Gazette 03-14-12

Mall event promotes family literacy —

Jefferson baker to compete on Cupcake Wars

A-Tech hosts spaghetti dinner — See page 9A

— See page 2A

See page 15A

THE GAZETTE Geneva/Ashtabula Edition

Vol. No. 136, No. 11

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012

Biggest Loser contestant tells students how to be winners in their own lives

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Falcons swim for a good cause

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN

Vencent Hickerson sings to Lakeside High School students before talking to them about his life experience with weight loss and life on the road while performing with the band Trailer Choir.

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

loving family life portrayed on sitcoms.

“I remember waking up in the SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - middle of the night hearing my Vencent Hickerson, a contestant on mother screaming,” Hickerson the NBC television show The Big- said.

One night Hickerson decided gest Loser, came to Lakeside High School to talk to the students about enough was enough and tackled his stepfather as he had pinned his the obstacles he has overcome.

“It’s always been a dream of mother to the ground.

“I was nine or 10 years old, and mine to inspire others,” Hickerson I took off running because I wanted said.

When Hickerson came on the to defend my mom,” Hickerson Biggest Loser, he weighed in at 426 said.

Hickerson’s stepfather then pounds and said he had been overweight since he was nine years old started hitting him. When it was over, he found his mother outside growing up in Tennessee.

Hickerson came from an abu- with a gun facing toward the sky.

“Life had brought her down so sive home with his stepfather, an ex-Navy SEAL, being physically much she didn’t want to be here abusive to his mother and brother. anymore,” Hickerson said.

Hickerson eventually left the “I wasn’t blessed with an easy life to start with, and there are house to live with his father, who probably people here who were not was a former musician himself, blessed with an easy life to start playing with such bands as the Steve Miller Band before becomwith,” Hickerson said Hickerson said he remembers ing a preacher. watching families on television See HICKERSON page 6A and realizing he did not have the

Fire destroys barn, killing animals inside

BY STEFANIE WESSELL AND SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

according to fire department reports.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found the barn alSAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - A ready fully involved in the fire, fire devastated the agricultural with the roof already collapsed, community on Monday, March 12, Fire Chief John Jyurovat said. The as a fire destroyed a barn at the Saybrook Township Fire Departhome of veterinarian Becky ment also received assistance from Salinger, killing the animals in- the Austinburg, Geneva and side.

Harpersfield fire departments to At about 1:30 p.m. Monday, the put out the flames.

Saybrook Township Fire DepartThe fire department had to temment received the call about the porarily close a portion of Route 84 fire at 3800 South Ridge Road because of the fire.

(Route 84) in Saybrook Township, See FIRE page 16A

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE JAHS YEARBOOK STAFF

Falcon supporters gathered sponsorships to take quick dip in the cold waters.

BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME Gazette Newspapers

“The idea for the Plunge in the Shores was inspired by Jeff Meddock’s friends,” Huber exROAMING SHORES - Over 35 plained.

Jefferson Area High School students Huber was the assistant prinand staff took “the plunge” Satur- cipal at Pymatuning Valley while day, March 10, in Roaming Shores. Meddock was principal.

Under the direction of Assistant “Jeff lived in Roaming Shores Principal Jeremy Huber, Falcon sup- and was very active in the Polar porters gathered sponsorships to Bear Plunge at Geneva on the take quick dip in the cold waters.

Lake. When Jeff passed, his friends JAHS students also raised over at Roaming Shores decided to bring $274.50 by sponsoring a hat/pj day. the Plunge to Roaming Shores to For every $50 raised, the Falcons raise money for the scholarship added one additional jumper. given in his name,” Huber said.

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

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

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

See PLUNGE page 13A

Business Expo returns to Jefferson March 20

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

During this event, guests will —Key Bank. be able to visit with participating —Kent State University at businesses and learn about the Ashtabula.

JEFFERSON - The Business services they have to offer, Cham—Cruise One. Expo will return to the Village of ber members said.

—Subway.

The Business Expo is free to Jefferson on Tuesday, March 20.

—Nassief Auto Group.

Jefferson Area Chamber of attend, and door prizes and re—Lakeview Credit Union.

Commerce members discussed the freshments will be given away.

—Gazette Newspapers.

At least 20 businesses have upcoming expo during their meet—WEK Industries. signed up to participate this year, ing last week.

—Jefferson Healthcare.

This year, the Business Expo, so far including: —Partylite.

—Crystal Clear Water. will be held Tuesday, March 20, —Andover Bank.

—French Chiropractic. from 3-6:30 p.m. at the Jefferson —American Alert.

—First Merit Bank.

Community Center, located at 11 See EXPO page 13A —Ducro Funeral Services.

E. Jefferson St.

Marching Geneva Alumni band together to raise funds for new uniforms

Lakeside High School French classes celebrates Mardi Gras

PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Students in Miss Catherine Lawson’s French classes began their Mari Gras celebration by creating one-of-a kind masks. Kaila Parker, who is a four-year French student, enjoys mixing creativity with learning. “This is my fourth year in French and celebrating Mardi Gras. Each year my designs have become more intricate. This year’s mask took about six hours to design and complete. It’s something I really enjoy doing.” Pictured is Kaila Parker and three of her one-of-a-kind masks

Marching Geneva’s band uniforms were brand new in 1984 when alumna Tonia Brown Varckette was a Geneva High School senior, but her daughters and the sons and daughters of her fellow alumni are still wearing those same uniforms. Spearheaded by Varckette, a group of Marching Geneva alumni have banded together to raise funds to replace the nearly 30-yea- old uniforms with new ones via their Give a Uniform/Get a Uniform fundraiser. Pictured from left are Theresa Morse Smith (GHS 1990) with daughter Courtney (a senior) and son Nick (seventh grade), Corrine Meehl Quickle (GHS 1983) with daughter Anna (a sophomore), Tonia Brown Varckette (GHS 1984) with daughters Amy (seventh grade) and Lindsey (a junior), Linda Bernard Jackson (GHS 1990) with daughter Erica (a junior), Karen Stillwell Watts (GHS 1985) and sons Norm ( senior), Zack (a sophomore) and Ryan (seventh grade). In back is Marching Geneva Band Director Alexandria Lowe Uhlir (GHS Class of 2004). ing those same uniforms. Eagle a Uniform/Get a Uniform

BY JAN PERALA Pride and constant and careful fundraiser.

Geneva Area City Schools maintenance have extended the “Students in Marching Geneva uniforms’ use many years beyond have been selling oranges and parGENEVA - Marching Geneva’s expectations, but now the fabric in ticipating in other fundraisers for band uniforms were brand new the once resplendent garments is years to add to the new uniform back in 1984 when alumna Tonia wearing thin. Led by Varckette, a fund,” Varckette explained. “In the Brown Varckette was a Geneva group of fellow Marching Geneva fall of 2013, the current uniforms High School senior, but her daugh- alumni have banded together to will be 30 years old and they are ters and the sons and daughters raise funds to replace the nearly of her fellow alumni are still wear- 30-year-old uniforms via their Give See BAND page 6A

2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

Cupcake Wars experience a sweet Meet Your experience for local shop owners Neighbor

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - The staff of K Cupcakes, located in Jefferson on Route 46, had the privilege of being contestants on the Food Network show, Cupcake Wars.

Their episode will air on March 25 at 8 p.m.

“We went out to film in October and ever since then we’ve had to be real quiet about it,” Amanda Kish, owner of K Cupcakes, said.

Each episode of Cupcake Wars features a theme and guest judge.

“The episode name is called Cupcake Couture, and it’s featuring Angela and Vanessa Simmons and their pastry shoes line,” Kish said.

The winning cupcakes would be featured at a VIP celebration for the shoe line, as well as winning a cash prize of $10,000.

“When they told us what the event was, we were definitely really excited because it fit us so well,” Kish said.

Kish’s partner and cousin Laura LaCavera was by her side during the competition. The two were both excited to be on the show and auditioned for a place on Cupcake Wars last year.

“We found out that they were doing auditions for the season and we had a friend who knew some filmers and editors and they came out and did an audition tape for the show and then we submitted it and they called us in September,” Kish said.

Ksih and LaCavera flew out to Los Angeles, California for about a week in October to film. The two are not permitted to go into detail about what they prepared or where they placed, but could discuss their experience.

“You’re on the edge of your seat the entire time,” Kish said about the competition. “There’s pressure you’ve got to make your cupcakes, but you also have to keep your energy up and you have to keep smiling.”

Kish said the two of them are naturally competitive and the pressure only fueled their will to win.

“I do like stressful environments. It makes me try harder and challenges me and it makes me work harder,” LaCavera said.

“We are pretty competitive.”

Every week on the show, contestants are asked to prepare cupcakes by picking key ingredients that go along with the episode’s theme.

“We lucked out. We got a good ingredient,” LaCavera said.

Some past used ingredients include cayenne pepper and corn.

If the pressure of cooking on the spot with new ingredients was not enough, Kish and LaCavera said it mounted with the presence of cameras.

“There are producers there. There are camera guys there and you’re trying to do your thing,” Kish said.

PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN

K Cupcakes owner Amanda Kish and Laura LaCavera were contestants on the Food Network show, Cupcake Wars, which will premiere at 8 p.m. on March 25.

Kish said she used to placement on Cupcake watch the show and wonder Wars, they immediately how contestants could for- knew they wanted to have get to put pumpkin in their a premiere party with all pumpkin cupcakes, but now proceeds going to a local she understands how eas- charity.

On March 25, they will ily you can lose your track of mind.

“They’re asking you questions while you’re trying to work and you get distracted very easily,” Kish said. “It’s a lot of in your face.”

Even with the pressure, Kish and LaCavera said they were treated like BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers queens.

“We got treated like VIP GENEVA - The City of for the day. We had our own dressing room and they Geneva has canceled the asked you if you needed annual Community Day due to the re-dedication of the anything,” Kish said.

When Kish and Civil War Monument.

“We have decided to not LaCavera learned of their have a Community Day this year due to other events.

Mainly, there is a Civil War Monument Re-dedication Ceremony that is looking to be quite a large event May 18,19, and 20,” Mike Goddard said.

Although Community Day was scheduled for the week before, the city officials feel they need to use that time to prepare themselves for Memorial Day celebrations, which include the rededication.

“This is the weekend after we would have done

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they are a little worried about how they will be portrayed, saying they hope nothing they said was taken out of context.

“They didn’t send us what they edited, so we haven’t seen anything,” Kish said. “The actual show is going to be a surprise for us as well as everybody else.”

Kish and LaCavera are excited to see the show premier and encourage anyone in the community who would like to join them to call either Kish at (440) 8120262 or LaCavera at (440) 858-3161 for tickets.

Both say the experience was once in a lifetime and is something they will not soon forget.

“It was a lot of fun. I would do it again,” Kish said. “It was so much fun. I can’t wait for our episode.”

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

Geneva cancels Community Day, plans for memorial re-dedication

— 2012 —

Are Now Available

hold their party at Martinis! in Ashtabula, with the funds raised going to the victims of the Chardon High School shooting.

Tickets are $10 a piece and include appetizers and cupcakes “At the very last minute that we could have chosen the charity fund, we decided to give to the victims of Chardon,” Kish said. “We want to give the money directly to the victims.”

There will be no tickets available at the door.

“There are only pre-sale tickets available because we have to let Martinis know how many appetizers to make,” Kish said.

The K Cupcakes owners are looking forward to sharing their adventure with the community they love.

“It’s a perfect opportunity to come out and be a part of a fun event and see someone on national television that is from the local area, as well as having good food,” Kish said.

Kish and LaCavera said

Community Day, but there is a lot of donations, time, and effort being put into this onetime event by the entire community, so we’ve decided to not do the Community Day,” Goddard said.

Goddard said many of the people who help organize Community Day are also involved in other events during the month of May. “Also, the weekend before what would have been Community Day, there is an event involving a lot of the churches as well,” Goddard said.

The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce, which usually helps put on the Community Day, is going to be involved with the dedication of the monument as well.

The Civil War Monument has been a staple of the city and was placed in the middle

of town on August 4, 1880.

The monument was later moved to the corner of South Eagle Street and Park Street to accommodate for automobiles in the downtown.

Now the city has once again moved the monument back to the historic downtown area in the new Geneva City Civil War Monument Memorial Park.

The City of Geneva is still making final plans for the re-dedication ceremony but have some events in place and is inviting the whole community to help celebrate.

The day will feature Civil War reenactments, crafts, entertainment and more.

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

Geneva applies for police grant

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA – The United States Department of Justice has announced another police grant which the City of Geneva Council approved for its police department to apply for.

“Last year we went before the safety committee and we made a determination to apply for the grant.

And if the grant was given to Geneva, we’d at that point determine whether to accept the grant because there was an obligation in the fourth year,” Police Chief Dan Dudik said.

Geneva did not get the grant last year and therefore can still apply for this year ’s grant.

“Since we have not removed ourselves from the grant, we are once again eligible in 2012,” Dudik said.

If the grant is given to Geneva, the city will be responsible for 25 percent of the costs for the first three years and 100 percent of the cost for the fourth year.

“The grant is $111 million for the country and they have converted their grant to a 75/25 percent,” Dudik said. “The fourth year is paid by the jurisdiction and they do cap it at a $125,000 over the course of the three years per officer.”

Dudik encouraged the city council to consider applying for the grant, because if they go off the list of eligible cities, they will not be able to apply for the grant in the future.

“If we remove our name from the list, we are done.

We will no longer be eligible for cop grants. Because we kept our name on the list, we are eligible.

There are no agencies allowed to participate in this program if you have not

been on since the original COPS grant,” Dudik said.

Dudik would like to see if they can partner with others to help defray the cost of the grant, which will cost $26,000 for the first year with $41,666 being paid for by the federal government.

“This one is costly, but it is doable and we are looking at ways to share the cost,” Dudik said.

The grant application is due by March 22 and would require certain criteria in newly employed officers.

“If it is awarded and we decided to accept it, the only way we are eligible is if we hire laid-off employees, potential laid-off employees or military veterans that have served active duty for 180 days from 2001 until present and have an honorable discharge,” Dudik said.

The City of Geneva’s police department already has military veterans on its force, and Dudik did not see the criteria as too much of a challenge.

Dudik also said if they received the grant, they would look at putting an officer back in the Geneva Area City Schools, although nothing official has been discussed between the city and the schools.

The Geneva City Council agreed the grant could provide a way to increase the police force.

Plymouth Township trustees to hold special meeting The Plymouth Township trustees will hold a Special Meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, in the Community Room, immediately preceding the regular meeting at 7 p.m.

Purpose of the meeting is a work session with the Road Superintendent.

Decorations asked to be removed from Maple Grove Cemetery The Plymouth Township trustees have set the deadline for removal of winter cemetery decorations at Maple Grove Cemetery for April 15, 2012.

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

COMMUNITY

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A

Street crews keep busy in Jefferson

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - A couple of weeks ago, Village of Jefferson residents may have noticed a large vehicle moving slowly up and down the village streets, keeping close to the curb.

The machine was a street sweeper borrowed from the Village of Geneva on the Lake, Jefferson Village Administrator Terry Finger said during his report to Jefferson Village Council on Monday, March 5. The Street Department used the machine to clean the village streets.

“We provide winter inside storage in exchange for being able to use it before the Strip opens and after it closes,” Finger said.

The Street Department has been keeping busy in other ways during March as well.

At the time of his report last Monday, Finger said crews were installing drain tiles to close in several open ditches at Dorset at South Market, East Erie at South Sycamore and Westview and West Satin streets.

Finger said Brobst Tree Service has removed dead wood from village shade trees on Chestnut, Jefferson and Elm streets.

“There are a lot more trees that need trimming to prevent dead wood from falling and causing damage,” Finger said.

Finger recommended adding an additional $4,000 to the next appropriation change to make sure the village can deal

Morgan Township eyes spring projects

BY SUE LUTZ Gazette Newspapers

pendent,” he said, “because we won’t be having to borrow equipment from the village all MORGAN TOWNSHIP – the time.”

Morgan Township officials beBellas also pointed out that gan its warm weather prepa- the three-cylinder Kubota has rations March 7 with bid a front bucket that will be useawards for gravel and lawn ful in repairing driveways and mowing, and the purchase of soil management throughout a tractor for Union Cemetery. the cemetery.

At the inception of the 7 Trustee Rod Truckey of the p.m. meeting, Fiscal Officer Streets and Bridges CommitJean Brand opened and read tee informed the Board that in aloud all bids for limestone. addition to problems with its The Board unanimously ap- Mack truck, which is susproved The Arms Trucking pended from service due to irCompany’s bid of $17.18 per reparable rust, the Township’s ton based on 1,000 tons of #411 International truck is also exand 700 tons of #304 limestone periencing maintenance conthat will be used for repair and cerns. maintenance of roads throughTruckey said a transmisout the township. sion leak and rusted oil pan The $29,200 bid will in- have been repaired, more clude delivery to the township problematic is the fact that reyard located on State Route placement parts are becoming increasingly more scarce. #45, in Rock Creek.

With the Mack truck out of The sole bid for lawn mowing and trimming at Union commission and looming isCemetery was awarded to sues with the International, C&J Landscaping of Geneva. Truckey pressed the Board to According to Brand, the con- once again consider formulattract is unchanged from 2011 ing a plan to move forward rates, or $25 per week for a with the possibility of buying another tandem axel truck. He maximum of 26 weeks.

Board of Trustee Presi- said currently the Ford truck dent and Union Cemetery “wouldn’t cut the mustard” in Committee member Brett an ice storm.

Trustees Bellas, Truckey Bellas announced the township purchased a used and Don Dietrich discussed Kubota tractor that will pri- the merits of new versus old, marily be used at Union as well as the short- and longterm costs and benefits assoCemetery on Route 45.

Bellas reported that in ad- ciated with each. Discussion dition to the tractor, the $6,500 ended with Truckey agreeing “package deal” included mul- to continue gathering informatiple accessories, such as boom tion to determine exact specipole, tiller, box scraper, brush fications necessary, as well as hog and a disc. Having all of various loan options.

The Board plans to discuss the accoutrements will allow the cemetery to be self-suffi- the topic in greater depth during the March 21 meeting at 7 cient, Bellas said.

“We’re looking at this pur- p.m. at the Morgan Hose Volchase as one that will make unteer Fire Department in the cemetery a lot more inde- Rock Creek.

Village Administrator’s Report for the period ending March 05, 2012. Projects update:

with problem trees. He said this change will increase the line item back to $12,000, which is what the village spent last year.

“Our Street Department employees have stopped trimming young/new trees until they go dormant at the end of

the year,” Finger concluded.

In other projects, Finger said the village is working to get loose ends wrapped up before

Distracted Driving

BY CAROLYN BEHRJEROME Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Juniors and seniors at Jefferson Area High School recently experienced the consequences of distracted and impaired driving during a computer simulation provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Brent Kovacs, Public Information Specialist for ODOT District 4, set up the equipment Monday morning and oversaw the simulation throughout the school day.

“Jefferson is our first stop in Ashtabula County,” Kovacs said.

ODOT District 4 includes Ashtabula, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, S u m m i t a n d Tr u m b u l l counties.

Kovacs explained to students that research shows that the chances of a crash multiply while dialing a phone or texting. “ Yo u a r e f o u r t i m e s more likely to get in a crash if you drive distracted. The simulation gives you a chance to experience the consequences of distracted driving,” he said The Distracted Driver Simulator consisted of three computer screens, a steering wheel and peddles for break and gas.

One at a time, students were taken through a com-

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PHOTOS BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Brent Kovacs explains the Distracted Driving Simulator at to Jefferson students puter-generated simulation of realistic driving scenarios.

“The equipment costs around $10,000,” explained Kovacs, “so that’s why there is only one in the state.”

Two simulations were offered: distracted driving or impaired driving. The distracted driving simulation included an onscreen phone that students had to text with and make calls on while driving.

Senior Dylan Dean was the first in his group to do the distracted driving simulation.

“It is a good learning experience,” he said. “It makes you think. I definitely should not text while driving.”

The impaired driving simulation handled as though the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Nick Stranman, a senior, experienced that simulation.

“It was hard to steer and the depth perception was off. I will never drink and drive,” he said.

Once a crash occurred, The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Brent Kovacs passes out distracted driving tip cards and encourages the students not to text and drive.

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Dylan Dean was the first in his group to try the simulation. students watched a short video that demonstrated various consequences: a hospital, a field sobriety test, a courtroom with a judge and/or a failed job interview due to their DUI record.

“ODOT hopes that this simulation will help students take driving more seriously and promote safe driving practices,” Kovacs said.

“We also have a longterm goal of eliminating roadway fatalities and near-term goal of reducing roadway fatalities by five percent by 2015,” he explained.

Although most of the upper classmen visited during government, En-

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Students from Bruce Thompson’s government class watch a simulation.

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glish or history classes to try out the Distracted Driver Simulator, some underclassman tried it out during their lunch period.

Sophomore Michael Weldy has been driving for about a year.

“I hit a deer,” he said, surprised. “I wasn’t paying attention and a deer ran out in front of me. I never thought I’d hit a deer.”

According to ODOT the three main types of distraction are 1.) Visual, taking your eyes off the road, 2.) Manual, taking your hands off the wheel, and 3.) Lack of focus, taking your mind off what you’re doing. “ Texting involves all three types of distractions,” said Kovacs, “and that is why it is so dangerous, but driving distracted is more than that. It also includes eating while driving, not properly securing a pet, applying makeup, and playing with the radio.”

Ohio State Patrolmen Brandon Miller and Dan Dubelko were on hand all day to answer questions.

“The only thing you should do while you are driving is drive,” Officer Dubelko said.

“Please remember while you are driving to stay alert and refrain from any activity that takes your eyes off the road,” said Kovacs.

Jefferson Community Center looking for instructors

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

LETTERS POLICY We encourage letters to the editor on topics of interest to our general readership. Although letters should be of sufficient length to express your idea, please limit them to 400 words or less. Letters should include your name, address, telephone number and hand written signature. We reserve the right to edit all letters for style, clarity and libelous content.

crews resume the South Sycamore truck route phase 1 and the Market Street Culvert replacement project.

JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Community and Recreation Center is looking to expand its program offerings, but it needs a little bit of help from the community.

“We’re looking for instructors who are interested in starting some type of program,” Senior Center Coordinator Christina Blair said.

Located at 11 E. Jefferson St. in the Village of Jefferson, the community center offers quite a few programs for adults, inlcuding the many acitivites at the

senior center and the weight room and fitness center.

With spring coming up, the community center wants to expand its youth programs, Blair said. The community center also is eyeing those months when students will be out of school for the summer, looking for something to do during the day.

To do that, community center staff members are asking people in the community who want to be an instructor for a program at the facility to give them a call if they have a special kind of skill that can translate into a program for youth.

The potential classes could range from dance classes, cheerleading, tumble classes, gymnastics and other programs, Blair said.

But if people are interested in teaching a class, Blair said it’s important that the time commitment is there, so the community center can organize a set schedule for the program and promote it.

If someone is assigned as an instructor, they will receive a share of the fees paid to the community center for the program, Blair said.

Some children’s programs

currently offered at the Jefferson Community Center include music lessons and karate.

Blair said the community center also is looking for adult volunteers for its TBall program, which is gearing up now.

To pitch an idea for a youth program or to volunteer for the T-Ball program, adults can call JCRC Director Allison Brown at 5769052.

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

4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

All the world’s a stage

Easement will protect Plymouth Township watershed

BY CAROLYN BEHRJEROME Gazette Newspapers

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP - A couple’s decision to donate an 80-acre conservation easement in Ashtabula County will permanently protect several thousand feet of tributaries to the Ashtabula River, Western Reserve Land Conservancy officials announced.

Jeff and Cindy Suszynski, who own the property in Plymouth Township, donated the conservation easement to Western Reserve Land Conservancy, a non-profit organization serving 14 counties in northern Ohio. A conservation easement is a legal document that restricts future development of the property while allowing the donor to retain ownership, Western Reserve Land Conservancy officials said.

This is the Land Conservancy’s first conservation easement in the Ashtabula River watershed.

The protected property, which is located near the northwest corner of Morgan and Brown roads, is almost entirely forested and will be used as a hunting area for the family, according to Brett Rodstrom, northeast field director for the Land Conservancy.

He said the Suszynskis, who live in Geauga County, retain the right to build a cabin and lake on the land.

“It has always been my dream to own and manage a piece of property for wildlife,” said Jeff Suszynski, who is an avid outdoorsman. “I wanted to preserve this land so it can never be developed, and hopefully my kids will be able

JEFFERSON - In the play As You Like It Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage.” For two Jefferson Area High School students, their world really was a stage for four short years.

Rachel Edge and Brad Weisbarth played many parts as members of the Jefferson Players and were the only members of the class of 2012 to be in all eight productions.

Each school year the Jefferson Players put on two productions, a musical and a play. Each year young men and women audition with the hopes of being a player on the stage or being part of the crew backstage. However, not everyone makes it.

“To be involved in all eight productions is quite an accomplishment,” said former director Carolyn Behr-Jerome. “It also takes a strong commitment.

Brad and Rachel have demonstrated both.”

Kelli Olesky has worked with Weisbarth and Edge on each musical.

“It has been so amazing to watch Brad and Rachel grow as performers over the past four years. These students are even closer to my heart because their freshman year was the first year that I became involved with the Jefferson Players. It will definitely be sad to see them move on to the next phase of their lives, but I wish them the best!” she said.

Weisbarth recalled being very nervous for his first audition.

“The main reason I auditioned was because my good friend Travis Ellsworth (2011 graduate) talked me into it and I don’t regret my decision. I was really nervous right until I started and then I was fine.

I did my song and acting and I made it in,” Weisbarth said.

Cast in a supporting role as Huey Jackson in Back to the ‘80s, Weisbarth was the first to have his lines memorized.

“I was very impressed,” Behr-Jerome explained.

Edge was scared, too, the first time she tried out.

“I was absolutely petrified!” she exclaimed. “I barely looked at the directors and was so nervous for days before the cast list came out. I felt lucky just to get in! It was so worth it.”

Edge was cast in the ensemble of Back to the ‘80s

but was at first overshadowed by her older siblings. “My brother and sister (Tyler and Stephanie) had been in the productions throughout high school,” Edge explained.

But by her junior year, Edge proved she had what it took to do a larger role and was cast as the Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland.

“Rachel did a terrific job in that part,” technical director Christy Seymour said.

Edge was then cast as a major supporting role in Father of the Bride as the youngest child, Tammy.

“I was so pleased with Rachel’s performance,” Behr-Jerome explained.

“She learned her lines quickly and followed diPHOTO BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME rection well. The best part was that she Rachel Edge and Brad Weisbarth strike a pose with their showed up for all of her Jefferson Players shirts, one for each of the eight production: Back to the ‘80s, The Clumsy Custard Horror Show and Ice rehearsals!”

Over the course of Cream Clone Review, Good News, Something’s Rotten in the their careers as Play- State of Denmark/Any Body for Tea, Alice in Wonderland, ers, Weisbarth and Father of the Bride, Musicals: the Musical, and the Trials of Edge became less ner- Robin Hood. vous and more confident in always have to be committheir ability, and, most im- ted. If you start something, to a small, private college in Northern Georgia to beportantly, they had fun on finish it.”

“The advice I would give come a missionary. and off the stage. to the underclassman,” “As for productions, I Weisbarth’s favorite part was the Blue Caterpil- Weisbarth explained, “is al- will probably do them in lar in Alice in Wonderland. ways work hard and put college but I don’t plan on “I had an awesome cos- your best into everything continuing it after college,” tume with six arms,” he you do, not just the produc- he explained.

The last four years have tion. Oh, and watch out for said.

“I love everything about tech week. It’s scary some- also been about change.

“Seniors move on,” Edge costumes,” Edge explained. times.”

In a few months, explained, “and the next “It’s my favorite part of any show. One show (Musicals: Weisbarth and Edge will be show is sad at first but then the Musical), I had a dozen graduating and making exciting because the new their final exit from high seniors are fun and enercostume changes!””

“I learned teamwork, school Edge, who will be go- getic.”

Edge continued, “Backhow to work hard, and ing to Kent State Ashtabula friendship on a whole dif- in the fall and majoring in stage has different people ferent level. We had a lot Hospitality Management every show. No production of good times together,” but doesn’t know if she’ll do is the same. Plus new directors bring new styles to any more plays.

Weisbarth said.

“I really hope I’ll be able get used to.”

Edge learned some However, the best to be on stage again,” Edge things, too.

“Being a Jefferson said. “I’ll still sing all the change since their freshPlayer, I learned a lot about time. I’ll never forget what man year was the new myself as well as about went on in the Jefferson building.

“The auditorium is other people. I learned Players.”

Weisbarth will be going amazing,” Weisbarth said. that, when I’m on stage, I cannot be self-conscious in any way. What separated Players from everyone else is that we have the guts to be up there and no one else does. Plus, I learned about people’s true character and made so many great friends,” she said.

GENEVA - The well red Book Club is proud to Edge is applying what present a Meet the Author event with New York she learned to other areas Times best-selling author Mary Doria Russell on 6 of her life and has advice p.m. Wednesday, May 2, at the Winery at Spring Hill. for underclassmen.

Ms. Russell will sign her newest book, Doc, as she “Never, ever give up or meets and greets guests. The book signing will be quit!” she stressed. “Not followed by Ms. Russell giving a presentation on Doc, just in the theatre but in complete with a question and answer time. everything. Don’t ever Doc is the story of Dr. John Henry Holliday, an think you’re not good educated, Southern gentleman, whom most of us enough or that you can’t know as the infamous Doc Holliday, the frontier gammake a small part big. You bler and friend of Wyatt Earp.

Authentic, moving, and witty, Ms. Russell’s fifth novel defines these two towering figures of the American West and brings to life an extraordinary cast of historical characters, including Holliday’s unforgettable companion, Kate.

Doc is currently being made into an HBO series.

Ms. Russell is a paleoanthropologist with specialties in bone biology and biomechanics, who has studied cultural anthropology at the University of Illinois, social anthropology at Northeastern University in Boston, and biological anthropology at the University of Michigan. After earning a doctorate, she taught human gross anatomy at Case Western Reserve University in the 1980s but left the academic world to write fiction, which turned out to be a good career move. Doc is her fifth novel. Ms. Russell has received nine national and international literary awards and has been a finalist for a number of others. She and her family live in Cleveland, Ohio.

Seating is limited. RSVP to hopeswank@wind stream.net.

A limited number of books will be available for purchase at the event.

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BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce to honor National Honor Society seniors

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its 12th Annual Spring/Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner on Monday, March 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. with a social and dinner beginning at 7 p.m.

The dinner is given for both the Geneva Area City Schools and the Grand River Academy National Honor Society members.

“The kids will be given a free meal and [Ohio Rep.] Casey Kozlowski will speak and the kids will also be given a gift bag from the Chamber,” Chamber Executive Director Sue Ellen Foote said.

Although for 11 years the Chamber has recognized Geneva students, it was not always a National Honor Society event. The first year the Chamber had Cleveland Browns’ running back Johnny Davis as its guest speaker.

“We invited the Geneva football players who were seniors as our guests and they just loved it,” Foote said. “So the next year we decided to step it up and bring the National Honor Society kids.”

The Grand River Academy students then became included in the dinner seven years ago.

Kozlowski is this year’s guest speaker and he will recognize each student with a certificate.

“The students who come will be receiving at least two certificates recognizing their achievements, one from Casey Kozlowski and another

Bower graduates from basic infantry training Army Pvt. Luke A. Bower has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received

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from Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel,” Foote said.

The Chamber likes to recognize the students’ hard work and let them know the area is supportive in their future endeavors.

“We want to pat the kids on the back because they have achieved a lot in high school and they are all planning on going to college,” Foote said.

“They have all done well and we just want to recognize that they did good.”

The Chamber and businesses from across the area sponsor a student’s meal and sit with them throughout the dinner. Members have a chance to learn about the student’s goals and the student can learn about area businesses.

“By getting them to come to the dinner, we are also sitting them with local business people and we want them to see the people who support them,” Foote said.

Foote said the students will hopefully see future opportunities in the city and surrounding areas and possibly come back after their college years.

“We’re hoping some of the kids will come back,” Foote said.

Foote sees the dinner as a both a networking event and a way to honor students who have spent their high school career volunteering, participating in school activities and maintaining good grades.

“Kids are told by their parents all the time that they have done well, but we want them to know that we are taking notice, too,” Foote said.

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to enjoy it in its natural state.

The (conservation easement) process was pretty easy, and the Land Conservancy was very responsive.”

Rodstrom said they are seeing a lot more people and hunting/fishing clubs protecting natural lands with the Land Conservancy because its conservation easements are such flexible documents and are tailored specifically to the property and the individual needs of the family or club.

“Many landowners are now working with us ahead of signing oil and gas leases to not only help them ensure their property will be protected as it is today, but to also offset burdensome income taxes they accrue when signing one of these larger leases. The lease and the easement actually work very well together,” Rodstrom said.

The Land Conservancy, which works to preserve the scenic beauty, rural character and natural resources of northern Ohio, was formed in 2006 by the merger of eight local land trusts. The organization grew again in 2009 when it merged with Grand River Partners.

To date, the Land Conservancy has preserved 421 properties and 28,721 acres, including 51 properties totaling 5,512 acres in Ashtabula County. In 2011, the organization helped protect 50 properties encompassing 5,473 acres.

The Land Conservancy is headquartered in Chesterland and has field offices in Painesville, Orwell, Akron, Medina, Oberlin and Cleveland.

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training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Bower is the son of Deborah Bower of Geneva, Ohio, and Doug Bower of Lansdale, Pa. The private is a 2005 graduate of Geneva High School.

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A

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PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN Jefferson Domino’s Pizza is located at 16 East Jefferson St., across from the Community Center.

Christine Jacobs, owner of the franchise store, is happy to serve the community.

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON Domino’s Pizza, located on 16 E Jefferson St., in Jefferson, is proud to be giving its community quality pizza.

Christine Jacobs, owner of the franchise store, said they like the Jefferson community and the many people who have become loyal customers, but they would not be able to serve the high quality pizzas they do without the great people she has on staff.

“I work with good people who are careful to set high goals for the perfect pizza,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs said she will never sell a pizza that she would not personally eat because their customer satisfaction is of utmost importance.

Jacobs said Domino’s is a force in the pizza arena across the country for a reason, and they have an obligation to live up to the reputation.

“People have a choice who they call for pizza, so when people call, they have to have confidence that they are getting a great product in quick time with courteous service,” Jacobs said.

Domino’s delivers pizza to people within the Jefferson area and now even have the online order opportunity available at http:// pizza.dominos.com/ ohio/jefferson.

On the Domino’s website, customers can also rate the service and quality they received.

“People can rate us online on the Domino’s website. The website measures repurchase or repeat business, and we are much higher than the national average.

We have very loyal customers,” Jacobs said.

By customers rating Domino’s, they can fix any problems that might arise or see the areas they are succeeding at.

“Domino’s listens to their customers and gives them what they want, and that philosophy has been hugely successful,” Jacobs said.

Although when one hears Domino’s they think pizza, they also offer wings, sandwiches, bread bowl pastas, sodas and much more. A full menu can be seen online.

Domino’s is known throughout the Jefferson area as they have supplied the pizza for the Ashtabula County Fair’s pizza-eating contest for over three years.

It is their way of giving back to a community that has shown its support for Domino’s.

There are times when the pizza shop can barely leave the phone off the hook without another phone call coming through, but this is a welcomed sound to Jacobs.

“I love being busy. If we are real busy, that means we are doing the right things and our customers are rewarding us,” Jacobs said.

You can order a Domino’s pizza or one of the other many other menu items by calling (440) 576-3030.

Domino’s Pizza is opened from noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays, 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. until midnight both Fridays and Saturdays.

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

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6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

Rae-Ann Geneva goes ‘Red for Women’

Hang Suite will host Primal Focus Art Show this weekend

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Rae-Ann Geneva annually participates in the National Go Red for Women as a kick off of the annual Heart Walk that is held in the fall.

GENEVA - The Rae-Ann Geneva Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center held events in celebration of the American Heart Association’s National Go Red for Women event on Friday, Feb. 3.

At 10 a.m., Eric Corbett, personal training and sales coordinator from Spire Institute, provided yoga (based from a seated position) for all residents and staff. Corbett personally shook each participant’s hand following the yoga session, which brought a lot of smiles.

At 10:30 a.m., everyone played Heart Smart Bingo.

At 2 p.m., fresh fruit smoothies were prepared by administrative staff for all the residents, staff and guests.

A heart healthy lunch was prepared by out kitchen for all to enjoy Everyone was invited to dress in red for the day and participate in the hidden heart game where lucky winners

received heart healthy treats.

Rae-Ann Geneva annually participates in the National Go Red for Women as a kick off of the annual Heart Walk that is held in the fall.

Rae-Ann Geneva applies for the Fit Friendly Company Program with the American Heart Association and hopes to receive their level of recognition within the next few weeks. As a Fit Friendly Company you provide walking paths for your staff, healthy meal options, monthly sneaker days just to mention a few of the requirements. Rae-Ann Geneva feels very strongly in Heart Health and Awareness and in providing a healthy working environment for it’s staff along with living environment for residents.

Events are coordinated by Beth Cheney, Admissions/ Marketing Coordinator for Rae-Ann Geneva Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

HICKERSON Hickerson said he was not used to a normal family life and found himself picking on his half-brother and eventually saying hateful words toward his stepmother. It was then that his father gave him a choice of staying with him and shaping up or leaving.

“He said if you can’t respect my life, then you have to leave,” Hickerson said.

“He was giving me a choice.

He wasn’t kicking me out.”

Hickerson said he was bullheaded at the time and decided to take his things and rent an extra room at a friend’s house during his teenage years and washed dishes at $4 an hour to pay his way.

“I made my own life harder at that point,” Hickerson said.

Through it all, Hickerson said he kept gaining weight, but he tried to put on a persona of a happy go lucky guy.

“I didn’t see anything wrong with the weight because I was comfortable with who I was. I loved myself, but I wasn’t ever really happy,” Hickerson said.

After high school was when Hickerson found his love of music.

“I started going to Nashville, and I started telling everyone I was going to make it,” Hickerson said.

Hickerson said he encountered many obstacles of people telling him he was not good enough.

“I was always told I would never make it as a singer/songwriter and an entertainer because I was too fat,” Hickerson said. “I didn’t fit the mold, and people told me that I wasn’t

From page 1A

ASHTABULA - Chris Raab and Jeremy Shank have been working on an art show entitled Primal Focus, which will be featured this Saturday and Sunday at The Hang Suite in Ashtabula.

“It’s going to be painting and photography, but most of it will be paintings,” Raab said.

Raab and Shank feel Ashtabula is ready for such a show and have been working on pieces to fit the show’s theme of the elements.

“We wanted to bring a little art to Ashtabula, so we set out to find a venue,” Raab said.

Raab and Shank were not sure when they first envisioned the show what local venue would take interest, and they were happy to find a supporter in The Hang Suite, located 4137 Main Avenue in downtown Ashtabula.

“We just went looking for a space about January, and The Hang Suite ended up taking us in,” Raab said.

Since the booking of the show, Raab and Shank have been working hard on creating the concept of the show.

“The art that we are selling are previous pieces we felt would fit in well and pieces that we have been working on since we came up with the art show’s concept of earth, air, water, fire and energy,” Raab said.

There will be a $2 fee at the door and admission is good for

JCRC to offer résumé writing service

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Community and Recreation Center is adding yet another service to its programs at the facility, located at 11 E. Jefferson St. in the Village of Jefferson.

Senior Coordinator Christina Blair announced that the community center is now offering a résumé writing service to residents.

“In these tough economic times, when jobs are hard to come by and even harder to secure that second interview, an effective résumé is most important,” Blair said. “An effective résumé can be the difference between a job and finding a career.”

The cost is $20 per résumé, and residents can set up an Vencent Hickerson stands in front of an old picture of himself when he use to weigh appointment with Blair to reinvent their work history in a 426 before becoming a contestant on the Biggest Loser and losing the weight. way that grabs attention to good enough, that I wasn’t ter being told he would nothing to do with my real their best professional assets.

The résumé will be pregood looking enough.” never be cast in a lead role issue,” Hickerson said. “I Hickerson finally got a and would only be consid- started facing those things, pared by an experienced manpublishing deal, which ered for the comedy relief. and as I started forgiving, ager in sales and customer eventually led to joining Hickerson decided he that’s when I started losing service who graduated with the band, Trailer Choir. The would have one last hurrah the weight.”Hickerson said band opened for Toby Keith before losing weight as Su- in the end, everyone has isand Sugarland per Bowl Sunday came. But sues they have to face.

“I always believed in my instead of ending up at a Whether it comes out in exheart that I was worth party, Hickerson ended up tra weight or in uncon- really getting worn and tatsomething,” Hickerson in the hospital, thinking he trolled emotions, Hickerson tered. At almost every perforsaid. “I hope to bring that had a hernia. said everyone has to know mance, repairs need to be to other people; to show “The doctors told me, themselves in order to made due to seats of pants ripthem that you have to know you have something way achieve real happiness and ping out, buttons falling off, that you’re good enough in worse than a hernia,” success. etc. It’s definitely time for new your heart and go out and Hickerson said.

“We’re all the same be- ones. GAMBA (Geneva Area get it.”

Hickerson was diag- cause you’re either climb- Music Boosters Association) Once Trailer Choir noses with Cellulitis, which ing a mountain, you’re has about two thirds of the started taking off, is an infection that came headed for a mountain or money raised that it will need Hickerson felt he was on from an undiagnosed case you just finished climbing to purchase new uniforms, but top of the world and even of Type 2 Diabetes. the mountain,” Hickerson a group of us have started a started auditioning for It was from that diagno- said. “We all have those campaign to speed up the promovies. sis that Hickerson got a things we have to face.” cess and help raise the rest of “Everything was a feast chance to appear on The the cost,” Varckette continued. and everyday was a holiday Biggest Loser, where he Sadie Portman, reporter “Our children are in band and for me,” Hickerson said. lost more than 250 pounds. for the Gazette, may be many of us have younger chilHickerson decided he “I was carrying around reached at sportman@ dren who will also be a part of was going to lose weight af- so much weight, and it had gazettenews.com.

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both days. H’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided, including wine.

As a bonus, those who attend will also be able to see the creation of art live.

“The show will also feature two live paintings that we will be working on both Saturday and Sunday,” Raab said. “A painting will be completed each day.”

At the end of each day, the completed live painting will be auctioned off.

“We are going to auction off the live paintings as they are completed on Saturday and the last one on Sunday,” Raab said.

Raab is not sure exactly what he will be painting live but said he will see how the room feels before starting his piece.

“I am not sure what we are going to paint just yet,” Raab said. “It’s going to come with the feel of the room and we may go and talk with the people.”

Raab and Shank would like to see more art featured in the city and hope their show will be the first of many.

“The money raised is just going to go back to other art endeavors in the city,” Raab said.

The Primal Focus Art Show will begin at noon on both days and end at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday.

You can check out both Raab’s and Shank’s work at their websites, www.artistic neurosis.com and www. jeremyshank.com.

the highest English literature grade in her graduating class.

She also has prepared résumés for federal government and civilian positions.

Blair said the average meeting will last between 30-45 minutes, and she will help residents gain the knowledge necessary to be the right candidate for the job they desire.

Blair will sit down with the job seekers and discuss their work history, their skills and their experiences. Using that information, Blair will prepare a résumé specific to the job the job seeker is interested in applying for.

Residents also will receive help learning the key ingredients for a successful job interview.

After the meeting, the résumé will be ready to pick up in 48 hours or less, Blair said.

To schedule an appointment, call the Jefferson Community Center at 576-9052.

Appointments are offered from 2-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

From page 1A are always out in the community performing where they can. It will be nice if they can look their best while proudly wearing new uniforms.”

According to Varckette, Give a Uniform/Get a Uniform fundraiser organizers are turning to alumni, concerned citizens, and area businesses for help; asking patrons to purchase new uniform hats, coats, pants or whole uniforms.

“In return, the uniform piece/pieces that they purchase will have a patch permanently sewn in the inside back of the pants or jackets, or affixed to the inside top of a hat recognizing the person/business who donated it and indicating who it was purchased in honor or memory of,” explained Varckette.

A receipt will be provided for each purchase, and patrons will also be offered pieces of the old uniform they are replacing as memorabilia.

“People have had pillows made out of old pants or jackets as a memento for a small fee,” Varckette said.

Varckette explained that patrons who help with the Give a Uniform/Get a Uniform Fundraiser will be publically recognized in event programs and other media the year the uniforms are purchased.

“We can’t set an order date now, but we hope this will happen in the next couple of years,” Varckette said. “It will depend upon how generous the alumni, citizens, and businesses are.”

The costs to purchase uniform pieces are: Hat - $55.00, Coat - $205.00, Pants - $120.00, or a whole uniform - $360.00.

For information or to participate in the Give a Uniform/Get a Uniform fundraiser, please contact Tonia (Brown) Varckette at (440) 466-7220.

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A

GHS students wear hearts on their sleeves for Chardon

PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS

Arms linked and wearing their support, GHS students show their solidarity and offer solace to Chardon. (Back from left) Katie Beacom, Aaron Row, Geneva EAGLE Travis Blake , Haley Collis and Gabe McLeod. In front are Mandi Galloway, Leah Hassett and Mollie Kikel.

T-Shirts that send a message of school pride or support for a cause make a statement, but when Geneva High School students began wearing the same red and black shirt to show their collective support for Chardon,

the statement became a proclamation straight from the heart.

GHS sophomore Aaron Row, with the help of classmate Saydi Saba, designed a unique tee emblazoned with the words “Geneva

Cares, Chardon! Peace.

Friendship. Love. Together.

Stay Strong.”

The shirt is being sold at GHS with all proceeds directed to the United Way fund established for Chardon.

Upcoming Geneva Community Events • March 19 - Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Dinner, at VFW Post #6846, 76 Depot St. Social 6:30 p.m., dinner 7 p.m. Cost $25, sponsor NHS student for $20. Speaker Casey Kozlowski, State Representative 99th House District. Reservations, call 466-8694.

12 and under $5. Fish, scrimp, and chicken.

• March 27, Memorial Service for Chardon High School at Rae Ann Geneva, 839 W. Main St., Geneva. At 7:30 a.m..

Baked goods, ribbons, and flowers will be sold. Proceeds to benefit Chardon Angels of Hope Memorial Fund. Please show support by wearing “Forever Chardon” shirts or any red shirt. FMI, call 466-5733

• March 16-17, Geneva Public Library Used Book Sale, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. FMI, call 466-4521.

• April 1, 15th Annual Geneva Area Chamber Chinese Auction, at Geneva High School, tickets $5 per person. Starting 1 p.m., drawing 2:30 p.m. Grand Prize and 50/50 tickets at event. For donations and tickets, call 466-8694.

• March 23, and April 6, Harpersfield Fire Department Lenton Fish Fry, 5-7 p.m., at Harpersfield Community Center, CorkCold Springs Road. Dine in or carry out.

Adults $9, senior citizens $8, and children

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Hospice celebrates 30 years in Ashtabula

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA – Hospice of the Western Reserve is celebrating a momentous milestone in Ashtabula County, as the organization has served the county for 30 years this year and was awarded a resolution at the Ashtabula City Council meeting last week.

“Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for the last 30 years there have been the angels of Hospice of Ashtabula County and the Western Reserve watching over the citizens of this community,” Ashtabula City Council President J.P. Ducro IV said.

Hospice of the Western Reserve of Ashtabula County is located in the City of Ashtabula at 1166 Lake Ave. Although Hospice has become a household name in the United States, it was founded in the United Kingdom and was brought to the U.S. in 1971.

“The modern Hospice movement is attributed to Miss Ciceley Saunders, a nurse, social worker and physician who in 1967 founded Saint Christopher’s Hospice in England,” Ducro said.

Hospice quickly started expanded throughout the nation as a go to for end-oflife care.

“Hospice of the Western Reserve has been dedicated to providing excellent Hospice services to patients and families in northeast Ohio since 1978, and through the vision and efforts many community individuals and organizations, Hospice of Ashtabula County opened in 1982,” Ducro said.

In 1990, the Hospice of Ashtabula County received a Best in the County award for its excellent healthcare.

“In 1992, with the support of the Ashtabula Foundation and donations from thousands of county residents, the Hospice inpatient unit opened at Ashtabula County Medical Center,” Ducro said.

In 2003, Hospice of Ashtabula County joined with Hospice of the Western Reserve to become the Hospice of the Western Reserve

Meet Your Neighbor

Mary Pepperney hugs J.P. Ducro, who had his own personal experience with Hospice during his father’s passing. of Ashtabula County.

“Per day, an average of 135 patients and their families are served by 62 employees and 140 active volunteers,” Ducro said.

Mary Pepperney, community facilitation coordinator of the Hospice of the Western Reserve of Ashtabula County, was presented the resolution.

“I would like to thank you all for this wonderful recognition, and I would like to accept it on behalf of all the people who over the years have been in support of Hospice of the Western Reserve of Ashtabula County,” Pepperney said.

Pepeprney said Hospice has grown through the years and has had many people come through its doors willing to help.

“There are some of them who are no longer with us, but they had the vision and the courage and the compassion to provide this program and these services for our community,” Pepperney said. “We have tried to be faithful with their vision that they have entrusted upon us.”

Pepperney looks to the future of Hospice and is pleased to think they have aided patients and their families for 30 years in Ashtabula County.

“I hope we can continue for another 30, 40 or 50 years,” Pepperney said.

Pepperney said the orga-

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN

Mary Pepperney is the community facilitation coordinator of the Hospice of the Western Reserve of Ashtabula County. Hospice is celebrating 30 years of service to Ashtabula. nization could not have stayed afloat without the constant support of the Ashtabula community.

“I think this community should be very proud of all the support they have given us,” Pepperney said.

Ducro had his own experience with Hospice with his own father ’s passing and had nothing but kind words for the organization.

“We very much appreciate all 30 years of comfort and care,” Ducro said. “We are so blessed to have you nearby.”

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

8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

Lakeside High School band performs for seniors

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

is something they recognized from the very beginning and that many audience memSAYBROOK TOWNSHIP bers know as well.

“You probably have heard - The Lakeside High School band held its Senior to Se- this song somewhere along nior concert last Monday. the way as it was popular,” The band honored all the Tredent said.

Two of the Lakeside High senior members in the band and choirs, as well as invited School bands performed, the grandparents and other lo- concert band and the symcal seniors to enjoy a mati- phonic band.

“The difference between nee concert.

“We are very happy you the two bands if you’re not could come out and support sure is that the concert band us,” Jospeh Tredent, the is primarily comprised of Lakeside band director, said. freshmen and sophomores Tredent chose pieces that and our symphonic band is were both recognizable, such primarily upper classmen,” as Coldplay’s song “Clocks,” Tredent said.

Tredent says the symand others that held special meaning, like “Ceremony, phonic band is his elite Chant and Ritual” by members.

“Our symphonic band is Shaffer.

“Shaffer is a former high an audition group so there school band director from are some sophomores and the Columbus, Ohio area. He there are even some freshteaches now at Ohio State,” men in our group this year,” Tredent said. “He’s written Tredent said.

Sadie Portman, reporter a lot of pieces for the band.”

Tredent said it was nice for the Gazette, may be for the band to perform a reached at sportman@gazette piece like “Clocks” because it news.com.

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN

Joseph Tredent, the Lakeside High School band director, introduces the concert band to those who attended the Senior to Senior concert last Monday.

The percussion section of the Lakeside High School concert band begins the song “Clocks” by Coldplay.

The Lakeside High School symphonic band members perform for their grandparents and other area senior citizens.

The symphonic band’s flute section performs the song “Peace Jubilee” by Carl King.

Joseph Tredent has his concert band take a bow as he prepares for the symphonic band to play its pieces.

Lakeside High School students sit with their grandparents who were invited to a matinee concert.

The concert band’s brass section prepares to perform Coldplay’s “Clocks.”

The Lakeside High School concert band performed three pieces last week for the local senior citizens of the area.

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A

LJHS students show support for CHS

Lakeside Junior High students and staff extend our sympathy and support to Chardon High School by wearing red and black to school. Pictured left to right: Jade Fobes, Erika van’Veer, Solisha Holley, Ashley Stoneman, Sarah Morehouse, Lindsey Shahan, LJH staff dresses in red and black to support Chardon H.S. Alexis Riker, Aryn Cochran, Kristin Keasling, Alycia Figueroa and Sierra Hall.

Council approves second reading for purchases

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

“The revised ordinance to purchase a new shuttle bus for the seniors and JEFFERSON - Community Center reJefferson Village Council flects the addition of the passed the second readings wheelchair lift, as reto purchase a new vehicle quested by council,” Finger and a new piece of equip- said in his report. ment during its meeting on The price for the van Monday, March 5. with the lift is $50,165.

First, council passed the “By purchasing through second reading of an ordi- the state program, we will nance authorizing not have to seek our own Jefferson Village Adminis- bids,” Finger said. trator Terry Finger to enBy using the state proter into a contract with gram, the village also is Leader Machinery Com- getting the best price pospany LTD for the purchase sible for the purchases. of a Duraco DuraPatcher, Council will pass a third model 125DJT. reading for each ordinance Council will purchase before they become official. the Duraco DuraPatcher During the citizens’ porpursuant to the Ohio De- tion of the meeting, a resipartment of Administra- dent asked council how the tive Services Cooperative village can pay for these Purchasing Program, at a purchases and some of the cost not to exceed $62,000. other recent purchases.

The DuraPatcher is maCouncil members, Finchinery used for road re- ger and Mayor Judy pair. Instead of men with Maloney said the village is shovels, tampers and hot using the income-tax mix, the DuraPatcher sys- money the village received tem cleans the area, ap- from having the $99 milplies a tack coat, sprays lion Mega Millions lottery the emulsion/aggregate ticket winner sold at a mix into the pothole with Speedway gas station in sufficient force to compact Jefferson last summer. the material as it is apSome of that money is plied and then follows with being used for the senior dry aggregate to prevent van and for part of the lifting. downpayment on the new At a previous meeting, fire truck, Finger said.

Finger said villages simiCouncilor Rick Hoyson lar to Jefferson typically said the goal was to use the see the machine pay for it- money on one-time exself in about a year. He penses, since the village said he has seen the ma- will only get the money one chine demonstrated before time. and was impressed.

I n o th e r Communit y Council also passed the Center news, Finger said second reading of an ordi- the Street Department nance authorizing Finger constructed a new storage to enter into a contract area in the back of the with Tesco for the purchase Community Center to enof a light transit, wide- able the police department body vehicle. to move items currently in The van would be used storage to another area of for the Jefferson Commu- the Community Center. nity and Recreation Cen“By the police moving ter, including the senior within the building, the center. current storage area can be Originally the village opened up to allow the free was considering purchas- weight area to expand,” ing a van without the Finger said. wheelchair lift, but after some concerns from counStefanie Wessell, senior cil members, the village editor for Gazette Newspawill now get the van with pers, may be reached at the lift. swessell@gazettenews.com.

Spaghetti dinner creates scholarship ‘Pastabilities’ for college-bound A-Tech students

BY JAN PERALA A-Tech JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - Nearly 700 diners gathered at Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus (A-Tech) to reconnect with fellow alumni, neighbors and friends, to twirl up spaghetti and sample confections from an elaborate bake sale at the school’s annual Spaghetti for Scholarships dinner on March 1. Funds raised by the Spaghetti Dinner will be directed to the school’s scholarship fund.

“We try to attend all the A-Tech dinners,” said Geneva resident Sue Roe. “The food is always delicious and abundant, and it’s fun to see the students participating in all areas of their culinary training.

The dinners are always very affordable, and we understand the money made from the dinners goes toward scholarships for the students. Also, the students bake and sell cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, breakfast pastries, etc., at the dinners, so it’s nice to be able to purchase baked goods to take home. We

love to go to the A-Tech dinners and support the school!”

According to A-Tech Instructional Coordinator

Brian Kimmel, funds raised by last year ’s Spaghetti Dinner and Holiday Dinner provided scholarships for seven A-Tech

graduates bound for advanced education.

Rebekah Daniels, a 2011 g r a d u a t e a n d A - Te c h Scholarship receipient, is now studying Veterinary Technology at The Bradford School.

“The scholarship I received from A-Tech helped with my college costs,” Daniels said. “Thanks to ATech, I am on the way to b ecoming a Veterina ry Technician.”

Rebekah Daniels – Health Care Academy Carrie Douglas Health Care Academy Stephanie LeVesque – Early Childhood Education Caitlin Ketterman – Culinary Arts Justin Eldred – Power Equipment Technology The confections were mesmerizing at the bake sale offered by A-Tech culinary arts Christin Zermeno students concurrently with the school’s annual spaghetti dinner. Here, Pat Reuschling (left) of Jefferson is faced with the sticky decision of which piece of carrot cake to Health Care Academy indulge in. A-Tech pastry chefs Missy Short and Brianna Knapp baked the cake.

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Sue and Mike Roe of Geneva have perfected the art of spaghetti twirling through years of dining at A-Tech’s scholarship benefit dinners. A-Tech’s annual spaghetti dinner raises funds for scholarships for deserving A-Tech students. With Mr. and Mrs. Roe is A-Tech culinary arts student Juliann Hawes.

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10A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

Special Easter Musical Presentation to be held at Faith Freedom Fellowship GENEVA - Companions of the Lamb will be presenting a special musical program “God’s Gift of Love” with Pastor Karen and Jack Bales and Dana and Jay Skaggs on 6 p.m. March 18 at Faith Freedom Fellowship, located at 205 West Liberty Street, Geneva, Ohio.

Pastor Karen Bales is the pastor of Bread of Life Ministries – meeting temporarily at 3300 Carpenter Road in Ashtabula. Karen writes her own music that the Lord inspires her with: songs of worship, life, love, salvation, soaking in God’s presence and more.

The Companions of the Lamb desire is to lead God’s people into His very throne room to worship at His feet.

People with hearts desiring to have an intimate relationship with the Lord, will enjoy this musical presentation of the life of Jesus.

Pastor Karen said, “Ev-

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jack and Karen Bales ery person has been created to know, to love and to serve the Lord God with their whole being. Jesus told the woman at the well that God is looking for a people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. What an opportunity we miss when we allow the things of the world to become so entangled with our lives that we do not give to God the glory, the honor and the worship that is due only to Him.”

The Vision of Companions of the Lamb is to allow God’s agenda to be their agenda while they continue to work in the anointing power of His Holy Spirit seeing the multitudes healed in their spirit, soul and body; to see people’s lives change as they are taught to make application of the Word of God which gives them a new hope; to encourage every man, woman and child to seek the will of God for their life and walk in it; to see the church worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

They believe that the people of God need to really understand who Christ is in them and who they are in Christ. Every Christian needs to know the importance of an intimate, one on one, relationship with God. After all, He, Himself, called the believer His friends. He has promised believers that He would never leave them nor forsake them and to stick

closer than a brother. He has promised to be the Father to the fatherless and a husband to the widow. What a shame it is that many do not understand the actual closeness of strong family ties to relate the love of God to.

Pastor Karen said, “How spectacular it really is to be a part of the family of God, to have the inheritance of heaven, God is so good to us.

May we begin to have a life of pure worship before Him from this day forward.”

Pastors Ray and Edith encourage the public to attend – especially if they have family members that need salvation or if they need a miracle from God. “We are excited to share with the city of Geneva and Ashtabula County the marvelous ways God is working, setting people free,” they said.

A love offering will be taken.

Jefferson UMC to celebrate opening of new wing The Jefferson United Methodist Church has added on with a new administrative and educational wing and will be celebrating with a community open house on Sunday from 1-3 p.m.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The students who attend the church’s Sunday school classes, along with the teachers, are excited to have more room in their classrooms. The educational wing has separate classrooms for each grade level from pre-kindergarten all the way up to the high school.

A full Sunday scheduled for Jefferson United Methodist Church

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

work they have accomplished both overseas and in the states.

The church is also excited to feature one of their mission teams during its 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.

The mission team completed a two-week trip to Uganda, Africa. A member of the church who works full time in Uganda, Emily Locy, will also be speaking about her experiences.

“The main mission is to work with former child soldiers, and there are also children living on the streets which they help out,” Cramer said.

Uganda has been experiencing guerrilla warfare since 1987 under the Lord’s Resistance Army.

According to United Nations statistics, the youngest children being recruited for guerrilla warfare is seven years old. The number of children internationally under the age of 18 who have been taken for non-governmental warfare is about 300,000.

The team will speak at the end of both services, and Cramer said it is sure to be interesting to hear about their trip.

“We have many ties with the Uganda missions, and we are excited to hear them talk,” Cramer said.

For more information on the community open house or the Uganda talks, contact the church at (440) 576-4561.

JEFFERSON - The Jefferson United Methodist Church is celebrating with the local community the official opening of its administrative and educational wing.

“It’s an educational and administrative wing to our church,” Pat Cramer, the church’s administrative assistant, said. “The building now has classrooms for each grade level from prekindergarten all the up to high school.”

The appreciation ceremony will be held in the sanctuary at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday and a celebration with games, prizes and refreshments, among other activities, will be held.

“It’s been in the planning for quite a while, and it was great to see it finally opened on Dec. 18 of last year,” Cramer said.

Before the new addition was added on, the church’s Sunday School classes were held in the church basement, which was very limiting.

Cramer said they are looking forward to showing the community the new facility and sharing with them the joy of having a much bigger space.

“It’s very exciting, and the children and teachers are very excited to have the proper equipment and space for teaching and learning,” Cramer said.

The open house will also feature a community outSadie Portman, reporter reach fair, as well as a ministries and missions fair for the Gazette, may be that will feature several reached at sportman@ mission groups and the gazettenews.com.

Church Directory ASSEMBLY OF GOD First Assembly of God 2300 Austinburg Rd., 275-7720 Pastors Don and Debra Hammer 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Faith Community A/G Church 5835 Route 166, Rock Creek, 474-1851 Sen Pastor: Rev. Brian L. Wright Sr. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday Services

First Grace Gospel Church 5730 Adams Ave., Ashtabula 997-8191 David Adams, pastor 9:30 a.m. Sun. School, Informal Service 10:45 a.m. Bible Hour 7 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Time

West Avenue Church of Christ 5901 West Ave., Ashtabula 992-0737 Michael D. Williams, Minister 9:30 a.m. BIble Class 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Worship

CATHOLIC

Austinburg First United Church of Christ Rts 45 & 307, Austinburg, 275-5125 Rev. Allison Milligan, Pastor, 275-1129 (Pastor’s Office) 11 a.m. Worship and Sunday School www.austinburgucc.org

Assumption Church 594 West Main, Geneva, 466-3427 Father Melvin Rusnak 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday Mass

New Life Assembly of God 1961 La Fever Rd., Geneva Pastor Harry Pishcura, 466-6093 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday Services

Sacred Heart Catholic Church 3049 St. Rt. 45, Rock Creek, 563-3010 Pastor, Rev. David Weikart Mass times: 6 p.m. Sat 11 a.m. Sun (Sept. - May) BAPTIST 8 a.m. Sun (June-Aug.) Central Missionary Baptist Church 12 Noon Wed &Fri 930 Clay Road, Dorset, 858-2460 Mother of Sorrows The Rev. Dave Chappell, Pastor 1464 W. 6th St., Ashtabula, 964-3277 10 a.m. Sun School Father Joseph Ruggieri 11:30 a.m. Worship 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass KIngsville First Baptist Church (Am.) 10 am Sun Mass (11:45 am Spanish) 8 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday Mass 6003 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville 224-1081 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church The Rev. David Hines 1200 E. 21st St., Ashtabula 9:30 Sunday School 998-4111 10:45 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Worship Father Joseph Ruggieri 5 p.m. Saturday Mass First Baptist Church (American) 4353 Park Ave., Ashtabula, 992-9836 8 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Mass 8 a.m. Wednesday Mass Rev. Doug Wright 9:30 a.m. Sunday School St. Andrews Church 10:45 a.m. Worship 3700 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville 224-0987 First Baptist Church of Jefferson Rev. Stephen M. Wassie 85 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson 9 a.m. Sunday Mass 576-1631 Rev. Jerry Bentley, Pastor St. Joseph Church 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 32 East Jefferson St., Jefferson 10:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 576-3651 Rev. Stephen M. Wassie First Baptist Church of Dorset 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday Mass 2471 Route 193 N., Dorset Sat. 4:30 p.m. Mass 858-9623 Ed Pickard, Pastor St. Joseph Church 10 a.m. Sunday School 3330 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 992-0330 11 a.m. Worship Service Father Philip Miller Fundamental Baptist Church (Ind.) 4 p.m. Saturday Mass 9 a.m. Sunday Mass 2219 Allen-Comp Rd., Dorset 8 a.m. Monday & Friday Mass 858-2609 Pastor Michael Allen St. Joseph Mission 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship Services - Our Lady of Miracles 4317 West Ave., Ashtabula Geneva Baptist Church - SBC 997-7121 903 West Main St., 466-1481 Father Philip Miller Pastor Richard L. Thompson 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship Services St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church Lighthouse Baptist Church 1104 E. 15th St., Ashtabula 2929 Carpenter Rd., 964-0222 964-3536 Senior Pastor John Jones 10, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Worship Father Andrew Gretchko 4:30 p.m. Divine Litergy People’s Baptist Church CHRISTIAN CHURCH 3837 West Ave., Ashtabula 992-9582 First Christian Church Rev. Louis F. Grandberry 6920 Austinburg Rd., Ashtabula 11:00 Morning Service 993-7056 Rev. Richard L. Well The United Church 9 a.m. Contemp Service & Sunday 75 South Broadway, Geneva School 466-2824 10:30 a.m. Traditional Service Pastor Bob Cunningham 11:00 a.m. Worship CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY ALLIANCES BIBLE Bethel Bible Church 877 E. Beech, Jefferson, 576-5949 Pasot Joseph Laing Sundays at Jefferson Comm. Center, 11 E. Jefferson Street 9 a.m. Bible School, 10 a.m. Worship Eagleville Bible Church 1981 Rt. 45 North, Rock Creek 563-3407 www.eaglevilleonline.com Pastors Bill McMinn, Chris Christian and Josh Wood 8:30; 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship Fellowship Bible Church EVCA 417 West 46th, Ashtabula, 992-2500 Pastor Ed Christian, Pastor Duke DiPofi 9:15 Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

First Congregational United Church of Christ 41 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson 576-4531 Pastor James E. Brehler Sunday Worship at 10 a.m.

Unionville United Church of Christ 6870 S. Ridge Rd., 428-2235 On Rt. 84 east of County Line Rd. Rev. Robert Cunningham 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship Unionville United Church 6970 S. Ridge Rd., Unionville 466-2824 Pastor Bob Cunningham 9:30 a.m. Worship CHURCH OF GOD Ashtabula Church of God 2244 Harbor Ave., 997-3410 Rev. Jay Rock 10 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. worship Church of God in Christ 3417 Hiawatha Ave., Ashtabula 997-3922 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Ceremony & Worship Jefferson Church of God 2701 St. Rt. 46, Jefferson, 992-6267 Rev. Leon J. Alexander 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship EPISCOPAL Christ Episcopal Church 65 S. Eagle St., Geneva, 466-3706 10:30 a.m. Worship Holy Cross Charismatic Episcopal Church 341 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-8089 Pastor Nicholas Rizzo 10 a.m. Adult BIble Study 10:30 a.m. Worship St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 4901 Main Ave., Ashtabula, 992-8100 Rev. David Evans, Interim Pastor 8 & 10 a.m. Sunday Worship INDEPENDENT

LUTHERAN Bethany Lutheran Church 933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula 964-3157 Pastor Larry Mackey 10:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 Sunday School Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church-LCMS 4896 N. Ridge W. Ashtabula 466-4554 10:30 a.m. Worship & Children’s Church Faith Lutheran Church-ELCA 504 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9087 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Worship Messiah Lutheran Church - ELCA 615 Prospect Rd., Ashtabula 992-9392 Rev. Dr. Michael Meranda 5 p.m. Saturday Holy Communion 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday Holy Communion 9:45 a.m. Adult Forum 11 a.m. Sunday School St. John’s Lutheran Church - LCMS P.O. Box 500, Geneva, 466-2473 9:30 a.m. Sun. School & Adult Bible Class 10:30 a.m Service St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 89 East Satin St., Jefferson, 576-4671 Rev. Fred Grimm 8 & 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School Zion Lutheran Church - LCMS 2310 W. 9th St., Ashtabula, 964-9483 Pastor Mark Berg 9:15 a.m. Bible Class 10:30 a.m. Worship 10:45 Children’s Church METHODIST Ashtabula First United Methodist Church 4506 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, 993-3806 Rev. John M. Germaine, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. Sunday Worship (10:45 in winter) Bulah Calvary United Methodist 2070 Route 193 N., Jefferson 858-2651 Pastor Aletta Burkholder 10 a.m. Sunday School 11:15 a.m. worship Dorset United Methodist Church 2800 St. Rt. 193, 858-2831 Rev. David Miller, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship Gageville United Methodist Church 4063 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville, 224-0165 Rev. David L. Blood, pastor 11 a.m. Worship

Saybrook United Methodist Church 7900 South Depot Rd., Ashtabula 969-1562 Rev. Jeff Stoll 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Worship Services South Harpersfield United Methodist Church 5524 Cork-Cold Springs Rd., Geneva 466-4778 Pastor Shirley A Stoops-Frantz 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship MORMON Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 571 W. Seven Hills Rd., Ashtabula 993-3616 9:30 a.m. Sacrement 10:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Priesthood & Relief Society NAZARENE Ashtabula First Church of the Nazarene 1820 S. Ridge Rd W., Ashtabula 992-0246 Rev. Michael Legg 9-10 a.m. Sunday School 10:10 a.m. Morning Services Edgewood Church of the Nazarene 3025 N. Ridge E, Ashtabula, 997-5645 Pastor Kevin Ellis 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Geneva Church of the Nazarene 710 Centennial, Geneva, 466-4711 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Jefferson Church of the Nazarene 55 E. Satin St., Jefferson, 576-6556 Pastor Rodney Kincaid 8:30, 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Sunday School

Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Ashtabula County Ash Senior Citizens Center, 4632 Main St., Ashtabula, 964-5432 11 a.m. Service PENTECOSTAL Apostolic Faith Body of Jesus Christ of the Newborn Assemblies 772 Griggs Rd., Ashtabula 993-8339 Bishop Charles D. Keyes Sr. Faith Freedom Fellowship 205 West Liberty St., Geneva 466-8282 Pastors Raymond & Edith Baker 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Praise and Worship Grace Christian Assembly 906 Joseph Ave., Ashtabula 964-8592 Elder Gerome Sing 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Worship Pentecostal Community Church 5348 Peck Rd., New Lyme 576-0384 Pastor Scott C. Ardary 10 a.m. Sunday School/Worship 6 p.m. - 1st & 3rd Sun., Evening Service

NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH

East Side Presbyterian Church 3440 Edgewood Dr., Ashtabula 993-7546 Reverend S. Shane Nanney 9 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship

New Apostolic Church 2305 W. 19th St., Ashtabula The Rev. William McNutt 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 8 p.m. Wed Worship

The First Presbyterian Church 4317 Park Ave., Ashtabula 993-3731 Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Long, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sun. School 10:45 a.m. Worship

NONDENOMINATIONAL

Kingsville Presbyterian Church 3056 W. Main St., Kingsville 224-1023 Rev. Bonnie Habbersett 10 a.m. Worship and Sunday School

Alive Community Church 4527 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, 992-7684 Pastor Darren Gollon Fellowship 9:30 a.m., Service 10 a.m.

Bread of Life Ministries Ashtabula Plaza, 2257 Lake Ave. 998-BOLM Pastor Karen Bales, 858-9484 10 a.m. Sunday & 7 p.m Tuesday

North Kingsville Presbyterian Church 6546 Church St., Kingsville 224-1491 Ken Ayers, CLP, pastor 10:30 a.m. Worship

Breaking Thru at the Crossroads 3277 St. Rt. 167, Jefferson, 293-4421 Pastor Enos Ali, Co-Pastor Launa Ali 10-11 a.m. Sunday School 11-11:25 Sunday Brunch 11:30 Sunday Service

Pierpont Presbyterian Church 71 St. Rt. 7 S., Pierpont 577-1218 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship

Geneva First United Methodist Church 89 South Broadway, 466-2817 Rev. David & Rev. Suzanne Hill 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School

Park Street Christian Church 97 Park St., Geneva, 466-4601 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 7:30 p.m. Wed Bible Study

Harbor United Methodist Church 322 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9240 Rev. Sandra Dennis 9:30 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) 11 a.m.Worship

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Second Congregational Church of Christ 319 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9640 Rev. Peter Pritchard 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship

Jefferson United Methodist 125 East Jefferson St., Jefferson 576-4561 Pastor - Meredith Coleman 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Worship 9:40 a.m. Sunday School for all ages

Edgewood Alliance Church 3137 E. Center St., N. Kingsville 224-2111 Senior Pastor Gary Russell 9 a.m. Sunday School, 10 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Worship 6 p.m Wed. Bible Study

Geneva Church of Christ 1007 S. Broadway, Geneva, 4667689 9:20 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship

Well of Hope Chapel 4254 E. Center St., N. Kingsville 593-3159 The Rev. Tim Ranyak, pastor 10:45 a.m. Sunday Services

Leon United Methodist Church 3599 Stanhope-Kelloggsville Rd, Dorset Pastors Jason Hockran & Quincy Wheeler 10 a.m. Worship 11 a.m. Sunday school

Int. Gen. Assmbly Of Spiritualists 5403 S. Ridge W., Ashtabula 969-1724 Classes: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 11 a.m. worship - Guest speaker every Sun.

Rock Creek Church of Christ 2965 High St., Rock Creek 563-9528 9:30 a.m. Bible Study, all ages 10:30 a.m. Cont. Worship & Children’s Church

JEHOVAH’S WITNESS

Rock Creek Community United Methodist Church 3210 N. Main, 563-3291 Rev. David Miller, Pastor 9 a.m. Worship, 10:15 a.m. Sunday School

Lenox Federated Church 2610 Lenox-New Lyme Rd, Jefferson 576-9932 Pastor: Ken Zaebst 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Worship & Teaching

East Ashtabula Congregation 5614 Poplar Ave., 992-3637 10 a.m. Public Meeting & Watchtower

Open Door Community Church 5802 Cemetery Rd, Kingsville 224-2675 The Rev. Greg Evans, pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship

PRESBYTERIAN Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene 4841 St. Rt. 84, Kingsville, 224-1136 Pastor Jerry Webb 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship

Ashtabula Baptist Church 5909 Sheppard Rd., Ashtabula, 228-9423 Pastor Dan Evans 10:30 a.m. Worship Service

People’s Church 300 S. Ridge Rd. E., Geneva 466-2020 Rev. Jim Walker 10:45 a.m. Worship

The Peoples Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance 300 S Ridge E, Geneva, 466-2020 www.peopleschurchgeneva.com Pastor Rev. Alexander Zell 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship

Rome Presbyterian Route 45, Rome Township Mary Jo Foust, Commissioned Lay Pastor 11:10 a.m. Worship (May-Sept) Trinity Presbyterian Church 1342 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula 993-7111 Rev. Quincy Worthington 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Berean Seventh Day Adventist 874 Center St., Ashtabula 9928796 Pastor Gregory Jackson Sat. 9:30 a.m. Bible Study Sat. 11 a.m. Divine Worship

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

Religious Briefs

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 11A

Zonta Club celebrates 85th anniversary

March 16, 23, 30 Rock Creek: Fish/Shrimp Dinner The Sacred Heart Church located on Route 45, just north of Rock Creek, will hold its annual fish/shrimp dinners.

Adults are $8, children ages 4-10 are $4, and children under three are free. Carryouts available. Call for phone orders at 563-5255. Proceeds benefit our Adult Support Group.

March 18 Jefferson: Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner The St.Joseph Calasanctius, located at 32 E. Jefferson Street in Jefferson, will have a corned beef and cabbage dinner on 12:30-3 p.m. March 18 in the church hall. Menu: corned beef and cabbage, boiled potatoes, veggie, bread and butter and assorted desserts. Adults, $8; seniors, $7; and children, $4. (Child’s menu available). Take outs available!

March 25 Ashtabula: Omer String Quartet The Omer String Quartet, a student ensemble from the Cleveland Institute of Music, will perform a recital of classical music and popular songs at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in downtown Ashtabula, 4901 Main Ave., on Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public and will be followed by a free and open punch and cookie reception. Sponsored by the Fine Arts Concert Committee of the Church. FMI, phone the Church at 440-9928100.

March 25 Denmark Township: Easter Egg Hunt Bulah Calvary UMC, located at 2070 Route 193, will hold an Easter Egg Hunt. Come and join us for a lot of fun!

March 29 Saybrook: Free Community Dinner A free community dinner will be held on Thursday, March 29, 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 Saybrook Elementary School). All are welcome!

March 31 Jefferson: Community Children’s Easter Celebration First Baptist Church of Jefferson announces its annual “Community Children’s Easter Celebration” on Saturday, March 31, starting at 1 p.m. Children through sixth grade will also enjoy games, stories, prizes, crafts, balloons, cookies and punch. The public is welcome and there is no charge. The “Community Children’s Easter Celebration” will be held at First Baptist Church, 85 West Jefferson Street, Jefferson.

April 14 Saybrook: Luncheon Springtime in Saybrook! 1 p.m. April 14 at the Saybrook United Methodist Church, 7900 Depot Rd. Light luncheon, Mentor Follies dancers, door prizes, theme gift baskets sold

by Chinese auction. Tickets are $15. Only 128 tickets available. Call 440-969-1562, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for more info.

April 18 Ashtabula: Dinner Chicken and Dumpling or Swiss Steak dinner, including beverages and desserts. Also a craft sale. April 18 from 4-7 p.m. Adults $8, children $4. Carry outs available.

Sponsored by the Plymouth United Methodist Women Society of Plymouth United Methodist Church 970 Plymouth Rd. 970 Plymouth Rd. Ashtabula. For more info, call 9980260.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Zonta Club of Ashtabula recently gathered to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the club. The Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area was organized in January of 1927. Charter members included Jean Askew, Mary Miller Battles, Minerva Beardsley, Cora Clark, Anne Close, Verdi Wirth, Rachel David, Viola Duress Mary Hall, Anna Hubbard, Kate Laughlin, Ethel McDowell, Henrietta McKinsey, Annette Fitch Nelson, Forence Perry, Ella Pierce, Frances Richards, Treva Stanton, Mary Webb and Catherine Whipple.Zonta International is a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the

professions working together to advance the status of women.

Our local service projects help meet the needs of our community while furthering the mission of Zonta International. Annually we give scholarship awards to college students, support Homesafe, award volunteerism awards to one deserving high school senior and donate time and funds toward organizations who serve our mission.

For more details about the Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area, or if you would like membership information, send an email to zonta5ashtabula@yahoo.com.

Zonta to celebrate women at Champagne Luncheon Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area is preparing for its upcoming champagne luncheon, which will be held 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 24 at the Katherine Rose Banquet Center, located at 3116 N. Bend Rd. in Ashtabula.

The theme is “Springtime in Tuscany.” The event will feature flowing champagne and much much more. Come and enjoy a day just for women filled with a variety of entertainment, gifts to win, flowing champagne and a delicious lunch. The meal will be served by local men, including Jef f Tanchak and Chris SUBMITTED PHOTO VanVliet from Channel 19 Action News. Tickets are $25 each and reservations are needed by calling Stephanie Canzonetta (440) 536-4979. Pictured: back row, Candy Koss, Barb Oxley and Robin Bolender; and front row, Stephanie Canzonetta, chair, Elaine Swanson and Carol Johnson, co-chair.

Plan to Attend The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

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Jefferson Community Center 11 E. Jefferson Street, Jefferson, Ohio

Door Prizes and Refreshments FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Invite A Friend To Attend!

There will be tables with local businesses’ products and services on display. Vendor space is still available.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Janet Wolff 576-6940 ext. 5423, Rick Briggs 344-1749 or Rich Machczynsk 576-5421

440-998-0221 3110 N. Ridge Road W., Ashtabula, Ohio Open 8am-5pm Monday - Friday

12A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

March 23 marks 150th anniversary of the Battle of Kernstown

BY JIM BOOTH Special to Gazette Newspapers EDITOR’S NOTE: March 23 marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Kernstown. It was the opening battle in Confederate General Stonewall Jackson’s famous Shenandoah campaign and the only battle Jackson would lose. It is also the battle in which the 29th Ohio Infantry Regiment “saw the elephant,” or saw combat for the first time.

Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States on Nov. 6, 1860 with the support of 80 percent of the votes cast in Ashtabula County. A month later South Carolina left the Union and was later joined by 10 other states to form the Confederacy. In the spring of 1861, Confederate artillery fired on Fort Sumter, launching the Civil War. Then, 150 years ago this month, hundreds of men from Ashtabula County serving in the 29th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment saw the elephant.

On Sunday, March 23, 1862, Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson attacked Union infantry deployed near the small hamlet of Kernstown, Va., just south of Winchester.

That elephant was the battle that was brewing in which some of those Ohio boys would die. Years later, when Civil War veterans recalled “seeing the elephant,” they were referring to the day they saw combat for the first time.

At noon on March 23, Lt. Theron Winship of Conneaut realized, “We didn’t have much longer to wait. A messenger came and we were soon on the quick march for the scene of the strife.”

The 29th Ohio had left Jefferson on Christmas Day in 1861, nearly 1,000men strong with visions of glory marching before them. Three months later, they found themselves in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, part of a small army that had orders to drive Jackson’s Confederates from the valley.

The 29th Ohio was part of the 3rd Brigade of the Union Division of General James Shields.

“Ever ready, we were soon on the quick march for the scene,” Winship recalled in a letter written shortly after the Battle of Kernstown ended. “We had eight miles of extremely muddy roads to travel; but our men took the double quick and at a little past 3 o’clock were on the scene and drawn up in a line of battle.”

They halted, loaded their weapons, and then advanced still closer to the sounds of the battle. It wasn’t long before they halted again and waited.

J. Hamilton

SeCheverell, from Harpersfield, was a young drummer in the regiment and when he wrote a regiment history several years later, he remembered the waiting as a “vexatious delay.” Several undoubtedly worried that they might show the “white feather” or cowardice, yet they were doing their best not to show each other how scared they were. It was during this halt that the wait became agonizing. They were about to experience “the ultimate reason for being in the army, the ultimate test of combat, that terrifying maelstrom which changed everyone who experienced it,” explained military historian Philip Katcher.

Finally, the waiting ended.

“Down the Winchester Pike we went,” wrote a member of the 29th Ohio who identified himself only as “Seelye” in a letter that later appeared in the Ashtabula County Sentinel of Jefferson. “We came near where the cannon fire was coming from, yet we could not see the Rebel guns for they occupied an elevated and concealed position.

There, the brigade stood and waited while artillery fire cut into its ranks.”

Soon, according to Seelye’s memory, “with loaded muskets at a right shoulder shift,” the 29th Ohio “took to the double quick and yelling like tigers came upon the foe.”

“As we were descending a gentle slope of ground their infantry and artillery, concealed behind a stone wall, poured a volley of bullets and artillery rounds among us, mowing men down like grass,” Lt. Winship recalled in his letter. According to Seelye, “It seemed as if the balls whistled through every foot of air and struck in every yard of earth.”

“Many pressing invitations were given for eternity,” Seelye wrote, “yet the passing over Jordan was too sudden for the nerves and comparatively few invitations were accepted.”

The men of the 29th Ohio staggered forward while Confederate artillery filled the air with hissing shards of metal. Musket fire roared without letup. Officers yelled. Wounded men screamed in agony as minie balls shattered bone and ripped through flesh.

The men knew little of what was happening except for what they could see directly ahead of them and what they saw was a mixture of horror and confusion.

Corporal John Marsh of Company I of the 29th Ohio later explained, in a letter to his father, how wicked he became at Kernstown: “In the excitement of battle I could aim at them when only forty or fifty yards from me, as coolly as I ever did at a squirrel. But now it seems very much like

murder. They would throw up their hands and fall almost every time we would get a fair shot at them, and we would laugh at their motions and make jest at their misfortune. I can’t imagine now how we could do it. The fact is, in battle, man becomes a sinner and delights in the work of death. If his best friend falls at his side, he heeds it not, but presses on, eager to engage in the wholesale murder.”

“Keep cool, aim well,” shouted Captain William Fitch, commander of Company A, which had been recruited in Jefferson and Hartsgrove.

“Every moment I looked for the captain to fall, yet he did not,” Seelye wrote.

Lieutenant W.P. Williamson of Akron was not so fortunate. He was shot in the head and died immediately. He was hit while “waving his sword and cheering on his men,” Seelye said. Williamson was the first officer of the 29th Ohio to die in battle.

The fighting raged until nightfall when the Rebels began to show signs of giving way. Jackson’s troops were running out of ammunition. As darkness began to cover the battlefield, the Rebels began to fall back and the men of the 3rd Brigade dashed toward the stone wall, turning the Confederate withdrawal into a near rout. In their flight, Jackson’s men abandoned two artillery pieces.

“The whole line sprang forward, and with cheers sounding above the roar of the conflict, in the teeth of a murderous fire, we swept over the stone wall and at bayonet point drove the Rebels from their position,” SeCheverell recalled.

The Yankees who fought at Kernstown were “good soldiers, westerners mostly plus a few Pennsylvanians, and some regiments would eventually be listed with the best combat units in the Union Army,” Civil War historian Bruce Catton wrote.

“For the rest of the war Shields’ men bragged they were the only ones who had ever beaten Stonewall Jackson in an open fight.”

Corporal March, in his letter to his father, described the faces of the dead: “Some seemed to have died in the greatest agony; others wore a smile even in death.” The pitiful wails of the wounded, crying for water, mothers, wives, or sisters permeated the air around the Northerners to add more unpleasantness to their evening after the battle had ended.

The men of the 29th Ohio took pride in the way they stood up under fire at Kernstown. “Not an officer or private on the field showed the white feather,” the regiment’s chaplain, Russell Hurlburt, later wrote. “Our officers and soldiers all conducted themselves bravely. Suffice it to say that it was a very hard-

fought battle, and none of us are anxious that it should become necessary for us to be in as close quarters again.”

Private Thaddeus Simmons of Company A had a Rebel bullet “pass my face so close that it cut both my lips.”

After the battle Sergeant Thomas Henderson of Company I wrote a letter to his sister in West Andover. “We fought nearly three hours,” he told her.

“They left in haste,” he said of the enemy. “Jackson has the best fighting men that the South has and we drove them from the field. I stood in the hottest of it. They dropped on my right and left but still I stood firm till the last gun was fired. I escaped without a wound, but I got my pants cut just above the knee. I got lots of close calls, more than I want again.”

Sergeant Henderson had no idea the war would wear on for three more bloody years. “We all think we shall be home by the Fourth of July. I hope so, for our work is hard and our exposures are great.” His purpose for wearing the uniform remained strong, he said. He and his comrades were fighting for “the preservation of our country.

It is the duty of every person to send prayers to quell this evil which is spreading devastation throughout our land.”

Years after the guns of the Civil War were silent, a former private in the Stonewall Brigade remembered Kernstown as “one of the hardest little battles of the war.” In a letter to his wife, another of Jackson’s men admitted, “We had a severe fight today and were pretty badly whipped.” A Union officer who fought there remembered that, “the infantry fire was as heavy as it was at the battles at Antietam, Gettysburg, or the Wilderness.”

Five men of the 29th Ohio were killed, seven were wounded and two reported missing.

Jim Booth is a retired journalist and once served on the staff of the Gazette Publications. He is author of A Good and Holy Cause, a history of the 29th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was raised in the Western Reserve and rendezvoused in Jefferson in the late summer and fall of 1861. About half its members came from Ashtabula County. On Saturday, March 24, the Andover Public Library will host a Civil War program that will feature the 29th Ohio and Booth’s history. Proceeds of the sale of the book benefit the Ashtabula County Historical Society. The book may be purchased off the Society’s Website at www.ashtcohs.com or by contacting the author at jrbgeneva@yahoo.com and is available at Lofthouse Books in Ashtabula.

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Beautiful music at GHS

PHOTOS BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS

Grace Lillie and Ariel Stehura provded piano accompaniment for Geneva High School Thespians Spring Musical production Once on this Island last weekend.

Danny Miles and Christi Perko provided the drumbeat at GHS Thespians Spring Musical production Once on this Island last weekend. On stage is lead actress Megan Kern as Ti Moune.

Come meet Christ in the Passover Come meet Christ in the Passover on Thursday, March 22, at 6 p.m. at the Jefferson United Methodist Church, 125 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson.

More than 3,000 years ago, God commanded the Jewish people to celebrate the Passover. Jesus Himself celebrated this holiday every year. Today, millions of Jewish people around the world gather each spring for a Passover meal.

Stewart Weinisch, from Jews for Jesus, will be leading us through a Model Seder Meal. Jews for Jesus uses creative methods and contemporary issues to present the message that Jesus is the Messiah to Jewish people around the world. A Model Seder meal (the Passover) will be served. The symbolic meaning of each of the foods served will be explained by Mr. Weinisch. (The food served will be in small portions, not a filling “meal.” Its purpose is to each us about a Jewish Seder meal.)

Through this experience you’ll relive the drama of the Last Supper, discover the origin of Communion, experience the rich heritage of our Christian faith and gain a fuller understanding of Jewish evangelism.

Please make your reservation for the meal by calling the church office at 576-4561.

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WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

PLUNGE “We want to thank the students and staff in their support for this cause. Our Student Council and Senior Leadership Club were extra supportive. Ms. (Stacy) Hinkle and Mr. (Michael) Barney rallied the students,” Huber said.

The top two fund raisers were Jackie Pascsalko ($156) and Matt Posiadala ($200).

Patrick Martin provided entertainment before the plunge.

“Mr. Huber had me play the violin,” he explained.

“I guess he wanted to do something unique for our school.”

At the request of several plungers, Martin played the song “Nearer My God to Thee,” the song the orchestra was playing in the movie Titanic as the

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 13A

From page 1A ship sank. Then he played “Danny Boy.” Martin described the event as being a lot of fun.

“I wish I would’ve done it more than just this year,” he said. “It wasn’t too cold but the sand was freezing. We went out into the water all in a line and walked around to the rescue team. We gave them each a high-five as we passed.”

Brad Kobernik was one of the first in and out of the water.

“When I got there I was nervous and cold. I jumped in and got completely covered with water. Then my entire body went number because it was only 32 degrees. I got through the line as quickly as possible,” Kobernik said.

“There were plenty of

JAHS had over 35 participants in Saturday’s Polar Bear Plunge at Roaming Shores medical personnel to keep the jumpers safe,” Huber explained. “The community organizers, Chris

Plickert, and Shawn MorOther charities that ris, did an outstanding w i l l b e n e f i t f r o m t h e job. We are looking for- plunge are the Rock Creek ward to it next year.”

Area Community Center,

Conversation Station and Roaming Shores Breakfast with Santa.

Falcons rush into the water at Roaming Shores.

Falcons do swim, at least for a good cause.

EXPO

From page 1A

—Lia Sophia.

—Rae-Ann Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

—Fleming and Billman Funeral Directors.

—Bloomers Florist.

Business owners and staff also will have an opportunity to network during the event, as a special business-to-business networking portion of the event will be held from 23 p.m.

The Chamber also has a couple of other upcoming events, including the Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet, which will be

held Tuesday, March 27, at the Jefferson Community Center. Social hour will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner being served at 7 p.m.

During the dinner, several awards will be given out, including the Citizen of the Year and the Youth of the Year awards.

The Chamber also is making plans for its annual Easter Egg Hunt, to be held March 31 at the Jefferson Area High School.

Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at Cooper Cleveland, Kyle Dunford, Caitlin Sukalac, Jacob Dengg and Jon Hubler all swessell@gazettenews.com. participated in the Polar Bear Plunge

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14A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

News From Our Schools Falcon High

BY DOUG HLADEK Superintendent

Jefferson Area Local Schools Thanks to our community for renewing two permanent improvement levies in last week’s primary election. The district is grateful for the continued support received from our taxpayers to provide quality facilities and education for the district’s 1,960 students.

Similar to other county and Ohio school districts, there are serious funding challenges facing the Jefferson Area Local Schools next year with the decrease in state revenue and increased operating costs. The Board and administration are preparing expenditure reductions and considering funding options to maintain a balanced budget for next school year.

The district has reduced costs for the past several years through reduction of staff positions and other program cuts. Last year, twelve staff retirements reduced

the total number of positions in the district through attrition and prevented any layoff of current employees.

Again this year staff reductions, program adjustments, and other means will be needed to maintain costs.

Jefferson High School students are taking the Ohio Graduation Test this week.

Students must receive a passing score in all five sections in order to graduate.

Elementary students will take the Ohio Achievement Assessments the week of April 23.

The state tests measure students, schools, and districts on their proficiency in core curriculum subjects.

The scores provide information to parents about their child compared to students of the same grade level in Ohio. Also, test scores are used to compare and rank schools and districts for the state report card.

In April, the Jefferson Area Local Schools will have a regular review by the Ohio Department of Education for both our Special Education and Title I programs. The programs are funded with federal and state revenue for qualifying students. The review will rate our compliance to the regulations guiding each program.

Monday, the high school band presented an outstanding concert for parents and the community. The performance included musical selections to be played Friday night during the adjudicated contest at Warren Howland High School.

The Jefferson High School choir will host a dinner music theater at the Jefferson Nazarene Church on Friday, March 16, from 56 p.m. A spaghetti dinner is planned and tickets are

available at the door.

Last Saturday, students from Jefferson High School participated in a chilly Polar Bear Plunge at Roaming Shores. A total of $1,851 was collected by students to benefit the Jefferson Academic Booster organization. The Boosters promote academic achievement and provide recognition throughout the school year for students.

Several teachers joined in the frigid event.

The Falcon Follies are practicing for their annual presentation at Jefferson Area High School. It will be another outstanding event that everyone should see.

Plan to attend a show in the school auditorium on March 22, 23, or 24 at 7 p.m.

Thank you for supporting our schools. Check the district website calendar or watch for announcements about our activities at www.jefferson.k12.oh.us, or visit your schools. For more information about your schools, contact me at the Board of Education office (576-9180).

Kindergarten registration to be held for Jefferson Area Local Schools Kindergarten children must be five years of age on or before Sept. 30, 2012

5 DTAP, 4 IPV, 2MMR, 3 Hepatitis B, 2 Chicken Pox (Complete Immunization Record is required at the time of registration.)

3.

Proof of Residency Bring your most recent electric or other utility bill – must have your name, address and date on it. (If you are living with a relative or friend, bring their most Registration and screening will be by appointment recent electric or other utility bill – must have their only at: name, address, and date on it.)

• Jefferson Elementary School 4.

Legal document showing proof of custody if a Tuesday, April 17, 2012 and Wednesday, April 18, divorce or separation is involved.

2012 Developmental Screening: • Rock Creek Elementary School A series of tests will be given to your child. The arThursday, April 19, 2012 eas screened will be: Language Arts, Math, and Speech/ Make your appointment by calling your school office Language. The screening program will not exclude any from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Monday, March 19, children from school that are of legal age. However, it through Friday, March 30. will help parents make informed decisions about their Important: During this call, please be prepared to child’s school career. Allow approximately 45-60 mingive your child’s full name, mailing and street address, utes for your appointment. home phone number, cell phone number, date of birth, Additional Services: and the names and work phone numbers of parents/cusJefferson Safety Town Registration – sponsored by todian/guardians. the Jefferson Community Center You need to bring your child to the registration apRock Creek Safety Town Registration – sponsored by pointment and your child’s: Rock Creek Elementary School PTO 1.

Birth Certificate It is important that you register your child on one of 2.

Immunization Record – State law requires: these dates so that we can plan classes now for the fall.

JOIN US FOR JEFFERSON’S

t a e r THE G tn 2012

u H g g aE ster E Sponsored By: The Gazette Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Made possible with the generous donations of your Jefferson Area Businesses & Industry.

Saturday March 31st 11:00 A.M.

Jefferson High School Football Field

School Menus March 14 Chef ’s Salad w/Lettuce, Meat & Cheese Soft Pretzel Mixed Fruit Choice of Milk March 15 Bowl of Chili Baby Carrots w/Dip Corn Chips Jell-O Fruit Cup Choice of Milk March 16 Cheese Pizza Vegetable Medley Fried Rice Strawberry Cup Choice of Milk

March 21 Taco Salad w/Lettuce Meat, Cheese, & Chips Refried Beans Blueberry Crisp Choice of Milk

March 19 Chicken Nuggets w/Dip Broccoli & Cheese Oven Baked Fries Soft Pretzel Chilled Pears Choice of Milk

March 22 Roasted Chicken Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Strawberry Shortcake Choice or Milk

March 20 Cheeseburger on Bun Potato Wedges Fresh Veggies & Dip Pineapple Chunks Choice of Milk

March 23 Cheese Quesadilla Golden Corn Chips & Salsa Peach Cup Choice of Milk

Author to speak at JCRC JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Community/Recreation Center and the Jefferson Senior Center is pleased to announce a very special event.

Maribeth Morrissey, who is featured monthly in the Ashtabula County Women’s Journal, will come speak in April to Jefferson Village area residents.

This event is open to anyone and all proceeds benefit the Jefferson Senior Center.

Maribeth Morrissey

Details include: • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 18.

Cost is $12.

RSVP required at 576-9052. Space is limited It’s never too late to feel better!

Come learn skills to deal with life’s stresses: • Depression • Chronic Pain • Addiction • Sleep Problems • Illness

Customized Classes for Careers in Business!

“A-Tech Business Technology Program has provided me with a quality education and is preparing me to pursue a career in the business industry.”

~A-Tech Business Technology student Danielle Jablonski

Rain or Shine

4 Age Groups Ages 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-11

The Business Technology Program allows students to acquire the necessary professional, academic, and social skills required for entry into business, industry, or college See your school counselor or call Miss Amanda Wight at 440-576-6015, Ext. 1115, and schedule your visit to the A-Tech Business Technology Program.

4 BICYCLES TO BE GIVEN AWAY! 1 FOR EACH AGE GROUP

OVER 3500 EASTER EGGS

Loaded with Candy and Hundreds of Prizes!

Jefferson Gazette Only

1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 . 440-576-6015 . www.atech.edu The Ashtabula County Technical & Career Center Board of Education and its staff are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, pregnancy, handicap or disability.

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 15A

Birthday celebration at Ashtabula Towne Square promotes family literacy

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

The children listen eagerly as Barb Tack, youth specialist at the Ashtabula County District Library, reads some of Dr. Seuss’ most popular books.

Head Start displayed this Papier-mâché creation of the Cat in the Hat.

Hillyer to serve on OSBA committee Jacqueline Hillyer, a member of the Buckeye Local Schools, has been named to the following committees at the Ohio School Boards Association: —Legislative Platform Committee The Legislative Platform Committee is composed of five school board members from each of OSBA’s five regions. The committee assists in state and federal legislative efforts, recommends policy positions and acts on resolutions submitted by boards of education that are members of OSBA. Committee appointments were finalized at the January meeting of the OSBA Board of Trustees.

ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP - Hundreds of children gathered at the Ashtabula Towne Square on Saturday, March 10, to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

The children listened eagerly as Barb Tack, youth specialist at the Ashtabula County District Library, read some of Dr. Seuss’ most popular books. Tack came dressed for the occasion, wearing a Cat in the Hat costume that amused the children as they gathered around her on the stage at the Ashtabula Towne Square.

The event also included a special activity from the Kingsville Public Library called “There’s a Wocket in my Pocket.” The Conneaut Public Library also delighted children with a puppet show, and staff from the Andover Public Library and Harbor-Topky Library also read their favorite books.

The Ashtabula County Literacy Coalition sponsored

the celebration in support of the National Education Association’s Read Across America Project. The event was geared toward children in grades pre-school through fourth grade.

Children received free books and other free gifts, and door prizes were given out between the readings, held every 30 minutes.

Parents also received information on family-literacy programs and special events being conducted throughout the county from vendors such as Head Start, After School Discovery and Help Me Grow.

“The coalition would like to express the importance of having children start reading at a young age, or the parents reading to them,” ABLE Program Supervisor Jeff Seth said. “Studies show that children do better in school if they start reading at a young age. They become excited to read and look forward to it. We encourage parents to sit down with their children every night for at least a half hour.”

Parents brought their cameras and children enjoyed getting their photo taken with Cat in the Hat. Besides the free books, several drawings also were held for children to have an opportunity to receive another free book. Head Start in Ashtabula also donated gift baskets with the Dr. Seuss theme.

Adult Basic and Literacy Education Program Coordinator/Recruiter Becky Wayman-Harvey said the crowd for Saturday’s program was probably their largest yet. She said the program had 527 books to give away to children that day.

“We sent out a flyer to each and every elementary school in the county,” Wayman-Harvey said.

She also stressed the importance of children starting to read at an early age.

“Parents need to read to their kids every day,” Wayman-Harvey said.

Wayman-Harvey also thanked the partners in the literacy coalition for their support of the program.

PHOTOS BY STEFANIE WESSELL

Four-year-old Olivia Brasome flips through her new book during the literacy event at the Ashtabula Towne Square.

The event was sponsored by the Ashtabula County Technical and Career Center; Adult Basic and Literacy Education/ABLE Program; After School Discovery; Andover Public Library; Ashtabula Area City Schools/ESOL Program; Ashtabula County District Library; Ashtabula County Educational Service Center; Ashtabula County Head Start; Ashtabula Towne Square; Conneaut Public Library; Gazette Newspapers; Harbor-Topky Memorial Library; Henderson Memorial Public Library; Kent State University – Ashtabula; Kingsville Public Library; Media One; and the Star Beacon/Newspapers in Education Program.

Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at s w e s s e l l @ gazettenews.com.

Children gathered around the stage to listen to some of Dr. Seuss’ most popular books being read.

Annual County-Wide Student Art Contest Ashtabula County Students in grades K - 12, you are ers are encouraged to submit students art work. For invited to submit one of your best paintings, drawings, more information stop by the library or call 576-3761 or multi-media pieces to Henderson Memorial Public and ask for Dee Culbertson.

Library’s annual art show and contest. The contest will be judged for “Best of Show” by a panel of art critics.

Entries Due: March 20, 2012 by 5 p.m.

The public will judge “People’s Choice” by a popular vote Art Critics Judging: March 26, 2012 during a special one-night open house. Prizes are Open House and Thursday, March 29, 2012 awarded for the best pieces in seven age groups. TeachPublic Judging: 5-7:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

www.acmchealth.org

16A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012

NOT ALL SUPERHEROES WEAR A CAPE. ACMC HEALTHCARE SYSTEM COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 2012 This is for the modest ones. The selfless.

Those who are committed to making a difference in Ashtabula County—every single day.

They don’t want a pat on the back. They just do what they do for the love of our community.

And that’s exactly who we want to recognize at the Third Annual ACMC Healthcare System Community Impact Awards.

Simply complete the form below or at www.acmchealth.org. Select the category that best describes the outstanding contributions of your nominee. A panel of community representatives will then choose our 2012 award winners.

Let’s make a difference in the lives of our community’s true difference makers.

Geneva Shores invites prosthetics company to talk with staff

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - The Geneva Shores Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is keeping up with prosthetics rehab and research by working hand in hand with Hanger Orthopedic Group, a prosthetics research company that helped develop the prosthetic fin for the dolphin that inspired the movie, A Dolphin Tale.

Geneva Shores invited Hanger representatives to its facility to talk with staff about the latest technology in prosthetics.

Hanger is constantly making new and improved prosthetics models and helped Kevin Malloy, a local amputee, find a leg that would work for him.

“The technology is very similar to the way cell phones have changed,” Kim Reed said. “There’s a new cell phone all the time. So there’s a new foot all the time; there’s a new knee all the time.”

Reed said Hanger is on the cutting edge of prosthetic science.

“As science gets better, services and products get better,” Reed said.

John Gravino has been an amputee since 1989 when he was hit by a drunk driver on the way home from a party and works with Hanger’s Amputee Empowerment Partners.

“Some of the first stuff I was wearing is nowhere near what is available today,” Gravino said.

Gravino said the socket design is one part of the prosthetics he’s seen the biggest change in.

“Socket design has changed immensely. As far as comfort and wearing time, there’s a lot of cool things involved in prosthetics and they are making them more user friendly in my opinion,” Gravino said.

Gravino said Hanger is working with the military to provide services for troops who come back with amputees.

John Gravino is an amputee himself and a part of the Hanger sponsored group, Amputee Empowerment Partners.

Gravino helped counsel Kevin Malloy at the Geneva Shores before and after he became an amputee.

Kim Reed speaks with the Geneva Shores staff about advancements in prosthetics as they prepare to offer more services for amputee patients.

“A lot of this is being driven by military advancements and soldiers coming back because they deserve the best and that’s what is available to them right now,” Gravino said.

As a runner, Gravino was excited to see Hanger develop a prosthetics just for running.

“The running feet are much stringier and it takes a lot to get used to,” Gravino said. “When you’re putting a lot of energy load on those feet, they’re going to return a lot of energy and you need to be ready for that return on your sound side.”

As a part of Amputee Empowerment Partners, Gravino also goes and talks with people who are, or are about to become, amputees.

“We go out and reach out to other patients that need help and we talk to a lot of them,” Gravino said.

Gravino said it is very gratifying to provide an outlet for those who are still trying to cope with the idea of no longer having a leg or arm.

“We can give them insight based on what we went through and that truly translates into a good recovery and they don’t feel like they’re in the dark,” Gravino said.

Gravino wishes someone

who knew what he was going through was readily available in 1989 after his accident.

“I thought there was a gap,” Gravino said. “It wasn’t anyone’s fault. You just felt like you needed someone to come and talk with you.”

Gravino said when losing a part of your body, you go through the five stages of grief just as if you had lost someone you love.

“Some people start at the end of the five stages of grief and work their way to the beginning. Everyone is different,” Gravino said.

Gravino said he accepted the fact he lost his leg, but he found himself depressed after leaving the hospital and rehab facility and no longer having their support.

“I think I accepted it early on, but then you reach a point when you’re really depressed,” Gravino said.

As Geneva Shores accepts more amputee patients such as Malloy, they want to continue working with Hanger and Amputee Empowerment Partners.

For more information on Geneva’s Shores involvement with Hanger or to learn about the facilities, call (440) 4661181.

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN

The Ashtabula County Choral Music Society will present Eternal Rest

ACMC Healthcare System Community Impact Awards Nomination Form Please submit by March 19, 2012 Award Categories (Select one per nominee): Cornerstone Award Demonstration of the four “Cornerstones” of ACMC and Cleveland Clinic: Quality, Innovation, Teamwork and Service.

Living Legacy Ongoing contributions that make Ashtabula County a better place to live, work and play.

Breaking the Barrier Award Excellence in a position, program or task that had not previously been accessible due to gender, race, nationality, physical ability or other challenges.

Citizen of the Year Generous contributions of time and talent to promote quality of life in Ashtabula County.

Youth Citizen of the Year Demonstrated leadership by those 18 or younger who make Ashtabula County better.

Spirit of ACMC Association with ACMC Healthcare System and demonstration of the Cornerstone tenets of Quality, Innovation, Teamwork and Service.

REASON FOR NOMINATION

MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO:

On a separate page, up to 400 words, describe the nominee’s community contributions as well as any other major accomplishments or volunteer activities that should be considered.

ACMC Community Impact Awards c/o Business Development Ashtabula County Medical Center 2420 Lake Avenue Ashtabula, OH 44004

The Ashtabula County Choral Music Society will present Eternal Rest, a concert of choral music for Lent and remembrance on Sunday, March 25, at 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 1200 East 21st Street, Ashtabula. Over 50 singers from throughout Ashtabula County will combine their voices to perform Requiem

by Gabriel Fauré with chamber orchestra, soloists Taylor Peel, soprano, and Max Jackson, baritone, and organist Mary Runyan. ACCMS Artistic Director Kathleen Milford will conduct.

The concert is dedicated to the memory of Carlos “Woody” Hudson, director (and singing member) of choirs in the area for over fifty years including Edgewood High School, Town Choir, Messiah Chorus, Ashtabula County Choral Music Society, Men of Praise, and several area churches. He was also a founding Board member of the Ashtabula County Choral Music Society.

The Fauré Requiem is a setting of funeral and burial liturgy in seven movements: 1. Introit and Kyrie (Grant them eternal rest/Lord have mercy); 2. Offertory (O Lord, Jesus Christ); 3. Sanctus (Holy, holy, holy); 4. Pie Jesu (Blessed Jesu); 5.

FIRE

Agnus Dei (Lamb of God); 6. Libera Me (Deliver Me); and 7. In Paradisum (In Paradise). The French composer Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924), a choirmaster and organist in Paris, completed his “first version” of the Requiem in 1888, in which five movements were accompanied by a chamber orchestra.

The “expanded” seven movement version was first performed in 1893. A third version for full orchestra premiered in 1900.

The beauty of the melody lines, the rich choral harmonies, and instrumental colors have helped to make the work among the most popular of choral works of both singers and audiences. The gentle forty minute setting of the prayers for eternal peace invokes a genuine spiritual solace.

This concert is sponsored in part by: 1) event sponsor Nicholas Iarocci, attorney at law; 2) a generous grant from the Ohio Arts Council; and 3) the generosity of patrons and business sponsors. Audience members will be asked to contribute a suggested donation of five dollars to further defray expenses and help provide future opportunities for county singers and audiences. For more information call 440813-3771 or visit accms.org.

From page 1A

Although no one was injured in the fire, a number of animals perished in the fire, many of which were involved in the Ashtabula County 4-H program.

About 30 4-H Club show and breeding goats and more than a dozen chickens, as well as some rabbits, reportedly perPHOTO BY BILL WEST ished in the fire at the Geneva firefighter J. Fortune carries a hose as GFD member Dale Salinger resi- Arkenburg pours water on the burning remnants of a livestock barn dence. Several Monday at 3800 South Ridge Road (Route 84) in Saybrook Township. horses were About 30 4-H Club show goats and more than a dozen chickens out of the barn perished in the fire at the Becky Salinger residence. The barn was fully and in the pas- engulfed by fire and the roof had already collapsed when Saybrook ture when firefighters arrived at the scene. Austinburg and Harpersfield fire firefighters ar- departments also responded to the call. South Ridge Road was rived and sur- temporarily closed between Sanborn Road and Munson Hill Road. vived, firefighters said.

The cause of the fire is Jyurovat estimates a total chickens, that were housed loss of $190,000 from the fire. separately also survived, still under investigation by A small number of ani- as well as a barn cat, the Saybrook Township Fire Department. mals, including some other Stripes.