Lorain County Community Guide - Dec. 8, 2022

What a ‘perk’!

Russell dines with Bidens at state dinner in Washington

JASON HAWK EDITOR

OBERLIN — An invitation to President Joe Biden’s first state dinner at the White House is “one of the perks” of being the 2022 National Teacher of the Year, Kurt Russell joked.

The Oberlin High School teacher and his wife, Donna, traveled to Washington, D.C., for this past Thursday’s celebrity-studded event, which was held to strengthen ties to France.

“It was one of those surreal moments that you would never imagine as a teacher or someone from Lorain County,” Russell said.

In a receiving line, he found himself shaking hands and sharing chit-chat with the president, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentle man Douglas Emhoff and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Russells dined on on butter-poached lobster and beef and cheese entrees, while sharing conversation with Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Jill Biden’s sister, Bonny Jacobs.

RUSSELL PAGE A3

Miracle on Main Street

Elves collect toys for Well-Help

JASON HAWK EDITOR

Insurance

20 years ago. A

“Benefiting the local community, especially during these tough

nomic times, we want to give back anything we can,” she said.

Firefighters got in on the action, too.

“We’re here for the community. We

want to help people out when times are good and times are bad,” said

Troy

“And if this is how we can help, by drum ming up toys with State Farm, that’s what we want to do.”

The collection came as Well-Help prepared for its annual Christmas toy giveaway. Families in need were

Provided photo National Teacher of the Year Kurt Russell and wife Donna Russell pose in front of the White House before President Joe Biden’s first state dinner on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Jason Hawk | Wellington Enterprise

The staff of State Farm insurance agent Peggy Karolak’s office and Wellington Assistant Fire Chief Troy Pitts show off some of the toys collected Friday to benefit Well-Help.

WELLINGTON — A fire engine sat with lights flashing Friday in front of State Farm on Patriot Drive, where workers in elf ears took donations of toys.

agent Peggy Karolak said Wellington welcomed her more than

toy drive to benefit the nonprofit Well-Help was her way of paying residents back for their kindness.

eco

Assistant Fire Chief

Pitts.

Photos by Jeff Barnes | Amherst News-Times

The annual Miracle on Main Street holiday extravaganza drew a crowd of thousands Friday to downtown Amherst, where they found bright lights, festive music and shops all aglow. Best of all was the arrival of Santa Claus to kick off the season. After a parade down Park Avenue, singers from Marion L. Steele High School led a sea of party-goers in traditional Christmas carols before a tree-lighting ceremony. The event is held by Main Street Amherst, a nonprofit that exists to promote the city’s business community. ABOVE: Even the Grinch couldn't stay away from this year’s parade.

Crystal Apples recognize volunteers

AMHERST — Crystal Apple awards were given to eight volunteers on Nov. 28 to recognize their contri butions to the Amherst Schools.

“Without you, we couldn’t do what we do, because you bring so much back to the classroom and the kids love seeing you there,” said Assistant Super intendent Sarah Walker.

Recipients include:

• Kimberly Allen of the Nord PTO, who has put effort into organiz ing events, from providing decor to treats.

• Amanda Beres, Dawn Clappas and Darcie Parsons of the Amherst Junior High PTO. The trio has gone above and beyond to support staff and students, said teacher Amanda DiFranco.

• Amanda Dougherty, who has served on the Powers Elementary PTO for several years, including as treasurer.

• Elizabeth Fought of the Amherst Junior High PTO, who has served as

secretary of the group. She has also been involved in supporting military families, recently helping AJHS earn Purple Heart School status.

• Nicole Waddell of the Powers El ementary PTO, who has helped make creative changes since the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Rev. Steve Mayes of Good Shepherd Baptist Church, who for years has partnered with Leo Club members to provide weekend food bags for students in need. Mayes said the program supports 104 students each week, at about $10 each — starting from $3,000 in seed money, he said that amount has significantly diminished. Checks specifically marked to support the effort can be sent to the church at 1100 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001.

Rex Engle, president of the Am herst Board of Education, thanked the awardees and said that without parent involvement, the district would not be where it is today.

OBITUARIES

Melissa A. Zappa Newsome

Melissa “Missy” A. Zappa Newsome, 48, of Sheffield Township, passed away at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation on the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, following complications from recent surgery. Missy was born in Lorain on April 26, 1974.

She was a 1992 graduate of Wellington High School, where she was a member of the girl's volleyball and softball teams. She later at tended Lorain County Community College.

A resident of Sheffield Township since 1997, she was heavily involved with the Clearview School District and had served three terms as a member of the school board.

Missy also was a member and former President of the Clearview Academic Boosters and was omnipresent at any and all events that enriched and benefitted the students and faculty of the Clipper Community.

Missy had previously been employed in her family's business, Lorain Music and Vending. During her free time she enjoyed spending time outdoors and, especially, around her swimming pool.

Known for her ability to light up a room with her pres ence, Missy possessed an incomparable smile, keen wit, and wonderful sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

She leaves her husband of 25 years, Dave; children, Vincent Newsome, Hayly Newsome, Jessica Newsome, and Elizabeth Kalo (Ted); two grandchildren; her mother, Mary A. Zappa (nee Sobiech) of Amherst; sister, Renee A. Schartman (John) of Westerville; brothers, Michael A. Zappa (Darlene) of Shelby, Marc A. Zappa (Michelle) of Amherst, many nieces and nephews, and several greatnieces and great-nephews.

Missy was preceded in death by her father, Richard A. Zappa in 2008; maternal grandparents, Anthony and Hazel Sobiech, and paternal grandparents, Premo and Angeline Zappa.

Funeral services were conducted in St. Peter Parish, Lorain with The Reverend Craig M. Hovanec, Pastor of the church, serving as Celebrant. Burial will followed in Calvary Cemetery.

Contributions in Missy's memory are encouraged to the Clearview Schools, 4700 Broadway Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052-5542.

To share your memories and condolences with the New some and Zappa Families, please visit www.gluvnashi mohromada.com

Funeral arrangements by Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Fu neral Chapel.

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Martha Marie Barbor

Martha Marie (Woods) Barbor of Wellington died Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at the Elms in Wellington. Martha was born Feb. 19, 1922.

A lifelong resident of the Wellington area she was a graduate of the Penfield High School class of 1940. After high school, she attended Oberlin Business School and for several years worked as secretary for Ralph Purdy Su perintendent of Wellington Schools. Later in life, Martha worked for her husband, Bill, as secretary at his Nation wide Insurance agency.

Martha was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Spencer until its closing. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church. She then joined Bethany Lutheran Church in Wellington. She was a longtime member of the Wellington Literary Club and the Wellington Town and Country Club. Martha enjoyed traveling, cooking and baking many Swedish de lights and most of all she loved spending time with family. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Blenda Woods; brother, Lenn Bergland and husband, William.

She is survived by two sons, James (Sue) of Wellington and David (Patricia) of Pickerington; three grandchildren, Lisa (Dwight) Rice of Wellington, Tom (Naomi) Barbor of Lakewood and Kristen (Justin) Barbor-Ubaldi of Castle Pines, Colorado and four great-grandchildren, Luke, So phie, Nick and Twyla.

A private family memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society or WellSpring Hospice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Norton-Eastman Fu neral Home and condolences for Martha's family can be shared at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

DONALD LEE GRIFFITH, 78, of Amherst, passed away Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at his home following a lengthy illness. Hempel Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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.

Hospice seeks volunteers

Volunteers are needed at Hospice of the Western Reserve to serve patients and families in hospice and palliative care programs throughout northern Ohio. Various opportunities are available and may vary by location. To learn more, visit www. hospicewr.org/volunteer or call (216) 255-9090.

Nahorn announces Council candidacy

JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Former City Councilman Matt Nahorn wants his old job back.

After serving two terms as the Fourth Ward representative, he did not seek re-election in 2021. Instead, he decided to step back to pursue other goals, such as managing his family’s Cooper Foster Park Road property, which has recently grown to 20 acres of conserved land along Beaver Creek.

Matt Nahorn

Now Nahorn has announced his candidacy in the May 2 primary, running as a Republican, and said the decision came after “numerous residents” asked him to consider a bid.

“They’ve appreciated my ability to listen and connect with some of their questions and issues,” he said.

His decision comes well ahead of the filing deadline. For partisan races, such as Amherst Council, it is 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

While Nahorn said he intends to run, he has not formally filed paperwork with the Lorain County Board of Elections.

Incumbent Councilwoman Stephanie Smith, a Democrat, did not return a call seeking information on whether she plans to run again.

In 2021, she defeated Republican opponent Deborah LeSuer by just 67 votes in a low-turnout election.

Nahorn said that if re-elected, a main goal will be to encourage responsible development on the city’s small remaining open parcels, while also working to conserve natural spaces.

He said he supports new homes and businesses, so long as care is taken to protect nearby properties. Nahorn, who holds a degree in environmental studies from Oberlin Col lege, was particularly interested during his previous time on Council in how issues would affect the watershed.

Another plank would be supporting Mayor Mark Cos tilow’s street maintenance plans and budgets, Nahorn said.

He also said he wants to see work completed on con struction of a secondary power feed on the city’s west side, which would help limit blackouts.

However, with a deal already forged with American Municipal Power Transmission to have the infrastruc ture built, it’s unclear what remaining say Council will have in the project.

Nahorn, who is not employed, serves on the curator committee of the Amherst Historical Society and on the board of the Lorain County Historical Society. He lives on the homestead of Amherst founder Jacob Shupe, and in recent years has given talks on local history.

Find the elf at the library

An Elf on the Shelf contest will be held through Tuesday, Dec. 20 at the Amherst Public Library.

Visit the second floor children's area to look for the elf, who will travel around and pop up in a new spot every day. Find his daily hiding spot and complete an entry form for the library’s prize drawing. Winners will be drawn at the close of business on Dec. 20 and prizes will be available for pickup between Dec. 21-23.

A reindeer scavenger hunt will also run throughout December. Sixteen reindeer have been hidden in the chil dren’s area. Find them all to win a small prize.

Trees for the troops

The Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Christmas Tree Association are partnering to send Christmas trees to American troops stationed throughout the world.

“Sending our servicemen and women a piece of home dur ing the holidays while they are serving our country overseas is one small way we can show our deep appreciation for the sacrifices they make on our behalf,” said ODA Director Dorothy Pelanda.

Trees are donated by Ohio Christmas tree growers and inspected by state personnel before being sent to soldiers serving in the armed forces overseas. Decorations were also donated by schools, churches and veterans’ groups.

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Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times Amanda Beres accepts a Crystal Apple on Nov. 28 in recognition of her work for the Amherst school district.

Neuhoff to retire after 34 years

AMHERST — Rhonda Neuhoff’s res ignation was accepted Monday, Nov. 28, setting an end date for her 34-year career with the Amherst Schools.

The Amherst Junior High assistant prin cipal will retire at the end of the year.

Principal Andrew Gibson said Neuhoff has been his “partner in crime” and an advocate for children.

“When I say ‘tirelessly worked for our dis

RUSSELL

FROM A1

Russell described Jacobs, a United Airlines flight attendant, as “very kind,” and said their small-talk didn’t focus on politics.

“It was just about growing up,” he said. “It was about our experiences, and she asked questions about teaching. She is a very outspoken advocate of the teaching profession.”

The evening was “closely intimate,” he said.

In a speech, President Biden said the din ner celebrated an enduring alliance between the United States and France — the nation’s first ally, and the first to fly the American flag after the Revolutionary War.

“Today, we’re still united by the great est causes: democracy, liberty, equality, opportunity, and freedom,” Biden said. “We stand together against oppression and injustice.”

Macron pledged to stand shoulder to shoulder with the U.S.

“And let me say, long live the United States of America, long live France and long live the friendship between our two countries,” he said in French.

Russell said attending the state dinner was like a dream, and remarked on how Christmas decorations at the White House “looked like a movie” — he said the tree there was proudly decorated with orna ments giving tribute to all 50 states.

“It was just a wonderland to walk into,” he said.

The same evening, Russell had been scheduled to make an appearance at Langston Middle School in Oberlin for a family literacy night. District spokeswom an Melissa Linebrink said it was “a pretty big deal” that he had to cancel at the last moment to attend the state dinner.

“We’re very proud of him,” she said.

The dinner was not the first time Russell has met the president. He rubbed elbows with Biden in Washington back in April during a ceremony honoring his status as

WELL-HELP

FROM A1

able to “shop” for presents Tuesday morn ing at the nonprofit’s space on the lower level of First United Methodist Church.

Office Manager Bernie Raab said she was expecting a huge line, based on what she saw in November when Well-Help gave away Thanksgiving food.

Instead of three or four cars waiting, like in previous years, a long line back out the church driveway and onto Route 58, she said.

Raab anticipated playing Santa for about 100 children at the giveaway, an oppor tunity made possible by a big influx in holiday donations.

Donors came through in a big way, she said. There were plenty of toys for infants and middle-school aged children, especially.

The outpouring beat expectations. Raab said there were concerns that inflation would dampen Christmas giving.

“I’m really surprised, with the way the economy is,” she said — anyone who’s visited the toy aisle in the past year knows price tags have soared.

The National Retail Federation predicted at the beginning of November that holiday retail sales would be healthy, even with the

trict,’ I mean nights, weekend. Half the com munity has her cell phone number,” he said.

“She has given everything to our com munity. She is really what we strive to be, wrapped up into one person,” he said.

Neuhoff said she has been fortunate to work in several of Amherst’s schools. While she doesn’t know yet what her “next adventure” will be, she is sure it will be in education.

National Teacher of the Year.

At that time, Biden recalled how his own teachers were always there with a kind word, helping him to cope with a lifelong stuttering disability.

“I look back on my life. I think beyond my family — my sister, my brother, my mom, my dad — the people who made a difference in my life in a fundamental way were teachers,” he said during a ceremony in the East Room.

Russell, who has taught history and government classes at Oberlin High for his entire 25-year career, was named Ohio Teacher of the Year and was one of four finalists for the national honor.

He previously was named Teacher of the Year by the Oberlin Heritage Center and the Oberlin chapter of the NAACP, and as Coach of the Year and Northeast Ohio Coach of the Year by the Lorain County Basketball Association.

In the past eight months, Russell has traveled the United States, speaking about his views on education.

“It’s an experience that I wish all teach ers could experience – just being in the presence of great educators throughout this country,” he said. “I’m so biased because I am learning so much, just talking to other teachers and being able to advocate for other teachers and for students.”

Now Russell is back in Oberlin through the holidays. His duties will take him to California at the first of the year, where state teachers of the year will be honored at center field during the College Football Playoff National Championship.

With a little luck, that game could be a Buckeye fan’s dream. No. 4 Ohio State will play No. 1 Georgia in the Peach Bowl and No. 2 Michigan will play No. 3 Texas Christian University in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31.

That means Russell may be front and center on the field during an OSU-Michi gan showdown for the national title.

country’s economic hardships in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

November and December sales are expected to grow between 6 and 8 percent over 2021, to as much as $960.4 billion.

Holiday sales have averaged an annual increase of 4.9 percent over the past de cade, according to the NRF.

The organization’s chief economist, Jack Kleinhenz, said this holiday season “is anything but typical,” but maintained the outlook in generally positive.

“Despite record levels of inflation, rising interest rates and low levels of confidence, consumers have been steadfast in their spending and remain in the driver’s seat,” he said.

Raab said not everyone has cash on hand or the ability to go into debt to put presents under the tree this year.

Well-Help has been picking up clients rapidly in recent months, she said. Some are families that had gotten their footing back four or five years ago, and are once again struggling as prices rise.

Many simply can’t afford to shop for groceries, especially senior citizens, Raab said.

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Amherst Junior High Assistant Principal Rhonda Neuhoff, who will retire at the end of the school year, gets a hug from Principal Andrew Gibson during the Nov. 28 meeting of the Amherst Board of Education.

30 area schools to receive up to $100K in grants

More than 700 public and private grade K-12 schools in Ohio, including 30 in Lorain and Erie counties, will receive a share of $57.8 million in grants to enhance stu dents and staff safety, the state announced last week.

The grant funds are part of the K-12 School Safety Grant Program, which helps schools with physical securi ty expenses such as new security cameras, public address systems, automatic door locks, visitor badging systems and exterior lighting.

The money was awarded to public schools and chartered non-public schools through a competitive process, with a maximum award of $100,000 per school.

The grant program is administered by the Ohio Facili ties Construction Commission and the Ohio School Safety Center.

Lorain County schools receiving grants and the amounts they received include:

Amherst

• Marion L. Steele High School, $63,421

• Amherst Junior High School, $50,000 Walter G. Nord School, $50,000

Avon

• Avon Early Learning Center, $100,000

• Avon High School, $100,000

• East Elementary School, $100,000

• Heritage Elementary School, $100,000

• Holy Trinity School, $100,000

• Saint Mary School, $100,000

• Avon Middle School, $50,000

Elyria

• Elyria Catholic High School, $100,000

• St. Jude School, $100,000

• St. Mary School, $100,000

LaGrange

• Lorain County Educational Service Center Early Learn ing Center, $45,000

Lorain

• Lorain Community Elementary School, $100,000

• Lorain Community Middle School, $100,000

North Ridgeville

• Lake Ridge Academy, $100,000

Oberlin

• Lorain County JVS, $50,000

• Lorain County ESC Pathways To Success, $35,000

Sheffield-Sheffield Lake

• Brookside High School, $100,000

• Brookside Middle School, $100,000

• Forestlawn Early Learning Center, $100,000

• Knollwood Elementary School, $100,000

• Brookside Middle School, $70,000

Vermilion

• Sailorway Middle School, $100,000

• Vermilion Elementary School, $100,000

• Vermilion High School, $100,000

Wellington

• McCormick Middle School, $100,000

• Wellington High School, $100,000

• Wellington Elementary School, $100,000

The grants announced last week are the third round awarded through the program.

"We are being proactive in keeping our schools safe in Ohio. Student and staff safety is paramount," Gov. Mike DeWine said in a news release. "These safety grants are helping schools create environments that are secure and welcoming for teachers and their students."

Five-year forecast: Projecting deficits, Amherst Schools will spend reserves

JASON HAWK EDITOR

AMHERST — Deficit spending is on the horizon for the Amherst Schools, according to a five-year forecast by Treasurer Amelia Gioffredo.

The district is on pace to end fiscal year 2022 with income still outpacing expenses by more than $916,000, and with cash reserves of nearly $16 million.

Assuming no big boom in tax revenues, that all changes in the coming year, when the school sys tem is expected to spend $138,922 more than it takes in.

Deficit spending is projected to grow to $1.7 million in fiscal year 2024 and $4.85 million by 2027, Gioffredo’s calculations show.

“I don’t want anyone to be afraid of deficit spending, because it’s very common in public enti ties. It’s very common in school districts,” she told the Board of Education last week.

The forecast assumes revenue will stay level over the next five years, and that the district will spend down its cash reserve to about $8.2 million.

Board of Education President Rex Engle said some Ohio school districts are struggling to collect property taxes from businesses

and residents that fall behind. He voiced concerns that the same could derail Amherst’s income.

“That would certainly have an impact on us immediately,” he said.

But Gioffredo said she hasn’t seen evidence of a significant number of delinquencies. Engle urged her to double-check with the Lorain County Auditor’s of fice to see whether it anticipates issues.

Gioffredo called her projections “conventional” and said Amherst Schools’ finances are stable.

The district is in the midst of receiving about $4 million in CO VID-19 pandemic relief funds ap proved by Congress. That money can be used to offset current costs.

Gioffredo said that for now the big concern is inflation, which has risen about 7.7 percent over the past 12 months. It was even higher during the summer months, but is now cooling.

“This is a very odd market with broken supply chains,” she said.

Like other school systems, Am herst is coping with sharp increas es in the price of gasoline, diesel, repair parts, energy, classroom materials and other commodities, she said. For example, filling up buses two years ago cost $1.46 per gallon, and at the end of Oc tober the cost of diesel was $5.09

per gallon.

The situation is likely to equalize eventually — the question is how long that will take, Gioffredo said.

By 2027, expenses will look similar to how they do today, she said — major expenditures are likely to rise less than 1.5 percent over the next five years.

A little more than 80 percent of the $38 million budget will go to salaries and benefits, she said.

That may sound high, but Ohio Department of Education records show it’s actually on the lower side compared to most districts statewide. Some put more than 90 percent of their general fund cash flow toward salaries and benefits.

To keep spending in check, Amherst Schools is reworking its capital outlay plan for the next 5 to 10 years, Gioffredo said.

For fiscal year 2023, she antici pates spending about $1.4 million on paving, repairs, renovations and big purchases, about about $1.7 million in fiscal year 2024.

Buses are a big part of that spending. To keep its fleet up to date, the district plans to buy two or three per year, Gioffredo said.

So far, only about $325,000 in capital projects have been identi fied for 2025, and $125,000 each of the follow two years. That number could grow as needs be come apparent.

Property Ad dress 594 Keys Dr., Elyria, Ohio, 44035

The Fiduciary further alleges that the subject of this com plaint is for the sale of the above described property, and for the sale proceeds to be used for debts and ad ministration expenses of the estate of Mary Taylor. The Complaint prays that all defendants be required to answer and set up their inter ests in said real estate or be forever barred from asserting the same.

You are required to answer the complaint within twenty-eight (28) days after the last publi cation of this notice, which will be published once each week for six (6) consecutive weeks.

You are required to file an answer by February 10, 2023.

In the event of your failure to answer or otherwise respond, judgment by default will be ren dered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

Zachary B. Simonoff, #0070088

Attorney for Plaintiff-Fiduciary 124 Middle Ave. #500 Elyria OH 44035

LCCG 12/8,15, 22, 29; 1/5/23, 12/23 20712548

7th Annual Lorain County Middle School Academic Challenge winners

NEW RUSSIA TWP. — The Educational Service Cen ter of Lorain County organized the 7th Annual Lorain County Middle School Academic Challenge, which was held Wednesday, Nov. 16 at The Lodge of New Russia Township.

Teams of fifth- and sixth-graders from Avon Lake, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, Oberlin and Sheffield com peted, as well as seventh- and eighth-graders from Avon, Avon Lake, Columbia, Elyria, Firelands, Midview, Oberlin and Sheffield.

First place for the younger group was Team Oberlin, and the runner-up was Team Avon Lake. Third place went to Firelands.

For the older competitors, first place went to Team Avon Lake and the runner-up was Team Avon. Third place was Firelands.

The seventh and eighth grade competition came down to a tiebreaker. Avon students answered three questions correctly while Firelands answered two.

“It was a great competition day for our middle school stu dents,” said Debbie Hunt, special projects coordinator for the ESC. “We have been fortunate to continue this program for seven years — we even managed it during COVID.”

A grant from the Endowment Foundation and Com munity Foundation of Lorain County made it possible to purchase the awards for each challenge.

Tune in and help raise cash to feed the hungry with Second Harvest

OBERLIN — Second Harvest Food Bank will hold its 39th Annual Holiday Giving Event with a little help from on-air personalities.

Rising prices mean many families are struggling to pay for necessities, includ ing food, according to the Lorain-based nonprofit.

“As the holidays ap proach, we want to make sure our seniors, children and families receive the food they need so they can enjoy this special time of year,” said Julie ChaseMorefield, president and

chief executive officer of Second Harvest. “Every year, I am so impressed with the generosity of our communities. If you can, please give.”

WOBL/WDLW Radio in Oberlin has partnered with Second Harvest on Holiday Cheer since its inception.

Over the years, the campaign has raised ap proximately $1.4 million and provided nearly 7.15 million meals to people in Lorain, Huron, Erie and Crawford counties.

This year, radio station

owner Gary Tollett and DJ Jimbo will host a lock-in at the studio from 7 a.m. to midnight on Friday, Dec. 9.

Listeners can call them at (440) 775-1320 to contribute by credit card.

Donors can also give in person at 45624 U.S. Route 20 for a chance to win a T-shirt.

The campaign continues on Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17, when every dollar received will be matched by local spon sors, up to $10,000.

Donations can also be made directly to Second

Harvest at www.second harvestfoodbank.org.

Last year, the campaign raised $95,000, providing more than 475,000 meals to local families. The goal for 2022 is $100,000, pro viding 700,000 meals.

Every $1 donated can be stretched to provide seven meals for hungry resi dents, according to Second Harvest.

The money goes to the nonprofit’s 110 partner char ities that run food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and to local families through their mobile pantries.

Provided photo

The first place team for the fifth and sixth grade Middle School Academic Challenge was Oberlin. Second place was Avon Lake, while Firelands took third place.

Mixologists stir holiday drinks with zero alcohol

MACMILLAN and JASON HAWK

ELYRIA — Ever tried a Godspell Delight? How about a Winter in Rome?

They were among the nonalcoholic cocktails whipped up for the 21st Annual Zero Proof Mix-Off on Thursday, Dec. 1 at Lorain County Community Col lege.

Representatives from 10 local groups came together to see who could make the best holiday drink.

The event was organized by the Lorain Safe Communities Coali tion and Lorain County Public Health with the goal of raising awareness about the risks of drunk driving and to offer desig nated drivers ideas for mocktails.

“We do this event every year to not only bring awareness about driving sober, but to make sure that people have options they can offer at holiday events, birthday parties, anything so that designat ed drivers can partake as well,” LCPH health education specialist Kiara Williams said.

Concerned groups from across the county formed teams of “mixers” to compete for the three prizes sponsored by AAA East Central: Best Taste, Best Presen tation and People’s Choice.

“We support law enforcement in their efforts to get impaired drivers off the road, we support the health department in educat ing our residents in safer behav iors during the holiday season,” Lori Cook, safety adviser for AAA East Central said. “We came up with the idea to spon sor some actual awards, and now we’ve kind of created bragging rights among all the groups here.”

Best Taste went to the Green belt Punch, by the mixers from United Way of Greater Lorain County.

This karate-inspired bright green drink had a well-balanced taste with a mix of cranberry, lime and tangerine garnished with green apple slices.

“It feels amazing,” said United Way director of marketing and engagement Colleen Walts. “It is so cool to win something for

our drink, but even more to see how different members of the community came out and came together.”

Walts said she thought the MixOff could serve to give ideas to people who don’t want to drink alcohol while celebrating the holidays.

“It is important to note that you can have fun without hav ing a drink,” she said. “This gives people who don’t want to drink or might be driving fun ideas that are flexible to what you like.”

Lorain County Court of Com mon Pleas took home the prize for Best Presentation for the Placeoborita.

The margarita-inspired drink was served with a sour candy worm in a rimmed cup, and tasters were invited to spin the “wheel of consequences” to see how they would fare trying to get home while impaired.

The only way to win was to land on the spot that read “Got a Ride Home.”

“Within the court system, we often see good people who make bad decisions which can

have terrible consequences,” court administrator Sherry Clouser said. “The wheel reminds people of that. Every action has a consequence.”

The fan favorite of the night was the Cold Snap Ginger bread Nog mixed by Let’s Get Real, which took home Peo ple’s Choice.

Let’s Get Real is a nonprofit community addiction recovery group which provides educa tion and resources to recover ing addicts and their families.

Jessica Furci, an analytics specialist for LGR, described the Gingerbread Nog as a unique option with “all the holiday flavors wrapped into one.”

It was made of eggnog sim mered with molasses, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon before being cooled, served over ice and topped with whipped cream and gingersnap cookies.

About halfway through try ing the roster of drinks, Stacy Livelsbergerer of Elyria was still waiting for a clear favorite to emerge.

“I always wait until I’ve tast

ed them all,” she said, but she said the “NOT Toddy” brewed by the Lorain County Metro Parks was an early contender.

The recipe used apple cider as a base, and mixed in maple syrup, mulling spice, lemon, fireball candy, whipped cream and cinnamon.

Livelsbergerer said she’s at tended the mix-off for years.

As a mentor for Catholic Charities, she took four of her teenage clients Thursday night “so they could see about hav ing good, sober fun.”

Jocelyn Lira was busy slic ing cranberry and orange into a sparkling juice cocktail called “Zesty Mama.”

She works for Lorain County Public Health, helping connect mothers to resources they may need during pregnancy.

The drink was “all about moms,” she said.

“I wanted something easy that a mom could throw together for a holiday party, especially being so busy,” Lira said. “So I tried to get a drink that was just a few things to put together.”

One popular table offered

“Black Panther,” named for the Marvel superhero. Workers from the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County even wore Black Panther-themed masks as they served drinks.

“This is such an awesome drink. It’s fun,” said Tonya Birney, director of prevention services at MHARS.

It mixed blue Gatorade and Hawaiian Punch, coconut water and simple syrup, dressed up with purple cake sprinkles and a “shimmer” of edible silver dust.

“It’s real sweet — a light drink to just welcome in the season,” Birney said.

“The reason that we do the mix-off is to bring awareness to sober driving and encourage sober driving over the holidays,” said Erin Murphy, a spokes woman for Lorain County Public Health.

There are people who don’t make it home from holiday par ties every year, she said.

This year, there 282 alcoholrelated crashes have occurred on Lorain County roads as of Nov. 21. Nine people died in those crashes.

The State Highway Patrol mix ers were the reigning champs in the Best Taste category for the Declawed, a muddled citrus bev erage that came in lemon-lime and orange flavors.

The Highway Patrol was un able to recapture gold with this year’s Blue Christmas offering, a mixture of Sprite, nonalcoholic Blue Curacao syrup and fresh lemon juice.

But patrolman Hector Burgos was still proud to take part in what he saw as an important educational event.

“All of us (highway patrolmen) have seen the bad that can hap pen as a consequence of impaired driving,” Burgos said. “Trying to stop people from driving im paired and stopping them when they do is about protecting the innocent people around them, but also protecting them from hurting themselves and their family.”

Watch for the complete recipe list in next week’s edition of the Lorain County Community Guide!

OWEN

Jeff Barnes | Community Guide

Lt. Cliff Dowell, Trooper Hector Burgos and Lt. Pablo Cruz of the State Highway Patrol shared their “Blue Christmas” holiday drink.

Photos by Jason Hawk | Oberlin News-Tribune

Glowing white snowflakes and poinsettia lights lit the night Saturday as a holiday parade passed down West College Street during the city’s “Walkin’ In a Winter Oberlin” festival. Crowds gathered along the edge of Tappan Square to watch police cars, fire engines, ambulances and garbage trucks pass, decked out in Christmas lights. Members of the Oberlin High School marching band provided music, and scouts, jump-ropers and costumed kiddies smiled as they traveled through downtown. A pair of white horses pulled a carriage with the guest of honor — Santa Claus. “Merry Christmas, every one,” he bellowed, stopping in front of a giant evergreen on the corner of Route 58, which was lit as carolers sang.

SANTA ARRIVES IN OBERLIN

Ready for the United Nations

Relaxing holiday craft

Adults can craft wood ornaments at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Amherst Public Library.

All registered attendees will receive the supplies needed to paint and decorate two 4-inch wood ornaments each. Registration is required via www.amherstpubliclibrary.org or by calling (440) 988-4230.

Oberlin library meetings

The Oberlin Public Library board will meet at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the library. A regular meeting will be fol lowed by a 2023 organizational meeting. Both are open to the public.

Republican Christmas party

The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club Christmas party will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 at Father Ragan Knights of Columbus Hall, 1783 Moore Rd., Avon.

It will feature visits by Santa; State Rep. Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville; State Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville; candidate for Lorain County commissioner Jeff Riddell; and Summit County Magistrate Scot Stevenson. Snacks and refreshments will be available. The cost for guests is $5.

Wellington band concerts

The McCormick Middle School and Wellington High School bands will perform holiday concerts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts.

Friday yoga sessions

Seated yoga flow classes will be held at 1 p.m. each Friday in December at the Amherst Public Library.

Learn breathing techniques to clear the mind and be present in the moment as instructor Cindy Miller teaches movements to stretch and strengthen muscles that support the joints and flexibility. These classes are suitable for all ages and experience levels. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing and take water.

Registration is required via the calendar at www.amherstpub liclibrary.org.

Get Grinchy with it

A celebration of all things “Grinch” will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Amherst Public Library.

Little Who friends of all ages are invited to enjoy crafts, snacks and themed entertainment. Be on the lookout for the Grinch sneaking around in the library, and be sure to snag a pic ture with him. Attendees are encouraged to dress up like resi dents of Whoville in ugly holiday sweaters and comfy pajamas.

Empty Mugs at First Church

The annual Empty Mugs event, hosted by Oberlin Community Services and the Oberlin Pottery Co-op, will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the First Church in Oberlin, 106 N. Main St.

It will feature a free concert from 1-2:30 p.m. by the Oberlin Conservatory of Music’s Smokin’ Brass Band and Oberlin Choristers.

An assortment of local, handmade pottery will be sold from 2:30-4 p.m., with all proceeds going to support OCS. There will also be food and hot drinks.

Breath of Heaven

The 25th anniversary of the Breath of Heaven live nativity will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 15617 Mason Rd., Vermilion.

An Oberlin tradition of many years before moving to Vermilion, the free event tells the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth. Dramatic presentations begin every 15 minutes.

Enjoy stories and cookies

Holiday cookie storytimes will be held Monday, Dec. 12 at the Amherst Public Library.

Toddler storytime at 10 a.m. is for kids ages 2 and 3 and their caregivers. Preschool storytime at 11:15 is designed for kids ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Both feature stories, songs and rhymes followed by cookie decorating. These special events replace the normal storytimes for the week.

Amherst library meetings

The Amherst Public Library board will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12 at the library. A regular meeting will be fol lowed by a 2023 organizational meeting. Both are open to the public.

How to find marriage records

The Lorain County chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society will hold a virtual program at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12.

Roslyn Torella will present “Did Your Ancestor Marry at a Gretna Green?” Learn about the history of a “Gretna Green marriage,” and how to find eloping couples and their marriage records, even in Ohio.

This online program is free and open to the public. Email meetings@loraincoogs.org to be added to the list to receive a link to join in.

Herrick library meeting

The Herrick Memorial Library board will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at the library in Wellington. The meeting is open to the public.

Get your game on

Tabletop Game Time will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at the Amherst Public Library.

The new club for teens and adults meets on the second Tuesday of each month. You do not need to have attended pre vious sessions to attend this one. The club is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Drop in for games with a friend or make new ones while you play. A variety of 2-6 player card, strategy and party games will be available at every club meeting, including Catan, Bohnanza, Sagrada, Splendor, Azul, For Sale and more.

Hop aboard the Jingle Bell Bus

The Jingle Bell Bus will offer holiday rides through Amherst at 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

It will depart from the Main Street Amherst Community Center, 255 Park Ave., and travel through the city to view Christmas lights, with caroling along the way.

Space is limited and tickets must be pre-purchased at tinyurl. com/JingleBellBus. The cost is $5 per person per ride.

Wellington choir concerts

The McCormick Middle School and Wellington High School choirs will perform holiday concerts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15 at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts.

Breakfast, photos with Santa

The Wellington United Lions will hold a breakfast and photos with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Wellington Reservation Metro Park, 535 Jones Rd.

Breakfast and photos are $5 general admission, and free for ages 3 and under. Sessions with a maximum of 50 seats will be held from 9-10 a.m., 10:30-11:30 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. Photos only with no breakfast and 100 maximum seats will be done from 2-4 p.m.

For reservations, call or text (440) 987-9090 or email welling tonunitedlions@gmail.com.

North Pole adventure

The Workshop Players will present “Santa Sing-A-Long” at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 44820 Middle Ridge Rd., Amherst Township.

The North Pole adventure will include holiday shenanigans, songs and fun. This season, children of all ages are invited to see Santa and give him their Christmas wish lists, make cook ies, sing songs and engage in holiday storytelling to celebrate the season.

Tickets are $12 each, or five for $50. No tickets will be sold at the door. To reserve tickets, call (440) 634-0472.

Westwood holiday concerts

Westwood Elementary School students will perform their holi day shows in December.

The kindergarten program will be at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, followed by the first grade program at 7 p.m.

The second grade program will be at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, followed by the third grade program at 7 p.m.

History of Christmas music

Learn about the history of season music at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19 at the Amherst Public Library

Joel Keller will describe how Christmas music had its earli est beginnings as chants, litanies and hymns intended for use during church liturgies. This presentation follows the develop ment of Christmas music from its earliest days through the 20th Century, with examples played from many eras.

Registration is suggested via the calendar at www.amherst publiclibrary.org or by calling (440) 988-4230.

South Amherst talks sewers

A special South Amherst Village Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19.

On the agenda is a discussion of sanitary sewers with local authorities.

Christmas at The Elms

A Christmas party will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at The Elms Nursing Home, 136 S. Main St., Wellington, to help residents there enjoy the holiday.

Residents’ names and gift ideas can be found on the Christmas tree at the Colonial Barber shop, 121 W. Herrick Ave. You can adopt one or more by taking their name from the tree, buying the items on the list, putting the resident’s name on the gift after wrapping and returning it to the shop by Dec. 19. Shop owners Jason and Kelly Keith will dress as the Clauses and deliver the presents to the residents at the party. There will also be a gingerbread man played by Tracy Lynn Wind of Cherished Creations.

Racers to carry jingle bells

The 2nd Annual Jingle All the Way 5K will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24, starting from Community Congregational United Church of Christ, 379 S. Main St., Amherst.

The event will include a chip-timed 5K and 1-mile fun walk. After the race, enjoy hot cocoa or cider and Christmas cookies, caroling and a meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Registration is $20 for adults and $5 for children, and race packets include a T-shirt, bib, route map and jingle bell for each runner and walker to wear. After Dec. 10, registration increases to $25 and instead of a T-shirt runners will receive a commemo rative mug. Register at tinyurl.com/JingleAmherst.

Proceeds will benefit the Blessing House, a faith-based orga nization that provides shelter to families in crisis.

Watch Japanese shows

The Tokusatsu Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at the Amherst Public Library.

Recommended for ages 15 and up, the club learns about, watches and discusses Japanese Tokusatsu films and television shows like “Ultraman,” “Godzilla” and “Kamen Rider.” Tokusatsu Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. You do not need to have attended previous sessions to attend this one.

Photos by Jeff Barnes | Oberlin News-Tribune

Pianist Byron Wei-Xin Zhou performs with the Oberlin Orchestra at Finney Chapel on Tuesday, Nov. 29. The free concert previewed a Dec. 2 performance before the United Nations General Assembly at Carnegie Hall in New York. About 180 Oberlin Conservatory of Music students planned to make the trip for what dean William Quillen called “a shared vision of music and the capacity of music to bring us together.” The orchestra was led by conductor Raphael Jimenez.

Green thumbs for Christmas

Nordson strike ends with deal

STAFF REPORT

AMHERST — A two-week strike at Nordson Corpora tion has ended with a new contract that includes pay hikes for 133 union workers.

Members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1802 returned to work last Wednesday.

The prior day, they voted to ratify a deal that includes a 7 percent wage increase in the first year. Additional raises were not disclosed.

In a written statement, the union said the “stronger” contract includes better mandatory overtime policies, retirement plan improvements and a health insurance cost freeze.

“IAM Local 1802 members held the line and stood strong for a better life for themselves, their families, and the community,” said IAM District 54 President T. Dean Wright Jr. “They can be proud of the solidarity they have shown, which will result in key improvements and serve as a framework for even stronger contracts in the future.”

Nordson Vice President David Titone also released a brief statement saying the company was pleased to reach an agreement and looked forward “to getting back to nor mal operations.”

The Amherst plant — which makes products used for sealing, coating and adhesives — continued to operate during the strike with workers who don’t belong to the union.

IAM Local 1802 voted to strike at the stroke of mid night on Monday, Nov. 14, after talks over a three-year contract fell through.

‘White Noise’ shorts Wellington

JASON HAWK EDITOR

WELLINGTON — If you’re expecting downtown Wellington to be the star of the upcoming Netflix movie “White Noise,” prepare to be disappointed.

Crews pumped big money into giving Herrick Avenue storefronts makeovers with 1980s signage, and spent four days filming there last summer. So when Mayor Hans Schneider was invited to a VIP watch party at Cinemark in Valley View, he assumed the village would get decent screen time.

Instead, he said was shocked that Wellington was only featured for a single scene that lasted about 10 seconds.

The scene shows characters played by Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig strolling down the sidewalk across the street from the Herrick Memorial Library.

“That was your money shot. That was your wide-angle shot. That was the extent of it,” Schneider said.

Murals painted on the sides of downtown buildings were nowhere to be seen, he said. Nor was a large sign for the fictional village of Blacksmith that had been erected on the town square.

A night scene with Driver’s station wagon skidding through the inter section of routes 58 and 18 landed on the cutting room floor, Schneider said. So did a sequence with an am bulance and people wearing con

tamination suits as they responded to a toxic disaster.

“They poured a lot of money into that, and didn’t really use any of it,” he said.

By comparison, the Liam Neeson action flick “The Marksman” filmed for about 12 hours in Wellington in 2019. That translated to several minutes on screen.

Mandatory overtime was a deal-breaker in a previous offer made by Nordson, the union said. It would have also required employees to work at least 32 Saturdays each year, with Sundays as an option.

Picketers ringed the Amherst plant in the days that fol lowed, holding signs. They were kept warm by deliveries of coffee and cocoa, according to social media posts.

Employees at Nordson’s Amherst plant had “put

Commissioners give ARPA cash

DAVE O’BRIEN THE CHRONICLE-TELEGRAM

ELYRIA — The Lorain County Board of Commis sioners voted 2-1 last week to spend $350,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds on grants to small Lorain County businesses and two nonprofit agencies adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A grant of $100,000 went to Oberlin Community Servic es while Let's Get Real Inc., a peer support and services agency for those with substance use disorders, received $50,000.

Commissioners Matt Lundy, a Democrat, and Michelle Hung, a Republican, voted yes.

As he has in the past, Commissioner David Moore, a Republican, voted no on the grants to the nonprofits and "present" on the grants to small businesses.

Oberlin Community Services Executive Di rector Margie Flood said her agency supports people throughout southern Lorain County and elsewhere with food, job training, and emer gency rental, utility and mortgage assistance.

OCS is one of the only nonprofits in that area of the county offering weekly access to food.

Better access to nutritious food, Flood said, improves educational outcomes and the overall health of the com munity and OCS gives away 4 to 5 tons of food each week through partner food pantries, home deliveries, schools and other means.

The pandemic had a "severe impact" on OCS' services, which reach from Oberlin to Wellington to LaGrange, Grafton, Amherst, Kipton, South Amherst and New Lon don, she said.

In 2021-2022, the agency provided nearly $200,000 in assistance to families in those towns and the townships around them.

OCS also helps low-income youths find job training through its Job Experience Training Interns or JETI pro gram, Flood said.

The agency signed a $2.7 million deal earlier to pur chase and move into a new building at 500 E. Lorain St. that has more storage and meeting space. The money pro vided by commissioners will assist in that move and with programs

Erik Andrews’ experience seeing “White Noise” was somewhat differ ent. His home at the corner of Forest and Cedar streets in Oberlin was central to the plot.

Interiors were shot on a sound stage, not in Oberlin. But Andrews estimated that exteriors — people

Provided photo

Erik Andrews’ house at the corner of Forest and Cedar streets in Oberlin gets more screen time than downtown Wellington. It was used as the fictional home of Adam Driver’s character.

WHITE NOISE PAGE B2

OCS runs in partnership with Lorain County Public Health, Lorain County Community College, the

“I support your organization but won’t be supporting this today.”

Commissioner David Moore

Jeff Barnes | Oberlin News-Tribune

Poinsettias and holiday wreaths are flying out the doors of the Lorain County JVS greenhouse during the vocational school’s annual sale. Students in the landscape and greenhouse manage ment program are running the sale from 8-10 a.m. and noon to 1:30 p.m. on weekdays through Dec. 14, or until sold out. Poinsettias are $4 to $12, depending on size, with paint or glitter added for $1 more. Wreaths are $12 each. ABOVE: Senior Kevin Daviduk waters poinsettias in the school's greenhouse.

running on and off his porch, look ing in windows and peering from the attic — and nearby shots of the neighborhood appeared 10 to 15 times, totaling a minute or two on screen.

Crews built a small, temporary addition to the side of the historic home. Otherwise, it looked pretty much the same way on the big screen as it does in real life, An drews said.

“The paint on this house is 125 years old, so it’s not like it’s smooth ly painted,” he said. “That shows up. When they zoom in on the house, it looks just like it looks. That’s the kind of house the movie director was going for.”

Other Northeast Ohio filming loca tions popped on screen, he said.

The opening scene of students reporting to college for the semes ter was filmed at Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby, and an other segment was filmed at the old Cleveland Play House.

A scene featuring Driver in a chemistry lab was shot at Wilker Hall at Baldwin Wallace University.

Professor James McCargar acted as a science adviser.

"During the walk-throughs, with all the staff moving around, it was incredible to watch. To see how the actors and the director communi cate was incredible, magical even," McCargar in an article published by BWU.

Oberlin College reportedly did not have a cameo in “White Noise.” At the time the movie was filmed, the college’s COVID-19 policies were extremely tight.

One scene at a campground had a sign that clearly read “Brecksville, Ohio,” said Schneider.

Highway scenes with fleeing cars looked like Ohio, “but it could have been Massachusetts just the same,” he said.

Wellington and Oberlin both show up in the end credits, Andrews said.

Get your pause button ready — he said there are hundreds of local thank-yous at the end, and they went by too quickly for Andrews to see whether his own name was among them.

Familiar filming locations aside, the movie may not be everyone’s

cup of tea.

It wasn’t Schneider’s. He walked away from the screening unsure whether “White Noise” was trying to be a comedy, drama, satire or action romp.

“I think the actors did a nice job.

From a film perspective, certainly beautifully shot,” he said. “But just story-wise, I think it was a lot to put into 2 hours and 15 minutes, roughly.”

There were jokes that hit, and Schneider said he particularly en joyed the end credits scene, which featured customers dancing in the aisles of a grocery store.

“It was just fun,” he said.

Schneider’s verdict, however, is that “White Noise” probably would have been better suited to an eightepisode miniseries. He said that would have given more time to flesh out characters and develop the plot.

While Schneider has not read the 1985 novel by Don DeLillo, An drews has. He said the film adapta tion is “reasonably” faithful, and delves into the same questions about the meaning of life and how pre pared people are to die.

If you like the book, and like other movies by director Noah Baumbach, you’ll really like “White Noise,” he said.

Andrews said he’s already making plans to view the film a second time when it arrives on Netflix on Dec. 30. Schneider, not so much.

While being shot locally is enough of a draw for a first viewing, he said the film didn’t live up to expecta tions.

“It was fun to have them here. I hope another movie looks at Wel lington, and they come down and want to film,” he said. “Certainly we would welcome that again.”

STRIKE

FROM B1

themselves and their families at risk during a pandemic to ensure their critical jobs were done,” and were asking for “a basic level of work-life balance” in the new contract, Wright previously said.

IAM District 54, which represents more than 14,000 active and retired union members in Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Michigan, hailed the new contract as a win.

“The Fighting Machinists Union doesn’t back down from any company,” said Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “IAM Local 1802 and District 54 have shown working people across Ohio and the nation what it means to stand up and fight for the treatment they deserve and have earned.”

ARPA

FROM B1

United Way, Legal Aid and the Lorain County Commu nity Action Agency, Flood said.

She called it "a one-stop shop for clients" who will have all their needs met under one roof. Federal funding and donations also are helping with the project, Flood said.

Hung said she was proud to be a partner in the project, and Lundy said he was glad to help make investments "in good community projects to help the people of Lorain County."

Moore said he appreciated a private tour Flood recently gave the commissioners but was concerned it was added to the board's agenda only the day before. But he also said he still had questions about the process.

"I support your organization but won't be supporting this today," Moore told Flood.

Moore said the same to Let's Get Real Executive Director Kim Eberle, whose agency received $50,000 from the board.

Eberle said peer-supported and peer-run recovery is run by people in recovery for people in or seeking recovery services. Her nonprofit peer-to-peer counseling and gets people with addiction disorders set up with treatment, detoxification services and other recovery services and are on-call 24/7, she said.

Let's Get Real also has held groups and meetings for family members and children of people with substance use disorders weekly for the past nearly 10 years, and works with local court systems to help those who get in legal trouble as a result of addiction, Eberle said.

She said she is concerned about an upcoming reduction in funding from a state-funded opioid response grant that is distributed through the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County, money that she said her agency needs to keep helping those with ad diction and in treatment.

Commissioners previously set aside $1.5 million in ARPA funds to help small businesses in the county that were negatively affected by the pandemic.

"This is part of our ongoing commitment to the smallbusiness community," Lundy said. "We're hoping this will help these businesses through."

In other financial matters, Moore also voted against a re quest by the Lorain County Sheriff's Office for a $47,000 motorcycle and for work on the sheriff's office's internet network security system, or firewall.

He said the commissioners already are spending "mil lions fixing our firewall" and he didn't want to spend general fund dollars on the sheriff's system.

Both Hung and Lundy voted for the items, with Hung noting that the items were in the sheriff's 2022 budget and already signed off on by the board.

Sheriff Phil Stammitti "is an elected official and I think he gets to make that determination and it's in his budget," Lundy said.

Moore said the phrase "It's in our budget" is "an excuse."

"Don't expect an easy path soon," he said in comments he referred to as "my shot across the bow."

"Just because it's in your budget doesn't mean it's not going to be reviewed, it's not going to be looked at," Moore said. "Decisions will be made. Because if it's in your budget … then why do we have to vote on it on a weekly basis to approve it if it's already in your budget? Maybe we can change the way we do business if that's the way we're going to do business."

Moore said he expects the county to be running a fiscal deficit next year, but Lundy said through "managing the budget tightly" he expects a $40 million surplus in county funds in 2023.

Provided photo

A station wagon used in the movie sits next to the Andrews’ home.

Hartley leads Keystone to victory

PESKY FIRST QUARTER

PHOENIX FIZZLE

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise Leading 33-18 at the half, Keystone opened the floodgates and caught Wellington off guard in the conference opener for both teams. The Wildcats racked up 31 points in the third quarter, harnessing a 22-point performance by Grant Hartley, en route to a 65-30 win over the Dukes. Wellington’s Sean Whitehouse had a game high 24 points, but virtually no help from his teammates in the blowout. ABOVE LEFT: Wellington's Adam Michalak tries to pass the ball out of Keystone pressure. ABOVE RIGHT: Wellington's Landon Wright fouls Keystone's Grant Hartley on his way to the basket.

Photos by Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune Oberlin dropped its home opener to Wellington, coming up on the short end of a 51-15 final. Brooke Lehmkuhl poured in 22 for the visiting Dukes while Taylor Morris chipped in with 13. Loralei Wilborn (4 points) and Leea Luckey (3) paced the Phoenix. ABOVE: Oberlin's Desiree Randle man looks to pass while guarded by Dukes' Taylor Morris. BELOW: Kat lyn Streator is guarded by Morris.

Photos by Thomas Fetcenko | Amherst News-Times

The Comets fell a big step behind in the first period Saturday, trailing by 8 at the close. They held in lockstep with the Rangers the rest of the way, but never overcame the deficit for a 69-60 loss. Amherst’s Trent Branchen led the team with 27 points, with held from Landen Bray with 10 points.

Griffin Turay had 20 for North Ridgeville, and Jake Boynar had 18. ABOVE: Amherst's Trent Odelli rebounds the ball with an assist from teammate Eli Solak as they're guarded by North Ridgeville's Jake Boynar.BELOW: North Ridgeville’s Griffin Turay takes a shot as Amherst’s Cameron Gendics swats at it.

LUCKY NUMBER 14

DUKES OVERWHELMED

RAIDERS GET IT DONE

TIGHT SHOOTOUT

NO COMEBACK

Thomas Fetcenko | Amherst News-Times

Fourteen must be the new magic number for the Comets — Kristen Kel ley, Kayla Ferancy and Bradyn Silvasy all shared a team-high 14 points in the Southwestern Conference opener last week, helping Amherst to a resounding 53-22 win over Elyria. The Comets jumped out to a 24-5 lead and never looked back. The Pioneers were never allowed to score more than 6 in a period. ABOVE: Amherst's Kristen Kelley shoots while guarded by Elyria's MyAsia Pendergrass and Kloie Troutman.

Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Riley Kubitz hit for 14 points, but otherwise the Pirates had a tough time engaging the Raiders in Lorain County League action Saturday, dropping a 47-32 loss. Elise Champagne had 11 points and Mallory Hottell had 10 to lead the Columbia girls. The Raiders defense held Black River to single digits in all but one period. ABOVE: Black River's Zoey Bungard drives to the basket at Columbia.

Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise Vermilion’s A.J. Gerber and Andrew Hendershot combined for 49 points to narrowly lead the Sailors to a 65-58 non-conference win over Black River last week. The Pirates’ Eric Groesser racked up 22 points and got backup from Caden Hinderman with 14 and Johnny Kray with 13 — but every time the Pirates closed in for the kill, the Gerber-Hendershot shooting machine went into action, keeping Vermilion in the mix. ABOVE: Black River's John Kray gets to the basket against Vermilion.

Photos by Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

The Dukes had trouble shooting in the first half against Hillsdale last week, and the Falcons’ high-pressure defense forced a 49-33 loss in the non-conference game. Hillsdale held the Dukes to single digits in all but the first quarter. Wellington was led by Sean Whitehouse with 17 points, accounting for a solid half of the team score. ABOVE: Wellington's Sean Whitehouse hits for two points.

Russ Gifford | Wellington Enterprise

Delaney Peters saved the day for Keystone, making two key shots to stave off a potential late-game comeback by Wellington. After trailing 2718 at the half, the Dukes pulled within 10 in the fourth quarter — that’s when Peters hit a pair of three-pointers to ruin Wellington’s chances. Peters, who struggled to connect early in the night, ended with 24 points for the Wildcats, while the Dukes were led by Brooke Lehmkuhl with 17.

ABOVE: Wellington's Phylicia Lundy battles for the ball.

BAKER SIGNS WITH OU

HITTING THE MATS

NCAA

I

Mid-American Conference. Baker’s

year

a trip to the National High School

Track and Field Meet in North Caro lina, where she competed in the 200- and 400-meter dashes. At the state meet that year, she placed eighth in the 400-meter dash and eighth as part of the 4x400-meter

Baker went to the national championships in New York City. She is a three-time Southwestern Conference champ, twice as a member of the 4x200-meter relay team (2021 and 2022) and as the 200-meter dash champion this past spring. A four-year letter-winner, Baker holds the school record for the 200 meters (outdoor) and 400 meters (indoor), and is the third-fastest in school history in both the 400 meters (outdoor) and 60-meter dash (indoor). She has also found outstanding success off the track. Baker is a member of the National Honor Society at Steele, as part of the medical technology program.

Ex

Benjamin Colvard,MD

Erica Fidone, MD Ghassan Elkadi, MD

Jason Hawk | Amherst News-Times

Comets track star Ella Baker signed a letter of intent last Wednesday in a ceremony at Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst, signaling she will run for the Ohio University Bobcats. The

Division

school competes in the

junior

was capped by

Outdoor

relay team. During the indoor track season,

Photos by Erik Andrews | Oberlin News-Tribune

ABOVE: Oberlin’s Colbey Wnoroski looks for an opening en route to a pin of his Lorain opponent at the Titan Classic. BELOW: Firelands sophomore Austin Sutorius makes a move toward a first period pin of Cloverleaf's Faith Hurst.

article in the format of a real news article.

News reports tell WHO did WHAT WHEN and WHERE and, when possible, HOW

Kid Scoop reporter Woodword is working on a silly article for the very silly Kid Scoop Fun Times. Can you help him out?

Newspaper reporters must gather information and viewpoints from people on both sides of an issue to tell the whole story.

Based on the quotes from Clive, the police, and Pete Pesto, do they all have the same point of view?

The headline of a news article could also be called the title. It is written in bold type above the story. Most headlines have a subject and a verb that tell the topic of the article and summarize the main idea, or most important part of the topic.

Read the three headlines that Woodword has written. Circle the headline you think is the best for this silly article.

DOWNTOWN

– Clive the crocodile escaped from Downtown Zoo last night. Some people say he put on a costume and stole a pizza from Pete’s Pizza Parlor.

Clive has lived at the zoo for ten years. Pete Pesto, owner of the pizza parlor, says Clive entered the kitchen wearing a chef’s hat and apron and tried to make himself 20 large all-meat pizzas.

Police arrived at 9:30 p.m. “We got a call from a person eating at Pete’s. They said there was a lot of noise coming from the kitchen, but no pizzas,” said Chief Mike Jenkins.

Clive surrendered peacefully. “That’s the way the pizza crumbles,” Clive mumbled as the police put him in a squad car.

CROCODILE ARRESTED

Headline Funnies

Rewrite one or more headlines in today’s newspaper so that they say the opposite of what they say now. For example, Heavy Snow Predicted for City could become Hot Weather Predicted for Countryside

If not, what is each one’s point of view?

CLIVE:

PETE PESTO:

POLICE:

Read the silly news article aloud to a family member. Ask them to identify the WHO, WHAT, WHERE and WHY. Then, ask them to explain which viewpoint they agree with the most.

Share your viewpoint and see if you agree.

This week’s word:

ARTICLE

The noun article is a piece of writing that appears in a newspaper, magazine, or book.

Today’s newspaper has an interesting article about a new park for kids.

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

Write a sentence reporting about something new in your life. Be sure to include who, what, when and where!

Whiting,