tbs sept2 2014 mock2

The Bedford September 18 - October 2, 2014Volume 5 :: No. 19

CommunityNews!

StandardMore articles at www.thebedfordstandard.com

Celebrating 5 years in Bedford!

MetroParks Prepares for Halloween HappeningsLearning about creatures of

the night, sharing spooky stories and carving pumpkins are the key ingredients to creating the perfect Halloween concoction. Luckily, all of these ingredients, and even some extra sugar and spice, can be found this fall in Cleveland Metroparks. From nature center events to Boo at the Zoo presented by Giant Eagle, odds are you will find family-oriented Halloween activities to help make lifelong memories.

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Boo at the Zoo this year with a safe Halloween event that’s fun, not scary, and sure to make lasting memories for one low price. Boo at the Zoo takes place October 16-19 and 23-26 from 6-9 p.m. Come see the animals after dark, check out crafty decorations throughout the Zoo, watch live entertainment, get down at the Monster Mash Dance Party and be sure to flaunt your favorite costume! Tickets

are $8 per person, or $7 for Cleveland Zoological Society members. Tickets are on sale now at clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo.

Stop by CanalWay Center at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation throughout the month

New Report Defines the Educational Value of Bedford City SchoolsBedford City Schools released a

comprehensive, community-oriented companion to the State of Ohio’s School District Report Card. Called a “Quality Profile,” the report includes additional accountability measures that better define a high quality education and are not included in the state’s report card. The report can be found on the district’s website at www.bedford.k12.oh.us. A hard copy of the Quality Profile can also be

obtained from the district’s Administration Center at 475 Northfield Rd., or from any of the schools.

The Quality Profile’s content is divided into six categories: academics, arts, student leadership and activities, fiscal stewardship, parent and community involvement, and student services. These are elements of a high quality public education, as defined by residents of the community.

“Over the last several years, school districts across the state have been surveying residents to determine factors they value in their child’s education that are not measured on the state report card,” said Superintendent Sherman C. Micsak. “As a result, the district has prepared this expanded report that describes, in detail, the programs and values of our school system.”

The Quality Profile is supported by the

Alliance for High Quality Education, an education consortium that works to improve educational opportunities for students and to speak for member districts on matters of educational policy and funding. The state report card was released on Friday, September 12, by the Ohio Department of Education.

see BOO page 7

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2 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008

www.thenewstandard.com The New Standard

The Bedford Standard

St John Funeral Home

Celebrating 101 Years of Continuous Service by the

St. John Family

1913-201416381 Chillicothe Road

Bainbridge Twp., OH 44023

(440) 708-1308

923 Broadway Ave.Bedford, OH 44146

(440) 232-1155

Bedford African American Leaders Go “Back to School” to Give BackWhat does service mean in the African

American community? To nonprofit executive Fannie Brown, it means leading a coalition of more than 200 organizations that are committed to improving race relations.

On September 26, 2014, she will join hundreds of other African American HistoryMakers across the nation for a day of service during the 5th Annual Back to School With The HistoryMakers program, as they return to classrooms to encourage students to COMMIT to excellence and finishing their education.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is chairing the nationwide effort with the goal of having more than 400 black leaders go “back to school” in 61 cities and 30 states. The program puts HistoryMakers in direct contact with over 25,000 students

across the nation, to inspire them with their life’s stories and to encourage youth to strive for excellence.

The theme of the day is “COMMIT.” The HistoryMakers will personally recount their own school experiences, reflect upon the struggles they encountered on their paths to success and, most importantly, encourage students to COMMIT to their education.

“It makes a difference to hear a message of positive choices from successful, caring adults whom the students can relate to,” says a teacher from the program. The HistoryMakers Founder and Executive Director, Julieanna Richardson, states, “By bringing these living leaders into today’s educational system, we are raising awareness about the achievements of the accomplished African Americans in local

communities and bringing these leaders into schools to see things firsthand, while providing important role models for today’s youth. ”

Richardson is encouraging educators everywhere to use The HistoryMakers’ digital archive (http://www.thehistorymakers.com/digital-archive) to enrich their students’ exposure to the contributions of African Americans across the globe. This year, schools participating in the event will receive a free one-year membership for the digital archive, which includes extensive and easy-to-access interviews with over 700 HistoryMakers. In addition to providing schools with access to this unique educational tool, Back to School With The HistoryMakers is also taking a crucial step towards transforming the nation’s political and social landscape,

according to Richardson.“It is important that the community

talks; intergenerational dialogue is important, because something has been lost,” says Richardson. “Students should see role models and understand their stories, or else there will be more Missouris.”

Participating at Glendale Primary School that day:

Nonprofit executive Fannie L. Brown, Ph.D. is Executive Director of The Coming Together Project USA. 1997, President Bill Clinton chose Akron, Ohio as the setting for his first town meeting on race, largely because of Akron community leaders’ efforts to promote racial harmony in city neighborhoods and schools through The

Coming Together Project. Last year’s successful Back to School

With The HistoryMakers program sent over 300 of such role models to schools in 61 cities and 30 states, including stage and television actress T’Keyah Crystal Keymah, stage and television actor the late James Avery, and singer Otis Williams. Many of the HistoryMakers have now adopted a school, one of the goals of the initiative.

The HistoryMakers, the nation’s largest African American video oral history archive, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to recording and preserving the personal histories of well-known and unsung African Americans. It was announced this year by James Billington, the Librarian of Congress that the Library of Congress will serve as the permanent repository for The HistoryMakers Collection. Added Billington, “The HistoryMakers archive provides invaluable first-person accounts of both well-known and unsung African-Americans, detailing their hopes, dreams and accomplishments—often in the face of adversity, this culturally important collection is a rich and diverse resource for scholars, teachers, students and documentarians seeking a more complete record of our nation’s history and its people.” To date, the organization has interviewed over 2,000 HistoryMakers, with the goal of creating an archive of 5,000 interviews (30,000 hours) for the establishment of a one-of-a-kind digital archive.

For more information, visit The HistoryMakers website at www.thehistorymakers.com.

September 18 - October 2, 2014

May 22, 2008 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: 3

Celebrating 5 Years of Award-Winning Journalism in Central Ohio www.thenewstandard.com

The Bedford Standard

Cuyahoga County Rolls Out New Fuel Quality ProgramFulfilling a promise first made by

County Executive Ed FitzGerald during this year’s State of the County address, Cuyahoga County’s Department of Consumer Affairs today formally introduced legislation to establish a Fuel Quality Program to test octane levels at local gas stations and protect

the interests of local consumers.“Ohio is one of only three states that

doesn’t already do this,” said FitzGerald. “Once again, where the state will not act, Cuyahoga County is prepared to stand up for the interests of our consumers by implementing a Fuel Quality Program that protects hardworking men and

women in Northeast Ohio. I encourage our County Council to act swiftly to enact this commonsense initiative.”

Using a near-infrared portable octane analyzer, C u y a h o g a C o u n t y e m p l o y e e s

will be able to measure the levels of octane at local gas stations and ensure consumers receive the product they pay for. While the Department of Consumer Affairs currently checks pumps at gas stations on a regular basis to ensure they are functioning correctly, the new Fuel Quality Program will make testing octane levels part of their regular protocol.

“Over the last four years, Executive FitzGerald has established a new standard of responsibility in county government,” added Cynthia Sich, Director of the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs. “I am proud to help lead the effort to implement these new protections for consumers across this great region.”

Under the legislation submitted to Council, any gas station may receive a stop sale order for violations detected at

each pump, hose and/or storage tanks. Implementation of similar program in the State of Tennessee coincided with a drop in violations from 20% of all gas stations to just 3%.

It is suggested that consumers check their vehicle owner’s manual for the octane grade that is recommended, regular octane is recommended for most vehicles. The use of lower octane than what is recommended can possibly affect vehicle efficiency and/or maintenance.

To report scams, inquire about a business or file a complaint concerning a consumer problem, contact the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs at 216-443-7010 or find more consumer tips and information by visiting our website at fiscalofficer.cuyahogacounty.us

The Southeast branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library is located in Bedford at 70 Columbus Road, 440.439.4997

(Programs where registration is required/requested are marked with an *)

ADULT

*Meditation for the Aging Mind:

Monday, September 29th / 7:00 p.m. Jennifer Nance, a certified dementia care professional, will explain and demonstrate how meditation can reverse memory loss and help you retain your memory.

African-American Authors Book Group:

Tuesday, September 30th / 7:15 p.m. Join us to explore all genres of African-American writing. All adults are welcome. We will read African American classics, historical fiction, science fiction, mysteries, autobiographies, nonfiction, fiction and urban fiction. Copies of the book are available one month before the discussion date. September title: The Hippest Trip in America: Soul Train and the Evolution of Culture & Style by Nelson George

Afternoon Book Discussion:Wednesday, October 1st / 1:30

p.m. The Southeast Branch holds a monthly book discussion on the first Wednesday of the month at the library. Copies of the book will be available at the Southeast Branch one month before the meeting: October title: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

TEEN

*SmashCon14: The Tournament: Thursday,

September 18th / 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Think you’ve mastered Super Smash Bros. Brawl? Test your skills against other gamers in this county-wide tournament for teens in 6th-12th grade. The top 2 brawlers from each site will advance to the final championship at the Garfield Heights Branch on November 15th.

*Pen 2 Page Writing Crew:Saturdays, September 20th /

3:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Grades 4 – 10) Always wanted to try your hand at creative writing? This creative writing club for teens will provide writing prompts and exercises to help you improve your skills and provide a safe space to practice your craft. Sharing your work with the group (optional) can be helpful.

G2P: Animé Club:

Wednesdays, September 24th & October 1 / 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (Ages 11 – 18). Join us to play video games, board games and Yu-Gi-Oh trading card duels. We will also have iPads® available for Minecraft, Garageband and Stop Motion Animation activities. In the fall session, Anime Club is on the first and last Wednesdays of the month.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Family Storytime: Wednesdays thru November

19th / 6:30 p.m. (Children ages Birth to 8 years and their caregivers) Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories.

*G2P: KidKart14: The Big Race: Saturday,

September 20th / 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. (Grades 3 – 5) You’ve gotta be fast at the wheel or you get the peel! Burn rubber on the Mario Kart Wii race track in our 3rd annual 3rd to 5th grade gaming tournament. The top 2 karts from each site will advance to the final championship at the Garfield Heights Branch on November 15th. Drivers, start your engines!

*Whooo’s Ready for School?Kindergar ten Readiness

– Me and My World: Friday, September 26th / 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Ages 4 – 5 with a caregiver) Help your preschooler make the transition into their first year of school by learning about his/her place in a family and community. Explore hands-on activity stations together.

MIXED AGES

*Pen 2 Page Writing Crew:Saturdays, September 20th &

October 4th / 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Grades 4 – 10) Always wanted to try your hand at creative writing? This creative writing club for teens will provide writing prompts and exercises to help you improve your skills and provide a safe space to practice your craft. Sharing your work with the group (optional) can be helpful.

Access to Education: Thursday, September 25th /

2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The Educational Opportunity Center Student Advisers will be available to provide academic advising, help with completing financial aid applications, and career exploration. Stop by anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. to take advantage of the services available.

Southeast Library Spotlight


1. What is Issue 1?The Bedford City School District is asking voters to approve Issue 1, a 4.9 mill operating levy on the November 4 ballot. Issue 1 provides the funds necessary to continue our students’ academic progress.

2. How will Issue 1 funds be used? The funds will be used to improve student classrooms, purchase quality educational materials including textbooks and furniture, improve and expand technology, improve school facilities, purchase buses and for other associated costs necessary to operate the school district.

3. Why do the schools need the Issue 1? Over the past six years, the district has operated on fewer funds than expected, due to state budget reductions. This resulted in the district receiving approximately $13.5 million dollars less than initially forecasted from the state.

4. What has the district done to curb their expenses? The schools have made approximately $3.5 million dollars in reductions over the past six years, along with the significant reductions that were held in place from 2008. With sound financial management and oversight, the district has managed to keep expenses down. In fact, the district’s operating costs are nearly what they were in 2009.

5. What happens if Issue1 fails? The district will have to make an additional $2 million in further reductions. This will negatively affect student programs and services offered throughout the district and ultimately affect the education of the students.

6. How effectively is the District managing taxpayer dollars? The school district has routinely received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) “Excellence in Reporting Award,” and recognition from the State Auditor’s Office on an annual basis for its superb financial practices. Even with Issue 1, the district will continue to keep a watchful eye on spending. 7. What type of academic progress has the district made? Students have shown improvement on the Ohio Schools Report Card for five consecutive years, which can be validated on the Performance Index of the Report Card. 8. How much will this levy cost my family? Issue 1 will cost the owner of a $75,000 home approximately $10 per month. A home valued at $100,000 will cost a homeowner approximately $14 per month. 9. How can I learn more about the levy? You can visit our website at bedford.k12.oh.us and Facebook at facebook.com/ForBedfordSchools. You can also contact any of the schools for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bedford City Schools

Issue 1 Operating Levy November 4, 2014

4 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008


Columbus & Ohio4 The Bedford Standard

Standard

Kids Can Explore the Outdoors During Odyssey EventKids and their families can spend the afternoon learning about nature and outdoor recreation at

Cleveland Metroparks free Outdoor Odyssey event on Saturday, October 11 from noon to 4 p.m. It’s a great opportunity for kids to try – perhaps for the first time - golfing, fishing, hiking and bird watching all in one place. No previous experience is necessary, just a sense of adventure and a desire to learn.

Kids travel from station to station and can “sample” different outdoor recreation activities with guidance from Cleveland Metroparks staff and volunteers. Kids and adults

can try their luck fishing in the Ohio & Erie Canal stocked just for this event. Guests can bring their own gear. Free bait and loaner fishing equipment will be available to use while supplies last.

Other stations provide opportunities for discovery including live animal encounters, stargazing, arts and crafts, water safety tips and learning how to fix a bicycle flat. Receive a passport stamp from each station. A completed

passport earns a prize at the end of the day’s odyssey.

see OUTDOOR page 8

Dear Valued Patients,

We are pleased to announce that we have added two new providers to our practice! Come to our office to meet them or call our office to schedule your next ap-pointment.

Dr. Davis, a lifelong Clevelander, graduated from St. Ignatius High School, Ohio State University and Meharry Medi-cal College. He has practiced family den-tistry in this area for the past twenty-eight years. Over the course of his career, Dr. Davis has received numerous awards and certifications. His particular areas of inter-est within general dentistry are smile en-hancement and treating snoring and sleep apnea. In his spare time, Dr. Davis enjoys traveling, bowling, sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Debra worked with Dr. Dodson eighteen years ago and is happy to rejoin her and her new associate Dr. Davis. She graduated hygiene school from Tri C and has been practicing dental hygiene for nineteen years. Debra’s professional af-filiations include the ADHA, The Acad-emy of Dental Hygiene Studies and Man-chesters Who’s Who for Professionals. She resides in Broadview Heights with her husband, Barney. She has a daughter, Danielle, who is a DMD in Boston; Brit-ney who is a nurse anesthetist at CCF and an eleven year old step-son Sean.

Jane L. Dodson DDS & Associates, Inc.

Jane L. Dodson DDS & Associate, Inc.88 Center Rd. Bedford, 44146 (Next to Bedford Medical Center)

In the Bedford University Hospital Complex Medical Building - 3rd Floor

www.clevelandgentledentist.com

CALL 440-439-2230 for an appointment!

New Patient Exam and X-rays Special $69.00 ($280 value)

Jane L. Dodson DDS

CALL 440-439-2230 for an appointment!Present this coupon at time of service. Cannot be combined with other coupons.

Expires 45 Days from this publishing - TBS

*Bring this letter into your first visit with us

and receive $25 OFF treatment!!

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DebraLeonardi,

RDH

County Secures $400,000 Through EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan FundCuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald

today announced that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $400,000 in Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund grants to assist with environmental cleanup and economic development in Northeast Ohio.

“Cleaning up brownfields sites is an essential part of ensuring the continued revitalization of neighborhoods in Cuyahoga County,” said FitzGerald. “I am proud that we were able to secure $400,000 in federal funds to support this important work, clean up contaminated locations, and continue to grow our local economy.”

The Brownfield Remediation Program supports cleanup of hazardous substances and petroleum products at eligible brownfield sites. The EPA’s Revolving Loan Fund Grant provide funding for recipients to capitalize a revolving loan fund that provides loans and subgrants to carry out cleanup activities at brownfields sites. Cuyahoga County is one of 31 grantees that are receiving $11 million in funding through the EPA’s most recent round of brownfields grants.

“The clean-up of contaminated properties is critically important work for our region, bringing key municipal sites to competitiveness,” said Larry Benders,

Director, Cuyahoga County Department of Development. “We are pleased that the Federal EPA has recognized the excellent work that the County and its partners accomplish in this area and we welcome the incremental funds.”

To date, Cuyahoga County has assessed 159 sites comprised of over 4,138 acres in 24 communities. The County has participated in funding the cleanup of 34 of these sites through limited county brownfield redevelopment funds, state Clean Ohio Funds and federal revolving loan funds. An additional 86 of the 159 sites moved forward with private funding at an approximate

investment estimated to exceed $550 million.

Since the county’s initial RLF award of $350,000 in 1997, these funds have been an essential part of the brownfield redevelopment of 16 sites in Cuyahoga County. Cuyahoga County has cleaned up over 130 acres, created or retained over 2,200 jobs and leveraged over $450 million through the Brownfield program alone.

For additional information and eligibility requirements on Cuyahoga County’s Brownfield Remediation Program, please call (216) 443-7260.


Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

May 22, 2008 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: 5


Columbus & Ohio The Bedford Standard

14-4

272

Enroll now!Take advantage of the

lowest college tuition in Northeast Ohio

Easily transfer your credits to a four-year university

For more information, go to

www.tri-c.edu216-987-6000

Eastern Campus | 4250 Richmond Road | Highland Hills, Ohio 44122

Bedford Resident Lobbies Congress

On Wednesday, Tryphena Thomas of Bedford joined more than 400 others from across the country as part of the Direct Selling Association’s Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Tryphena, who is an independent consultant with Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry, met with members of Congress to explain the impact direct selling has had in her life and her community.

In 2013, nearly 17 million people participated in direct selling in the United States and direct sales totaled $32.67 billion, according to DSA’s

Growth and Outlook Report. This represents a 3.3 percent year-over-year increase from $31.63 billion in 2012 and continues an upward trend that began in 2010. The industry’s success in 2013 reflects record highs in participation and economic power.

Attached is a group photo from the event yesterday in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. If you would like to speak with Tryphena, I can give you her contact information.


Cleveland Clinic welcomes Chad Raymond, DO.Providing world class heart care at South Pointe Hospital

Chad Raymond, DOCardiovascular Medicine

6 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: May 22, 2008



Ellen Augustine, M.A.

What’s up, America?

The Militarization of Police Forces—In Your Town?

The Pentagon’s Excess Property Program (1033 Program) has supplied police departments across the country with more than $4.3 billion in gear since 1997, $449 million in 2013 alone. This has brought war equipment into 17,000 law enforcement agencies in all 50 states, including college campuses (Hello? Did we learn anything from Kent State?)

This includes tens of thousands of machine guns; 200,000 ammunition magazines; camouflage gear and night vision equipment, silencers, sound canons, Bearcat armored trucks, aircraft used by SWAT teams, and drones.

Even more egregious is the fact that 36% of the property transferred was never even used by the military.

This equipment is expensive. Even Newsweek said it points to the bloated military budget. The Pentagon receives more than 60% of the discretionary funds in our national budget. What happens when the Pentagon transfers all this equipment? Why, of course, the military has to buy newer equipment to replace it!

Though this equipment is mostly free, localities have to pay the cost of maintenance which can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars per year. Which would you rather have—more money for your schools, parks, and pothole repair, or a Bearcat armored tank?

Dr. Margaret Flowers and Kevin Zeese lay out the significance, consequences, and historical roots of the issue in their article, “Ferguson Exposes the Reality of Militarized, Racist Policing,” August 18, 2014. (truth-out.org)

They begin with reporter Ryan Grim’s assessment: “Police militarization has been among the most consequential and unnoticed developments of our time.”

“The rhetoric of a ‘war’ on drugs and ‘war’ on crime is no longer mere rhetoric. Over the last few decades police forces in the United States, down to small town forces, have been militarized by the federal government. Militarization has been part of the escalating clampdown on dissent; and the targets of these extreme policing practices are disproportionately communities of color. Practices like ‘stop and frisk’ and ‘driving while black,’ as well as policies focused on Arabs and Muslims, have shown that racially-based policing is the intentional policy of police across the country. The military police force applies the law unequally, violating equal protection of the laws and undermining the justice system as police take on the role of judge and executioner.”

“Blacks are almost two times as likely to be searched and are arrested twice as often as whites although whites are more likely to possess contraband.”

“The militarization of police is a recent phenomenon. Peter Kraska of the University of Eastern Kentucky has been writing about this since the early 1990s. He documents the rapid rise of Police Paramilitary Units (PPU’s, informally SWAT teams) which are modeled after special operations teams in the military.

PPU’s did not exist anywhere until 1971 when Los Angeles under the leadership of the infamous police chief Daryl Gates, formed the first one and used it for demolishing homes with tanks equipped with battering rams. By 2000, there were 30,000 police SWAT teams. By the late 1990s, 89% of police departments in cities of over 50,000 had PPUs; 80% of smaller towns of between 25,000 and 50,000 had them by 2007. The most common activity for SWAT teams is serving drug search warrants where they were used 80% of the time, but they are also increasingly used for patrolling neighborhoods.”

The film, “The Cost of War: Security,” released by Brave New Films says that “Military style police raids have increased in recent years, with one count putting the number at 80,000 such raids last year.”

Flowers and Zeese continue: “Another important chronicler of the rise of militarism in policing is Radley Balko, author of Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America’s Police Forces. He reported a ‘1,500% increase in the use of SW AT teams over the last two decades’ and in the ABA Journal in 2013 wrote that ‘SWAT teams violently smash into private homes more than 100 times per day.’ Their use of flash-bang grenades has caused injuries to children and a seven year old was shot and killed in her sleep when a SWAT team forced entry into the wrong house. There are many examples of similar abuses.”

“Colin Jenkins points out in Coming Home to Roost: American Militarism, War Culture, and Police Brutality that this was a gradual process. There was never a debate about militarizing the police but instead a series of decisions around the late 60s protest movement, the

drug war and post 9/11 policing. The trend became particularly noticeable in the 1980s when the Reagan-era drug war created exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act, a Reconstruction Era law that kept the military out of domestic enforcement. This is when SWAT teams began to be used to serve drug search warrants. The post-9/11 era gave police even greater power under the Patriot Act and seemingly unlimited resources to fight terrorism. Of course militarized police have rarely been used to fight domestic terrorism because there really is not much terrorism in the US to fight.”

“Jenkins points out that the billions of dollars of military equipment that have flowed to police departments is not because of police safety, noting there are 50 fatalities annually out of 900,000 officers nationwide. That is 1 out of 18,000 police maliciously killed each year (the odds of being killed by lightning in your lifetime are 1 out of 3,000). He blames the US war culture and believes police have become militaristic because they have shifted from defense to offense where they aggressively confront and repress the people, rather than protect and serve the community.”

“The problem may also be compounded by programs such as the Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Hiring Our Heroes,’ that intentionally seek out active military and veterans to work in police departments. The DoJ has a program called ‘COPS’ that fast tracks members of the military into police work. The San Antonio Police Department boasts that military personnel transition smoothly into police work. Perhaps it is because they are using the same equipment and

techniques. This raises concerns about what effect police work in a militarized environment has on veterans who experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”

Flowers and Zeese conclude by concurring with the recent ACLU report, The War Comes Home, which “recommends that the federal government mandate that military equipment is not used in routine policing situations, like drug searches or street patrols, but limited to truly dangerous situations, such as barricades, hostage situations or active shooters.” https://www.aclu.org/sites/default/files/assets/jus14-warcomeshome-report-web-rel1.pdf

The ramifications of a militarized police force are many. One is what we are allowed to hear in the press. Reporters were tear gassed and arrested, and their equipment destroyed. Are we not supposed to see the brutality of the police forces? Even before Ferguson, many laws have been enacted across the nation making it a crime to videotape police actions on your cell phone.

Another is facing the fact that we do not live in a post-racial world and people of color by and large receive oppression, not protection, from the police. When they call the police in an emergency, it is 15 minutes or longer, or the police just never arrive. Or the police come and concoct some reason to arrest the victim. So most have given up calling the police. That’s one reason for gangs—young people know there will be no help for them from the police.

According to a recent study, a black man is killed every 28 hours by police, security guards or vigilantes. Are we really alright with such a large part of our American population being abused at the hands of the police? Where is our compassion and caring, which is the essence of the teachings of all the world’s great religions? Where is our sense of social and economic justice, as the unemployment rates are most high for people of color because predominately white employers prefer to hire whites?

Police militancy does not just affect people of color. When the largely white, middle class crowds came out to protest at Occupy, they were greeted with tear gas and rubber bullets. Apparently it is not ok to peacefully speak out about the system being rigged for the wealthiest and the multinationals.

Its pretty hard to come to a conclusion other than we are living in a police state where speaking up about the way things are will not be tolerated.

There was a Senate hearing and Attorney General Eric Holder has begun an investigation. But just how far do you think this will go in reversing the police state without massive public support? If this issue touches you, there are a few things you can do. One, you can email the Department of Justice with your comments at [email protected].

Secondly, Rep. Henry Johnson has initiated a bill that would limit the type of equipment that can be transferred to police departments. Contact your representative, Marcy Kaptor, to be a cosponsor of the “Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act,” toll free at 866-220-0044. Congress can stop the flow of military equipment to states--it is, after all, a Pentagon program and the Pentagon budget is appropriated by Congress.

Ellen Augustine, M.A., is a speaker and author on national currents and the emerging sustainable economy. She may be reached at [email protected], 510-428-1832, www.storiesofhope.us. Questions, feedback, and topic ideas for future columns are welcome.


Linda J. How, Elder Law Attorney “Making Sense of the Law”

MOST PEOPLE DON’T THINK ABOUT CARE IN A NURSING HOME UNTIL A CRISIS HAPPENS. THAT MEANS MEDICAID! WILL YOU BE READY? OR WILL YOU BE OVERWHELMED?

WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW TO PREPARE FOR MEDICAID IN THE FUTURE? Save your complete financial records for a full five years. Keep a diary of when in hospital and in a nursing home. Have a lawyer prepare or update your Power of Attorney. Find out if any special Medicaid rules apply to YOU.

For an appointment, call or e-mail me today:

(440) 786-9449 OR [email protected]

Learn more at my FREE, educational Workshops, “Seven Threats to Your Family Security”

Monday evenings: Oct. 13, 2014 from 6 to 8 PM NOV. 10, 2014 FROM 6 TO 8 PM

Wednesday afternoons: Oct. 15, 2014 from 2 to 4 PM NOV. 12, 2014 FROM 2 TO 4 PM

All Workshops held in a convenient location near

Downtown Bedford, Ohio. Call to save your seats!

May 22, 2008 :: 17 of Iyyar, 5768 :: 7


Columbus & Ohio The Bedford Standard May 1-15, 2014

of October to learn all kinds of creepy-crawly spider facts while observing live spiders. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch spider feeding time! For the ultimate spider spiel, visit CanalWay Center on October 17 from 3 - 4 p.m. and join Naturalist Sarah Dudziak while she debunks some common spider myths.

Parents with preschoolers should be sure to mark their calendars for “Beautiful Bats” at Garfield Park Nature Center on October 16 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children, ages 3-5 with adult supervision, are given the opportunity to hear a story, sing songs and create a fun batty craft. Register by phone or online to secure a spot and introduce your preschooler to these not-so-scary creatures.

In addition to night crawlers and fliers, Halloween is always associated with pumpkins. Have you ever stopped to wonder why that is? On October 25 from 10-11:30 a.m. Garfield Park Nature Center is hosting an event full of the fascinating history of pumpkins and how they became the most popular type of squash around. There will even be taste-tests included. Come back on October

26 between 2 and 3:30 p.m. and get creative with paint, pumpkin patterns and safety knives when you bring your own pumpkin to carve.

Register by phone or online by October 24. Pumpkin carving will also be taking place on October 29 from 6:30-7:30 at CanalWay Center. A $5 registration fee includes carving tools, patterns and snacks. Guests are also encouraged to come dressed in costumes!

If your family loves hiking and spooky stories, then the Haunted Hike at Skinner’s Run was created for you! Stroll beneath a canopy of old oaks as you discover the chilling history of Skinner’s Run, known today as West Creek. Hear haunted tales of the past and present during this family-friendly journey that stretches approximately 1.5 miles. The hike begins at Monarch Bluff Picnic Area in West Creek Reservation on Saturday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information about Cleveland Metroparks programs, visit clevelandmetroparks.com.

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StandardThe Bedford

www.thebedfordstandard.com

OUTDOOR FROM PAGE 4A variety of nature and community

organizations will also be on hand with activities and displays including Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, Cleveland Metroparks EcoExplorers, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Cleveland Astronomical Society and Cuyahoga Astronomical Association.

Outdoor Odyssey is organized by Youth Outdoors, a division of Cleveland Metroparks. Youth Outdoors is a partnership between Cleveland Metroparks, 4-H, the City of Cleveland, and The Ohio State University Extension and strives to meet the developmental needs of urban youth living in Cleveland

through involvement in outdoor and nature exploration activities.

For more information, call 216-206-1010 or visit clevelandmetroparks.com.

Outdoor Odyssey is located downhill from CanalWay Center located on Whittlesey Way off the East 49th Street entrance of Cleveland Metroparks Ohio and Erie Canal Reservation - between Grant Avenue and Canal Road in Cuyahoga Heights - just off the I-77 Grant Avenue exit.


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Shipwrecks & Scuba70th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion

Shipwrecks of World War II & More

November 8, 2014Sawmill Creek Lodge

Huron, Ohio

Ralph Wilbanks

Marine Archaeologist, Shipwreck Hunter, The man who found the CSS Hunley

“Aftermath on the Bottom — The Nor-mandy Invasion”

Joe Hoyt

NOAA Marine Archaeologist, Marine Photographer

“Hitler’s Secret Attack on America”

Ralph WilbanksMarine Archaeologist, Shipwreck Hunter, The man who

Ralph Wilbanks is probably best known for discoveriHunley. However, this extraordinary accomplishment fullness of this singular individual’s life. Ralph

Joe HoytNOAA Marine Archaeologist, Bay Area Diver, Marine P

One of Bay Area Divers own, Joe Hoyt has gone on toGeographic special,

More information atShipWrecksAndScuba.com

Special Evening Banquet: 6:30pm - 9:30pmFeatured Speakers:

Daytime Programs: 9:30am - 4:30pmFeaturing workshops, presentations, booths, and vendors.

tbs sept2 2014 mock2

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