A-Tech prepares students for careers and colleges — See Recorder
Inside this week Letters to Santa as written by the children of Ashtabula County
Jefferson Elementary students spread Christmas cheer — See page 15A
THEGAZETTE
Vol. No. 135, No. 50
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011
75¢
Ashtabula honors Pearl Harbor on 70th anniversary
Christmas at the O.K. Corral
BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
One of Santa’s elves makes a connection with the audience during a scene in the North Pole. BELOW: The O.K. Corral members try to convince Bubble Gum Bart to let them celebrate Christmas during the annual Christmas program put on by Jefferson Elementary School third graders.
Periodical’s Postage Paid
PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN
ASHTABULA - A 70-year milestone for the attack on Pearl Harbor was hit last Wednesday, and the Ashtabula area veterans and Honor Guard took time out of their day to recognize the horrors of that day. “Today on this 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we honor the memory of the 2,400 brave Americans who gave their lives,” the Rev. Robert Leonard said. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN The Japanese plans flew through the early morning skies, The Rev. Robert Leonard and the Honor Guard salute the flag for the 2,400 military members who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor See ANNIVERSARY page 5A 70 years ago.
Volunteers needed to clean up Dorset home BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers
Robert Russell honored as Citizen of the Year
The Dorset Township home, located at the 2200 block of Railroad Street, was destroyed when an 18DORSET TOWNSHIP - Volun- year-old teen and three juveniles teers and donations are needed to entered the home and accused the help restore the home of a Dorset 50-year-old man living there of Township man who was the victim stealing an iPod. When the victim of a home invasion and assault in responded that he did not have the late November. item, the suspect, Cody Trenn, 18, A group of volunteers are visit- punched him in the face several ing the home this Thursday, Dec. times while the other teens began 15, to clean it up, organizer Annette breaking things in the house, acPaul said. Volunteers are assem- cording to Ashtabula County Sherbling at 11 a.m. and will remain iff Department reports. until the home is cleaned up, or The teens then proceeded to until 4 p.m., whichever comes first. break every window in the victim’s The volunteers can’t stay later than house and rip all of the doors off that because the home is without their hinges. Nearly every piece of electricity at this point in time. furniture was also damaged and Then, on Saturday, Dec. 17, the broken, and the teens damaged the group of volunteers will return to cabinets and countertops with an the home on 9 a.m. to repair some ax and sledge hammer. Money was of the damage caused by the sus- taken from the victim’s wallet, and pects. the teens set a fire in the middle So far, volunteers include mem- of the living room. bers of H20, the county-wide interVolunteers will work on Thursdenominational group, members of day to help clean up the damage, the Dorset community, members of Paul said. She said they want to the Dorset Baptist Church and restore the home enough so the friends, Paul said. man can continue to live there. “We really need donations of Anyone wanting to volunteer is money to help clean this up,” Paul welcome, Paul said. Anyone with said. questions can call her at 812-8591.
One of the biggest expenses of the clean up already has been taken care of. After scrambling to find a company to donate a dumpster, Double Eagle Dumpster in Conneaut came through for the volunteers. “It was like a prayer was answered,” Paul said. Once the home is cleaned up on Thursday, the volunteers will return on Saturday to repair and replace windows and doors, toilet, sink, drywall and more. “Many hands make for light work,” Paul said. Monetary or material donations are also welcome. People can call the H20 office at 576-4561 ext. 1 for more information. The Dorset Baptist Church is in charge of collecting the monetary donations, which can be mailed to Dorset Baptist Church, Box 81, Dorset 44032. People should mark the donations “house restoration fund” on the check memo line and on the outside of the envelope and make the check payable to the church. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazette news.com.
GHS Project LOVE sponsors G.E.T. M.A.D. food, toy and coat drive for families in need PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN
Robert Russell, left, was truly shocked to be awarded Citizen of the Year, as the honoree does not know of the honor until it is announced at the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner. BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - Robert Russell was honored on Wednesday as Citizen of the Year by the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce. Russell grew up in Geneva and became known for his pranks and for following in his father’s footsteps by becoming a fireman. “Firefighting was an interest at an early age, especially having a father who was a volunteer fireman,” David Foote said. Foote shared a story of Russell as a child trying to put out a fire of his own. “When our honoree was about four or five, he started his own fire in an empty paint can so he could put the fire out,” Foote said. Russell’s mother smelled the smoke and found her son in his father’s fireman boots, attempting to pull the hose to the fire. Russell told his mother, “Back up, mommy. I will put this fire out.” Russell was punished for his brief exploration in arson with afternoons spent in his bedroom and cleaning firetrucks at the station. “After graduating from Geneva High School in 1975, our honoree went to Kent State University,”
Foote said. “In 1979 our citizen of the year graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration.” Russell’s career would take him out of the area. “Becoming a licensed nursing home administrator, our honoree moved to Barnesville, Ohio, and ran the Barnsville Healthcare Center,” Foote said. Russell helped to improve the quality of care for nursing home residents as an administrator of the Ohio Healthcare Association. “At 25, he became one of the youngest members elected to [the Ohio Healthcare Association] governing board and served for many years in this capacity,” Foote said. In 1981 he would marry his wife, Deborah, and seven years later the opportunity to return to Geneva arose. “The opportunity to help run a family business known as Welker Farm Equipment was given and accepted,” Foote said. “Being home in Geneva again gave the young couple the advantage of helping the parents and other family members.” Russell is an active community member, giving back whenever possible. “Service to the community has always been a top priority for our honoree,” Foote said. “He has served as a fireman from 1988 to 2006 and was a captain on the fire department for six of those years.”
See CITIZEN page 7A
BY JAN PERALA Geneva Area City Schools GENEVA - Project LOVE’s mantra is “a kind word, a changed world,” and the organization challenges high school students to create a culture of kindness, caring and respect wherever they go. Members of Geneva High School’s chapter of Project LOVE and their advisor Jessica George took the
concept to a whole new level when they reached out to other school and community groups to create synergy and the resulting G.E.T. M.A.D. Food, Toy and Coat Drive. The event, which took place last Saturday, transformed the GHS atrium into an avalanche of toys, canned goods and warm coats, as well as a cache of cash, all to help mitigate a drastically increased need this holiday season.
The collaborative effort between Project LOVE, Student Council, the GHS Senior Class, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the GHS French and Spanish clubs will ensure that hundreds of area families in need will be wearing warm coats, will have food in the cupboard and toys under the Christmas tree.
See GHS page 2A
PHOTOS BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS
Project LOVE members display some of the donated toys that will find their way under Christmas trees throughout the area this holiday season. Standing from left: Jake Hein, Shayla Phillips, Remy Sigel, Annie Howard, Ford Carlisle, Santa (Ryan Carroll), Matt Seeds, Brianna Berrier, and Sarah Cooper. Kneeling: Morgan Brubaker, Christmas gift (Ian Alexander), Marie Camplese, Christa Cash, Rikki Metzler and advisor Jessica George.
2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
GHS
From page 1A
Geneva Zoning Department sees some decline in permits BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
Local family celebrates five generations
SUBMITTED PHOTO BY KRISTEN PHILLIPS
It is not too often that a family gets to celebrate five living generations. The five generations represented here are great great grandmother Julia Bragga, great grandmother Pat Bragga Inman, grandmother Shelly Inman Mountjoy, mother Meagan Mountjoy Kish and daughter Kailyn Elizabeth Kish. Julie and Manuel Bragga have lived in the Jefferson area all of their lives and had two children, Pat and Larry Bragga. Pat Bragga Inman and her husband, John, had two children, Shelly and Jay. Shelly Inman Mountjoy and her husband, Thomas, had two children, Meagan and Matthew. Meagan married Dan Kish in January 2007 and Kailyn Elizabeth Kish was born Feb. 2, 2011. The joys of family are evident as the Bragga, Inman, Mountjoy and Kish families gather to celebrate the heritage brought by each. A Godly heritage has turned out to be their most satisfying common ground and true blessing!
Pictured are (standing from left) Santa - Ryan Carroll, Ian Alexander, senior class president Morgan Brubaker, Lindsey Adams and Mandi Galloway. Kneeling: Project LOVE and senior class advisor Jessica George and right: Red Cross phlebotomist Angela Mallory. “The G.E.T.M.A.D. event turned out to be a great success,” GHS Senior Class President Morgan Brubaker said. “I was truly amazed by the generosity shown by GHS students and community members. We were able to collect a great deal of coats, toys, food and money to give to those less fortunate during the holiday season.” According to Project LOVE member Kayleena Brashear, “The collected food items will be sent to the Geneva Food Pantry. FCA plans to give the collected coats to the Ashtabula Pentecostal Church of God and to the Ghana Outreach Ministries in Ashtabula, and the French and Spanish clubs will donate the collected hats and gloves to Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County.” Cash donations will be directed to Holiday Angels Loving Others (HALO) an outreach program coordinated by Catholic Charities. Concurrently with the G.E.T.M.A.D. event, the GHS senior class hosted a Red Cross Blood Drive which generated 22 pints of donated blood; the gift of life for accident victims and surgical patients. TheAmerican Red Cross Northern Ohio Blood Services Region serves 19 counties and is the pri-
mary blood provider for 61 area hospitals including The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Geneva High School has been among the top ten providers of blood drives in previous years and biology teacher Jessica George, also the advisor for Project LOVE and the senior class, has been honored by the American Red Cross for her efforts to save lives through the establishment of blood drives at the high school receiving the prestigious American Red Cross Educational Sponsor Award. “Hosting Red Cross Blood Drives teaches responsibility and the importance of giving back to the community and also generates rewards for the students who work so hard organizing them,” explained George. “The senior class receives scholarship money for so many pints collected. In September we collected over 100 pints so we received $750 in scholarship dollars. Last year we awarded $3 ,5 00 in scholarships to GHS graduating seniors because of the blood drives that we hosted.” And most important, said Brubaker, at the end of the day, they were able to help save the lives of 60 people through the 22 pints of blood donated at the blood mobile last Saturday.
GENEVA - The zoning department officials in the City of Geneva reported to the city council at Monday night’s meeting. “It has been slow as far as permits this year,” Jennifer Brown, assistant city manager, said. The department has been approving a wide variety of permits to those who apply, though. “There are not just construction permits. It includes conditional use permits. There are business occupant permits, so not just construction permits,” Brown said. The permits are being applied for are down from the previous year. “We are actually down from last year,” Brown said. “We’re about $122,000 off from last year.” The zoning department has seen construction jobs go through, adding assets to the city. “Some of the highlights of construction this year was Headlock Plastics’ addition,” Brown said. “It was about 25,000 square feet.” A few new stores have also went through the zoning board to begin serving the Geneva area. “The MARCS Tower was also a sizeable investment, and then you have O’Reilley’s and Dave’s Cosmic Subs on Route 534,” Brown said. The City of Geneva is proud to see new businesses open their doors, even during these tough economic times. “New businesses, we’ve got eight of them,” Brown said. “Five of our new businesses, if you could see the activity, they are right on the Route 534 corridor.” Some of the new businesses include Geneva Net Cafe, Grape Escape, Geneva Country Doctor Veterinary Clinic, General Broadway, The Creative Writing Workshop and Treasure Island. The number of home businesses are not growing as fast as the city would like. “Our home occupation permits are also down this year,” Brown said. “I actually thought I’d see more
people do things out of their homes, but it’s not significant.” The zoning department has issued and completed 228 inspections for rental property. There is one number that is up in the city’s zoning department. “Our violations are up,” Brown said. “Our violations are almost double from last year in the property we’re assessing for doing mowing.” The violators are mostly in the external conditions of homes. “Most of our violations are property maintenance. Typically it is mowing or external maintenance in their yards,” Brown said. The City of Geneva is also experiencing a problem with garbage bills not being paid. “A lot of people are losing their garbage service, so you see a lot of garbage waiting there for Waste Management to pick it up,” Brown said. The city has every resident in the computer and Waste Management is aware of which houses to skip. “All their trucks are computerized, so they know not to pick it up,” Brown said. Brown said the zoning department is very much aware of its community, and although the department dowa encourage phone calls from people who see violations, the department itself is many times aware of issues. “Since I took over, we have been doing more of a reactive type of zoning office, so if we see a violation we are going to cite you,” Brown said. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette news.com.
JPD collects funds for Christmas program JEFFERSON - Every year, the Jefferson Police Department adopts families for Christmas and provides them with a holiday meal and gifts. This year, the department has adopted five families and is still collecting funds for the program. All of the families are from the Jefferson area, and people wishing to donate to the program and help these families have a special Christmas this season may call the department at 576-0010. For the 18th year in a row, Cathy Kivimaki’s second-grade class at Jefferson Elementary School are raising funds for the program. The students will be presenting the funds to Deputy Chief Dave Wassie on Dec. 20 at the school.
Rock Creek Community Center to host Christmas dinner On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., the Rock Creek Area Community Center will sponsor its annual Christmas Dinner. Meat will be provided and everyone is asked to bring a dish for the potluck and an item for the local food pantry. Santa will be there and crafts will be available for the children. The center is located at 2987 High Street and, for more information, call 563-5545.
GOTL Council reschedules meetings The regularly scheduled Geneva-on-the-Lake Village Council meeting for Monday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. has been canceled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The office will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26, in observance of Christmas Day and on Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s Day. The office will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 9 a.m. and on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 9 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A
Three students receive Jefferson Eagles donates thousands to local organizations the Roadrunner Award BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers
eral organizations in the community. A couple of weekends ago, JEFFERSON - The officers with the Eagles Club Jefferson Eagles Aerie presented Jefferson Cub #3881 made some children Scout Pack 41 with a check and their families very for $4,200. Community happy this holiday season, Chair Rachel Peer attended as the organization donated the presentation, not expectthousands of dollars to sev- ing a check so large.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
A couple of weekends ago, officers with the Eagles Club presented Jefferson Cub Scout Pack 41 with a check for $4,200. Pictured, from left, are Secretary Jeff Kidd, President Brian Hall, Cub Scouts Community Chair Rachel Peer, Officer Lynn Rienour, Treasurer Lloyd Jordan and Trustee Tom O’Meara. Pictured Wolf Cubs are Ben Allen and Jacob Peer.
PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN
Rock Creek Elementary School fifth-graders Destinee Hayden, Michaela Yazwinski and Abigayle Weeks won the Roadrunner Award for their hard work both during and outside of class. Science Activities Books.” BY SADIE PORTMAN “I feel astonished,” Gazette Newspapers Hayden said. “It’s nice to see ROCK CREEK - The we’re appreciated.” Hayden was nominated Rock Creek Elementary School gave out its Roadru- by Somppi as well for trying nner Awards for the first half her best in math and always of the school year, announc- participating in class. Yazwinski received a set ing fifth-graders Abigayle Weeks, Michaela Yazwinski of books entitled, “Awesome and Destinee Hayden as the Animals Set.” “It’s pretty cool,” winners. The Roadrunner Award is Yazwinski said. “It feels like given out every month to stu- our teachers have trust in us dents who show excellent and we’re important.” Yazwinski was nomiattitudes and a willingness to go the extra mile in help- nated by art teacher Sheryl Gianantonio for putting the ing others. The three received t- chairs down each morning before class begins. shirts along with a book. Gianantonio said someWeeks was excited to get the award along with the times Yazwinski brings a book “1001 Awesome Animal friend to help, but for the most part she does it all by Facts.” “My mom’s going to be so herself. The Roadrunner program proud of me,” Weeks said. “I’ve never been in the news- is sponsored by Cantini’s Village Market located in Rock paper before.” Weeks was nominated by Creek. her teacher Amanda Sompii Sadie Portman, reporter for her kindness toward othfor the Gazette, may be ers in the classroom. Hayden received a set of reached at sportman@ three books, “Set of Supper gazettenews.com.
Dorset Township trustees cancel meeting The regular meeting of the Dorset Township Board of Trustees for Monday, Dec. 19, has been canceled. A regular/end-of-the-year meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26. The organizational meeting for 2012 and regular business meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2. All meetings will be held at the Dorset Community Center, 2681 St. Rt. 193.
Lenox Township meeting canceled The regular meetings of the Board of Trustees for Lenox Township for the month of January have been canceled. There will be a reorganization meeting on Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lenox Community Center, 2509 Lenox NewLyme Rd., Jefferson
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Earlier in the year, the Jefferson Eagles had donated $600 to the troop for a timing system for our Pinewood Derby track, Peer said. She believed she was only meeting with the officers for a photo opportunity for their newsletter when they presented her with the new donation. “Oh my God, I freaked,” Peer said. “I never would have imagined that this was their idea of a big donation.” Peer said she was shocked by the donation, which is one of the largest if not the largest - the troop has ever received. “This helps us out tremendously,” Peer said. “I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful we are to them.” The money will go toward a week-long day camp the Cub Scout pack attends dur-
ing the summer, as well as other summer activities and materials for the 49 scouts in the troop, spread across Sgt. Jake Piotrowski and Sgt. Andrew Hanchosky proudly five different dens. accept a check in the amount of $1,100 from the The Jefferson Eagles AeAmerican Legion Post #103 and VFW. Pictured, back row: rie #3881 also have made reGary Petrochello, Commander of Post #103, Homer cent donations to the Amspaugh, Past Commander of the VFW, and American Ashtabula County Young Legion Post #103 Officer Frank Baldwin. Marines, the Ashtabula County Special Olympics and the Christmas fund for the Jefferson Police Department. “Our slogan is people helping people,” Jefferson Eagles Trustee Dave Carlson said. Carlson said the Eagles donated $4,850 to the Young Marines to help pay for the organization’s recent trip to Hawaii in honor of the 70th On behalf of the Special Olympics, Greg Lachey accepts anniversary of the attacks a check in the amount of $2,430 from the Jefferson Eagles on Pearl Harbor. Aerie #3881. Pictured: Brian Hall, president, Jefferson The Young Marines use Kidd, secretary, Tommy O’Meara, trustee, Lynn Redenour, the Eagles’ back hall as a loInside Guard, Greg Lachey and Lloyd Jordan, treasurer. cation for their drills, so Eagles members helped collect money for their trip. Eagles members even reached out to American Legion Post 103 in Ashtabula, as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Ashtabula, who donated $1,100. The Eagles Club also donated $2,430 to the Special Olympics, and $100 to the Jefferson Police Department for its Christmas project. The money comes from gaming activities at the Eagles Club. As part of its gaming license, the Jefferson Eagles must give a percentage of the profit to a charitable organization, Carlson said. Ernie Barbe from the Ashtabula VFW is pictured with the Ashtabula County Young Marines. Last October, they received the applications from the groups requesting a donation, and the club voted on what percentage of funds to give the groups, not knowing the total amounts until recently. Eagles Club members were proud of how much they could contribute this year. About two to three years ago, the Eagles Club wasn’t doing as well, but then a new group of officers came in who could dedicate their time and energy to the club, Carlson said. “Their hearts are in the right place,” Carlson said. Sgt. Andrew Hanchosky, Cpl. Angelene Reuschling and Cpl. Celeste Hamper of the Stefanie Wessell, senior Ashtabula County Young Marines proudly accept a check in the amount of $4,850 from the Jefferson Eagles Aerie #3881. Pictured in the back row: Aerie President Brian editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at Hall, Secretary Jefferson Kidd and Trustee,Tommy O’Meara. swessell@gazettenews.com.
Morgan Township officials review finances BY PENNI SCHAEFER Gazette Newspapers MORGAN TOWNSHIP While a drop in real estate assessments in Ashtabula County may be great news to many property owners, it’s forcing Morgan Township officials to cope with a more than a $30,000 drop in revenues for the 2012 budget. The reduction in real estate values isn’t the only reason coffers are shrinking from $294,000 in 2011 to approx $262,000 in 2012. Jean Brand, Morgan Township fiscal officer, reported dwindling state funding and electric company reimbursements as a result of deregulation are also culprits. During the Dec. 7, 2011, meeting, trustees reviewed the proposed cuts for 2012 with caution. The roads and bridges department will take the biggest hit in the budget, with trustees Brett Bellas, Mike Jones and Virgil Martin designating approximately $128,000 for maintenance and repair projects planned for 2012. That’s down about $18,000 from 2011. Despite receiving the largest cut, Bellas, Jones and Martin reported the safety of the community and maintaining the infrastructure of the township remain the township’s primary concerns.
“The biggest thing is keeping up with the 18.5 miles of roads in the township,” Martin said. Chairman Brett Bellas agreed: “Finishing the ditching program is definitely a priority—we gotta get the water to go where it’s supposed to. Water that sits in the road causes soft spots and eventually leaves muddy (pot) holes.” Brand, who has managed the township’s funds for the past 12 years, said the roads and bridges area of the budget covers everything from salaries, fuels used and everything necessary for general repair and maintenance. She said the process of trimming township expenses starts with looking at everything from the chemicals used for dust control on the dirt roads on down the list. Brand said every expense will continue to be examined, but making the dollar stretch during a recession isn’t easy. Besides “praying,” she said trustees have just had to “really rethink their priorities. But in the end, the cost of petroleum-based products, such as fuel used to operate plows, trucks, heavy equipment and even asphalt products is extremely volatile, with prices fluctuating almost daily. All have “skyrocketed,” Brand said. In dealing with the cut in
Proposed 2012 budget includes cuts in all areas: Roads and bridges $128,000 (-$18,000 from 2011) General fund $21,000 (-$3,000 from 2011) Fire department $92,700 (-$7,000 from 2011) Cemetery fund $21,200 (-$2,000 from 2011) funding, Trustee Martin stated ultimately projects that may have been in a fiveyear plan may have to be pushed back to seven or 10 years. Another example, Brand said, is that while everyone who lives on a side road would like it to be paved, the reality is that the cost is just too prohibitive. Following the meeting, Brand said in addition to reexamining the township residents’ needs, trustees are in the process of exploring new opportunities. As a result, township officials are now just “trying to think outside of the box.” One of the innovative ways of making the dollars go further is seeking out grants that favor shared services with other entities, Bellas said. “It makes it easier to get grant money if you go in with other municipalities for larger shared pieces of equipment, like boom mowers for example,” he said. The township continues to investigate new sources of
revenues to fill the gap, but it’s something that is easier said than done, Brand said. In fact, the current economy “makes that almost impossible.” “Levies bring in money consistently, but the cost of everything else goes up,” Brand said. “Seems like we’re always having to look at what we can cut.” “The township is also looking at a reduction in the local government fund monies, which also affects our general fund,” Brand said. “Every dollar lost will in some way affect the ability of the township to proceed with projects in a timely manner.” The local funds are to be reduced 25 percent from this year and an additional 50 percent reduction in 2013; while the amount is expected to be about $5,000 total, Brand said it will be noticeable. Morgan Township Trustees will meet Dec. 28, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the conference room of Morgan Hose Volunteer Fire Department.
4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
Jefferson third graders take a Christmas trip out west BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Elementary School third-grade students, under the direction of Bernice Collise, performed Christmas at the O.K. Corral last Thursday night. The play was set in the wild west with Ben Gramsz playing Bubble Gum Bart, a guy who bans Christmas at the O.K. Corral. The people at the corral call on Santa, played by Clayton Williams, for help. He sends his trusted friend, the Candy Cane Kid, played by Braydon Throop. The Candy Cane Kid saves the day as the third graders sing and dance to “Christmas is O.K.!” Collise said the children spent a lot of time putting the play together and were ex-
cited to show their hard work to family and friends. Although the kids put forth their all, so did many parents. Collise received support throughout the school’s community to ensure the play would go on with a problem. Many costumes were provided by parents and the children went to school early each morning to attend rehearsals. The set was also painted and constructed by Christy, Chris and Alexia Duffus, who made the piece on their own time. “The generous giving of time and effort by so many is truly appreciated,” Collise wrote in the program. “May you and yours enjoy a beautiful holiday season. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@ gazettenews.com.
The third graders sing and square dance for the final song of the play, “Christmas is O.K.!”
The third-grade choir sings Bubble Gum Goo after the character Bubble Gum Bart says the O.K. Corral cannot celebrate Christmas
PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN
Bubble Gum Bart and the rest of the O.K. Corral celebrate their friendship and Christmas together for a happy ending.
Santa’s elves make last minute preparations for Christmas at the North Pole.
“The Friendly Beasts” is performed under a stable for Santa as his elves and animals have prepared the special piece.
The Candy Cane Kid comes to the O.K. Corral with his trustee reindeer, Snowflake, played by Madeline Smith.
Bubble Gum Bart stares down the Candy Cane Kid as they prepare for a confrontation.
Bubble Gum Bart cries when he admits he doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas because he thinks nobody likes him.
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WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A
Family Feast at Kids Only ANNIVERSARY
La’Ray Hall participated in the Family Feast at Kids Only. Kids Only had its Family Feast recently. The parents come and enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal with their children and their care givers. The children also learned all about the first Thanksgiving and made Pilgrim and Native American costumes to wear. This is the 13th year for the feast, and Kids Only served over 250 meals . The children made the centerpieces for the tables, and Ms. Donna Vincenzo made corsages for all the ladies in attendance.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Stephanie Vencill is pictured with her daughter, Myla Vencill.
Jarret Herron dressed in Native American costume for the Family Feast at Kids Only.
awakening Naval and Marine troops docked in the American port of Pearl Harbor and ultimately sinking the USS Arizona. “It was a day that would live in infamy as President (Franklin) Roosevelt told an anxious nation of the attack,” Leonard said. Leonard said those who lived through the day will not, and many times cannot, forget the day, as a nation mourned the loss and would soon prepare for a second World War. Leonard recognized that many young citizens may not understand the significance of the day. “Today many may not remember Pearl Harbor,” Leonard said. Leonard sees the lessons as an important point in our nation’s history. “For too many years, the memory of Dec. 7, 1941 has been slipping away,” Leonard said. “It is heartbreaking to know that it could become just another day.” Leonard said the nation moved on from Pearl Harbor, winning World War II and seeing prosperity throughout the 1950s. “We’ve come a long way as a nation and as a people since Dec. 7, 1941,” Leonard said. Leonard said many forgot the United States’ vulnerability, and history repeated itself with the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. “The attacks on Sept. 11 serve as a stark reminder that as citizens of this great land of freedom, we all too soon forgot the lessons of yesteryear. This is why we remember,” Leonard said. Leonard saw the parallels between the two days, both starting on beautiful sunny days and both leading into a heart-wrenching afternoon. “They came down on them from a brilliant sun which started as a peaceful Sunday morning in Hawaii,” Leonard said. “This is not a pleasant anniversary to recall.” Ashtabula had a personal loss on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941 as Private Marine Harry Kalinowski was killed while aboard the USS Arizona.
From page 1A
Hector Martinez plays Taps during the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor service. “[Kalinowski] was the first of the 94 to die in Ashtabula County,” Leonard said. Bob McFarin is another Ashtabula connection with the attacks, as he survived but came back a different person who was not certain of how to handle the memories he had to live with. “[McFarin] became so depressed with it that he put his medals into the garbage can,” Leonard said. “That is the horror of it.” Leonard said it is the memories of Pearl Harbor and Sept. 11 that must never die in our nation’s collective memory in order to keep the country awake and aware of potential attacks. “We hope from here may we ever be vigilant,” Leonard said. Leonard said it is the
stories of McFarin and Kalinowski that must be told to understand what happened in the earlymorning ocean’s tide. “We must never ever forget the sacrifice of so many on that day, not only those that died but those who lived the rest of their lives with that memory,” Leonard said. Leonard said Pearl Harbor is a day of vigil and a day of remembrance. “America survived that day and came out more great, and America will survive the most recent attack,” Leonard said. “The memory of Dec. 7 must remain yet forever in the The Reverend Robert minds of the most recent Leonard stands beneath generations.” the flag at half staff as Taps is played in the Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be background for those who died on December 7, 1941. reached at sportman@ gazettenews.com.
The Ashtabula Honor Guard members bow their heads during the beginning prayer of the Pearl Harbor ceremony.
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6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
Marshall named among ‘Women You Should Know’
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
Troy Bailey to retire after 11 years at the Ashtabula Senior Center BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
ASHTABULA - After 11 years at the Ashtabula Senior Center, Senior Center Executive Director Troy Bailey is retiring, with his last day being Friday, Dec. 16. “This is it,” Bailey said. The center held a party for him last Friday to recognize all his hard work. Bailey said when he Amy (Stevenson) leaves this Friday, he will Marshall was recently se- not be bored. lected by Women for Eco“I don’t have any immenomic and Leadership Devel- diate plans,” Bailey said. opment as one of 12 “Women “I’m just going to take a look You Should Know” for 2011. and see what has to be done WELD has a mission to in- and what opportunities are crease the number of women out there.” serving in leadership posiBailey looks forward to tions in all fields. Each year staying involved with the they select 12 women from all Ashtabula area but also to areas who make a difference getting a little bit of much by being leaders, mentors, deserved rest. teachers, and influencers. “I have a lot of hobbies Amy is a co-owner of Webbed and am involved with quite Marketing which helps com- a few things, so that will panies grow using the power keep me busy,” Bailey said. of the internet. In April the Blue Bells Amy is a 1990 graduate of will be regrouping and Jefferson Area High School Bailey will remain an active and holds a bachelors degree member. in International Business “I’m still going to be inand Japanese from Mt. volved here with our parade Union College. Prior to join- group the Blue Bells,” Bailey ing Webbed Marketing she said. “We go out there and worked for Sterling Com- have a great time.” merce and Quest Software Bailey said he originally focusing on product market- came to the senior center as ing and global channel devel- a temporary director. opment. She has been recog“My original plan was to nized by industry and media come out here and help out for her successful marketing for a couple of months and campaigns. Amy resides in work full time in the library Hillard, OH with her hus- in the genealogy departband and two children and is ment,” Bailey said. “I liked the daughter of Jon and it so much I just stayed.” Paula Stevenson of Jefferson.
PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN
Troy Bailey poses for a picture at his retirement party at Chris Bailey, Troy Bailey’s wife, stands for recognition of the Ashtabula Senior Center last Friday. Bailey is retiring the time she gave up so her husband could dedicate time to the Ashtabula Senior Center. after 11 years of service to the center. Bailey said he will now have time to volunteer in the library’s genealogy department. The senior center will move on without Bailey, but he will be missed. “Troy really has left his mark here at the center and we really are going to miss him,” Betty Morrison, president of the Ashtabula Senior Center Board, said. Bailey made a special recognition of his wife, Chris, and Morrison, too, expressed gratitude toward Chris and her willingness to give of her husband’s time to the center. “We appreciate Chris loaning Troy to us for all of this time,” Morrison said. “I know there were many times calls were made to your home and Troy had to come
in when something was going on.” Morrison said she will personally keep their shared moments close to her heart. “I am going to cherish a lot of memories of things we did together, cooking hot dogs at the golf outings and the long trip we made to Columbus to lobby for a new senior center, which we didn’t get,” Morrison said. As a final goodbye to everyone who has been a part of the 11 years, Bailey gave a word of thanks. “It’s been a pleasure and everyone that’s here today, we have touched each other’s hearts in some way and I appreciate your support,” Bailey said. “It’s just been a Betty Morrison reads to Troy Bailey a proclamation from wonderful and pleasant ex- Rep. Casey Kozlowski’s office honoring Bailey and all perience.” he’s done for the senior center.
As the choir sings
City of Geneva receives questions over waterline bid BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
PHOTO BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME
Derek Deyermand, Natasha LeGrange, Laura Cole and Clayton Ketola were featured in a quartet during the choir concert. BY CAROLYN BEHRJEROME Gazette Newspapers
The highlight of the evening was at the end of the concert when all choirs came together on stage. JEFFERSON - The About 15 alumni joined the Jefferson Area High School mass choir to perform Carol Choirs recently held their of the Bells and Hallelujah annual Winter concert. from Handel’s Messiah. Under the direction of “I was really excited to Kelli Olesky, the Treble see so many, “ Olesky said. Choir, the Showstoppers The mass choir tradiand the Concert Choir per- tion most likely began formed holiday songs to many years ago with then usher in the season of love choir director Debbie and giving. McKee.
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“It was being done when I got here six years ago, so I’m not really sure when it started,” Olesky explained. The Treble Choir, made up of girls grades 9-12, performed two songs: African Noel and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Choir member Mariah Dean has been in choir since fifth grade and this was her second winter concert with Treble. “My favorite part is going up to sing with everybody else,” she said. Next the Showstoppers performed Let It Snow, Jingle Bell Rock and Christmas Lights. The Showstoppers are a special show choir made up of boys and girls who auditioned last spring. Choreography is primarily done by Paige Beach and Kristyn Smith, but Jingle Bell Rock was choreographed by Vanessa Burlingame. “It was a lot of fun,” Burlingame said. “I think the audience was really entertained.” The Concert Choir is made up of boys grades 912 and girls grades 10-12.
They performed Winter Wonderland, which featured a duet by Brianne Bodisch and Zack Miller. A quartet of Clayton Ketola, Laura Cole, Derek Deyermand and Natasha LeGrange were featured during Baby, It’s Cold Outside. “I was nervous because I could see the audience,” Deyarmand said. Joy Shall Be Yours in the Morning was the final selection for the Concert Choir. Sophomore Brittney Teter said her favorite part was when the mass choir sang. This was Freshman Alex Sarna’s first winter concert with JAHS, although he’s has been in chorus since fifth grade. He explained, “I thought it was great. I liked the show choir, how they danced to certain music. Jingle Bell Rock was my favorite.” Olesky wished all attendees a wonderful and safe holiday. She also invited them to join the Music Boosters Association.
“We went for the most qualified person, not the lowest bidder,” David Gilbert, supervisor of the water department, said. Depascale had said his contract would save the city about $48,800, but according to Gilbert it is impossible to put an exact number on the contract. “This contract is for years worth of emergency repairs,” Gilbert said. “We don’t know how much money we’re going to pay the bidder because there could be one break, there could be five breaks.” However, Gilbert was not upset by Depascale’s questioning. “I understand,” Gilbert said. “It’s a bad economy. It’s a bad year for many of these contractors.” Gilbert said they did get Depascale’s references, but none of the three references were from jobs demonstrating their experience in emergency waterline breaks and repair. “[Bentley] demonstrated more experience in what we are asking for,” Gilbert said. “Bentley submitted probably about eight pages of municipal jobs that have been done in the last five years.” The city offered to meet one on one with Depascale to go over his bid and why it was rejected. “What we would be happy to do is have a meeting with you and sit down and explain in more specifics,” Lauren Gardner, the City of Geneva’s solicitor, said. “The city council does not know the specifics.” The city council member Howard Anderson suggested postponing the vote on the D.B. Bentley bid, but council ultimately decided to vote on the issue Monday night to avoid further delay. “We need to get this done and I don’t see how holding this off is going to help the city,” Rodger Fuller, Geneva city council member, said. The council voted to accept the D.B. Bentley bid, with only one vote against the bid by Michael Shupska. “Based on our engineer’s recommendation and our homework, we feel more comfortable with Bentley,” Gilbert said.
GENEVA Brian Depascale of Depascale Contracting Incorporated came to Monday’s Geneva City Council meeting to ask the council about a rejected bid. “I prepared and submitted a bid for the waterline service contract that you put out,” Depascale said. The bid was ultimately not accepted by the city, as officials chose D.B. Bentley Incorporated to be voted on by the city council. “Our company has been in business for 51 years in Ashtabula County and we do sewer and water,” Depascale said. Depascale was the lowest bidder for the waterline service. “I noticed on the agenda that you would be awarding the waterline repair contract to the second lowest bidder,” Depascale said. Depascale was upset to see his references were never consulted. “Your engineer didn’t call any of my references and did no checking at all before denying my bid,” Depascale said. “I would think your engineer would check my references before denying my bid.” Depascale said they have numerous years of quality work and he wanted to know why they were not chosen. “Nowhere on this letter does it say I am not qualified to do the work,” Depascale said. Depascale commented on how he could save the city money and did not understand the city’s position on the matter. “I was just wondering how you could spend more money for a contractor from another county with my background of 51 years in the sewer and water business?” Depascale said. The city officials said the bids had been reviewed and they were not required to choose the lowest bidder. “I know the administration has carefully reviewed all the bids, and I am confident they selected the best bid for the project,” Jeffrey Piotrowski, president of the Geneva City Council, said. Sadie Portman, reporter The City of Geneva has worked with D.B. Bentley for the Gazette, may be at before and has seen the reached company’s work first hand. sportman@gazettenews.com.
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A
Lakeside High School assists Ashtabula County Light on the Lake
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6846 names Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest winners BY JAN PERALA Gazette Newspapers GENEVA - The Patriot’s Pen Essay contest, sponsored by Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 6846 is open to students in grades six through eight and provides an opportunity for young writers to express their views on an assigned theme. This year, essayists addressed the topic “Are You Proud of Your Country?” The
winning wordsmith was Kyle Peck, a seventh grader at Geneva Middle School. Classmate Christiana Crites was the second-place winner and Isabella Rossi claimed third place. According to VFW contest chairperson Sandra Roach, judges evaluated more than 100 entries, selecting the winning entries based on three criteria: knowledge of theme, theme development and clarity of ideas.
First-Place Winning Essay – Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest 2011 Sponsored by VFW Post 6846
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Lakeside High Schools students in Ramona Kendzerski and Teresa Stopek’s classes recently incorporated math PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS and job skills to assist the Ashtabula County Lights on the Lake Committee.Their task was to assemble the 3,000 Kyle Peck, a seventh grader at Geneva Middle School, goodie bags that are distributed to visitors attending Lights on the Lake at the Ashtabula Township Park, Friday, was named the first-place winner in the annual Patriot’s Saturday and Sundays, Thanksgiving through New Years, 6-9 p.m. Pen Essay Contest sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6846. Winning second and third place A task that typically takes several weeks was completed House and a tour of Lights on the Lake. respectively were Christiana Crites (right) and Isabella Ashtabula County Lights on the Lake benefits from comin record time, one week. Rossi. The young essayists are pictured with GMS In appreciation, the Lights on the Lake Committee and munity volunteerism on many different levels. Principal Steve Candela and Language Arts teacher Both Lakeside High School and ACLOL look forward to the Ashtabula Area City Schools rewarded 15 students and Diana Osborne. staff with a ride on the Jolly Trolley, lunch at Tony’s Dog future collaboration
Ohio Wine Producers Association honored Are You Proud of Your Country? with Economic Development Award BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
“She is taking in a lot of interns and a lot of young people over the years and GENEVA - Donniella helped guide them into their Winchell, on behalf of the careers and into their fuOhio Wine Producers Assotures,” Pearson said. ciation (OWPA), was given Winchell is proud to have one of two Economic Develroots in Geneva and was opment Awards from the grateful for the award. City of Geneva recently. “I am so proud to have “I recognize [OWPA] for been allowed by the Ohio the development in our comWine Producers to keep the munity,” Geneva City Manassociation here in Geneva,” ager Jim Pearson said. Winchell said. OWPA has helped deWinchell sees Geneva as velop the wineries througha great community to grow out the Geneva area and conup in and enjoys the cooperatinues to grow the wine intion seen among the local dustry. governments, schools and “Since 1975, the Ohio Wine organizations. Producers Association has “I don’t know if there are been instrumental in promotany communities quite like ing Ohio wines and wine eduGeneva,” Winchell said. cation,” Pearson said. Winchell sees Geneva as The wine industry a great part of the wine inPHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN throughout the Geneva area dustry and sees the commuhas seen great growth since Donniella Winchell accepts the Economic Development nity itself as an asset to Award for the Ohio Wine Producers Association. its first winery found the OWPA. ployees and continues to prorich soil to be plentiful for grape fruit,” Pearson said. “This town has given OWPA was originally mote the area. the production of grapes. back to the Ohio wine com“Talk about a person who munity, to the Winchell fam“They have led the way founded in Austinburg and helping to pave and improve moved to Geneva in recent knows the business,” ily and to Debonne more years. Pearson said of Winchell. than I can ever say thank the wine industry for the last “The Ohio Wine Produc- “She was probably born in a you for,” Winchell said. 36 years,” Pearson said. Pearson said the Geneva ers moved their operations vineyard.” “Thank you all for just being Winchell herself has been who you are.” area has grown in tourism from Austinburg to Geneva and has gained attention some four years ago, and a part of the wine industry because of the wine industry. what a great addition it has from a young age, as her parSadie Portman, reporter “Ohio and specifically been for Geneva,” Pearson ents started one of the most for the Gazette, may be known wineries of the area, reached at sportman@gazette this area have a long and said. OWPA now has six em- Chalet Debonne Vineyards. news.com. rich history in growing the
CITIZEN
By Kyle Peck Geneva Middle School
Red autumn leaves and bright sunsets, white winter snow and glistening tree tops, blue summer skies and clear oceans - the beauty of America and the land where I live. Freedom is the color of my flag and my country. Red blood shed by soldiers fighting for my country, white stars scattered through the sky waiting for me to reach them, and blue waters rippled beyond the horizon showing that my dreams are endless. Freedom is the color of my country. Red, white, and blue flags fly freely throughout my country. Sparkling fireworks celebrating our nation’s birthday light skies throughout my country. Americans stand together and sing the national anthem throughout my country. Twenty-one gun salutes honoring soldiers on Memorial Days ring loudly throughout my country. All of these traditions represent Americans’ patriotism and pride in their country. And we as “one nation under God” have the freedom to express our thoughts and feelings about our country. We are free to love and support our country. We are also free to stand up for what we believe in. We can show our choices by voting. We are free to practice our own religion. We are free to unite together as citizens and make our country the best that it can be. Freedom is an asset that Americans have fought for and won. Abraham Lincoln believed all of America should work together as one nation. He promised freedom to our enslaved sisters and brothers. Thomas Jefferson worked hard so that all people in the United States would have the right to freedom by writing our Declaration of Independence. He worked to improve our country. Citizens and soldiers continue to embrace our freedom. They rise above tragedies and as a result they strengthen. During 9/11, when two buildings fell apart, fifty states came together. Freedom is the color of our country. America is beautiful in all that it shows us, in all that it stands for, and in all that it offers us. America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Everyday, I enjoy the colors of my country - the freedom America gives me. I am free to accomplish my dreams and succeed. So, I ask - are you proud of your country? I am and I have the freedom to say that I am.
From page 1A
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Robert Russell stands in the middle of past Citizen of the Year honorees after he was awarded the 2011 award. Russell has served in local government as well. “Bob [Russell] has also served the Ashtabula County Township Association and the Ohio Township Association,” Foote said. “Currently, he serves as trustee for Geneva Township, having been elected to the seat originally in 2006.” Russell is known throughout the
Geneva area for his generosity and willingness to help. “In addition, Bob is known as the ‘go to guy,’ solving a wide array of household projects for family members and friends,” Foote said. Russell was shocked by the honor and gave special gratitude to his wife, who he said is a “fireman’s widow and a trustee’s widow” for all
the times he has been forced to leave his family to help serve those around him. “I wanted to thank everybody. There’s a lot of people in this room who helped me,” Russell said. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazettenews.com.
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8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A
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10A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
Second graders perform holiday songs for family and friends Ashtabula Area City Schools second graders perform for their family and friends their Christmas concert entitled “Glo-Glo-Glorious.”
BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
they have been working mas.” hard with the students to The Parent Teacher Orgamake this a great concert for nization (PTO) also spent a PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN ASHTABULA - The you,” Evanson said. lot of time preparing for the Students also wore Hawaiian Leis as a tribute to their last Evanson was also im- concert and received help and Ashtabula Area City Schools’ song, “A Hawaiian Christmas.” second-grade classes per- pressed with the students’ donations from several local formed their holiday concert, commitment to the concert. businesses, including attorGlo-Glo-Glorious, Tuesday “The students have been ney Bret Cimorell, Wal-Mart, morning for their friends practicing and practicing to Taco Bell, Applebee’s, Paraand family. get this just right for you,” dise Rays, Covered Bridge Julie Higgins conducted Evanson said. Pizza, Will Smith Constructhe mass group consisting of The children sang a wide tion, SilverSands Shared four second-grade classes, range of music, from the Residence, Tony’s Catering, the students in Nicole more traditional styled Ashtabula Roller Den, Capo’s Hodge’s, Kristen Osborne’s, songs like “Glo-glo-glorious” Pizza III, Carmike Ashtabula Janice Harchalk’s and Susan to more contemporary and Mall Six, Play-all Award and Tackett’s rooms. fun songs such as “Santa’s Engravings, Ashtabula BowlMany were happy to be Getting Fit For Christmas” ing Center, Kmart, Squire able to use the new school’s and “A Hawaiian Christ- Shop Bakery, Abino’s Meats, stage and auditorium. “This is the first year we’ve been able to use this wonderful facility,” Rebecca Evanson, principal at Ontario Primary school, said. The purple curtains hung tightly closed before the concert began so the second graders could prepare before their debut. Parents volunteered their time to perfect the concert, along with Higgins and the teachers from all four classes. “I would like to thank Julie Higgins conducts her students during the first number Mrs. Higgins and all the sec- Several students sported Christmas wear such as sweaters ond-grade teachers. I know and Santa hats to add a little holiday color into the mix. of the program, Glo-Glo-Glorious.
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Jill Serpico, Mary Kay consultant, Sports and Sports, Giant Eagle, Andre LaSalle and Sharon Greene and family. “We are extremely grateful for their generosity, as we all know that without them our success could not be possible,” the PTO representatives wrote in the program. The PTO concluded the program with a special holiday greeting to all who helped, including parents, teachers and the countless volunteers. “Thank you and the best to you this holiday season,” the PTO representatives concluded. Higgins included a special thanks at the end of the program for all who put forth their time and effort to the concert. “Mrs. Daniels and Ms. Higgins would like to thank the principals, teachers, custodians, administrative assistants and parents for making this all possible,” the program read. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette news.com.
Old Firehouse Winery wins six medals in one competition Geneva-on-the-Lake’s Old Firehouse Winery was one of the area’s biggest winners among the wineries winning medals at the American Wine Society’s (AWS) annual Commercial Wine Competition. Old Firehouse Winery took home six medals across a wide variety of wines. This international prestigious event was held November 8-10 in Rochester, New York. “It certainly speaks of the quality of our wines in every type and variety,” says winery Operations Manager Dave Otto. “Of course, our customers and I knew it, but it’s nice being validated by our peers.” “For example, ‘Relfections of Lake Erie,’ has been widely accepted by our customers and has consistently won medals in various competitions, and just received the Ohio Directors award for a white wine last summer from the Ohio Department of Agriculture,” said Otto. In addition to the silver medal for the non-vintage “Reflections”, Merlot and 2009 Chambourcin, both dry reds, received silver. The dry Seyval Blanc and the fruity Lake Erie Riesling received a bronze. Wine production manager Don “Woody” Woodward was happily surprised with their foray into hearty fortified dessert wine with their Port, receiving a bronze for their “Port #5 Big Eli.” The port is 100percent Chambourcin and aged two to three years in oak to get the unique flavor, which, presents a unique challenge. “We’re always evaluating which years the Chambourcin grape matures well and try to go heavy on the Port that year, and in other years scale back the gallonage,” said Woodward. Old Firehouse Winery is open year round, daily through Dec. 31 and weekends Jan. 1 to late April. Carry out is available on days the tasting room is closed.
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
Upcoming Church Events Dec. 13-15, 20-22 Dorset: Free clothing
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 11A
Christmas play to be performed at the Ashtabula Baptist Church
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 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. BY SADIE PORTMAN Dec. 13-15 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20-22. Gazette Newspapers
Dec 17 Dorset: Community Lunch
ASHTABULA - The Ashtabula BapHearty beef stew will be served at the Dorset United tist Church is putting on its annual Methodist Church, 2800 Rt. 193, on Saturday, Dec. 17, from Christmas play this Sunday, begin12 – 1:30 p.m. The lunch includes beverage and dessert ning at 7 p.m. and is free to Dorset area residents. The play is entitled “Who Invited You Anyway, Jesus?” and is way for the Dec. 18 Saybrook Township: Breakfast Ashtabula Baptist Church to reach out during the holidays. with Santa “We’ve been doing the play for a Come have breakfast with Santa on 8:45 a.m. Dec. 18 at couple of years now,” Reverend Jim Saybrook United Methodist Church. This is a free com- Ekensten said. Bread of Life Ministries will be permunity breakfast. Everyone is invited! The church is located on Depot Road across the street from Saybrook El- forming the piece, and the church will host the event with refreshments and ementary School. fellowship to follow after the play. “The play offers us a way to conDec. 24-25 Ashtabula: Christmas nect with other local churches,” Ekensten said. services The performance includes music These are the Christmas services planned for Bethany and is open to all ages. Lutheran Church: “It is a musical play, and it is very • Christmas Eve: 5 and 11 p.m., traditional candlelight well thought out with a great message service • Christmas Day: 10:30 a.m., worship service. There will for the Christmas season,” Ekensten said. be a birthday party for Jesus after the service. Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula.
“Who Invited You Anyway, Jesus?” is a play that goes through several different scenarios while Jesus waits in the background to be called upon. “There are several parts of the play, and it builds on several different settings while Jesus is in the background, but he is never invited into the circumstances,” Ekensten said. Ekensten said the play’s message seems particularly important during the holidays when we can get so busy with our lives and we forget about the true meaning of the season. “We need to invite Jesus in to every part of our lives, and sometimes especially during the holidays, it is very easy to get distracted,” Ekensten said. The play will also include a food drive and all the food donated will go to local families in need this holiday season. “There is no charge for the event, but we are doing a food drive and we hope everyone that comes can bring a can good,” Ekensten said.
The church tries to provide families with food baskets throughout the year, but Ekensten said that, with the extra expenses of the holidays, there is an even greater need for assistance this time of year. “We support several families during the holiday season,” Ekensten said. “This is a time we see so many families in need, so we prepare nice food baskets for people.” Ekensten said it is important to remember those less fortunate, no matter what the season is, but the holidays sometimes serve as a reminder of the importance of charity. The Ashtabula Baptist Church invites everyone to come and enjoy the performance while helping others this holiday season. For more information, contact the Ashtabula Baptist Church at (440) 992-6595. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazettenews.com.
Huron third graders celebrate Santa Lucia
Ongoing Ashtabula: Holiday Happenings at Bethany Lutheran Church The Bethany Lutheran Church, located at 933 Michigan Ave. in Ashtabula, will hold Holiday Happenings throughout the holiday months. The events include: • Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16-17. Nisu Bake Sale. Contact Maxine Koski to pre-order. • Saturday, Dec. 24, 5-11 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship Service. Every Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service.
Ongoing Jefferson: Choir to sing Handel’s Messiah on Christmas Eve Rehearsals have begun for a special musical performance at the Jefferson United Methodist Church. Singers and guests are asked to join a special choir that will sing Handel’s Messiah on Christmas Eve at 9 p.m. at the church, located at 125 East Jefferson St. in Jefferson. Jodi Bishop will be directing a community-wide choir to learn the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah. Rehearsals began Sunday, Oct. 23, from 4:30-6 p.m. and will continue on Sundays at that time until Christmas Eve. Books of the music will be on hand, but if you own your own, you’re welcome to bring it, church representative Pat Cramer said. Interested singers can call the Jefferson United Methodist Church office at 576-4561 for further information.
Students in Mrs. Mary Schroeder’s third-grade classroom took part in their teacher’s heritage by celebrating the Scandinavian tradition of Santa Lucia. Santa Lucia Day is a national holiday in Sweden, celebrated on Dec. 13. Students in Schroeder’s class are studying a variety of cultures, customs and traditions of people who were some of the original nationalities in Ashtabula. Lucia means light and St. Lucia is the saint of light and vision. In Sweden, the eldest daughter in each family wears a white gown and a wreath of candles while serving her family sweet rolls and coffee. Acting as Santa Lucia is Tiffany Stright and teacher Mary Schroeder. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Church Directory ASSEMBLY OF GOD First Assembly of God 2300 Austinburg Rd., 275-7720 Pastors Don and Debra Hammer 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Faith Community A/G Church 5835 Route 166, Rock Creek, 474-1851 Senior Pastor: Rev. Brian L. Wright Sr. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday Services New Life Assembly of God 1961 La Fever Rd., Geneva Pastor Harry Pishcura, 466-6093 10 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday Services BAPTIST Central Missionary Baptist Church 930 Clay Road, Dorset, 858-2460 The Rev. Dave Chappell, Pastor 10 a.m. Sun School 11:30 a.m. Worship KIngsville First Baptist Church (Am.) 6003 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville 224-1081 The Rev. David Hines 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Worship First Baptist Church (American) 4353 Park Ave., Ashtabula, 992-9836 Rev. Doug Wright 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Worship First Baptist Church of Jefferson 85 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson 576-1631 Rev. Jerry Bentley, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Sunday Worship
Fellowship Bible Church EVCA 417 West 46th, Ashtabula, 992-2500 Pastor Ed Christian, Pastor Duke DiPofi 9:15 Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship
West Avenue Church of Christ 5901 West Ave., Ashtabula, 992-0737 Michael D. Williams, Minister 9:30 a.m. BIble Class 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Worship
First Grace Gospel Church 5730 Adams Ave., Ashtabula 997-8191 David Adams, pastor 9:30 a.m. Sun. School, Informal Service 10:45 a.m. Bible Hour 7 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Time
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
CATHOLIC
Austinburg First United Church of Christ Rts 45 & 307, Austinburg, 275-5125 Rev. Allison Milligan, Pastor, 275-1129 (Pastor’s Office) 11 a.m. Worship and Sunday School www.austinburgucc.org
Assumption Church 594 West Main, Geneva, 466-3427 Father Melvin Rusnak 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday Mass
First Congregational United Church of Christ 41 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, 576-4531 Pastor James E. Brehler Sunday Worship at 10 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church 3049 St. Rt. 45, Rock Creek, 563-3010 Pastor, Rev. David Weikart Mass times: 6 p.m. Sat 11 a.m. Sun (Sept. - May) 8 a.m. Sun (June-Aug.) 12 Noon Wed &Fri
Unionville United Church of Christ 6870 S. Ridge Rd., 428-2235 On Rt. 84 east of County Line Rd. Rev. Robert Cunningham 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship
Mother of Sorrows 1464 W. 6th St., Ashtabula, 964-3277 Father Joseph Ruggieri 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass 10 am Sun Mass (11:45 am Spanish) 8 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday Mass Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 1200 E. 21st St., Ashtabula, 998-4111 Father Joseph Ruggieri 5 p.m. Saturday Mass 8 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Mass 8 a.m. Wednesday Mass St. Andrews Church 3700 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville, 224-0987 Rev. Stephen M. Wassie 9 a.m. Sunday Mass
First Baptist Church of Dorset 2471 Route 193 N., Dorset 858-9623 Ed Pickard, Pastor 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship Service
St. Joseph Church 32 East Jefferson St., Jefferson 576-3651 Rev. Stephen M. Wassie 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday Mass Sat. 4:30 p.m. Mass
Fundamental Baptist Church (Ind.) 2219 Allen-Comp Rd., Dorset 858-2609 Pastor Michael Allen 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship Services
St. Joseph Church 3330 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 992-0330 Father Philip Miller 4 p.m. Saturday Mass 9 a.m. Sunday Mass 8 a.m. Monday & Friday Mass
Geneva Baptist Church - SBC 903 West Main St., 466-1481 Pastor Richard L. Thompson 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship Services Lighthouse Baptist Church 2929 Carpenter Rd., 964-0222 Senior Pastor John Jones 10, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Worship People’s Baptist Church 3837 West Ave., Ashtabula 992-9582 Rev. Louis F. Grandberry 11:00 Morning Service The United Church 75 South Broadway, Geneva, 4662824 Pastor Bob Cunningham 11:00 a.m. Worship BIBLE Bethel Bible Church 877 E. Beech, Jefferson, 576-5949 Pasot Joseph Laing Sundays at Jefferson Comm. Center, 11 E. Jefferson Street 9 a.m. Bible School, 10 a.m. Worship Chapel on the Ridge 9582 North Ridge E., Geneva 993-7502 Pastor: Ronald Wright 10 a.m., 6 p.m. Sunday Services Eagleville Bible Church 1981 Rt. 45 North, Rock Creek 563-3407 www.eaglevilleonline.com Pastors Bill McMinn, Chris Christian and Josh Wood 8:30; 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship
St. Joseph Mission - Our Lady of Miracles 4317 West Ave., Ashtabula, 997-7121 Father Philip Miller 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church 1104 E. 15th St., Ashtabula, 964-3536 Father Andrew Gretchko 4:30 p.m. Divine Litergy CHRISTIAN CHURCH First Christian Church 6920 Austinburg Rd., Ashtabula 993-7056 Rev. Richard L. Well 9 a.m. Contemp Service & Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Traditional Service CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY ALLIANCES People’s Church 300 S. Ridge Rd. E., Geneva 466-2020 Rev. Jim Walker 10:45 a.m. Worship CHURCH OF CHRIST Geneva Church of Christ 1007 S. Broadway, Geneva, 466-7689 9:20 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Rock Creek Church of Christ 2965 High St., Rock Creek 563-9528 9:30 a.m. Bible Study, all ages 10:30 a.m. Cont. Worship & Children’s Church
Unionville United Church 6970 S. Ridge Rd., Unionville 466-2824 Pastor Bob Cunningham 9:30 a.m. Worship CHURCH OF GOD Ashtabula Church of God 2244 Harbor Ave., 997-3410 Rev. Jay Rock 10 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. worship Church of God in Christ 3417 Hiawatha Ave., Ashtabula 997-3922 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Ceremony & Worship Jefferson Church of God 2701 St. Rt. 46, Jefferson, 992-6267 Rev. Leon J. Alexander 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship EPISCOPAL Christ Episcopal Church 65 S. Eagle St., Geneva, 466-3706 10:30 a.m. Worship Holy Cross Charismatic Episcopal Church 341 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-8089 Pastor Nicholas Rizzo 10 a.m. Adult BIble Study 10:30 a.m. Worship St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 4901 Main Ave., Ashtabula, 992-8100 Rev. David Evans, Interim Pastor 8 & 10 a.m. Sunday Worship INDEPENDENT
LUTHERAN Bethany Lutheran Church 933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula, 964-3157 Pastor Larry Mackey 10:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 Sunday School Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church-LCMS 4896 N. Ridge W. Ashtabula, 466-4554 10:30 a.m. Worship & Children’s Church Faith Lutheran Church-ELCA 504 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9087 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Worship Messiah Lutheran Church - ELCA 615 Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, 992-9392 Rev. Dr. Michael Meranda 4 p.m. Saturday Holy Communion 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday Holy Communion 9:45 a.m. Adult Forum 11 a.m. Sunday School St. John’s Lutheran Church - LCMS P.O. Box 500, Geneva, 466-2473 9:30 a.m. Sun. School & Adult Bible Class 10:30 a.m Service St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 89 East Satin St., Jefferson, 576-4671 Rev. Fred Grimm 8 & 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School Zion Lutheran Church - LCMS 2310 W. 9th St., Ashtabula, 964-9483 Pastor Mark Berg 9:15 a.m. Bible Class 10:30 a.m. Worship 10:45 Children’s Church METHODIST Ashtabula First United Methodist Church 4506 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, 993-3806 Rev. John M. Germaine, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. Sunday Worship (10:45 in winter) Bulah Calvary United Methodist 2070 Route 193 N., Jefferson 858-2651 Pastor Aletta Burkholder 10 a.m. Sunday School 11:15 a.m. worship Dorset United Methodist Church 2800 St. Rt. 193, 858-2831 Rev. David Miller, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship Gageville United Methodist Church 4063 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville, 224-0165 Rev. David L. Blood, pastor 11 a.m. Worship
Ashtabula Baptist Church 5909 Sheppard Rd., Ashtabula, 228-9423 Pastor Dan Evans 10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Geneva First United Methodist Church 89 South Broadway, 466-2817 Rev. David & Rev. Suzanne Hill 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School
Park Street Christian Church 97 Park St., Geneva, 466-4601 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 7:30 p.m. Wed Bible Study
Harbor United Methodist Church 322 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9240 Rev. Sandra Dennis 9:30 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) 11 a.m.Worship
Second Congregational Church of Christ 319 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9640 Rev. Peter Pritchard 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship
Jefferson United Methodist 125 East Jefferson St., Jefferson, 576-4561 Pastor - Meredith Coleman 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Worship 9:40 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
Well of Hope Chapel 4254 E. Center St., N. Kingsville 593-3159 The Rev. Tim Ranyak, pastor 10:45 a.m. Sunday Services
Leon United Methodist Church 3599 Stanhope-Kelloggsville Rd, Dorset Pastors Jason Hockran & Quincy Wheeler 10 a.m. Worship 11 a.m. Sunday school
JEHOVAH’S WITNESS East Ashtabula Congregation 5614 Poplar Ave., 992-3637 10 a.m. Public Meeting & Watchtower
Rock Creek Community United Methodist Church 3210 N. Main, 563-3291 Rev. David Miller, Pastor 9 a.m. Worship, 10:15 a.m. Sunday School
Saybrook United Methodist Church 7900 South Depot Rd., Ash. 969-1562 Rev. Jeff Stoll 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Worship Services South Harpersfield United Methodist Church 5524 Cork-Cold Springs Rd., Geneva 466-4778 Pastor Shirley A Stoops-Frantz 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship
Peoples Church The Christian & Missionary Alliance 300 S Ridge E, Geneva, 466-2020 www.peopleschurchgeneva.com Senior Pastor Rev. Alex Zell Youth Pastor Stan Heeren 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Open Door Community Church 5802 Cemetery Rd, Kingsville 224-2675 The Rev. Greg Evans, pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship
MORMON Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 571 W. Seven Hills Rd., Ashtabula 993-3616 9:30 a.m. Sacrement 10:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Priesthood & Relief Society NAZARENE Ashtabula First Church of the Nazarene 1820 S. Ridge Rd W., Ashtabula 992-0246 Rev. Michael Legg 9-10 a.m. Sunday School 10:10 a.m. Morning Services Edgewood Church of the Nazarene 3025 N. Ridge E., Ashtabula 997-5645 Pastor Kevin Ellis 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Geneva Church of the Nazarene 710 Centennial, Geneva, 466-4711 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship Jefferson Church of the Nazarene 55 E. Satin St., Jefferson, 576-6556 Pastor Rodney Kincaid 8:30, 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Sunday School
Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Ashtabula County Ash Senior Citizens Center, 4632 Main St., Ashtabula, 964-5432 11 a.m. Service PENTECOSTAL Apostolic Faith Body of Jesus Christ of the Newborn Assemblies 772 Griggs Rd., Ashtabula 993-8339 Bishop Charles D. Keyes Sr. Faith Freedom Fellowship 205 West Liberty St., Geneva 466-8282 Pastors Raymond & Edith Baker 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Praise and Worship Grace Christian Assembly 906 Joseph Ave., Ashtabula 964-8592 Elder Gerome Sing 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:30 a.m. Worship Pentecostal Community Church 5348 Peck Rd., New Lyme 576-0384 Pastor Scott C. Ardary 10 a.m. Sunday School/Worship 6 p.m. - 1st & 3rd Sun., Evening Service PRESBYTERIAN
Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene 4841 St. Rt. 84, Kingsville, 224-1136 Pastor Jerry Webb 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship
East Side Presbyterian Church 3440 Edgewood Dr., Ashtabula 993-7546 Reverend S. Shane Nanney 9 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship
NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH New Apostolic Church 2305 W. 19th St., Ashtabula The Rev. William McNutt 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 8 p.m. Wed Worship NONDENOMINATIONAL Alive Community Church 4527 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, 992-7684 Pastor Darren Gollon Fellowship 9:30 a.m., Service 10 a.m. Bread of Life Ministries Ashtabula Plaza, 2257 Lake Ave. 998-BOLM Pastor Karen Bales, 858-9484 10 a.m. Sunday & 7 p.m Tuesday Breaking Thru at the Crossroads 3277 St. Rt. 167, Jefferson, 293-4421 Pastor Enos Ali, Co-Pastor Launa Ali 10-11 a.m. Sunday School 11-11:25 Sunday Brunch 11:30 Sunday Service Edgewood Alliance Church 3137 E. Center St., N. Kingsville 224-2111 Senior Pastor Gary Russell 9 a.m. Sunday School, 10 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Worship 6 p.m Wed. Bible Study Int. Gen. Assmbly Of Spiritualists 5403 S. Ridge W., Ashtabula 969-1724 Classes: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 11 a.m. worship - Guest speaker every Sun. Lenox Federated Church 2610 Lenox-New Lyme Rd, Jefferson 576-9932 Pastor: Ken Zaebst 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Worship & Teaching
The First Presbyterian Church 4317 Park Ave., Ashtabula 993-3731 Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Long, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sun. School 10:45 a.m. Worship Kingsville Presbyterian Church 3056 W. Main St., Kingsville 224-1023 Rev. Bonnie Habbersett 10 a.m. Worship and Sunday School North Kingsville Presbyterian Church 6546 Church St., Kingsville 224-1491 Ken Ayers, CLP, pastor 10:30 a.m. Worship Pierpont Presbyterian Church 71 St. Rt. 7 S., Pierpont 577-1218 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship Rome Presbyterian Route 45, Rome Township Mary Jo Foust, Commissioned Lay Pastor 11:10 a.m. Worship (May-Sept) Trinity Presbyterian Church 1342 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula 993-7111 Rev. Arvid Whitmore 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Berean Seventh Day Adventist 874 Center St., Ashtabula 992-8796 Pastor Gregory Jackson Sat. 9:30 a.m. Bible Study Sat. 11 a.m. Divine Worship
12A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
Polar Express makes a stop at the Harbor Topky Memorial Library BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
The library held a special Polar Express night for the children of the area, giving ASHTABULA - “Is every- them a night of Christmas body ready to ride the Polar enchantment and daring to Express today?” Kathy ask the question, “Do you beEames, head of Youth Ser- lieve?” vices at Harbor-Topky MeThe library’s Polar Exmorial Library asked the press was full to capacity, children at the library Mon- with children and their parents all enjoying a piece of day night. Christmas some may have forgotten, with others still in the midst of youthful excitement felt during this time of year. “They each get a gold ticket that gets punched at the door so they can ride the Polar Express,” Eames said. Eames organizes the program each year and tries to make the experience as real and lively as possible. “This is about the fifth year we’ve done it, and we just add a little bit more each time,” Eames said. “We’re trying to make it fun for the kids.” Eames wants children to be aware of the Polar Express in its original form, a book, while also enhancing the reading experience with the movie. “I read the book because I want kids to know there is Darrell Metcalf was the an actual book and the book conductor for the Polar came before the movie,” Express during the Monday Eames said. night special reading of the The children did not see book, Polar Express.
the whole movie, only the parts that corresponded with the book. They did get a chance to hear the whole book. “I read a page in the book and then we have a clip of the movie to correspond with that page,” Eames said. The children also got a chance to meet characters first hand and receive warm refreshments. “During the time we have special appearances like the conductor and they are served hot chocolate,” Eames said. Before the night was over, they got to see the guy in the big red suit in person. “There’s even a special appearance by Santa and his elf,” Eames said. Each child who entered PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN the library’s Polar Express Children and their parents received a golden ticket with the word “Believe” on them. did not leave empty All tickets were punched by conductor Darrell Metcalf as they walked into the Polar handed. Express room. “At the end they each get a little bell with a note from Santa on it,” Eames said. “So they remember that in the story the child wants one of the sleigh bells.” Eames wanted to emphasize the bells as a pivotal part of the story. “It’s an important part of the story when Santa holds up the bell and says this is the first gift of Christmas,” Eames said.
The children hold up their tickets to show Kathy Eames they have been stamped and are ready for their trip on the Polar Express.
Hot chocolate was given to those on the Polar Express as they watched the movie to emphasize the reading of the book by Kathy Eames.
Kathy Eames read the Polar Express while enhancing the experience with clips from the movie.
Geneva Middle School’ seventh grader makes a difference, one blanket at a time BY JAN PERALA Geneva Area City Schools GENEVA - This holiday season, most thirteen-year-old girls are hoping Santa brings a new ski parka and dreaming of a white Christmas, but when Geneva Middle School seventh grader Abbey Saba thinks about snowy, cold winters in northeastern Ohio, her thoughts turn to those who have no home, and not even a blanket to keep them warm. Abbey’s mom Theresa Craine - Saba and her high school friend, Nashville Recording artist Tammy Cochran, are the founders of Angels Undercover, an outreach program that focuses its efforts on collecting warm blankets for distribution to the homeless and less fortunate in northeastern Ohio. “My mom (retired Geneva Schools bus driver Bonnie Craine) once told me ‘You don’t have to look far to find someone less fortunate than you are,’” said Craine-Saba. With her mom as a role model, CraineSaba started Angels Undercover and following in her footsteps, Abbey had an idea. “I thought, maybe I could start a blanket drive at my school to help the homeless in our town,” explained Abbey. “I
PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS
Geneva Middle School seventh-grader Abbey Saba(second from left), with the help of her friend Elizabeth Robinson, her mom Theresa (left) and GMS Steering Committee advisor Pam Justice coordinated a blanket drive which collected a bonanza of 60 blankets for the homeless and less fortunate.
asked my friend Elizabeth Robinson to help me and we talked with our Principal Mr. Candela and Mrs. Justice our steering committee advisor and we made a plan.” The Geneva Middle School blanket drive collected more than 60 new and gently used blankets. “I’m very proud of Abbey,” said CraineSaba. “I think she heard me talking with my partner (Tammy Cochran) and wondering if some community members would consider starting a blanket drive and took matters into her own hands. Abbey’s idea has now touched 60 lives.” Abbey’s grandmother, Bonnie Craine, said, “If we all looked after one another, the world would be a kinder place.” Abbey clearly got the message. Thanks to Abbey, northeastern Ohio will be a kinder place for 60 people who will have a blanket to keep them warm throughout the long cold winter nights. Individuals or organizations interested in starting their own blanket drive may contact Craine-Saba at tsaba@roadrunner.com. *Angels Undercover is also sponsoring a Holiday Toy Drive. Toys will be collected at Honey Bee’s in downtown Geneva through Dec. 18..
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 13A
JAHS Student Council JAHS Falcons seniors have a common goal to raise money for Active Blessings BY CAROLYN BEHRJEROME Gazette Newspapers
this year,” she said. Facing a new set of opponents is a little daunting to the girls. “It’s nice to have a title to play for,” Moyer said. “But we don’t know anything about the teams,” Francis added. “We don’t have any rivalries, yet. Geneva will probably always be our rival, even though we’re in a different conference.” Besides working hard, the trio wants to set an ex-
ample in attitude. “If we lose we need to come together as a team,” Moyer said. “Basketball is a true team sport,” explained Francis. “We’re all on the court together.” The girls also want to play well for their coaches. “Mr. (Rodney) Holmes is missing watching his daughter play (at PV) her senior year,” Clark said. “That’s how much he cares about
us.” “We have great coaches,” Francis said. “Mr. (Jason) Root is the JV coach and Mr. (Jason) Hagerdon coaches the freshman.” The rest of the coaching staff includes Don McCormick, Randy Ruble and John Hall. All three girls will miss playing when the season is over. In the mean time, they plan to give everything they can on the court.
JEFFERSON - The 201112 Jefferson Area Girls Basketball team has only three seniors this year, and Paige Clark, Rachel Moyer and Rachel Francis have a common goal. They want to be an example for their teammates. “Having a winning season is important,” Moyer said. “But it’s more than that. We want to show the girls how to work hard on and off the court.” Moyer, who’s been playing basketball since seventh grade, went on to say that she wishes she would have come out of her shell sooner. “I was shy as an underclassman and was afraid, so I didn’t work as hard as I could’ve,” she said. Clark started playing in ninth grade. “To become a starter, I had to do a lot of work off season. I want the other girls to see how the hard work can pay off,” Clark said. “It’s a young team this year,” Francis, who has been playing since third grade, explained. “We even have one freshman starting varsity.” Moyer said because of this, they have to be flexible and know every position. “We’re moving around a PHOTO BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME PHOTO BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME Student Council Vice President Jennifer Hall shows off lot and need to know what’s going on in every play. The Rachel Francis, Rachel Moyer and Paige Clark are the only seniors on the Falcon Girls some of the necklaces for sale next week. Basketball team this year. big focus is on the guards BY CAROLYN BEHRJEROME Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Area High School student council will be busy raising money for Active Blessings Uganda. All next week, the council is selling beaded necklaces during lunch periods. The necklaces are handmade out of paper by children in Uganda. Every penny from the sales goes to Alfred Okeny, Vice President of Active Blessing Uganda. Okney is an x-child soldier and now rescues and shelters others. “I was helped by my spiritual mum, who connects people to Jesus, and I left to the street,” Okney explained on the Active Blessing website activeblessing.com. “I stayed for five days, praying for my brothers and sisters who need help. While there I came across a good Christian lady who gave me one of her rooms for kids to sleep. I got 82 kids from the street. When mum Jane (Snyder) gave me money to feed these kids, I became happy and more happy. I opened an organization called N .I.D.C.O . (Northern Internal Displace Community Organization). I also started a project for the kids of making paper beads. They are known as the paper pearls of Uganda. I hope many people will buy these beads,” he said. The student council will also have a hat day and an assembly next Wednesday. Students and staff will be encouraged to donate $2 to wear a Christmas hat. All of
Hometown Hero News
Hamper graduates from recruit training Greg P. Hamper, son of Greg and Lisa of Jefferson, graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Training at Parris Island, S.C., on Nov. 23, 2011 as a motivated Marine Private First Class. While at Parris Island, he received training in first aid, general military subjects, physical fitness, Marine Corps history, and weapons familiarization. Hamper, a 2011 graduate of Jefferson High School, is currently enjoying recruit leave in his hometown of Jefferson, OH. Upon completion of military occupational specialty school for Enlisted Flight Crew, he will join the illustrious ranks of the United States Marine Corps in the Global War on Terrorism.
the money raised will be given to Emily Locy who helps run Active Blessing. “Students will be asked to donate $.50 or a canned good item to get into the assembly,” Student Council Advisor Stacey Hinkle explained. “The canned goods will go to the Manna Food Pantry and the money will go to Active Blessing,” Hinkle said.
Wright State students attain fall dean’s list A total of 2,869 Ohio students at Wright State UniStudents from Ashtabula County include: versity earned dean’s list honors during the fall 2011 • Sarah Paul, Dorset. quarter, based on their grade point averages. Located near Dayton, Ohio, Wright State University All students must take 12 or more credit hours and is a nationally accredited state university with nearly must have achieved at least a 3.5 grade point average 20,000 students. Its eight colleges and three schools, to be placed on the dean’s list. including schools of medicine and professional psychology, offer more than 90 undergraduate degrees and 76 Ph.D., master’s and professional degrees.
14A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
Retired teachers endow scholarship for Ashtabula Campus students The Ashtabula County Retired Teachers’ Association (ACRTA) recently endowed a scholarship at Kent State University at Ashtabula to help students in pursuit of higher education. This scholarship will be awarded to a returning student in at least the third semester on the Ashtabula Campus pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education and is slated for award in June 2013. The effort to establish a scholarship for the Ashtabula County Retired Teachers’ group was spearheaded by long-time member Florence M. Stoner, who passed away in May 2011. “Florence would be pleased to know that the scholarship has reached endowment level,” ACRTA scholarship committee member and Stoner ’s sister Louise Wolfe said. Those interested in donating to this scholarship fund may send a check, made payable to Kent State University Foundation, to Kent State University at Ashtabula, c/o Pam
In The Military Ellsworth graduates from basic training Air Force Airman Travis M. Ellsworth graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek 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. Ellsworth is the son of Cari Ellsworth of Jefferson, and grandson of Bobbie Mullens of Ashtabula. He is a 2011 graduate of Jefferson Area High School.
Volanski joins Marine Corps SUBMITTED PHOTO
KSUA Development Officer Pam Palermo receives a check from members of the Ashtabula County Retired Teachers Association (left to right) Palermo, ACRTA Scholarship Committee Members Louise Wolfe, Jackie Konter, ACRTA President Peggy LaDue and Lou Buck. Not Pictured: ACRTA Scholarship Committee Chair Bob Novotny and Vice-Chair Ron Watson Palermo, 3300 Lake Road West, Ashtabula, OH 44004. Please note “Ashtabula County Retired Teachers’
Association (ACRTA) Endowed Scholarship” on the check memo. For further questions,
please contact KSUA Development Officer Pam Palermo at 440-964-4274, or email ppalermo@kent.edu.
CLEVELAND - Matthew A. Volanski, son of Tim and Karen of Jefferson, recently joined the Marine Corps through the Delayed Entry Program. Volanski, a senior at Jefferson High School will leave for Marine Corps Recruit Training on Sept. 17, 2012 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. Volanski will undergo 13 weeks of intense training, to include: instruction in first aid, general military subjects, physical fitness, Marine Corps history, and weapons familiarization. This will prepare him to lead his peers, conquer his fears and exceed his furthest expectations. Upon successful completion of recruit training, Volanski will return home for recruit leave. From there he will attend one of 300 formal military occupational schools and start his life as a United States Marine.
Santa Shop open at LHS SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - The students in Mrs. Teresa Stopek’s OH/MH (orthopedically/multiple handicap) classroom have been extremely busy organizing the 5th annual Santa Shop at Lakeside High School. “The Santa Shop is a wonderful opportunity for my students to engage in job skills such as counting money, engaging with customers and writing receipts,” says Stopek. The Santa Shop is open to the public during school hours until Dec. 16. “The items are donated from a variety of churches and crafters. One of the bestselling items is the solid surface Corian cutting boards, coasters and trivets. We have many teachers who have purchased them in the past and are now buying them to give as gifts,” said Stopek.
SSJP News SSJP to host alumni basketball tournament Saints John & Paul is sponsoring a Herald Alumni Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Mahoney Gym. The co-ed tournament will begin at 2 p.m. and is open to any alumni of Saint John or Saints John & Paul School. Cost is $20 per person, which includes registration fee, tshirt and homemade pasta dinner. To register, call Nick Iarocci ’79 at 440-813-0479 or email Nick at iaroccinick@yahoo.com by Dec. 20. Pasta dinners will be available from 3-6 p.m. for families, friends and spectators. Cost of dinner is $8 for adults and $5 for children under the age of 12. Proceeds from the dinner and tournament will benefit the school’s athletic program.
SSJP accepting Hall of Fame nominations Saints John & Paul School will be accepting Herald Hall of Fame nominations until Dec. 31, 2011. To nominate a deserving Herald alumni or friend, please call the school at 440-997-5531 or email christy.kovacs@neomin.org to SUBMITTED PHOTOS request a nomination form. Pictured at the Santa Shop are Lakeside High School students Billy Smith, holding cutting board, and Goldie Wimer, holding handmade rag rugs, are pictured with teacher Teresa Stopek.
Jefferson Falcons News
Also pictured are shoppers (lfet) Christine Seuffert and Becky Henson.
Upcoming JAHS programs
Junior High Student Council Holiday Dance
• 1:20-2:20 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 • Jefferson Area Senior High Auditorium/Junior High In addition to the Corian cutting boards, other popu- Cafeteria lar items are the handmade rag rugs, the washable pet High School Annual Reindeer Games toys, crocheted “scrubbies,” • 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21 framed prints, embroidered • Jefferson Area Senior High Gymnasium pillow cases and handmade children’s clothing and quilts. “The public response has been wonderful. Each year www.Gazettenews.com we have more and more For local news, sports, school people coming to our shop happenings, community events, because they’ve heard how classifieds, church news & more! wonderful it is,” she said.
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WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 15A
Jefferson Elementary first graders spread Christmas cheer BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Jefferson Elementary School first graders embodied the spirit of the holiday season Monday, Dec. 12, as they wrapped presents to give to other children they “adopted” for the holiday. Through the organization of first-grade teacher Julie Wright, all of the first-grade classes at Jefferson Elementary School participated in a fundraiser in support of Ashtabula County Children Services. “We did a Math-a-thon,” Wright said. Students collected pledges from their family and friends in support of how many questions they answered correctly on a math test. Through this fundraiser, the students raised $2,753.81.
“People even donated more than they pledged,” Wright said. Using the money, the firstgrade classes, taught by Jamie Grube, Cindy Locy, Donna Wilhelm and Wright, adopted eight foster care children with the Ashtabula County Children Services. Using a list of “wish-list” items provided by Children Services, the students’ families and staff at the school shopped for gifts for the children, purchasing toys and clothes. On Monday, the children wrapped the presents, with the intention of passing them on to Children Services on Tuesday. For photos of that delivery, see next week’s Gazette. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.
Kayte Wagner helped gather up the presents for the eight children “adopted” by the firstgrade classes at Jefferson Elementary School.
PHOTOS BY STEFANIE WESSELL
First-grade students, with the help of some sixth graders, helped wrap the presents for the foster children they adopted through Children Services for Christmas. Pictured, from left, are Gianna Covetta, Ava Dreis, Alexis Knauff, Annastasia Cadle, Maggie Moore and Sammi Speakman.
Sofia Glink helps wrap a present.
Sixth-graders Brandon Peterson and Ryan Jacobs assisted the first graders.
Nathan Novak enjoyed collecting the gifts for the Morgan Newman helped raise money through a Matha-thon at Jefferson Elementary School. children.
Tanner Lee and Shelby Mills were two of the first graders who helped raise money to adopt eight foster children for Christmas.
Sixth-graders Abby Becker and Sierra Dean helped the first graders wrap the presents Monday afternoon.
16A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 14, 2011
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PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN Thorne’s Bi-Lo has been serving Jefferson for 22 years and is proud to support local groups while providing the best quality of grocery needs.
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BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
JEFFERSON Thorne’s Bi-Lo has been a staple of Jefferson for 22 years now, providing customers with everything from their basic grocery needs to help in the pharmacy. “We pretty much have everything,” Michael Oviatt, the manager of Thorne’s Bi-Lo, said. Bi-Lo is a one-stop shop with fresh produce, bakery and even fuel pumps. “We have videos, gas pumps, a pharmacy, a deli and a bakery,” Oviatt said. “We offer a lot of options.” Bi-Lo has so many special items, Oviatt could not just name one. “I can’t pin down just one item. We have quite a few different items that are unique and that we are known for throughout the area,” Oviatt said. From seafood to beef to apples and pomegranates, whether you’re serving an everyday family meal or a extravagant dinner party, Thorne’s Bi-Lo has what you need. Bi-Lo tries to offer the best product at the most convenient price. They even mark the products that the Jefferson community has praised, such as the weekly 10-pound meat sale. Bi-Lo prides itself in knowing whatever a customer purchases they will enjoy. “We have great people in the community and we love to serve them,” Oviatt said. One of the ways they give back to the
community is for every $50 you spend, you receive 10 cents off your purchase at the gas pump. “We’ve been offering that discount every year since we put the pumps in,” Oviat said. Bi-Lo is constantly changing their specials, and customers are advised to check their ads for what price cuts they are offering. “Our ads change on a weekly basis,” Oviatt said. Bi-Lo offers a variety of ways to save, whether it is in their weekly specials or their $4 generic medication in the pharmacy. Every week the store offers many buyone, get-one-free offers throughout the store. Another great bonus of the Bi-Lo store is their video renting and purchasing section. They offer the latest titles for your date night in. With the holidays just around the corner, Bi-Lo also has a gifts cards. “We have a variety of gifts cards to places in the area, and they make great gifts for the holidays,” Oviatt said. Thorne’s Bi-Lo is proud of the community they serve and see Jefferson as a great asset to their store and try to support their community whenever possible. Thorne’s Bi-Lo even gives items to the local Manna food bank. “It’s friendly community to do business with,” Oviatt said. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sport man@gazettenews.com.
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