, welfare checks on vulnerable people, emergency food relief and helping students learning from home.

The funds are meant to provide direct assistance to families suffering lost income because of the pandemic. It can be used to prevent evictions, cover unforeseen costs for funerals, make emergency home repairs and pay overdue utility bills to avoid shutoffs.

As Oberlin Community Services Director Margie Flood put it, nonprofits are

looking for city funds to "help us help others."

Many Lorain County communities have been taking similar steps using federal CARES Act money passed by Congress specifically for coronavirus relief.

But Oberlin's gambit is different — it will tap the city's general fund, which is meant to pay for day-to-day operating expenses such as police, firefighters, road repairs and new sewer lines.

City Manager Rob Hillard said Oberlin has CARES Act funding, but there are concerns that using the money in certain ways — utility bill assistance, for example — wouldn't be allowed.

Council didn't not place any cap on the amounts nonprofits can apply for.

Awards will be discretionary, with proposals being read at Council's Dec. 21 meeting.

The deadline for submission is Friday, Dec. 11. Applications must be sent to chandy@cityofoberlin.com or delivered to the Oberlin police station in a sealed envelope, addressed to the City of Oberlin Department of Planning and Development, 69 South Main St., Oberlin, OH 44074.

Not-Forgotten box collections underway ELYRIA — The annual Not Forgotten Box toy drive has launched to make the holidays are happy for children in need.

The event is hosted by the Salvation Army and our partners at The ChronicleTelegram. Donations can be made by drivethru drop-off in The Chronicle's parking lot, 225 East Ave. “We did it this way to be safe and keep it safe for everyone involved because people get excited about this,” said Lucy Velez, The Chronicle's Not-Forgotten Box coordinator. “The community is wonderful. They step forward. But everyone comes into the lobby. We could have 20 people that come in with one group. We thought this was safer and it keeps them in their car.”

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 16.

The Salvation Army is seeing a surge of need this year due to the economic effects

of COVID-19.

“We’re still taking applications,” Salvation Army Capt. Tracy Knappins said. “I know the number is nearing 800 at this point. We know that the number is up about 30 percent over last year. We are a little concerned about if we’ll have enough to make sure all these children have a good Christmas. We’re looking for any kind of toys, gift items, clothing, hats, scarves and gloves. We want to make sure they get some fun things but that their basic needs are met as well.”

Knappins said volunteers are still needed to help count, organize and receive the families.

Cash donations will be accepted through Dec. 31. Those donating by check should make checks payable to The Not-Forgotten Box and mail or deliver to The Chronicle.

The mailing address is 225 East Ave., Elyria, Ohio 44035.

WELLINGTON RECYCLES!

Did you know, everything you recycle in your green recycling tote is weighed and recorded? The village of Wellington receives grant dollars from the Lorain County Commissioners, and Lorain County Solid Waste Management District, because you recycle. The more you recycle, the more grant money the village is eligible for! Grant dollars have been used to purchase recycled content park benches, trash/recycling receptacles, crushed red brick for the ball fields at the Rec. Park, the sun shade at the splash pad, and playground equipment.

What to Recycle in your Green Curbside Tote • Glass Bottles & Jars (all colors) • Metal Cans: Aluminum, and steel cans and lids • Paper: Newspaper, magazines, cardboard, mixed office paper and envelopes, paperboard (cereal boxes), telephone books, and catalogs • Plastics #1 - #7 (reattach lid): Bottles and jugs that have a small mouth and wider base, such as milk jugs, soda bottles, laundry detergent bottles, water bottles, and shampoo bottles • Cartons (paper fiber): Juice, Milk, Soy Milk, Soup and Broth, Cream, and Wine

Recycling Tips – • Mix all items together – no separation required • Empty and rinse all bottles, jugs, cartons, and cans • No Need to remove labels • For plastic bottles, empty, crush and reattach lids • For cartons, remove plastic caps and straws • Never place medical sharps or needles in the recycling • Do Not use plastic bags

Not for Recycling –

No plastic bags, cassette tapes, bed sheets, hangers, metal chains, garden hoses, batteries, needles, syringes, electronics, polystyrene foam, buckets, car parts, food, yard waste, light bulbs, drinking glasses, ceramics, pots, pans, and scrap metal.

Hard to Recycle Items Lorain County Solid Waste Management District Collection Center 540 South Abbe Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035, 440-329-5440 Hours of Operation:

Wednesday 12 PM – 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 3 PM (Lorain County Residents Only) • Household Hazardous Waste (see website for accepted materials) www.loraincounty.us/commissioners-department/solid-waste-management/collection-center • Cooking Oils • Electronic Waste • Fluorescent Lamps & Ballasts • Scrap Tires • Papers to Be Shredded

Lorain County Habitat for Humanity –

If you have items such as new paint, used paint that is half full, construction or building items – you can donate them to the Lorain County Habitat for Humanity, www.loraincountyhabitat.org, 440-322-2355.

Page A6

Lorain County Community Guide

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Lorain County reacts to COVID pressures STAFF REPORTS

With Lorain County in purple alert status and COVID cases showing no sign of slowing, government officials, schools and residents are adjusting.

Here are some of the ways the pandemic has forced shifts over the past 10 days:

SURGING NUMBERS

County Health Commissioner David Covell said Lorain County's COVID-19 cases count continues to rise.

"We've gone from thinking that 100 cases per week was a really big deal, to 150 a week, then from 150 to 300 to 500 to last week, when we had 1,000 cases, and then this past week we had 1,200 cases that have come in in a week," he said Nov. 24. "When it comes to this surge, it's not slowing down."

Covell said he couldn't confidently tell the group that Thanksgiving wouldn't result in yet another surge in case numbers, and how that will affect local hospitals and their capacities as time goes on.

"Mathematically, a certain amount of folks will have a bad health outcome," he said.

"Some will end up in the hospital, some will end up in the ICU and some will end up dying."

VACCINE COMING

"There is a light at the end of the tunnel if we just hang on a little bit longer," Covell said.

Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be approved by the second week of December, but the fact it has to be stored in "ultracold" conditions makes it a difficult vaccine to be fit for mass vaccinations.

It will be beneficial for hospitals and health centers that can store vaccines at ultra-cold temperatures and is likely to first be rolled out to help frontline health workers and medical personnel, Covell said.

Moderna's vaccine comes in two doses and is "very effective" and should be the second one to roll out, he said. AstraZeneca's vaccine should start to appear at the end December or beginning of January, Covell said.

He said he was most interested in the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine that will make mass vaccination "much easier for everyone." It need only be kept at refrigeration temperature, he said.

That means all 300,000 residents of Lorain County could be vaccinated against the virus "in just a few weeks" once the Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrives, Covell said.

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Local officials are aiming to kick off a $100,000 COVID-19 awareness campaign soon amid record-high cases in Lorain County.

The money for was budgeted by the Lorain County commissioners from federal CARES Act dollars. Jennifer Kennedy, founder of Kennedy Marketing Solutions, has been retained to assist with the effort.

“We’re hoping that will get us through the holidays, the winter season, and hopefully the vaccine is on the back end of that somewhere in April or May,” Commissioner Matt Lundy said.

He said officials are seeking local recovered COVID-19 patients to interview about the lingering effects of the virus as part of the campaign.

SCHOOLS

The Wellington Schools automatically went to fully-remote learning Monday.

The step was tied to Lorain County's purple alert designation on Ohio's COVID-19 threat scale.

Franco Gallo, superintendent of the Educational Service Center of Lorain County, said schools are seeing issues with staffing the appropriate number of teachers, administrators and other service workers.

That's led some districts to change plans prior to the end of the current semester.

Avon, for example, went to e-learning to recover from a surge in cases, with plans to go back to in-person instruction around Dec. 9 "provided staff is healthy," he said.

Meanwhile, the Oberlin City Schools have slowed plans for a return to in-person classes until at least January.

WINTER SPORTS

Add the Southwestern Conference, which includes the Amherst Comets, to the growing list of leagues pausing their winter sports seasons.

Southwestern Conference commissioner Mike McCarthy announced in a statement last week that its nine schools have made the decision to temporarily suspend all middle school and high school sports events until Dec. 7.

“We recognize the importance of student

connectivity, their mental health and how much time and effort our kids put into their respective sport,” McCarthy said in the statement. “As a result, practices will be allowed to take place. During this time our athletes will still train. This will keep them sharp and help to prevent injuries once contests resume.”

SWC schools will meet today to reassess the situation.

“The conference has been monitoring the situation for a couple of weeks and under the advisement of county health boards and county health directors it was the feeling this is the best thing for our student-athletes for right now,” Amherst athletic director Casey Wolf said. “It’s always tough to stop studentathletes from having the opportunity to compete at any time. My heart goes out to them that we’re going through this pandemic and we’re having these issues. It’s just my hope that we can get this thing going again, the sooner the better for everybody involved.”

HUNGER

Help from the Ohio National Guard for Second Harvest is set to expire this month.

Food bank leaders have described the assistance as instrumental to getting food out to residents. Many of the volunteers at Second Harvest were older, and at a higher risk for COVID-19, so they've deferred during the pandemic.

President Julie Chase-Morefield has said that if the National Guard were to leave, the organization would have to cut the number of food distributions it does.

She, along with Ohio's political leaders, are asking the federal government to sign off on continued aid. Gov. Mike DeWine has requested that full federal funding for up to 1,800 Ohio National Guard members to continue through March 31.

“Families in our area are struggling and we are trying to fend off hunger for as many people as possible as we go into the winter months," Chase-Morefield said. "As stayhome recommendations continue, our available volunteer pool will decrease, leaving many people without help.”

MENTAL HEALTH

Accidental overdoses have increased this year due to additional risk factors such as isolation and the risk of relapse for those battling addiction, according to Clare Rosser, director of communications for the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County.

The supply chain of illicit drugs has been just as disrupted as the supply chains of legitimate items leading to more dangerous mixtures of drugs reaching the streets with "highly dangerous and unknown components" among them.

There has not been a significant increase in suicide deaths despite increased economic and grief-based risk factors, and MHARS is seeing people "really boost up informal supports and looking out for each other and helping each other out" during the pandemic, she said.

"As fatigued as everyone is right now, we're going to have new outreach people specifically attached to finding folks who are harder to find" who might need help, Rosser said.

COURTS

Probate Court Judge James Walther said all parts of the Justice Center have been touched

by COVID-19 recently, including his own office.

“All the different divisions of the court have at least one positive, and that’s all been within the past several weeks,” Walther said.

“My own office now has two, and that’s just been within the past couple of days.”

The Justice Center recently installed thermal scanners near the metal detectors in the lobby to detect anyone with a fever who tries to enter the building. Walther said court employees never stopped following the recommended steps to avoid COVID-19, but later added that he is “very, very concerned” about the spread of the virus.

HOSPITAL STAFF

Dr. Kristi Sink, president of University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, told the group that the hospital staff is “holding our own” despite being at the highest COVID-19 test positivity rate all year and the intensive care unit being at or near capacity.

“We are fortunate in that the hospital is old enough that it has spaces that we had closed and didn’t use every day, so we have cleaned those and put them back in operation,” Sink said. “We’re fortunate, because if we didn’t have that we would be completely full.”

Sink also said the hospital is also starting to see the virus spread among staff and there are “more than a couple dozen” staff members who were ordered to quarantine.

B

OUR TOWNS

Lorain County Community Guide • Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Donations pour in to beds-for-kids charity JASON HAWK and DAVE O’BRIEN

WELLINGTON — Twin sheets, blankets and pillowcases have poured in during a Wellington Kiwanis Club drive to benefit kids.

"We've had a great response," said the Rev. Paul Wilson, president of the club. "We put out 10 boxes in town, and some of them have been overflowing with donations."

The effort launched in late October and will run through Friday, Dec. 4.

Bedding will go to Good Knights of Lorain County, the Provided photo nonprofit organization run by Elyria native Roger Dorsey.

Wellington Kiwanis members collecting bedding to benefit Good Knights of Lorain His mission the past few years County include Paul Wilson, Jenny Arntz, Pam Mazzone, Markus Bryant, Jennifer Post has been to build beds for kids and Carol Burke.

who grew up sleeping on the floor, like he once did.

Dorsey has said his own blue collar family didn't live in deep poverty, but still struggled to make ends meet. He decided no child should consider a bed — the one place they should feel safe and secure — to be a luxury.

"We've heard from Roger. He's spoken to every one of our clubs.

He's driven," said Terry Mazzone, lieutenant governor for the eight Kiwanis clubs in Lorain County.

"Kiwanis is all about kids, and every kid ought to have their own bed."

Lorain County commissioners gave $30,000 from CARES Act funding to Good Knights at their meeting Wednesday.

Dorsey was overcome with BEDDING PAGE B2

COOKIE CARE PACKAGES

Provided photo

Kendal at Oberlin staff prepare surprise goodie baskets for residents on Thanksgiving.

Angelo Angel | Chronicle

Gina Welch, left, uses a spatula to unstick the freshly baked cookies while her mother-in-law, Darlene Welch, watches in Amherst on Saturday.

Amherst woman bakes for those aboard the USS Kidd RINI JEFFERS FOR THE NEWS-TIMES

AMHERST — Making Christmas cookies to ship to her son in the Navy isn’t unusual for Gina Welch.

The retired Amherst teacher has been doing it for the last decade her son Kevin has been in the Navy, but this year she’s decided to be “ship mom” to 300 sailors, the entire number onboard his latest ship, the destroyer the USS Kidd off the Washington coast.

Welch has always made Kevin a care package of cookies, making sure to include plenty extra for him

to share. This year, however, with COVID-19 limiting travel and leaves canceled, she decided just to spread wide the baking pans and share some peanut butter and chocolate love to the entire ship.

“I’m just trying to give everybody a little touch of home for the holidays,” she said, contemplating the dozens of bags of flour and sugar, a dozen boxes of margarine and 20 bags of red and green M&Ms in her kitchen.

To simplify her mission, she only is making two types of cookies: peanut butter and M&M cookies. “Those are the two most-requested,” she said.

She plans to individually package up four to five cookies per sailor and

aims to bake at least 1,200 cookies.

They will be packaged separately in case anyone has peanut allergies — something a former teacher thinks of right away, she said.

It’s an annual tradition she takes on with her mother-in-law, Darlene Welch. Every year they make cookies for “lots of people,” easily making at least 1,000, so they don’t think this will be too taxing.

The Welch women will start baking this Friday in Gina’s kitchen. They’ll be packing up all weekend long and her son-in-law’s company has offered to ship them.

COOKIES PAGE B2

Oberlin schools’ outlook ‘favorable’ JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — A rebound in income tax collections has helped lift up the Oberlin City Schools' five-year financial forecast.

Treasurer Robert Rinehart said the long-term picture is "looking good" after the COVID-19 pandemic and statewide shutdown in the spring bit into revenue.

There is still worry, however, about how school taxes could be affected as cases skyrocket.

"I know, especially if we shut down again, that busi-

nesses in town won't be producing the income tax they did in the past years," Rinehart told the Oberlin Board of Education last week.

School districts must show twice each year how they see finances unfolding over a five-year window.

The most recent report was filed Nov. 23 with the Ohio Department of Education.

Rinehart said the trend is "favorable," with revenues outpacing expenses until fiscal year 2024.

Oberlin's property tax collections are expected to steadily grow, while income tax collections fall

off by more than $1.7 million.

By 2025, expenses are on track to hit $16.6 million while revenues to the district fall to $14.5 million.

That will leave the Oberlin City Schools spending $1.28 million more than they make by 2024 and $1.97 million more by 2025.

That will mean digging into savings until the district passes a levy or finds another way to balance its budget.

While some neighboring districts facing the same issues are spending down their savings accounts

significantly, Oberlin's savings are expected to stay relatively the same over the next five years, ending at about $6.4 million in 2025.

The Board of Education also unanimously backed a resolution encouraging the passage of Ohio House Bill 305 and the Fair School Funding Plan.

The bipartisan bill would provide another $2 billion per year for education when fully implemented after four to six years — that's about a 24 percent increase.

"They've been working OUTLOOK PAGE B2

Lonely holidays for residents of nursing homes LAINA YOST THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

Thanksgiving across the country looked different this year, but particularly in nursing facilities, where much of the holiday was spent in isolation.

Most nursing homes and assisted-living facilities had to make do with what little they were able to do.

Residents still can’t dine together, so they ate in their rooms and apartments alone. Staff members worked to provide extra touches on Thanksgiving to make the holiday a little special for residents.

Kendal at Oberlin CEO Barbara Thomas said her residents understand what’s at stake this holiday season and are resilient.

“It may be their last holiday,” Thomas said. “Honestly, we don't know where we will be a year from now and we recognize our families are very important to us.

And we want to be with our families next year. So this is the chance we have to do the things this year to open up that possibility. And they know that. they're the first LONELY HOLIDAYS PAGE B2 1960-2020

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Page B2

BEDDING

FROM B1 emotion when informed of the grant.

"Thank you," he said, choking up. "You don't know what a blessing this is. This is going to get a lot of kids off the floor and in their own beds by Christmas."

He previously said the cost of building beds for children in need in Lorain County has gone "through the roof," from $150 to $250 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The quality of the materials it uses has also declined, Dorsey and Commissioner Sharon Sweda, a Good Knights volunteer, both said.

Multi-Link in Elyria has chipped in to make metal side rails for the beds Good Knights builds and sets up for children, making them easier to take apart and move as families with children move around.

Dorsey said the organization's goal is to build 1,200 to 1,500 beds for children in Lorain County in the next year.

Fifty were delivered in the last week alone, he said.

"Having been one of those children growing up, I know that the statistics say that there are 6,000 to 9,000 kids in Lorain County who woke up this morning without a bed," he said.

There are currently 75 requests for beds outstanding, Dorsey said. Along with Wellington Kiwanis helping out, Cleveland Clinic employees are raising money and making donations of bedding, and another charity is donating teddy bears for children to receive along with their beds, he said.

Commissioner Matt Lundy called it "a sad and harsh reality" that there is "a lot of poverty in Lorain County."

A military veteran himself, Dorsey also said he is working with veterans groups on a "housing kit" for veterans, and providing beds for those who have served in the military who need them "as long as they're OK with sleeping in a twin bed," he said.

From building beds to delivering them, members from all eight Kiwanis clubs in Lorain County and the affiliated Wellington High School Key Club have lent a hand to the Good Knights effort in 2020, Mazzone said.

Those with means have stepped up to donate linens, even while struggling with the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson said.

"The people that can give are giving more," he said.

"They know there's a need out there, and if they feel like they've been blessed to give, they're giving more."

Giving is a way to feel good while being part of the solution, he said.

The final push gets underway after Thanksgiving. Donation box locations include Farm & Home Hardware, Dan Gossman Insurance, State Farm Insurance, PT Services, Main Street Wellington, First United Methodist Church, On Track Nutrition and the three Wellington schools.

Bedding must be new and still in its packaging.

COOKIES

FROM B1

She will make sure to send a few burned ones, as well.

It’s a tradition that started when her kids, Kevin and Alyssa, were little and would try to sneak her freshbaked cookies and she only allowed them to “eat the burned ones.”

“So I always include just a few burned ones for him, too,” she said.

Gina Welch, who also is the president of the Amherst Garden Club and known online as “Ohio’s Tomato Lady” for selling 70 to 90 varieties of heirloom tomatoes each summer from her Cleveland Avenue yard, wants to give some homegrown comfort to the sailors who aren’t going home this year.

The entire ship was quarantined in the summer in San Diego after outbreaks of coronavirus infections. It took six weeks to thoroughly clean and disinfect the ship.

Her son did not get it, she said.

She also is asking the community for handwritten holiday cards for each sailor to be sent in the cookie packages. She has set up a bag to receive cards on her front porch at 818 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. So far she has 25 but needs 300 total.

“It makes you feel good to be able to help out, to let everybody know people are thinking of them and what they do. It feels good to wish them a little bit of joy on the holidays,” she said.

OUTLOOK

FROM B1

on it for three years to finally get a state funding system that would actually work," Rinehart said.

He said the massive overhaul to the way school funding works is based on ""a true formula" for what it costs to educate typical, special needs, gifted and low income students.

It would also tackle transportation costs, which haven't been addressed since 2010, and does away with the "shell game" of giving public schools money and having them pass it on to private schools, Rinehart said.

The Ohio Legislature could vote on the bill next week.

The way Ohio's schools are funded is unconstitutional — in 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled in DeRolph v. State of Ohio that public education funding "fails to provide for a thorough and efficient system of common schools" as required by the state's Constitution.

At the heart of the problem is an over-reliance on property taxes. School districts in rich communities fare far better than ones where property values are lower.

The passage of House Bill 920 in 1976 made the situation worse, because it capped the amount a levy could generate at a certain dollar amount, rather than allowing it to rise as property values did. That meant districts couldn't keep up with inflation, and to this day must constantly return to voters for levy after levy.

The high court ordered an end to the "school foundation program" and its reliance on property taxes, and gave state legislators a year to solve the problem.

It's been 23 years, and the order hasn't been carried out.

"This is one of the most promising steps for action to try to improve that, to reverse some of what has been found to be horribly unfair based on property taxes," said Oberlin school board member Anne Schaum.

"Definitely a start," agreed Oberlin school board President Jason Williams.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

COMETS SIGNING DAY

Photos by Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Four Amherst Steele High School students took part in National Signing Day on Nov. 11, inking their intent to take their athletic skills to the next level.

Dylan Bailey will attend Ohio Dominican University to play baseball for the NCAA Division II Panthers in the Great Midwest Conference.

Bailey was a key member of the 2019 Comets baseball team, contributing to its district title. He has been on the academic honor roll throughout his high school career, and is a three-year varsity letter-winner. Bailey also played travel baseball for the Lake Erie Warhawks under coach Adrian Abrahamowicz. He is the son of Dale and Elizabeth Bailey.

Katelyn Hazelgrove will attend Cleveland State University to play soccer for the NCAA Division I Vikings in the Horizon League. Hazelgrove has been a defensive player for the Comets, earning the team Defensive MVP Award this year. She spent her sophomore and junior seasons playing for the USA Soccer Developmental Academy, and has lettered in soccer and track and field.

Hazelgrove has also played club soccer for the Cleveland Force SC under coach Rob Miller.

She is the daughter of Kimberly Hazelgrove.

McKenzie Cornwell will attend the University of Akron to play softball for the NCAA Division I Zips in the Mid-American Conference. Cornwell carries a .430 batting average and .607 slugging percentage with 73 hits, 46 RBIs, 47 singles, 23 doubles and two home runs in her first two years for the Comets. She is a member of the National Honor Society, has been on the academic honor roll throughout her high school career and is a three-year letter-winner. Cornwell also played travel softball for the Ohio Outlaws DeMarini under coach Kevin Yun. She is the daughter of Allan and Nicole Cornwell.

Sydney Schaeffer will attend Bowling Green State University to play soccer for the NCAA Division I Falcons in the Mid-American Conference.

Schaeffer finished her Comets career with 28 goals and 22 assists. She spent her sophomore season playing for the USA Soccer Developmental Academy, and is a three-year letter-winner.

Schaeffer also played club soccer for FC Evolution West under coach David Sidloski. She is the daughter of Samantha Davis and Scott Schaeffer.

LONELY HOLIDAYS

FROM B1 ones to realize the risk is likely to come from outside.”

Kendal’s dining department prepared goodie baskets for the residents, which included little pumpkin pies and candies. The baskets were a surprise that were given out in addition to the Thanksgiving meal.

Thomas said Kendal and every other home and nursing facility has to adopt alternate ways to celebrate holidays. At Kendal, that may be sharing special holiday recipes or getting on Zoom.

"We're trying to make it special,” Thomas said. It's important that we find substitute ways… When you don’t expect something, it’s that touch on a holiday where you really need something to pick you up.”

Thomas credited the residents for keeping spirits high throughout Kendal. They’ve adapted to virtual programming and taught each other things like Zoom and technology.

Although residents are COVID-weary, Thomas said that with a vaccine coming soon, there’s hope on the other side.

Even independent-living residents are choosing to be extra careful during the holidays. Anne Murphy, director of sales and marketing at Wesleyan Village in Elyria, said its independent living residents are free to come and go, but are choosing to stay in given the uptick in cases.

“We’re trying to bring the holidays to them,” Murphy said.

Wesleyan village delivered a Thanksgiving meal to its residents in both independent and assisted living.

Residents got a happy-hour-themed cart and staff dressed up. Goody bags were delivered to apartments.

Spending all this time isolated, particularly around the holidays, can depress residents and decline their health, Murphy said. Wesleyan is a faith-based community, so it does Zoom with pastors, as well as families. If a resident doesn’t have the right technology, Wesleyan will lend him or her an iPad. “We’re a sense of security for them,” Murphy said. “They watch the news; they are glued to that. To constantly worry and to hear that we’re

in this pandemic and the numbers are going up, they look at us. We become their family because their family can’t come in right now. It’s very important to keep up these traditions for them even though they’re different.”

Families have also been able to drop off items, and Murphy said they constantly have families dropping things off for their loved ones.

But Murphy said Wesleyan’s residents have also been more content to be safe and indoors. Oftentimes, she said it’s the adult children that can struggle from being away from their parents on a holiday. And residents do have the choice to leave and go home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but they would have to quarantine in their room for two weeks afterward.

“They are preferring to get through this surge,” Murphy said. “They’ve been through worse things. That’s the perspective they have.”

At Abbewood in Elyria, executive director Sharon Watson said staff hand-decorated places and dietary staff signed feathers on a picture of a turkey. And this year residents got a full traditional Thanksgiving meal, from stuffing to mash potatoes to gravy to corn to pumpkin pie.

“So, they’ll be stuffed when they’re finished,” Watson laughed.

Group activities also aren’t able to happen, but Watson said Abbewood has focused on one-on-one activities, including virtual calls with family members.

And for residents who have loved ones living in independent living or assisted living, Abbewood created a “cuddle curtain.” A resident can meet with their spouse and be able to safely give each other hugs.

As much as is possible, Watson said Abbewood staff is trying to make the holidays lively. Staff are putting on smiles and giving encouragement to residents. She said it becomes more incumbent on staff to make sure residents don’t become depressed.

Abbewood employees have begun taking more one-on-one time with residents.

“They have been isolated from their family and friends,” Watson said. “It changes their day-to-day. That may

include going shopping or going to a relative’s home. They are more on their own. They’re in a more isolated situation. That’s where my staff and I really have to take over as their family and friends.”

Watson herself spent Thanksgiving with her husband and dogs, but no one else. She said she wants to keep her residents safe, and that means making sacrifices on her end, too.

Christmas is the next holiday coming, and although nursing facilities are holding out hope things might be different, they are preparing for another holiday shut in.

Watson said if things don’t change, they’ll have the same guidelines. But if at all possible, they’ll relax some guidelines.

“They are understanding of the situation,” Watson said. “They are saddened by the situation, but yet hopeful that things will change. And their attitude has been quite positive.”

To bring a little extra excitement to independent-living residents, Wesleyan is hosting a winter wonderland for Christmas. Patio homes are being decorated by residents for Christmas, and people can drive through for a festival of lights.

Murphy said the event has already raised residents’ spirits, and they’re already planning the decorations.

Most residents will start decorating on Sunday, and Murphy said she will also be out there with a hot dog stand for the residents.

“It’s brought a little bit of joy,” Murphy said. “… We’re trying to do these little things for them.”

As residents are making the hard choices to stay away from family, Murphy said they have the mindset that one decision now could pay off for next year.

“Residents will say here, it’s one Thanksgiving,” she said. “It’s one fall festival. It’s one Christmas. I wish the country felt more like that. Residents make choices for the safety of our family here because we’re our own little pod here. They’re making the choices and then we see on the news folks who aren’t making such good choices. We are a constant reminder that we are in this with them.”

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B3

SPECIAL EDITION: FALL SPORTS RETROSPECTIVE Photos by Russ Gifford, Joe Colon and Erik Andrews

This fall sports season just wasn’t the same.

There were questions about whether it would happen at all because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once they got the all-clear, high school athletes faced a slew of new safety rules, rightfully put in place to protect them. Athletes got a later start and only a short line-up of games. They also didn’t get to travel quite as far and wide as usual, with most games against familiar teams from close to home. Spectators were mostly locked out, dealing a blow to our feeling of community.

Now the same or worse may be true for yet another season as COVID-19 takes a toll on high school winter sports. The Lorain County League and Southwestern Conference, along with Elyria Schools, have delayed the start of their seasons. There’s a good chance the virus won’t let up enough for basketball, hockey, wrestling, swimming and indoor track to move ahead.

Our star players still deserve their due — so enjoy this look back at fall sports highlights through pictures.

▲ Amherst's Macky Perdue breaks a North Ridgeville tackle to score for the Comets. ◄ Wellington’s Henry Abram brings the ball under control against Firelands. ► Donte Colbert looks for running room as the Phoenix face Black River. ▼ Wellington’s Amanda Spiekerman blocks a shot attempt by Keystone’s Emma Guillon. ▼ Comets senior Amaya Melendez brings a ball back into play at Medina.

85 SOUTH MAIN STREET OBERLIN OHIO 44074 DECEMBER 3, 2020 BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES

ALL MEETINGS WILL BE Live Streamed @ http://oberlinoh.swagit.com/live

DECEMBER 3, 2020....SPECIAL MEETING OF OPEN SPACE COMMISSION 5:00 P.M. RE: General Purposes DECEMBER 7, 2020...... OBERLIN CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING – 6:45 P.M. RE: Presentation regarding the 2021 Capital Improvement Program DECEMBER 7, 2020....REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING – 7:00 P.M. DECEMBER 8, 2020....PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION – 4:30 P.M. (MEETING CANCELED) DECEMBER 9, 2020....OCIC – 8:00 A.M. DECEMBER 9, 2020....OURCIT – 3:00 P.M. ▲ Dukes QB Jayden Skinner reaches the ball across the goal line in first half action against Oberlin.

NOTICE: DISABLED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CALL 775-7203 OR E-MAIL: banderson@cityofoberlin.com NOTICE REQUIRED: TWO (2) WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF MEETING (48 HOURS) CLERK OF COUNCIL’S OFFICE.

Page B4

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

SPECIAL EDITION: FALL SPORTS RETROSPECTIVE

▲ Alden Steele with a long breakaway TD run for the Comets. ◄ Wellington’s Natalie Calfo battles Columbia’s Regan Gallaher for possession. ▼ Wellington's Bryce Tegtmeyer fights for possession with Keystone's Logan Holdacre.

▲ Black River's Joseph McKean looks for daylight at Firelands.

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Not too late for a flu shot A vaccine for COVID-19 isn't available yet, but Lorain County Public Health says it has one for flu that is effective and safe.

“There’s still time to get protection from a flu shot before peak flu season January through March,” said Health Commissioner David Covell. “Healthy adults can get very sick from the flu, just like from COVID-19. Both are most dangerous for older adults, smokers or anyone with a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.”

LCPH can provide flu shots for ages six months to 64 years old, high-dose flu shots for adults ages 65 and over and nasal flumist for people ages two to 49.

A drive-thru flu shot clinic for adults ages 16 years and older will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 at the North Ridgeville fire station 1, 7000 Ranger Way. A flu shot clinic for all ages will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 at Avon Middle School, 3445 Long Rd. To schedule an in-office appointment with LCPH, call (440) 284-3206.

City offices

Oberlin’s city offices have been reorganized to improve productivity and customer service.

“Old City Hall” at 69 South Main St. now includes the recreation and finance and utilities office on the first floor; the second floor is home to the city manager’s office, human resources, the Office of Sustainability, communications and Planning and Building Department.

City Hall at 85 South Main St. is home to the clerk of council’s office and Public Works Department, which includes the recycling coordinator and engineering office.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

Page B5

SPECIAL EDITION: FALL SPORTS RETROSPECTIVE

▲ Clearview’s defense swarms Oberlin’s Dayvion Witherspoon. ▼ Oberlin’s Pippa Brandt zips past the Falcons’ Audrey Lyons.

▲ Oberlin sophomore Pearl Gunn gets a bump against the Clippers. ▼ Midview wide receiver Mason Kucera carries the ball while holding back Amherst defensive back Noah Mendez.

▲ Firelands' Caden Bomback gets open against the Pirates. ▼ Wellington’s Maile Oswald passes the ball at Smithville.

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It’s fast and easy to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.

Call 440-961-6833 or visit UHhospitals.org/WomensHealth to schedule online.

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Page B6

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020

Lorain County Community Guide

© 2020 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 36, No. 52

Make a list of safe websites and apps that your parents approve of.

Talk about what makes them safe.

A digital citizen is someone who uses technology safely and responsibly. Take the Digital Citizen Pledge!

Read the Digital Citizen Pledge.

Sign it and share the pledge with your family.

Cut it out and post it near your computer.

Ask permission from an adult, like your teacher or parent, before you go online. They can make sure the places you visit are just right for you!

Only share your login and password with a trusted adult. Don't share with others, they could log in to your account and pretend to be you.

Don't talk to strangers online – they might not be who they say they are.

Only talk to people you know in-person, and ask an adult for permission first.

ask permission before going online set a time limit when using technology never share my user name or password with other people only talk to people I know online Name:

Note to Teachers and Parents:

My signature:

This page was adapted with permission from Common Sense Education.™ To see the full lesson plan and find more lessons about Digital Citizenship, please visit : commonsense.org/education

Adult signature:

When traveling on streets, traffic lights keep people safe. You know already that a green light means you can cross a street.

A yellow light means slow down and get ready to stop and a red light means stop immediately.

Common Sense Education has created lessons for helping children be safe and responsible on the internet.

They created the Internet Traffic Light to help you.

Do you know about the Internet Traffic Light? The poem below is a good way to remember:

The Internet Traffic Light shows where we need to be

Set a time limit with devices so you don’t miss out on important things like spending time with your friends and family, homework, and sleep!

Digital Citizen Pledge

How to Travel Safely Online

he internet can be a safe and wonderful place.

But there are also places online where it is not safe for kids.

How can you tell the difference?

We go online to find new things to do and see

Talk with a family member about the online rules below. Then have them sign the Digital Citizen Pledge with you.

Q: What should I do when I find a site I think is a yellow light site?

Green means GO to sites we TRUST Yellow means SLOW, being SAFE is a must

Q: What should I do when I find a site I think is a green light site?

A: It means the site is ok for you to visit.

Red means STOP, ask if it’s okay Trust your gut to go the right way!

Share this page with a parent. See if there are any other rules they would add to the ones on this page.

What advice would you give a grown-up to not be distracted by devices? Draw about it.

A: Slow down and leave the site, or ask a trusted adult for permission to visit.

© 2020 Common Sense Education.™ Used by permission. For more information, visit commonsense.org/education

INTERNET SAFETY LIGHT STREETS SITE TRAFFIC ONLINE RED YELLOW GREEN VISIT PLEDGE SAFE ASK THINK

Safety: There are times when your or someone else’s safety could be at risk.

An example is when somebody is crossing the street. If they’re on their phone when they’re crossing the street, they might not be able to see a car coming.

Respect for people: There are times when it hurts other people’s feelings if you are distracted and not paying attention to them.

An example of this is when someone is talking to you directly. If your friend is trying to tell you an important story, put down your game and listen. It's important to pause for people!

Q: What should I do when I find a site I think is a red light site?

A: Leave the site and talk to a trusted adult about it.

Technology and devices can be useful.

But there are times when it’s best to put devices away.

Online Safety Poster

Look through the newspaper at the advertisements. Find a design you like and use it to create an advertisement for online safety.

Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information

Concentration: There are times when you should give your full attention to a specific activity.

An example is when you are reading a book, doing homework, or even doing a craft. These activities require you to give a task your full attention, and sometimes having devices out makes it harder to concentrate on what you’re doing.

Sleep: There are quiet times, like bedtime, when devices should be put away.

Doctors recommend that people stop using devices at least an hour before bedtime because the blue light in the screen can affect how well you sleep.

H P T S K S A T J T T L L N A E A B F E

R E V W E F T F D N A D I O R E E I E R F G S T E E R T S E

F E I E D W S G Y T

I V T Y E L L O W N

C Y W E N I L N O I

L I G H T K N I H T

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

This week’s word:

PERMISSION

The noun permission means being allowed to do something.

Katy’s mom gave her permission to chat online with her best friend Melinda.

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

Good Example/Bad Example

The newspaper is full of examples of things that are safe and unsafe. Look at the pictures, articles, ads and comic strips. Clip out three examples of things that are either safe or unsafe. Glue each to a piece of paper and write a safety rule that applies.

ANSWER: Safety!

Standards Link: Health & Safety; Students recognize safe and unsafe situations or behaviors.

What makes a best friend?

In what ways are you a good friend to others?