Courier 11-24-11

Black Friday (and Saturday) Art Show - See page 8A

Inside this week

Ashtabula County Country Christmas

Happy Thanksgiving

— 48 pages of holiday happenings

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

THURSDAY NOV. 24, 2011

Harry’s Wild About the Christmas Parade

By Martha Sorohan Gazette Newspapers

Club -sponsored parade.

Already more than 40 units have signed up, which according to CONNEAUT - Grand Marshall LaRusch is more than this time Harry Church may be one of the last year. only persons in Conneaut who does In addition to the classic cars, not want snow for Friday’s annual marching units, and emergency Christmas parade, and it appears vehicles, the parade will feature Little Miss Firecracker Kira Mucci, his wish will be granted. and Ashtabula County Fair King and Queen Cody Fetters, of Jefferson, and Courtney Cox, of Conneaut, respectively.

LaRusch said it is never too late to enter the parade.

“We have people who just show up at the high school for the lineup at 6 p.m. and that’s okay,” he said. “Since this is such an old parade, that’s just kind of how it is.

They know all they have to do is show up, and we plan for that. We have room.”

Some parade participants go home winners. Judges Jeanette Speer, Jim Furman and Dolly Sherman will be looking for the PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN Best Float, Best Marching Unit, Harry Church is Grand Marshal of and Most Kids on a Float.

First- , second- and third-place this year’s Christmas parade, “Winter Wonderland,” which prizes will be given in the Best steps off from Conneaut High Float and Best Marching Unit catSchool 7 p.m. Friday. Sponsored egories. Only first place will be by the Conneaut Optimist Club, awarded for Most Kids on a Float.

Marty Landon will provide the parade is followed by the Conneaut Area Chamber of sound and serve as emcee. The parade will be videotaped for later Commerce Lights of Love lighting showing on Conneaut’s local cable at Main & Broad Streets.

TV access channel by Lance Drew.

For Church, who has been batNot that Church does not want the weather to match the parade tling health problems and undertheme, “Winter Wonderland,” But going chemotherapy, being asked he would rather be comfortably to lead the parade is a thrill. It caps waving to parade-goers from an off a year which included honors open window of the car — or even at the Sept. 2 Conneaut High a convertible — than shivering in- School football game for his conside a car during the parade that tributions in preparing the field at steps off from Conneaut High the Conneaut Local Youth Organization for Conneaut Area City School at 7 p.m.

Church’s vehicle is being deter- Schools sporting events. Active mined by his son-in-law, Gary with CLYO for nearly 60 years, Hagstrom, who is likely waiting Church’s name has become synuntil Friday to determine what the onymous with that organization.

The parade will be followed by weather will permit.

“It’s supposed to be between 52 the Conneaut Area Chamber of and 58 degrees, so we’re expecting Commerce lighting of the “Lights a big turn-out,” said Neil LaRusch, of Love” tree at Conneaut Savings chair of the Conneaut Optimist Bank at Main and Buffalo Streets.

UFO Expert Returning to Conneaut Public Library

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

“Can they be from outer space?” he asked. “All we have to do is think about the number of galaxCONNEAUT - Science fiction ies in the universe and the nummovies from the early 1960s ber of planets orbiting the billions piqued his interest in things extra- of stars in each galaxy. The odds terrestrial, but seeing a triangular- would appear to indicate some shaped object silently drifting form of life has to exist. I’m also north-to-south in the sky near open to the idea of UFO’s originatBath, in Summit County, one night ing in another dimension. Who’s to made UFO investigator Thomas say the only way to get here is by Wertman a believer. traveling a number of light years “It was around 10 o’clock at through space in a rocket propelled night. The craft was extremely by conventional fuels? We have to large, about 300 feet across. What think outside the box on different was so amazing is that no one else forms of travel.” saw or reported an object that big.

Wertman believes that all of us I never found any explanation for have a degree of skepticism about the sighting,” he said.

UFOs, but people in general are Wertman, of the Mutual UFO less skeptical these days because Network, will discuss his investi- of Hollywood and more familiarity gations into public claims about with technology. flying saucers — and other objects “Some of the old movies, such people swear they see and that no as ‘Plan Nine from Outer Space,’ one can fully explain — at 6 p.m. were so bad the host encouraged Nov. 29 at Conneaut Public Li- the audience change the channel brary, 304 Buffalo Street. or turn their televisions off,” he Wertman’s goal in public speak- said. “Imagine watching a movie ing engagements is not to change made so cheap you could even see anyone’s mind, but to inform people the strings holding up the flying about the sightings in Ohio while saucers.” providing an open forum to discuss Then Hollywood advanced to the subject. Most people who attend “The Day The Earth Stood Still,” are looking for an answer, he said, in which aliens were concerned and he does believe that there is about technology being developed “something” out there. MUFON’s by earthlings, and gave an ultimaweb site states that 1,000 UFO tum: stop, or the world would be sightings were reported in August, destroyed.” double the monthly average.

“If you think about it, movies form visual images of what we perceive aliens to look like and why they are visiting earth. But the reality is much different. Though we have yet to see a space ship fly over the Capitol and land with in-

See UFO page 4A

VOL. 20 NO. 47

75

CENTS

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS, INC.

Dave Jones’ Thanksgiving Dinner Returns

PHOTO BY ALLAN MONONEN

Dave Jones will serve the community Thanksgiving dinner from a new place this year: Fellowship Hall of New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street. Turkey with all the trimmings, including homemade pies, will be served from noon to 2 p.m. Carry-out is available. Its all free.

By MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

gravy, dinner rolls and pie, will be offered at no charge from noon to 2 p.m.

CONNEAUT - New place, faThe entire community is welmiliar face. come.

That sums up this year’s free Jones and his wife, Donna, community Thanksgiving din- picked up the tradition of a comner, hosted and prepared by munity Thanksgiving dinner in Dave Jones at Fellowship Hall 2007 as owners of Crazy Dave’s in of New Leaf United Methodist W. Springfield, Pa., following the Church, 283 Buffalo Street. death of Roy Stewart, who began The dinner, featuring turkey, the local tradition from the former dressing, mashed potatoes and Roy’s Restaurant on Main Street.

The Joneses brought the tradition back to town when Crazy Dave’s moved to Mill Street the following year.

“Nobody else was really doing that in this area, and I wanted to make sure that no one is going without dinner on Thanksgiving,” Jones said.

For awhile this year, Jones was not sure he would be able to

See DINNER page 3A

Legislation In the Works to Return OHP To Prison

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Freshman Ohio Rep. Casey Kozlowski (R-99) told The Courier on Monday that he plans to introduce legislation to retain jurisdiction by the Ohio Highway Patrol to handle criminal complaints inside Lake Erie Correctional Institution once the Corrections Corporation of America

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Ashtabula County Commissioner Dan Claypool hosted a meeting of some 30 state, county and local officials regarding law enforcement jurisdiction at Lake Erie Correctional Institution once a private firm assumes ownership at 10 p.m. Dec. 31.

(CCA) becomes the prison’s owner at 10 p.m. Dec. 31.

The news came five days after a Nov. 16 meeting in Kent State University Ashtabula’s Blue and Gold room attended by some 30

representatives of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC), Ashtabula County administrators and com-

See PRISON page 7A

Christmas Cards Go Up at Lakeview Park

SUBMITTED PHOTO

On Nov. 12, members of the Conneaut High School wrestling team (right) helped Conneaut Rotary Club and other volunteers dig holes and put up the “Avenue of Christmas Cards” at Lakeview Park. This is the eighth year that the Rotary Club has brought holiday greetings to the community from businesses, churches, service organizations and individuals, The cards, made by inmates at Lake Erie Correctional Institution, will be lit evenings through the end of the year.

2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A

TOWN TALK This month’s Free Produce Distribution at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill St., will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Nov. 28. The Nov. 21 date in last week’s Courier was an original date which was later changed. The December distribution will be 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Dec. 12. Please bring a bag to take home the produce.

Channel’s showing of Conneaut’s D-Day Event filmed last August has been postponed until after the first of the year, said official DDay photographer Wayne Heim.

Crews flew to Conneaut from Los Angeles to film as they participated as World War II re-enactors in the event.

shelves. It is “And Sundry Things Minus the Kitchen Sink,” by 80-yearold Paul Whipple, who drew his inspiration from the “Little House on the Prairie” series.

The Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce and UH-Conneaut Medical Center are teaming up to sponsor a Downtown Snowman Contest that does not require snow.

Snowmen — wooden cutouts, waiting to be decorated — may be picked up at the Chamber office starting Jan. 2. They will be displayed downtown for a month, starting in January, and winners announced Feb. 4.

Registration deadline is Jan. 12. More details will follow in next week’s Courier.

Right Track Director Rick Whitney is looking for Conneaut Human Re- a children’s wading pool to sources Center will host a serve as a Duck Pond during Sub Sale on Tuesday, Dec. Right Track’s first Winter 13, with pick-up from 4:30 to Fun Fair to be held 5 to 9 p.m.

6:30 p.m. The homemade Dec. 2 at the Conneaut HuItalian subs are $3. Call 593- man Resources Center.

5273 to order. Proceeds ben- Whitney has been busy planefit the Conneaut Human ning this first-ever Right Track fund-raiser. Not all Resources Center. event details are nailed Churches are invited to down, but he hopes to have submit to the Conneaut cable the Animal Protective channel tapes of their League bring animals which Due to The Courier’s early Christmas events for airing need new homes for Christpublishing deadline this on channels 6 and 19 next mas. week, the Conneaut Cable month. Contact Cable CoorThe Burning Stone will Schedule was not available dinator Regis Galvin for information on using city close for Thanksgiving, but at press time, but Homeequipment to tape these will be open 5 p.m. Friday, town Sports Report’s events. The goal of local ac- Nov. 25, to offer hot bever- Allan Mononen’s intercess television is to give the ages to Christmas parade- views with Conneaut High public access to their commu- goers — even though fore- School basketball and wresnity station. Family mem- casts predict unseasonably tling teams, and Conneaut bers who tape school events warm temperatures for this Middle School basketball are also welcome to submit year’s parade. The cafe’s full and wrestling squads, will those tapes for airing. Call menu will be available. air this week.

Galvin at the Cable Office at Conneaut Public Library, 599-2840.

Finally, happy Thanks304 Buffalo St., has a local giving. The editor gives speThe National Geographic author’s new book on the cial thanks for those who faithfully contribute in numerous capacities to The Courier each week and, most important, to the readers in this wonderful community.

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DINNER offer a community Thanksgiving dinner. Business had fallen so sharply at the restaurant that its future was uncertain.

Then, The Child Care Center housed at New Leaf United Methodist Church called Jones and asked him to take over its kitchen.

Shortly thereafter, New Leaf hired him as part-time cook for funeral dinners, Friday evening community dinners and Sunday brunch.

The hours were such that though the couple decided to close Crazy Dave’s at the end of October, Jones was able to reopen it as the Mill Street Cafe during lunch hours and as an evening party venue, the following day.

Senior Calendar

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Board of Health Debates Budget Cuts

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Meeting in special session 8 a.m.

Nov. 15 to look over a pared down proposed 2012 budget prepared by Health Commissioner Sally Kennedy, the Board of Health balked upon discovering that if the budget were adopted, Kennedy would be accepting a $4,900 annual pay cut, dropping her annual fulltime salary to $36,000.

Kennedy had drawn up the proposed budget, which saves the Health Department $62,000 next year, following a Nov. 4 meeting with the city’s Finance and Ordinance Committee in which the Health Board was told it could no longer expect to be subsidized by the city.

The original 2012 draft budget presented to the F&O Committee was $18,000 less than the Health Department’s 2011 budget, but it was not good enough, Kennedy was told.

Last week, Health Board chair Karl Mischka was irritated to think that City Council would expect department employees to accept pay cuts when city union workers’ will be receiving 4 percent across-theboard pay raises next year, per labor contracts.

“Everyone should be on the bandwagon when it comes to cutting costs,” he said. “They are getting a pay raise? That makes no sense to me. Would the city manager take a pay cut? The Finance Director?”

Kennedy worked hard

From page 1A Thus, he has a lot to be thankful for, especially the New Leaf kitchen so the community Thanksgiving dinner tradition may continue.

Several hundred people have accepted Jones’ Thanksgiving Day hospitality, including many who carried the meals home, in the last few years.

As in years past, Jones and family members will volunteer their time on Thursday. A portion of the pie donations will come from the community, thanks to a plea from the Conneaut Public Library.

All are welcome to Thursday’s meal.

“It’s our way of giving back,” Jones said.

drawing up the second proposed budget, but board members agreed that despite the pending $430,000 shortfall in the city’s 2012 revenue — mostly due to state budget cuts — balancing the city budget should not come on the backs of the Health Department, especially in light of pay raises for union workers.

The board did appear agreeable to Kennedy’s proposal to cut the Health Department hours from 40 to 36 hours per week, most likely closing Friday afternoons.

“But this leaves no time for nuisance complaints, animal bites, or licensed hauler inspections,” Kennedy cautioned.

Were the department to close Friday afternoons, each part-time Director of Nursing would be paid for 18 hours per week. Both receive benefits because the director’s job is a full-time job shared by Jody Slayton, R.N., and Louise Cleveland, R.N. “The nurses are overwhelmed,” Kennedy said.

“They never realized how busy they would be.”

Kennedy added that state administrative code does not permit her to fill in as Director of Nursing in the absence of a director..

Sanitarian Nick Sabo said that with 1,040 hours required in state-mandated programs, cutting the department’s hours of operations would leave little time for lead complaints, polluted water, checking camps and food programs, and would likely wipe out health education programs which he views as important considering changes in septic laws.

“State programs have to have required hours, and we’re on the cusp now,” he said.

Clerk Dolly Sherman said Kennedy’s proposed budget leaves no room for temporary help, although Board of Health member Mary Helen Maire offered to come in and answer phones in Sherman’s absence. Sherman currently leaves at 3 p.m. daily, 90 minutes before the Health Department closes.

Kennedy fills in until closing time.

Kennedy pointed out, however, that Sherman’s hourly salary is nearly $1 less than starting clerks’ salaries in other city departments, without their benefits. Sherman spends

about two hours per week handling the city’s cemetery records, but offered to turn over that duty to the city.

“I don’t think the community knows all that we do,” said Sabo, who works parttime. “Lots of what we do goes under the radar. The state invents new mandates for Health Departments. At just 20 hours? You’re busy.

We responded to 146 complaints and each averaged three to four inspections per complaint at zero revenue.

It’s a ‘freebie’ that the city pays for.”

Mischka responded that perhaps nuisance complaints should be directed to City Hall.

“We may have to go in that direction,” he said.

Board member Bob Marcy said that even if the Health Department cuts back to 36 hours per week, Kennedy should not lose $4,900 in wages.

Kennedy said she is agreeable to dropping to 36 hours but does not plan to work extra hours.

All told, Kennedy’s proposed cuts would mean savings via reduced wages of $1,354 for the clerk and $3,848 for Directors of Nursing. Sabo is already part-time.

The board also considered contracting out plumbing inspections, but Kennedy said the inspections broke even this year.

“We don’t make money from that, but we’d lose revenue if we outsourced it,” Kennedy said.

She said that outsourcing would also require ordinances repealing present city ordinances regarding plumbers’ licenses, inspectors’ salaries, the license registration fee and permit fee.

The board adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel, and planned another meeting to tackle the budget issue. It will go back to Council during budget hearings Nov. 29 and 30.

The Board of Health had a 2011 deficit of $119,000. It included severance payments to two employees.

That will not be the case this year.

Though Kennedy is working hard to slash the budget, she also told her board that the Ohio Revised Code mandates cities to fund health departments as long as they submit budgets in a timely and efficient manner.

“They must fund ‘reasonable requests,’” she said.

CORRECTION Dec. 1 - “Exchange It Day” featuring a “White Elephant” gift exchange. Wrap up an item valued at $2 or less (silly, serious, large, small, etc.) Cookie exchange: if willing, please bring two dozen cookies.

Both activities are optional.

Do not stay away because you are unable to contribute.

Other fun activities are planned.

CHRC Seniors Together

Cody Young was the second man cited for disorderly conduct, and released to a friend following an incident near the Golden Anchor 2 a.m. Nov. 11 described in “Police Break Up A Street Fight” in The Courier, Nov. 17.

Civic Meetings Conneaut City Council, televised meeting 7 p.m. Nov. 28 Conneaut City Council 2012 Budget meetings, 7 p.m.

Nov. 29 and 30 Conneaut Recreation Board, 7 p.m. Nov. 30.

Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m. Dec. 8 North Kingsville Village Council, 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at Municipal Building, 3541 Center

Publisher ................................... John Lampson President ............................ Jeffrey J. Lampson General Manager .................... William Creed bcreed@gazettenews.com Senior Editor ......................... Stefanie Wessell swessell@gazettenews.com Editor ...................................... Martha Sorohan courier@gazettenews.com

People ages 50 and up are welcome the first and third Thursdays of the month at Weekdays 11 a.m. at 327 Good Shepherd Lutheran Mill Street. Free.

Church, 876 Grove Street.

Health checks 9:45 a.m., 10 Daily walking 7:30 a.m. a.m. devotion, exercise and lunch the first and third Nov. 29 - Project Day. Classmembers, spouses and guests will meet for breakThursdays The next gather- Work on hats, crochet/loom fast at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Perkins Restaraunt in ing is Nov. 3. or visit.

Conneaut.

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Alumni Calendar

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by ALLAN MONONEN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - Conneaut Port Authority Chair Denver Spieldenner reported at the Port Authority’s Nov. 17 meeting at City Hall that the new wildlife observation platform is complete, except for a handrail. A new metal handrail on order will replace a temporary wooden handrail now in place.

The Port Authority heard that the dock rental for 2012 is ahead of the same time last year. Of 310 docks in the lagoon and Port Conneaut Marina, 243 are now rented for 2012. At this time last year, only 200 had been reserved.

This year, a total of 7,918 launches were counted from the ramp, down from 8,605 in 2010.

The drop was blamed on the weather, which was warmer and rainier than 2010.

Net income was $30,036 in 2011, compared with

sary.

Spieldenner conducted the Dock Manager’s report.

The Board purchased two new pumps for the sewer lift station. They have arrived and will be installed soon.

Now another pump may be necessary for the office building on Public Dock.

The work crew will inquire into the cost.

The crew has been busy taking out the old docks in the lagoon in preparation for winter. Winter buoys have been set in the boat channel.

PHOTO BY ALLAN MONONEN A concrete pad near the The new lakefront wildlife observation deck is complete, Dockside restaurant has except for a permanent hand rail. A temporary rail is been completed. Repairs to being used until the metal one, on order, arrives. the concrete sidewalks near 2010 net income of $32,500. rentals. the launch ramp are finBoard members lauded Geroge Distel has re- ished. the employees for keeping signed as Port Manager.

Port Authority members their hours as low as pos- Distel sent a letter to the will hold a special breakfast sible by going home when U.S. Army Corps of Engi- meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dethe weather was bad. Mem- neers stating the interest of cember 6, at Basil’s Cafe. bers also gave an ‘Attagirl!’ the Port Authority to be con- The Port Authority’s regular to secretary Dee Tennant for sidered for a pilot project in monthly meeting will be 7 doing a good job contacting harbor dredging. No finan- p.m. Dec. 15 in Council dock holders for next year’s cial requirement is neces- chambers.

4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

Delinquent Assessments Cost the City

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

ditors. An initial transfer of funds to make the bond payment means that at some CONNEAUT - At yet an- point, assessments that come other brief 25-minute City would have to be put back Council work session Mon- into the borrowing fund.

“It’s hard to transfer day night, Conneaut Finance Director John Will- back,” Williams said.

Williams said interest iams explained that delinquent payments to six spe- could be attached to loaned cial 2010 tax assessment funds. The transfer of funds funds stemming from three must take place before the sewer projects at the East end of the year.

In other business, City Side Industrial Park and at Gateway mean the city will Manager Timothy Eggleston have to cover an $18,000 told Council that Fire Chief shortfall in order to satisfy Steve Lee investigates all bond payments in early reports of open burning in the city. If laws are being vio2012.

Williams said that prop- lated, the fire department erty owners were assessed puts out the fire and fines the fees, and it is the respon- offenders. First offenders are sibility of the Ashtabula fined $150 and second ofCounty Treasurer Dawn fenses are treated as fourthdegree misdemeanors.

Cragon to collect them.

Council also requested “It doesn’t mean that she isn’t doing her job,” Williams that Eggleston’s recommencautioned, when asked by dations that the “no turn on At-large Councilman Neil red 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.”signs be LaRusch how the city could lifted at several city interseccollect the money. “I know tions be sent for review to that for some people, the rea- the Public Safety Commitson is financial. One in par- tee. Eggleston had sent ticular has issues — liens Council a list of those interand other legal problems. sections in his e-mailed And that may be the case on weekly report, but Council President Tom Udell rea number of parcels.”

Williams said the Astatic quested the matter go to Demolition Fund was in ar- Committee because some rears by $366,684, while intersections, including Revitalization was behind Broad & State Streets, have $51,077. Delinquencies on a “left turn on arrow only” the six sewer projects was cycle which he thinks merit the “no turn on red” signs. $88,944.

“People will zip right Williams suggested that the city transfer funds in or- through there on red withder to make the bond pay- out stopping,” he said.

Eggleston said he has no ments, but cautioned it must be done properly per state au- problem sending the matter

to the Public Safety Committee, but reminded Udell he had reviewed the list with Conneaut Police Chief Chuck Burlingham.

Law Director David Schroeder had no report other than to comment on the Nov. 16 meeting at Kent State Ashtabula on the law enforcement responsibility at Lake Erie Correctional Institution once Corrections Corporation of America takes over at 10 p.m. Dec. 31.

“It was a good session. All were focused to resolve the issue at hand,” he said.

Eggleston also stated that the meeting went well, saying that the “state reps had no problem to legislate the Ohio Highway Patrol to do investigations,” he said.

“Hopefully, [new prison owners] will supply labor for trimming and mowing [in the city] as the need arises.”

LaRusch told Council that he is waiting to see the legislation giving the Ohio Highway Patrol the authority to do internal investigations at the prison.

“I’m happy that we got to meet the new CCA staff. I’m looking forward to seeing how this is resolved,” he said.

Under Miscellaneous Business, Ward 3 Councilman Greg Mooney asked Eggleston about the status of a trailer on Chestnut Street that has been disassembled and in pieces for some time.

Eggleston said an interested party had paid $150

UFO

to purchase the trailer and was going to take it, but he “didn’t make it.”

“So now the city has to try to get the trailer remove,” Eggleston explained.

Ward 1 Councilman Dave Campbell announced the reopening of the Middle Road overpass over I-90.

LaRusch announced that 2012 budget meetings with city departments will take place 7 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30 in Council chambers.

Discussing agenda items for the Nov. 28 meeting, Council learned that signs have been ordered stating “no engine brake” in the city.

The City Manager said fines must be adopted for offenses, similar to those in North Kingsville. An “engine break” ordinance will have its first reading at the Nov. 28 meeting.

Campbell requested that the city post signs banning the transport of hazardous waste in city limits. He reported seeing trucks on Underridge Road that state they are carrying chemicals.

He believes the only reason they are on Underridge Road is to avoid detection.

“With all the natural gas fracking, it’s good to look at,” Eggleston said.

Also on Nov. 28, an ordinance in its first reading will seek to eliminate several inactive funds, such as the CHIP/CDBG from 2006 and the DARE grant.

Council will meet in regular televised meeting 7 p.m.

Nov. 28.

From page 1A

ternational attention in Washington, D.C, on any given night you can turn on Discovery or History Channel and see shows talking about UFOs or ancient aliens. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have taken movies to a new level.”

For that reason, Wertman said young people are less skeptical about UFO sightings than older people.

“Seniors remember the days of telephones with dials, television antennas on the roofs of houses, and playing basketball with friends — not on Playstation or Xbox. Yet it’s interesting how many mature attendees offer sightings, with substance, that they were afraid to discuss for years,” he said.

The number of sightings increases in the summer, especially around July 4, Wertman said, due to more late evening outside activities.

“The last two years, MUFON of Ohio had a number of reports in the Cincinnati region related to a skydiving team performing at night with pyrotechnics,” he said.

And though the Internet permits UFO spotters to post videos onto the web, Wertman says that anyone can post a video whether it contains a real UFO or not.

That is where MUFON comes in.

Thomas Wertman “ I think most people posting the videos do not want their sighting to be explained,” he said. “A large percentage of these can probably be explained, but unfortunately, investigators like me are not provided sufficient information needed to identify the object.”

In high demand as a speaker, with 30 speaking engagements this year and a 2012 calendar quickly filling up, Wertman believes the government appears to dismiss UFO incidents because it cannot do anything about them.

“The extra-terrestrials’

technology may be so superior to ours that it would be like a World War I biplane trying to pursue a modern fighter,” he said. “The government does not want the general public to panic.”

Wertman’s programs include visuals, including witness photographs and videos, and time for audience members to share their stories.

“Most people who attend my talks are believers,” he said.

And despite his long experience with MUFON, Wertman still has unanswered questions.

“I’m just looking for an answer for what we are seeing in the skies,” he said. “Is it alien, from another dimension? Military in origin? I just want to know. I want to find out,” he said.

Wertman is also co-director of the Cleveland UFology project, the country’s oldest continually meeting UFO organization.

“The greatest satisfaction in this comes from what, I believe, is in promoting ‘ufology’ the right way,” he said. “Not everything in the skies is a UFO of alien origin. I would conservatory estimate about 70 to 80 percent of sightings can be explained with good scientific research, data collection, and analysis. If the only thing I did was look in the skies and utter some colorful metaphors about every object in the skies being a UFO, I would lose all credibility.”

“But every night, I take a walk and find myself looking skyward in the hope of seeing something of unknown origin, and I wish I had third generation night vision binoculars to supplement sky watching But do I believe we are alone? No. There has to be life in some form out there.”

Wertman’s talk is free.

Call the library at (440) 5931608 with questions.

Rotary District Governor Farewell to a Faithful Friend Visits Conneaut

City Manager’s Report to Conneaut City Council - Nov. 21 Traffic Sign Changes I asked Chief Burlingham to look at the “No Turn On Red between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.” to see if they could be changed. The signs at the following locations were reviewed and staff is asking that they be removed.

Mill and Main Streets, State and Mill Streets, Broad and State Streets, Broad and Jackson Streets.

I have other changes to stop signs that will be coming in the future

City Projects I asked CT Consultants to prepare a list of projects the City currently has on the board. The following describes the project, funding source, and status.

Current Projects Dorman Rd. Culvert Replacement / Keefus Road Repair Project Amount: $350,100 Funding Sources: Anticipated Ohio Public Works Commission Grant of $199,900 Anticipated Revolving Loan Fund Grant of $141,555 Status: OPWC pre-application was approved by District 7. The completed final application was submitted to the Ashtabula County Engineer’s office on October 28, 2011. If successful, the OPWC funds to perform the work will become available on July 1, 2012.

We understand that the culvert is to be back in service prior to the beginning of the 2012/2013 school year. In order to accomplish this, engineering and permitting must begin immediately.

We will provide a work authorization for your review.

Aerial Sewer Replacement Project Amount: $354,000 Funding Sources: Anticipated Ohio Public Works Commission Grant of $177,000 Balance from Sewer Fund Status: OPWC pre-application was approved by District 7. The completed final application was submitted to the Ashtabula County Engineer’s office on October 28, 2011. If successful, the OPWC funds to perform the work will become available on July 1, 2012.

WWTP Final Sampling Relocation & Improvements Project Amount: $100,000 Funding Sources: Sewer Fund Status: The contractor has reached Substantial Completion as of October 26, 2011; the only items remaining include topsoil, seeding and mulching; as well as a final Change Order.

WWTP Aeration Improvements Project Amount: $514, 825 Funding Sources: OPWC Grant: $198,500 OPWC 0% Loan: $50,000 EPA Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) Loan $300,000 (anticipate drawing only $266,325) Status: Bids were reviewed and awarded to A. P. O’Horo Company of Youngstown, contingent upon a December 9, 2011 award of Water Pollution Control Loan Funds (WPCLF). Once awarded, CT will press for work to commence immediately. City Ordinance 95-11, which authorized the City’s submission of the WPCLF loan application, was passed by Council on October 11, 2011.

East Side Industrial Park Project Amount: $1,155,970 Funding Sources: USDA Rural Development Grant: $165,000 Ohio Dept. of Development Rural Industrial Loan Program (ODOD RILP) Loan: $500,000 ODOD RILP Grant: $125,000 Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) Loan: $295,000 U. S. Economic Development Authority (USEDA) Grant: $365,000 Local Share (Economic Development Fund): $50,000 Status: Work is nearing Substantial Completion; the new roadway is paved, new concrete curb/gutter and sidewalks have been installed where designated, and sedimentation ponds are nearing completion. Upon winter seeding/mulching, Snavely will return to the site in spring 2012 to touch-up any punch list items that surface. Street lighting should still be considered, since USDA funding will likely be available for the City’s use. The next Project Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 11AM.

Lake Erie Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project Amount: $184,000 Funding Sources: OPWC Grant: $92,000 Anticipated Ohio Water Development Authority Loan: $92,000 Status: Design is 90% complete. Comments received from the Wastewater Department on the 90% submittal of plans are being addressed. The $92,000 in OPWC funding to fix the sewer was applied for in 2010. There is also an ongoing OPWC project from 2008, which was to pave Lake Erie Street. That paving has been put on hold until the sewer is fixed. The two projects (sewer and paving) will be finished together.

Creek Road Tank Replacement Project Amount: $1,018,000 Funding Sources: OPWC Grant: $36,500 (2008) OPWC Grant: $322,500 (2009) OPWC Loan: $150,000 (2009) Plan to apply for CDBG Water and Sewer Grant: $500,000 Status: Design of this project can proceed when the property is secured. The application for the CDBG funding cannot be submitted until the design is complete and the project has been approved by Ohio EPA. In order to keep the OPWC funding, this project must be awarded by July 1, 2012.

Water Treatment Plant Screens Project Amount: $342,000 Funding Sources: OPWC Grant: $121,000 OPWC 0% loan: $50,000 Status: Project was put out for bid in November, 2010. One potential supplier of the screen dropped out during the bidding.

This exposed the City to not getting competitive pricing; therefore, the bids were withdrawn. Plan to go out for re-bid in December with project completion by October, 2012. The Contract Documents will specify a maximum price for the screens in order to prevent non-competitive pricing.

The Law Director is completing the land purchase agreement for the Creek Road Water Tank, which will then allow CT to proceed with the engineering.

JACKSON AND BROAD A demolition contractor has contacted the city to raze the building at Broad and Jackson. The company wants to bury the demolition debris on site except for the metals. My answer is “no.” I believe that demolition contractors are required to dispose of the material at a licensed landfill. If the city were to try to develop or find a developer for the property, it would be detrimental, as the new owner would have an added cost of digging out the material and disposing of it. City gave the contractor the name of North Coast Construction Company that may be able to take the block and brick. The slab can remain. The demolition company wanted to bury the debris and any spoils that were left would be used to cover the slab and the contractor would seed it. The only problem would be that the city would be stuck mowing the grass —another expense we do not need. It needs to be done right.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

PEARL STREET NO PARKING SIGNS

Conneaut Rotary Club President Scott Landis (left) is pictured with Rotary International’s District Governor Steven Zabor following a Rotary luncheon Nov. 8 at the Conneaut Community Center for the Arts. Zabor told the local club that Rotary helps not only in local communities, but all over the world. Thanks to the Rotary Foundation, he said, polio may be eradicated worldwide in ten years.

On Nov. 1st, a letter was sent to the residents who would be affected by the placing of the “No Parking” signs on Pearl Street between the Township Park entrance and Whitney Street. A hard copy of the correspondences will be provided to you at the meeting. The residents were given two weeks to respond to the letter.

Most called and asked as why the Township Park Board was requesting the signs and what data was presented to warrant the request, as the residents never felt there was a problem, nor has anyone complained in the past. Most respondents agreed that during an event, it was prudent to post the street temporarily “No Parking.” One resident stated that when family comes to visit, they are told to park on the grass along the road and not on the road itself.

Your Local Independent Pharmacy for 50 Years Kerry Gerdes, Ticey Czup & Dave Turner, Pharmacists

HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE!

GERDES PHARMACY

245 Main St., Conneaut

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

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

The American Legion Cowle Post #151 held its traditional flag-burning ceremony on Nov. 11, following Veterans Day ceremonies. Before the flags were lowered slowly into the flames, Legion Commander Tom Udell reminded the onlookers of the flags’ symbolism and years of service, The Legion offers flag-burning — the proper means of disposing of used flags — each Veterans Day. Tattered flags may be dropped off at any time and will be held until the next year’s flag-burning ceremony.

MILL ROAD BRIDGE Council member Neil LaRusch believes that due to the historic significant of the Mill Road Bridge, once it is renovated it could be included as a component of the historic bridge tour.

LaRusch contacted John Smolen of Smolen Engineering regarding the Mill Road Bridge as this is one of the two Concrete Arch bridges in Ashtabula County. The other is Center Road bridge which was rehabilitated by Smolen. Federal dollars available would pay 80% of the cost to rehabilitate the structure. The other 20% would come from other sources. Smolen has present a proposal to evaluate the bridge, prepare an opinion of probable rehabilitation costs, and prepare ODOT and OPWC grants for the renovation.

LaRush can expound more on this issue.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

Pharmacy & Health Treatment for Myelofibrosis A sign of myelofibrosis is the disruption of the normal production of blood cells by the bone marrow.

This disruption leads to scarring of the bone marrow, which impairs its ability to produce different types of cells.

Normally, stem cells in the bone marrow lead to the development of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Anemia, increased risk of infections, and bleeding conditions can develop as a result of myelofibrosis.

Bone pain can also result. In response to the deficiency, the liver and spleen attempt to produce the cells that are lacking, and these organs can become enlarged. A genetic mutation leads to myelofibrosis, although the exact cause of the mutation is unknown. Persons over age 50 are more likely than others to develop the condition.

A stem cell transplant is the only treatment cur-

by Kerry Gerdes Gerdes Pharmacy 245 Main St. 593-2578 rently available for a cure of myelofibrosis. Medications are available to treat conditions that may develop as a result of myelofibrosis for persons who are not able to receive a transplant. Hydroxyurea (Hydrea) works to decrease the size of an enlarged spleen, normalize cell production, and improve bone pain and other symptoms.

Fluoxymesterone (Androxy) may be prescribed along with prednisone, to improve production of red blood cells for persons with anemia.

Letters To The Editor City Needs to Own Its Debt Dear Editor: Remember former Councilman Robert Naylor advised Council to proceed with the union negotiator; all totaled, costing the tax payers $140,000?. What was their returnon-investment? Nothing!

• $330,000 spent on a new sewer jet; when $20,000 would have repaired the old one.

• Remember when Councilman Dave Campbell pleaded with (former Law Director) Lori Lamer not to close the boat business on Harbor Street, then Conneaut lost $1 million annually due to loss of income tax revenue? Why? • $7,000 spent on a new guardrail when there was a used one sitting in the Public Works garage. Simply wasteful.

• $440,000 for new Public Works equipment.

• $1.3 million for new neptune water meters that have saved us nothing! Nothing!

• Bob Mannion (Public Works Czar) earns $61,000 salary, plus benefits. He has the smallest crew and went through his entire 2011 budget in August with a $50,000. overrun. How? No accountability, that’s how! A couple of weeks ago, he sent a crew to grade the southern roads after three days of rain! Did that make any sense? Let’s not forget the 300-pound water meter that just vanished!!!

Is he the right man for the job?

With all of this wastefulness; the citizens can’t even get their leaves picked up!!!

When did Conneaut’s motto become “Let them eat cake?”

Unregistered citizens call Carol Lovas @576-6915 and ask her for a voter registration card. It is time to reclaim our city and relieve some people of their duties!

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A

At Home With.... Vickie Marcy Hi everyone! Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours; may your day be filled with family, friends, good food and an abundance of giving thanks for all we have. If you’re like the average person (that would include me), you’ll probably eat a little too much, doze a little, have a turkey sandwich later in the evening and generally have a great day. Then the countdown to Christmas will begin as millions of people trudge through freezing weather to stand in line for the biggest shopping day of the year.

Here’s to all of you “Black Friday” shoppers who go to bed early on Thanksgiving night and sleep for an hour or two so you can be in the front lines when the stores open at midnight or 1:00 A.M. for the spectacular sales; God Bless you all and I hope you find the great deals you’re looking for.

As for me, I’ll have my order ready on the internet and at 12:01 or 1:01 all I have to do is click “pay now” and within a few seconds, I’m done! Time for another turkey sandwich as I pop a movie into the DVD player and settle in for a relaxing night of movies or maybe I’ll finish the book I’ve been reading. Either way, you would never see me out at that time of the night shopping....ewww!!

I don’t like to shop that much regularly, why on earth would I go out of my way to stand in the freezing cold for a couple of hours to try to get a deal that will be sold out before ten people get into the store?? No thanks, I’ll pass, but happy shopping to the rest of you!

I’ve been remiss in my duties to supply my favorite Thanksgiving recipes in my

articles for those of you who have lost/misplaced/forgot to cut out/etc. previously printed recipes that you wanted to try. I’m running them again and I hope you take a few moments to cut them out and put them in a safe place. I’m going to pass on a suggestion from a well intentioned fan to carry copies of recipes with me to hand out as needed.

I’m lucky if I can find my grocery list when I go to the store so having anything extra in my purse would just add to the confusion and turmoil. Email me at: vickiemarcy@yahoo.com and I will make sure you get a copy of any recipe you need, thus saving my sanity and ensuring that you will have the ingredients on hand should the urge to make the recipe come over you.

My husband had knee surgery several weeks ago and is finally on the mend, the therapy is helping a lot so he should be back to his old self within another two weeks. I had minor oral surgery on the inside of my upper lip two weeks ago and the stitches saw fit to depart within two days of the surgery. Not good, considering my mouth was bruised, my upper lip was swollen and extremely tender and I sported a deep hole inside my lip until it started to grow back together.

As of this writing, it’s closing up slowly and not as sore, but I’m just grateful that it’s healing without benefit of stitches. That was some pain I had for two weeks and I don’t think that type of surgery will ever be on my agenda again! And, to add insult to injury, I tried to look for my lost diamond which entailed bending over and that brought on more pain in

Conneaut Community Center for the Arts 1025 Buffalo St. (440) 593-5888 After closing for Thanksgiving, the CCCA will reopen Nov. 28 ready for the Christmas season with several special events.

utes.

Meanwhile, stir together brown sugar and nuts in small bowl. After 20 minutes, sprinkle topping of sugar and nuts over filling. Continue to bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, cover and refrigerate. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

Vickie Marcy my mouth until I gave up the hunt and went back into the house and stayed inside. I guess I need to face facts: I’m not going to find my diamond..boohoo! Enough of that, it’s time to get to our recipes.

PUMPKIN BARS Crust ingredients: • 1 cup all purpose flour • 1/2 cup uncooked old fashioned oats • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1/2 cup softened butter Filling Ingredients: • 3/4 cup sugar • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin • 1 (12oz) can evaporated milk • 2 eggs • 3 tsp. pumpkin pie spice Topping Ingredients: • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Heat oven to 350¼; combine all crust ingredients in small bowl. Beat at low speed until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press onto bottom of sprayed 13"x 9" baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.

While crust is baking, combine all filling ingredients in large bowl. Beat at medium speed until smooth.

Remove crust after 15 minutes, pour filling into crust.

Bake an additional 20 min-

PECAN PIE BARS Crust ingredients: • 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 3/4 cup softened butter • 1/3 cup sugar • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans (or walnuts, if desired) Filling Ingredients: • 1-1/2 cups dark corn syrup • 2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 4 eggs • 6 tbs. all-purpose flour • 2 tsp. vanilla • 1 tsp. salt (optional) • 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans (or walnuts, if desired) Heat oven to 350¡; Combine 1 3/4 cups flour, butter and sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scrape bowl often, until mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Stir in 1/3 cup nuts.

Press crust mixture evenly onto bottom of ungreased 13x9 baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes or so, until just light golden brown.

Combine filling ingredients, except 1 1/2 cups nuts in small bowl, mixing well.

Stir in nuts. Spread evenly over hot, partly baked crust.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until knife inserted 1 - 2 inches from edge comes out clean.

Cool completely, cut into bars, enjoy!

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

QUICK TIP OF THE WEEK: Line the floor of your oven with foil to catch any spills; when the oven cools, toss the used foil and line with fresh foil so you’re ready for the next baking session.

Kingsville Public Library Events Christmas at Kingsville Public Library

The CCCA’s annual “Christmas Treasures Sale” is 9 Children’s Christmas Parties Dec. 3 at The Kingsville a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec.3, offering gently-used Christmas decoPublic Library will feature songs, crafts, puppet shows, and rations. Donations are being accepted for the sale. For help a visit from Santa. Register for 10 a.m., 1 p.m., or 5 p.m. getting decorations to the Center, call 593-5888 to arrange time slots by calling (440) 224-0239. Admission is free. pick-up.

Please bring a non-perishable food or personal hygiene Mike Breeze will present a dramatic one-man reading items for the less fortunate.Dog and cat food for the AniCharles Michalos of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. mal Protective League is also accepted. Registration deadConneaut 2 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Adults $8.50 and children 12 and line is Nov. 28. under $5. (CCCA members receive $1 discount.) Call 593Kingsville Public Library will also host a Holiday Open 5888 for tickets.

Memo to Conneaut Council: House 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14, with refreshments and live muThe Youth Theater will present “The Baddest Angel sic. The auction for the “Trim-A-Tree Silent Auction will take Portable Scales Will Not Work Band” at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 2 p.m. Dec. 11. The Conneaut place, and final bidding will be accepted until 6:30 p.m.

Dear Editor: Community Center for the Arts’ Dance Department will If you don’t know why, and apparently you don’t seem to present a Christmas program 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17. know why, call me. I’m in the book. Save the $200,000 for something that will work: 1. Permanent scales adjacent to the state line on city property on U.S. 20 West (probably cost prohibitive).

2. Hire a traffic enforcement officer! (most logical) Nov. 25, 26 - Derrick Erie & Sandusky Streets.

You should have an envelope I handed out at a recent McAdoo Art Show, 7 to 9 a.m., Horse-drawn carriage rides for Winter Craft Workshop council meeting relative to traffic enforcement. I did that 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 25 and 1 to 3 small fee. Christmas stories 6 The Winter Craft Workshop for all ages will be held 10:30 with the hope you would at least have the courtesy to read p.m. Nov. 26 at “DoJo” at 217 to 6:30 p.m. a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Dec. 5 to 9 at the Conneaut Public Liwhat I handed out. brary, 304 Buffalo Street. Each craft is offered for $1 donaMain Street.

I could come to Council meeting, and Tom will tell you I Dec. 3 - “Come Wassailing tion. Registration is not required. Allow approximately 15 hate meetings, and rehashing yet again, what the residents Nov. 29 - Mutual UF0 With Us,” Christmas dinner minutes to make each craft, which make great gifts. The who live on U.S. Route 20 have been going through for years Network’s Thomas Wertman, and “Twelve Days of Christ- workshop is sponsored by the Friends of the Conneaut Pubsince the Tourist Center opened in October, 1988. We even UFO Sightings Investigator, mas” ballet, with Conneaut lic Library. asked for a meeting with the Safety Committee to lobby speaks at Conneaut Public Li- Community Center for the for a Traffic Enforcement Officer in September, 2002. All brary, 304 Buffalo St., 6 p.m. Arts students, 5:30 p.m. at MadCap Puppets this was in the envelope I gave you. Through all of this Free.

First Congregational United The Friends of the Conneaut Public Library and the issue, there is one thing I have learned about Church of Christ, Main & Bufmeetings...there is a very big difference between hearing Dec. 2 - Winter Family Fun falo Streets. $12.50 adults, $8 American Legion are sponsoring a Holiday Party 5 to 7 p.m.Dec. 13 at the American Legion, 272 Broad Street. The and listening!

Fest, 5 to 9 p.m. at Conneaut 12 and under. 599-8744.

MadCap Puppets from Cincinnati will present Jack and R.N. “Joe” College Human Resources Center, 327 Conneaut Mill St. Benefits Right Track Dec. 4 - Holiday Open the Gentle Giant, Santa will visit from 6 -7 p.m. and reAfter-School Program.

House, 2 to 4 p.m. at Kremer freshments will be served. Registration is required due to Home, 455 Main St. Dinner, limited seating. Stop in or call the Conneaut Public Library Proud to live in Conneaut at 440-593-1608.

Dec. 2, 4 - Mike Breeze live music.

Dear Editor: performs Charles Dickens’ “A I am proud to live here in Conneaut.

Christmas Carol” 7:30 p.m.

I fell on a sidewalk and was badly hurt and the atten- Dec. 2 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4 tion I received from people who didn’t know me cannot be at Conneaut Community Cendescribed. ter for the Arts, 1025 Buffalo Kindness was in the air that day, and as bad as it was, Street. $8.50. only the goodness is shining through.

I think it was Darrell Yopp, Steve Kehoe, Jim Dombroski Dec. 3 - “Breakfast With and the girl that was working the mini-mall. They were so Santa” and Christmas cookie very good to me and stayed until the ambulance came. sale 8 a.m. to noon at Monroe Thank you everyone. You have a special place in my heart Township Fire Hall, 4095 forever.

Center Road. Breakfast $5 Bernie Kovacevic adults, $3 children. Call S. Conneaut Harco 594-3873.

Upcoming Events

Conneaut Public Library December Programs

Ashtabula County

BUCK FEVER NIGHT Friday, November 25th

Karlco Oilfield Services Dear Editor: There is a rumor circulating that we have sold our companies and/or our deep formations rights. This is completely false. We have neither sold our companies nor deep rights.

In fact, we are increasing our drilling activities in 2012.

Clarence Tussel, Jr., LTD Karlco Oilfield Services Jefferson

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

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

Dec. 3 - Children’s Christmas Party at Kingsville Public Library, 6006 Academy Street. Songs, crafts, puppet show, Santa, at 10 to 11 a.m., 1 to 2 p.m., or 5 to 6 p.m. Donations accepted for food pantry or Animal Protective League. Reserve by Nov. 28 at (440) 224-0239. Free.

Dec. 3 - Christmas Treasure Sale (used holidays decorations) 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Conneaut Community Center for the Arts, 1025 Buffalo Street.

Dec. 3, 10, 17 - Santa’s Workshop 5 to 7 p.m. at Conneaut’s Lakeview Park,

Ashtabula County Fairgrounds Expo Bldg., Jefferson Social Hour - 4:30 p.m. • Buffet Dinner - 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: $25 each

Bigger & Better Than Ever!

Gun Raffles • Auction • Door Prizes Reserve Today — No Door Sales.

Bring the Whole Family!

Call Ron Tusai at (440) 563-3384, or Dennis Malloy at (330) 507-9489

bility!

Call for Availa

6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

He Proudly Stands Up for the Flag Advent Services Begin Nov. 30 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

By MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

Christmas,” on Nov. 30 and will participate in the readings. Music on the fiddle and banjo will be offered by the Rev. Frank Gore, pastor, and his brother, Bill Gore.

On Dec. 7, “The Bells of Christmas,” music will be presented by the Genesis Bells.

On Dec. 14, “The Colors of Christmas,” the Chancel Choir will sing.

The community is invited to share dessert and coffee in Fellowship Hall before worship at 6:30 p.m.

“Attendees may bring dessert to share, or simply come,” said Gore.

The 30-minute worship service includes music, meditation and Advent message.

Nursery is available.

CONNEAUT - The season of Advent — the four Sundays preceding Christmas to prepare for Jesus’ birth and start the new church year — begins in Christian churches Nov. 27.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lake Road at Grove St., will prepare for the coming of Jesus with Wednesday evening dessert and Advent worship at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and 14.

The theme of this year’s 7 p.m.

Advent worship in the Sanctuary SUBMITTED PHOTO is “In Search of Christmas.”

Casual attire is welcome.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street Children will be the focal point at Lake Road, will host three mid-week Advent services this year, starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 30. of the first service, “Angels of

Candle of Love Ceremony Dec. 4 at Zaback Funeral Home

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers

Ducro Funeral Services’ J. Peter Ducro, who died this year, will read an original poem during the symbolic lighting of candles. She will also talk about the origins of Ducro Funeral Services’ annual “Candle of Love” service in Ashtabula County.

A responsive reading will include the familiar “We Will Remember Them,” Rabbi Sylvan Kamens’ 50-year-old poem found in “New Prayers for the High Holy Days” which reads, in part, “In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we will remember them; So long as we live, they, too shall live, For they

rangement Planning Advisor at Ducro Funeral Services.

The Candle of Love serASHTABULA - Ducro Fu- vice includes music by neral Services will host the Monica Gribus; a message by annual Candle of Love Cer- the Rev. Mike Legg, pastor of emony 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at First Church of the Nazarene Zaback-Ducro Funeral in Ashtabula; the lighting of Home, 500 W. Prospect, candles; and the reading of names of loved ones.

Ashtabula.

Attendees will write loved The ceremony to remember loved ones is open to the ones’ names in a Book of Reentire community, regardless membrance as well as on of where funeral services Christmas cards. The cards, which are held throughout were held.

“The service is for every- the service, are hung as orone who has lost someone, naments on the Tree of Renot just for those who lost membrance near the concluloved ones in the last year,” sion of the ceremony.

Sue Ducro, widow of said Lisa Demshar, Pre-Ar-

are now a part of us, As we remember them.”

Guests will receive a Holiday Help packet to help ease feelings of loss during the holiday season.

Refreshments will follow.

Planners also hope that those helped by the “Candle of Love” service in past years will share their experiences to help persons in the early stages of grief.

“The service is a brief and meaningful way to memorialize loved ones, whether the loss is recent or not,” Demshar said.

For more information, call (440) 992-2191.

Advent Begins at First United Church of Christ

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

At Lakeshore Primary School’s Veterans Day assembly on Nov. 10, American Legion Color Guard member Kevin Jury asked Scotty Edwards to stand (with back to camera) and applauded him for knowing proper flag etiquette of standing when the flag goes by. “He and other people who stand up make it all worthwhile,” Jury said.

Church Sign: “Count your blessings. Recounts allowed.”

– First Congregational United Church of Christ.

“Wassailing” Sold Out Dec. 3 Tickets are sold out for the annual Christmas dinner concert, “Come Wassailing With Us,” to be held 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Main & Buffalo Street.

A buffet dinner of roast pork or chicken cordon blue, au gratin potatoes, vegetable, jello, cranberry salad, beverages, rolls, and Black Forest Cake, begins at 6 p.m. Chicken tenders will be available for children 12 and under.

Following dinner, a ballet, “Twelve Days of Christmas,” will be performed by students at the Conneaut Community Center for the Arts. Vocal soloist is Eric Slayton, student at Gateway Elementary School.

Zonta Club Scholarship Applications The Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area is taking applications for scholarships from female college students residing in Ashtabula County.

Qualifications include: • Undergraduate or graduate female student. Sophomore status or above for the following fall semester/quarter (2012).

• Planning to graduate or enroll at least half-time (6 or more credit hours) per term for the upcoming academic year • Applicant or parent/legal guardian must be an Ashtabula County resident SUBMITTED PHOTO • Based on financial need and academic achievement (B Choir director Norris Kelly will lead the choir in “A Time for All Things,” with Harry Casey’s organ accompaniment, as average or above) First Congregational United Church of Christ, Main & Buffalo Street, celebrates the first Sunday of Advent 11 a.m. Nov. • Ashtabula Area Zontian immediate family members 27. Greeters will be Richard and Jan Simmons. Gary and Anna Hagstrom will light the Advent candle. Following are ineligible worship is a “Stone Soup Throwdown,” or friendly competition between church members who bring homemade Completed applications are due March 1. For more insoups to share at the luncheon. Lunch will be followed by the “Hanging of the Greens” ceremony in the sanctuary. formation, or to request an application, call Robin Bolender at 224-2485 or e-mail zonta5ashtabula@yahoo.com.

Religious Briefs

At 11 a.m. worship Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grove Street at Lake Road, readers are Rich Tulino (8:30 a.m. contemporary worship) and Kim Chiodo (11 a.m. traditional worship). Midweek Advent services begin 7 p.m. Nov. 30.

ATTENTION LANDOWNERS

fering a “night out” for parents of special needs children will resume Jan. 21.

CHURCH MEALS New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo St., will serve a free Thanksgiving dinner noon to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, prepared by Dave Jones. Menu is turkey and dressing, real mashed potatoes and gravy, Crazy Dave’s dinner rolls, and pie. All are welcome.

The Rev. Scott Walsh, pastor, will preach on “Finding Christ in the Crowd” at 9 a.m. contemporary and 11 a.m. traditional worship for the first Sunday of Advent Nov. 27 at New Leaf United Methodist Church, 283 Buffalo Street. Becky Levering will direct the choir in “Keep Your Lamps.”

Landowner Groups Forming SHORT-TERM COMMITMENTS MAXIMUM PROFITS

Before you sign, know ALL the facts.

New Leaf United Methodist Church will not serve its Friday dinner on Nov. 25.

Friday evening dinners will resume Dec. 2.

Greeters for 11 a.m. worship Nov. 27 at First Baptist Church, 370 State St., are the Coe family, Megan Lebzelter and Jerry and Tammie Jones.

Soup lunch, offering Vegetable Beef soup and homemade desserts, will be served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at Kingsville Presbyterian Church, Route 84 west of 193.

Eat in or carry out with your own container. Donation only.

There is no King’s Rest Respite Program at First Baptist Church during December. The monthly program of-

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A

PRISON missioners, County Commissioners Association of Ohio, Ohio Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Public Safety, City of Conneaut and CCA. Apologizing for legislative duties keeping him in Columbus, Kozlowski was represented by legislative aide Jeffrey Anthony, and attended the meeting via the web.

“I’m glad that everyone in the room was there to talk and get their questions answered,” he said. “It was pretty much a consensus that we will have the Ohio Highway Patrol continue at the facility.”

But it was Sen. Capri Cafaro who hammered home the point that without written legislation, the state would not be forced to honor any agreement retaining the Ohio Highway Patrol to investigate criminal complaints at the prison once the state’s $72.3 million sale of the 12-year-old medium-security prison to CCA becomes final.

That was the heart of the issue to Conneaut city administrators, who feared the responsibility would fall on the cash-strapped Conneaut Police Department.

“I want this to be a transparent, open conversation so we all know the facts concerning the impact of [the sale] on the city [of Conneaut] and its revenue stream,” Cafaro said from her seat near the end of the U-shaped table.

“It’s important we’re on the same page,” Kozlowski said. “The prison employs close to 300 people and it’s important that we keep the facility in Ashtabula County.”

But Conneaut city administrators and councilmen were looking at the scenario from the city’s point of view.

In addition to law enforcement issues, they worried also since the sale was announced that income tax revenues would be reduced via lowered wages. A meeting with DRC officials in Columbus last month did little to allay their fears.

Last week’s meeting was different.

After DRC’s Deputy Director of Admininistration Annette Chambers-Smith provided a background of the prison sale — explaining LaECI was the only prison of five on the market that sold due to price, quality and return on investment — she laid the cards on the table by stating that once the prison sale goes through, the Ohio Highway Patrol is no longer responsible, by law, to investigate criminal activity at the prison.

“The Ohio Highway Patrol has jurisdiction over state property. If it’s no longer state property, they are not responsible by law,” she said.

“Then it’s not in the contract,” Cafaro shot back.

When At-large Councilman Neil LaRusch asked whether anyone at the state level had looked at a contract between the City of Conneaut and the state, Chambers-Smith said that to her knowledge, no one had.

“This sale puts the workload [for criminal investigation] on the city police.

How can we do that? Who will be completely responsible?” LaRusch asked.

Chambers-Smith responded that the DRC Director had talked to the Ohio Highway Patrol about attaching language to the prison sale bill that the Ohio Highway Patrol would continue its investigations. But when she added that they were “offering,” not “demanding,” both Cafaro and Kozlowski stated that legislation was the only route to ensuring OHP would retain jurisdiction.

Gene Jarvi, of the OHP’s Office of Investigative Services in Columbus, said that his agency handled 800 investigations on DRC properties his year, and the funding is already in place to do what is required in 2012.

“We already have people in position to do this,” he said. “But regarding Lake Erie, in essence, it’s private property and we no longer have statutory authority.”

“Then the responsibility falls to whom?” Cafaro asked. “I don’t think the current statute offers a mechanism to pay. It’s a revenue constraint issue as to how the funds are allocated.”

From page 1A Cafaro said she did not see how, statutorily, the investigation responsibility would not fall to the Conneaut Police Department “The Ohio Highway Patrol no longer has jurisdiction. Conneaut is not a township. It’s the city’s responsibility. Do they get paid, or do they make do with what they have? If that is the case, then [the city has] to proceed with less revenue, so we need to move forward with language to extend current duties and jurisdiction. There should be no concern re the ‘public vs. private.’ The duties of Corrections is to achieve the goal,” she said.

Conneaut Law Director David Schroeder whether legislation to keep the Ohio Highway Patrol in charge could be passed by Dec. 31 or if a current statute could be amended giving OHP jurisdiction.

“Or could we enter an interim arrangement with the OHP until the statute passes?” he asked.

Capri said if it were feasible, the support would be in writing — but that it was needed “yesterday” and that

Ohio Sen. Capri Cafaro

Ohio Rep. Casey Kozlowski

an emergency clause would be required to put legislation into effect immediately rather than 90 days.

“We don’t have 90 days, unless there is a potential for a contract [with OHP] on a temporary basis with CCA, but that contract could violate state statute,” she said.

Jarvi said that the OHP is not be opposed to keeping the current level of jurisdiction at LaECI. “Our vision is to help continue to a safer Ohio,” he

said. “We have a vested interest in the community to do what we can to support the community and do what the people want. We want to help no matter how the transition goes.”

Cafaro also “respectfully” disagreed with Kozlowski’s comment to review the Memo of Understanding regarding the sale.

“It states that the Ohio Highway Patrol has no jurisdiction,” she repeated.

When the 90-minute

meeting ended — 30 minutes shorter than scheduledKozlowski said that it was “Day 1” in terms of getting legislation off the ground to give the OHP jurisdiction.

Chambers-Smith foresees no problem with such an agreement worked out among her department, Department of Public Safety, legislators and the Ohio Highway Patrol, and felt optimistic after Claypool adjourned the meeting at 12:30 p.m.

“People are going in the same direction to work on the language to have the Ohio Highway Patrol have jurisdiction,” she said.

Chambers-Smith also said that compared to issues faced by the DRC, this one involving law enforcement jurisdiction issues was “nothing.”

“It will get resolved,” she said.

Kozlowski’s aide Anthony — who has family in Conneaut — said many people worked hard behind the scenes to organize a meeting he described as excellent.

“I hope it ironed out the concerns,” he said. “Now we

have a general direction to go. The fact that it took just 90 minutes to dialogue and answer questions? We were able to have a productive and positive discussion.”

Kozlowski on Monday from his Jefferson office said he could not promise when the legislation would be enacted. Once the language is approved, it goes to the House Rules Committee for assignment to a committee.

From the committee, it is introduced to the House.

Once passed by the House, the process starts anew in the Senate. Christmas recess begins in mid-December and reconvenes in January.

Kozlowski sees the legislation as a stand-alone bill.

“My plan is to hold committee hearings in the next few weeks, and if it’s emergency legislation, then once it’s signed, it goes into effect immediately,” he said. “But right now, it’s a matter of getting it introduced.”

Kozlowski suggested that the city and OHP form a mutual aid agreement while the legislation is pending.

“That would potentially assure that the OHP would respond,” he said.

Community

HealthConnections Ashtabula Heart Failure Education Program Lori Slimmer, RN, CBPN-IC Wed., December 7 and Thurs., December 8 | 2 – 4 p.m.

Ashtabula Medical Arts Center 2131 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula RSVP: 440-415-0180

Safe Sitter® Program Wed., December 28 and Thurs., December 29 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ashtabula Medical Arts Center 2131 Lake Avenue, Suite 4, Ashtabula Must attend both days.

Register: 440-415-0180 /440-593-0364

Conneaut Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Thurs., December 8 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.

UH Conneaut Medical Center 158 W. Main Road, Conneaut Call: 440-593-0364

Health Smart Luncheon Fri., December 16 | 11:30 a.m.

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

Geneva SOLACE (Surviving Our Losses and Continuing Everyday) Support Group Join families and friends who are concerned about the growing problem of opiate use in Ashtabula County.

The members of SOLACE will share their stories of loved ones and the fight against drug abuse.

Cindy Stec and Miriam Walton, MA, MSW, LISW

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

© 2011 University Hospitals CONGEN 00041

Wed., December 14 | 7 p.m.

UH Geneva Medical Center Education Room 870 W. Main Street, Geneva Call: 440-415-9559

Knee & Hip Pain Seminar Lori Ann Slimmer, RN, CBPN-IC Thurs., December 15 | 2 – 4 p.m.

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

Senior Health Forum & Luncheon: Speech and Communication for Older Adults Kenneth Kozlosky, MS, CCC-SLP Wed., December 21 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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

Jefferson SOLACE (Surviving Our Losses and Continuing Everyday) Support Group

December ‘11 Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Random Total Cholesterol Eight-hour fasting is recommended.

No reservations necessary.

Tues., December 6 | 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Ashtabula Medical Arts Center 2131 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula Wed., December 7, 14, 21 | 8 – 10 a.m.

Spire Institute 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva Wed., December 7 | 4 – 7 p.m.

Walmart 3551 N. Ridge East, Ashtabula Thurs., December 8 | 9 – 11 a.m.

Ashtabula Senior Center 4632 Main Avenue, Ashtabula Fri., December 9 | 1 – 3 p.m.

Giant Eagle 2390 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula Tues., December 13 | 10 a.m. – noon UH Conneaut Medical Center 158 West Main Road, Conneaut

Join families and friends who are concerned about the growing problem of opiate use in Ashtabula County.

The members of SOLACE will share their stories of loved ones and the fight against drug abuse.

Cindy Stec and Miriam Walton, MA, MSW, LISW Wed., December 7 | 7 p.m.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 89 E. Satin Street, Jefferson Call: 440-415-9559

Tues., December 27 | 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Madison Senior Center 2938 Hubbard Road, Madison

Free Health Screenings

There are many things that make this a special time of the year…visiting with family and friends, celebrating the joy of the season, looking back on the year gone by and looking forward to a healthy new year in 2012.

Happy Holidays from all of us at UH Conneaut Medical Center and UH Geneva Medical Center.

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.

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!

8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

Puppets Highlight Winter Fun Fest Dec. 2

In The Military Chief Petty Officer Christine M. Stevko Retires from U.S. Navy

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Stephanie Gildone (second right) and Pam Nyman (second left) will bring new puppets from the Conneaut Public Library to the “Winter Fun Fest” sponsored by the Right Track After-School Program 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill Street. The free event also offers food, clowns, face painting, games and prizes, entertainment, a Cake Walk, glitter tattoos, and photos with Santa Claus. Game tickets will be priced at four for $1. A 50/50 raffle and Chinese Auction will be available.

Derrick McAdoo Art Show Caters to Black Friday Shoppers

Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer Christine M. Stevko is the Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Columbus Military Entrance Processing Station.

Chief Stevko enlisted in the United States Navy through the Delayed Entry Program in February 1990. She entered active duty in October 1990, completing Basic Training in Orlando, Fla., and Hospital Corpsman “A” School in San Diego. Her first assignment was to Camp Pendleton, Calif., where she served as a general duty corpsman, and was promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class. In 1993, she was assigned to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam as a member of the patient administration department. Her next assignment was to the Naval Ambulatory Medical Center, New Orleans, La., where she served as a pharmacy technician and outpatient clinic supervisor and was promoted to Petty Officer 2nd Class. In 1999 she returned to Naval Hospital Guam where she served as the leading petty officer of the inpatient services directorate and was promoted to Petty Officer 1st Class. In 2001, she attended basic instructor and Recruit Division Commander School at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, III. As a recruit division commander, she trained two integrated divisions and five all male divisions and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. In 2004, she reported to the Naval Hospital Sigonella, Italy, as the leading chief petty officer for medical services directorate, technical control supervisor, training petty officer, quality control petty officer, and assistant physician. In 2007, she assumed the duties of medical noncommissioned officer in charge at Columbus Military Entrance Processing Station in 2007 and from January 2011 as Senior Enlisted Advisor.

Her military awards and decorations include three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and various other service and unit awards. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in psychology. Chief Stevko’s greatest achievement is being the mother of three beautiful children; Stephanie, Fawn and Devin.

Site Solver

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Do you know the location of this Site Solver? Be the first to call its location to The Courier (440) 576-9125, ext. 116, starting 5 p.m. Nov. 23, and you will win a $7 entree from Poco Bandito, 257 E. Main Road.

Last week’s Site Solver was a turkey decoration on the door of a classroom at Gateway Elementary School.

No one guessed it.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

There is a catch to the exhibit hours of a free artwork display this weekend by Derrick McAdoo at The Dojo, Conneaut’s martial arts studio, 217 Main Street. Display hours are 7 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 25, and 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 26. McAdoo, CHS Class of 2005, purposely chose to open the exhibit from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday to catch shoppers coming and going on Black Friday. The Friday evening hours will accommodate those attending the Christmas parade. Saturday shoppers will be helping the one-day national push to “shop local.” McAdoo, a graphic designer and abstract painter, will have 30 pieces of original abstracts, mixed media and high-quality prints available for purchase, with prices starting at just $3. Two new twin paintings were created just for the show. The alcohol-free show will feature contemporary alternative music.

Local Man Cited for Disorderly Conduct

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT- Officers on Saturday cited Michael C. Hall for disorderly conduct for public intoxication after callers reported a man stumbling along Woodword Road, carrying beer.

Officers responded and found Hall staggering toward Old Main Road.

They stopped and notified Hall of why he was be-

ing stopped.

According to police reports, Hall wreaked of alcohol, was extremely unsteady on his feet, and slurred his speach as he spoke.

As they checked him for weapons, officers located a half- full can of Genesee Beer in his left coat pocket.

Hall was cited for disorderly conduct and turned over to the custody of a friend.

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

Living in the Now, Preparing for the Future For many of us, our goals in life remain constant: financial independence and providing for family.

Striking a balance between saving for such goals as education and retirement and allocating money for daily expenses can be challenging, but you can do it.

Learn how you can redefine your savings approach toward education and retirement.

Call or visit today.

Register for Rec League Basketball Skills Registration is underway through Nov. 29 for the Conneaut Recreation Board Basketball Skills program for boys and girls in third and fourth grades.

Basketball Skills Program provides fundamental basketball instruction. The skills program will start the week of Dec. 5 at St. Mary Gymnasium, State & Chestnut Street. Games are 6 to 7 p.m.

Boys will play 6 p.m. Dec. 5, 7, 12 and 14, and girls will play 6 p.m. Dec. 6, 8, 13 and 15.

Forms are being distributed to the students at the Conneaut public schools. They are also available at the Conneaut Public Library.

The Basketball League will begin play in January.

For further information, contact Jason Picard (440) 969-4866.

Kent State University at Ashtabula plans open house ASHTABULA - Kent State University at Ashtabula will host a Campus Open House Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 4-7 p.m. Those interested in becoming Ashtabula Campus students and their families are invited to see all the campus has to offer.

Current students who are still undecided about a major can benefit from this event too.

There are more than 10 bachelor’s degrees and more than 15 associate degrees that can be earned entirely on the Ashtabula Campus. Visitors to the Open House can explore all the possible degree options.

There will be experts to tell you how to apply for admission, pay for college with financial aid and write effective scholarship essays.

Tours of the campus will be given by student ambassadors. Representatives from student organizations will be on hand to talk about student life opportunities.

The Open House is free and open to the public.

Please visit www.ashtabula.kent.edu/ openhouse to let the campus know if you are stopping by.

OVER 200 HOMES BUILT!

Craft/Vendor Fairs Dec. 2, 3 - Christmas Vendor Fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Highland Place Apartments, 432 W. Main Road, with Avon, Lia Sophia, Miche Bags, Sweet Treats by Libby, Tupperware, Jewelry Box, 31 Gifts, Sara Bella, Mary Kay, 31 Bows, and more.

Dec. 3 - Christmas Treasures Sale of used seasonal decorations 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Conneaut Community Center for the Arts, 1025 Buffalo Street. Free.

Dec. 10 - Craft Fair 10 a.m to 4 p.m. at Conneaut Human Resources Center to benefit the Seniors Together program. Food, door prizes hourly, Santa Claus. Admission $1; kids free with paid adult.

Women of Finnish Heritage The Women of Finnish Heritage welcomes all women in the Conneaut area of Finnish heritage or connected to Finnish heritage to its December Holiday Luncheon at noon Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Kilpi Hall (Conneaut Community Center for the Arts), 1025 Buffalo Street. Musician Jim Fuller will provide entertainment. A 50/50 drawing will be held and officers for the next year will be elected. In lieu of a gift exchange, members are invited to bring $3 to contribute to the Conneaut Food Pantry. The luncheon is $12 per person. Reservations are required by Dec. 1 by calling Nancy Evans (594-3024) or Betty Robinson (599-7091).

Conneaut’s Creative Writing Thanksgiving Wish

by Meryl Taylor, Conneaut A family gathers to remember good times throughout the year to be with loved ones once again who’ve come from far and near.

Hands clasped around the table, we could our blessings then, giving thanks for bounty we count each one again.

Passing food from left to right, to fill each waiting plate, in turn to fill each belly, all appetites to sate.

As each one of us give thanks, on this Thursday in November, think of those who do without, then, try to remember: there but for the grace of God, you could have an empty dish.

Recall all those less fortunate should be your Thanksgiving wish.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A

A Dose of Reality for Edgewood Juniors

by MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP - After taking part in the school’s second annual “Real Money/Real World” reality day” on Nov. 7, Edgewood High School juniors were surprised to learn that the almighty dollar does not stretch very far.

In an exercise common to several Ashtabula County school districts, the Class of 2013 was divided into three groups that made the rounds of the school library, the auditorium and the gymnasium throughout the morning.

In the library, Robyn Gifford and Holly Scharping of Kent State University Ashtabula stressed the importance of a college education via a game of “Jeopardy!” Question topics ranged from “High School Homework” to “College Advantage” and “Degrees to Jobs. Teams were so competitive that Gifford at one point said, “You’re out for blood!”

To earn points, students had to know that a college grant is tuition money that does not need to be repaid, and that going after all scholarship opportunities is wise. They also had to know educational requirements for certain professions, such as earning a bachelor’s degree if one hopes to coach at the high school level.

Gifford was pleased to see about half the hands in the group go up when she asked how many students knew what they wanted to be when they grew up.

In the school auditorium, students learned about legal

issues that can affect them from local attorney Val Holz.

Before getting into a “question & answer” competition between boys and girls, featuring questions such as, “Is pig farming illegal in Israel?” to show how laws vary from country to country, and the difference between “mediation” and “arbitration,” should students find themselves facing either one some day, Holz shared a little about his own background.

“I realized I wasn’t well suited to becoming a ‘dashing lawyer’ because I hated to lose cases,” he said. “It depressed me.”

Because he could guarantee his clients only that he would do his best in the courtroom, Holz opted for a legal field he would enjoy. He now assists clients with wills and trusts.

“I like that,” he said.

But the real hands-on part of the day came in the gymnasium, where students were given “after tax” paychecks and then spent them by “purchasing” necessities such as child care, transportation, communication, credit, entertainment, financial advice, food, housing, insurance and utilities — plus the charitable contributions booths.

Students were discouraged right away at the tax bite. Shane McTrusty saw his monthly earnings of $5,068 drop to $3,000 after taxes, and John Pendleton had $2,226 left from his $3,500 monthly salary.

“I told all of them that the best thing they can do is learn to cook,” said Tony Orlando, of Orlando’s Golden Dawn, in Kingsville, sitting at the Food station. “They

can save a fortune at home.”

Orlando was delighted at the number of students who told him that they can cook.

“It’s important to know how to prepare a healthy meal,” he said. “If they have that down when they go to college, they can eat better.”

Manning the automobile station, Greg Sweet of Greg Sweet Chevrolet noted that compact cars were the students’ vehicles of choice, mostly for budgetary reasons.

Conneaut Telephone’s Ken Johnson and Linda Orlando offered communications (telephone, cable TV, Internet) services.

“It’s fun to see where their minds are,” Orlando said of the students.”What is important if Mom and Dad are paying is different when it’s coming from their own pockets.”

One of the more serious stations visited by the students was “Finance,” where Cleveland State University urban studies Ph.D. candidate Craig Wickstrom offered advice to students having a difficult time making ends meet.

“I tell them they need to reduce their spending or increase their incomes,” he said. Bank loans were not an option.

Wickstrom said he was having fun watching the students make financial decisions.

“Most are careful about their money,” he said. “One or two of them wanted second jobs despite earning high incomes.”

Having the most fun, perhaps, was North Kingsville Police Officer Shannon Krenisky, handing out $100

Tony Orlando, of Orlando’s Golden Dawn (right) talks to Edgewood Senior High School junior John Pendleton (center) about his $300 monthly grocery bill on a $2,226 monthly take-home salary.

PHOTOS BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Holly Scharping of Kent State University Ashtabula leads Reality Day students in a game of “Jeopardy!” with college-related topics.

Greg Sweet, of Greg Sweet Chevrolet in Conneaut, explains car-buying options to ESHS junior Carl Million during Reality Day.

PHOTOS BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Craig Wickstrom (left) offers financial advice during Reality Day. tickets for offenses such as having no insurance or wearing Cleveland Browns jerseys.

“I’m a Steelers fan,” Krenisky explained.

Some students joined the fun. One came up and asked that a ticket be given to a student with a flower on her hat. Krenisky complied.

“I’m the unexpected expense,” he said.

Finally, the students received a lesson in giving back at the Charities station from Lyn Zaliewski, director of Catholic Charities.

“We weren’t targeting the ones that had no money, but those who had money who could give back,” she

said.

Some students, she said, told her that they needed their money and asked why they had to stop at her station. She assured them that giving back can be accomplished through means other than monetary donation.

“But some said they had a lot of money left over, and said they were willing to share,” she said, applauding their attitudes. “A habit of giving by students at a young age carries with you all of your life.”

Following lunch, Trooper Nate Dutton of the Ohio Highway Patrol, and Sandy Pulsifer, Ashtabula County

Safe Communities, led a session on safe driving practices.

Lisa Brown, Reality Day coordinator, said the goal of “Real Money/Real World” was to show students the relationship between career choice, education and potential lifestyle.

Students selected their careers, but were randomly assigned marital status and family size.

“We had very positive feedback from the students last year. Hopefully, we provide them with an enjoyable opportunity to learn about the realities of growing up and that decisions have consequences,” Brown said.

10A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011