It is not enough
to have a good mind;
the main thing
is to use it well.

Rene Descartes
September 2015 VOLUME 32 NUMBER 9



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BOSTON TOWNSHIP

The township minutes are posted on our website at www.bostontownship.org and outside the fiscal office at the Boston Township Hall. Our meetings are covered by the Westside Leader.

Publisher’s note: The Trustees passed a resolution accepting an agreement with Summit County for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes distributed in the amount of $19,306.16 for the Township. Fiscal Officer, Joanne Noragon and Trustee, Amy Anderson negotiated this agreement with U.S. Representative Steve LaTourette when he represented our area. Eight communities in Summit County benefit from this agreement.

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, Doug Mayer at 330-657-2601.





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PENINSULA VILLAGE

The Village of Peninsula Council met in regular session on September 14, 2015.

Brian Thunberg from RITA was in attendance. Brian reported that he is working closely with the Department of the Interior to collect tax dollars due in Boston Township. RITA replaced CCA as the tax authority for the Village in July of 2015.

Mayor Mayer read a proclamation, proclaiming September 2015, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the Village of Peninsula.

The Mayor and Council members signed a thank you letter to Carl and Mike LaMancusa, owners of A&C Welding for their generous donation of time and materials to preserve the original Village jail door. The Village intends to display the door for the public to view.

The Mayor called M&M Welding back to repaint the bridge at no cost to the Village, as it was done under warranty.

The Mayor announced that volunteers have come forward to paint the Police Department Squad room. The Mayor suggested purchasing the paint at Terry Lumber, however Councilperson Schneider is requiring the Village obtain three quotes from outside vendors before the project can proceed.

Council approved the purchase of two radar guns for the Police Department. Council approved the purchase of temporary “No Parking” signs to be used at temporary closures in the Village.

Please welcome new Officer, Andrew Watson and returning Officer Tim Earle.

Council discussed the Peninsula/Boston Police Contract.

Ms. Holody reported that the Wastewater Advisory Committee continues to meet every two weeks and is open to the public, with the next meeting on September 28, 2015 at 5:30 at the G.A.R. Hall. The committee has visited three systems and is scheduled to look at a fourth system on Monday, September 21, 2015.

Brush pickup is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2015, leaves will NOT be picked-up at this time. Fall Community Cleanup is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2015. Check the Republic Services website for a full list of items that will be accepted.

All residents of Peninsula and Boston Township are invited to participate in the October 31 Trick-or-Treat, Trunk-or-Treat, Party at the Woodridge Intermediate School, and Costume Contest. Trunk-or-Treating will be held at the Intermediate School parking lot for residents who live on the outskirts of town. This event is in addition to Trick-or-Treating.
Trick or Treat: 6-7:30 pm
Community Halloween Party at Woodridge Intermediate School 1930 Bronson St. is set for 7:30-9:00 pm, with the costume contest at 8 pm

Council passed a Resolution to enter into an agreement with Summit County Sheriff’s Office and Summit County OVI Task Force Member.

Council passed a Resolution to enter into an agreement with Summit County for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) distribution.

Upcoming Meetings:
September 28, 2015: Wastewater Advisory Committee at 5:30 pm (at G.A.R. Hall)
October 8, 2015: Board of Zoning Appeals at 7:00 pm
October 13, 2015: Joint Meeting with Boston Township Trustees at 6:00 pm, followed by Regular Council Meeting at 7:00 pm (Meeting will be held on Tuesday due to Monday’s Holiday)

Contact Phone Numbers:
Non-emergency Police and Fire Department: 330-657-2911
Mayor’s Office: 330-657-2151
Fiscal Office/Zoning: 330-657-2714
Service (Road) Department: 330-657-2089

Check the website www.villageofpeninsula-oh.gov, Library, Post Office, Village Hall, Terry Lumber, and the Valley Fire Station for postings.

John D. Steigel, Fiscal Officer





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PENINSULA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The Peninsula United Methodist Church would like to introduce our new Pastor Claudia Britton and her husband, Peter to our community. Claudia and Peter have three grown adult children. Besides being a Pastor, Claudia has 32 years experience working in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries - as a chemist and Manager of Technology & Quality Operations along with her theological training. Claudia has honors and published works along with major church accomplishments. Peter is also well educated with a B.A. Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA and is a sales manager at WBS Company. We are excited to have Claudia & Peter in our church and our community and hope you all will extend a warm welcome to both of them.





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COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY

Save the Date! The 2015 Community Christmas Party will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, 6-8 pm at the Boston Township Hall. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will visit the children, refreshments will be served. The Library will have craft and card making tables. The event is sponsored by the Peninsula Library, Valley Fire Department and the Peninsula Police Department. Please call the library, if you have any questions. PH: 330-657-2291.





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HAUNTED HAYRIDE

The Haunted Hayride in Peninsula will be happening again this year! Come out if you dare! Dates: October 3, 10, 17 and 24 Where: Heritage Farms - 6050 Riverview Rd, Peninsula From: 8:00pm - 11:00pm Cost: $15.00 per person Sponsored by: Diamond Dogs Organization For more information visit: www.heritagefarms.com or call 330-657-2330.





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PENINSULA PEDDLER DAY

Saturday October 3, 2015, 9am-4 pm

It’s time for Peddler Day again already! If you are new in town, this is the annual village garage sale day. Call Mary Booth to get your sale location on the map, 330-657-2244. If you would like to set up at the Methodist Church instead of in your own yard, call Nancy Clifton, 330-657-4033. The church will also be serving lunch and having a rummage sale inside. If you have antiques and collectibles and would like to set up with other dealers at the Peninsula Foundation parking lot, call Peggy Jo Whitman, 330-657-2607. Be sure to visit the Garden Club tent, the Library book sale, and don’t forget Rooster’s for breakfast. Maps will be available throughout the town. Come have some fun and buy great things (or junque). Rain or shine.





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THANK YOU

On Tuesday, September 8, I had a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting, called 911, and then lost consciousness. When I woke up, the Peninsula Police and Valley EMTs were at my side. They were very thorough and professional in treating me. I want to express my thanks for their assistance and to let everyone in Peninsula and Boston Township know how fortunate we are to have such well trained and professional emergency responders.

Bill Clifton





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PENINSULA WASTEWATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT, SEPTEMBER 2015

In the July 2015 YCN, The Peninsula Village Planning Commission announced that it had created the Wastewater Advisory Committee for the purpose of understanding current wastewater treatment in the Village, evaluating wastewater treatment options, and making recommendations to the Planning Commission. We, as members of the Committee, have held public meetings every two weeks since the inception of the Committee. In addition, we have met with the Ohio EPA and Summit County Division of Environmental Health (SCDH) and visited three wastewater treatment facilities to gain an understanding of wastewater treatment regulations and technology options. We recently visited the Village of Christiansburg, which is approximately the same size as Peninsula and which is currently installing a village wastewater collection and processing system. We have more visits scheduled this month to other Ohio communities, again similar in size and make-up to Peninsula, that are working with the Ohio EPA on a solution that fits their community’s needs and budget.

Why is wastewater a concern for the Village? One, failing septic systems can contaminate water wells used by residents and thereby endanger public health. Two, improperly treated septic effluent flowing into streams and storm sewers degrades the Cuyahoga River watershed and can potentially lead to enforcement actions by the Ohio EPA, including imposing remedial action on the Village of Peninsula. Three, inability to properly treat wastewater can limit commercial and public amenities available to residents and visitors.

From a public health and environmental viewpoint, a municipal wastewater collection and processing system appears to be the preferred solution of the SCDH and the Ohio EPA. Those agencies prefer a municipal system because owners of individual wastewater treatment systems seem to fall short when it comes to self-regulated maintenance and proper operation. However, we will continue to investigate all potential solutions including municipal collection systems, individual systems, and hybrid systems.

The Village of Peninsula, from a wastewater perspective, is a challenge since it consists of a centralized “sidewalk” area where houses and businesses are relatively close together and the rural area where houses are on larger lots. Topography is also a challenge because of elevation changes and the splitting of the Village by the Cuyahoga River. We plan to visit at least one other village which has faced similar challenges to see what lessons Peninsula can learn.

All meetings of the Wastewater Advisory Committee are open to the public and the public’s participation is encouraged. The date, time, and location of the meetings are posted by the Village. If you cannot attend a scheduled meeting, feel free to send us your questions and we will address them at our meeting. All questions should be directed to Bill Clifton at PO Box 334, or 330-657-4032, or cliftowh@hotmail.com.





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COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR



2015 Christmas Bazaar





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TOTAL BODY FITNESS OAKWOOD SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM

Once again the Mayor of Oakwood Village, Gary Gottschalk, has embraced the beautiful town of Peninsula with his Youth Summer Camp during the weeks of July 13 through July 31, 2015. He not only used the Total Body fitness Studio this year, he also included the Peninsula Art Academy. Peninsula – we have so much to offer. Total Body Fitness and the Peninsula Art Academy is very proud to be a part of this wonderful opportunity.

Carlean Perez





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CHURCH IN THE VALLEY

The Church in the Valley is located at 2241 Everett Road in Boston Township. Join us for Sunday service at 10:00am with Bible Study at 9:00am. Wednesday Prayer is at 7:00pm. For more information call 330-657-2200 or visit us at www.churchinthevalley.org





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PENINSULA LIBRARY

Classic Movie Night, October 1 at 6:30 p.m. Mildred Pierce

Book Sale & Bizarre Bazaar Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Friends of the Library Bizarre Bazaar and book sale returns with books, VHS, DVDs for you to purchase! The Members only preview will be Friday, October 2, 3-4 p.m. Please have your membership card ready to show at the door. If you do not have a current membership, one can be purchased at the door for $5.00 per individual.

Ferdinand Brader: Itinerate Artist , October 11, 6 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS AT THE BRONSON CHURCH, 1712 Main

This program, presented by Kathleen Weischauss-Voss of the Canton Museum of Art, is about the artist, his times and the history of Summit and Stark counties showing farming, homes and gardens and transportation modes. Born in Switzerland in 1833, Brader traveled through northeast Ohio and was paid for his drawings with food and accommodations.

Brader's first pencil drawings of farms and homes were made in Pennsylvania and dated 1879. The majority of Brader's drawings were done in Ohio, first appearing in Tuscarawas and Columbiana Counties in 1884. Brader's Ohio works were done in 9 adjoining counties: Portage, Medina, Wayne, Stark, Summit,Carroll, Columbiana, Mahoning and Tuscarawas continuing through 1895. This program is co-sponsored by the Peninsula Foundation and the Peninsula Library. Please call the library to reserve a seat. Refreshments will be served.

Thursday Evening Retirement Series at 6:30pm.
Planning to retire or already retired? Do you have questions about where and how to invest your retirement savings in this volatile and uncertain market? Financial planning professionals James C. Sexton III, CFP®, CFS and Alan Shall CPA, CFP®, CFA of Western Reserve Capital Management will lead these classes which are designed to help you become financially aware in this complex and challenging environment.
October 15— Retirement Income Planning: Find Out How Much You Need.
October 22 —Your Retirement and Your IRA: Avoid


Candidates Night
October 26 — 7 p.m.
Come meet local officials running on this year’s November ballot. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.





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PENINSULA`S MUSIC ON THE PORCHES

Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 11 am – 11 pm

Bring a chair and sit a spell!

Join us at Peninsula’s 7th annual Music on the Porches—a village-wide happening which celebrates music in the Valley! Merchants and residents alike welcome musicians to their porches to “make a joyful noise” and fill the valley with music of all genres. This year, in addition to the 20+ music acts throughout the Village, The Peninsula Foundation Inc. with the support of the Ohio Arts Council is offering free workshops throughout the day and an evening ticketed musical event featuring The Speedbumps. Visit www.explorepeninsula.com for details about the day’s event.

11-11:45
Hazel Broughton- Antique Etsy Organ
Bronson Church

11-1
Sara Finan- Roots based fiddle
The Log Cabin Gallery

11:30-1:30
Avin Loki Baird- Folk
Elements Gallery

12:30-2
Brent Kirby- Singer/Songwriter
G.A.R. Hall patio
Box of Squirrels- Folk, Americana
The Brown Rabbit and Yellow Creek Trading Co.

1-2
Rebekah Jean
Heritage Farms

1-3
Kofi Boakye- piano
River Light Gallery
Ballinloch- Irish American music told in song
Trail Mix Peninsula
Marc Lee Shannon- Singer Songwriter
The Log Cabin Gallery
Eric Butler
Winking Lizard

1:30-3:30
Red Brick Rhodes- Folk, American
Elements Gallery

2-4
Roger Hoover- Folk, Blues
G.A.R. Hall Patio

2:30-4:30
Stumpy Basin Volunteers- Bluegrass
Bronson Church Stage

3:30-5:30
Jon Mosey- Clawhammer banjo, Piedmont Blues
Elements Gallery
The Gage Brothers- upbeat Folk
The Log Cabin Gallery

5-7
Cats on Holiday
Bronson Church Stage

5:30-7:30
Grady Miller- Americana
Silver Fern Bed & Breakfast

Free Workshops:
11:30-12:15
Brent Kirby: Sit down with Cleveland’s most decorated singer/songwriter to learn the basics of writing a song.

12-3
The Bronson Church: World renowned luthier, Peninsula’s own Doug Unger and fellow luthier Mike Ward talk about and demonstrate the art of instrument building





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LOG CABIN GALLERY: AUTUMN BRANCHING OUT EXHIBIT

September 24 thru October 25, 2015
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 11 am – 5 pm
Monday-Wednesday by appointment

Featuring 24 local artists and artisans in a variety of mediums—glass, fiber, wood, clay, paper, metal—housed in a restored 1850’s log cabin

Pat Bakos, Gemstone Trees & Rocks
Tom Baldwin, Wildfowl Carvings
Stephen & Barbara Bloom, Silk & Soap
Sofia Calderwood, Jewelry
Cathie Gordon, Primitive Rug Hooking
Cynde Hujarski, Jewelry
Judy Adams Jones, Mixed Media
Lisa Kane, Glass
Susana Kilcoyne, Leaded Glass
Tamara Gunnels-Kindle, Tree Charms
Tammy Lang, Jewelry & Gourds
Chip & Christine Lucas, Clay
Chuck Martinez, Artistic Woodworking
Russ O’Brien, Blown Art Glass
L. Michael Peterson, Architectural Clay
Dave Repicky, Ceramic Art
Jen Sauter, Hand-Painted Silk
Diane Seskes, Photography
Lucille Seskes, Traditional Quilting & Piecing
Chanah Spencer, Oil Pastels
Nancy Webb, Pottery
Jennifer Worden, Mixed Media

Other Autumn Special Events at The Log Cabin Gallery:

MUSIC ON THE PORCHES
Saturday, September 26 from 11 am – 1 pm Sara Finan roots-based fiddle.
From 1 – 3 pm. Marc Lee Shannon singer songwriter guitarist.
From 3:30-5:30 pm The Gage Brothers upbeat folk.

Join us at Peninsula’s 7th annual Music on the Porches—a village-wide happening celebrating music in the Valley! www.explorepeninsula.com

PENINSULA PEDDLER DAY
Saturday, October 3
9 am – 4 pm
Village-wide Community-Sponsored Event

Stop by and see what’s in our tent!





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WANT ADS AND SERVICES

FREE FIREWOOD: I have ash trees cut down and delimbed available to anyone with time, a truck, and a chain saw. Call Bill Clifton at 330-657-4032.

FOR SALE: 1999 Harley Dynawide Glide $6000 or best offer. Call 300-342-0826 and leave a message.

NEED A HAND? CALL THE HANDYMAN! Bath resident, Joshua Kastelic 15+ yrs experience Honest, Quality, On-Time 330-840-4351 thehandyman_can@rocketmail.com

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.

COMPUTER HELP: Call Ellen Brady at 330-208-5447 for your computer needs.

COMPUTER HELP: Frustrated using your computer/iPad? One-on-one computer/iPad help. Email, documents, spreadsheets, Facebook, apps. Friendly and patient. Meet at library, coffee shop. $10/hr. Ellen 330.208.5447, ellen.computerhelp@gmail.com

FOR RENT: Half acre secure storage area in downtown Peninsula. Call 330-697-5079.

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

ALEXANDER WATER: 330-923-0014.

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

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.

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





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OPINIONS

YCN is a forum for people in the community to voice their thoughts on local events and activities. Current issues include Village and Township finance restrictions because of reduced income from multiple sources, sewer in the Village, Woodridge school moving and the bond to build a new school, the JEDD, and others. This space in the paper is being started to allow a place for pro and con opinions to be voiced. We encourage writers to express their views about the issues, not about the people. Articles that involve derogatory statements will be edited or returned to the writer. The opinions expressed here do not represent YCN.

TO THE EDITORS:

Part I (June 2015), Part II (July 2015) described the behind the scenes effort to engineer the closing of our Middle School, and the passing of a new school levy to raise money they do not have. We all know who will pay it. You will!

The July 23 issue of the West Side Leader included an article by Becky Tompkins. "Woodridge Weighing Impact of New State Budget" We quote her article and thank the West Side Leader.

The article had to do with the new two year state education budget.

This is a budget that Robin Hood would have been proud of because it takes from the "rich" (Woodridge), and gives to the poorer school districts. The rationale for this is that wealthier school districts such as Woodridge can more easily raise the money they need by increasing their taxes. The fact that only 10 percent of Boston Township land is privately owned and taxable is not considered.

It gets worse. "Woodridge students who leave to attend a community or charter school take the more than $5,700 in per pupil state funding per year with them to the new school, Woodridge treasurer Deanna Levenger said, and the legislators just raised that amount $100 for this coming school year and $150 for the following year".

In the Ohio Department of Education web site, this is called a "community school transfer".

Such transfers will cost Woodridge more than $543,000 next year, said Treasurer Levenger.

Woodridge Local School Board of Education member Jeff McHugh said "we are getting hammered" and he asked the board members to draft a resolution expressing the board's "outrage" to the local elected officials who voted for the budget bill.

If a new tax levy is proposed soon ask yourselves and your neighbors if this is a good time to discard a serviceable school building in Peninsula that is paid for and take on increasing obligations to build a new school in Cuyahoga Falls.

Martin J. Griffith
 
Dear Friends:

After an extensive facilities study and a lengthy community engagement process, The Woodridge Board of Education has placed a 3.71 mill bond issue on the November 3rd ballot. This bond issue will generate funds to build a new elementary school on the Quick Road campus, renovate the existing high school by adding additional classroom space and a new gymnasium, and replace the roof on the middle school.

The study was comprehensive. Cost estimates were included and 21st century design standards were applied. The study revealed that the primary and intermediate buildings will require significant repairs and upgrades, the costs of which exceed estimates to replace both schools completely.

Unlike so many other public districts around us, our enrollment has grown over the years. Classroom space is limited. Rooms are small and wiring, ventilation and infrastructure are outdated. With changing graduation requirements, there is not enough space to house the number of courses we must offer at the high school. Additionally, the high school gymnasium capacity is far below what’s needed for assemblies, athletics or even general use.

Transportation is a major piece of our budget and operations. Currently, we transport hundreds more students into Peninsula each day than we bring out to our other schools. In addition to other efficiencies, a new elementary complex on the Quick Road campus will save the district nearly $50,000 in busing costs.

We can’t keep throwing good money after bad, patching problems and trying to make old outdated facilities fit the educational needs of our 21st century learners. The plans we have outlined will cost roughly $33 million. With a 35-year bond, this issue would cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $11 each month.

We all recognize what all of this will mean to the people of Peninsula. The tax dollars generated by the payroll of our staff is a major portion of the Village budget. To ensure that we deal with this reality, both the Village Council and the Board of Education recently passed resolutions calling for a collaborative partnership to find the best possible future use for the property.

Updated facilities and increased space will allow us to continue to meet the needs of our students. We look forward to working together as a community to continue our long traditions of excellence in education, athletics and the arts.

Walter Davis, Superintendent
Woodridge Local School District