Gazette 12-07-11

Cosmetology students use skills to make a difference — See page 9A

Looking for gift ideas?

See the Holiday Gift Guide — Inside this week

Harpersfield community lights the bridge — See page 6A

THEGAZETTE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

Vol. No. 135, No. 49

Teen, three juveniles face charges in Dorset assault

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers DORSET TOWNSHIP - An 18-year-old teen and three juveniles are facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting a 50year-old man in Dorset Township in late November, resulting in him being hospitalized, according to the Ashtabula County Sheriff ’s Department.

Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested Cody Trenn, 18, of the 2400 block of Route 193 in Dorset Township, last Wednesday on charges of robbery, complicity, burglary, aggravated arson and vandalism, according to Ashtabula County Court records.

Trenn and three underaged teenagers allegedly entered the victim’s home, located in the 2200 block of Railroad Street in Dorset Township, on Sunday, Nov. 27, and accused him of stealing an iPod, according to Sheriff ’s Department reports.

When the victim responded that he did not have the item, Trenn allegedly punched him in the face several times while the other teens began breaking things in the house, according to reports.

The teens then proceeded to break every window in the victim’s house and rip all of the doors of their hinges, according to reports. Nearly every piece of furniture was also damaged and broken, and the teens damaged the cabinets and countertops with an ax and sledge hammer.

Money was taken from the victim’s wallet, and the teens set a fire in the middle of the living room, according to reports.

Deputies discovered the victim after being called to his home on a welfare check on Tuesday, Nov. 29. While there, they saw the broken windows and the doors wide open, according to reports. The victim was found lying on a couch covered by a blanket, and South Central Ambulance responded to the scene and transported him to the Ashtabula County Medical Center for hypothermia and a cut on

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Downtown Jefferson celebrates the holidays

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

Cody Trenn his head, according to reports.

During the investigation of the scene, deputies smelled a burnt odor and found items thrown in the yard and other broken items in the house.

Deputies found Trenn in a Jefferson Township home after acting on a tip, and he admitted that he and three juveniles were involved in the incident, according to reports. He was arrested and taken to the Ashtabula County Jail, while the report will be forwarded to the Ashtabula County Youth Detention Center for a review of charges on the juveniles.

Trenn appeared in Eastern County Court on Thursday, Dec. 1, without counsel, according to reports. He was found indigent, and a public defender was appointed to represent him. Bond was set at $75,000 cash, with the 10-percent rule.

The preliminary hearing was set for 9:15 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, in Judge Robert Wynn’s courtroom.

Since the teens destroyed parts of the home during the incident, organizations are collecting money to help restore the house.

People wishing to donate to the fund may mail a check to the Dorset Baptist Church, Box 81, Dorset, OH 44032. Donors should write “house restoration fund” on the check memo line, as well as on the outside of the envelope.

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

JEFFERSON - Nary a parking spot could be found in downtown Jefferson on Saturday, Dec. 3, as the village kicked off the holiday season with events throughout the day for the entire family.

The Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce organized the daylong festivities and encouraged other businesses, non-profit groups and other organizations to take part in the “Snow Angel Christmas.”

Over at Jefferson Village Hall, children made crafts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The turnout was so great, children were spilling over onto spots on the floor with their crafts.

A Santa’s Shopping Shack ran from 12-4 p.m. at the village hall, giving children an opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts.

PHOTOS BY STEFANIE WESSELL

Abigail and Michael Hartley enjoy cotton candy and popcorn while

See CHRISTMAS page 5A waiting for the start of the Christmas parade in downtown Jefferson.

Geneva Rotarians bring the gift of language to area third graders

BY JAN PERALA Geneva Area City Schools GENEVA - The English language vocabulary contains by some estimates as many as two million words, and Geneva Platt R. Spencer third-grader Joel Rivera said he wants to learn all of them.

“We are studying petroglyphs.

They are a kind of picture words written on rock,” explained Rivera.

“I love learning about different words.”

Thanks to Geneva Rotary, Rivera and his classmates now own an important tool which will PHOTOS BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS help them to spell and decipher the Geneva Rotarians Robert Sheldon, Gerald Kujala and Bruce Gresham meaning of new words they come visited Patrick Tannish’s (pictured second from right) Geneva Platt R. across in their reading.

Spencer Elementary third-grade classroom bringing a dictionary fro each child. Displaying new books are (from left) Makayla VanSickle, See ROTARIANS page 7A Caden Karb, Ashley Oros, Kayli Stash, Joey Braun, and Michael Comadoll.

Ashtabula’s citizens will have the Occupy Ashtabula done chance to reinstall the recall process occupying but not done fighting for Ashtabula

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The tents are down in Lance Cpl. Kevin M. Cornelius Memorial Park, but this does not mean the Occupy Ashtabula group is through.

Many people speculated the weather was to blame for the encampment being disbanded.

“Weather had nothing to do with not camping, when it came down to it,” Mark Leatherman said. “The group as a whole felt with everyone working, running business and helping with other Ashtabula resources that we could do more by Occupying in protests and giving back to the community.”

The group would like to spend more time now getting information out to the public. “[We] helped out in getting truthful information about the traffic camera program. Xerox/ ACS is a one-percent company, so you can say we did take the one percent out of our city,” Leatherman said.

Occupy Ashtabula would also like to see the community get more involved with residents who are less fortunate.

While camping out, Occupy Ashtabula members felt they learned a lot about their community and they would like to spread the knowledge they have learned. “[We] fed the homeless, pro-

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

but it was discovered the right to recall was not available to the citizens of the City of Ashtabula.

ASHTABULA - The right to re“The previous recall was an accall elected officials in the City of tual recall effort where an attempt Ashtabula will make an appear- was made to actually recall some ance on the 2012 March primary members of council,” Ward 3 Counballot. cilor Ann Stranman said.

A recall effort was attempted to Citizens put forth the grunt get on the ballot a few years ago, work for recalling elected officials

they did not see fit for the job only to find out the city charter did not include a recall process.

“After the signatures where received, it was discovered our charter did not allow for a recall process,” Stranman said. “I think at one time it did and it was removed.”

vided blankets, gave out personal hygiene products, found some homeless homes and assisted others [with] jobs to help get them on their feet,” Leatherman said.

See RECALL page 7A By not camping out, the group says it will give them more time to give back to the community, although Leatherman points out the occupiers did give back while they were still occupying the park. “[We] provided ADDA and Ashtabula’s Christmas parade with street monitors with radio handsets, out of nine people that kept kids safe, seven of them where OA members,” Leatherman said.

Leatherman wants to assure Ashtabula the time they spent sleeping in tents was not wasted. “[We] educated people in moving their money from big banks that took bail outs and never paid them back to community banks,” Leatherman said. “[We] supported small and local business owners with education of how to support our own economy instead of large corporations.”

Occupy Ashtabula members also said they exposed the need for transparency in the local government by protesting outside of City Hall.

“There are many other things done, and no matter if we occupied 20 or 200 days of the park, we did it for the people and to help get the word out,” Leatherman said. “We did what we wanted it to do.”

Leatherman said they are not done fighting for the city and are going to continue to hold weekly protests.

Sadie Portman, reporter for the PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette, may be reached at The Geneva Grape JAMboree Royal Court makes its appearance in the Christmas parade held in downtown Geneva last Friday.

The Geneva Business Association puts on the parade every year. sportman@gazettenews.com.

A Royal parade

2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2011

‘Santa on the Train’ rolls on for one more weekend

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

Upon arrival at the “North Pole,” Santa and Mrs. Claus will wave to all JEFFERSON - Children as the train passes their vilcan ride along with Santa lage. They will then board Claus for one more week- the train to visit with the end, as Santa on the Train children during the return returns to the Ashtabula, trip to Jefferson.

Carson & Jefferson Scenic Santa Claus also will Line in the Village of have a treat for the guests, Jefferson for one last stop as some of his helpers assist before he is busy at the in distributing gifts to the North Pole. children.

Families will board the After the train ride, Carson Express at the Santa and Mrs. Claus will Jefferson Depot for an hour- spend a short time visiting long, 12-mile train ride on with children for pictures in a vintage coach for a winter Jefferson before returning exploration along the to their North Pole worktracks. During the ride, pas- shop. sengers will look out into The train ride is an opthe snow-scaped fields and portunity for all riders to woods (weather depending!) view the countryside as it as they cross over two passes by their window, and bridges to meet Santa and the enclosed coaches are Mrs. Claus at the “North decorated for the season.

They also are heated, with Pole” at Carson Yard.

BY STEFANIE WESSELL AND SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

PHOTOS BY BARBARA J. HAMILTON

Gidget and Annaliese Marrison, of Jefferson, were busy handing out gifts and holiday greetings to everyone on board the Santa Train recently.

train leaves the station.

The AC&J Scenic Line departs from the boarding site adjacent to 161 E. Jefferson St. in Jefferson.

Departure times are 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The train also will depart at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.

Paid reservations for the train ride are required, with fares of $15 for adults (13 and up) and $10 for children (one to 12 years old). Car seats are not permitted, and children under one year old are free, when lap held.

Groups wanting to sit together must purchase tickets as one order, as assigned seating is used.

Tickets are available Four generations from one family made their fourth annual trip to ride the Santa Train from Jefferson’s AC&J Railroad station. Children in front are: Ella Giltz, Emma Miklos, through the website at Kaitlyn Giltz and Laura Fusek holding Taylor Fusek. Diane Miklos, grandmother, is in www.familytrainrides.com middle on left. To the far right is Peg Thomas, great-grandmother, and Barbie Suchar, or by calling (440) 576-6346 or (216) 759-5772. great-aunt.

Religious Briefs Dec. 9-10, 13-15, 20-22 Dorset: Free clothing Free clothing and things to wrap for your Christmas will be offered at Cherry Valley First Church of God, located on Sentinel Road in Dorset, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9-10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 13-15 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20-22.

a lavatory on board and available for use after the

JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Police Department investigated an alleged methamphetamine lab on Elliot Avenue in the Village of Jefferson on Friday evening, Dec. 2, but the bust will cost the village.

The meth lab was discovered after the Ashtabula County Sheriff ’s Department tipped off the department, leading to a traffic stop on Friday at around 7:40 at night, according to police reports. The police department proceeded to get a search warrant from Eastern County Court and began its search of the 248 Elliot Ave. house on Friday night at about 10:30 p.m.

Police officials said they spent more than 12 hours at the home, breaking down the alleged meth lab.

During their time there, officers found a large amount of meth byproduct.

At least one suspect already has been arrested in the incident. The male suspect is facing multiple charges of drug abuse, child endangering and possession of chemicals to make methamphetamine, officials said.

Vi l l a g e o f f i c i a l s a r e pleased with the work of the police department, but

the bust will be costly for the village because small municipalities are responsible for the clean up of meth labs, unless they have ordinances shifting the responsibility elsewhere.

During a Jefferson Village Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 5, Mayor Judy Maloney said the Ashtabula County Sheriff ’s Department was unable to assist with the bust, so the village had to contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation to assist with the clean up of the lab.

The BCI helped to neutralize the hazardous material on the premises caused by the meth lab.

The clean up will cost the village between $4,000 to $6,000, Maloney said.

That’s a lot out of the budget to clean up after someone else, she said.

To make sure the village won’t be responsible for such costs in the future, Maloney said the village will look at an ordinance recently passed by the Geneva-on-the-Lake Village Council that makes the property owners responsible for the clean-up costs. A similar ordinance would be beneficial for the village to have in case a similar incident occurs.

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

Meth lab discover ed in Je f ferson discovered Jef

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Police Department took down an alleged methA “Christmas Cabaret” concert by the Musical Theater Project amphetamine lab on Elliot of Cleveland (singers/actors Bill Rudman, Nancy Maier, Sandra Simon) will perform evergreen Christmas songs as well as tradi- Avenue, according to David tional Carols at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in downtown Wassie, deputy chief of the Ashtabula (4901 Main Ave.) on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. A pre- Jefferson Police Department.

According to Wassie, it concert dessert table will be offered at 6 p.m. The concert and desserts are free and open to the public and additionally, a free took the police around 12 “Meet-the-Artists” reception will follow the performance. The con- hours to break down the cert is sponsored by the Fine Arts Concert Committee of the Church home’s meth lab. (phone 440-992-8100/website www.stpetersashtabula.org).

The meth lab was discovered after the Ashtabula Dec 17 Dorset: Community Lunch Hearty beef stew will be served at the Dorset United Method- County Sheriff’s Department ist Church, 2800 Rt. 193, on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 12 – 1:30 tipped off the department, p.m. The lunch includes beverage and dessert and is free to Dorset leading to a traffic stop on area residents.

Friday at around 7:40 at Dec. 18 Saybrook Township: Breakfast with Santa night, Wassie said.

The police department Come have breakfast with Santa on 8:45 a.m. Dec. 18 at Saybrook United Methodist Church. This is a free community proceeded to get a search breakfast. Everyone is invited! The church is located on Depot warrant from the Eastern Dec. 11 Ashtabula: Christmas Cabaret

Meth-lab bust will cost Jefferson

County Court and began their search of the 248 Elliot Ave. house on Friday night at about 10:30 p.m., Wassie said.

According to Wassie, the breaking down of the meth lab took hours and required outside help from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).

“We were there in the house until noon [Saturday],” Wassie said.

According to Wassie, one male suspect, Stephen Throop, was arrested and arraigned on Tuesday at 8 a.m.

Throop will be facing three charges of illegal assembly of drugs, an F2 felony, possession of drugs, an F5 felony, and possession of

criminal tools.

“The F2 was given to [Throop] because they were operating within a close proximity to a school,” Wassie said.

Wassie said Throop could face a significant amount of jail time.

“When our officers went there, we found a very large amount of a byproduct of methamphetamine,” Wassie said.

According to Wassie, because of the high level of hazardous materials, the police went in the house and took evidence pictures as fast as they could until contacting further help to remove the materials.

“We entered the house, found the items that were of

concern and took evidence pictures as fast as we could,” Wassie said.

The Jefferson Police Department contacted the BCI to help with the hazardous material found inside the house, Wassie said. The BCI arrived at the house around 5 a.m. Saturday morning and they stayed until about 11 a.m. the same day.

“We contacted BCI and they sent a unit out to neutralize all the hazardous material from the premises,” Wassie said.

Wassie said an extensive investigation into the meth lab is being conducted, and said possibly more suspects will be charged in the connection with the Elliot Avenue meth lab.

Road across the street from Saybrook Elementary School.

Suspect arrested in Ashtabula bank robberies ASHTABULA - A suspect in two bank robberies in Ashtabula has been arrested, according to police reports.

The Ashtabula Police Department arrested a suspect Monday afternoon, Dec. 5, as he was walking in the Ashtabula Harbor, according to police reports.

The man, who was set to be arraigned in Ashtabula Municipal Court on Tuesday, was found walking in the Harbor by Ashtabula Police Lt. Rodney Blaney, who believed he matched the description of the man thought to have robbed the banks.

He is suspected to have robbed two banks earlier this week, including the Andover Bank, 1630 Carpenter Rd., around noon on Monday, and the Cardinal Credit Union, 625 Lake Ave., at shortly after 11 a.m. on Saturday, according to police reports. No weapon was used in either incident.

During the incident at Andover Bank, the suspect told the teller to hand over money and then left the bank on foot.

Ashtabula Police and the FBI are investigating the incidents.

WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2011

Congratulations to parade winners

COMMUNITY

New JAHS teacher strives to be advocate for students

We were all winners for being able to have a beautiful winter wonderland Christmas parade and enjoying the efforts of all who participated.

It was one of our most difficult to judge, and all who attended said it is the best they’ve seen and the best in the county.

— Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce BY CAROLYN BEHRSnow Angel Christmas parade winners by category JEROME Gazette Newspapers

Band and Drill

JEFFERSON - “It is not about you. It’s about what you do for the kids.”

That’s the quote Jefferson Equestrian Area High School teacher Carla Haines tries to re1.

Bell’s Minis, $50 member when teaching and 2.

Ashtabula County 4-H, $25 coaching. Haines is in her first year teaching eighthCommercial grade students as an Inter1.

Community First Credit Union, $50 vention Specialist.

2.

Kids Only Learning Center III, $25 A Geneva High School graduate, Haines converted Youth Community Service from an Eagle to a Falcon 1.

Special Olympics, $50 when she did her student 2.

Girl Scout #232, $25 teaching last fall at the Jefferson Elementary School Adult Community Service with Kathy Solarek.

1.

Grand River Trail Riders, $50 “I graduated from Kent 2.

Lisa Wilks, $25 State in December and applied for a permanent sub position,” Haines explained.

Religious She spent the rest of the 1.

Jefferson First Baptist Church, $50 school year teaching in the self-contained classroom in Best Overall - Best of Show the high school.

Kitchen Family and Friends, $75 Haines didn’t originally plan to work with special education children. She started out in early education. Then she had a field experience in the self-contained unit, which gave her a perspective of special education that she hadn’t had before.

Haines explained, “A teenage girl was saying how cap of the committee meet- she wanted to live on her

BY STEFANIE WESSELL ing. One truck, Truck #402, Gazette Newspapers the International fire truck, JEFFERSON - Jefferson is out of service and needs a Village Council is interested pump. Another truck, Truck in purchasing a new truck #412, needs maintenance. for the fire department and Council wants to begin getting rid of an old one. the process of purchasing a BY CASSANDRA NAGY During their meeting on new truck to replace the In- Gazette Newspapers Monday, Dec. 5, Jefferson ternational truck, keeping Village Council members Truck #412 as a back up.

JEFFERSON - Crafters passed the first reading of a Fire department officials and shoppers alike were in resolution to declare a 2000 intended to send the specifi- the holiday spirit this past International fire truck as cations and price for the new Saturday at the Jefferson surplus no longer needed for truck to Clerk/Treasurer Community Center’s Craft municipal purposes. Al- Patty Fisher to begin the Show. though the truck is listed as process for council’s apThe show was a part of a 2000 truck, it has been proval. the day-long holiday celDuring his report to coun- ebration, hosted by the pieced together with older parts and is older than it cil on Monday, Dec. 5, Village Jefferson Area Chamber of appears from the date, coun- Administrator Terry Finger Commerce. The theme for said the cost for the new the celebration was “Snow cil members said.

Council will put the sale truck will be around Angel Christmas,” part of of the truck up for bid, as the $450,000 with equipment. the “Snow Better Place for resolution also authorizes The truck will be requested Fun” county-wide Christthe sale of the fire truck to in the 2012 budget. mas event. The Craft Show, Committee members also which was one of the many the highest and best bidder, with a minimum bid of noted that there is enough activities available for indi$5,000. cash in this year’s budget to viduals to partake in, took Council discussed the purchase air bottles that are place from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. need to purchase a new fire needed to replace old bottles. and was free to the public. truck during a recent Safety Patrons were enticed Committee meeting, as well Stefanie Wessell, senior with aisles of goods to peas mentioning it during a editor for Gazette Newspa- ruse for their holiday shopmeeting in November during pers, may be reached at ping. The fair offered a little Councilor Rick Hoyson’s re- swessell@gazettenews.com. bit of everything. A major1.

2.

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A

Ashtabula Senior Center Blue Belles, $50 Twilight Twirlers, $25

Council intends to sell old fire truck, buy new one

from last year,” she explained. “Starting in the middle of the year with students who were already used to another teacher was tough.”

Haines’ favorite class to teach is eighth-grade reading.

Haines also coaches tennis.

“I played tennis at Geneva my junior and senior years,” she said.

Lou Murphy, the current varsity tennis coach, knew this, so he asked Haines to coach the junior high boys last spring.

“I enjoyed it,” she said.

She enjoyed it so much that she agreed to teach the PHOTO BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME junior high girls this fall.

Carla Haines is in her first year of teaching at Jefferson However, she did get frustrated with her alma mater.

Area High School.

“We finished 5 - 4 but own, get married and have need to be active members couldn’t seem to beat children. In my mind I was of society,” Haines ex- Geneva,” Haines explained. thinking, this is not a real- plained. “Just because some Looking back on her ity for you, this poor girl will doors are closed for some years at Geneva, Haines never have the opportunity students of this population says she doesn’t have a spethat other children have. I does not mean they can’t cific experience that really went home and cried for her have a fulfilling life and stands out. and the students in the make a difference in their “I now appreciate those classroom. Then I thought I own way.” teachers who took the time can help these students.”

Haines’ degree opens up to make lessons engaging. As That is when she decided the doors to work at a school a student, you do not realize she wanted to work with for the developmentally dis- the time and effort that goes young adults and transition abled like Happy Hearts, but into a lesson that you enjoy,” them into adult services. for now she is happy with she said.

“I want to advocate for what she’s doing at Haines will wed Jared these students and provide Jefferson.

Szeiber on June 23rd of this “My confidence level is up year. them with the life skills they

A crafty afternoon

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PHOTOS BY CASSANDRA NAGY

Kathy Murray and Hannah Jo Woodruff sold crafts at the Jefferson Community Center on Saturday. ity of tables consisted of handmade jewelry, apparel and holiday decorations.

Other tables consisted of house-wares, toys, candles, blankets, home décor and

food products. Handmade booths such as Sweet Pea Bows offered bow clips, bow hats and headbands. A handmade jewelry table by Hannah Jo Woodruff and

Kathy Murray offered a variety of bracelets, earrings and necklaces.

“Sales for us have gone very well so far,” Woodruff said.

The Knitting Group of Jefferson members sat at the entrance of the craftshow with their skillfully knit pieces while selling raffle tickets to benefit the Sr. Center. The group meets at the Jefferson Community Center every Tuesday.

The event was not without tasty refreshments. The Community Center kitchen offered tasty beverages to busy shoppers. After the parade later that night, children were invited to sip Dorthy Allen, Lynn Vallance and Beverly Hegfield participated in the Jefferson on hot chocolate and enjoy pictures with Santa.

Community Center’s Craft Show on Saturday.

Council receives updates on projects

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Administrator Terry Finger provided Jefferson Village Council with an update on projects occurring in the village during its meeting on Monday, Dec. 5.

In one project, Finger said the waterline replacement on West Erie Street is compete until spring, when final “reclamation” will be completed.

The $211,000 upgrade on West Erie Street included the replacement of approximately 2,000 feet of six-inch diameter, cast iron water main with

new eight-inch diameter, ductile iron pipe.

The pipe was installed along West Erie Street from Chestnut Street to Franley Drive, according to Aqua Ohio officials, and was part of Aqua’s ongoing capital improvement program.

In other projects, the project to repair the roof at Village Hall has been underway, Finger said. He said that as soon as the rain breaks, the roof decking will go on and it will be closed up for winter.

The project had hit a snag with some heavy rain in November, as some water got into the building be-

cause of the temporary roof, causing $1,500 in damage, Finger said.

“Ceiling repairs will be completed after the Village Hall roof is finished and we are sure everything is dried out,” Finger said.

Entrance doors and the front door floor repairs also will be finished soon, Finger sad.

Lastly in projects, Finger said the Street Department crews have finished cleaning catch basins and are ready for winter.

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

and Children’s Hospital last year. Truckey explained that she wanted to do something, too, so she asked Forristal for help.

“We wanted to keep the

BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME donations local, so we decided Gazette Newspapers on Children Services,” Truckey said.

JEFFERSON - A Jefferson The volleyball game was an Area Junior High School PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAROLYN-BEHR JEROME exciting match between seveighth grader “tied the knot” enth and eighth graders whose recently, but she didn’t walk and eighth graders. Each stu- them to Ashtabula County names were chosen at random down the aisle to do it. dent who attended was asked Children Services. from a list of volunteers. The Carley Truckey helped to donate $.50.

“We are going to donate eighth-grade team, which raise money for something she “We raised over $128,” them on Christmas Eve or Truckey was a part of, won and calls “Knots for Love.”

Truckey said.

Christmas morning,” she said. then played a team made up The day before ThanksgivThat was enough to buy Emily Forristal, a 2010 of teachers. ing, the Junior High Student nine fleece blanket kits. graduate of JAHS, started Truckey explained, “We Council sponsored a volleyball Truckey will tie the blan- “Knots for Love” and donated won a game and they won a game between the seventh kets together and then donate blankets to Rainbow Babies game. It was a lot of fun.”

Knots for Love

4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2011

Rock Creek holds giveaway and community potluck for the holidays

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

Dzurenko said. “We also have some Christmas items that someone might be able to ROCK CREEK - The Rock use, along with some houseCreek Community Center is hold items.”

Dzurenko said the computting on its annual giveaway this Saturday, Dec. 10, munity center loves to give back during this time of year. from 10 a.m. until noon.

“It’s really great to see An array of sweaters, coats, children’s clothes and people who really need stuff even some toys and Christ- come and get it,” Dzurenko mas decor will be free to who- said.

The Rock Creek Commuever walks in the doors.

“We do this every year, nity Center is following in the and it seems people donate footsteps of several area more items for the giveaway churches who also hold a givebecause they know it is go- away every year.

“We originally started the ing to a good cause,” Joann giveaway when we saw the Dzurenko said.

The community center al- economy start to fall,” ready has quite a bit of items Dzurenko said. “We realized being set out for the two-hour people were going to need help to get them through the giveaway.

“We have a lot of sweat- tough times.”

Dzurenko said they are ers and coats and some toys,”

proud to live in a community where people come together to help with a common cause.

“We’re very lucky people give us a lot of items and care about the less fortunate in the community,” Dzurenko said.

This will be the first year the giveaway is not held on the same day as the potluck dinner.

“We thought we’d spread some time between the giveaway and the potluck dinner so we have a little more energy come 5 o’clock at night when we have to start serving the potluck,” Dzurenko said.

This year the potluck will be the following week, Dec. 17, from 5-7 p.m.

The Rock Creek Community Center will provide the turkey, which has been do-

nated, and organizers ask everyone attending to bring a dish to pass, along with something for the local food pantry.

“We ask everyone to bring in an item for the food pantry as your ticket in,” Dzurenko said.

Santa will make an appearance for the children, and there will also be a craft table available to make holiday crafts and take them home to share.

“We have a really great Santa who comes every year,” Dzurenko said.

Each year they see new and better dishes than the previous year.

“We’ve had some really good dishes come through over the years,” Dzurenko said. “It’s really a lot of fun for us.”

Chamber announces winners of Christmas trees JEFFERSON - The winners in the decorated-tree drawings held at a number of different merchants on Saturday, Dec. 3, have been announced.

Winners are: • Jefferson Diner, Darla Taylor.

• Classy Consignments, Andrea Fagus.

• Verizon Wireless, Gloria

Dean.

• Another Time Around, Mr. Kirk.

• Pizza Joe’s, Andrew Kelner.

• Hofstetter ’s, Kim Braden.

• Wild Side, Suzette Garvey.

• Radio Shack, Scott Mullen.

• Subway, Dianna Seldon.

• Rite Aid, Pam Morris.

• Carpet Store, Richard Hicks.

• Bi-Lo, Nicole Schwentker.

• Drug Mart, Mary Ann Baka.

• Jeff’s Flowers, Richard Dreis.

• Jefferson Rehab, Jennifer Gray.

• Mugs, Justin Williams.

• Deli in the Rye, Joyce Ritchie.

• Josephine’s, Diane Bates.

• Family Dollar, Erie Fenstimaker.

• Domino’s, Ron Van Winkle.

• Valerie’s Hair Design, Myrtle Cross.

• Allstate Insurance, Hunter Sticklain.

• Western Reserve, Wendy Puckrin.

• Sarna’s, Suzette Garvey.

Income-tax collections up in Jefferson

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers

help boost the numbers a bit.

Jefferson Village Council also passed the third and final reading of its appropriations for 2012 during its meeting.

The ordinance provides the appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures for the Village of Jefferson for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2012.

These are the temporary appropriations for the first quarter of the year, Fisher said. She said she looked at the expenditures from last year and pro-rated them, and worked in a number of expected projects, to come up with the numbers.

The total of all appropriations is $1.2 million, with $317,045 in the general fund; $416,197 in total enterprise funds; $460 in total special assessments; $326,538 in total special revenue funds; $159,255 in capital improvements; and $3,903 in total trusts.

JEFFERSON - Village of Jefferson officials discussed finances in the village during a council meeting on Monday, Dec. 5.

During the meeting on Monday, Clerk/Treasurer Patty Fisher provided the month-end reconciliation sheets for October.

The ending fund balance for the village at the end of October was $909,155.

The income tax collections are up $101,391 compared to last year, Fisher said. The income-tax collections totals for the year to date are $1,183,410.

The sewer department fees also are up $24,019 compared to last year, Fisher said.

But in the Recreation Department, village recreation is down $5,281 from last year, and the village senior account is down $5,852 compared to last year, Fisher said.

Stefanie Wessell, senior She said that the heavily attended craft fair at the editor for Gazette NewspaJefferson Senior Center pers, may be reached at this past weekend should swessell@gazettenews.com.

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CHRISTMAS

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A

From page 1A

The Jefferson Area High School Band marched in the parade.

The Hejl family visited Jefferson for the parade on Saturday, Dec. 3. Pictured, from left, are Holly Hejl, Charlotte “Charlie” Hejl, Jason Hejl, Tristan, Jacob and Mia.

Anthony, Kaydee and Ellie DeVivo find a place to sit and watch the parade.

Grand River Trail Riders Snowmobile Club sold tickets for a raffle to win a snowmobile during the festiviites in downtown Jefferson on Saturday. Pictured are Kim Jukiewicz and two-year-old Joshua Jukiewicz.

The Henderson Memorial Public Library also hosted one of its most popular events of the year, continuing its book sale from the day before. The book sale gave people a chance to purchase books and other reading materials at bargain prices - and help support the library at the same time.

The Jefferson Community Center hosted one of its largest craft shows ever, with the center packed full of vendors selling everything from artwork, jewelry, chocolates, holiday ornaments, candles and more.

The festivities also had an old-fashioned bent to them, as people hopped on horse-drawn wagon rides and watched an ice-carving demonstration on the village green.

Various non-profit organizations took part in the festivities as a way to support the community and give people a chance to learn about their organization, such as the Grand River Trail Riders Snowmobile Club, which is part of the Ohio State Snowmobile Association.

Throughout the day, the snowmobile club was selling raffle tickets for a chance to win $500 in prize money or a snowmobile.

Besides organizing fun activities for snowmobiliers, the snowmobile club also stresses the importance of safety by holding safety courses during the year.

President Gary Hines said the next course will be offered from 12-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at the Ashtabula County Medical Center.

The course is free, and refreshments will be provided, Hines said. He said that although Ohio doesn’t require riders to take a safety course, all of the neighboring states do, so this is an opportunity for people to receive their certification free of charge.

ABC Childcare families wave to the crowd.

SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP The Saybrook Plaza Goodwill Store has officially closed its doors as of Nov. 30, and Goodwill is asking for all donations in the Ashtabula area to be dropped off at the Ashtabula Harbor store.

“We did officially close the doors to the Saybrook store on Nov. 30,” Alexandria VanAllen, marketing and development manager, said. “It was a hard decision but cuts had to be made.”

The Saybrook store opened two years ago when the lift bridge was closed for renovations, offering Goodwill customers an easier means of dropping off donations and shopping in the store.

All the donations left over at the Saybrook store have gone to the store in the Harbor. The Goodwill Harbor store is opened Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., Friday and Sat-

urday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Saybrook store employed a total of nine people, including two senior aides.

“Everyone who worked in Saybrook was offered jobs at different branches in the area.

Whether they took the offer or not was up to them,” VanAllen said.

VanAllen said they value their employees and want to ensure they are not left without job options.

VanAllen said with the economy, they had to make cutbacks as stores in the area were not making as much as they have in the past.

VanAllen said it was a matter of looking at the numbers and which store had the most and least profits.

“It was us looking at the cost of doing business and how much we needed to make to keep the lights on,” VanAllen said.

Goodwill said it was a decision of choosing between clos-

Miranda and Marlayna Rocha bundle up with blankets as they wait for the start of the Christmas parade. streets lined with spectators.

Little Abigail Hartley said she was looking forward to seeing Santa Claus, who made a special appearance in the parade. After the parade, children visited with him at the community center, telling him all of their wishes for Christmas.

Abigail and her brother, Michael, also were looking forward to seeing their sister Shelby in the parade, as she was playing her trombone and marching with the Jefferson Area High School band.

As for Miranda and Marlayna Rocha, they were looking forward to seeing their friends in the float supporting the 4-H organization.

Besides the marching band, a variety of different organizations participated in the parade, from a sing-

ing Elvis to fire departments from a number of different communities, including Jefferson, Austinburg and Harpersfield, churches, ATech, baton twirlers, ABC Childcare, Community First Credit Union and more.

During the Jefferson Village Council and Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce meetings this week, village officials and Chamber members noted that they had received many compliments on the parade, with spectators telling them it was one of the nicest ones in the county.

“It was a wonderful day,” Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce President Pat Bradek said.

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

Pack 41 members ride on their float during the parade.

Saybrook’s Goodwill closes after two years

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

Since the club needs a head count, people interested in attending the course are asked to contact the Grand River Trail Riders Snowmobile Club at (440) 992-3434 to RSVP. Twenty-three merchants also participated in the 19th annual Jefferson Holiday Sale-A-Bration, as visitors stopped in for drawings in their store for a four-foot, fully decorated Christmas tree.

For the tree-decorating contest, the merchant-decorated winners were Rite Aid, first place, and Mugs Restaurant, second place. For the non-profit decorated trees, Jefferson Latchkey kids decorated the winning tree at Sarna’s Tree Farm, while Girl Scout Troop #80848 decorated the second-place tree at Subway.

Jeff ’s Flowers won the merchant window-decorating contest.

The Chamber also had a drawing for a grand-prize gift basket, with David Seiffert drawn as the winner.

He entered at Josephine’s Ristorante.

Down at the Jefferson Depot, visitors took a step back in time by visiting the Jefferson Depot’s “Old-fashioned Williamsburg Christmas Celebration.” The village was specially decorated for Christmas, and the celebration was free. Guests made old-fashioned ornaments for the community Christmas tree, sung carols around the old piano and admired entries in the gingerbread house contest. The festivities at the Depot capped off with a candlelight Christmas walk, preparing people for the other big event for the night back in downtown Jefferson.

With the town all lit up for the holidays, the parade marched its way through downtown Jefferson, starting at the fairgrounds and making its way through the

ing a store or stopping some of their community programs.

“We did not want to close any of our programs we offer to the community, so one of the stores had to go and unfortunately it was Saybrook,” VanAllen said. “I guess it comes down to, we have to close stores if we’re not making money.”

VanAllen said the people of Saybrook have been wonderful to work with over the past few years and they are sad to have to close the store they have supported.

“The people in Saybrook have been so great to us. We would like to thank everyone in Saybrook for their support throughout the two years,” VanAllen said.

Even with the store closing, Goodwill still has a store in Ashtabula, Andover and Madison for the area residents to shop and support.

“We still are here to serve you and we’ll do our best to keep our programs going,” VanAllen said.

JAHS After Prom Committee collecting donations

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Area High School prom may not be until May, but already the JAHS After Prom Committee is looking for donations to help make prom a night for the students to remember.

After Prom Committee Chair Virginia March has sent out letters to school supporters about the event, and her husband, Jerry, discussed the fundraising efforts during a meeting of the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

This year, prom will be held at the SPIRE Institute in Harpersfield Township on May 5, March said. He said the committee also has arranged to have the afterprom activities at SPIRE as well, so the students will be able to have everything in one place. The after-prom activities will be held at the Aquatics Center at SPIRE. “After Prom is a safe, fun alternative for prom attendees to enjoy one another’s company after the dance is over,” Virginia March wrote

in her letter.

The After Prom Committee will be holding fundraisers to cover the costs of food and entrainment in order to keep the costs to participants as low as possible.

The committee’s main fundraiser will be a gift basket silent auction. The gift baskets will be displayed at JAHS winter sporting events, with the tickets also being sold during these events, Jerry March said.

The committee is seeking donations for the baskets, either in the form of a gift basket from an organization, items to be placed in a gift basket or a monetary donation to help purchase items for a gift basket. Checks can be made payable to JAHS After Prom Committee.

The baskets will be put together and finalized on Dec. 11, so items need to be received soon.

To donate to the basket, contact March at 576-1554.

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6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2011

Harpersfield lights the covered bridge at annual celebration

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP The Harpersfield Covered Bridge had its official lighting of the bridge ceremony on Saturday night with live music, food and pictures with Santa Claus.

“It’s fun to come down because everybody’s here and we’re all having a really good time,” Trustee Ed Demshar said.

The line for pictures with Santa stretched to the pavilion, and the hayride back and forth across the bridge was another popular attraction.

“I couldn’t believe how many groups went back and forth on the hayride,” Demshar said. “I bet he made at least 40 trips.”

The hayride driver also offered rides for people who parked on the other side of the bridge so they would not have to walk in the dark to their vehicles.

The Light the Bridge festivities included a special performance by the band Green Tea, who offered a variety of music from classic rock to Christmas tunes.

Although the air was cold, the park stayed full until near the end.

“It’s a little cold out tonight, but it’s good,” Demshar said. “Everybody is sporting their red Santa noses.”

The large crowds was credited to the great media coverage from the local newspapers and radio.

“We have a great crowd tonight,” Rhonda McElroy said. “We had a lot of media coverage, which I think helped out a lot.”

McElroy was really pleased with the celebration and especially with Green Tea’s performance, as the members are still students at Grand Valley High School.

They proved they were more than a high school band.

“It’s been such a great night,” McElroy said.

McElroy said the Friends of the Harpersfield Bridge, who put on the event, has started to also use Facebook and other internet outlets to also help spread the word of upcoming events.

“I put a lot of updates on Facebook,” McElroy said.

Operation Home Front’s Rebecca Droenick came down from Columbus, Ohio to help gather donation for the cause, which helps families with active military members.

“The VFW in Geneva made a check out to $200 and that’s for [Operation Home Front],” McElroy said while giving the check to Droenick.

Droenick was happy to receive the donation and encouraged people to take a

Shawna Pope, Jenna Harryman, Ashley Kightlinger, Hannah Wilson and Raynah Cutlip from Edgewood High School volunteered their time to sing for the lighting event.

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN

Santa takes time to talk with the children who attended the lighting of the covered bridge.

Groups stood by the band Green Tea to listen to them perform for the celebration.

RIGHT: Rebecca Droenick came up from Columbus, Ohio, to represent Operation Home Front. The Geneva Veterans of Foreign Wars raised $200 to be given to the cause. look at the website http:// www.operationhomefront.net.

“We do a lot in Ohio communities to help with military families, so check out our website to see what’s going on near you,” Droencik said. “We are also a four-star charity, which means every dollar earned goes right back to Ohio’s military families.”

As a special treat, a group of freshmen ladies from the Edgewood choral program also came and spread the Christmas cheer during the lighting ceremony.

“It was a lot of fun. It was great and it was nice to sing for the them,” Jenna Harryman said.

The girls came after being encouraged by their music teacher.

“Our teacher comes here every year and she asked us to sing this year,” Harryman said.

The Friends of the Harpersfield Covered Bridge considered the event highly successful and are glad to see the bridge lit up for the holidays and the smiling faces of those who enjoyed their annual celebration.

Truman gets held by his owner during the chilly night at the Hapersfield Covered Bridge Park.

Cards were handmade by those who attended the lighting of the bridge. The cards are going to be sent to troops celebrating Christmas overseas.

Occupy Ashtabula wants to help with free clinic

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The Occupy Ashtabula movement has started a new campaign of coordinating with a local hospital to start a free clinic.

The members of Occupy Ashtabula are holding a public meeting at e-Comm Cafe in Ashtabula on 4 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 12. All who are interested in starting the clinic are encouraged to come.

“According to a U.S. Census Bureau [survey] in 2007, 45.7 million Americans were uninsured,” Mark Leatherman wrote in a memo. “As company benefits shrink and individual insurance plans become increasingly more expensive and harder to obtain, starting a free clinic can help so many people in your community.”

Leatherman said with the economic times, more and more people are left without money to cover medical expenses.

“Even if your clinic only operates one day per week, you’ll be providing important preventive care and peace of mind to patients of all ages,” Leatherman said.

The free clinic will need Luke Smith receives help from his grandma, Gina Smith, lots of volunteers, including in creating a card for a service member overseas this doctors, nurses and others holiday season. who can keep the clinic at

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top performance.

“We’re asking all medical professionals to come and help out with the opening of the clinic,” Leatherman said. “We will also need donations because the costs of a free clinic can be very expensive.”

It is estimated the baseline cost of keeping a free clinic opened for just one day a week will cost between $1,000 and $5,000.

“We want to be able to provide basic healthcare and also have patients have access to things like xrays,” Leatherman said.

They are seeking out any all donations, whether monetary, time or medicals supplies and office equipment.

Occupy Ashtabula members are looking into all their options, including applying for grants and approaching local hospitals for assistance in grant research and other aid.

“You can get free samples [of pharmaceutical drugs] from local hospitals and doctors’ offices,” Leatherman wrote. “You can set up a contract with a local pharmacy to have all prescriptions billed to your clinic.”

If they do contract with local outlets, all patients will have to be informed of which pharmacies will be able to fill their prescriptions.

The Ashtabula County Medical Center has mentioned the possibility of starting a clinic, and if the hospital system does so, Occupy Ashtabula would like to work hand in hand with the project.

Leatherman sees the project as a way to benefit many people in the community as well as bring people together for a common cause.

Occupy Ashtabula would like all interested to contact them or attend their meeting next Monday at 4 p.m.

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A

Fleming and Billman Funeral Homes donates to the APL

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - Kathy Kaura represented Ashtabula County’s Animal Protective League (APL) during Fleming and Billman Funeral Homes’ annual charity dinner.

Fleming and Billman staff each bought a ticket to the dinner, with the money made being donated to the APL.

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN

Kathy Kaura stands in front of Robert Billman and Thomas Fleming with the pile of donations by their side. All donations were gathered from Fleming and Billman Funeral Homes’ employees.

board members do everything in their power to avoid euthanizing any animal.

“One of the board members drove six hours one way last weekend to take a pit bull to a rescue so he wouldn’t get euthanized,” Kaura said. “She’s not paid for that, but that’s how much our members care.”

Billman and Fleming pick a charity to give to every year and for the last few years they have chosen Project HALO. This is the first year they have donated to the APL. “We felt this was an opportunity to do something different and there really is a great need,” Joan Billman The Fleming and Billman staff gather around Kathy Kaura. Each one of the staff donated said.

Fleming and Billman money and donations such as dog food and toys to be given to the Ashtabula County APL. staff were happy not to just donate to the APL but to “It’s not just from the fu- with the APL for 10 years much.” neral home, it’s from all the and was once a board memThe APL recognizes that have Kaura come in person employees and our staff,” ber. hard economic times are to receive the donations.

“We appreciate you beThomas Fleming said.

“At the APL, I don’t playing a factor in the numThe funeral home and think there’s ever been a ber of animals being aban- ing here and accepting this,” Fleming said. its employees also donated greater need than there is doned.

Kaura said the APL is at items such as dog food, pa- now,” Kaura said.

“It’s not an easy situaper towels and other essenThe APL is becoming tion. The economy certainly the mall every Saturday tials the APL can use overcrowded, as the facility is a huge factor in all of from 11 a.m. until about 4 p.m. and the organization throughout the year. can only carry about 50 this,” Kaura said.

“All the food and paper dogs and 50 cats. The numThe APL will not accept is always looking for more goods and kitty litter and ber of animals being all dogs that are brought in. volunteers.

“It’s a good time of year toys, everything is mostly brought in is overwhelming “All of the animals that from the staff here and for the shelter. come from the county dog to support those who can’t they’ve just been terrific “When they first built warden must be accepted by speak for themselves,” about bringing everything that shelter, they figured it the APL,” Kaura said. “Ani- Kaura said. in,” Robert Billman said. would be good for the next mals are not euthanized for Sadie Portman, reporter “We also want to give you a 50 years,” Kaura said. space, but they are check to help you with ev- “That shelter was built for euthanized if they are con- for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette erything.”

50 dogs and 50 cats. They sidered vicious or ill.”

Kaura has been involved have at least twice that Kaura said the APL news.com.

RECALL

From page 1A

City Solicitor Michael Franklin said after going through the history of the city charter, they saw the removal of the recall amendment.

“At some point, the recall authorization that had been in the charter was removed in an amendment,” Franklin said.

Removing the recall process from the charter created a lot of questions on whether or not citizens could take elected officials out of office.

“Whether or not the charter allows for a recall, this provision, if passed, would eliminate any such questions,” Franklin said.

There has been much

support throughout the community to see the ability to recall officials put back on the charter and council has answered their concerns.

“Now we’re just putting forth in general a process for recalling back into the charter. There’s nothing going on in recalling anyone in particular at this point and time,” Stranman said. “It’s just putting it on the ballot to let the voters decide if they want to have the right to recall if they so choose to at some point.”

The council members said the citizens of Ashtabula should make the final decision on whether or not they

want the power to recall elected officials.

“This measure to allow the recall to go back on the ballot has language to create an opportunity for the citizens to recall an in-office elected official if they so choose to,” Council President J.P. Ducro said.

The council took a close look at how the recall process worked throughout the state and used Ohio’s provisions as a guide.

“What we are proposing here is that our recall process would be the same as the state’s,” Ward 4 Councilor Julie Latimer said.

“There is nothing new or spe-

ROTARIANS

cial about it.”

Ducro said council wants to place the initiative on the March ballot so the added costs of a special election are avoided.

“There has been some discussion from citizens who wish to have the recall in place and we want the opportunity for citizens to have this choice,” Ducro said.

The ordinance to place the recall initiative on the ballot was unanimously passed by council.

Geneva Rotarians Gerald Kujala, Bruce Gresham and Robert Sheldon made the rounds of third-grade classrooms in the Geneva Area City Schools district and Assumption School last week, bringing with them boxes of new dictionaries, one for each third grader.

“Geneva Rotary presented each third grader with their own dictionary to take home, to use at school and we encourage them to write their name Sadie Portman, reporter on the first page. The book for the Gazette, may be is theirs to keep and we reached at sportman@gazette hope the new dictionaries news.com. help students build their

From page 1A

vocabularies and help make them better readers and writers,” Kujala said.

The Dictionary Project i s j u s t one w a y t h a t Geneva Rotary supports education for local students.

The club, through the J. Edward Gilliland Rotary Foundation, grants thousands of dollars in scholarships to college bound seniors, fetes the top 25 students at each grade level at GHS at the Breakfast of Champions each spring and sponsors the annual Four Way Speech Contest.

Making a Difference

ASHTABULA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2012 GRANT PROCEDURE The Board of Trustees of The Ashtabula Foundation will accept Letters of Intent from 501(C) (3) charitable organizations in Ashtabula County seeking grant funds. Although the Board will review and consider grant requests from all categories at the same time, the emphasis of funding will be with human services organizations that benefit the needy of the county. The categories to be considered are: Recreation/Conservation; Education; Human Services; Arts/ Culture; Religion, and Community Development.

We Are Giving Back To Our Communities This Holiday Season • Andover, Geneva, North and South Jefferson offices and the Operations Center staff are adopting families for Christmas.

• Ashtabula Harbor office is collecting hats, scarves and mittens for G.O. Ministries.

• Conneaut office is collecting money to donate to the Conneaut Rotary for food baskets.

• Madison is collecting food for the Madison Food Bank.

• Austinburg is collecting toys for the HALO project and have put up a hat and mitten tree, accepting items to keep a child warm.

• Employees will be bell ringing for the Salvation Army kettle drive at Ashtabula Towne Square Dec. 9th.

Donations are welcome at any of our offices for our Holiday charities.

Andover Bank

The Letter of Intent should include the following information: •A brief description of the reason for your request.

•The dollar amount of your request.

•Are there other sources of funding?

If so, list the other sources.

•Is this project something that must be done immediately, or can it be postponed?

•Rate this project as far as a priority to your organization (on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest priority).

•How many people will be affected by the grant funding?

The deadline to submit your Letter of Intent is February 1, 2012.

Do not submit a full grant application at this time. The Board will review all requests, and you will be notified if you should proceed with a complete application packet, or if your request will not be considered.

If you have any questions, contact the Ashtabula Foundation office at (440) 992-6818, or by email at ashtabulafdn@suite224.net.

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8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2011

GOTL gives its blessings to Bishop as Nineveh’s fatal flaw new general manager of golf course

By Josh Wood Eagleville Bible Church

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers G E N E VA - O N - T H E LAKE - Geneva-on-the-Lake officials have announced Todd Bishop as the new general manager of the Genevaon-the-Lake Municipal Golf Course.

Bishop has been playing golf since he was 12 years old and even played in the local PGA tour while he was living in Columbus, Ohio.

“I’ve been in the golf industry for about 25 years,” Bishop said. “I’ve been a golf course superintendent for over 10 years, and I’ve been a general manager now for about ten years as well.”

Bishop took his passion for the game and has been working in the golf industry for the majority of his career.

“I started out in the greens department and then worked my way up over the course of my career,” Bishop said.

Bishop said working on the golf course has been a satisfying career and he looks forward to bringing his knowledge and expertise to GOTL. “I just enjoy the industry and the business,” Bishop said. “You meet a lot of great people and that’s the fun part.”

Bishop has lived in the Geneva area for six years now with his wife.

“I’m excited. It’s a fun golf course,” Bishop said. “I’m really excited to get in here and make some positive

PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN

Todd Bishop has been named the new general manger of the Geneva-on-the-Lake Municipal Golf Course, and he looks forward to taking the course into the future with minor improvements and a strong membership drive. things happen.”

Living in the area, Bishop is familiar with the course and has spent time on the green.

“My wife and I have played here for the last two years, as well as some friends of mine who have come out here and played,” Bishop said.

Bishop said he has never had a bad experience on the course and always felt the staff was well informed.

“It’s been a fun golf course and they treat you well up here and it’s just very convenient and affordable,” Bishop said.

Bishop hopes to continue bringing the course into the future with the plan the village has set up to improve

the course.

“They’ve been doing capital improvements over the last couple of years, and we’re just going to continue on with that,” Bishop said.

Maintenance areas will be worked on during the off season as long as weather permits.

“They’ve been working on bunkers and putting new tee boxes in and we’ve got some tree removal we want to work on and some drainage in some areas need to be drained a little better,” Bishop said.

Bishop said with the large amount of precipitation the area has seen this year, the drainage problem areas have come to light.

“It was a very wet year,

so the course showed us all its weak spots,” Bishop said.

Along with maintenance of the golf course, Bishop will be working on the membership drive.

“We’re trying to touch base with our members and I’m introducing myself to all the course’s members and letting them know who I am,” Bishop said.

Bishop is already getting familiar with the staff and is developing good relationships with every employee currently working on the course.

“They’ve got a great staff in place here,” Bishop said.

Bishop looks forward to his new position and improving the course, which he feels is already in good shape.

“We’re looking forward to taking the golf course to the next step and the next level with the conditioning and things of that nature,” Bishop said.

Bishop has been welcomed into the position by village officials, and he is ready to create positive relationships with the course’s current and future members.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to come on as general manager,” Bishop said. “I look forward to improving the golf course and the business overall.”

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

Geneva High School’s Project Love sponsors G.E.T. M.A.D.

BY KAYLEENA BRASHEAR Geneva High School GENEVA - The holiday season is quickly approaching, and Geneva High School students are determined to help local families have a truly merry Christmas. We hope that others in the community will join in our efforts to make the holidays a joyful time for all, especially those in need.

The GHS chapter of Project Love is sponsoring a donation drive called G.E.T. M.A.D. (Geneva Eagles Together Making A Difference). Project Love will work together with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the French and Spanish clubs, Student Council and the American Red Cross to make this endeavor happen.

Project Love members

PHOTO BY GHS EAGLE EYE PHOTOGRAPHER VERONICA CLUTTER

GHS Project Love members are organizing a community food, toy and clothing drive that will be held on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the front parking lot of the high school. All community members are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items, coats, gently used and new toys, hats, gloves and monetary donations. Pictured from left are Ford Carlisle, Lewie Wortman, Dan Camplese, Sarah Orlando, Diedra Inman, Jacob Groce, Clare Carlisle, Josh Smith, Sierra Levak, Morgan Nazor, Adam Gruber, Megan Lara and Morgan Brubaker.

hope to achieve their ulti- This project is an annual mate goal of positively im- community food, toy and pacting the community. clothing drive that will be held on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the front parking lot of the high Country gospel recording artist Bobby Bowen and his school. All community memfamily will present a Christmas concert at two area bers are encouraged to drop churches Sunday, Dec. 11. The family will be in concert at off non-perishable food Bulah Calvary United Methodist, 2070 Rt. 193, Jefferson items, coats, gently used at 11 a.m. Family Foursquare Gospel Church, 641 Mill St., and new toys, hats, gloves and monetary donations.

Conneaut, will host the Bowens at 6 p.m.

All of the collected food Bowen, of Greenbrier, Tenn., is a former lead vocalist of MidSouth Boys Quartet. During his tenure with the group, items will be sent to the he was nominated in the top 10 finalists for lead singer of Geneva Food Pantry, monthe year at the Singing News Fan Awards. The group had etary donations will go to HALO, FCA plans to give many hit songs over the years.

The Bowens travel to many states each week sharing the collected coats to the the gospel and their music ministry. A free will offering Ashtabula Pentecostal Church of God and to the will be taken at both concerts.

Bobby Bowen to perform at churches

Ghana Outreach Ministries in Ashtabula, and the French and Spanish clubs will donate the collected hats and gloves to the Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County.

These organizations rely on donations, especially during the holiday season.

They will have an influx of customers during the upcoming month, and will depend on receiving an abundance of donations to meet the increased demand.

Please come out this Saturday to join us in making the holidays special for those in need!

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Many of us are familiar with the city of Nineveh, a major city in the Assyrian empire, thanks to the Bible story of Jonah. God told Jonah to go and preach repentance to the people of Nineveh because God was prepared to destroy the city if they were going to continue in their wicked ways.

As the story goes, Jonah despises the Ninevites, and so instead of listening to God, he flees in the opposite direction. Over the next week or so, Jonah goes through a living nightmare (caught in a storm, thrown overboard, swallowed by a fish, three days in the belly of a fish, eventually vomited back on shore) until he decides that he will listen to God’s call and go to Nineveh.

So Jonah went to Nineveh and prophesied that unless the city repented and turned to God then it would be destroyed. As Jonah had feared, the people listened to the message and turned away from their wicked ways and towards God. Many times, this amazing act of God’s love and mercy is overlooked by Jonah’s extravagant story. An entire city turned around their entire culture within the span of just a few days!

Thousands of people who were destined to destruction were saved and began living for the Lord, what a magnificent thing! Unfortunately, the Ninevites had a fatal flaw. Their faith, although real, was weak, and they failed to pass it down to their children and grandchildren.

The next time we see the city of Nineveh in scripture is in the book of Nahum. Little is known about the prophet Nahum, but what he writes exposes a lot about the city of Nineveh. Somewhere around 100 years after Jonah visited the great city and preached repentance, Nahum was at the same city and writing about how it would be destroyed.

This time there was no call to repentance. Nahum makes references to idols and carved images that the Ninevites are worshipping and also the fact that they are oppressing God’s people in Judah. The people have fallen back into the selfish living patterns of what their parents and grandparents repented from.

What a sad reality. It makes me wonder if they were ever taught the history of their city. You would think that they would want to avoid the mistakes of their ancestors at all costs.

Nineveh’s fatal flaw was not passing down their faith through the generations. They allowed their offspring to repeat the same mistakes they made when they were younger. Unfortunately, we see this in America as well.

As parents we want the best for our children, however it is often the guilt from our own sins that keeps us from correcting the actions of our offspring.

People seem to feel like a hypocrite if they tell their teenager to abstain from alcohol or drugs, because they experimented with it when they were young. Parents who conceived their children out of wedlock remain silent with their teens have premarital sex, because they feel like they don’t have the right to speak up.

My friends, it is just the opposite that should be true.

We have all made mistakes in our lives, just as the Ninevites in the book of Jonah. We know the pain that our mistakes brought us and if we love our children we should be doing everything possible to keep them from repeating the same mistakes and sharing in the same pain we had to deal with.

To not educate them on the consequences of their actions would be sentencing them to the pain that surely follows whatever mistakes they are making. This is what happened to the Ninevites in Nahum’s day. Yes they are responsible for their own actions, but I can’t help but believe it could have been avoided had the parents and grandparents taken a more active role in educating their children on the consequences of their actions.

Imagine you are driving along a curvy mountainous road. It is a warm spring day and the windows are down with the radio blaring, you have no cares in the world.

You’ve driven this road a thousand times and are reflecting on fond memories of days gone past. When suddenly around the next turn you see that the bridge is collapsed. You slam on your breaks and send your tires screeching as they swerve back and forth.

There is no way your car will stop before the bridge and you decide to bury it into the ditch. Painfully, you climb out of your car, thankful to be alive. As you begin walking back towards town all the thoughts of what could have happened are rushing through your mind.

You wonder why there was no sign warning you that the bridge was out.

Just then you hear a car coming up the road. You can hear its radio blaring and you realize that this person has no idea that the bridge is out.

What do you do? Do you try to flag them down and warn them about the imminent danger, or do you just let them go on by to repeat the same mistake? Of course you would warn them! It is the only right and humane thing to do.

Many of our young people are living lives that are winding roads with nothing but collapsed bridges at the end. Who will warn them? Let’s not share in Nineveh’s fatal flaw.

The Ashtabula County

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A

A-Tech Adult Workforce Cosmetology students use their skills to make a difference!

by Jan Perala A-Tech

tients and families throughout Northern Ohio while BirthCare of Ashtabula The Ashtabula County County provides free serTechnical and Career Cam- vices and necessary items for pus (A-Tech) Adult pregnant women and moms Workforce Cosmetology and children in need of asClass gathered forces and sistance throughout the to used their skills to “Make a county. According Difference” in the lives of BirthCare Board of Direcseriously ill patients and tors President Maureen young mothers in need when Smith, BirthCare is funded they offered their skills and entirely by donations and services to raise funds for has helped more than 30,000 Hospice of the Western Re- moms in need since the serve and collected a bounty agency was founded in 1976.

“The young moms the of baby items for BirthCare agency assists lack the of Ashtabula County.

On National Make a Dif- means to provide even the ference Day, A-Tech’s cosme- most basic needs for their tology students trimmed babies so the donation of any is precious,” hair, manicured nails and item offered spa pedicures with BirthCare’s JoAnn Welch all proceeds directed to Hos- said. “The items so generpice. Patrons who donated ously provided through the baby needs such as bottles, efforts of A-Tech’s Adult Cosrattles, receiving blankets metology classes will help us and sleepers received a free meet the needs of those in gift. According to instructor need of our services.”

“We are so grateful to Tina Teter, more than $400 was raised in only three have been chosen by the coshours to benefit Hospice and metology students at A-Tech baskets brimming with baby to receive some of the proitems as well as $100 in cash ceeds from the 2011 Make A were donated to BirthCare. Difference Day activities “We had a great day,” said that they sponsored,” said Teter. “The students all feel Mary Pepperney of Hospice. that they’ve helped these “For them to give up a Satwonderful programs by us- urday to help raise money ing the skills they are learn- for Hospice of the Western ing here at A-Tech. I think Reserve is an indication of this effort also helped to their personal awareness raise awareness about and sensitivity to the needs BirthCare and Hospice and of others. It is donations like the important ways they this that have helped us prohelp those in need of their vide quality hospice care and services to patients and services.”

Hospice of the Western families in our community Reserve provides in home for almost 30 years, Without care palliative care, hesitation, I can say that caregiver support and be- these young people defireavement services for pa- nitely Make a Difference to

The Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus (A-Tech) Adult Workforce Cosmetology Class gathered forces to “Make a Difference” in the lives of young mothers in need when they offered their skills and services to raise funds and collect basketfuls of baby items for BirthCare of Ashtabula County. A-Tech students donated an array of baby items including rattles, receiving blankets, sleepers, bottles and bibs as well as $100 cash to BirthCare.

On hand to receive the baby baggage bounty were (seated) Maureen Smith, Kay Baird and JoAnn Welch of BirthCare. They are pictured with A-Tech Adult Workforce Cosmetology Instructor Tina Teter (second from left) and students (from left) Jackie Lewis, Bill Galiardi, Heidi Clark, Carla Nicholai, Cheyenne Dunkley, Janel Carlton, Amber Degnan, Brianna Bernard, Sara Fusco, R.J.Vandercook, Jennifer Turcie, Kayla Gombar, Taylor Stoneman, Lori Stoneman and Susan Lewis. our community and they should be very proud of what they have accomplished.

Hospice of the Western Reserve is deeply grateful for their thoughtfulness and generosity and even more grateful for each of them.”

The Adult Workforce Cosmetology curriculum provides thorough preparation for State Board of Cosmetology Certification. Students master skills in Hair Coloring, Manicuring, Hair Styling and Cutting, Permanent

Waving and Relaxing and Spa Services. In the last five years, A-Tech’s Adult Cosmetology graduates have

achieved a 100-percent passage rate on the State Cosmetology Board Certification Examination.

Manicurist Kayla Gombar, a student in A-Tech’s Adult Workforce Cosmtology class creates a “perfect 10” for client Pat Good...for a good cause. A-Tech’s Adult A-Tech Adult Workforce Cosmetology student Amber Workforce Cosmetology class provided manicures, Degnan (front) gives Amy Codney a manicure for a good haircuts and spa pedicures for clients with all proceeds cause on Make a Difference Day. In back, Sara Fusco directed to BirthCare of Ashtabula County and the manicures the nails of friend Cara Reibold. Degnan and Hospice of the Western Reserve.

Fusco are students in A-Tech’s Adult Workforce Cosmetology class. The students donated their skills and services to raise funds for BirthCare of Ashtabula County and the Hospice of the Western Reserve.

PHOTOS BY JAN PERALA

A-Tech Adult Workforce Cosmetology manicurist Stefani Hamilton-Hanna gives her mom Kim Peters a “perfect 10”on Make a Difference Day. A-Tech’s Adult Workforce Cosmetology class provided manicures, haircuts and spa pedicures for a crowd of eager clients with all proceeds directed to BirthCare of Ashtabula County and the Hospice of the Western Reserve.

Weekly seminars to be held at Seventh-day Adventist Church A weekly seminar, Amazing Discoveries in the Ancient Lands: The Search for the Truth, will be held every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Seventhday Adventist Church, 4815 Carpenter Road, Saybrook.

Free and open to everyone! Questions?

Call 964-7403.

Baldwin-Wallace inducts students into honor society The following students were inducted into the Dayton C. Miller Honor Society at Baldwin-Wallace College during a ceremony on Dec. 3.

• Tina Stuart of Jefferson.

• Kelsey Amidon of Ashtabula.

Inductees are selected for consistently maintaining superior academic work.

Only four percent of the undergraduate student body achieves membership.

WANT TO GET MORE OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL? A-Tech Health Care Academy student Natalia Lebron

Learn more about what your Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus has to offer to start a new career, help you advance your current career or continue your education.

Enroll now in one of our Adult Career Technical Education Programs and start your career soon!

Find out everything you need to know about classes by visiting us 24/7 online @ WWW.ATECH.EDU

Adults, Enroll Now For: BUSINESS OFFICE SPECIALIST

Go to www.atech.edu and see what Career-Technical Programs A-Tech has to offer.

Develop business training & educational competencies for entry-level office careers.

Days: Monday - Thursday Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Class Begins: 01/09/12

Microsoft Word I & II Introduction to processing computerized documents such as letters, newsletters, flyers.

Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Class begins: 03/14/12

Microsoft Excel I & II Introduction to processing computerized spreadsheets (i.e. building, setup & format)

Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Class begins: 05/14/12

EARN college credit while you are in high school.

PREPARE for college, technical school, or a career.

CHOOSE from 21 Career-Technical programs.

LEARN in a state-of-the-art campus setting.

TAKE a full range of academic classes.

JOIN new student organizations and clubs.

BENEFIT from early paid work opportunities.

CONTINUE your education with scholarships.

PARTICIPATE in home school sports and activities.

RECEIVE individual attention and career counseling.

WORK with teachers interested in your success.

MAKE new friends and enjoy new opportunities.

Online Ed2go Online learning anytime, anywhere … just a click away!

Informative, fun, convenient and highly interactive online courses, most running for only six weeks and only cost $95.

Just a sample of courses: Navigating the Internet, Learning to Buy and Sell on eBay, Discover Digital Photography, Lose Weight and Keep it Off, Grant Writing, Creating Web Pages, Going Green at Home

Visit our Online Instruction Center to find more courses!! www.ed2go.com/ATech

CNC—Computerized Numerical Controls The Industrial Welding program offers training in stick, MIG, and TIG processes.

Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Times: 6:00 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.

Class begins: 01/23/12

SolidWorks A 60-hour integrated course in SolidWorks Essentials, Drawing Creation and Advance Part Modeling.

Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Times: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Class begins: 04/16/12

Medical Readiness Class A FREE course to help you prepare for success in any health-related educational program!

36—Hour Class Beginning January 9, 2012 You must attend an ABLE Orientation session prior to the first day of class.

TO ENROLL CONTACT THE ABLE OFFICE @ 440-576-5599

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT—CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 . 440-576-6015 . WWW.ATECH.EDU The Ashtabula County Technical and Career Center Board of Education and 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.

440-576-6015 extension 1009 1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 . 440-576-6015 . WWW.ATECH.EDU

The Ashtabula County Technical and 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.

10A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2011

City of Ashtabula recognizes Ashtabula Education Service Center

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers

they can assist each other and save money. “The state keeps talking ASHTABULA – Ashtabula about shared services, coopCity Council recognized the eration among different disAshtabula County Education tricts,� Rubesich said. “We Service Center at its meeting probably have one of the best on Nov. 21 for its purchase of models in the state for doing State Road Elementary School that.� and its dedication to the comAll the schools in the county munity. are connected through “The Ashtabula County ACESC. Education Service Center is Rubesich said when they probably one of the best kept fully move into the old State secrets in the county,� John Road Elementary, they will Rubesich, superintendent of take with them around 60 emthe Ashtabula County Educa- ployees. tion Service Center (ACESC), “Currently we have just said. under 200 employees working ACESC mission is to im- for us,� Rubesich said. prove all the local schools in ACESC has been providing the area by providing cooper- jobs for many of Ashtabula’s ated services all the schools residents and officials are can have access to. proud to say they are adding “Our main responsibility is to economy. to local school districts. What “We were able to bring one we do is coordinate services,� of the officers who was laid off Rubesich said. back as a school resource ofOhio has been encouraging ficer. That school is serving atschools partner together so risk students,� Rubesich said.

State Road Elementary will be used as the board offices, as well as a school for atrisk students. “When we first started [the at-risk] school, we probably had somewhere around 30 students in that building and the grades were between second grade through 12th grade,�

Rubesich said.

Prior to their at risk program, students went to Lake County every school day. “There’s been a big call and we just started a kindergarten unit about three weeks ago and we already have about 11 students in that kindergarten program,� Rubesich said.

ACESC officials also are happy to say they have provided autistic programing for the county as well. “We also have autistic units in south county - two autistic classrooms at Grand Valley and they are cutting edge programs,� Rubesich said.

Dec. 27 is the official move

in date when State Road Elementary will be used for board offices. “I would encourage anyone in council just to pop in. You don’t even have to call in to make an appointment,�

Rubesich said.

Rubesich said the City of Ashtabula has been very welcoming to its new neighbors.

An open house will be scheduled so the public can view the building and the City of Ashtabula officials will be able to see the progress the ACESC is bringing to the area. “When you see what we’ve done with the building, I think Ashtabula City, especially residents around State Road Elementary School, are going to be extremely proud of the partnership we’re going to have with the community,�

Rubesich said.

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

More meetings planned on oil and gas drilling

BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - More meetings are being planned for people to learn more information about oil and gas drilling.

The next event is an oil and gas/shale town hall meeting that will be held 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Ashtabula Area City School District’s

Lakeside High School (Lecture Hall), located at 6600 Sanborn Rd. in Saybrook Township.

Invited are northeast Ohio residents who are interested in learning more about the legal issues associated with entering into an oil and gas lease. Bricker & Eckler attorneys will be on hand to discuss oil and gas leasing issues and landowner groups. Also,

In The Military Wight graduates from basic training Air Force Airman Robert C. Wight graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Wight is the son of Carrie Bradbury of Jefferson. He is a 2010 graduate of Jefferson Area High School.

representatives from Hill, Barth & King will address tax/financial planning issues for landowners.

Educational meetings also will be held on Monday, Dec. 19, in Williamsfield Township and Parkman.

To help landowners learn more about the leasing of their land for shale drilling, The Ohio State University Extension Office, Farm Bureau and the Ashtabula County Soil & Water Conservation District are teaming up to offer the two informational meetings. These meetings will feature Clif Little and Chris Penrose, who both serve as OSU Extension Educators in southeast Ohio where a lot of Marcellus Shale leasing has occurred already.

The first session will be held at the Williamsfield Community Center on Route 322 in Williamsfield 1-3 p.m.

An evening session will be held at the Parkman Community Center on Route 422 in Geauga County from 6 to 8 p.m.

These workshops have been developed to help land-

owners better understand oil and gas leases and how to protect their best interests, officials said. “As a landowner, it is important to become knowledgeable about oil and gas drilling. Be prepared to ask the company questions regarding payment, drilling technology and equipment impact, lease expiration, impact on water supplies, use of your water, receipt of free natural gas, royalties, post-drilling reclamation and other issues that are important to you,� officials said. “Learn about oil and gas leases with no company sales pressure.�

There are no charges for these programs, but pre-registration is required at the OSU Extension events so that handouts may be prepared. Pre-register by calling (440) 576-9008 (for the afternoon program in Williamsfield) and (440) 834-4656 (for the evening program in Parkman).

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

A-Tech Culinary Arts students present Annual Holiday Dinner

BY JAN PERALA A-Tech JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - In the spirit of the season, A-Tech Culinary Arts students will be serving up a festive, full course Holiday Dinner with all the trimmings on Thursday, Dec. 8.

The Holiday Dinner, an annual A-Tech tradition, is open to the public and all proceeds from the evening will benefit the school’s Scholarship Fund.

The menu will include sliced roast turkey, maple glazed ham, old fashioned dressing, cranberry sauce, green beans almondine and mashed potatoes with gravy.

Tossed salad with a selection of toppings and dinner rolls will accompany the meal’s main courses. Culinary Arts I students will provide an

array of sumptuous desserts including fresh baked pies and cookies.

A “Dessert Extravaganza� bake sale prepared by seniors in the Culinary Arts II program will include giant cream puffs, cinnamon rolls, cheesecakes, carrot cake, trays of decorated cookies and more. Students enrolled in the Horticulture program will sell poinsettias grown in the A-Tech greenhouses.

The A-Tech Holiday Dinner will be served on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. in Building B. Prices for the full course meal are: adults, $6.75, senior citizens, $4.75 and children 12 and under may dine for $4.

A-Tech is located at 1565 State Route 167 in Jefferson.

For additional information, call (440) 576-6015, ext.

1049.

Patrol offers tips and warnings about driving in winter weather ASHTABULA – The Ashtabula Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is warning drivers about the dangers of driving in winter weather and is offering some tips on what drivers should do in the event of a vehicle break down or a crash.

From December 2010 through March 2011, 37,429 crashes occurred on snow, ice or slush covered roadways killing 46 people and injuring 7,844. Speed was reported as the main cause in 77 percent of these crashes. To view a breakdown of these crashes visit http:// www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/ Winter_Driving.pdf.

In the event of inclement weather, the Patrol is urging motorists to allow extra time to get to their destination, maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the traffic ahead, pay close attention to bridges and overpasses - as they are often the first to freeze over – and to drive slowly, as everything including accelerating, turning and braking, take longer on snowcovered roadways. “In case of a vehicle break— down, motorists should turn on their hazard warning lights, safely position the vehicle as far off the road as pos-

sible, -call 1-877-7-PATROL for assistance and remain in the vehicle until help arrives,� explained Lt. Jerad Sutton, commander of the Ashtabula Post.

Troopers further suggest that if you get stuck in snow, make sure that your tail pipe is free of all snow and debris, to decrease your chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.

All motorists are encouraged to prepare their vehicle for winter driving by - ensuring that the battery, cooling system, tires, wipers and defroster- are all in working order. Drivers are also encouraged to carry the following winter car kit items in their vehicle in case of a breakdown: • Cell phone with car charger • Road flares or reflectors • Help or Call Police signs • First aid kit • Flashlight • Blanket/Sleeping bag • Small shovel • Bottled water and energy foods • Candles and matches • Tow strap/chain Up-to-the-minute road conditions are always available by logging onto the Ohio Department of Transportation’s website, www.buckeyetraffic.org.

Oil and Gas/Shale Town Hall Meeting Open to All Northeast Ohio Residents December 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Featuring representatives from Hill, Barth & King LLC and Bricker & Eckler LLP t -FBSO NPSF BCPVU UIF MFHBM JTTVFT BTTPDJBUFE XJUI FOUFSJOH JOUP BO PJM BOE HBT MFBTF GSPN BUUPSOFZT BU #SJDLFS &DLMFS JODMVEJOH UIF CFOFÄ•UT PG MBOEPXOFS HSPVQT t 3FQSFTFOUBUJWFT GSPN )JMM #BSUI ,JOH XJMM BEESFTT UBY BOE Ä•OBODJBM QMBOOJOH JTTVFT UIBU BSJTF XIFO MBOEPXOFST SFDFJWF MBSHF VQ GSPOU TJHOJOH CPOVTFT BOE SPZBMUJFT

Location: Ashtabula Area City School District’s Lakeside High School (Lecture Hall) 6600 Sanborn Road Ashtabula, Ohio 44004

For more information contact us at: Tom Taranto – TTaranto@hbksorce.com / 330.758.8613 Matt Warnock – mwarnock@bricker.com / 614.227.2388

WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2011

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 11A

Christmas comes to Geneva

PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN The Blue Bells dance to Jingle Bell Rock and entertain The Guardian United States of America Vets had a float the masses with their routine. full of family members and Christmas fun.

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - The City of Geneva held its annual Christmas parade on Friday with wreaths on fire trucks and lights on cars.

The Geneva Business As-

sociation (GBA) plans and holds the parade through the Geneva downtown every year.

Crowds came together to line the streets as they waited waved to firemen, Geneva Area City School’s students and many other

acts in the lineup.

Candy was throughout to the crowd in handfuls and many children were anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa to ring in the holiday season on the back of the last firetruck parading down the streets.

GBA always has a goal of expanding the parade and this year the organization added an extra bonus with free carriage rides.

The Grinch not only stole Christmas but the Geneva Christmas parade as well.

One of the youngest Dazzling Divas falls a little A-Tech displayed its float during the parade as well, showing the crowd the special behind but gets a little help skills they learned at the school. from an advisor.

Assumption School assembles for the parade with administration and students alike representing the school.

Breakfasts with Santa held throughout the community

BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA/JEFFERSON - The Kiwanis Club of Geneva is holding its an-

nual Breakfast with Santa this Saturday, Dec. 10, from 7 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Geneva United Methodist Church.

“This is an annual event that we stared years ago,” Fred Frisbie, member of the club, said.

The breakfast will include help from all three of their clubs, the men’s club, the Circle K Club and the Aktion Club.

“The Circle K Club is our high

school organization made up of young men and women,” Frisbie said.

“They are pretty active in their school and community.”

The Aktion Club is the newest club, formed about four years ago.

“The Aktion Club supports the mentally and physically disabled adults in our community,” Frisbie said. “The things they can do with their handicaps is just marvelous.”

The Breakfast with Santa funds earned will go directly back to the Kiwanis Club’s programs held throughout the year.

“Just this past Thanksg iv ing , we g av e t o t he Thanksgiving basket pro-

gram in our city,” Frisbie said. “I’d say we donated some 22 or 23 turkeys and this Christmas we’ll be providing another 25 or so turkeys for those baskets as well.”

The breakfast will include pancakes and sausage or the club’s famous sausage and biscuits.

Santa, of course, will be there for pictures and to listen to the children’s Christmas wishes.

“For $5 you can have a 8.5-by-11-inch photo of Santa with the kids or family,” Frisbie said.

The photo takes about five minutes to print out but will be ready to take home before you leave.

With the wide range of

time to attend the breakfast, Frisbie said you can c ome whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or anything in between.

“Some come for breakfast, some come for brunch and others come for lunch.

It’s a great day,” Frisbie said.

The Jefferson United Methodist Church will also be holding its Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The breakfast will start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 11 a.m.

The breakfast includes pancakes, bacon, juice and milk and pictures with Santa.

There will a ls o b e a craft area available for the

children to make holiday crafts and bring a Christmas souvenir home.

The cost will be $5, and parents eat for just $3.

All the money raised will go toward the Home Mission and Christo Mission Teams.

You can call in for reservations at the Jefferson United Methodist Church’s office, (440) 576-4561.

Lastly, the Jefferson Community Center also will host a breakfast with Santa from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. The cost is $3 per person.

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

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Toy-N-Hobby Headquarters are located in Geneva and have holiday sales throughout the store. Owner Harold Cattell encourages all toy and hobby enthusiasts to come and look at his selection.

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BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - Looking for the perfect gift for the young and the young at heart this holiday season?

Then check out Toy-NHobby Headquarters, Inc., in Geneva, where model airplane, car and rocket kits fill the shelves.

Jefferson-resident Harold Cattell opened Toy-N-Hobby, located at 775 South Broadway in the plaza next to Giant Eagle in Geneva, four years ago.

Browsing the store is like taking a step back in time, as visitors won’t find any PlayStations, Nintendo Wiis or video games.

Instead, the store is filled with more old-fashioned toys, such as kites, model airplane and car kits, that require hands-on activity and thinking and provide a tangible result at the end of play, such as a rocket that can actually shoot into the sky.

“I try to put in things that are creative,” said Cattell.

Many people come into the store and say they haven’t seen a particular toy since they were a kid, said Cattell.

They haven’t seen the toy because there aren’t many hobby stores anymore and people are buying off the Internet because there aren’t any storefronts, said Cattell.

There are some Christmas discounts to be had this season at the Toy-N-Hobby and Cattell says pretty much everything is on sale for the holidays.

“Stop in from now until Christmas and see what sales we have,” Cattell said. “There’s too many sale items to list.”

In order to allow customers to take advantage of this Christmas sale, Toy-N-Hobby Headquarters will be open seven days a week from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sundays.

Besides the trains, planes, cars and boat models, as well as pinecars, puzzles and slotcars, Toy-N-Hobby also carries a full line of remotecontrol products, including airplanes, helicopters, boats, cars and more.

Besides the kits, the store is filled with instruction books and all of the accessories, such as modeling clay, paint, glue, fuel tanks, wheels and fuel.

Many people remember playing for hours with a toy

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train set as a child, and the store is filled with miniature figures, trees, bushes, rock debris and tunnel portals to truly personalize and create a railroad station and tracks.

If customers are looking for something they can’t find on the shelves, Cattell can special order many items for them, including parts.

Cattell said he also stocked many “impulse toys” for children of all ages, such as green Army men, silly putty, highbounce balls and more. Dolls, paint-by-number scenes, toy horses, puzzles, die-cast cars and more also fill the shelves.

Many different people come in the store, from people who do this as a hobby to people looking for gifts, said Cattell.

With many families wanting to avoid the costs of travel, playing with remotecontrol cars is a fun thing to do at home, Cattell said. At least one car stocked on his shelves can reach 55 milesper-hour.

Cattell enjoys the remotecontrol items himself, and he is now the president of the Geneva R/C, the local radiocontrol flying club. The group has about 50 members and has access to a large, private flying field in Saybrook Township.

New members are welcome, and people interested in joining the club can contact Cattell at the Toy-N-Hobby Headquarters. The club usually puts on a demonstration for the public in the summer, with a couple hundred people attending the most recent one.

“It’s just a lot of fun,” Cattell said of the appeal of the models.

Depending on someone’s interest, they can either build a model themselves or buy one already put together, Cattell said. They can then take that model for a fly or drive.

Customers can visit www. toynhobbyheadquarters.com to find out more information about the store, as well as learn about discounts and special holiday hours.

Toy-N-Hobby Headquarters, Inc., located at 775 South Broadway in the plaza next to Giant Eagle in Geneva, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday during its non-holiday hours.

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