1. society
2. crime

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Spirit of Bainbridge
For the Community • By the Community February 13, 2015
2015 Safest Places in Ohio Study
We’re No. 82 out of 226!
Ohio is the seventh most populous state in America. How does it stack up in
terms of safety? This analysis of nearly 230 municipalities in the Buckeye State
left us with some interesting results. Predictably, many of the largest cities in the
state ranked low on our list by fairly wide margins (the scores ranged from 67 to
5,381), but the safest town in our study fell into the “midsized” bucket unlike the
other four small cities that rounded out the Top 5.
Northeast Ohio did quite well in the rankings, with Lyndhurst, Russell
Twp. and Kirkland in the top five of safest. Bainbridge Township finished a very
respectable 82 out of 226 listed. And in looking at our neighboring communities,
they’re safe, too. Aurora ranked 40th and Solon, 24th out of the 226 listed.
Reflecting 2013 data from FBI crime statistics, Bainbridge Township
experience 26 violent crime per 100,000 population, and 2,331 property crime in
the same ratio. That makes our “crime score” 521.
Data was collected from the 2013 FBI crime statistics by city, which provides
the most recent crime data available. The raw data report included violent crimes
(murder/manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) and
property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson) from all
law enforcement agencies that participate in the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
program.
The rankings were conducted by Value Penguin, a personal finance research
and analysis firm in New York City. They standardized the data to reflect violent
and property crimes per 100k, to account for population. They then aggregated a
“crime score.” To calculate this, violent crime weighed in at 90% and property
crime at 10%; though property crime is far more prevalent, they figured that the
violent crime data points are more relevant when calculating the relative safety of
these cities. To account for the fact that smaller cities with very slight upticks in
crime are penalized more severely, we applied a logarithm to the population and
multiplied it by the “crime score” to arrive at an “adjusted crime score.” We then
ranked the cities relative to each other based on their adjusted crime scores.
Academic Boosters Award Chromebooks
Kenston High School’s Academic Boosters held a drawing for two lucky winners from
the “Top Flight Club” which is comprised of all high school students who have a 3.75 GPA or higher. The winners received a new Chromebook for their first semester
performance. Two freshmen, Riley Potts, pictured above, and Tom Kregenow, won. Two
more Chromebooks will be given away for the second semester’s performance at the end
of the year. Barb Clayton, president of the group, says that they raise money through
donations, bake sales and advertising on their website. Photo by Tony Palmieri of www.
chagrinvalleyphotography.com.
Our next Spirit will be delivered March 6.
Editorial deadline is Feb. 20.
Ad deadline is Feb. 25.
Our Spirit Senior Guide and Camp Guide
will be included.
Call us today at 440-543-4321 for more information!
♥♥♥
Inside this Spirit...
• We have to say, there are definite signs
of the coming spring in this issue of the
Spirit! The Bainbridge Civic Club Pancake
Breakfast dates have been announced and
that’s a sure sign that spring is near!
• Our Spirit Health Guide is a
educational resource on virtually every
health topic. Begin the healthy experience
on page 21.
• The personal commentary in this issue
is outstanding, to be sure. Our contributors
have outdone themselves once again! Don’t
miss Sally Burton, Jess Skoczen, Mary
Ryan and many more as they put everyday
perspective into eloquent words.
• And, of course, Valentine’s Day and all
things romantic are sprinkled throughout
this issue of the Spirit. You won’t want to
miss a single page as we turn our backs on
winter and keep moving forward!
♥♥♥
Civic Club Announces Pancake Breakfast Dates!
Bainbridge Civic Club members are showing off their chef hats as they recently met to plan for the annual pancake breakfasts to
be held Sundays, March 8, 15, and 22 at the Kenston High School cafeteria. Serving hours will be 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. More than
3,300 area residents will normally attend. Proceeds are directed towards high school scholarships and charitable organizations in
Bainbridge and Geauga County. Pictured are Bainbridge Civic Club members (l-r) Justin Yates, Mike Kostelnik, Jr., Jerry Vowell,
Dave Jones, Jeremy Janszen, and Harold “Hadge” Hissam.
SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE
2015 Pond Clinic
Join the Geauga and Portage Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) for an
informative and free Pond Program on Thursday, March 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Centerville
Mills Dining Hall, 8558 Crackel Rd., Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023. Learn more about
managing your pond with featured speakers Eugene Braig, Aquatic Ecosystems Specialist,
OSU Extension and Bob Griesmer, Geauga SWCD Technician. Eugene Braig will
provide pond management strategies to minimize harmful algal blooms. Bob Griesmer
will offer tips for aquatic plant identification and management. Now is your chance to ask
the questions you’ve been “pondering”! Registration is required due to limited seating,
so please call Geauga SWCD at (440) 834-1122 or email [email protected] to
register by March 16.
Parenting Classes
Offered
INCOME
TAX
PREPARATION
The Ohio State University Extension
in Geauga County is offering parenting
classes this spring to address every day
dilemmas and strategies for peacefully
raising children. Peaceful Parenting is
a three-part class for parents of children
0-17 years of age and will be presented:
Tuesdays, April 7, 14 and 21 from 6 p.m.8:30 p.m. at the OSU office in Chardon, 470
Center St., Bldg 6-B. The program will be
presented by Terri Worthington, the Family
Life Educator for Ohio State University
Extension. A registration fee to cover the
cost of materials is $35 at the door.
To register for the class call the OSU
Extension office at 440-834-4656 during
regular business hours or e-mail Terri
Worthington at [email protected].
• Federal
• State
• Local
iHs Tax &
Accounting LLC
18900 Haskins Rd.
Bainbridge
(440) 543-7787
[email protected]
Serving the Area Since 1936
Pumps • Water Conditioning
Disposals • Sewer Cleaning
Boilers • Water Heaters
From Bainbridge Trustees...
Change Is Constant
One of the constants in life is taxes. We all pay them either directly or indirectly and
are affected by them. Our county real estate taxes were due earlier this month. The taxes
cover a number of various township, school and county governmental services. Less than
one quarter of the total real estate taxes are for funding township operation. This covers
township operation including zoning, police, road, parks and fire department services. As
a result of your continued support, these numerous and excellent services to our residents
can be maintained.
Change has recently occurred in our police department personnel due to a retirement
and promotions. Detective Sergeant Andy Kelley retired in January. He joined the police
department in 1987 and was promoted to sergeant in 1996 and became the department’s
detective sergeant in 2000. We wish Andy Kelley the best of luck in his future endeavors.
The department also recently promoted three individuals. Frank Chickos and Jon
Weiner were promoted to sergeant and Kurt Dreger was promoted from sergeant to
detective sergeant. Sergeant Chickos began his employment with the township in 1993
and Sergeant Weiner, who is also a K-9 officer, in 1997. Detective Sergeant Dreger
began his employment with the township in 1992 and was promoted to sergeant in 2003.
Congratulations to all for their well-deserved advancement and we look forward to have
them continue to serve the township in these new capacities for many years to come.
Late last year long time parks division employee Steve Paterek retired and passed
away last month. Steve had worked at Centerville Mills for 49 years. The majority of this
time had been when the YMCA owned the property. He had been there when it was an
active youth camping facility and experienced the transition to its current more passive
uses. The lake at Centerville Mills has been named the Steve Paterek Lake in his honor and
there is a stone plaque recognizing his lengthy service and dedication located at the eastern
portion of the lake near Crackle Road.
The fire department has had a change with the arrival of a new rescue squad. It replaces
a rescue squad which was purchased new in 1993. The department does an excellent job
in maintaining its vehicles to get the maximum life expectancy. But when their usefulness
for the township has been completed they see if there is a resale market for them. In this
instance the vehicle will be placed on govdeals.com. We have been fortunate in the past to
have found interested buyers for our obsolete equipment.
Some things never change. In Northeast Ohio this time of year, snow seems to be ever
ongoing. Such conditions have to be dealt with on a daily basis by our Service Department
employees. It does not matter if it is the weekends or a holiday, if weather conditions
require it they are out there plowing our roads so we can navigate them more easily and
they have to remain on the job until it lets up. How do they know if they have to come out
in the early hours of the morning? During the work week the road department operations
manager communicates with the police dispatch to inquire as to road and weather
conditions. Further communication is undertaken with Kenston school officials and then,
if appropriate, the call out is made to the employees. They then start work at 4:30 a.m. so
that the roads are clear for the morning commute. So on the next snowy morning when you
are on your way to work remember that your township Service Department has been out
for hours taking care of our roads to make the drive a little easier--- at least in Bainbridge.
Bainbridge has been the Geauga County leader in one important category for the last
two years. Any guesses? The answer is new housing starts. In 2013 there were 25 new
houses built in our township and last year that number increased to 40. Want to know who
was in second place? Well, our neighbor to the east, Auburn, came in second place with
19 housing starts in 2013 and 21 last year. The result of this continued growth is increased
demand for township services.
The township is planning festivities and events during 2017 to celebrate the township’s
bicentennial anniversary. But to do so we need your help. We are seeking residents and
local business owners who are interested in volunteering for the bicentennial committee to
plan and coordinate functions and events to celebrate our history. If you would like to do
get involved please contact one of the trustees or the town hall. We need to begin planning
soon as it will be here before you know it and such a memorial celebration only rarely
comes around. None of us will be around for the tercentennial – so don’t wait; now is the
time to participate.
If you have any questions or comments about your township that you want to bring
to the trustees attention, our regular trustee meetings are held on the second and fourth
Mondays of the month at the Bainbridge Town Hall 17826 Chillicothe Road at 7 p.m. The
trustees or the fiscal officer can be reached by calling the town hall at (440) 543-9871 or
send any of us an email.
Trustee Lorrie Benza
[email protected]
Trustee Chris Horn
[email protected]
Trustee Jeff Markley
[email protected]
Fiscal Officer Janice Sugarman [email protected]
9988 Kinsman Rd., Novelty Ohio 44072
440-564-1433
Fax 440-564-1436
Karen L. Hummel,
Attorney
Estate planning • Personal injury • Probate
Divorce, dissolution, and custody
OH LIC #17983
Social Security Disability
12373 Kinsman Rd, #117 • Newbury, OH 44065
(440) 564-6600 • www.karenhummellaw.com
PAGE 2
www.spiritofbainbridge.com
February 13, 2015
SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE
open
7 days a week
winteR houRs
mon-sat • 9 - 5
sun • 10-4
16540 ChilliCothe Road | ChagRin Falls, ohio 44023 | 440.543.5123 | 888.543.5123
Now is the time! We have the
biggest selection
order
flowers for
o f
Your Valentine
NOW
Place your order at
LowesGreenhouse.com
or call 440-543-5123.
t h e
y e a r
Did you know that houseplants filter many
harmful toxins from your home environment? NASA scientists, studying methods
of maintaining clean air in space stations,
found that all houseplants remove toxins
during their normal photosynthesis
process but some are more efficient
than others.
Carpet, adhesives, paints and building
materials emit gases likebenzene,
formaldehyde and trichloroethylene that can be absorbed by many common
houseplants. One good sized houseplant can clean the air in 100 square feet of
your home. Stop in today to see the plants that are best suited to grow in your
home and cleaning your household air.
Lowe’s Greenhouse CLasses • winter 2015
Some class sizes are limited. See details at www.lowesgreenhouse.com or call 440-543-5123.
Saturday, feb. 28th
Success with Houseplants • Sat. Feb 28th 10:00-10:45am
The Basics of Tropical Plant Propagation • Sat. Feb 28th 11:00-11:45am
Starting Your Garden by Seed • Sat. Feb. 28th 12:00-12:45pm
Meet the Wet, the Wild and the Wonderful • Sat. Feb. 28th 1:00-1:45pm
Fairy Garden Workshop • Sat. Feb. 28th 2:00-2:45pm • Materials cost $25.00
Tour of a Plant Farm • Sat. Feb. 28th 3:00-3:45pm
SuNday, Mar. 1St
Building a Garden for the Birds • Sun. Mar.1st 1:00-1:45pm
Life in a Bottle… Terrarium Workshop • Materials cost: $25.00
Living Wreath Workshop • Sun. Mar. 1st 3:00-3:45pm • Materials cost $45.00.
March 14-15, LifeStyLe eNrichMeNt SerieS
Landscape School… Design, Install, Maintain • Sat. Mar.14th 10:00-11:00am
Young Tree and Shrub Pruning Workshop • Sat. Mar. 14th 11:30-12:30am
The Basics of Veggie Gardening • Sat. Mar. 14th 1:00-1:45pm
An Introduction to Growing Herbs • Sat. Mar. 14th 2:00-2:45pm
Lawn School • Sat. Mar. 14th 3:00-3:45pm
Getting Started with Organic Gardening • Sun. Mar. 15th 12:00-12:45pm
Gardening in Raised Beds • Sun. Mar.15th 1:00-1:45pm
Container Gardening Tips, Tricks and Techniques • Sun. Mar. 15th 2:00-2:45pm
Gardening in Deer Territory • Sun. Mar. 15th 3:00-3:45pm
pring st
s
uf
w
e
arriving
daily
f
n
seeds & sTarTinG suppLies
This is the time we begin to start some of
the early season flower & veggie seeds. We
have all the seed starting supplies you will
need to be successful including free advice
from trained professionals with years of
seed starting experience.
See our winter workshop schedule for our
upcoming class “Starting Your Garden by
Seed” on Saturday Feb. 28th.
www.LowesGreenhouse.com
February 13, 2015
www.spiritofbainbridge.com
PAGE
PAGE33
SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE
We Have Our Love to Keep us Warm
By Jo Lindberg
Winter arrived with a vengeance and we have extreme cold. Keeping in touch with
loved ones and friends by phone and e-mail gives us comfort and being kept indoors gives
us an opportunity to meditate a bit more. It is a good time to get out the jigsaw puzzles or to
start a journal. We can reflect on the past year and think about what we want to do this year.
As winter continues, we continue our search or joy in everyday life. We should also
add an awareness to the love that is all around us. Temperatures may fall but in the words
of an old song: “I’ve got my love to keep me warm.” Just as the sun warms our bodies, love
warms our hearts and souls.
Wayne Dyer tells a story about two men approaching a new town and separately
meeting a man along the way. The first man asked what the people were like in this village
new to him and the man he had met asked, “What kind of people were in the town that you
left?” The man answered, “Oh, they were terrible. Not nice at all and so hard to get along
with.” The stranger replied “Well, you will find the people in this town to be the same way.”
The next man came along and seeing the man from the village asked the same question.
His answer about the people in the town he had left was different though. He said that the
people were great. They were friendly, helpful and loving. To which the man replied, “That
is how you will find the people in this village.”
There is also a story about a mother who sent her children out to find some things. The
first was sent out to find weeds and the second one to find flowers. When her son returned
she asked him how many flowers he found, he was surprised and said he did not find any
flowers as he was looking for weeds. When she asked her daughter how many weeds she
had found, she said that she did not find any as she was looking for flowers. I believe the
moral of both stories is that we find what we look for. If we approach others expecting to
be upset, disappointed, and hurt by them, we will not find the love we both need. Our own
random acts of kindness can ignite a fire within the hearts of all we meet.
We can be guided by the words of St. Paul when he spoke of love: “If I speak in the
tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging
cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and I
have a faith that can move mountains but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess
to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not
rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does
not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
always perseveres. Love never fails….”
We often think of love as an emotion that overcomes us, and not as a conscious act.
St. Paul reminds us that we can live a righteous life but without consciously acting with
love, it is of no merit. That is quite an order, but he also showed us ways that we can be
loving. Using his words as a guideline, we can decide whether we are acting with love. We
can be patient in traffic or when someone holds us up as we try to shop; we can be kind
to the checkout clerk who has been standing for hours and is tired. A few pleasant words
can brighten her day. February is a good month to really consider love and what it means;
however, it is important that we also love ourselves and not be too hard on ourselves and
our humanity (“...keeps no records of wrongs!”) The challenge is to be loving to ourselves
as well as to others.
We may not always say it in print,
but we do appreciate your support of
Spirit of Bainbridge,
your only locally-owned newspaper.
Thank you!
WITH COUPON. EXPIRES 2/28/15
Bainbridge Library Pages
One of the first things you see when you visit the Bainbridge Library is our display
case in the lobby. If you or anyone in your family or special interest group has a special
or unusual collection that cries for exposure, we would love to showcase it! Stop in and
speak to someone at the Circulation desk to make arrangements for displaying your items.
LIBRARY EVENTS
QUILT RAFFLE
Thanks to the Chagrin Valley Quilt Guild’s generous donation of several beautiful wall
hanging-sized quilts, the Friends of the Bainbridge Library will be holding a series of quilt
raffles. The first quilt is on display in the library, and entrants can purchase individual raffle
tickets for $1 or six tickets for $5. The winning entry will be drawn on Saturday, Feb. 14.
If you missed this raffle, look for future quilts on display during the next few months.
AARP tax assistance will be offered on Mondays, Feb. 7 through April 13. Times
vary; call the Bainbridge Library at (440) 543-5611 to schedule an appointment. When
you arrive for your appointment, bring a copy of your 2013 tax returns, all 2014 tax forms
you have received, all health information/forms concerning the Affordable Care Act, proof
of identity and your social security card.
If you plan to do your own taxes, the library has books on personal taxes, business
taxes, estate taxes, and strategies for lowering your taxes. Federal and state tax forms are
also available.
PASSPORT FAIR If you have travel plans and need a passport, mark Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.at
the Bainbridge Library on your calendar. Geauga County Public Library has partnered
with the staff of the Geauga County Clerk of Courts to help you complete necessary forms,
certify your paperwork and send in your application. Call the library or check page 11 of
Lines and Links for the paperwork required. Expedited passport applications will not be
available. For expedited processing travelers must go to the Clerk of Courts Title office.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Singing Book Sing-a-Long - K – 2 , Thursday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. Join us for some
singing fun as we read and sing those books inspired by songs. We will end the event with
some cool-kid-karaoke fun, singing and jamming out to some famous songs.
Chalkboard Paint DIY - Grades 6 and up, Thursday, Feb. 26 from 3–4:30 p.m.
Create your own one-of-a-kind chalkboard paint projects. We’ll provide the upcycled
materials and paint; you provide the creativity.
St. Patrick’s Day Party - K – 2, Thursday, March 12 at 4 p.m. Get your green on and
join us for a St. Patrick’s Day party where we’ll play games, read stories and do some fun
hands-on activities.
Construction Craze - Grades 3 – 5, Thursday, March 19 at 4:00 p.m. Bring out your
inner architect, engineer, and artist! Build replicas of famous structures or create your own
amazing architecture using craft sticks and rubber bands.
Easter Egg-stravaganza - Family, all ages, Saturday, March 21 at 10 a.m. Get ready
for the holiday by decorating eggs at the library. Bring two to six raw or hard-boiled eggs.
Learn an easy way to blow out your raw eggs so you can enjoy them for years to come.
Twice upon a Time - Family, ages 3 and older, Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. Join
the Youth Services staff as they present their annual puppet show.
ADULT PROGRAMS
All About Accessorizing - Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. Fashion assistant Elizabeth
Stefanov from Chico’s will show you how to get the best look for your body type by
accenting your clothes with bags, shoes, jewelry and scarves.
Spring Home Makeover Workshop - Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. Freshen up your
home for spring with Kathleen Bliss Goldfarb, ASID from Decorating Den Interiors, the
Valley Design Team of Northeast Ohio.
Book Discussion - Monday, March 9 at 2 p.m. This month the group will discuss
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. The selection for April is The Orchardist by
Amanda Coplin. Copies are available at the circulation desk and new members are always
welcome!
Sundays from 2–4 p.m. One-on-one drop-in assistance is available for people who
have questions about their smart phones and electronic devices.
The Bainbridge Library is located at 17222 Snyder Rd. For more information, log
on to www.geaugalibrary.net. To register for programs, call (440) 543-5611. Follow
Bainbridge Library on Facebook.
Community Garage Sale Sundays at
Lowe’s Greenhouse
Every Sunday in February, Lowe’s Greenhouse will open its doors to the community
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone can rent a 10’ by 10’ space for $25 (in advance; $30 at the
door) and sell whatever you want (except plants or other items Lowe’s Greenhouse sells).
All the money goes to advertising the event in all the local newspapers. What a great way
to get rid of some of that clutter the holidays created in your home, or promote your nonprofit or school, or sell items which you create – art, bread, honey – you name it! Call today
to reserve your spot, for one Sunday or all of them.
Lowe’s Greenhouse is located at 16540 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.
Their phone is 440-543-5123 and their web-site is www.LowesGreenhouse.com.
PAGE 4
www.spiritofbainbridge.com
February 13, 2015
SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE
♥♥♥ Valentine’s Day Trumps Snow and Taxes! ♥♥♥
By Anne E. Bauswein
You have to love the feel of Valentine’s Day in the midst of February! While outside,
we are faced with grey skies and nary a blossom in bloom, inside we can create our own
romantic aura with candles and flowers and trinkets of Valentine’s Days gone by! A goofy
stuffed frog who sings “Shall We Dance?” in quite a spectacular baritone is a family
favorite here. (Well, the three pooches don’t exactly love it, but, oh, well...)
There are hopeless romantics and those who are, well, not. And certainly not all of
us express our feelings in the same way. John cooks something special for the holiday of
romance, and always finds the perfect greeting card! (That’s
A cute Valentine pretty amazing when you think that the 32nd year of our
happily-ever-aftering is just five days later!) Flowers and
teddy bear was
jewelry may be the perfect Valentine gift for your sweetie,
just that---until a but seeds for my garden or a jaunt to the book store are tops
glimmer of gold in my book (pun intended!). That being said, I think the year
he surprised me the most on Valentine’s Day was when he
revealed a
handed me a cute Valentine teddy bear. It was just that--pretty necklace! cute!---until a glimer of gold revealed a pretty necklace
around the bear’s neck!
John has always maintained that violin music is the most romantic of all, where I
believe that piano notes can touch the heartstrings. (Don’t tell him that just recently, a few
violin notes brought tears to my eyes---we’ll see if he reads this!)
Hope for love is something we should
never, ever give up on. My oldest brother
has been a widower for more than 20 years,
devoting his life to raising his two daughters.
Guess what? At age 69, he is dating again!
I am always amazed by long-married
couples and how they met. We personally know
three couples who met through classified ads
(that was before computer dating!) and they are
all still married, more than 30 years later.
And my hubby and I truly believe in love
at first sight. That’s right! Cupid had his game
on and aim sharp that day when John happened
into my office!
An aunt and uncle have logged nearly
twice the number of our married years. Jean
recounts this humble beginning: “Do you want
to know how I chased Bill and he didn’t even
know it? He started to the same church as I
grew up in. We had a couple dates and I got
more and more interested but didn’t let on. One
Sunday, I saw him walk down the side aisle of
the sanctuary and said to myself, ‘That’s the guy
I want to marry.’ I had very strict guidelines set
for myself. Then he decided to go off to Bible
college. Oh, dear, that would never work as he
would meet someone there and I would never
see him again. So what do you do in a case
like that? You go off to Bible college, too! It
worked! We stuck together all that time and
after our first semester, there came summer
break and we were married. And you know
what? It has lasted for over 63 years! Still glad
I stuck to my plan.” Don’t you just love it???
Those of my generation will surely
remember the cute “Love is...” comic strip
that began in the late 1960s. And without
getting mushy, it only seems appropriate in this
Valentine’s Day edition of the Spirit to create a
similar listing of my own, prompting you to put
pen to paper and do likewise. ♥♥ Love is a friend who “gets it.”
♥♥ Love is chocolate. Enough said.
♥♥ Love is the warmth of sunshine on a
winter’s day.
♥♥ Love is music and art, those beautiful
things that offer exquisite dimension and color
to our days.
♥♥ Love is falling in love with new music.
♥♥ Love is adopting a rescue dog…or
two…maybe three! I know I probably sound
like a broken record, but there are so many
pooches out there in need of a good home--and you simply cannot believe how much they
appreciate your love and kindness! We have
taken in a total of six rescues over the past two
decades, and each has taught us something new
about the phrase “Love is.”
♥♥ Love is a passion for your life’s work.
As I say annually in my advice to graduates
column, be passionate about your career,
otherwise, it’s just a job.
February 13, 2015
Maybe your own “Love is...” list could actually be your Valentine for your sweetheart!
Love---and the nurturing!---of friends transcends the stuff of everyday living. And
while we may be too old to hand out Valentines to our “class” of friends, an unexpected
phone call from one is simply the best! One dear friend from three decades ago had kept in
touch the usual way---Christmas and birthday cards, and later on Facebook. About a month
before Christmas, she caught me on Facebook and asked,
“When is a good time to call?” I replied, “Now!” and we
Did you know that
had the best hour-long talk. She offered up a stunningly
20 percent of
detailed memory of a time she and her daughter, Bethany,
babysat for my oldest son, and now that memory is a American pet owners
treasure indeed!
buy a Valentine’s Day
So take a moment and plan a celebration to soothe
gift for their
winter’s grip on us. Whether it’s cooking a romantic
dinner for two, or a pizza and movie night for the whole four-legged friends?!?
family, what counts is being with the ones you love.
Maybe we’ll Skype with daughter Jo so she can see our three furry friends with the
wagging tails tomorrow! That would make it a great Valentine’s Day in her book!
Celebrate not only Valentine’s Day, but also the fact that winter is nearly a memory!
www.spiritofbainbridge.com
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PAGE 5
SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE
Challenges
By Sally Burton
When this winter started, back in November, with the big Buffalo Snow, I thought
we were doomed. I figured we needed to hunker down, stock up and call it a winter. But
happily, the weather was not as bad as I had predicted. In fact on some days it was just
glorious. Winter break, albeit not a white Christmas, was fantastic for December outdoor
activities.
As winter break approached I was staring at a calendar that was awfully bare. I am
not one to sit around so I made a challenge for myself. In two weeks, I was going to do an
8-8-8 challenge- 8 horseback rides, 8 swims and 8 hikes outside. I figured the challenge
would keep me going, as long as the weather allowed it all. As I started the challenge, the
only thing I knew would happen regardless of the weather was the swimming; this was
the safest activity and an inside heated one at that. No problem. As the week went on the
weather cooperated beautifully, it was mild outside- easy to hike and riding in an indoor
ring that was 38 degrees felt wonderful compared to the colder temperatures earlier that
month. The challenge was going great. The horse I was riding stayed healthy and sound,
the weather held and I was able to accomplish my 8-8-8, with time to spare. I am an avid
hiker, but not in the winter. Issuing this challenge to myself really pushed me to do more
and try more when it is so easy to just think of other things to do instead.
Loving the winter challenge idea, I issued challenges of all sorts to friend and family,
trying to get us all out of our comfort zone. For my daughter a 1-1-1 challenge- one work
out a week (in addition to her PE class), one hour a week preparing for her future and one
time a week trying an activity at Kent that she hadn’t done before. For my aunt another
1-1-1 challenge. My aunt is the nicest lady in the world and can never turn down anyoneher challenge was to say NO one time when she really didn’t want to do something, to
find one work out opportunity and do it, and to eat out one time at a new restaurant. Both
my daughter and my aunt are enjoying their challenges and are reporting that they are
accomplishing them!
I will continue to give myself challenges so that I have purpose and goals. I need
them to push myself to stay happy. If I have too much time on my hands it isn’t good. So
even though this is the first time I have named my challenges, I have done them all my
life, intuitively. My next challenge will be to get back in the pool into swimming shape.
Why? I should mention that I broke a bone in my wrist at some point during the 8-8-8
challenge while swimming the backstroke and hit the wall (remember my “safe activity”),
but I figured I was being a wimp and ignored the pain for a few weeks. So after I get out
of the air cast, I need to get back in the pool and get back to lap swimming.
Instead of complaining about winter, and staying safe and in your comfort zone until
spring comes, why not issue a challenge of your own? Think of things you’ve always
wanted to do, places you’ve wanted to go, activities you’ve wanted to try and give yourself
a reasonable time frame. What will your challenge be?
GHS Rescue Village Humane Investigation
Leads to Seizure of Over 100 Animals;
Emergency Care Funds Being Sought Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is rescuing more than 100 animals from a
major hoarding and neglect case in Geauga County. Humane Officer Christian Courtwright
and his team are in the process of bringing in roughly 50 dogs, a pig, two goats and 50
guinea pigs. “We tried to work with the owners to get them in compliance. When those
efforts failed, we had to take the animals into our custody,” says Courthwright. This case
will be prosecuted under Ohio humane law statutes. Courtwright continues, “Support from
the community is vital at this time. Rescue Village is seeking funds for Project S.A.V.E., a
fund to help animals with veterinary emergencies.”
Rescue Village is known for saving animals from cruelty and neglect, rehabilitating
them and providing a second chance at life. Despite the shelter being under construction,
Rescue Village will make room for all of these animals and provide them with the medical
care and attention they deserve. Once at the shelter, all animals must be examined,
vaccinated, diagnosed and treated for disease and rehabilitated which can take months and
is very costly. To accommodate animals coming to the shelter through this case, we will
be transferring a majority of current adoptable dogs to other highly respected shelters and
rescues in our area.
We anticipate costs for this rescue and rehab to top $25,000. Rescue Village is
accepting donations to Project S.A.V.E. Community members wishing to contribute to
the fund may send donations to Rescue Village – Project SAVE, P.O. Box 116, Novelty,
OH 44072 or visit www.geaugahumane.org. Further updates on this case will be provided
when available.
ADL Community Relations Committee
Welcomes Abe Foxman Feb. 17, Public Is Invited
Abe Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), joins the
Jewish Federation of Cleveland for one of his final professional speaking engagements at
the 68th Annual Meeting of the Community Relations Committee (CRC) and Sidney Z.
Vincent Memorial Lecture. All are welcome to attend the event on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7
p.m. at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple’s Brickner Auditorium, 23737 Fairmount Blvd.,
Beachwood.
Foxman is known throughout the world as a leader in the fight against anti-Semitism,
hatred, prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination. He has spent over four decades working to
ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people, and will join the Federation at the CRC
Annual Meeting to discuss “Global Anti-Semitism.”
Since joining the ADL in 1965, Foxman has consistently spoken out against hatred and
violence wherever they occur. He regularly confers with elected officials and community
leaders from around the world and his expertise can be found in his many books, most
recently the co-authored Viral Hate: Containing Its Spread on the Internet (Palgrave
Macmillan, 2013). Foxman frequently appears on national news programs and is quoted
often in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal.
The event is free and open to the public. Space is limited; registration is strongly
encouraged. For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.jewishcleveland.org,
email [email protected] or call 216-593-2858.
PAGE 6
www.spiritofbainbridge.com
www.spiritofbainbridge.com
February 13, 2015
EDITORIAL SPIRIT
Community Spirit
Bainbridge/Chagrin AARP Chapter #4527
New Clevelanders
Local AARP meets the first Tuesday of the month at 1 pm,
at the Bainbridge Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Rd,. Bainbridge
Twp., (behind the Fire Station). Our next program, on March 3, will
feature Bainbridge resident Eric Noltkamper and his accordion.
This should be a very entertaining, fun program. Come and have a
hot cup of coffee and enjoy his music. After his program, we will
have a brief meeting, then our goodies.
If the Kenston school system is closed for a snow day the
meeting is cancelled.
We are still collecting food and paper products for our Food For
Friends food pantry, and we have added the Geauga County Dog
Shelter to our list of needed items.They need dog food, leashes,
laundry detergent, paper towels, old blankets, towels, throw rugs,
hot dogs (they use those to give the dogs their meds) and, of course,
monetary donations for medical needs.
Please come an join us for an afternoon (2-1/2 hours) and
bring a friend or neighbor, meet new friends and be entertained!For
further info, please call Betty Franek at 440-543-4767.
The New Clevelanders club is a social and philanthropic
organization made up of a friendly and diverse group of women
who are new to the suburbs of Cleveland, east of the Cuyahoga
River. The club offers a wide variety of activities and events on a
monthly basis with something that appeals to almost every interest.
Join us for our next new member coffee held the first Thursday
of every month. For more information please visit our website at
www.newclevelanders.com.
Big Hearts, Big Dreams Feb. 14
The Chagrin Valley Rotary Club presents Big Hearts Big
Dreams Annual Fund Raiser, making a difference here at home and
across the globe, on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 6-10 p.m. at Lowe’s
Greenhouse, 16540 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.
The evening includes dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and
cash bar. Tickets are $50 each and include dinner and keepsake
photograph.
Purchase tickets at: Blazin’ Bills, 12891 Main Market Rd.,
Troy Township; Lowe’s Greenhouse, 16540 Chillicothe Rd.; or •
Highway Garage, 8410 E. Washington St., Bainbridge
The event benefits: The Hearing Project, serving hearing and
speech impaired children in India; Mission Possible, bringing fresh
water and sanitation to the Dominican Republic; and Gift of Life,
delivering life-saving heart surgeries to children in Third World
countries.
Chagrin Falls Contra Dance. Feb. 17
Chagrin Falls Contra Dance. will be Tuesday, Feb. 17 at
Chagrin Falls Town Hall, 83 N. Main St.; Chagrin Falls, OH 44022.
Live music performed by well known artists. Lesson at 7:30 p.m.,
dance 8-10:30 p.m. Adult $10, student $8, family $25.
BSA Troop 150 Pasta Dinner & Raffle March 14
Boy Scout Troop 150 of Chagrin Falls is hosting its Annual
Pasta Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, March 14 from 5–7 p.m. at
the Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls.
Tickets are $7 per person (children 5 and under are free with
an adult ticket). The meal includes all-you-can-eat pasta, meatballs,
rolls and butter, drinks, salad bar and homemade dessert buffet.
Tickets are available at the door, or in advance by calling Paula
Suzelis of Troop 150 at 216-347-0712.
As a Community Service Project, the Troop 150 Scouts will be
collecting non-perishable items and canned goods for the benefit
of the Chagrin Falls Meals on Wheels, a non-profit, volunteer
staffed, home-delivered meal service. Meals on Wheels provides
nutritionally balanced meals to the elderly and homebound persons
in the local area. There will be boxes at the door of the event to drop
off donated items for Meals on Wheels.
During the dinner, the High Adventure Crew will be sponsoring
a Fundraising Raffle of local merchandise and prizes to help raise
monies for their summer trip to the Philmont Scout Ranch located
in New Mexico.
Moms Meetup Group
Chagrin Falls & Surrounding Areas Moms Meetup Group is
the largest and oldest membership-only Eastside mom’s group on
Meetup.com. The goal of the group is for new and existing moms
(with children under age 5) to meet for events, share information
and build relationships. These moms could be stay at home
women or working ladies who want to meet other people with
shared interests. Membership dues are $15 a year.
If you are interested in hearing more about our organization
and/or attending one of our events, you can find us at: http://www.
meetup.com/The-Chagrin-Falls-and-Surrounding-Areas-MomsMeetup-Group/
BNI Meets Every Friday
BNI (Business Network International) meets every Friday
from 7:30-9 a.m. at Home Savings Bank, 7075 N. Aurora Rd.
Aurora, OH 44202. Call Pam at 330-715-4327 if interested in
coming to a meeting.
Hubs Square Dance Club
We invite you to try Western Style Square Dancing. The Hubs
Square Dance Club is now accepting reservations for new dancers.
Beginner Dances are held each Monday evening at the Bainbridge
Community Church, Rt. 306, just south of Rt. 422, beginning at 7
p.m. No experience is needed. The Hubs Square Dance Club has
been dancing since 1970 and invites all ages to participate in square
dancing. To register or for more information call Ray at 440-6321074 or Joe at 440-241-2308 or [email protected].
February 13, 2015
Artisans Sought
The Award Winning Mantua’s Art on the Hill & Wine Tasting
is seeking artisans. The festival will be held on Saturday, July 11
from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Each year, “Art on the Hill & Wine Tasting”
attracts over 70 artisans from the northeast Ohio area as well as
from nearby states. This is an excellent opportunity to sell and
display your handmade works of art. The festival also features
four local wineries offering wine tasting, live musical and dance
entertainment, demonstrations, and an awesome art and local
merchandise auction. Please email or call event organizer Christine
Pitsinger at [email protected] or 330-414-6486 for
an application or additional information.
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor,
After attending two years of fundraising meetings of 100+ Women
Who Care of the Western Reserve, I feel an obligation to sing the
praises of this organization. I, like so many of us, have been involved
with major fundraising events with numerous volunteer organizations.
Never I have experienced a more impressive, efficient fundraiser.
The meetings start at 7 p.m., when you get your name tag and
ballot tucked inside your name tag. You sit down to hear three different
presentations from representatives of three difference 501(c)3
organizations. The presenter has 10 minutes to give an overview of her
organization, followed by five minutes of questions from the audience.
At the end of the three presentations, everyone who is a supporting
member of 100+ Women votes on which group should receive the
money donated that night.
By 8 p.m., everyone is out the door with a warmer heart and a
feeling of goodwill for the opportunity we all shared to help a worthy
cause.
This is the most amazing, carefree, no nonsense, brilliant
fundraising I have ever experienced.
Sincerely,
Roseman Downing
Chagrin Falls
KCE Open Mike Night
Kenston Community Education, in association with Matthew
F. Blowers III and Emerick Gordon, who are both resident poets,
songwriters and musicians, is offering an Open Mike Night on
Thursdays from 7-9:30 p.m.at the Auburn Town Hall, on the corner
of East Washington St. and Auburn Road. This event is for all talented
children, teens and adults to showcase their songs, dancing, poetry,
comedy, musical instrument ability, juggling, and or any other talents
that they wish to share.
Spectators are welcome, but seating is limited to 50 occupants.
This is a community outreach program to highlight the talent in the
area, and give them a venue to perform and polish their work. Teachers
are welcomed to encourage their students to perform publicly. There
will be a $2 cover charge at the door. There will also be a sign-up sheet
to determine the order of the performers. For more info please call
440-543-1737.
SPIRIT FACTS
The Spirit of Bainbridge is locally owned and operated. The Spirit
is not responsible for the views expressed by its writers. All Letters
to the Editor must be signed and include a daytime phone number.
We will withhold signature upon request. We reserve the right to
edit for clarity or space considerations. Letters are published in the
order received and as space permits.
PHONE: 440-543-4321 Please leave a message! FAX: 440-543-2670
ADDRESS: 18106 Snyder Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.
E-MAIL: Editorial - [email protected]
Advertising - [email protected]
BAINBRIDGE AREA FOOD FOR FRIENDS: Donations
of non-perishable food and toiletry items, etc., may be dropped off
at Bainbridge Library (lobby bin) or at the pantry (lower level of
Bainbridge Town Hall). Cash donations may be made at PNC Bank,
Bainbridge. If your organization would like to sponsor a food drive,
call one of the phone numbers below. If you or someone you know
needs the assistance of the pantry, call Frank Schnabel, pantry coordinator, at 543-7901 or 708-9829 (leave a message) or call Ruth
Carlton, outreach coordinator, at 440-247-5587.
The local food pantry was founded in 1990 by John and Anne
Bauswein. Bainbridge Area Food For Friends is not affiliated with
Harvest for Hunger or Geauga Hunger Task Force.
www.spiritofbainbridge.com
Spirit of Bainbridge
Mission Statement
Our mission at the
Spirit of Bainbridge is three-fold:
To enhance the Bainbridge-Auburn
area with a positive sense of
our shared humanity.
To be a catalyst of
community pride for local
businesses and assist in publicity
for community-minded groups.
To continue our founding support
of Bainbridge Area Food For
Friends and A Taste in Bainbridge.
SPIRIT STAFF
Anne E. Bauswein
Editor
Melissa Schiller
Editorial Assistant
Matt Blowers
Sally Burton
Kathy Deptola
Maureen Donnellon
Dr. David Fakadej
Kathleen Bliss Goldfarb
Jeff Griff
Noah Gross
Karen Hummel
David King
Bev Kus
Jo Lindberg
Emily Moran
Dan Murray
Carol Osbourne, DVM
Lisa Parker
Ann Rapisarda
Jess Skoczen
Melissa Schiller
Steve Yingling
Contributors
Susi Kawolics
Tom Kuby
Mary C. Ryan
Anne Swift
Mary Swift
Guest Columnists
Palmieri’s
Fine Art Photography
Photographer
Laura McCune
Victoria Rovder
The Fontanelle Group
Account Representatives
Carla Antczak
Victoria Rovder
Graphic Designers
Betty Franek
Billing
Anne E. Bauswein
John Bauswein
Publishers
PAGE
PAGE77
SPIRIT & FAITH
NDCL students and teachers shared their conviction with over 500,000 activists who made
the annual pilgrimage to Washington D.C. to participate in the March for Life Rally and
March on January 22, 2015.
NDCL Joins in March for Life
Twenty-one students and four teachers gathered on NDCL’s campus for a prayer
vigil that set the tone for the annual pilgrimage to participate in the March for Life. With
a compelling talk from Rachel Benda of Bethesda House of Mercy who spoke poignantly
about her work as a post-abortive counselor in their hearts and minds, the students loaded
the bus for the trek to Washington D.C. Once there, the group attended Mass celebrated
by Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia, at the Basilica of the
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with nearly 6,000 other faithful travelers.
The March for Life rally and march was attended by over 500,000 activists. “I was so
impressed with our students’ focus and sacrifice during this powerful trip,” shares Christie
Fleming, NDCL Campus Minister.”
Second graders, from left, Gabby Patriarca, Andrea Kirschman, Christina Khula, Molly
Fitzmaurice. Renata Buonamici, Cooper Kernicki and Alexa Zingales enjoy wearing their
pajamas to school.
St. Joan of Arc School Celebrates
Catholic School's Week
It was a very special week at St. Joan
of Arc Catholic School as the entire school
celebrated Catholic School's Week. It all
kicked off with a special Mass on Sunday
where the children's choir performed before
and during Mass and several students lead
the Parish during the Mass. The celebration
continued in the School Olsavsky Center
with coffee and donuts and a chance to view
some amazing 7th and 8th grade Science
Projects.
Prospective families toured the school
and spoke with current parents on what St.
Joan's offers and how important a Catholic
Education is to their family. Every day
this week students brought in special gifts
for their teachers. Monday, kids were
asked to bring in a flower for Teacher Nate Kirschman, 9, and Jessie Kirschman,
Appreciation Day, which were arranged into 11, shower their teachers with flowers
large bouquets and presented to teachers on Teacher Appreciation Day, as part of
Catholic School’s Week.
following a special breakfast with made-toorder omelets, waffles and frittata. Tuesday, designated Clergy Day, students brought
in poems or prayers for their teachers and also made cards of thanks for the priests and
sisters who serve St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. Wednesday was Scholars Shine Day
and students faced off in a Spelling Bee and Academic Challenge after bringing in sweet
treats of candy or fruit for their teachers. Thursday was Student Appreciation Day, when
students got to wear their pajamas to school and were treated to a movie, pizza lunch and
concession stand during the movie. The week capped off with Parent Appreciation Day,
where parents were treated to "pastries and praise" for all their support of St. Joan of Arc
School.
Catholic Schools Week is a special time that students and faculty look forward to
every year and is filled with lots of appreciation for the dedicated teachers and staff who
work so hard year round and thanks to all who attend St. Joan of Arc as well.
Pictured above are St. Rita 7th graders: Madison Olsen, Carly Tabone, Garrett Olsen and
Jack Hutter. All received Superior Ratings for their science projects.
St. Rita School Hosts Science Fair
Forty-three seventh grade students at St. Rita School participated in a Science Fair.
Judging by a panel of scientists and educators took place on Saturday, January 24th in
the school’s gym, Mazanec Hall. Students presented their science project to the judges
discussing their hypotheses, findings, and conclusions, as well as answering any questions
posed by the judges. This year’s group of seventh graders presented science projects in the
following categories: Behavioral/Social Science, Botany, Materials Chemistry, Medicine/
Health Science, and Physics. At the conclusion of the presentations, students were then
awarded Superior, Excellent or Honorable Mention ribbons by the judges. Twelve of our
7th grade students received Superior ratings and will now move forward to the District
Level competition hosted by Walsh Jesuit High School.
The science fair is a right of passage for all students in our 7th grade. Students are
introduced to the science project when they are in 6th grade as they watch a few of their
7th grade classmates present to them. During the summer prior to entering 7th grade,
students are tasked with choosing a science project topic as well as some rough ideas on
methodology and materials. The true work begins once school starts. Mrs. Barb Wilson,
Jr. High Science teacher, uses class time to help students plan, execute and complete the
various parts of the science fair project which include a written report, binder to record
findings, data charts, and photographs. The process takes all semester for students to
complete, culminating in the Science Fair in January.
All science projects remained on display during
Catholic Schools Week Open House.
St. Rita School was honored to receive the
Governor’s Award for Excellence in STEM Education
this year. Registration is now being accepted for the
2015-2016 school year for both our day school and
our preschool, the Little Falcon Learning Center. Tours
and Shadow Days are available! Contact the Main
Office: 440-248-3509, ext. 102. Visit us online: www.
stritaschool.com.
Thank you for supporting
Spirit of Bainbridge!
PAGE 8
www.spiritofbainbridge.com
February 13, 2015
SPIRIT & FAITH
Lord of Life Lutheran Church to
Host Ash Wednesday Service
Lord of Life Assists Christmas Families
A longstanding tradition in Bainbridge Twp. is gathering together on Ash Wednesday
to mark the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent begins this year on Feb. 18 with a joint
observance of Ash Wednesday. This is the start of a forty day journey that takes us to Easter
Sunday. Ash Wednesday combined services will be held at Lord of Life Lutheran Church
at noon and 7:30 p.m. As part of this observance, Holy Communion will be offered, as well
as imposition of ashes. The spirit of ecumenism which has always been part of Bainbridge
Twp. can be seen up and down 306 with the crosses displayed at each church. The crosses
are distinct as they are all draped in purple throughout Lent.
Whether you are a member of one of the CVCC churches or not, all are welcome. For
more information about the Lenten Journey, the church, its mission, or any other questions,
please contact the church office at (440) 543-5505, or [email protected]. Lord of Life is
located at 17989 Chillicothe Rd. in Bainbridge Twp., Ohio just south of Rt. 422.
Lord of Life Announces 2015 Grant to Burton Food Bank
Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Bainbridge Township has always embraced a strong
commitment to reach out to members of the community who have fallen on hard times. In
addition to aiding those impacted by natural disasters from the recent tornados and typhoon,
to hurricanes and flooding, the congregation supports two food pantries closer to home.
The congregation has always supported the local Bainbridge Food for Friends. Through
this wonderful partnership, they are able to join other like minded folks in Bainbridge to
provide support in this area.
Several years ago, the congregation learned the Burton Food Bank was struggling
and so members of the congregation began to support their friends in Burton as well. The
church provided a grant to Burton Food Bank in 2014 to replace funding lost through
budget cuts at one major funding service.
In part, as a result of the funding, the food bank was able to provide help to 2741
people, a significant increase from 2013.
Lord of Life again will provide a grant of $5000 to the Burton Food Bank to help
provide assistance to members of the community who are facing difficult economic
circumstances. Lord of Life engages the local community through their partnership with
many local agencies and organizations, including Bainbridge Area Food for Friends, the
Burton Food Bank, the Aurora Food Bank, Geauga County Job & Family Services and
many others.
Lord of Life is located at 17989 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. To contact
the church you may call 440-543-5505 or email [email protected].
Local Preteens Become Online Book
Reviewers for National PJ Our Way Pilot Program
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland has partnered with the Mandel Jewish Community
Center to introduce PJ Our Way, a new pilot program created by the Harold Grinspoon
Foundation. This pilot program was designed to give 9- to 11-year-olds ownership over the
material they read by allowing them to select their own books and express their opinions
online. Families can register for this free program at www.pjourway.org.
Fifteen preteens from Beachwood, Moreland Hills, Pepper Pike, Shaker Heights, and
Solon have been selected by PJ Our Way as youth leaders for “Cleveland’s Local Design
Team.” This prestigious post gives young people the opportunity to develop leadership
skills, while connecting with nine other PJ Our Way pilot communities across the country.
“We are so proud of our Local Design Team, who are representing Cleveland on the
national PJ Library stage,” said Kelly Rubanenko, Director of Growing Jewish Cleveland
& Young Family Outreach. “We know they will inspire many other Jewish Cleveland
children to participate in this amazing, free, book program.”
PJ Our Way allows participants to select one of four books every month, giving them
more choice on their journey toward being life-long readers while introducing them to
Jewish ideas. What makes this program unique is its online discussion portal which lives
on the PJ Our Way website, www.pjourway.org. Here, PJ Our Way participants can create
book trailers, videos, quizzes, author interviews, and other media to communicate with
peers about the books.
PJ Our Way is an extension of the successful PJ Library program. Since PJ Library
began in 2009, over 4,200 Cleveland children, ages 6 months to 8 years have enrolled in
the program. And, 100,000+ Jewish books and CDs have been delivered to the homes of
local children for free, strengthening their Jewish connection.
For more information or to register for PJ Our Way, contact the Jewish Federation of
Cleveland’s Kelly Rubanenko at [email protected], 216-593-2865, or visit www.
pjourway.org.
Lord of Life in Bainbridge Twp. has a long standing tradition of reaching out to local
families who have fallen on hard times. This year the congregation sponsored five families
by providing a full Thanksgiving meal, a full Christmas meal, Christmas breakfast and
gifts for every member of each family. Lord of Life for nearly 50 years has been known
throughout the area as a congregation committed to reaching out to those most in need. The
congregation sees this in keeping with their mission which is a paraphrase of Matthew 28:
Go into the world, Sow the Good News and Grow in Faith.
In addition to the outreach for specific families, the congregation also collected more
than 500 articles of winter weather clothing which is distributed through the local family
services and shelters.
A charter member of the congregation commented: “It brings us joy to reach out to
families in the community. I still believe, though, that we get as much or more out of
helping those families in need than the families receive from us. That’s a blessing to our
entire congregation.”
For more information about the church, its mission, or any other questions, please
check our website at www.loloh.org or contact the church office at (440)543-5505. Lord of
Life is located at 17989 Chillicothe Road in Bainbridge Twp., just south of Rt. 422.
UM Church of Chagrin Falls Ushers in Lenten Season with
Ash Wednesday Meal, Worship Service
The United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls enters the Lenten season on Feb. 18,
celebrating Ash Wednesday. The evening commences with a light meal at 6:30 p.m. in
Harris Fellowship Hall followed by a traditional Ash Wednesday Worship Service at 7:30
p.m. Donations will be accepted to cover the cost of the meal.
The Ash Wednesday worship service commemorates the beginning of a season of
repentance culminating with the Easter celebration of the resurrection of Christ. The church
extends an invitation to all in the community who wish to join us.
For more information, contact the church office at (440) 247-5848.
VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH
And Valley Christian Preschool
87 E. Orange St., Chagrin Falls • 440-247-0390 • www.valleylutheran.org
SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES
9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Service & Children’s Sunday School
ST. JOHN
FUNERAL HOME
New Bainbridge Location
16381 Chillicothe Road
Bainbridge Township, OH
PH: 440-708-1855
FAX: 440-708-1308
Now Available: Free Trips to Israel for Young Adults
Do you know a Jewish Clevelander, ages 22 to 26, who is ready for a travel experience
unlike any other? If so, send them to www.clevelandbirthrightisrael.com to register for
the Cleveland Summer 2015 Taglit-Birthright Israel Trip. Thanks to a partnership of the
Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Taglit-Birthright Israel, and Israel Outdoors, Cleveland
residents can embark on a free 10-day trip to Israel from June 29 to July 9, 2015.
Clevelander Margarita Bykhovsky spent 10 days in Israel, touring the land and
connecting with Jewish young adults. “I felt accepted and I knew this is exactly where I
needed to be,” she said after traveling to Israel with Taglit-Birthright. “The experiences
and strength I’ve gained from this trip will travel with me forever.”
In addition to visiting popular tourist sites, the Cleveland trip also takes young adults
to Beit She’an, Cleveland’s sister city in Israel. While in Beit She’an, young adults can
experience the strong partnership and unwavering support between Cleveland and its
sister city. They will also receive a special taste of home hospitality and feast on ethnic
foods with “Cooks of the Region.”
Israel Outdoors is the largest provider of Taglit-Birthright Israel trips. This trip is a
gift from Taglit-Birthright Israel with additional support from the Jewish Federation of
Cleveland.
For more information about gaining priority status and receiving instructions to apply
for the trip, interested applicants can contact Gary Coleman at [email protected] or
216-593-2866. To learn more about all of the Federation’s opportunities in Israel, visit
www.jewishcleveland.org.
February 13, 2015
Also in Bedford
923 Broadway Avenue
Bedford, OH
PH: 440-232-1155
FAX: 440-439-1840
*Chuck, Lois, *Sue
and *Chris St.John (*Licensed)
• Customary Funeral Services
Serving all
Faiths, Nationalities and Races with
Kindness, Dignity & Compassion
• Cremations
• Direct Burials
• Out of State Transfers
• Accomodating Facilities
PRE-NEED
FUNERAL PLANNING
www.spiritofbainbridge.com
• Very Ample Parking
• Grave Markers
and Monuments
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