MAY 2021 VOLUME 38 NUMBER 5
To the Editors:
My name is Mary Ritch Wood. Like Ruth Emily Bray Hilliard, I grew up in Boston Township. I read with interest her comments in Your Community News.
My mother was Emily Fisher Ritch. Marion Bray (Ruth Emily`s mother) and my mom were best friends. They grew up together in Boston.
Amy Anderson was right. Mrs. Bray was an institution. At Boston Elementary School you didn`t go to sixth grade, you went to Mrs. Bray`s class.
When Mrs. Bray passed, Mom mourned her life-long friend. When the Park demolished the Bray home Mom`s heart was broken again. She knew all the hard work and love that went into that house.
As for me, I have many memories of all the time spent at Bray`s. I would love to see if the log frame for a "camp" we built still exists. Terry Montaquilla gave us the tar paper for the roof and sides (long gone). He took pity on the five girls (led by Ruth Emily) who pooled their money to buy it from him.
When the actual demolition took place my Dad and Ben Lahoski walked down the hill from Morris Drive and across Riverview Road to observe the action. Dad salvaged a brick from the house for Mom.
That brick along with a few pieces of sandstone from Deep Lock Quarry (Grandpa Ritch worked there) is in my home now. They remind me of a wonderful time in my life.
It also reminds me of what the Park has destroyed; homes built with love and filled with the warmth and respect of strong families. Not only the Bray`s but many others.
The Boston Township where I and many others my age grew up is no longer there. What was kept is not recognizable. But, one thing is certain, the Park cannot take away or destroy my memories.
Ruth Emily, my family would absolutely, positively, 110% vote with yours.
MEMORIAL DAY
Although we know that Memorial Day is about much more than parades and get-togethers, Memorial Day in Peninsula and Boston doesn`t quite seem the same without them. Our annual Memorial Day Parades give us the opportunity to visit with neighbors and friends, who we may only get to see once a year, over doughnuts, hot dogs and refreshments. The excitement of families standing along the parade route cheering and waving as the parade goes by, followed by everyone gathering at the cemeteries in Peninsula and Boston to acknowledge the true meaning of Memorial Day, are valuable traditions that tend to bring our communities together.
However, let`s not forget that this day is truly an important day of Remembrance. Not a day to remember battles or wars, but a day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
Memorial Day was officially observed for the first time on May 30, 1868, and now we remember the over 1.2 million American heroes who gave up their lives for our Freedom, our Liberty and our Sovereignty.
The service members we honor today came from all walks of life, but they shared several fundamental qualities. They possessed courage, pride, determination and dedication to duty.
Many of them didn`t ask to leave their homes to fight on distant battlefields. Many didn`t even volunteer. They didn`t go to war because they loved fighting. They just rose to the nation`s call because they wanted to protect our nation and our way of life.
As an important reminder, for those of us who may have forgotten what Memorial Day represents, there are three important days for military personnel:
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We hope you will take the time, this year, to pause and remember these heroes, and remind your children and family to do the same. Although it is not Veterans Day it is important to acknowledge the Veterans that are currently, or at one time, were part of our community:
George Fisher – the only remaining WWII veteran in our community that we are aware of
Wayne Alvis
Dave Johnson
Lee Spenser
Johnny Johnston
Joe Kovach
Jim Chadima
Gene Kaczmarski
Bob Kaczmarski
Jerry Ritch
Sigmund Wojtkowski
Billy Sneider
Walt Shields
Mike Anderson
It is very possible that this is an incomplete list. We sincerely apologize to any veteran that we may have left off.
Thank you all for answering the call to duty.
Also, it has been our Memorial Day tradition to recognize current and former members of our community that we have lost during the past year:
Dick Fisher - Former Mayor of Peninsula
Woody Johnston
Tom Mercer
Ralph Myello
Val Alexander
Tom Fisher - Navy Veteran who served in the Pacific Theater
Claire Johnston Rodhe
Maggie Kube
Ed Kube
Carol Morris Vincent
Dean Johnson - Army Veteran who served in Korea
Gary Biro
Bob Rutledge
Carl Boodey
Jay Ruoff - Marine Veteran who served in WW II – Former Mayor of Peninsula
Carl (Skip) Pollitt - Army Veteran who served two tours in Vietnam
Chester Balinski- WWII Army and Marine Corp Reserve.
Duane Powers- Army
In closing:
"Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for us, Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for our soul, the other died for our freedom."
| Jerry Ritch |
BOSTON TOWNSHIP
The Township minutes are posted on our website at www.bostontownship.org and outside the fiscal office at the Boston Township Hall. Meetings are covered by the West Side Leader. Trustee meetings are the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Zoning commission meets the second Tuesday of the month and the Board of Zoning Appeals meets the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Road Department: Now that the erratic snows have ended, mowing next to township roads will begin in the near future. The exterior lighting on the road garage and the salt shed was replaced with high efficiency LED fixtures. Brush pick up commenced the first Monday in May and will continue through October. Place cut ends toward the curb. Please no dirt, or dirt balls and no foreign material such as lumber, nails, or barbed wire. For more information, please call the Road Department at (330) 657-2600.
Zoning Reminder: As things reopen and garage sales are planned to dispose of all the stuff collected during Covid, please remember that a no cost registration for garage sales is required in Boston Township. Please call the Zoning Inspector at (330) 657-2601 for more information.
Ohio`s Townships and Recovery Funds: A few months ago we received information on the American Rescue Plan and the distribution for Summit County. Cities, villages, as well as Summit County would receive an estimated $329,690,000.00. What was missing was the nine townships in Summit County. Based on the wording of the legislation 1309 townships in Ohio would not receive funding. Boston Township contacted our United States Representative, the Honorable Tim Ryan, District 13, for assistance. Through his efforts we were informed on May 11 that all townships will be included in the American Rescue Plan. At this time we are unaware of the amount or parameters of this allocation. The Trustees wish to thank Congressman Ryan for his assistance.
No Parking on Everett/Wheatley Road: For the safety of all concerned, the trustees have established a no parking zone from the former Everett Road Connector to 2241 Everett Road. Signs indicating the zone will be installed soon.
Thank you, Joe!: At the meeting to be held on May 26, the trustees will be recognizing Joe Varga for his many years of service to the community as Chief of the Peninsula Police.
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 Bill Clifton: 330–657–4032. Fiscal Officer: Pam Schneider at 330–657–2059; Road Department: Dave Krusinski at 330–657–2600; and Zoning Inspector: John Schneider at 330–657–2601 or 234–900–9145.
PENINSULA VILLAGE
Information from the May meeting will be published in the June issue.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
It is with regret that the Memorial Day Parade and activities have been cancelled for 2021. As always, flags will be placed on graves and flowers will be planted throughout the cemeteries. The Board of Trustees of the Union Cemetery Association of Boston Township encourages you to remember your loved ones on your own, using safe practices of distancing
PENINSULA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
We are excited to announce that we will resume our outdoor worship services on the Church lawn on Sunday, June 6, at 10:00AM, weather permitting. We plan to hold our weekly Sunday worship outdoors throughout the summer and early fall. Bring your mask and a lawn chair, if you are able. All are welcome!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
William and Janet Sneider are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. On June 9, 1956 they ran off to Alburn, Indiana to get hitched. Not too long after getting married their family grew. They have five children: Bill (Willie), Barb, Bonnie, Bob and Brian (daughter in law Shannon) and two grandchildren, Dakota and Owen. There are many stories shared with so many years together. With all our love, Happy Anniversary
PENINSULA LIBRARY NEWS
Library Levy Renewed: In 1985, Peninsula Library and Akron-Summit County Public Library (ASCPL) reached an agreement that Peninsula will receive the levy proceeds collected in the Nordonia Hills, Revere, and Woodridge school district areas of Boston Heights, Boston Township, and Peninsula. The operating levy was renewed in the election held on May 4 with 75% voting for the levy. For computation purposes, the cost of the renewal levy for the owner of a $100,000 house will be approximately $51 per year or $4.25 per month.
COVID Update: At the Zoom meeting held on April 20, the Library Board voted to move to the next phase in the library`s multi-phased reopening plan. On May 3 we reopened access to the library building to the public with some conditions regarding distancing within the building, duration of stay, etc. The reopening process will continue as the state, county, and local guidances are modified and/or removed and after the Library Board has the opportunity to consider the changes that have been made. At some point in-person programming will resume, but because the planning of programs is done months ahead of their actual dates, we will still be offering remote programs for now. Please check our website, Facebook, and the changeable sign in front of the library for updates.
The Peninsula Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00AM to 8:00PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. To reach the library, please call us at (330) 657-2665 or email us at nfo@peninsulalibrary.org . To make an appointment to visit our Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum, please call (330) 657-2892. Please look for us on Facebook or visit our website for updated information (peninsulalibrary.org).
PENINSULA LIBRARY
Peninsula Library www.peninsulalibrary.org 330-657-2665
Get Ready for Summer Reading Club 2021!
Registration for Summer Reading Club begins the week of June 1 for all ages. When you sign up you will receive a Summer Reading Welcome Kit that includes the materials needed for your age group program. The children`s and tween`s programs will run from June 1 through July 12. The adult program will run from June 1 through August 2, 2021.
Kids—preschool through sixth grade - Read and Earn Badges! When you register you will receive a Goodie Bag that includes a chain for Brag Tags you will earn. Receive a bead for every 15 minutes you read, turn in ten beads to get a brag tag for your chain. Every week, beginning June 7 through July 12, there will be a new video with a few stories and a fun craft posted on our library YouTube Channel. Your Goodie Bag will contain most of the materials needed for the crafts in the weeks ahead.
Tweens—7th grade to 12th grade- Book Bingo for Tweens! Sign up and get your Bingo card, and aim for a Bingo or try to read and fill out the complete card for prizes.
Adults—18 and up - Join the Reading Challenge and participate in activity sheets for fun prizes.
We look forward to another summer of virtual programs and reading with everyone! If you have any questions, please call the library at 330-657-2291 or email info@peninsulalibrary.org.
Classic Movie Night via ZOOM - 1st Thursdays at 6:30PM
Because we do not know when in-person programming like Classic Movie Night will be able to resume, we are gathering virtually to chat about favorite films and classic movies. We cannot show the movies for copyright reasons, but we can certainly still talk about films! Here is our schedule for the spring series:
June 3: Animation Vacation!
Since Donald Duck`s birthday is on June 9 and he is often regarded as one of the stars in the animated universe, what are some of the animated films which you enjoy? Animation can be stop action, Claymation, and many other formats.
Tuesday Evening Book Club—ZOOM—2nd Tuesday at 6:30PM
June 8— How the Penguins saved Veronica. By Hazel Prior.
Wednesday Afternoon Book Club—ZOOM—4th Wednesday at 1:30PM
June 23—The Dutch House. By Ann Patchett.
CONGRATULATIONS HANNAH
Hannah Elizabeth Kaczmarski graduated from the University of Cincinnati on April 30, 2021. Hannah graduated from the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences Cum Laude with dual Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Archeology and dual Minor of Fine Arts degrees in Art and Art History.
Hannah is the daughter of Paul and Michelle Kaczmarski and granddaughter of Gene and Evelyn Kaczmarski.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday wishes to Dan Schneider who will be celebrating 80 years on May 28.
HERITAGE FARMS
Peninsula Flea at Heritage Farms – Our second socially distanced season
Join us for our second socially distanced season at Heritage Farms. Together with our shoppers, vendors and staff we have created a safe outdoor shopping environment so we can remain open while so many other summer markets have been cancelled! Spend some time this summer on our spacious family farm and support our vintage and handmade vendors.
Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula, Ohio, 44264
(330) 657-2330 heritagefarmsinpeninsula@gmail.com
Fairy Days at Heritage Farms
Join us for our 11th annual Fairy Days! This year, Fairy Days is Saturday July 17 and Sunday July 18, 2021, from 10:AM to 4:ooPM each day. A socially distanced magical weekend of fairies, gnomes, unicorns, dragons and more, for children and fairy lovers of all ages and their friends and families. We do require a face covering to be worn and worn correctly over both the nose and the mouth while on our property.
Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula, Ohio, 44264
(330) 657-2330 heritagefarmsinpeninsula@gmail.com
WOODRIDGE GRADUATE ORDAINED PRIEST
Alex Spenik was born in Akron. His home parish is Mother of Sorrows in Peninsula. Alex lived in Boston Heights with his mother, Kim and step-father, John Kulesa. Alex graduated Woodridge High School in 2012. That same year, he joined the seminary immediately following high school and graduated from John Carroll University and Borromeo Seminary in 2016. Following his graduation from college, Alex was accepted to St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology. He has ministered in several parishes including Saints Robert and William in Euclid, St. John Vianney in Mentor and currently he is assigned at St. Mary in Painesville. Fluent in Spanish, Alex has lived and worked in our Cleveland Diocesan Mission in El Salvador and greatly enjoys accompanying migrants and refugees through the immigration and asylum process here in the United States through his work with Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services. Particularly oriented towards those on the margins, Alex has loved working with the various Hispanic communities in the Cleveland Area. Alex is the first vocation to the priesthood from Mother of Sorrows Parish. Blessings and prayers for Father Alex, ordained a priest of Jesus Christ, Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, on May 15, 2021 at Saint John the Evangelist Cathedral, Cleveland, Ohio.
| Father John Terzano, Mother of Sorrows Parish |
PENINSULA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Laura and Matthew Hutchinson to our community. A welcome basket was delivered to their home on Kendall Park.
| Margo Snider |
WOODRIDGE RECREATION
Woodridge Recreation Association (WRA) is now having sign-ups for their high school volleyball, boys basketball, and girls basketball camps. Registration is available at the Woodridge Recreation Finalforms site.
VALLEY FIRE IS HIRING
The Valley Fire District, serving Boston Township, Village of Peninsula, and Village of Boston Heights is looking for qualified applicants to join our team. Fire/Medic hourly rate is $16.00. Fire/EMT hourly rate is $14.00. Visit www.valleyfire.us/contact-us us to fill out an online application.
CONDOLENCES
Chester Balinski passed away March 17, 2021 at the age of 97. Mr. Balinski graduated from Boston High School. He was drafted into the United States Army where he served in World War II. Following his discharge, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp Reserves. Mr. Balinski retired from Benjamin Moore Paints with over thirty-five years service.
He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Anastasia, and siblings Leonard Balinski, Agnes Egleston, and Florence Fisher. Mr. Balinski is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy, and niece Evelyn Kaczmarski.
Dr. E. Duane Powers passed away April 17, 2021 in The Villages, Florida. Duane Powers was born on October 13, 1926 in Kent, Ohio, son of Elmer Powers and Ruth Gilbert Powers. He grew up in Peninsula and graduated in the 1944 class of Boston High School. He attended the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri and practiced medicine from 1953 until 1990 in both Indiana and Michigan. In addition to his medical career, Duane served in the United States Army from 1944 until 1947.
In 1953, Duane moved to Culver, Indiana with his wife, Esther Scobie Powers, and he developed a thriving private practice where he worked until 1965. Then, he married Lois Wagenknecht Powers in 1966 and moved to Michigan.
Dr. E. Duane Powers was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, in 2005. He is survived by his eight children: Terrance, Michael, Deborah Leblanc, Susan, Pamela Martin, Jennifer, Patrick, and Heidi Powers-Dahlman. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is survived by his long-time companion, Kay DeRousse, whom he met in 2006.
WANT ADS
HELP WANTED: The Peninsula Foundation is looking to hire a part-time Maintenance Tech. Visit our website for more information on this job posting: peninsulahistory.org/jobs
FOR RENT: Two office spaces are available for rent on the garden level of the Boston Township Hall in Peninsula. One space is approximately 234 sq ft and the other is approximately 173 sq ft. For additional information, please email info@bostontownshiphall.org or call 330–657–BTHC.
SERVICES
From the Editors: Have you used any of these services? We are asking for your feedback in rating them from one to five with five being excellent.
ALEXANDER WATER: 330-923-0014.
FOR SALE: Handwoven cotton dish towels from local weaver Joanne Noragon. Towels are all cotton, machine wash and dry. Size 17x22", a variety of colors. Contact me: Everythingoldisnew2019@gmail.com. To see and order: cuponthebus.blogspot.com. Choose the towel tab. To visit my studio and browse my stock, email me for an appointment.
TREE TRIMMING: Tree trimming, storm clean-up, general clean-up. Call Tom the Tree Guy at 330-760-4105.
SONSHINE CLEANING SERVICE: Residential (including Apartments), Commercial, Offices, Floors, Walls, Windows, Bathrooms, etc. $10 off first cleaning and $10 off for every referral that uses us. Three hour minimum please. Please contact Claudia Norris at (440) 915-9957. Local references available.
LICENSED ELECTRICIAN- Peninsula resident. Great rates/Quick service. Call Steve at 330-310-1061. Ohio license #El22934.
YCN Rating 5 Star. Very good work, timely and good communications during the job.
COMPANION SERVICES: Are you a senior seeking senior companion services? Well, help is here. Call Kimberly for more details. 330-285-6962
REAL ESTATE SERVICES: Your hometown Real Estate agent, looking to buy or sell your home call us. Sylvia Tonhaeuser/ Robin Shrader Remax Trends 330-329-1851. No one knows Peninsula or Boston Township better.
PROJECT FEEDING KIDS: Find the best prices for every essential service, both residential and commercial while helping feed children in the community. We work with top brands, such as DirecTv, Dish, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, gas, electric, and merchant services. Call Kelly at 330-203- 9713.
CARPET, RUG, UPHOLSTERY & TILE CLEANING: Citrus-based green cleaning system. Safe for children and pets. No residue and dries in a few hours. Offer 20% discount includes moving couch and chairs. Contact Sandy or Jim Sadens at 330-657-2113 CitrusGreenClean.com Email us at sadens.jim@gmail.com.
YCN reader rating of 5, multiple community comments.
NEED A HAND? CALL THE HANDYMAN! Bath resident, Joshua Kastelic 15+ years experience. Honest, Quality, On-Time 330-289-8181 thehandyman_can@rocketmail.com
YCN reader rating of 5, reporter has used this service multiple times.
PET SITTING IN YOUR HOME: For all your pet sitting needs, contact Precious Pets Sitting Service at 216-701-4181. Providing visits, midday walks, and overnight service since 1997. Rates start $15/day, insured/bonded, Veterinary Technician.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Your photographer neighbor. www.KelleyWeitzelPhotography.com For all photography needs.
LICKITY-SPLIT: Firewood, tree cutting and wood splitting. Call Scott Ensign at 330-657-2462.
CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING: Award-winning custom picture framing since 1992, with framing consultations at your home or office, delivery and installation. Instruction with social media and marketing. Fine Art Services - Assisting artists, designers, corporate & residential clients in the selection, display and proper framing of art. 330-657-2228.
YCN reader rating of: 5 Star Rating! I have used Carolyn to frame, reframe, and repair all sorts of art for me and she does a professional job.
YCN reader rating of: 5 Star Rating! Wonderful work and very creative. Highly recommended.
SAWMILL SERVICE: From firewood to tree removal, all the way to decks, porches, & more. We do it all, give me a call! Wells Construction/S & S Sawmill, Seth, (330) 352-0210.
YCN reader rating of 5, reporter very pleased with services.
FOR SALE: End Tables and Coffee Tables. Eye-Catching, Locally Sourced Hardwoods. Handmade in Boston Township. Visit StudioJoe.us.
DOG TRAINING/SERVICES: Whether you need help training your dog or help getting your dog out while you`re away, call Tim Dent 4 Dogs, LLC (330) 212–1181 or
email timdent4dogs@gmail.com. Reasonable rates.
YCN reader rating of 5.
