Courier 03-22-12

Vendor Fair at St. Andrew Church - See 7A

Sandy Tessmer Will Sign Books At CPL - Page 3A

Sara Thompson is Student of the Month Page 9A

Periodical’s Postage Paid

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

VOL. 21 NO. 12

75

CENTS

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS, INC.

Anti-Rezoning Coalition Wearin’ Of the Green at Lakeshore Primary Expected at Public Hearing Parrish/W. Main Hearing 6 p.m. March 26

By MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Anyone who thought that the rezoning of the southwest corner of the Parrish and W. Main Road intersection was going to go down smoothly has another think coming.

Over the past weekend, Chris and Jody Brecht collected more than 100 signatures from neighbors in a three-block radius of the intersection who would be most affected by the change and are opposed to the rezoning of the area from R-2, Urban Residential, to B-2 Highway and Commercial Business District.

A public hearing on this Planning Commission recommendation will be held 6 p.m. Monday in Council chambers, prior to the City Council meeting. The Planning Commission will hold its monthly meeting concurrent with the hearing.

Brecht expects an overflow crowd at the hearing as neighbors express concerns

over the size of the building rumored to be constructed on the parcel, the effect on downtown businesses and neighboring property values, as well as safety and security of school children who catch the bus at that corner.

Brecht said residents are upset at the secretive nature of the business that plans a 9,000-square foot store to the intersection.

“Let’s call a spade a spade,” he said.

For starters, Brecht says the piece of Parrish Road south of Route 20 is small, with about eight to ten homes, and a dead-end street. Property values will drop considerably with the construction of a store at the corner.

“In order for a store to go into that lot, the road has to be widened, the traffic light reconfigured with a turning lane and a lot of expense.

Who is going to pay for it?

The taxpayers or the business? No one has answered the question,” he said.

If, as is rumored, the store is a second Conneaut location for Dollar General, Brecht maintains that no new jobs will be brought into the community nor will the tax base increase.

See REZONING page _A

Katie Whitman Blood Drive Seeks 200 Pints

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - The goal at Saturday’s 10th annual Katie Whitman Blood Drive is 200 pints of blood.

“Last year, we collected 191 pints,” said Shara Parkomaki, a Whitman family member who has helped organize what has become an annual tradition in Conneaut. “So we’d like to get more, and 200 would be great.”

A memorial held near Whitman’s birthday each year, the blood drive will go on despite the cancellation of other Northeast Ohio blood drives due to a strike

by Red Cross blood workers.

The success of the drive, and its meaning to donors and Red Cross workers, kept it on the Bloodmobile schedule.

The drive memorializes the effervescent Whitman, killed in December, 2002, in a traffic accident on Lake Road. The family decided that an annual blood drive

was a fitting memorial for a young woman who was a regular blood donor, and the first drive was held in March, 2003.

On Tuesday, Whitman would have turned 31 years old.

The blood drive returns to the Conneaut Human Resources Center, at 327 Mill Street. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with child care provided by members of the Wildfire Dance Troupe.

Anyone 17 and older weighing at least 110 pounds, or age 16 with parental consent, may donate blood, as long as 56 days have elapsed since one’s last donation.

Parkomaki is always excited by the number of firsttime donors at the Katie Whitman Blood Drive. Last year, 26 people were firsttimers.

Donors are urged to drink plenty of water in advance, and refreshments are served afterward.

See WHITMAN page 4A

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Lakeshore Primary School students who wore the most green to school on March 16 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, were (front, left) Elizabeth Waldo, Bella Rodriguez, Mikayla Thompson, Natalie Wood, Tyler Javorich, Madison Enssle, Meara McConnell, Ariana Oster; and (back, left) Hannah Tallbacka, Ella Dewey, Peyton Marcy, LaiAnna Loucks, Lilah Barczak, Tammy Brunning, Madisyn Braden, Kailyn Wiker, Riley Beatman, Emily Lorello, Kally Story.

Students enjoyed early dismissal on March 16 to mark the conclusion of the third quarter of the 2011-2012 school year. Report cards will be sent home with all students in the Conneaut Area City Schools on March 23.

“Kiss” Raises $8,800

By MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT — Even in their wildest imaginations, “Kiss the Cow” fund-raiser organizers never envisioned that a two-pronged event to help Marty and Pat Landon with medical expenses could bring in more than $5,000.

But grand totals announced Monday morning, when 15 community leaders took turns kissing the moist muzzle of 15-monthold Jersey calf “Tatiana Marie” on Pat Williams’ “AM Live!” cable TV exceeded $8,800.

“This one has been a PHOTOS BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Dressed to kiss the cow being held by Dr. Duane Cole behind him, Jim Furman is interviewed by Pat Williams before puckering up Monday morning outside “AM Live!” studios. At left, “Kiss the Cow” contestant Kori Marcy holds a cow-shaped cookie made by Sherry Clancy for “Kiss the Cow” contestants. The event raised $8,800 for Marty and Pat Landon’s medical expenses. blast, ‘easy-breezy,’” said Jim Furman, CEO of Port Conneaut Federal Credit Union whose donations canister brought in the top donation of $1,515.54. “It was nice,

fun and a good-spirited rivalry among us.”

For the past six weeks, contestants’ donation canisters have

See COW page 8A

“And the Winner Is...” Opens Friday Night

Casey Kozlowski Will “Meet & Greet” Seniors Ohio Rep. Casey Kozlowski will meet and greet local senior citizens at 10:30 a.m. March 26 at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Street.

He will be discussing issues affecting seniors in Ashtabula County and Ohio as a whole, including Medicare/Medicaid.

Coffee, juice and donuts will be served.

All are invited.

The event coincides with the Conneaut Human Resources Center’s Produce Distribution by the Cleve-

Ohio Rep. Casey Kozlowski land Food Bank from 10 a.m. to noon. The produce distribution is open to all resiPHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN dents regardless of income.

Bring a bag to carry home Cast members of Mitch Albom’s comedy, “And the Winner Is...” which opens Friday evening at the Conneaut Community Center for the Arts, include (from left) Mike Mooney, Jarrod Latva, Alexandria Hall, Tammy Hagstrom, produce.

Tom Udell, and Rich Werman. A story about the play and first-time director Amanda Latva appears on page 5A.

2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012

TOWN TALK Conneaut Board of Tourism is opening the back of the local tourist map up to advertisers of local businesses. Tourism Board Chair Connie Naylor said that last year, 14 businesses printed business card-sized ads that were circulated on 20,000 maps throughout the tourist season. Contact Naylor ASAP (440) 599-7697 or at crnaylor@suite224.net, .

Bean soup cooked over the open fire will be featured at Saturday’s “Ides of March” fund-raiser, sponsored by the Ashtabula County Historical Society noon to 3 p.m. at the historic Blakeslee Log Cabin site, Seven Hills Road and Route 11. Homemade pies and corn bread will be served from noon to 3 p.m. Cost is $5. No reservations are needed.

Carry-out is available. The event is held rain or shine.

Ward 2 Councilman Phil Garcia of Phil’s Catering fed 120 faculty members at Chardon High School last week as a gesture of sympathy following the Feb. 27 shootings.

Garcia, who has been a referee at sporting events at the

high school and knows some staff members, prepared a meal of stuffed shells, chicken and scalloped potatoes. “They were very appreciative,” he said. “Even the students helped me, and it made me feel so good.” Garcia, at the high school from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., said the students and staff appear to be back on a normal course.

Phil Garcia also donated to Chardon High School three pairs of Cleveland Indians tickets to be used as it sees fit. Garcia is always a generous contributor of Indians tickets to various non-profit agencies, but he stops short of giving away his Opening Day tickets. “I won’t miss that one,” he said.

Opening Day is 3:05 p.m.

April 5. The tribe takes on the Toronto Blue Jays and the game is sold out.

Conneaut High School Drill Team and Majorette Clinics for 2011-2012 school year auditions will be held next week. Next week is the final week of classes for Conneaut Area City Schools students before spring break. Classes resume Tuesday, April 10.

The first 10 people who take advantage of free HIV testing at the Conneaut Health Department on April 4 will receive $10 gas cards from Speedway. Testing will be done from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Health Department office at 327 Mill Street. Appointments are not necessary and confidentiality is guaranteed.

Handmade chocolate Easter eggs, made by the Conneaut Church of God, will be sold at Monroe Sirens’ annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny 8 a.m. to noon March 31 at the Monroe Township Fire Hall, 4095 Center Road. Breakfast is $5 adults and $3 children 6 to 12, with those under 6 free.

A raffle will benefit First Responders.

The New York City-based Theatre Works USA will present “Junie B. Jones,” a 60-minute musical based on the books by Barbara Park, at 10 a.m. March 30 at Lakeshore Primary School, with funding from the Theresa Wahonick Reading Fund and Lakeshore Parent Teacher Council.

Lake Pointe Is In Compliance With Medicare, Medicaid Coverage remains in effect

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Lake Pointe Rehabilitation & Nursing Center is not in danger of losing its status as a skilled nursing facility in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in Seattle have con-

firmed that the facility is in compliance and that its agreement between the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Lake Pointe Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is not going to be terminated.

Lake Pointe Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Administrator Matt Kodrin took issue with an article in the March 15, 2012, Courier, which reported that a Public Notice issued by CMS said the facility was found to be out of compliance with Medicare & Medicaid Services and its contract with the Medicare and

Civic Meetings Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education special work session, 6 p.m. at Southeast Building, 400 Mill St., Suite B Economic Development Committee, 6 p.m. March 22 Public Hearing on Rezoning Route 20/Parrish Road, and Planning Commission meeting 6 p.m. March 26 Planning Commission, 6 p.m. March 26 (part of rezoning hearing). Meeting change from March 13.

City Council meeting, televised, 7 p.m. March 26 Finance & Ordinance Committee, 6 p.m. March 28, with former City Manager Doug Lewis Recreation Board, 7 p.m. March 28 Recreation Board Men’s & Co-Ed Softball meeting, 7:30 p.m. March 28.

Monroe Township Trustees, 7:30 p.m. March 28 at Township Garage, 5578 S. Monroe Center Rd. Kingsville Township Trustees, 7 p.m. March 29 at Fire Hall, 3130 Main Street.

North Kingsville Village Council, 7 p.m. April 2 at Municipal Building, 3541 Center Road

Medicaid programs would be terminated at the end of the month.

Kodrin said that his facility had been in compliance since early February and was in no danger of losing its agreement with Medicare and Medicaid.

CMS’ Stephanie Magill of Seattle responded that according to a Medicare/ Medicaid annual inspection during the year-long “enforcement cycle,” which began Sept. 30, the facility was cited with some deficiencies, but it was back in compliance following a revisit on March 1.

She said the compliance date of February 5, 2012, had not been determined until the March 1 revisit date, after the Public Notice had been sent out.

“It may be helpful to note that there was no harm, immediate jeopardy, or substandard quality of care cited during this survey cycle [at Lake Pointe],” she said.

Magill said that no findings at Lake Pointe have been “egregious or longrunning enough to warrant enforcement remedies taking effect since 2007.”

Magill added that over the last several years, CMS Region V, which includes Conneaut, has terminated just three to four of its 3,500 Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing homes each year.

Events March 23 - “Argh! Pirates!” After-School program, 4 to 5:30 p.m. for grades K-5 at Conneaut Public Library, 304 Buffalo Street. Register 593-1608.

March 23, 30 - Lenten Fish or Pasta dinners 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Cabrini Hall, 734 Mill St. March 23, 30 - Community dinners 5 to 6 p.m. at New Leaf United Methodist Church. Free.

March 16, 23 - Teen Nights 6 to 8 p.m. at Family Fellowship Foursquare Gospel Church, 641 Mill Street. with food, music, fun. All welcome.

March 28 - Free supper, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Family Fellowship Foursquare Gospel Church, 641 Mill Street.

March 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 “And the Winner Is....” comedy at Conneaut Community Center for the Arts, 1025 Buffalo St. 8 p.m. March 23, 24, 30 and 31, and 2 p.m. matinee March 25. 593-5888.

March 24 - Katie Whitman Memorial Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Street. Child care provided.

Cable Schedule Week of March 21 - 27

7.00 am AM Live 10.00 am Conneaut City Council Work Session 10.50 am Discover Conneaut 10.55 am Conneaut Board of Education 12.00 pm Hometown Happenings/ Sports 2.00 pm CAMA Lenten Service: Are You Thirsty?

2.55 pm 2012 Conneaut Sock Hop – Part 2 3.50 pm A Tribute to Dr. Suess 4.45 pm Conneaut Citizen Award 5.40 pm Army Newswatch 6.05 pm APL Adopt-APet 7.00 pm Conneaut City Council Work Session 7.50 pm Discover Conneaut 7.55 pm Hometown Happenings/ Sports 8.25 pm Conneaut Board of Education 9.25 pm Conneaut Library Line 10.05 pm 2012 Conneaut Sock Hop – Part 2 11.00 pm CAMA Lenten

Senior Calendar

March 24 - Fish Diner, 5 to 7 p.m. at Amboy Hall, 359 N. Amboy Road, sponsored by West Lakeville Hose Boosters. Includes beans, potatoes, coleslaw, beverage dessert.

Adults $9, Seniors $8, children 12 and under $6. Carryout 599-1577.

Service: Are You Thirsty?

11.55 pm Requiem for a Press 12.40 am Scenes at the Port of Conneaut – March 2012 12.55 am APL Adopt-APet 1.45 am Conneaut City Council Work Session 2.35 am Discover Conneaut RELIGIOUS SERVICES PRE-EMPT REGULAR SCHEDULE: St. Mary St. Frances Cabrini Sunday Mass: Sun & Wed 3pm / Mon & Thurs 1am First United Church of Christ Sunday Service: Sun & Wed 4pm / Mon & Thurs 2am New Leaf United Methodist Church Service: Sun & Wed 5pm / Mon & Thurs 3am Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Sunday Service: Sun & Wed 6pm / Mon & Thurs 4am Family Fellowship Church Service: Mon. and Thurs 1.10pm

lunch the first and third Thursdays.

CHRC Seniors Together - weekdays 11 a.m. at 327 Mill Street. Free. Special programs Tuesdays and Thursdays. After lunch, stay for conversation and friendship. Dean Martin’s music will be played after lunch during the week of March 26 Daily walking 7:30 a.m.

March 26 - Produce GiveAway 10 a.m. to noon at Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Street. No income requirements. Bring a bag.

March 31 - Breakfast with the Easter Bunny/Craft Fair, 8 a.m. to noon at Monroe Fire Hall, 4095 Center Road. Chocolate eggs sold by Church of God. Adults $5, ages 6-12, $3; Under 6, free.

March 31 - Rigatoni Dinner, 4 to 7 p.m. at American Legion, 272 Broad Street.

Rigatoni & meatballs, salad, rolls, beverage, dessert by Phil’s Catering. Adults $6, children $4. Benefit for CHS After-Prom Committee.

April 3 - Astatic retirees lunch, 12:30 p.m. at Antonette’s, 270 Erie St. Call Grace Tuttle 594-3493 for details.

April 6 - Community Easter Egg Hunt, noon at Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Street for ages 2 through grade 5.

April 14 - Rigatoni dinner to benefit Pammy’s Angels team for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 5 p.m. till sold out at Cabrini Hall, 741 Mill Street. Adults $6, children 12 and under, $3.

Chinese Auction, 50/50 raffle.

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

March 22 - South Ridge Academy students stay for lunch on National Goof Off People ages 50 and up are Day welcome the first and third March 26 - Visit from Thursdays of the month at State Rep. Casey Kozlowski Good Shepherd Lutheran to discuss senior issues. ConChurch, 876 Grove Street. tinental breakfast, discusHealth checks 9:45 a.m., 10 sion, Q&A, literature distria.m. devotion, exercise and bution.

UH-CMC offers Cardiac Risk Assessments in Ashtabula CONNEAUT —University Hospitals Conneaut Medical Center will offer a cardiac risk assessment program March 28 at Ashtabula Medical Arts Center, 2131 Lake Avenue, Suite 4.

The assessment will include blood pressure screening, lipid profile, EKG, and a 10-year risk assessment for heart disease. To qualify for a complimentary screening, and schedule an appointment, call 440-998-5763.

Cardiolgist M. Najeeb Osman will be available for consultations. Osman is a member of the Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute with an office at UH Conneaut Medical Center, 158 W. Main Road.

Finance Director Recommends Millage to Finance Street Repairs

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - A millage issue on the November ballot could generate the amount of money needed to finance the city’s street paving project for the next seven years.

Finance Director John Williams relayed that message to Conneaut City Council at its work session Monday evening.

The seven-year Street Paving Levy that passed in 2005 will expire this year, but renewing it as a .15 per-

cent income tax, as voters approved seven years ago, will not generate the $500,000 the city needs annually to keep up with paving costs.

On the other hand, 2.75 mills would generate that amount.

The city has been considering how to replace the expiring levy to bring in the needed revenue, and City Manager Tim Eggleston had said earlier this year that he did not favor an income tax due to the percentage of residents who who pay income tax.

Women of Finnish Heritage Spring Luncheon Women in the Conneaut area of Finnish heritage or connected to Finnish heritage are invited to the Conneaut Women of Finnish Heritage Spring Luncheon at noon Wednesday, April 4, at Kay’s Place, Route 193 and I-90 in Kingsville.

Annual $3 dues will be collected.

Reservations are due March 28 by contacting Julia (Todd) Pew, 224-1158 or Ruth (George Thomas) Farr, 2240129.

Thrift Shop Meeting Conneaut Hospital Thrift Shop volunteers will meet at noon Wednesday, March 28, in the William H. Brown Community Room of UH - Conneaut Medical Center for lunch and scholarship discussion.

Seneca Allegany Bus Trip April 22 Mike and Tracy David have organized a bus trip to Seneca Allegany Casino on Salamanca, N.Y. on Sunday, April 22.

The bus will leave Conneaut Gateway Plaza 8 a.m., and depart the casino at 4:30 p.m. Cost $40, with $35 in comps distributed upon arrival to the casino.

Call the Davids at 440-594-1338 or e-mail teamdavid3day@yahoo.com to reserve.

Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure.

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A

Sandy Tessmer at CPL Blue House Should Come Down, F&O Says Mother-Daughter Event

By MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Local children’s author and former school teacher Sandy Tessmer (left) will be the guest of honor at Conneaut Public Library’s “Mother-Daughter Evening” 6 p.m. March 22. Tessmer will sign copies of her recently released young adult book, “The Ugly Purple Purse,” and the library will display antique purses, lipstick cases and compacts.

Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. With Tessmer is Conneaut Public Libary director Kathy Pape.

South Ridge Road Closed for 60 Days Conneaut Fire Chief Steve Lee announces that starting Monday, March 26, the section of South Ridge Road that runs under I-90, on the west side of Conneaut, will be closed for 60 days. The contractor, Allega Construction, will post “closed” signs in addition to detour signs.

We are just a

CONNEAUT – Demolishing a vacant blue house next to the Skate Park on Jefferson Street, a structure that city administrators identify as the source of criminal activity, is a wiser option than spending $3,800 on Skate Park security cameras, the city Finance and Ordinance Committee concluded at its 6 p.m. meeting Feb. 29 in Council chambers.

With questionable activity at the Skate Park a longtime concern of city leaders, Council looked into purchasing security cameras. The cost of cameras alone is $2,800. Added monitoring and other fees could bring the total to $3,800 per year.

“This is good information, but is this what we want to do? Who will monitor this?” asked City Council President Tom Udell. “And if we decide this is what we want to do, is it the answer or is it going to cause more problems? If there is a fight, are the parents going to want to look at it?”

Ward 2 Councilman Phil Garcia also asked who will look at the footage after a complaint.

Law Director David Schroeder said that he and Udell had looked at the park and concluded that taking down the boarded-up blue house next door is a better long-term solution, since vandals have stripped the

home of copper. The house partially obstructs the view of the Skate Park from Buffalo Street, making police monitoring difficult.

“The house is the threshold,” Schroeder said. “There are kids in and out of that house, and it is serving as a secret hide-out by the troublemakers. Troublemakers aren’t doing things in the open, and cameras can’t monitor that. It needs to be razed as soon as possible. We should take the house down and then decide.”

Schroeder said the property owner has agreed to do everything the city is requesting but pay for demolition, which would be cheaper than making the home habitable.

Demolition costs, with asbestos removal, are about $10,000. But because the house is not on the list of homes to be demolished using Neighborhood Stabilization funds, two others would have to be removed from the list if the city were to take the “blue house” and, as Udell recommended, another vacant white one behind it.

City Manager Timothy Eggleston said the city could demolish it using Revolving Loan Funds if the lot were rehabilitated and turned into a park or residential area within 10 years.

“As law director, I think we need to take action,” Schroeder said.

Ward 4 Councilman Tom

Kozesky asked why police aren’t doing more patrolling of the area, suggesting they drive by every 30 minutes.

“It’s a continuing problem. The area should be saturated with patrols,” he said, further suggesting reviewing afternoon police activity logs to learn where their efforts are being concentrated since they aren’t regularly patrolling the Skate Park.

F&O Committee Chair and At-large Councilman Neil LaRusch considered closing the Skate Park altogether until the blue house comes down, but said kids get into the park through holes in the fence or by climbing the fence during off-hours throughout the year.

“Closing the park punishes the good kids for the behavior of the bad kids,” he said. “We have to remove the criminal element.”

Finance Director John Williams said that $6,000 in a contingency fund and $20,000 in a line item in the General Fund could be used to raze the building.

Garcia stated he would prefer to see patrols rather than cameras in the area, and wants to see the house come down. Eggleston agreed.

Regarding the problem of vacant homes in the community, former City Manager Douglas Lewis plans to attend the March 28 FInance & Ordinance meeting to discuss with council a Foreclo-

sure Ordinance that has been successful in the City of Painesville, where Lewis is Assistant City Manager.

Lewis had met with Schroeder and told him Conneaut’s proposed Foreclosure ordinance may not go far enough in forcing banks to take responsibility of foreclosed properties.

Schroeder told the committee that 50 percent of Painesville’s residences are rental properties.

Lewis had presented a Power Point on his city’s foreclosure ordinance at a recent city manager’s meeting in Columbus.

Eggleston said Lewis reported that complaints dropped from about 1,000 calls per year to several hundred once the new ordinance went into effect.

“Word has gotten out, and the area is more desirable.

The presentation showed a dramatic change,” he said.

LaRusch said the Ad Hoc Housing Review Committee has recommended an ordinance so that an entity takes responsibility for vacant properties.

Kozesky told the Council that the city is having trouble only with large, national banks regarding maintenance of local abandoned properties.

“Local banks have maintenance crews, “ he said.

The Finance & Ordinance Committee will meet 6 p.m.

March 28 in Council chambers. The public is welcome.

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By MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

CONNEAUT - For the third year in a row, Conneaut Area City Schools will lend school buses to shuttle visitors from school parking lots to Township Park for the annual D-Day Event.

The Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education approved the use of school buses at its March 15 meeting at the Administration Building. The D-Day Committee will pay for fuel and bus drivers’ salaries. The school district will incur what Conneaut Area City Schools Superintendent Kent Houston described as “minimal” wear and tear.

The event takes place before schools are back in session, and up to six of the district’s 22 buses will be involved.

The D-Day Event used four buses in 2010 and three last year, but due to the event’s exposure on the “Combat Cash” show aired on the Discovery Channel, more visitors are expected at the 2012 D-Day Event.

In other business, the school board approved establishing a Safe and Drug-Free

Schools Fund with left-over grant funds of $1,518.96.

The funds will be used to train administrators and city law enforcement personnel in the ALICE training, an alternative method of teaching a response to gunmen who enter schools.

Houston said among those to be trained will be Conneaut Fire Chief Steve Lee and Police Officer Christopher Poore. They will then train other personnel. Lt. Joseph Hendry of Kent State University presented an ALICE seminar to teachers, administrators and city law enforcement in early January and it was well received.

“We were lucky to be proactive in January,” Houston said. “It’s good we were on top of this before [the shootings in] Chardon.”

The board also approved a transfer from the general fund to the Uniform Supply Fund to reimburse fees waived for students whose families cannot afford to pay for lab classes, etc.

In other business, Director of Curriculum, Intervention and Testing Kris Mucci was approved for a new twoyear administrative contract for $68,243. A long-time dis-

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Conneaut Middle School sixth-grader Katie Osborne was honored by Conneaut Area City Schools Superintendent Kent Houston on March 15 for winning the “Name That Street” contest, sponsored by the City of Conneaut and the city schools, to come up with a name for the new street going into the East Side Industrial Park. Osborne’s winning entry from among 513 entries was “Imagination Parkway.” Her family was on hand last week for her recognition. She is the daughter of Diana DiPofi and Chris Osborne. trict employee, Mucci completes her first two years in this position at the end of the current school year.

In personnel matters, the board employed Nancy Clark and Sara Gleason as substitute teachers for the current school year, and issued a one-year supplemental contract for $1,189 to Eric Christmyer as Conneaut Middle School tennis coach for the current school year.

It accepted the resignations of certified employee

Kelly Parmigian, effective Feb. 27, and Stan Wojtowicz, due to retirement, effective June 30. Houston said that Parmigian has “chosen to do something else.”

It also approved an amended retirement date for Conneaut High School teacher and former football coach Ken Parise. Parise moved up his retirement date of March 23 to March 9. The board wished him well.

See CBOE page 4A

Tree Ordinance To Be Tweaked

By MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT – Though City Council President Tom Udell and Public Works Director John Roach said some constituents are complaining about the amount of time City Council is spending discussing a proposed Tree Ordinance, both said it has to be done.

“It’s not the most exciting thing to talk about, but it’s our job,” Udell said, as Council spent another half hour at its March 19 work session tweaking an ordinance that proposes to make homeowners fully responsible for trees on tree lawns.

Several items in the proposed ordinance generated discussions that lengthened Monday’s 50-minute meeting by about 30 minutes.

The discussion began with Ward 2 Councilman Rich McBride’s questioning the need for homeowners to obtain permits to remove trees.

“I see the point of a permit to plant a tree, but do we want people to have to get a permit to trim or remove a tree?” he asked. “It’s easier without a permit because no government is involved.”

Law Director David Schroeder replied that the proposed ordinance refers to tree lawn trees only, and

that permits would not be required for minor trimming in order to eliminate obstructions for pedestrians or vehicle traffic.

City Manager Timothy Eggleston reminded Council that the purpose of tree trimming and cutting permits is to ensure that a responsible party is doing the work, and that the proposed ordinance reflects no change in the city policy. He said it cleans up the language and removes a portion of the old policy that listed a $600 cost to homeowners who request the city remove a healthy tree.

“But everyone who has talked to me feels the city could do more than worry about a tree ordinance,” said At-Large Councilman and former Public Works Director John Roach. “I’m not sure how we got out of the tree business or why, but for years the city always maintained tree lawn trees, even if they needed to be trimmed. They even climbed trees. In this open winter, they would have cut trees because they weren’t plowing snow,” Roach said.

Eggleston responded that new guidelines direct tree trimmers. He said that new laws dictate that trees within ten feet of power lines be trimmed by certified trimmers. He said that the city

previously addressed healthy tree lawn trees only if they fell across the street.

“I haven’t talked to one person who is positive about this ordinance,” Roach said.

“The city’s hurting, but people on fixed incomes may have to put up their house to remove a tree.”

When Eggleston offered that the Illuminating Company (CEI) is considering helping the city remove the 76 identified “problem trees” at its own expense, Roach suggested tabling the ordinance until the city ascertains what CEI will do.

Eggleston said that by law, the city is not required to recover or trim trees, and that its goal is to save trees and make sure the right trees are planted.“We can regulate the right-of-way to do it properly,” Eggleston said. “And if you want to include [tree maintenance] in the budget, then we can have it done in-house. What does the staff want to give up to do this? Do you want to pursue it?”

Roach said outside tree contractors used to come into the city until the city decided it would be cheaper to do the work itself.

Schroeder reminded Council that the proposed ordinance is just that, and that it may be written as Council suggests.

“We can modify it to incorporate any policy you want,” he said. “The old policy had conflicting language, and the new policy aims to streamline it, to clarify it into one ordinance.

There is no change in the policy or its intent. It just defines rights.”

At-Large Councilman Neil LaRusch asked that language in the policy giving the city the right to inspect trees on private property be removed, but Conneaut Tree Commission Chair Rod Raker stood up and reminded him that should a large tree on private property fall on a house or garage, the city could incur legal problems.

“I’ve inspected trees on private property, and the process usually begins with a call to the city manager,” Raker said. “We are stepping in, but are evaluating the health of a tree.”

Raker added that the purpose of a tree trimming or removal permit is a mechanism, not a hurdle.

“It gives the city an opportunity to give homeowners a copy of the city tree policy and gives us a ‘heads-up’ as to tree activity in town,” he said.

Schroeder added that he wants to make sure the city can respond to a dangerous situation.

See TREES page 6A

4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012

CBOE It approved adding 30 minutes daily to the classified contract of Lisa Poff, from 2.35 to 3.75 hours per day, effective Feb. 27, with no change in rate.

The board approved the superintendent’s direction to accept the resignation of Head Custodian Ken Norris, for personal reasons and to enter into an agreement with him and the Conneaut Classified

From page 3A Education Association (CCEA) resolving pending employment and grievance issues.

It also employed Tim Shumaker as a substitute bus driver, at a rate of $11.50 per hour.

“Every district is looking for trainable bus drivers,” Houston said.

The board also approved a one-year four-hour-a-day contract for Eldridge

Smith, L.P.N., as a Nurse’s Aide. Eldridge, who will earn $10.96 per hour, is also a bus driver and will work in both capacities.

Houston said the district is fortunate in that Smith can drive a bus at the start and end of the day and work as a nurse’s aide in between.

The new contract became effective Feb. 27.

The board awarded the seasonal mowing contract,

CBOE Approves Motion To Implement “Reduction in Force”

By MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - The Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education unanimously approved at its March 15 meeting a motion declaring its intent to implement a “Reduction in Force” to affect employees for the 2012-2013 school year.

“The economy created it,” said Conneaut Superintendent Kent Houston, who will announce specific reductions in May.

Houston said the staff must be reduced to help the district balance its budget even though it expects to begin in 2013 receiving $600,000 in property taxes from the privatizing of Lake Erie Correctional Institution.

“It helps,” Houston said.

CBOE member Cris Newcomb said that the motion simply states that the board declares its intention to implement a reduction in force, per procedure required by staff union con-

tracts.

Houston said the “specifics” will have to be announced to the teachers’ union, Conneaut Education Association.

The board adjourned to a post-meeting executive session to discuss personnel.

Houston had said last fall that the district would attempt to reduce staff through attrition and by not replacing retiring or resigning teachers.

The board will meet in 6 p.m. work session March 22.

at $8 per hour from April 10 to Nov. 9, 2012, to Jacon Dalton and Gary Duris.

Both substitute bus drivers, they were rehired from 2011.

Houston said neither would experience a time conflict because substitute bus drivers are given shorter routes. Because as non-union members they will not be able to collect overtime, they will be expected to work four hours as bus drivers and four as mowers.

“It’s worth it to get two good employees to keep them around,” Houston said.

In their Principals’ Reports, Liesl Blackwell of Gateway Elementary School announced that the year’s last Fine Arts segment held during the final period of each school day would begin March 19, and students would be participating in new activities of their own choosing.

She announced that the fifth grade collected $650 in the first week of its Community Service Project “Pennies for Patients” and that students at all three

school grade levels are required to participate in a Community Service Project.

“It’s important that they are part of the community,” she said.

The school’s Family Book Club monthly session is 5:30 p.m. March 19 and the 3rd grade Music In the Schools performance will be 1:30 p.m. March 20 and 22. She reported that Conneaut Rotary Club will provide breakfast for Gateway students during the Ohio Achievement Assessments next month.

Jim Kennedy, Principal of Lakeshore Primary School, said students in his building raised $5,000 for the American Heart Association through the “Jump Rope for Your Heart” campaign in February. He praised the Conneaut Public Library staff for bringing the Dr. Seuss program to the building, and said that in advance of 20122013 kindergarten registration, he expects the new kindergarten class will average the same number as the current class. About 90 families have signed up for

Community

HealthConnections

April ‘12

Ashtabula

Geneva

Madison

Safe Sitter® Program

What Are your Feet Telling You?

Arthritis

Tuesday, April 3 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 4 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Must attend both days.

University Hospitals 2131 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula RSVP: 440-998-5763

Vincent Cibella, DPM Tuesday, April 10 | 11 a.m.

SPIRE Institute 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva RSVP: 440-415-0261

Rosemary Scardino, RN-BC, CCM Tuesday, April 24 | 12:15 p.m.

Madison Senior Center 2938 Hubbard Road, Madison RSVP: 440-415-0272

Heart Failure Education Series

Free Health Screening

Ashtabula Seniors Health Fair Lori Slimmer, RN, MEd Nancy Hutchens, RN, CDE Friday, April 13 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Ashtabula Town Square 3315 North Ridge East, Ashtabula

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

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

Diabetes Education Program Nancy Hutchens, RN, CDE Danielle Nies, LD, RD Monday, April 16 | 1 – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 18 | 1 – 3 p.m.

Thursday, April 19 | 1 – 3 p.m.

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

Health Smart Forum & Luncheon Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters Maureen Ordman-Fike Alzheimer’s Association Friday, April 20 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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

Conneaut Chamber Business Expo Nancy Hutchens, RN, CDE Tuesday, April 24 | 2 – 6 p.m.

Conneaut Human Resources Center 327 Mill Street, Conneaut Call: 440 593-0364

Register online today!

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 00094

Lori Ann Slimmer, RN, MEd Tuesday, April 10 | 9 – 11 a.m.

Wednesday, April 11 | 9 – 11 a.m.

Must attend both days.

UH Geneva Medical Center Private Dining Room 870 West Main Street, Geneva RSVP: 440-415-0180

Senior Health Forum & Luncheon Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters Maureen Ordman-Fike Alzheimer’s Association Wednesday, April 18 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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

Knee & Hip Pain Seminar Lori Ann Slimmer, RN, M.Ed. Monday, April 23 | 11 a.m.

Geneva Senior Center 72 West Main Street, Geneva RSVP: 440-415-0180

Diabetes Education: Reading Food Labels and Counting Carbohydrates Lori Ann Slimmer, RN, MEd Wednesday, April 25 | 1 – 3 p.m.

UH Geneva Medical Center Private Dining Room 870 West Main Street, Geneva RSVP: 440-415-0180

How to Improve Your Balance Eva Evans, PT, DPT, MPT Ed Wasner, PT Thursday, April 26 | 8:30 a.m.

SPIRE Institute 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva RSVP: 440-415-0261

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.

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

No reservations necessary.

Tuesday, April 3 | 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

University Hospitals 2131 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula Wednesday, April 4 | 4 – 7 p.m.

Walmart, 3551 N. Ridge East, Ashtabula Wednesday, April 4, 18 | 8 – 10 a.m.

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

Wednesday, April 25 | 5 – 7 p.m.

Spire Institute, 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva Tuesday, April 10 | 9 – 11 a.m.

UH Conneaut Medical Center 158 West Main Road, Conneaut Thursday, April 12 | 9 – 11 a.m.

Ashtabula Senior Center 4632 Main Avenue, Ashtabula Tuesday, April 24 | 9 – 11 a.m.

Madison Senior Center 2938 Hubbard Road, Madison Friday, April 27 | 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Grand Valley Baptist Church 5805 State Route 45, Rome

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!

kindergarten registration/ testing in late April. Some 20 to 30 families typically wait until August to register.

Rita Maslovsky, Conneaut Middle School principal, praised the school’s basketball teams for good seasons and thanked Houston for the opportunity to work with the middle school students and parents, calling the experience “rewarding.”

Karen Kehoe, head of Special Services, said there are openings for several “itinerant” pre-K positions, or teachers who visit homes to serve the special needs 3- and 4-year old students.

She also discussed a program in which a rehabilitative counselor meets with Conneaut High School students 16 and older considered “high need” and will evaluate them with the expectation of helping them finding summer employment.

Kehoe said the state matches the program funding, and Houston noted that the venture will help the district improve in the “high school-to-life” category.

Dawn Zappitelli, Principal of Conneaut High School, unveiled the new 2011-2012 yearbook cover, which features King Leonidas, the Spartan mascot placed in the school foyer last September. The yearbook theme is “Spartan Fever” and sales are going well. The 10th grade completed the Ohio Graduation Test last week.

Houston concluded the meeting with calendar notations, including Spring Break March 31 through April 9 and March 23 as the date report cards go home.

WHITMAN From page 1A As in years past, the Whitman family will serve lunch to all blood drive volunteers, much of it from local donors.

And as a special treat for donors, the family will be holding about six drawings per hour of gift items and gift cards donated by local businesses.

They will also be collecting gently-used books as a tribute to family member Joan Whitney, of Conneaut, who died last year.

“She was an avid reader, and a wealth of information,” Parkomaki said, “If you wanted to know something, you’d just ask her.”

Because she was a lover of books, the family is accepting donations of used books of all kinds to be donated to schools and nursing homes.

Book donations are limited to five per person, and the family asks for fairly recent books.

“We really don’t want a full set of encyclopedias from the 50s,” Parkomaki said. “Just bring them in and drop them off when you enter.”

More information about Whitman and the blood d r i v e i s a v a i l a b l e by googling Katie Whitman Memorial web site , designed at no cost by Mike Summers of ConneautWebDesign.com.

Conneaut Area Historical Society Case Manager and Patient Liaison at UHConneaut Medical Center Renee Wheeler, LSW, will present an update on Health Care Advance Directives and End of Life Decision-Making at the March 27 meeting of the Conneaut Area Historical Society.

The talk is given in advance of National Health Care Decisions Day on April 16.

The group meets 7 p.m. at Villa At the Lake, 48 Parrish Road.

A 50/50 drawing, refreshments and social time follow.

The public is invited.

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A

Pharmacy & Health Gastroenteritis: Prevention Treatment Gastroenteritis is one of the most common infectious conditions affecting both children and adults. A variety of viruses, bacteria, and parasites can infect the intestines and lead to gastroenteritis, with viral causes being the most common.

Rotavirus is a type of virus that infects the intestines and leads to the gastrointestinal symptoms characteristic of the condition.

Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis include headache, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches.

Hand-washing is an important preventive measure for both parents and children. Since rotavirus is the most important cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children, infants are recommended to be vaccinated with rotavirus vaccine.

RotaTeq and Rotarix are vaccines that are administered by mouth to children for prevention of in-

by Kerry Gerdes Gerdes Pharmacy 245 Main St. 593-2578 fection with rotavirus.

Dehydration can occur within 6 hours of the start of the condition. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is recommended for treatment of children with diarrhea caused by gastroenteritis. Oral rehydration solution (ORS), such as Pedialyte, is an example of ORT that can be given for mild to moderate dehydration.

Ondansetron (Zofran) is a prescription medication available that works in the brain to reduce the trigger to vomit and may be taken along with ORT.

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

Sampler Quilt Class with Evelyn Boeson begins 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays for five weeks starting March 24.

Learn to construct 20 sampler-pieced squares to complete a quilt top. Prerequisite is Beginning and Intermediate Quilting classes. Because the class moves quickly, it is not for beginners. It will teach quilting skills and patterns. Register by March 22. Call the CCCA for supply and fee information.

Gently-used donations are being accepted for the annual Garage Sale for the Arts 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 14, with April 13 preview.

Conneaut Public Library Events An after-school program, “Argh! Pirates!”for scallywags in Kindergarten to grade 5 is offered on 4:30 p.m. March 23. Grog and Grub will be served, Sea Chanteys will be sun, and Pirate Tales will delight all in attendance. These landlubbers will be transformed into swashbuckling pirates upon completion of the pirate hat craft and eye-patch favors.

For further details, call or visit the Conneaut Public Library 304 Buffalo Street, 593-1608.

At Home With.... Vickie Marcy Hi everyone! I hope you all had a chance to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather we’ve had lately. It’s so nice outside and I’m stuck in the house, laid up with an injury to my right arm. Somehow I managed to tear a muscle or tendon in my arm and now I’m sitting here with an ice pack and a sling on my arm.

I’ve never had an injury like this that hurts to just move the arm, so this week’s article is going to be short but good! I’ve got a couple of recipes that I think you’ll like; easy, fast and tasty. I’ve had to take medicine to help with the pain and I’m not real happy about that; it makes me tired and sleepy and I don’t want to sleep through a sunny warm day! Bummer!

We’ll go onto our recipes now before I fall asleep at the computer; enjoy!

Bake at 350F for about 45 minutes or until potatoes are done and top is brown and bubbly.

BEEFY CHEESE & POTATO CASSEROLE • 1 pound ground beef • 1 onion, chopped • 4 medium potatoes, sliced • 1 can cream of mushroom soup • 1 cup sour cream • 3/4 cup milk • 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • Bread crumbs to cover Brown ground beef and onion in skillet, drain. In a casserole dish that has been sprayed with pan spray, layer potatoes and ground beef until all is used. In a small bowl mix soup, sour cream, one cup of cheese and

NO FUSS PHILLY CHEESECAKE

Vickie Marcy milk, season with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over potato and ground beef in casserole dish. Top with remaining cup of cheddar cheese and then bread crumbs.

QUICK TIP OF THE WEEK: Toasting coconut or nuts brings out the flavor and gives them a beautiful golden color. You can spread either, or both, in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in an oven that has been pre-heated to 325 degrees. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, until golden. Watch carefully, as the coconut can brown quickly. Stir once or twice while baking, so color is uniform.

• 2 - 8 oz. pkgs. Cream cheese, softened • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 tsp. vanilla • 2 - Eggs • 1 - Ready to use graham cracker crust Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until blended and creamy. Add eggs, mix well. Pour into graham cracker crust, bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes until center is almost set.

Cool, refrigerate several hours or overnight. Cheesecake can be topped with canned pie filling, drizzled with melted chocolate, or top with your favorite topping.

That’s going to wrap things up for this week, so until next time, stay safe and happy!

“And the Winner Is...” Opens Friday Night

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Making her director’s debut with the comedy, “And the Winner Is...” which opens Friday night at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, Amanda Latva said the job fell into her lap.

And the veteran of the Conneaut Community Center for the Arts’ stage who began acting at Conneaut High School is finding the task more cumbersome than she had anticipated.

“The most difficult thing about directing is the time span,” she said. “As an actor, it seems like you have forever to learn lines and find a costume. But as a director, I’m finding volunteers for sets, looking for props, costumes, constantly checking e-mail and phone messages, and so forth. I don’t have enough time in the day!”

After agreeing to direct the show last month, Latva rounded up six cast members in relatively short order after sending out a notice to CCCA stage veterans.

She selected Tammy Hagstrom, playing Sheri Steinberg; Hagstrom’s daughter, Alexandria Hall, playing Serenity; Jarrod Latva — her brother —

playing Kyle Morgan; Michael Mooney, playing Teddy LaPetite; Tom Udell playing Seamus; and Rich Werman, of Ashtrabula, playing the main character, Tyler Johnes.

Only Hall is making her CCCA stage debut.

Written by the author of “Tuesdays With Morrie,” the play is “very much a comedy,” Latva said.

It tells the story of Tyler Johnes, an actor who finally gets nominated for an Oscar, but dies the night before the Academy Awards ceremony.

This takes place immediately before the curtain goes up, so the audience watches Johnes in a place between Earth and heaven.

“He spends the first act trying to get to the Oscars on Earth,” said Latva, She refuses to divulge what happens in Act II. Latva, who appeared in “Damn Yankees,” “The Good Doctor,” “The Odd Couple Female Version,” “Love, Death and the Prom,” and Our Town” under the direction of Steve Rhodes at Conneaut High School, took a hiatus from acting while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Writing from Slippery Rock University in 2009.

But as soon as she re-

turned home, she was back on the boards at the CCCA, appearing in “Frankenstein 1930” and “The Return of Frankenstein,” in 2010 and 2011, respectively, and in “The Joke’s On Us” last spring. She starred as as Shelby in “Steel Magnolias” at the CCCA in 2010.

Latva’s dad, Larry, has also been on stage at the CCCA. Her mother, Debi, has not.

Latva says she would not be able to direct the play without the help of stage manager Jennifer Gallagher, a seventh grader at Conneaut Middle School who is also a CCCA stage veteran.

“She’s been an amazing help,” Latva said. “She’s been to all of the practices, taking notes for me and keeping track of stage direction.”

Gallagher will be backstage during the five performances of the play, running sound and staying on the book.

The play’s simple sets were painted, for the most part, by Conneaut High School volunteers. Latva said she had a rough sketch of the set and explained her ideas to the cast. Handymen Don Watts and Tom Udell finished the walls.

A CCCA office associate and substitute teacher by day and a hostess at

Biscotti’s Restaurant on the weekends, Latva assigns a PG-13 rating to the show, due to some adult language and innuendoes.

“Just to be safe,” she said.

“The most fun is sitting back and watching it all come to life,” said Latva, at the start of this week’s full dress rehearsals.

“The set is almost complete and seeing bits and pieces of costumes and the lighting come together...well, it’s pretty amazing to see it all put together. The cast has been fantastic in helping guide me as a first-time director,” she said.

Show times are 8 p.m.

March 23, 24, 30 and 31, with a 2 p.m. matinee March 25. The matinee is billed as a “coffee and crumbs” matinee and an $8 ticket includes dessert and coffee during intermission.

Evening performances are $12 for non-CCCA members and $10 for CCCA members.

A special “Oscar Night Party” with hor’s d’oeuvres will be served at 7 p.m.

March 31. Tickets are $18 for the reception and the show; CCCA members may pay $16.

For tickets to “And the Winner Is...” call the CCCA at 593-5888.

Conneaut’s Creative Writing

Site Solver

Getting it Right

by Tom Harris Conneaut Writers Club

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Do you know the location of this Site Solver? Be the first to call its location to The Courier (440) 5769125, ext. 116, starting 5 p.m. March 22, and you will win a foil Easter balloon from Imagination Custom Creations, Conneaut. (Please note that Site Solver responses are not considered before 5 p.m.) Last week’s Site Solver was the St. Patrick’s Day decorations at 1057 Lake Road. Winner was Elizabeth Ogren.

The problem with reading, I find, is that I might learn something. And the problem with learning something is that I might be embarrassed I didn’t know it in the first place. This not to say I think I know it all, but there are times when I think I know more than I know.

Times when I shake my head and say to the book or magazine, “Give me a break. That’s impossible.” Times when I look darn silly in the glaring light of the facts.

So it was the other night as I made my way through Mark Twain’s The Innocents Abroad and came upon this: “the rag-tag of the city [Naples] stack themselves up, to the number of twenty or thirty, on a rickety little gocart hauled by a donkey not much bigger than a cat….”

“Gocart?” says I. “There were no gocarts in 19th Century Naples.” Then I lambasted the modern-day editors who obviously took it upon themselves to tinker with Twain’s prose. To prove how misguided and presumptuous they were – and how alert and knowledgeable I am – I went directly to dictionary.com. The modern form “go-kart,” it said, was coined in 1959 and refers to a “kind of miniature racing car with a frame body and a two-stroke engine.” Oh, that that had been the entire entry. Alas, I was humbled long before I got there.

“A small carriage for children to ride in,” was the first definition; “a small framework with casters, wheels, etc.,” the second; and “a handcart,” the third. And when did the “gocart” enter the language? 1676.

I do so hate to be wrong.

After regaining my composure, I read on, confident that one silly mistake was my quota for the week. But a dozen pages later, this sentence grabbed my attention: “At seven in the evening, with the western horizon all golden from the sunken sun, and specked with distant ships, the full moon sailing high over head, the

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dark blue of the sea under foot, and a strange sort of twilight affected by all these different lights and colors around us and about us, we sighted superb Stromboli.”

“That Mark Twain,” I said. “What a card.” Surely, he used “Stromboli” to spark a laugh from the reader. I had visions of him smiling as he contemplated lines such as, “All hail the benevolent Luigi the Magnificent, by the grace of God, king of Cannoli, Calzone and Stromboli.” But as I read on, it became apparent that Stromboli was not a joke, that it was the real name of a real place. Back I went to dictionary.com. And you know what it said? Stromboli is not only the name of island off Sicily, it is also the name of a volcano on that island.

That was enough Twain for one night.

Then in the next day’s Plain Dealer, there was the story of Russian scientists in Antarctica drilling through the ice to Lake Vostok, “a pristine body of water that may hold life from the distant past and clues to the search for life on distant planets.” It was the fourth paragraph that caught my eye: “The Russian team hit the lake Sunday at a depth of 12,366 feet about 800 miles southeast of the South Pole in the central part of the continent.”

I don’t wish to cast aspersions at the Associated Press or its reporter, Vladimir Isachenkov, but I have always thought that there is no south of the South Pole, that once you go past the pole you are heading north, but after striking out twice against Twain, I wasn’t about to pore over stacks of research material to prove it. I’ll assume Isachenkov outsmarted himself trying to account for the tilt of the Earth’s axis, or maybe he thought it had something to do with the true pole as opposed to the magnetic pole.

In any event, I’m sure I’m right this time. Maybe I will look it up. Why yes, I am right, at least according to Wikipedia, which says, “At the South Pole all directions face north.”

Now I feel better.

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6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012

Conneaut Moose Lodge Committed to Community Conneaut Library Offers Make-A-Plate Workshop, Photo Plate The Friends of the Conneaut Public Library are sponsoring a Photo Plate Program and Make-A-Plate Workshop 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 2 to 9 at the Conneaut Public Library, 304 Buffalo Street.

The “Make-A-Plate” Workshop offers budding artists a way to preserve artwork on a non-toxic, dishwasher-safe melamine 10inch dinner plate, 10-ounce mug, 20-ounce snack bowl, or 16-ounce tumbler or a 14inch snack tray. To create the mug, one may use stickers, pictures, sequins or other regalia. Cost for the plate, bowl, mug or tumbler is $10.

The snack tray is $15. Cost includes factory processing and postage and must be paid the day of the workshop.

PHOTO BY ALLAN MONONEN

Conneaut Moose Lodge #472 recently raised sponsored a contest which raised $380 for the Conneaut Food Pantry.

Presenting a check to Food Pantry Director Renea Roach (center) are 2012 Moose officers (from left) Vee Loomis, Rich Kananen, Lisa Ille, Bob Gross, Jack Tanner, (Roach) and Bill Barnes. Not pictured are Rob Fertig, Gene McGee, Ed Laughlin and Dorothy McGee.

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

Pat Honkonen and Rich Artman recently headed a contest between male and CONNEAUT - female Moose Club memConneaut Moose Lodge bers, to see which group #472 announces the return could collect the most of the Wacky Cardboard change to raise money for Boat Race at the lakefront the Conneaut Food Pantry. lagoon on Saturday, July The contest raised $380.

28, as a prelude to the The donation was preConneaut Port Authority’s sented to Food Pantry DiDockfest at the Public rector Renea Roach on Dock.

March 14.

Anyone of any age interThe club supported nuested in participating in a merous local organizations Wacky Cardboard Boat with donations totaling Race planning meeting, to $15,258 during the current include a review of contest fiscal year. Recipients inrules, is invited to a public clude the Conneaut High meeting 3 p.m. Saturday, School Music Boosters and April 21, at the Moose Cross Country and Track Lodge. teams; Conneaut Mat Club; The Wacky Cardboard Animal Protective League; Boat Race is just one of nu- Conneaut Local Youth Ormerous community activi- ganization; and the Food ties offered by the Moose Pantry.

Club each year.

In addition, the Loyal

Order of the Moose and the Women of the Moose have given separate donations to several more non-profit organizations.

Moose members have helped organize the city’s annual D-Day Event in August and offers a free breakfast to hundreds of reenactors the closing day of the event.

The local Moose Lodge is

Registration is not required. Call 593-1608 for more information.

For the Photo Plate Program, drop off a favorite photo of your wedding, anniversary, child, pet, family reunion, grandparents, vacation, etc., at the library during normal business hours. Be sure a name and phone number is printed in pencil on the back of the photo The photo will be sent out to be made into a photo plate ($18), bowl ($17), mug ($15) or platter ($23). Payment is due when photo is dropped off. The photo will be returned.

Photo plates are on display in the Youth Department.

Questions? Call the library Youth Department at 593-1608.

Rotary District Governor-Elect Visits Conneaut

part of Moose International, which solely supports Mooseheart, a “child city” near Chicago. Moose International has built a retirement community, Moosehaven, for members in Florida.

Moose members are encouraged to sponsor new membership applicants.

For more information, call 599-1472.

Alumni Calendar

CHS Class of 1939 Conneaut High School Class of 1939 will hold a lunPHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN cheon meeting at noon April 10 at Antonette’s Pizza & More, Cleveland Rotary Club member and District Governor270 Erie St. Classmates, spouses and guests welcome. elect Julie West (left) visited the Conneaut Rotary Club at its March 13 luncheon meeting at the Conneaut Community Center for the Arts to help swear in new members Kathy Pape and Phil Garcia. With West is Conneaut Rotary Club president Scott Landis. Conneaut Rotary Club met March 20 at Conneaut High School to hear Gary Schoeniger, co-author of “Who Owns the Ice House?” talk about the importance of teaching entrepreneurship to teens, including at-risk youth, to teach them a different way of looking at the world and improve self-esteem. Mentors are critical to that process, he said.

Spring Has Sprung!

TREES McBride, who complimented the efforts of the city, the Public Works Department and Raker in cleaning up the old policy, nevertheless questioned the policy’s recommendation that homeowners be given 30 days in which to remove ailing trees.

“That’s a little scary. Can we require this of people?

I’m not in favor of that,” he said.

After the discussion, Udell asked Roach as the introducer of the bill to take action, but Roach reminded him that since the meeting was a work session, he could do nothing until the March 26 Council meeting.

Recognizing his error, Udell laughed and said that if that were the only mistake he made this year, things were going well.

PHOTO BY ALLAN MONONEN “We’ve talked enough on Unseasonably warm weather, which appears to be staying for awhile, has filled the basketball courts with young this one,” Udell said. people at Conneaut Township Park.

From page 1A Ward 1 Councilman Doug Hedrick advised Eggleston that a private citizen razed a home on Woodland Avenue and he would like the city to inspect the pile of rubble left behind, since children are playing nearby and it is attracting varmints. The site is next to a city lot.

“Using a Jeep, a chain and a sledge hammer, he tore down the house and left a hole,” Hedrick said.

The house was not on the city’s list of those to be demolished.

Council adjourned at 7:50 p.m. It will meet in regular televised session at 7 p.m.

March 26, following a public hearing with the Planning Commission at 6 p.m. on the rezoning of property at the southwest corner of Parrish and W. Main Roads from R2, urban residential, to B-2, highway and commercial business district.

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THURSDAY, March 22, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A

Religious Briefs A revival led by the Rev. Dan Kaufman continues 7 p.m. nightly through March 25 at East Conneaut Wesleyan Methodist Church, 313 E. Main Road.

March 25 will be “Camp Sunday” at 11 a.m. worship at First Baptist Church, 370 State St. Representatives from Camp Koinonia will speak and accept registrations. Greeters are Bob & Paulette Cox, Norm & Faye Gross and the Cosner family.

Greeters at 11 a.m. worship March 25, the fifth Sunday of Lent, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Main & Buffalo Streets, are Jan and Rich Simmons. Liturgist is Shane Brown.

Pastor Joyce Shellhammer’s message is “Men Along the Way.” The choir will sing under the direction of Norris Kelly, accompanied by Harry Casey.

At 8:30 a.m. contemporary and 11 a.m. traditional worship March 25, the fifth Sunday of Lent at Good Shepherd Lutheran

Church, Grove Street at CHURCH MEALS Lake Road, readers are Mike Bidwell (8:30 a.m.) and Jerry New Leaf United MethBrookhouser (11 a.m.).

March 25 is the final day to odist Church, 283 Buffalo Street, serves free Friday order Easter plants. community dinner, prepared The Rev. Scott Walsh, by Dave Jones, 5 to 6 p.m.

The March 23 menu features pastor, will preach on “Balcony People II,” at 9 a.m. Baked Ham and scalloped contemporary worship in the potatoes, roll & butter, desserts. On March 30, the menu Worship Center and 11 a.m. traditional worship in the will be Chef ’s Surprise.

Sanctuary March 25 at New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street.

Scripture is Acts 9:26-28, 31.

The choir, directed by Rebecca Levering, will sing, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross .” Free brunch 8:45 to 10:50 a.m.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will offer homemade Nissua bread March 31. Orders taken for one-pound loaves for $5. Call the church at 599-8908. Payment due upon ordering.

Family Fellowship Foursquare Gospel Church, 641 Mill St., serves a free community dinner 5 to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Menu for March 28 is soup, sandwich, chips, soft drink and dessert.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is offering a “carry-out” Sunday dinner of chicken, biscuits and coleslaw, for $4, after the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services on March 25. Call 599-8908 to order a meal.

Church Sign: “God still does miracles. Need one?”

– Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene

Omer String Quartet Performs March 25 The Omer String Quartet, a student ensemble from the Cleveland Institute of Music, will perform a recital of classical music and popular songs at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in downtown Ashtabula, 4901 Main Ave., on Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public and will be followed by punch and cookie reception. Sponsored by the Fine Arts Concert Committee of the Church. Phone the church at 440-992-8100.

REZONING He also believes that Dollar General eventually will close its downtown location, leaving another vacant store front.

“What will this downtown? It relies on foot traffic. Many people from Conneaut Manor now walk to Dollar General. Other downtown businesses rely on foot traffic, such as Burning Stone, Gerdes, and they haven’t even talked to them. Even if they say they are going to keep the downtown store open, they’ll probably open it until the other store is built. I’m not sure they can guarantee to keep both open. Even if they say they will, in a year or two from now, they may not have enough business in the downtown location, and they will shut it down,” said Brecht, a downtown business owner.

Brecht said a store in the proposed location could require children who are picked up on the southwest corner of the intersection to get on the school bus in the new parking lot because Route 20 beyond UHConneaut Medical Center has no sidewalks.

“And it’s my understanding that you can’t have kids walk to another corner without sidewalks,” he said. “It will basically force the kids to be picked up at a busy intersection with that business.”

Brecht also finds it puzzling that no one involved in the transaction has contacted Growth Partnership.

“Why not talk to them to help find a more suitable location? We have plenty of defined business districts in the city, including downtown. Putting something at Parrish won’t increase business, and it doesn’t seem like the best choice,” he said.

Brecht also noted that while the 2002 Comprehensive Plan, to which the Planning Commission frequently refers, recommended that the proposed intersection become commercial, it also recommended reopening the bridge over the Conneaut Creek to connect Parrish Road from I-90 to Lake Road.

“They aren’t building the bridge, so it doesn’t make sense to turn it into a business zone,” Brecht said.He also cited the tight quarters of the proposed 9,000 squarefoot building on two half-acre lots, pointing out that Dr. Singh’s office on a slightly larger lot on the northwest corner of the intersection is just 3,000 square feet.

“Worse, Dollar General trucks show up at all hour of the night,” he said. “They arrive at 3:30 a.m. and idle until 8:30 a.m. when they can start to unload. Will they park on Parrish Road? Where will you get a semi on that property?”

Since the property is at a higher grade than the rest of Parrish Road, Brecht also

From page 1A expressed concerns about water run-offs.

“Are they going to build retaining walls?” he asked, wondering if the Planning Commission is trying to push the rezoning through in an effort to force Council to reconsider rezoning Route 20 from Chestnut to Gore Road, a recommendation that Council voted down last year due to public opposition. He is also concerned that Council may approve the rezoning in order to appear to be pro-business rather than to appease neighbors “Little has been said, but I think they’ll find out there are a lot of concerned people,” said Brecht, Brecht says he is not anti-business.

“Prove to me they have exhausted all other efforts, talked to Growth Partnership, and done all you can and that this is the only choice, or you can prove it’s the best choice, and then I have to live with it,” he said. “But the Planning Commission doesn’t even have specific details. I knew going into buying my house that I would be living across the street from the hospital, and I can’t complain. But this? People bought homes in residential neighborhoods and now you are telling them it doesn’t matter. Once this goes in, people are not going to be able to get out of their homes.”

“It’s not my place to speak on behalf of city or tell them what to do,” he continued, “but I think community leaders would agree there are better choices for everyone. Maybe more thought and input should go into this before they put the store there on the corner,” he said.

Most of all, Brecht wants the city to be forthcoming with information.

“Call a spade a spade,” he said. “I feel like the guys came together and had no luck with multiple parcels and expect the city to sign off,” he said. “There’s no plan. Will they ask for a variance? Size of a sign? A lot of concerns aren’t being considered, and once you make a zoning change, variance and other issues will be pushed through. They say they can put the brakes on it, but why aren’t we getting the information up front?

You buy it, zone it, and then submit plans?

If it gets that far, it’ll be approved. The city will have to get a grant to pay to widen the road.”

Brecht doubts Dollar General will leave the city if it cannot obtain the parcel.

“This is going to affect all the neighbors and cost residents money for repairs and improvements to the intersection. I want people to realize there are concerned citizens, and others need to voice their opinions,” he said.

Vendor Fair March 30 at St. Andrew Church

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers KINGSVILLE - St. Andrew Church, 3700 Route 193, will host a Vendor Fair 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 30.

As of press time, 16 vendors had committed to this springtime event. They inclue Uppercase Living (Amanda Jones), Emily’s Embellishments (Emily Roberts), Scentsy (Marci Sorenson), Mary Kay Cosmetics (Kayla Poore), 31 (Samantha Shreve/Lonni Hendershott); Cookie Lee (Marjo Webster), Miche (Stephanie Narhi); Tan-fastic Spray Tanning (April Sabo); Tupperware (Tiffany Gray): Van Epps Potography (Jessica Van Epps); Equine Expressions (Sharon Walbridge); Mark (Crystal Goldstein); Healing Hands (Beth Managoni): Elizabeth’s Expressions (Lyz Richmond): Lia Sophia (Jen Milo): and BeautiControl: Ave Perts.

Admission is $2.

Each admission ticket will automatically enter the guest into a drawing for a gift basket filled with vendors’ items. Each vendor has also donated a basket for a Chinese Auction.

Alexandra Fultz, of Lucky 13 Cake Design, will prepare refreshments of cupcakes, cookies and punch, including Boston

SUBMITTED PHOTO

This “Relax” bathtub cake is a sample of cakes available by vendor Alexandra Fultz, of “Lucky 13 Cake Designs,” at the Vendor Fair 6 to 9 p.m. March 30 at St. Andrew Church, 3700 Route 193, Kingsville.

Cream cake shooters, Eclair cake shooters, almond wedding cupcakes with almond buttercream frosting, and caramel red velvet cupcakes with coconut buttercream frosting, seven-layer bars, thumb-

print cookies.

Vendors will have items available for purchase and accept orders for others.

Call Amanda Jones at (440) 544-4930 or Fultz (440) 228-0472 with questions.

2012 Lenten Services **Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road Soup-and-sandwich suppers at 6 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m. Wednesdays during Lent. All are welcome.

March 28 Preacher: Nancy Guthrie, Pastoral Assistant, “Adoration” Scripture: Psalm 126, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 10:38-42 **Conneaut Area Ministerial Association Lenten worship 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through March 29, followed by a reception, at rotating churches in the community.

Child care is provided.

March 22 - First Congregational United

Church of Christ, Main & Buffalo Streets.

The Rev. Scott Walsh of New Leaf United Methodist Church will preach on “Re-creation: Rise. Christ will shine on you.” Scripture is Psalm 23; Isaiah 60:107; Ephesians 5:8-14; and Mark 5:21-43. Walsh and FCC Choir Director Norris Kelly will sing a duet, “Kings Shall Bow.” ** Ashtabula County Cluster of Presbyterian Churches Ashtabula County Cluster of Presbyterian Churches is holding 2012 Lenten services Sunday evenings at 7 p.m., followed by fellowship.

March 25 - First Presbyterian Church, 4317 Park Avenue, Ashtabula, April 1 - Palm Sunday service, 7 p.m.

Rome Presbyterian Church, 4608 Route 45N, Rome.

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Wednesday, March 21 Plymouth Fire Hall 1001 Plymouth Rd. Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 Wednesday, March 28 Richmond Town Hall 5939 Footville-Richmond Rd. Andover, Ohio 44003

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8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012

CPL Book Trailer Association

Community Service

by Ryan Burdette Have you ever wondered what zombies do on Friday nights? The Conneaut Public Library provides the “ teen monsters” with a place to help them learn to read.

A-Tech senior Ryan Burdette, Collegiate Academy sophomore Rebecca Sallade, and Girard seventh grader Lyle Sallade, participate in the CPL Book Trailer Association.

The organization works to create book trailers, and has recently entered a literacy promotion to benefit this year’s summer reading program at the Conneaut Public Library.

This summer’s theme is “Own the Night,” so the kids dressed up as the undead to help convey the idea of creatures of the night. The title of the video is “Illiterate Zombies,” and can be found on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=-SO19jPrHvM. Several states have participated in this promotion

SUBMITTED PHOTO

A-Tech senior Ryan Burdette, (center) Girard seventh grader Lyle Sallade, and Collegiate Academy sophomore Rebecca Sallade, participate in the CPL Book Trailer Association. over the years, so this video will be seen by judges, and hopefully the public.

Winning the contest in Ohio would result in a cash prize to benefit the Conneaut Public Library. It would also be placed on the Collaborative Summer Library Program web site fea-

tured as the Ohio winner.

The teens are very excited to be involved with this project.

“This project would be really beneficial for the library and the Summer Reading Program. It would help increase awareness and it would get more kids

reading. We had a lot of fun making this video,” said Sallade.

The students have also produced two other book trailers that can be found on YouTube. The books are “The Ghost and the Goth”

by Stacey Kade and “Green Angel” by Alice Hoffman.

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

CHS senior Justin Hall and Kayla Curtis, CHS Class of 2011, were instrumental in the success of the Winter Sock Hop. They manned the parking lot both nights, sat at the ticket table and helped set up and clean up, said Sock Hop Chair Darlyene Brisley. Hall volunteered to pick up community service hours for graduation though he said he has far exceeded the hours required. Curtis graduated with an Honors Diploma and is looking for a job.

COW been sitting on countertops inside local businesses to collect public donations.

The public voted for their favorite “kiss the cow” contestants by dropping donations into contestants’ donation canisters, and the contestant who brought in the most money was to kiss the cow on March 19.

But along the way, the rules changed.

Kori Marcy, whose canister was at Conneaut Dairy Queen, maintained an easy lead up until the last 10 days, when Williams — whose canister was at Andover Bank — picked up pledges from callers to his TV show. On March 9, an anonymous businessman called Williams and said if all 13 contestants agreed to kiss the cow, he would donate $1,000 to the cause.

And over the weekend, at the “Kiss the Cow” St. P a t r i c k ’s D a y P a n c a k e Breakfast, a $500 donation to Furman’s candidacy by fellow contestant Nick Iarocci, pushed Furman into first place with $1,515.54. Williams came in second with $1,375.22, leaving Marcy in third place with $689.24.

On Monday morning, contestants huddled under an extended awning at Conneaut Telephone transmission studio on E. Main Road, waiting for the rain to stop as Conneaut dentist Dr. Duane Cole pulled a reluctant brown calf down the ramp from a trailer which brought her to Conneaut from Orangeville in Trumbull County, an hour away.

Shortly after 8:30 a.m., Williams came out from the studio to interview all the contestants prior to puckering up. The only one missing was Conneaut Area City Schools Superin-

From page 1A her own straw hat, she said had been blessed to be part of the fund-raiser planning group. She had raised $143.79.

Conneaut Community Center for the Arts’ Executive Director Penny Armeni said that the event had tendent Kent Houston, so much to everyone. I’m proven a great way to support the community. Her who raised $51.27 in do- excited to give back.” nations and was out of Russ Coltman, who canister brought in $174.80.

“You hate to win, but town for a meeting. He ap- grew up on a farm, viewed pointed Conneaut Area the fund-raiser differently, I’m a sucker for brown City Schools Superinten- recalling how the commu- eyes,” she said, also putdent Mike Kennedy to kiss nity rallied to help his fam- ting on a pair of red wax the cow in his place. ily with medical expenses lips before kissing the cow.

Biscotti Restaurant’s “I drew the short straw, when his then 9-year-old but I worked on a dairy son was diagnosed with Lor i Mc Laug hlin, who raised $203.36, also found farm all through high leukemia. school. This doesn’t bother “This is a wonderful the kissing-the-cow task to having me a bit,” he said. place to be,” he said, before be “nothing,” One by one, the contes- whipping out a pair of red grown up on a Monroe tants stepped forward in wax lips and planting a farm in Monroe. She Monday morning’s rain, kiss on Tatiana Marie’s teased contestants dressed said a few words for the nose. “I’ve been on both in farm-hand attire. “ It was not hing like cable TV audience, took a sides of this coin. This comfew steps forward under munity is such a support- that,” she said. “We put on Marty Landon’s green-and- ing place. I can’t say boots over our jammies, went out and did chores, black umbrella and found enough.” themselves being regarded Next, Conneaut City came back inside, showby Tatiana Marie’s huge Council President Tom ered, and went to school,” brown eyes.

Udell thanked the Ameri- she said.

Last but not least was City Manager Ti m can Legion for its support Marcy-WilliamsEggleston was first, since and recalled Landon’s sup- the Furman trio, at the top of his $31.48 canister amount port of each Fourth of July was the lowest.

Festival by running the the pack. Marcy bought “What a treat,” said Conneaut Idol competi- new jeans for Monday’s TV appearance, and her dad, Eggleston, best dressed of tion. the contestants in suit and “I’m looking forward to funeral director Bob tie. “I just hope it’s a calm it, but I don’t think this Marcy, watched in the jersey.” cow looks like the one in background.

After all 13 had taken Tatiana Marie, still at- the picture,” Udell said. tached to the rope, acAuto dealer Greg Sweet, turns kissing the cow, two cepted every kiss in stride. whose canister raised more lined up. One of them C o n n e a u t Te l e p h o n e $129.57, also donned a was Williams’ co-host, General Manager Ken pair of red wax lips to pre- Steve Grant, who called Johnson, who raised vent his catching “hoof- the task a “pleasure.”

“She had soft lips,” he $31.48, said kissing the and-mouth” disease, he said. “I think she might cow would be “harmless,” said. have been in love with a and said Tatiana Marie “I guess this is pay-back was very attractive. for chasing cows when I few of us.”

Then Landon himself Conneaut’s 2011 Citizen was a kid,” he said. of the Year, attorney Nick Then it was the turn of did the honors.

Cole said afterward that Iarocci, whose canister to- Stanley Steemer’s Rachael taled $93.55, was next.

Merlene, dressed in blue he and Russ Coltman were “I give credit to Kori denim overall borrowed 4-H buddies from way Marcy and her committee,” from Edgewood Senior back.

“I couldn’t say no,” Cole he said. “I’m just a fol- High School teacher Lisa lower. It’s an honor to help Brown and borrowed rub- said, explaining that he dear friends. They’ve given ber work boots but wearing brought Tatiana Marie be-

“She had soft lips. I think she might have been in love with a few of us.” - Steve Grant, upon kissing the cow Monday in the “Kiss the Cow” fund-raiser.

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cause she is one of his most gentle cows. “I don’t know if she’s ever been kissed before,” he said.

As soon as the kissing was over, the rain stopped.

Ma rcy a nd Merlene said in retrospect that the cow-kissing was intended initially as a sideline to Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast catered by Phil’s catering that drew 300 people.

“It turned out to be incredibly more than that,” Marcy said.

Marty and Pat Landon stood and greeted breakfast guests for about two-anda-half hours before the line closed an hour early, at 11 a.m., when the food was gone.

“We’re shocked and overwhelmed at the out-

come,” Merlene said. “It was phenomenal how the community came out, and it reached further than Conneaut. We had people sending money from out of state.”

“We all appreciate living in Conneaut at a time like this,” Furman said.

The Landons agreed. Although Pat was not feeling up to attending the “Kiss the Cow” event, she said later in the day that the couple was left nearly speechless by the community’s generosity.

But having put herself in God’s hands at the outset of her illness, she said, she was not surprised that the amount raised was exactly what was needed to pay this year’s health insurance deductible.

Too Much St. Patrick’s Day?

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

was belligerent towards himself and their other mutual friend after arrivCON N E A U T - Ia n ing home from the bar. The Chambers was arrested on situation then escalated to Lake Road at 1:46 a.m. the point where Chambers March 18 after police re- was attempting to start a ceived a complaint about physical altercation with an intoxicated male caus- everyone, so the friend said he had decided to hold him ing a disturbance.

According to police re- down onto the patio and ports, officers arrived at contact police immediately.

Police determined that the residence to hear a loud commotion coming Chambers should be arfrom the rear of the resi- rested for disorderly conduct by intoxication for his dence.

They ran to investigate own safety. He was handand observed a male physi- cuffed and escorted to the cally restraining another police car. A strong dismale on a wooden patio. tinct odor of an alcoholic The male who was doing beverage emitted from his the restraining told police breath and person. He was that his friend, Chambers, transported to the jail and was highly intoxicated and booked in without incident.

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THURSDAY, March 22, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A

Intoxicated Male Adults Cited for Marijuana, Alcohol Possession Arrested for OVI

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - At 7:20 p.m. March 15, a male found passed out at the Clark station was arrested for OVI. Gas station employees reported to police a male passed out in a vehicle in the parking lot. Upon their arrival, officers met with the very disoriented man, who claimed to be diabetic.

Identified as Kevin L. Ross, he was checked by emergency medical technicians from Station 1 and found to have normal levels of blood sugar.

A blood test to which he submitted showed his blood alcohol level at .202.

He was arrested for OVI, and transported to UH-Conneaut Medical Center for a blood draw before being booked into the jail facility.

Skate Park Altercation Leads to Arrests

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Two local men were arrested March 13 by officers responding to a disturbance between juveniles at the local Skate Park.

Police were called to the Skate Park on Jefferson Street 3:46 p.m. March 13. As soon as they arrived on the scene, two subjects reportedly took off running from the area. They were stopped by Police Detectives Colby and Sullivan on Sandusky Street, near the old Fisher’s Trucking Building.

Another officer responded to find detectives holding one juvenile along with Xavier Sistrunk and Hosea Robinson. They denied running from police officers.

Officers who responded to the initial call arrived on the scene and spoke with Sistrunk. They told him they had observed his fleeing from the Skate Park. The officers ran Robinson and the juvenile through LEADS, and learned that Robinson had an active warrant through the Ashtabula County Sheriff ’s Office.

The sheriff ’s office advised that they would accept Robinson. He was then placed under arrest. He transported to the custody of an ACSO deputy near Routes 193 and I-90.

Sistrunk was also arrested after numerous warnings to calm down that went unheeded. He was transported to the jail facility and booked in.

he was able to maintain his balance only by sitting against the patrol car.

CONNEAUT - An un- Washington displayed wanted person who threat- physical signs of being inened a Lake Road resident toxicated and his breath before fleeing in a blue produced an odor consisMercury sedan was cited at tent with that of an alco10:22 p.m. March 14. holic beverage.

According to police reWashington denied beports, officers were called ing at the caller ’s home to the home, but other of- and was uncooperative.

When asked if she had ficers on patrol spotted and stopped the Mercury threatened the caller, at the Clark gas station. Boone denied it and said Inside the car was the the caller was a friend. But driver, Nathasa Boone, she became very elusive passenger Gregory Wash- when asked about what ington, and two juvenile took place at the Lake Road address and appeared to passengers.

Washington was ob- police to be less than honserved with an open con- est. When asked about tainer of alcohol between Washington being present his legs, and when he was with her at the Lake Road asked to exit the vehicle, home, Boone hesitated and

said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

Meanwhile, another officer had removed numerous bottles of open and partially consumed alcoholic beverages on the roof of the suspect vehicle. When he walked over to the passenger’s side front door of the vehicle, he observed a small orange plastic bag lying on the seat. The “corner bag” was open and its contents, which appeared to be consistent with that of marijuana, were scattered across the seat.

Upon seeing the suspected narcotic, officers reached inside and collected the bag and its contents. It was presented to

Washington, who, when asked if it belonged to him, said, “I don’t have any weed on me.”

Boone then spoke up and advised it belonged to her.

Washington was cited for Open Container. Boone was cited for Marijuana Possession.

The juveniles were breath tested, and results showed the male’s BAC to be .064 of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. He was cited into Juvenile Court.

The female showed negative. The male juvenile was cited into Juvenile Court.

The matter was referred to the Law Director for charges of contributing.

Child Found Wandering on Jackson Street

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - At 9:37 a.m. March 16, officers were dispatched to Jackson Street where a child had been found walking alone by the caller’s nephews, walking alone on Buffalo Street near the Norfolk Southern tracks, had come upon the child who appeared to be about three years old.

The caller tried to find out the child’s name, age, address and phone, but was unable to do so.

Dressed in pajamas, socks, and a female slip-

per, the child appeared to be healthy and uninjured.

The caller ’s family walked with the boy, and with police after they arrived, and they canvassed the nearby area in search of a worried parent or an open door.

Neither was located.

Officers called Ashtabula County Children Services (ACCS), and the child was transported to the police station while another officer patrolled the area further.

According to police reports, ACCS agreed to come to the station to aid the return of the juvenile as it was approaching one

Sara Thompson is Student of the Month Conneaut Middle School fifthgrader Sara Thompson (second left) was honored as Gateway Elementary School Student of the Month at the March 15 meeting of the Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education.

Thompson was nominated by her teacher, Alaina Kilpatrick, (second right) who described her as a diligent student who arrived this year from Florida determined to succeed. “She is an ideal student who takes advantage of every opportunity and wants to be helped. She is kind and respectful, a sweet girl who is the most improved. She earned every bit of this award,” she said.

Kilpatrick added that Thompson had never seen snow before moving to Conneaut.

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN “And she still hasn’t seen it,” she said. Pictured with Thompson are her father, Larry, Kilpatrick and Conneaut Chamber representative Pam Stump, rigth. The Student of the Month Award is given by Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce and Conneaut Telephone.

hour since the child had been discovered.

At approximately 11:40 a.m., officers and ACCS took the boy back to the area where he had been located and searched an area east of Broad Street.

They ultimately located Janet Estes on Cleveland Court. She too, was driving around, looking for her missing son. An officer escorted her to her residence at 144 Poplar Street to complete the investigation.

Estes and the child’s fat h e r, M i c h a e l E n s s l e , stated their son must have defeated the door handle

safety feature and exited the house. Estes said they were sleeping and noticed their son missing about twenty minutes prior to meeting up with police.

Estes also admitted driving on Lake Road to find her son and had not contacted police. Though the child had been in police custody for two hours, the parents did not appear to be emotionally or physically distraught about their son or, according to police reports, overly elated about his return.

The matter was referred to ACCS and the Law Director.

Children invited to the Princess Ball

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

invited to attend one of the sessions and have fun with 10 beautiful princesses who will JEFFERSON - Young girls make their day magical, and boys and their families Whittington said. are invited to spend a magiThere will be music, danccal afternoon and evening at ing, pizza, beverages and cake the Jefferson Community provided, Whittington said.

Center on March 31.

The Princess Ball tickets The Longest Day of Play- are $10 per person (preA Family-Affair Committee is evevnt only) Session I is from hosting a fundraiser to help 12-2 p.m. and Session II is support The Longest Day of from 4 to 6 p.m.

To order tickets, specify Play, which will be held on June 23, Community Service how many tickets you wish to Coordinator Kathryn purchase, and which session, and make checks payable and Whittington said.

The Princess Ball will be mailed to: Longest Day of held on Saturday, March 31, Play, P.O. Box 1175, at the Jefferson Community Ashtabula, Ohio 44005.

For group sales of 20 tickCenter, 11 East Jefferson St. ets or more, contact in Jefferson.

During the Princess Ball, Whittington at (440) 998parents and their children are 1811.

Choosing ACMC. It’s more than a healthcare decision.

Our community relies on ACMC for so many things in addition to quality healthcare. Things like good-paying jobs. More than 1,000 jobs, in fact, resulting in a $50 million payroll each year that is placed into our local communities — ranging from Geneva to Conneaut to the southern portions of Ashtabula county. Jobs that help support other county businesses. Jobs that generate nearly $650,000 in local income taxes — directly benefitting our roads, our parks, and our police and fire departments.

When you choose ACMC — a community-based, not-for-profit hospital — you’re putting money back into our local economy. You’re helping to support the job of a relative, friend or neighbor. And you are providing a foundation to ensure that ACMC is here to benefit you and our community for generations to come.

And our promise in return? With your help, to continue to invest in our communities and to deliver the highest level of care possible.

For a healthier community, choose ACMC. It’s a decision that affects so much more than your health.

www.acmchealth.org

10A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, March 22, 2012

NATIONAL SPRING CLEANING WEEK

Spring Is on the Way!!!

Gifts & Flowers

Tanning Special thru April 15th

MARCH 19TH - 25TH

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$

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Call and make appointment by April 20, 2012.

440-594-4408 5035 Center Rd. (Rt. 7), Conneaut , OH

signsations@fairpoint.net

Graduations, Reunions, Open Houses, etc. ...

For more information, or to book Phil’s Catering

440-992-7445

243 STALEY RD., ORWELL 440-437-8955 We Deliver Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 9am - 6pm Wed. & Sat. 9am - 3pm

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We are your waterproofing specialist for any type of residential or commercial basement.

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L.L.C.

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June Faehnrich

FLAG SPECIALTY SHOP DONATIONS NEEDED. See Us For Details.

FLAGS • Banners • Bunting • Bases • Decals POLES • Fans • Key Rings • Lapel Pins ANIMAL/OLYMPIC ITEMS Patches • Picks • Stickers • Windsocks FLEA MARKET ITEMS!

Hardware & Software Solutions Service & Repair Quality Workmanship Custom Computer Sales Adware, Spyware and Virus Removal GREAT PRICES!

Think Spring!

We Are Ashtabula County’s Largest Grower Of Quality Nursery Stock We will have a large assortment of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials & hanging baskets all season!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

SEE US FOR YOUR 2012 LANDSCAPE SERVICES – PLAN NOW!

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