gazette 01-25-12

Interested inlocal history?AshtabulaCounty Historyinside this week— See special section

THE GAZETTEVol. No. 136, No. 4 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2012 Periodical’s Postage Paid 75¢

A-Techstudentstalk with

thirdgraders

— See page 10A

BY SADIE PORTMANGazette Newspapers

GENEVA TOWNSHIP -Cynthia Perry, 37, was found deadoutside her Austin Manor trailerSunday night after her 16-year-olddaughter made a 911 call to police,according to the Ashtabula CountySheriff ’s Office.

Perry was shot twice in the headby her former boyfriend, 40-year-old, Jason DuBois, Sheriff ’s De-partment officials said.

DuBois would later commit sui-cide in the woods near the trailer.

“The murder is domestic re-lated,” Sheriff William Johnsonsaid. “[DuBois and Perry] havebeen together off and on for 16years.”

Johnson said Perry died in-stantly and her body has been sentto the Cuyahoga County medicalexaminer for an autopsy.

Johnson said it is unclearwhether the daughter was a wit-ness to the murder or if she justheard the gunshots, but the daugh-

SUBMITTED PHOTOCongratulations to Briana Cimorell, the daughter of CarolPugliese Hillier and Bret Cimorell, who is an eighth-grade studentat Lakeside Junior High School. She has been selected out ofthe local winners of The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, sponsoredby the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), to proceed to the districtlevel. The topic of the essay this year was “Are We Proud of Our

Country?” Briana will have theopportunity on Feb. 4 to readher essay at the VFW’s districtmeeting in Independence,Ohio.

Cimorell wins local essay contest

Murder-suicidevictim had no

chance of escapeter knew enough to inform the au-thorities of the incident.

“There is indication that thegirlfriend [Perry] had informed[DuBois] that she had found some-one else and their relationship wasfinished,” Johnson said.

According to Johnson, this iswhen DuBois went back to thetrailer and hid underneath themetal skirt of the trailer. OncePerry returned home, DuBoiscame out from underneath andshot Perry at close proximity.

“[Perry] had no place to go. Shecouldn’t escape,” Johnson said.

Johnson said when deputiesarrived on scene, they followedtracks that led to the woods wherethey found DuBois.

“We found him lying against thetree with his hand on a handgunand with a bullet to the head,”Johnson said.

DuBois was still alive and wastransported to the University Hos-pitals Geneva Medical Center butwould die Monday morning afterbeing transfered to the ClevelandMetroHealth Medical Center.

Johnson said with a headwound like the one DuBois self in-flicted, there was not much chanceof survival.

An autopsy will be performedon DuBois to see if drugs or alco-hol were involved. The autopsy re-sults will be made available at alater date.

“At the end of the day, he couldhave been under the influence ofdrugs, but it appears that hecouldn’t accept the fact that shewas moving on with her life,”Johnson said.

As for the daughter, Johnsonsaid since she is still in school,Children Services will more thanlikely be involved.

According to Johnson, investi-gators are still gathering evidencein order to officially close the case.

Sadie Portman, reporter for theGazette, may be reached [email protected].

BY STEFANIE WESSELLGazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON - Some Village ofJefferson residents, as well as aformer councilman, are upset witha letter village officials sent out toeveryone who signed a petition toplace a referendum issue on theballot regarding the village’splanned purchase of the oldJefferson Elementary School.

Dated Dec. 29, 2011, the four-page letter is signed “Submitted asclarification to voters by: JeffersonVillage Administration and VillageCouncil.” The letter explains thatthere have been letters to the edi-tor published presenting the opin-ions of those opposed to the prop-erty purchase, while this letter fromcouncil attempts to “address theissues and present the actual facts.”The letter includes a timeline lead-

ing up to council’s decision and voteon the purchase, as well as a state-ment that the referendum commit-tee has attempted to delay the pur-chase, as the village would not beable to complete the contract untilafter the November 2012 generalelection. The letter also clears upwhat the village officials believe tobe misinformation coming from thereferendum committee.

“The overwhelming majority ofJefferson residents have expressedan opinion to council and the ad-ministration that the purchase isa great idea and there will alwaysbe some residents who are ada-mantly against the purchase nomatter what the terms,” the letterstates.

During the council meeting onTuesday, Jan. 17, former Council-man Ken Fertig addressed councilabout the matter, asking whether

the letter was sent to all registeredvoters in the village or just thosewho had signed the petition.

After being told it was only sentto those who signed the petition,Fertig questioned why he wasn’tmade aware of the letter when itwas drafted and sent out.

“I was still a member of councilwhen that letter was made,” Fertigsaid. “Thanks a lot.”

Fertig said the letter was notsigned and could have been sentby anyone.

Another resident, Tina Fuller,who also helped circulate the ref-erendum petitions, said she wasdisturbed that council would sendout such an inflammatory letter.She likened the letter and its con-tents to bullying, name calling andgrandstanding.

Referendum committeeupset with letter


JEFFERSON - Thanks to someteachers willing to volunteer theirtime once a week, the JeffersonArea Local Schools Board of Edu-cation received a special donationfrom the Kids Endangered NowHeart Foundation during itsmeeting last week.

Rebecca Black and LinetteDerminer of the KEN HeartFoundation donated two portableautomatic external defibrillatorsto the school district. The AEDsare used to provide the necessaryelectrical shock to restore properheart rhythms when someone ishaving a cardiac arrest.

Derminer founded the KEN

SUBMITTED PHOTOCynthia Perry was shot twice inthe head outside her AustinManor trailer Sunday night.Authorities say she was killedinstantly.

PHOTO BY STEFANIE WESSELLRebecca Black and Linette Derminer of the KEN Heart Foundation recently donated two portableautomatic external defibrillators to Jefferson Area Local Schools. Pictured, from left, are school districtTreasurer Bonnie Brockway, JALS Board of Education members Marianne Sowry, Pat Inman, Larry Divineand Ron Watson, school district nurse Peggy Savarese, JALS Superintendent Doug Hladek and LinetteDerminer.

KEN Heart Foundation donateslife-saving devices to JALS

Heart Foundation after the deathof her son, Ken, who collapsedduring a football clinic at GenevaHigh School in 2000. Ken, only 17years old, died from a sudden car-diac arrest.

The foundation donates por-table automatic cardiacdefibrillators to schools and orga-nizations in the hope of raisingawareness and preventing sud-den cardiac arrest from occurringamong young athletes.

The donation came about af-ter District Nurse PeggySavarese called attention to ashortage of AEDs in the district,with two at both elementaryschools and only one for the highschool and athletic complex com-bined.

“They’re very expensive,”Savarese said.

Black happened to be teachinga CPR class at the schools at thetime, and she told Savarese theschool district could earn an AEDdonation if staff volunteered oncea week at the bingo game orga-nized by the KEN Heart Founda-tion. Bingo is held at 6:30 p.m.every Thursday at the MooseLodge 3001 at North Bend Roadin Saybrook Township, with theproceeds going to the foundation.

Teachers gladly volunteered,and now the school district has twoAEDs to show for their efforts.

“We’re really excited,” Blacksaid.

See JALS page 2A

See LETTER page 2A

BY JAN PERALAGeneva Area City Schools

GENEVA - Geneva Middle School students Kaleb Smoth-ers and Sierra Shortridge have hiked down the windingBright Angel Trail to the base of the Grand Canyon andhave felt the sand between their toes as they climbed thedunes at the Outer Banks. They have strolled along thebanks of the River Danube to view the city lights ofBudapest, sampled Crepes Suzette at a sidewalk café alongthe Champs-Elysees and have checked the time for tea witha glance at Big Ben. They have listened for the music ofbagpipes on the shores of Loch Ness and felt the rush ofwind as the “L” rumbled by in Chicago’s Loop.

Smothers, Shortridge and their fellow finalists in GenevaMiddle School’s annual Geographic Bee have shared these ex-periences without leaving their desks Geneva Middle School asthey and embarked on a virtual world tour while studying forthe National Geographic Bee and their in-depth knowledge ofworld geography earned them the top spots at the local level ofthe Bee.

PHOTOS BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLSGeneva Middle School sixth-grader KalebSmothers has world geography at hisfingertips. Smothers brought home the goldmedal at the annual Geographic Bee,ticking off the answers to a string of stumpersand besting a field of 12 finalists. Smothersand runner-up Sierra Shortridge, an eighthgrader, traded geo facts, finally facing off inthe championship round. The two arepictured with teacher Marsha Adams whocoordinates the Geographic Bee.

Geneva Middle School’sSmothers wins 2012Geographic BeeShortridge is Runner Up

See SMOTHERS page 8A

Year in Review— See page 12-13A

2A • GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2012

Black told school officialsthat they should really com-mend Savarese for knowingthat the shortage of AEDswas an issue.

“We realize these machinesare really life saving,” Blacksaid. “I hope that you neverhave to use them, but they’rehere for you.”

Derminer said the founda-tion educates people aboutsudden cardiac arrest, whichcan happen to anyone, at any-time.

After her son died,Derminer has said she wastold that cardiac arrests inteenagers were rare, that Kenhad been more likely to bestruck by lighting. But then,in the span of five months, twomore teenagers suffered car-diac arrests in Cleveland.

Derminer, concerned aboutthe misinformation, began toresearch and discovered a vastarray of conflicting statistics.

Through her research,Derminer collected the namesof teenage athletes who hadcollapsed on school propertyand compiled the only online,national database of how

JALS From page 1A

many teenagers suffered a car-diac arrest and died from un-detected heart defects.

Derminer has said this da-tabase is distributed to physi-cians, health organizationsand athletic organizationsthroughout the country.

Derminer explained thatmany people believe teenagersare too young to have heartattacks, and she said they ba-sically are. But a cardiac ar-rest is different, saidDerminer.

Derminer likened a heartattack to plumbing damage inthe heart, with a cardiac ar-rest more like an electricalshort circuit.

The heart goes into an elec-trical quiver, explainedDerminer, and eventually tiresand stops.

A few minutes make a dif-ference between life and death,said Derminer, and the por-table cardiac defibrillators canprovide the necessary electri-cal shock to restore properheart rhythms.

For more information onthe KEN Heart Foundation,visit www.kenheart.org.

Further, Fuller said shehopes that disciplinary actionhas been taken against theperson who wrote the letter, aswell as a letter put in theperson’s personnel file.

However, Village Adminis-trator Terry Finger said he hadbeen directed by council andJefferson Village Mayor JudyMaloney to draft the letter, sothe letter was sent out undertheir knowledge and consent.

Other citizens also wereupset at the letter for variousreasons, including how the let-ter singled out only thosepeople who signed the peti-tions.

The referendum committeeand the village have been atodds over council’s decision topurchase the building andproperty at the old JeffersonElementary School on 104 E.Jefferson St. for $300,000. Thedeal consists of $150,000 incash and an additional$150,000 credit package for in-kind labor and improvementsspread over an unspecifiedperiod of time. The village in-tends to use the property forthe police department, whichneeds the additional room.

After council voted on thematter late last year, a groupof citizens said they would seeka referendum on the matterand give citizens a chance to

vote on it in November 2012.The citizens collected enoughsignatures and turned theirpetitions into Clerk/TreasurerPatty Fisher, as they were re-quired to do.

But after doing so, Fisherand Village Solicitor JeromeLemire discovered what theybelieve was an omission by thereferendum committee. Fisherbelieves the committee failedto file a certified copy of theordinance with her before cir-culating its petitions, as re-quired by Ohio Revised Codesection 731.32.

The committee disagrees,and Fertig, represented by at-torney Kyle Smith, filed a civilcomplaint against Fisher andFinger in the Court of Com-mon Pleas.

Judge Alfred Mackey willmake a declaratory judgmenton whether the citizens whoattempted to place a referen-dum on the November ballotfollowed the proper steps ornot.

During a hearing lastThursday, Mackey continuedthe temporary restrainingorder, meaning the villagecannot go out and purchasethe property until the issuehas been resolved in thecourt. Another hearing hasbeen scheduled for earlyFebruary.

LETTER From page 1A

Ashtabula Downtown DevelopmentAssociation hosts Downtown Laughs

ASHTABULA - The AshtabulaDowntown Development Association(ADDA) will once again host Down-town Laughs, an evening of comedyfeaturing local talent.

Six comedians will perform onFriday, March 16, and Saturday,March 17, at Casa Capelli Restau-rant.

“This is the third year for Down-town Laughs,” said committee mem-ber Tina Stasiewski. “Get your tick-ets early. The event gets more popu-lar each year. We added a secondnight last year because we sold outthe first year. And both nights last

year were near sell-outs. We have amix of returning and new talent thisyear. It should be a great show.”

The comics performing in Down-town Laughs have names thatAshtabula Countians will recognize,including Mousy Benedict, JeffBrodsky, Albert Camplese, BillHerzog, Bob Hyland, and PhilPawlowski. Tony Orlando will serveas emcee.

Tickets to Downtown Laughs are$25 per person and include admit-tance to the show and buffet dinner.A cash bar will be available.

Doors open at 6 p.m., with dinner

at 6:45 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m.Reservations can be made by call-

ing Oscar Tomasio at Casa CapelliRestaurant at 992-3700. Once yourreservation is made, a member ofthe Downtown Laughs committeewill coordinate delivery of your tick-ets. Tickets must be paid in advanceand presented at the door the nightof the event. When making your res-ervation, please indicate if you needspecial accommodations.

Proceeds from Downtown Laughswill be used to support the activi-ties of the Ashtabula Downtown De-velopment Association.


JEFFERSON - Beforeyou throw away that box ofcereal or that cake mix,check to see if it’s a partici-pating product in the BoxTops for Education cam-paign.

Box Tops for Educationhas helped America’sschools earn over $400 mil-lion since 1996, and theJefferson Elementary PTOis asking for thecommunity’s help in earn-ing some of that money forthe elementary school.

“You can help earn cashfor Jefferson Elementary

JAHS After Promfundraiser in its final week JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Area High School After

Prom Chinese Auction Fundraiser is on its final week. The After Prom Committee is raising funds to offset costs

for the After Prom. The Committee has organized eight bas-kets with prizes such as a Falcon Fan Basket with hoodie,bag, teddy bear by GMR Technology, an Italian Food Basketfrom Albino’s Meat & Catering, a men’s Pulsar watch fromJ.R. Hofstetter, a Family Portrait package from Rapid Photo,a casserole dish including gift certificates from Wildside Bar& Grill and Buffalo Wild Wings, a cheese basket includinggift certificates from Ferrante’s Winery and Grand RiverCellars and a health basket that includes a one-month mem-bership to the YMCA, a manicure from Lake Effects HairSalon and a Visa gift card from FirstMerit.

These baskets will be on display this week at Valerie’sHair Design at 14 East Jefferson St., Jefferson. Tickets are$1 each or six for $5; tickets can be purchased at Valerie’sHair Design or prior to the drawing.

The drawing will be held on Jan. 27 during the JAHSvs. Girard Varsity Boys’ Basketball game.

The committee would like to thank all of the businesseswho have donated prizes to the fund raiser.

For more information, contact Virginia March,[email protected].

Jefferson Elementary PTO needs helpcollecting Box Tops for Education

School by clipping BoxTops coupons from hun-dreds of participatingproducts,” Jefferson El-ementary School Box TopCoordinator KimberlyRichmond said. “Every in-dividual contributionmakes a difference.”

Each coupon is worth$.10 when the school re-deems them from the BoxTops for Education pro-gram. Richmond said theschool can use the moneyto purchase needed sup-plies and equipment orhelp pay for field trips forthe students.

“Last year, Jefferson El-ementary students, par-

ents, family members andfaculty collected over$3,000 in Box Tops,” Rich-mond said.

Now, the Jefferson El-ementary PTO is askingfor the residents’ help byclipping the Box Tops anddropping them in the col-lection boxes.

Richmond said she hasrun into some people whohave Box Tops saved but donot know where to dropthem off. To help with that,pink collection boxes havebeen placed at severalsites in the community.

Box Tops can be droppedin the collection boxes atThorne’s BiLo grocery

store, T-Busch Automotive,Mugs Diner, JeffersonCommunity Center andHenderson Memorial Pub-lic Library. People also candrop them off at theJefferson ElementarySchool office.

“Just clip them, stickthem in the collectionboxes or drop them off atthe Jefferson ElementarySchool office, and we willdo the rest,” Richmondsaid. “Thank you for yoursupport!”

Stefanie Wessell, senioreditor for Gazette Newspa-pers, may be reached [email protected].

Meet the Directors Night to be held Feb. 7JEFFERSON - The Falcon Follies Board of Directors

announces that the 2012 Falcon Follies – the 37th Annualshow - is being held March 22, 23, 24, 2012 at the JeffersonArea High School auditorium. The theme for this year’sshow is “The Great Get-a-way Adventure.” Directors for thisyear’s show are Jody Anthony and Cindy Butler.

Everyone interested in participating in this year’s showare invited to the Meet the Directors and sign up nightTuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 at 7 p.m. This meeting is being heldin the Jefferson Junior High School Cafeteria. A snow date,if needed, will be Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m.

Ads for this year’s show are now being accepted. Walk-on ads are limited to the first six businesses at a cost of$125. These ads become part of the show with each oneacted out on stage. To purchase a walk-on ad please callBill Howe at 998-2942. Proceeds from this show go to sup-port various academic, athletic and extracurricular activi-ties at both the elementary and secondary school levels.

Burdette graduated from basic trainingAir Force Airman Joseph K. Burdette graduated from

basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, SanAntonio, Texas.

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

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

Burdette is the son of Holly and David Ellis of Ashtabula.He is a 2011 graduate of Lakeside High School, Ashtabula.

Military News

Bring your mom, sister, daughter or friend, and help us celebrate the special bond that women share – while learning how to

stay heart healthy. And don’t forget to wear red!

Heart Heart

ACMC’s Women’s Heart Health Awareness

Luncheon & Fashion Show

7th Annual

to

Exhibitors include: • ACMC Cardiac Services • ACMC Diagnostic Imaging • ACMC Foundation • ACMC Gift Shop • ACMC Premiere Fitness • American Heart Association • A Touch of Glass • Bead Traders • Beauti-Control Cosmetics • Bonnie’s Baskets & Wreaths • Bridge Street Boutique • Celestial Designs • Christopher & Banks • Cookie Lee Jewelry • Crystal’s Cakes and More • Desserts by Marie • EB Brown & Company • Elaine’s Felted Treasures • Fashion Bug • JC Penney • Lia Sophia • Marcy’s Originals • Michi Purses • PartyLite Candles • Sandpiper Gallery • Scentsy • Storybook Acres • Scarves by Madelon • Uppercase Living • Walmart • Walmart Vision • Zonta • And more!

Schedule10:30 a.m.-Noon Shopping, exhibits

and mingling

Noon Lunch, table prizes

and fashion show

12:30 - 1 p.m. Speaker: Cleveland

Clinic Cardiologist

Perry Fleisher, MD

1 to 1:30 p.m. Door prize drawings

TicketsTickets are $15 each or two for $25. Please RSVP

and prepay by Feb. 3 by calling (440) 997-6555.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012Mount Carmel Community Center • 1200 E. 21st St. • Ashtabula, OH 44004

WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2012 GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 3ACOMMUNITY

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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) 576-2778Email: [email protected]

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Publisher ................................... John LampsonPresident ............................ Jeffrey J. LampsonGeneral Manager .................... William Creed

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LETTERS POLICYWe encourage letters to the editor on topics of interest to ourgeneral readership. Although letters should be of sufficientlength to express your idea, please limit them to 400 words orless. Letters should include your name, address, telephonenumber and hand written signature. We reserve the right toedit all letters for style, clarity and libelous content.

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ROCK CREEK - TheRock Creek CommunityChurch sent out a thank youto everyone who helped withits food pantry in 2011, es-pecially during the holidayseason.

“[We would like to] thankyou for your food donationsat the food pantry at the RockCreek Community Church,”Loretta Panzarrella said.

The food pantry saidmany community members,including those from Roam-ing Shores, Rock Creek El-ementary School and theRock Creek CommunityCenter, made contributionsto the food pantry.

“It was very nice of allwho donated to think of ourpantry,” Panzarrella said.

Panzarrella said eachyear the community’s dona-

PHOTOS BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROMEJefferson Area Junior High choir members going to District V Honor’s Choir are, front, Madyson Slawson, MeghanYazwinski, Kylee Nuber and Skylar Penrose; and, back, Cody Lowe, Patrick Potter and Andrew Banks. Missing areSamantha Mulliken and Reba Brandt.

JAHS choir members going to District V Honor’s Choir are, front, Rebecca Banks, Valerie Price, Mallory Severa,Shelby Potter, Mikayla McMinn. and Audra Franley; and, back, Nick LaGrange, Zack Miller, Brad Weisbarth, PatrickMartin and Justin Brown. Missing are Brittney Teter, Abby Kovacs and Clayton Ketola.

BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROMEGazette Newspapers

JEFFERSON - This Friday, agroup of 21 talented Jefferson AreaJunior/Senior High School studentswill be heading to Youngstown to takepart in the District V Honor’s Choir.This two-day event is open to allschools in Ashtabula, Trumbull andMahoning counties.

Kelli Olesky, the high school chair-person for the district and Jefferson’schoir director, has a long-term goalof making this a true honor.

“The point is to expose the kids toother directors and enrich their choirexperience,” she explained.

The students from each school willcome together to rehearse Friday withthe director at Youngstown State Uni-versity. Then Saturday they will per-form a free concert at Stambaugh Au-ditorium at 1:15 p.m.

“The concert is free and open to thepublic,” Olesky said.

The JAHS students attending areRebecca Banks, Brittney Teter,Patrick Martin, Abby Kovacs, MallorySevera, Brianne Bodisch, Valerie

Price, Audra Franley, Shelby Potter,Clayton Ketola, Justin Brown, NickLaGrange, Zack Miller, BradWeisbarth and Mikayla McMinn.

“The kids are really enjoying it,”said Olesky.

Each school chooses the studentsin their own way, so Olesky made herchoir members go through a difficultaudition process. She wanted tomake sure the ones chosen were trulythe best.

“I taught the music ahead of timeand then each student had to sing anypart of the three pieces. Without anyhelp from me, they had to hold theirpart while I played the other three,”she said.

A graduate of YSU, Olesky wantsto be sure her students going to theDistrict V Honor’s Choir are pre-pared.

She explained, “I wanted to makesure they knew the music. This year’sdirector is Dr. Steve Ausman. I had15 of my undergrad classes with himand I respect him too much to sendmy kids there unprepared.”

Each student had to pay a $13 en-try fee, which Olesky says goes into

an Honor’s Choir fund. It is used topay the director, the accompanist,purchase programs, provide lunch forthe directors on Saturday and to rentStanbaugh. YSU doesn’t charge forthe rehearsal space.

The choir will be performing twofull choir pieces with “Kyrie” and“Praise His Holy Name.” Then awomen’s choir will perform “People ofthe Willows” and a men’s choir willperform “Bashanghaba’ah.”

Olesky is also taking nine juniorhigh students who will be perform-ing under the direction of JackWagner: Meghan Yzawinski, KyleeNuber, Skylar Penrose, SamanthaMulliken, Reba Brant, MadysonSlawson, Andre Banks, Patrick Pot-ter and Cody Lowe.

The accompanist for the Honor’schoir has local ties to Jefferson. Heis a JAHS graduate and son of RockCreek Elementary principal LarryMeloro. Neil Meloro is accompany-ing the choir.

This will be Olesky’s fourth trip toHonor’s choir, although the JAHSchoirs have been attending for manyyears.

Rock Creek Food Pantry offers a word of thankstions continue to grow.

“The program has grownso much in the last fewyears,” Panzarrella said.

The Rock Creek Commu-nity Church started the pan-try originally as in houseproject but could only keepit going with the aid of theircommunity.

“This year we helped 25needy families in the RockCreek area,” Panzarrellasaid. “It is a program that wehave worked on for manyyears and was started withonly the church helping thefamilies.”

At the elementary school,students were encouraged tobring in non-perishableitems.

“Rock Creek Elementaryfourth-grade students col-lect, sort and pack all non-perishable food donated bystudents’ families, staff andother community members,”

Panzarrella said.The school also held

penny wars between theclasses to raise money forthe pantry.

“All classes participate inwhat we call a ‘penny war,’”Panzarrella said. “Themoney is collected and usedto purchase $25 gift certifi-cates to be given to the fami-lies.”

This past Christmas ev-ery child received a toy.

“Toys for Tots contributestoys for each child on thelist,” Panzarrella said.

The church itself, ofcourse, also gives its helpinghand as well.

“Our church provides theham and perishables, milk,bread, butter, eggs, etc.,”Panzarrella said.

The Rock Creek Commu-nity Center also aided in thefood pantry’s efforts and cre-ated many special holiday

memories for the families.“The Rock Creek Commu-

nity Center donates foodplus a community dinner.Santa pays a visit and theyhave a wonderful time,”Panzarrella said.

The Rock Creek FoodPantry is overwhelmed bythe community’s supportand can only give out itsmost heartfelt gratitude inreturn as it looks forward toanother year of helpingthose in need.

“With the whole commu-nity joining together, wehelped others to have a bet-ter holiday,” Panzarrellasaid. “Again thank you foryour donations and we lookforward to working with youin the future.”

Sadie Portman, reporterfor the Gazette, may bereached at [email protected].

JAHS Honor’s Choirto perform at YSU

BY SUE LUTZGazette Newspapers

ROCK CREEK – RockCreek Council reluctantlyrejected bids recently to sella 60-acre parcel of land thatwas originally purchased tobuild an industrial park.

Council President PamForristal said it “literallysickened” her to give up the$140,000 offer, but said afterpaying real estate and trans-fer fees, and settling the loan,the sale simply would nothave been beneficial to thevillage.

“The village is really indire need of the money, so itwas really difficult to turndown the offer, especiallywhen we’re making $400 permonth payments,” she said.

The conundrum is thatwhile the village could cer-tainly benefit from the salein the short term, leasing itcould have significant long-term benefits.

Forristal said with all ofthe recent activity in the oiland gas industry, there is agreat deal of potential incomethat could be generated. Butfor the past five years, theproperty has sat vacant.

The land, located onForman Road and RailroadStreet, was purchased for$32,365 in 2007 with the spe-cific goal of attracting busi-nesses to the village andstrengthening the tax base,according to Village MayorBeverly Martin.

Martin and Forristal bothsaid the idea may have beena noble one, but the realityis Rock Creek Village is in-capable of developing theland.

“The streets will not ac-commodate the heavy trafficthat an industrial park wouldbring,” Forristal said. “Andour infrastructure – waters,sewers, etc. – just wouldn’tsupport it either.”

In addition to the lack ofmoney, another issue is theability to attract businessesto Rock Creek when otherindustrial parks that aremore conveniently located arestill vacant.

Martin and Forristal bothsaid purchasing the propertyinitially “wasn’t a mistake,”but said perhaps the timing

just wasn’t right.Forristal said current de-

mographics make economicdevelopment a real challenge.

“We have so many peoplewho are living on a fixed in-come; we were hoping the newschool might help that—en-courage younger people tomove into the village,” shesaid. “But it’s hard to attractnew business to the villagewhen there are so few youngpeople who would frequentthem.”

In addition to the high bid,a second offer of $98,000 wasalso submitted. After an-nouncing the bids, SolicitorDavid McCombs said councilhad three options. They couldact and accept a resolution toaccept the high bid, it could“do nothing” during theevening’s meeting, or it couldreject the offers.

Council entered into ex-ecutive session for about 25minutes to discuss the mat-ter, before announcing that allbids were rejected.

Council members ulti-mately hope that someonewill either submit a bid topurchase the property thatthey can’t refuse, or make areasonable offer to lease themineral rights. The latterwould provide income for thevillage while simultaneouslyallowing it to retain the prop-erty into perpetuity.

A second parcel of land wasalso up for bids, but no offerswere submitted for the three-acre lot. Council memberssaid they planned to put bothplots of land up for anotherround of bidding. Details,however, were not discussedduring the meeting.

Regarding other business,Martin said administratorsare currently reviewing thetax list “to see who isn’t pay-ing the village.” The plan isto send letters to landlords inorder to request the names oftheir tenants. Council canthen track down which resi-dents have paid their 1-per-cent local income taxes andwhich have not.

“The letters will explainhow much it costs to upkeepthe roads, etc.,” Martin said.“We’re also open for sugges-tions to help writing the let-ter in order to make it moreinformative.”

Rock CreekCouncil

rejects bids



ASHTABULA - At lastTuesday night’s AshtabulaCity Council meeting, somecitizens found themselveslocked out.

Nik Tressler, a city resi-dent, was hoping to addresscouncil at Tuesday’s meetingbut was greeted with thelocked doors of the city hall.The doors automatically lockafter a certain hour whenthere is no meeting that night.

“On behalf of City Coun-cil and the Administration,our sincere apologies thatyou were not able to attend[Tuesday] night’s Councilmeeting,” Clerk of CouncilLaVette Hennigan re-

YouBy Megan Hussing, 12th grade

You mean the whole world to mecan you seewe fit perfectly,like a lock and a keyI love you so muchevery time we touchI know that you are the onebecause we are always laughing and having funWhen I am with youI know it will always be just us twoI love the little things we do,just me and youlike holding hands when we walkstaying up late, just to talkI know we will always be togetherAs long as our love lasts forever

Music, the Song of LifeBy Vanessa Burlingame, 12th grade

Authors composing by day and by night,from the string of the piano,the stroke of the guitar,to the beat of the drums,melodies of music ring throughout my eardrums.Numbers of fast,numbers of slow,however that beat should flow,my feet will surely follow.

Who Writes Poems, Anyway?By Doug (DJ) Schreckengo, 11th grade

You told me to write a poem,so I figured I’d give it a try.I’m not really great with words,so here’s some proof as to why.

This took me quite some time;it bothered me to not sleep at night.I’m trying to channel my inner free spirit.See? That was dumb, it didn’t sound right.

It’s almost second periodbut my brain is forever in first gear.I hope you know I’m not a thinker.I’m pretty sure I proved that here.

I really am not good with words.Not trying to be pessimisticbut, come on, who writes poems, anyway?Let’s get realistic.

Children’s ChristmasBy Erin Wright, 11th grade

The snow falls like a whisperBoys and girls run to bed like a twisterThe only noise is the tick tock of the clocksWhile their parents hang up their socks

The wind’s winter chillLeaves frost on the windowsillThe reindeer stomp their hoovesOn top of the snow-covered roof

All over the world children dreamThen wake up with a joyful screamAnd they hope in their soulsThey do not find lumps of coal.

My Best FriendBy Jenica Kidd, 11th grade

A best friend is what you call someonewho you know you can trust.They know your faults, all your flaws,and love you no matter what.

My best friend is the mostamazing person on the whole earth.There’s not a single word that couldever explain what this person is worth.

The simple laughs and love we shareis what keeps me sane.I love this person with all my heart,more than I could ever explain.

She knows the ways to make me laugh,smile, or make me calm.And my best friend, this person I treasure,is the woman I call my mom.

PHOTO BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROMECreative Communications Poetry Contest winners from Jefferson Area High School are, seated, Megan Hussingand Vanessa Burlingame; and, standing, Jenica Kidd, Erin Wright, David Hargesheimer and Ally Heinz. Missing areDJ Schreckengo and Brittany Battarello.

JAHS students have the ‘write’ stuff


JEFFERSON - If today’sfamous writers wereyesterday’s students, thentoday’s students may betomorrow’s famous writers.

Jefferson Area HighSchool English teacherKaren Klein has helped herstudents take the first stepby entering them in a po-etry contest through Cre-ative Communication.

What started as an as-signment for her 11th- and12th-grade English classesturned into an award-win-ning event for eight JAHSstudents. VanessaBurlingame, BrittanyGattarello, DavidHargesheimer, Ally Heinz,Megan Hussing, JenicaKidd, DJ Schreckengo, and

Erin Wright will all be pub-lished in the anthology “ACelebration of Poets.”

Gattarello is a twice-published author as herpoem last year about theautumn season also wonthe contest. This year ’spoem was entitled “Sum-mer Love.”

“I like writing poetry,but I was surprised I wonagain,” she said.

Heinz, whose poem iscalled “Rae-Ann,” is alsohaving her second poempublished. She wrote onelast year in Alex Anderson’s10th-grade English class.

Hargeshiemer, a senior,wrote his poem about wres-tling.

“It was about how thiswrestler is sitting at homewhile his friends are hav-ing fun. He can’t eat be-cause he has to maintain

his weight. It’s called ‘theCage.’ I didn’t think itwould win,” Hargeshiemerexplained.

Kidd, Heinz, Wright andSchreckengo are all juniorsand this was their first po-etry contest. Kidd says shereally enjoys writing.

“I tried to pick a subjectthat I knew a lot about andwrote about my best friend,my mom,” she said.

Kidd’s poem is called“My Best Friend.”

“Who Writes Poems Any-way?” is the title ofSchreckengo’s poem.

He said, “I enjoy writing,but find it ironic that I won.I wrote a poem about writ-ing poems! Still, this is areal confidence booster.”

Wright was also sur-prised that her poem“Children’s Christmas”won.

“I actually laughed whenI heard,” she said.

Burlingame andHussing are both seniors.Their poems were titled“Music, the Song of Live”and “You.” Hussing won apoetry contest in sixthgrade, too, but this was stilla surprise to her.

“I was not expectingthis,” she said.

Burlingame is very ex-cited about winning.

Rae-AnnBy Ally Heinz, 11th grade

Every morning before dawnI awake and see your face,I pray to God that you are happy nowthat all the pain is gone.

I remember the way you smiled,with tears rolling down your faceas you told me the news that killed metore perfect my life to shreds.

The cancer stole your warm smile,took away your strengthbut never once did it takethe light shining from your soul.

I talk to you every nightand tell you all about my day.I pretend that you are here againand I close my eyes and see your sweet face

It hurts so much to think of youbut hurts more to try to forget.You are a part of who I amand I will never forget.

So, good night, Aunt Rae, I love you still.

Summer LoveBy Brittany Gattarello, 12th grade

Those warm summer nightswith no end in sight,on the soft sandy beachfor my hand you reach.Walking under the bright shinning stars,Oh, I fee like I could fly to mars.The gentle waves beneath the pierplay the love song in our ear.Smiling at me you ask for a dance,twirling up a real romance.When I look into your eyes,I get those crazy little butterflies.Being here so close togetherI hope this feeling lasts forever.

She said, “ I didn’t thinkI was going to win. I did itfor fun and didn’t enter towin. Mrs. Klein gave methe inspiration of writingabout music.”

JAHS will be honored inthe anthology “A Celebra-tion of Poets” as receivinga “Poetic AchievementAward,” an honor given tothe top 10 percent of theschools who entered thecontest. The schools arechosen based on the num-ber and quality of the en-tries accepted.

Because more than fiveJAHS students will be pub-lished, Creative Communi-cation is giving Klein a freecopy of the anthology.

“Only the best poems areselected to be included inour anthology. This is nota contest where every entryis invited to be published,”company officials said in aletter to Klein.

Klein’s students havebeen participating in thesame poetry contest foreight years.

“During this time, threestudents won the secondphase of the contest—eachreceiving a $50 bond andeach poem was printed atthe front of the anthology,which our school libraryhouses,” she said.

Ashtabula experiences an accidentallockout at Tuesday night’s meeting

sponded to Tressler when heshared his experience.

Since the meetings areregularly scheduled on Mon-days, it appears the holidayschedule was misinter-preted.

“Council meets the firstand third Monday of themonth. If a holiday falls onthose Mondays, council meetson Tuesday,” Hennigan said ina letter to Suite 224, the com-pany that coordinates thelocking system.

During city councilnights, the doors are nor-mally locked after the meet-ing is complete. When thereis not a city council meetingscheduled, the doors auto-matically lock at an earliertime.

Tressler said he will notbe able to attend a meetinguntil after May of the thisyear.

Tressler wrote an e-mailto the city and gave his re-marks for the city to read inhis absence.

Although Tressler wasunable to attend the citycouncil meeting, he wrote hisletter with a sense of humorand understanding, as thisis not the first time technol-ogy has failed.

“On the bright side, thelockout enabled me to listento one of the programs I rec-ommend. [Tuesday] night’s‘Civic Commons’ was a dis-cussion about creating jobsin a depressed town,”Tressler said.

Suite 224 officials werevery apologetic and asked foran updated holiday calendarfrom the city so they cancheck the schedule with theschedule they currently haveprogramed.

“Many apologies as wemay have programed thedoors incorrectly for the cur-rent year,” Ryan M. Moisio,network administrator andwebmaster for Suite 224,said in an email to the city.“If you could send me an up-dated schedule on councilmeetings that will not con-vene on the regularly sched-uled days, I can check itagainst the current pro-gramming.”

City officials said thelockout was an error and

they are communicatingwith Suite 224 to get it cor-rected as soon as possible.

“We welcome visitors andwould not intentionally causea lock out,” Hennigan said.

Suite 224 and the City ofAshtabula are currently col-laborating to see whatcaused the early lockout andhow to prevent one in thefuture.

“As you see, I’m workingon getting it corrected,”Hennigan said. “Somethingtells me the windstorm wehad last night might haveplayed a part.”


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WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2012 GAZETTE NEWSPAPERS • 5A

PHOTO BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROMEJefferson Area High School student council memberTayler Johnston puts up flyers for the upcoming“Pennies for Patients” service project.


JEFFERSON -Jefferson Area HighSchool student councilhas announced its serviceproject for February.

They will be collectingloose change for “Penniesfor Patients.”

According to councilvice president JackiePiscsalko, this drive willcollect money for TheLeukemia and Lym-phoma Society startingFeb. 1 and runningthrough Feb. 14.

Piscalko explained,“Their mission is to cureleukemia, lymphoma,Hodgkin’s disease and

Pennies for PatientsPennies for Patients

myelomoa and improvethe quality of life for pa-tients and their families.Last year we donated$1,302.65.”

Special collection boxeswill be put in participatingclassrooms, and the ninth-period classes, the lastclass period of the day, willbe collecting the dona-tions. The winning classwill have a reward party atthe end of February.

Council member TaylerJohnston hopes to makethis year better than last.

“I really want to makea difference,” she said.

The junior high stu-dent council will also behaving a “Pennies for Pa-tients” drive at the sametime as the high school.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ashtabula Township FireInspector Bernato retires

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, Fire Inspector/FireFighter Frank Bernato retired with 36 years of service(1975-2012) from Ashtabula Township. The Board of Trust-ees and fiscal officer recognized him with a plaque for hisyears of service to the township.

Fire Chief Mike Fitchet also recognized him with aplaque from the fire department.

Mr. Bernato was a loyal, dedicated and good-hearted

employee who was well thought of by all officials and em-ployees. He will be long remembered as a township em-ployee.

In this photo taken at the C.D. Ray Community Room,2718 North Ridge Road East, in Ashtabula Township arethe following officials, left to right: Joseph J. Pete, trustee,Stephen J. McClure, trustee, Bambi Paulchel, trustee, andRobert Dille, fiscal officer.


GENEVA - The firstGeneva Area City SchoolDistrict Board of Educationmeeting of the year 2012 sawfamiliar faces but in differ-ent positions, with FordBehm now acting as presi-dent.

Superintendent MaryZappitelli took time to honorEd Brashear for his work aspresident and to welcomeBehm into his new position.

Zappitelli also recognizedeach school board memberfor the numerous hours theyspend working to make thedistrict a better place forstaff and students.

“January is Ohio SchoolBoard Month, and we arerecognizing our board mem-bers,” Zappitelli said.

Zappitelli said public

schools across the state arerecognized throughout themonth and a poster statingschool board make a differ-ence was hung duringWednesday night’s schoolboard meeting.

“We are joining withother schools across thestate to recognize the contri-butions our school boardmembers make,” Zappitellisaid.

Zappitelli is proud of herschool board and said theyhave all done their part inmaking GACS a successfuldistrict.

“They contribute theirtime and their talents to-wards the advancement ofpublic education,” Zappitellisaid.

Zappittelli said the schoolboard bridges a gap betweenthe schools and the commu-nity.

“They represent a contin-ued commitment to the localcitizen control and decisionmaking that is all a part ofpublic education,” Zappitellisaid.

Zappitelli said eventhough January makes aspecial effort in honoring theschool board’s contributions,they deserve recognition allthroughout the year as it isa year-long commitment.

“Even though we’re mak-ing a special effort in themonth of January, I think weall realize that being a schoolboard member is a year-longcommitment on your part,”Zappitelli said.

Zappitelli sees the schoolboard’s work first hand andsaid she is proud to workwith the GACS school board.

“Tonight it is my pleasureto recognize our school boardmembers for their service

and to thank them,”Zappitelli said.

Every school board mem-ber has a proven record, withBehm serving 12 years onthe board, Brashear, fouryears, David Foote, sixyears, Richard Trice, sevenyears and Jessica Wilt, two,starting on three, years ofservice.

Each school board mem-ber was honored with aframed certificate for theirdedication to GACS.

“I am truly blessed withsuch a special group ofpeople who are willing todebate, listen. They careabout the kids. They careabout this district and itsstaff,” Zappitelli said.


School board members honoredduring the month of January


JEFFERSON - EveryJanuary, the Ohio SchoolBoard Association andschool districts across Ohiocelebrate the work ofschool boards with theSchool Board RecognitionMonth.

This month is meant tohonor the board of educa-tion members for the workthey do for the students intheir schools, and the vitalcontributions they make inthe education of the stu-dents.

Jefferson Area LocalSchools officials observedthe School Board Recogni-tion Month during theboard of education meetingon Tuesday, Jan. 17.

JALS SuperintendentDoug Hladek passed outcertificates to all of theschool board members inhonor of everything they’vedone for the community.He also spoke briefly ofsome of the contributionseach of the members havemade.

Serving on the schoolboard are PresidentPatricia Hoyson, VicePresident Patricia Inman,Larry Divine, MarianneSowry and newest memberRon Watson.

“Thank you for all youdo for the Jefferson com-munity and the kids of ourdistrict,” Hladek said.

In other matters, theschool board also desig-nated who would serve thefollowing appointments:

• Legislative Liaison:Hoyson.


DORSET TOWNSHIP -A Dorset Township womanaccused of hiring a hit manhas been indicted on twocounts of conspiracy to com-mit aggravated murder, ac-cording to the AshtabulaCounty Prosecutor’s Office.

Angel Brown, 34, of the3400 block of Mells Road inDorset Township, has beenaccused of orchestrating amurder-for-hire plot. She al-legedly hired a hit man tokill the ex-wife of her latehusband after fearing shewould lose insurance moneyif the ex-wife tried to claima share of his estate and thedeath benefit on his insur-ance policy, according toAshtabula County Sheriff ’sDepartment officials.

Brown’s husband died inNovember in a car crash af-ter striking a runawayhorse.

The alleged scheme

Dorset womanindicted on

conspiracy chargesdidn’t come to pass, how-ever, as the would-be hitman informed the Sheriff ’sDepartment of the plot onWednesday, Jan. 11, andtold the sheriff Brown hadgiven him $4,000 to murderthe first wife, according toSheriff ’s Department offi-cials. Brown was arrestedshortly after sheriff depu-ties learned of and investi-gated into the plot.

Brown was directly in-dicted last week on thecharges, bypassing a pre-liminary hearing scheduledfor Thursday morning, Jan.19, before Eastern CountyCourt Judge Robert Wynn.Bond was continued at$100,000, cash, with the 10-percent rule or surety, ac-cording to court records.

She remains in jail inlieu of bond.


PHOTO BY STEFANIE WESSELLJefferson Area Local Schools officials observed the School Board Recognition Monthduring the board of education meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Superintendent DougHladek passed out certificates and a sweet treat to all of the board members, includingMarianne Sowry and Vice President Patricia Inman, pictured here.

Superintendent observesSchool Board Recognition Month

• Athletic Council :Watson.

• Buildings andGrounds: Divine andWatson.

• Negotiations:Jefferson Area Teachers’Association, Inman andSowry, with Hoyson as analternate; Ohio Associa-tion of Public School Em-ployees, Divine andWatson, with Hoyson as analternate.

• Policy: Divine andSowry.

• Ohio School Facilities

Commission Core Commit-tee: Sowry and Inman.

• OSBA Delegate:Hoyson, with Sowry as analternate.

• Finance: Hoyson andInman.

• Student AchievementLiaison: Inman.

• OAPSE Labor Man-agement Representative:Watson, with Divine as analternate.

• JATA Labor Manage-ment Representative:Hoyson, with Sowry as an

alternate.

Stefanie Wessell, senioreditor for Gazette Newspa-pers, may be reached [email protected]

Auditor discoversproblems with tax bills

My staff discovered a problem with the County’s 2011value abstract that was prepared by the software companyTyler Technologies. I contracted with this company to pre-pare our value abstract because they are the vendor andsupport for our real estate software. The company is anapproved (by the State Tax Commissioner) vendor and hasa number of other counties as clients.

I was informed by my staff on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012,that there might be a significant problem with the valuesof some parcels that were adjusted in the preparation ofthis year’s abstract of values. This (2011) is the Triennialadjustment year for the county. Property values are ad-justed based on the basis of recent sales. The problem wasimmediately investigated and on Friday, Jan. 13, I askedthe treasurer, Dawn Cragon, to delay sending the tax bills.

The problem was significant enough to request moretime to review the problem. The Treasurer and I requestedan extension of the due date for tax bills. The State TaxCommissioner approved the extension to Feb. 29, 2012. Wehave corrected the parcels that were incorrect and we ex-pect the bills will be processed and mailed within the lastfew days of January.

In addition, I expect that the bills will be available onthe Auditor’s or Treasurer’s web sites within the next coupledays. You may also view and print your bill right from theseweb sites.

Roger A. Corlett, CPAAshtabula County Auditor

January 23, 2012

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MORGAN TOWNSHIP– Morgan Township Boardof Trustees recently autho-rized several changes to itszoning-permit process in aneffort to streamline the pro-cess while preventing dis-ruptions to staff.

Trustees unanimouslyapproved a motion to estab-lish set hours to obtain zon-ing permits. Effective im-mediately, applicants mustpick up their zoning per-mits on either Tuesdays orThursdays between 3 and3:30 p.m. For residents whocannot arrange pickupsduring those times, theymay also call ahead to re-quest alternative appoint-ments.

“Hopefully the newschedule will work for thepublic,” Trustee RodTruckey said.

Morgan Township trustees authorizezoning-permit process changes

Truckey, who heads theroads and bridges depart-ment, also reported thatthe “No Unauthorized Ad-mittance” sign above thetownship’s maintenancegarage was removed. Sev-eral weeks ago residents re-quested that the sign be re-moved because it made con-ducting business at the ga-rage difficult, especiallyduring inclement weatherwhen they had to wait out-side.

In addition to removingthe sign, Truckey also re-ported that while residentsare now permitted insidethe building during theposted hours, they muststay within the area that isdesignated by painted lineson the floor.

To apply for zoning per-mits, residents must firstcall the township garage toschedule an appointmentand pick up an application

packet. After the applica-tion and all required docu-ments have been reviewedand authorized, applicantsmust then call a secondtime to schedule an ap-pointment time for pickup.

In other news, PresidentBrett Bellas reported thatRedstone Schoolhouse hasbeen working closely withits alarm company to evalu-ate the “false alarm” callsthat it was having with itssystem. They were also inthe process of completingfire inspections of thebuilding.

During the Jan. 4 meet-ing, Morgan Hose Volun-teer Fire Department As-sistant Fire Chief ShaunBuehner had requestedthat the Board consideradopting a fee for residentsand businesses that havemore than three falsealarms calls within a 12-month period.

Bellas said he waspleased that the school/daycare facility had takenaction, and as a result theBoard would no longer con-sider pursuing the adoptionof a “false alarm” responsefee.

Truckey announced oneof the township’s 2012goals is to “ditch as manyroads as possible from startto finish.” And unlike pre-vious years, Truckey prom-ised attendees that hewould work in unison withstaff to make sure every-thing gets completed cor-rectly and with the end re-sult being nicer lookingroads.

“All the dirt on thebanks is going to be takencare of…. and we’ll also bekeeping up with mowingalongside the roads,” hesaid. “That’s one of themain reasons why I ran [fortrustee] and why I’m here.”


JEFFERSON - A RockCreek Elementary Schoolfifth grader hit the bullseyewhen she won the JeffersonArea Local School DistrictSpelling Bee last Thursday,Jan. 19.

Katie Brand correctlyspelled the word “target,”out-spelling her competitorson her road to the AshtabulaCounty Spelling Bee.

Katie faced off againsttwo other competitors at thedistrict spelling bee: fourth-grader Alyssa Thrasher, thewinner from Jefferson El-ementary School, and sev-enth-grader SamanthaKingston, the winner atJefferson Area Junior HighSchool.

Each of the girls had ad-vanced to the spelling bee bywinning in their individualclassrooms and schools.Samantha had even de-feated her sister, eighth-grader Leah Kingston, toadvance to the district level.

“You’re all winners, youknow that, right?” JeffersonElementary School PrincipalTodd Tulino said before thecompetition.

A small crowd gathered atthe elementary school li-brary to watch the girls com-pete, including their fami-lies, Rock Creek ElementarySchool Principal LarryMeloro, Jefferson JuniorHigh School Principal RickHoyson, Tulino and JALSBoard of Education VicePresident Pat Inman.

Serving as moderator wasBill Mullane of theAshtabula County Educa-tional Service Center.

Mullane kicked off thespelling bee by asking Katie

Rock Creek f ifth grader hits the ‘target’ at district spelling beeto spell “sweet,” and the girlsspelled the words withoutany errors until the 15thround, when Alyssa waseliminated after misspellingthe word “format.”

Samantha and Katie bothmisspelled a word in the16th round, leaving themboth still in the spelling beesince it was the same word.In the 21st round, however,Samantha misspelled“mimic.”

Katie then correctlyspelled the word, but shealso had to correctly spell“target” to be named the dis-trict champion, which shedid.

“You represented each ofyour three schools verywell,” Tulino said after thespelling bee.

All three girls received anew dictionary and a trophyfor their accomplishment.

Katie is the daughter ofJason and Jennifer Brand.She already has some priorexperience in spelling bees,as she also was the winnerfrom Rock Creek Elemen-tary last year, although shedidn’t win the district bee.

Next Katie will competein the Ashtabula CountySpelling Bee, which will beheld at 6 p.m. Wednesday,Feb. 8, at the AshtabulaCounty Educational ServiceCenter, now located at 4200State Rd. in AshtabulaTownship.

“I’m going to study veryhard,” Katie said.

Katie said she likes spell-ing, and she practices byhaving her mom spell thewords out loud to her, so shecan hear them.


RIGHT: Jefferson Area Junior High School seventh-grader Samantha Kingston placed second in the

district spelling bee, while Jefferson Elementary Schoolfourth-grader Alyssa Thrasher placed third.

PHOTOS BY STEFANIE WESSELLRock Creek Elementary School fifth-grader Katie Brandis the winner of the Jefferson Area Local Schools’ districtspelling bee.

As winners from their individual schools, Rock Creek Elementary School fifth-grader Katie Brand, Jefferson AreaJunior High School seventh-grader Samantha Kingston and Jefferson Elementary School fourth-grader AlyssaThrasher all competed in the district spelling bee last week.

PHOTO BY STEFANIE WESSELLA Village of Jefferson worker clears the sidewalks free of snow and pours down salt during a snowfall onThursday, Jan. 19.

Wintry mixGeneva seeksindividuals interestedin commission seat

GENEVA - The City of Geneva is seeking individu-als interested in filling the recently vacated Plan-ning Commission seat.

A background in either planning or the construc-tion trades is very helpful, but not a requirement.The Planning Commission typically meets monthlythe first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at CityHall.

Anyone interested can download an application offof the City’s website at www.genevaohio.com, or youcan stop by the administrative office and pick oneup. The deadline for receiving completed applicationsis due back on Feb. 7.

There will be an interview process to decide thefinal Commission member.

Typical Planning Commission responsibilities in-clude preparing the official zoning map and masterplan for the municipality; approve subdivision plat-ting with reference to zoning restrictions and publicutilities; recommend to Council amendments to thezoning plan and ordinance; report to council, at leastannually on the physical needs of the municipality;cooperate with the Regional Planning Commissionand the Planning Commissions of adjacent munici-palities

Any questions please contact the Zoning Admin-istrator Jennifer Brown at (440) 466-4675.

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ASSEMBLY OF GOD

First Assembly of God2300 Austinburg Rd., 275-7720Pastors Don and Debra Hammer9:30 Sunday School10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship

Faith Community A/G Church5835 Route 166, Rock Creek,474-1851Sen Pastor: Rev. Brian L. Wright Sr.9:30 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. SundayServices

New Life Assembly of God1961 La Fever Rd., GenevaPastor Harry Pishcura, 466-609310 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday Services

BAPTIST

Central Missionary Baptist Church930 Clay Road, Dorset, 858-2460The Rev. Dave Chappell, Pastor10 a.m. Sun School11:30 a.m. Worship

KIngsville First Baptist Church (Am.)6003 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville224-1081The Rev. David Hines9:30 Sunday School10:45 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Worship

First Baptist Church (American)4353 Park Ave., Ashtabula, 992-9836Rev. Doug Wright9:30 a.m. Sunday School10:45 a.m. Worship

First Baptist Church of Jefferson85 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson576-1631Rev. Jerry Bentley, Pastor9:30 a.m. Sunday School10:45 a.m. Sunday Worship

First Baptist Church of Dorset2471 Route 193 N., Dorset858-9623Ed Pickard, Pastor10 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Worship Service

Fundamental Baptist Church (Ind.)2219 Allen-Comp Rd., Dorset858-2609Pastor Michael Allen11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship Services

Geneva Baptist Church - SBC903 West Main St., 466-1481Pastor Richard L. Thompson9:45 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship Services

Lighthouse Baptist Church2929 Carpenter Rd., 964-0222Senior Pastor John Jones10, 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Worship

People’s Baptist Church3837 West Ave., Ashtabula992-9582Rev. Louis F. Grandberry11:00 Morning Service

The United Church75 South Broadway, Geneva 466-2824Pastor Bob Cunningham11:00 a.m. Worship

BIBLE

Bethel Bible Church877 E. Beech, Jefferson, 576-5949Pasot Joseph LaingSundays at Jefferson Comm. Center,11 E. Jefferson Street9 a.m. Bible School, 10 a.m. Worship

Eagleville Bible Church1981 Rt. 45 North, Rock Creek563-3407 www.eaglevilleonline.comPastors Bill McMinn, Chris Christianand Josh Wood8:30; 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship

Fellowship Bible Church EVCA417 West 46th, Ashtabula, 992-2500Pastor Ed Christian,Pastor Duke DiPofi9:15 Sunday School10:30 a.m. Morning Worship

First Grace Gospel Church5730 Adams Ave., Ashtabula997-8191David Adams, pastor9:30 a.m. Sun. School, InformalService10:45 a.m. Bible Hour7 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Time

CATHOLIC

Assumption Church594 West Main, Geneva, 466-3427Father Melvin Rusnak4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass9 & 11 a.m. Sunday Mass

Sacred Heart Catholic Church3049 St. Rt. 45, Rock Creek, 563-3010Pastor, Rev. David WeikartMass times: 6 p.m. Sat 11 a.m. Sun (Sept. - May) 8 a.m. Sun (June-Aug.) 12 Noon Wed &Fri

Mother of Sorrows1464 W. 6th St., Ashtabula, 964-3277Father Joseph Ruggieri5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass10 am Sun Mass (11:45 am Spanish)8 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday Mass

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church1200 E. 21st St., Ashtabula998-4111Father Joseph Ruggieri5 p.m. Saturday Mass8 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Mass8 a.m. Wednesday Mass

St. Andrews Church3700 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville224-0987Rev. Stephen M. Wassie9 a.m. Sunday Mass

St. Joseph Church32 East Jefferson St., Jefferson576-3651Rev. Stephen M. Wassie8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday MassSat. 4:30 p.m. Mass

St. Joseph Church3330 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 992-0330Father Philip Miller4 p.m. Saturday Mass9 a.m. Sunday Mass8 a.m. Monday & Friday Mass

St. Joseph Mission- Our Lady of Miracles4317 West Ave., Ashtabula997-7121Father Philip Miller10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass

St. Nicholas ByzantineCatholic Church1104 E. 15th St., Ashtabula964-3536Father Andrew Gretchko4:30 p.m. Divine Litergy

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

First Christian Church6920 Austinburg Rd., Ashtabula993-7056Rev. Richard L. Well9 a.m. Contemp Service & SundaySchool10:30 a.m. Traditional Service

CHRISTIAN MISSIONARYALLIANCES

People’s Church300 S. Ridge Rd. E., Geneva466-2020Rev. Jim Walker10:45 a.m. Worship

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Geneva Church of Christ1007 S. Broadway, Geneva, 466-76899:20 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. Worship

Rock Creek Church of Christ2965 High St., Rock Creek 563-95289:30 a.m. Bible Study, all ages10:30 a.m. Cont. Worship &Children’s Church

Church DirectoryWest Avenue Church of Christ5901 West Ave., Ashtabula992-0737Michael D. Williams, Minister9:30 a.m. BIble Class10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Worship

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

AustinburgFirst United Church of ChristRts 45 & 307, Austinburg, 275-5125Rev. Allison Milligan, Pastor,275-1129 (Pastor’s Office)11 a.m. Worship and Sunday Schoolwww.austinburgucc.org

First CongregationalUnited Church of Christ41 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson576-4531Pastor James E. BrehlerSunday Worship at 10 a.m.

Unionville United Church of Christ6870 S. Ridge Rd., 428-2235On Rt. 84 east of County Line Rd.Rev. Robert Cunningham9:30 a.m. Sunday worship

Unionville United Church6970 S. Ridge Rd., Unionville466-2824Pastor Bob Cunningham9:30 a.m. Worship

CHURCH OF GOD

Ashtabula Church of God2244 Harbor Ave., 997-3410Rev. Jay Rock10 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. worship

Church of God in Christ3417 Hiawatha Ave., Ashtabula997-39229:30 a.m. Sunday School11:30 a.m. Ceremony & Worship

Jefferson Church of God2701 St. Rt. 46, Jefferson, 992-6267Rev. Leon J. Alexander10 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship

EPISCOPAL

Christ Episcopal Church65 S. Eagle St., Geneva, 466-370610:30 a.m. Worship

Holy CrossCharismatic Episcopal Church341 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-8089Pastor Nicholas Rizzo10 a.m. Adult BIble Study10:30 a.m. Worship

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church4901 Main Ave., Ashtabula, 992-8100Rev. David Evans, Interim Pastor8 & 10 a.m. Sunday Worship

INDEPENDENT

Ashtabula Baptist Church5909 Sheppard Rd., Ashtabula,228-9423Pastor Dan Evans10:30 a.m. Worship Service

Park Street Christian Church97 Park St., Geneva, 466-46019:30 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. Worship7:30 p.m. Wed Bible Study

Second CongregationalChurch of Christ319 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9640Rev. Peter Pritchard10:00 Sunday School11:00 a.m. Worship

Well of Hope Chapel4254 E. Center St., N. Kingsville593-3159The Rev. Tim Ranyak, pastor10:45 a.m. Sunday Services

JEHOVAH’S WITNESS

East Ashtabula Congregation5614 Poplar Ave., 992-363710 a.m. Public Meeting & Watchtower

LUTHERAN

Bethany Lutheran Church933 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula964-3157Pastor Larry Mackey10:30 a.m. Worship9:15 Sunday School

Beautiful SaviorLutheran Church-LCMS4896 N. Ridge W. Ashtabula466-455410:30 a.m. Worship & Children’s Church

Faith Lutheran Church-ELCA504 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-90879:30 a.m. Sunday School10:45 a.m. Worship

Messiah Lutheran Church - ELCA615 Prospect Rd., Ashtabula992-9392Rev. Dr. Michael Meranda5 p.m. Saturday Holy Communion9 & 11 a.m. Sunday Holy Communion9:45 a.m. Adult Forum11 a.m. Sunday School

St. John’s Lutheran Church - LCMSP.O. Box 500, Geneva, 466-24739:30 a.m. Sun. School & Adult Bible Class10:30 a.m Service

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church89 East Satin St., Jefferson, 576-4671Rev. Fred Grimm8 & 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship9:15 a.m. Sunday School

Zion Lutheran Church - LCMS2310 W. 9th St., Ashtabula, 964-9483Pastor Mark Berg9:15 a.m. Bible Class10:30 a.m. Worship10:45 Children’s Church

METHODIST

Ashtabula First UnitedMethodist Church4506 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, 993-3806Rev. John M. Germaine, Pastor9:30 a.m. Sunday School10 a.m. Sunday Worship(10:45 in winter)

Bulah Calvary United Methodist2070 Route 193 N., Jefferson858-2651Pastor Aletta Burkholder10 a.m. Sunday School11:15 a.m. worship

Dorset United Methodist Church2800 St. Rt. 193, 858-2831Rev. David Miller, Pastor9:30 a.m. Sunday School10:45 a.m. Morning Worship

Gageville United Methodist Church4063 St. Rt. 193, Kingsville, 224-0165Rev. David L. Blood, pastor11 a.m. Worship

Geneva First UnitedMethodist Church89 South Broadway, 466-2817Rev. David & Rev. Suzanne Hill8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Worship9:15 a.m. Sunday School

Harbor United Methodist Church322 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, 964-9240Rev. Sandra Dennis9:30 a.m. Sunday School (all ages)11 a.m.Worship

Jefferson United Methodist125 East Jefferson St., Jefferson576-4561Pastor - Meredith Coleman8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Worship9:40 a.m. Sunday School for all ages

Leon United Methodist Church3599 Stanhope-Kelloggsville Rd, DorsetPastors Jason Hockran & Quincy Wheeler10 a.m. Worship11 a.m. Sunday school

Rock Creek CommunityUnited Methodist Church3210 N. Main, 563-3291Rev. David Miller, Pastor9 a.m. Worship,10:15 a.m. Sunday School

Saybrook United Methodist Church7900 South Depot Rd., Ashtabula969-1562Rev. Jeff Stoll9:15 a.m. Sunday School8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Worship Services

South HarpersfieldUnited Methodist Church5524 Cork-Cold Springs Rd., Geneva466-4778Pastor Shirley A Stoops-Frantz9:30 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Worship

MORMON

Church of Jesus Christof Latter Day Saints571 W. Seven Hills Rd., Ashtabula993-36169:30 a.m. Sacrement10:45 a.m. Sunday School11:30 a.m. Priesthood & Relief Society

NAZARENE

Ashtabula First Church of theNazarene1820 S. Ridge Rd W., Ashtabula992-0246Rev. Michael Legg9-10 a.m. Sunday School10:10 a.m. Morning Services

Edgewood Church of the Nazarene3025 N. Ridge E, Ashtabula, 997-5645Pastor Kevin Ellis9:45 a.m. Sunday School10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship

Geneva Church of the Nazarene710 Centennial, Geneva, 466-47119:30 Sunday School10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship

Jefferson Church of the Nazarene55 E. Satin St., Jefferson, 576-6556Pastor Rodney Kincaid8:30, 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Sunday Worship10 a.m. Sunday School

Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene4841 St. Rt. 84, Kingsville, 224-1136Pastor Jerry Webb10 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. & 7 p.m. Worship

NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH

New Apostolic Church2305 W. 19th St., AshtabulaThe Rev. William McNutt9 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. Worship8 p.m. Wed Worship

NONDENOMINATIONAL

Alive Community Church4527 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, 992-7684Pastor Darren GollonFellowship 9:30 a.m., Service 10 a.m.

Bread of Life MinistriesAshtabula Plaza, 2257 Lake Ave.998-BOLMPastor Karen Bales, 858-948410 a.m. Sunday & 7 p.m Tuesday

Breaking Thru at the Crossroads3277 St. Rt. 167, Jefferson, 293-4421Pastor Enos Ali, Co-Pastor Launa Ali10-11 a.m. Sunday School11-11:25 Sunday Brunch11:30 Sunday Service

Edgewood Alliance Church3137 E. Center St., N. Kingsville224-2111Senior Pastor Gary Russell9 a.m. Sunday School,10 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Worship6 p.m Wed. Bible Study

Int. Gen. Assmbly Of Spiritualists5403 S. Ridge W., Ashtabula 969-1724Classes: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday11 a.m. worship - Guest speakerevery Sun.

Lenox Federated Church2610 Lenox-New Lyme Rd, Jefferson576-9932Pastor: Ken Zaebst9:30 a.m. Sunday School10:45 a.m. Worship & Teaching

The Peoples Church of theChristian and Missionary Alliance300 S Ridge E, Geneva, 466-2020www.peopleschurchgeneva.comPastor Rev. Alexander Zell9:30 a.m. Sunday School10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Worship

Open Door Community Church5802 Cemetery Rd, Kingsville224-2675The Rev. Greg Evans, pastor9:30 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. Worship

Unitarian UniversalistsFellowship of Ashtabula CountyAsh Senior Citizens Center,4632 Main St., Ashtabula, 964-543211 a.m. Service

PENTECOSTAL

Apostolic Faith Body of JesusChrist of the Newborn Assemblies772 Griggs Rd., Ashtabula993-8339Bishop Charles D. Keyes Sr.

Faith Freedom Fellowship205 West Liberty St., Geneva466-8282Pastors Raymond & Edith Baker10 a.m. & 6 p.m. Praise andWorship

Grace Christian Assembly906 Joseph Ave., Ashtabula964-8592Elder Gerome Sing9:45 a.m. Sunday School11:30 a.m. Worship

Pentecostal Community Church5348 Peck Rd., New Lyme576-0384Pastor Scott C. Ardary10 a.m. Sunday School/Worship6 p.m. - 1st & 3rd Sun., EveningService

PRESBYTERIAN

East Side Presbyterian Church3440 Edgewood Dr., Ashtabula993-7546Reverend S. Shane Nanney9 a.m. Sunday School10 a.m. Worship

The First Presbyterian Church4317 Park Ave., Ashtabula993-3731Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Long, Pastor9:30 a.m. Sun. School10:45 a.m. Worship

Kingsville Presbyterian Church3056 W. Main St., Kingsville224-1023Rev. Bonnie Habbersett10 a.m. Worship and SundaySchool

North KingsvillePresbyterian Church6546 Church St., Kingsville224-1491Ken Ayers, CLP, pastor10:30 a.m. Worship

Pierpont Presbyterian Church71 St. Rt. 7 S., Pierpont577-12189:45 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Worship

Rome PresbyterianRoute 45, Rome TownshipMary Jo Foust, Commissioned Lay Pastor11:10 a.m. Worship (May-Sept)

Trinity Presbyterian Church1342 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula993-7111Rev. Arvid Whitmore9:30 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. Worship

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST

Berean Seventh Day Adventist874 Center St., Ashtabula 992-8796Pastor Gregory JacksonSat. 9:30 a.m. Bible StudySat. 11 a.m. Divine Worship

Jan. 26-28 Cherry Valley:Clothing drive

Free clothing, shoes and coats will be offered Jan. 11,12, 13; 26, 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CherryValley First Church of God, 2983 Sentinel Rd., Dorset.Come put some bags and get many blessings.

Next time is being planned for Aug. All dates areweather permitting.

Jan. 27 – March 30 Ashtabula:Fish dinners

Our Lady of Peace Parish will have its fabulous fishdinners at St. Joseph Church in Ashtabula. Dinners willbe held each Friday, Jan. 27, through Friday, March 30.Hours are 4 –7 p.m.

Dinners are held in the Church Community Room. Take-outs are also available.

Menu includes fried fish, breaded baked fish, un-breadedbaked fish and shrimp dinners. Macaroni and cheese din-ners are also available. Side dishes include the popularcoleslaw, new potatoes, French fries, applesauce and macand cheese.

The fabulous dessert table is included at no additionalcost. Dinner costs are adults, $8, and children, $4. Shrimpdinners are $9.

Religious BriefsFeb. 3 Jefferson:

Spaghetti and MeatballsA spaghetti and meatballs dinner, plus salad, rolls, bev-

erage and cake, will be served Friday, Feb. 3, from 4 to 7p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 89 E. Satin St.,Jefferson. Adults cost $6, children 12 and under $3.Carryouts and baked goods will be available.

Proceeds to benefit world, national and local needs.

Feb. 24 Geneva:Wild Game Dinner

Men, are you hungry for some wild game? The PeoplesChurch of Geneva invites all men to participate in the WildGame Dinner on Feb. 24. Tickets are $15 and will not besold at the door. Call the church office (440-466-2020) tobuy your tickets.

Everyone is invited to come and be fed by God’s Word onSundays at 10:45 a.m. We are located at 300 South RidgeRd. East, Geneva.

Feb. 24, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Rock Creek:Fish/Shrimp Dinner

The Sacred Heart Church located on Route 45, just northof Rock Creek, will hold its annual fish/shrimp dinners.Adults are $8, children ages 4-10 are $4, and children un-der three are free. Carryouts available.

Call for phone orders at 563-5255. Proceeds benefit ourAdult Support Group.


JEFFERSON - Parties in-volved in a lawsuit surround-ing an attempt to place a ref-erendum on the ballot about aproperty purchase byJefferson Village Council ap-peared in court on Thursday,Jan. 19.

Named as the plaintiff inthe matter is former JeffersonCouncilor Ken Fertig, who hasfiled a civil complaint againstVillage of Jefferson Clerk/Treasurer Patty Fisher andVillage Administrator TerryFinger.

Fertig and his attorney,Kyle Smith, are seeking a de-claratory judgement fromCourt of Common Pleas JudgeAlfred Mackey on whether thecitizens who attempted toplace a referendum on theNovember 2012 ballot fol-lowed the proper steps or not.

On Thursday, Mackeyruled to continue the tempo-

Referendum case continuesrequired to do.

But after doing so, Fisherand Village Solicitor JeromeLemire discovered what theybelieve was an omission by thereferendum committee. Fisherbelieves the committee failedto file a certified copy of theordinance with her before cir-culating its petitions, as re-quired by Ohio Revised Codesection 731.32.

The committee disagrees,and Fertig, represented bySmith, filed the lawsuit on be-half of the committee.

Besides continuing thetemporary restraining order,Mackey also granted thevillage’s request for a two-week continuance so the attor-neys can get their stipulationsready.

Last Thursday, JeffersonVillage Solicitor JeromeLemire told the court that it’sa question of whether or notthe people circulating the pe-titions followed the Ohio Re-vised Code and filed a certified

rary restraining order, mean-ing the village cannot go outand purchase the propertyuntil the issue has been re-solved in the court.

The referendum committeeand the village have been atodds over council’s decision topurchase the building andproperty at the old JeffersonElementary School on 104 E.Jefferson St. for $300,000. Thedeal consists of $150,000 incash and an additional$150,000 credit package for in-kind labor and improvementsspread over an unspecifiedperiod of time. The village in-tends to use the property forthe police department, whichneeds the additional room.

After council voted on thematter late last year, a groupof citizens said they would seeka referendum on the matter togive citizens a chance to voteon it in November 2012. Thecitizens collected enough sig-natures and turned their peti-tions into Fisher, as they were

copy with Fisher.It’s the clerk’s position that

it was not filed, although theclerk did make her own copyof the petitions with the ordi-nance attached, Lemire said.

“The issue constitutes,‘what is a filing?’” Smith said.

Mackey referenced twocourt cases that might applyto the matter, but he said thosecases did not deal with electionlaw and so the situation maybe different. In one of the cases,the Ohio Supreme Court hadbeen concerned with whetherthe spirit of the law had beenfollowed, even if the exactsteps weren’t followed.

The next hearing on thematter will be Thursday, Feb.2.

“Everyone wants a quickdecision with the good of thevillage in mind,” Smith said.

Stefanie Wessell, senior edi-tor for Gazette Newspapers,may be reached [email protected].

Fire destroysCherry Valleyfamily’s home

CHERRY VALLEY - A fire destroyed the home of aCherry Valley family on Saturday, Jan. 14.

The fire left the Arthur and Clarissa Stritch familyhomeless, destroying their home at the 4600 block ofFalkenburg Road.

The fire call came in at 5:20 a.m., and firefighters fromthe Dorset Volunteer Fire Department responded, as wellas those from Andover, Morgan, Rome, Trumbull andWayne, according to fire department reports.

Although the Stritch family made it out of their homeokay and without any injuries, friends say the family losttheir two Chihuahuas in the blaze, as well as their pos-sessions.

Friends said donations can be made toward the Stritchfamily, who have no insurance and were left homeless be-cause of the blaze, at any Andover Bank. A fundraising din-ner also is being organized at the Cherry Valley Town Hall.

JEFFERSON - South-ern gospel recording artistJerry Garcia will be in con-cert at three venues Sun-day, Jan. 29. JeffersonUnited Methodist Church,125 E. Jefferson St., willhost Jerry at the 8:30 a.m.service. A free-will offer-ing will be taken.

Residents of JeffersonHealth Care, 222 E. BeechSt. , will be treated toFrank Sinatra tunes, aswell as southern gospelmusic in the afternoon.

Jerry will travel toConneaut for a 6 p.m. con-cert at Foursquare GospelChurch, 641 Mill St. Afree-will offering will betaken.

Jerry is entering hisfifth year as a professionalsouthern gospel singer. His concerts are energetic

Garcia to performat Jefferson UnitedMethodist Church

Jerry Garciaand uplifting. Hiswebsite iswww.jlgministries.net.



GENEVA - Geneva Rec-reation Center officialsgave an update on the year2011 and plans alreadymade for 2012 at theGeneva City Council meet-ing on Monday night.

“We did our Christmasparty, which was the firstFriday in December,” Di-rector Myke Andersonsaid. “We had 150 kids thatcame through to see SantaClaus.”

The children receivedgoody bags with donationsfrom the Eagles, Veteransof Foreign Wars and theKiwanis Club of Geneva.

“Gary Gribbons actuallydonated his time and tookpictures of all of the kids,”Anderson said.

The Recreation Centeris planning its Biddy Bas-ketball league for the win-ter months.

“Right now we are cur-rently in the process of or-ganizing Biddy Basket-ball ,” Anderson said.“Right now we have seventeams. That’s kindergartenthrough second grade.”

There is still room formore children to sign upand the center hopes to seethe program grow. “We arestill taking applicationsand we will probably takethem until the end of thisweek,” Anderson said.

The Biddy Basketballplayers will play throughFebruary and most ofMarch.

“We end up having moreteams but currently we areonly at seven and theirseason runs from Januaryuntil the end of March,”Anderson said.

Anderson said theBiddy Basketball program

City of Geneva’sRecreation Centermake plans for 2012

has been a great successfor the center.

“The kids will play a to-tal of seven games andthey will play them on Sat-urdays,” Anderson said.

The Recreation Centeris also preparing forWinterfest, held on thefirst weekend of February.

“Feb. 4th is Winterfest,and up at the Rec Centerthey will have bouncyhouses and they are goingto have a band and theywill also have a magicianup there,” Anderson said.

The center is continuingto hold birthday partiesthis year and already haveseven scheduled for 2012.They expect to reserve 14to 15 parties throughoutthe year.

“We also have birthdayparties going on at the RecCenter,” Anderson said.“We have mainly seven toten year olds hold theirparty at the center andthey get the center for fourhours.”

In March, the Recre-ation Center hopes to onceagain enact the adult bas-ketball league.

“We are looking at start-ing an adult basketballleague,” Anderson said.“We had one in the sum-mer months and we had sixteams.”

Anderson said the sum-mer teams had a goodturnout even with thewarm weather. The leaguewas such a success theyran out of room.

The Recreation Centeris happy to report a good2011 and is ready for an-other successful year in2012.


By DORIS COOKGazette Newspapers

ROAMING SHORES -When Doris Karger moved toShores Village eight yearsago, she looked to resume herinterests in people and volun-teering. Karger has done bothand you could call her a com-munity activist.

“I’ve always enjoyed beingaround people and sharingmy time to help out where Ican,” she said.

Growing up in Cleveland,Karger graduated fromCollinwood High School. Heryounger brother, John Ball ismayor of Roaming Shores Vil-lage.

Widowed twice, it was atJohn’s suggestion to movefrom her longtime home inWickliffe.

“I love it here at the lakecommunity and have metmany new friends. I lived inWickliffe for 32 years, so mov-ing here was quite a change,”she said.

Karger worked in the officeat General Motors in Cleve-land for 24 years before manyof her co-workers like herselfwere laid off.

“I was a teletype operatorat GM office and that was waybefore computers,” she saidlaughing.

After being laid off, Kargersaid she signed on with a tem-porary employment agency.She was too young to retire soshe kept on working for thetemporary employmentagency.

“I worked a lot of placesand had fun. One time I waswith a law firm in down-town Cleveland. One of thepartners was a chef, too.They would invite clients infor this big spread of foodand all of us in the officestaff got invited. It was agreat place to work and metsome very interesting cli-ents of the firm,” Kargersaid.

Karger said her creativetalents today center aroundquilting. She helped start theRoaming Shores QuiltersGuild with her sister-in-law,

Shores Village woman’s focus is volunteerism

PHOTO BY DORIS COOKDoris Karger of Roaming Shores Village shows off the newest quilt top she’s workingon this winter. The pattern is taken from early pre-Civil War era quilt designs. Karger isactive in two quilting groups.

Sherry Ball. The quiltersguild meets the first and thirdWednesday nights from 6 to9 p.m. at the Rome Rock As-sociation Clubhouse.

Today the group has ex-panded to include women wholike to knit or crochet. Anyonewho knits or crochets is in-vited to call Karger at (440)563-5551 for information.

“We decided to welcomewomen, who like to do otherhandwork besides quilting.We are a friendly bunch andhave a great time,” Kargersaid.

She’s also involved in aquilters group who meet atRock Creek Community Cen-ter, which was formerly theold elementary school in RockCreek Village.

“Our Rock Creek groupmeets on the fourth Saturdayeach month from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. We all bring our ownlunch and make a day of it,”Karger said.

The Shores quilters areworking on a quilt to hang inthe village’s new administra-tion center, she said.

“It will probably take us ayear at least,” she joked.

Now that she lives alone,Karger said jokingly, “I had tolearn to cook finally. I’ve beenwidowed twice. My second

husband liked to cook, so Ididn’t mess in the kitchen andhe was a good cook. I have towatch my diet and not haveanything with gluten in it.”

Karger volunteers at theRock Creek Community Cen-ter for their programs anddinners.

“I am on the center boardand that means you volun-teer, too. But I like to helpwhere I can,” Karger said.

When she lived inWickliffe, Karger was a fre-quent visitor to the city coun-cil meetings. Her interest con-tinues to follow in RoamingShores Village and with theRome Rock Association (RRA)board of directors monthlymeetings where she is a regu-lar visitor.

“I like to keep track ofwhat’s happening in our com-munity. The best way is to goto meetings,” she said.

Karger said this wintershe’s been busy organizingher quilt material cache. Shehas a few quilt tops to finish.

Asked if she enters herquilts in art shows or quiltevent, Karger laughed, reply-ing, “No, because I don’t wantto hear any critique com-ments.”

“The quilts or wall hang-ings I make I give away to

people or keep a few. I’m work-ing one now where the blocksare like the quilt designs fromthe old Underground Railroadtrails. I’m ready to put thebacking on and quilt it,” shesaid.

Karger said she is reallygetting more involved at theRock Creek Community Cen-ter these days. She helps outwhen groups rent space likethe old school gym for pro-grams.

“I used to love to do ceram-ics, but not anymore. My onearea off the kitchen is whereI put part of my old collections(ceramics). I like to keep busyand that’s why I volunteer alot when I get a call. When Ifirst moved here to the Shores,I taught a journaling class atCountry Neighbor in Orwell,”Karger said.

That was one of her firstvolunteer gigs and now plansto do another class on keep-ing a journal closer to eitherat the Shores Village or RockCreek Community Center ifenough people are interested.

For now, Karger said hertwo quilting groups and beingan active as a volunteer keepsher busy. In the spring it’stime for the gardening bug tobite and then it’s another out-let for creativity.

“Kaleb likes to knowwhere he is and where he’sgoing,” explained Smothers’mom Stacy. “When we are ona family trip, he’s not one tobe playing video games. He’salways looking at the mapand out the window just ab-sorbing his surroundings.” Smothers’ global knowledgewas on full display at theGeo Bee as he ticked off thecorrect answers to a stringof stumpers about UnitedStates and world geography.As the local gold medal win-ner, Smothers earned theright to take a written quali-fying test for the state levelGeographic Bee. Approxi-mately 100 of the top scor-ers will compete in the OhioGeographic Bee on March30, 2012.

“I like geography andlooking at maps,” explainedSmothers. “And I like takingtrips. I’ve been to Floridaand Cape Cod. I’ve alreadytaken the test and I hope Idid ok. I’d like to see Wash-ington, D.C.”

The National GeographicSociety and Google, thesponsoring organization forthe Bee, will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Wash-ington, D.C. where the statechampions will compete inthe National GeographicBee. The first place nationalwinner will receive a$25,000 college scholarshipand will also travel with aparent or guardian, all ex-penses paid, to theGalapagos Islands courtesy

SMOTHERS From page 1A

Geneva Middle School’s 2012 Geographic Bee finalists are (front from left) Taylor Wilms, Sierra Shortridge, KalebSmothers, Cecelia Hunt and Marley Goff. Back: Aidan Cardaman, Ebony Culton, Jenna Whitfield, Rachael Holbrooks,Geo Bee Advisor Marsha Adams, Zachary Stehura, Philip Carley and Ryan Wright.

of National Geographic andLindblad Expeditions.“Jeopardy” host Alex Trebekwill moderate the nationalfinals of the Bee in late May.

Finalists in the 2012Geneva Middle School Geo-

graphic Bee are gold medalwinner Kaleb Smothers,Runner-Up SierraShortridge, AidanCardaman, Philip Carley,Ebony Culton, Marley Goff,Rachael Holbrooks, Cecelia

Hunt, Zachary Stehura,Jenna Whitfield, TaylorWilms and Ryan Wright.

How Geo Brainy Are

You?To get a sense of the chal-

lenging questions answeredby students competing in theGeographic Bee try answer-ing these sample questions.Answers are below.

1. The Klamath Moun-

tains stretch south from Or-egon into which other state?

2. The Ozark Plateau cov-ers the southwest corner ofwhich state?

3. Which state is closer tothe Arctic Circle – Hawaii orNew Hampshire?

4. The St. Croix Riverforms part of the border be-tween Minnesota and whichother state?

5. Broadleaf deciduousforest is the predominantnatural vegetation of whichstate?

6. The Perth Basin andthe Coral Sea Basin are un-derwater valleys off thecoast of which continent?

7. Bangalore andHyderabad are rapidly grow-ing cities on which conti-nent?

8. The Drake Passage liessouth of which continent?

9. Ful medames, a dishmade of fava beans andspices is a national dish inwhat country that bordersthe Mediterranean and RedSeas?

10. Kabuki is a popularform of theater that com-bines singing and dancing inwhich Asian island country?

Answers to How GeoBrainy Are You?

1. California2. Missouri3. New Hampshire4. Wisconsin5. Ohio6. Australia7. Asia8. South America9. Egypt10. Japan

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Old Address2926 Lake Avenue

Ashtabula, Ohio 44004(440) 993-8781

New Address46 W. Jefferson St.

Jefferson, Ohio 44047(440) 993-8781

Let our sales representatives comeshow you our new product lines.



GENEVA – AshtabulaCounty Convention andVisitors Bureau DirectorMark Winchell, who also isinvolved in Pairings, theWine and Culinary Center,gave an update on theproject’s development onMonday to Geneva CityCouncil.

Winchell says Pairingswill bring everything froma restaurant to cookingclasses and hands-on nightouts where you can learnto cook a meal as well aseat the finished product.

“The opportunity isthere to have my wife go inand enjoy an evening cooktogether, learn how to cookeverything from sorbets tosouffles,” Winchell said.“It’s a great opportunity tolearn cooking skills andhave a little bit of fun.”

Winchell said this is agreat economic opportu-nity for Geneva and thesurrounding area.

“This opportunity is tobring people to downtown.It’s not to take businessfrom anybody that’s cur-rently downtown,”Winchell said. “It reallycreates more vibrancy forthe downtown as well asthe outer areas.”

For three years everyMonday morning, thePairing’s committee hastalked with City ManagerJim Pearson about theplans.

“We’ve been really talk-ing about what is going tomake this center success-ful,” Winchell said.

City of Geneva looks atthe future of Pairings

The committee forPairings has been lookingat culinary centers fromacross the country, in-c luding those in NapaValley and Copia, Califor-nia, but the New YorkWine and Culinary Cen-ter has been used asGeneva’s model through-out this project.

“We really honed in onwhat was successful. Whatdid you learn? Where didyou drop $2 million in thatmaybe really wasn’t neces-sary?” Winchell said heasked the many differentcenters. “We really lookedat the pitfalls and theirstrong sets.”

Winchell spoke of thegreater good the New YorkWine and Culinary Centerhas done for the entire areasurrounding the center.

“They have stores andrestaurants that wouldn’thave been there otherwiseif the culinary center hadnot been there,” Winchellsaid.

Winchell said in order tomake Pairings a success,they must look and observe

every aspect of the project.“We have to be really

good at everything we do,”Winchell said. “Obviouslythe idea is to create thissustainable project.”

Winchell is looking ateverything from whatwines to serve to how thearchitecture should bemodeled.

“We’ve got to be highlydiverse,” Winchell said. “Alot of people can be greatat creating food, but not ev-erybody can be great atcreating a culinary center.”

Pairings is not a centerto be used just for the lo-cal residents, but alsopeople from throughoutthe state and beyond.

“We’re looking at bring-ing people in from two,three, seven hours away,”Winchell said.

Fourteen Ohio winerieshave already said theywould participate in thecenter, but Winchell saidthey are hoping to have be-tween 20 to 25 total win-eries involved.

Right now the studiesestimate that in the first

year of Pairings’ opening,as many as 90,000 peoplecould come to the city.

“Imagine what thedowntown businesseswould do if 90,000 peoplewalked in,” Winchell said.“It’s a huge potential.

However, Winchell saidthey hope for the 90,000but say it might be closerto 50,000 visitors.

“If we look at very con-servative numbers at50,000 visitors in that firstyear, we are looking atabout $3 million in rev-enue and about $4.5 mil-lion if we get the 90,000,”Winchell said.

Pairings is already look-ing at what employmentopportunities will be of-fered.

“This will create 20 full-time jobs and 30 part-timejobs and seasonal addi-tional staff,” Winchell said.“These are real jobs withreal economic developmentdowntown.”

Pairings is holding theirfirst fundraiser for theproject on Feb. 2, and or-ganizers said they alreadyhave lots of support fromthroughout the commu-nity.

Winchell sees Pairingsas the future of Genevaand the State of Ohio.

“We are really going tomarket this as an Ohioplace,” Winchell said.“When you visit Ohio wewant to make sure Genevais a destination.”


(COLUMBUS) – TheOhio Department of PublicSafety’s Motorcycle OhioRider Education Programregistration begins Mon-day, Feb. 6. Those wantingto learn how to ride a mo-torcycle or refresh their mo-torcycle safety skills mayregister atwww.motorcycle.ohio.govfor one of the $25 coursesscheduled throughout thestate from April through

October.More than

187,000 motorcycle rid-ers have been trained sincethe program’s inception in1988. More informationabout Motorcycle Ohio andthe courses, includingstatewide locations andupdated training require-ments, are available onlineat the address listed above.

Basic Rider Course(BRC)

This 16-hour course isrecommended for noviceriders. BRC students musthave a valid Temporary In-struction Permit Identifica-tion Permit Card (TIPIC) totake the class. Motorcyclesand helmets are provided.Upon successful completionof this course, the studentwill earn the BMV skill-testwaiver for a motorcycle en-dorsement.

Basic Rider Coursefor Returning Riders(BRC-RR)

This 8-hour course is de-signed for those 18 years ofage or older who have beenriding with a temporarypermit for longer than oneyear (over 1,000 miles of ex-perience) and for experi-enced riders returning toriding, with or without amotorcycle endorsement,after several years of notriding. BRC-RR studentsmust have a have a validTemporary Instruction Per-mit Identification PermitCard (TIPIC) to take theclass. Motorcycles and hel-

Motorcycle Ohio RiderEducation registration

begins Feb. 6mets are provided. Uponsuccessful completion ofthis course, the student willearn the BMV skill-testwaiver for a motorcycle en-dorsement.

Basic Rider Course 2(BRC-2)

This 6-hour, one-day,range-only course (no for-mal classroom session) re-quires motorcycle license orendorsement. This class isalso suitable for newly-en-dorsed/licensed riders. Stu-dents will use their owntwo-wheeled motorcycle

and passengers are allowed.Advanced Rider

Course (ARC)This 9-hour, one-day

course requires motorcyclelicense or endorsement andstudents will use their owntwo-wheeled motorcycle.

Ride SMART: Sober. Mo-torcycle Licensed. Alert.Right Gear. Trained.

For more informationcall 1-800-83-RIDER (1-800-837-4337).

Motorcycle Ohio is run byODPS’ Office of Criminal Jus-tice Services (OCJS). OCJScoordinates and funds the ef-forts of DUI Task Forces andlocal law enforcement andsafety partners around thestate to combat impaired andunsafe driving. OCJS alsopromotes educational pro-grams, coalition-building ef-forts and campaigns focusedon highway safety in additionto administering the DriverTraining program for thestate.


GENEVA - The City ofGeneva is using a new pro-cess to place color on its newfire truck. Instead of usingpaint, the department willbe placing wrapping on thetruck.

“It’s kind of like a bigsticker,” Geneva Fire De-partment Chief DougStarkey said. “They place iton the truck and use plastictools to kind of smooth itout.”

Avery is a leading com-pany in the new wrappingsystem and will be wrappingthe truck free of charge.

“Avery is a companythat’s coming and is donat-ing wrapping for the truck,”Starkey said.

Wrappings are starting totake a precedent in policeforces and other vehicle-driven careers such asNASCAR.

“A lot of semis and busesare using the wrappingsnow, and Avery is donatingred wrapping for our truckinstead of sending the truckout to get painted,” Starkeysaid.

Using wrapping is acheaper process than paint-ing the vehicles.

“A lot of fleets are usingthis product to save money,”Starkey said. “They buy

Geneva Fire Department wraps up new fire truck

PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMANThe Geneva firetruck is prepared to be wrapped free of charge with Avery wrapping. The wrapping should taketwo days to complete.

white cars and then theywrap them and then when itcomes time to sell them theyjust take the wrapping offand sell the white car.”

Starkey said when it istime to trade in the firetruckthey will receive a higherpayoff from wrapping thetruck instead of painting it.

“It adds value to the carbecause they can just peel offthe wrapping and not haveto worry about paying for apaint job before they tradethem in,” Starkey said.

Avery is breaking groundby using wrappings on ve-hicles and much of theproject is still in the begin-ning stages.

“Avery has a new productand we’re kind of a testground for them and it pro-vides some marketing forthem,” Starkey said.

The firetruck has alreadyhad work done and the wrap-ping will be the final stagebefore the truck is ready forthe road.

“We did a lot of the bodywork done on the truck anda lot of the oxidation thatwas going on has been takencare of and it’s ready for thenext step,” Starkey said.

Avery will be done in twodays.

“They’re bringing theirteam in and starting [Tues-day],” Starkey said. “Theyfigure it’ll take them about

two days to get it allwrapped and will have [Wil-liam] Conrad come in and dothe striping and the gold leafon it.”

Starkey said the truckshould be ready in no time

once the wrappings are on.“We’re hoping by the end

of the week it’s back to be-ing a fire truck,” Starkeysaid.

Starkey sees wrappingthe truck as a great way for

the department to savemoney as well as be a partof a new future in fleet ve-hicles.

“It’s a pretty impressiveprocess and we’re all in thelearning stages here,”

Starkey said. “It’ll be inter-esting to see.”


“This opportunity is to bring peopleto downtown. It’s not to takebusiness from anybody that’scurrently downtown. It reallycreates more vibrancy for thedowntown as well as the outerareas.”

– Ashtabula County Conventionand Visitors Bureau Director Mark Winchell

Feb. 3-4 Geneva:Winterfest

The Geneva Business As-sociation will host Winterfestfrom Feb. 3-4.

Feb. 5, 19 Jefferson:Pancake breakfast

The all-you-can-eat pan-cake breakfasts will be heldfrom 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sun-days, Feb. 5 and Feb. 19, atthe Jefferson Volunteer FireDepartment located at 8 E.Jefferson St. in the Village ofJefferson. The cost is $5.50for adults, $3.50 for seniors,$3 for kids five to 12 years oldand free for children fouryears old and under. Dine inor carry out is available.

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BY JAN PERALAGeneva Area City Schools

GENEVA - When mem-bers of Geneva MiddleSchool’s cheerleading squadlearned that the AshtabulaCounty Animal ProtectiveLeague (APL) was filled tocapacity with displaced pup-pies and kitties, they decidedto make sure that their furryfriends still enjoy their crea-ture comforts as they wait fora loving family to bring themhome. The group has orga-nized a school wide donationdrive to provide the APL withpet food, treats, toys andneeded supplies.

“We wanted to do a groupproject that would make adifference in the communityand donating to the APL willkeep pets happy and healthywhile they wait for people toadopt them,” explained sev-enth-grade cheerleaderJosie Yeager. “We hopeGeneva Middle School stu-

SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP - Lakeside HighSchool’s fourth senior night was celebrated withthe theme, “Raise the Bahr.”

Player Adam Bahr began his evening by being

GMS cheerleaders’ Pet Food Drive to provide creature comforts at Animal Protective LeagueGeneva Middle School cheerleaderswant to keep all the pets in temporaryresidence at the Ashtabula CountyAnimal Protective League as well fed andhappy as Shih Tzu’s Peanut and Riley(pictured).The squad has organized a donation driveto provide creature comforts for their furryfriends at the Ashtabula County AnimalProtective league. Pictured are (frontfrom left) Leann Tinney, Hannah West,Corrina West, Alex Schafer, Erica Erbholding Peanut, Josie Yeager holdingRiley.In back are Samantha Sigley, Alexis Cross,Alysson Loveland, Melissa Stroud, IsabellaRossi, Lizz Sabo, Taylor Miller and DeeDeeYan. Riley and Peanut are Shih Tsu puppiesowned by Cheerleader advisor JulieSimmons (far right) and her daughterAudrianna (standing fourth right).Also helping with the drive but notpictured are Corrine Stephens andCheyenne Fischbach.

dents willhelp us helpthe APL bydonating lotsof pet foodand supplies!”

T h eG e n e v aMiddle SchoolAPL creaturecomforts do-nation drive isn o wunderway andc o n t i n u e sthrough Jan.31. Itemsneeded arecanned anddry dog andcat food, toys,kitty litter, en-velopes, laun-dry detergent, dish detergentand paper towels. Every stu-dent who donates an item forthe Animal ProtectiveLeague will have their nameentered in a drawing for

prizes at the conclusion of thedrive.

“I am very proud of thisgroup of girls for coming to-gether for such a wonderfulcause,” said cheerleader ad-

visor Julie Simmons. “It is agood lesson in the importanceof giving back to our commu-nity and helping pets inneed.”

The Ashtabula County

Animal Protective League islocated at 5970 Green Roadin Ashtabula. The APL is anon-profit organizationwhich rescues abandonedpets and gives them a safe,

A-Tech Computer InformationSystems students talk tech with

Ridgeview Elementary third graders

PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR A-TECHStudents in Christina Veon’s room at Ridgeview Elementary were treated to aninteractive demonstration in the use of tablet computers and roboticss when A-Tech Computer Information Systems (CIS)students took their specialized knowledgeand skills on the road and visited their third grade classroom. The visit was arrangedby A-Tech Career Education Coordinator Kay Roller (standing left). In this photo, CISstudents Brandon Suchala and Alyssa Rhodes demonstrate a tablet computer as Ridgeview third graders (clockwise from left) Tyler Bowers, Joey Doyle, Isaiah Mitchelland Brian Bisbey watch with rapt attention.

BY JAN PERALAA-Tech

Tablet computers, e-readers, digital cam-eras and smart phones are ubiquitous intoday’s digital age, and third graders arealmost universally tech savvy, but whenstudents in the Computer Information Sys-tems (CIS) program at A-Tech brought aninteractive lesson in digital media and ro-botics to the classroom of Christina Veonat Ridgeview Elementary they inspiredrapt attention from their young audi-ence.

The CIS students demonstrated tab-let computers as well as a fleet of legorobots each programmed to perform anarray of specific tasks. Engaging thethird graders in an interactive lessonfocusing on the uses of technology todayand in the future formed the impetus fora discussion of career possibilities incomputer science and technology.

According to Kay Roller, Career Edu-cation Coordinator at A-Tech, the visitwas tailored to build career awarenessby exposing the third graders to technol-

ogy as well as to illustrate real world ap-plications for the subjects the studentsare studying in school.

“The educational focus for schools to-day is STEM education: Science, Tech-nology, Engineering and Mathematics,”explained Roller. “And having our A-Techstudents visit an elementary classroomis a good way to inspire young studentsto follow this career path.”

Computer technology now influencesnearly every sector of business and soci-ety and the burgeoning technology indus-try has created a shortage of highlytrained computer programmers and pro-fessionals with technical knowledge. Ac-cording to some estimates, high tech ca-reers will account for one in three jobsin the next decade and A-Tech studentsare already riding this wave of the fu-ture. A-Tech’s tech prep CIS curriculumprepares students for careers in softwareapplications and digital programming andcombines traditional coursework with labo-ratory style instruction emphasizing cre-ative problem solving and the developmentof critical thinking skills.

SUBMITTED PHOTOSPictured are Lakeside High School Varsity coach Rob Pisano and Ray, Lauren, Lindseyand Adam Bahr.

The Lakeside student section celebrates “Raise the Bahr” night and a win againstGeneva.

PHOTO BY JAN PERALA FOR GENEVA SCHOOLS

warm home until they areadopted. Photos and informa-tion about pets waiting foradoption can be accessed onthe organization’s website atwww.acapl.org.

Lakeside celebrates ‘Raise the Bahr’Lakeside celebrates ‘Raise the Bahr’

carried to the center of the court by histeammates.

His parents, Ray and Lauren Bahr, and sisterLindsey, waited at center court.

The Bahrs, owners of Sleep Gallery, sponsoredthe night. The Lakeside crowd received largefoam basketballs that were printed with Adam’sname and number.

READ ALL ABOUT IT...Every Week in Your Local Community Newspaper

Local Features, High School Sports, Features, Headline Stories and Editorials! ~ There is something to suit every taste!AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY NEWS

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ASHTABULA - AlthoughJessica Forsythe might benew to the Ashtabula AreaChamber of Commerce, sheis not new to the area.

Forsythe grew up inWickliffe, Ohio but fre-quently went to theAshtabula area with herfamily.

“I do have family inAshtabula County and mydad belongs to one of the gunclubs in the area, so I havequite a few ties toAshtabula,” Forsythe said.

Forsythe has spent timegoing throughout the Stateof Ohio as former presidentof the Lake County Chamberof Commerce and the UnitedStates Chamber ofCommerce’s director of Ohio,as well as working for formersenator Mike DeWine.

“I’m used to traveling andin my other jobs I’m used tocovering this area,” Forsythesaid.

During Forsythe’s workfor the U.S. Chamber ofCommerce, she focused onthe northern part of Ohio,where she traveled from To-ledo to Conneaut.

Many of Forsythe’s firstconnections with theAshtabula Area Chamber ofCommerce came from thisexperience.

“The most interestingpart was seeing all these ar-eas and realizing that DumDums are made in Bellevue,Ohio,” Forsythe said. “You goto all these places and hearthe history of all these smalllittle towns.”

Forsythe plans on takingher knowledge of smalltowns from across the stateto Ashtabula and really mar-ket the area.

Forsythe said there is acharm and unique atmo-sphere in Ashtabula thatneeds to be marketed.

“The biggest challenge inthe community as a whole ischanging the attitude,”Forsythe said. “There is somuch here and we’re ourown worst enemy.”

Forsythe sees similarcommunities throughout thestate such as Ohio City,which draws tourism butdoes not have the view of thelake.

“Northeast Ohio for somereason has never taken fullownership of their lakefrontproperty,” Forsythe said.“Even on the western part ofthe state, people reallythrive on their lakefrontproperty.”

Forsythe said places suchas Geneva-on-the-Lake areprime examples of whatAshtabula could have.

“Even just walking downby the lift bridge, it is soeclectic and neat, and hav-ing all these independentrestaurants and getting toknow the owners. That’swhat people are going to,and it’s right here inAshtabula. Plus you havethe lake right there,”Forsythe said.

Forsythe looks forward togrowing the chamber.

“From the chamber side,the membership is a hugepart of the next six monthsand really reminding themwhat the chamber can do forthem,” Forsythe said.

One of the chamber’s firstgoals is to remodel the office.

“It’s exciting. We’re re-modeling the office, whichshould be fun,” Forsythesaid. “It’s kind of our firstitem on the to do list.”

Forsythe said one of thebiggest things she is lookingforward to is the Wine andWalleye Festival.

Forsythe met with theLift Bridge Association lastweek and said they are look-ing forward to building astronger connection regard-ing the festival.

“With the Wine and Wall-eye, which is the chamber’s

Meet Your Neighbor

PHOTO BY SADIE PORTMANJessica Forsythe meets with Ashtabula Area Chamber of Commerce member, Jana Swan. Forsythe grew up inWickliffe, Ohio but has many connections with the Ashtabula area.

New chamberpresident notnew to Ashtabula

big event each year, we wantto get the Lift Bridge Asso-ciation more engaged andget them more business,”Forsythe said. “Instead ofthem being more of a host,we want them to engagedwith the festival.”

Forsythe wants to makeherself available to everyonein the community and beginto build connections.

“I am most looking for-ward to going to the eventsand meeting people in thecommunity and seeing whatbusinesses want help andwhat we can do for them,”Forsythe said.

Know any clubs, organiza-tions or people who should befeatured in the Gazette’s new“Meet Your Neighbor” weeklyfeature? E-mail suggestions ofthose in the Ashtabula-,Geneva- and Jefferson-areacommunities to [email protected].

© 2012 University Hospitals CONGEN 00091

C o m m u n i t y

HealthConnections February ‘12

UH Conneaut Medical Center158 West Main RoadConneaut, OH 44030440-593-1131UHConneaut.org

UH Geneva Medical Center870 West Main StreetGeneva, OH 44041440-466-1141UHGeneva.org

Register online today!

ConneautArthritis Foundation Exercise ProgramJorga MelaragnoEvery Tuesday and Thursday11 a.m.WH Brown Community Room158 W. Main Road, ConneautRSVP: 440-593-0364

Diabetes Education ProgramNancy Hutchens, RN, CDEDanielle Nies, LD, RDMonday, February 13 Wednesday, February 15 Thursday, February 16 6 – 8 p.m.WH Brown Community Room158 W. Main Road, ConneautRSVP: 440-593-0364

Health Smart Forum & Luncheon:A Heart to Heart Discussion Najeeb Osman, MD, FACC, FHRSTuesday, February 14 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.WH Brown Community Room158 W. Main Road, ConneautRSVP: 440-593-0364

Watch the Pat Williams ShowTune in to the Pat Williams Show Wednesdays at 9 a.m. on CableSuite541 Channel 6 and Time Warner Cable Channel 21. View the latest health education interviews with University Hospitals experts, and be sure to call in with your health questions!

At University Hospitals, our mission is you.

GenevaYou Can Make a Difference About Your Heart HealthDonna Forster, RN Thursday, February 9 11 a.m.SPIRE Institute1822 S. Broadway, GenevaRSVP: Lori Kingston 440-415-0261

Senior Health Forum & Luncheon:Love Your Heart: February is American Heart Month!Wear red and join us for a special brunch celebrating heart month. Learn heart-healthy tips and participate in various health screenings. Shyam Bhakta, MDWednesday, February 15 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Geneva Community Center 72 West Main Street, GenevaRSVP: 440-415-0180

Getting the Most Out of Your Walking Eva Evans, PT, DPT, MPTEd Wasner, PTThursday, February 2311 a.m.SPIRE Institute1822 S. Broadway, GenevaRSVP: Lori Kingston 440-415-0261

Free Health ScreeningsFree Mammogram for Uninsured Women Age 40 – 64Courtesy of the Susan G. Komen Grant UH Geneva Medical Center870 West Main Street, GenevaTo find out if you qualify for complimentary testing, call 440-998-0695.

Blood Pressure, Blood Sugarand Random Total CholesterolEight-hour fasting is recommended.No reservations necessary.

Wednesday, February 1 | 4 – 7 p.m.Walmart3551 N. Ridge East, Ashtabula

Wednesday, February 1 & 15 | 8 – 10 a.m.Wednesday, February 8 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.Wednesday, February 22 | 5 – 7 p.m.SPIRE Institute1822 S. Broadway, Geneva

Tuesday, February 7 | 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.Ashtabula Medical Arts Center2131 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula

Thursday, February 9 | 9 – 11 a.m.Ashtabula Senior Center4632 Main Avenue, Ashtabula

Tuesday, February 14 | 9 – 11 a.m.UH Conneaut Medical Center158 West Main Road, Conneaut

Tuesday, February 28 | 9 – 11 a.m.Madison Senior Center2938 Hubbard Road, Madison


Jefferson 2011 Year in ReviewCOMPILED BY STEFANIE WESSELLGazette Newspapers

Throughout January, the Gazette will present “A Yearin Review,” detailing the highlights of the year in thenewspaper’s Jefferson coverage area.

This week’s review will cover October through Decem-ber 2011.

Jefferson BOE accepts purchaseoffer for old school building

Oct. 5, 2011

JEFFERSON - Plans to convert the old Jefferson El-ementary School property into the home of the JeffersonPolice Department continue to move forward.

During a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 28, theJefferson Area Local Schools Board of Education did itspart by unanimously approving the purchase agreementfrom the Village of Jefferson for the old Jefferson El-ementary School property located at 108 East JeffersonSt.

The village has offered $300,000 for the remainingparcel of land and building at the old elementary schoolsite. The offer consists of $150,000 in cash and an addi-tional $150,000 credit package for in-kind labor and im-provements spread over an unspecified period of time.

The property primarily will be used by the police de-partment, who need the additional room, Village Admin-istrator Terry Finger said.

For the price, the village will receive a 12,000-square-foot building on nearly four acres of land, Finger said.The police department would occupy the front 3,500square feet of the building. The existing police depart-ment building would then be given to the fire depart-ment.

JALS Superintendent Doug Hladek sees the agree-ment as a good thing for both the school district and thevillage and a continuation of their good working rela-tionship.

With the board of education accepting the purchaseoffer, the matter returned to Jefferson Village Councilon Monday, Oct. 3.

During this meeting, council passed the first of threereadings necessary to move forward with the purchase.Voting in favor of the motion were Brian Diehl, Kay AnnBrabender and Lon Damon. Councilor Ken Fertig votedagainst the motion, while Rick Hoyson and Jerry Marchabstained from voting. According to council rules, theabstentions go with the majority.

Jefferson actively enforcesrevamped property-maintenance code

Oct. 12, 2011

JEFFERSON - Village of Jefferson officials continueto clean up homes in the village thanks to a revampedproperty-maintenance code passed this summer by vil-lage council.

“Implementation of the newly passed property main-tenance code is being actively pursued,” Village Admin-istrator Terry Finger said in his latest report to JeffersonVillage Council.

The revamped code came about thanks to numerousresidents complaining about deteriorated properties inthe village. Some of these deteriorated properties are atthe point where they are not inhabitable, while othersjust lack maintenance, Finger has said.

He said both types present a blight to the neighbor-hood.

“Our ordinance deals with these properties that arecausing blighted areas,” Finger said.

The ordinance took effect in July, and already the vil-lage has taken at least one property owner to EasternCounty Court.

“There are currently 12 properties under review, andfinal notification of violations will be mailed at the rateof three a week beginning the first week of October,” Fin-ger said.

Some of the offending properties have been based oncomplaints, while others have been found by village offi-cials as they drive through the village streets.

Piecemakers’ perseverance pays offOct. 19, 2011

JEFFERSON - Many Third World individuals will bereceiving a gift of love sent from Jefferson, Ohio, andsewn with care and compassion.

The “Piecemakers,” a group of dedicated seamstressesof St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jefferson, have sewnquilts for less fortunate individuals since 1999.

But this year, the group passed a milestone and hascause to rejoice. In one year, the small group has com-pleted 251 quilts to be given away.

At the beginning of the project, the quilts were trans-ported by car by Paul and Clara Moisio to the receivingcenter in Seville, Ohio. Today, there are so many quilts,according to Clara Moisio, that they must be transportedby truck and trailer.

From the Seville receiving point, the quilts are hauledto the Lutheran World Relief warehouse in Maryland.

The quilts are 60-inches by 80 inches, about a twinsize, and are made from donated fabrics.

“Every time we start running low on fabric, it miracu-lously appears. It’s amazing!” Moisio said.

The women meet every Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m.at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to sew tops, layer the quilt,tie them and complete them.

JAHS students, staff remember Mr. NeedhamOct. 26, 2011

JEFFERSON - Most fans entering the Falcon PrideStadium have noticed the new facilities.

Excitement is in the air, but something, or rather,someone, is missing: Mr. Robert Needham.

Tuesday, Oct. 18, marked the one-year anniversary ofthe unexpected death of a beloved teacher, colleague,ticket-taker and former advisor to the National HonorSociety.

To commemorate Needham’s passing, the NHS atJefferson Area Junior/Senior High Schools declared a“Hat Day.” Students were encouraged to donate $2 towear a hat. Teachers also donated $2 to wear jeans. Themoney raised went to the library fund in Needham’smemory.

According to NHS advisor Alex Anderson, the eventraised $132 at the high school level. Additionally, staffdonations totaled another $61.

At the junior high, where Needham taught, $168 wasraised.

Henderson Memorial Public Library’s newdirector is an open book

Nov. 2, 2011

JEFFERSON - Henderson Memorial Public Libraryhas a welcomed a new director, Edward Worso, who hasabout 19 years of library experience.

Worso just came from being circulation manager atWillowick Public Library and Willoughby Eastlake Pub-lic Library.

“I used to drive 630 miles a week to get to work. I wasdriving from Pierpont to Willowick every day and back,”Worso said.

Through Worso’s experience he’s learned the libraryis all about customer service.

“If we don’t get people through the doors, then we don’thave a reason to be here,” Worso said.

Other interactions that have aided Worso along theway is his working with the Columbus Metropolitan Li-brary Board of Directors.

Worso wants the library to be an open environmentwhere the community can learn together.

“I want to find out what the community thinks we’redoing well and then find out what they want us to dobetter,” Worso said.

Martin wins re-election bidNov. 9, 2011

ROCK CREEK - Beverly Martin once again has de-feated Bob Schultz in a bid for Rock Creek mayor.

Martin was re-elected to the position on Tuesdaynight, receiving 118 votes compared to 46 for Schultz,according to unofficial results from the Ashtabula CountyBoard of Elections.

This is the second time the two candidates have facedoff.

As for the matter of Rock Creek Village Council, JamesHall and Suzanne Hayes were re-elected as well, defeat-ing challenger Jeffery Crenshaw.

Hall received 113 votes and Hayes received 104 votes.Crenshaw received 59 votes.

Over in nearby Morgan Township, a familiar face willreturn to the Board of Trustees. In a four-way race forone four-year term, Donald Dietrich received the mostvotes with 233.

Challengers Joseph Dyrcz received 158, Marie LeskoSilbaugh received 136 and Bob Clark received 118.

Voters in Morgan Township also chose two out of fivepeople for two unexpired terms seats. Winning electionwere Brett Bellas with 367 votes and Rodney Truckeywith 253 votes, at least according to the unofficial re-sults. Challengers and their votes were Dennis Babic,143; Michael Jones, 241; and Bradley Nicholson, 135.

Vietnam veterans rememberedat Honor Ceremony

Nov. 16, 2011

JEFFERSON - Last week’s strong winds did not de-ter those who came to honor the 30 Ashtabula Countymen who died in the Vietnam War. The ceremony, spon-sored by the Jefferson Historical Society, also honoredthose who returned from Vietnam and never received thehonor due them.

More than 50 people gathered at the Cobra Vietnam-era helicopter on East Beech Street and, with the flagsflying in the stiff breeze, listened to a special proclama-tion from the commissioners. Commissioners Joe Moroskiand Peggy Carlo were present, and Moroski read andpresented the proclamation to LeRoy Hutchinson, presi-dent of the Northeast Ohio Vietnam Veterans.

The theme was “Never Again Will Our Nation Aban-don Her Veterans,” and the spirit of the speeches andthe appreciation extended to the veterans present re-flected that motto.

The names of the 30 men who gave their lives wereread by three Vietnam War veterans, LeRoy Hutchinson,Joyce Kren and Terry Moses.

Two men killed in fatal crashes in DorsetNov. 23, 1011

JEFFERSON - Two men were killed in crashes onRoute 193 in Dorset Township on Friday night, Nov. 19.

Although the crashes occurred separately, they wererelated and happened within seconds of each othershortly after 9 p.m. Friday on Route 193, one mile southof Route 307, according to reports from the Ohio StateHighway Patrol.

Daniel R. Posey-Brown, 46, of Dorset, was killed inthe first crash after his 1998 Honda struck a runawayhorse, which also was killed, headed southbound in thenorthbound lane of Route 193, OSHP Trooper JasonHayes said.

“The horse and Mr. Brown were killed instantly,”Hayes said.

After hitting the horse, Brown’s vehicle went off theroad and hit a guard rail, coming to a rest in the middleof Route 193, Hayes said.

Hayes said the horse, owned by Atlee Miller, had wan-dered loose from an Amish event at the Dorset Commu-nity Center. He said a group of people, including some ina minivan, were trying to catch and coral the horse whenthe crash occurred.

The crash occurred before they could reach the horse.Within a minute of Brown’s crash, a second crash oc-

curred, killing William L. Gibson, 33, of Geneva.

Security cameras installed atJefferson playground

Nov. 30, 2011

JEFFERSON - Village of Jefferson officials have founda way to deal with vandalism at the playground in down-town Jefferson.

“Security cameras are operational at the playground,”Village Administrator Terry Finger told Jefferson VillageCouncil during its meeting last Monday, Nov. 21.

Already the cameras have been useful, as Finger re-called that while he was showing Mayor Judy Maloneyhow to use the cameras, they spotted a group of juvenileboys at the playground checking all of the locked bath-room doors and knocking over trash cans.

As they watched the boys using the cameras they hadactivated only 15 minutes earlier, they contacted theJefferson Police Department who responded to the callwithin minutes and talked with the boys.

“They work,” Finger said of the cameras.The boys were told that the playground is being moni-

tored from now on, Finger said.“Hopefully, they will get rid of vandalism,” Finger said.

Teen, three juveniles facecharges in Dorset assault

Dec. 7, 2011

DORSET TOWNSHIP - An 18-year-old teen and threejuveniles are facing multiple charges after allegedly as-saulting a 50-year-old man in Dorset Township in lateNovember, resulting in him being hospitalized, accord-ing to the Ashtabula County Sheriff ’s Department.

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

Trenn and three underaged teenagers allegedly en-tered the victim’s home, located in the 2200 block of Rail-road Street in Dorset Township, on Sunday, Nov. 27, andaccused him of stealing an iPod, according to Sheriff ’sDepartment reports. When the victim responded that hedid not have the item, Trenn allegedly punched him inthe face several times while the other teens began break-ing things in the house, according to reports.

The teens then proceeded to break every window inthe victim’s house and rip all of the doors of their hinges,according to reports. Nearly every piece of furniture wasalso damaged and broken, and the teens damaged thecabinets and countertops with an ax and sledge ham-mer. Money was taken from the victim’s wallet, and theteens set a fire in the middle of the living room, accord-ing to reports.

Deputies discovered the victim after being called tohis home on a welfare check on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Whilethere, they saw the broken windows and the doors wideopen, according to reports. The victim was found lyingon a couch covered by a blanket, and South CentralAmbulance responded to the scene and transported himto the Ashtabula County Medical Center for hypother-mia and a cut on his head, according to reports.

During the investigation of the scene, deputies smelleda burnt odor and found items thrown in the yard andother broken items in the house.

Jefferson Eagles donates thousands to local organizations

Dec. 14, 2011

JEFFERSON - The Jefferson Eagles Aerie #3881 madesome children and their families very happy this holi-day season, as the organization donated thousands ofdollars to several organizations in the community.

A couple of weekends ago, officers with the Eagles Clubpresented Jefferson Cub Scout Pack 41 with a check for$4,200. Community Chair Rachel Peer attended the pre-sentation, not expecting a check so large.

Earlier in the year, the Jefferson Eagles had donated$600 to the troop for a timing system for our PinewoodDerby track, Peer said. She believed she was only meet-ing with the officers for a photo opportunity for their news-letter when they presented her with the new donation.

“Oh my God, I freaked,” Peer said. “I never would haveimagined that this was their idea of a big donation.”

Peer said she was shocked by the donation, which isone of the largest - if not the largest - the troop has everreceived.

The Jefferson Eagles Aerie #3881 also have made re-cent donations to the Ashtabula County Young Marines,the Ashtabula County Special Olympics and the Christ-mas fund for the Jefferson Police Department.

Volunteers come to Dorset Township toclean up resident’s house

Dec. 21, 2011

DORSET TOWNSHIP - Volunteers came in large num-bers to clean up the home of a Dorset Township residentwho was the victim of a home invasion and assault thispast November.

The house was in desperate need of cleaning and newwindows and doors. The cleaning of the house was con-ducted on Thursday, and the windows and doors werereplaced on Saturday.

“I hadn’t even heard about it until they said some-thing at church and I decided to come out here,” MikeWebb said.

Representatives of the Pentecostal Church in NewLyme told their congregation of the clean up on Wednes-day night during their weekday services.

“A huge group was here [from the Pentecostal Churchin New Lyme] before I even got here,” Annette Paul, amember of H2O, said.

H2O has done community services projects across thearea since this fall and is continuing to provide assis-tance to others.

“They had the outside all cleaned up and they’ve justbeen amazing,” Paul said.

The Western Reserve Independent Living Center alsocame and helped out.

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Ashtabula and Geneva 2011 Year in ReviewCOMPILED BY STEFANIE WESSELL AND BYRONWESSELLGazette Newspapers

Throughout January, the Gazette will present “A Yearin Review,” detailing the highlights of the year in thenewspaper’s Ashtabula and Geneva coverage area.

This week’s review will cover October through Decem-ber 2011.

Milliken awardedGOTL Citizen of the Year award

Oct. 5, 2011

GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE - The Geneva-on-the-LakeChamber held its annual dinner last Thursday night,where one of the most prestigious awards, the Citizenof the Year award, was given to Geneva-on-the-LakeConvention and Visitors Bureau Director MargeMilliken.

Betty Sickenger presented the award to Milliken andcould not say enough about the life Milliken brings tothe village.

“This person came to the lake for a weekend, drankthe water and never left,” Sickenger said.

Smallest covered bridgereceives a large dedication

Oct. 12, 2011

GENEVA - The country’s shortest covered bridge wasofficially dedicated in the City of Geneva on Saturdayas a part of the 28th Covered Bridge Festival.

The bridge now joins the longest covered bridge lo-cated in Ashtabula County as well.

“We truly have the long and the short of it,” BettyMorrison, of the Covered Bridge Festival, said.

The Liberty Bridge was monumental not only in itssize but also by being a part of a city project instead ofa county one.

“This is the first time that we have worked with acity to build a covered bridge instead of the county,”Morrison said.

Geneva City Manager Jim Pearson gave credit toKevin Grippi for bringing the idea to him, as well asmaking the idea into a reality.

“It takes more than an idea to make things happenlike this, and Smolen Engineering under the leadershipof John Smolen and Kevin Grippi helped us bring thisproject to a successful conclusion,” Pearson said.

Smolen, who is also a past county engineer, said manypeople see covered bridges with their wooden frames asold fashioned, but he sees them as a very reliable ma-terial.

“Salt does not harm wood, and we know what saltdoes to steel. We know what salt does to concrete, butsalt does not harm wood. If it does anything it helps it.It prevents the wood from rotting,” Smolen said.

Committee proposes an amendmentto Ashtabula’s city charter

Oct. 19, 2011

ASHTABULA - The Anti-traffic Camera Committee,as promised a few weeks ago, is going forward with anew proposal to create a system for citizens to recallelected city officials.

“If you’re not performing up to satisfactory at work,you can be fired and we just feel the elected officialsshould be treated the same,” Mark Leatherman, chair-man of the committee, said.

John Ginnard spoke at the Ashtabula City pre-coun-cil meeting and asked for assistance in creating anamendment to the charter.

“There was an email and everybody [on council] I be-lieve got a copy of this FYI and email exchange whereMr. Ginnard was asking about the ability to recall coun-cil members or elected officials,” Ward 3 Councilor AnnStranman said.

Stranman said the emails created some initial mis-understandings on what the committee was asking for,but they have now been cleared up as Ginnard made itclear.

“What they are looking for is a charter amendmentto allow a recall process for all elected officials,”Stranman said.

The committee was hoping to see support from thecouncil and advice on how to move forward with theproposed amendment.

Geneva Lower Red wins Super bowlOct. 26, 2011

HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP – The ConneautLower Blue and Geneva Lower Red met up in the Su-per bowl at SPIRE Stadium on Saturday, October 22.

After a short gain by Hunter Stiltner on the firstdrive of the game Conneaut would eventually be forcedto punt.

Brett Goff and Blake Peet would run for short gainsfor Geneva Lower Red, but Jacob Wiley would eventu-ally recover a fumble for Conneaut.

Stitler would pick up a first down for Conneaut LowerBlue on their next possession, but Conneaut would even-tually turn the ball over on downs.

Geneva then had a long drive, but came up empty.Vincent Varckette ran for 13-yards. Goff then had runsof five yards and three yards and Varckette ran for thefirst down on fourth-and-one. Goff would then take akeeper for another first down. Peet added two more bigruns for seven yards and eleven yards.

The Spartan defense would then step up in the redzone as Aidan Thomas picked up a sack and Conneautwould have another tackle for loss. The Geneva LowerRed would eventually turn the ball over on downs asthe game remained scoreless a minute into the secondquarter.

Conneaut would be forced to punt again and the

Eagles would capitalize with the first score of the game.Goff would run in an 18-yard touchdown, making it

6-0 in favor of Geneva. Peet would run in the extra point,making it 7-0.

Conneaut would pick up a first down on their nextdrive, but Geneva would again cause a turnover ondowns as the first half ended.

In the third quarter Conneaut and Geneva wouldtrade fumbles as Brandon Thomas recovered a fumblefor the Lower Red. Jacob Lower would then pick up asack for Conneaut, but a 14-yard run by Varckette keptthe drive alive. Goff picked up a first down on a quar-terback keeper and Blake Peet then scored the secondtouchdown of the game for Geneva.

Blake Peet would have an interception for Genevaand Jeramiah Ortiz had a big tackle for loss forConneaut.

Geneva held on for the 13-0 win.

Smith Field Dog Park willbe for man’s best friend

Nov. 2, 2011

ASHTABULA - It all started with the idea from MarieKane of a place for one’s dog to run free. Now the SmithField Dog Park in Ashtabula is close to becoming a re-ality.

The Dog Park Committee is planning on opening thepark in a few weeks, but first they are asking for helpto put up one of the final touches: a fence.

“We need volunteers to help us put up a split railand mesh wiring fence,” Amy Gustafson said.

The committee is asking for volunteers to come toSmith Field on Nov. 5 and 6 to assist in installing thefence.

The committee has really cut cost with the fence, withbeginning estimates being $22,000.

“The original estimate for a chain link fence was$22,000, but the split railing and mesh wire fence onboth sides cost us $5,000,” Gustafson said.

Although once the fence is complete the park will beopened for all dogs and owners, they will not have anofficial ceremony until the threat of winter weather haspast.

“We’re thinking of a grand opening in the spring,”Gustafson said.

The park is going to be very owner and pet friendly,with two separate sections.

“The park will have a separate section for small dogsand large dogs,” Gustafson said.

A small dog is classified as a dog under 25 pounds.

City of Ashtabula sees many closeraces in the November election

Nov. 9, 2011

ASHTABULA - The City of Ashtabula held its elec-tions yesterday with voters having the choice betweenfive different city manager candidates: current city man-ager Anthony Cantagallo, Kevin Grippi, Charlie Hauff,Jason Strong and James Timonere.

According to the Ashtabula County Board ofElection’s unofficial results, Timonere has won the seatwith 2,222 votes or 47.37 percent.

The position of Ashtabula City solicitor was also onthe line between current city solicitor Michael Franklinand former city solicitor Thomas Simon.

The unofficial results show Franklin winning backhis position with 2,571 votes, or 55.67 percent, andSimon coming in second with 2,047 votes, or 44.33 per-cent.

Four city council seats were also up for grabs in theelection. August Pugliese won for Ward 2 as he ran un-opposed.

The Ward I seat was between current seat holder RickBalog and Tina Stasiewski. Balog won the seat with783 votes, or 51.21 percent, according to the unofficialresults. Stasiewski was close behind with 746 votes and48.79 percent.

Ashtabula also will have a new council president, asJ.P. Ducro dominated the competition with 2,607 votes.Incumbent Betty Kist was ousted from her seat as vicepresident, with Chris McClure receiving 1,887 votes.Losing out were John Roskovics with 1,845 votes andKist with 1,285.

Ashtabula citizens occupyCornelius Park

Nov. 16, 2011

ASHTABULA - Ashtabula is now a part of the “Oc-cupy” movement sweeping across the country.

Occupy Ashtabula participants have set up camp atCornelius Park on the corner of Park Avenue and 44thStreet in the City of Ashtabula.

Occupy Ashtabula participants had to determinewhether or not a permit was needed before they begancamping out last Monday night.

“We had [Clerk of Council] LaVette [Hennigan] gothrough the ordinances, plus we checked the ordinances.There was not an ordinance that stops us from stayinghere,” Mark Leatherman said.

They further investigated the matter after memberssaid they were told the city could be liable if anyone gothurt in the park.

“We have an Ohio Constitutional lawyer, Chris Finny,and he said if this city has ever allowed any group tostay in a public park overnight, however they did that,whether they required them a permit or not, they mustextend those same conditions to us,” Leatherman said.

Occupy Ashtabula discovered a few years ago thatthe Boy Scouts stayed overnight at Walnut Beach with-out a permit. The movement participants have now setup camp with tents and even a small fire.

“We’ve been here since Monday night, every night,”Leatherman said. “[Thursday] night we had snow onour tents.”

GACS BOE listens to publicconcerns over levy’s failure to pass

Nov. 23, 2011

GENEVA - The Geneva Area City Schools (GACS)Board of Education met last Wednesday for its monthlymeeting and to talk to the public about their optionsafter their levy failed.

“We are here to talk. We are not here tonight to makedecisions,” Superintendent Mary Zappitelli said.

Right now, if nothing is cut, GACS will barely endthe school year with a positive balance.

“If we keep everything in place, we will end thisschool year with a cash balance of approximately$625,000,” Zappitelli said.

Lakeside Intermediate wins$25,000 tech grant

Nov. 30, 2011

ASHTABULA - Thanks to the hard work of the stu-dents and the support of the community, Lakeside In-termediate School officials learned Monday that theschool won a $25,000 award through Windstream andthe SchoolsWIN program.

Lakeside Intermediate won the award thanks to itsentry in the Classroom Connections contest offeredthrough Windstream. The school was one of eight final-ists in the contest, and the only school in Ohio to re-ceive $25,000.

“Windstream approached us with this contest,”Lakeside Intermediate Principal Cristine Rutz said.

The contest involved the school submitting a videoof students participating in a community project. Sincethe school already had plans to visit Walnut Beach forMake a Difference Day, the video centered around foursixth-grade classes’ efforts to clean up the beach.

Teacher Mary Petro said the students were able tovisit Walnut Beach thanks to a grant from the AfterSchool Discovery program to pay for bus transportation.

During the visit, the students learned from Cleve-land Museum of Natural History volunteers about in-vasive species at the beach. The students picked uptrash and helped remove some of the invasive species.They also plan to return to the beach in the future forfurther clean up and to plant seeds.

Rutz said they will host meetings to determine whatthe school’s needs are and how they should use themoney.

Touchdown Club gives outnumerous awards

Dec. 7, 2011

ASHTABULA - The Ashtabula Touchdown Club heldits 42nd Annual Awards Dinner on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011at the Mt. Carmel Community Center.

The Touchdown Club announced the first team, sec-ond team and honorable mention All-Ashtabula Countyfootball teams as well as individual awards and scholar-ship winners. The Touchdown Club also inducted 16 in-ductees into the Ashtabula County Football Hall of Fame.

The 2011 Ashtabula County Football Hall of FameInductees were Scott Bell, of PV, Greg Ware, of Geneva,Mike Hassett, of Geneva, Larry Ogren, of Conneaut, BobDombroski, of Edgewood, Ray Shore, of Jefferson, JoeShoaf, a coach at Grand Valley, Bruno Mallone, ofGeneva, Bob Millberg, of Harbor, Henry Garvey, ofAndover, Bob Sidbeck, of Harbor, Paul Halleck, of WayneHS, Elmer Peaspanen, of Harbor, Orval Bell, ofAshtabula, Steve Abraham, of SSJP and Willie Carltonof Ashtabula.

Robert Russell honored asCitizen of the Year

Dec. 14, 2011

GENEVA - Robert Russell was honored on Wednes-day as Citizen of the Year by the Geneva Area Chamberof Commerce.

Russell grew up in Geneva and became known forhis pranks and for following in his father’s footsteps bybecoming a fireman.

“Firefighting was an interest at an early age, espe-cially having a father who was a volunteer fireman,”David Foote said.

Foote shared a story of Russell as a child trying to putout a fire of his own.

“When our honoree was about four or five, he startedhis own fire in an empty paint can so he could put the fireout,” Foote said.

Russell’s mother smelled the smoke and found her sonin his father’s fireman boots, attempting to pull the hoseto the fire.

Russell told his mother, “Back up, mommy. I will putthis fire out.”

Russell was punished for his brief exploration in arsonwith afternoons spent in his bedroom and cleaningfiretrucks at the station.

“After graduating from Geneva High School in 1975,our honoree went to Kent State University,” Foote said.“In 1979 our citizen of the year graduated with a bachelor’sin business administration.”

Russell’s career would take him out of the area.“Becoming a licensed nursing home administrator, our

honoree moved to Barnesville, Ohio, and ran theBarnsville Healthcare Center,” Foote said.

Russell helped to improve the quality of care for nurs-ing home residents as an administrator of the OhioHealthcare Association.

“At 25, he became one of the youngest members electedto [the Ohio Healthcare Association] governing board andserved for many years in this capacity,” Foote said.

In 1981 he would marry his wife, Deborah, and sevenyears later the opportunity to return to Geneva arose.

Russell was shocked by the honor.“I wanted to thank everybody. There’s a lot of people in

this room who helped me,” Russell said.

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JEFFERSON - “A newcar!”: the phrase that getscontestants excited on thegame show “The Price isRight.”

Those in the JeffersonArea Local School Districtdon’t have to go to Califor-nia to hear such a phrase.They can simply buy a raffleticket for the Educar fromtheir favorite JALS organi-zation.

According to Pat Inman,JALS liaison to Great LakesChevrolet, Educar is afundraiser created by theGreat Lakes Auto Group.

“They have given a newcar to be raffled at the endof this school year for theschool groups in AshtabulaCounty. The tickets are $5each and 100 percent of thesales stay with the groupswho distribute the tickets,”said Inman.

Various organizationswithin the school system areselling tickets. Those in-clude the Jefferson AcademicBoosters, Rock Creek PTO,the Jefferson Falcon AthleticBoosters, OAPSE Scholar-ships, Jefferson ElementaryPTO, Jefferson Area Music

P.J. partySAYBROOK TOWNSHIP

- The halls at Lakeside Jun-ior High School were filledwith boys and girls wearingpajama pants. The studentshad the opportunity to weartheir p.j. pants as afundraiser.

Their donations of $1 willbenefit the seventh- andeighth-grade science depart-ment. The lab is in need ofmiscellaneous supplies suchas ribbons for the sciencefair winners, glue, coloredpencils, paper towels, or-anges (to be used in an ex-periment in February) andother hands-on materials.This was a creative way togain the necessary fundingfor tools needed and the stu-dents had fun doing it!


GENEVA - The GenevaHigh School staff has takenthe time to learn how todeal with students whomight be living in poverty.

“We did our book read-ing over Christmas break,”Geneva High School Prin-cipal Douglas Wetherholtsaid. “It was a pretty goodread and a pretty easy readfor the staff.”

The staff read a book en-titled, Teaching With Pov-erty in Mind by EricJensen.

“We set a couple of goalsfor the building to do a bookreading,” Wetherholt said.“It was to bring staff to-gether on a common goaland address 55 percent ofour students.”

Jensen’s book discusseshow to teach a class withstudents who might live inpoverty and how changingyour tactics can changewhat a student learns.

“The other thing was toengage teachers and educa-tional conversation dealingwith poverty among ourdistrict and to maybe un-derstand what is going onwith some of our studentswho may be a little disrup-tive,” Wetherholt said.

Wetherholt said hethought the book dealt withmany issues that might beseen in the school.

“The book talked abouthow to deal with studentswho might be living in pov-erty and coming up withdifferent approaches onhow to deal with differentsituations,” Wetherholtsaid.

Teaching with Poverty inMind also discusses howexposure to poverty can af-fect the brain, but he alsoargues as a teacher youhave the power to moldtheir experience into anemotional, social and aca-demic success.

“Sometimes the stu-dents don’t have the skillsor ability to deal with cer-tain situations, so they actout in a different way or awrong way or in a way wewould see as inappropri-

There is still time to joinHealth for Life - a series ofclasses at AshtabulaCounty Medical Center de-signed to help you loseweight, or develop ahealthy lifestyle.

Health for Life includeswellness education and ex-ercise classes that will mo-tivate you and teach youhow to make better choicesto live a healthier life.

This year ’s programpromises to be an even big-ger success and will offer:

Wellness educationclasses by ACMC profes-sional staff and physicians.

1 Free Premiere Fitnessclass each week for sixweeks.

3 Free YMCA ofAshtabula passes to use forany class.

Passes at JeffersonCommunity RecreationCenter.

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JAHS students participatingin Educar campaign

PHOTO BY CAROLYN BEHR-JEROMEJefferson Area High School senior Zach Robbins models the EDUCAR.

Boosters, the End ZoneClub, Cheerleading and JV/Varsity Softball.

“I’d like to encouragepeople to purchase a ticketfrom their favorite organiza-tion. A $5 donation gets youa chance to win a new car ora minimum of $15,000 incash,” Inman said.

In June, six preliminarywinners will be chosen andthen will advance to the fi-nal drawing for a 2012 GMCSierra, a 2012 Chevy Cruze,

$25,000 toward the pur-chase of another vehicle or$15,000 cash. The finaldrawing will include the pre-liminary winners from otherparticipating districts aswell.

In a press release, GreatLakes Auto Group officialssaid that this is an opportu-nity to show their support forthe quality education in theAshtabula County area.

“We understand the valueof education and the integ-

rity of community outreach,”officials said.

“This really is a win-winsituation. People can buy aticket from their favorite or-ganization. The money goesdirectly back to that groupand they could win a car,”Inman said.

All school districts in thecounty were invited to par-ticipate in Educar and GreatLakes hopes to raise over$100,000 for AshtabulaCounty schools.

SUBMITTED PHOTOPictured in front of a lot of pajama pants are (left to right) Vanessa Luke and GlorianLopez.

Public schools can now donate excessfood to food banks and pantries

U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-OH) is encouraging public schoolsthroughout NE Ohio to donate excessunused food to local food banks and pan-tries. A change in the law now gives pub-lic schools the same protections as res-taurants and caterers that donate tofood banks under the Emerson Good Sa-maritan Food Donation Act.

The food donation measure, which be-came law in 1996, protects donors tofood banks from all liability — criminaland civil — yet did not provide publicschools that same protection,LaTourette said.

“It’s rather ridiculous that restau-rants and caterers were protected butschools were not,” LaTourette said.“This is a great tweak to current law,especially when our food banks are sobusy aiding the hungry and those inneed.”

LaTourette said the new law will givepublic schools the peace of mind they de-serve if they choose to donate surplusfood. He said the letter of the law isclear and schools can contact local foodbanks about making donations.

“It’s tragic if schools have been throw-

ing away good food since they weren’tprotected like restaurants or caterersthat made donations,” LaTourette said.“The change in law to protect schools islong overdue.”

LaTourette said the spending billthat funds the Department of Agricul-ture includes language that brings pub-lic schools under the umbrella of the1996 food donation law. The change inlaw was accomplished by amending theNational School Lunch Act, which pro-vides free and low-cost lunches to chil-dren.

The House approved H.R. 2112,which includes the food bank provisionand funds agriculture programs, by avote of 291-121 in November.LaTourette supported the bill. The mea-sure was signed into law on November18, 2011.

The change in law applies to publicschools participating in the nationalschool lunch program as well as localeducational agencies. Federal officialshave 180 days from the enactment of thelaw to provide public guidance forschools that want to donate food.

Sign up for Health For Life classesat the YMCA of Ashtabulaif you become a member.

Cooking tipsNutrition educationPrizes for participation

and healthy weight loss.Points are awarded for

every educational and fit-ness course attended, plusparticipants will weigh-inevery other week. Cash andother prizes will beawarded for the healthiestweight loss. A $500 prizewill be awarded to the maleand female who lose themost percentage of weight(as determined by regularweigh-ins at ACMC, Pre-miere Fitness or YMCA).There are also other prizesto be given away, includingfour $50 cash prizes, anight’s stay at the Lodge atGeneva State Park, andmemberships to PremiereFitness and the YMCA.

Health for Life is a pro-gram that has been grow-

ing in popularity each year.Over the last two years,nearly 400 people havegone through the program,and have lost more than2,600 pounds.

Although this year’s pro-gram is limited to 150people, there is still spaceavailable for you.

This year’s program willcontinue through May 2,with classes taking place atACMC’s fifth floor Solarium,or at Premiere Fitness.

Although there has beenone kickoff class, the firsteducational class will beFebruary 1. An entry fee of$20 is required. Moneyfrom the registration fee isput back into the programfor incentive prizes. Com-plete program informationcan be picked up at ACMCRehabilitation Services,Premiere Fitness or theYMCA. For more informa-tion, call 997-6634.

ate,” Wetherholt said.Wetherholt said the staff

was not given much in-struction for the book.

“I really didn’t give themmuch information exceptfor saying, ‘I’d like you toread this book,’”Wetherholt said.

Wetherholt said a fewdays before calling a staffmeeting where the bookwas to be discussed, hethen gave them someguidelines and points toconsider.

“I couldn’t be morepleased with how seriousthey took it and the effortour whole staff put for-ward,” Wetherholt said.

The staff was put intogroups by assigning themchapters to discuss andthen they reorganized as awhole to discuss the chap-ters.

“Four groups put to-gether Power Point presen-tations within a half-hourtime period with items ofconcern and ideas from thechapters,” Wetherholt said.“I sat in the back just be-sides myself because I wasso proud.”

Wetherholt said thebook’s message can alreadybe seen being used in theschool.

“We came up with somethemes in the hallways. Iactually had teacher talk tome today about a studentthat went off a little bit andthey accepted the fact thatmaybe they just don’t havethe skills to deal with that,”Wetherholt said.

Wetherholt is proud tosee these changes and alsoto give his staff a differentperspective of their stu-dents.

Wetherholt plans to givethe book to the GenevaMiddle School’s staff sothey can have a similar dis-cussion.

“The book has alreadyhelped out one student, andwe can see how the bookhas directly affected ourstaff,” Wetherholt said.


Book changes GenevaHigh School’s tactics

on teaching

PROMISES KEPT!

1565 State Route 167, Jefferson, Ohio 44047 . 440-576-6015 . www.atech.edu The Ashtabula County Technical and Career Center Board of Education and staff are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal employment

opportunities without regard to sex, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, pregnancy, handicap, or disability.

Attention Parents!

When A-Tech promises to create unlimited opportunities for student success, it delivers!

Encourage your teen to fully explore how they can learn more in high school and

earn more in life through career-technical education at A-Tech.

For more information, call Miss Amanda Wight,

A-Tech Career Pathways Specialist, at 440-576-6015, Ext. 1115.

Roger Hatfield, Automotive Collision Repair

PROMISES MADE.


REALTORS - APPRAISERSEDWARD R. CURIE

JAMES A. REUSCHLINGBROKERS/OWNERS

Real EstateService Since 1908 MLS

The MillerRealty Co.of Jefferson, Ohio

113 N. CHESTNUTST. JEFFERSON

576-2811OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

JEFFERSON AREACHAMBER OF COMMERCE

------------2012 OFFICERS & BOARD OF CONTROL-------------President, Pat Bradek of Subway Vice President, Janet Wolff, WEK ManufacturingRecSecy, Mary Jo Braden of Lakeview Patty Fisher, Clerk Treas., VillageTreas., Peggy Stadler of KeyBank Bill Creed, The GazetteJoAnn Whetsell, Ken Forging Betty Morrison, Ashtabula Co. Covered Bridge FestivalGeorge Dubic, Jefferson Healthcare Dan Weber, Andover BankJerry March, CruiseOne/Village Rep.

P.O. Box 100Jefferson, OH 44047-0100

www.jeffersonchamber.comPh: 440-576-0133

GLAZIER INSURANCEAGENCY, INC.

Serving Our CommunitySince 1936

PHONE (440) 576-2921or 1 (800) 322-166141 WALL STREET

JEFFERSON, OHIO44047-1138

James A. Baker, Agent

[email protected]

YOUR ADHERE!

Contact Rick Briggs

at 576-9125 x205 today!Bus: 440-576-2637Fax: [email protected]

LauriHaines Allen

1640 State Rt. 46 N.Jefferson, OH 44047

HainesMemorials,LTD.

CHAMBER ACTIVITIES & MEETINGS

Regular chamber meeting: Tues., Feb 7, 2012 at 7:30 am, sponsored by Buckeye Title, held at The

Jefferson Healthcare Center. There are still a couple openings for sponsoring the Chamber Meeting

refreshments. The open months are Aug. and Oct. Please let Mary Jo Braden know if you would like to

be a sponsor by calling her at 576-4382.

** THANK YOU-THANK YOU- THANK YOU **

The Generous donations from the following businessesmade the JEFFERSON HOLIDAY CELEBRATION possible:

Andover Bank • Miller Realty • Old Reserve Realty • First Merit • Chicago Title

Blon Insurance • Lakeview Federal Credit Union • Painesville Dental Group • Worthington Cylinders

Thank you also to many volunteers that so generously give of their time every year to make our Holiday

Celebration the best around. Thank you! Together we can do anything!

Patty Fisher / Pat Bradek Co-Chairs / Jefferson Holiday Events

LAKEVIEW FEDERAL CREDIT UNION would like to thank the community for the generous support in

collecting donations for the APL, Toys for Tots, MANNA food pantry and our hat and mitten tree, which

will be given to local school children. Many will be blessed through your thoughtfulness.

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIME: The renewal forms went out in the mail. In the event

that you didn't get your form in the mail please be sure to call and ask for another copy to be mailed,

faxed or e-mailed to you.

FREE ANTHEM HEALTH INSURANCE QUOTE:

http://www.chambersaver.com/noacc/

OTHER MEMBER NEWS

Citizen of the Year Banquet: The annual affair will be held Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at the Jefferson

Community Center. The Social Hours starts at 6:00 with Dinner following at 7:00. You can reserve a

table for 8 for just $125.00 or you can get individual tickets for $20.00 each. Deadline for reserving your

space is March 9, 2012. Reservations and Nominations for "Citizen of the Year" and "Youth of the Year"

can be obtained by calling Mary Jo Braden, Lakeview Federal Credit Union. You can reach Mary Jo

Braden by calling 440-576-4382.

Jefferson Community Center news: They are offering several programs from after school to the

"Snowball Ball scheduled 2/4/12. The programs started January 2 and run periodically. There are

activities, games, arts, crafts, science programs and more for the children to get involved in! You can

call 576-9052 for additional information!

Library news: Activities and classes are in session! The Children's Librarian, Miss Dee, has several

programs for children of all ages to participate in. The newest program is PJ Sleepy Time, held Thurs-

days from 7-7:45pm, kids can come in PJ's and enjoy! Miss Dee is also reading at the Jefferson

Community Center Monday mornings 10-10:30. Visit their website for additional information

www.henderson.lib.oh.us/ or you can call 576-3761 and ask for Miss Dee.

Do you have an event or activity coming up? Let our members know by supplying the information

to Rayne Burr, Correspondence Secretary. She will get the word out to everyone! You can reach her at

576-3916 or 319-0788. Her e-mail is [email protected].

Membership in the Jefferson Area Chamber includes membership in NOACC,

Providing Superior Business Benefits to Chamber Members for over 10 Years,

for details visit www.noacc.org.

We’re Proud To Be APart Of Jefferson’s Past,

Present And Future

RealtyOld Reserve

JIM CASE REALTY, INC.

Equal Housing Opportunity

1 Lawyers RowJefferson, OhioPhone 576-6985

Carol Fulwiler, Owner/Broker

895 Route 46 NJefferson, Ohio

440-576-5421

CrystalClearWater

WATER TREATMENT,POOLS & SPAS,SALES, SERVICE& INSTALLATION

PetrosDesign LLC

Quality Laser EtchingEndless PossibilitiesPictures on Marble

and Granite

Personalized GiftsAwards • Home Decor

Kathy Housel, Owner942 St. Rt. 46 North

Jefferson, Ohio

[email protected]

135 N. Chestnut St.Jefferson, OH

440-576-3004

Open for BreakfastEvery Day

Jefferson

JANUARY

FEATURED

CHIPOTLE CHICKENAND CHEESE

gazette 01-25-12

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