Gazette 01 30 13 by Stefanie Wessell

THE GAZETTE

Vol. No. 137, No. 5

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013

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Austinburg Elementary students’ donation drive helps Homesafe

FILE PHOTO

The Falcon Follies dance with the world during last year’s dress rehearsal. The Falcon Follies jamout with the first all women’s number, “Roam If You Want To.”

Meet the Falcon Follies directors

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON - It’s that time of year again. Organizers are preparing for the 2013 Falcon Follies, which will be held from March 21-23 this year. This showcase of talent helps raise money for teachers at Jefferson Area Local Schools to use toward their classrooms. The 2013 Falcon Follies Board of Directors will kick off the event with a Meet the Directors and Sign Up Night on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Jefferson Area High School library. Directors this year are Becke Schindler and her daughters Jessica and Katie, with Seanna Butler serving as general chairperson. This show will be Jessica and Katie’s directing debut, while Becke has directed twice in recent years. Organizers encourages community members to bring a friend and hear all about this year’s show. The theme of the show will be announced at this meeting. “The show is sure to have some Follies Standards as well as some new twists! There is no need for prior stage experience. The Follies welcomes anyone who wants to give it a try,” organizers said. If Jefferson Area Local Schools are closed due to weather, the snow date for Sign up Night will be Thursday, Feb. 7, at the same time in the same place. If someone is interested in being in the show but cannot come to sign up night, they may get ahold of any

board member or one of the directors before the day of the meeting. Schindler said the funds go to the school district, and teachers apply to receive funds for their classrooms. The Falcon Follies also is searching for businesses to have Walk-On Ads in the 2013 show. Organizers said the first six businesses to call and reserve their spot will be the lucky ones to be seen on stage. Walk-on ads are live commercials written and performed by Falcon Follies cast members during the show, Schindler said. The cost of a walk on ad is $150. Space is limited, so businesses are encouraged to call now. To ensure your business will be one of the lucky six, call Falcon Follies Board member Seanna Butler at (440) 858-2106 and leave a detailed message. The Falcon Follies also have a new advertising opportunity this year. For the first time in history, the Falcon Follies will sell the back of the program cover to one advertiser. The back cover ad is a 7"x 9" ad in full color at the cost of $250. It is the only full color ad available. The first business to call Seanna Butler at 858-2106 and request the Back Cover Ad will be the lucky recipient, organizers said. There are also various sizes of ads for sale that will appear in the program. For more information on sizes and prices you can call the above number or email falconfollies1@gmail.com. Falcon Follies show dates are March 21, 22, 23 and dress rehearsal without costumes will be Thursday, March 14, for Act I and Monday, March 18, for Act II.

Planning a wedding? Check out the Bridal Guide in this week’s paper — See special section

PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS

A Helping Hand for Homesafe. Austinburg Elementary Student Council members and their advisor Jennifer Nappi display some of the items contributed to their donation drive for Homesafe. Back from left: Avery Arendas, Erin Korn, Emmy Bryan, Skyra Brown, & Lauren Wright. In front are Nappi, Bella Cordova & Garrett Demshar. Not pictured is John Amato. BY JAN PERALA Geneva Area City Schools AUSTINBURG TOWNSHIP Thanks to the altruistic efforts of Austinburg Elementary students, those who have sought safety and solace within the walls of Homesafe, Ashtabula County’s shelter for victims of domestic violence, know they are not alone as they weather the storm. In an ef-

fort organized by Student Council members, students pitched in to donate household supplies and sundry items to fulfill basic needs for temporary residents and to stock to the shelves at the shelter and their project generated an avalanche of items from soup to cereal boxes. “I just couldn’t believe the response by Austinburg students and their families,” Student Council

Advisor Jennifer Nappi said. “The donation drive only ran for three days during Spirit Week, but we were able to provide a vanload of things for the shelter.” Tooth paste, toothbrushes, shampoo, canned goods and household needs were among the items donated by Austinburg students and their families.

See HOMESAFE page 5A

Polar Bear Plunge returns to Geneva State Park on Feb. 8-9

FILE PHOTO

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE Participants in the Law Enforcement Polar Bear Plunge will be “freezin’ for a reason” when they take the plunge into Lake Erie on Saturday, Feb. 9. The plunge is being held a couple of weeks early this year. Plunge activities include the traditional Plunge as well as an extremely challenging Super Plunge. Some pre-registration and entertainment activities held in conjunction with the event are scheduled for Friday, Feb. 8. The Geneva Polar Plunge and Super Plunge are held in support

of the more than 23,000 Special Olympics athletes in Ohio. The mission of Special Olympics Ohio is to provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Plunge, which benefits the Special Olympics, is open to anyone who wants to sign up. Just go to the website at www.PolarBear Plunge.org for the registration and sponsor forms. Those who may not feel courageous to wade into the freezing Lake Erie are welcome to participate by registering for the “Too Chicken to Plunge” activity. As part of the Polar Plunge ex-

perience, participants obtain a minimum $100 in monetary pledges and then agree to jump into Lake Erie to earn their pledges. To participate in “Too Chicken to Plunge,” one raises a minimum of $30 and is awarded a “Too Chicken to Plunge” T-shirt – as well the opportunity not to Plunge. Teams of chickens may also be formed to support favorite Plungers. The Super Plunge involves participants obtaining a minimum of $888 in pledges. The extreme challenge of the Super Plunge is that participants earn their pledges by going into Lake Erie each hour from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

See PLUNGE page 2A

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 2A

The 72 seconds that changed history Harpersfield closes the doors on 2012 BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

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The final crew of the Challenger are Mission Commander Francis R. Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith Mission Specialist One Ellison S. Onizuka, Mission Specialist Two Judith A. Resnik, Mission Specialist Three Ronald E. McNair, Payload Specialist Christa McAuliffe and Payload Specialist Two Gregory B. Jarvis. BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers There are certain moments throughout one’s history where they will say, “I know exactly where I was when I heard the news.” It’s a moment frozen in time and on January 25, 1986, one such moment came upon the United States. It was 11:38 a.m. in Cape Canaveral, Florida where people gathered and others watched on live television the Challenger space shuttle take off into the skies. However, everyone was left in shock a minute later as the shuttle exploded. “Man’s dream of conquering space died a little yesterday,” Charles Bell wrote. A local newspaper reported on January 29, 1986, the day after a national eulogy was held, the shuttle had been in air for a total of 72 seconds, reminding everyone just how much every second counts and how quickly one’s life can forever change. The Challenger was supposed to be a special mission, one for the history book as high school social studies teacher Christa McAuliffe was onboard after undergo-

R emember W hen ing months of training. The other astronauts onboard included Mission Commander Francis R. Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, Mission Specialist One Ellison S. Onizuka, Mission Specialist Two Judith A. Resnik, Mission Specialist Three Ronald E. McNair and Payload Specialist Two Gregory B. Jarvis. All of them would perish in the skies. The newspaper reported McAuliffe’s students as well as students across the nation were watching the liftoff on television, as well as were her family there on the ground in Florida. “McAuliffe, 37, had planned to give two 15minute lessons from space, with the PBS public television network beaming them to 25 million students in schools from Florida to Canada and Alaska. Her husband, Steven, and children, Scott, 9, and Caroline, 6, were watching from a VIP stand at the launch site, with Christa’s parents, Edward and Grace Corrigan,”

Bell wrote. Many were in shock, not fully comprehending what they were witnessing. “As Challenger exploded into a boiling ball of flame, the Corrigans grabbed each other, but it was not until several seconds later that they appeared to understand what had happened,” Bell wrote. Many sat in disbelief trying to put into reality what had just taken place. “After the explosion, the two solid fuel booster rockets, capable of 2.6 million pounds of thrust, separated and continued to fly crazily out of control in the clear blue sky, trailing long tails of smoke as they plunged into the sea,” Bell reported. Because of her notoriety and place in history McAuliffe got much media attention, but her fellow crew members were also valued members of the science community. McNair was a physicist. Scobee had plans to study Haley’s Comet and launch a satellite which would have become a part of a space

Wintery scenes at Jefferson Elementary Parent volunteers are always helping out at Jefferson Elementary School, and one such volunteer is Lisa Volpone. Volpone keeps the bulletin boards in the hallway near the kindergarten rooms decorated throughout the year, including with this wintery scene. PHOTO BY KIM PICKARD

communications network. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration were sent into a frenzy as they witnessed not only a massive malfunction but seven people they had come to know now in flames. “We have a report from the flight dynamics officer that the vehicle exploded. The flight director confirms that we are out looking at checking with the recovery forces to see what can be done,” a voice was reported saying over the public address system at mission control. NASA was cautious in the days afterwards as they only had speculations on what caused the explosion and had halted all space shuttle missions. “We’re obviously not going to pick any flight activity until we fully understand what the circumstances were relative to the launch,” Jesse Moore, associate administrator for space flight, said. It would later be revealed the explosion was caused by a malfunctioning “O” ring seal. The elastic rings are placed in the solid-fuel rockets but due to the cold morning temperatures, they did not respond as expected, causing a reaction which led to the explosion. The Challenger saw itself through 10 missions before falling from grace on January 25 and NASA would not launch another shuttle for two more years. A feeling of complete helplessness resonated throughout a nation as what was expected to be an exciting and momentous day turned to a momentous day of tragedy in a mere 72 seconds. President Ronald Reagan would cancel his scheduled State of the Union to remember those lost. “This is truly a national loss,” Reagan said at the national eulogy. “We mourn seven heroes...who escaped the surly bounds of Earth to touch the face of God.” Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette news.com.

tend Bishop Road from its current end to LaFevre Road,” Henry said. The township will be paying for 20 percent of the project but have been approved for a zero percent loan. “The grant is for 80 percent of the project cost with the balance being financed at a zero percent loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission,” Henry said. “The project, which is scheduled for completion in 2013, will allow for development along the south side of Interstate 90.” The township saw the opening of a new school. “The new Cork Elementary School opened with the beginning of the school year,” Henry said. “The new facility is a very positive addition to the township, the Geneva Area City Schools and the entire area.” Henry is proud of the school and the up-to-date tools the students now have the pleasure of using. “The school is very attractive, efficient and an asset to the community,” Henry said. One of the township’s most treasured traditions is their beef roast where they have raised thousands of dollars over the years. “The fire department’s annual beef roast and fish fries were once again very successful with this year’s proceeds being used to replace the roof on the community center,” Henry said. Now the township is moving forward into 2013 with many plans for their community. Henry is ready to embrace more change which will better the community he is proud to call home. “We look forward to an even more exciting and prosperous 2013,” Henry said.

HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP- Harpersfield Township has had a year full of change for the better and new community facilities. Cliff Henry wrote about their year in review and recalled a community coming together to pass a levy which enabled the township to receive a new fire truck. “Thanks to the generous support of the township residents, voters overwhelmingly passed a bond issue for the purchase of a new pumper fire truck,” Henry said. Although they have purchased the truck, it has not yet arrived and they looked forward to the truck making its first appearance this spring. “The new truck has been ordered from Emergency One at an approximate cost of $400,000,” Henry said. “The truck is currently in production and is scheduled to be delivered in April 2013.” The township also finished many paving jobs as they aim to make safer streets. “Barnum Road from Clay Street north to the Geneva Township line was paved with the help of a grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission,” Henry said. They are also completing the paving of township driveways in 2013. “Final berm work and driveways will be completed in the summer of 2013,” Henry said. Many grants have been received by the township to better their roads and they plan to continue the improvements this year. “The township received word from the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments that it Sadie Portman, rehas been approved for a grant from the Appala- porter for the Gazette, can chian Regional Commis- be reached at sportman sion for $240,000 to ex- @gazette news.com.

PLUNGE

From page 1A

Registration information and all necessary forms are available at www.sooh.org or by contacting Chandra Brode at (440) 969-8907 or ohiopolarbearplunge@yahoo. com. Upon registration, opportunities are available to create customized and personal fundraising pages, which are easily sent via email to family and friends to help with obtaining pledges. Nifty incentive prizes are awarded at different pledge-raising intervals. Team registration is accepted – and encouraged. Pre-registration and early check-in for those already registered for both the traditional Plunge and Super Plunge is Friday, Feb. 8, from 2-9 p.m. at The Lodge. A meeting for Super Plungers is Friday at 6 p.m. Also Friday, a dinner and dancing event is held from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Lodge. Day-of-event registration and check-in is held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Lodge. Lunch is available from 1 a.m. to noon. A special high school student Plunge starts at 1 p.m., while the main Plunge starts at 2 p.m. Polar Plungers may participate in a special event involving touring area wineries from 4-10 p.m. This popular winter event is among the largest fundraisers for Special Olympics Ohio. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazette news.com.

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 3A

Geneva Recreation Center sees playground plans as music to their ears BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - The Geneva Recreation Center is hoping to install new equipment at Eagle Park where music will be able to be incorporated with play. “There’s a new program that I’m trying to implement,” Myke Anderson said. “It’s music at the playground.” The center already has steel drums which have been donated to the city by Perfections and they are now looking for more instruments which can withhold the outside elements. “My hope is to get a bunch of different instruments down there at the park so that kids can actually use them,” Anderson said. John Schmitt will be helping to install the steel drums which Anderson said are multicolored.

“I’ve talked to Mr. Schmitt and they’re going to take these steel drums that got donated from Perfection and we’re going to make a Tiffany Band or a Tiffany drum set so that those will be down there,” Anderson said. The instruments will be permanently placed in the park for year round use. All the instruments the center is looking into will not include a mouth piece such as bells or whistles with a pulley system. “We’re also working with a couple other organizations to see about a bell system or a whistle system and some string instruments,” Anderson said. The string instruments pose the biggest issues as they cannot be made from wood and need to have strong strings. The park instruments will offer a musical outlet for

the students who will not have music programs in Geneva Area City Schools due to recent budget cuts. “Since they’re taking music out of the school system kids can actually come down and play with instruments,” Anderson said. Anderson said not all the instruments will be perfectly in tune, but they will still serve a just purpose. “They’re not going to be completely to the right sound or the right pitch, but it’ll be something they can still go down and tryout and see how it works,” Anderson said. Although music at the playground was suggested to expose young children to the world of music, they will be available for all public use. “Older people can also use it so it’s not just for the children but for anyone who wants to use it,” Anderson said.

Anderson was also excited for the instruments and the aid they could give to autistic children. “Children with autism like the different sensory issues, whether it’s the feel or the sound, so this is a great opportunity for us to incorporate even some of that down at the park,” Anderson said. According to Anderson, this will be the first such equipment placed at any county park and she hopes it will be used by many as a unique learning tool as well as means of play. “It’s something different,” Anderson said. “It gives people a lot of opportunity to do different things and implement different programs with the music at the playground.” Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, can be reached at sportman@gazette news.com.

Church of the Nazarene overflows with new space BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Jefferson Church of the Nazarene is now offering more space to those wanting to join them in worship with a new overflow room. “We started the overflow room because it was starting to get a little crowded in the sanctuary and this is the third Sunday that we’ve been doing it,” Dean Hines, head of the church’s men’s ministries, said. The room offers a place for those who may come in late or have a crying baby to go and watch the service on a screen located in their Fireplace Room. “It’s giving us just that much more room for new people to come,” Hines said. As people enter the room before services they will be greeted by music. “We’ve got musicians and a soundboard just for the overflow room,” Hines said. “Then once the services start we’ve got a screen there to watch the services.” Once the 10:45 a.m. Sunday service starts, those in the overflow room will be able to listen and hear Reverend Rodney Kincaid’s whole message on the screen. “Whatever Reverend Kincaid does and says, they can here and see, too,”

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Music is offered to those sitting in the Jefferson Church of the Nazarene’s new overflow room before 10:45 a.m. services. Hines said. The overflow room has offered a place for everyone as the sanctuary was becoming more crowded and people coming in late sometimes felt there wasn’t a seat for them or were embarrassed to be seen coming in late. “It’s a lot less distracting,” Hines said. “It’s been a big success.” Kincaid said one of the options they considered before installing the overflow room was creating two Sunday services. “Two services for us is just not that feasible right now,” Kincaid said. “We have to go with our need.” The church has been working on the issue of overcrowding for quite some time and had to raise funds for the right equipment.

“We had to raise money and it took us a long time to make things happen,” Hines said. “We had a lot of electrical equipment and wires we had to hook up and work with and get going.” Kincaid said they wanted to deal with the issue of more parishioners in the best manner possible. “It’s been months in the making,” Kincaid said. “We did a lot of research.” Kincaid even talked to other pastors who had already installed an overflow room. “We went to other churches and saw how they did and talked with other pastors,” Kincaid said. Kincaid said although it created an issue, the problem of overcrowding in the end is a blessing as more people are

coming to hear the word of God. “The great problem is we’re just getting crammed with people in the sanctuary,” Kincaid said. At one point the church considered holding services in their gymnasium but many did not like the idea of not having the sanctuary being used. In the end many are pleased with the overflow room and find it another place of comfort and worship. “As a church we’ve really been blessed,” Hines said. “It’s been awesome.” Hines said they are now seeing people go straight to the overflow room as they like the area. “You can fit so many people in the overflow room,” Hines said. “They can see the service and it’s a cool thing.” Kincaid is happy to see the success of the overflow room and parishioners welcomed to the change. “We’re still transforming, but it’s getting there,” Kincaid said. “We’re a good 20 to 30 people in the room every Sunday now.” Kincaid feels God has helped the church and said in the end he cannot complain as they are opening the doors to more people to worship together. “The problems we’re dealing with here are great problems,” Kincaid. “All I can say is amen.”

Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department to host pancake breakfasts BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

cake breakfasts will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 3 and Feb. 17, at JEFFERSON - The the fire station located at 8 Jefferson Volunteer Fire De- E. Jefferson St. in the Vilpartment will heat up the lage of Jefferson. stove for its annual pancake The cost is $5.50 for breakfasts, which return adults, $3.50 for seniors, $3 during the month of Febru- for kids five to 12 years old ary. and free for children four The breakfasts will be years old and under. held on the first and third Dine in or carry out is Sundays in February. available. The all-you-can-eat panA raffle also will be held

during the event. President of the Jefferson Fire Department Association Jake Rice said a corn-hole set and a lottery-ticket tree will be raffled off. Tickets are one for $1 or six for $5. The raffle will be drawn on Feb. 19. All the funds we raise go toward the firemen’s association, Rice said. Rice said they buy whatever is needed around the

station with the funds, whether it’s a new tool or new equipment. Items purchased in the past have included things like new reciprocating saws, which help the firefighters saw through walls in a burning structure. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.

Feb. 1-28 Jefferson: Valentine Display Valentine Display at the Victorian Perambulator Museum & Art Gallery, 26 E Cedar St.

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 4A

Jefferson Church of the Nazarene serves up monthly breakfast BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Church of the Nazarene has begun a community breakfast which will be held every fourth Sunday of the month. “Some months have only four and other months have five Sundays, so we chose the fourth Sunday so we could do the breakfast every month,” Dean Hines, organizer of the breakfast, said. Hines said the community breakfast has been in the works for a few years now. “I had the idea five years ago,” Hines said. “I wanted to do an outreach of some sort and just reach the community.” Hines said he wanted to open the church’s doors to the community and make them aware of what the church is doing. “This lets the community know who and what we are,”

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN

Pancakes and fresh fruit were staples of the January community breakfast this past Sunday. Hines said. Hines said the breakfast went through many transitions before it became officially marked on the church’s calendar. “We just got it going about seven or eight months

ago, so it took a long time to get it going as we went through the process of developing it,” Hines said. Hines said they have had many people walk through their doors for the breakfast, which is free, but they

Danny and Laurie Lawson sit with Gene Park for the monthly community breakfast.

do have a donation can for those who would like to give when they walk in. “It’s been fairly successful,” Hines said. “We have had a few people come in from the community.” Hines said although they

Tyras Skinne, Allison Wintz and Sophie Glink eat breakfast together before going to Sunday school at the Jefferson Church of the Nazarene. are obviously Christian Hines said. The breakfast begins at based, the breakfast is about building community. 8 a.m. and ends at 9:30 a.m. “This is what we are and with Sunday school beginwe just want people to come ning at 9:35 a.m. for those and know we’re open,” interesting in bringing their children. Hines said. Hines said sometimes Those who give donations will enable the those who show up stay church’s ministries to grow with them for their services at 10:45 a.m. and offer more activities. “We have had people “The proceeds are all going to the men’s ministries come and stay with us for and other ministries to church and other people build up so we can do more have become involved things down the road,” more,” Hines said. Hines said he is blessed Hines said. Hines said the breakfast to live in a community with is about opening their a strong and sustainable reminds, hearts and ears to all lationship with God. “Jefferson is a cool those who come in and place,” Hines said. break bread with them. Hines said they hope to “We’re here with open heart and we’re here to lis- see the breakfast and church grow. ten,” Hines said. “We’re planning on getAs they are just starting the breakfasts, they are ting bigger and this will get looking for help through do- bigger and better,” Hines nations of food as well as said. Hines is proud to have fimonetary. “We will accept dona- nally started the breakfast tions,” Hines said. “We’re and welcomes everyone to still struggling a little bit join them. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s with the money.” Hines said they are try- also a lot fun,” Hines said. ing to market the breakfast “We’ve been blessed by it. and make Jefferson aware We really have.” of the monthly gathering. Sadie Portman, reporter “We are trying to do more advertising with the for the Gazette, may be breakfast to make people reached at sportman@gazette aware of the breakfast,” news.com.

Reverend Rodney Kincaid talks with parishioners at the Mike Hines looks at fruit options to complete his pancake Dean Hines smiles as they flip pancakes for the breakfast breakfast. on Sunday. Hines started the breakfast a few months ago. community breakfast on Sunday.

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 5A

Fleming and Billman Funeral Harpersfield moves Directors join ‘Wear the Pink’ campaign forward with new administrative offices BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

records will be well organized and they will be better able to serve their residents. The township is also very much ready for a new place to house their fire trucks and the fire department’s equipment. “The fire station will allow for the storage of three fire trucks with drive through parking, showers, restrooms and room for radios and training,” Henry said. The fire department will have more room as well and have room to better train their firemen. Henry said the department is ready for the change and not at all too soon as they prepare to introduce a new fire pumper truck in April 2013. The fire station used now will not go to waste as they move their road department into the building. “The existing fire station number one will be transferred to the road department, and the former township meeting hall will be maintained for future use,” Henry said. Henry said the township needs the extra space and will allow the road department to have a larger area as well. Henry said as the months move forward, they will continue to add new features to the facility which will enable the township to operate smoothly and efficiently. “We are looking for possibilities the new facility will offer the township,” Henry said.

HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP - Harpersfield Township is proud to announce they are slowly moving their township administrative offices into the former Aqua Water Building that was purchased last year. “The township purchased the former Aqua Water Building on Harpersfield Road, which will be used to house Fire Station Number One and the administrative offices of the township,” Cliff Henry, a township trustee, said. The township is happy to open the doors as the building offers them more space and a great area to hold meetings. “The trustees meeting are currently being held in the new facility and the zoning office will be moved soon,” Henry said. Eventually all the township’s offices and records will be housed in their new building. “There will be space to house the township records, an office for the fiscal officer, an office for the fire chief and other offices as needed,” Henry said. Henry sees Harpersfield as a growing and close c o m m u n i t y that v a l u e s their neighbors and the new building allows for growth and community togetherness. “The building will allow the township to operate from one location and allow space for addition services as the township Sadie Portman, reporter grows,” Henry said. Henry said the building for the Gazette, can be is still a work in progress reached at sportman@ but in time the offices and gazettenews.com.

JFAB needs volunteers BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

profit organization devoted to supporting student athletics at Jefferson Area JEFFERSON - The Junior/Senior High School. Profits from Jefferson Falcon Athletic Boosters (JFAB) is looking the Concession Stand go for volunteers to work in directly to the Athletic the Athletic Boosters’ Con- Boosters, which supports cession Stand from 9 a.m. all sports teams in the disto 5 p.m. Feb. 9, 10, 15, and trict. Anyone willing to help 16, 2013. Volunteers can sign up is asked to send an email to jfaboosters@gmail.com for two-hour shifts. The Jefferson Falcon or sign up in the ConcesAthletic Boosters is a non- sion Stand.

HOMESAFE “It feels great to donate to help people in need,” said Student Council member Skyra Brown. Serving on the Austinburg Elementary Student Council are fourth graders Bella Cordova, Emmy Bryan, Skyra Brown and Garrett Demshar and fifth graders Lauren Wright, Avery Arendas, John Amato, and Erin Korn. According to Homesafe Executive Director, Sherri Price, those who seek out the

From page 1A

shelter often feel alone and just knowing that others care can make a big difference as they deal with troubled times. “We don’t get a lot of support from the community since domestic violence is such personal issue. However, it takes a community to stop domestic violence”, Price said. “I would like to say “Thank You!” to the students at Austinburg Elementary School for their wonderful support.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pictured, back row, left to right, Katy White-Drier, Bob Billman, Joan Billman and Tom Fleming; and front row, left to right, Kay Ann Brabender, Jody Billman and Alisa Nlerzejewski. JEFFERSON - Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors of Ashtabula, Geneva and Jefferson are joining other funeral homes nationwide in the “Wear the Pink” campaign to increase awareness of breast cancer and show support for those fighting the disease. This year in the United States, about one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer; 40,000 women will die from the disease. They are proud to be the first funeral home in Ohio and most of the Northeast quadrant of the United States to participate in this effort. As part of the “Wear the Pink” campaign, funeral home staff “button-up” in honor of an individual and family, by wearing in unison, a pink jacket during visitation and the funeral service. It’s an option funeral directors can offer families during the time of arrangement. The campaign was introduced at the 2012 annual convention of the National Funeral Directors Association

(NFDA) this past October in Charlotte, NC. Owner-Directors, Bob and Joan BlIlman returned from the convention excited about the program. After sharing with partner Tom Fleming and other key staff, all felt this was a positive direction to support breast cancer locally. “Personalization and service are key components in the ever-changing funeral industry,” says Joan Billman. “Wear the Pink is a unique way for us to provide service to families who have battled breast cancer.” In addition-to joining “Wear the Pink”, Fleming & Billman will also be making a monetary donation to the Lake Health Foundation Breast Health Services Fund for every family the funeral home serves, regardless of cause of death. The Lake Health Foundation Breast Health Services Fund helps support services offered through Lake Health’s accredited Breast Health Center and patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Mikenzie Johnston buzzes to the top of the Jefferson District Spelling Bee BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Mikenzie Johnston rose to top speller, winning the Jefferson Area Local Schools District Spelling Bee Monday morning. Johnston is a sixth grader at Jefferson Elementary School and went head to head with not only fellow elementary students but seventh and eighth graders as well. “I didn’t practice until the night before, but I stayed up until 11 o’clock at night practicing,” Johnston said. Johnston had a match off with eighth-grader Josey Snyder as they tried to out spell one another. Johnston admitted she was nervous and had to remember to breathe as she spelled. Johnston recalled pausing in the middle of spelling obituary. “I said o-b-i-t and then I paused because I couldn’t remember whether it was u-ar-y and then after a minute I said the right spelling, but I wasn’t breathing,” Johnston said. Finally after seven

Meet Your Neighbor rounds, Johnston was declared the winner. “I was really excited,” Johnston said. Johnston’s parents were there filming and they, too, could not hold back their excitement when their daughter was declared the winner. “They were excited. We took so many pictures,” Johnston said. Johnston now is preparing for the county spelling bee on Feb. 19 held at the Educational Service Center on State Road in Ashtabula. Principal Todd Tulino will ensure Johnston is prepared for the competition. “I’ll get the words from Mr. Tulino by the end of the week and then county’s on Feb. 19,” Johnston said. “I’m going to study before this time instead of the night before.” Tulino was very happy to

see Johnston receive the top rank in Jefferson. “This is the second or third time one of our students has gone in my tenure,” Tulino said. Tulino said as a sixth grader, Johnston not only beat out every student in Jefferson Elementary School but those at Rock Creek Elementary and Jefferson Area Junior High School as well. “That’s a huge accomplishment. When you start figuring out the number of people that she had to beat out to get that level, it’s just incredible,” Tulino said. Tulino said as long as Johnston does not mind her principal cheering her at the county level, he will be there to support her. “I have every intention of attending, although she may go, ‘no, no, no don’t attend Mr. Tulino, you make me

PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN

Mikenzie Johnston smiles the day after she was declared the winner of the Jef ferson Area Local Schools District Spelling Bee. Johnston will now move on to compete at the County Spelling Bee on Feb. 19. nervous” Tulino said with a smile. Tulino said he couldn’t be prouder of Johnston. “I’m very excited for her and I’m very proud of her accomplishments,” Tulino said. “It’s a great thing.” Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@ gazettenews.com.

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 6A

2012 Year in Review: Ashtabula and Geneva goes into effect. Compiled by Stefanie Wessell “We contacted one company just to see what they’re Throughout January the Gazette will present “A Year in Review,” detailing the highlights of the year in the like,” Timonere said. “They’re used in several differnewspaper’s Ashtabula and Geneva coverage area. This ent areas around here.” Curbside recycling will eliminate the need for recycling bins week’s review will cover October through December 2012. and residents will not have to leave their street to recycle weekly.

October

Oct. 3 Hat trick helps Geneva family GENEVA - Hats are off to the nearly 1,000 Geneva Schools students who put their hats on to help a local family. Tiffanee Seames, a 1989 Geneva High School graduate and her three daughters, all students at her alma mater, were forced from their home by a devastating house fire last week emerging unscathed but shaken and losing many precious possessions. At the suggestion of Assistant Principal Alex Anderson, Geneva Middle School Steering Committee members organized a “Hats On for the Seames Family” fundraiser. Students who contributed two dollars were permitted to wear a hat throughout the school day last Friday. “We all know the Seames family. They are our friends and we tried to think of a way to help them get through this rough time,” GMS Steering Committee Treasurer Vanessa Frank said. “I was so happy when I saw the entire side of the bleachers filled with my friends wearing hats. It was so amazing to see how much everyone actually cared,” said Tabitha Seames.

Oct. 31 New Cork Elementary building uses green technology

HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP - Geneva Area City Schools officials, community leaders, current and former students and teachers gathered to dedicate the new Cork Elementary School building on Sunday with thanks to a supportive community and Ohio School Facilities Commission for the new building’s provenance, reverence for the school’s rich heritage, and with vision for Cork students today and those who will learn in the building for generations to come. The Cork Elementary building is the final component in the Geneva district’s comprehensive construction plan which began in 2002 with Geneva citizens’ support of a bond issue which allowed the district to construct a new secondary school, a new middle school and three new neighborhood based elementary buildings. Ohio School Facilities Commission picked up the tab for nearly 75 percent of the construction costs of the five new, technology filled buildings, all of which are designed to provide an optimal learning environment for Geneva Oct. 17 students. Geneva Schools Science Departments write The 43,953-square-foot Cork Elementary building inequation for Excellence in STEM Education GENEVA - For the thirteenth consecutive year, Geneva cludes spacious, light filled classrooms, a book lined meArea City Schools science educators have been honored with dia center, and an expansive cafeteria and gymnasium. the coveted Ohio Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards for Ex- “The kids are especially thrilled with the buildings,” Mary cellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics Zappitelli, superintendent of GACS, said. Zappitelli and the board of education recognized the (STEM) Education. Geneva Area City Schools is one of only three public school districts in the greater Cleveland area se- community’s wishes as they asked the school board to keep lected by The Ohio Academy of Science to receive the award, the elementary schools in the townships and not to comwhich recognizes the district’s efforts to extend science edu- bine all three at one location. cation beyond the classroom walls by involving students in November inquiry-based science through Science Fairs, Envirothon, Nov. 7 Botany Challenge and Science Olympiad. Hudson High School Geneva’s Financial Department adds up to and West Geauga High School and their science teachers were receive state award also among the 62 Ohio districts and 356 educators honored. Geneva High School Science instructors honored with the GENEVA - The City of Geneva received the Making Your Edison Award are Science Department Chairman John Barbo, Tax Dollars Count Award from the State of Ohio for its Science teacher and District Science Fair Coordinator Wendy outstanding audit done this past year. Booth, Physics teacher Jarrod Burgard, Biology teacher Eileen City Manager Jim Pearson was pleased with the award Dragon, Science teacher Jessica George and Chemistry and considered it an honor. teacher Robert Lundin. Geneva Middle School Science teach“We’ve received from the auditor’s office an award to ers honored are Emily Long, Luanne Stewart, Michelle the City of Geneva and it’s based on our audit and it’s my Gillespie, Brian Belconis, John Mirabell and Frank Carraher. understanding that only five percent of the cities in the “We are very proud of the dedication and accomplishments State of Ohio are awarded this,” Pearson said. of our science department teachers and of the students who Pearson was proud of the award and sees the award as have helped to put Geneva Schools on the map for excellence another sign of the things the city does right. in science education,” GHS Principal Douglas Wetherholt said. With Ohio Auditor of State’s Office being one of the big“Geneva Area City Schools has received the multiple times gest in the nation, the award is not given to many entities and the performance of our students in district and state- as it carefully selects the municipalities that show detail level completion is nothing short of outstanding. It is espe- and quality in their work. cially noteworthy in that the accolades our teachers and stuEligibility for this award is obtained when the following dents have brought to our district have, many times, eclipsed criteria are met: a community must complete a Comprehenthose in districts with vast resources at their disposal.” sive Annual Financial Report, which gives a complete accounting of the community’s financial picture; not have any findings Oct. 24 or issues with its most recent audit report; and be free of any Ashtabula to take recycling to the curb other financial concerns. Less than five percent of all Ohio govASHTABULA - The City of Ashtabula may be getting ernments are eligible for the award. curbside recycling in the future as part of an EnvironPearson said all of the city’s departments show dedicamental Protection Agency mandate. tion to the city all day every day but it is nice when one is “The mandate of the EPA is that 50 percent of the recognized. county have curbside recycling available to them, which Pearson gave much thanks to the city’s finance department. would mean Ashtabula and Conneaut participating,” City “I’d like to thank Juanita [Stuetzer, the city’s finance Manager Jim Timonere said. director] and her staff,” Pearson said. Pearson said the Timonere is fan of the idea of curbside recycling, as long award comes as no surprise to him as he sees the hard as the equipment for the city comes at a reduced cost. work Stuetzer and her staff accomplish every day. Timonere told the EPA in order for the city to go along with the mandate, they would need help obtaining the equipment. Nov. 14 “We [are] more than happy to do that, but we’re going to Ashtabula City Council hammers down on unsafe houses in city limits need equipment to do that,” Timonere said. “As long as the availability for funding of the equipASHTABULA - The issue of unsafe and/or abandoned ment is there, we think we can make it work.” houses in the City of Ashtabula came to a head during last Timonrere commented that the EPA officials did not say Monday night’s city council meeting, as two concerned citino to the idea of assisting in funding for the equipment, zens came forth with houses in their neighborhood they but they have not given a direct answer as of yet. have asked the city to investigate. A demo-truck with automated side motor arm was in the “The first recourse is not to use public funds to tear them City of Ashtabula last week as a way for employees to become down until we find out if there is a responsible owner,” Solicifamiliar with the new equipment before the mandate tor Michael Franklin said.

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December Dec. 12 Lakeside is ‘Excellent’ ASHTABULA - The Ashtabula Area City Schools have received some ‘Excellent’ news! With testing results now finalized throughout the State of Ohio, AACS learned they now have three schools rated Excellent by the State of Ohio. Michigan Primary (K-3) knew early on that it received a rating of “Excellent.” But it was not until this week that the intermediate schools (grades 4-6), Saybrook/ Lakeside Intermediate, which are now Erie and Superior, found out they too earned the distinction of Excellent. The students in these buildings scored very well, with scores exceeding one academic year of growth. And, the news became even more exciting for the city schools. Throughout five counties (Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoney, Geauga and Columbiana), seven schools were recognized and awarded the title of “The Most Improved.” Two of these seven schools were from Ashtabula Area City Schools, Michigan and Superior. “We’ve always known our schools are excellent,” said Superior Principal Cristine Rutz. “And for the state to also recognize it is certainly wonderful.”

Dec. 19 Geneva Chamber of Commerce announces new president GENEVA - The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce voted in a new president, Bill Widlits, at its recent annual chamber diner. The chamber made the choice as Widlits is a well known dedicated member of the chamber’s board. “He has served on the board since 2000,” Tim Lenart, current chamber president, said. Widlits is owner of Chestnut Homes and although he grew up in Madison, he now calls Geneva his home. “My roots are in Geneva now. They’ve been in Geneva for quite a long time,” Widlits said. Widlits is proud of the Geneva area and the community which has supported him throughout his career. “I see a lot of good coming from this area,” Widlits said. “I see a lot of positive things happening now and positive things happening in the future.” Widlits is looking forward to filling Lenart’s shoes and enhancing the economic growth of Geneva. “I hopefully can help that out and see Geneva continue to grow,” Widlits said.

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Franklin said it is not easy or cheap to condemn houses, and there is process that must be conducted before the city tears down a house. “The owners, if we can locate them, and the lenders, if we can locate them, are notified of the house being torn down,” Franklin said. Franklin also said some owners have already gotten notices of either cleaning their house or tearing it down and are being fined and given court notices if the city’s requests go unheard. The Moving Ohio Forward grant could help the city get funds to begin tearing down some condemn houses within city limits. However, City Manager Jim Timonere said the problem is city wide. “There are not only your four houses on your street, but hundreds and hundreds of houses around the city that this needs to be done to,” Timonere said.

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS â&#x20AC;˘ WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ 7A

2012 Year in Review: Jefferson Compiled by Stefanie Wessell Throughout January the Gazette will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Year in Review,â&#x20AC;? detailing the highlights of the year in the newspaperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jefferson coverage area. This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s review will cover October through December 2012.

Oct. 3 Jefferson goes with Ashtabula for police dispatching JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Council opted to go with the City of Ashtabula for its police dispatching services after considering offers from Ashtabula and the Ashtabula County commissioners. Council discussed these two offers during a special meeting on Thursday, Sept. 27. The offer with Ashtabula was contingent on four communities all agreeing to the offer, which they now have done. These communities are Jefferson, Andover, Orwell and Roaming Shores. Jefferson and the other three communities had been receiving dispatching through the Middlefield Dispatching Center, but the agreement was terminated after the Village of Middlefield was offered free dispatching services through the Geauga County Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department. The offers from Ashtabula and the commissioners were both based on the contract with Middlefield, so the services would be the same, Village Administrator Terry Finger said. Ashtabulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offer, contingent on all four communities agreeing, consisted of a cost of $5,000 total for dispatching services in November and December, and fees of $30,000 from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2013. Andover and Orwell will pay the same fees, with Roaming Shores paying $1,500 total for November and December and $9,000 for 2013.

Oct. 17 Manna Food Bank sees growing number of patrons JEFFERSON - Manna Food Bank is a vital part of the Jefferson Community, as it provides meals for many of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less fortunate. If it werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for the many donations it receives yearly, Manna would not be able to produce the meals it does. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most of the food that we purchase is donated,â&#x20AC;? Sharon Piper, Mannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director, said. Manna continues to grow in the number of people it serves, and the food bank is only authorized to serve those living in the Jefferson Area Local School District. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has gotten a lot business, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure, because of the economy. Almost every time weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re open a new client comes in to register,â&#x20AC;? Piper said. Piper said they never turn people away and they can register on the spot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They can come directly to the pantry and they would be registered at that point. All they need is a photo ID and a proof of residency,â&#x20AC;? Piper said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have to live in the Jefferson Area School District.â&#x20AC;? Piper said they thought fewer patrons would be served with the help of Eagleville Bible Church, which recently opened its own food bank. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those who live in Rock Creek now are going to the food pantry at the Eagleville Bible Church, which we thought would lessen our load, but it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t,â&#x20AC;? Piper said. Among the growing number includes many people 60 years old and above.

Oct. 24 Brandt resigns from Rock Creek Council ROCK CREEK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rock Creek Council will have to face the quickly approaching new year with one less member, after a seasoned member announced her resignation. Samantha Brandt, who has served Rock Creek Council for six years, announced her resignation on Oct. 15. During the meeting, Brandt, whose term was due to expire Dec. 31, 2013, cited â&#x20AC;&#x153;personal reasonsâ&#x20AC;? for her departure. In a follow-up interview, she said unforeseen family issues have made it difficult, if not impossible, to give Rock Creek Council the full attention that the position requires. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will miss it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the opportunity to really help the community â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but right now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just too much,â&#x20AC;? Brandt said. She is hopeful that the person who is appointed to fill her seat is equally as committed to work with Council on its path of successfully improving residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; safety, property values and overall image. Council President Pam Forristal said Council members considered the circumstances and thought Brandtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mid-term resignation was â&#x20AC;&#x153;understandable.â&#x20AC;? Forristal said Brandt seemed to work well with others and really showed her commitment to safety recently by following up with properly securing all of the Village meter boxes [for sewer grinders]. With more than 60 days before Brandt leaves, Mayor Beverly Martin said Council has begun its search to fill the vacancy.

on Monday, Nov. 5. Although the rededication ceremony was held Monday, complete with local, county and state officials attending, the celebration lasted for a week. Starting Oct. 29, any patron checking out material was given a ticket to enter into a drawing for a variety of prizes. First prize was a Kindle Fire HD, won by Kelly Regan. Thanks to the renovations, the whole library has been updated to become more efficient both with its energy use and its general usage by patrons and staff. The renovation was funded with money bequeathed to the library by a former patron, John Buza. Upon his passing, the library received money from his estate and chose to follow Mr. Buzaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest and make renovations with the emphasis on technology, Henderson Memorial Public Library Director Ed Worso has said. Highlights of the renovation include the building having an overall remodel a facelift including new flooring (carpet, vinyl tile, ceramic tiles and laminate-style planks), new paint and a new drop ceiling throughout the public area with new, more efficient lighting fixtures. Additionally, the staff area was slightly expanded to provide office space for the fiscal officer and a new break area for the staff. Other improvements include the installation of wider, powerassisted doors on the south entrance and a family restroom that is Americans with Disabilities Act compatible.

Nov. 14 Jefferson BOE approves wage re-opener JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Area Local Schools Board of Education voted to approve a wage reopener with the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classified employees on Friday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the recommendation of the superintendent that the board approve the wage re-opener of the Master Contract,â&#x20AC;? JALS Superintendent Doug Hladek said. The board approved the agreement with the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE), Local 419, for a one-year period, July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the fourth year of the contract, so the last year of the contract, and each year thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a re-opener for wages and benefits,â&#x20AC;? Hladek said. The agreement was in line with the teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agreement signed early in the year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It pretty much follows suit with the teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agreement in that they took a zero-percent salary increase, no longevity steps and raised their health insurance contribution from five percent to 10 percent,â&#x20AC;? Hladek said. For president of the board Patricia Hoyson, the negotiations were done in a very professional manner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to thank the negotiating teams,â&#x20AC;? Hoyson said. Hladek was also impressed with the professionalism of the negotiators and said it was done in a very respectful and understanding way. Hoyson said many days were spent to perfect the contract and make it fair for everyone involved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice to complete that. I know a lot of hard work went into that and I appreciate it,â&#x20AC;? Hoyson said. Also in the contract, Hladek said the district increased the amount of life insurance on each classified employee from $10,000 to $20,000 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a small cost for the district. We had also increased the teachers from $45,000 to $50,000,â&#x20AC;? Hladek said. 2The life insurance issue brought the district up to par with the surround area schools.

Nov. 21 WEK honored for its safety record, operations

November

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - WEK Industries had a special visitor last week, when David Knowles, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Myers Industries, which has its corporate office in Akron, Ohio was on hand to deliver two awards to WEK Industries. Knowles first presented General Manager John Nguyen and Plant Manager Aaron Somogy with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most Improved Safety Record.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You guys sure earned these this year. There was a lot of hard work,â&#x20AC;? Knowles said. WEK Industries was eligible for this award within all Myersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; companies with less than 139 employees. Each company is monitored for its Incident Rating (safety) and WEK was able to bring its rating from 4.4 at the end of 2011 down to 0.67 in 2012. WEK also set a new record within Myers for 336 days without a lost time incident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Safety is paramount in everything that we do, and that awards certainlty reflect that,â&#x20AC;? Nguyen said. Knowles also presented WEK Industries with the Operations Excellence award. This award includes all of the disciplines with manufacturing operations such as safety, quality, and productivity among others.

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JEFFERSON - Henderson Memorial Public Library in Jefferson celebrated recent renovations and its 40th anniversary

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Jefferson Village Council discussed the refinancing of its community center bonds during its meeting last week. The action was undertaken by Clerk/Treasurer Patty Fisher, who had been watching rates until she saw the rates drop low enough that it would make the action worth it for the village. The old debt was $1,197,505, Fisher explained. She said refinancing the bonds through Fifth Third Securities led to a new debt of $1,065,291.24. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a savings of $132,213.06 for the village, Fisher said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the most important things is that it did not change the length of the loan,â&#x20AC;? Fisher said. She said the loan still has an end date of 2024. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re called coupons, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bid out.â&#x20AC;? Fisher said these â&#x20AC;&#x153;couponsâ&#x20AC;? are in three segments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were at 5.5 percent,â&#x20AC;? Fisher said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We took the interest rate way down.â&#x20AC;? Through the refinancing, they have a new rate of two percent for the first five years; 2.5 percent for the next four years; and three percent for the remaining three years. In the first year, this year, the village will save $21,595, Fisher said.

December Dec. 12 Chamber donates big to MANNA Food Pantry JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce presented a big donation to the MANNA Food Pantry during its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4. On behalf of the Chamber, Barbara Pascarella presented a $7,020 check to MANNA Director Sharon Piper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just say a big â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thank you,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Piper said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is tremendous.â&#x20AC;? Because of the economy, Piper said she thought the donation from the Chamber would be less than usual this year. However, the donation actually surpassed the amount donated last year by several hundred dollars. The money largely was raised through the Chamber â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Money for Mannaâ&#x20AC;? campaign in November. The entire month is dedicated to collecting donations for the organization, which expects to serve over 5,700 individuals this year alone. So far this year, the Jeffersonbased food pantry has spent $3,000 per month for food and has given out approximately 10,000 pounds of food per month, Pascarella said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each day the needs keep increasing due to the economic conditions within the area,â&#x20AC;? Pascarella said.

Dec. 19 JALS superintendent to retire in June JEFFERSON - Jefferson Area Local Schools Superintendent Doug Hladek announced his intention to retire during a JALS Board of Education meeting on Monday, Dec. 17. It was with regret that the board unanimously approved accepting the resignation of Hladek for the purpose of retirement, effective June 30, 2013. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On behalf of the Jefferson Area Local School District Board of Education, we would like to thank Mr. Hladek for his outstanding service and leadership as superintendent. He has been a wonderful superintendent for the Jefferson Area Local School District and has touched the lives of the children, parents, staff, and the entire Jefferson Area Local School District community. We congratulate Mr Hladek on his retirement and wish him all the best,â&#x20AC;? Dr. Patricia Hoyson, president of the board, said in a statement the next day. Hladek has served the Jefferson Area Local Schools as superintendent since August 2006. He has served 35 years of service in public education. Before the board voted to accept his resignation, Hladek read a letter announcing his decision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Jefferson Area Local Schools are filled with wonderful, well-behaved, hard-working students raised by caring parents who understand that quality education includes a vital program of academics, the arts, sports, and other meaningful extracurricular activities. It has been a pleasure and privilege to watch the amazing accomplishments of our students as they grow from kindergarten to graduates and become successful, productive citizens. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been proud to work with our dedicated, professional teachers and administrators who care deeply for our students and perform their duties with competence and consideration for the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. They set high expectations as they attend to the complex duties of developing knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will help our students realize their full potential. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have observed with equal admiration the devoted work of our classified staff, Board Office employees, and supervisors in furnishing outstanding service, both directly and indirectly, to our students. Their care and concern is evident as they assist the professional staff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finally, I appreciate the confidence, respect, and support from the Board of Education for allowing me the opportunity to serve the students, staff, parents, and citizens of this outstanding school district. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you to everyone for making my tenure in the Jefferson Area Local Schools a very rewarding and satisfying part of my career, and for providing me with many enjoyable memories,â&#x20AC;? Hladek said.

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 8A

Winterfest returns on Saturday, Feb. 2 City of Geneva BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - One of Ashtabula County’s premiere winter festivals will return on Saturday, Feb. 2. Winterfest, organized by the Geneva Business Association, will bring a day filled with family, winter fun spread across the City of Geneva and the Village of Geneva-on-the-Lake. Winterfest is a community-wide event, with many different organizations participating. Sponsors of this year’s event include: Ashtabula County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB), Northwest Savings Bank,

East West Brew House, Crawford Insurance, Styling on Broadway, Rae Ann Geneva Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Star Beacon and WKKY. The Winterfest activities will kick off with a Winterfest Beauty Pageant at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Geneva Lodge and Conference Center. A reverse raffle will be held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6846 on Friday, Feb. 1. The event will be held at the VFW at 76 Depot St. in Geneva, with the doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Saturday activities will begin with a pancake breakfast at the First

United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The cost for the breakfast is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Other activities throughout the day will include the Winterfest parade at noon, tours and demonstrations at the Geneva Fire Department from 1-3 p.m., the chili cook-off at the Depot Lot from 12 p.m. until gone, wagon rides, musical entertainment, wine tasting, bake sales, outdoor games and much more. The majority of the activities at Winterfest are free, with several vendors even providing free food. The reverse raffle helps off-

set the costs. Musical entertainment includes the Off Our Rockers Band from 1-1:45 p.m. at the Geneva Community Center, the Erie Heights Brass Ensemble from 12:30 p.m. at the United Church and the Geneva Jazz Band from 3-4 p.m. at the United Church. A Ronald McDonald Magic Show and Jungle Terry also will be performed at the Geneva Community Center, which also will be home to bake sale, free popcorn and non-profit stands. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor of the Gazette, may be reached at swessell@ gazettenews.com.

The full Winterfest schedule includes: Saturday, Feb. 2 Winterfest Information Center Lake Effect Louie Shadow Contest Pancake Breakfast Winterfest Parade Fire Extinguisher Demo Fire Station Tours FREE Dunkin Donut Munchkins FREE Coffee & Hot Cocoa Spaghetti Dinner (Until Gone) Chili Cook Off (Until Gone) WKKY Remote & Prize Wheel Wagon Rides Warming Station Kent State Ice Carvers Ice Carving Warming Station Inflatable Play Land Face Painting Off Our Rockers Ronald McDonald Magic Show Geneva Talent Show Jungle Terry CIC Basket Sale Bake Sale (Until Gone) Free popcorn (Until Gone) Non-profit Stands Ice Skating Rink (Skates available) Jazzercise Demo Erie Heights Brass Ensemble Geneva Jazz Band Bake Sale (Until Gone) Wine Tasting & Entertainment Snowshoeing FREE cocoa/cookies Snowmobile Rides

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 12 p.m. 1-3 p.m. 1-3 p.m. 1-3 p.m. 1-3 p.m. 1 p.m. 12-4 p.m. 12:30-2:30 p.m. 12:30-4 p.m. 12-4 p.m. 9 a.m. to noon 11 a.m. to noon 12-4 p.m. 12-4 p.m. 1-4 p.m. 1-1:45 p.m. 2-3 p.m. 3-5 p.m. 5-6 p.m. Noon 12:30 p.m. 12-4 p.m. 12-4 p.m. 12-4 p.m. 12:30-1 p.m. 1-2:30 p.m. 3-4 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:30-4 p.m. 12:30-3:30 p.m. 12:30-3:30 p.m. 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Salisbury Room, Geneva Rec Center Downtown Geneva and GOTL First United Methodist Church North and South Broadway Geneva Fire Department Geneva Fire Department Geneva Fire Department Geneva Fire Department Eagles Club - $6 per person Depot Lot Depot Lot Depot Lot Depot Lot City Lot, North Broadway City Lot, North Broadway City Lot, North Broadway Geneva Rec Center Geneva Rec Center Geneva Community Center Geneva Community Center Geneva Community Center Geneva Community Center Geneva Community Center Geneva Community Center Geneva Community Center Geneva Community Center Geneva Community Center United Church United Church United Church United Church Old Mill Winery, $.50 per taste GOTL Golf Course GOTL Golf Course GOTL Golf Course

For more information on Winterfest, visit www.genevaohio.com.

Polar Bear Plunge is March 9 BY SHAWN MORRIS President Polar Bear Club This year ’s Polar Bear Plunge event will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the Roaming Shores Club House/Main Beach. The actual plunge will begin at 3 p.m. The Polar Bear Plunge will include brave students from Jefferson, Grand Valley and Pymatuning Valley Schools, as well as wild and crazy local area residents. Last year ’s event was a huge success as we raised over $6,000. We need your help to make this year ’s event even more successful. This year, the money we raise will be used to benefit the Jeff Meddock Memorial Scholarship, Jefferson Area Schools Falcon Academic Boosters, Grand Valley Schools, Orwell Conversation Station, and the Roaming Shores Breakfast with Santa event. Jeff Meddock was a resident of Roaming Shores and the beloved principal of Pymatuning

Valley High School. He died unexpectedly and the money we raise helps to continue his pursuit to educate. The Falcon Academic Boosters strives to reward students for academic success. Grand Valley Schools is joining us for the first time this year and plans to award academic achievement. The Orwell Conversation Station hosts after school programs for local children, as well as other community services. Also, a portion of the money we raise is also used to host the Roaming Shores Breakfast with Santa event. If you are interested in taking the Plunge, a minimum of $50 must be raised. There is no age limit (minors will need parental consent). Each courageous person that takes that icy Plunge will get a t-shirt as a thank you for participating. You can upgrade your t-shirt to a sweatshirt for an additional cost. Please contact us prior to Feb. 22 to reserve your shirt type and size. There will be a DJ and a 50/50 raffle! We’ll be serving hot dogs, popcorn, chips and soda. You can purchase items before and/or after

brings possible tax increase to the people BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA- The City of Geneva’s council voted Monday to put a measure on the May 7 ballot for half a percent tax increase for city residents. The city’s finance committee has been working on the city’s budget for 2013 and realized they need extra revenue or they could face a possible deficit in the near future. “The finance committee would like to commend our City Manager James Person; the assistant city manager Jennifer Brown; the finance director Juanita Stuetzer; the tax administrator Shelley Huff; all of the department heads; Chief Dan Dudik, Chief Doug Starkey, Tim Bittner, Gary Hydinger, Dave Gilbert; our law director Lauren Gardiner; our administrative assistant Tammy Shuttleworth; and our clerk of council Phullis Dunlap for the time and energy they have invested in compiling the data that the finance committee required to reach this difficult conclusion,” Howard Anderson, councilor and chair of the committee, said. The city has seen many cutbacks from both the county and state level and is now looking at ways to supplement those funds. Howard noted the city has made many improvements throughout the years including paving streets, upgrading their safety forces’ equipment and putting a new roof on the community center.

Howard said it is these improvements which make the City of Geneva a desirable place to live and is hoping the citizens will vote yes on the increase. “Without those monies, the city will no longer be able to plan for capital improvements nor can it apply for grants and/or loans, which demand local matching funds,” Anderson said. Anderson is proud of what the city has accomplished and believes it is these improvements which bring in business and residents. “In all more than 330 separate capital expenditures have been made over the 11-year period from 2002 to 2012,” Anderson said. Anderson understands people are watching every penny but said the investments the city has made are all in an effort to continue moving the city forward and if the tax increase is not passed, they will not be able to continue with much needed capital improvements. “It is the finance committee’s hope that the citizens of Geneva will concur that the city’s positive progress over the past decade will inspire them to vote for the half a percent income tax increase,” Anderson said. The city council unanimously passed the half percent tax increase and will begin campaigning on the issue soon. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette news.com.

Religious Briefs Jan. 31 Saybrook Township: Free Community Dinner A Free Community Dinner will be held on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 5-6 p.m. in the Church Social Hall. Come enjoy a free dinner, dessert and drink, served to you by members of Saybrook United Methodist Church, 7900 S. Depot Rd, Saybrook (across from St. John School). All are welcome!

Feb. 12 Ashtabula: Shrove Tuesday A Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be held 4:306:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1342 Prospect Road, Ashtabula. (Corner of Prospect Road and Samuel Avenue.) Cost: Free Will Donation

Feb. 13 Jefferson: Simple Soup Supper First Congregational United Church of Christ (41 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson) is offering a “Simple Soup Supper” on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. followed by an Ash Wednesday Service at 7 p.m. All are welcome.

Feb. 15 Harpersfield Township: Lenten Dinners The Harpersfield Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary will sponsor a series of Lenten dinners beginning Friday, Feb. 15. The dinners will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center on Cork-Cold Springs Road. Patrons may choose breaded fish, shrimp, chicken or a combination of any two items, served with French fries, coleslaw, roll, beverage and dessert. Customers may dine in or carry out the plunge. First come, first serve. dinners will be available. Cost is $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for For plunge participation forms senior citizens and $5.00 for children under age 12. The dinand information, please visit or con- ner will be repeated on March 1, March 15 and March 29. tact, www.roamingshores.org/ Proceeds will benefit the fire departments fund to furnish the RRA1/clubs/polar-bear-club/ or new station. For further information call 466-1064.

Joeythepolarbear@yahoo.com. If you are an individual or busiFeb. 23 Geneva: Wild Game Dinner ness that is interested in sponsoring The Peoples Church (300 S. Ridge Rd. East, Geneva) our event, please contact club presi- invites you to the 11th Annual Wild Game Dinner on Feb. dent Shawn Morris at (440) 563-9067 23 at 5:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $15. Call the church for more information. office to reserve your ticket-466-2020.

Religion

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 9A

Harpersfield United Methodist Church holds Chili Cook off HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP - “A good time was had by all” could describe the 6th annual Chili Cookoff and Basket Auction at Harpersfield United Methodist Church on a recent Sunday. Pastor Shirley StoopsFrantz was pleased at the turnout for the competition,

as well as the number of pots of chili present for the friendly competition. A total of 15 folks brought samples of their homemade chili to the church, including a variety of concoctions, including chicken taco, venison, Mountain Elk, and Cuban Chili, as well as the tradi-

What’s needed in leadership? Judges 4:1-9 1: And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord after Ehud died. 2: And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. 3: Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years. 4: Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. 5: She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6: She sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali and said to him, “Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you, ‘Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. 7: And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand’?” 8: Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” 9: And she said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. My youngest son comes running into the living room with a concerned look on his face. He said “the lights are out in the garage ……. And I DIDN’T DO IT!” I calmly move from the living room to the garage without making him think I didn’t believe him but inside I was thinking, “What has he done!” Needless to say he was telling the truth, he didn’t do it. I flicked the switch and no lights. I push the garage door opener button to see if it was just the lights or the entire garage. The door doesn’t move. So, the only conclusion to this dilemma is it has to be the breaker. I am thinking to myself this is going to be a piece of cake. I go down stairs and open the breaker box. I look to see if a breaker was “tripped” but to my surprise it was not. So I instantly turn into “TIM THE TOOLMAN TAYLOR.” I get my lithium battery drill with the screwdriver heads, my 3 phase flash light and my cordless phone (to call my dad if I need to) and off to the basement I go. I start by taking the cover off the electrical panel. I look around inside and I find the connection to the breaker. I am

thinking it might be bad. I unscrew the wire from the garage breaker and connect it to another breaker that I know is working properly. I turn it on and go upstairs to see if the lights are on. Still, no lights! I head back down stairs while calling my dad to see what advice he could give me. Long story short, I do not get the power back on. The next day after church I am talking with one of the guys about this power outage in the garage. We go down the list of things I have done and he decides to stop by on his way home. He arrives at the house before I do. As I pulled into my driveway I could see inside the windows of the garage and with amazement I tell my wife, “the lights are on!” But my friend is gone. I called him and he shares with me what he has done. Our garage has “ground fault” receptacles and they have reset buttons on them. If they trip all you have to do is PUSH A BUTTON. As I thought about all that had transpired over the last few days I came to this conclusion, sometimes what looks like a big problem may have a simple solution. As a leader, we will face what may appear to look like big problems but if you worked through it properly it could possibly be resolved by a simple solution. By a push of a button! In this passage of scripture we find a judge named Deborah who is faced with what seems like a big problem but it has a simple solution, trust the Lord! As a leader we can learn 3 things from this story: 1. Leaders are needed (Vs 1) – No matter what some may think, problems don’t normally take care of themselves. Without a leader there may not be direction or vision. Deborah provided Israel with leadership. The problem you may be facing today may need the simplest thing, a leader! 2. Job Descriptions are needed (Vs 4-5) – Job descriptions do a couple of things; it gives expectation, it gives authority, and it gives security. You know your area of authority and you feel secure in doing your job. For Deborah, she understood what her job was and used her authority to solve the problem at hand. 3. Cooperation is needed (Vs 8-9) – As a leader we need to learn to cooperate as opposed to mandating people. Barak was not willing to do what Deborah was asking him to do. She could have pulled rank and demanded he do what she instructed him to do but she chose to cooperate and meet him half way. This is not to say that you must ALWAYS cooperate. Sometime the simplest solution to a problem is to cooperate. To conclude, I would say, Leaders, job descriptions, and cooperation are all needed as we do the work of the Lord!

God Bless Pastor Rod Kincaid

tional varieties. Co-chairs Don and Kelly Ferron were pleased to award prizes to the winners: Beth Garner, Peoples’ Choice; Denise Curtis, Best Chili and most creative, Cody Ferron. Following the competition and lunch, about 20 baskets were auctioned off, with all proceeds going into the BuildSUBMITTED PHOTOS ing Fund. Don Ferron and Don Ferron presents Denise Curtis with a Mark Legg were auctioneers prize for her original Mountain Elk chili. Beth Garner receives her award from Don Ferron for her chili. Mark Legg looks on. for the basket auction.

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 10A

Story time opens up at Rock Creek Public and Henderson Memorial Public Libraries BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON- As snow has hit the area, the Henderson Memorial Public Library is offering a warm place to cuddle up with your children and enjoy a story or two. “We started back up again for winter,” Dee Culbertson, the library’s children’s programming director, said. “We started on Jan. 16 and are moving forward.” The schedule includes mother goose story time from 10:30-11 a.m. on Wednesday followed by toddler time from 11:30 a.m. to noon. On Tuesday they are continuing their after school fun group from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays are afternoon fun days with toddler time

from 2 until 2:35 p.m. and then PJs story time for all age groups beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending around 7 p.m. The PJ story time is one Culbertson enjoys as the children dress in their pajamas and bring their dolls and teddy bears as they read bedtime stories together. Culbertson will be incorporating winter and spring themes in the next coming months as the children learn about the changing world around them. “This week we’ll be doing the groundhog and talk about how spring is around the corner and then we’ll be doing Valentine’s Day activities,” Culbertson said. Culbertson said they have already discussed snowflakes and not a moment too soon as last week

the area saw the white flakes beginning to once again fall. As always many of the story times also include crafts so the children can incorporate hands on learning with the lesson of the day. With the snow the children constructed snowmen. “We talked about the snow and did snowmen,” Culbetson said. Culbertson said many of her usual children have shown up but she is still anticipating more and said with the weather and flu now among us, it can be hard sometimes to make the trip to the library. “There are a few new ones that have signed up and a few that have said they will, but I haven’t seen them yet but with the flu season here

many people are getting sick,” Culbertson said. As always Culbertson invites anyone who would like to join them as they learn and read together. “It’s always a fun time and I enjoy it,” Culbetson said. “We always welcome new faces.” Rock Creek Public Library is also once again staring up their story time every Monday and Tuesday from to 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on both days. Like Henderson, Rock Creek’s story times include crafts and themed sessions. “Come for an hour of stories, crafts, games and adventures,” Hannah Laing, the library’s children’s Librarian and director, said. “The children as well as the parents can enjoy making new friends.” Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, can be reached at sportman@gazette The Henderson Memorial Public Library is now in full winter mode as their scheduled story times are set in place. news.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Children learn right along with their parents during Dee Culbertson’s story times at The children who participate in story time also get a chance to color and learn how to Henderson Memorial Public Library. design crafts.

Falcons Menus Rock Creek/Jefferson Elementary School Lunch Jan. 30 Jan. 31

Beef Burrito w/Salsa, Smiley Fries, Assorted Fruits Corndog on Stick, Sweet Potato Puffs, Broccoli w/Dip, Assorted Fruits

Breakfast Jan. 30 Jan. 31

Egg Wrap, Assorted Fruits Pancake Wrap, Assorted Fruits

Jefferson Area High School Lunch Jan. 30 Jan. 31

Beef Ravioli, Romaine Salad, Baby Carrots, Garlic Breadstick, Assorted Fruits Corndog on Stick, Steamed Broccoli, Whole Kernel Corn, Assorted Fruits

Breakfast Jan. 30 Jan. 31

Breakfast Fritatta, Assorted Fruits Blueberry Wrap, Assorted Fruits

Weekends in February GOTL: Stupid Cupid Stupid Cupid - A Comedy of Errors Dinner Theatre will be held at the Geneva Landing on Feb. 1-2. Is romance dead? The god’s believe so and Cupid is on trial for failing mankind! Everybody’s favorite archer recounts the stories of his greatest successes and how he occasionally missed the mark! Weekends in February, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Five-course dinner and show $50 per person. $5. discount if reservation is made 2 weeks in advance. Reservations are required.

Election time coming up for three RRA directors seats to be filled BY DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers ROAMING SHORES Three seats are up for grabs on the Rome Rock Association Board of Directors with a deadline of Feb. 26 for challengers to apply. Incumbents whose seats expire in April include board president Barry O’Connell, Tim O’Donnell and Al Rubosky, said Patricia Sowry, assistant manager for the RRA. Each director serves a three-year term on the RRA board, which sets policies and projects for the private homeowners association in Roaming Shores Village community. Persons interested in seeking any of three open seats are requested to send a letter of interest to the RRA Board Office, P.O. Box 8, Rome, OH 44085 by mail no later than 1 p.m. on Feb. 26. “After the letters of the candidates is received I send them a short information questionnaire to fill out and return for the ballot information which is mailed out to all the RRA membership

property owners,” said Sowry. The candidates also must have attended at least three regular meetings of the RRA board of directors in 2012. The ballots of all the candidates seeking election to the three open seats are to be mailed back by April 24. O’Connell, Rubosky and O’Donnell have already indicated by letter their intent to seek reelection to the RRA board for another three-year term, Sowry said. The Rome Rock Association annual members meeting is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27 where the election ballots results are announced. The election results meeting will be held at the Clubhouse, said Sowry. New hours for the RRA office began Jan. 28 and it will be open seven days a week now instead of the winter season limited hours and days.. The RRA directors approved the office hours changes in January. For any additional information on the directors election race call Sowry at the RRA office on Route 6.

Site Solver

PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN

Have you seen this Site Solver? Taking a page from sister-paper the Conneaut Courier, each week the Gazette will run a photo from some place and/ or thing in one of the three school districts it covers, Jefferson, Geneva and Ashtabula. The first few people to guess where the photo is from will have their names printed in the next issue. Last week’s photo was the lighthouse in the Ashtabula Harbor. The first few people to guess the location were Jennifer Gray; Norman Stokes of Jefferson; Patricia Brunsman of Geneva; and Chris Bailey of Jefferson. Guesses for this week’s photo can be sent in after 5 p.m. Jan. 30 to (440) 576-9125 ext. 107.

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 11A

Stella Ellis draws up awards for fire safety BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

her with a smoke detector and we have instructed her that if she doesn’t need this at her house, we have asked her to please share this with someone who might need one,” Arkenburg said. The smoke detector is one that the city has used in their fire safety program to ensure all houses in the area are fire ready and safe. “This particular one is the one we give out at our fire safety program here in Geneva,” Arkenburg said. Now Ellis’ poster will continue through the ranks as they wait to see if she wins at the state level. “What has happened it is her entry went to state for consideration and I have no idea how this is

going to shape out,” Arkenburg said. If Ellis’s poster is chosen by the state fire marshal, it will be featured in a calendar. “Potentially some of this artwork will be used for the fire prevention calendars that the fire marshal sends out,” Arkenburg said. “It’s actually pretty neat.” Arkenburg said they will keep the city informed as to if Ellis gets her poster chosen. “I’m really proud of Stella for being our local representative,” Arkenburg said.

Dale Arkenburg hands Stella Ellis a $5 gift certificate to Dunkin Donuts along with a plaque and smoke detector for her safety poster.

GENEVA- Stella Ellis is a third grader at Geneva Platt R. Elementary School, but she is no ordinary eight year old as she was honored on Monday for her fire safety poster she designed. Ellis was just one out of hundreds of entries to be chosen by the Geneva Fire Department for the State Fire Marshal’s Safety Poster Contest. “This year we had some really fantastic entries,” Dale Arkenburg said. Ellis was one of two Sadie Portman, reporter posters chosen to be judged for the Gazette, can be at the state level. reached at sportman@gazette “In our area there were news.com. two local finals. One was from Cork Elementary School and then Stella,” Arkenburg said. Arkenburg was impressed with her creativity as she drew matches and flames to illustrate how to stop, drop and roll. “Her poster is fantastic,” Arkenburg said. “It says stop, drop and roll.” Arkenburg said Ellis’ poster also demonstrated what she learned from the many lessons the fire department has given to the elementary schools. “She has all the stuff that we practiced so I know that she’s listening,” Arkenburg said. Arkenburg is happy to work with the students to teach them fire safety and he says they build a bond. “We spend a lot of time at the schools and we see these children over and over and over again,” Arkenburg said. Ellis won a plaque, a $5 gift certificate to Dunkin Donuts and a smoke detector from the City of PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN Geneva. Stella Ellis stands with her stop, drop and roll award- Parents Mark and Pam and brother Mason stand by Stella Ellis after she was honored “We’re going to present winning safety poster in hand. for her fire safety poster.

RRA directors opt to delay lake dredger purchase BY DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers ROAMING SHORES Rome Rock Association board of directors after much discussion at their Jan. 17 meeting have decided to delay starting any dredging of Lake Roaming Rock until 2014 or 2015 or buying the expensive dredger equipment. RRA board president Barry O’Connell presented two plans to the directors for consideration and input. O’Connell said the directors in a work session earlier in January discussed the two plans. One was to buy the pipeline materials and pumping equipment, then move ahead to build sludge receiving ponds on the Manzo property recently purchased. Chagrin Valley Engineering Inc. consultants are doing the design work for the ponds and where to lay the pipeline from the lake coves upland to the Manzo property. The consultants are also taking care of the permitting processes with the Ohio EPA and the U.S. Army Corp of

Engineers agencies, according to O‘Connell. He said going on this plan would allow the RRA board to use existing funds available before taking on the refinancing loan with Andover Bank to buy the dredger equipment from Ellicott Dredging Equipment Co. The RRA directors decided to take O’Connell’s recommendation and not move ahead now to buy the dredger and ancillary equipment now. Instead the dredger purchase would be delayed until sometime in 2014. The board president quoted a cost of $1,690,000 to purchase the 10-inch dredger if it is a new model. Additional equipment includes purchasing weighted buoys to mark sections of the lake where the dredging equipment will be located to scoop up the sedimentation materials. The lake dredging project continues to have mixed reactions from the private lake community residents because of costs basically. Lake quality concerns were a contributing factor along with lakefront cove in-

RRA Lake Management committee chairman Joe Petraus gives his comments PHOTOS BY DORIS COOK about the lake dredging RRA board of directors president, Barry O’Connell discusses several plan options for project needs to keep movthe private lake dredging project at the Jan. 17 meeting. Next to O’Connell is assising forward during the Jan. tant manager, Patricia Sowry. 17 board meeting. lets mired in with accumulation of sedimentation over years. “I prefer not to rush in buying the dredger (equipment) now,” O’Connell said as he took comments on the plan. “In a project this big we have to be chintzy with our money.” He also said that getting Ohio EPA and the U.S. ACE permitting process will prob-

ably take months, which causes delays in projects of this magnitude. Chagrin Valley Engineering consulting team also has not completed its design work yet for the ponds and pipeline locations, O‘Connell said. When the RRA directors raised assessments in 2012 it was done to help fund the lake dredging project, O’Connell noted. He also told

the directors that raising assessments again was not advisable. In other business, the board approved changing the hours of the RRA board’s office on Route 6. Winter hours are in effect now. By Jan. 28 the office will be open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week. O’Connell also told the board and about a dozen resi-

dents in the audience that assistant manager Patricia Sowry is being cross trained to do the cash flow charts he designed this year. O’Connell has volunteered to work in the RRA office a couple days a week since he was elected board president. The board is also to begin interviewing applicants to hire a person as a physical plant operations manager.

Sports

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 12A

Falcons do well at DIES Tournament

Jefferson Lanes Bowling Scores ***Star Of The Week - Gary Mcglaughlin 290*** Sunday Night Mixed League 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)

19-2 14-7 12-9 11-10 10-11 9-12 7-14

Damifino Team 3 The Young & The Olde Team 7 E Express Dawg Pound Team 4

Joe Throckmorton 279,237,213/729; JT Throckmorton 257,263/713; Sam Caskey 236; Ron Elwood 205; Rich Cottrell 209; Jerry Richardson 201; Nicki Jones 187; Jenna Cottrell 184

First Nighters 1) 10-4 Team 5 2) 9-5 Taco Bell Extreme 3) 9-5 Duchess Shoppe 4) 7-7 3 Hot Chicks & Rooster 5) 5-9 Taco Bell Express 6) 2-12 Power Financial Greg Puzio 216; Rhonda Beitzel 178; Ann Kenyon 171

Wednesday Afternoon Ladies 1) 2) 3) 4)

12-9 12-9 11-10 7-14

Tri Hards Cool Cats Par Three Gutter Dusters

Patty Fink 201; Suzanne Meighen 174 161; Wilhelmina Finlaw 168; Sandy Atkinson 164

Friday Senior League SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pictures for the Jefferson Falcons are Coach Avsec, Ricker Maple, 2nd place at 138lbs; Troy Stitt, 8th place at 160lbs; Joey Baitt, 2nd place at 126lbs; and Coach Smock. BY BYRON C. WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

cently finished 17th out of 41 teams at the DIES Tournament. The Falcons had three AKRON - The Jefferson wrestlers finish in the top Falcons wrestling team re- eight overall, while two of

them finished second overall. Joey Baitt finished 2nd overall for the Falcons at the 126lb weight class and Ricker Maple finished sec-

ond overall for Jefferson at 138lbs. Troy Stitt had the other top eight finish for the Falcons as he earned an 8th place spot at 160lbs.

Spartans quiet Heralds BY ALLAN MONONEN Gazette Newspapers CONNEAUT - County rival Saint John Heralds visited Garcia Gym Friday. The veteran Spartans burst out of the gates to a 14-1 lead and went on to a 68-17 victory. Nick Blood put the Spartans on the board with a basket , added another and Michael Mirando hit a three for a quick 7-0 advantage. Conneaut dominated under the boards with Blood and Bud Ritari while Mirando and Christian Williams hit from outside. With the tally at 14-0, coach Tim Tallbacka called timeout at the four minute mark and removed his starters for the remainder of the game. “We were able to play 17 kids,” Tallbacka said.. With the backups in charge, the Spartans extended their lead to 23-1 at the end of the quarter, 436 at the half and went on to the eventual 68-17 final. “ We k n e w t h e y w e r e young so we wanted to work on some things. Usually we play a man defense, but we went to zone in the second half that was good for the kids to play,”

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Tallbacka added. “We’re young and we need to remember that, the score could have been a lot worse, but coach Tallbacka runs a class program; give us a few years and we’ll be a lot better. We tried to slow the ball down and run a few plays, on defense we worked on playing more physically. We’re working during the summer, next year our numbers will be better and provide more team competition. Saint John basketball will be better, our fans are awesome,” Saint JOhn coach Ryan Harco said. As the youngsters played most of the game, freshman Justin Myers paced the Spartans with 12 points, Soph. Levi Stewart added 11. Nick Blood tallied nine under the basket in the first few minutes. Alex Gerdes added eight, Nick Root, Jordan Geiser, Ryan Oatman, and Marcus Barrickman put in four points. Michael Mirando scored three. Amen Gerics, Joey Borgerding, Darien Tusai and Kyle Sprinkle had two points each. “I was proud of how our seniors supported the underclassmen after they came out, it shows we are an unselfish team. Saint John is working hard to rebuild their program, they’re running a middle school program again. They’re trying to get revved up again,” Tallbacka added. For the Heralds, Zach Taylor had five points, Dane Gustafson and Paul Calaway had four each. Adam Fedler tallied three and Ben Czuchra added a free throw. Conneaut improves to 3-8, SJ falls to 1-12, 1-9 in their Lake Effect conference.

1) 12-2 2) 10-4 3) 8-6 4) 7-7 5) 7-7 6) 7-7 7) 7-7 8) 6-8 9) 4-10 10) 2-12

Team 10 Mindless The 3 - A’s The Gardeners The Go Getters Birdies The Trouble Team Over The Hill Gang Team 9 Pin Busters

Bob Leskovic 201 246; Merle Ann Pfleger 215; Fred Inman 212

Divine Roofing 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

22-6 17-11 16-12 15-13 14-14

Gray’s Auto Jefferson Lanes Country Mold & Mich Crow’s Nest Treen Insurance

Marilyn Wright 195; Peggy Brown 192; Lynne Millard180 181; Janet Barnett 189; Lea Mullen 183; Tonya Fultz 182

Jci Wednesday Night Men’s League 1) 24-4 2) 23-5 3) 16-12 4) 14-14 5) 12-16 6) 12-16 7) 11-17

JCI Team 3 Scoop’s Team Great Lakes CDJR Frank’s Men Tifigo Casey’s Construction

Thursday Night Mixed League

PHOTOS BY ALLAN MONONEN

1) 16-5 2) 15-6 3) 14-7 4) 13-8 5) 12-9 6) 11-10 7) 9-12 8) 7-14 9) 6-15 10) 2-19

Low Ballerz Sum Ting Wongs Gillettes Rte 8 Marine Blondes + 1 Alley Invaders 4-Play city Hicks Soggy Dogs Gutter Ballz Jaded Pins

Jake Spees, of Conneaut, defends Dane Gustafson, of Saint John, while number 15 for Saint John is Paul Ron Garvey 236 234; Dave Frawley 236; Dan Alexander 226; Ed Callaway. Hall 231; Chad Gillette 225; James Moore Jr 258; Nancy Sidley 182 193 203; Sonya Ketola 194; Renee Frawley 176; Kathy Alexander 191; Cindy Wiles 187; Casey Karbacka 179 188

K&S Auto Body Friday Night Mens League 1) 52-18 2) 46-24 3) 46-24 4) 42-28 5) 41-29 6) 41-29 7) 39-31 8) 38-32 9) 38-32 10) 33-37 11) 27-43 12) 25-45 13) 20-50

C&S Reed Active Wear Wild Side Bar & Grill Organized Chaos Scoop’s Team Diamond C Jefferson Lanes New Vision Eye Care Seldom Rest Ranch Brown Sprinkler Fleming & Billman Dir Carpet Store & More Team 1

Justin Myers, of Conneaut, guards Zach Taylor of, St. John, Gary Mcglaughlin 290; Mike Johnson Jr236 248 255/739; Brad Perala during a recent game. 225 238 257/720; Nick Miklacic 225; Richard Becker 239; DJ Caskey

Mike Mahoney is the lone senior for the Saint John Heralds this season.

237; Mark Hellmer 247; Scott Millard 240; Gary Novak 246; Ronnie Kaydo 279; Mike Johnson Sr 244; Jeff Marnicio 237; Rand Barnes Sr 226; Greg Brown 227; Steve Harris 258; Ryan Sidley 226 233; Chuck Anthony 235 264; Anthony Farkas245; Scott Swanson 232 233; Ryan Wintz 232; Dave Frawley 229; Todd Hirshimaki 225 264; Merle Tingley 245 258; Doug Moyer 242 245; Henry Covetta 235; Al Wintz 226 228 235

Saturday Jr Kid’s League 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

32-10 28-14 22-20 18-24 17-25 9-33

Team 4 Team 6 Gutter Dusters DJT Jazz Hands Team 3

Joey Miklacic 176; Jacob Cusano 163; Desten Alves 140; Sydney Millard 157; Shyann Blasiman 149; April Hess 135

Saturday Peewee Kid’s League Jackson Elfer 52

Sports

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 13A

Patriots slay Warriors BY ALLAN MONONEN Gazette Newspapers Members of the Pymatuning Valley Lakers wrestling team watch their match against Geneva.

Lakers take two By Byron C. Wessell Gazette Newspapers

Results: Pymatuning Valley 58, Edgewood 24 106: Tanner Perry (E) won by forfeit. 113: Kiel Dickey (E) won by forfeit. 120: Kris Leonard (PV) pinned Zac Noce (E), :54. 126: Gary Baker (PV) won by forfeit. 132: Zach Campbell (PV) major decision David Ellis (E), 10-2. 138: Cody Miller (PV) pinned Jeroen Ellis (E), 5:40. 145: Dominic Wolf (PV) won by forfeit. 152: Phillip Martin (PV) won by forfeit. 160: Collin Winkler (PV) won by forfeit. 170: Jeff Willis (PV) won by forfeit. 182: Austin O’Baker (PV) won by forfeit. 195: Cody Ellis (PV) won by forfeit. 220: Jarrod Harrah (E) pinned Cordell McMahon (PV), 1:59. 285: Nick Camp (E) pinned David Baker (PV), 1:49.

forfeit. 106: Louis DeMarco (H) tech. fall Will Distler (G), 17-2. 113: Double forfeit.

PV 43, Geneva 33 126: Zack Watts (G) dec. Gary Baker (PV), 8-7. 132: Zach Campbell (PV) dec. Dakota Brininger (G), 8-6. 138: Cody Miller (PV) pinned Anthony Barszczewski (G), 2:46. 145: Tyler Cross (G) pinned Dominic Wolf (PV), 4:53. 152: Geoff Chapman (G) pinned Phillip Martin (PV), 3:03. 160: Collin Winkler (PV) pinned Chaz Lariche (G), 3:44. 170: Jeff Willis (PV) won by forfeit. 182: Austin O’Baker (PV) won by forfeit. 195: Cody Ellis (PV) won by forfeit. 220: Matt Kozlowski (G) pinned Cordell McMahon (PV), 1:53. 285: Shawn Shreves (PV) pinned Drew Herman (G), 1:31. 106: Will Distler (G) won by forfeit. 113: Carter Williams (G) won by forfeit. 120: Kris Leonard (PV) major dec. Zack Elliott (G), 12-2.

Geneva 41, Hawken 15

Edgewood 29, Hawken 20

120: Zack Elliott (G) tech. fall Matt Baratz (H), 16-0. 126: Zack Watts (G) won by forfeit. 132: Dakota Brininger (G) won by forfeit. 138: Anthony Barszczewski (G) won by forfeit. 145: Tyler Cross (G) pinned Norbi Gratzl (H), 2:55. 152: Seth King (H) major decision Geoff Chapman (G), 9-1. 160: Double forfeit. 170: Sean McKinley (H) pinned Chaz Lariche (G), 1:18. 182: Double forfeit. 195: Double forfeit. 220: Matt Kozlowski (G) pinned Alex Stotter (H), 1:04. 285: Drew Herman (G) won by

126: Double forfeit. 132: David Ellis (E) won by forfeit. 138: Double forfeit. 145: Jeroen Ellis (E) tech. fall Norbi Gratzl (H), 15-0. 152: Seth King (H) won by forfeit. 160: Double forfeit. 170: Jeff Christian (H) won by forfeit 182: Double forfeit. 195: Alex Stotter (H) major decision Jarrod Harrah (E), 9-1. 220: Double forfeit. 285: Nick Camp (E) won by forfeit. 106: Louis DeMarco (H), major decision 18-4, Tanner Perry (E) 113: Kiel Dickey (E) won by forfeit. 120: Zac Noce (E) pinned Matt Baratz (H), 2:28.

ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP - The Edgewood Warriors had their second weekend of back-to-back contests. Friday they hosted Seneca, Pa and took the win 59-37 despite having the flu bug hit some players. Saturday the Warriors hosted the Patriots from Cornerstone Christian. Cornerstone was big and fast and featured a fine outside shooter in RJ Spaller. The Patriots ran out to a 20-14 lead in the first quarter and continued on to a 83-61 victory. “Cornerstone was bigger and quicker. Our kids played really hard but we couldn’t get it going, couldn’t get any momentum going. Andrew Konczal played really big for us tonight,” Edgewood Coach John Bowler said. Cornerstone extended their lead to 45-34 at the half. The Warriors had a run to cut a deficit to 39-34 just before the intermission. But the Patriots regrouped and ended the quarter with a 6-0 run to increase the lead to 45-34. RJ Spaller hit five three pointers and Isaiah McQueen scored ten to lead the visitors. Andrew Konczal put in eight and Matt Fitchet had ten points to try to keep their Warriors close. The Patriots came out in the third quarter and ran out to a 64-47 advantage after the period. Konczal banked in a three to beat the buzzer. Cornerstone then continued their fast breaking, and hot shooting in the final stanza to make the final 83-61. “Our game plan going in was to limit their three point shooting. We didnt want to play a half court game with them, we wanted to get up and down the court. We wanted to pressure their guards, who ever had the ball, we wanted to get up on his chest. We had the six point run at the half and took that into the third quarter. That number 40, (Konzcal), kept them in the game with his rebounding,” Patriot coach Dan Selle said. On the scoreboard, RJ Spaller paced the Patriots with 23, ,including seven three pointers. Isaiah McQueen added 18, Bryan Gee, 13, Tyrez Shepard, 12 and Gregory Oliver put in 11 to lead the visitors. Andrew Konczal poured in 23 to lead the Warriors, Matt Fitchet and Lou Wisnyai added 12 each. Joey Zappitelli scored five, Connor McLaughlin, four, Anthonie Magda three and Dylan McCaleb, two rounded out the Warrior offense. Cornerstone improves to 13-3, Edgewood slips to 10-5. In the JV prelim the young Warriors led most of the way, and made their foul shots at the end to hold on to a 50-34 victory. Tyler Hordinsky led the Patriots, 6-6 with eight. Aaron Starcher had 15 for the Warriors, 10-5.

PHOTOS BY ALLAN MONONEN

Matt Fitchet, of Edgewood, battles for a rebound with Daniel Bennett, of Cornerstone Christian.

Lou Wisnyai, of Edgewood, goes in for an underhand layup during a game against Cornerstone.

RJ Spaller looks to pass for Cornerstone Christian as he is, guarded by Dylan McCaleb, of Edgewood.

Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation holds Karl Pearson Memorial 5th and 6th Grade Basketball Tournament Geoffrey Chapman, of Geneva, wrestles against Phillip Martin, of Pv, during a 152lb wreslting match.

Jarrod Harrah, of Edgewood, tries to escape a move by Alex Stotter, of Hawken.

The Edgewood Warriors 5th and 6th grade basketball team captured first place at the ACBF Karl Pearson Memorial tournament.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

PHOTOS BY BYRON C. WESSELL

Kris Leonard, of PV, wrestles against Zack Elliot, of Geneva, during a 120lb match.

Zach Campbell, of PV, wrestles against David Ellis, of Edgewood, in a 132lb match.

The Lakeside Dragons boys team was the runner up of the Karl Pearson Memorial Tournament held at Grand Valley.

Education

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 14A

Jefferson treasurer to become assistant at Buckeye ASHTABULA - The Buckeye Board of Education met last Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Braden Junior High School, State and Rte. 20, where a number of Board members were recognized by students for their unselfish participation to school activities as BOE members. Student Charlotte Keller acknowledged BOE President Jackie Hillyer for her 36 years of dedicated service to the success of the Buckeye School System. Also honored were: Mary Wisnyai who has served as Board President several times during her 21 years of service; Mark Estock who is in his seventh year of Board service, and David Tredente, who has already served a year on the Board and has attended the OSBA Capital Conference to learn more about his duties as a Board Member; and Greg Kocjaucic, now serving his fourth year as a board member. Other students were: Abbey Maydak, Morgan Tackett and Louis Wisnyai. Superintendent of Schools Joseph Spiccia, reviewed, in depth, the new District Report Cards, effective this year, to grade each School District on its own merits. Right now

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Lakeside students learn about charity through grant program BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP Several Lakeside High School there are 22 Districts students will be partnering reaching “A” status; and 42 with the Ashtabula FoundaDistricts (including the tion where they will be given Buckeye School District) the opportunity to serve their rating a “B” grade. community. Spiccia also covered the The students will be given OTES or Ohio Teachers $5,000 to give to any nonprofit Evaluation System that of their choice. will grade individual The students project is just teachers’ performances via beginning and those involved both three observations as are still discussing where the well as student perfor- money will be allocated. mances and if they don’t “We’re just in the beginning measure up, are subject to stages,” Michele Verdire-testing. Enriquez, freshman science Karl Williamson, princi- teacher and advisor to the pal of Edgewood High group, said. School, said that three The Lakeside Youth Phimore Advanced Placement lanthropy Group is what the (AP) classes have been students are calling themadded this year taking the total up to seven. They are English/Composition; Statistics; and American His- BY SADIE PORTMAN tory. Already offered are: Gazette Newspapers English Literature; Chemistry; Biology and GovernSAYBROOK TOWNSHIPment. The AP courses fall The Lakeside Music Boosters between High School and are now selling tickets for College courses and will their Fourth Annual Saint better prepare the stu- Patrick’s Day Reverse Raffle dents taking these courses which will be held on March for college admission. 16. Williamson stressed how“I put on the raffle. I spear ever, that AP courses are head it and this is our fourth for students who do well on year doing it,” Tony Platt said. the AP tests administered The money raised this in May. year will go toward the In other Buckeye news, marching band’s trip to OrTreasurer Sherry lando, Florida, where they Wentworth received two will perform at Universal positive nods from the Studios this spring. Board: Jefferson Treasurer “We’re hoping to raise at Bonnie Brockway already least $8,000 at the raffle,” has another job when she Platt said. “We were hoping retires from her present to raise $12,000 throughout duties at the end of the the year through a series of month...she’ll be serving as fundraisers and this is the big Wentworth’s Assistant one here.” Treasurer. And, the other Platt said the band has a good news is that budget each year which goes Wentworth’s contract has toward the upkeep of unijust been extended another forms and equipment but the five years. trip is separate and not inAfter the vote, Hillyer cluded. turned to Wentworth and If the boosters reach their said, “You have done a goal it will potentially deduct wonderful job ... and so has $100 per student in expenses. your entire staff.” “It makes it a little easier

selves and they strive to become more civic-minded. The group consists of seniors Austin Barbian and Raula Daniel Rodriguez, juniors Keely Neal and Anthony Pratt, sophomores Indianelys Cosme, Gabby Novak, Neishmarie Mercado and Valeria Aguinaga, and freshmen Brianna Cimorell, Tessa Nicole Roloson and Quindon Harris. To determine who will receive the donations, the students will review and study local nonprofit groups and then formulate a list of the top donor choices. The school is excited as this will give students an opportunity to not only learn more about nonprofits, but they will have a firsthand account of volunteer work and organiza-

tions in their own community. “The Lakeside students will go to local non-profit organizations to interview them and see what’s being done there,” Verdi-Enriquez said. All along the way the students involved will be working directly with the Ashtabula Foundation as they guide them in the right direction. “Trustees from the Ashtabula Foundation will meet with the students to advise and guide them,” Roberta Martin, the foundation’s administrator, said. This will be the second time the foundation has allocated funds for students to disperse among their community as Grand Valley became the first school in 2010. For those involved at Lakeside, it is about presenting the community

with positive change and a better way of life. The students are excited for the program and see the foundation’s help as another way to help those around them. “The Ashtabula Foundation wants youth to get involved in the community,” Verdi said. Verdi said they will be asking those hoping to receive a portion of the funds, what they would do with the money. The foundation is currently discussing goals with the students and certain aspects they hope to see in the organizations they interview. “The philanthropy group will develop a desire to help others that will continue throughout their lives,” Verdi said. “They’ll see how people get help and be part of it.”

Lakeside band marches on for fourth annual reverse raffle on the parents because we try to lower the cost of the trip as much as we can,” Platt said. On years where the band does not make a trip, the raffle funds goes toward the yearly expenses of the music department. Platt said the raffle is a great way to get the community directly involved with the high school’s band. “My goal is to make a little bit more each year,” Platt said. The boosters will sell tickets at the door but there is no guarantee they will not sell out with their presale tickets. “It would be nice if we didn’t have any at the door because I’m usually sold out by the date,” Platt said. “Our goal is to sell out before the day.” The boosters began selling tickets in December but tickets are still available. “I like to see the local people come and support the band and enjoy themselves,” Platt said. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with a happy hour at 6 p.m. and a Meola Catered buffet style dinner at 7 p.m.

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with the raffle beginning at 8 p.m. “Where else are you going to win prizes and have a dinner and be entertained?” Platt said. Those in attendance will even have a chance to hear the jazz band perform live before dinner with a DJ and dancing after the raffle. “That’s one of thing that makes our raffle a little different is that we have a jazz band and a DJ,” Platt said. The raffle is an all-night event with door prizes, BINGO and a Chinese auction and a $1,500 grand prize being apart of the festivities. “It goes up probably until about midnight,” Platt said. Tickets cost $50 per couple with only those 21 and over being permitted. “Everybody in the boosters works really hard from top to bottom including the director to put this on,” Platt said. “They put in a lot of work and a lot of time and this is all-volunteer time and without them we couldn’t do this.” The band is also still collecting items for donations

which will help to fill movie-, Indians- and Lakeside pridethemed baskets to name a few. “We have the kids perform, but they do help with the Chinese Auction they bring in items and they bring in basket. They bring things in the school and they donate things,” Platt said. Platt is also going around and collecting donations from Ashtabula businesses. “All the local businesses around here have been really great and really giving to us,” Platt said. Platt is proud of all the band has accomplished and the community which has supported them and the band will be giving something back as they make their trip to Florida as Ashtabula ambassadors of sorts. “When this band goes to Florida they’re going to representing Ashtabula,” Platt said. For more tickets or more information call 964-6390 or 536-2602. One can also contact the band’s director Joseph Tredent at the school by calling 993-2522 x15114.

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 15A

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ENTRY

FORM

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INGERLIE

WELYJER

RAWSOR

EB EMIN

ANS. ______________________

NAME

STREET

TOWN PHONE

DEPOSIT AT

Gazette Newspapers

Mugs

46 W. Jefferson St. 576-9125

18 S. Chestnut 576-7743

Lakeview Federal Credit Union 345 S. Chestnut St. • 576-4382

Hofstetter Jewelers

The Hanger

53 N. Chestnut Street 576-2936

1056 St. Rt. 46 North 576-6231

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • WEEK OF WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 • 16A

JEFFERSON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 100 Jefferson, OH 44047-0100

www.jeffersonchamber.com Ph: 440-576-0133

------------2013 OFFICERS & BOARD OF CONTROL------------President, Pat Bradek RecSecy, Mary Jo Braden, Lakeview Treas., Rayne Burr, Buckeye Title Corp. JoAnn Whetsell, Ken Forging Edward Worso, Henderson Mem. Library Real Estate Service Since 1908

MLS

REALTORS - APPRAISERS

Vice President, Janet Wolff, WEK Manufacturing CorrSecy, Rayne Burr, Buckeye Title Corporation Patty Fisher, Clerk Treas., Village Bill Creed, The Gazette Jerry March, CruiseOne/Village Rep.

CHAMBER ACTIVITIES & MEETINGS

EDWARD R. CURIE JAMES A. REUSCHLING

Regular chamber meeting: Tues., February 5, 2013 at 7:30 am, at the Jefferson Healthcare Center sponsored by Ducro Services, Bonnie Yost. SAMANTHA DAVISON from The American Cancer Society will be attending this meeting to discuss the 2013 upcoming events. Plan on attending, you will be glad you did!

Miller Realty Co.

Chamber Officers: Elections took place at the December meeting. Current officers are retaining their positions for 2013 with the exception of the Treasurer, now held by Rayne Burr of Buckeye Title Corporation. We are looking for a correspondence secretary. Please let Pat Bradek know if you are interested.

BROKERS/OWNERS

The

of Jefferson, Ohio 113 N. CHESTNUT ST. JEFFERSON

576-2811

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

CHIPOTLE CHICKEN & CHEESE

JANUARYED FEATUR

Jefferson Open for Breakfast Every Day 135 N. Chestnut St. Jefferson, OH

440-576-3004

GLAZIER INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Serving Our Community Since 1936

PHONE (440) 576-2921 or 1 (800) 322-1661 41 WALL STREET JEFFERSON, OHIO 44047-1138 jbaker@glazierins.com James A. Baker, Agent

Petros Design LLC Quality Laser Etching Endless Possibilities Pictures on Marble and Granite Personalized Gifts Awards • Home Decor

ASHTABULA COUNTY HOME SHOW 2013! "Come one Come all" to the 2013 Annual Ashtabula County Home Show! To be held at the Ashtabula Towne Square on Friday March 1st & Saturday the 2nd from 10am to 9pm, Sunday March 3rd from noon to 5pm. NEW THIS YEAR AT THE SHOW! There will be DAILY DRAWINGS, new this year, including 4 Grand Prizes valued at $250.00 each!!! Other prizes include 10 $50.00 Ashtabula Towne Square Gift Certificates as well as prizes from the exhibitors. For more information or to become an EXHIBITOR please contact Sue Ellen Foote at 440-466-8694. She can get you an application for Exhibitor space or for Craft Exhibitor space. Don't hesitate to call Ellen with any and all of your questions. She'll be more than happy to help you get involved! ALSO: There is a section for Crafters to put up booths this year! So, anyone who would like to have a booth space, please contact Sue Ellen Foote at 440-466-8694. February is Pet Dental Health Month! Call Becky with the Austinburg Veterinary Clinic at 440-275-1071 to set up an appointment for your pet's free dental exam!

OTHER MEMBER NEWS REMINDER! Upcoming ACCESS College event! ACCESS is hosting College Goal Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 2pm at A-Tech. This is for students and families to receive direct assistance in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for those attending higher education institutions in 2013. FMI call Paula Ghiz at 440-5763125. Chamber Membership Renewal Time: Notices have been sent out for the annual renewal. If you have not received your form please contact Rayne Burr at 440-576-3916. She will send you out another one. If you have returned your form already, thank you for your dedication and speedy response. As a reminder, please have the dues form completed and returned w/payment prior to 2/1/13 in order to be assured that you will be included in the Annual Membership Directory. Citizen of the Year Banquet: The annual affair will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at the Jefferson Community Center. There will be a Social Hour with Dinner and events following. To get more information please contact Mary Jo Braden at 440-576-4382. She can assist you and make sure that you get the information to make your Reservations and Nominations for "Citizen of the Year" event!!

Submit articles for the newsletter by the third Thursday of the month to baccounting@embarqmail.com

The Business Expo will be held March 19th, 2013. The location will be at the Jefferson Community Center. It's free for the public to come in & see what the vendors have to offer. The annual event is sure to make a nice spring break for businesses and customers as well! So get your space reserved NOW! For pricing, reservations and setup information you can call Rick Briggs at 440-576-9125 x 205 or Janet Wolff at 440-5766940 x 5423. Lakeview Federal Credit Union would like to thank the community for their generous support during the holiday season with their donations of hats, mittens and gloves for the children at Jefferson Elementary, Lakeside Elementary schools and Geneva Elementary schools. We are pleased to announce that over 200 items were collected. Thank you also for the donations of cash and food for our local food pantries.

Old Reserve Realty

Haines Memorials,

JIM CASE REALTY, INC.

LTD.

1 Lawyers Row Jefferson, Ohio Phone 576-6985 Carol Fulwiler, Owner/Broker

Lauri Haines Allen

We’re Proud To Be A Part Of Jefferson’s Past, Present And Future

Kathy Housel, Owner 942 St. Rt. 46 North Jefferson, Ohio

440-576-7625 petrosdesign@embarqmail.com

Membership in the Jefferson Area Chamber includes membership in NOACC, Providing Superior Business Benefits to Chamber Members for over 10 Years, for details visit www.noacc.org.

Equal Housing Oppor tunity

1640 State Rt. 46 N. Jefferson, OH 44047

Bus: 440-576-2637 Fax: 440-576-2638 hainesmem@suite224.net www.hainesmemorials.com

Crystal Clear Water

WATER TREATMENT, POOLS & SPAS, SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATION 895 Route 46 N Jefferson, Ohio

440-576-5421

Free Anthem Health Insurance Quote: http://www.chambersaver.com/noacc/

Buckeye Title Corporation Serving Ashtabula and Lake Counties Since 1946

28 West Jefferson Street Jefferson, Ohio 44047 440-576-3916 440-576-9366

FAX

buckeyetitlecorp@embarqmail.com