Lunch with Santa
Holiday dinner gathers a crowd
— See
— See page 14A
Recorder
Subscription-drive winners announced — See page 6A
THEGAZETTE
Vol. No. 135, No. 51
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2011
Lakeside Intermediate receives $25,000
Periodical’s Postage Paid
75¢
Volunteers come to Dorset Township to clean up resident’s house
PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN
Dennis Schmidt of ACMC accepts the check from Lakeside Intermediate’s student council for $306. The money will go toward women with cancer. BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The Lakeside Intermediate School accepted a check for $25,000 from Windstream on Tuesday, Dec. 20, after submitting a video in a national contest. The videos were voted on through the Internet and only a handful of schools were chosen to win. “I was told by the representatives from Windstream that there were four million votes, so don’t have anybody ever say that you can’t do something,” Cristine Rutz, principal at Lakeside Intermediate, said. “You can do anything that
you set your mind to.” Windstream representatives personally came down to the school to hand them their grand-prize check. “I would like to congratulate everyone here. This is a lot of money,” Tom Spence, a Windstream representative, said. “We do this every year. We give $250,000 to educational programs like yours.” Spence said the contest is something to be proud of, as the school beat out much bigger schools across the country. “To make it to the final eight is a big deal, to win is incredible,” Spence said. “You all deserve it and
PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN
Volunteers gather in the house to sweep floors and take out garbage while others strip down walls that are ready to cave in.
See CHECK page 15A BY SADIE PORTMAN
Geneva High School NHS taps four in early morning visits
until they said something at church and I decided to come out here,” Mike Webb said. DORSET TOWNSHIP - VolunRepresentatives of the Penteteers came in large numbers to costal Church in New Lyme told clean up the home of a Dorset their congregation of the clean up Township resident who was the on Wednesday night during their victim of a home invasion and as- weekday services. sault this past November. “A huge group was here [from The house was in desperate the Pentecostal Church in New need of cleaning and new windows Lyme] before I even got here,” and doors. The cleaning of the Annette Paul, a member of H2O, house was conducted on Thursday, said. and the windows and doors were H2O has done community serreplaced on Saturday. vices projects across the area since “I hadn’t even heard about it this fall and is continuing to pro-
Gazette Newspapers
vide assistance to others. “They had the outside all cleaned up and they’ve just been amazing,” Paul said. The Western Reserve Independent Living Center also came and helped out. “We’re here to clean up,” Mary Stouffer said. The Western Reserve Independent Living Center helps those who cannot care for themselves and finds public outsources to help those in need.
See VOLUNTEERS page 10A
City of Geneva Council passes 2012 budget BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
“The finance committee held a hearing on it and found no objections to the budget. We found that GENEVA – Geneva City Coun- it was a very tight document,” cil passed its 2012 budget at its Anderson said. latest meeting with a strong recThe hearing was held on Friday, ommendation from the finance Dec. 16, with all department heads committee. in attendance, as well as many of “The finance committee did the city’s administration. meet with the city officials, superThe budget was discussed in intendent, etc. and we met for a great detail and was allocated good two and half to three hours,” down to the last penny. Finance Committee member and “The budget is very well exCouncilor Howard Anderson said. ecuted and very lean. We do recPHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS The hearing detailed all sec- ommend council approves it for Seated from left: Ursula Wilkinson, newly tapped NHS members tions of the budget and where and 2012,” Anderson said. Andrew Laveck, Rachael Campbell, Ralphie Pugliese and Aric Cross why the money was going to a cerEveryone in attendance agreed and Lindsay Laurello. Standing: Claire Dodrill, Jennifer Hughes, tain department. a lot of effort was put forth to creLindsey Adams, Kayleena Brashear, Sonya Leishman, Morgan Brubaker, Gabe McLeod, Erik Braun, Josh Lillie, Nick Klein, Jordyn Willis, GHS Principal Douglas Wetherholt and Allie VanHoy. Not pictured: Jennifer Bean, Laurisa Rosado and Monica Scharf. BY JAN PERALA Geneva Area City Schools
installed as members of the organization at an induction ceremony and reception in May. GENEVA - The time is four “I’m very excited to be in NHS,” a.m., and 17 pajama-clad students said Pugliese. “I know how big of a are gathered in the Geneva High deal it is to be tapped and how School parking lot stifling yawns important it is on a college appliand making plans. Anyone who cation. It is a great honor and I feel has ever had a teenager living un- very lucky.” der their roof knows that kids that National Honor Society is the age like to sleep in, but Geneva nation’s most elite honor society for High School’s National Honor So- secondary school students. To be ciety members proved last week considered for membership, stuthat they can be early risers for a dents must complete a detailed good cause. application and provide references “We wanted to be sure that the from educators and community new members of NHS were sur- members. Prospective members prised when they were tapped,” must achieve a 3.5 grade point avexplained the group’s president erage and have accumulated 40 Lindsey Adams. “It is a very big hours of service to the school and honor to be tapped for membership community. A selection committee in NHS. Including our four new evaluates applicants using an esmembers, there are only 21 of us tablished criterion which includes this year. We didn’t want word to their adherence to the four pillars leak out as to who would be hon- of National Honor Society: Scholored this fall, so we got prior per- arship, Leadership, Service and mission from their parents and Character. went as a group to each of their The 2011/2012 President of homes, woke them up from sleep Geneva High School’s NHS chapto tap them for membership in ter is Lindsey Adams. Gabe NHS.” McLeod is Vice President. JenniThe newly minted National fer Hughes serves as Secretary, Honor Society members are Josh Lillie as Treasurer and Sonya Ralphie Pugliese, Rachael Leishman as Historian. Second Campbell, Aric Cross and Andrew year members are Jennifer Bean, Laveck. The four will be formally Kayleena Brashear, Erik Braun, Morgan Brubaker, Claire Dodrill, Nick Klein, Lindsay Laurello , Laurisa Rosado, Monica Scharf, Allie VanHoy, Ursula Wilkinson and Jordyn Willis.
ate a balanced city budget. “I would like to add our thanks to the city administration, Jim Pearson and Jennifer Brown, all the department heads and Juanita [Stuetzer] for all the hard work on putting this budget together,” Jeffrey Piotrowski, city council president, said. Some of the money allocated included $1,456,403.80 to be given to the police department’s general fund, 645,925.89 to the fire department’s general fund and 108,689.08 to the zoning department’s general fund.
See BUDGET page 5A
Spelling Bee champions named at Rock Creek Elementary School
PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN
The Rock Creek Elementary School held its spelling bee Monday afternoon, naming fifth-grader Kate Brand as the grand champion of the school. Brand will now move on to the district level, where she will compete against all the school districts in the county. Runner ups were Emily Burr, Zach Forristal, Alex Forristal, Montana Szuhay and Susan Howard.
2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
JAHS Student Council spreads Christmas cheer to Catholic Charities
PHOTOS BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME
Kaydee Devivo, front, Caitlyn Sukalac, Jennifer Hall, Amanda Zalar and Brittany Gattarello, and, back, Lisa Kalas, Shelby Fisher, Mallory Severa, Sydney Baldwin, Alesia Lambert, Alexa Lambert and Ashton Allen pose behind the 100 gift bags given to Mother of Sorrows. BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - December is often referred to as the “Season of Giving.” That’s just what members of the Jefferson Area High School student council did. They gave. They gave supplies as well as their time to clients at the Mother of Sorrows Community Center in Ashtabula. Junior Caitlyn Sukalac is serving her first term on student council. She
was part of the group that made up gift bags with toiletries and helped serve Christmas lunch last Wednesday. “It was a fun day,” Sukalak said. “We helped serve ham, au gratin potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans and rolls,” Sukalac explained. “We also had cake, coffee and punch.” Leading up to Wednesday’s lunch, student council members bought enough shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toilet paper to stuff 100 gift bags. “Stuffing the bags was split into a
Student Council President Jennifer Hall, Sydney Baldwin and Malory Severa prepare to serve food at the Mother of Sorrows community center.
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two-day process,” said Sukalac. “Ms. (Stacy) Hinkle had us unload and organize the items one day and stuff the bags the next.” Sukalac said her favorite part was singing Christmas Carols with the clients. “One of the clients led the singing, and we sang about five different songs,” Sukalac explained. Hinkle said this was the fourth year that student council has given to Mother of Sorrows.
Caitlyn Sukalac and Amanda Zalar prepare beverages for the luncheon.
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BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - An Ashtabula Area City Schools bus driver, now suspended without pay from his position indefinitely, is being investigated for his involvement in more than a dozen sex-related crimes. Virgil Murphy Jr., 56, of 518 N. Broadway, Geneva, faces 10 counts of gross sexual imposition, thirddegree felonies; two counts of rape, first-degree felonies; and three counts of gross sexual imposition, fourth-degree felonies, according to Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court records. According to Geneva Police Department officials, from 2009 to 2010, Murphy allegedly had sexual contact with two females under the age of 14 at his family home in Geneva. Murphy was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond last week, with conditions to stay away from the victims. Ashtabula County Prosecutor’s Office officials said Murphy has significant health issues. AACS Superintendent Joseph Donatone said Murphy has been employed with the school district since 2005, but that none of the alleged incidents took place on school property. Donatone said any complaints involving Murphy reported to the school district were investigated, and shared that Murphy was in fact placed on administrative leave and removed from his bus driving duties prior to his secret indictment. “I want to assure the members of our community that the safety of our children is paramount, whether they are in our school buildings or being transported on our busses,” Donatone said. “To that end, surveillance equipment has been installed and is regularly utilized in our buildings and school buses to ensure our children’s safety. Furthermore, our staff is periodically trained to monitor and report any incidents of vio-
Virgil Murphy Jr. lations of the [Board of Education’s] rules and policies for student safety.” Donatone said any complaints involving Murphy that have been received by him have been promptly and thoroughly investigated, and, whenever appropriate, discipline has been administered to the extent permitted by the law. “Recently, as a result of some parental complaints presented to my office, Virgil Murphy was placed on administrative leave and removed from his bus driving duties. This took place on Nov. 22, 2011, which was prior to Mr. Murphy’s secret indictment. On Dec. 9, 2011, Mr. Murphy was arraigned for criminal charges involving alleged misconduct which took place between Jan. 1, 2009 and Sept. 7, 2010,” Donatone said. As a result of his indictment, Mr. Murphy was immediately suspended from his employment without pay, for an indefinite period, Donatone said. “I would like to assure the community that I and my staff have done everything in our power to keep our children safe and we will steadfastly strive to continue to do so,” Donatone said. Murphy’s pretrial hearing has been set for 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in Common Pleas Judge Alfred Mackey’s courtroom. A jury trial date has been set for March 14. Public Defender Dean F. Topalof has been assigned to his case, according to court records.
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JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Senior Center will have a “Very Merry Christmas Party” on 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, the first official day of winter. The party will have musical entertainment by Fred Barringer, a lunch catered by The Wildside Grill and cake, coffee, caroling, treats and fun. The cost of admission is a wrapped gift to exchange. (Minimum $5 gift to exchange.) There is a limit of 50 people, so please register now. Any questions? Call Christina 576-9052.
Plymouth Township trustees schedule meeting The Plymouth Township trustees will hold their yearend meeting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, in the Community Room.
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
COMMUNITY
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A
Jefferson Elementary first graders adopt families for Christmas BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Jefferson Elementary School first graders acted like Santa Claus last Tuesday, Dec. 13, as they filled up a van full of Christmas gifts for other children. All of the first-grade classes at Jefferson Elementary School, including those of Jamie Grube, Cindy Locy, Donna Wilhelm and Julie Wright, participated in a math-a-thon fundraiser in support of Ashtabula County Children Services. 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. Using the money, the firstgrade classes adopted eight foster care children with the Ashtabula County Children Services. Using a list of “wishlist” items provided by Children Services, the students’ families and staff at the school shopped for gifts for the chil-
dren, purchasing toys and clothes. On Tuesday, Ashtabula County Children Services Community Service Coordinator Cheryl Edwards arrived at the school to pick up the presents. She was amazed and humbled at the amount of gifts donated by the students. “I don’t even know how to express it,” Edwards said. “To me, it’s overwhelming, the generosity of these children.” Donations like this make a big impact on the children involved in the program, Edwards said. “We couldn’t do what we do for the kids in our care without the help of the community,” Edwards said. After the students filled the van full of gifts, first-grader Kayte Wagner was impressed at how much the children were able to buy. “That’s a lot of stuff. They’re going to be happy,” Kayte said. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell @gazettenews.com.
All of the first-grade classes at Jef ferson Elementary School participated in a math-a-thon fundraiser in support of Ashtabula County Children Services. Trenton Hodge and James Montanaro help carry the bags of gifts out to Ashtabula County Children Services Community Service Coordinator Cheryl Edwards and her van.
PHOTOS BY STEFANIE WESSELL
Nick Pardis and Clarke Simon help carry the bags of gifts out to Ashtabula County Children Services Community Service Coordinator Cheryl Edwards and her van.
Ashtabula County Children Services Community Service Coordinator Cheryl Edwards directs where the children can place their bags of gifts.
IN CELEBRATION OF THE HOLIDAYS, GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS will be closed Friday, December 23, 2011 & Friday, December 30, 2011 We will be open Monday, December 26, 2011 & Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy Holidays! Jefferson Elementary School first-grade teacher Julie Wright lines up the bags to be placed in the van.
THE GAZETTE USPS 273-820 Office located at: 46 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, Ohio 44047 Address editorial correspondence to: P.O. Box 166, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 (440) 576-9125 Fax: (440) 576-2778 Email: gazette@gazettenews.com Publisher ................................... John Lampson President ............................ Jeffrey J. Lampson General Manager .................... William Creed bcreed@gazettenews.com Senior Editor ......................... Stefanie Wessell swessell@gazettenews.com Reporter .................................... Sadie Portman Advertising ................................... Rick Briggs SUBSCRIPTION RATES Local Delivery (1 year) .................................. $30.00 Seniors - Local Delivery (1 year) .................. $25.50 Out-of-County (1 year) .................................. $46.00 Seniors - Out-of-County (1 year) .................. $39.10 Annual subscription rates non-refundable The Gazette (USPS 273-820) is published weekly by The Gazette Newspapers, Inc. at 46 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, OH 44047. Periodical’s postage is paid at Jefferson, OH 44047. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Gazette, P.O. Box 166, Jefferson, OH 44047.
Current Events Class raises money BY CAROLYN BEHRJEROME Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Mary Hostetler teaches a class called “Current Events” at Jefferson Area High School. For one semester students study, as the name implies, the current happenings in the area and the country. One such event inspired her students to make a difference and sponsor a “Hats on for Caring” day Friday. D.J. Schreckengost explained, “We were reading about (a local victim of violence in the Dorset area) in class and wanted to do something.” The victim was brutally beaten recently and his home torn apart. Clayton Ketola said, “We brainstormed what we could do. We thought about helping rebuild his house.” Finally the students decided on a hat day in the Senior High and a pajama day in the Junior High. Students and teachers were asked to donate money to
PHOTOS BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME
Christa Reeve, DJ Schreckengost, Dylan Dean and Christie Cellitti collect donations and pass out stickers for “Hats on for Caring.” wear hats or pajama bot“Every little bit helps,” toms. said Christa Reeve. “We were asking $2, but The “Hats on for Caring” any donation was accepted,” day raised $464, according to Christie Celliti explained. Dylan Dean.
Hostetler gave the money to Ed Pickard of Dorset Baptist Church. Pickard started a restoration fund for the man.
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Brittney Gattarello got creative with Hannah Horn helped raise funds Josh Rose proudly shows he cares through Hats on for Caring. with his crazy hat. her hat donation.
4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
Rock Creek students celebrate Christmas at the O.K. Corral Rock Creek Elementary School kindergarten students sing a song during their Christmas program.
Fifth-grader Kate Brand and sixthgrader Jonathan Norton pass out programs at the Christmas musical.
Chace O’Meara and Adam Helsel wait for the start of the Christmas program. BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers
mas at the O.K. Corral” by Teresa Jennings. Students sang several JEFFERSON - Rock songs during the musical, Creek Elementary School and several students also students put on a “rootin’, put on skits depicting a tootin’ holiday musical for change of heart for Bubble young voices” on Monday, G u m B a r b , p l a y e d b y Dec. 12, at Jefferson Area Emilie Burr, who threatHigh School. ened to spread bubbleThe auditorium was gum goo all over the town standing-room only, as par- until the Candy Cane Kid, Rock Creek Elementary School first and second graders sing “Listen to the Jingles.” PHOTOS BY STEFANIE WESSELL ents, friends and other fam- played by Hope Thibeault, ily members attended realized she just needed a Rock Creek Elementary School third and fourth graders dressed for the occasion, Christmas at the O.K. Cor- f r i e n d . J o r d a n S a n n e r as they performed the musical Christmas at the O.K. Corral. ral, directed by Casey sang a solo with “ChristTomlinson. No matter mas is O.K.” where the school has the Other actors in the muprogram, there never sical included Cole Smock seems to be enough room, as Ralph, the Candy Cane joked Rock Creek Elemen- Kid’s trusty reindeer; Jotary School Principal Larry seph Hamper, Jr., as Santa Meloro said. Claus; Emily Forman as “We welcome all the Santa’s Elf; Merissa Kligge family and friends,” Meloro as the Narrator; Aleah said. Eddy as the Square Dance The musical program Caller; and Alexis Hardy, kicked off with the kinder- Maverick Moore, Ulrich garten students performing Deutsch, Katie “Jingle Bells,” “If I Could Cumberledge, Devin Fly Like a Snowflake” and Nelson, Sophia Wilber and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Allison Krawsczyn as the Reindeer,” followed by the townspeople. first- and second-grade stuThe program concluded dents performing “Listen to with everyone - including the Jingles,” “Up on the the audience - singing “SiHousetop/Jolly Old St. lent Night” together. Nicholas” and “Santa’s Holiday Hoedown.” Stefanie Wessell, senior Students in grades third editor for Gazette Newspathrough fourth then pre- pers, may be reached at The Candy Cane Kid, played by Hope sented the musical “Christ- swessell@gazettenews.com.
Thibeault, arrives to save Christmas.
Bubble Gum Barb, played by Emilie Burr, center, threatens the townspeople during Christmas at the O.K. Corral.
Santa Claus, played by Joseph Hamper, Jr., and Santa’s Elf, played by Emily Forman, discuss the sticky situation.
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Santa Claus, played by Joseph Hamper, Jr., reads a letter.
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The Candy Cane Kid, played by Hope Thibeault, confronts Bubble Gum Barb, played by Emilie Burr, about why she wants to ruin Christmas.
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A
In The Military Ellsworth graduates from basic military training Air Force Airmen Travis M. Ellsworth recently graduated from Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Travis completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills. An Airman who completes basic training earns four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. While at Lackland AFB, he was appointed to Element Leader. His flight also received the much honored Warrior Flight Status & BEAST Excellence. During his time at BMT he was also a member of the Drum & Bugle Corps. Travis is currently in Tech School at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He will graduate January 18th 2012 as an A1C and a Level 3 in Fueling Maintenance. He will return home for a few weeks to participate with the Recruiter’s Assistance Program then continue with his Air Force Career in Misawa, Japan, where
Gray completed six-month deployment Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane C. Gray, son of Valerie K. and James R. Gray of Rock Creek, Ohio, and fellow Sailors of Patrol Squadron 10 “Red Lancers” (VP-10), Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., recently completed their six-month deployment operating from bases in Quatar, Bahrain and Djibouti. While deployed, the Lancers conducted operations supporting Navy Joint and Coalition Forces in support of Operations New Dawn, Enduring Freedom and 5th Fleet Area of Operations (AOR) exercises and activities.The crew flew 6, 320 flight hours during more than 900 sorties and maintained a 99-percent completion rate. VP-10 helped to fight the ever growing problem of piracy and prevented the smuggling of weapons in the Arabian Sea, Straits of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Their efforts resulted in the capture of six pirates. Gray is a 2005 graduate of Jefferson High School of Jefferson, Ohio and joined the Navy in September 2005.
BUDGET From page 1A The total amount allocated to general funds was $3,217,778.23. For the street construction, maintenance and repair fund, $859,826.53 was allocated. The City of Geneva’s net appropriations for 2012 total $12,260,047.92. The department heads also gave information at the hearing on their departments and the amount needed to keep their departments efficient. “Each of the department heads did a really great job of representing their interest to the council,” Anderson said. The council members said they had many questions, but those who understood were very patient and willing to take it step by step with them. “The details were overwhelming,” Anderson said. “It was a very impressive meeting.” Piotrowski was particularly impressed with the qualified administration who knew and explained the budget down to the last cent. “Friday at the financial budget meeting, everyone did a phenomenal job and made it easy for us to follow along and made the budget understandable,” Piotrowski said. The Geneva City Council unanimously passed all sections of the budget. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@ gazettenews.com.
he will be stationed for three years. Travis is the son of Mike and Cari Ellsworth of Jefferson. Travis was a 2011 graduate of Jefferson Area High School, where he excelled in all aspects of the Music Department and Drama, where he participated in countless numbers of plays and musicals.
Coast Guard gives advice for safe winter ice activities BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA - The local United States Coast Guard stresses keeping safe on the lake during this winter season, as many prepare to ice fish and enjoy other activities on the frozen water. “With colder weather forthcoming, and the accompanying formation of ice to the waterways of the Great Lakes region, the 9th Coast Guard District reminds people to use extra precautions when planning recreational activities on cold water and frozen ponds, streams, rivers and lakes,” Coast Guard officials said. The Coast Guard officials said falling through ice can be deadly and precautions must be taken into account. “As the guardians of the Great Lakes and the region’s maritime search and rescue professionals, we understand the dangers of cold water, as well as the dangers of venturing out on the ice,” officials said.
On all the Great Lakes there can be varying levels of the ice’s thickness. A simple way to stay safe is to remember the acronym I.C.E., which stands for Intelligence, Clothing and Equipment. The Intelligence part pertains to knowing where you’re going, how to get a hold of help if necessary and the weather and ice conditions. Having proper clothing is also of vital importance. “Have proper clothing to prevent hypothermia; dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature,” officials said. Having proper equipment means carrying such items as a marine radio, life jackets, screw drivers and ice picks. “Cold water kills! Surprisingly, cold water is defined as any water temperature less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit,” officials said. “The fact that air temperatures might be far above freezing is irrelevant when people unexpectedly enter the water.”
The Coast Guard officials said they do not want to discourage winter activities on Lake Erie. They simply want to make sure the activities are done in a safe manner. “Great Lakes weather is unpredictable and dangerous, especially during seasonal transitions,” officials said. Driving on the ice can also pose dangers and should be thought about before taking the drive. “Owners of vehicles left on the ice after a rescue are subject to civil penalties for pollution violations,” officials said. “Such civil penalties can range from $250 to $11,000.” The Coast Guard officials said to always tell someone of your plans and never go out on the lake alone. “Carry visual distress signals and a quality whistle in the pockets of the life jacket being worn so it’s close at hand in an emergency,” officials said. “The Coast Guard recommends [carrying] a registered personal locator bea-
con in addition to a VHF-FM marine radio, to alert the Coast Guard and local safety agencies of potential distress.” The Coast Guard officials said to also think twice before taking your canine companion with you on the ice. “If boating with ‘man’s best friend,’ keep in mind dogs also need the added protection of flotation while enduring colder weather. Not all dogs swim or swim well,” officials said. “Not all dogs like to swim. Like their human companions, dogs are just as susceptible to the harsh elements, including the effects of hypothermia.” Officials said some companies even make dog and cat life jackets. In conclusion, the Coast Guard officials said to use common sense and know of the dangers and take preventative measures. “Set limits. Know when it’s time to call it a day,” officials said. “There’ll always be another day and another outing.”
Community
HealthConnections
January ‘12
Conneaut
Geneva
Free Health Screenings
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Senior Health Forum & Luncheon: Partnering With Your Doctor
Free Mammogram for Uninsured Women Age 40 – 64
Jorga Melaragno Every Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. WH Brown Community Room 158 W. Main Road, Conneaut RSVP: 440-593-0364
Maureen Ordman-Fike, Alzheimer Association Wednesday, January 18 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Geneva Community Center 72 West Main Street, Geneva RSVP: 440-415-0180
Courtesy of the Susan G. Komen Grant UH Geneva Medical Center 870 West Main Street, Geneva To find out if you qualify for complimentary testing, call 440-998-0695.
Staying healthy at any age: Learn what screening tests you should have
Eight-hour fasting is recommended. No reservations necessary.
Lori Ann Slimmer, RN Thursday, January 12 11 a.m. SPIRE Institute 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva RSVP: 440-415-0180
Tuesday, January 3 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Ashtabula Medical Arts Center 2131 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula
Diabetes Education Program Nancy Hutchens, RN, CDE Danielle Nies, LD, RD Monday, January 9 Wednesday, January 11 Thursday, January 12 1 – 3 p.m. WH Brown Community Room 158 W. Main Road, Conneaut RSVP: 440-593-0364
Healthy Breathing Health Smart Forum & Luncheon: Swallowing Problems Kenneth Kozlosky Friday, January 20 11:30 a.m. WH Brown Community Room 158 W. Main Road, Conneaut RSVP: 440-593-0364
Eva Evans, PT, DPT, MPT Ed Wasner, PT A Walk & Talk Health Series Learn how to relax and re-energize with deep breathing Tuesday, January 24 8:30 a.m. SPIRE Institute 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva RSVP: 440-415-0261
Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Random Total Cholesterol
Wednesday, January 4, 11, 18 8 – 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 25 5 – 7 p.m. SPIRE Institute 1822 S. Broadway, Geneva Wednesday, January 4 4 – 7 p.m. Walmart 3551 N. Ridge East, Ashtabula Tuesday, January 10 9 – 11 a.m. UH Conneaut Medical Center Main Lobby 158 West Main Road, Conneaut
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6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
Subscription-drive winners awarded GBA announces at Jefferson Area Local Schools Winterfest 2012
snowman contest
BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers
GENEVA - Whether or not there is snow on the ground is irrelevant in the Geneva Business Association’s Snowman Contest, which instead relies on people’s creativity with wooden snowmen. Winterfest 2012 doesn’t blow into town until February, but the Geneva Business Association is looking for people to help decorate the downtown Geneva area with wooden snowmen in honor of the festivities. The annual snowman contest, organized every year by the Geneva Business Association with the help of Rae-Ann Geneva, involves participants decorating wooden snowmen that will be displayed in the downtown City of Geneva. The contest is open to all merchants, local organizations and private citizens. Participants must preregister by dropping off or sending a form with their name; company or group name; complete address; phone number; e-mail; and whether they are a commercial, non-commercial or private entrant to RaeAnn Geneva, Snowman Contest/Beth Cheney, 839 W. Main St., Geneva, OH 44041, by Friday, Jan. 13. A limited number of wood cutouts are available while supplies last, organizers said. Participants can contact Beth Cheney for more information at (440) 466-5733 or by e-mail at bcheney@rae-ann.net. Wood cutouts will be made available starting Tuesday, Jan. 3, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Rae-Ann Geneva. People should enter through the main entrance and sign out their cutout at the receptionist desk. There will be three $50 prizes awarded - one for each category. Winners will be announced SaturStefanie Wessell, senior day, Feb. 4, during Winterfest 2012 in down- editor for Gazette Newspatown Geneva. Ribbons will pers, may be reached at be placed on the three win- swessell@gazettenews.com.
PHOTOS BY SADIE PORTMAN
The Rock Creek Elementary School winners, Brandon Truckey, Megan Brand, Austin Schmidt and Kelsey Ritter, stand by the decorated Christmas tree holding their rewards from the Gazette Subscription Drive. BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Rock Creek and Jefferson Elementary schools both participated in the Gazette Subscription Drive this fall, with the top sellers receiving checks from the Gazette. Everyone who sold a subscription got a chance to win a mini laptop. The first-place winner received $25, second place received a $15 reward and third place received $10. The Jefferson Elementary winners were Jacob Butler, who sold 10 subscriptions; Brent Cotton, who sold eight; and Caleb Pishner, with six subscription sold. The laptop winner was Case Burgett. The subscription drive was a fundraiser for the schools, and Principal Todd Tulino said the money raised for the school will go toward a fund to take the sixth grade on a day trip, as well as toward field trips for the fourth and fifth graders. “I don’t know where we’re going
this year, but it’s a nice way to reward the kids at the end of the year,” Tulino said. The annual sixth-grade trip has taken students to Pittsburgh, Detroit and the New York side of Niagara Falls. The students leave at seven in the morning and do not get back until seven at night. Tulino said it is way for the school to say a final thank you and goodbye to the sixth graders before they move on to the junior high school. Rock Creek Elementary School waited until the end of the day to hear the winners of the drive. The Rock Creek Elementary School has an unusual situation, with a five-way tie for first place, so instead of awarding a second and third place, the money was split five ways with each winner receiving $10. Their winners were Cady Crenshaw, Brandon Truckey, Megan Brand, Austin Schmidt and Kelsey Ritter. Schmidt was also the winner of the
ners and winners will also be notified by phone. Contest details include: • Participants must pre-register. • Snowmen must be delivered to Rae-Ann Geneva, 839 W. Main St., Geneva by 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, to the attention of the receptionist. Participants must enter through the main entrance and let the receptionist know they are turning in their snowman. • Snowmen will be displayed at various locations in downtown Geneva from Thursday, Jan. 19, through Monday, Feb. 13. • Snowman specifications: design and build a snowman; the snowman figure must be no larger than four feet tall by three feet wide and 20 inches deep. • A limited number of wood cutouts are available while supplies last. • Tastefully themed snowmen are encouraged, and items not considered of an appropriate nature will be returned. • The snowmen must be able to withstand outdoor conditions. • Personal identification information must be no larger than four inches by 12 inches on the front of the snowman. • GBA or its sponsors are not responsible for the snowmen. • Participants may pick up their snowman by request by 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at Rae-Ann Geneva. Snowmen not picked up by 3 p.m. Feb. 17 will be considered donated to the GBA. • No lights or automation are allowed. The contest is sponsored by Rae-Ann Geneva Skilled Nursing & Rehab, on behalf of the Geneva Business Association. For more information, contact Cheney at (440) 466-5733 or by e-mail at bcheney@rae-ann.net.
mini laptop. Principal Larry Meloro smiled when he saw the Schmidt name drawn. “He’s going to be so excited about the laptop,” Meloro said. All the students came down to Meloro’s office with smiles on their faces as they learned of their winnings. Rock Creek Elementary School plans on putting the money earned through the subscription drive into good use and looks forward to another successful year in 2012. School officials are proud to see their students take a part in their school’s funding and also to see their students walk away with a reward in return. “This is the best part of my job,” Tulino said. “It’s nice to see them get the awards that they’ve earned.” Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman @gazettenews.com.
Village administrator updates on projects BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Administrator Terry Finger gave an update on projects in the village during a Jefferson Village Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 19. Finger said the project to repair the roof at village hall is finished except for some work on the inside. “Contractors did finish the village roof today, the exterior,” Finger said. The roof will be sealed up for the winter, with some work on the inside Jefferson Elementary School students Jacob Butler, Brent Cotton, Caleb Pishner and Case Burgett stand and show still to be finished. off their checks and mini laptop won through the Gazette Subscription Drive. “Ceiling repairs will be completed after the village
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hall roof is finished and we are sure everything is dried out,” Finger said. In other village news, Finger said the street department has been cleaning all road side ditches and is fully ready in the event of snow accumulation. “Brush and leaf pick up is done for the year,” Finger said. “We will resume again in the first week of April 2012.” Finger said the street department employees also are taking care of all building and lands maintenance items while they can. “Our employees who have been trained in tree care will also be trimming shade trees in the village tree lawns,” Finger said. In other matters, Finger said Clerk/Treasurer Patty Fisher has received proposals on financing $450,000 for the fire truck with interest rates around 3.2 percent. Council is interested in purchasing a new truck for the fire department and getting rid of an old one. During the meeting, council members passed the second reading of a resolution to declare a 2000 International fire truck as surplus no longer needed for municipal purposes. Council will put the sale of the truck up for bid, as the resolution also authorizes the sale of the fire truck to the highest and best bidder, with a minimum bid of $5,000. Council wants to begin the process of purchasing a new truck to replace the International truck, keeping a second truck, Truck #412, as a back up. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A
G.O. Ministries ADDA honors Ashtabula organizations receives $1,000 grant for their financial support BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Pastor John Salters (left) and his wife, Mae Salters (right) receive a $1,000 grant check for G.O. Ministries from J.P. Ducro IV (center) of Ducro Funeral Services. Ducro sponsored G.O. to help them receive the grant from the York Children’s Foundation. ASHTABULA - G.O. Community Development Corporation has been the recipient of the York Children’s Foundation Grant sponsored by Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory. The executive director of the organization, Rev. John Salters, has been a community leader for numerous years. Although his church and organization is a small one, they have a great deal of impact on the youth, especially the lower income youth, of the community. The G.O. Ministries is an organization whose dedicated mission is to help the needy and less fortunate. They are the only soup kitchen in the area that supplies a hot, well-balanced evening meal. Two programs that function under G.O. are the HYPE Program (Helping Young People Evolve) which is geared at helping youth and teenagers. The second program is HIP (Helping Independent Parents) and its main focus is to help single parents with needs for their infant and pre-school children. There are many more acts of charity that G.O. Ministry provides, including school supplies for the kids, after school activities, field trips, clothing,
an annual Christmas party, and special meals throughout the year. The G.O. Community Development Corporation is truly committed to helping our children in need throughout the community and with the recent acquisition of the Thurgood Marshall Elementary School building, they plan to expand and improve the services they can provide. York Children’s Foundation distributed numerous grants in the second quarter of 2011 through its sponsoring funeral homes. “We were especially pleased to have our application approved,” said J.P. Ducro IV, “as this is the seventh application honored by York in our county through Ducro’s, the others being Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Spider Web, and Conversation Station and After School Discovery who were both honored twice. We are so pleased to help bring assistance to these fine organizations and are extremely appreciative of the Foundation and the good works of its recipients.” Non-profit youth organizations interested in applying for a York grant may contact Ducro Services at 992-2191 or for more information on G.O. Ministries contact Rev. John Salters at 964-3385.
ASHTABULA - The Ashtabula Downtown Development Association (ADDA) gave its Financial Support Award to two businesses at its annual banquet on Wednesday. “This award goes to an individual or organization that has helped the ADDA financially to reach a specific goal,” Lynda Annick said. Ducro Funeral Services and the Star Beacon were both honored with the award. “This is for the match of the Reader ’s Digest ‘We Hear You, America’ money,” Annick said. The City of Ashtabula was awarded with $1,000 from the Reader’s Digest’s “We Hear You, America” sweepstakes and gave the money to the ADDA this past year.
Annicks said. “It’s been wonderful, thank you.” Ducro said the family considers the ADDA an important asset of the city. “We’re very proud to be a part of the ADDA,” Ducro said. With Ducro newly elected as city council president, he hopes to continue supporting the ADDA. “As a new representative for the City of Ashtabula, I hope we can work together and leverage our resources PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN and accomplish wonderful J.P. Ducro looks at the Financial Support Award he things for the entire comreceived from the ADDA. Ducro Funeral Services munity,” Ducro said. Ducro said Annick has matched the $1,000 given to the City of Ashtabula from the Reader’s Digest We Hear You America sweepstakes. been an excellent president for the organization and he The Ducro Funeral Ser- looks forward to the future. Local businesses were “Keep up the great work, asked to match the funds to vices is a member of the give the ADDA extra money ADDA and Annick said the Lynda. You’re doing an aweto revitalize the downtown company has always been some job,” Ducro said. behind the organization. area. Sadie Portman, reporter “We appreciate all your “J.P. [Ducro] came right out and said, ‘I’ll give a support, not just financially, for the Gazette, may be thousand dollars,’” Annick [as] you have supported us reached at sportman@gazette in so many other ways,” news.com. said.
Henderson Memorial Public Library children’s librarian requests patrons’ input BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Henderson Memorial Public Library patrons are being asked to provide their input for the scheduling of future children’s programs at the library. DeeAnna Culbertson, known to children as “Miss Dee,” is the new fulltime children’s librarian at Henderson Memorial Public Library. In her new duties, she is excitingly scheduling for
Program
children’s programming and story times after the holidays. Miss Dee said she will be happy to take requests for specific days or times that work for patrons and their children. She requests that parents please call or email the library as soon as possible if there is a specific day and time that fits their schedule better. Although not all requests will be possible to fill, Miss Dee will try to schedule as many requests as possible. Sign-ups will begin after Christ-
Day/Time
mas. Miss Dee said she is planning many great and exciting programs for the upcoming year and suggests parents visit the library’s website or the library for information on future programs. Tentative programs are listed below, with new programs beginning on Jan. 2, 2012. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazettenews.com.
Ages
Activities
Toddler Story Time
Monday, 1-1:30 p.m. 2-3 year olds or Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Music, fingerplays, stories, easy craft or activity
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Monday, 4-5 p.m.
K-5th Grade
Fun educational activities, stories, or crafts
Mother Goose Time
Wednesday, 10:30-11 a.m.
0-24 months
Short stories, songs, fingerplays, nursery rhymes
Preschool Story Time
Thursday, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. or Thursday, 1-2 p.m.
4-5 year olds
Music, story, craft or activity
All aboard! Ashtabula Area City School Elementary Campus celebrates the Polar Express
ASHTABULA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2012 GRANT PROCEDURE
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Seen having her ticket punched by Conductor and Reading Specialist Matt Heath is Huron second-grader Madison Cinciarelli. Students at the Ashtabula Area City School Elementary Campus (Huron, Ontario and Michigan Elementary Buildings) enjoyed the spirit of the season by coming to school in their pajamas, drinking hot cocoa, snacking on holiday cookies and watching the Polar Express. The special holiday celebration was hosted by the campus PTO (ALEC - Ashtabula Lakeside Elementary Campus Parent teacher Organization). “Our parents have come together and created many wonderful events for our children. The Polar Express was wonderful but only a small, small part of all our parents have done. There is always something wonderful going on or being planned by these committed and creative people,” said Huron Principal Valerie Harper.
Church Briefs Dec. 20-22 Dorset: Free clothing Free clothing and things to wrap for your Christmas will be offered at Cherry Valley First Church of God, located on Sentinel Road in Dorset, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13-15 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20-22. Dec. 24-25 Ashtabula: Christmas services These are the Christmas services planned for Bethany Lutheran Church: • Christmas Eve: 5 and 11 p.m., traditional candlelight service • Christmas Day: 10:30 a.m., worship service. There will be a birthday party for Jesus after the service. Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula. Dec. 24 Cherry Valley: Christmas Eve service Cherry Valley UMC, located at Routes 6 and
193, will have Christmas Eve Service and Candlelight Communion at 7 p.m. Dec. 24. Dec. 24-25 Rock Creek: Church services Eagleville Bible Church, located at 1981 Rt. 45 in Rock Creek, will have its Christmas Eve services at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Christmas Day service will be at 9:30 a.m. 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.
The Board of Trustees of The Ashtabula Foundation will accept Letters of Intent from 501(C) (3) charitable organizations in Ashtabula County seeking grant funds. Although the Board will review and consider grant requests from all categories at the same time, the emphasis of funding will be with human services organizations that benefit the needy of the county. The categories to be considered are: Recreation/Conservation; Education; Human Services; Arts/ Culture; Religion, and Community Development. The Letter of Intent should include the following information: •A brief description of the reason for your request. •The dollar amount of your request. •Are there other sources of funding? If so, list the other sources. •Is this project something that must be done immediately, or can it be postponed? •Rate this project as far as a priority to your organization (on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest priority). •How many people will be affected by the grant funding? The deadline to submit your Letter of Intent is February 1, 2012. Do not submit a full grant application at this time. The Board will review all requests, and you will be notified if you should proceed with a complete application packet, or if your request will not be considered. If you have any questions, contact the Ashtabula Foundation office at (440) 992-6818, or by email at ashtabulafdn@suite224.net. 4510 Collins Boulevard, Suite 6, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 440-992-6818 • Fax: 440-992-0724 www.ashtabulafoundation.org • ashtabulafdn@suite224.net
8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A
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10A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
Former resident promotes her recently published children’s book BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP - Barbara Pierson did not grow up in Jefferson, Ohio, but she did raise her family in the area for 10 years. Now Pierson is back in the area promoting her new children’s book, Thumbody Loves You. “I came up with the idea with my grandson,” Pierson said. “We were discussing different things people have and collect like pet rocks and things.” Pierson said one way or another the topic came onto thumbs and she began to create a book about thumb people living in a little thumb town. “It’s a great story for all ages,” Pierson said. The book revolves around the Thumbody thumb family and Miss Thumb One as she is making a decision on her recent school project, the results of which will be revealed at the Thumbday Picnic. The book takes Miss Thumb One through the town of Ashthumbula as the dayto-day life of the thumb people are examined. In the end, everyone learns a valuable life lesson. “Whimsy and double meanings are built into the stories created by this author,” the description reads on her website. “Young and old will be challenged to discover homonyms cleverly woven into the story, and [it] includes
PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN
Barbara Pierson sat in the Ashtabula Towne Square on Saturday afternoon selling and signing her book, Thumbody Loves You. Pierson lived in Jefferson for 10 years. a cast of unique characters.” Thumbody Loves You was just featured in a nationally syndicated book review. “I was just in the New York Book Review,” Pierson said. “It’s very exciting.” Right now as Pierson promotes her book, she is also working toward her bachelor’s degree by attending both the Liberty University online and the Institute of Children’s Literature. Pierson received her associate’s degree in business administration from Franklin University in Columbus, the city she is originally from.
Pierson will be in the next edition of Who’s Who in America and looks forward to further promoting her new book. Although this is Pierson’s first book, she is no stranger to the writing field as she cowrote the play, Shadows and Other Living Things, which won the Ohio Art Council Award for Best New Play by a New Author in 1986. Pierson sat in the Ashtabula Towne Square on Saturday afternoon with a stack full of books for a special book signing. “It’s great to be promoting
the book in the community,” Pierson said. Pierson does not plan to stop at her first children’s book, as she is now planning for a sequel. “I really enjoyed writing this book and I’m already planning out the sequel,” Pierson said. You can read a small section of the book and buy the book by going to www.thumbodys.com. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette news.com.
VOLUNTEERS From page 1A “We’re going to try and follow up with this gentleman and the nursing home and see what we can do when he comes back out,” Stouffer said. The house will need more than just a few replaced doors and a nice clean up, but the rest of the work needed will require building permits. “From cleaning up and doing the windows and doors, there is also a lot electrical work that needs to be done, a lot of plumbing that needs to be done,” Paul said. Paul said it is going to take more than a couple of days to get the house back and functioning. “We’re going to need a ton of money to move forward past the doors and windows, as well as permits,” Paul said. H2O will have to consult the family before moving on with the project beyond what volunteers did last week. “After we clean up and get the windows and doors done, we’re at a crossroads and we’ll just have to see where we go next,” Paul said. “There’s so much that needs to be done.” Paul said it is disheartening to hear of the cruelty some put forth on others. “For a guy who really didn’t have anything and for someone to come in and wreck what he did have, I just don’t get it,” Paul said. The resident of the house was poor and does not have the means to fix his house and was living on what little means he had. “He’ll never get it back. He doesn’t have insurance and it’s just really sad,” Paul
Mike Webb takes out garbage to the dumpster donated by Eagle Dumpster located in Conneaut. “We’re here to do what we can and make a good situation out of it.” Although the story of the Dorset Township home displays the cruelty of the world, it also shows the human condition and what can be accomplished if we look out for one another. “It’s been great working with all these guys who I’ve never worked with before and just everyone’s coming together,” Paul said. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette news.com.
The Businesses Of Geneva Wish You & Yours A Very Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year! Extending Our Warmest Wishes To You & Your Family. We Wish You A Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year! The Staff At
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WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 11A
Santa visits G.O. Ministries
Alltel national spokesperson visits Ashtabula County
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Santa made a stop at G.O. Ministries’ Christmas party to deliver candies, listen to requests and pose with children so moms could snap some photos. Volunteer Roger Williams was a hit with the kids. Every child went home with a wrapped, age-appropriate gift after a dinner, puppet show, games and a sing-along. The annual party was held Saturday, Dec. 17, at the ex-Thurgood Marshall School, the new home of the ministry headed by John and Mae Salters.
PHOTO BY CASSANDRA NAGY
Pictured, from left, are Hunter from 107.5-FM The Fox, Alltel Store Manager Matt, Alltel Spokesman Chad Brokaw and Ken Erdmann, Midwest VPGM. BY CASSANDRA NAGY Gazette Newspapers
“I’m here just to meet people in the community,” Brokaw said. “This tour is also promoting our $45 unlimited talk and text.” “This is my favorite part of the job, the meet and greet,” he emphasized. “The store tour with Chad is just encompassing the northeast area region,” representatives said. They asserted that northeast Ohio is a good area for Alltel. “This area brings lots of success to the company,” they said. Celebrity encounters with the public don’t come without excitement. Chad spoke on an incident where a
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ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP - A little bit of Hollywood was in Ashtabula County this past week. Last Tuesday at Ashtabula’s Alltel Wireless store in the Ashtabula Towne Square, Chad, from the famous Alltel commercials, was front and center. He Santa remembers the reason for the season at the annual walked throughout the store casually G.O. Ministries Christmas party Saturday, Dec. 17, at the greeting and mingling with customers. ex-Thurgood Marshall School, the new home of the Chad Brokaw is currently Alltel’s ministry headed by John and Mae Salters. Roger Williams national spokesman. He relayed that volunteered to be the finale to a day of food, fun and he has been in the position for six fellowship. years now.
group of hunters came into one of the stores and told him they were hunting for blondes! He ended on the note that, “Everyone is so friendly and supportive and surprised, and it does raise awareness to the company.” Matt, the manager of the Ashtabula store, wanted to let customers know that there are currently specials being offered with waived activation fees for the first month on all secondary lines. Another reason to support your local economy: you may just run into a celebrity.
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12A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
Jefferson BOE passes A-Tech Culinary Arts students’ Annual holiday dinner gathers a crowd personnel items BY JAN PERALA Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - Friends, neighbors, classmates and alumni gathered in the spirit of the season to savor a festive, full course holiday dinner with all the trimmings served up by Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus’ (A-Tech) Culinary Arts I students on Thursday, Dec. 8. The Holiday Dinner, an annual A-Tech tradition, is open to the public and drew nearly 800 diners to mingle with friends and enjoy the sumptuous holiday feast. The menu included sliced roast turkey, maple glazed ham, old-fashioned dressing, cranberry sauce, green beans almandine and mashed potatoes with gravy.
BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers
Tossed salad with a selection of toppings and dinner rolls accompanied the meal’s main courses. Culinary Arts I chefs offered an array of elaborately decorated confections including layer cakes, fresh baked pies and cookies to complete the meal. A “Dessert Extravaganza” bake sale prepared by seniors in the Culinary Arts II program included giant cream puffs, cinnamon rolls, cheesecakes, carrot cake and trays of decorated cookies. A room adjacent to the dining area, was in bloom with a profusion of poinsettia plants cultivated to perfection in the A-Tech greenhouses by students in the Horticulture program all for sale to benefit their class activity fund. Proceeds from the holiday dinner will benefit ATech’s Scholarship Fund.
PHOTOS BY JAN PERALA FOR ASHTABULA COUNTY TECHNICAL AND CAREER CAMPUS
A “Dessert Extravaganza” bake sale prepared by Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus (ATech) Culinary Arts II students was the icing on the cake at the annual Holiday Dinner last week. In this photo, students Molly Hayner and Alexis Luke put the finishing touches on a creatively decorated cake that was among the offerings. Proceeds from the bake sale will be directed to their class activity fund.
“The Holiday Dinner was wonderful. We really enjoyed everything!” Geneva’s Eddie Sezon said, and this is a compliment to the chefs in A-Tech’s Culinary Arts I program that really carries weight. The owner of Geneva on the Lake’s iconic Eddie’s Grill, Sezon knows lots about preparing great food. Sezon, his wife Anne and sister Rose Marie were among the nearly 800 diners who savored roast turkey and all the trimmings at Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus’ annual Holiday Dinner last week. In this photo, the Sezon family makes a postprandial poinsettia purchase with the expert Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus assistance of A-Tech Horticulture student Ashley Beiter. Culinary Arts student Juliann Hawes had her work cut During the hours of the Holiday Dinner, A-Tech’s out for her as she collected the meal tickets of nearly Horticulture classes hosted a bustling sale of the 800 diners who brought the spirit of the season as well as traditional holiday plants all cultivated in the school’s their appetites to the annual Holiday Dinner last week. greenhouses.
Christmas around the world Samantha Allega and Grace Jerome cuddle in to hear stories about Christmas customs from around the world. PHOTO BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME
BY CAROLYN BEHRJEROME Gazette Newspapers
(Ohio Association of Public School Employees), the tea was hosted by Robin Thaxton. JEFFERSON - Area “All money goes toresidents got a true taste wards our scholarship of Christmas from around fund,” Thaxton explained. the world as they snacked “We try to give two $300 on tea, scones and various scholarships each year.” breads. It was all part of In addition to tasty a Victorian Tea Party at treats, Thaxton gave a St. Joseph Catholic presentation of Christmas Church in Jefferson. customs from around the Sponsored by OAPSE world.
Greenlawn Memory Gardens, 3140 E. Center Street, North Kingsville, recently collected stockings that local residents picked up from the cemetery and then filled with Christmas cheer for men and women serving in the military. The stockings were shipped to local troops abroad in time for Christmas.
First Congregational United Church of Christ, 41 E. Jefferson St. in Jefferson, will be holding the following services during the week of Christmas. Please call (440) 576-4531 for more information! Service of Light: Thursday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. This will be a reflective service for those who are feeling overwhelmed by the holidays for any reason. The service will offer quiet but uplifting music, meditative prayer, with a meaningful Scripture reading and a brief message. The service will inSUBMITTED PHOTO clude a sacred time and space Pictured are: front row, Dean Luce and John Pildner, Sr., set aside for lighting a votive representatives of American Legion Neal Post #743; and candle in a loved one’s memory back row, Jennifer Blanchette, J.P. Ducro, Jeff Cottom or as a token of prayer for and Leanne Coates, all of Greenlawn Memory Gardens. peace and healing. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Saturday, Dec. 24, 7 p.m. Join us as we honor and celebrate the birth of Jesus! The evening will be filled with inspirational music, Scripture all outcome. That is why to an understanding of the readings and a homily. We will we need to be in tune with events and make decisions close the service with our traour relationship to God. about what they would do dition of singing the hymn SiOur daily actions and liv- individually and then to- lent Night by candle light. Kid ing can be just what He gether. Their faith was be- friendly “candle lights” will be needs to bring about His ing challenged and in- available so that all can parwill in the life of others. creased while they were ticipate. The shepherds were just living. Yet they did not altaking care of sheep like low the fear of what was Peoples Church they normally would do, happening to them influbut on the night Jesus was ence their choices. I once to host special born they became a signifi- heard it said that God uses Christmas services cant part of the story we “ordinary people living exPlease join us in worshiptell every year. Normal liv- tra ordinary lives” to do ping the King this Christing is what God chose to His work. use when His Son first apAs we center on the na- mas at the Peoples Church, peared, and all during His tivity story and make our located at 300 South Ridge earthly ministry. Just ordi- plans for celebration, re- Rd. East (Rt. 84) in Geneva. Services include: nary people. member that we can be • Dec. 24 - Christmas Look at His parents, just what God needs to inwho were they? They were fluence His will in other ’s Eve, Carols, Communion not even married, and at lives so they can become and Candlelight service 7 home there surely was part of the body of Christ p.m. • Dec. 25 - Christmas scandal surrounding the too! two. However, God was in Have a Merry Christ- Morning service at 10:45 the center of their lives. Jo- mas and a Happy New a.m., “The First Christmas Gift” seph and Mary had to come Year!
The impact of our lives BY REV. JERRY
and Communion will be presented at 11 p.m. This is a quiet, but joy-filled service. The Chancel Choir will offer music. On Christmas Day, there will be one worship service, which will be held at 10 a.m. Pastor Meredith Coleman is inviting everyone to come in their Christmas pj’s, as we celebrate Jesus’ coming to earth and into our hearts. The Chancel Choir will sing and the Encounter Praise Band will lead music. Everyone is cordially invited to any and all of these services!
First Congregational UCC to host special services
Stockings for Soldiers
BENTLEY Jefferson United Methodist Church celebrates Christmas Eve First Baptist Church with Handel’s Messiah at 9 p.m. 85 W. Jefferson St. JEFFERSON - A Community Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Jodi Bishop, will present the first portion of Handel’s Messiah at Jefferson United Methodist Church’s 9 p.m. Christmas Eve Service. They will be accompanied by Mrs. Sherry Martin. The church is located at 125 E. Jefferson St. In fact, there are two additional services planned for Christmas Eve. The first service will be at 6:30 p.m. and will feature three Children’s Choirs, carols, scripture and the Lighting of the Christ Candle. A Carols, Candlelight
JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Area Local Schools Board of Education passed a number of personnel items during its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13. All hires and volunteers are contingent upon proper certification and successful background checks, where applicable. In one action, the board approved Yvonne Doyle as a classified substitute for the 2011/2012 school year. In other classified personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Renee Dibble from her position as a two-hour cafeteria monitor at Rock Creek Elementary, effective at the end of the day on Dec. 2, 2011, contingent upon completion of the 30-day probationary period by the employee vacating this position. The board approved her as a three-hour cook at the junior/senior high school, effective Dec. 5, 2011. In other classified matter, the board accepted the resignation of Linda Paul from her position as a seven-hour cook at Rock Creek Elementary, effective at the end of the day on Dec. 2, 2011. The board approved Paul as head cook at Rock Creek Elementary, effective Dec. 5, 2011. The board also approved Jodi Hall as a seven-hour cook at the Rock Creek Elementary, contingent upon completion of the 30-day probationary period by the employee vacating this position, effective Dec. 14, 2011. Additionally, the board approved Traci Lambert as a two-hour cafeteria monitor at Rock Creek Elementary, contingent upon completion of the 30-day probationary period by the employee vacating this position, effective Dec. 14, 2011. The board also approved a re-assignment of Doreen Brown from her new assignment as a four-hour cook at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School to her former position as a three-hour cook at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School due to the employee vacating this position returning prior to the completion of the 30-day probationary period, effective Dec. 5, 2011.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 The advent of Christ was the perfect timing of global events so that it would happen just as God planned. Have you ever thought about how the timing of events in your life impacts the global perspective of life? I am sure that the people directly involved with Christ’s birth had no idea the impact their participation had on the over-
The board also approved a re-assignment of Jodie Fetters from her temporary transfer assignment as head cook at Rock Creek Elementary to her former position as a four-hour cook at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School, effective Dec. 5, 2011. In other matters, the board approved Jeremy Huber and Rodney Holmes as home tutors for the 2011/2012 school year and summer. The board also approved a supplemental contract renewal for Carla Haines as the junior high boys’ tennis coach for the 2011/2012 school year, contingent upon meeting the Athletic Department guidelines for fielding a team. In supplemental contracts, the board approved the following supplemental contract renewals for the 2012/2013 school year, contingent upon meeting the Athletic Department guidelines for fielding a team: —Jim Henson, head coach football. —Robert Mead, assistant varsity football coach. —Carla Haines, girls’ junior high tennis. —John Patterson, head boys’ cross country coach. —Lou Murphy, head girls’ tennis coach. —Steve Locy, head girls’ cross country coach. —Scott Barber, head boys’ golf coach. In other sports actions, the board approved the following licensed non-employee individuals for coaching, as indicated, for the 2012/2013 school year, contingent upon meeting the Athletic Department Guidelines for fielding a team: —Dave Wright, assistant varsity football coach. —Rory Marshall, eighthgrade football coach. —Joe Chiacchiero, eighthgrade football coach. —Scott Collins, assistant varsity football coach. —Andy Lipps, assistant varsity football coach. —Richard Pavolino, seventh-grade football coach. —Katie Carter, girls’ head soccer coach. The board also approved the following non-licensed individuals for coaching: —Chris Sukulac, junior varsity girls’ softball coach. —Bill McMinn, head boys’ soccer coach.
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 13A
SSJP NHS sponsors SSJP students to appear on Academic Challenge winter hat, mitten drive
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Saints John & Paul School’s National Honor Society sponsored a winter hat and mitten drive at the school. The President and Vice President of NHS, Megan Woodward (left) and Emily Kochevar (right) are pictured decorating a Christmas tree with hats, mittens and scarves. Students donated the items for those in need. All of the items collected will be donated to a local charity.
Patrol plans extra enforcement during the Holidays ASHTABULA – The Ashtabula Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be out in full force this holiday season removing dangerous and impaired drivers in an effort to reach historic lows in the number of people killed on Ohio’s roadways in 2011. Last year fatalities increased to 1,080 over a record low of 1,022 in 2009. With the upcoming holidays, the Patrol is asking motorists to help Ohio achieve a record year by not driving impaired, buckling-up and keeping their focus on the road. During last year’s holiday reporting period of Midnight on Thursday, Dec. 23 through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26 – 14 people lost their lives on Ohio’s roadways, with four deaths alcohol-related. “The holidays can be one of the most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving,” said Lt. Jerad Sutton, commander of the Ashtabula Post. “Last year during the holiday weekend, troopers arrested 226 drivers for impaired driving.” As part of national holiday enforcement efforts, the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services is assisting law enforcement around the state, including OVI task forces, in coordinating efforts to step-up enforcement of traffic and impaired driving laws. Last year in Ohio, 39 people died in alcohol-related crashes between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The public is encouraged to continue using 1-877-7-PATROL to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as stranded motorists.
Learn more about what your Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus has to offer to start a new career, help you advance your current career or continue your education. Enroll now in one of our Adult Career Technical Education Programs and start your career soon! Find out everything you need to know about classes by visiting us 24/7 online @ WWW.ATECH.EDU
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SUBMITTED PHOTO
The Saints John & Paul School Academic Team participated in a recent edition of the television show Academic Challenge. Members of the Herald team are: (left to right) Michael Mahoney, Ben Thomas, and Dominic (Seve) Candella, pictured with host, Jason Nicholas. The program is scheduled to air on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. on NewsChannel 5, when Saints John & Paul will compete against St. Peter Chanel and Kirtland High School.
ACDL’s Cooperating Collection a great set of tools for grant-seekers By Tom Milligan Community Relations Coordinator Ashtabula County District Library “Maybe we could get a grant.” It’s a suggestion often made in a state of blissful ignorance about the amount of work it takes to “get a grant.” We’ve all heard stories, of course, about multi-million-dollar projects getting funded with a proposal scrawled on the back of a napkin, and though apparently it does happen it’s always been very much the exception to the rule. Even more so today, as non-profits have seen grantmaking from foundations reduced the past couple of years because of the nation’s ongoing economic downturn. Still, thousands of organizations do get grants totaling approximately $40 billion. The process of finding the foundation(s) that might fund your non-profit’s project has always been the first hurdle to overcome, since foundations have always come in many shapes and sizes. Some give away millions to a single project, others never make grants of more than a few thousand dollars. Some will only fund projects in health care, or education, or the arts, some will not give to religious organizations, while others give primarily to religious organizations. Many are nation-wide in scope, but many will fund projects only in particular states or regions. But finding the right “fit” for your non-profit’s project is somewhat easier than it used to be, what with Ashtabula County District Library now housing a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center of New York, an agency which which for decades now has been the definitive source for information on the specialized world of grantmaking. The collection consists of several thick volumes and a number of smaller pamphlets and reports, well over 18,000 pages in all, providing complete details on more than
100,000 foundations that make grants—mostly to nonprofit organizations around the U.S., though there are a few who support individual scholars, artists and researchers. All together, the printed material approaches 10 inches in thickness, and back in the old days you would have hunted through those pages one by one, looking for an organization whose interests, restrictions and requirements fit the kind of program or project you wanted to get funded. Today, however, the information has been transformed into a searchable database, which lets you plug in information about your project: the subject area it will deal with, the estimated budget, and many other factors, so the computer can sort through those 100,000 potential funders and provide you with a manageable list of prospects. There was a time you had only two choices when you needed to get this work done: spring for a subscription to the database at a cost in excess of a thousand dollars a year, or drive to the Foundation Center offices in Cleveland to use it. For the last couple of years it’s been available at the Ashtabula library, which we hope will improve the odds that more of that $40-odd billion will get granted for worthwhile programs here. The collection is available to anyone, free of charge, though most of it—including the online database—may be used at the Ashtabula Library only. And whether your group is at Step One as a non-profit, or a long-established organization that’s already enjoyed success in grant writing, the collection will be useful. The Library’s reference staff is available to provide basic assistance, there are frequent training opportunities offered by the Foundation Center online and inperson, and selected programs are available in an online archive, some at no charge. The Cooperating Collection is just one of the ways ACDL is attempting to help people cope with our “tough economic times.” If your non-profit organization is searching for new sources of funding… and whose isn’t… you have a powerful set of tools available at the County District Library.
Assumption School is participating in Educar fundraiser
Days: Monday - Thursday Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Class Begins: 01/09/12
Microsoft Word I & II Introduction to processing computerized documents such as letters, newsletters, flyers.
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Microsoft Excel I & II Introduction to processing computerized spreadsheets (i.e. building, setup & format)
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Time: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Class begins: 05/14/12
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CNC—Computerized Numerical Controls The Industrial Welding program offers training in stick, MIG, and TIG processes.
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SUBMITTED PHOTO
SolidWorks A 60-hour integrated course in SolidWorks Essentials, Drawing Creation and Advance Part Modeling.
Days: Mondays & Wednesdays Times: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Class begins: 04/16/12
Medical Readiness Class A FREE course to help you prepare for success in any health-related educational program! 36—Hour Class Beginning January 9, 2012 You must attend an ABLE Orientation session prior to the first day of class.
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440-576-6015 extension 1009 1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 . 440-576-6015 . WWW.ATECH.EDU
The Ashtabula County Technical and Career Center Board of Education and its staff are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal employment opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, pregnancy, handicap or disability.
Assumption Elementary School in Geneva is among the public and private Ashtabula County schools participating in the Educar fundraising program. Representatives from the school recently sold tickets at the Ashtabula Towne Square. Pictured, standing, from left, Rebecca Chapman and Dillen Covell. Pictured, front, from left, are Alexandra Delia, Keera Ricker, Caiden Ricker, Morgan Covell and Logan Toth. GENEVA - Assumption School is proud to announce we are joining the public and private schools in Ashtabula County and Great Lakes Auto Group in the “EDUCAR Fundraising Program”! EDUCAR is a collaboration effort where ticket buyers have a chance of winning a 2012 Sierra, a 2012 Chevy Cruze, $25,000 toward the purchase of another vehicle, or $15,000 in cash! John Rocco, a St. John High School
graduate and Joey Huang, a graduate of Western Reserve Academy, coowners of Great Lakes Auto, are donating 100 percent of each $5 ticket sold, as well as printing costs of tickets, posters and two advertising “Educars.” At Assumption, money raised will provide much needed mini scholarships to students this year, as well as improvements of physical facilities and enrichment programs such as
music and drama. The program will run through the school year with the selection of 6 semi-finalists from each school system. The grand prizewinner will be selected in July where each semi-finalist will meet at a reception and receive a “key.” The winner will be the individual with the lucky key! We hope this will be a successful effort in support of Assumption School. Thank you in advance for your support!
14A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
WEDNESDAY, December 21, 2011
Local third graders gather donations for Toys for Tots and Manna BY SADIE PORTMAN Gazette Newspapers
students and they suggested we just bring in food items and toys,” Meyer said. JEFFERSON - Jefferson Once they had the basic Elementary School’s thirdidea set, it was easy to see grade students collected how much the children were around 30 toys for Toys for excited about the donations. Tots and 104 food and panMeyer then tried to figure out which charities they try items for the local Manna could collect items for. Food Bank. “I read in the paper about “It’s not only food but the Toys for Tots location, toothpaste, toothbrushes and Saint Paul’s Lutheran and things like that,” Church is my church so I teacher Julie Meyer said. know all about the Manna Meyer said every child program,” Meyer said. participated in the project Meyer’s class in particuand went around collecting lar had a key roll in the ordonations. ganizing of the gifts. “This was all of third “My class has been going grade doing this,” Meyer around collecting and keepsaid. ing track of how many items Meyer said the idea to we have so far,” Meyer said. donate came as a collaboraMeyer said it did not take tion of ideas from years past long for her class to gather and her third-grade classenough items to donate to room. the two organizations. Meyer said she and her “They did a nice job, and students came up with the my kids were really excited idea to donate the items, about doing this,” Meyer Meyer said. said. Meyer has taught sixth Meyer is very proud of her grade for quite some time, students and the entire and she always had her sixth PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMAN third-grade class, as each graders make donations durThird-grade students at Jefferson Elementary School stand by all the items they collected for Toys for Tots and the student worked together to ing the holidays. local Manna Food Bank. make someone else’s holiday “This is my first year in third grade. I was teaching her students collect money the kids and then we adopt a sixth-grade classroom but we weren’t quite sure special. “It’s a nice little pot of sixth grade for 17 years or for a whole family in need. a family and I take them was harder to organize with whether if they could raise so,” Meyer said. “I wanted do something shopping,” Meyer said. a third-grade classroom. that type of money,” Meyer gold,” Meyer said. “We collected a nice amount, espeUsually with the sixth with them and normally I do Meyer said the idea of col“After talking with the said. graders, Meyer would have a money-raising event with lecting money was easy for other third-grade teachers, Not sure where to take cially with all the food.” Sadie Portman, reporter her charity work, she decided to get input from the for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@gazette students themselves. “I brought the idea to my news.com.
JAHS boys basketball team determined to succeed
BY CAROLYN BEHRJEROME Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Patti LaBelle once sang “I’ve got a new attitude.” That song could be the theme song for the 2011-2012 Jefferson Area High School boys basketball team. Led by seniors Connor Cleveland, Johnny Knight IV and Jeff Buchans, the boys have a new attitude. They are focused and determined to have a successful season. According to Buchans, a successful season is a record that’s over 500. The boys really want to turn the program around. “We’re already better than we were last year,” Cleveland explained. Buchans said, “We have more pride in ourselves this year and want to prove everyone wrong.” Connor and Knight know what it feels like to turn around a program. They were part of a very successful football season at JAHS. But the boys agreed that it’s this “mental” aspect of the game that is the biggest obstacle. “Coach (Jeremy) Huber says we have a big hump to get over,” said Cleveland. “It’s ourselves that are holding us back,” Buchans explained. “Once we get over that, we can do anything,” Cleveland said. The new conference is tough, but they boys are showing that can compete. “Our rivals are still the
Jeff Buchans, Johnny Knight and Connor Cleveland are the seniors on the Jefferson Falcons boys basketball team.
JALS administrators to move into new building BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers
PHOTO BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROME
county teams,” said Cleveland, referring to schools like Conneaut and Edgewood. Both the junior varsity and varsity teams lost close games recently to Conneaut in overtime. “When we lose, we don’t keep our heads down. We learn from it and try to do better next time,” Cleveland said. “When we win, we celebrate a little bit and then we’re on to the next one.” “Yeah, you got to keep your head in there and look forward to the next game,” said Buchans. Buchans, who won’t be playing basketball in college, said that this is their last hurrah. “We want to give it all we got,” he said.
He advises the underclassman to put in their best effort every day. Cleveland plans to play football and Knight, baseball, so they concurred with Buchans and encouraged the underclassman to put in the time and keep working hard. “Don’t wait to give your all,” Knight said. All three boys are enjoying being on the team. “The first few conditioning practices were tough, but we are in shape and ready to go,” explained Knight. “Basketball is high tempo with no breaks,” said Cleveland. “So we run a lot in practice.” Cleveland, Knight and Buchans are all appreciative of their coaching staff
made up of Jeremy Huber, Varsity; TJ Furman, JV; Scott Barber, ninth grade; Dave Wright, eighth grade; Robert Faulkner, seventh grade; and Randy Cotton and Steve French, fifth and sixth grade. Huber said, “I have enjoyed working with our three seniors. All three have shown a commitment to improvement and a desire to not only play hard, but win the game. I am looking forward to working with them and achieving the best of our abilities.” The game is not all work and no play for the boys. To encourage positive team dynamics, the team recently went bowling. “It was a blast,” Buchans said. “Mr. Furman won. He’s a God at bowling.”
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JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Area Local Schools District Office will begin relocating to its new location this week. Superintendent Doug Hladek said they will begin moving into the new office on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, with the hopes of having all of the staff moved in by next Thursday. “We’re pretty much packed up,” Hladek said. Hladek and other staff members are moving out of the Jefferson Area Local Schools Board of Education office on 45 E. Satin St. and into a new administration building right on the campus of the Jefferson Area Junior/ Senior High School, also just down the road from the Jefferson Elementary School. The administration building is off to the end of the football field. The move is a positive one for the school district in a few ways, like how the old building likely would have needed some more care and repair to remain a building for school purposes, Hladek said. The biggest bonus is having the new administrative building on the same campus as the schools, though, he said. The location will help with connectivity and having the buildings on the same Internet network, Hladek said. The new building also
has an enhanced parking area and also is home to restrooms and the Music Boosters’ concession stand. As for what will happen to the old Jefferson Area Local Schools Board of Education office, back in mid-September the Jefferson Church of the Nazarene bought the property through auction for $90,000. The property consists of an approximate 3,062-square-foot building situated on approximately one acre of land. The church is located next to the property, which was a factor in church officials pursuing the purchase. Hladek said some final paperwork still needs to be signed for the purchase, which he also anticipates will be completed by the end of the year. Church officials have been very fair about giving the school board time to move out, Hladek said. At the time of the purchase, Jefferson Church of the Nazarene Pastor Rodney Kincaid said the church had a vested interest in the property just by virtue of it being located next door to it. As it happened, two pieces of property came up for sale next to the church around the same time, Kincaid said. The church and the board had a partnership regarding the parking lot, and if someone else had bought the property, that could have negatively affected the church, he said.
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CHECK congratulations.” The Ashtabula Area City Schools officials were proud to see their school recognized on a national scale. “I would just like to say how proud I am,” Patrick Colucci, assistant superintendent, said. Colucci said the students and staff at Lakeside Intermediate put forth a lot of effort to achieve the grand prize. “I know how hard you all worked to achieve this,” Colucci said. Colucci sees the money going to good use as a way to create an even better learning environment. “This is definitely going to give us an opportunity to enhance our curriculum through new technology,” Colucci said. Colucci agreed with Windstream representatives about being proud of their school and wanted to show his appreciation. “I would like to congratulate everyone. This is wonderful,” Colucci said. Lakeside Intermediate won the award thanks to its entry in the Classroom Connections contest offered through Windstream. The school was one of eight finalists in the contest, and the only school in Ohio to receive $25,000. The contest involved the school submitting a video of students participating in a community project. Since the school already had plans to visit Walnut Beach for Make a Difference Day, the video centered around four sixth-grade classes’ efforts to clean up the beach. The school even gave the Windstream representatives a gift of their own, with Lakeside water bottles. “We would like to give you a token of our gratitude,” Rutz said. “This way you’ll never forget us.” The students at Lakeside Intermediate had another surprise for the Ashtabula County Medical Center.
GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 15A
From page 1A “The students at our school work really hard to give back to the community,” Rutz said. The student council raised money for the hospital and gave it the hospital during the assembly. “We have a check for $306 that the students raised for the hospital,” Rutz said. ACMC officials were happy to see the students take an interest in the community and to give back to people who may not be able to afford medical expenses. “This is really awesome,” Dennis Schimdt, ACMC Foundation executive director, said. “I am proud of all of you for caring for your community and for working hard to give back.” Schimdt said the students showed empathy for others. “You care about your family and friends and your neighbors,” Schimdt said. Schimdt was proud to see the students take charge in bettering the City of Ashtabula. “Ashtabula is a great city and we have wonderful kids,” Schimdt said. “The hospital’s proud and wants you to now you’re going to save lives.” Schimdt had much gratitude for the school and said the money will go toward treating women with cancer. “Thank you so much and I want you to know that your $300 will go to help 22 women who could possibly have cancer to have tests and to have counseling and help and aid who otherwise wouldn’t,” Schimdt said. Schimdt said every penny they receive counts and the money raised by the students will be taken into extra special care. “You’re making a big difference for the people who live right here,” Schimdt said. Sadie Portman, reporter for the Gazette, may be reached at sportman@ gazettenews.com.
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Council addresses concerns about road repair, sewer line BY SUE LUTZ Gazette Newspapers ROCK CREEK – Substandard road repairs and a village resident raising a stink about a faulty sewer line topped the Rock Creek council meeting discussion Monday night. According to Chip Laugen, village administrator, a meeting is scheduled with Smolen Engineering and Easton Construction today to discuss bumps and ridges left in the asphalt on Jefferson Street following summer road repair. Laugen said he and representatives from Easton Paving Co. and Smolen Engineering have “gone back and forth” discussing possible solutions to the rough ride on Jefferson Street and that two options seem to have emerged. Both companies said the bumps and ridges can either be milled down or crews can cut back about 10 feet on each side of the road patch and put in butt joints and fresh asphalt in the spring. Laugen called milling down the transition points a “band-aid fix” that may leave ridges that could potentially lead to snow plow damage. While the second option may sound more attractive, with winter approaching it may not be practical. Village officials are satisfied with the way both companies have handled the job thus far, but aren’t so happy with the proposition of an either-or solution regarding the problem
area. Ultimately council members would like to see both processes done to fix it, Council Member Shawnasse Burns said after the meeting. Terms of the contract allow the village to withhold a portion of the payment owed to Easton and Smolen to ensure that the job gets finished to the satisfaction of village officials. Laugen said it’s gotten a third-party estimate of $4,000 to $5,000 to properly repair the three butt joints. Council members said reworking the section of the road may make the road smoother, but chances are it’s not going to improve the way the road looks; several council members called the roller marks in the asphalt “just plain ugly.” Following discussion about the remediation meeting scheduled with Easton and Smolen, council opened the floor for public comment. Brian and Stacey Howard of Main Street addressed the council and inquired about its timeline for fixing a yearlong intermittent problem they’ve been having with the sewer system that services their property. “The breaker ’s been popping just about every day now; there’s no way for us to know that there is a problem until either we smell the gas or we see the raw sewage coming in,” Brian Howard said. He did, however, acknowledge that he and his wife appreciate the village
monitoring their sewer line daily. Howard also said village officials have consistently responded to his calls and have always shown that at least they are trying to resolve the problem. The big issue is money. He said the initial quote he received was somewhere in the vicinity of $2,500. While empathizing with t he Howa rds , Villa ge Mayor Beverly Martin said $2,500 is a significant amount of money for the village to swing right now, but at the same time she assured the couple that it planned to move ahead with fixing the problem once a second estimate is received. Council Member Pam Forristal agreed with Martin. “We just want to be sure that we’re getting a good price,” Forristal added. At the close of the meeting, Stacey Howard thanked council for being good stewards of taxpayer funds, but immediately following the meeting the Howards said after cleaning up a dozen overflows in their basements and front yard, they are anxious for action. “Almost a year ago I was told there’s a short somewhere in the underground electrical line. I told them, ‘Well, then, dig it up and fix it!’” Brian Howard said. The electric line powers a grinder pump that pulverizes sewage from the residence and pumps it out to the sewer main. A short in the electric service line
going to the pump can trip the breaker and can cause the holding tank to overflow. Howard said he researched his responsibilities as a homeowner and has already replaced a cap on the holding tank. The village has also replaced the grinder pump and changed out the breaker for one with a higher amperage, and throughout the summer, and council thought the problem had been fixed. But along with the wet weather of fall, the problem started up all over again. While admitting that he’s not an electrician, Howard called efforts thus far an honest effort by the village, but in the end it was “a waste of money.” “It’s like the brakes in your car are bad so you go to a mechanic and he says ‘Let’s put a new tire on the car and see if that helps,’” he said. The Howards said they “felt better” with council’s promise to have the problem fixed soon and called it a “step forward.” “We just want to make sure that it’s taken care of,” Stacey Howard said. “We’re really not into the sewage cleanup business.” Martin reported Tuesday that regardless of the cost, council plans on fixing it the right way and eliminating the problem. Plans are to have a whole new electric box installed outside by the road so that new electric lines can be run from the new box all the way back to the grinder.
Jefferson Council to consider ordinance dealing with meth-lab clean ups BY STEFANIE WESSELL Gazette Newspapers JEFFERSON - Jefferson Village Council was set to pass an ordinance dealing with the clean-up of clandestine drug labs and assessing costs to landowners during its meeting on Monday, Dec. 19, but the ordinance has been delayed in order to allow Village Solicitor Jerome Lemire to rework some of the language in the legislation. Jefferson Council wishes to follow in the footsteps of Geneva-onthe-Lake Village Council, the members of which recently passed legislation that makes the property owners responsible for the clean-up costs of a meth lab, not the municipality. The need for such legislation began when the Jefferson Police De-
partment took down an alleged methamphetamine lab on Elliot Avenue in the Village of Jefferson on Friday evening, Dec. 2. The Jefferson Police Department had to contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation to assist with the clean up of the lab. Mayor Judy Maloney said the clean up will cost the village between $4,000 to $6,000. Small municipalities are responsible for the clean up of meth labs, unless they have ordinances shifting the responsibility elsewhere, thus the ordinance being considered by council. At least one suspect has already been arrested and charged in the meth-lab incident. Stephen Throop, 43, 248 Elliot Ave., Jefferson, was charged in Eastern County Court with possession of drugs, illegal assembly of drugs in the proximity of
a school and possession of criminal tools. Jefferson Police Department Chief Steve Febel was present at the council meeting on Monday to address questions he has received about the meth lab. Febel said residents have asked him whether the area is safe even after the clean up, as meth labs are known for dangerous chemicals. “There’s no danger to anybody now,” Febel said. There are different types of meth labs, and Febel said that if a meth lab had to be in Jefferson, this was the least dangerous kind to have. He said the lab has been cleaned up. Stefanie Wessell, senior editor for Gazette Newspapers, may be reached at swessell@gazette news.com.
16A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS
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ASHTABULA Morell Music has been an Ashtabula staple since 1976 but has only been owned by Marc Bovee since April 2005. Morell Music has offered guitar and bass lessons for a number of years, and recently the store has begun offering up drum lessons as well. “I have an excellent drum instructor, Mark Warner. He’s one of the best in the county as far as I’ve seen,” Bovee said. Bovee said for years he has had requests for drum lessons but only recently did he find the right instructor for the job. “For the longest time I’ve had people calling up and asking if we do drum lessons and I’ve always had to shoo them away. But now I finally have a chance to offer the lessons,” Bovee said. Bovee uses his own musical talent as well to teach guitar and bass. “I’ve been playing guitar for about 20 years, so being able to teach just comes naturally to me,” Bovee said. Morell Music instructors like to see their students’ creative side come alive. “I love when I can see my students be able to grow as musicians,” Bovee said. All lessons are available by contacting Morell Music, and they will schedule around a time that works best. Lessons are even available on Saturdays.
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“I try to work my teaching schedule around the student and what will be best for them,” Bovee said. Morell Music carries everything for the needs of a musician, from instruments to sheet music. “I try to make everything as affordable as possible,” Bovee said. Morell Music also offers a variety of guitars, including acoustics on stock. Bovee can order any instrument you might be looking for if they do not have it available. “I have access to whatever you need,” Bovee said. As far as sheet music, Bovee has a number of music readily available but is willing to look for any specific song that may not be in his collection. Morell Music will also repair any kind of instrument as well. “I do all types of repairs, too, including band instruments” Bovee said. “I have an associate who works out of a music store in Kent, Ohio and if there is anything that I can’t repair, he does it for me,” Bovee said. “Basically whatever the issue is, we can get it fixed.” Morell Music is located at 1040 East 6th Street in Ashtabula. Anyone who might be interested in lessons can contact Morell Music between the hours of noon and 7 p.m. on weekdays at (440) 9643354.
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