Gazette 01 09 13

THE GAZETTE

Vol. No. 137, No. 2

www.gazettenews.com gazette@gazettenews.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013

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Geneva Middle School Read-a- Jefferson Thon raises funds for families mayor gives ‘State of the Village’

BY JAN PERALA Geneva Area City Schools

AACS wants to keep journey to school safe

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - The Ashtabula Area City Schools District has experienced many cuts this school year as levies continue to fail.

One of the cuts made for the beginning of 2013 is the elimination of high school busing and busing for students in elementary and junior high school who live less than two miles from the school.

Many students this past week either put on their walking shoes or found car pools to get to school.

“We put a lot of work into this transition,” Patrick Colucci, acting superintendent, said. “Safety is our number one priority.”

With the busing cuts, the district saved $750,000.

Donald Rapose, high school principal, worked with junior high Principal Kathleen Reichert so student drivers could drive to school with more daylight.

“We were able to come up with a schedule where we adjusted the start times at the high school where our first period class will begin at eight o’clock in the morning,” Rapose said. “What we did was adjust the day by 40 minutes.”

Rapose said it gives students plenty of time to get to school safely.

“What we are doing is creating an opportunity for parents and students to get to school with a onehour window now where students can arrive,” Rapose said. “We were able to maintain the same length of instructional time.”

The junior high school’s arrive and start times remained the same, making less traffic for many high school drivers to navigate.

“By adjusting this time, our student drivers should not be rolling onto the campus at the same time that maybe Junior High School students would be arriving or the buses because they will be starting at the same time they were previously,” Rapose said.

Rapose said all staff and teachers will be at the school by 7 a.m. and the doors will be unlocked at that time.

“There are no excuses to be late now,” Rapose said.

In addition the high school is also letting students out 16 minutes later.

75¢

GENEVA - Geneva Middle School’s Read-a-Thon is an annual event which encourages students to read for fun and for fundraising. On the Friday before the holiday break, GMS staff and students set their text books aside and picked up their favorite novels as they participated in the school-wide Read-a-Thon.

During each of the nine academic periods throughout the day, approximately forty minutes were dedicated to silent reading.

The Read-a-Thon is coordinated by the GMS Steering Committee, and according to advisor Pam Justice, the purpose of the popular program is to foster a love of reading while raising dollars through sponsorships.

“This year, the day raised an amazing $4,200, which filled the cupboards and provided necessities for nine Geneva Middle School families who are experiencing hardship this holiday season,” Justice said.

Funds raised were also directed to the Geneva Food Pantry and the school’s activities fund. Last year, a portion of the funds raised by the Read-a-Thon was used to bring a nationally recognized inspirational speaker to the school.

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS

Grade-level winners in Geneva Middle School’s Read-a-Thon Fundraiser are eighth-grader Hunter Emus, sixth-grader Rachel Drees and seventh-grader Dylan Coomer. They are pictured with Steering Committee advisor Pamela Justice.

“The students really look forward to the “Read-a- Thon. They love the continuous reading throughout the day,” Language Arts teacher Dennis Noble said.

Top grade level Read-a-Thon fundraisers were sixth-grader Rachel Drees, seventh-grader Dylan Coomer and eighth-grader Hunter Emus.

The program was founded by GMS Language Arts teacher Annah

Haeseler more than a decade ago.

“The Read - a - Thon began on a small scale to give all the kids a chance to be involved in the fundraising process,” Haeseler said. “Through the years it has really grown and the dollars raised have helped so many needy families and organizations. It’s great to see how popular the Read-a-Thon has become and how much it has grown.”

Cultural studies take center stage at AACS Third-grade students in Mrs. Mary Schroeder’s classroom have been learning a great deal about the world and each other.

“Our community’s culture is so diverse. I feel this diversity should not only be a learning tool but something we celebrate,” said Schroeder. “I began our cultural studies with my own heritage, which is Swedish. I presented information about Sweden and introduced the celebration of Santa Lucia, which we celebrated as a class. From there, my students began researching information and customs from their heritage.

They then had to prepare an informational presentation and be prepared to answer questions.

The presentations have been extremely informative with students bringing in food, flags, clothing and maps. Some have even given mini language lessons.”

Pictured celebrating her Mexican heritage is Myriam Grady.

Myriam is serving Ryan Goncz latuna fruit which grows on a cactus plant in Mexico. She is wearing a skirt decorated in the colors red, green and white representing the colors of the Mexican flag.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

See AACS page 7A

Dragons too much for Eagles Jefferson Area Junior High Choir and Band celebrate the season — Page 8A

— Page

Victorian Permabulator Museum’s 25th Anniversary

10B

— Page 3A

JEFFERSON - Village of Jefferson Mayor Judy Maloney gave her state-of-the-village address during the Jefferson Village Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 7.

During her address, Maloney addressed the projects the village completed in the past year, as well as the village’s plans for 2013.

“I am pleased to report that the village is in good financial standing. The departments, administration and council have been diligent in their spending,” Maloney said.

One matter of the village the mayor touched on was lottery winnings in the village.

“The clerk/treasurer, tax clerk and solicitor revised our tax code several years ago to include lottery winnings when the ticket was purchased in the village,” Maloney said. “As a result, we received approximately $850,000 from a winning lottery ticket that was sold in Jefferson. $46,000 was paid as a down payment for the new fire truck while the remainder is being held in reserve.”

Maloney also talked about the major projects that were completed during 2012. These projects included: —Finished the $321,200 South Spruce truck route Phase 1, including paving.

“This was the largest project the Street Department has undertaken and they did a great job,” Maloney said. “This effort saved the village $73,000 cash by us doing the work rather than contracting it.”

—Maloney said the Pine Street and North Market Street Ohio Public Works Commission culvert replacement project has been delayed while the village satisfies the Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency permit requirements.

—Continued sidewalk replacements, tree trimming and removal and planted 16 new trees. She said $16,000 in labor cost was saved in sidewalks and tree planting because of village employees performing the work.

—Succeeded in receiving a, $40,000 Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation safety intervention grant to purchase a $62,000 Duraco Durapatcher Model 125 DJT. She said the machine will enable the Street Department to perform crack sealing and pot hole repairs, saving over $18,000 per year.

See MAYOR page 2A

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013 • 2A

On the 12th (school) day of Christmas, Santa ALICE brings safety to visits Geneva Schools Elementary Buildings Geneva Area City Schools

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

PHOTOS BY JAN PERALA

Cork Elementary first-grader Alyce Cropek was the winner of a shiny new bike delivered by Santa (Dale Wortman) and Geneva Schools Food Services Director Laura Jones. For the sixteenth holiday season, Santa’s helpers, Geneva Schools employees, administrators and school board members, made the gift of a new bike to a student at each elementary building in the district through the Food Service Department’s Lucky Tray drawing.

BY JAN PERALA Geneva Area City Schools GENEVA - On the 12th (school) day of Christmas, Santa’s sleigh was bursting with bikes and jolly old St. Nick himself paid a visit to each elementary school building in the Geneva Schools district to bring the gift of new wheels to three lucky students. The gift giving was sponsored

by Geneva Schools Food Services and marks the sixteenth year that the department has provided new bikes for Geneva students through its Lucky Tray program.

“On each of the 12 (school) days of Christmas one student who chose the lucky lunch tray received a Christmas prize and had his/her name entered into the Food Service Department’s annual 12th day of

Michael Rivera, an Austinburg Elementary first grader, checks out the new bike Santa (Dale Wortman) and Geneva Schools Food Services Director Laura Jones brought on the 12thschool day of Christmas. Rivera was one of three elementary students to win new wheels through the Food Services’ Lucky Tray program, part of the Geneva District’s effort to promote health and wellness.

Christmas drawing for a new bike,” explained Geneva Schools Food Services Director Laura Jones. “Three shiny, brand new bikes and helmets were delivered by Santa, one at each elementary school, as part of the food services’ effort to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles. The bikes and a safety helmet for each winner were generously donated by the employees, administrators and board members of Geneva Schools.

A Red Flyer Wagon was donated to Cork Elementary by Buzz Furman for an additional prize.”

Santa (Dale Wortman) also brought a cuddly stuffed Christmas teddy bear for the Lucky Tray drawing runner-up in each building.

Grand Prize Bike Winners: • Michael Rivera - Austinburg El-

Manuel Romero, a second grader at Geneva Platt R. Spencer Elementary School, tries out his shiny new wheels delivered by Santa (Dale Wortman) and Geneva Schools Food Services Director Laura Jones. For the sixteenth holiday season, Santa’s helpers, Geneva Schools employees, administrators and school board members, gifted a new bike to a student at each elementary building in the district through the Food Service Department’s Lucky Tray drawing. ementary first grader • Allyce Cropek - Cork Elementary first grader • Manuel Romero - Geneva Platt R. Spencer Elementary second grader • Runner-up Prizes: Cuddly Stuffed Christmas Teddy Bear • Daniel Tidwell - Austinburg Elementary kindergartener • Nathan Allen -Cork Elementary fifth grader • Cassidy Brown - Geneva Platt R. Spencer Elementary first Grader and third Grader Lillian Berly • R e d F l y e r Wa g o n Wi n n e r : Kaydance Pavlisin – kindergartener at Cork Elementary

Ashtabula drives in deals for new city equipment

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The City of Ashtabula is looking at buying new equipment for both the police department and public works as its vehicles continue to age.

City Manager Jim Timonere said the new cars and trucks are needed in both departments and he is working to acquire more efficient vehicles.

“We’ve been working on the purchase from our PI funds, new police cars and two new trucks for public works,” Timonere said. “All that is definitely needed.”

City Councilor Julie Lattimer was concerned, as the city prepares to possibly

cut jobs under the new budget, that the money might be able to go toward payroll instead.

Timonere said the funds can only be allocated legally in specific areas, which did not include payroll.

“Those funds cannot be used for anything except for capitol with at least a fiveyear life expectancy,” Timonere said.

Timonere said all the equipment purchased will enable both departments to run more smoothly and in a timely fashion.

Timonere said they are working out a payment plan with a local bank which would allow the city to purchase the vehicles in 2013 but not be billed for them

until 2014.

Timonere said the extra year would help the city financially while also being able to use the equipment needed as soon as possible.

“We are in communication with our local bank to hopefully do some financing and it would actually allow us to start payment on those in 2014, although we’d get delivery of that new equipment in 2013,” Timonere said.

Timonere said the bank is willing to give the city a good deal on the loans with low rates.

“The rates are extremely low from what we’ve been hearing,” Timonere said.

“Most of what we’ve been getting back is below two

MAYOR —Continued using the Geneva-on-the-Lake street sweeper, saving $4,500 for sweeping and $3,500 for catch basin cleaning per year.

—Completed the $186,500 OPWC project to replace the forced main piping from Elm Street pump station to the main plant.

—Refinanced the community center building loan, saving $130,000.

—Continuing negotiations with Aqua Ohio led to waterline replacements on

percent.”

Timonere said the low rates are something the city should highly consider.

“It’ll be a good deal for us, and although we turn the lease at the end of it, I think we pay them a buck and it’s no longer a lease,” Timonere said. “Essentially it’s a loan for that.”

Timonere was excited to see the bank so willing to work with the city to give them the best possible deal.

Timonere said he still working out the final details with the bank, but he will report back with council in January.

“Hopefully I will have the rest of the information on that after the first of the year,” Timonere said.

From page 1A West Satin Street, Uselma Avenue, Willis Avenue, West Walnut Street, North Elm Street and West Ashtabula Street.

—Purchased and put a new $465,000 fire truck into service.

—The new community center van was purchased through the Minnesota State Purchasing plan, saving $5,000 off the $52,000 quoted price.

—The street department purchased a new rake

through e-Bay, saving $4,000 off the local price.

—Won the referendum vote to purchase the former elementary school property.

—Negotiated and put into place a contract for police dispatching service to be provided by Ashtabula City Police Department.

—Completed MC70 dust control; paving of West Satin Street and West Walnut Street ($165,700.00); community center roof repair; Village Hall roof, floor

and ceiling repairs; new carpet in Village Hall; expansion of free weight room at Rec; and the installation of electric service at Central Park.

—Implemented Property Maintenance Code and the Noise Ordinance.

“Thanks to our employees, administration and council, Jefferson is a great place to live,” Maloney concluded. “We hope that the year 2013 will be another great year for Jefferson.”

GENEVA – AlertLockdown-Inform-CounterEvacuate or ALICE training was conducted for the Geneva Area City School District before the start of school in August and is now being continued after the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Connecticut.

“ALICE training is lockdown training,” Mary Zappitelli, superintendent of the district, said.

However, ALICE also goes beyond the lockdown and teaches staff, teachers and students how to defend themselves in case of an intruder.

Prior to the ALICE training, the school’s training was to stay in place and not leave the classroom until authority’s arrival.

“Our current practice has always been shelter in place,” Zappitelli said.

With ALICE, teachers learn how to defend themselves and their students in times of crisis and the training not only included school staff but community safety forces as well.

Zappitelli feels ALICE training will not only make their schools more prepared but will also make students and employees feel safer in the buildings.

“We had the participation of the Geneva City Police Department, people from [Northwest Ambulance District] NAD the Geneva Fire Department and then we had staff who volunteered their time for three days,” Zappitelli said.

GACS received hands on training and took the process very seriously.

“We were in the high school and we practiced scenarios for a lockdown,” Zappitelli said.

Zappitelli said she opted to join a day of training so she, too,

would understand ALICE. “I came for a day of the training because it’s been a long time since I’ve been in a classroom and in that kind of situation.

I wanted to have that experience,” Zappitelli said.

Teachers and staff were very pleased with their training and feel ready if a crisis should occur, but they hope they will never have to use it.

“I’ve been a teacher since I was 21, and I have not had an educational program move me like this one did,” Becky Pierce, middle school teacher, said. “It was proactive and very reactive.”

Pierce said the shelter in place is an outdated idea which needs to be rethought out.

“Right now what we’re doing is not cutting it, and I would want somebody to protect my child by teaching them the skills (like) to barricade, to open a window and help people out if it came to that,” Pierce said.

Now Zappitelli will continue working with Geneva’s safety forces as they conceive a detailed plan based on the ALICE training.

“We will be doing that in conjunction with the Geneva Police Department, and I think our friends at NAD are very interested in being a part of the process as well,” Zappitelli said.

The school is working directly with the police department as they practice and implement their ALICE plan.

“It just seems we have a good fit with our police department, our ambulance and fire, and we need to get that whole group together to move forward,” Pierce said.

Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, can be reached at sportman@ gazettenews.com.

Food for Fines extended at HMPL Drive to benefit Manna Food Pantry

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

Pantry, Worso said.

Patrons may bring food items to the front desk at the library. One food item equals $1 in fines.

Food will be accepted for overdue finesand for lost or damaged items. If you have lost your library card, the will also accept a food item to replace it.

Library officials ask that patrons follow the following guidelines: • The actual cost of food will not be considered in waiving fines.

• Only unopened, prepackaged food will be accepted.

• Please do not bring food in damaged packaging, including dented cans.

• No perishable or expired food will be accepted.

JEFFERSON Henderson Memorial Public Library is extending its Food for Fines program.

Originally intended just for the month of December, the program will now continue until at least through January in order to raise donations for the Manna Food Pantry.

During Food for Fines, patrons can return overdue materials fine free, HMPL Director Ed Worso said.

In return for the library waiving the fines, patrons must bring donations of nonperishable food items.

For each non-perishable food item brought to Henderson Library, the library will waive $1 in fines, Stefanie Wessell, senior up to a maximum of $20 per editor for Gazette Newspaperson.

The food will be donated pers, may be reached at to our local Manna Food swessell@gazettenews.com.

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013 • 3A

Victorian Perambulator Museum shoots for special exhibits for 25th anniversary

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON - The Victorian Perambulator Museumis celebrating its 25 anniversary this year.

Judith Kaminski and her identical twin sister Janet Pallo started the business after having a small toy carriage as a child.

“Jane and I had one doll buggy, and then I bought the first one and she bought the second one,” Kaminski said.

“When we could afford to buy one, we did.”

We have a great collection of photographs, Kaminski said.

The museum is dedicated to Victorian-era dolls and carriages of all kinds. Along the tour you will also see doll houses, dresses, toy merry-gorounds and small collectibles.

To kick off their 25th celebration, they are holding a special exhibit throughout the month of January with a special display of Victorian era photographs.

I’m starting to put out photographs of the carriages, Kaminskisaid.

The photos come from throughout the United States, mostly from private collectors.

“We have gotten photos from all over the United States,” Kaminski said. “We’ve been collecting photos, my sister and I, for about 42 years.”

Although you can find lots of old pictures in antique shops, Kaminski and Pallo look for photos specifically depicting carriages, a hard task at times.

“We’ve gotten them from private individuals. Sometimes you’ll find them in antique shops, but with a carriage in it, it’s hard to find,” Kaminski said. “You have to go to places that will have photos like that and specialize in a Victorian style.”

Among the displays are also paintings along the walls that were commissioned specifically for the museum.

The paintings were done by a famous artist, Art Fronckowiak from Venice, Florida, and they are of our carriages, Kaminski said.

For Pallo and Kaminski, the museum is more than just nostalgia, it is history and a mode of transportation as

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN

Judith Kaminski and her sister Janet Pallo have been collecting the vintage photos depicting carriages for about 42 years and are now displaying them in the month of January.

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Along with the photos one can view the paintings by Art Fronckowiak. some were equipped to be pulled by horses or goats.

With the pictures, one can see how the carriages looked and were used. One picture even depicts a Saint Bernard pulling a small child.

It gives you an idea on how they used them, too, Kaminski said.

The carriages also were woven in specific shapes such as tulips, swans and ladybugs and some were completed with lace parasols shading the babies from too much sun.

Just about everything they could think of, they wove into a carriage, Kaminski said.

The photos show the many different types of carriages and the people who used them. Kaminski said for many, the carriage was a status symbol.

We have a book just chuck full of photos, one after another and they are just beautiful, Kaminski said. The babies were great for photography in

“It would be a perfect gift for your Valentine,” Yost said.

The drawing will be made at the regular Jefferson Rotary Club meeting on Jan. 31, 2012.

The Valentine’s Day Raffle is called a “penny” raffle because the cost of each ticket is determined by the ticket number multiplied by $.01. A ticket can cost anywhere from a penny to a maximum

but they returned all right,” Fuller said.

NAD joined a fleet of other GENEVA - The Northwest ambulances as they joined toAmbulance District recently gether to help those in need.

“They had 350 units from came back from helping the victims of Hurricane Sandy in all over the country and the both the states of New Jersey assembled at Fort Dix, New Jersey,” Fuller said. and New York.

The workers drove hun“We had a unit from NAD in New York and in New Jer- dreds of miles within one day sey. They were there for two as they commuted between weeks,” Geneva City Councilor towns, cities and states.

“They were dispatched Rodger Fuller said.

Those who made the trip from Fort Dix and they could saw the harsh conditions be in New Jersey and then in people were living in as a re- the same day be in New York sult of the hurricane, with City,” Fuller said.

NAD felt the overall good some houses being conspirit of the area even in the demned.

“They were working under face of destruction as people some pretty trying conditions helped each other out to get

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the carriages.

Also included are carriage advertisements.

“We also have a fabulous collection of catalogues with advertisements,” Kaminski said.

Both Pallo and Kaminski are excited to be reaching the 25-year mile stone and each month they will hold a new display.

“This is our 25th anniversary. So this whole year we’ll be doing special things,” Kaminski said. “We hold our official celebration in the second weekend of July.”

Those who are interested in seeing the photos can call the museum at (440) 576-9588 as it is by appointment only during the winter months.

People can call us for an appointment and we usually like to have a group of five people or more, Kaminski said.

The museum is located at 26 East Cedar Street in Jefferson.

of $10.

“The Jefferson Rotary Club is grateful to the J. R. Hofstetter family for their generosity in making this Rotary Club fund-raising project possible,” Yost said.

All proceeds will benefit Jefferson Rotary Club projects.

Tickets are available from any Jefferson Rotary Club member, or at J. R. Hofstetter, the Family Jeweler.

NAD sirens help Hurricane Sandy victims

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

We are just a

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

The Jefferson Rotary Club is again holding a Valentine’s Day fund-raising raffle. This year the prize is a 14 karat, white gold bracelet containing 3.00ct. of diamonds and valued at $3,590.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Rotary Club once again is holding a Valentine’s Day fund-raising raffle.

This year the prize is a 14 karat, white gold bracelet containing 3.00ct. of diamonds and valued at $3,590, Gary Yost said.

Saybrook Township will accept for disposal Christmas trees from township residents at the Saybrook Township Center Road Cemetery from Jan. 3-15 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Undecorated Christmas trees are to be brought to the southern most drive of the cemetery. Follow the signs to the drop off point next to the western cemetery building. As in the past, there will be no pick up by the township of trees.

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Jefferson Rotary Club to hold Valentine’s Day fundraiser

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

Christmas Tree Disposal in Saybrook Township

the job done and see people received the proper care.

“They ran into some problems such as not knowing the streets, so they had to get a local fire department driver to take them,” Fuller said.

NAD worked directly with people who had lost their homes during the hurricane as a result of a fire.

NAD was fortunate to have a special unit that is trained to conduct more indepth duties.

“We had a lifesaving unit there and a lifesaving unit is more equipped (so) they were given other duties that the average ambulance department didn’t receive,” Fuller said.

Even in the mist of tragedy NAD staff came back humbled by the people they met and knowing they had made a difference.

“It was a pretty precarious time, but they did a good job and they came back after two weeks,” Fuller said.

Most of their fleet came back after two weeks, but a few stayed behind to help with final cleanup efforts.

“They didn’t need everybody and they knew that, but they ended up sending another unit up for three days and they’ve since come home,” Fuller said.

“It was a very interesting experience as usual.”

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013 • 4A

2012 Year in Review: Ashtabula and Geneva Compiled by Stefanie Wessell Throughout the next four weeks, the Gazette will present “A Year in Review,” detailing the highlights of the year in the newspaper’s Ashtabula and Geneva coverage area. This week’s review will cover January through March 2012.

January Jan. 4 Austinburg Veterinary Clinic top finalist for ‘Hospital of the Year’ AUSTINBURG TOWNSHIP - The Austinburg Veterinary Clinic is a finalist for American Animal Hospital Association’s (AHHA) “Hospital of the Year.”

“We found out we were a finalist in December, and then in March we will go to Colorado to find out where we placed,” Kassie Brand said.

The clinic staff spent three to four months putting together the application to receive the honor and showing their high standards in several different categories.

“We had to put in an application, and in that we put together a portfolio about community service, continuing education, how we promote the AHHA brand. There are over 900 standards for AHHA,” Brand said.

The clinic staff was happy to receive the news they were chosen against many other larger hospitals.

“We’re not New York City or Chicago, we’re a small town,” Susan Paulic said. “We’re very proud of ourselves.”

Even getting the AHHA-accredited label is a hard task, and the Austinburg Veterinary Clinic has been AHHA approved since 2009.

“The first thing is you have to be accredited by AHHA and you have to show that you are keeping up with standards and those are in a variety of areas, surgery, dentistry, infectious diseases, things like that,” Paulic said.

Jan. 11 Ashtabula Senior Center has new executive director ASHTABULA - Lucille Hensley is now executive director of the Ashtabula Senior Center, taking over for Troy Bailey, who retired this past December.

“She came and volunteered for a short time while Troy was still here,” Judy Witt said.

Hensley volunteered side by side with Bailey and observed the job’s details. Hensley said it was great to learn from the best.

“Troy Bailey did a wonderful job in helping me transition,” Hensley said. “I can’t thank him enough.”

The senior center is also transitioning well with the new director, and Hensley said she already feels pretty comfortable and in her element.

“Everyone’s working together to make her feel welcomed,” Witt said.

Jan. 18 Ashtabula community will meet for discussion on crimes and safety ASHTABULA - Four groups in Ashtabula are coming together to discuss the concerns about the City of Ashtabula in an open forum entitled, My Neighborhood Meeting, at the Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Ashtabula this Thursday, Jan. 19, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The forum will give the residents of the community time to discuss their concerns on crime and safety.

“Imagine Ashtabula and the Ashtabula Downtown Development group has been working in that neighborhood for quite some time now, and we are just building off their work and ideas,” Len Zalewski said.

Ashtabula County Community Action, Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County, Imagine Ashtabula and the Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church are all coming together to find out where the issues are and, furthermore, how to fix them.

Jan. 25 GENEVA TOWNSHIP - Cynthia Perry, 37, was found dead outside her Austin Manor trailer Sunday night after her 16-year-old daughter made a 911 call to police, according to the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office.

Perry was shot twice in the head by her former boyfriend, 40year-old Jason DuBois, Sheriff’s Department officials said.

DuBois would later commit suicide in the woods near the trailer.

“The murder is domestic related,” Sheriff William Johnson said. “[DuBois and Perry] have been together off and on for 16 years.”

Johnson said Perry died instantly and her body has been sent to the Cuyahoga County medical examiner for an autopsy.

Johnson said it is unclear whether the daughter was a witness to the murder or if she just heard the gunshots, but the daughter knew enough to inform the authorities of the incident.

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February Feb. 1 Austinburg Elementary Student Council members make a difference AUSTINBURG TOWNSHIP - It’s often the little things we do that make a real difference in the lives of others, and student council members at Austinburg Elementary saw the axiom in action when they organized a school-wide donation drive to collect sundry items to fulfill basic needs for residents at Ashtabula County Samaritan House and Homesafe. Austinburg students and their families contributed items ranging from soup to soap and the hundreds of small donations created an impressive cache of canned goods and dried foods as well as toothpaste, toothbrushes and other basic wellness needs.

“I am so proud of these kids and their families for their generosity,” student council advisor Jennifer Nappi said. “This project only lasted three days, but we will be delivering more than 150 tubes of toothpaste and just as many toothbrushes, bars of soap and bottles of shampoo to Samaritan House and Homesafe. It just all added up.

We have never collected this quantity of items in such a short time and this is truly heartwarming, especially in these hard economic times.”

“It is good thing we are doing,” said student council member Katie Keenan. “We are helping those who do not have the basic things that we need every day.”

“Yes,” agreed Erin Korn. “The families at Samaritan House and Homesafe will have shampoo and soap for a year.”

Feb. 15 Geneva proposes job tax credit for local businesses GENEVA - The City of Geneva is discussing a tax credit to be applied to businesses operating within the city’s limits.

“Hadlock Plastics is in the process of constructing a sizable addition to their building, which is great news,” Jim Pearson wrote in his city manager ’s report. “They have approached the city to ask about a job creation tax credit.”

The council had looked at the possibility of a tax credit last year and had even approved a credit for one of their districts but not for the city as a whole.

“For the council members that were here last term, we had started looking at this issue and actually had a draft presented to city council last year,” Pearson said. “The job creation tax credit was established in the JEDD II District and we thought we could mirror the credit in the city.”

Pearson said the council had discussed expanding the tax credit to the entire city, but the proposition never materialized.

“Council at that time had agreed that there was no immediate request for any of the local industries for the tax credit to be applied to the city, and it kind of got tabled,” Pearson said.

Pearson and his administration have examined the possibility of the job creation tax credit and have decided the credit will be applied in three levels.

Feb. 22 APD implements Broken Windows program

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“There is indication that the girlfriend [Perry] had informed [DuBois] that she had found someone else and their relationship was finished,” Johnson said.

According to Johnson, this is when DuBois went back to the trailer and hid underneath the metal skirt of the trailer. Once Perry returned home, DuBois came out from underneath and shot Perry at close proximity. “[Perry] had no place to go. She couldn’t escape,” Johnson said.

Johnson said when deputies arrived on scene, they followed tracks that led to the woods where they found DuBois.

“We found him lying against the tree with his hand on a handgun and with a bullet to the head,” Johnson said.

DuBois was still alive and was transported to the University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center but would die Monday morning after being transfered to the Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center.

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ASHTABULA - The Ashtabula City Police Department is implementing a new crime fighting program called Broken Windows, which is based off the theory of fighting smaller crimes first in order to clean up the city.

“The Ashtabula City Police Department, in concert with representatives from the Ashtabula Metropolitan Housing Authority and other city departments, are implementing a bold new approach of community interaction,” Chief of Police Robert Stell said.

The Broken Windows theory was introduced in 1982 by two social scientists, James Wilson and Goerge Kelling.

Wilson and Kelling use broken windows as an example of how to restore communities in their article entitled Broken Windows, which appeared in the March 1982 edition of The Atlantic Monthly.

“Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if

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Polar Bear Plunge brings chills to Breakwater Beach GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE - The warmer weather of Saturday afternoon created a different kind of Polar Bear Plunge at Geneva’s Breakwater Beach. This year the emergency workers made a human barrier so no one got swept into Lake Erie’s harsh winter waters.

“It’s a lot harder to do it this way,” said Chandra Brode, organizer of the Polar Bear Plunge. “With the open water it is so harsh.”

Emergency workers from across the county from Conneaut to Orwell came wearing their high-tech gear that shields them from the elements.

The workers stayed in the water to make sure everyone who participated remained safe.

The money raised through the Polar Bear Plunge goes to Special Olympics each year. The participants raised at least $100 each and came prepared for the cold plunge wearing bathing suits, with some keeping a t-shirt on to brave the cold waters.

March March 7 Park Haven fire caused by meth lab ASHTABULA - The Park Haven Nursing Home experienced a fatal blaze Sunday evening that was started from a methamphetamine laboratory in Room 18 on the second floor of 5433 Park Ave., according to investigators.

Fire investigators in Ashtabula say that a fatal fire at a nursing home late Sunday night was caused by an exploding meth lab.

The fire, according to authorities, was caused by visitors, not permanent residents of the facility.

“I was taking a break and I looked through the window and I saw an explosion of fire,” Deanna Bigley, a nurse at the facility, said. “There was this guy and he was engulfed in flames. One of our residents put him out, but then the fire started up and he had to be put out again.”

Nurses reported removing all 38 residents from their rooms and onto the front porch. Luckily no one on the second floor was on oxygen, as the use of oxygen could have created a bigger fire. The activated sprinklers helped contain the fire to Room 18.

According to Ashtabula Fire Chief Ron Pristera, fire fighters responded to a call at Park Haven Nursing Home at approximately 8:37 p.m.

Bigley said the staff was only concerned for the safety of patients and reported that a pregnant nurse was transported to the Ashtabula County Medical Center after she had removed several residents from the facility.

“Everything happened so fast,” Bigley said. “Our main concern was getting all the upstairs residents accounted for. I mean, we were literally dragging residents down the steps, trying to get them to safety.”

March 14 Fire destroys barn, killing animals inside SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - A fire devastated the agricultural community on Monday, March 12, as a fire destroyed a barn at the home of veterinarian Becky Salinger, killing the animals inside.

At about 1:30 p.m. Monday, the Saybrook Township Fire Department received the call about the fire at 3800 South Ridge Road (Route 84) in Saybrook Township, according to fire department reports.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found the barn already fully involved in the fire, with the roof already collapsed, Fire Chief John Jyurovat said. The Saybrook Township Fire Department also received assistance from the Austinburg, Geneva and Harpersfield fire departments to put out the flames.

The fire department had to temporarily close a portion of Route 84 because of the fire.

March 21 Canine cuts become hot topic in the City of Ashtabula ASHTABULA - The City of Ashtabula has decided to cut its canine program for the Ashtabula Police Department, effective on April 1 of this year.

City Manager Jim Timonere said the program is no longer economically responsible for the city to continue with a $40,000 budget deficit.

“This is a decision I never thought we would have to make. Police Chief (Robert) Stell has informed me we will end the year approximately $40,000 over the amount budgeted for the police department if we maintain current levels,” Timonere said. “Therefore, and regretfully, effective 12:01 a.m. April 1, 2012, the K-9 program will be discontinued. All K-9’s will be decommissioned as of this date and time.”

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013 • 5A

2012 Year in Review: Jefferson Compiled by Stefanie Wessell Throughout the next four weeks, the Gazette will present “A Year in Review,” detailing the highlights of the year in the newspaper’s Jefferson coverage area. This week’s review will cover January through March 2012.

January Jan. 4 Lawsuit filed regarding referendum petitions JEFFERSON - A judge will decide whether the citizens who attempted to place a referendum on the November ballot regarding a property purchase by the Jefferson Village Council followed the proper steps or not.

In late December, village officials deemed the referendum petitions invalid after Jefferson Village Clerk/Treasurer Patty Fisher said the referendum committee missed a step during its petition process, so she was unable to certify the petitions.

The citizens who circulated the petitions disagree that they missed this step, and attorney Kyle Smith has filed on lawsuit on their behalf, under the names of Concerned Citizens of Jefferson Village and Ken Fertig, to determine who is correct and whether the petitions can move forward and thus have the matter placed on the November 2012 ballot. The committee wants the citizens to decide whether the property purchase should go through.

The lawsuit surrounds council’s decision to purchase the building and property at the old Jefferson Elementary School on 104 E. Jefferson St. for $300,000. The deal consisted of $150,000 in cash and an additional $150,000 credit package for in-kind labor and improvements spread over an unspecified period of time. The village intends to use the property for the police department, which needs the additional room.

Jan. 11 Jefferson Council passes first reading of meth-lab ordinance JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Council passed the first reading of an ordinance dealing with the clean up of clandestine drug labs and assessing costs to land-owners during its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

With this ordinance, Jefferson Council wishes to follow in the footsteps of Geneva-on-the-Lake Village Council, the members of which passed legislation last year that makes the property owners responsible for the clean-up costs of a meth lab, not the municipality.

The need for such legislation began when the Jefferson Police Department took down a methamphetamine lab on Elliot Avenue in the Village of Jefferson on Friday evening, Dec. 2. The Jefferson Police Department had to contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation to assist with the cleanup of the lab. Mayor Judy Maloney said the cleanup will cost the village between $4,000 to $6,000.

Dorset widow accused of hiring a hit man DORSET TOWNSHIP - The widow of an Ashtabula County man killed after hitting a runaway horse with his vehicle in November is accused of hiring a hit man after allegedly fearing she would lose insurance money.

On Friday, Nov. 19, Daniel R. Posey-Brown, 46, of Dorset, was killed in a car crash after his 1998 Honda struck a runaway horse, which also was killed, headed southbound in the northbound lane of Route 193 in Dorset Township, OSHP Trooper Jason Hayes said at the time. Moments later, another driver, William L. Gibson, 33, of Geneva, was killed when he swerved to avoid the accident debris in the road.

The horse had wandered loose from an Amish event at the Dorset Community Center. A group of people, including some in a minivan, were trying to catch and coral the horse when the crash occurred.

Now Posey-Brown’s widow, Angel Brown, 34, of the 3400 block of Mells Road in Dorset Township, has been accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot.

Brown is suspected of hiring a hit man to kill her late husband’s first wife because she feared the family would try to claim a share of his estate and the death benefit on his insurance policy, according to Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department officials.

The alleged scheme didn’t come to pass, however, as the wouldbe hit man informed the Sheriff ’s Department of the plot and told the sheriff Brown had given him $4,000 to murder the first wife, according to Sheriff ’s Department officials.

Jan. 25 KEN Heart Foundation donates life-saving devices to JALS JEFFERSON - Thanks to some teachers willing to volunteer their time once a week, the Jefferson Area Local Schools Board of Education received a special donation from the Kids Endangered Now Heart Foundation during its meeting last week.

Rebecca Black and Linette Derminer of the KEN Heart Foundation donated two portable automatic external defibrillators to the school

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February Feb. 1 JALS administrators pleased with new building JEFFERSON - Jefferson Area Local School District officials are now settled into their building, and the transition went smoothly for them.

Over the winter break in December, Superintendent Doug Hladek and other staff members moved out of the Jefferson Area Local Schools Board of Education office on 45 E. Satin St. and into a new administration building right on the campus of the Jefferson Area Junior/Senior High School, also just down the road from the Jefferson Elementary School. The 8,000-square-foot administration building is off to the end of the football field at 207 W. Mulberry St. The move mostly was made all in one day, Hladek said.

The move is a positive one for the school district in a few ways, like how the old building likely would have needed some more care and repair to remain a building for school purposes, Hladek said.

Hladek said the district would have had to spend a considerable amount of money to make the upgrades necessary to keep the house usable as a public building.

“The board of education just felt it was prudent to build on the new campus,” Hladek said.

The biggest bonus is having the new administrative building on the same cam- pus as the schools, he said. He said the location will help with connectivity and having the buildings on the same Internet network.

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district. The AEDs are used to provide the necessary electrical shock to restore proper heart rhythms when someone is having a cardiac arrest.

Derminer founded the KEN Heart Foundation after the death of her son, Ken, who collapsed during a football clinic at Geneva High School in 2000. Ken, only 17 years old, died from a sudden cardiac arrest.

The foundation donates portable automatic cardiac defibrillators to schools and organizations in the hope of raising awareness and preventing sud- den cardiac arrest from occurring among young athletes.

The donation came about after District Nurse Peggy Savarese called attention to a shortage of AEDs in the district, with two at both elementary schools and only one for the high school and athletic complex combined.

“They’re very expensive,” Savarese said.

Black happened to be teaching a CPR class at the schools at the time, and she told Savarese the school district could earn an AED donation if staff volunteered once a week at the bingo game organized by the KEN Heart Foundation. Bingo is held at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Moose Lodge 3001 at North Bend Road in Saybrook Township, with the proceeds going to the foundation.

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Expansion progressing at Jefferson businesses JEFFERSON - Two businesses in the Village of Jefferson are either in the midst of expanding or are considering it.

Village Administrator Terry Finger shared some positive business news during the Jefferson Village Council meeting on Mon day, Feb. 6.

“Presrite Corporation’s plant expansion is progressing as planned,” Finger noted in his report.

Presrite is in the process of finishing an 80,000-square-feet addition at its facility on 322 S. Cucum- ber Rd. in Jefferson. In 2011, Presrite had received a 75-percent tax exemption for five years on the $2.2 million that will be invested in the project. The $2.2 million will be invested solely in the 80,000-square-foot addition.

Presrite expects to retain 334 jobs at the project site because of the addition, with an estimated corresponding payroll of $7.8 million, according to the tax-abatement application. The warehousing, processing and shipping departments are moving into the addition, which is needed because of an increase of business from its customers.

“Management advised us that the expanded plant is already planned to be fully occupied,” Finger said. “They recently placed an order for 19 million pounds of various types of steel bar stock to meet additional orders.”

Finger also shared some news coming from King Luminaire.

He said the company is thinking ahead for a possible expansion.

“King Luminaire management met with village officials to discuss the need for attachment to the sewer to accommodate future expansion currently in the planning stages,” Finger said.

Feb. 22 Council passes ordinances dealing with multiple-family dwellings JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Council passed an ordinance dealing with multiple-family dwellings in the village during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

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Council held a hearing about the change in mid-January, giving people a chance to comment if they so desired.

The ordinance approves the Planning Commission’s proposal to modify an ordinance to allow multiple-family dwellings within planned unit developments in the village. The village had not previously permitted these multiple-family dwellings to be constructed within planned unit developments, something council wanted to change.

The change modifies the ordinance in a few ways, namely by specifying that the planned unit developments may contain both single-family detached dwellings and multiple-family dwellings, provided that no single building contains more than three dwelling units, instead of just the single family dwellings.

The changes also involve specifying that the district cannot exceed a gross density of five dwelling units per acre, instead of just four.

Feb. 29 Jefferson man chases Chardon shooting suspect from building JEFFERSON - A Jefferson resident helped capture a suspect in the shooting at Chardon High School on Monday, Feb. 27.

Witnesses have reported that assistant football coach Frank Hall, a Jefferson resident, put his life on the line to save Chardon students. Hall confronted and chased the gunman out of the Chardon High School cafeteria after five students were shot, witnesses said.

Hall is a 1992 graduate of Ashtabula Harbor, where he was a standout lineman whose team qualified for the state football playoffs, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. Hall and his wife, Ashley, adopted four boys. The oldest, Quincy, lettered on the Jefferson football team last fall.

March March 14 Falcons swim for a good cause ROAMING SHORES - Over 35 Jefferson Area High School students and staff took “the plunge” Saturday, March 10, in Roaming Shores. Under the direction of Assistant Principal Jeremy Huber, Falcon supporters gathered sponsorships to take quick dip in the cold waters. JAHS students also raised over $274.50 by sponsoring a hat/pj day. For every $50 raised, the Falcons added one additional jumper.

“The idea for the Plunge in the Shores was inspired by Jeff Meddock’s friends,” Huber explained.

Huber was the assistant principal at Pymatuning Valley while Meddock was principal.

“Jeff lived in Roaming Shores and was very active in the Polar Bear Plunge at Geneva on the Lake. When Jeff passed, his friends at Roaming Shores decided to bring the Plunge to Roaming Shores to raise money for the scholarship given in his name,” Huber said.

The event has now expanded to Jefferson and Grand Valley schools.

“Because Roaming Shores is close to all three school district, a competition has started to see who can send the most students into the freezing water or raise the most money,” Huber explained.

Jefferson raised over $1,800 and Huber said all of that money will be donated to the Academic Booster Club.

March 28 March named 2011 Citizen of the Year JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce presented Jerry March with one of its most prestigious awards during its annual dinner on Tuesday, March 27.

In a room full of his peers at the Jefferson Community and Recreation Center, 2010 Citizen of the Year the Rev. Fred Grimm presented March with the 2011 Citizen of the Year award.

“The 2011 Citizen of the Year is a Jefferson native who has dedicated his life to serving his country, his county and his community in significant ways,” Grimm said.

A 1987 graduate of Jefferson Area High School, March went on to enlist in the Air Force and served in Desert Storm. He returned to Jefferson with his wife and family in 1997.

As for his community service, March is a member of Jefferson United Methodist Church and serves as the church business manager and the Sound Coordinator.

As he accepted the award, March joked that he suspected something was up when his wife, Virginia, told him to change his clothes before going to the dinner.

“I couldn’t do this without my wife,” March said. “Thank you.”

March said they “switched jobs” sometime after their children, Jenna and Melanie, were born, with Virginia going off to work while he became a stay-at-home dad, which allowed him to become involved with many of the activities he’s participated in.

“I’m very humbled to be honored among all the other recipients,” March said.

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013 • 6A

GACS takes a look back while looking forward to 2013

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - The Geneva Area City Schools District once again says goodbye to another year and looks forward to a new with 2013.

However, looking back at 2012, Superintendent Mary Zappitelli said they have much to be happy for.

“For the first time the district has earned an ‘excellent’ rating on the Ohio State Report Card,” Zappitelli said. “It has been an ardent journey in going from ‘continuous improvement’ to ‘excellent.’”

Zappitelli could not be more proud of everyone who encouraged GACS students to strive for excellence.

“The hard work and concerted efforts of staff, administrators, students and their parents have made this possible,” Zappitelli said.

Zappitelli is hoping the excellent rating can continue through 2013 and is gracious to everyone in the

district.

“Congratulations to all and thanks,” Zappitelli said.

Another achievement of 2012 for GACS is the completion of all five of their school buildings. The district can now start 2013 construction free for the first time in ten years.

“We have completed our district building project and now have five new school buildings to serve 2,700 students in grades pre-Kindergarten through 12,” Zappitelli said.

The project began with a state funded grant allowing for over 70 percent of the funding to be paid for.

“This $72 million project, in which the state funded 73 percent and local taxpayers funded 27 percent, was made possible through a partnership with the Ohio School Facilities Commission,” Zappitelli said.

Zappitelli said the students are now navigating the hallways with ease and the new schools are a great

addition to the GACS learning experience.

“The new Cork Elementary and Austinburg Elementary buildings opened this August, ten years after the passage of the bond issue in November, 2002,” Zappitelli said.

With the new schools and now an excellent rating at GACS, Zappitelli said they retain students every year.

“The district student population has remained fairly steady over the last few years,” Zappitelli said.

“However, in the last two years, the school district has experienced severe revenue losses due to large cuts in state funding and the failure of levies that were on the ballot to help off-set the losses in state dollars.”

Zappitelli said the cuts they have made are the best options they have to balance their budget, however unpleasant the reductions may be.

“These losses in funding

have forced the district to make significant reductions in the services it routinely offered parents,” Zappitelli said. “Some of these reductions include restrictions in busing services, significant teacher and support staff lay-offs, increased class size, payto-participate for extracurricular activities and athletics.”

In conclusion, Zappitelli said the district has overcome challenges in the past and they will continue to jump hurdles with the goal of providing the best education and services possible.

“In spite of the financial hardships, the Geneva Schools remain committed to the success of each and every student and will continue to persevere to remain an efficient and effective high performance district,” Zappitelli said.

Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette news.com.

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Share A Christmas share smiles and donations for 20 years

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - The Geneva Area Safety Forces and the Northwest Ambulance District teamed up for 20 years of Share A Christmas, during which they donated food, clothing and presents to 41 families, including 110 children and 71 adults.

“We had 41 families to help this year,” Chief of the City of Geneva’s Fire Department Doug Starkey said.

Each year there is an increase of families who need the extra help during the holidays, but Starkey said they have yet to have an issue filling the demand.

“While the number of people in need keeps growing, thankfully the number of generous donors step forward to fill those needs,” Starkey said.

The forces came together as they stayed up shopping and packaging boxes before handing them out before Christmas.

“Geneva Giant Eagle and Preferred Produce really gave us a lot of help and donations this year,” Starkey said. “We are very grateful for all that they do.”

Rhonda Baehr, organizer and NAD employee, said they received a lot of donations this year and it was once again an amazing experience as everyone came together for a common cause.

“People stop by to give $5, and sometimes we get a $1,000 check,” Baehr said.

“We are so thankful and so grateful for every single penny that is donated.”

Baehr said there is nothing that can replace the look on a face when they realize they will have a happy Christmas.

“Each child received several gifts and it is just so great to see how thankful everyone is when we give them their holiday packages,” Baehr said.

The Share A Christmas crew said they have so many people to thank and want to remind everyone that they can donate monetarily to the cause year round.

Baehr said it is the community which makes the program successful every year and since they have hit 20 years, there is no reason to stop anytime soon as they look forward to the next holiday season.

The Share A Christmas crew would like to thank the following sponsors and donors: Kiwanis, American Legion, Barbara Stuetzer, Liza Lemponen-Plotz, the Harpersfield Fire Department, Mary’s Diner, United Refining/Kwik Fill, Griffiths Home Furniture, Eddie’s Grill, Cliff and Lynda Henry, Marge Miliken, The Beach Club/Eagle Cliff Inn, Patrick Hergenroeder, B & G Enterprises, Allison’s Mini Gold/ Krazy K, Conrad Signs, Geneva Car Wash, American

Alert, Building Technicians, Fraternal Order of Eagles 2243, Sombrero Properties, Willow Lake Campgrounds, Computer Options/Connie Fedor, Northwest Savings Bank, Rees’ Corner, Richard and Barbara Pruden, Styling on Broadway, Bennett Machine and Stamping, Geneva Veterinary Clinic, Geneva Chiropractic Clinic, Joe and Grayce Mallone, Watkins and Keyerleber Insurance, Geneva Storage Company, Old Mill Winery, Slocum Business Services, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6846, Preferred Produce, Rodger Fuller, Crawford Insurance Agency, Everett and Julie Henry, Gourlie Financial Services, Schmidt Equipme’s Place, Carol’s Corner Child Care, Geneva Area Teachers Association, Anthony Zala, Margaret Adams, Mark and Vera Shafer, Evalyn Heikkinen, Karran Shop, Inc., Northwest Ambulance District, William and Lynne Austin, the Harpersfield Ruritan Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles 2243 Ladies Auxiliary, Mary Drugovich, Timothy and Cynthia Miller, The Pickled Pepper, Jeanette Salisbury, the Geneva-onthe-Lake Fire Department, the Geneva Youth Basketball League, Charles and Debra Rose, the Ladies VFW Auxiliary 6846, Rapid Photo- Pam Zack, Callender Insurance Agency, the Geneva Police Department, Crystal Latimer, Karen McCroden, Buenita Parker, David and Beth Henning, Stacy Izzy, Lauren Massucci, Geneva License Bureau, Bob Russell, Dale Arkenburg, Harpersfield Cinder-Ellas Central Hardware, Tree of Knowledge Learning, Fraternal Order of Police Lakeshore Lodge 114, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Fobell, the Geneva Grape JAMboree, William and Evalyn Calhoon, Doug and Pat Burgett, Rick and Janet Whaley, Our Helping Hands, Knights of Columbus 5286, Broadfield Manor, Doug and Marsha Starkey, Jim and Sandy Coachman, Colleen Kettunen, Sunrise Counciling Services, Joe Parada, Rae-An Holdings, Katie’s Corner Ice Cream, Russ and Janice Starkey, Marty and Diane Bartone, Deborah Pose, Geneva Lodge Associates, Ken’s Seamless Gutters, Pamela Boyce, the Geneva-on-the-Lake Police Department, American Legion 124, Anthony and Mary Zappitelli, Ruth Schroeder, the Geneva Firemen’s Club, Benny’s Coin Laundry, William and Betty Jones, Veterans of Foreign Wars 6846 Men’s Auxiliary, Ames Plumbing, Patrick and Carole Sanzotta, Dave Nelson, Ronald Bowser, Ron Valitsky, Ginger Rhodes, August Difiore, Robert and Terri Sheldon, Diane Gaynard, the Northwest Ambulance District Auxiliary, David and Beth Henning and all anonymous donors.

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Jan. 14, 2013 - Jefferson Area Local School Board Meeting Jan. 17, 2013 - End of 2nd nine weeks Jan. 18, 2013 - In -Service Day - No School Jan. 21, 2013 - Martin Luther King Day - No School Feb. 14, 2013 - Parent / Teacher Conferences (3:30-7 p.m.)

Feb. 15, 2013 - Parent / Teacher Conferences (8 - 11:30 a.m.) – No School For Students Feb. 18, 2013 - Presidents’ Day - No School

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013 • 7A

“We have posted one crossing guard position to help at

Breakfast with Santa AACS

From page 1A the entrance of Sanborn Road for any walkers coming into

“That will allow all of the junior high to leave hopefully before we dismiss our students,” Rapose said.

Rapose has personally talked with students to get a picture of their transportation options.

“We do expect an influx in student drivers,” Rapose said.

“Unfortunately after talking to some students, some did say they will be walking.”

There are no sidewalks in place on the roads leading to both the junior high and high school entrances.

Colucci said this is not the ideal situation but it was one of their only options left and the crossing guards have now been placed at the high school and junior high school entrance.

the campus as well as helping with the traffic control problem,” Reichert said.

Colucci said the students discussed safety procedures for driving or walking to school with the school resource officers before Christmas break.

Whether the student is walking or driving, Rapose understands there are risks taken and the school as well as the district want safety to continue to be their top priority.

“We’re trying to take every precaution we can and trying to accommodate as many people as we can,” Rapose said.

“That’s what we’ve come to as of right now.”

Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazettenews.com.

8th Annual

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Elizabeth, left to right, Santa and Luisa Sistek.

GENEVA - At 6 a.m., Joe Giffin and Rob Lockney, leaders of Boy Scout Troop #750 of Geneva, snuck into Luisa’s Mexican Grill to start grilling sausage, flipping pancakes, browning hash browns and brewing coffee for Luisa’s Mexican Grill’s 2nd annual Breakfast with Santa. American fare being foreign to Luisa’s grill, they decided to toss in some breakfast burritos that earned rave reviews.

By 8:30 a.m., the place was a-buzz with Boy Scouts preparing to unlock the front door to fascinated children and adults who came from miles around to spend time with Santa and let Santa know just what’s on their lists.

Free photos were taken by Scott Vincent of Geneva.

Scott quickly sent photos to parents who left their e-mail addresses just in time to use the photos for Christmas cards.

Assisting Santa and photographer Scott were Kim Smith and her daughter Julia, who helped to print the photos on the spot and insert them into adorable felt Christmas ornaments ready to take home and hang on the tree. Ornaments were packed

in gingerbread boxes along with candy donated by the Boy Scout Troop.

“I am always amazed at how this Boy Scout Troop organizes themselves to accomplish a common goal, and how respectful the boys are.

Besides enjoying watching the kids talk to Santa, the highlight for me this year was to hand Mrs. Fornash an ornament with her photo with Santa. She was just so delighted,” Luisa’s Mexican Grill owner Debbie Sistek said. “You see, Mrs. Fornash is 80 years old, and often dons a shirt that reads ‘Santa’s Mama,’ because she is. She told me she doesn’t wear her shirt to the breakfasts, but just loves attending them.”

Congratulations to Girard Nurseries who was the top ticket seller for the 2nd year in a row.

Proceeds raised by the troop are used to help fund campouts, and projects that are requirements in earning merit badges and eventually Eagle Scout. Santa and the troop look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

—Submitted by Debbie Sistek

Heart to Heart ACMC’s Women’s Heart Health Awareness Luncheon & accessory Fashion Show

Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 Mount Carmel Community Center • 1200 E. 21st St. • Ashtabula, OH 44004

Bring your mom, sister, daughter or friend, and help us celebrate the special bond that women share – while learning how to stay heart healthy. And don’t forget to wear red!

Schedule 10:30 a.m.-Noon

Shopping, exhibits and mingling

Noon

Lunch, table prizes and accessory fashion show

12:30 - 1 p.m.

Presenter: John Stephens, MD, Cleveland Clinic Inverventional Cardiologist at Ashtabula County Medical Center

1 to 1:30 p.m.

Viktor Mizak, left to right, Derrick Glover, Santa, Danny Miles and Thomas Weston of Geneva Boy Scout Troop 750.

Sam from Philadelphia, left to right, Santa and Joann Fornash.

Exhibitors include:

Door prize drawings

Tickets Tickets are $15 each or two for $25. Please RSVP and prepay by Feb. 1 by calling (440) 997-6555, or visit www.acmchealth.org.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ACMC Cardiac Services ACMC Diabetes Education ACMD Diagnostic Imaging ACMC Foundation ACMC Gift Shop ACMC Premiere Fitness ACMC Salon at Premiere Fitness American Heart Association A Touch of Glass Bead Traders Bonnie’s Baskets & Wreaths Celestial Designs Cookie Lee Jewelry Crystal’s Cakes and More Desserts by Marie Elaine’s Felted Couture L’s Treasures Lia Sophia Longaberger Marcy’s Originals Michi Purses Scentsy Scarves by Madelon Uppercase Living And more!

Education

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013 • 8A

Jefferson Area Junior High Choir and Band celebrate the season

Jefferson second graders learn math facts to help others

PHOTOS BY KIM PICKARD

Second graders present their earnings to the police officers. Pictured are Kiden Housel, Alec Gramsz, Braden Dresnek, Jacob Blood, acting Chief Dave Wassie, Riley Wood, Morgen Franklin, Police Chief Steve Febel, Seth Wetherholt

BY KIM PICKARD Gazette Newspapers

Pictured is the seventh-grade choir.

BY KIM PICKARD Gazette Newspapers

the eighth-grade band took to the stage and performed The Name’s Claus, Santa Claus, a “James Bond” style song arranged by Mark Williams. Next was Holly Jolly Christmas by Johnny Marks, and finally Winter Wonderland arranged by Gerald Chester, which featured trumpet soloist Andy Pickard.

To entertain the crowd while snacking on cookies after the concert, the high school stage band made an appearance in the cafeteria and played a selection of jazzy Christmas songs.

They performed “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “You’re

JEFFERSON - For almost 20, years the secondgrade classes at Jefferson Elementary School have raised thousands of dollars for the Jefferson Police Auxiliary’s Christmas fund to help needy families. This year the young students collected close to $2,000 to help families in the area.

On Friday, Jan. 4, the three, excited second-grade classes and their teachers Cathy Kivimaki, Mary Ford, and Karen Gough, presented retired Police Chief Steve Febel and acting Chief Dave Wassie with The high school stage band makes an appearance after an envelope full of their earnings. The officers the concert. talked with the children a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” their family and friends. about the families they “Big Band Holiday” and con- The evening of music, which helped with the money colcluded with “Have a Cool was free and open to the lected the previous year Yule.” public, was the perfect way and about how much they The hard work of the di- to celebrate the holiday sea- appreciate the students’ efrectors and the students son and get in the Christ- forts and generosity.

Officer Wassie explained was greatly appreciated by mas spirit. that each year, the Jefferson Elementary second-grade classes are the biggest contributors to the Police Auxiliary fund that purchases gifts for underprivileged families. To raise the money, the students begin practicing their addition facts early in the school year. Periodically, in class they take timed tests to get better and faster at recalling their facts. They then collect sponsors, asking to be paid for each problem they get right when they take the final timed

JEFFERSON - Tuesday evening, Dec. 11, the Jefferson Area Junior High choirs and bands celebrated the Christmas season with a concert featuring a variety of favorite holiday tunes.

Choir director Ms. Natalie Modarelli and band director Mr. Fred Burazer each directed two grades in performing songs they have been working on for several months.

The seventh-grade choir sang three songs which included Gloria in Excelsis Deo by Antonio Vivaldi (arr.

Sherri Porterfield), White Christmas by Irving Berlin (arr. Joyce Eilers Bacak) and Christmas Finale by Joyce Eilers Bacak and Paul Jennings.

The eighth-grade choir performed three songs as well. Their first song was Carol of the Bells by M. Leontovich and P.J. Wilhousky, followed by A Christmas Madrigal by Linda Spevacek and concluding with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Johnny Marks (arr. Roger Emerson. After which the two choirs sang a song together called Fill the Night with Singing by Mark Patterson.

After the choirs performed, it was the band’s turn to show off their skill.

PHOTOS BY KIM PICKARD The seventh-grade band played Santa’s Holiday by Noah Nelson, David Sawdey, Jared Gianantonio, Tyler Moore and Andy Pickard warm A.R. Plato, It’s the Most up before the concert.

Wonderful Time of the Year arranged by Michael Story, and All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey (arr. Fred A. Burazer).

To wrap up the evening

test. In the beginning of December they take a 100 problem, five-minute fact test. This is the test that counts, where they are paid for each correct problem.

The tests are graded and the children collect the money, bringing it all in to give to the Jefferson Police Department. Because of last year’s efforts, the Police Auxiliary was able to help more families than they typically do.

When asked how she felt hearing about other kids that didn’t have as much as she did, Katrina Weber stated, “I feel like I want to share sometimes.”

Jacob Blood said he “felt sad,” and that learning his addition facts was “a fun way to help.” Ava Lerninger felt happy that she could send money to them.

Teacher Mary Ford explained, “The kids are very excited and they do know they are doing this to help families who are having trouble.”

The students had planned to share their earnings with the police on Dec. 21, the last day of school before Christmas break. But because of school being canceled that day, they had to contain their excitement and present the funds when they returned to school in January. Though they had to wait, it was still gratifying for them to hear how their hard work was going to help struggling families in the area.

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The seventh- and eighth-grade choirs warm up together.

Teachers Mary Ford, Cathy Kivimaki and Karen Gough pose with all three second-grade classes and retired Police Chief Steve Febel and acting Chief Dave Wassie.

Religion Latimer receives Cup of Cold Water award Geneva resident Crystal Latimer receives the Cup of Cold Water award from the Rev. Doug Wright during the c o m m u n i t y Thanksgiving service held at First Baptist Church, Ashtabula. Latimer is president of Ashtabula County Friends for Life, a Sunday School teacher at FBC SUBMITTED PHOTOS Ashtabula and a former Geneva councilwoman. The 10th annual Cup of Cold Water award recipients were chosen by the Ashtabula Area Ministerial Association and included Kathleen Milford, Director of the Ashtabula County Choral Music Society and the Rev. Doug Wright, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Ashtabula. Inspirational speaker for the service was the assistant Chardon High School football coach Frank Hall of Jefferson.

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013 • 9A

JUMC starts the new year off with new Bible studies

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSONThe Jefferson United Methodist Church is starting off the new year with several new Bible studies.

The young men’s group will begin their study on Courageous Living on January 13 at 6:30 p.m. “[The Bible study is] a dynamic four-week small group Bible study based on the bold fatherhood and family principles featured in the film Courageous,” Pat Cramer, the church’s administrative assistant, said.

The study will focus on leading men toward living more courageously in four key areas. “[It will focus on] responsibility: serving, protecting, and casting a vision for their family, priorities: focusing on eternal things rather than what is temporary, legacy: recognizing a father’s potential impact as a godly role model and faith: strengthening a father ’s identity in

Christ, increasing in wisdom,” Cramer said.

The study encourages men wanting to participate to pick up a copy of the film Courageous.

“We invite you to come join us for this, and check out the film ‘Courageous’ before you do, but it’s not required, but recommended. Copies are available at Henderson Library and Thorne’s Bi-Lo,” Cramer said.

The study will be held at the church in the Ludi Classroom, off Wesley Hall.

Another new Bible study group will be starting on Jan. 18 entitled Indescribable.

The session is based on the movie Indescribable.

This is a one session, oneand-a-half-hour study beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m.

“The heavens are telling the glory of God and their expanse declares the works of His hands,” the church described the session in its newsletter. “Peer into God’s universe and see the amaz-

ing magnitude of His greatness and grace.”

The movie will describe the wonders of the universe and the inner workings of one’s soul.

“Indescribable will take us on a journey through the vastness of outer space and into the depths of the soul,” Cramer said. “If you ever had any doubts about how wonderful God is, this movie will surely help to eliminate your doubts about the power of God.” The session will watch the movie and then discuss its content in detail.

“In this one session group, we’ll watch the movie Indescribable and discuss the greatness of God, His creation and His wonderful plan of salvation,” Cramer said. “It’s easy . No book, no preparation, and no cost.”

Childcare will be available as long as you make previous arrangements with the church.

The last Bible study group will be entitled

“When the Game is Over it All Goes Back in the Box” and will be a series of discussion groups meeting every Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting Jan. 28.

“Like cards and tokens at a board game’s end, life’s ‘rewards’ will all go back in the box when we take our last breath,” Cramer said.

“Winning the game of life on Earth is a temporary victory; loving God and other people with all our hearts is an eternal one.”

The six-session course is open to all who are interested.

“Join us Monday evenings for six sessions and learn to live and leave your life with the only prize that matters,” Cramer said.

For more information on these Bible studies contact the Jefferson United Methodist Church at (440) 5764561.

Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, can be reached at sportman@ gazettenews.com.

Courageous to be screened at Harpersfield United Methodist Church All the dynamics of modern family life are in the forefront in a great movie to be shown at Harpersfield United Methodist Church on Jan. 18. The movie, Courageous, will be shown Friday, Jan. 18, at 6:30 at the church, located at the intersection of Garford Road and Cork Cold Springs Rd. A special invitiation is extended to young families and community folks to join the church family.

There is no charge and refreshments will be available.

The movie was released in 2011 and grossed $9.1 million the first weekend it was shown in theaters throughFrank Hall, Chardon High School’s assistant football coach out the country. It is rated PG and is appropriate for all who prayed with dying students and chased a shooter out of the school in 2012 and a Jefferson resident, spoke on a Biblical passage at the Ashtabula Area Ministerial Association’s community Thanksgiving service held at First Baptist Church, Ashtabula. He was accompanied by family, all but one son. G.O. Ministries received a love offering from attendees and Mae and John Salters gave an update on ministry activities held at the former Thurgood Marshall School site. The 10th annual Cup of Cold Water awards were BY SADIE PORTMAN two days after Ford’s landing on January 6. “Compresented to Crystal Latimer, Kathleen Milford and the Rev. Gazette Newspapers Doug Wright, pastor of FBC Ashtabula. pletely blacked out and in Many people know the total radio silence, Ford flew heroic stories following through the night, coming in Japan’s attack on Pearl Har- for his landing at Nouméa bor on December 7, 1941 and just as dawn was rising over of the many men left to rest the Pacific. The unexpected in their bunks of the USS flying boat woke up the Arizona at the bottom of the town. Ford gave company people there one hour to get harbor’s floor.

Pearl Harbor has become packed—one small bag a story of tragedy and legend apiece.”

Twenty-two men, women as it led us into World War and children, along with as II. However, another story much gas as the aircraft sprang as a direct result of could carry, boarded the the invasion, which like plane.

Ford flew through the Pearl Harbor starts with a skies with only a select few plane.

Captain Robert Ford knowing of their flight as it would forever secure Pan was kept secret while they Am’s aircraft the Pacific flew past Japanese- and GerClipper into history as he be- man-invaded territories.

Ten stops were made became the first person to fly a passenger plane around the fore their arrival at LaGuardia Field, New York. world.

Ford had flown out of San In order of arrival, Ford took Francisco to New Zealand on his crew and passengers to December 7 and then found Gladstone, Australia; Darhimself having to map a new win, Australia; Surabaya, PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN Java; Trincomalee, Ceylon; route after the attacks.

Starting in New Zealand Karachi, British India; Have you seen this Site Solver? Taking a page from on December 15, Ford had Bahrain; Khartoum, Sudan; sister-paper the Conneaut Courier, each week the Gaoriginal plans to fly back into Leopoldville, Belgian Congo; zette will run a photo from some place and/or thing in San Francisco but Ford was Natal, Brazil; Port of Spain, one of the three school districts it covers, Jefferson, forced to find an alternative Trinidad and Tobago; and fiGeneva and Ashtabula. The first few people to guess route to get his passengers nally to New York, arriving where the photo is from will have their names printed safely back onto American the morning of January 6, in the next issue. No one correctly guessed last week’s 1942. soil. photo, which was a bell in downtown Jefferson. This Over 31,500 miles were “At l0:00 P.M. on Decemweek’s photo is in Ashtabula. Guesses can be sent in ber 15 the flight home flown home, and at his stop after 5 p.m. Jan. 9 to (440) 576-9125 ext. 107. started,” a local newspaper in Surabaya, Ford had the reported on January 8, 1942, challenge of fueling with

Robert Ford flew into history 71 years ago

Site Solver

age groups. Child care will be provided for small children.

The movie begins as the Albany, Georgia police force attempts to stop drug smuggling in the city. The backdrop includes family situations similar to those found in many homes today. The fast moving movie is a healthy alternative to some modern films containing unwholesome content.

For more information or details, please call the church at 466-4778. Pastor Shirley Stoops-Frantz has been serving the church for the past seven years.

R emember W hen

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Captain Robert Ford flew in a plane similar to the one pictured here with 22 passengers aboard.

Ford made the decision to automobile-grade gasoline.

“We took off from fly over Mecca because the Surabaya on the 100 octane, Saudis did not have anti-airclimbed a couple of thousand craft guns.

Through it all, Ford kept feet, and pulled back the power to cool off the en- his focus on America where gines,” said Ford. “Then we he was greeted with cheers switched to the automobile and a beer “That was one of the high gas and held our breaths.

The engines almost jumped points of the whole trip.” Ford out of their mounts, but they said about the beer.

Ford flew with the only ran. We figured it was either that or leave the airplane to goal of landing home and would prove to be the first the Japs.”

At one point Ford spotted flight around the world by a a Japanese submarine and passenger plane.

It was certainly a sight to had to jam the throttles forward to climb out of range of see as the Pacific clipper landed on a cold January the submarine’s guns.

Ford also flew around morning.

“When it landed, water Saudi Arabia after the Royal British Air Force warned the splashed up onto the crew of their brutality to- Boeing’s wings and froze solid,” the writer reported. wards foreign aircrafts.

“The Saudis had appar- “The hawser on the buoy ently already caught some was like a chunk of ice. But British flyers who had been Captain Ford and the Pacific forced down there. The na- Clipper had made it home.”

Sadie Portman, reporter tives had dug a hole, buried them in it up to their necks, for the Gazette, can be and just left them,” Ford reached at sportman@gazette news.com. said.

Sports

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013 • 10A

Falcons fall to Indians

BY BYRON C. WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Falcons hosted the Girard Indians on Friday, Dec. 28 as part of Jefferson’s celebration of 50 years of basketball. The Falcons put up 75 points in the game, but ultimately fell 79-75.

The Falcons looked good early on as they went up 12-6.

However, Jim Standohar and Evan Standohar each hit a three pointer for the Indians to tie the game at 12-12. The two teams would be tied 14-14 after one quarter of action. Evan Standohar led the Indians with seven points in the quarter. Jim Standohar added five points, four rebounds and two steals. Craig Randall scored the other two points for Girard in the opening quarter. Jefferson was led

by David Chase and Brett Powers in the first quarter as both players scored four points. Jacob Hamilton, Troy Bloom and Lucas Hitchcock each added two points for the Falcons in the opening quarter. Justin Butler contributed three rebounds and two assists for Jefferson.

The game remained close in the second quarter as after a couple of lead changes Jefferson went up 27-23. Girard came back once more to tie the game at 27-27, but Jefferson took a two point lead into halftime up 29-27. Three pointers again helped Girard trim the deficit as

David Chase defends for the Falcons during a game against Girard.

Tyler Kilbourne and Dylan O’Hara each connected from behind the arc. Craig Randall led the Indians in scoring with five points in the quarter.

Jim Standohar added two points, while Evan Standohar hauled in five boards. Jefferson was able to take the lead behind four points and three rebounds from bench player Jacob Adams. Adams grabbed a rebound with seconds left and beat the buzzer with a put back for the 29-27 lead going into halftime. Lucas Hitchcock

aided the Falcons with four points and two assists.

Jefferson also received points from Brett Powers (3), Troy Bloom (2) and David Chase (2) in the quarter.

The game went back and forth in the third quarter as both teams held multiple leads. After the game was tied at 43-43, Jefferson would go on a five point run to lead 4843. However, Girard closed out the quarter on a 16-2 run to take a 59-50 lead going into the final quarter. Craig Randall proved to be the difference for Girard in the third quarter as he put up 24 points in the quarter, including three makes from downtown. Jim Standohar added four points and Tyler Kilborne and Korri Maynard each added two points as Girard scored 32 points in the quarter.

Jefferson was held to 21 points and were hurt down the stretch as Girard built a nine-point lead. The Falcons went inside early in the third quarter as David Chase scored eight points and grabbed two rebounds.

Troy Bloom added a pair of three-pointers for the Falcons to tie the game at 4343 and then give Jefferson the lead at 46-43. Jacob Hamilton added four points and two assists, while Lucas Hitchcock added three points and two rebounds in the quarter.

Troy Bloom hit three more three-pointers in the fourth quarter for the Falcons as he had eleven points in the quarter.

Bloom gave the Falcons a 64-63 lead, but it would be short lived. Girard regained the lead as Craig Randall added ten more points to help put the Indians up 68-65. Jefferson tied the game once more at 68-68 behind another three by Bloom, but Girard would go on to win the game 79-75. Bloom hit six, three-pointers in the game and finished with a team high 21 points.

Lucas Hitchcock added six points for the Falcons in the final quarter. Brett Powers scored four points for Jefferson in the fourth quarter and Justin Butler added two points.

Hamilton and Chase both added a free throw at the line for Jefferson, but they fell 79-75.

Craig Randall again carried the Indians in the fourth quarter with ten points and finished with a game high 41 points. Jim Standohar hit his second three pointer in the game for Girard in the fourth quarter to go with a free throw. Korri Mynard chipped in three points, while Evan DelBene added a basket and Evan Standohar added a free throw.

Warriors fall to Lancers

Gilmore’s David Linane, drives and is fouled by Edgewood’s Connor McLaughlin.

Gilmore won the game 74-49.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARRY BOOHER

Edgewood’s Matthew Fitchet blocks the shot attempt by Gilmore’s Colin Zucker. Edgewood lost the game 74-49.

Spartans hold off Warriors

BY ALLAN MONONEN Gazette Newspapers

CONNEAUT - Conneaut and Edgewood met Saturday for the second time this season, this time in the consolation game of the Conneaut Holiday Tournament.

The contest started slowly, with the Warriors taking a 1110 lead after the first quarter.

Then the Spartans took control with a basket by Lexi Zappitelli that put the hosts in front 12-11. Conneaut’s defense limited the Warriors to one basket in that period and took a 24-13 lead into halftime.

Conneaut held onto that advantage for the remainder of the game, despite Edgewood outscoring the Lucas Hitchcock attempts a free throw for the Jefferson Spartans in the second half.

Falcons during a game against Girard.

The Spartans took the victory 54-46.

“We had a rough second period, that set the tone for the rest of the game. Just like Thursday night, we battled You can buy these photos! back to nearly win. Conneaut did a nice job of taking away Check out www.

Gia Saturday. She’s our top legitimate scorer, but Carrie Gazettenews.com Pascarella stepped up tonight. I challenged the girls For local news, at halftime, they came back sports, school and outscored Conneaut in happenings, the second half. We played good defense but shot ourreligious news & more!

PHOTOS BY BYRON C. WESSELL selves in the foot too many Troy Bloom plays for the Jefferson Falcons during a home times,” Warrior Coach Dave McCoy said. game against Girard.

Gazette Newspapers

“I an really proud of the way we played tonight. I told them in the locker room that I hope we can keep up this effort for the rest of the season. The biggest thing tonight was ball movement. It has really improved in the last few games and now we need to learn how to win,” Conneaut Coach Tony Pasanen said.

“Lexi (Zappitelli) has been more consistent lately, (scoring), but the key is how our three seniors have been providing leadership.

Tori Simek, Angie Zappitelli and Lydia Coccitto have rrally been getting the job done for us and the younger girls are feeding off their effort. We have some unselfish girls here and it’s getting to a point where we feel we have a chance to win now,” Pasanen added.

Conneaut improves to 4-6, Edgewood is 3-7.

Statiscally, Carrie Pascarella led the Warriors with 14,Cortney Humphrey added 8. The Spartans held Gia Saturday to six while April Lane, Kegan McTrusty, Alyssa Johnson tallied six apiece.

Lexi Zappitelli had high game scoring honors with 17, Natalie Bertolasio added ten.

Dani Heinonen, eight, Angie Zappitelli, six, Tori Simek and Brooke Bennett, five each and Lydia Coccitto, three, rounded out the Spartan offense.

Sports

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2013 • 11A

PHOTOS BY BYRON C. WESSELL

Logan Updyke plays for the Lakeside Dragons during a Jared Patton (22) and Josh Cruz (30) play for the Lakeside Jahmeil Ballenger, of Lakeside, and Ben Damm, of junior varsity game against Geneva.

Dragons during a junior varsity game against Geneva. Geneva, play against each other in a recent junior varsity Number 40 for Geneva is Seth Calhoun. basketball game.

Dragons turn it on in second half

BY BYRON C.WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

steals to give him four points in the quarter. Khalil McCall added a three pointer and Mo GENEVA – The Geneva Lebron and Josh Cruz each Eagles junior varsity bas- scored two points.

The Eagles were unable to ketball team hosted the Lakeside Dragons in a PAC match the scoring of the Dragmatch-up. The Dragons ons in the first quarter, but would take an early lead in received buckets from Alex the first quarter before Orlando, Aiden Hennessey Eagles battled back with a and Paul Hitchcock. Tyler huge second quarter to hold Drought added a point off a a one point advantage go- free throw and picked up one ing into halftime. The assist as the Eagles were Dragons then turned things down nine.

Geneva bounced back in on again in the second half the second quarter as they to win 62-44.

The Dragons got off to a outscored the Dragons 19-9. hot start as they lead 12-1 and Cody Brunsma led the way then 16-3 in the first quarter. with seven points and two reThe Eagles tried to bounce bounds for the Eagles. Aiden back as they went on a 4-0 run Hennessey tacked on six to end the quarter trailing 16- points and four rebounds, 7. Jared Patton led the Drag- while Tyler Draught added ons with five points in the five points in the second quaropening quarter to go with ter. Paul Hitchcock added a five rebounds. Logan Updyke point off a free throw as the scored on a pair of fastbreak Eagles turned things around

for a one point lead at 26-25.

Jahmiel Ballenger paced the Dragons with four points in the second quarter and Logan Updyke added a threepointer. Mo Lebron scored the other two points for the Dragons in the quarter, but Lakeside could not continue their momentum.

The Dragons recaptured the lead in the third quarter as they were able to put up 20 points andheld the Eagles to only nine points. Jahmiel Ballenger led the way with ten points, including a pair of threes and two steals. Mo Lebron and Jared Patton each added five points for the Dragons who were now up 45-35.

Cody Brunsma had another good quarter for the Eagles with five points and two rebounds. Alex Orlando and Paul Hitchcock each added two points, but Geneva found themselves down ten

heading into the final quarter.

The Dragons flew to a 6244 win down the stretch as Mo Lebron paced Lakeside with seven fourth quarter points.

Lebron finished the game with 16 points for the Dragons. Keith Haynes got into the scoring mix with four points and Logan Updyke also scored four more points to give him eleven overall. Jahmiel Ballenger tacked on two more points as he matched his teammate for a game high 16 points as well.

The Eagles would be unable to match the Dragons offense in the second half as they fell by nearly 20 points.

Ben Damm had three points off the bench for the Eagles in the fourth quarter, while Ryan Nappi, Cody Brunsma and Jason Downie all had two points. Brunsma finished with a team high 14 points for Tyler Drought, of Geneva, shoots a free throw during a the Eagles in the loss. junior varsity game against Lakeside.

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135 N. Chestnut St. Jefferson 440-576-3004

(440) 576-8852

Open for breakfast every day!

Larry Bagley, Owner

Your Full-Service Station ✔ Tune-Ups ✔ Brakes ✔ Complete Auto Repair ✔ Exhaust Repair or Replacement ✔ Cooper Tires and Deka Batteries ✔ Transmission Service ✔ Shocks

BP of Jefferson, Inc. 4 S. Chestnut St. • Jefferson, OH

576-1931

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2 Layers of Real Cheese in Every Bite

MADE FROM FRESH, NEVER FROZEN DOUGH • TOPPINGS ALL THE WAY TO THE EDGE

GET A

MEDIUM 2-TOPPING

7

HANDMADE PAN PIZZA FOR $ 99 JEFFERSON

576-3030 16 E. Jefferson St.

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS Dental Group of Jefferson

Dr. Christopher Phillips • Dr. Casey Hammond 78 North Chestnut Street, Jefferson, Ohio

(440) 576-7040

Other Locations To Serve You Painesville Dental Group 128 Mentor Avenue Painesville, OH (440) 354-2183

Chardon Smile Center

301 Center Street, Chardon, OH (440) 286-2474

Contracted With Aetna PPO, Cigna PPO, Delta Dental Premier, And Guardian

ACCEPTING MOST INSURANCES

& PHARMACY 344 S. Chestnut Street, Jefferson Open 7am-9pm • 7 Days A Week

Store 576-9122 Pharmacy 576-6258 Video 576-7557

Barry Weaver stands next to the custom Jeep he is working on. Barry’s Auto has been serving the Jefferson area for 35 years.

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - For Barry’s Auto owner Barry Weaver, providing good customer service is more than just a business motto, it is something Weaver truly believes in.

Barry’s Auto has been a trusted auto repair shop for the Jefferson area for 35 years.

Barry is a Jefferson native and takes pride in his community as well as his business.

Barry repairs everything from brakes to engines and, of course, does the routine oil changes.

“I am now an AMSOIL distributor,” Weaver said.

Barry Auto only has one full-time employee, which is Weaver, but don’t let that fool you. Weaver is committed to getting work done as fast as possible without suffering on the quality of work.

Weaver is a certified car mechanic and provides quality care to every vehicle he sees.

Weaver will work on any make or model of car and even does work for custom-made cars.

As always, Barry’s Auto will pick up and return your car when it is done with the repairs.

“You can stay at home while we fix your car and not have to wait in the auto shop,” Weaver said.

Barry’s Auto now also does rust proofing, a new feature he suggests getting on your car.

“I do rust proofing on new and used cars,” Weaver

said. “It’s a product called fluid film.”

Weaver said the coating will make your car last longer without the worry of the wear and tear from the harsh midwestern winters.

“It really works well because it’s kind of a clear material, and so it isn’t like the old black conventional under coating,” Weaver said.

Weaver said most cars were not built for winters the area experiences and it’s better to prepare your car.

“On most cars, I’ll just do floor, gas tank and fuel lines and brake lines. On trucks you tend to do inside the doors,” Weaver said. “It really helps because it never completely hardens.”

The coating is extra protective from the new liquid salt that is on some of the roads now. The salt is great for the roads because it can really stay on, but for the same reason, it can wither away at your car.

“With this liquid salt they’re putting on the roads, we’re seeing brake lines going three or four years on a car because it just clings on to them and doesn’t let go,” Weaver said.

Barry’s Auto is always looking for new customers and provides friendly and quality service to everyone who walks through their doors or gives them a call on the phone.

Barry’s Auto is located at 369 Footville Richmond Road in Jefferson and you can reach the shop by phone at (440) 576-8852.

WINDOWS - DOORS - SIDING • PATIO ENCLOSURES • FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED • FULLY LICENSED & INSURED • GET THE BEST FOR LESS

QUALITY AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

SUB SHOP

73 N. Chestnut St. ★ Jefferson, OH ★ 440-576-2255

COMING SOON...

HERSHEY’S PINTS! OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 11:30AM-8:00PM

N! OPE W NO

STEVE’S

• Rust Repair • Metal Fabrication • Welding – All Metal • Power Coating & Sand Blasting • Two and Four-Stroke Engine Maintenance & Repair

AUTO BODY 440-576-4603

Located at Kusar Farms 1348 St. Rt. 307 W, Jefferson, OH

Lawrence (Larry) Bottoms ,