Gazette 01-11-12

A-Tech grads offer advice —

See page 10A

Year in Review — See page 6-7A

Senior center remembers Elvis — See page 5A

THE GAZETTE

Vol. No. 136, No. 2

Jefferson Council passes first reading of meth-lab ordinance

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012

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Expressions of Patriotism

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Council passed the first reading of an ordinance dealing with the clean up of clandestine drug labs and assessing costs to landowners 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.

Small municipalities are responsible for the clean up of meth labs, unless they have ordinances shifting the responsibility elsewhere, thus the ordinance being considered by council.

See CLEANUP page 2A

Ashtabula Senior Center has new executive director

PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS

Three Geneva High School Students have advanced to district competition in the Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsored Patriotic Art Contest.

GHS senior Lindsey Adams (third from right) was the blue ribbon winner. Brandon Ball (third from left) and Nate Volanski were the secondand third-place winners respectively. They are pictured with Sandra Roach (left) and Kathy Merrill (right), VFW Post 6846 Contest Chairpersons, and GHS Art teacher Gina Monahan.

Jefferson Players hold auditions

BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME Gazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON - Auditions were held recently at the Jefferson Area High School Auditorium for the Jefferson Players Spring Production, “The Trials of Robin Hood,” a fulllength comedy written by Will Averill with a cast of up to 56 actors.

“We read a lot of scripts and this was hilarious,” director Seanna Butler said.

Butler’s husband, Jim, who is codirecting, explained, “We knew we wanted something funny and to get as much involvement as possible.”

According to the website for Playscripts Inc., the company that prints the script, the comedy explores the question, Is Robin Hood a lusty hero, hopeless lover or evil criminal?

“Upon his return from the Crusades, King Richard is forced to try and figure out what happened in his kingdom during his PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN absence...told from the perspectives of Robin himself, Maid Lucille Hensley started off as a volunteer at the Ashtabula Senior Marian and Prince John, this hiCenter but has now taken over as larious tale combines three differexecutive director for Troy Bailey. ent stories into one—with three different endings, (leaving) it up to PHOTOS BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME the audience to decide which one Jefferson Area High School seniors Rachel Edge, Aubri Bowling and Brad Weisbarth take a break from

BY SADIE PORTMAN is true,” the website describes.

Gazette Newspapers Calculus to review their audition lines for The Trials of Robinhood. Weisbarth and Edge are the only See AUDITIONS page 8A seniors who have been in all eight productions during their four years at JAHS. 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

BY JAN PERALA a short time while Troy was still Geneva Area City Schools here,” Judy Witt said.

Hensley volunteered side by GENEVA - Kayleena Brashear, side with Bailey and observed the a senior at Geneva High School, job’s details. has advanced to state-level compeHensley said it was great to tition in the annual Voice of Delearn from the best. mocracy Speech Contest sponsored “Troy Bailey did a wonderful job by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in helping me transition,” Hensley and its Ladies’ Auxiliary. said. “I can’t thank him enough.”

The nationwide speech ConThe senior center is also test, established in 1947, is detransitioning well with the new signed to foster patriotism and afdirector, and Hensley said she alfords high school students in ready feels pretty comfortable and grades 9 through 12 the opportuin her element. nity to express their viewpoint From employees to the seniors regarding a preselected patriotic themselves, they have opened theme. their hearts to Hensley.

This year ’s topic, “Is There “Everyone’s working together to Pride in Serving in our Military?” make her feel welcomed,” Witt was addressed by more than said.

100,000 young speechwriters.

Hensley said she is happy to be Contest entrants compete for able to take over and sees great more than $2.5 million dollars in opportunity with the position. scholarships and incentives at the See DIRECTOR page 2A local, state and national levels.

PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS The national winner of the Voice Geneva High School senior Kayleena Brashear has qualified for state-level competition in the annual of Democracy Speech Contest will Voice of Democracy Speech Contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, garnering third place receive a $30,000 scholarship.

A compelling writer and a charin Ohio District 7, which encompasses a four-county region, including the entire greater Cleveland area. Brashear is pictured with Sandra Roach and Kathy Merrill of the VFW Post 6846 and GHS teacher See SPEECH page 9A Mary Ann Svagerko (second from right), speech contest advisor.

Brashear is State Qualifier in Voice of Democracy Speech Contest

2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

Morgan Township trustees look Who doesn’t want an iPad?! into emergency response fee

BY SUE LUTZ Gazette Newspapers MORGAN TOWNSHIP – During its first meeting of the new year on Wednesday, the Morgan Township Board of Trustees staked its claim on the committees on which members will serve and discussed a possible emergency response fee for property owners with faulty alarms.

Chairman Brett Bellas retained his position at the head of the board.

Bellas, who was appointed to the Board in 2010 to replace Donald Rowland who resigned in 2010, will set the agendas and conduct other duties related to all board meetings.

He will also be the primary representative for South Central Ambulance District (SCAD) and continue to oversee the affairs of the cemetery.

Trustee Don Dietrich, who previously served numerous terms on the board, was reelected to replace outgoing Trustee Virgil Martin, whose term ended in 2011. Dietrich will also assume the role of vice chairman of the board and be the alternate SCAD representative.

Newly elected Board Trustee Rodney Truckey replaced Mike Jones, who was appointed in 2010 to serve the remainder of the term vacated by Bradley Nicholson in 2010. Truckey will supervise the roads and bridges department.

Each trustee will receive $10,288 annual compensation for their service to the board.

Shaun Buehner, assistant fire chief of Morgan Hose Volunteer Fire Department, addressed the board regarding the possibility of charging a service fee to businesses and residents

hours of the day and night.

Following the fire fee discussion, the floor was opened to the public.

Several meeting attendees requested that the “No Unauthorized Admittance” sign above the township garage door be removed. Besides the fact that it is a public building, they cited the inconvenience caused to them by inclement weather, as residents have to wait outside to pick up their building permits.

Trustee Dietrich reported that the sign had been installed at the request of the insurance company for liability reasons and to prevent visitors from “wandering.” Dietrich also stated his concern that a reception area could encourage some residents to circumvent the board’s authority by going to the garage to discuss township matters and grievances with employees when they should be directing their inquiries to the board.

The board tabled the discussion but said it would request additional information and explore the possibility of designating a small area located immediately inside the door. One proposed idea was to use colored marking tape on the floor to restrict visitors.

Morgan Township Board of Trustees will meet again Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. at Morgan Hose Volunteer Fire Department in Rock Creek.

that have malfunctioning fire alarms.

Buehner, who also keeps the statistics for the fire department, reported that in 2011 volunteer firefighters responded to nearly a dozen false alarms at the former Rock Creek Elementary School. Multiple prior requests to have the alarm system fixed have already been made to Redstone Schoolhouse directors.

Buehner said he has personally requested that the daycare install a key lockbox, or knoxbox, so emergency responders can gain immediate access to the building, rather than wait for a key holder to arrive and unlock the building.

“We’ve already spoken to them (Redstone Schoolhouse directors) and the alarm company, so if they don’t want to address the problems with their alarm system, then the board should send something to them in writing,” he said. “I’ve looked into it and Ohio Revised Code says that after three false alarms the fire department can assess a fee.”

Board members agreed that a fee for repeated false alarms was a last resort option, but then tabled the discussion. Following the meeting Buehner said he’s anxious to see where it goes from that point. His main concern is the firefighters who have left their jobs and families to respond to the calls at the school house during all

Jan. 29 Geneva: Pancake and sausage breakfast The Geneva-Madison Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 6113 N. Ridge Rd., Geneva, will hold a pancake and sausage breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 29. The cost is $5 each for adults; children three-10, $3; and under three, free.

7th Annual

Heart to Heart

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

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 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

Exhibitors include:

10:30 a.m.-Noon

Shopping, exhibits and mingling

Noon

Lunch, table prizes and fashion show

12:30 - 1 p.m.

Speaker: Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist Perry Fleisher, MD

1 to 1:30 p.m.

Door prize drawings

Tickets Tickets are $15 each or two for $25. Please RSVP and prepay by Feb. 3 by calling (440) 997-6555.

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

ACMC Cardiac Services ACMC Diagnostic Imaging ACMC Foundation ACMC Gift Shop ACMC Premiere Fitness American Heart Association A Touch of Glass Bead Traders Beauti-Control Cosmetics Bonnie’s Baskets & Wreaths Bridge Street Boutique Celestial Designs Christopher & Banks Cookie Lee Jewelry Crystal’s Cakes and More Desserts by Marie EB Brown & Company Elaine’s Felted Treasures Fashion Bug JC Penney Lia Sophia Marcy’s Originals Michi Purses PartyLite Candles Sandpiper Gallery Scentsy Storybook Acres Scarves by Madelon Uppercase Living Walmart Walmart Vision Zonta And more!

PHOTO BY JAN PERALA

The Geneva Track Conditioning Team is raising funds for the squad by raffling off a new iPad 2. Tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20. The winner will be drawn when all tickets are sold, on or before Feb. 29. Displaying the iPad 2 are Laurisa Rosado, Alyssa Nieset, Coach Bobby McQuoid, Gabe McLeod and Erik Braun. For information contact Robert McQuoid at robert.mcquoid@neomin.org or David Yost at david.yost@neomin.org.

CLEANUP With this new ordinance, council makes clear its intent to have the owner of the property where the drug lab is located be responsible for the costs of clean up.

For the purposes of the ordinance, “clandestine drug lab” means the unlawful manufacture or attempt to manufacture controlled substances. It also means any place or area where law enforcement has determined that conditions associated with the operation of a clandestine drug lab exist. The lab may include industrial, commercial and residential buildings and dwellings, including accessory buildings, accessory structures, motor vehicles, a chemical dumpsite or any land.

These drug labs, when identified by law enforcement authorities, will be declared to be public health nuisances. When the village administrator receives notice of the lab, he will promptly issue a Declaration of Public Health Nuisance for the affected property and post a copy of the declaration at the entrance to the dwelling, according to the ordinance.

When the administrator or police chief determines there is an immediate threat of human exposure or injury, the village may conduct emergency dismantling and disposal of drug processing apparatus and/or chemicals.

“To the extent permitted by law, the individual or entity responsible, and/or the owner of the property where the site is found, shall be liable to the village for its costs incurred in conducting the emergency dismantling and disposal,” the ordinance reads.

The administrator also will notify the owner of the property by mail, as well as notify the occupants of the premises, all adjacent property owners and any other neighbors at probable risk and the primary and secondary mortgage holders.

The proposed ordinance also allows the administrator to order the owner of the property to do the following:

From page 1A • Cause the immediate vacation of all portions of the property which may place the occupants or visitors at risk.

• Contract with appropriate environmental testing and cleaning firms to conduct an on-site assessment, complete clean-up and remediation testing and follow-up testing and determine that the property risks are sufficiently reduced to allow safe human occupation of the dwelling.

• Provide the administrator with written documentation of the cleanup process, including a signed written statement from the environmental testing and cleaning firm that the property is safe for human occupancy and that the clean up was conducted. The owner must complete the remediation and post-remediation assessment within 90 days from the date of the Declaration of Public Nuisance.

“The property owner shall be responsible for all costs of cleanup of the site, including contractor fees,” the ordinance reads.

If the property owner fails to make arrangements, the administrator is allowed to initiate the cleanup. If the village cannot locate the property owner within 14 days of the declaration, the administrator is authorized to proceed with the clean up.

“The village shall be entitled to recover all costs of abatement of the public nuisance. The village may recover costs by civil action against the person or persons who own the property, or by assessing such costs as a special assessment pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code,” the ordinance reads.

Anyone found violating the ordinance is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor.

Council passed the first reading of the ordinance, with two more readings yet to go before it becomes official.

Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.

DIRECTOR “It feels wonderful to be here,” Hensley said.

Hensley said she wants to take the basics she learned from Bailey and mold them into her own.

She would like to see more seniors at the center and a wide array of activities for them to choose from.

“We’re trying to come up with some new activities to get the seniors involved,” Hensley said.

Hensley said she’s been working for 42 years, starting off in retail and then getting her license for social work and eventually working directly with area nursing homes.

“I have 33 years of experience working with seniors.

I worked in administration with nursing homes,” Hensley said.

Hensley has lots of new projects planned and she is hoping to see the senior center move to a more convenient space by 2015, which will provide more space to

From page 1A

work with.

“We hope to make the senior center grow,” Hensley said.

Hensley would also like to see more exercise classes offered to the seniors, but they will have to have a bigger space in order to make the classes possible.

“We want to get a new dance floor so we can create some new exercises for our seniors,” Hensley said.

Witt said the senior center was sad to lose Bailey but is happy to see his shoes being filled with someone like Hensley, who has the experience and friendly personality to do just as good of a job.

“She thinks outside the box, and she’s just very senior oriented and she’s just very good,” Witt said. “She’s just very good.”

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

WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

COMMUNITY

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A

Council to hold New council member sworn in public hearing

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Council will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to an ordinance dealing with multiple-family dwellings in the village in late January.

The hearing will deal with the Planning Commission’s proposal to modify an ordinance to allow multiple-family dwellings within planned unit developments in the village.

The hearing will be held during a special meeting of council at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at village hall.

The village does not currently permit these multiple-family dwellings to be constructed within planned unit developments, something council wishes to change.

The proposed 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.

Language about the design of the multiple-family dwellings is asked to be added as well, specifically that the massing, materials, shape and scale of multiple family dwellings shall create a unified and visually compatible design.

“Blank building walls in public view are prohibited,” the proposed change reads.

“Roofline changes, material or color changes, horizontal and vertical wall offsets, projections, recesses, true or faux windows and other similar features are examples of elements that may be utilized to break up the horizontal emphasis of the elevation.”

The public hearing will allow citizens to make any comments they desire about the proposed change.

Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.

Income-tax collections up in Jefferson

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Village of Jefferson Clerk/Treasurer Patty Fisher had some good news to share with village council during its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

During her report to council, Fisher said that her month-end reconciliation sheets/revenue comparison sheets for November show that income-tax collections are up $92,871.90 compared to last year in the village.

The collections include $424,660.84 in the general fund, $425,497 in the safetyservices fund and $424,661.16 in the capitalimprovement fund, for a year-to-date total of $1,274,819.

Fisher ’s report also showed that the ending fund balance for the village for November was $856,865.55.

Her report also detailed wastewater treatment collections for the end of November, with the sewer de-

partment fees up $30,808.38 compared to last year. These numbers include $205,222.43 in the sewer improvement fund, $46,833.32 in the capital improvements fund and $397,805 in the wastewater treatment fund, plus $34,657.07 in other revenue, putting the year-to-date total at $684,517.95.

Fisher also noted, however, that the recreation department is down $5,378.63 in village recreation compared to last year, and the village senior center is down $11,471.82 compared to last year.

The Recreation Department collections is at a yearto-date total of $192,828.32, adding in $105,166.13 for village recreation; $55,000 for transfers-in general; and $32,662.19 for the senior center.

Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.

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JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Council welcomed a new council member on Tuesday, Jan. 3, as Judge Robert Wynn swore in new councilor Frank Snyder, who replaces outgoing council

member Ken Fertig, who did not seek re-election.

Wynn also swore in Councilor Lon Damon and Mayor Judy Maloney, who were reelected in November.

During the meeting, council also named Rick Hoyson as president pro-tem for the year 2012.

In this photo, Judge Robert Wynn swears in Councilor Mayor Judy Maloney, who was re-elected to her position.

PHOTOS BY STEFANIE WESSELL In this photo, Judge Robert Wynn swears in Councilor Judge Robert Wynn swore in new councilor Frank Snyder. Lon Damon, who was re-elected to his position.

Swim Team seniors look toward new season

BY CAROLYN BEHRJEROME Gazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON - Jefferson Area High School offers many athletic opportunities for its students, some more known than others.

Most residents are familiar with the football program, for example. Not many know, however, that JAHS has a team that competes in the pool.

When Michael Phelps won eight Olympic gold medals in Beijing in 2008, Nick Kobernik was only beginning his career as a member of the Falcon swim team.

His goals were not as lofty as Phelps, though: no gold medals, just good times and dropped times, as he calls it.

“And to beat Edgewood,” he said.

Kobernik is team captain Kelly Hartman, Nicole Stapelton, Becca Banks, Nick Kobernik and Cody Magda are for the boys’ squad, while seniors on the JAHS swim team.

Kelly Hartman is captain for the girls’. Both have been swimming since they swimmer, having been on Banks to join. were very young at the the team since her freshman “She finally talked me Ashtabula YMCA with the year. into it this year. I’m glad she Stingrays.

“I plan to swim in college did. It’s a lot of fun,” Banks “Kelly and I both got our at Hiram,” Stapelton ex- said. start there,” Kobernik said. plained.

Puzio explained he just Coached by their fathers, Magda, who also plays fell into swimming and now Claude Kobernik and Jim golf, has been swimming he’s happy to be a part of the Hartman, the team captains since ninth grade, too.

“A” relay team that hopes to try to inspire their team“They were looking for make districts this year. mates to work hard and stick people to swim my fresh- Magda and Kobernik are with it. man year, so I tried out,” he also a part of that relay “Swimming can be tough. said. team.

There are days when you When comparing golf to Because JAHS doesn’t don’t want to do it,” swimming, Magda admits have a pool of its own, the Kobernik said. they aren’t even close. team must go to the Spire “And always listen to “We don’t condition for Institute in Geneva. The your coaches,” Hartman golf,” he explained, while seniors don’t seem to mind. added with a smile.

Puzio nodded in agreement.

“It’s great swimming Joining Kobernik and Puzio and Banks are on there,” Kobernik said.

PHOTOS BY CAROLYN BEHR“It’s so fast,” Puzio added.

JEROME Hartman in the water are the team for the first time.

All the seniors agreed Senior Garrett Puzio hopes fellow seniors Cody Magda, Banks admits she didn’t Garrett Puzio, Nicole plan to be on the swim that no matter what pool he and his fellow “A”-Relay Stapleton and Becca Banks. team.

Stapelton said she they are in, the 500’s are not Team will qualify for Districts Stapelton is a veteran had tried for years to get fun. That’s 20 laps! this season.

Village administrator gives project updates

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Administrator Terry Finger gave his administrator ’s report to Jefferson Village Council on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

During his report, Finger noted that Christmas tree pick up will occur during January. Because the trees will be put through a shredder, he said the trees must be bare, meaning free of decorations, tree stands and plastic bags.

In other tree news, Finger said the village employees who have been trained in

tree care also will be trimming shade trees in the village tree lawns.

The Street Department also is cleaning all road-side ditches, Finger said.

Although the winter has been mild so far, Finger said the Street Department also is fully ready in the event of snow accumulation.

Finger also told council that the repair to the Village Hall roof has been completed, minus a four-foot piece of ridge metal. This piece had to be back ordered, he said.

“Ceiling repairs will be completed after the Village Hall roof is finished and we

are sure everything is dried out,” Finger said.

In other matters, Finger said all changes to the Jefferson Police Department are on hold pending the outcome of the referendum action against council trying to purchase the old elementary school property. The matter of whether the referendum can go on the ballot is being decided in court.

He did note that, as a result of income-tax payments from lottery winners, the village may not have to borrow the $150,000 in cash to purchase the property, although the $150,000 of in-

kind work to the Jefferson Area Local Schools district would still be necessary, should the sale go through.

“We will be able to pay cash from our on-hand funds,” Finger said.

Finger also shared that the first quote to purchase a new senior transportation vehicle came in at $51,231.

Since this quote was higher than the village’s estimate of about $43,000, no action is planned for now, Finger said.

Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.

Village Adminstrator’s report for the period ending Dec. 30, 2011. Projects update:

4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

Local libraries introduce downloadable audio

BY MARTHA SOROHAN Gazette Newspaper

readers, and some are actors and actresses,” he said.

“You can even search by JEFFERSON – Library narrators because some card-holders in Ashtabula people like to hear stories County now have the op- read by certain people.” tion of downloading audios RecordedBooks has exof their favorite books onto clusive rights to some auelectronic devices at six thors, such as Jodi Picoult, county libraries linked by Rita Mae Brown and “ican,” or Independent Co- Charlaine Harris. operating Ashtabula NetPape, Worso and Library work.

Directors Mariana Branch Directors of Henderson of Kingsville, Susan Hill of Memorial, Andover, Rock Andover, Joe Zappitello of Creek, Conneaut, Kingsville Harbor-Topky in Ashtabula and Harbor Topky Public Harbor, and Director-inLibraries gathered last week Training Hannah Laing of to talk about the new offer- Rock Creek agree that ofing, which has really taken fering downloadable audio off since Christmas. is a good use of public The libraries are funds. It is not only a good partnering with “Recorded investment, but adds anBooks,” which touts itself other component to library as a “one-click digital” ser- services. vice linking readers to “Books are very expenthousands of books com- sive – say $50 to $100 – and patible to PCs, MP3 Play- at some point, you pass the ers and iPods. threshold of how many copAudio “borrowers” cre- ies are economical,” Worso ate accounts using their li- said. brary cards.

Pape said that truck “Each library has a ‘one drivers, and spouses who click’ system to Recorded ride with them, are heavy Books on the web page,” users of audio books as are said Kathy Pape, director of others who do a lot of travConneaut Public Library. eling on the road.

Once onto the page, pa“There is really a big detrons have some 3,000 mand,” said Branch. “But titles to choose from – fic- people have to remember tion, non-fiction, children’s that this is audio, not ebooks. About 30 more titles reading,” she said. are being added this Currently, only month.

Henderson Memorial Pub“You can search by genre lic Library in Jefferson ofif you want,” Pape said. fers e-reading, due to sevRecorded Books comes eral recent bequests that from Maryland, said Ed have lightened the finanWorso, Director of cial strain felt by most pubHenderson Memorial Pub- lic libraries. lic Library in Jefferson. He “Under the prior direccalled it the “Cadillac” of tor, Henderson had a sizthe audio book industry. able donation earmarked to “They have very good use for technology, so that’s

PHOTO BY MARTHA SOROHAN

Who says librarians don’t have fun? Five Ashtabula County librarians gathered for their monthly luncheon meeting Jan. 5 in Jefferson are (seated, left) Hannah Laing, Director-in-Training, Rock Creek Public Library; Mariana Branch, Director, Kingsville Public Library; and Kathy Pape, Director, Conneaut Public Library; and (standing) Ed Worso, Director, Henderson Memorial Public Library, Jefferson; Susan Hill, Director, Andover Public Library; and Joe Zappitello, Director, Harbor-Topky Memorial Library, Ashtabula Harbor. The libraries are linked by “ican,” or “Independent Cooperating Ashtabula Network.” what we did,” Worso said.

Other county libraries hope to have e-reading up and running sometime this year. Until then, readers throughout the county may visit Henderson Memorial for e-books.

Branch reminds the public that e-readers are for ebooks and nothing more.

“I’m excited about the

downloadable audio,” said Hill. “I think it’s really going to mature. We’re able to offer unique authors. We like to be in on the edge of technology. Libraries are not all about books.”

Worso added that those with questions about using the electronic gadgets received for Christmas – “our demand for e-books jumped

the day after Christmas because people got them as presents,” he said – should ask a librarian.

“That’s what we’re here for,” he said.

As an aside, Pape warned that people who received Kindles for Christmas may not understand that not all titles are available on Kindle.

“Kindle is exclusive to Amazon,” she said. “Amazon just began offering its program to libraries a few months ago.”

Last week’s luncheon was the librarians’ January meeting, where they collaborated, shared ideas and discussed issues. The group is loosely organized, without officers.

West End 2153 celebrates a year of music

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

Barnum said.

In February of last year, the fire marshal shut them ASHTABULA - This down due to regulations, past December marked the as they were only allowed one-year anniversary of to have 15 people since t h e Ash tabu l a co n ce rt they only had one bathvenue, West End 2153. room in the facility.

The venue was started “We had to cancel all our as a place where everyone March shows, but it’s all could be exposed to music. been fixed now,” Barnum With no alcohol or cigasaid. rettes allowed in the buildBarnum worked hand in ing, there is no age limit. hand with the fire depart“I had been doing shows ment and said they built a since I was 17 or 16, and great relationship with the I’d have to go through bars fire marshal. and they either wanted “I was working with Ron way too much money for Deemer, who is a really admission or wouldn’t let nice guy and he really likes anyone under 18 in,” Matt the place and he wanted to Barnum said. “It was just work with me so we could too big of a hassle.” do everything correct,” Barnum is currently goBarnum said. ing to college as well as Barnum said being a supporting the venture substance-free zone has with his two friends. not been a problem so far.

Barnum feels the venue “Sometimes people try PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN is positive asset to the city, to bring stuff in, but we tell The front of West End 2153 was decorated for the holidays this season as the venue celebrated a year of concerts. providing a place for teens them they can’t bring it in to go and enjoy music with- The venue is a substance-free zone and is open to everyone offering a variety of music genres. and they either throw it out the influence of subaway or put in back in but they were really nice.” people if the headlining helping hand to the venue enough to pay the bands an their car,” Barnum said. stances.

West End gets help from band isn’t as well known but free publicity. that’s our number one pri- “People really have re“We wanted younger When West End 2153 ority,” Barnum said. “If we spected the policy.” kids to be able to listen to a booking agent in Cleve- around here,” Barnum land who gathers up bands said. first opened, curiosity can at least make some music,” Barnum said.

Throughout 2011, West money for rent and still End 2153 has had their When a band comes brought in large crowds.

Over the past year, that are interested in the from out of town, the venue “The first couple of pay all the bands then ups and downs and they many bands have come performance space.

“My friends Jason provides the members with shows, there were over 100 we’re happy with that.” through West End 2153. have learned a lot. In the Originally West End end, they hope to stay open “We’ve had acoustic, Hartett is in Cleveland, as comfortable accommo- people at each show because it was a new venue,” 2153 was located in the for quite some time and metal, punk, pop, ska, rap. and he’s a booking agent dations as possible. same plaza but a few store provide quality perfor“We give them a place to Barnum said.

Basically everything and and he works with other booking agents from across stay so they can shower Barnum said as they be- fronts over. everything,” Barnum said. mances for all ages.

When they first bought The venue even spon- the country,” Barnum said. and have a nice place to came less of a commodity “We enjoy putting on the When a band is booked they property they had to sleep,” Barnum said. and the hard winter sored a band from the shows and we have great that may not be known to make many repairs and Barnum hopes they can months hit, they saw some United Kingdom, an expefeedback,” Barnum said. “I rience they fully enjoyed. the area, West End makes create bonds with other lo- smaller crowds, but they found copper wiring and think West End is a really “It was really cool and sure to gather crowds by cal restaurants and busi- always managed to make pipes had been stolen. great thing for Ashtabula.”

“We built it from t h e y re ally l i k e i t,” also promoting a local nesses by having them do- enough to keep the lights scratch. We painted the nate items such as food for on and the bands happy.

Barnum said. “They were band.

Sadie Portman, reporter “I find locals to draw out bands, giving not only a “We usually make just walls. We put up dry wall,” for the Gazette, may be obsessed with fast food, reached at sportman@gazette news.com.

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WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A

Senior Center enjoys remembering Elvis

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN

A group of women share stories of their parents being upset over Elvis’ performance on the Ed Sullivan show, while Judy Witt smile as the seniors share stories of Elvis at their others said they remember dancing to the music.

Everything Elvis party on Friday.

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The Ashtabula Senior Center celebrated Elvis Presley last Friday at its Everything Elvis party.

“We’re going to do some Elvis trivia and give away

Elvis prizes,” Lucille Hensley, executive director of the center, said.

A table was placed in the middle of the room filled with Elvis memorabilia, including an Elvis action figure. All items on the table were given out as prizes.

Around 20 seniors

showed up for the event, eager to talk about memories.

Hensley just began working at the center in December, and she is excited to bring in new ideas and activities for the seniors, including the Everything Elvis event.

Hensley was happy to see

the seniors respond to the new activities at the center.

“This is a really good turnout,” Hensley said.

A book of Elvis was passed around, and the seniors shared stories of their first glimpses of Elvis.

One woman stated her father was horrified by the

thought of Elvis, and another said it was her mother who got her into Elvis as they would dance to his music.

Many remembered his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and, of course, his shaking hips.

The seniors enjoyed their

stroll down memory lane as they smiled and laughed at their thoughts and memories on the icon once known as The King.

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

Judy Witt hands out the Elvis trivia game to the seniors. A list of questions were printed The seniors share a book full of Elvis trivia with Lucille Hensley. Hensley thought of the and handed out, and it was up to the seniors to see who could guess the most correctly. idea of the Everything Elvis party.

Executive Director of the Senior Center Lucille Hensley shows a book of Elvis brought in. They talked about the different images of Elvis through the years, with his greased back sleek look of the 1950s and the white jump A group of seniors stand with Elvis memorabilia hanging in the background. They also had a chance to win prizes suit of the 1960s. if they guessed Elvis trivia correctly.

Jefferson Emergency Rescue City of Geneva to send out income-tax packets this week District starts up membership drive

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - The City of Geneva is preparing for tax season and is trying to get income-tax packets out as soon as possible.

“We do have our income tax information packets going out hopefully this week,” Shelly Huff said.

The city officials were hoping to have the packets in the mail sooner, but after hearing about postage rates increasing, they are waiting to hear the final price they will pay for their mailings.

“We do have some controversy with our mail,” Huff said. “The United States Post Office now wants to change our rates.”

The city has previously sent its mail through standard bulk ratings, which are considerably lower than the regular price of stamps.

“The postal service wants to change our status from a standard bulk mail rate

to a 40 cent rate,” Huff said.

Huff said they do not understand why they are not receiving the standard bulk mail rate.

If the city does pay the 40 cents per letter, it will be adding another five cents to every mailing mailed. Five cents may seem like a small number, but with multiple letters being mailed, it easily adds up.

A rate should be finalized this week and income tax information packets will be sent as soon as possible.

“So we’re going to check on the rates first before we go ahead with the mailing, but overall the income tax packets should go out later this week,” Huff said.

Huff also reported on the tax department’s year endbudget report.

“We have the year-end report tonight for all the income tax recorded,” Huff said.

The report showed all taxes collected, but it ran a

little low for the collection of taxes under the Joint Economic Development District agreement.

“I wanted to explain the numbers on the JEDD II because the numbers are very low,” Huff said.

Huff said not all JEDD taxes were collected in 2011 due to a clerical error, but the money has been collected and will be included under next year ’s budget report.

“There was an error in some of the payments that were received and some were not received until 2012. They cannot be presented until this next year,” Huff said. “So they are not in the financial statement for this past year.”

Huff said the overall report shows improvements in the City of Geneva’s finances.

“Overall for the city we were up four percent for the budget number, so we’re very pleased with that,” Huff said.

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Emergency Rescue District is once again offering residents an opportunity to enroll in or renew their ambulance membership.

Residents may have received a letter in the mail recently about the opportunity, as well as their two-part membership card. Membership costs a donation of at least $20.

A membership in the Jefferson Emergency Rescue District entitles family members living at the signed-up address emergency ambulance services for the 2012 calendar year at no out-of-pocket expense to the member after their insurance has been billed, or if they have no insurance coverage at all, EMS Chief Director Jim Brueggeman said.

Should people elect not to enroll in the membership, the JERD will provide emergency service to them at its regular fees, and they will be

responsible for any balance after their insurance has paid, Brueggeman said.

“Funds raised from the membership drive provide for equipment and training and assist the district in maintaining the most advanced, professional care possible for us to bring you,” Brueggeman said.

The Jefferson Emergency Rescue District serves Jefferson Village and Jefferson Township and has done so for the past 33 years.

“We, the members of the Jefferson Emergency Rescue District, take great pride in serving (the community),”

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Call (440) 576 - 9125

Brueggeman said.

Should residents have any questions, or would like to become an Emergency Medical Technician and join the team, they can contact JERD anytime at 576-4EMS (4367).

People also can stop in at the facilities at 11 S. Market St. for a free blood pressure check or Vial of Life, or sign up for a CPR class.

For more info, visit www.jerd.us.

Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.

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6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

Jefferson 2011 Year in Review COMPILED BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

Throughout January, 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 April through June 2011.

Hornung named Jefferson PD dispatcher/secretary April 6, 2011 JEFFERSON - Sarah Hornung, who began work as the new Jefferson Police Department dispatcher/secretary March 28, was one of 125 applicants for the position.

“I learned of the job from a person who works in the police department. I stopped by and dropped off a resume,” Hornung said last week.

Hornung replaces Diane Tressler, who officially retired last Thursday.

Law enforcement experience is in her background, which is an asset for the dispatcher/secretary job.

“I worked at the Ashtabula County Prosecutor ’s Office for three years. I was the grand jury secretary. I did the typing of indictments, subpoenas, summonses, warrant requests and record requests,” she said.

Jefferson Village institutes wastewater change April 13, 2011 JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village residents will see their bill increase by just over $4.50 per month when they get their sewer bill in the mail.

Jefferson Village Council members approved ordinance number 11-O-2862 at their April 4 meeting as an emergency measure, which calls for, among other things, a capital improvement charge of $4.52 per month.

Residents using a minimum amount each month, 100 cubic feet or less, will not be charged the $4.52 per month.

This capital improvement charge will end July 1, 2016, when the Ohio Water Development Authority Sewer Improvement loan is scheduled to be paid in full. The annual payment to the state authority is $151,000.

Administrator Terry Finger said that the treatment fee per consumption of water remains unchanged from 2010.

Rev. Fred Grimm chosen as 2010 Citizen of the Year

Finger reiterated that Sigma 2010’s application is the ton, D.C. in July to help and learn about the homeless. first. He said hopefully many other companies in the vil“Washington, D.C. has one of the highest homeless lage will follow suit in the coming months and years. “The rates in the nation,” said John Roden, Jefferson United ordinance is intended solely to encourage growth of com- Methodist Church youth pastor. panies To this end, the church has completed some fundraisers and others continue right up until they leave on July 10. They will return on July 15.

Design Review Board begins work “We are having car washes right here at the church from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. We will have the last toward Jefferson historic one July 9. We will have a rummage sale during Village preservation Days. The sale will be June 23-25,” Roden said.

Other fundraisers they have done include a pancake May 4, 2011 supper, gingerbread houses and pumpkin decorating, a JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Village Design Review family event during Halloween.

“The teenagers picked this trip. It was close to their Board, charged with protecting historic structures within the village’s boundaries, met for the first time last month heart,” he said.

The young people and adults are teaming up with an to begin its task.

Pat Bradek, appointed to the post of Design Review organization, the Youth Service Opportunities Project Board chairwoman by Mayor Judy Maloney, said the task (YSOP).

“What YSOP does different is they truly educate you is not an easy one, but she and fellow board members Brian Diehl, Norma Waters, Jim Janson and Frank Snyder on the situation. We’ll be doing some one-onone with the homeless, getting to know them and hearing their stowill do their best.

“The purpose of the Design Review Board is to help ries. We’ll be showing the homeless how Christ is in the people owning commercial or even residential buildings young people’s lives and hopefully bring Christ into their maintain the historical nature and value of the building,” lives,” Roden said. “Jesus spent his whole life serving others. That is what he wanted for our lives.”

Bradek said.

Roden said that helping others will give the teenagThe board convened its first meeting April 13. Discussions to preserve historic structure began a few years ago. ers a different world view.

The village received input from Cleveland State University, which provided the village with its study.

Eight people retire from

Jefferson Elementary

Otto to retire from Jefferson Community Center May 11, 2011 JEFFERSON - Visitors to the Jefferson Community Recreation Center later this month will not be greeted with that infectious smile and personable manner of Peggy Otto, administrative assistant.

Otto has announced her intention to retire to Mayor Judy Maloney, Jefferson Village Administrator Terry Finger and Jefferson Village Council.

Finger noted in his administrator ’s report to council at the May 2 meeting that Otto is retiring.

“My last day is Thursday, May 26. I’m saddened by it.

There are so many people I’ve come in contact with, friends and acquaintances. I’ve worked here for five years,” Otto said recently.

Jefferson Courtyard II construction proposed May 18, 2011

JEFFERSON - A development organization is planning to construct some new housing units in the Village of Jefferson for a specific group of people.

Material included in the packets of Jefferson Village JEFFERSON - Rev. Fred Grimm’s face broke out into Council members for Monday night’s meeting showed that a big, wide grin as it was announced Tuesday night that Neighborhood Development Services, Inc. of Ravenna, he is the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Ohio, is applying for a federal Housing and Urban DevelCitizen of the Year. opment (HUD) 202 grant for the new construction project “Wow, what a pleasure you all are. I may work until called Jefferson Courtyard II I’m 70. We’re not sure yet. We want to retire here. You are According to the project description in members’ packrascals. Thank you, so much,” Reverend Grimm said Tues- ets, the Jefferson Courtyard II project will consist of 20 day night. units in three single-story buildings. These units will be Reverend Grimm has devoted his life to serving oth- 100 percent reserved for the elderly. ers. His entire life has been spent serving God, his counThe units will be approximately 540 to 600 square feet try and mankind. As a young man, he was confirmed and and will be identical to the existing Jefferson Courtyard his service to God began at that point.

(USDA 515) units that adjoin the site on East Jefferson He served his country in the United States Marine Street.

Corps after graduating from high school. His career then The units of Jefferson Courtyard II would be served by started as he received his degree from Capital University the already existing common drive of the adjoining apartin secondary education with a history major. He was then ment complex (Jefferson Courtyard), and will have free a history teacher, as well as a coach. access to the existing community room and laundry.

Grimm once again chose to serve his country on active The project will reportedly have very similar ameniduty in the United States Navy. This experience led him ties to Jefferson Courtyard. on tours of duty in San Diego, Calif., Sasibo, Japan, According to the description of the project, the HUD Charleston, S.C. and in Columbus. He served the Lord 202 program is one of the award-winning federal housing throughout his naval career in each community as a Lay programs that help to expand the supply of affordable Leader, Elder, and through his involvement in various housing with supportive services for elderly citizens.

Chancel choirs.

Toward the end of his active duty, he earned his Residents question master’s degree from the University of Dayton in guidance and counseling. After this educational milestone, Meloro retire/rehire Grimm went on to serve in the United States Navy ReMay 25, 2011 serves for another 10 years.

In 1998, after earning his master’s of divinity degree JEFFERSON – Jefferson area residents, some of them from the Trinity Theological Seminary, he was ordained as a Lutheran minister. Shortly thereafter, he was called former educators, gathered in the Jefferson High School to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson as their pas- media center (library) May 17 for a public hearing to voice their opposition to the retire/rehire of Larry Meloro, Rock tor.

Creek Elementary School principal.

Two months ago, the Jefferson-Area Local School DisSigma 2010 applies to Jefferson trict Board of Education scheduled the hearing after it learned that Meloro wished to retire but then be rehired Village’s economic development as the principal at a reduced salary. incentive program Ohio State law requires a public hearing to hear from the public when the retire/rehire situation is put before April 27, 2011 the school board.

Area resident Pat Reuschling spoke at the hearing and JEFFERSON - Sigma 2010, a manufacturer located in the industrial area of Jefferson Village, is the first com- itemized several reasons why the rehiring of Meloro should pany to take advantage of an economic incentive program. not happen.

Reusching said the point of retirement is not to enrich Terry Finger, Jefferson Village administrator, announced at the April 18th council meeting that Sigma 2010 the retiree and double their income. She said the point of has applied for the economic development cash incentive retirement is to sustain the retiree once he or she is no program passed by village council in (year) or next year longer working.

“Double-dipping is an issue of principle and morality. to 56 employees,” Finger said.

The village administrator said the new economic de- Just because you can, does that make it right? In other velopment program, which is only a couple months old, is words, it’s all about you and your personal enrichment, available to any business in Jefferson Village that intends while you choose to ignore the bigger moral issue,” Reuschling said May 17. to grow.

The program is income tax based.

“The income tax that new employees contribute to the Jefferson UMC youth, adults travel Village of Jefferson can earn the company credit toward to nation’s capital in July its village corporate income tax. That credit will be up to 75 percent of the increased corporate income tax,” Finger June 1, 2011 said.

Sigma 2010 applied for the economic development cash JEFFERSON – Ten teenagers and five adults from incentive program on April 12.

Jefferson United Methodist Church will go to WashingApril 20, 2011

June 8, 2011 JEFFERSON – Jefferson Elementary School administrators, staff and teacher gathered in the school cafeteria to say goodbye and good luck to seven teachers and one custodian who put in their retirement papers this year.

The teachers going on to other things are Janie Bradley, Chris Bailey, Kathryn Fassett, Vickie Schupska, Carol Wilgus, Laurie Reese and Janice Russell.

Joan Fleming has worked as a custodian at Jefferson Elementary School for 30 years.

Presrite asks for Mulberry Street vacation June 15, 2011 JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Council takes up the matter of a vacation at its June 20th meeting, but it is not what one would normally associate with that word.

Presrite Corporation has asked council members to vacate a portion of East Mulberry Street that would allow it to move forward with expansion plans.

“About 360 feet by 66 feet wide of East Mulberry is what Presrite would like vacated,” Terry Finger, Jefferson Village administrator, said Monday afternoon.

Finger noted that a part of East Mulberry Street off South Cucumber Street has already been vacated, which allowed Presrite to build an addition the way it wanted.

The present road vacation being requested of the village would enable the company to further expand.

Meloro rehired as Rock Creek Elementary principal June 22, 2011 JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Area Local School District Board of Education will continue to rely on the administrative expertise of Larry Meloro at Rock Creek Elementary School.

The board approved a resolution at its June 14 meeting to rehire Meloro, taking into consideration all comments from a public hearing held May 17 concerning the retire/rehire matter.

Written comments submitted to the board were also considered.

The school board in March had originally approved a new threeyear contract with Meloro, but then a few days later, it learned that Meloro wanted to retire and be rehired on a one-year agreement and a reduced salary.

Ohio law permits this scenario.

Post 152 hangs on for win June 29, 2011 JEFFERSON – Jefferson Post 152 hosted Ashtabula Post 103 this past summer. Post 152 led 4-0 heading into the top of the sixth inning and held on for a 4-3 win. Post 152 won in dramatic fashion as the game tying run was tagged out at home plate after a passed ball in the top of the seventh inning.

Mac Thurber was on the mound for Post 152 and was in command for the majority of the game. Bucky Schubert took the ball for Post 103 and pitched effectively in the loss.

Thurber tripled in Mitchell Lake in the bottom of the second inning and later scored on a passed ball helping Post 152 jump out to a 2-0 lead. Jefferson Post 152 tacked on two more runs in the third inning to lead 4-0.

Post 103 made it a one run game in the top of the seventh after Frank Clayman singled. Nick Senita and Dwight Thompson each walked to load the bases.

Thurber would then walk in a run after giving up a free pass to Kovach, making it 4-3. Mitchell Lake would relieve Thurber with two outs and the bases loaded in the top of the seventh.

Lake would let the first pitch get away from him as the runner from third base tried to score to tie the game.

Nick Stranman hustled back for the ball and flipped it to Lake who tagged the runner out at the plate to end the game.

Thurber struck out two batters, while giving up two hits in the game for the win. Lake picked up the save and went two for three at the plate. Thurber and Kyle Kiser each had RBI triples in the game for Post 152.

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WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A

Ashtabula/Geneva Year in Review COMPILED BY STEFANIE WESSELL AND BYRON WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

said on his win.

“I’m happy that we got the chance to come out and play today with the weather not being that great,” Shinault conThroughout the next few weeks, the Ashtabula tinued.

Jacob Groce (G) played close to perfection in defeating County Gazette will present “A Year in Review,” Logan Stowell (L), 6-0, 6-0, in second singles. detailing the highlights of the year in the “I just tried to be consistent and tried to get the match newspaper’s Ashtabula and Geneva coverage area. done as quickly as possible before it started raining. Coach to come out strong and I tried to do just that. I just This week’s review will cover April through said want to continue playing solid through the season and grind out the tough matches,” Groce said.

June 2011.

The big question of the day was how the third singles match between Chase Brown (L) and Garrhett Via (G) Ashtabula is coming for unpaid would turn out. Via went on to win 6-0, 6-4.

Stuart Jackson and Brandon Privitera (G) bested payroll taxes Frankie Pugliese and Kyle Downs in first doubles, 6-0, 6-2.

April 6, 2011 “I give Lakeside credit for fighting tough,” Jackson said on the match.

ASHTABULA - Income tax collection is coming down on In second doubles Tyler Fernberg and Reno Dannels (L) some local Ashtabula businesses for unpaid payroll taxes. shook of a first set loss of 0-6 and came back to win the “At the request of the income tax administrator, our of- next two sets 6-4 and 6-2. Alex Lillie and Ryan Huang comfice has stepped up collection activities,” Ashtabula City bined to win the first set 6-0 for Geneva, but Fernberg and Solicitor Michael Franklin said at the Ashtabula City Coun- Dannels then figured things out and went on to win the cil meeting on Monday. match.

For the past few months, letters have been written and sent to those with past due taxes, primarily local business Reader’s Digest hears Ashtabula owners.

“In the last couple of months, we’ve sent out a couple of May 11, 2011 dozen collection letters, suit pending or threatening letters, to primarily business owners who haven’t submitted ASHTABULA - The Reader’s Digest’s “We Hear You, their payroll withholding tax as they should have” Franklin America” tour stopped by the Ashtabula Municipal Buildsaid. ing last Wednesday morning, May 4, giving the city a check for $1,000.

The city received the money by community members GaREAT 12U elite volleyball team cheering for Ashtabula via the website, http://wehear youamerica.readersdigest.com.

By people daily placing in brings home the gold the zip code of the city, Ashtabula received a cheer every April 13, 2011 time. Ashtabula received the check in person as a reward GENEVA - The GaREAT 12U elite volleyball team com- for its high number of votes.

“In the first round, we were number 34 in this whole peted against 16 teams from the Ohio Valley Region in Columbiana at Crestview High School on March 13, 2011. country with over 78,000 cheers,” Ward 3 City Councilor The Girls won all their matches, taking the gold net. The Ann Stranman said. “I’m just grateful for everybody who 12U elite volleyball team consists of Lexi Hraga, Hunter went on the site every day religiously to make this hapBrashear, Megan Adams, Taylor Nelson, Abby Triskett, pen.”

Stranman said Ashtabula was the only Ohio city to be Elizabeth Selleny, Jordan Schultz, Molly Barber, Emily Corlwe and Kaylee Getz. The team is coached by Anne in the top 100.

Corlew and Tracy Nelson.

GHS’s Via named Franklin B. Walter Award winner

Ashtabula down in numbers April 20, 2011

May 18, 2011

ASHTABULA - The State of Ohio recently sent out Census Bureau population results to the City of Ashtabula.

The results show the city has lost over 2,000 residents since the last census.

“The Secretary of the State of Ohio by proclamation advised me that the population of the City of Ashtabula is now 19,124 people, which means we lost 2,300 plus people since the year 2000,” Ashtabula City Manager Anthony Cantagallo said at Monday night’s city council meeting.

Cantagallo said the loss only has one bright side, which is a loan available to low-populated areas within the United States.

“The only good thing about dropping below 20,000 people is that the United States Department of Agriculture will loan us money because they think we live in the woods,” Cantagallo said.

After receiving the population results, Cantagallo decided to look at further census numbers.

“Based on [the decline in numbers], I’ve decided to get a hold of the Census Bureau. It was not a pleasant experience, and I want to give you some more numbers,” Cantagallo said.

The total housing units in the city is 9,309, of which only 8,095 are occupied houses.

“Which means we have 1,214 vacant houses. This is after I have taken down 104,” Cantagallo said.

Televised Ashtabula City Council meetings once again made possible April 27, 2011 ASHTABULA - Starting May 2, the Ashtabula City Council will once again televise its meetings. However, there will be a few changes made to the televised broadcast.

“TimeWarner changed some of their cable channel lineup, therefore the meetings will be aired on Channel 19 rather than 21, at 7 p.m.,” Ashtabula City Clerk of Council LaVette E. Hennigan wrote in an email.

The last televised meeting was held on March 7 of this year. Ever since this date, council has been discussing how to get the meetings back on air.

With the help of two local citizens, the taping and televised viewings will now once again be made possible. Earl Tucker and Joseph Tredent, who is associated with Ashtabula Area City Schools (AACS), will tape the meetings for Channel 19.

“Mr. Earl Tucker (citizen), Mr. Joseph Tredent (Ashtabula Area City Schools), and I met this morning [April 25], went over the system and are confident Monday is a go,” Hennigan wrote.

Trendent is the AACS band and music director and fixed the city’s camera, which was previously not working.

“Mr. Tredent (AACS band and music director) got the city’s camera working, thus saving us from having to purchase a new [one],” Hennigan said.

Geneva wins battle against Lakeside May 4, 2011 SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - The Lakeside Dragons gave the Geneva Eagles all they could handle in their recent tennis match. Lakeside would lose 3-2, but got big wins in first singles and second doubles.

Justin Shinault, of Lakeside, defeated Jake McMahan 6-1, 6-1, in first singles.

“I felt like this was a big win not just for myself, but for Lakeside. After all the years, Jake and I have played against each other it was nice to get a change of pace,” Shinault

GENEVA - Garrhett Via, a senior at Geneva High School, has been named the 2011 winner of the prestigious Franklin B. Walter All Scholastic Award. Each year since the award was created in 1990, a single student in each county in Ohio has been feted with the award. The award honors Franklin B. Walter, past Superintendent of Public Instruction in Ohio who served as state superintendent from March 1977 until August 1991 and is presented by the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA).

Via recently joined the 87 Ohio honorees at the annual Franklin B. Walter All-Scholastic Award Banquet in Columbus. Also in attendance at the awards banquet were Ashtabula County Educational Service Center Superintendent John Rubesich and Geneva High School Principal Douglas Wetherholt.

Crawford named both firefighter and employee of the year

Ashtabula passes property-tax increase to keep city lit June 8, 2011 ASHTABULA - Ashtabula City Council debated and voted on the ordinance to raise the property taxes by $36 a year.

“The problem is that there’s not a way to pay for the increase of the street lighting bill that is assessed every year,” Ward 2 Councilor August Pugliese said.

In the months of June through November, a $5,000 discount is given to the city from First Energy, but the savings is not enough to balance the energy budget.

“We do need street lighting. There’s no doubt about it, but how do we pay for it? That’s a good question,” Pugliese said.

A few options have been brought forth, including turning off city lights and the $36 a year increase.

“This issue was brought to us last year and it was put on hold so that we could look at other options, turning off lights, etc.,” Ward 3 Councilor Ann Stranman said.

Stranman said nothing was done about the issue until recently. After a discussion was had at a recent city council meeting, phone calls have been made to city council with opposition to the increase. “If someone supports something, they’re not neccesarily going to call you and say, ‘hey, good job. I support that raise on my taxes.’ They’re just going to let you know if they have a problem with it,” Stranman said.

Stranman said some of the people who have complained also say to run the city government like a business.

“Our costs have gone up. It’s time to raise the prices,” Stranman said. “It is what it is. We have to do something.”

Stranman strongly opposed turning off lights.

“All of the incidents in the last year or so involving shooting of police officers have been in ward three,” Stranman said. “As a woman, I don’t want to see any street lights go.”

Robert Phillips recognized for display of bravery during fire June 15, 2011 GENEVA - Robert Phillips was awarded special recognition at Monday night’s Geneva City Council meeting for heroics during a fire.

“We had responded to a garage fire/barn fire down on Austinburg Road and as we pulled up, we had heavy black smoke coming out of the barn. At that point it looked like we had a pretty severe situation going on,” Geneva Fire Department Chief Doug Starkey said.

Phillips had been in the building with his stepfather, Roger Smith, when the fire broke.

“As we showed up, we realized that Robert [Phillips] had pulled his stepfather out from underneath the vehicle,” Starkey said.

Starkey said they have determined the cause of the fire was fuel dripping down on a hot light.

“It was fuel that had dripped down and hit the light, and [the stepfather] was engulfed in flames at that point,” Starkey said. “They had already transported him to the hospital.”

Starkey was proud of his men who helped put the fire out.

“The guys did a great job on the fire. They got a quick [fire] knocked down and saved the barn, and it actually ended up being a car fire inside the barn,” Starkey said.

United Storm finish undefeated June 22, 2011

May 25, 2011 GENEVA - Firefighter Dennis Crawford was distinguished as both the firefighter of the year as well as employee of the year at Monday night’s Geneva City Council meeting.

“Dennis Crawford has worked at the Geneva City Fire Department since 1978,” Geneva City Council President William Buskirk read from the proclamation.

Crawford has assisted with the department as well as school programs.

“Dennis Crawford has been a role model at the fire department as he has served with honor in dignity in all of his roles at the station,” Buskirk said.

Buskirk said Crawford is a dedicated city employee.

“Dennis Crawford has continued to perform with the highest degree of professionalism, leads by example and has demonstrated his enthusiasm,” Buskirk said.

Geneva City Manager Jim Pearson also wanted to recognize Crawford’s hard work.

“Denny [Crawford] is an old timer like I am. We’ve worked for the city for a long time,” Pearson said.

Plans for monument move continue to progress

GENEVA – The United Storm baseball team finished 150 in the major-league division of the United Little League.

The team captured the championship in the league, which is made up of teams from Geneva, Austinburg and Cork.

The team consists of Miki Shuttleworth, Jacob Naftzger, Tyler Starkweather, Seth Goodrick, Aidan Cardaman, Josh Nuyen, Timmy Stamper, Lucas Loeber, Logan Hurst, Kyle Stark and Collin Deering.

The Storm is coached by Mike Fowler, Mike Shuttleworth, Matt Deering and Guy Loeber.

The United Storm was 13-0 heading into match-ups against the Madison Red Sox and United Sand Gnats. Earlier in the season the United Storm edged the United Sand Gnats with a score of 3-2.

As the season winded down the Storm talked about having a perfect season, but they kept their heads in the game throughout the entire season.

“The boys were so into it these last couple of games. I could see this meant a lot to them all. When we finally got there you could see on their faces just how much it meant to them. I believe this will help them in the future proving that hard work pays off,” Coach Shuttleworth said.

June 1, 2011

Three policemen honored after saving man’s life

GENEVA - The moving of the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Monument is moving ahead fast as the City of Geneva plans for the monument’s new home located at South Broadway and Park Street.

The monument will be a part of the Geneva City Civil War Monument Memorial Park. The park has been in the plans for over a year now.

With recent weather bringing the city rain, the plans have created an issue in the initial time table.

“The weather’s been a little bit of a challenge for us,” City of Geneva Manager Jim Pearson said.

However, Geneva is beginning to look for bidders to price the moving of the monument.

“The actual bid will be opened for the move itself. We hope to get some good qualified men,” Pearson said.

Pearson said with the statue being of historical significance and value, the city wants to ensure the right bidder is chosen to complete the job.

“It’s a huge challenge, and [it’s] not so much the physical move, but it’s a 150-year-old monument. Everybody has to take a great deal of care,” Pearson said.

The city is going to be looking into the background of every bidder who applies.

ASHTABULA - Three City of Ashtabula policemen were honored at last Monday’s Ashtabula city council meeting.

Patrolmen James Hildebrand and Tom Clemens and Lt. William Parkomaki all responded to a report of a house fire on May 27.

“We received a call that there was a fire in a house,” City of Ashtabula Police Chief Robert Stell said. “Upon arrival we had found an individual who had doused himself in gasoline and he had a lighter.”

The unnamed suspect had history with the police.

“Upon arrival it was found that the residence contained an emotionally disturbed suspect who was known to be violent to the police,” Lt. John Koski said.

According to Stell, the officers were able to calm the suspect down and take him into custody without endangering anyone in the process.

“These officers were able to prevent this individual from setting himself on fire and more than likely saved his life,” Stell said.

Stell said the men’s actions prevented the already intense situation from escalating.

June 29, 2011

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8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

In The Military

Safe Routes to School gets feedback from ODOT

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

Vaughn promoted in rank Julie A. Vaughn has been promoted to the rank of technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

Vaughn is a noncommissioned officer in charge of the medical retention standards branch assigned to the 502nd Air Base Wing Operating Location Bravo at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The technical sergeant has served in the military for 10 years.

She is the daughter of Kathleen Marie Lazor and Frankie Lee Vance of Jefferson.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in 2010 from Wayland Baptist University, San Antonio, Texas.

Jefferson native named to Hocking College dean’s list Hocking College is pleased to announce that the following students from your area have been named to our Dean’s List for fall quarter 2011. Each achieved at least a 3.3 grade point average and completed 12 or more credit hours.

Please contact me with any questions. • Nicholas Potts, Jefferson

Hutchinson named to Dean’s List

Patterson receives master degree Jeremiah Patterson completed degree requirements from American University on Aug. 4, 2011, and received a master of arts degree in journalism and public policy.

He is currently working for the Wildlife Society as its program manager and web resource specialist.

A 2006 graduate of Jefferson Area High School and a 201 0 graduate of Westminster College, Patterson is the son of John and Nancy Patterson of Jefferson.

Local residents named to Heidelberg University dean’s list TIFFIN, Ohio - Heidelberg University has released the names of 367 students named to the fall semester dean’s list. To be named to the dean’s list, students must be enrolled full time and meet academic criteria set forth by the University. Local/area students are listed below by their hometown and class year.

Local students include: • Brian Haytcher, junior, of Ashtabula. • Krista Blake, junior, of Geneva.

UW-Whitewater announces Fall 2011 Dean’s List WHITEWATER - The University of WisconsinWhitewater announced more than 2,900 students were named to the fall 2011 Dean’s List. To be eligible for the honor, students must have a 3.4 semester grade point average with a minimum of 12 semester credits and no grades lower than a “C.�

Local students include: • Gregory R Cook, Ashtabula.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, founded in 1868, is the fourth largest campus in the 26-campus UW System.

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The committee was also hoping to receive outside help with the snow removal, but with budget cuts, this does not seem plausible. “Richard Quaranta contacted the senior services program located...on Route 20 regarding snow removal and found out help will not be available due to recent funding cuts,� the minutes said.

There was concern from AACS Superintendent Joseph Donatone about the SRTS walking area being located in both the City of Ashtabula and Saybrook Township. “Joe Donatone is concerned, rightfully so, about how final design engineering for the proposed improvements will be managed since the project is to be located in both the city and Saybrook Township,� the minutes said. “Unlike the city, the township may engage the county engineer to perform engineering tasks at no cost.�

The SRTS committee’s monthly meetings will now be on hold until February when it receives an assigned engineering consultant from ODOT. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazettenews.com.

City of Geneva prepare to sell wetlands to Cleveland Museum of Natural History

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

Stephanie Hutchinson, a student at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, is on the Dean’s List for Fall 2011. She is dual majoring in Elementary and Special Education and is an active member of Sigma Alpha Iota.

Proud parents are Tom and Kim Hutchinson and brother Zach.

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ASHTABULA - The Ashtabula Area City Schools Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Committee met for its regular monthly meeting recently.

The committee is developing a plan for kids to safely walk or bike to and from school each day to the Wade Avenue Elementary Campus.

The SRTS committee is using grant funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to help support their plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A draft of our Safe Travel Plan was submitted to ODOT for preliminary review where it received a positive response,â&#x20AC;? the minutes of the recent meeting read.

ODOT had a few items of constructive criticism for the committee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;ODOT shared a few concerns with our effort to date; namely, the conflict regarding a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;no walkingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; policy for the new elementary campus must be addressed through a resolution from the school board,â&#x20AC;? the minutes said.

ODOT also suggested a shorter plan, but those were ODOTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest suggestions.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;That said, the plan is complete enough to trigger ODOT assigning to our group a task-order engineering firm to assist with the next phases of developing a request for implementation funding,â&#x20AC;? the minutes read.

The SRTS committee will also be reviewing studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; artwork this week and picking a winner for the logo contest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. at the board office to review artwork. First-, second- and third-place winners will be announced at the Jan. 18 school board meeting,â&#x20AC;? the minutes stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Logos selected for awards will be used prominently as part of the Safe Routes to Schools initiative for Ashtabula Area City Schools.â&#x20AC;?

The elementary campus will also have to get directly involved with the effort. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kevin [Grippi] will prepare and forward surveys to elementary school principals in February for distribution to parents,â&#x20AC;? the minutes stated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was completed last year. However, it is no longer applicable since school configuration has changed from neighborhood to campus style.â&#x20AC;?

currently have,â&#x20AC;? Pearson said.

The museum sent a proGENEVA - The City of posal to the city last March Geneva is preparing to sell to purchase the land for land on D-Termination $10,230 with a $1,000 Drive to Cleveland Mu- down payment. seum of Natural History so â&#x20AC;&#x153;This equates to approxithe museum can expand mately $1,100 per acre,â&#x20AC;? the existing Geneva Garrett Ormiston wrote in Swamp nature preserve. his proposal to the city. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memo The museum have a I talked about the Cleve- long standing record of land Museum of Natural saving the natural wetHistory having interest in lands. our 10-acre site in the inâ&#x20AC;&#x153; The Clev eland Mudustrial park, which has seum of Natural History been determined to be wet- has been protecting land in lands,â&#x20AC;? Geneva City Man- northeast Ohio for more ager Jim Pearson said. than 50 years and has a The property is about strong track record as it 9.3 acres and is known to pertains to the responsible contain a large wetland management of wetlands habitat and was described and other natural areas,â&#x20AC;? in the 2006 National Wet- Ormiston said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Additionlands inventory. ally, the museum has an â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it will be a re- active stewardship proally great thing. It will re- gram which will ensure ally connect the dots to en- that this designated area large the Geneva Swamp will remain well cared-for and not only that, they and free of invasive spewould be willing to take cies.â&#x20AC;? over the easement that we Pearson asked for the

councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval to get documents ready for a sellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agreement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If council so desires, I will prepare the documents to transfer the land to the CIC for sale and have that for council at their next regular meeting,â&#x20AC;? Pearson said.

If the Cleveland Museum of Natural History does purchase the land, the city is hopeful to see some public access to the area but they are aware it will be limited. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In some areas they are absolutely opened to having public access, but there are a couple of very rare and unique species that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a little concerned about,â&#x20AC;? Pearson said.

Some of the wetland property currently owned by the museum has been used by the local schools for hands-on learning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know currently on the Attley property, they are preparing to close back lots to give access to the

Geneva Elementary School so students can have outdoor classrooms,â&#x20AC;? Pearson said.

The Museum of Natural History has a plan to expand the wetland preserves as far as possible and keep the natural habitat protected. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still pushing ahead to obtain as many properties as they can,â&#x20AC;?

Pearson said.

The City of Geneva Council was in full support of preparing the documents for the selling of the land, as members see it as a great opportunity not only for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History but for the city as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I definitely support it and think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great thing for the community,â&#x20AC;?

Howard Anderson, city council member, said.

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

Upcoming Church Events Jan. 11 Cherry Valley: Clothing drive

Feb. 3 Jefferson: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Free clothing, shoes and coats will be offered Jan. 11, 12, 13; 26, 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cherry Valley First Church of God, 2983 Sentinel Rd., Dorset. Come put some bags and get many blessings.

Next time is being planned for Aug. All dates are weather permitting.

A spaghetti and meatballs dinner, plus salad, rolls, beverage and cake, will be served Friday, Feb. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lutheran Church, 89 E. Satin St., Jefferson. Adults cost $6, children 12 and under $3.

Carryouts and baked goods will be available. Proceeds to benefit world, national and local needs.

Jan. 13 Kingsville: Soup lunch

Feb. 24 Geneva: Wild Game Dinner

The Kingsville Presbyterian Church will be serving a soup lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13. Choice of vegetable beef or ham and bean. Homemade desserts, bread, and beverages. Donation only. Questions? Please call the Church Office at (440) 224-1023.

Men, are you hungry for some wild game? The Peoples Church of Geneva invites all men to participate in the Wild Game Dinner on Feb. 24. Tickets are $15 and will not be sold at the door. Call the church office (440-466-2020) to buy your tickets. Everyone is invited to come and be fed by Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. We are located at 300 South Ridge Rd. East, Geneva.

AUDITIONS Students seem to be excited about being a part of this hilarious adventure.

Nearly 63 kids signed up to audition with a provided monologue and then improvisation. Before auditioning, Patrick Martin, Justin Brown, Bobby Collins and Garrett Puzio were reviewing their lines.

Brown explained the audition process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We signed up for audition times before Christmas break,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mrs. Butler gave us the part to read for her. All the boys are reading the same part, and all the girls have their own part to read,â&#x20AC;? said Brown.

Brown, who is a junior, said he loves theatre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is my fifth audition here, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done stuff at Straw Hat (Ashtabula Arts Center), too,â&#x20AC;? Brown said.

Collins made his debut on the stage last spring and explained, since heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not wrestling or on the track team this year, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would love to do something my senior year.

My back problems have kept me out of sports.â&#x20AC;?

Puzio, who is also a senior who made his debut last school year, is looking forward to his final production at JAHS. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being on stage is a whole new perspective and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cool to see the other side. I wish I wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried out sooner,â&#x20AC;?

From page 1A Patrick Martin, Garrett Puzio (front) and Bobby Collins and Justin Brown (back) rehearse their lines before auditioning for The Trials of Robinhood.

he said.

The Butlers are directing their first Jefferson Players production but have plenty of experience producing the Falcon Follies, which runs the end of March. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was going to be tough to do them both,â&#x20AC;? Seanna Butler explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So the administration gave us the opportunity to change the original performance dates.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been really helpful.â&#x20AC;?

Performances for â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Trials of Robin Hoodâ&#x20AC;? will be Feb. 24-25.

The Bulters announced the cast list on Monday. The cast includes Jon Hubler, Brown, and Corey Jones all playing Robin Hood at various stages in his life. Paige Beach and Emily Baker were cast as Maid Marian. Puzio was cast as King Richard.

Filling out the cast in various parts are Clayton Ketola, Josh Hollon, Natasha LaGrance, Ariann Barile, Abby Kovacs, Nicole MacKeller, Aubri Bowling, Rachel Francis, Patrick Martin, Aubrianna Knight,

Rachel Edge, Kyle Dunford, Aaron Painter, Ben Sapatka, Cody Fetters, Co9oper Cleveland, Dominic Prosser, Hannah Horn, Briyanna Funnel, Guilia Giancola, Kirstyn Smith, Britney Moyer, Kayleen Altman, Mikayla McMinn, Alexa Lamber, Cheyenne Spellman,Audra Franley, Mikayla Lingo, Bernadette Geraghty, Logan Kincaid, Allyson Simon, Connar Lesko, Boddy Collins, Becca Pontoni, Shelby Potter, Brad Weisbarth, Michael Welby and Brady Olsen.

WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

SPEECH ismatic speaker, Brashear’s stirring and thoughtfully composed speech earned the judge’s nod for third place at the district level.

“It is a great honor to have my speech go on to state competition,” said Brashear. “This achievement means a great deal to me as I have been participating in speech contests my entire high school career and feel so strongly about the topic of this particular speech; pride in our service men and women.”

Brashear has also been a winner in the highly competitive Rotary 4-Way Speech Contest.

At the local, district, state and national levels, judges evaluate Voice of Democracy speechwriter’s

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A

From page 1A recorded essays using three criteria: originality, content and delivery. According to Sandra Roach, Voice of Democracy Speech Contest Chairperson for Post 6846, competition at the local level of the contest is rigorous and increases exponentially at the district and state levels.

Twenty-eight local winners representing public and private high schools throughout a four county region earned the right to advance to the district level where Brashear ’s speech garnered third place. Last year only a dozen speechwriters in Ohio reached the state finals culled from a field of more than 3,000.

Is there pride in serving in our military?

By Kayleena Brashear Geneva High School Imagine it is your calling to volunteer and sacrifice your own well-being for the protection of people you have never met. Imagine that your job is to stand in harm’s way to provide your peers the right to protest the very thing that you do every day. Try to comprehend that an early part of your initiation to a new position could be to write “the letter” for your loved ones in the event that you do not survive the day. Now imagine someone trying to question your pride in the brave souls that venture into this chaos or the pride of those that choose this path.

Chazray Clark was 24 years old when he died this September in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. In the darkest part of night his platoon was struck by an explosion. Face down in the mud with an arm and both legs gone he still had the presence of mind, fortitude and concern for his fellow soldiers to respond that he was okay when his Platoon Sergeant called out his name. Try to imagine someone questioning my pride in him or his pride in serving in our military.

Since April of this year, the USNS Comfort has been in the Caribbean Basin participating in Operation Promise 2011. Doctors and staff saw nearly 70,000 patients and performed more than 1,100 surgeries in nine countries of Central and South America. How could I question the pride and honor of those who provided training for the “helping babies breathe” program for doctors in Jamaica or the men and women that built two classrooms in Columbia and rehabilitated a medical clinic in Nicaragua? The humanitarian missions by our military may be the best peace keeping actions in the world.

As a young American, I can say without hesitation, our military is one of the aspects of our country that I take the most pride in. Our soldiers, both past and present have been instrumental in making the United States the greatest country in the world. There is more to be proud of for serving the United States than for any other occupation in the world. No other job is made up of volunteers who so willingly sacrifice their individual life for the rights and beliefs of an entire nation. To protect a country’s principles and way of life selflessly is the highest level of stewardship.

Last year I had the honor to volunteer at a local soldier’s funeral and witnessed hundreds of people that share my sense of nationalism and respect for our military. During this tribute, was the first time I had experienced the Patriot Guard Riders. They are a group of motorcyclists that attend soldier’s funerals with the sole mission of a clear and visible show of respect for our fallen heroes while protecting the grieving family and friends from protesting bystanders. The profound irony being that the fallen soldier made the ultimate sacrifice so that those who wish to protest have the right and privilege to do so. Try to imagine someone questioning the pride of the man who gives all so that others may have the right to the peaceful protest of what he gave all for.

I am compelled to emphasize that our military is an all-volunteer force. There is a conscious choice made by a dedicated few to follow this path. These men and women display an amazing sense of patriotism and unfaltering courage as they become an extremely bonded national family. Over 150 years ago French political thinker, Alex de Tocqueville, referred to this pride as almost a national religion. This virtue has only grown stronger with time. I am blessed to know this first hand as my grandfather and father have both served and are veterans of combat. My grandfather was a surgeon during Vietnam and my father a frontline scout during Desert Storm. Not only do I respect them for serving but also for the dedication and pride they held well after which has never faded.

If you have never experienced this way of living, watch a veteran during our national anthem. Try to see their eyes and feel what this song represents to them. Watch as they display their pride and honor to one of the greatest symbols they know. Try to imagine the emotion. Is this the homage and respect we all should know? Anytime the Star Spangled Banner is sung or the Pledge of Allegiance is recited, it is to remind us of the liberties we enjoy and the men and women that maintain them for us. It is for the purpose that we never forget we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

America is indivisible with liberty and justice for all because of the dedicated service of our military.

Try to imagine for a moment our country without our military. Consider the events of September 11th when terrorists attempted to destroy America. Instead of falling into despair, we became more united, more patriotic, and more proud than we had been for some time. Our pride in our military was defined again as they went to war against terrorism. My generation is sacrificing still today so that we may have the quality of life that we so often take for granted. They proudly serve and I will never dishonor them by allowing my pride in them to waiver.

The men and women in our military know the strongest sense of pride. A pride that cannot be described in words but that is observed in the emotions brought on by a patriotic song, the achievements of incredibly rewarding humanitarian efforts, and the knowledge that they are a part of the force which makes and maintains the greatest country in the world.

Samantha O’Donnell spells her way to the county spelling bee

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The Ashtabula Area City Schools declared Samantha O’Donnell of Saybrook Intermediate School’s sixth-grade class, the district spelling bee champion after spelling the word “defiantly” correctly.

O’Donnell was up against 12 other students from Lakeside Junior High School, Lakeside Intermediate and two other students from her school, Saybrook.

The judges were all principals, Valerie Harper, Rebecca Evanson and Janie Carey, with the pronouncer being Dr. Judith Poluga.

O’Donnell went through several rounds and ended in the final two with Nathan Reese, a sixth grader from Lakeside Intermediate.

Cristine Rutz, principal of Lakeside Intermediate, gave O’Donnell a congratulations and good luck as O’Donnell will represent AACS in the county spelling bee, with Reese being her replacement if she is unable to attend.

“You’re not done yet,” Rutz told O’Donnell. “The county spelling bee is next.”

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN The spellers anxiously wait for the spelling bee to begin as the instructions are being explained.

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

Benjamin Luoma, a fourth grader at Lakeside Intermediate, is the first to spell a word during the practice round.

Superintendent Joseph Donatone gives Nathan Reese his second-place trophy during the presentation of the awards during Tuesday’s district spelling bee.

Kayleigh Baumgartner spells correctly in the first round. Baumgartner would last two more rounds before being eliminated.

Samantha O’Donnell spells a word while she is a part Danny Costa, sixth grader of the top five spellers in the from Lakeside Intermediate, district. O’Donnell would go spells a word during the on to win the whole third round of the competition by spelling competition. “defiantly” correctly.

Superintendent Joseph Donatone gives Samantha O’Donnell the winning trophy after she spelled the word “defiantly.”

D’Vonte Thornton thinks how to spell “lobby” during the first round of the district spelling bee.

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Caleb Reese, a seventh grader from Lakeside Junior High School, would make it to the top five spellers before being eliminated.

Megan McCluskey has her chance to spell during Tuesday morning’s Ashtabula Area City Schools district spelling bee.

N! OPE W NO

Health Smart Forum University Hospitals Conneaut Medical Center will offer a free luncheon on Friday, Jan. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at UH Conneaut Medical Center, 158 West Main Road, Conneaut. Speech Therapist Ken Kozlosky will present a talk on swallowing problems. For more information, log on to UHConneaut.org/Community.

Call 440-593-0364 for reservations.

Senior Health Forum University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center will offer a free luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Geneva Community Center, 72 West Main Street, Geneva. Maureen Ordman-Fike from the Alzheimer Association will present a talk on partnering with your doctor. For more information, log on to UHGeneva.org/Community. Call 440-415-0180 for reservations.

Free Health Screenings University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center will conduct free health screenings on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Spire Institute, 1822 South Broadway, Geneva. Screenings include blood pressure, blood sugar and random total cholesterol. Eight-hour fasting is recommended, no reservations necessary. For more information, log on to UHGeneva.org/Community.

Monthly Mammogram Clinic University Hospitals offers a no-cost mammogram program, courtesy of the Susan G. Komen grant at UH Geneva Medical Center, 870 West Main Street, Geneva. For more information, log on to UHGeneva.org/Community. To qualify for a complimentary testing, call 440-998-0695.

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10A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

A-Tech grads offer advice on Alumni Visit Day

BY JAN PERALA A-Tech JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - The Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) classic, Oh, the Places You’ll Go, a popular gift for high school grads, contains motivational words geared to inspire those setting off to seek their place in the world.

Geisel wrote, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”

If only it were that easy.

Deciding on a college or career path is a process that can be fraught with anxiety for students. Choosing the right college or technical school, a course of study, locating the resources to defray tuition expenses and how to survive leaving the nest are pressing dilemmas in the minds of students poised to enter the real world. But thanks to a group of enthusiastic alumni who returned to their alma mater to share advice and their personal experiences regarding post secondary education options, Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus (ATech) students are better prepared to take the next step.

Alumni Day, coordinated by Jackie Peck, A-Tech’s Ashtabula County Continued Education Support Services (ACCESS) advisor, brought ten successful grads back to the school they credit with giving them the impetus to enroll in college and the determination to pursue their dreams.

Cassie Eldred graduated from A-Tech in 2005, earned a BA, Magna Cum Laude, from Canisius College in Communications and Broadcast Journalism and is a now video jour-

PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR A-TECH

Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus grads who returned to their alma mater to share information about their respective colleges and careers on Alumni Visit Day are (from left) Josh Cool, Cassie Eldred, Kayla Webber, Becky Cortright, Stephanie Bruno, R. J. DiGiacomo, Erin Akos and Courtney Stroeter. Also attending were Mandy Weed and Justin Eldred. The alums answered questions about careers and college admissions and offered advice about adjusting to college life when they visited A-Tech English classrooms. Alumni Visit Day was coordinated

by Jackie Peck, A-Tech Ashtabula County Continued Education Support Services (ACCESS) Advisor. nalist for CNN Headline News in Atlanta.

“Networking is the most important thing. I learned that here (at A-Tech). Everyone you meet can be a contact who can help you. Don’t be afraid to ask the VIP’s for advice. They were once where you are today.

When a CNN Bureau Chief visited my college, I approached her and asked if they offered internships. She said I was the only student to come forward to ask and she gave me a foot in the door,” she said.

“My education at A-Tech helped me get a scholarship to a great art school,” said Erin Akos, who graduated last year from A-Tech’s Graphic Communications program.

Akos received a $32,000 Dean’s Scholarship to attend the Cleveland Institute of Art. “I am just in my foundation year and am already seeing new directions I can take.

Knowledge changes you,” said Akos. “Just get started and see where it takes you.”

Mandy Weed, a 2006 ATech grad, earned a BA in Special Education at Edinboro University and now works as an Early Intervention Specialist for the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

“I was just determined to get my degree and I applied for every scholarship I could find and I also worked as an Resident Assistant which gave me free room and board,” she said.

“I took a roundabout way, but am studying Radio and Television Communications at Kent State Ashtabula,” explained R.J. DiGiacomo, a 2010 A-Tech grad. “A-Tech gave me the tools, and after graduation I made a cold call and got an internship as a videographer filming outdoors adventures for the TV show

Predator Nation. You go to college to gain opportunities. I have now been commissioned to create a logo and t-shirt designs for the Miami Heat,” explained DiGiacomo.

Kayla Webber, 2011 A-Tech Health Care Tech graduate, is studying to be a Dental Hygienist at Lakeland Community College.

“Coming here (A-Tech) was my boost. It gave me a big head start,” said Webber. “I am the first in my family to attend college, and I am going to get my degree. I didn’t listen as well as I should have at this session last year, but reality hits you after you graduate. Just keep focused and don’t lose sight of your goals. If I can do it, so can you.”

“We have lots of great students who graduate A-Tech well prepared to enter the workforce,” said ACCESS advisor Jackie Peck. “But our

Henderson Memorial Public Library plans events

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

at 6 p.m. and will run for 113 minutes.

The staff will be serving JEFFERSON - With its free popcorn and bevernew children’s librarian in ages, Culbertson said. She place, the Henderson Me- requests that people please morial Public Library is call 576-3761 or stop by planning events through- the library to sign-up to atout the winter, including a tend.

Culbertson also anmovie night and story nounced that the storytime times for children.

HMPL Children’s Li- dates and times for the brarian DeeAnna winter session, which runs Culbertson invites fami- from Jan. 9 through Feb. lies to attend the library’s 16, have been finalized. first free Family Movie Parents are asked to call or visit the library for more Night of 2012.

T he library w ill be details and to sign up their showing “Dolphin Tale” on child. They also can email Wednesday, Jan. 18. The Miss Dee at culberd PG-rated movie will start e@oplin.org.

Session times include: After school Fun Stuff For ages: K-5th grade; Mondays, 4-5 p.m.

Join Miss Dee for stories, games, activities and crafts.

Mother Goose Time For ages: 1-24 months; Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.

Enjoy nursery rhymes, fingerplays and music for baby and care-giver.

Toddler Storytime For ages: 2-3; Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Enjoy short stories, music, fingerplays and easy crafts or activities.

PJ Sleepy Storytime For ages: 1-6; Thursdays, 7-7:45 p.m.

Get ready for bed with stories and soft music; wear your PJ’s.

Preschool Storytime For ages: 4-5; Thursdays, 1-2 p.m.

Stories, music, activities or crafts.

Tech Prep courses launch many into advanced education at colleges and universities as well as art, culinary and technical schools. And we help them find the resources to get there.”

ACCESS is a free program for all Ashtabula County residents which provides services at all nine county high schools and operates resource centers at county libraries. The pro-

gram places advisors in secondary schools who provide insight and information geared to elucidate the college search and application process as well as financial aid and scholarship advisement.

“I think programs like Alumni Day really do help ease the transition from high school to college for our students,” said Peck.

Falcons January Menus Jefferson/Rock Creek Elementary Lunch 1/11 Footlong Hot Dog on Bun, Oven Baked French Fries, Broccoli & Dip, Petite Banana 1/12 Stromboli, Tomato Soup, Applesauce Cup, Chocolate Pudding Cup 1/13 French Bread Pizza, Green Beans, Diced Peaches 1/16 No School 1/17 Chicken Strips & Dip, Hot Carrots, Mixed Fruit, Cherry Apple Crunch Bar 1/18 Cheeseburger on Bun, Waffle Fries, Apricot Slices 1/19 Pepperoni Pizza, Garden Fresh Salad, Diced Pears 1/23 No School 1/24 Popcorn Chicken & Dip, Corn Cobbettes, Fruit Crisp

Breakfast 1/11 Egg, Sausage, & Cheese On English Muffin, Fruit Juice or Fruit 1/12 Breakfast Pizza, Fruit Juice or Fruit 1/13 Scrambled Eggs with Ham & Cheese, Fruit Juice or Fruit 1/16 No School 1/17 Choice of Cereal, Snack-N-Square, Fruit Juice or Fruit 1/18 Apple Bosco Stick, Fruit Juice or Fruit 1/19 Sausage Bagel Pizza, Fruit Juice or Fruit 1/20 Warm Cinnamon Roll, Fruit Juice or Fruit

Jefferson Area Junior/Senior High School

Lunch

Jefferson Rotary to hold raffle The Jefferson Rotary Club is holding a Valentine’s Day fundraising raffle.

The prize is a 14K white gold diamond pendant valued at $3,200 – a perfect gift for your Valentine.

Jefferson Village Mayor Judy Maloney will draw the prize-winning ticket at the regular Jefferson Rotary Club meeting on Feb. 9, 2012.

The raffle is called a “penny” raffle because the cost of each ticket is determined by the ticket num-

ber multiplied by $.01. A ticket can cost anywhere from a penny to a maximum of $10.

The Jefferson Rotary Club would like to thank the J. R. Hofstetter family for their generous support of this fundraising event. 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.

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WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 11A

A-Tech students earn safety certificates JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - This past December, A-Tech students received certificates from Jerry Palfry, an Industrial Safety Consultant for the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation. He presented certificates to students in the Buildings and Grounds Maintenance, Carpentry, Electricity, and Masonry programs for completing the 10-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training program.

The program is offered each year to students in these programs, to teach students to the proper way to work safely on a construction site.

A-Tech is currently working with Mr. Palfry to develop safety programs similar to this one for other career technical programs.

“Since many of these students will continue their careers in the building and construction industry after they graduate having the 10 hour safety card will definitely help them be more employable and work safer SUBMITTED PHOTO in the construction indusMasonry students, left to right, Cody Mason, David Vandervort, Jolene Goroncy, Robert Fink, Robert McTrusty, Chris Norman, and Dakota try,” said Jerry Palfry.

DeMarco receive OSHA Certificates from Jerry Palfry.

A-Tech hosts area high school sophomores

Upcoming Events Jan. 12 Geneva on the Lake: Committee Meeting

Jan. 16 Ashtabula: No School Skate

There will be a Downtown Tier 1 Steering Committee meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. The topic is Comprehensive Plan. Meetings are held at the Safety Service Center. Any interested parties are welcome to attend.

No School Skate at the Roller Den Ashtabula Family Roller Den, 2255 West Ave., Ashtabula, on Monday, Jan. 16, from 1-4 p.m. The cost is only $2 if you have your own skates. Skate rental is extra. $2 more for Quads or $3 more for Inlines/Rollerblades. Come out for a fun afternoon with Skating, Crazy Maze, Bounce House, Extreme Skate park and Indoor arcade. Full line of food at the snack bar.

Jan. 13-15 Ashtabula: Into the Woods G.B. Community Theatre presents “Into the Woods” at the Ashtabula Arts Center onJan. 13-15. The Arts Center is located at 2928 West 13th, Ashtabula. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets: (440) 964-3396. Walk-ins welcome if seating is available. Advance sale tickets save $2 per ticket!

Jan. 13 Pierpont: Homemade Pizza Sales The Pierpont Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Friday pizza sales at its location at 6006 Marcy Rd., Pierpont. Annual Friday homemade pizza sales start Jan. 13 and will run until the last Friday in February. Orders will be taken from 5-7 p.m. Please call the fire department’s nonSUBMITTED PHOTO emergency number at (440) 577-1190.

A-Tech Early Childhood Education student Katie Bogdan works with sophomore visitors.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - December started the visitation and recruiting process for associate school sophomores at the A-Tech campus. Sophomores who want to attend were asked to choose three programs to visit. They had a chance to visit with Career Technical instructors, current students and staff and participate in hands-on activities to learn

more about the programs.

Students are encouraged to submit their enrollment applications as soon as possible. This year they can also enroll on-line by visiting www.atech.edu and completing an on-line enrollment intent form.

For students who did not visit in December or want to visit other programs, additional visitation days are

scheduled for January 24, February 22, March 20 and by appointment on May 1. To sign up for these visitation students should talk to their associate school guidance counselor. For more information or questions about the career technical programs offered at A-Tech or enrolling at A-Tech contact Amanda Wight at 440-5766015, extension 1115.

KSUA faculty member joins PBS television program

Jan. 27 Rome Township: Fish and shrimp dinner Don’t miss it, the Rome Fire Department Fish and Shrimp Dinner hosted by the Roman Candles Auxiliary! Fish, shrimp or combo, French fries or baked potato, coleslaw, applesauce and bread.

Date is 4-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27. Adult dinners $8. Children ages 4-11, $4. Children three and under are free. Rome Fire Department is located on the corners of Routes 6 and 45 in Rome. Eat-in or carry outs available. Proceeds benefit Rome Fire Department/Roman Candles Auxiliary. Also enter the raffle to win two free fish dinners at a future Fish Dinner!

Follow these easy steps to prepare for college, technical school, or a rewarding job through Career-Technical Education at A-Tech! x A-Tech Carpentry student Zachary Grien

x

x x

x

Participate in one of our student visitation days and view some of the programs offered at A-Tech.

Ask for an A-Tech Enrollment Intent form from your guidance counselor or access an on-line application at www www.atech.edu.

Complete your application to choose from 21 exciting programs.

Have your parents or guardians sign the application (on-line applicants will be mailed a copy for their parent/guardian’s signature.

Return your signed application in to your guidance counselor or submit on-line at www.atech.edu. www

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Dr. David Perusek, associate professor of anthropology, is pictured in a classroom.

ASHTABULA - Dr. David Perusek, associate professor of anthropology at Kent State University at Ashtabula, will be a regular contributor on the Western Reserve Public Media PBS program NEOtropolis beginning this month. Perusek will share his thoughts regarding the various ways that people work, learn, live and play in our region.

NEOtropolis is a weekly half-hour program airing on the Kent/Akron/Youngstown PBS stations and is focused exclusively on the business and economy of Northeast Ohio.

Perusek will contribute to a section called Culture Mark, a segment that tries to answer two questions. What’s making its mark on northeast Ohio culture? What is shaping, impacting and illuminating the way we live and the stories we tell?

During this segment, Perusek and the host will look at how people are working, learning, living and playing in the region, expressed in business, art, politics and many of the arenas where we live our lives.

NEOtropolis returns for its third season on PBS with an expansive content scope focused on methods of assisting Northeast Ohioans as we attempt to understand and cope with the changes that impact our lives. The program will air live on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. beginning Jan. 10, 2012, and will also stream live at www.NEOtropolis.org and on the facebook fan page.

EARLY ADMISSION FOR 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR HAS BEGUN! See your school counselor to get an enrollment intent form or visit us on-line at www.atech.edu to complete form on-line.

1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 . 440-576-6015 . WWW.ACJVS.EDU The Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School Board of Education and its staff are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, pregnancy, handicap, or disability.

12A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, January 11, 2012

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WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS

PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN Donna Button and Maureen Riley shop for clothes and jewelry at Classy Consignments on Tuesday afternoon.

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON - For over 16 years, Classy Consignments has been serving Jefferson with a variety of items from clothing to housewares and books, movies and games.

Classy Consignments is located at 26 North Chestnut St. and is opened six days, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Wednesday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“We have everything from dishes to jeans, dresses and blazers,” Suzie Cheney said.

Classy Consignments has two floors with six rooms full with consignment items ready for a new owner, including a back upstairs room which Cheney calls the five o’clock room filled with evening gowns and even a wide selection of wedding gowns.

“Some of the dresses still have their tags on,” Cheney said.

The store doesn’t just serve the Jefferson community, as customers and items come from people around northeast Ohio.

“We have consignors from Concord, Warren, from Madison to Conneaut,” Cheney said.

An appointment must be made for consignors to come in with their items to sell, which helps the store stay organized.

“Everything is brought in and we price it and if it sells, they get a percent,”

Cheney said.

Cheney said it is hard to say what items will sell fast, with every season bringing in new fads in the consignment area.

“If you bring in good stuff, it sells fast so the turnover’s good and we like quick turnovers,” Cheney said.

Classy Consignment will only take current, gently used and clean products. Cheney said if she would not buy it, she will not take it.

Classy Consignment is also proud of its hometown of Jefferson and the store even gives back to the community by donating some of the unsold items to local charities.

“If an item doesn’t sell, the consignor has the option of having the item returned to them or we donate it to a local charity,” Cheney said. “We donate to a local church right now.”

Whether it is a consignor or a customer, Classy Consignments aim to keep everyone 100-percent satisfied.

“We try to keep everybody happy,” Cheney said.

Classy Consignment has deals throughout the month from 25 to 50 percent off the original price and dollar specials.

“Every month our sales change,” Cheney said.

Classy Consignment tries to keep the prices down and value its customers.

“We want to give you the best quality at the best price,” Cheney said.

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