News 12-15-11

A-Tech prepares students for careers and colleges — See Recorder

GVHS art students help with Holiday for Heroes — Page 2A

Inside this week Letters to Santa written by the children of Ashtabula County

Grand Valley

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

VOL. 40 NO. 50

Concord Township administrator is Orwell’s first village manager

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS, INC.

Butte family finds there really are angels

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers

wanted vision and dental benefits.

He will also receive five weeks paid vacation and 11 paid holidays simiORWELL VILLAGE - Jack lar to other village employees Nettis will step out as Concord package.

Council President David Hartz Township administrator Dec. 31 to take on the job as Orwell’s first vil- introduced Nettis to the rest of lage manager effective Jan. 1, council, who confirmed their vote 2011. Nettis was at the Tuesday on his contract immediately. Nettis night Village Council meeting to was contacted earlier this month officially accept his contract for the to see if he was still interested in the manager’s job as one of three position.

His new job comes with a finalists interviewed by a council $60,000 yearly salary plus ben- sub-committee in late October. efits. Nettis told the council that See MANAGER page 6A he did not need health benefits, but

PHOTO BY DORIS COOK

Jack Nettis (left), currently Concord Township administrator, is Orwell Village’s new incoming village manager effective Jan. 1, 2012. With Nettis Tuesday night following the council meeting is village attorney David McCombs of Andover.

Orwell Council amends its 2011 appropriations in finance matters

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers

islation to amend its certificate of revenue for 2011 at $3.9 million just received from County Auditor Roger ORWELL VILLAGE - Orwell of- Corlett’s office. Fiscal officer Cindy ficials took care of a number of fi- Pace said that the list of account nancial matters during their Dec. 13 item transfers discussed at the last regular meeting. A few items were council workshop were attached to tabled, however until another week the officials document. when council holds a special meet“There are no changes from what ing and workshop discussions on you approved at that meeting,” Pace Dec. 20. told council.

Council approved emergency legSee FINANCES page 11A

PHOTO BY DORIS COOK

Orwell Mayor Larry Bottoms presided over one of his last meetings in office to discuss agenda items with the council members at the Dec. 13 meeting. Finances occupied part of the agenda action taken.

Next to Bottoms is village attorney David McCombs.

Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick pays a special visit to Andover Public Library

PHOTO BY DORIS COOK

Little Jillian Butte (center) of Andover holds onto a check given to her and the Butte family from a group of Andover area women standing behind her. With Jillian are her mom, Jessie (right), grandmother Becky Morrison (left) and Myra Brown of Andover, one of the special angels with the benefit dinner. In back are other angels Carol Pike, Mary Brown and Joy White, who with Myra Brown headed up the Dec. 10 dinner benefit and fundraiser endeavor.

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers ANDOVER - Real live angels do exist. Just ask Jessie Butte and her mom, Becky Morrison as they held back a few tears this past Monday night as they excepted a $8,689 check to help pay the medical bills for Jessie’s 7-year-old daughter Jillian stricken with brain cancer.

Those angels were a foursome of old friends, Myra Brown, Mary Brown, Joy White and Carol Pike, who put together a benefit dinner and reverse raffle with all the proceeds going to Jillian and the Butte family. The Buttes along with grandmother, Becky Morrison met at Mary Brown’s home in Cherry Valley to meet with the Andover women. It was also an opportunity to meet Jillian, who attended PV Primary School before diagnosed Sept. 9 this year with a fairly rare type of intra-cranial brain cancer.

After several health related problems over the summer months, Jessie daughter’s primary care doctors sent the family to pediatric specialists at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland for extensive tests.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

A little shy with the attention on Monday night, Jillian told everyone about George, the big stuffed monkey, which an anonymous person gave her to “sit in” her classroom while she is absent.

“I named him (monkey) George,” she said with a smile.

Jessie said the monkey is from an organization called, The Cure Starts Now, where people can give a very ill child the monkey gift. In Jillian’s case the large brown monkey George is coming to the Butte home to spend the Christmas holiday.

“At school all of her classmates take the monkey to lunch with them. It reminds them Jillian is there, but not there,” said Jessie.

Today is Jillian’s last radiation treatment for awhile.

“Jillian had a wonderful surgeon, Dr. Alan Cohen do the operation. The doctors there will continue to test and monitor her condition to see if the radiation is helping. The cancer can return we were told and can spread to the spinal area. There were a lot of side effects that could also occur. So far she is doing alright,” said Jessie in a quiet voice.

See ANGELS page 6A

Andover Village seeks to appoint new member of council

BY WENDY GRUSKIEWICZ Gazette Newspapers

Dressed in a Santa pajama outfit is Lucian Holz, one of the tiny visitors who met up with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus this past weekend as the pair visited at Andover Public Library. Other youngsters sit on the floor waiting for their turn to give Santa their wish lists. See story on page 4A.

The blond-haired first grader was diagnosed Sept. 9 with ependymomas, a rare type of glioma. Neurosurgeons removed on Sept. 12 a large cancerous tumor from the frontal lobe of her brain. It was touch and go for the first few days after Jillian was operated on, Jessie related.

“Her face swelled and both eyes were closed. We prayed a lot I can tell you. The doctors at Rainbow said fluid was filling in that part of her brain. They recommended after much consultations to do radiation,” said Jessie.

Before going to RBC Hospital, Jillian had undergone various CAT scan tests at several other hospitals with the findings not targeted on a possible brain tumor. Jessie Butte said the next strain on the family came as Jillian began a series of 33 radiation treatment over weeks at the University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland.

“I would take her every dayMonday to Friday-to the center for the radiation. She was put to sleep each time before the treatment and has a chest port where they put the medication in. She’s been a great little girl to go through all she has undergone,” said the mother.

didn’t act and I appointed the one person who wrote a letter expressing interest,” Baranowski said.

ANDOVER - Any Andover VilCouncil voted to publicly anlage resident who would like to nounce the position vacancy and play a role in shaping village gov- ask that interested persons respond ernment now has an open invita- with a letter of intent to village hall tion to do so. Discussion at by 5 p.m. on Jan. 18, 2012. The Tuesday’s Andover Village Council council will meet for a work session meeting centered on the need to the following day, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m., appoint a new member of council to discuss the letters of intent. prior to the Jan. 31 deadline.

Mayor Baranowski said those The six-member council will be interested in serving on village short by one member on Dec. 31 council must be a registered voter because current counselor Don and must have a minimum oneFields did not run for re-election year residence in the village. The in Nov. Only one incumbent, person appointed by council or the Michael Olesky, stood for election mayor will fill the vacant seat of a in Nov., leaving one seat vacant. four-year term.

Fields was not present at the Dec. In other business the council, 13 meeting. once again, discussed employee “On the 30th of Jan., 2012, I am insurance coverage. The discussion calling a special meeting of coun- for several months has been geared cil to appoint a new council mem- to trying to get insurance quotes ber,” said Mayor Bernie from several companies. Village Baranowski.

Administrator Joseph DiBell has Baranowski reminded council concluded that insurance rates are that they are responsible to select based on the age of the employee a new counselor, however, he said, and do not vary from company to if counsel fails to select someone company. the mayor would do so.

“I’ve beat this insurance thing “I am going to say this is exactly to death and we are not going to what happened last time- council get a better rate than we have right

now,” DiBell said.

“Reduction of coverage is the only way we can rein back costs,” said council member Curt Williams. “I’d just as soon not go there,” Williams said.

Ultimately, council decided to hold a special meeting in Feb. to make decisions regarding employee insurance.

“It’s a big chunk of money, we have to sit down and plan for the future,” said Myra Brown.

Fiscal Officer Cathy Williams alerted council members to the possibility that the State of Ohio would like to take over the collection of municipal income tax.

“It takes away home rule, the State would then decide when disbursements are made,” said Police Chief Randy Gentry.

Council then discussed passing an ordinance against State collection of municipal taxes.

Williams also informed council the audit of 2010Andover Village books would be complete by Dec. 22. The audit of the 2010 and 2011 books by the state will cost Andover Village $18,400, Williams said.

See COUNCIL page 6A

2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

GVHS art students help out in Veteran health care executive heads Andover Holiday for Heroes card project Village Retirement Center

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers ORWELL VILLAGE Creating art scene Christmas cards for U.S. service men and women has been a special project for Grand Valley High School art students this month, says Annie Peters, art instructor.

Peters said she was contacted earlier this fall by one of her former art students, Rhonda McElroy about the Holiday Mail for Heroes card campaign being done through the American Red Cross.

“Rhonda emailed asking if some of my students might be interested. The kids had a great time. We did over 100 hand crafted cards for the Holiday Mail for Heroes program. The cards were created with a variety of medias including watercolor, colored pencil, tempera paint and markers,” Peters explained.

“Several students even set up a table at the Harpersfield Covered Bridge event where they volunteered to help.

They worked on their cards there,” she said.

Peters said the students did a nice job creating the cards using their art talents.

PHOTO BY DORIS COOK

Ed Husbands of Silver Lake is the new executive administrator at Andover Village Retirement Center. He came to the Route 7 facility from the Geneva Village skilled care and rehab center in western Ashtabula County.

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers

Examples of some of the card scene creativity is shown in this collection of Christmas ANDOVER - Ed Huscards done for U.S. service men and women by art students in Grand Valley High School. It was part of the American Red Cross sponsored Holiday Mail for Heroes card bands, the new administration executive for Andover campaign students participated in earlier this month.

Village Retirement Center, may need a dog sled this “The students were ex- ing of giving thanks to those will be mailed to armed winter as he commutes from cited to send some cheer to serving our country (every- forces prsonnel in the states his home in an Akron subour service men and women where),” Peters said. and overseas. urb. Husbands, a licensed during this holiday season.

The cards were then Peters’ art room had the geriatric health care adminMany wrote heartfelt mes- bundled up to go through cards on display to show off istrator for 26 years, lives in sages inside the cards. I feel McElroy, then on to the everyone’s individual creSilver Lake which is an 84it gave the students a feel- American Red Cross. They ativity before mailing them. mile round trip for him in the new job.

He jokes a little about what the approaching snow season will be for driving conditions. Andover area gets it share of the white stuff depending on prevailing wind conditions.

“I was over at the company’s Geneva Village, a skilled care and rehab center, when this opening in Andover occurred. I like the area here and our staff is an asset for the residents. They really care about people and I saw that on my first few days,” Husbands said during a recent interview.

“The center staff just had a Christmas party for the residents and their families.

It was also a time for me to meet and greet people and get acquainted. I’m settling into the job quickly,” Husbands said smiling.

Already he’s made side trips to area hospitals in Warren, Meadville and Erie, PA to see those medical facilities where one of the SUBMITTED PHOTOS AVRC residents may be Holding some of the special Christmas cards created and made in art classes at Grand Valley High School are taken for treatment. Hussophomore Caitlin Castle, junior Damien Stuck, sophomores Alex Anderson and Jacob Brest. It was a project of bands said he was impressed with the medical facilities. their art instructor Annie Peters.

Husbands grew up in North Olmstead, a suburb of Cleveland. He graduated in 1974 from St. Edwards High Schoolthen went to John Carroll University obtaining a degree in business management.

A sports fan since his days of playing football and basketball in high school, Husbands likes to wear casual shirts to work. A few are emblazoned with logos of Cleveland sports teams-the Browns, Indians and the Cavaliers.

Upon taking the job at the Andover health care facility, Husbands’ added on his office walls a few large framed sports related photos of his favorite teams.

Husbands said his office at times can be quiet until the phones start ringing.

“I’ve been in the geriatric health field most of my business career. At this time I don’t know where our health care in the country is going if the government keeps cutting Medicare/Medicaid aid.

Health care for the seniors will always be needed especially with the baby boomers coming on,” Husbands commented.

Andover Village Retirement Center has a 181-bed capacity, but their current census is about 115 people with 85 persons on Medicaid. Husbands admitted to being unhappy with what Ohio elected officials have done with the cuts made in Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement to health care facilities.

“I like to get involved with the community here.

This facility has always been supportive of community events,” Husbands said adding this practice will continue.

Husbands also said he’s aware that the nearby St. Joseph‘s Emergency Center may relocate its adjacent treatment facility. The ER center officials have for the most part quietly discussed relocating across Route 7 to land next to Primary Health Network’s medical offices.

“I heard this before coming here. If they move, we can still take a patient by ambulance there if necessary. We’ll have to wait and see what happens. Now we are connected by an enclosed hall annex over to the emergency center,” Husbands said.

AVR Center is equipped to do short term and long term therapy for residents, he explained. The center also has a number of long term residents requiring skilled care.

“We are the biggest employers in Andover I believe with between 150 to 160 employees here,” he added.

“We no longer have the bariactric surgery prep program, but still have a few bariactric long term residents.”

“This job is very rewarding as you see people come here, get better and can go home. It takes a team to make it work. My job is to make it a good environment for both the residents and the staff. Many of our employees have been here for some years doing a good job,” Husbands said.

He and wife, Wendy have a son attending Silver Lake High School and three grown daughters.

“Two of our daughters are in the nursing field,” he said.

Husbands doesn’t have any immediate plans to relocate closer to his new Andover post. As for the winter season approaching he said joking,”I’ll just leave a little earlier to get here.”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3A

Hopewell Farm & Craft Market still open for holiday shopping

PHOTOS BY DORIS COOK

Sandy Thomas of Newton Falls is the farm market store manager at Hopewell Inn Residential Mental Health Treatment Center in Mesopotamia. Here she holds up one of the artistic pieces as resident made for sale in the farm market and craft store.

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers MESOPOTAMIA TOWNSHIP - All kinds of handmade art objects, woodsy theme paintings plus holiday seasonal items are still for sale at Hopewell Inn Residential Mental Health Center ’s Farm and Craft Market.

Sandy Thomas, market store manager, has been busy working with center residents in setting up the shelves filled with a variety of home décor and particularly holiday seasonal items.

Outside the store, located on Route 534 north of the town center, visitors and shoppers can still find

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Christmas and seasonal items including wreaths, wood art and ceramics are all part of the craft items made by residents at Hopewell Inn center in Mesopotamia and sold at the farm and craft market store. wood products including painted wood lawn ornaments plus more gift items inside.

“We opened up the farm produce and craft market store this past March. It’s an outlet for the residents to sell items they’ve made with help from our staff.

The residents have gathered wood on the farm here to make some of the items.

There are birdhouses and different sizes of painted white and red striped candy cane lawn ornaments all came from our woods,” Thomas explained.

The store is open on Thursdays through Saturdays through the Christmas holiday weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Other items include photography note cards, molded ceramic art, and even maple syrup made this past spring at the Hopewell sugarbush plus much more, Thomas said.

Several residents help out in the store with Thomas, whose been on the staff for a year. It’s a way to help them work with the public as part of the therapy programs.

“I started here helping out answering the phones and was at the reception area, then took over as the manager of the craft and farm produce market. We grow the produce here to sell and for residents meals. We also always have eggs for sale at the farm store,” she said.

On Thanksgiving weekend, Thomas said an open

house was held at the market store with a large crowd attending. Area residents are welcome to come shop at the store before it closes Dec. 31 for several months.

Thomas said the store will be closed January and February, then reopen in March next year with more new seasonal items made by the residents.

“When the residents see items they’ve made selling, they are excited and have a great feeling of accomplishment,” Thomas said adding she works parttime at the center.

“I hope more people will start stopping in to see some of the fine work and items our residents make,” she added.

Prizewinning maple syrup made on the Hopewell Inn woodlot sugarbush is sold in their market store. Ribbons were won for the maple syrup entered at area festivals and fairs this past year.

Wood birdhouses in every design and size are among items sold at the Hopewell Farm & Craft Market on Route 534 in Mesopotamia Township. The store is open through the end of December with gift and décor items for sale.

PV High FFA chapter collecting Toys for Tykes for holiday season

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers ANDOVER TOWNSHIP Gaily wrapped boxes are scattered around PV High School and in the PV Middle and Primary Schools in a holiday project launched this month by the FFA chapter.

It’s the Toys for Tykes time of year with students donating hundreds of stuffed animals, dolls, animated toys and everything in between, according to FFA member Tyler Gruskiewicz.

Co-chairpersons for the project are Jessica Krulic and Rebecca Dillen, FFA chapter member. FFA chapter advisor Karen Cooley and the voc-agriculture class instructor helps set up the project with the students.

The majority of the donated toys are new with a few gently used. Just about every student at the high school along with the other buildings have responded.

One large box set up in the high school entry way will be filled by the end of this week, said Gruskiewicz.

“We have done this project for at least 10 years.

Our FFA chapter is the sponsor group. We turn all our donated toys over to the Community Care of Andover group for their distribution to area needy kids and families,” he explained.

On Tuesday, Dec. 21 the FFA chapter teens will be out caroling around Andover Village and especially at the Gates Street Andover Apartments complex. There will be a few other stops at homes of elderly shut-ins as well.

Following the caroling, the FFA group ends up at the

home of Connie and Bob French for hot chocolate and cookies.

“My husband Bob bakes mostly chocolate chip cookies for the kids as they are out caroling. So they are real fresh,” said Connie French, the high school office secretary.

The FFA chapter also put together a Santa Claus visit today (Thursday) for the PV Primary School classes.

Santa (alias Jason Krulic) and a bunch of elves (all FFA members) pop over to the schools for a fun visit. It’s a tradition for the FFA chapter spreading holiday cheer for the Christmas season.

PHOTOS BY DORIS COOK

RIGHT: Checking out some of the donated toys, stuffed animals, games and assorted gift items donated by students in PV district schools are high school FFA chapter members, Liz Coltman, Jason Krulic, Tyler Gruskiewicz, Jessica Krulic and Blake Hockran.

Holding several large boxes for the annual Toys for Tykes drive sponsored by the FFA chapter at Pymatuning Valley High School are the co-chairpersons Jessica Krulic and Rebecca Dillen. The donated toys are given to the Community Care of Andover group, which distributes them to area needy families for Christmas.

4A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

Santa Claus pays a special visit Orwell Chamber sponsors Christmas to Andover Public Library event at Old Brick

BY WENDY GRUSKIEWICZ Gazette Newspapers

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Who is this old man with the beard? Tiny Lily York seems in awe as she sits on Santa Claus’ lap during his visit this past weekend to the Andover Public Library for an open house.

ORWELL - About 30 area residents on Dec. 10 gathered for a festive meal and entertainment at the historic Old Brick on Route 45, just North of Orwell Village.

The dinner, sponsored by the Orwell-Grand Valley Chamber of Commerce, has been held at the Old Brick for three years said Orwell Village Mayor Larry Bottoms.

The Sisters of Mary prepared the roast beef dinner Winner of this handmade Autumn scene design quilt, with all the trimmings.

Linda Dyson also took home from the Andover Public Tickets were available to the Library special drawing matching pillows. The quilted items were done by members of the Covered Bridge Quilters guild for the Friends of the Andover Library fundraiser.

public for a cost of only $10.00. The historic Old Brick Farmstead museum provided a warm and friendly ambiance as guests mingled amongst the tables resplendent with bright red holiday poinsettias.

Following the social hour and catered dinner, entertainment was provided by the popular area quartet Spirit Bound. Quartet members Laura Christian, Gary Hunter, Joy Leirer and Aubrey Woods sang traditional Christmas carols for those attending the holiday event.

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers ANDOVER VILLAGE Activity was bustling the past week or two at Andover Public Library with holiday events going on. Children’’ librarian Betsy Paul wore a couple hats playing Mrs. Claus and coordinating a Christmas Tree Decorating party for kids.

Friends of the Andover Library presented Linda Dyson on Dec. 7 the Autumn sampler quilt made by the Covered Bridge Quilters. It was a fundraiser for the Friends group with tickets sold at various local and area events since fall, according to Susan Hill, library director.

Over 80 kids and adults came in for the annual Santa Claus open house party last weekend. Santa in his bright red suit listened intently to all the children as they gave him their secret wishes for Christmas packages. The evening program included

PHOTOS BY WENDY GRUSKIEWICZ

Tony and Carol Vaux enjoy each others company during the Orwell Chamber of Commerce Christmas dinner held at the historic Old Brick on Route 45 just North of Orwell Village.

Bill Nelson entertained folks at the holiday open house last weekend held in Andover Public Library. Visitors signed up for door prizes given away at the event sponsored by the library Friends group. drawings, story telling and refreshments for all.

For some of the little youngsters it was their first time to greet the jolly old white bearded character. On Tuesday this week magician

Dave Allen put on his magic show for the fifth and sixth graders at a special holiday library program in the community room.

Drawings were also held this week for the Tiny Trees

and Wreaths handmade for a Chinese raffle event sponsored by the Friends of Andover Library.

Library staff were busy notifying the winners by phone.

Laura Christian of the Spirit Bound Quartet listens to conversation from Rome Township Trustee Gary Hunter during the Orwell Chamber of Commerce Christmas dinner. Hunter is also a member of the popular area quartet.

Bianca Paul is all giggles as she got to sit on Santa Claus’ lap to visit at Andover Public Library last weekend. Mrs. Claus alias Betsy Paul also helped with the children as they enjoyed the holiday program.

Nate Henry looks a little shy as Santa Claus chats with him during a visit to the Andover Public Library holiday open house. Standing is Mrs. Claus (alias children’s librarian Betsy Paul). Nate left his wish list on a note for Santa.

Andover gets into the Spirit Of Giving In the spirit of giving, Andover Bank has made a $1,000.00 donation to the Andover Public Library.

On hand for the presentation is (left to right) Andover Public Library Board President, Donald Eyring, Andover Bank President and CEO, Martin Cole, Library Director, Susan Hill and VP of Commercial Lending, Tom Hough.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

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6A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

Retired teachers endow scholarship ANGELS for Ashtabula Campus students The Ashtabula County Retired Teachers’ Association (ACRTA) recently endowed a scholarship at Kent State University at Ashtabula to help students in pursuit of higher education. This scholarship will be awarded to a returning student in at least the third semester on the Ashtabula Campus pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education and is slated for award in June 2013.

The effort to establish a scholarship for the Ashtabula County Retired Teachers’ group was spearheaded by long-time member Florence M. Stoner, who passed away in May 2011.

“Florence would be pleased to know that the scholarship has reached endowment level,” ACRTA scholarship committee member and Stoner ’s sister Louise Wolfe said.

Those interested in donating to this scholarship fund may send a check, made payable to Kent State University Foundation, to Kent State University at Ashtabula, c/o Pam

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jillian Butte, 7, of Andover is shown with her pet monkey George, which was given by an anonymous donor after she underwent cancer surgery in September. The pet monkey sits in for Jillian in her first grade classroom at PV Primary School until she can return.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

KSUA Development Officer Pam Palermo receives a check from members of the Ashtabula County Retired Teachers Association (left to right) Palermo, ACRTA Scholarship Committee Members Louise Wolfe, Jackie Konter, ACRTA President Peggy LaDue and Lou Buck. Not Pictured: ACRTA Scholarship Committee Chair Bob Novotny and Vice-Chair Ron Watson Palermo, 3300 Lake Road West, Ashtabula, OH 44004.

Please note “Ashtabula County Retired Teachers’

Association (ACRTA) Endowed Scholarship” on the check memo.

For further questions,

please contact KSUA Development Officer Pam Palermo at 440-964-4274, or email ppalermo@kent.edu.

MANAGER The glitch came earlier this month when the job was turned down by Gary St. John of Stryker, Ohio. Council ranked Nettis equal in his qualifications and Hartz made the initial contact about a week ago. Nettis and the council sub-committee met to work out contract talks.

Nettis told the council, “I’m looking forward to working here in Orwell, with

From page 1A

From page 1A

the council and residents in the community.”

He sat through the council meeting, which was followed by an informal party bidding farewell to members of the village’s Board of Public Affairs, Bob Tinker and Earl Walker; two council members, Don Herbster and Steve Buchheit plus Mayor Larry Bottoms.

The charter change with changes in the village’s gov-

SSJP News SSJP accepting Hall of Fame nominations Saints John & Paul School will be accepting Herald Hall of Fame nominations until Dec. 31, 2011. To nominate a deserving Herald alumni or friend, please call the school at 440-997-5531 or email christy.kovacs@neomin.org to request a nomination form.

ernment structure moves to a village manager and five member council form. The charter change was approved by residents over a year ago.

Nettis has a Masters degree in government with an emphasis in international relations, over 25 years of experience as an educator at the college level and U.S. Air Force ROTC instructor. He has helped develop international centers at two colleges including overseas education sites.

Nettis was extensively involved in for the past 14 years in Lake County working in economic development projects. While at Concord Township, negotiated union contracts and a Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) with Painesville City.

Nettis has worked at various government levels in program development and

COUNCIL “That’s a heck of a lot of money for a village of this size,” said Curt Williams Official business included the passage of five resolutions. A third reading of resolution no. 201119-R adopting a permanent capital improvement plan was passed as well as a first reading of ordinance for temporary appropriations.

Ordinances for contractual obligations to Andover

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management. In applying for the Orwell Village manager’s position, Nettis said he looked for a change and a different challenge the job presents.

He will be Orwell’s first village manager and has a three year contract. Nettis said he’s also teaching several college level classes at John Carroll University.

He’s also taught classes at Ursuline College in the Cleveland suburbs and other Ohio colleges in past years.

Nettis has been active in community organizations in Lake County including the Mentor Rotary Club and is a Leadership Lake County graduate and been guest speaker at forums on various business management conferences.

Nettis joined the post council meeting farewell party for village officials leaving the local government scene.

In early February, Jillian will have another MRI done of her brain and spine areas. The tumor was so large in the frontal lobe before removal that it was causing a bruise exterior-wise on her forehead.

“The odds weren’t good for Jillian. She had five different plates put in her skull to hold everything together. After they do the MRI in February it will determine further treatments needed,” Jessie explained.

Jessie Butte said she took a leave of absence from her full time job since Jillian’s diagnosis, surgery and treatments needed. When or if she still has a job after Jan. 1 is unknown, she said.

“We are so thankful of all the prayers, support and monetary help people have given us. This dinner the ladies had was wonderful,” Jessie said.

While Jillian has lost most of her hair due to the radiation and prior surgery, it is starting to grow back. The next few months and years are the most critical as to the cancer returning, said her mother.

“We had wonderful response in sale of tickets for Jillian’s benefit. It was held at the Expo Center at the county fairgrounds in Jefferson. There must have been nearly 300 people and everyone was so generous,” said Myra Brown.

“We are so glad we could help Jillian and her family,” said Mary White, a cancer survivor for over 20 years.

The four women, who spearheaded the fundraiser dinner along with other friends and volunteers work together in Community Care of Andover, a local group of volunteers who raise funds to help families or individuals in emergencies or other needs.

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Please Check the Newspaper of Your Choice ❑ Geneva/Ashtabula ............. Ashtabula Co. Gazette ❑ Jefferson .................. Gazette ❑ Lake County ............. Tribune

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From page 1A Volunteer Fire Department and Szymanski Consulting were also approved.

Mayor Baranowski opened two bids for Ambulance service.

“This is a first, we’ve never had more than one bid before,” said Baranowski.

Upon closer inspection of the submitted documents, council ascertained that there was only one actual bid, which was from Pymatuning Ambulance Service. The documents received from Community Care Ambulance actually contained a letter of complaint, charging that the company was unable to obtain from Andover Village an un-audited financial statement from prior years’ together with a statement of volume of calls.

Council passed Ordinance 2011-24-R, which allows Administrator DiBell to enter into a contract with Pymatuning Ambulance Service. The PAS bid was for receipt of the proceeds of the current 2.0 mill ambulance levy.

Myra Brown announced her intent to resign from the cemetery board and asked for a joint meeting of Andover Village and Andover Township to appoint a new cemetery board member.

Chief Gentry reported that the arrival of Santa on Village Square went over perfectly with no issues at all. Gentry also said he recently attended a crisis response meeting at the school.

“They have changed the whole way lock down procedures are carried out,” Gentry said.

Council adjourned to executive session to discuss a personnel issue.

Bristol Public Library Holiday Closings The Bristol Public Library will be closed Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26 so our staff can enjoy the holiday with their families. We will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 27.

The library will also be closed Friday, December 30 and Monday, January 2, 2012 for the New Year’s holiday. We will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2012.

The staff of the Bristol Public Library would like to wish everyone a happy holiday and a safe new year.

Visit us at 1855 Greenville Road in Bristolville or contact us at 330-889-3651.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 7A

Santa delights children in Rome Township

Connor Kovach, age 2, wears a

BY WENDY big smile after a visit with Santa GRUSKIEWICZ Claus. Mom Crystal Kovach Gazette Newspapers brought him from their home in Roaming Shores to visit Santa ROME TOWN- and enjoy refreshments.

SHIP-Santa arrived at the Rome Township Fire Department on Dec. 10, much to the delight of more than 50 children. The jolly old elf with rosy red cheeks and flowing white beard was attired in his traditional fire engine red suit with shiny black boots and matching belt.

Awe-struck children perched on the arm of Santa’s chair as they listed their Christmas wishes. Tori Flacke of Roaming Shores told Santa she hopes for a Pokemon guidebook under the tree on Christmas morning. The Rome Township Fir e Sister Sabrina Flacke Department was decorated for told Santa she hopes Santa’s arrival with a special for a Mario DS game. fireman Santa, complete with Accompanying Tori ladder and Dalmatian dog.

Flacke was her stuffed toy Buddy the Snow Elf. Mom Renee Flacke said Buddy stays with Tori and reports back to Santa about her good girl status.

“We have received very nice reports, she’s been a good girl,” Santa said.

A Gazette Newspapers exclusive interview with Santa revealed that all the youngsters attending the Roman Candles Auxiliary sponsored event have been receiving good reports on their behavior.

“I check with the kid’s Moms, as well,” Santa said.

“There will be no coal in the stockings this year,” Santa said with a twinkle in his eye.

Those attending the twohour event were treated to free hotdogs, chips and punch, courtesy of the Rome Firefighters and Roman Candles. Each child received a goody bag and a candy cane after their visit with Santa. Festive decorations and Christmas music rounded out the special day.

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Rome Township firefighters and members of the Roman Candles Auxiliary on Saturday worked to present a festive Santa Claus event complete with food and music for area children.

PHOTOS BY WENDY GRUSKIEWICZ

Grand Valley students Sarah Flacke and Patrick Shreve Tori Flacke on Saturday tells her Christmas wishes to a share the magic of the Christmas season with old Kris bearded and rosy cheeked Santa Claus during the Kringle during the Rome Fire Department meet and greet Roman Candles Auxiliary event. with Santa Claus.

8A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

Orwell couple open niche farm garden venture

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers

parents were musicians and had a music teaching profession. Her late father, Carl ORWELL TOWNSHIP - Myers was a pianist and Natural Excellence Farm & played in area bands. Her Gardens has come to fruition mother Marian still teaches for Rosemary and John piano students.

John’s family is from Taipale as a business venture on Parker Road over the Fairport Harbor where he last three years. The couple grew up. He is a former promoved from Fairport Harbor fessional firefighter before in 1999 buying a century old retiring.

“We met at Headlands plus farmstead on 62-acres, Beach and started dating, which is mostly wooded.

Gardeners for many then got married. We have years on a smaller scale, the four grown sons,” Rosemary Taipales were near retiring said smiling.

The Taipales are a twofrom different careers and wanted to expand their gar- person farm operation at dening skills to raise pre- 8173 Parker Road. While mium quality farm products they may adhere to some orfor a business. Rosemary ganic farming procedures, said after she got laid off the couple do not like how from Kraftmaid Cabinetry, the USDA took over setting she decided to raise chick- “organic standards” in reens, sell eggs and raise more cent years.

“They are watered down produce than her family could eat. we feel. We started forming That was the beginning of our own Community Suptheir venture in growing veg- ported Agriculture (CSA) etables without the use of group and have five people pesticides and chemicals. or families with us. We hope The couple did lots of to add more up to a dozen, reading and became mem- which means we have to bers of Ohio Ecological Food plant a lot more farm pro& Farm Association duce. Under a CSA the fami(OEFFA). They began fol- lies can pay either for a full lowing organic farming prac- share at $525 or a half share tices at the same time al- costing $315 to become though they are not certified members. Our farm then organic farmers, said Rose- provides the members with mary. a weekly container of fresh, “When we bought the wholesome produce grown house we had to do a lot of here,” Rosemary explained. remodeling inside to make it They took part in Novemadaptable for us and our ber at a Farm to School fosons still at home. John and rum held at Pymatuning I decided to quit using oil for Valley School District to get heating as it became more area school district officials expensive and switched to interested in buying produce putting in two wood burners. directly from area farmers.

This house was built in 1889 “We raise great celery, and had a couple additions,” greens, and other vegetables said Rosemary. and are selling to both She grew up in Chardon Grand Valley and PV schools and graduated from some of our produce in seaChardon High School . Her son. We eat what we grow,”

farm markets in 2009. They sell their farm produce from vegetables to fruits at Lake Metroparks Farmpark Farmers Market in Kirtland May through early October, and at the Bridge Street Farmers Market in Ashtabula Harbor district by the Lift Bridge on Sundays the same months.

“We like selling at the farm markets. We do it for fun and to get people to eat good nutritious fresh foods grown without pesticides,” John said.

Eventually they want to plant more fruit trees and berries. Currently they have strawberries and raspberries and blueberries in the summer months.

The Taipales invite area SUBMITTED PHOTO Rosemary and John Taipale of Orwell Township talk about their plans to grow and residents to call ahead if ordering eggs to (440) 862enlarge their Natural Excellence Farm & Gardens business on Parker Road. They are 1035 or to inquire about the standing by an area where John has planted more berry bushes.

CSA member program. In said John. various tiny plants. have eggs for sale on a regu- the summer months they do The Taipales when they Right now the Taipales lar basis,” said Rosemary. periodically have some profirst developed their garden have begun nurturing garlic The Taipales after grow- duce for sale, but are concensites used two Belgian draft seedlings under long plastic ing more produce decided to trating on increasing their horses to help plow. Now coverings outside in one gar- get involved in several area CSA family members. they do it mechanically. den area. John also experi“I used to be able to mented planting berry handle the horses, but I de- bushes in the ground and veloped osteo-arthritis and another group with plastic it’s too hard for me to con- covering. tinue with the horses. We “Using the plastic to put up a small hoop style plants seedlings helps us greenhouse with plastic sid- from doing a lot of weeding,” ing. It’s not heated of course, said Rosemary. but serves the purpose for They raise about 43 now,” John said. chickens for their weekly egg Rosemary said they buy sale customers. The couple organic seeds from top qual- have at least a dozen differity seed houses, then begin ent kinds of chickens with the tiny plants in their home most kept in a fenced in coop. under artificial lights. This A few others chickens roam is done in January and Feb- the grounds, who won’t stay ruary months, then as the in with the others hens. warm spring days start they “I keep daily records of transfer plants outdoors be- the eggs laid by the chickens. fore actual plantings in the We don’t band their legs or natural composted sites. clip the beaks. We have a The hoop greenhouse is sign out by the road that we also used for holding the

This plastic covered hoop greenhouse is used by the Taipales to hold seedlings before planting time at their farmstead.

The first sprout of a garlic plant is seen in this close up photos being planted this fall at the Natural Excellence Raspberry bushes are planted in this garden site at the Farm & Gardens on Parker Road in Orwell Township.

Rosemary and John Taipale farm in Orwell Township.

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GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 9A

GVMS Student Council winds up Angel Tree Collection project

PHOTOS BY DORIS COOK

Making sure all the present is wrapped securely for the Angel Tree project at GVMS are Student Council members Genesis Foltz and Noel Harrison.

GVMS Student Council vice president Gabe Arsulic takes a break to talk about the Angel Tree Collection project as he wraps up presents last week.

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers ORWELL VILLAGE Student Council members at Grand Valley Middle School are in wind down mode this week. They have all been busy with the annual Angel Tree Collection project raising funds to buy presents for six needy area children, says advisor Carrie Brumit.

Students in grades 5-8 donated over $400 for the project. With money in hand the committee also helped shop for toys and clothes for the children, whose names they received from Country Neighbor Program Center agency in Orwell.

“Our goal was to raise $500 and we came close,” Brumit said.

The “adopted” children ranged from a four-month old little girl to a preschool age boy. Each of the children will receive some warm outerwear clothes, an outfit, hat, gloves and toys.

On Dec.9 a gift wrapping session took place in Brumit’s classroom in the high school with part of the council members participating. All the wrapped packages were delivered to Country Neighbor Center by today (Thursday).

Brumit and her husband Matt helped do some of the shopping. The Student Council started their project in mid-November collecting funds.

Brumit explained that the identity of the

“adopted” children is unknown for the Angel Tree project, but CNP staff numbers and codes the recipient’s name. “We only took the names of kids ages five and under to give them these nice Christmas gifts,” Brumit said as she thanked the middle school students for a job well done.

Helping from the CNP end to make arrangement was Sandy Dlugos, administrative assistant for the center.

Officers for the GV Middle School Student Council are Ta y l o r Huffman-president, Gabe Arsulic-vice president, Abby Triskett-treasurer, and Noel Harrison-secretary.

Fifth grade representatives are Dante Accettola, Genesis Foltz, Thomas Gage, Jacob Glavickas, Noel Harrison, Katrina Kingdom, Abby Perry, and Ethan Russell. Sixth grade representatives are Taylor Caraway, Hallie Cunningham, Tyler Easton, Allie Holmes, Brianna King, Megan Moodt, Josie Pucel, and Abby Triskett.

Seventh grade representatives are Gabe Arsulic, Noah Glavickas, Callisa Lewicki, Clara Lightcap, Daysha Randelson, Andy Reeve, Jesse Steen, and Krystal Wengerd. Eighth grade representatives are Savannah Bitner, Taylor Huffman, Jenna Jenkins, Nicole Merlino, Juliette Novak, and Megan Webber.

Gee, how do we wrap this toy up, seems to be the question for GVMS Student Council members Ethan Russell and his partner Dante Accettola. Student Council members took turns on Dec. 9 wrapping all the gifts.

Checking out one of the gifts for a youngsters adopted by their school’s Student Council are Katrina Kingdom and Abby Perry. Six needy youngsters from the Grand Valley area will benefit from the Angel Tree Collection.

Grand Valley Middle School Student Council advisor Carrie Brumit helps several council members separate gifts in large bags after a gift wrapping session Dec. 9.

The students raised money to buy gifts for a half dozen needy kids from Grand Valley area through Country Neighbor Program Center in Orwell.

Sharing the tape as they carefully wrap up toys in the GVMS Student Council Christmas holiday project area Abby Triskett and Taylor Huffman.

10A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

PV Primary School students present annual Christmas season concert PV Primary Menu 12/14Pizza Dippers w/ Sauce, Tossed Salad, Pears Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Bagel 12/15Crispy Chicken Ranch Wrap w/ Cheese & Lettuce, Corn, Peaches, Strawberry Pie w/ Whipped Topping Breakfast: Cheese Omelet, Toast 12/16Cheesy Potatoes w/ Ham, Carrots, Applesauce, Sunflower Seeds Breakfast: Cinnamania Breakfast, Cookies 12/19Soft Taco, Corn, Grapes Breakfast: Choice of Cold Cereal, Toast 12/20Cook’s Choice, Homemade PNB Candy Breakfast: Brown Sugar Oatmeal, Toast 12/ 21Crispy Chicken Salad w/ Cheese, Raisins, Fresh Baked Bread Stix Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Bagel 12/22Stromboli w/ Sauce, Oven Potatoes, Mixed Fruit, Icee Juicee Breakfast: PBJ Graham Bar SUBMITTED PHOTO

12/23No School

Fourth graders from Pymatuning Valley Primary School in Anthony Todaro’s class rehearse for their combined Christmas choral program set for Dec. 21 at the campus Veterans Memorial Performing Arts Center.

12/26No School

By DORIS COOK Gazette Newspapers ANDOVER TOWNSHIPThe halls of Pymatuning Valley Primary School has sounds of Christmas holiday music everywhere as students practice for the Wednesday, Dec. 21 annual seasonal program. Music teacher John Hulburt has

the fourth grade classes memorizing a number of tunes for the event.

The 7 p.m. program will be held in the Veterans Memorial Performing Arts Center next to the high school. The public is welcome to attend the holiday show.

The fourth grade classes of Kelli Penn, Anthony

Todaro, Nicole Miller and Heath McCarty will combine their talents under the direction of Hulburt for the holiday season performance.

Selections for the evening include Frosty the Snowman, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth, Jingle Bell

Rock, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Feliz Navidad, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, plus several other favorites.

Hulburt issued a special invite for not only student families but area residents to come join in for Christmas fun and entertainment as the students perform.

An Environment of School Choice Notes from the Board Office!

By Bill Nye Superintendent Grand Valley Mustangs We are in an era of school choice. Our government has developed policies that allow parents to choose school systems outside of the one they reside.

The law requires that the system in which a parent lives pay for their resident student’s education no matter where they attend.

When Grand Valley Local Schools accept a student from another district, it is called an open enrollment student. Parents apply to come to Grand Valley annually and we accept them if we have the room to maximize our funding without hiring new staff.

When it gets to the point where we have to hire new staff, then we hit a financial threshold where we start to deny students.

On the other side of the coin is when students who live within our district may elect to attend other districts. We, then, are billed from the state of Ohio to pay for these chil-

dren and we lose funding.

Students who leave to attend community schools create a situation where we have to pay the community school for the education they provide. Some examples of community schools are charter schools and electronic academies.

In order to keep a school system financially solvent, the school must have the mindset to be a service organization and create a place where parents want to send their children.

Now, not every school is perfect and has everything what parents want for their kids, but public schools offer many programs that other schools cannot offer. Public schools offer an array of course work and academic programs as well as have services that are valuable to children who have disabilities.

In addition to academic programs, public schools have a multitude of extra/ co-curricular programs which many children enjoy.

We have numerous students who attend Grand Valley Local Schools for drama, art and athletic programs that are not offered at their home school. Many of the community schools do not have the ability to provide these programs.

Grand Va lley Local Schools bring in a larger number of students each year than the number which chooses to leave and

attend other schools. However, we need to keep competitive in order to attract students and keep our school system a system that is desired by our community to attend.

Therefore, when it comes to eliminating programs, one must consider all the factors before implementing reductions.

Happy holidays and have a good week!

12/27No School

PV Middle School Menu 12/14Pizza Dippers w/ Sauce, Tossed Salad, Pears Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Bagel 12/15Turkey, Bacon and Ranch Sub w/ Lettuce & Cheese, Corn, Peaches, Strawberry Pie w/ Whipped Topping Breakfast: Cheese Omelet, Toast 12/16Cheesy Potatoes w/ Ham, Carrots, Applesauce, Sunflower Seeds Breakfast: Cinnamania Breakfast Cookies 12/19Build your own Soft Taco, Corn, Grapes Breakfast: Choice of Cold Cereal, Toast 12/20Cook’s Choice, Homemade PNB Candy Breakfast: Brown Sugar Oatmeal, Toast 12/21Crispy Chicken Salad w/ Cheese, Raisins, Fresh Baked Bread Stix Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Bagel 12/22Stromboli w/ Sauce, Oven Potatoes, Mixed Fruit, Icee Juicee Breakfast: PBJ Graham Bar, 12/23No School 12/26No School 12/27No School 12/28No School

Grand Valley Lunch Menu December

PV High School Menu 12/14Meatball Sub w/ Cheese, Tossed Salad, Juice, Pudding Cup Breakfast: Pancakes, Bacon

12/14Pizza Pocket, Salad, Mixed Fruit 12/15Spaghetti W/ Meat Sauce, Salad, Garlic Toast, Peaches 12/16BBQ Pork Sandwich, Tator Tots, Apple Pie 12/19Hot Ham & Cheddar On Bun, Tri-Tators, Cherry Crisp 12/20Christmas Dinner: Oven-Baked Chicken, Potatoes W/ Gravy, Stuffing, Corn, Ice Cream Treat 12/21Cheeseburger, Seasoned Wedges, Peaches 12/22Sausage Gravy Pizza, Hash Browns 12/26No School

Happy Holidays!

12/28No School 12/29No School

12/16Roast Turkey w/ Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Mixed Fruit, Spice Cake Breakfast: Sausage, Egg & Cheese Muffin 12/19Stromboli w/ Sauce, Tossed Salad, Juice Breakfast: Pop Tarts 12/20Tatar Tot Casserole, Corn, Peaches, Jell-O w/ Whipped Topping Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Bagel 12/21Chili – Cheese Fries, Celery w/ PNB, Mixed Fruit, Garlic Biscuits Breakfast: Banana/ Choc Breakfast Bar

12/23No School 12/27No School

12/15Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Broccoli Soup w/ Crackers, Celery w/ Dip, Juice Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Bagel

12/22Pepperoni & Cheese filled Bread Stix w/ Sauce, Fresh Carrots, w/ Dip, Juice Breakfast: Ham & Cheese Bagel 12/23No School 12/26No School

12/30No School

12/27No School

THE NEWS READ ALL ABOUT IT THE NEWS Looking for a copy of

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 11A

Geauga Renaissance Singers perform for the holidays at KSU Geauga campus

Church Directory ASSEMBLY OF GOD

INDEPENDENT

Faith Community A/G Church 5835 Rte 166, Rock Creek, 474-1851 Senior Pastor: Rev. Brian L. Wright Sr. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday Service

Hartsgrove Community Church 997-7171 Pastor Robert Leonard Pastor Misha Hagenbaugh 10:30 a.m. Worship Bible Study Thursday 7 p.m.

Rock of Grace Family Ministrites-AG 6745 Route 5, Kinsman 330-924-4431 Senior Pastor Mark Biel 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday Services 9 a.m. Sunday School BAPTIST Beacon Baptist Church (indep.-Fund.)

Williamsfield Community Center 440-992-3717 Rev. Tim Haidon, 330-550-6334 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship Services Teens meet Sunday 5 - 7 p.m.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

BURTON - The music of the Geauga Renaissance Singers echoed through the halls of Kent State University at Geauga on Dec. 8 as the group performed for students, faculty and staff.

Old familiar songs, including White Christmas, The Holly and the Ivy, and We Three Kings, brought the holidays in with the reminder that Christmas is fast approaching.

Directed by Hildred Tomberg, The Renaissance Singers has been together since 2006. Made up of about 26 ‘retired people who love to sing’ the group began through prompting of personnel at the Geauga Senior Center, where they practice weekly.

The Renaissance Singers entertain audiences throughout the year, often singing at nursing homes or senior centers and community concerts such as the Huntsburg Sum-

mer Concert Series.

The Christmas Concert was a part of Kent State University at Geauga’s “Stress Buster Week.” The week before finals is often a time filled with anxiety and stress.

Activities were planned for the students throughout the week to help them decompress. Students, faculty, and staff had an opportunity to practice Tai Chi with instructor Sue Giles and participate in a lunchtime yoga class lead by Melanie Cheraso. The Christmas Concert by the Renaissance Singers, accompanied by pizza and drinks, served to refresh and refuel the students as they began a long weekend of studying in preparation for the final week of testing and the completion of semester long projects.

The songs were also a pleasant reminder that winter break will be here soon. Happy Holidays from Kent State University at Geauga.

A Christmas Carol, Readers Theater, special holiday event at Geauga Theater CHARDON-“I love playing a variety of roles and I look forward to many more to come” says Marian Sparent, who has been doing plays with the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild for the past three years, and is cast in the upcoming A Christmas Carol, Readers Theater in Chardon.

“One special thing I love about working at Geauga Theater is that this is the second play that I have been able to work with my daughter Jenelle Sparent. She is a great little actress and I look forward to many more plays with her,” said Sparent.

A Christmas Carol, Readers Theater, based on the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild’s adaptation of the holiday classic, will be presented Dec. 22 and

FINANCES

23 at 7:30 p.m. both evenings at Geauga Theater in Chardon.

Several GLTG board trustees, including President Lee Ann Tamburrino, along with community members and a few favorite regional actors, will take part in this special holiday event. Directed by Karen O’Baker Porter, music and song will be included as the memorable tale is dramatically read.

Included in the cast is Julie Douglass, long time drama teacher with GLTG and first grade teacher with the Mentor public schools. She has been in many plays and musicals, including three productions of A Christmas Carol. “Having never done a Readers Theater, I am looking for-

From page 1A

Council voted first to waive a required three reading of the ordinance to pass it as an emergency before the end of December.

It was Mayor Larry Bottoms last official meeting and for two outgoing council members, Steve Buchheit and Don Herbster. Council accepted the resignation of Bottoms’ wife Peggy from the village Parks and Recreation Board; appointed Councilors David Hartz and Jane Byler to the Orwell Fire Department Dependency Board; made several amendments to the village’s policy manual to bring it in line with the change in government structure absent a mayor replaced by a village manager.

Council which has a number of committees over past years will be eliminated when incoming village manager Jack Nettis comes aboard after Jan. 1 next year.

Bottoms reported on the meeting held on this past Monday night with the Board of Public Affairs. The BPA has been looking for a less expensive consulting firm to draw up specifications for maintenance and repainting repairs to the Penniman Road main village water storage tower. Utilities Department Superintendent Greg Hogue said he will be checking several other companies over the next couple weeks for quote proposals.

Village Attorney David McCombs informed council that an attorney with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office put the village on notice to settle a state auditor’s finding from the 2005-2006 audit report. It involved overpayment of $450 to a former village employee, Chuck Smith for sick time pay.

Council back in 2005-2006 took no action to ask the employee to pay back the overage, McCombs explained.

The OAG has also refused, McCombs told officials to drop the finding settlement so the village has three options.

“It was a simple math miscalculations by the clerk-treasurer Cindy Pace. I’m not disparaging Cindy’s work, but council could do nothing and wait to see what the OAG does,” he advised.

Other options put on the table by McCombs included seeking reimbursement from the former employee, or turn in the amount owed ($450) to the village’s bonding company and have them pay the money.

McCombs said the bond company could go after the former employee (Smith) for the money, but may not. Mayor Bottoms recommended turning it over to the bonding company, which resulted in a split vote of four yes, one no, and two abstentions.

McCombs said he would proceed to contact the village’s bonding company and work on a solution to the issue. Several council members questioned why this finding was being pursued by the OAG now, six years late.

McCombs said once the money will be paid to the OAG to settle the finding, it will then to the Ohio State Auditor Office and then comes back to the village coffers.

Council will hold a year-end workshop and special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.

ward to the challenge of engaging the audience with this presentation of a classic Holiday story,” said Douglass.

Another cast member, Chardon Tomorrow President Ted Theofrastous, acted and directed during his school years at Marlboro College in Vermont.

He now returns to the stage for this special event.

A Christmas Carol, Readers Theater is sponsored by T.H.E. Computer Resource in Chardon. Tickets are $5 for general admission. The historic Geauga Theater is located on Chardon public square at 101 Water Street, in Chardon.

For information, visit www.geaugatheater.org or call the box office at 440?286?2255.

Religious Briefs Area churches holding Christmas season services Orwell United Methodist Church ORWELL - The Orwell United Methodist Church will hold a Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. with the public welcome to attend. On Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25 Pastor Jack Childers will lead a 11 a.m. informal worship service for members, families and the public.

The church is located on S. Maple Street in the village.

Pentecostal Community Church NEW LYME - The Pentecostal Community Church will hold a pre-Christmas service on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. with the theme of “Greatest Gift of All” led by Pastor Scott C. Ardary.

The Christmas Day service on Dec. 25 is at 10 a.m. The church is located at the corner of state Route 6 and Peck Road.

Pymatuning Community Church ANDOVER TOWNSHIP - The Pymatuning Community Church will have a special holiday season service on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. for live play presentation, “To Grandmother’s House We Go.” Pastor Steven Michels and the family of faith of the church invite the public to attend.

A Christmas Eve candlelight service is set for Saturday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. with communion observed. A Christmas Day Sunday celebration service is on Dec. 25 beginning at 10:30 a.m. with communion observed, also.

The church congregation is also holding a New Year’s Day Service on Sunday, Jan. 1 at 10:30 a.m. On both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day a nursery and children’s church will be provided for youngsters.

Pymatuning Community Church is located two miles south of Andover Square on state Route 7.

What if...

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Central Missionary Baptist Church 930 Clay Road, Dorset, 858-2460 Rev. Dave Chappell, Pastor 10 a.m. Sun School 11:30 a.m. Worship First Baptist Church of Dorset 2471 Route 193 N., Dorset, 858-9623 Ed Pickard, Pastor 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship Service First Baptist Church of Andover 5236 Stanhope-Kelloggsville Rd. 10 a.m. All Ages Sunday School 11 a.m. Church Worship Fundamental Baptist Church (Ind.) 2219 Allen-Comp Rd., Dorset 858-2609 Pastor Michael Allen 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship Services

Pymatuning Community Church Route 7 South, Andover Pastor Steven Michels, 293-7878 10:30 a.m. Sun. Worship 7 p.m. Wed. Worship 24-hr Prayer Line at pccprayer@yahoo.com METHODIST Andover First United Methodist 181 S. Main St., Andover, 293-6290 Pastor Vernon Palo 8:30 and 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Cherry Valley United Methodist Rev. John M. Germaine 10 a.m. Worship Colebrook United Methodist Church 7925 St. Rt. 46 South, Orwell, 422-3555 Pastor Laurie Evinsky 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Dorset United Methodist Church 2800 St. Rt. 193, 858-2831 Rev. David Miller, Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Morning Worship Kinsman United Methodist Church 8362 Main St., Kinsman, 876-5641 Pastor Dave McKinnon 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship 6:30 p.m. (1st & 3rd Sun) Cont.

Worship

Grand Valley Baptist Church (So.) 5805 St. Rt. 45, Rome, 563-9295 Pastor Gary Minich 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship Services

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

Harvest Baptist Church 516 E. Jamestown Rd., Greenville, PA (724) 932-5292 Pastor Jeremy D. McClain 9 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship

Orwell United Methodist Church 80 S. Maple St., Orwell Rev. Jack Childers, 440-437-8225 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship Service

New Lyme Baptist Church - GARBC 1280 Dodgeville Rd, Rome, 294-2501 Pastor Paul Woods 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Worship

Richmond United Methodist Church Route 7 and Footville-Richmond Road Pastors Jason Hockran & Quincy Wheeler 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship

BIBLE Orwell Bible Church meets at Windsor Community Center Route 322, Windsor Twp. Pastor Dan Greenfield 474-3908 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Worship Service CATHOLIC Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church Route 7 South, Andover Fr. Kevin McCaffrey 4 p.m. Sat, 9 a.m. Sun (Nov. - March) 4 p.m. Sat, 7:30 & 9 a.m. Sun (Ap.-Oct.) Sacred Heart Catholic Church 3049 Rt. 45, Rock Creek, 563-3010 Rev. G. David Weikart Mass times: 6 p.m. Sat 11 a.m. Sun (Sept. - May) 8 a.m. Sun (June-Aug.) 12 Noon Wed &Fri

Williamsfield United Methodist Southeast corner US 322 and SR 7 9 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship NAZARENE Cherry Valley Church of the Nazarene 3410 Route 6, Cherry Valley, 293-7937 Rev. Buck W. Traylor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Worship Grand Valley Church of the Nazarene 371 East Main Street, Orwell 437-6759 Rev. Deborah Jackson 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11 & 6 Sunday Worship NONDENOMINATIONAL

St. Mary Church - Orwell 103 N. Maple St., 437-6262 Rev. G. David Weikart 4 p.m. Sat. Mass 10 a.m. Sun. Mass (summer) 9 a.m. Sun. Mass (winter)

Hartsgrove Community Church Revs. Robert F. Leonard & Misha Hagenbaugh 10:30 a.m. Worship Kinsman Chapel of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Route 87, Kinsman Pastor Shawn Wallace 9:45 a.m. Sunday school 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship

CHURCH OF CHRIST Andover Christian Church Bob Gears - senior minister 9:15 a.m. Sunday school 8 and 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship

Living Word Fellowship 6346 Route 87 (Grange Hall), Kinsman Pastor Greg Davis 10 a.m. Worship

Penn Line Church of Christ 6968 US Rt. 6, Pierpont, 577-1449 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Bible Study Wed 6:30 p.m.

PENTECOSTAL

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

God’s All Nation Pentecostal Church 5708 St. Rt. 45, Rome, 563-9646

First Congregational United Church of Christ 170 E. Main Street, Andover, 293-6771 The Rev. Ted Michalsen, pastor 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship

Pentecostal Community Church 5348 Peck Rd., New Lyme, 576-0384 Pastor Scott C. Ardary 10 a.m. Sunday School/Worship 6 p.m. - 1st & 3rd Sun., Evening Service

First Congregational Church of Wayne Routes 193 and 322 Rev. Bob Coleman 9:45 a.m. Sunday school 11 a.m. Worship

PRESBYTERIAN

First Congregational Church of West Williamsfield Rt. 322 at West Williamsfield 9:45 a.m. Sunday school 10:45 a.m. Worship

Orwell North Presbyterian Church 135 N. Maple Ave., Orwell, 437-6677 The Rev. Sandy Seaton-Todd 9 a.m. Sunday School - all ages 10 a.m. Worship Wed. 5:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship

CHURCH OF GOD Cherry Valley First Church of God Sentinal Rd., Dorset Pastor Gary Morrison 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. Worship

New Lyme Presbyterian Church 788 Brownville Rd., Rome 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

Pierpont Presbyterian Church 71 St. Rt. 7 S., Pierpont 577-1218 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship Rome Presbyterian Route 45, Rome Township Mary Jo Foust, Commissioned Lay Pastor 11:10 a.m. Worship (May-Sept)

A SERVICE OF

The Longest Night The holidays can be difficult for us all: the stresses and strains of trying to offer a time of celebration take their toll. Many people find they have trouble feeling “in the spirit” of things, whether because of the recent (or anticipated) death of a family member or friend, the end of a marriage, the loss of work, or other trying change.

This year at The First United Methodist Church of Andover, we will be gathering together for A Service of the Longest Night. It is so named because of its proximity to the winter solstice - the longest night of the year. But the name is also fitting because - despite the trappings of gifts, special meals and Christmas carols - the season can be darker than “normal” times of the year for those who struggle. Come and join us as we join together in music, scriptures, silence, reflection, prayer and candle lighting!

November 27 - December 25

www.andoverfirstumc.org 440-293-6290

Thurs., December 22nd • 7:30 PM First United Methodist Church of Andover 440-293-6290 181 South Main St., Andover, OH 44003

12A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

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Penny Pincher owner Pat Mooney stands by just some of the high end quality dining room furniture plus other home furnishings for sale at the Penny Pincher Store in Middlefield Township located on Nauvoo Road.

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MIDDLEFIELD TOWNSHIP-For those cash-conscious shoppers who are looking for more bang for their buck when it comes to furniture, Middlefield has just the place you are looking for. In a building on Nauvoo Road, just east off Route 608 and north of the village where they used to auction off livestock, there are several thousand square feet of the Penny Pincher Store filled with quality new and used furniture plus more.

“We are into our third year and things are going good,” said owner Pat Mooney. “We sell mediumpriced new and used furniture. We have more than 200 pieces of used furniture on hand and we usually carry about 50 plus pieces of new furniture for home and even offices.”

Whether is it new or used, the quality of the furniture is still high end-only now it is medium priced.

“The new furniture is mostly the Simmons brand.

We also carry new mattresses made by Park Place. The mattresses come in a huge variety of types and sizes-everything from a simple double bed to a pillow top king sized mattress,” said Mooney.

“People in this area have a need for this type of store, and it really is a great location. Offering affordable used furniture meets the demands of many customers, who stop in,” he said.

The used furniture is really good quality furniture that can fit anyone’s budget. Mooney emphasized that customers can get more bang for their buck in buying good quality used furniture, which is stocked at the Penny Pincher.

Because the store offers affordable furniture for any budget, the turnover is high and there is a shipment each week with new items in which to select.

“Every week, we get about 20 new arrivals in the store, so there is always new inventory,” Mooney said. “We try to buy high end used furniture and

then pass the savings on to our customers.”

The store on its second level has Amish made hickory rockers and other wood household items along with used office furniture, filing cabinets, lamps, and even hospital beds and related equipment for sale.

Exercise equipment is also among items on the second story for customers to browse through and purchase.

“We can sell a $260 rocker for $99 because someone sat in it once before,” he said.

“That’s the great thing about used furniture. It’s still in nice condition and you can get to stretch your dollars further.”

During the month of December and January all Simmons furniture is 40 percent off. Mooney said every thing in the store this month is at least 10 percent off for holiday shoppers.

“We invite folks to stop in and visit us this holiday season to check out our in-store specials,” the owner said.

“And of course, we do have a free layaway program. It is interest free so that people can come in and pick out the items they want.

Then they can just pay a little bit each week until it’s paid off,” Mooney said.

“We really do strive to offer high quality furniture and other miscellaneous items to meet everyone’s budget,” he added.

In addition to the Penny Pincher at the Middlefield Market complex on Nauvoo Road are Country Arts & Jewelry, Country Collections Antique Mall, Around the House Store, and J&J Stoves Company. The Middlefield Flea Market is open on Mondays and Saturdays plus the Sale Barn Auctions with a miscellaneous line auction are held on Mondays.

Store hours for the Penny Pincher Store are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays and Tuesdays. For more information on inventory items or in-store specials call (440) 632-1920.

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440-576-9125 1-Year Subscription (In County)

$30

The upper level of the Penny Pincher Store in Middlefield Township has a large selection of wood rockers, new and used furniture plus office related items for sale.

16891 Kinsman Rd., Rt. 87 East, Middlefield, OH

(440) 632-5068 . 800-845-0526 Hours: Weekdays 8am-6pm, Saturday 9am-3pm