Courier 02-23-12

Reality Check at CMS - See page 4A

Vicky Marcy’s Shortcut No-Bakes - See page 5A

CAMA Lenten Service Schedule - See page 6A Periodical’s Postage Paid

THE COURIER Conneaut own Ne wspaper Conneaut’’s Home T Town Newspaper

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

VOL. 21 NO. 8

Step Back In Time At CHS’ 3rd Annual Madrigal Feaste

75

CENTS

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS, INC.

Kent Houston Appoints Linda Bernay To CACS Central Office Rita Maslovsky New Principal at Conneaut Middle School

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

The Conneaut High School Vocal Music Department presents the third annual Madrigal Feaste, “King of Hearts,” tonight and Friday night 6 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Directed by CHS vocal music director Megan Kalosky, they are Robert Reed, playing Randy O’Randy, on the floor; kneeling behind him is Kenzer Avis, playing the Jester; Kyra Cobb, playing the Paper Girl; and Alex French, playing Lord Mertonsire. Standing in the back are Taylor Daub, playing Opal; Matt Jury, playing the King, and Lauren Horwood, playing (Lady Diaphane. Phil’s Catering will provide a meal of barley broth, Cornish hen, potatoes, greens and dessert as the humorous play about a monarch who writes to an advice-to-the-lovelorn columnist, progresses. A choral concert wraps up the evening, which is a fund-raiser for the Conneaut Music Boosters. Dinner reservations are required.

Dinner, Concert to Benefit Dylan Christian

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Now under Hospice care, suffering from four cancers which doctors say they cannot treat, 12-year-old Dylan Christian will be the beneficiary of funds raised at 5 p.m. Saturday at a Sloppy Joe dinner at First Assembly of God, 389 W. Main Road.

At 6 p.m. a Southern gospel concert will be held featuring Circle of Friends Quartet from Madison and Sherry Cornell of Jefferson.

According to family members, Dylan’s mother Tarrah, died of ovarian cancer at age 18, six weeks before Dylan was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. He was discovered to be missing the P53 gene that fights cancer or keeps it dormant in our bodies.

Dylan was diagnosed with sarcoma cancers at age 4 and again at age 8, when he lost half of the right side of his face, including his eye, cheek bone and teeth. His face was rebuilt using bone, muscle and

CONNEAUT - Not until four days after Conneaut Area City Schools Superintendent Kent Houston transferred Conneaut Middle School Principal Linda Bernay into a newly-created temporary administrative position of Central Office Administrative Assistant did he publicly acknowledge the shake-up or receive its stamp of approval from the Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education.

Also moved were Conneaut High School Assistant Principal Rita Maslovsky, who replaces Bernay at Conneaut Middle School, and Gateway Elementary School physical education teacher Jim Campbell, who replaces Maslovsky. Full-time substitute teacher Maureen (“Mo”) Ritari is taking over Campbell’s former duties.

And while Houston says things are “running smoothly” this week, the timing and Houston’s secretive handling of the shuffle did not go over well with many, including CBOE member Cris Newcomb.

Newcomb cast the lone “no” vote when the motion to create the new administrative position came before the Board of Education at its Feb. 16 meeting.

The board’s 4-to-1 vote approving the changes came after a 90minute executive session, to which the board adjourned immediately after convening at 6 p.m. for what was to have been an hour-long work session.

The school board meeting’s printed agenda said the executive

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Former Conneaut Middle School Principal Linda Bernay. session was to be held “for the purpose of discussing personnel.”

Houston’s customary easy-going demeanor was altered when he returned with the board at 7:30 p.m. to start the regular monthly meeting. It was business as usual until the motion to approve the creation of the temporary position came up for action.

“I apologize for not getting board approval,” Houston told the board. “But an administrative transfer does not need an approval.”

Houston went on to say that he created the position and moved Bernay because she was the logical administrator to design a plan by which the school district will put in place annual teacher and administrator evaluations, upon which merit pay raises will be based. The move is mandated by Ohio House Bill 153 for all school districts by the start of the 20132014 school year. Houston said the mandate will triple principals’ workloads.

See HOUSTON page 10A

Public Rezoning Hearing In the Works

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - At its special seven-minute meeting Thursday With Dylan Christian (center) are his grandmother, Sherry Allums, evening, the Conneaut Planning Commission unanimously apgrandfather, Roy Allums, and his father, Brian. proved a request by Rudy Pryately skin from his left leg by doctors at Because doctors cannot battle and David Tinker to rezone the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hos- two cancers simultaneously, Dylan southwest corner of Parrish and pital. was released from the hospital on West Main Roads and 201 W. Main Most recently, Dylan was diag- Feb. 12 and is under hospice care. Road. nosed with leukemia and a fourth The application requests that See DYLAN page 6A squamous cell carinoma sarcoma. the zoning be changed from Urban Residential (R-2) to to Highway and Community Business (B-2).

Setting a public hearing for the zoning change is on City Council’s Feb. 27 meeting agenda.

According to Planning Commission secretary Kathy Fuller, Pryately and Tinker submitted an application to the board at its regular monthly meeting 7 p.m. Feb. 14.

The board on Feb. 15 called a special meeting for 7 p.m. Feb. 16 to approve the application.

In the absence of Planning Commission Chair Frank Giganti and Judy Parlongo, the application was “overwhelmingly approved” by Planning Commission members Pat Jones, Ron Maki, Bill Ryan and Acting Chairman Paul Sedmak, according to Fuller.

Development plans have not been made public, but the unconfirmed word on the street is that a local business wants to build a second location on the vacant lot.

Also at the Planning PHOTO BY ALLAN MONONEN Commission’s Feb. 16 meeting, Jones requested that Council Lady Spartans senior basketball players defeated Jefferson High School Monday night by 54-50 in the Division II tournament game at again consider rezoning Route 20 Pymatuning Valley. They are (from left) Tiffany Wick, Brittany Johnson, west of downtown.

According to meeting minutes, Donielle Yendriga, Courtney Polchosky and Kayla Brennan. Their next “A brief discussion was held and tournament game is Thursday night.

Lady Spartans Win Big

SUBMITTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Rudy Pryately all members present voiced their opinions on how upsetting it is that Council has not acted on what the Planning Commission advised.”

Council did act last year on the Planning Commission’s recommendation, but not as the Planning Commission had hoped.

Following a public hearing attended by about 50 people, City Council voted down the commission’s recommendation to rezone from Urban Residential (R2) to Highway & Commercial Business District (B-2) a W. Main Road parcel stretching from Parrish Road to the Conneaut Car Wash on the south and from Parrish Road to Gore Road on the north.

A majority of residents pleaded with Council at that hearing not to upset their neighborhood tranquility by allowing businesses. The Planning Commission told those who said they preferred “spot zoning” over rezoning the entire area that it was not interested in spot zoning.

See REZONING page 10A

2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

TOWN TALK It’s that time of year again. The Katie Whitman Blood Drive is scheduled for Saturday, March 24 at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Street. Every year the number of donors grows.

Whitman was a regular blood donor who died in an automobile accident. She was a student at Kent State University Ashtabula.

Judy Yesso received a good send-off Sunday at a reception at the Conneaut Community Center for the Arts. Yesso said she and her husband, John, do not plan to become involved in any organizations in Columbus — at least not yet — and that is a first. She said they plan to enjoy each other and their grandchildren. “We’ve never not been involved in anything,� she said.

Due to the overwhelming response by Conneaut Middle School students, who donated more than 800 bags of clothing and other items to Goodwill Industries earlier this month, Goodwill has postponed for a few weeks its door-to-door drive in Conneaut. Marketing Director Alex Van Allen says that Goodwill employees are still sorting through CMS’ donations. Look for the drive in early March. Van Allen promises to give plenty of notice.

The United Way of Ashtabula County announced Tuesday that its campaign has reached 85 percent of its 2011-2012 campaign goal with total pledges of $648,922. Volun-

of Ashtabula County meeting several weeks ago were among the first to see a new line of hats being offered by Glenda Lowe at her “Ramblin Rose Alpacas�

Farm gift shop in Monroe Township. Lowe wore one to the meeting. Up the road a Norman Gross, who was bit, a new gift shop has been nominated for the 2011 opened by Michele Marshall Conneaut Area Chamber of at �Storybook Acres� on Commerce Citizen of the Creek Road. Visitors are Year Award, will be honored welcome. as the city’s Senior of the In area school news, Month at Monday’s 7 p.m.

Edgewood Senior High City Council meeting.

School’s Winter Ball will Ohio Rep. Casey take place this weekend.

Kozlowski (R-99) will host The culinary arts students a “Senior Meet & Greet� at at A-Tech in Jefferson will 10:30 a.m. Monday, March serve a spaghetti dinner to 26, at the Seniors Together the public 4 to 7 p.m. March room at the Conneaut Hu1. Lakeside High School in man Resources Center.

Saybrook Township will be Breakfast will be provided. the site of Wildfire Dance With him will be a represenSpotlight Show 3 p.m. tative from the Ohio DepartSunday. ment of Aging.

And according to the The AARP is offering a Ashtabula County DemoDriver Safety Course for cratic Party newsletter, Seniors from 12:30 to 5 p.m. former state representative Wednesday, May 9 at the Debbie Newcomb has Conneaut Human Resources been elected the Center, 327 Mill Street. The organization’s first vice course is considered the chair. “first and largest refresher The Fine Free Days at course for drivers 50 and older.� No driving is in- the Conneaut Public Library volved, and best of all, no end at 7 p.m. Wednesday, test! Those who complete the Feb. 29. If you have overdue course may receive auto in- items, or have found what surance discounts. Class you thought were missing limited to 25. Cost is $12 items, take them back with AARP members and $14 no fines or questions asked. non-members. Advance pay- Call the library at 593-1608 ment required. Contact for information.

Marilyn Telega at the A final FYI: Daylight Conneaut Human Resources Savings Time begins Center at 593-5273, ext. 313.

March 10 (or 2 a.m. March Women who attended the 11) . Clocks will spring forWomen Business Owners ward one hour. teers are needed to help determine how the funds raised will be allocated among the two dozen nonprofit agencies who apply for them. Call United Way at 998-4141 if you are interested.

Cable Schedule Feb. 21-27, 2012 (Incomplete as of press time) 7.00 am AM Live 10.00 am Conneaut City Council Work Session 10.40 am Discover Conneaut 10.50 am Hometown Happenings/ Sports.

Goodwill Tour 11.30 am All That JazzConneaut Senior Citizen Awards 12.30 pm CHS Boys Basketball vs Ledgemont 12.50 pm Conneaut Library Line 7.00 pm Conneaut City Council Work Session 7.40 pm Discover Conneaut 8.50 pm Hometown Happenings/ Sports.

Goodwill Tour 9.30 am All That JazzConneaut Senior Citizen Awards 11.00 am CHS Boys Basketball vs Ledgemont 12.20 pm Conneaut Library Line RELIGIOUS SERVICES: St. Mary St. Frances Cabrini: Sun & Wed 3pm / Mon & Thurs 1am First United Church of Christ: Sun & Wed 4pm / Mon & Thurs 2am New Leaf United Methodist: Sun & Wed 5pm / Mon & Thurs 3am Good Shepherd Lutheran: Sun & Wed 6pm / Mon & Thurs 4am Family Fellowship: Mon. and Thurs 1.30pm Ashtabula Pentecostal: Mon & Thurs 2.20pm

More Repairs for Cable Equipment

by ALLAN MONONEN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - During its Feb. 15 meeting, the Conneaut Cable Advisory Board discussed equipment needs.

Coordinator Regis Galvin informed the Board that he had sent out the Adtec video tape player for repiars. A loaner unit will be forthcom-

ing. A wireless microphone also was sent out for repairs.

A Mini T unit was purchased last year but requires an individual IP address to be utilized as a remote unit.

An estimate for the hookup was $1200, or $600 labor, $600 equipment.

A decision on this will be made later.

Galvin also reported that he had applied for grants

from the Conneaut, Ashtbula and Robert Morrison Foundations for funds to replace and update equipment. The cable channel has been running every day for 24 hours. A decision had been made in January to end programming from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. to ease the stress on the equipment.

Local citizens and organizations are encouraged to

tape programs for airing on the cable channel Cable board members are volunteers and cannot act on every taping request. If somone is interested, filming equipment can be checked out, to responsible adults, with a short instruction period.

The board will meet 6 p.m. March 21 in Council chambers.

Quality Heart Care.

Right in your backyard.

The Cleveland Clinic Catheterization Lab at ACMC has been providing exceptional diagnostic catheterization services in Ashtabula County for three years – and is growing to serve you better.

ACMC proudly announces the addition of Cleveland Clinic cardiologist John Stephens, MD, to the full-time medical staff at Ashtabula County Medical Center.

John Stephens, MD

Dr. Stephens earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo,

medicine. He completed his training at University of Michigan Medical Center and at William Beaumont Hospital. His clinical interests include acute coronary syndromes, structural heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, and preventive cardiology.

Winter Sock Hop Will Help Dylan Christian, Too

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

T-shirts, designed by local graphic artist Frank Brown, are also selling CONNEAUT - Some well. proceeds from the 6th an“We weren’t going to nual Winter Sock Hop will sell the sweatshirts. The be given to Dylan Chris- committee was going to tian, a 12-year-old wear them, but we’ve had Conneaut boy who suffers requests. So we’ve been from several types of can- selling them and the Tcer. shirts. People are buying Winter Sock Hop Chair them to wear to the Sock Darlyene Brisley and her Hop,� Brisley said.

Sock Hop sponsorships husband, Bill, visited Christian late last week are still being sought at and have decided a dona- the Platinum ($200), Gold tion would be appropriate. ($100) and Bronze ($50) The bulk of the proceeds, levels.

Plenty of people will however, will assist paralysee the names of the sponsis victim Tim Taylor.

Fund-raising goals for soring businesses, as the popular Sock Hop Brisley expects the March should be met, since ticket 10 event to sell out. “Only 400 tickets are requests are coming from being sold to the Sock Hop as far away as Georgia. “We have people calling each night, and that is for from out of state, more so all ages, even babies,� she than people here in said.

Tickets are $10 apiece Conneaut,� Brisley said.

Sock Hop attendees are to the BYOB affair. Percoming to Conneaut from sons who buy tickets for Titusville, Franklin and both evenings at the same Oil City, Pa., and Elyria, time receive a $2 discount.

For Winter Sock Hop Columbus and Cincinnati.

The 2012 Conneaut tickets, call Brisley at 599Sock Hop sweatshirts and 8561.

Local Events Feb. 24, March 2 - Com- Streets. Donation $6. munity dinners 5 to 6 p.m. at New Leaf United MethodMarch 2 - Opening recepist Church. Free. tion 6 to 8 p.m. for Student Art Show, Conneaut ComFeb. 23, 24 - Conneaut munity Center for the Arts, High School Vocal Music De- 1025 Buffalo Street. partment Madrigal Feaste, with Cornish hen dinner and March 6 - Primary Elecplay, “The King of Hearts,� tion. Polls open 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 381 Mill St. $20 7:30 p.m. adults, $15 students. 5941404.

March 6 - Band and choral concert, 6 p.m. at Feb. 24 - Soup & Cloth- Conneaut High School, 381 ing Give-Away, 10 a.m. to 1 Mill Street. p.m. at North Kingsville Presbyterian Church, 6456 March 9-10 - Winter Church St. Bring container Sock Hops, 6:30 to 10:30 for homemade soup. p.m. at Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Feb. 25 - Soup Kitchen 11 Street. $10 per night, or $18 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary both nights if tickets purHall, State & Chestnut chased in advance. BYOB, Streets. Homemade soup, food, music, 50/50, Chinese bread, beverage. Free. Spon- auction. sored by St. Mary/St. Frances Cabrini.

March 10 - Chili CookOff, noon to 4 p.m. at MonFeb. 25 - Benefit dinner roe Fire Hall, 4095 Center concert for pediatric cancer Road. Adults $5, children 6 patient Dylan Christian. to 8 $2.50, 5 and under free.

Sloppy joe supper 5 p.m., Register (440) 812-0048 by Southern gospel concert 6 to March 6. Entry fee $10. Chi8 p.m. at First Assembly of nese Auction, 50/50 raffle.

Voting by public. Monroe God, 389 W. Main Road.

Township Volunteer Fire DeFeb. 27 - Free produce partment benefit. give-away 10 a.m. to noon at March 16-17 - Hoagie Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Street. Sale, $3, sponsored by Monroe Sirens. Pick up 2 to 8 Bring a bag. p.m. March 16 and 8 to 11 Feb. 29 - Family Game a.m. March 17. Order with Night 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Jodi (440) 594-1386.

Kingsville Public Library, March 16-17 - Spring 6006 Academy Street. Dessert Rummage Sale, Right Track and board games provided.

After-School Program, 8 a.m.

March 2 - Soup & sand- to 3 p.m. March 16 and 8 wich luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to a.m. to 1 p.m. March 17.

1 p.m. at First Congrega- Conneaut Human Resources tional United Church of Center, 327 Mill St. DonaChrist, Main & Buffalo tions being accepted.

Civic Meetings Conneaut Public Library Board, 5 p.m. Feb. 27 at CPL, 304 Buffalo Street Conneaut City Council, televised meeting 7 p.m.

Feb. 27 Conneaut City Council Finance & Ordinance Committee, 6 p.m. Feb. 29 Conneaut Recreation Board, 7 p.m. Feb. 29.

Monroe Township Trustees, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, Township Garage, 5578 S. Monroe Center Road North Kingsville Village Council, 7 p.m. March 5 at Municipal Building, 3541 Center Road

Senior Calendar

CHR C Senior s Together CHRC Seniors

Dr. Stephens joins Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Perry Fleisher, MD, and ACMC cardiologist James Cho, MD, in providing patients in Ashtabula County with additional access to the latest technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease used

by Cleveland Clinic, home to the nation’s #1 heart program as reported by U.S.News & World Report.

So when it comes to cardiac catheterization, and care for your heart, the best care in the nation is also the closest.

To arrange a patient referral or consult with Dr. Stephens, please call 440.994.7622. www.acmchealth.org

Every life deserves world class care.ÂŽ

for the day? If you have figured out one part of the program, come find out the other educational goodies your SENIORS staff has for you.

Weekdays 11 a.m. at 327 Mill Street. Free. Special programs Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Daily walking 7:30 a.m.

GSLC Community S.E.N.I.O.R.S

Feb. 23 - South Ridge Christian Academy students Feb. 28 - States & capiPeople ages 50 and up are tals March 1 - Craft Day welcome the first and third March 5 - Learn “mile a Thursdays of the month at minute� crochet after lunch Good Shepherd Lutheran March 6 - Craig from the Church, 876 Grove Street.

Health checks 9:45 a.m., 10 Ashtabula Wound Center 4 p.m. March Birthdays a.m. devotion, exercise and lunch the first and third celebrated at Perkins Restaurant with dinner Thursdays.

March 7 - Pot-luck in the March 1 – “You’re Num- Seniors Room March 8 - Bible Study ber One!� May we borrow your decks of playing cards with Pastor Bob Tarasiak

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A

Debbie Newcomb Conneaut City Manager’s Report - Feb. 21, 2012 Wins Business Woman of the Month Award Dorman Road/Keefus Road Projects The Dorman Road Culvert Replacement and Keefus Road Bank Stabilization projects were combined for funding purposes.

Dorman Road culvert is on schedule with plans being submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers on Feb. 17. The city is using approximately $144,000 of our Revolving Loan Funds as our match for the OPWC funds to do this project. If the Dorman Road project comes in on budget, and hopefully a little under, there should be enough grant funding to complete the Keefus Road bank stabilization project. RLF funds may be used only for the Dorman Culvert Replacement because it met the criteria of servicing low- tomoderate-income individu-

cost of the camera(s) at $2800. In addition to the camera(s), the city would be required to have an Internet connection at approximately $40 a month or $480 a year.

This is an unfunded project.

Since I will be in Columbus for the Ohio City ManLeadership Ashtabula agers Association ConferMonroe Township Dis- County Reimbursement ence Feb. 21 to 23, John Wil[Councilman Neil] liams will be Acting City patching & Emergency LaRusch is attending this Manager.

Services Monroe Township would class and at the time, with February Meetings like to set-up a meeting to elections and all that was February 16 – Meeting discuss dispatching and going on, Council did not foremergency services with the mally vote on reimbursing with CT on project status’s February 21 – 23 - AtCity of Conneaut. The Safety him for it. There is money to Committee chairperson and cover this and I would like tending the Ohio City ManCouncil will be notified of the council members to formally agers Association Conferapprove the expenditure, so ence in Columbus. date.

Mr. Williams can properly February 29 – Monthly meeting with City Manager Safety Enhancement reimburse Mr. LaRusch. from Geneva and Ashtabula Grant for Brown, Lake February 29 – Meeting Skate Park Camera Erie and Southern Roads Police Chief Chuck Ashtabula Township Fire Staff will allocate $30,000 from the Safety Enhance- Burlingham does have the Chief als. Keefus Road did not.

The Lake Erie Street Sanitary Sewer project is being bid out.

Creek Road Water Tank agreement is signed and surveying work is being done, with design work soon to follow.

ment Grant (this is an old grant ready to expire) to the southern roads in lieu of transferring $25,000 from the Road Improvement Fund so that those monies can be used for road maintenance this summer.

Unused Grant Funds Will Help With Southern Roads SUBMITTED PHOTO

It seemed surreal to Debbie Newcomb (right) when WREO radio personality Mark Allen and Port Conneaut Federal Credit Union CEO Jim Furman (left) surprised her at the Conneaut Human Resources Center last Friday morning with flowers and the Ashtabula County Business Woman of the Month Award. The award has been given monthly since mid-2010 by WREO, Port Conneaut Federal Credit Union and Martini’s Restaurant in Ashtabula who joined forces to recognize exceptional women business leaders in the county. Former state legislator Newcomb was named executive director of the CHRC last spring. (The photo’s surreal quality was caused by improper photo settings, Allen said, after his preschool-aged son reset them, unbeknownst to him. But they do not hide Newcomb’s delight over receiving the award.)

We are just a

PHONE CALL AWAY

We Want Your Announcements!

• Engagement • Wedding • Anniversary • Military • College • Meetings • Community

Speak to Our Staff

Call 593-6030 Fax 576-2778 Editorial Department Martha Sorohan . Ext. 116

News Tip

Call 24 hours a day! All calls will remain confidential. Leave name, number & information.

Advertising Department Classifieds ....... Becke ....... 576-9125 x104 Display .............. Shawn ............ 344-1750

Circulation Department Subscriptions: Cassie 576-9125 x102 Past issues are also available.

By Mail...

Drop-Off Location News items may be dropped off at

Orlando Bro’s Golden Dawn 281 Main St. Place in sealed, marked envelope.

The Courier 46 W. Jefferson St. Jefferson, OH 44047

By Email... courier@gazettenews.com

THE COURIER USPS 012-979 Office located at: 46 West Jefferson St., Jefferson, Ohio 44047 Address editorial correspondence to: P.O. Box 166, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 courier@gazettenews.com (440) 593-6030 Fax: (440) 576-2778 Publisher Emeritus .................. John Lampson President/Publisher ................ William Creed bcreed@gazettenews.com Senior Editor ......................... Stefanie Wessell swessell@gazettenews.com Editor ...................................... Martha Sorohan courier@gazettenews.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES Local Delivery (1 year) .................................. $30.00 Seniors - Local Delivery (1 year) .................. $25.50 Out-of-Area (1 year) ..................................... $46.00 Seniors - Out-of-Area (1 year) ...................... $39.10 Annual subscription rates non-refundable

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Finance Director John Williams told Conneaut City Council at its work session Tuesday evening that unused funds from the 2008 Roadway Safety Grant can be used to improve the city’s 22 miles of unpaved southern roads.

Speaking as Acting City Manager in the absence of City Manager Tim Eggleston, Williams said the city planned to use the RSG funds for three projects: 1) to widen Brown Avenue; 2) to pave Lake Erie Street; and 3) to apply toward southern roads. The second and third projects were completed, but the first was dropped.

Williams said reallocating the funds is permissible, sparing the $25,000 from the General Fund requested by Public Works Director Bob Mannion to help on the southern roads.

In other news, Council voted to reimburse at-large Councilman Neil LaRusch $1,500 in tuition for the monthly LEADership Ashtabula County program, which LaRusch began last September.

City Council President Tom Udell told council that the reimbursement had been brought up several months ago, before the three new council members took office.

Udell supported reimbursing LaRusch because he completed the Leadership program in 2007 and called it “worthwhile, a great program” which he supported 100 percent.

“I wish all of you had the opportunity to go through it,” Udell told council.

During monthly session, the 45 to 50 participants visit all corners of the county and learn about education, business, safety, public programs and more. LaRusch said the networking from

meeting leaders in other county communities is invaluable for the community.

Udell said that Williams said that funds were available to reimburse LaRusch from council’s contingency fund.

Udell had pushed council to accept a $2,000 reimbursement, the full tuition, but LaRusch said he had received a $500 Leadership grant, leaving a balance of $1,500.

“If you need more time, we can vote on Feb. 27, but I encourage us to entertain a motion to reimburse Neil for his attendance,” Udell said.

Ward 3 Councilman Rich McBride moved and Ward 4 Councilman Tom Kozesky seconded the motion to reimburse, and it passed unanimously.

Udell said he hoped that other councillors would be able to attend Leadership and would keep it in mind for next year.

“As council members, it’s well worth it,” he said. “But one at a time.”

Discussing the Feb. 27 agenda items, Council is expected to approve the creation of a fund for a $133,000 Fiscal Year 2011 Formula grant, which will be used to replace a 260-foot sanitary sewer and manholes on W. Jackson Street. Udell said the city qualified for the grant because the improvements will benefit low-to-moderate income homeowners. No match is required.

Under Miscellaneous business, McBride announced that according to CT Consultants’ Shawn Aiken, an access road has been put down in the woods from Gore to Lake Road for a water line loop, with EPA approval.

Some of the stone that was used on the road will be removed once the new pipe is buried. He said water will

See FUNDS page 10A

Street Levy Likely, Public Works Committee Says

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - City Manager Tim Eggleston told City Council’s Public Works Committee at its Feb. 15 meeting that he would like to see a levy that would generate $400,000 to $500,000 to improve city streets.

But he would like to generate those revenues outside of an income tax. The current seven-year street levy, which boosted income tax rates from 1.5 to 1.85 percent when passed by voters in 2005, expires this year.

“We definitely must generate more money, and property values are not going up to help,” he said. “All the

money we’ve received has been less than expected.”

The discussion was the first item on the agenda of the Public Work’s Committee’s first meeting of the year. Committee chair John Roach lamented the loss of employees due to lower revenues in the Public Works Department which he once directed.

“Soon there is not going to be much of a department at all,” he said. “This [levy] would put people back to work and keep the doors open.”

Eggleston said more money is needed “just to keep things going,” and then suggested that using asphalt on perhaps two country roads per year would result

in the eventual completion of the 22 miles of unpaved roads for which the city is responsible.

“I hope it happens,” Roach said.

“We need someone to take the lead with this levy and get a campaign going to inform people of how the money is to be taken,” Eggleston said.

The group discussed whether putting stone on country roads was “putting good money after bad,” since snow plows push the stone off the roads. Though some is recaptured when roads are graded, Eggleston said the process recurs year after year. The group discussed the cold-milling method, which

Eggleston said is used in Michigan and produces a more “paved-like” look.

Eggleston said that CT consultants was comparing costs of various paving methods .

“Otherwise, this happens every year,” Eggleston said.

The group heard Roach say that paving Gore Road is a priority, especially from Route 20 to N. Amboy Road and in front of CSP. At-large Councilman Neil LaRusch asked, when Eggleston talked about constructing a list of roads in poor condition, what happened to the recommended list the city drew up seven years ago.

See LEVY page 10A

Ken Parise, Mike Clancy To Retire from City Schools

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

taught industrial arts for 35 years.

CBOE member Cris CONNEAUT - At its Feb. Newcomb was among board 16 meeting at the Southeast members who thanked the Building, the Conneaut teachers for their service to Area City Schools Board of the district.

Education accepted the res“Mr. Clancy was a fun ignations by retirement of teacher who kept my finConneaut High School gers intact during teachers Ken Parise and woodshop,” he said. “I have Michael Clancy. never heard anything bad Parise, a former football about him from students or coach who taught social parents.” studies for 15 years, will reTo help balance next tire effective March 28, year’s school district budget, while Clancy’s last day will Conneaut Area City Schools be May 31. Clancy, an assis- Superintendent Kent Houstant football coach, has ton said that neither teacher

will be replaced.

“These will be two we don’t fill so that we can keep as many employees as possible,” Houston told the board. “We will reassign other teachers as a budget reduction measure.”

The school board also approved the purchase of a 71passenger school bus for $75,325, from lone bidder CCI Northcoast of Akron.

The purchase marks the district’s first new school bus since 2010. The cost is about $900 higher than the 2010 acquisition, said bus mechanic Tim Gross.

“I believe it is the only one licensed to sell school buses in the area,” he said.

The purchase will be paid with Permanent Improvement Levy funds.

In other personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of retired CHS teacher Dave Simpson as Conneaut Middle School tennis coach, then approved his $3,567 contract as boys varsity tennis coach at Conneaut High School for the current school year to replace Doug Hedrick.

See BOE page 8A

CBOE Recognizes Students of the Month

The Courier (USPS 012-979) is published weekly by The Gazette Newspapers, Inc. at 46 West Jefferson St., Jefferson, OH 44047. Periodical’s postage is paid at Jefferson, OH 44047. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Courier, P.O. Box 166, Jefferson, OH 44047.

Printed on Recycled Paper

LETTERS POLICY We encourage letters to the editor on topics of interest to our general readership. Although letters should be of sufficient length to express your idea, please limit them to 400 words or less. Letters should include your name, address, telephone number and hand written signature. We reserve the right to edit all letters for style, clarity and libelous content.

Questions? Call Us at (440) 593-6030 Classifieds .........

Subscriptions ....

News ...................

Sports .................

Advertising ........

Becke Schindler x104 Cassie Nagy x102 Martha Sorohan x116 Byron Wessell x115 Tina Wilson x207

PHOTOS BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Aliz Leckie-Adorno (center) was named Gateway Elementary School January Student of the Month at the Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education’s Feb. 16 meeting. Pictured with her father, Carlos, and Gateway Principal Liesl Blackwell (right), Leckie-Adorno was described by nominating teacher Mark Salvaterra as a hard-working student who gives 100 percent and is willing to help struggling students. Salvaterra said the always-smiling Leckie-Adorno enjoys challenges and has a bright future ahead of her. “With her strong work ethic, this is the first of many awards she will receive with the Conneaut Schools,” he said.

Honored as Gateway Elementary School February Student of the Month was Alex Brainard (center), nominated by his teacher, Ms. Weagraff. Weagraff wrote that Brainard “enriches Gateway Elementary School” by being courteous, helpful, dependable, consistent and having a positive attitude. “He takes the initiative to make sure his work is complete,” she said. Flanking Brainard are his brother and sister, Matt and Alyssa Brainard; behind him are his father, Fred; grandfather, Al Waite; mother, Amber Potts, and grandmother, Shirley Waite.

Student of the Month Award sponsors are Conneaut Telephone and the Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce. Presentations were made by Conneaut Chamber board member Kent Houston, Superintendent of Conneaut Area City Schools.

4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

Budgeting for the Future at Conneaut Middle School

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

surprise was a shoplifting arrest by Conneaut Police Patrolman Helfer, who spotCONNEAUT - For the ted in the hood of her businesses that participate sweatshirt a $10 necklace in the annual Reality Day at that he recognized had come Conneaut Middle School, the from a display at the K-Mart student exercise in budget- table. ing has become almost rou“I didn’t even know it was tine. in there!” Prately declared.

Eighth graders file into But Helfer was unrelenting, the CMS library with calcu- having heard that excuse lators in hand and visit sta- countless times before. He tions representing the finan- said she would likely be sent cial necessities of adult life: to the Youth Detention Cenbanking, housing, automo- ter. bile, insurance, utilities, Helfer enjoys the Reality food, clothing and drug Day exercise so much that he items. volunteers every year, often They make purchases by giving up a vacation day, writing checks at each sta- hoping students will come to tion according to their an- view police officers as their nual salaries, based on occu- friends. pations they had chosen sevOther students discoveral days earlier. ered that life brings little At the end of the 40 surprises, and that good forminute session, those who tune, such as winning the One end up with money in their lottery, is rare. bank accounts (the majority) student’s card pulled at the receive a “$10,000” candy “surprise” table informed bar. Those with bank bal- him that he had broken his ances in the red are handed arm while roller blading, bringing unexpected medical a pack of Life Savers.

But each new class of 8th expenses.

Yet other volunteers tend graders encounters surprises, and the Feb. 10 “Re- to see a pattern year after ality Day” at Conneaut year as students strive to Middle School was no excep- keep a positive bank baltion. ance.

For Rylie Pryately, the “They all want the cheap-

est house. They don’t care what it looks like,” said volunteer Rick Furmage of Prudential Select Properties in Ashtabula.

This year ’s 8th grade class had the good luck of buying housing at a time that mortgage rates are about 3.5 percent. Average homes’ mortgage payments were $470 per month.

But eighth grader Casey Fox limited his mortgage payment to $400, based on his occupation as a Dairy Farmer with a $1,508 monthly salary.

“I used to live on a farm and I work on a familyowned dairy farm in Monroe Township,” he said.

His salary was more than that of Matt Church, who signed up to be an EMT/ Paramedic partly because his mother, Judy, works in the office at Conneaut’s Fire Station #3.

Church’s monthly take-home pay on Reality Day was $1,342.

More fortunate than Church was J’vonte Sistrunk, who as an architect enjoyed a monthly salary of $3,375 after taxes.

“That’s what I want to be,” he said.

Debra Scott, a K-Mart employee, and a first-time

Reality Day volunteer time, saw value in the exercise, even though some Conneaut High School students chosen to help at Reality Day by guidance counselor Artie Mermis said they remembered the Reality Day experience four years earlier, but not its lessons.

“I think it’s a good learning experience for kids, a reality check,” Scott said.

“Most have been polite, questioning and interested.”

At the K-Mart table, Scott handed to each student a sheet showing that personal items would cost about $18 per month, not counting 6.5 per cent sales tax. Clothing expenses are left up to each individual.

Conneaut Ptl. Helfer (right) explains why he arrested and “One girl, who was handcuffed eighth-grader Rylie Pryately for shoplifting at Reality an exception, said she Day. planned to buy her clothes at the Goodwill,” said Scott. “But I pointed out that she was smart. It’s a chore to be able to say ‘no.’”

Jenny Hoy t , of t he Ashtabula County Ohio State University Extension Office, which sets up Reality Day at county middle schools and high schools said students selected their occupations, then learned what education was needed and the salary. The most popular occupations were nurses, pharmacists and teachers, with a handful of architects, police officers, chefs, hair stylists, wait staff or mechanics. Occupations PHOTOS BY MARTHA SOROHAN requiring advanced de- CMS eighth-grader J’vonte Sistrunk (front) calculates grees were not an option, payments on garbage, water and sewer, electricity and since the exercise was to natural gas service at the Reality Day Utilities booth under simulate where students the watchful eye of Tom Murray. Murray is a volunteer might be ten years hence. from the county’s Ohio State University Extension Office

See REALITY page 9A in Jefferson, which organized Reality Day.

Kayla Brennan Announced as Valentine Queen PHOTO BY ALLAN MONONEN

Conneaut High School volunteers Anthony Chadwick and Megan Glass (seated, left) assist Orlando Brothers Golden Dawn employee Bettina Kern (seated, right) in helping CMS eighth grader Matt Church (standing) calculate his monthly grocery bill during Reality Day.

Though not dressed in regal attire, Kayla Brennan donned a queenly smile when she was crowned Valentine Queen during half-time of the girls’ varsity basketball game at Conneaut High School Thursday evening. A three-letter winner in basketball, Brennan is shown with her parents, Mike and Michelle Brennan.

She and her court reigned over the Valentine Dance that followed the basketball game.

CHS Valentine Dance Court

NOW IS THE TIME FOR CHANGE • Former Conneaut City Council Member-16 years • Former Chairman of Conneaut Democratic Party • Former Conneaut Tree Commissioner • Former St. Francis Cabrini Home & School President • Active member in the community • 20 year precinct committee member • 16 year member of the Select Service Board Committee

PHOTO BY ALLAN MONONEN

At Conneaut High School basketball game Thursday evening, members of the school’s Valentine Dance court were introduced with their parents. They are (from left) Kayla Brennan, with parents Mike and Michelle; Alexa Griswold with Patrick and Dawn; Alyssa Kardohely with Tom and Sarah Kardohely; Jen Oxley with her mother, Darlene Oxley; and Teaona Wadsworth with her father, Reid Wadsworth.

Thinking Day Brings Girls Scouts Together

“I know I can make a difference, if given the chance.”

VOTE JAKE “CHIC”

CHICATELLI ON MARCH 6TH

Democratic Nomination for Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners Paid for by Candidate, Jacob J. Chicatelli, 820 Buffalo Street, Conneaut, Ohio 44030

SUBMITTED PHOTO

More than 60 Girl Scouts representing 17 troops from the local Service Unit participated in Thinking Day festivities Saturday at Monroe Township Fire Hall on Center Road. They enjoyed food from around the world and a puppet show by Conneaut Public Library, along with a fashion show of Girl Scout uniforms of each decade from 1920. This is the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting in the United States. Members of host Troop 80671 who were part of the Fashion Show are (front, left) Samantha Wright, Cora Szalai, Leah Huston, Emily Specht, and Emily Smith; (back row, left) Karly Wisnyai, April Burlingham, April Seavy, Adele Wade, Lydia Jernia, Heather Fuller, Katie Parise, Emily Calligan, Halee Butts, Destine Vitmuvas, Crystal Stewart,

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A

Pharmacy & Health Management of a Heart Defect at Birth A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a condition that develops prior to birth. Problems can occur in the blood vessels, valves, and chambers of the heart.

Babies born prematurely are more likely to be affected by a CHD. A variety of defects may occur, ranging in severity from mild to life threatening. The most common CHD is ventricular septal defect (VSD), which is characterized by a “hole” between the right and left ventricles.

Blood that contains adequate oxygen would normally move through the aorta and to the rest of the body. However, the opening created by this type of heart defect causes blood to move instead to the left ventricle, where blood does not contain enough oxygen.

Symptoms of a VSD include an abnormal sound of the heart (known as a murmur), rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate.

Diuretics may be used

by Kerry Gerdes Gerdes Pharmacy 245 Main St. 593-2578 to treat infants who experience rapid breathing and difficulty gaining weight, and to treat heart failure. Furosemide (Lasix), chlorothiazide (Diuril), and spironolactone (Aldactone) are all diuretics that may be prescribed for infants with VSD. Captopril (Capoten) and enalapril (Vasotec) are angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medications that work to improve proper blood flow. Digoxin (Lanoxin) may be prescribed to improve heart contractions.

At Home With.... Vickie Marcy Hi everyone and welcome to flu season! This flu that’s going around can really put you down for awhile and it seems like kids are getting hit the hardest. Most of the kids have an ear infection and flulike symptoms so they’re twice as sick. Poor babies, I feel sorry for anyone who has to deal with the flu or any other illness. Remember, if you’re sick, stay home, rest and drink plenty of liquids.

I’m glad spring is just around the corner; we’ll soon be able to spend hours outside working, playing, grilling or just hanging out. Before you know it, the heat from summer will be so bad we’ll be harping about how we wish it were cooler...not! Any thoughts from anyone as to what the weather for the next three seasons is going to be like? Let me know, email me at: vickiemarcy@yahoo.com.

Personally, I think we’re going to have an early spring,

a hot summer and a dry mild fall. As for next winter, all I’ll say is I won’t be surprised if our area hits record snow falls, since this winter has been so mild (so far, that is).

The tulips, iris and a multitude of buried bulbs that are planted around our house have started to grow and are three or fours inches high already. That can’t be good; what happens when it gets colder and snows? I’m not an expert on flowers so I’ll have to do the research and find out what I might have to do to keep them all from freezing or dying or whatever!

On a more positive note, I received a recipe for no-bakes that’s even quicker to make than my own, so I’m going to pass it on with many thanks to you, Mae. I made it and believe me, it’s not only quick, easy and anyone can make it, it’s also so good! I also received a tip for making dry bread crumbs in the microwave and

QUICK TIP OF THE WEEK

Dear Editor: The challange is not just a library issue. This is a community issue and has been an issue for years. When we began the vision of creating the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Family Center for Conneaut, one purpose was to help the youth who cannot go home because of family issues or because the house is locked while the parents are at work. This is one area the church felt it could help and the community could help by establishing a family center for Conneaut. The vision is there, but it cannot be accomplished without community support.

I witnessed in the fall, spring, and summer children being dropped off or walking to Township Park to wait out the time to go home. In the summer, there have been kids as young as 10-12 spending the whole day at the park while waiting for parents to come home from work. It is tragic that children are in this position and it is unsafe for many.

I spoke with [Conneaut Public Library Executive Director] Kathy Pape and [Conneaut Public Library Youth Services Director] Stephanie Gildone today at the library to give them support of this COMMUNITY issue.

I support any effort to help our youth, our seniors, and our community. In doing so, we make Conneaut a better place to live. While attending the Ashtabula County Youth Conference, I remember the judge stating, “Ninety-five per cent of the youth coming into my court room are NOT involved in Scouts, church, or school activities.”

I’m not advocating for the “Family Center” in this letter. The Family Center is a solution that addresses many community issues I am writing to say, “This unfortunate issue isn’t just about the library. This is about a community that needs to seek out solutions that support families and children.”

Some of these children don’t want this life but have no other choice. Others are seeking to be disruptive.

The disruptive group is a minor group. The issue at hand is how can this community support those who need help and a SAFE place to go after school or in the summer?

I wish I could make the initial meeting on this topic but Feb. 22 is Ash Wednesday and church services conflict with the meeting date.

The Rev. Franklin J. Gore, pastor Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Conneaut

Wake-Up Conneaut!

Did you know about the administrative shake-up at our Conneaut City Schools? Did you know that this shake-up wasn’t really a promotion? Does anyone know if the funding (Race to the Top), will continue next year and so on to fund this change? When the substitute works the required amount of time, will she be hired full time with benefits?

Why the special need to do this at this time of the year?

Who is going to benefit from this move? Is it in the best interest of the students and staff or is it just the administration making changes — changes that the three new board members were made aware of after-the-fact!

These are all good questions that most concerned parents and citizens of Conneaut would like to know!

Having retired after teaching 30 plus years, my wife and I would like some answers! We both grew up here, graduated from Conneaut High School and have lived here our entire lives. We have supported Conneaut schools whenever there was a need for passing a levy and we have always supported the Music Boosters and Athletic Boosters.

We both feel education is very important. It is important enough to write this and make more people aware of how some administrative decisions can have a negative effect.

These decisions effect not only Conneaut Middle School students and staff but the citizens of Conneaut that continue to support school levies and functions in hopes that this district can be the best it could be!

Ron and Marie Richards Conneaut

Letters To The Editor Policy We encourage letters to the editor on topics of interest to our general readership. Although letters should be of sufficient length to express your idea, please limit them to 400 words or less.

Letters should include your name, address, telephone number and hand written signature. We reserve the right to edit all letters for style, clarity and libelous content. Anonymous letters will not be published.

DRY BREAD CRUMBS

Vickie Marcy it’s really cool! Thank you for the tip Annie, it’s a great shortcut.

It’s time to get to our recipes, and the one I’m giving you is a big hit with kids and adults. It can be ready within twenty minutes or less, and if you’re a fan of stuffing and chicken, you’ll love it. Just add a salad, applesauce or cranberry relish, a fruit cup and dinner is ready; make the fast fudge (or offer fruit and cheese) and you’ve got dessert!

SHORT CUT NO-BAKES

If the air in your house is dry you can add moisture to the air while adding freshness. Place a pan of water on the stove and heat to simmer; toss in a few cinnamon sticks and whole cloves and the aroma is fantastic. If you don’t have whole cloves or cinnamon sticks, use ground spices.

Letters To The Editor Rev. Gore Speaks Out on Conneaut Library “Youth Issue”

hot. Stir in peanut butter until blended; pour cereal into mixture and stir until coated.

Drop spoonfuls onto greased wax paper and refrigerate a few minutes until set up.

Tim Taylor Says Thanks Dear Editor: Well It’s been a month since my second stem cell procedure and I have gained a little more sensation! It started with itchiness where the feeling on my back meets the numbness by my shoulder blades the feeling of itching on my left wrist and on the top of my right foot. I also felt the actual feeling of cold, instead of just a tingly kind of cold, when I rested a popsicle on my stomach. I also had the same familiar cold sensation on my left palm and the knuckles of my right hand. The nerves are definitely coming back to life!

Anyone that doesn’t believe that stem cell treatment works just take it from me. Although I’m not yet walking, it has brought back feelings and sensations I haven’t felt in almost nine years! I want to thank my community for donating and standing behind me until I can stand on my own and walk once again! And with everyone’s help, I will walk again!

Tim Taylor Conneaut

• 12 Oz semi-sweet chocolate chips • 1/2 Cup peanut butter • 2 1/2 Cups crispy rice cereal Place chocolate in large microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1 - 2 minutes, or until chocolate is melted and

Cut six slices bread into 1/ 2 inch cubes. Place in large microwave safe bowl and microwave for 5 - 7 minutes, stirring every two minutes or so.

Cool and place into blender and crush.

CHICKEN AND STUFFING PATTIES • 1 Package Stuffing • 1 Cup milk • 2 Eggs, slightly beaten • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water • 1 Cup chicken breast, cooked and chopped Combine all ingredients, stir well. Form into patties, fry in a small amount of oil until browned well on both sides. Note* If you pour a can of cream of chicken soup blended with 1/2 cup water over patties when browned and heat for a few minutes, you can serve the patties over rice or potatoes covered with the sauce. Delicious!

That’s going to do it for today, so until next time, stay safe and happy.

Kingsville Public Library Events Kingsville Public Library will celebrate Leap Year on Feb. 29 with a family game night, “Leap Into Fun,” 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dessert and board games will be provided. Families may bring a favorite game.

March 2 at 7 p.m. is Free Movie Night, featuring “Hugo” (PG) at the Kingsville Public Library’s Simak Welcome Center, 3205 School Street. Free popcorn will be served.

The Friends of the Kingsville Public Library will operate a concession stand.

Conneaut Community Center for the Arts 1025 Buffalo St. (440) 593-5888

A Defense Of Charles Michalos Dear Editor: This letter is in defense of Charles Michalos.

I’ve talked with Charles. He is cordial and polite.

You talk to him right and he’s okay.

What we’re dealing with is a Free Mason government, Free Mason judges and a Free Mason system. Since 1727, the Free Masons’ goal is stated in writing to destroy the Catholic Church and rule the world.

Twelve presidents were Masons. Thank God they’re dead. More than 120,000 politicians have been Masons over the years. Several framers of the Constitution were Free Masons. That’s why America is so messed up today.

If you know it or not, everyone is affected by the Free Masons. The Catholic Church started the college system, hospitals and has sent million of saints to heaven.

When a Mason reaches the 33rd degree, the seething energies of Lucifer are in his hands.

So Mr. Michalos was using free speech at a City Council meeting. He didn’t follow Free Mason rules and got punished. I think Charles is right. The Conneaut system is wrong.

How does Law Director Schroeder get to call a business “the devil” and keep his job? Usually the accuser is wrong himself.

But Charles can call a councilman’s business “dirty” and catch all kinds of hell? Hypocrisy to the max, typical Free Mason activity.

What did Jesus say about hypocrites? They will be sawn in two and cast into everlasting hell, unless they repent. Criminals will go to Heaven before a hypocrite.

I’ve been in Conneaut in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s, and I’m starting another decade. I’m glad I don’t work for the city anymore. I see how evil it it.

This town hasn’t prospered since the Masonic Lodge was built, and it won’t. People continue to leave.

Fredrerick S. Monda, Jr. Conneaut

Thrift Shop Scholarship Forms Available Applications are available for scholarships funded by the Conneaut Hospital Thrift Shop. Residents of Ashtabula County age 17 and older enrolled as high school seniors or graduates may apply.

Scholarships are awarded to students in the health field, such as nursing, dental, lab/X-Ray technician, etc.

Prior applicants and scholarship recipients may reapply annually.

Application forms are available at the Conneaut Hospital Thrift Shop, 247 Main Street Conneaut; Conneaut High School, 381 Mill Street, Conneaut; at UH-Conmneaut Medical Center, 158 West Main Road, Conneaut; and at all other county high schools.

Application forms may be requested by writing to the Conneaut Hospital Thrift Shop, Box 194, Conneaut, Ohio 44030. Application deadline is June 1.

For additional information, contact Arlene Cole, president, (440) 594-4485.

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

The photography exhibit by Bill West comes to an end next week. Stop in before the end of the month. Many pieces are for sale.

The next seven-week session of the aerobic “PM Workout” with Sally Mucci begins Feb. 27. Classes are held Monday and Wednesdays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and are designed for participants to work at their own pace. Sign up for once or twice a week or just pop in at $6.50 per class.

A new six-week session of Yoga starts March 6, with Lisa Piaser. Chair yoga for those with limited mobility is 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Gentle Yoga is 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evenings. Fee for six sessions is $40. Pop-in class $6.50.

The next four-week session of Adult Woodcarving begins March 1 and continues 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays with Terri Schultz. Supplies furnished for beginners. $28 ($25.20 for CCCA members) for each four-week session.

The Student Art Exhibit will open with an awards reception 6 p.m. March 2.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ASHTABULA COUNTY TAXPAYERS PAYMENT OF REAL ESTATE TAXES Last Day for Payment of First Half 2011 REAL ESTATE TAX IS FEBRUARY 29, 2012 Notice is hereby given that Real Estate Taxes for the first half of 2011 are due and payable on or before Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

Payments that are mailed must be postmarked by midnight of February 29, 2012 by the United States Postal Service. Postmarks from private mailing machines are no longer acceptable under Ohio law.

After February 29, 2012 a penalty must be charged in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. In addition, interest is charged July 1, 2012 and December 1, 2012 on certified unpaid balances.

When your mortgage is paid off or if it is sold to another Mortgage Company, it is the property owner’s responsibility under the Ohio Revised Code to see that this office is advised to ensure that the tax bill is sent to the correct address.

FAILURE TO RECEIVE A TAX BILL WILL NOT AVOID A PENALTY. Every effort is made to see that you receive your tax bills; however, Section 323.13 of the Ohio Revised Code provides the property owner is responsible for payments (plus any penalties or interest) even if you did not receive your bill. Please call us at once if you have not received a tax bill unless you have made previous arrangements with a financial institution to pay them.

DAWN M. CRAGON Ashtabula County Treasurer 25 West Jefferson Street, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 Phone: 440-576-3727 Office Hours: Mon. through Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Holidays Excluded)

6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

“Arise!” Is CAMA Lenten Worship Theme

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

23-36. Music by New Leaf UMC Choir.

CONNEAUT - The Conneaut Area Ministerial Association has selected “Arise: Experiencing Lent through Scripture and the Senses” as the theme of its 2012 mid-week Lenten worship.

The community services begin 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1, rotating among some of the participating churches. They continue 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through March 29.

Lent began Feb. 22. Easter Sunday is April 8.

Each week, one church serves as host, and other churches provide the music and the message. Five churches are serving as hosts this year: Good Shepherd Lutheran, New Leaf and Amboy United Methodist, First Congregational United Church of Christ, and the Church of God. Messages will be delivered by Tim Kraus, pastor of the Conneaut Church of Christ; Joyce Shellhammer, pastor of First UCC, the Rev. Jonathan Singer, pastor of Fist Baptist Church; the Rev. Frank Gore, pastor of Good Shepherd; and the Rev. Jan Walsh, co-pastor of New Leaf.

Music will be presented by choirs from New Leaf and Good Shepherd, with special selections by Gore, New Leaf co-pastor the Rev. Scott

March 8 - 6:30 p.m. at New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street.

Joyce Shellhammer, preaching. “Revelation: Theophany: Do not be afraid.”

Psalms 27:1-5, Isaiah 44:18, Matthew 28:1-10. Music by the Rev. Frank Gore.

March 15 - 6:30 p.m. at Amboy United Methodist Church, 554 W. Main Road.

The Rev. Jonathan Singer, preaching, “Rebirth - I am the living water.”

Exodus 17:1-7, Isaiah 35; John 4:1-30, Romans 6:3-11.

Music by the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Choir.

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

CAMA’s first Community Lenten worship service will be held 6:30 p.m. March 1 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road.

Walsh and tenor Norris Kelly, choir director of First UCC: and by “The Singing Preachers.”

A free will offering at each service will assist with CAMA’s transient aid and the benefit of the community.

Child care is provided,

Identity Theft Workshop at GSLC Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street and Lake Road, will host an “Identity Theft” workshop at noon March 11. Complimentary lunch and child care will be provided.

Presenters are Thrivent for Lutherans Tammy Owens and Jeff Shinabery. Participants will receive a complimentary Theft Identity Workbook. Call 599-8908 to register by Feb. 26.

and a time of fellowship, with refreshments, follows.

The public is invited.

March 1 - 6:30 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road.

Tim Kraus, preaching, “Trust: Your Word is spirit and life.” Psalms 19:7-10, Matthew 4:1-4, John 4:

Church Sign: “Help is just a prayer away.”

- New Leaf United Methodist Church

Religious Briefs At 8:30 a.m. contemporary and 11 a.m. traditional worship Feb. 26, the first Sunday of Lent at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road, readers are Rick Kantola (8:30 a.m.) and Shirley Harco (11 a.m.).

First Holy Communion classes begin Feb. 26 for 2nd grade children.

For the first Sunday of Lent, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. worship at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Main & Buffalo Streets, Shane Brown is liturgist. Pastor Joyce Shellhammer’s message is entitled, “Living Stones,” based on Luke 20:17. The choir will sing “The Cornerstone” under the direction of Norris Kelly, Fellowship begins 10:30 a.m.

The choir will lead worship with a Hymn Sing at 10 a.m. worship Feb. 26 at Kingsville Presbyterian Church, March 22 - 6:30 p.m. at 3049 W. Main Street.

First Congregational United The Rev. Scott Walsh, pastor, will preach on “Turning Church of Christ, Main & Weeds Into Wheat” at 9 a.m. contemporary worship in the Buffalo St. The Rev. Jan Walsh, Worship Center and 11 a.m. traditional Sanctuary worpreaching. “Re-creation - ship Feb. 26 at New Leaf United Methodist Church, Rise. Christ will shine on 283 Buffalo Street. Scripture is Matthew 13 :24-29. The choir, directed by Rebecca Levering, will sing, “Lift Up Your you.”

Psalm 27; Isaiah 60:1-7; Heads.” Free brunch 8:45 to 11 a.m. All welcome.

Ephesians 5:8-14; Mark Greeters for 11 a.m. worship Feb. 26 at First Baptist 5:21-43. Music by Rev. Walsh Church, 370 State St.,are Shelly and Vinnie Rose and the and Norris Kelly.

Singer and Sheneman Families.

March 29 - 6:30 p.m. at Church of God, 5327 Center Road.

The Rev. Frank Gore, preaching. “Healing: I shall put my spirit on you. You shall live.” Psalms 104:1-30; Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 11:127; Romans 8:18-28.

Music by the “Singing Preachers.”

Lenten Dinners Begin Friday at Cabrini

CHURCH MEALS New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street, free Friday community dinner, prepared by Dave Jones, 5 to 6 p.m. Feb. 24. This week’s menu features baked ham and sweet potatoes, rolls & butter, desserts.

Family Fellowship Foursquare Gospel Church, 641 Mill St., will serve a free community dinner 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 29. Menu is soup, sandwich, chips, soft drink, dessert. Free dinners are served every Wednesday.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road, will offer “Soup To Go” after worship services on Feb. 26. Several sizes available. Benefit for the church Evangelization Committee.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road, will serve soup, sandwich and dessert suppers 6 CONNEAUT - St. Mary/St. Frances Cabrini Parish will p.m. Wednesdays during Lent, starting Feb. 29. Casual worbegin serving Lenten Fish Dinners 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. ship follows in the Sanctuary 7 p.m.

24, and continue 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays through April 6 (Good Friday) Dinners are held in Cabrini Hall, 734 Mill Street.

The menu consists of baked or fried white fish with baked North Kingsville Presbyterian Church, 6546 Church potato, vegetable, coleslaw or applesauce, and homemade St., will host a Free Soup and Clothing Give-Away from bread and butter.

Dinners are $9 adults and $5 for children 12 and under. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. Please bring a conby MARTHA SOROHAN for students, faculty, and For those who do not want fish, a pasta-and-sauce en- tainer to carry the home-made soup. All welcome.

Gazette Newspapers parents, as well as students tree, with coleslaw or applesauce, homemade bread and from Assumption Elemen- butter, is available for $5.

ASHTABULA - The pub- tary School in Geneva.

Pop, bottled water and homemade desserts are availlic is invited to Mass at 1 Murry’s pastoral letter, able for $1 each. p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at “Catholic Schools: An InDinner events include 50/50 raffles plus lottery wreaths, Ss. John and Paul High vestment in the Future of baskets and gift card raffles.

School, 541 W. 34th St., Our Youth,” along with a Ashtabula, celebrated by video, will be distributed to Bishop George V. Murry of schools and Diocese of the DIocese of Youngstown. Youngstown parishes in The bishop is celebrating February.

Mass in recognition of Contact the school (440) Catholic Schools Month.

997-5531 if interested in obMass will be celebrated taining a copy.

Free Soup, Clothing at NKPC

Bishop Murry Coming to Ss. John & Paul School

Conneaut’s Creative Writing

Site Solver

Obituary

Monday, February 25, 1945

John R. Galliazzo February 28, 1931 - November 9, 2011 John R. Galliazzo of Ajo, Ariz., passed away November 9, 2011 with his wife Karen at his side. Born on February 28, 1931 in Conneaut, he was the son of Frank and Madeline (Armenti) Galliazzo.

He enjoyed going to the casinos and was proud of the family room that he built himself. He will be missed by his family and all who knew him.

Johnny is survived by his wife Karen of over 40 years,

his son Frankie of Seattle, WA, and his sisters Phyllis (John) Montanaro of Ashtabula, Shirley of Madison, Lucille of Geneva, and Jeanne (Marc) McCamy of Ashtabula.

John served in the 101st Airborne of the army. He served during the Korean war and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a son Jack.

Douglas Funeral Home of Ajo was in charge of services.

The recession is over, the economy is great, that’s what we hear from Washington.

Things are worse than they’ve ever been, that’s what we hear from Jefferson.

Spend your money wisely, if you have any left.

Drive Safely! Call or stop in...

Super Tread Tire Services, Inc. 346 Buffalo Street • Conneaut, OH 44030

440.599.7662

Your Local Independent Pharmacy for 50 Years

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Do you know the location of this Site Solver? Be the first to call its location to The Courier (440) 576-9125, ext. 116, starting 5 p.m. Feb. 23, and you will win a fresh doughnut from Mooney’s Bakery, 231 Broad Street. (Please note that Site Solver responses are not considered before 5 p.m.) Last week’s Site Solver was a sign on the gym doors at St. Mary Hall. Winner was Richard Sears.

DYLAN A former A and B student at Braden Junior High, Dylan received the Presidential Award last year from President Barack Obama, the first Kingsville Elementary School student to receive it. At home, he loves to cook.

“Dylan has touched many hearts and wants everyone to know that his name and spirit will live forever,” said his grandmother, Sherry Allums. “His favorite saying is, ‘If you can’t stand in life, kneel.’”

Saturday’s Sloppy Joe supper, sponsored by Singin’

NEW HOMES & KITCHENS

Kerry Gerdes, Ticey Czup & Dave Turner, Pharmacists

HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE!

GERDES PHARMACY

245 Main St., Conneaut

593-2578 • 1-800-445-2537 Monday-Friday 9-8 • Saturday 9-6 www.mygnp.com/gerdesrx

Letter My Mother Wrote To Me When I Was Thirteen And Away At Boarding School

OVER 200 HOMES BUILT!

From page 1A

Dear Mary, It was nice of Mrs. Keller to take you back to school so you didn’t have to ride the Greyhound.

Dianna is sitting in her highchair trying to tell me to tell you hello. Laura Clutter just left. We had a cup of coffee together and talked about her garden. Some of her crocuses are up already. She is considering selling plants out by the road at a stand this summer.

She came to tell me that she understands why Paul shot Lee yesterday and I should not worry about it. Jorgie is older and a bully. Lee told her the three of them were wading in the pond and Jorgie took Paul’s shoes and wouldn’t give them back. He threatened to throw them in the pond and Paul ran home.

The next thing Lee knew Paul had Jack’s 22 and said he was going to shoot Jorgie if he didn’t give him his shoes.

The gun went off and Lee got hit. Jorgie ran away and the other two went to Laura. Lee said his leg hurt and when she took down his pants, there was quite a bit of blood. The bullet must have gone clear through Lee’s calf. The doctor at Geneva hospital fixed him up. She assured me it is nothing serious. She is a nice person.

Buster may be a nasty dog, but he followed Jack into the downstairs of the barn Friday night. When Jack turned on the light, rats ran in every direction. Buster flew past Jack, caught one, snapped its neck, dropped it — and went for another. Jack picked up seven dead rats. They have runs all over under the cement floor. Saturday Jack plugged all but one of the entrance holes to their tunnels; then he backed the car down between the chicken house and the barn, hooked a hose between the exhaust and the tunnel and turned on the motor. He let the car run while he came in for breakfast, probably an hour or more. I suppose they’ll smell bad, but I’ll be glad they’re dead. They eat a lot of the cow feed and the oats for the horses.

Jack left Saturday afternoon; he has a delivery to make from Cleveland to Rittman on Monday; he’ll stay at his mother’s.

We’ll wish you a happy birthday when Dianna blows out her two candles on Wednesday.

Love, Mom

in the Kitchen, include sloppy joes, chips and beverage. Cost is $5 adults and $3 children 12 and under.

A free will offering taken during the concert will benefit Dylan and his father, Brian.

Persons wishing to make a donation, but unable to attend the benefit, may contact coordinator Connie Smith (440) 593-5805 or email mrsconniej@yahoo.com Simak Trucking & Excavating has opened an account in Dylan’s name at First Merit Bank, Kingsville.

Donations may be made Editor’s Note: there or dropped off at Mary Lewis “rewrote” in her Writers’ Class this letter from Simak Trucking & Excavating, 3052 E. Center Street her mother, who enrolled then 13-year-old Mary at the (Rt. 20) in North Kingsville. Andrews School for Girls in Willoughby, which at that time was a school for girls from “broken” homes.

Despite Lewis’ intense homesickness, Lewis’ mother knew Andrews would be a better environment for her daughter and wrote to her faithfully every week during the four years Lewis was enrolled.

Lewis says her recreated letter is “fairly accurate” as to what her mother wrote one week during her freshman year.

After Lewis’ mother and stepfather divorced, her mother lived a happy life with four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and died at the age of 88.

“Sadly, although I saved all of her letters, my husband and I, in our youthful ignorance, burned them when we were getting rid of collections we considered unnecessary,” Lewis says.

Lewis grew up in Saybrook.

Email your church news!

courier@ gazettenews.com

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A

8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

CBOE

Meet the Champs

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Conneaut Middle School’s 7th grade boys basketball team defeated the Bristol Panthers 53-50 in the championship game over the weekend. Though seeded #2 coming into the tournament, and facing #1 seed Bristol, the Spartans held their own in their highest-scoring game of the season. The team had gone 15-2, losing to Jefferson and Lakeside. Individual scorers included Justin Franklin with 19, Adam Laitinen with 2, Erik Heinonen with 13, Tysen Hunt with 12, Alex Rivera with 5, and Ben Mittlestadt with 2. According to head coach Joe Gerics, “All season we used our quickness to our advantage, pushing the ball on offense and pressing on defense. Many turnovers were caused by our defensive pressure. We also had excellent posts who were aggressive in rebounding and guards who could handle the ball.” Team members are (front, left) Head Coach Joe Gerics, TJ Bertolasio, Erik Heinonen, Adam Laitinen, Max Barrickman, Conner Stitt, Nick Drew; and (second row, left) Chance Woodworth, Austin Dale, Ben Mittelstadt, Justin Franklin, Tyson Hunt, Jake Kehoe, Alex Rivera, Kyle Curtis, Assistant Coach Steve Wahonick.

The board also accepted the resignation of G. Joseph Colucci as Conneaut Middle School yearbook advisor and approved an $892 supplemental contract for Stephanie Chase to replace him.

The board approved pay increases for certified employees Kelly Kelly (to $37,601) and Julie Villoni (to $60,488) to reflect additional education.

Maternity leave was approved for Anne Markijohn, from April 20 to the start of the 2012-13 school year; Kelly Kelly, from May 17 to the start of the 2012-13 school year; Rachel Shymanski, from May 15 until Jan, 2013; and Katie Laugen, from April 20 to about Nov. 5.

When one board member said he hoped all four were not teaching at the same school, Houston said two taught at Lakeshore, one taught at Conneaut Middle School and one taught at Conneaut High School.

The board also accepted supplemental contract resignations, effective at the end of the current school

Community

HealthConnections Ashtabula

Geneva

Diabetes Education Program

Senior Health Forum & Luncheon

Nancy Hutchens, RN, CDE Danielle Nies, LD, RD Wednesday, March 21 Thursday, March 22 Friday, March 23 1 – 3 p.m.

Ashtabula Medical Arts Center 2131 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula RSVP: 440-593-0364

Health Lifestyle Choices to Improve Your BMI Rebecca Robinson, RN, Health Education Ashtabula County Health Department Wednesday, March 7 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Geneva Community Center 72 West Main Street, Geneva RSVP: 440-415-0180 Reservations required

Cardiac Risk Assessment Program Blood Pressure, Lipid profile, EKG and 10-Year Risk Assessment for Heart Disease Wednesday, March 28 Appointment required Ashtabula Medical Arts Center 2131 Lake Avenue, Suite #4, Ashtabula To qualify for complimentary screening, call 440-415-0180 or 440-998-5763.

Conneaut Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Jorga Melaragno Every Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m.

WH Brown Community Room 158 W. Main Road, Conneaut RSVP: 440-593-0364

Heart Failure Nancy Hutchens, RN, CDE Danielle Nies, LD, RD Monday, March 5 Tuesday, March 6 1 – 3 p.m.

Board Room 158 W. Main Road, Conneaut RSVP: 440-593-0364

Health Smart Forum & Luncheon Passport/Medicare Information Linda Beeman, Jobs & Family Services Friday, March 16 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

WH Brown Community Room 158 W. Main Road, Conneaut RSVP: 440-593-0364

UH Conneaut Medical Center 158 West Main Road Conneaut, OH 44030 440-593-1131 UHConneaut.org UH Geneva Medical Center 870 West Main Street Geneva, OH 44041 440-466-1141 UHGeneva.org

© 2012 University Hospitals CONGEN 00092

Know What You Are Eating Learn How to Read and Understand Food Labels Nancy Hutchens, RN, CDE Thursday, March 8 | 11 a.m.

SPIRE Institute, Fuel Restaurant 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva RSVP: 440-998-5763

Get Tough on Angina™ Lori Kingston, RN, BSN, CCM Tuesday, March 20 | 11 a.m.

SPIRE Institute, Building 1 Mezzanine 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva RSVP: 440-998-5763

Madison Stroke Tuesday, March 27 | 12:15 p.m.

Madison Senior Center 2938 Hubbard Road, Madison For more information: 440-415-0272

Free Health Screenings Free Mammogram for Uninsured Women Age 40 – 64 Courtesy of the Susan G. Komen Grant UH Geneva Medical Center 870 West Main Street, Geneva To find out if you qualify for complimentary testing, call 440-998-0695.

March ‘12 Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Random Total Cholesterol Eight-hour fasting is recommended.

No reservations necessary.

Tuesday, March 6 | 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Ashtabula Medical Arts Center 2131 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula Wednesday, March 7, 21 | 8 – 10 a.m.

Wednesday, March 14 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wednesday, March 28 | 5 – 7 p.m.

SPIRE Institute, 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva Wednesday, March 7 | 4 – 7 p.m.

Walmart, 3551 N. Ridge East, Ashtabula Thursday, March 8 | 9 – 11 a.m.

Ashtabula Senior Center 4632 Main Avenue, Ashtabula Friday, March 9 | 1 – 3 p.m.

Giant Eagle 2390 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula Tuesday, March 13 | 9 – 11 a.m.

UH Conneaut Medical Center 158 West Main Road, Conneaut Tuesday, March 27 | 9 – 11 a.m.

Madison Senior Center 2938 Hubbard Road, Madison Watch the Pat Williams Show Tune in to the Pat Williams Show Wednesdays at 9 a.m. on CableSuite541 Channel 6 and Time Warner Cable Channel 21. View the latest health education interviews with University Hospitals experts, and be sure to call in with your health questions!

Register online today!

At University Hospitals, our mission is you.

From page 3A year, from Clancy, as assistant football coach; from Cathy Gebhardt, as high school cheerleading and majorette advisor, and from Steve Wahonick, Conneaut Middle School athletic assistant.

The board added to the school district’s substitute teaching roster Peter Alessi, William Lucik, Donald Ballard, Devin Vendetti and Carly Prather.

It employed Chad Holden as a home tutor for $20 per hour as needed, per the student’s IEP, for no more than $1,000 through the end of the current school year. Holden replaces another tutor.

Among classified employees, the board accepted resignations from Michael Crichton, effective Jan. 31; Kelly Wojtowicz, and Vicky Zappitelli, both effective Feb. 24.

It then hired Crichton as a full-time bus mechanic at $15.02 per hour, for a 12month, effective Jan. 17, and Jon Brady as a fulltime, 12-month bus mechanic, for $13.24 per hour, effective Feb. 20.

It adjusted the contract of bus driver Gary Pitts from 3.75 hours a day to 4.25 hours, with no change in pay rate, effective Jan. 23. Houston said in their bids for larger routes, bus drivers with more seniority are “bumping” drivers with less.

The board also hired substitute classified personnel, including Marcy Madden, clerical, $8 per hour; Nancy Clark, Melanie McAdoo, Marcy Madden and Vera Robertson, $7.70 per hour paraprofessionals; and James Faidley Sr., James Faidley, Jr., Darren Sharkey and Eddie Ball, transportation, at $8 per hour.

In non-personnel matters, the board approved a $3,000 contract with Canter and Associates as health care processing consultants for the periods Oct. 1, 2009, through Sept.

30, 2010, and Oct. 1, 2010 through Sept. 30, 2011.

Houston explained the dates by noting that due to changes in federal regulations, the Ohio Department of Education continues to catch up with processing for Medicaid billing. The district is mandated to provide the service, he said.

The district established funds for Public Schools Connectivity and Technology, Title II-D The school board also approved the 2012-2013 school calendar, which coincides with that of A-Tech to coordinate school bus routes.

Classes begin for students on Tuesday, Aug. 28.

Winter break is Dec. 24 to Jan. 1 (classes resume Wednesday, Jan. 2); Spring break is March 29 through April 5; and the last day of classes is Tuesday, June 4.

Commencement date is June 1, 2013.

The board also approved revisions to the Northeast Ohio Legal Association, and to the by-laws of the Conneaut Music Boosters.

Houston praised the CMB for six months of hard work that went into revising the document. CHS Music Department teachers Megan Kalosky and Sean Smith had come to the meeting prepared to answer questions about the document during the board’s 6 p.m. work session, but left after the board convened the work session and promptly went into a 90 minute executive session that preempted the work session.

Due to Parent-Teacher Conferences Thursday evening, principals did not present monthly reports.

In Board Members’ reports, Joan Norton, Sonny Heinonen and President Mike Kennedy said that the Feb. 15 School Board Planning Session went well and was informative.

Suzanne Bernardini congratulated teachers who continued their education and thanked the board “veterans” and Houston for arranging new board members’ tours of the school buildings.

“It was an exciting day that ended at the Fine Arts session at Gateway. I am very impressed with the program,” she said.

The board adjourned 8:08 p.m. to executive session.

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A

REALITY

From page 4A

K-Mart employee Debra Scott (seated) helps CMS eighth grader Alan Warner make toiletries, clothing and sundries purchases at the K-Mart booth. Warner was working on an architect’s salary, a field he may pursue. “Or maybe an airline pilot,” he said. Conneaut High School volunteers Alyssa Andes (left) and Kayla Brennan assisted at the Real Estate station at Reality Day. In addition to deducting their cars for smaller modfrom their salaries federal els. They were permitted to and state income taxes, refinance loans or chose secFICA and health deduc- ond jobs or more education. tions, students were re“We do try to set them up Brittany Johnson, daughquired to save 7 percent. to succeed,” Hoyt said.

Bennett Coltman, son of ter of John and Diane “Most were surprised to Scott noted two observa- Russ and Kenna Coltman, Johnson, is the January Opsee that what was left in the tions in her first volunteer- is January’s Five Star Stutimist Student of the Month. paycheck was a lot less than ing at Reality Day. dent of the Month. A threeA class representative and they started with. Using “Writing checks could be year academic letter winner Stage Crew member, what was left over, they vis- obsolete in ten years,” she and CEA Top Scholar, Johnson is a two-year letter ited the stations,” Hoyt said. said.

Coltman is secretary of the winner and captain of CHS’ “They had to have calculaScott thought that learn- National Honor Society. He volleyball team, for which tors and keep a running bal- ing their salaries after they is a four-year band member she was awarded 1st Team ance.” selected jobs brought stu- and was the Optimist All-County this year, and The first stop was the dents face-to-face with more Club’s Band Student of the Honorable Mention her junbank, staffed by Port reality.

Month in September. He is ior year. In basketball, she Conneaut Federal Credit “I think it showed some a letter-winner in cross is a three-year letter winner, Union volunteers, where of them that the job they country and a two-year letcaptain of the girls’ basketthey received, and learned ended up with may not have ter winner in track. ball team, and named 1st how to write checks. They been the job they thought Coltman volunteers with Team All County two years also obtained credit cards, wanted,” she said. “That is Caleb’s Carnival and the in a row. She is also a threewith balances determined another reality. The job that Lions Club Safety Town.

Brittany Johnson year letter winner in track, by occupations. you want may not be there.”

Bennett Coltman He plans to study bioand was last year’s MVP. Johnson volunteers at youth Students whose bank CMS Reality Day volun- medical engineering and balances were heading to- teers also represented pre-med at The Ohio State University with the goal of basketball camps, as an athletic trainer, and as a dogwalker at the APL. ward 0 were permitted to Conneaut Telephone, becoming a pediatric oncologist.

She plans to pursue a degree in sports management and return to the Automobile Joslin-Landis Insurance would like to play college-level basketball. station, run by Greg Sweet and Kent State University Chevrolet, and trade in Ashtabula.

Five Star Student of the Month Optimist Club Student of the Month

Optimist Club Band Student of the Month

Alumni Calendar

Conneaut High School Class of ’58 The Conneaut High School Class of 1958 will meet for a noon luncheon March 5 at Perkins Restaurant, Conneaut Plaza. Classmates spouses and guest are welcome. The class will meet at noon the first Monday of the month for the next two months: April 2 and May 7 at Perkins.

Girl Scouts Offer Cookie Challenge CONNEAUT - Would you like to win 100 boxes of Girl Scout cookies?

Girl Scout cookie lovers who purchase a minimum of six boxes of cookies at Troop 80671’s drive-up or walk-up Girl Scout Cookie booths Saturday may sign up for a drawing to win 100 boxes of cookies.

Booths will be open noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 25.

Persons wishing to enter the drawing will fill out a form at the booths.

Walk-up booths will be located at TA Kingsville Travel Center, Route 193 south of I90; Ashtabula Giant Eagle, 2390 W. Prospect; and Ashtabula Discount Drug

Matthew Jury, son of Lori and Kevin Jury, was selected as January Optimist Club Band Student of the Month. A three-year academic letter winner and member of National Honor Society, Jury plays in the marching, concert, and jazz bands, and sings in the concert choir and has won awards and honors through the school’s music program.

Matt volunteers as an altar boy at St. Mary/St. Francis Cabrini parish, places veterans’ flags at the cemetery, and helps at various community services through the CHS Matthew Jury band and his church.

He plans to study education, or forensic or chiropractic science, at a small college close to home.

Mart, 3032 N. Ridge Road.

Cash only will be accepted.

Drive-up booth locations are Conneaut Save-A-Lot in the Conneaut Plaza on W. Main Road, and Walgreen’s, 318 W. Prospect, Ashtabula.

Cash or credit cards will be accepted at the drive-up booths.

Troop 80671 will also accept donations to order Girl Scout cookies for U.S. troops serving overseas. These sales will also count toward the six-box minimum.

Giant Eagle walk-up Girl Scout cookie booth will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Troop 80671’s goal is to Samantha Brown, a junsell more than 1,000 boxes of ior from Conneaut, is among cookies on Saturday. nearly 1,200 Harding University students named to the Dean’s List during the fall 2011 semester. Dean’s List students must carry 12 or more hours with minimum 3.65 GPA. Harding, lotry fee, and the public pays $2 cated in Searcy, Ark,. is the admission entitling them to a state’s largest private uninumber of “tastings” at the versity with an enrollment of 7,000. pizza stations.

College News Samantha Brown Named To Dean’s List

Best of Conneaut Pizza Entries Sought

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Though the fund-raiser is not until April 15, the Conneaut Music Boosters is encouraging local pizzerias to enter the second annual Beat of Conneaut Pizza competition.

So far, three pizza parlors have confirmed they will participate: J.D.’s (last year’s judges’ winner), Gia Bella’s and a newcomer, Pizza Hut. Four other restaurants entered last year.

“We’ve made many more changes to be more accommodating to the pizza places this year, including making sure that they have a chance to at least break even during the event,” said Sean Smith, Conneaut High School Marching Band director who came up with the idea for last year’s Best of Conneaut Pizza fund-raiser.

Smith said judging will be slightly different this year, with five judges, rather than three, and more categories.

They include Kid’s Choice, Best Sauce, Specialty Pizza, People’s Choice, and Best of Conneaut Pizza 2012.

Last year, three blindfolded judges tasted pizza from the stage at the Conneaut Human Resources Center.

A People’s Choice Award named another pizza as winner.

Restaurants pay a $30 en-

Smith said the Best of Conneaut Pizza is a great way for restaurants to market their pizza.

“I frequent many great pizza shops here in town, yet very few people I talk to have ever eaten at some of them.

What great exposure it would be for them to be able to reach a wider audience,” he said.

Smith said, however, that kids are at the heart of the fund-raiser.

“Every dollar of support helps a student. Every dollar that comes in to the Conneaut Music Boosters supports the students and the betterment of their education,” he said.

Most of the funds subsidize supplies for band students who cannot afford them.

“It goes towards instrument repairs for students most in need. It goes towards replacing uniforms or worn out equipment or purchasing new uniforms for a growing band.

We cannot do this fund-raiser without the support of our local pizza shops. Personally, I think any pizza shop that helps our students and supports the music program is the best in town!”

For information on participating, call the Music Boosters’ Debbie Tisdale at 5941404.

Creek Ballard To Attend Edinboro University

Creek Ballard has been accepted into the 2012 freshman class of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to study Early Childhood Education.

A senior at Conneaut High School and enrolled in the post-secondary education option at Kent State University Ashtabula, Ballard is an Honor Roll student who also runs track.

She is the daughter of Shaelynn and Donald Ballard of Conneaut.

Junior Elks Club Student of the Month Christian Williams, son of Julie Williams and Brandon Catrow, is the January Junior Elks Club Student of the Month. A two-year academic letter winner and member of the National Honor Society, Williams is a letter-winner in baseball and a two-year letter winner in basketball.

Williams volunteers with Lions Club Safety Town and at youth basketball and baseball camps.

Williams plans to study journalism or communications at a four-year university.

Christian Williams

High Skills for Professional Machining Careers!

“The A-Tech Precision Machining Program changed my outlook on life. It has given me guidance in the career that I want.”

~A-Tech Precision Machining student Kayla Cartner

The Precision Machining Program prepares student for entry into occupations in business and industry that require machine tool knowledge and experience.

See your school counselor or call Miss Amanda Wight at 440-576-6015, Ext. 1115, and schedule your visit to the A-Tech Precision Machining Program.

1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 . 440-576-6015 . www.atech.edu The Ashtabula County Technical & Career Center Board of Education and its staff are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, pregnancy, handicap or disability.

10A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

HOUSTON

Clarification: Airman Tyler Webster, whose announcement from Air Force basic military training appeared in The Courier, Feb. 16, also received two honorary awards during basic training: Master Markman and Fitness Excellence Award.

The son of Marlo and Brad Webster, Webster is the grandson of Ron and Paula Roberts of Conneaut and Bill and Karen Webster of Andover. He will be stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

“As a principal, and former teacher, Linda Bernay is in the perfect position to develop it,” Houston explained.

Houston added that if a shortage of district administrators comes up, Bernay — who is nearing retirement — will able to fill in. She will also help negotiate classified and certified employee contracts. He stressed the position is temporary.

Houston told the board that because Bernay will be paid with Race to the Top grant funds, the new position will not cost the district more in wages. The school board last March approved a three-year administrative Conneaut Public Library is offering an opportunity to visit contract for Bernay with an the new Greater Cleveland Aquarium on Saturday, March annual salary of $78,352.

24.

Bernay’s replacement, A motorcoach will leave the library parking lot, 304 Buf- Rita Maslovsky, received a falo St., at 9 a.m. Arrive at the Aquarium around 10:30 for a three-year administrative two-hour guided tour, box lunch, and one hour on your own contract last March for before returning by 4 p.m. to Conneaut Public Library. $76,822.

Cost is $45 adult and $35 child.

Houston said that The cost includes bus transportation, aquarium admis- Campbell was a logical sion, box lunch and guided tour. choice for CHS’ assistant Purchase tickets at (440) 593-1608 to guarantee a seat principal’s position because on the bus. he is working on an administrative degree and needs internship experience.

Spending the next 100 days Because the Feb. 26 bus trip to Seneca Allegany Casino in as assistant high school Salamanca, N.Y. is sold out, Mike and Tracy David have orga- principal will provide that experience at the same nized another bus trip to the casino on Sunday, March 4.

The bus will leave Conneaut Gateway Plaza 8 a.m., and $53,949 salary the board depart the casino at 4:30 p.m. Cost $25. Comps will be distrib- had approved in his “conuted upon arrival to the casino. Snacks, water and light dinner tinuing contract” last April.

To complete the adminiswill be provided on the bus.

Call the Davids at 440-594-1338 or e-mail teamdavid3day trative musical chairs, Hous@yahoo.com to reserve. Proceeds benefit the 3-Day Walk for ton hired Ritari, whose husband, Tom, was a basketball the Cure. coach in the district. The couple has returned from a move South.

Newcomb said that alThe Breast Cancer Support Group will meet 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 27 at 6000 Furnace Road with a Chocolate Celebration for Valentine’s month. The “P.In C. Warriors” is open to those recently diagnosed with breast cancer as well as long-term breast cancer survivors who want to make a difEggleston said the street ference. Mike and Tracy David offer support, encouragement, information and joy to anyone touched by this dis- repair budget is down. It ease.. Call Tracy or Mike at (440) 594-1338 or visit generated $250,000 per year thepincwarriors@yahoo.com for information and RSVP. and former city managers added to it from the general Please bring chocolate. fund to reach the $400,000 needed.

From page 3A “The streets were too much for the Public Works flow south to north, from agendas and are doing a great Department to keep up with, Gore to Lake Road. job discussing agenda items and then the $150,000 from “The regular way water in that hour. We all discuss the general fund was gone, would go,” he said. them at regular council meet- and the price of asphalt doubled so now it’s $60 a As CAB liaison, McBride ings,” he said. announced some of the upUdell repeated what he ton,” Roach said.

Eggleston said that some coming programs that are had said at the start of the being taped for Conneaut year, that it would be nice to streets only need chip-andcable TV, including a Goodwill do away with twice-monthly seal, rather than full repavIndustries interview, the Win- Monday evening work ses- ing, to smooth them out, and told LaRusch that some ter Sock Hop and the sions.

Ashtabula County Basketball “Or work sessions could be streets on the approved Foundation banquet. Cable held prior to our regular meet- schedule should not be done TV volunteers and program- ings,” he said. “We’ll see how until sewers are repaired ming are welcome. it goes,but I appreciate the underneath, to avoid tearing them up twice.

Ward 1 Councilman Doug efforts by our committees.”

The Port Authority has Hedrick announced that The Economic DevelopSharon Hopkins is organizing ment committee met at 6 p.m. asked that roads leading to a fund-raising walk for MS at Wednesday, followed by Pub- the public dock be paved and 10 a.m. April 28 at Malek lic Safety at 7 p.m. Public has said it will pay $25,000 Park, with registration at 9:30 Works met on Feb. 15, and Fi- for material if the city will a.m. Register in advance by nance & Ordinance will meet supply the labor.

The group also learned calling 599-7977.

Feb. 29.

“It’s a neat event. Maybe Law Director David that the city purchased 500 it will snowball,” Hedrick Schroeder was also absent new stop signs, since the added. from the meeting. Assistant state has new mandates rePrior to adjourning the Law Director Carly Prather garding stop signs. New signs are bigger, with high meeting at 7:30 p.m., includ- attended in his place. ing excusing Ward 2 CouncilCouncil will meet 7 p.m. intensity with a “lollipop” so man Phil Garcia, Udell ex- Monday in televised work ses- car lights “know it’s there,” plained that the meetings sion. Lake Erie Correctional Roach said.

Eggleston said that CT have been short because coun- Institution Warden Barry cil is utilizing its committees. Goodrich is expected to intro- Consultants is reviewing city All committee meetings duce himself to Council, and stop sign placement, since are open to the public.

Council will honor Kate some four-way stops in low“Our goal, per the City Osborn, winner of the “Name traffic residential areas may Charter, is to utilize our com- That Road” contest in the city not be necessary; Roach said the police chief had formerly mittees. They have short schools.

CPL Plans Trip to Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Seneca Allegany Bus Trip March 4

Breast Cancer Support Group

From page 1A

though Houston had proposed the plan for the new administrative position to board members in an e-mail, he was surprised to learn via the grapevine that Houston had gone ahead and made the moves Feb. 13 with neither board approval nor prior warning.

Though Newcomb approves of the changes, he felt the board should have given the go-ahead before the moves were made. He said that no one mentioned the changes at the school board’s Feb. 15 planning session.

Newcomb also said that while Bernay’s move was a promotion, he felt that such changes in the middle of the school year were poor timing. “If test scores are low at Conneaut Middle School this year, is the new principal going to be blamed?”

Newcomb asked. Test scores at Conneaut Middle School have been a district concern.

When reached by telephone Tuesday, Houston attempted to dismiss concerns over his actions.

“Everybody is making assumptions,” he said. He refused to disclose whether his actions had been the topic of the board’s Feb. 16 executive session.

He also back-pedaled regarding Bernay’s salary, saying it would be paid by Race to the Top funds and other grants.

Newcomb said the moves may cost the district about $7,000 more in annual wages.

Also reached on Tuesday, Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education Presi-

dent Mike Kennedy also said that “other grants already in place” would help pay Bernay’s salary.

“When you get any grant, only so much can be used for administrative, and I have no clue as to what the percentage is [with Race to the Top.],” he said.

Unlike Newcomb, who said he did not want to be viewed as a “rogue” board member, Kennedy said he had no problem with Houston’s actions.

“It was a personnel issue, and I didn’t have a problem with it,” he said. “You transfer administrators from one job to another, and that’s an administrative decision and the board has nothing to do with that. You hire the administrator to do that, and that’s what they do. He transfers people around to do what he sees best for the school system as a whole.”

Kennedy called Houston’s creating a new administrative position without board approval a “technicality.”

“I know what it seems like, but I don’t think it was that big of a deal and I don’t want to make it a bigger deal,” he said.

Kennedy also suggested that new board members who object to Houston’s methods may think differently after being on the board for awhile, saying they are still learning their new duties and responsibilities.

But Kennedy welcomes the school board’s differences of opinions.

“I’m kind of glad to see that it was a 4-to-1 vote,” he said. “As a general said one time, if we all voted 5-to-0 all the time we wouldn’t be doing our job.”

And to Kennedy, what is most important is that everything in the district is working smoothly.

Houston refused further comment.

“The board spoke, voted 4-to-1, and made their decision. We’re done, and I don’t want to open it up again,” he said.

REZONING The Planning Commission also said at the time that while no business prospects had come forward, it favored rezoning to hasten development if and when one did.

City Council President Tom Udell said on Tuesday night that he is excited about the proposed rezoning. Since public rezoning hearings require 30 days advance notice via letter to property owners in the immediate area, Udell

From page 1A

said he hopes that the city “gets right on it.”

Udell also said he expects that the nature of the development will be disclosed prior to the public hearing.

“It’s an undisclosed development project that requires rezoning,” was all he was able to say Tuesday evening.

“There’s more coming, and everything will come out regarding what’s to be done shortly.”

LEVY

FUNDS

From page 3A decided which intersections should be four-way stops, and the committee agreed that eliminating four-way stops could cause accidents at intersections where drivers are used to them. Eggleston said if all 500 signs are not needed now, they can be stored for future use. Purchasing 500 stop signs was economical, he said.

Roach mentioned that residents in the Harbor/ Lake neighborhood who signed a petition 23 years ago to put up stop signs finally got one last year — 22 years later.

“The stop signs are our capital improvement,” he said.

The committee also mentioned that CEI has been “stalling” in terms of responding to the city’s request to relocate some street lights.

When the committee suggested moving street lights off Center Road, south of 90, to Gateway Avenue near the schools, Ward 4 Councilman Tom Kozesky said he recalled that CEI admitted putting high-energy street lights in the wrong place. The group said some areas are as bright as daylight while the area in front of Love’s Travel Stop needs better illumination LaRusch noted the dark interstate exit ramps and wondered if part of the area was the responsibility of Ohio Department of Transportation.

Attorney Nick Iarocci also attended the meeting on be-

READ ALL ABOUT IT... $ 00 The 30 46 Courier Every Week in Your Local Community Newspaper

Per Year

Out Of County $

00

Per Year

PLEASE START MY SUBSCRIPTION TO

THE COURIER

❒ $30 per year ❒ $57 for 2 yrs. $ ❒ 25.50/year Sr. Citizen ❒ 48.50 for 2 yrs Sr. Citizen ❒ $87.50 for 2 yrs Out of County - ❒ $46 per year $

1-800-860-2775

P.O. Box 166, Jefferson, OH 44047

half of a client seeking to make Lake Park Drive a citydesignated road. Iarocci explained that in the past, a Lake Park Drive resident had maintained the street, and that the road and land had been owned by the Malek Trust. That resident has moved, however, and that was the impetus for residents requesting the city to accept the street, which is 20 feet wide and 730 feet, or two-and-ahalf football fields, long.

“It just makes sense that the road is the city’s,” Iarocci said.

LaRusch told Iarocci that even if the city accepts the road, the road will be on the “back burner” of the snowplowing route because of its size and location, which runs south off Lake Road just west of Parrish.

Eggleston will talk to the Sewer Department about the road due to sanitary sewer issues, and promised to have a report by the Feb. 27 City Council meeting.

Last to speak at the meting was George Hogle, who sat patiently throughout the meeting, then told the committee that they knew why he was there: “The southern roads have been bad for six or seven years, and it’s the same story every year. Nothing happens,” he said.

Roach told him the city had not ditched for five or six years, but Hogle said that even if the city ditched all

Looking for a copy of

summer, the job could not get done.

“I know you’re under money constraints, but you have to work with what’s there,” he said.

Hogle suggested the Public Works Department assign one employee to learn the location of the road’s bad spots. He said the city would not have to grade the entire road, but just fill holes, and that residents do not expect asphalt.

“You’ve got to do it weekly,” he said. “Dress it up until it’s all packed in. Be consistent.”

Hogle also offered that while he respects the Public Works employees, calling them “good guys,” he watched recently as two of them spent all day on what he perceived to be a one-hour job near his house. He said he was under the impression that they had to wait for supervisors to approve their leaving the work site, and it never happened. He wondered if there is animosity among Public Works Department workers.

“UPS, FedEx, school buses and mail trucks all come by. If people complain, something happens,” he said. “We’ve got to be put on the street schedule.”

Eggleston said the city is striving to get a good system going to maintain the country roads.

“That’s my pledge to you,” he said.

THE

COURIER

Visit One of Our Newsstands

ON SALE HERE… CONNEAUT: Bushnell Store - 5915 Rt. 7 Conneaut Rite-Aid - 364 Main St. Shell Station - 281 State St. Circle K - 306 Mill St. Mooney Bakery - 231 Broad St. Conneaut Courthouse Golden Dawn - 281 Main St. City News - 214 Washington St. Gerdes Pharmacy - 245 Main St. Clark Station Broad St. Mini Mart - Broad St. Basil’s Café - 182 Park Ave. Harbor Beverage - 985 Broad St. Anthony’s - Lake Rd. M & R Food - 1033 Lake Rd. Ron’s Meats - 926 Main St. UH Conneaut Medical Center - 2nd Flr Quality Cleaners Perkins - 348 W. Main St. Conneaut Save-A-Lot 350 W. Main St.

75¢

/copy

Burger King Rt. 7 & Gateway Ave. Amboy Mart - 512 W. Main St. City Center Garden Market Crazy Dave’s Sugar Bowl 518 Mill Street KINGSVILLE: Village Food Mart - Rt. 193 Orlando’s Golden Dawn Rt. 193 Grab & Go ASHTABULA: Grumpy Grandpa’s 3300 State Rd. Perry Park News 4910 Main Ave. PENNSYLVANIA: BP - Stateline - W. Springfield, PA Country Fair 2 W. State St., Albion, PA Deli Mart - Rt. 20 E. Enhanced Performance/Sunoco 7078 Rt. 215, E. Springfield, PA

Home Delivery, Call 440-576-9125 • 1-800-860-2775

AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY NEWS

Local Features, High School Sports, Features, Headline Stories and Editorials! ~ There is something to suit every taste!

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 11A

100+

CONNEAUT AREA

Years of Service

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 235 Main Street, Conneaut, Ohio 44030 Email: conneautchamber@suite224.net www.conneautchamber.org

186 Park Avenue Conneaut, Ohio 44030

(440) 593-6766

Andover Bank

A Better Way...

339 State Street Conneaut, Ohio

Biscotti’s Restaurant...

Because you’re worth it!

Tax Preparation Service Nicholas A. Iarocci Christopher M. Newcomb Attorneys-at-Law

■

■ ■

Gift Certificates Available

Find us on Facebook www.Biscottisrestaurant.com

Want to Boost Your Business Income?

Advertising can be as easy as picking up the phone…To place an ad in this space, call (440)

SUPERMARKET

Open Evenings Serving From 4:30pm Tuesday — Saturday

440-593-6595 w w w.andoverbankohio.com

Orlando Bros. golden dawn

Tel. 440.593.2402 Fax 440.599.1514

GAZETTE

NEWSPAPERS SINCE 1876

344-1750

The Iarocci Law Firm, llc (440) 593-5039 281-285 Main Street Conneaut, Ohio Hours: Sunday 8am - 5pm Monday - Saturday 8am-9pm

PORT CONNEAUT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Mon., Tues., Thurs. 9:30-5:00 Wed. 10:30-5:00 Fri. 9:30-6:00 DRIVE THRU OPEN 9 AM

Night Deposit Available

1002 Broad St. Conneaut

440-593-7350

213 Washington Street Conneaut, OH 44030

Phone:

(440) 593-6457

(440) 593-6458 Email: nick@iaroccilawfirm.com cris@iaroccilawfirm.com

■ ■

Accurate and affordable service year-round Experienced, trained tax professionals Convenient evening and weekend hours Audit assistance Electronic filing

263 Liberty St. Conneaut, Ohio

305 Main St., Conneaut, OH 44030 Also Rt. 20 in The Conneaut Plaza

440-599-8121 1-888-453-2311 Visit our Website at:

www.conneautsavings.com Main Office Hours: Mon., Tues. & Thurs.

9:00 - 5:00PM Wed. 9:00 - 1:00PM Fri. 9:00 - 6:00PM Sat. 9:00 - NOON DRIVE-IN WINDOW 5 DAYS AT 8:30

Your Family Financial Center

(440)

344-1750

GAZETTE

NEWSPAPERS SINCE 1876

www.iaroccilawfirm.com

Main Office

Advertising can be as easy as picking up the phone... To place an ad in this space, call Shawn

440-593-5400

Fax:

Conneaut Savings Bank

Want to Boost Your Business Income?

DR. ALBERT J. HOFFMAN, INC. OPTOMETRY

FAMILY EYE CARE INCLUDING CONTACT LENSES AND VISION THERAPY 237 SANDUSKY STREET P.O. BOX 117 CONNEAUT, OHIO 44030

440-599-1100

163 WEST MAIN STREET P.O. BOX 158 ANDOVER, OHIO 44003

CANTINA OPEN LATE

440-593-4005

440-293-4110

SIGHTING THE WAY TO BETTER LIVING

257 E. Main Rd., (Rt. 20) Conneaut, Ohio

Kitchen Open Daily Sun-Tue 11am-9pm Wed-Sat 11am-10pm

12A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, February 23, 2012

• Month-to-month memberships

Nearby and friendly!

• Free Fitness Score Session with Personal Trainer ($100 value)

No matter your fitness level, you’ll feel right at home in our friendly, comfortable facility. Plus, no lines - get in and out fast. Come see for yourself.

• No lines, no waiting, get in and out

Edinboro, PA 606 Erie Street 814-273-1100 Erie, PA 2249 West 38th Street 814-725-2000 Fairview, PA 7470 West Ridge Road 814-474-1144 Girard, PA 20 Sunset Drive 814-774-0000 Conneaut, OH 230 State Street 440-599-9951 PA OH Erie Fairview Girard Conneaut Edinboro