It is amazing what
you can accomplish
if you do not care
who gets the credit.

Harry S. Truman
February 2012 VOLUME 29 NUMBER 2



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BOSTON TOWNSHIP

ZONING CHANGES: The Trustees approved updated zoning bylaw amendments for Boston Township following a public hearing on January 25, 2012. The changes are available on our website. Our thanks to the zoning commission for all of their efforts on the amendments.

ROAD ASSISTANCE: The Township received $31,950 in a road assistance grant from the National Park Service.

JEDD: Trustee Ritch met with the JEDD board and said the contract for the sewer design on Seasons Road and a portion of Akron Cleveland is expected to be awarded in the next five weeks.

PROPOSED ROAD NAME CHANGE: Ric Haury of Suncrest Gardens presented the results from his survey for the proposed name change of Akron-Cleveland Road to State Road. The Trustees expect to have a public meeting on this topic in the near future.

WEBSITE: Visit our website at www.bostontownship.org to find up-to-date Township information.

Contact numbers for the trustees: Amy Anderson: 330-657-2439, Randy Bergdorf: 330-655-5698, and Jerry Ritch: 330-657-2015, Fiscal Officer Joanne Noragon: 330-657-2059, Road Department Tim Tesmer and Doug Mayer: 330-657-2600, and Zoning inspector, Larry Sulzer: 330-657-2135.





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PENINSULA COUNCIL

The Village Council met in regular session on January 9, 2012. Doug Mayer presided over the meeting for the first time as Mayor. Brian Schall was welcomed as the newly elected Council member attending the meeting in that capacity for the first time. Doug Anderson was voted as President of Council for 2012 and Dan Schneider was elected Vice-President. Mr. Schneider was also appointed to the Fire Board and the Cemetery Boards by the Mayor. Other appointments were Charlie Moyer to the Planning Commission, Charles Uray as Village Engineer and Greg Canda, Mike Matusz and Thomas James to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Mayor also acknowledged Richard Fisher, Jodi Padrutt and Grover Miller for their years of dedicated service to the citizens of Peninsula. A representative from the County’s Insurance and Risk Management Department addressed Council on what they could offer the Village as far as health care benefits for their employees. After her presentation, Council voted to get a rate quote from their underwriter and review the matter more. The Village Council met in regular session on February 13, 2012. The Mayor reported that the contract with the City of Stow has been finalized and that by the end of the month, Stow will be providing all building inspection services for the Village. Council passed a resolution accepting the CVNP Grants for 2012. The total amount of the grants was almost $38,000. The Village share for the projects totals about $3,800. The funds will be used for erosion control, drain pipe replacement and roadway wall repair. Mary Booth updated Council on the Mill Street Beautification Project and Council voted to support these efforts. A committee meeting was set for Wednesday, February 15 at 7 to review the qualification proposal for a Solicitor for the Village.

Meetings coming up at the Village Hall:
Special Village Council Meeting February 27th at 7:00 P.M.
Board of Zoning Appeals March 8th at 7:00 P.M.
Regular Session of Council March 12th at 7:00 P.M.
Check the Library, Post Office, Village Hall, Terry Lumber and the Woodridge Intermediate School for postings.

Check the Library, Post Office, Village Hall and Terry Lumber for postings of Village minutes.
Police Department – Non-emergency Police and Fire Department - 330-657-2911
Mayor and Court - 330-657-2151
Fiscal Office/Zoning - 330-657-2714
Service Department - 330-657-2089


John D. Steigel, Fiscal Officer





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TAXPAYER’S LAMENT

Yes, this is about the Woodridge school levy we will be voting on in March. And yes, I will be voting against it for the following reasons. I read in the West Side Leader that “Woodridge officials seek community input on cuts.” Shame on them! While this platitude may sound good, the reality is taxpayer’s money was given to the Woodridge officials to hire the best people to make professional decisions with regard to the finances of the school system. And those decisions should be in the best interest for our school system and the taxpayers. If the best they can come up with is to have a community survey on cuts to be made, then it is my opinion that we have the wrong people in the positions to make these important financial decisions that directly affect the training of future students. My guess is that they don’t want to make difficult decisions with regards to the cuts, so they try to put it on the “community.” But, as they have found out, the results of the surveys have been going in multiple directions because what seems reasonable to cut to the “community” ends up being against the law to change, something that the Woodridge officials already have knowledge of, so they won’t get their answer there. And the “community” has already spoken by turning down levy after levy. This taxpayer believes that the Woodridge officials should be able to decide between the “needs” and the “wants” and begin to cut out the “wants” without delay. My advice to them is they need to put on the “big boy pants” and make these tough decisions. The decisions should have been made already because the financials listed on the district’s website show that they will run out of money even if the levy passes, and which they have already admitted. I do realize my words may be harsh, but these officials are well paid for their lack of response to a serious situation.

Another issue I also have a problem with would be with those in our voting district that will vote to raise my taxes, but yet they live on national park property which is exempt from paying the Boston Township taxes of which the Woodridge taxes are about 78% of the total. In my opinion this is a matter of right & wrong, a moral issue. Those that are exempt from paying taxes should abstain from voting on an issue that will cost them nothing, but yet will force others to pay the bill for them. Pickpocket is the term that comes to mind. My hope with this note is that it may challenge the voters to really think about the issues and thoughtfully consider how or if they should vote. Comments are always welcomed at ray.hach@juno.com. Thanks & God bless.

Ray Hach





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UPDATE ON THE `CONTEST`

I wrote in November about the outstanding feat by an overachieving park employee. A few weeks after that another employee took up the charge to exceed all expectations. I believe it was a Sunday and it began with a couple of Park Ranger vehicles lights flashing & speeding to the Environmental Center across the street from me. Soon after the Peninsula police showed up then the fire & rescue team and finally I believe Richfield rescue also came. A small fire had apparently broken out and they came to find out that they needed to rescue a pizza box from the oven. Definitely an extra credit feat, but I don’t think it tops the telephones poles.

Ray Hach





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Dear Residents

Dear Residents,

I would like to have your support on March 6, 2012, and vote Yes for “Issue 11” Replacement 6.3 Mill operating levy, The District has continued to keep operating cost’s at a minimum. We have been successful in receiving some grants but few are eligible for Operating Costs. Our present staffing consists of two Firefighter/Paramedics every day 8:00AM to 6:00PM. After these hours we respond from home. To maintain this level of staffing we need to pass this replacement levy. This will cost a homeowner of a $100,000 Home $192.94 per year.

We will have an open house on February 26, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Please stop by for refreshments and information.

Charlie Riedel, Fire Chief





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WITH THANKS

For the past few months living on Major Road felt like living on Drag Way 42. Major Road is used as a cut through for people wanting to shorten their route to head south on Riverview Road. Unfortunately speed limits were disregarded and this became a safety issue for the residents.

I would like to thank the Peninsula Police for their efforts to make this road safer. Hopefully by continuing these measures drivers will understand the speed limits are there for our safety.

Scott Ensign





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GET WELL WISHES

Get well wishes to Edna Ratner, Buddy Milhoan, Bonnie Sulzer, Joyce Jeric, Larry Shrader, Gloria Ritch, Nancy Sue James Zvara, Jan Bishop and Dave Mayer.





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PENINSULA VALLEY HISTORIC & EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Foundation held a “Meet the President” reception on January 12th. Over 100 people came to meet and congratulate Lawrence D. Sulzer on his appointment to Foundation President. It was a delightful evening full of delicious food and great company!

Warm up with a tasty selection of homemade soups at our first ever “Soup’s On!” event at the G.A.R. Hall on Saturday, March 24th. Be a part of this new tradition to beat the winter chill on Peninsula’s Cabin Fever Day. Recipes for each soup will be available. $5.00 buys 5 choices of soup with $1.00 for each additional bowl. Proceeds from this event will go to support Foundation programming.

Join us for Open Mic Night at the G.A.R. Hall every third Thursday of the month from 7:00-11:00pm. Admission is free!

In March, the Foundation will host Ohio & the Civil War: 150 Years Later, a new traveling exhibit from the Ohio Historical Society. This FREE exhibit will be on display at the G.A.R. Hall from March 14-April 1, 2012. The museum will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm or by special appointment.

If you enjoy traditional music, you won’t want to miss our Tony Ellis & Louise Adkins concert at the Bronson Church on Saturday, April 21st at 7:00pm. Tickets go on sale March 1st and are available by calling 330-657-2528. Seating is limited so don’t wait! See peninsulahistory.org for more information.





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To the Editors:

Our family has lived in Peninsula for 30 years. Our children have attended Woodridge Schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. We feel they have received an excellent education & excelled in sports. Our daughter participated in the engineering program through the six-district compact and received a comprehensive education. She is now a junior at the University Of Dayton majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in renewable energy. Our son is a senior at the high school and is doing well academically. He is also a nationally respected cross-country & track/field athlete. Currently he is exploring opportunities to compete in college and pursue a business degree in entrepreneurship.

We know that our children have received a good education with dedicated teachers, other families have moved to Woodridge school district because of the excellent education. That is why our family supports issue 10. We want every child in our community and the Woodridge school district to receive the same opportunities as our children have had. We realize that our taxes will increase & even with owning two properties we know that the bottom line is to maintain our excellent school system. Therefore, we encourage you to support your schools on March 6th. Please vote YES on Issue 10.

Bonnie and Larry Sulzer





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To the Editors:

As a parent of three children who all attended and graduated from our Woodridge School District, I encourage you to vote yes on the upcoming levy that will be on the ballot on March 6. Our school district has grown and changed since our family moved here in 1995, and I want it to be able to continue to provide the proper environment and curriculum that results in a quality education for our young people to learn and succeed. The Woodridge School Board has been a good steward of the tax dollars we provide for them to operate our schools. Most recently, they have made responsible cuts to keep expenditures in line with expected tax revenue.

A failure to pass the levy will result in severe cuts that will risk the quality of our school district. The youngsters in our community deserve and will need an excellent education to become productive and successful adults. To insure that the district can continue to provide this, please vote Yes on Issue 10.

John Shega





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ISSUE 10

Superintendent Walter Davis provided the following information on Issue 10. This levy will cost those paying property taxes an additional $209.17 per $100,000 of valuation.

He also explained what is currently being collected. There is a 10 year fixed dollar levy that was passed last in 1992 (it has been renewed several times) There is a 5 year emergency levy – this one was passed in 2004 originally – and it was combined a few years back with an older levy. There are several continuing levies that date back to 1981 and earlier. There is a debt service levy that expires in 2019 – this one was for the building projects years ago.

The first two listed are the type that have to be renewed periodically.

The new levy would be in addition to what is already collected.

Did you know:
The average salary for a Woodridge teacher is $60,000 a year; 185 days worked. The average hourly wage is $43 not including pension/benefits. The average student/teacher ratio is 14/1.





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FROM DYER TO JOHNSTON

Local resident, Heather Dyer, wishes to announce the changing of her surname from Dyer to Johnston. “John and I first eloped to marry on November 1, 2001 in New Orleans, LA by Priestess Sally Ann Glassman in her temple. In celebration of our 10th anniversary, John and I renewed our wedding vows at the beautifully revamped City Hall in lower Manhattan in New York City on November 18, 2011, and I changed my last name to our family name of Johnston. As a result, my law practice is now known as Johnston & Co., LPA. I have happily provided legal services to my community since 2005 and have done so from my current location of the Boston Township Hall since 2008. Jett, Thalia and Rory are very happy about the name change too! Looking forward to the next 10 years of marriage and maybe another destination renewal of vows.





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CONDOLENCES

John Tisler, husband of Mary Anne (Morgan) Tisler passed away on January 15, 2012 in Burke, Virginia. Mary Anne and John are the parents of five children and have eighteen grandchildren.

Irene Cooke, sister of Leona Tesmer, passed away on January 27, 2012 in Willits, California.

James J. Gifford, former resident of Boston Township and owner of the Johnnycake Shop passed away January 20, 2012.





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WHEN SHALE DEVELOPMENT COMES TO TOWN…

Who ever thought it would come to the Cuyahoga Valley…. but in the last few months I have had heard from residents receiving offers to lease or purchase their mineral rights. You have probably seen or read the news on this natural gas “gold rush” sweeping several states, including Ohio. These shale formations and their energy resources are projected to be a great opportunity for Ohio landowners, and our State economy. But everything comes with a price. The processes known as hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking”, and horizontal drilling have been the talk of much controversy and concern across the country, and rightfully so.

I recently had the opportunity to tour Wetzel County, WV where 38 horizontal wells have been drilled, with another 140 wells under permit. The tour is designed to educate landowners and public officials on just how large and industrial the hydraulic drilling, extraction, processing, and transmission operations are. The tour was eye opening. The stress on landowners, neighbors, local roads and services, and the environment can be staggering. Communities have little power to control these installations as the permitting process is regulated at the state level. Ohio is projecting that thousands of horizontal wells will be drilled in the state over the next five years.

So, how do we protect our land, our community, and the future of our Valley? It starts with education. Whether you are a land owner, public official, concerned citizen, or an interested resident, we all need to be educated on the shale boom, oil and gas industry, and mineral rights. If you are a landowner considering options on your mineral rights, then you must, “Learn before you Lease.”

Join me on Wednesday, March 21st, at the Boston Township Hall from 7:00pm to 9:00pm for an educational forum on shale development and oil and gas leasing. I am pleased to have presenting, Dale Arnold, Director of Energy Services for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and Matt Warnock, co-chair of the Shale Task Force. Many of you might know Dale Arnold as he has spent a good amount of time in the Valley and considers himself an honorarium resident of Peninsula, and understands the rural and historic character of the Valley. Dale has been conducting briefings across the state on the oil and gas industry development, landowner issues, regulations, and local government impacts. Matt Warnock represents public and private landowners in matters relating to oil and gas leasing and shale development and has also been traversing the state presenting to landowners, communities, and trade associations.

With their incredibly busy schedule these days, we are very fortunate to have both of these industry experts come to Peninsula so please plan to attend.

Questions? Feel free to contact me at 330-657-2713 or dholody@yahoo.com.
Boston Township hall is located at the corner of Rt. 303 and Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH.

Dee Holody





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PENINSULA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Peninsula United Methodist Church seeks part-time organist/pianist for 10 am Sunday service. $50 a week for preparation and 1.5 hours on Sunday. For more information please contact Norma Preneta at 330-657-2518 or Dee Holody at 330-657-2713.

Peninsula United Methodist Church invites you to join us for Sunday worship! The Traditional Sunday Service is at 10:00 a.m. and the early Serenity Service takes place at 8:30 a.m. For more information and a look at other activities, visit our website at www.peninsulaumc.org.





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PIEROGI LUNCH AND DINNER FOR LENT

The Peninsula United Methodist Church announces it is time for our Eighth Annual Pierogi Dinners.

Past years have been a great success and we are hoping to continue that tradition this year.

We will be serving lunch and dinner and they will be as follows: Lunches and dinners will begin on Friday, February 24, 2012 and continue through March 30, 2012. Lunch is served from11:00 to 1:00PM and dinner from 5:00 to 7:00PM. Servings consist of 4 pierogies for $8.00; 2 generous pieces of fried or baked fish for $8.00; mixed: 2 pierogies and 1 piece of baked or fried fish for $8.00. colesl

Kid’s Meal: 2 pierogies or 1 fish for $5.00. All include coleslaw, roll and butter and a beverage. Additional pierogies are $1.50 each and additional pieces of fish are $2.50 each. Dine in or take out available. Place order at 330.657.2567. Please join us for one or all 6 weeks!





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BOSTON TOWNSHIP HALL COMMITTEE

Because of the kindness and generosity of friends and members of our community, the Boston Township Hall Committee has reached 63% of its goal toward the old schoolhouse slate roof project. We are overwhelmed by your support. Thank you!

As you already know, the BTHC is a 501c3 organization. Therefore, all future donations are deductible for the 2012 tax year. If you should wish to help, any donation would be greatly appreciated. All correspondences should be mailed to: BTHC, P.O. Box 145, Peninsula, OH. 44264





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WANT ADS

PET SITTING IN YOUR HOME: For all your pet sitting needs, contact Precious Pets Sitting Service at 330-528-0158. Providing visits, midday walks and overnight service since 1997. Rates start $15/day, fully insured, Veterinary Technician.

LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE. Will work with your budget. 30 years experience. Honest & reliable. Will do regularly or for special occasion (one time). Call Ellen (330) 657-2836

AMAZING 13 YEAR OLD READY TO WORK FOR YOU!: Possible tasks could include, babysitting or elder care/companion, dog walker/sitter, face painting for birthday parties, small household chores and, small cake pop orders personalized for any occasion. Red Cross babysitter certified. Please call Reilly or Holly at 330-459-2366

FREE FILL DIRT AVAILABLE: Fill dirt available in Peninsula area in early April. Email contact preferred to cliftowh@gci.net or call 907-349-2740.

FOR SALE: Bowflex Motivator with knee and chest attachments: $300. Size 10 wedding dress & veil: $100. Call Brenda at 330 467-6717

RECENT WOODRIDGE GRADUATE seeks clerical, domestic, and yard work. Experienced. References. Call: 216 -215-2859 or 330- 388-5939

PET PREFERRED CARE: Pet care services include pet sitting, dog walking, pet taxi, and pet massage. I live locally and can be reached at 216-219-2779 or on the web at petpreferredcare.com Senior discounts available as well as weekly and monthly rates. We're a lick above the rest!

FOR SALE: Old bentwood rocker $150, art deco vanity with seat (broken mirror) $70.00, hand crocheted American flag afghan $75.00. Call Carlene at 330-929-2074.





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SERVICES

The Pierogi Lady aka Autumn Johnston: Find ME on Facebook or email me at thepierogilady@gmail.com for a list of over 35 types of pierogies! Introducing bite size pierogies! Don't forget we cater! 330-690-2129

TOTAL BODY FITNESS: Let Total Body Fitness give you the gift of health and fitness. Call Carlean 216-470-4309 or Natalie 330-657-2963 for details. Total Body Fitness is located on the corner of Riverview & 303 6138 Riverview Road in the tall gray building on the third floor.

LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE. Will work with your budget. 30 years experience. Honest and reliable. Will do regularly, or one time (holiday). Call Ellen (330) 657-2836.

SNOWPLOWING: Reserve your spot on the route now. Seasonal or per push contract. Senior discount. Call for free estimate. Township resident, Paul Baker 330-573-7575. www.bakersnow.com

FOR SALE: Beautiful dollhouse miniature furnishings. Most are 1” scale. I make: furniture, accessories, ceramics, wood, upholstered furniture, and outdoor embellishments including brick walkways. I do custom work to your specifications. You can view my work on- CreationsMAD.etsy.com Please call 330-657-2085 and avoid the shipping if you live close.

A PERFECT PLOW: Jesse Weitzel- general handyman-snow plowing-small concrete jobs-wood, tile, laminate & vinyl floor installation. Call (330)319-0469

LICKITY-SPLIT: Tree cutting and wood splitting. Call Scott Ensign at 330-657-2462.

GREEN CLEANING, DOG WALKING, AND MUCH MORE: Local company seeking new clients. We offer Personal Service, Green Cleaning, Pet Services, and a lot more. Call Neal @330.606.9498 or to learn more visit www.contemporarylivingservices.com

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER: Sant'Agata Photos www.santagataphotos.com OR santagataphotos@aol.com
For all photography needs: newborns, graduates, weddings etc. Resident discount.

KEVIN STONE PHOTOGRAPHY: Offering quality services for families, couples, seniors and other events. Call 330687-4262 WWW.KWSTPHOTO.CO.NT

LICENSED ELECTRICIAN: Peninsula Resident offers high quality electrical work with a discount to Peninsula residents. Call Steve at 330-310-1061 www.missionelectricohio.com

PLYMOUTH MEMORIAL: Cemetery markers and monuments. Located at 5095 Akron-Cleveland Road. Call 330-650-1545.

Q-BALL WELDING & SONS: We will take care of all your fabrications and welding needs. Jeff Plymire 330-618-4255.

BIG FRANK’S STUMP GRINDING SERVICE: Prompt service, free onsite estimates, seven days a week. Portable unit fits through a 36” opening. Call Frank Grezlik at 330-281-1280.

VALLEY ROOF REPAIR & HOME MAINTENANCE:

Bonded and insured. No job too small. Call Rick at 330 322- 7996.

CHAIR REPAIR: including cane, rush and splint seat weaving. 35 years experience. Call David Shankland at 330-467-6772.

LEGAL SERVICES: Local resident, Heather R. Dyer, is available to provide legal services. Call 330-657-2029.

CUSTOM RESTORATION: Custom wood trim, plaster and drywall repair, sash, door and hardware, century home restoration. Call Dan Torowski at 330-659-0055

OUTDOOR STORAGE AND PARKING: Affordable, secure, and convenient for boats, recreational vehicles and automobiles now available at the Virginia Motel. Call today 330-342-0864.

WESTERN RESERVE RENOVATIONS: Home repairs, improvements and renovations. Peninsula local, insured and bonded. Call for free quote. Jason Klein 330-221-3461.

SILHOUETTES: Children’s silhouettes from your photos or mine $15.00. Black paper cut on white background that fits an 8x10 frame. Samples available. Call Lois Unger at 657-2385.