Hepl ing HANDS - daslos-studios.com · JULY / AUGUST 2020 A Publication of the HANDS Foundation MORE INFO ON PAGE 3 HANDS Foundation Fundraiser to be Held at The Oaks - Chippewa Lake

A PUBLICATION OF THE HANDS FOUNDATIONHANDS Across Medina County FoundationP.O. Box 868 | Brunswick, Ohio | 44212

Visit us on the Web: HANDS-Foundation.org

Summer Breezes is a GO!!

Helping HANDSHELPING TO ASSIST AND INFORM OLDER ADULTS AND SENIORS IN MEDINA COUNTY

A Publication of the HANDS FoundationJULY / AUGUST 2020

MORE INFO ON PAGE 3

HANDS Foundation Fundraiser to be Held at The Oaks - Chippewa LakeDue to COVID-19 we had to cancel our traditional major fundraiser for the year “Sing into Spring”. Although we had to cancel we knew we could not go a full year without a fundraiser. We partnered with The Oaks Lakeside in Chippewa Lake to host Sum-mer Breezes (a usually small scale event graciously host-ed by Plum Creek Assisted Living). The venue is abso-lutely perfect especially for a summer themed event. The grounds at The Oaks Lake-side are gorgeous and its lo-cated right on Chippewa Lake.

We have a delicious menu planned and there will be a cash bar (the martinis are in-credible). The Oaks has been absolutely amazing to work with and their staff have liter-ally bent over backwards to ensure we can have the best possible fundraising event. We are transforming the

typically smaller event into our larger event and we couldn’t be more excited! The band that will be playing is called Out of Eden. They are so much fun and well known to be the very best Eagles Tribute Band! The event will be complete with sideboards and a silent auction.

We have already granted a large number of senior wish-es this year so this event is what will allow us to continue serving the senior community all throughout Medina County. The need is more real in our

county now more than ever. We are so thankful for the already committed sponsors, donors and reservations! We have worked hard to make this event be an extremely fun night with music, dancing and incredible food and drinks! We will be following all prop-er COVID-19 mandatory re-quirements to keep everyone safe and healthy. We hope that you will take part in this event in some way-it really is going to be so much fun and really make a positive impact on our Medina County senior community!

BOARD MEMBERS/STAFFTrustees: Ryan Boulton, Bob Thompson, Patricia Hanek, Rebecca Rak, Christina Waller, Lori Betz, Kimberly Valco, Brandi Rees, Linda Samosky

Founder ..............................In Memory of Don SimpsonPresident ..............................................Christina WallerVice President ........................................Patricia HanekSecretary ......................................................... Lori BetzTreasurer ..................................................Ryan BoultonExecutive Assistant ......................................Liz Murphy

Publisher .............Greg Ramler, RMC CommunicationsTo Submit Ads & Articles ............ Contact Greg RamlerPhone: .................................................. 330–410–5497Email: .................................. [email protected]

Ad & Article Deadline for SEPT/OCT Issue: 8/14/20

CIRCULATIONDirect mail circulation to Medina County households with additional area distribution throughout Medina County. Published six times a year (bi-monthly) January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December

ABOUT THE HANDS FOUNDATION AND HELPING HANDS NEWSPAPERThe HANDS Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping and improving the lives of senior citizens throughout Medina County. Helping HANDS is a publication of the HANDS Foundation and is a go-to resource for Medina County seniors and their families.

The HANDS Foundation reserves the right to edit infor-mation published in Helping HANDS. Articles published in Helping HANDS are from independent article submit-ters and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the HANDS Foundation.

HANDS FOUNDATIONMailing ................ P.O. Box 868 • Brunswick, OH 44212Physical . 4274 Manhattan Ave. • Brunswick, OH 44212 Office Hours......Tues, Wed, Thurs, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Office ..................................................... 330–225–4242Fax ........................................................ 330–952–2018Web ........................................ HANDS–Foundation.orgEmail [email protected]

If you would like to get on our mailing list, please contact Liz Murphy at the

HANDS Foundation office at:330-225-4242

Tues, Wed, Thurs, 9:30 am - 12:30 pmor by email at: [email protected]

GET ON OUR MAILING LIST

HELPING HANDS | JULY / AUGUST 2020 | PAGE 2

Facility tours are temporarily discontinued. For information,

please call phone numbers belowor visit vsecommunities.org

550 Miner Drive, MeDina | 330-725-1550 | eMbassyHealtHcare.net

The New Medina Meadows Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is OPEN!! Our newly updated facility features all

modern and spacious private suites with bathroom and shower. Receive quality care from our certified professionals, while enjoying a beautiful dining room, lounge, and state-of-the-art gym.

see OUr article On tHe

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Do you want to make a difference in your community, meet new friends, and do something you enjoy? VAN-TAGE RSVP has a variety of exciting opportunities to get involved in! RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) connects volunteers age 55 and older with opportunities to serve their community. VANTAGE RSVP is available in Summit and Medina Counties. As the largest volunteer network for older adults in the na-tion, RSVP matches volunteers with organizations where their time, interests, and talents meet important needs in our community.

Funded by the Corporation for National & Community Service and local partners, VANTAGE RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve. To join, you must be 55 years or older, want to make a dif-ference in your community, and live in Summit or Medina County.

Have You Signed UpWith RSVP?

Fun & flexible volunteeractivities for people 55 andolder in Summit & MedinaCounties. Call VANTAGERSVP to find your best fit!

330-253-4597 x166vantageaging.org/rsvp

INTERESTEd INVOLUNTEERING?

Interested in volunteering with RSVP? Contact VANTAGE Aging at 330-253-4597 or [email protected] to get started.

Check out Vantage RSVP


ExperienceWestern Reserve

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• Active retirement lifestyle within a 229-acre campus setting

• Villa homes and apartment options• Assisted living with

personalized services• Post-acute and skilled nursing care• Pathways memory care center

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NANCY [email protected]

617 School DriveWadsworth, OH 44281

330-335-1513

All Senior Center events are listed on the calendar day in which they occur.

Any questions about specific events or other

details can be directed to the Senior Center.

3

4 Virtual Programs: General Caregivers Support Group 1:00 pm Cleveland Sight Center: “The Aging Eye” 1:30 pm

5

6 Virtual Programs: Autobiography 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Alzheimer’s Support 1:00 pm Mindful Wellness 1:30 pm

7

10 Virtual Programs: Intro to Black Jack 2:00 pm Medicare 101 3:00 pm

August Photo Challenge

Entries Due

11 Virtual Service: Ask An Attorney 1:00 pm (by phone appointment) Virtual Program: Storytime with Wade 4:00 pm

12 Virtual Programs: Matter of Balance 12:00 - 2:30 pm Bingo Hosted by Menorah Park 1:00 pm

13 Virtual Programs: Autobiography 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Mindful Wellness 1:30 pm Intro to Black Jack 2:00 pm

14 Virtual Programs: Weight Management: “ABCs of Nutrition” 11:00 am BBB: “Exposed to Scams” 1:00 pm

17 Virtual Programs: Buzzing with the Best 9:00 am Intro to Black Jack 2:00 pm

18 Virtual Program: Parkinson’s Caregivers Support Group 1:00 pm

19 Virtual Programs: Matter of Balance 12:00 - 2:30 pm Table Talk with Dr. Patel: “Diabetes” 12:00 pm

20 Virtual Programs: Autobiography 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Intro to Black Jack 2:00 pm

21

24

25 Virtual Program: Master Gardeners: Container Gardening 11:00 am

26 Virtual Programs: Matter of Balance 12:00 - 2:30 pm

Bingo Hosted by Menorah Park 1:00 pm

27 Virtual Programs: Autobiography 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Armchair Travel 2:00 pm

28

31 Virtual Program: Walking Challenge Kick-Off Meeting 2:00 pm

August 2020 617 School Drive Wadsworth, OH 44281

(330) 335-1513

Staff Hours: 8:30-4:30 M-F Building Closed Until Further Notice

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

New! Please email your program RSVP (with your name and phone number) to our new email address: [email protected].

Phone RSVPs still accepted!

Additional programming is listed

in the SSC newsletter! Please visit www.wadsworthcity.com/289/

Current-Newsletter for more options.

* At This Time, All Programming Is Only Offered Remotely*

SOPREMASENIOR CENTER

& CAFEWAdSWORTH

CALE

NdAR

OF

EVEN

TS

JU

LY

AU

GU

ST

1 2 Virtual Program: Alzheimer’s Support 1:00 pm

3

6

7 Virtual Program: General Caregivers Support Group 1:00 pm

8 Virtual Program: Bingo Hosted by Menorah Park 1:00 pm

9 Virtual Program: Cleveland Sight Center: “Tips & Techniques” 1:30 pm

10 July Photo Challenge Entries Due

13 Virtual Program: Medicare 101 3:00 pm

14 Virtual Service: Ask An Attorney 1:00 pm (by phone appointment) Virtual Program: Storytime with Wade 4:00 pm

15 Virtual Program: Table Talk with Dr. Patel “Weight-loss” 12:00 pm

16

17

20 Virtual Program: Buzzing with the Best 9:00 am

21 Virtual Program: Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group 1:00 pm

22

23 Virtual Programs: Autobiography 10:00 am -12:00 pm Mindful Wellness 1:30 pm

24 Virtual Program: Akron Rubber Workers: Stories and Statues 11:00 am

27

28 Virtual Program: Master Gardeners: Attracting Birds with Bird Feeders 11:00 am

29 Virtual Program: Bingo Hosted by Menorah Park 1:00 pm

Virtual Programs: 30 Autobiography 10:00 am -12:00 pm Mindful Wellness 1:30 pm Cooking with Liberty Residence 2:00 pm

31

July 2020 617 School Drive Wadsworth, OH 44281

(330) 335-1513

Staff Hours: 8:30-4:30 M-F Building Closed Until Further Notice

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

New! Please email your program RSVP (with your name and phone number) to our new email address: [email protected].

Phone RSVPs still accepted!

Additional programming is listed in the newsletter!

Please visit www.wadsworthcity.com/289/Current-Newsletter

for more options.

*At This Time, All Programming Is Only Offered Remotely*

** At this time, All ProgrAmming is only offered remotely **


STEVE HAMBLEY

FROM YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

By: State Representative, STEVE HAMBLEY

Canceling a Medina County Fair in 2020

Steve Hambley State Representative

House District 69

77 South High Street, 11th Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215

(614) 466‐8140 [email protected]

is Not Like 1952

1952 was the last and only time the Medina County Fair was canceled. The history books and newspaper ac-counts of Medina all contend it was because of the poliomy-elitis (polio) epidemic. Closer review reveals that is only part of the story. According to public statements of Dr. Earl E. Kleinschmidt, the Health Commissioner of Medina and Wayne Counties at the time, both the closure of the fair and the concurrent closure of schools for two weeks was in reaction to public hysteria, not medical precautions.

At the peak of the 1952 ep-idemic, the 275 cases per 100,000 population for Medi-na County made it one of the worst in the country. In July of that year, Holmes County officials enacted a quarantine and ban on large gatherings to arrest the polio outbreak. Health Commissioner Klein-schmidt disputed the effec-tiveness of these provisions. In a special meeting of doc-tors and business leaders in mid-July, he urged the public to live normally and to con-tinue taking part in picnics, swimming, outings and ev-ery-day business. He stated, “No quarantine has ever influ-enced the outbreak of polio in

the slightest.” He followed up his advice with giving a green light to conducting the Medi-na County Fair in the fall, as well suggesting that it was public hysteria and absurd for any concerns in visiting Chippewa Lake Park or vari-ous sunshine camps located throughout the county. He ad-vocated that the major weap-on against the spread of the polio virus was instead, strict personal cleanliness and hand washing to avoid the “hand-to-mouth danger.”

Under a flood of public re-quests and citing a loss of $25,000, the Medina Fair Board called off the 107th annual exposition previous-ly scheduled for September 3rd, 1952. Shortly thereaf-ter, school officials through-out the county postponed the start of classes in the fall. Dr. Earl E, Kleinschmidt still re-fused to sanction any of these actions, stating that “delaying school openings will serve no purpose scientifically, but that from the standpoint of public opinion it might be advisable”.

The epidemic not only attract-ed a Yale University study of Medina and Wayne coun-ties, but it was fully report-ed in the November issue of

Public Health Reports by the U.S. Public Health Service. Authors of the article includ-ed Dr. Kleinschmidt, Mabel Abbott of Wadsworth, and E. Ilah Kauffman of Wooster. They observed in this nation-al journal, “It has been aptly said that every poliomyelitis epidemic comprises actually two diseases, poliomyelitis and hysteria.”

Jump ahead to 2020 and you have a whole new sto-ry. On June 3rd, the Medina Agricultural Society Board of Directors reluctantly decided to postpone the 175th Me-dina County Fair until 2021, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 9th, Governor Mike DeWine, Senate President Larry Ob-hof and House Speaker Lar-ry Householder announced

a new plan to reduce many of the previously issued Ohio Department of Health restric-tions and provide grant mon-ey to help conduct the county fairs. Under the plan, each fair that conducts a junior fair will receive $50,000 from the state, while those that do not will receive $15,000 towards next year’s fair.

On June 11th, after much chatter on social media, me-dia attention, and I am cer-tain behind the scenes phone calls, the Fair Board rescinded the vote and the annual expo-sition rescheduled for August 3rd through 9th was back on.

Relaxation of the prior restric-tions, as well as the promised state assistance no doubt helped in that decision.

This is not 1952. Legitimate public health concerns have been considered and precau-tionary actions taken. Bor-rowing from Dr. Kleinschmidt, this COVID-19 epidemic may very well be comprised of two diseases: COVID-19 and hys-teria. The facts are, we have found a way to manage both the risk of disease and curb our fears. In the end, the 2020 Medina County Fair will go on. See you at the fair!

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FROM YOUR TREASURER

By: JOHN BURKE, Medina County TreasurerA Double Happy Fix-It Funds Customer


A program of Medina County Treasurer

John BurkeAuthorized by the Board of Medina County Commissioners

www.medinacountytreasurer.com/FixItFunds

Fix-It Funds

• Up to 2% below the bank’s current interest rate for home improvement loans

• Loans from $5,000 to $50,000• Value of home must be $250,000 or less• Approved and funded on a first-come,

first-served basis

APPLICATIONS AND INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM

Medina County Treasurer - 330.725.9746

Low Interest, Fixed Rate Home Improvement Loans

Available to Medina County

homeowners through

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Last year, Brent Norton need-ed to replace the handicap ramp and deck on his house in Lodi. He decided to use a Fix-It Funds low interest home improvement loan offered by Medina County Treasurer John Burke through Westfield Bank.

Three weeks after he com-pleted his application, Brent had $8,000 for his home im-provement project. “It was really quick and easy, and my Westfield loan officer Michelle was very easy to work with, helpful and quick,” related Brent. He was also pleased that his five-year loan had the lowest fixed interest rate com-pared to other banks.

After securing a contractor, the new deck and ramp only took 17 hours to complete. This wasn’t the first time Brent had used a Fix-It Funds loan. Five years ago, he saw a newspaper article about Treasurer Burke’s program and used it to replace his roof and central air conditioner.

A twice satisfied customer, Brent says “it’s a great home [improvement] loan at a great reasonable price with a great interest rate.”

According to Treasurer Burke this is a typical response by many borrowers using Fix-It Funds. Since 2002, Medina County has loaned over $14 million to over 1,000 county residents to fix up their homes. Burke says “It’s been a win-win situation. The homeowner gets a great low interest loan, the bank gets business, local merchants sell products and there are improvements to the condition of homes in the County.”

Fix-it Funds loans can range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000 at a fixed interest rate that is up to 2% below the bank’s current rate. There is no income limit as with CHIP grants, but your house value (without land) is limited to $250,000 or less. The homeowner can borrow for almost any type of home

improvement including roof, window replacement, paint-ing, siding, kitchen upgrades, additions, air and heating units, decks and landscap-ing. According to county re-cords, about 90% of Medina County homeowners may qualify for a Fix-It Fund Loan.

Homeowners interested in low-interest home improve-ment loans may apply at Westfield Bank branches in Medina at 4015 Medina Road (Route 18) and Two Park Circle in Westfield Cen-ter. For more information, please contact the Medina County Treasurer’s office at 330.725.9746, [email protected] or Westfield Bank, Cheryl Murrin at 330.764.6091, [email protected].

The Medina County Treasur-er’s office is located at 144 North Broadway in Medina. For information on all the services my office provides, please visit medinacounty-treasurer.com.

Help Your Pets Avoid Lyme Disease

FROM YOUR AUdITORBy: MIKE KOVACK, Medina County Auditor

MIKE KOVACK


The 2020 tick season is ex-pected to be relatively aver-age this summer, however, the increase in outdoor activities due to the coronavirus pan-demic could cause Lyme cas-es to skyrocket. Why is there concern about more time spent outdoors? With more homebound people venturing outdoors during the stay at home orders with their four-legged friends, the chance of exposure to ticks and in-fection increases drastically.

Ticks prefer moist, wooded, and shady hiding places, such as tall grass, brush, and shrubs, and they can lurk in decidedly non-wild places too like your backyard. In order to survive, they feed on the blood of humans and animals. After a tick bite, your cat or dog could develop a serious illness such as Lyme disease (which can cause symptoms such as an abnormal gait or stance, fever, lethargy, and enlarged lymph nodes); Cy-tauxzoonosis (a parasitic in-fection, specific to cats, which can cause difficulty breathing, fever, loss of appetite, jaun-dice, coma, and death); skin irritation or infection at the site of the wound; and other com-plications, according to the American Society for the Pre-vention of Cruelty to Animals.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to protecting your pets from ticks, but there are ways to minimize their chanc-es of picking one up. (If your pet does get Lyme, treat-ment usually involves several weeks of antibiotics.)

Here are three strategies to help keep your dog or cat tick-free, but always check with your veterinarian for fur-ther clarification and advice.

CHECK YOUR PET dAILY

If you live in or are visiting an area that’s particularly vulner-able to ticks, one of your best defenses is to inspect your pet daily. Just having the tick walking on your pet is not dangerous. It’s when the tick attaches and feeds for a long period of time, over a day or two—that’s when parasites can be transmitted. Cats are vulnerable, too, though typically less so than dogs because they are regular groomers. But you should still give yours a daily once-over.

TICKPROOF YOUR YARd

Minor adjustments to your yard, such as keeping tall grass and weeds trimmed, clearing leaf piles, and mak-ing a tick trap by using a bait box can make a big difference in keeping tick populations down. A fence around your yard that effectively keeps out wildlife that can spread ticks, such as deer, may also help.

CONSIdER MEdICATIONS

There are several EPA and FDA-approved products, such as pesticides (which kill ticks), tick repellents (which keep ticks away), and a Lyme vaccine for dogs—but there are pros and cons associated with each.

MEdINA COUNTY AUdITORS OFFICE144 N. Broadway Street | 330.725.9754

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COMMISSIONERS’ CORNER By: PAT GEISSMAN, Medina County Commissioner


MEDINA COUNTY FAIR IS ONMedina County residents will get to enjoy a Fair this year, after all, in spite of the ongoing Covid-19. New rules and policy for County Fairs were received right after the Agricultural Society’s Fair Board members had voted to cancel the Fair for safety reasons. The Fair is rescheduled the same as before, August 3rd to the 9th. However, the fair as we know it from past years will be in a modified form. Next year, the Fair Board plans for a complete fair in celebration of their 175 years.

As I write this I will share the information that I have now in mid-June. “Responsible Re-start Ohio – County Fair Guide-lines “came out with new guidelines that made it possible to go forward. With the revisions and removal of several previous mandates the Fair Board voted to proceed with the 2020 Fair. Please keep in mind that there could be some changes as new guidelines could develop before August. First of all, the Fair Board is asking that everyone use common sense for the safety of all; distancing is necessary, wearing a mask will be optional. For our youth every effort is being made to preserve the Junior Fair Competition and exhibits so the kids can show off their projects. Both livestock and non-livestock competition is being considered. Auctions will be held as in the past using social distancing and masks are encouraged. Also the board is con-sidering a virtual auction for greater safety. The grandstand will be limited to 2500 (half capacity) specta-tors for performances during the week. Scheduled is the Trac-tor Pull, Motor-cross, 2 Demolition Derbies and Fireworks on Sunday. In the Pavilion, throughout the week families will enjoy the performances of Cracker-Jack the Clown, Mr. Bubblemaker, a Karaoke Contest and the Royal Court. Also several Bands will perform including Traveling Man Band, County Line Band, Playing for Pennies Band and Coming Undone Band. For your safety, the Fair will have many sanitation stations at convenient places throughout the grounds. If you love to eat your way across the fairgrounds you’ll be pleased to know the food concessions will be there, just a little further apart for distancing safety. There will be no premium book this year. Please visit the Fair Boards’ website at www.medinaohiofair.com to look up all scheduling and events. The Medina County Fair is one of Ohio’s oldest and largest county fairs. Only one time, in 1952, the Fair was canceled due to the Polio epidemic. Today we are living in a Corona-virus pandemic. However, we also have many safety guidelines es-tablished that if we follow them allow us to go forward and bring some normalcy back into our lives. A big thank you to the fair board and our Medina County Health Commissioner, Krista Wasowski, who has been work-ing with the fair board to provide necessary safety guidance.

My husband and I have visited many of the Ohio fairs. We can proudly say our Fair is the Best! We have very dedicated and committed volunteers serving on the Fair Board that work all year long to bring us a delightful summer experience like no other. If you are not compromised by age or health issues, consider safely attending the Medina County Fair!

The warmer weather allows us the chance to get outside, relax, and take a break from the stresses of life. Despite the restric-tions on our lives the past few months due to the corona-virus, we can still enjoy a beautiful summer! Here are a few ideas to get you started, let’s go have some fun! n Plant some tomatoes - great on a hamburger.n Clean off your bird feeder and fill it as needed to keep your feathered friends happy.n Plan now to have an American flag to fly proudly on the 4th of July.n Hang a blanket in the back yard to make a tent and let older kids sleep under the stars in sleeping bags.n Keep a pitcher of iced tea or lemonade in the refrigerator for the whole family to enjoy every day.n Open that special bottle of wine you’ve been saving and dance with your spouse to some romantic music.n Find a recipe for homemade dog treats and let the kids make “Fido” a special treat.n Take a family bike ride in the fresh air.n Fill a small sandbox with sand and let your toes dig in!n Call a friend, let them know you are thinking of them.

FUN THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER

nAfrican Lions are the only cats known to live in groups.nThe American Beaver is North America’s largest rodent. nThe heart of a Shrimp is located in its head.nIt takes a Sloth two weeks to digest its food.nMayflies only live for 24 hours.

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FROM YOUR VETERANS OFFICE

ED ZACKERY

By: ED ZACKERY, Medina County Veterans Service Office


Well, it has been a crazy few months, hopefully some nor-malcy is getting back into everyone’s life. As for the Department of Veterans Af-fairs (VA) there were several changes in the way they were conducting business during the peak of the COVID cri-sis. From postponing com-pensation & pension (C&P) exams for disability claims to moving most appointment to Telehealth if possible, for general healthcare. Although even with the many changes some temporary some maybe not, they continued to operate and were fully functional in processing benefits and pro-viding world class healthcare for our veterans. As the VA clinics start to open back up our transportation operations here within Medina County are starting to pick back up. We continued to provide the much need transposition for our veterans with appoint-ments at the VA throughout the lockdown.

The Western Reserve Na-tional Cemetery will resume committal services starting June 9th in all but two VA national cemeteries. VA na-tional cemeteries will contact families who were unable to hold a committal service due to the COVID-19 pan-demic to arrange memori-al services for their loved ones beginning in July.

Our office has continued to operate throughout the pan-demic although we have scaled back somewhat. We have been able to provide all applicable services that we normally provide, although

VA Makes Several Changes in the Way They

(330) 722-9368210 Northland Dr. Medina, OH 44256

E-mail: [email protected]: www.medinacountyveterasn.org

Medina County Veterans Service Office

“Service for Those That Served and Their Families” Because - We are Family

Were you severely impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis? Call us to see if we can be of assistance.

We provide two basic services: 1. Temporary emergency financial aid and assistance

to eligible veterans and family members who have demonstrated a need set fourth by the commission.

2. Assist veterans, family members and survivors when applying to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for benefits.

Conduct Business During the COVID Crisis

it has been a task to work through adapting to the social distance requirements and work by mail, drop offs and email. We feel that we have accomplished our mission and hopefully as we open slowly will be back to full op-erations with open doors if not at the time of this printing then soon. What we do want people to know is they don’t have to wait to apply for their benefits, please call us. We can still assist with everything and get the process started for you.

Even with all the changes the VA announced in June 2020, veteran trust in VA reached 80% in April, reflecting a 19% increase since January 2017.

Each quarter Veterans Sig-nals (VSignals), the VA’s cus-tomer experience feedback program, randomly surveys approximately 257,000 Vet-erans with recent interactions VA-wide with claims, appeals, health care, memorials and other services to rate their overall trust in VA.

We work closely with our VA partners here in Northeast Ohio and aim to do our best

to advocate and assist the Veterans of Medina County in accessing their benefits.

If you are a Veteran having thoughts of suicide—or you’re concerned about one—free, confidential support is avail-able 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255, or chat online at VeteransCri-sisLine.net/Chat.

If you have any questions about

veterans benefits, feel free to contact us at the Medina County

Veterans Service Office at 330-722-9368 or email us at

[email protected] or catch us on

the web at medinacountyveterans.org.


All Six Medina County District Library Locations Are Now Open (with protocols)LIBRARY NEWS

ATTORNEYS AT LAWSERVING MEDINA SINCE 1938

Estate Planning / Probate Administration

Asset Protection / Elder Law

Medicaid Planning

Laribee & Hertrick, LLP

325 North Broadway | Medina, Ohio 44256 330.725.0531 | www.laribee–hertrick.com

LIMITEd SERVICESAll library programs, events, play areas, meeting rooms, Bookmobile stops, and Friends of the Library book sales are suspended until fur-ther notice.

Exterior Book drops will be open at all libraries. The ex-ception is the drive-up book drop at the Medina and Brunswick libraries will only be open Fri. – Mon. This is to ensure the recommended 72-hour quarantine for all library materials before processing.

Members are encouraged to use Self Check stations when possible. Payment by credit card or online is encouraged.

ExPANdEd SERVICESOnline holds requests through the catalog, of MCDL materials only, begins June 9. CLEVNET and statewide libraries are not reserving items yet.

No fines on overdue items. mcdl.info/finefree

Curbside Service,mcdl.info/curbside, will be available when the libraries are open, except for Seville Library.

Anytime Lockers, mcdl.info/Lockers, are available any-time at all locations.These lockers are for con-tact-free pickup of holds and items reserved in advance.

Reference questions during open hours. mcdl.info/Loca-tions for a list of phone num-bers or by chat at mcdl.info/Chat.

Email questions or requests for your specific branch at mcdl.info/ContactUs

Outreach Delivery and Books by Mail will expand in the fu-ture as staffing and supplies allow.

Free Wi-Fi 24/7 is available during closed hours at all li-braries from nearby parking spaces or benches.

Download eMedia from our expanded collection at mcdl.info/eMedia.

Visit MCDL’s Frequently Asked Questions section on the website at mcdl.info/Li-brary-Opening-FAQ for addi-tional information.

The following adjusted hours will be in place until further notice:• Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. / 10:00 am – 3:00 pm• Tues. & Thurs. / 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm• Closed SundaysThe first hour of each day is encouraged for vulnerable populations.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Deluge of items received the first weekend the bookdrops were open


A Letter From Ella:

JOYCE KIMBLER

By: Judge JOYCE KIMBLER, Medina County Court of Common Pleas

Curious Questions From a Young, Future Judge.

JUDGE

RE-ELECT

KEEPEXPERIENCE

ON THEBENCH!

RECOGNIZEDState-wide as a drug-court judge in the documentary produced in conjunction with the Ohio Supreme Court.Second Chances: One Year in Ohio’s Drug Court.

AFFIRMEDBy the Ohio Supreme Court in State of Ohio v. James Tench who received the death penalty for killing his mother.By the Ninth District Court of Appeals when she sentenced Gavon Ramsey to life in prison without parole for killing his 98 year old neighbor.

Paid for by the Re-Elect Judge Joyce Kimbler Committee, Julia A. Cain, Treasurer, 328 Laurel Lane, Wadsworth, OH 44281

for JUDGEPaid for by Joyce Kimbler for Judge Committee, Julia A. Cain Treasurer, 328 Laurel Ln, Wadsworth, OH 44281

Joyce

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

One of the best parts of my job is interacting with and educating children about what a judge does as part of the criminal justice sys-tem. I recently received a letter from a young lady who was thinking about becoming a judge when she grew up. Her letter was so excellent I would like to share my response.

Dear Ella: Thank you so much for your letter. You ask excellent questions. I can tell you that whatever job you choose you will be successful because you ask good questions. Asking good questions is a sign of intellectual curiosity.

HOW dO YOU KNOW WHEN SOMEONE IS

LYING?When you are a judge or on a jury you use the same com-mon sense, you use in your everyday life to determine whether you believe what a person is telling you. Is it consistent? Is there a reason to lie? How does the person know what they are telling you? How is the person acting when they are talking to you? Is there other information you have that tells you the per-son is not being truthful? For instance: If your friend had chocolate all over his face but told you the cat ate the candy bar, what would you think about his truthfulness?

Being a judge is a great job because you have an oppor-tunity to do positive things for your community. But in college I did not plan on be-ing a judge. I studied to be a social studies teacher. Then I went to law school and be-came a lawyer that worked in the courtroom represent-ing people who were sued. After I practiced law for over 30 years, I became a judge. The thing all my jobs have in common is a respect for our American system of gov-ernment and a desire to make people’s lives better.

dO YOU LIKE YOUR JOB? IF YOU WENT BACK TO COLLEGE WOULd YOU STILL

WANT TO BE A JUdGE?

WHAT dO YOU LIKE BETTER, SENdING

PEOPLE TO JAIL OR NOT SENdING

PEOPLE TO JAIL?The part of my job I do not like is sending people to jail. The goal is to find a way to help the person change their life, so they do not repeat the mis-takes that brought them into court. However, sometimes you have no choice when the safety of the community is at stake.

HAVE YOU EVER HAd A REALLY BAd CASE

WHERE SOMEONE HAd TO GO TO JAIL

FOR YEARS OR LIFE? Two examples of when I had to send a person to jail to protect the community were

the case of State of Ohio vs James Tench and State of Ohio vs Gavon Ramsey. James Tench murdered his mother. The jury came back with a recommendation for the death penalty. After re-viewing the facts and the law I agreed with the recom-mendation and imposed the death penalty on Mr. Tench. Gavon Ramsey was 17 years old when he killed an elderly neighbor. He was 18 when he pled guilty. After consider-ation of the law and the facts I sentenced Mr. Ramsey to life


in prison without the possibil-ity of parole. Under this sen-tence he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

dO YOU LIKE TO USE THE HAMMER TO GET

PEOPLE’S ATTENTION?

I have never actually used the hammer (gavel) to get anyone’s attention. I have been fortunate that the peo-ple coming to court have been sufficiently respectful of the process that I have never been required to use the gav-el. However, if you are ever in the City of Medina and wish to stop by the courthouse and say Hi, I will gladly give you an opportunity to use the hammer.

Again, thank you so much for your letter and your insightful questions. I hope I answered them to your satisfaction. I wish you much success in whatever career path you choose. You have an open in-vitation to stop by and watch the court in action so you can see if being a judge is the type of job you would like to have.

A LetterFrom Ella:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

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5 STAR RATING!

HHHHH

PROUD TOANNOUNCE

WE’RE ADEFICIENCY-FREE

FACILITY!!

Medina Lions UpdatesCovid-19 has not stopped Medina Lion’s Club from per-forming service to our com-munity. Lions donated $1,000 to Williams On The Lake en-abling them to prepare meals that were delivered to Cups Café during these unprece-dented times. When word got out about this community ser-vice another $2,300 was do-nated anonymously by area businesses.

Home Depot learned we were looking to donate a mi-crowave oven to Cups Café because their microwave had quit working. Home Depot stepped right up and donated a brand new microwave. Lion Roger Grabowski was more than pleased to pick it up and King Lion Bill Nicolay did the install. Lions filled the imme-diate need.

Medina Lions Club also made donations of $500 each to Feeding Medina County and The Salvation Army.

The Medina tornado caused severe damage to a home and vehicle. Medina Li-ons donated $300 towards this families immediate needs. This donation was matched by a local business.

Lions finished out May with a day of service collecting food items donated to Cups Café.

It has been equally difficult for our Medina High School 2020 graduating class. Me-dina Lions was very proud to announce through notification from their counselors that the Medina Lions Scholarship is being awarded to Emil-eo Fernandez and the Jakob Von Der Vellen Scholarship is being awarded to Sarah Str-zalka. These graduating se-niors along with their families will be invited to the Medina Lions Year End Celebration where they will receive their certificates and checks. Due to Covid-19 the usual April Lion’s District Conven-tion was cancelled.

Since the reopening of busi-nesses we can now celebrate this past year of service. Li-ons District 13, OH3 cele-brated at Williams On The Lake on Saturday June 27, 2020. We began with a ne-crology service for members who had passed the previ-ous Lion year, which runs July 1st 2019 thru June 30th, 2020. Medina Lion’s Club

honored long time members George Davis and Ralph Holt at this service.

A total of 56 Lions Clubs make up the District and have donated funds towards the Parade of Checks. A few of the recipients that make up the Parade of Checks are, Pilot Dogs, Camp Echoing Hills, Akron Children’s Hos-pital Diabetes Program, and Ohio Lions Pediatric Can-cer Fund. Awards will be

Medical Service

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presented to district mem-bers along with the totals from the Parade of Checks.

Medina Lion’s Club is always interested in new members. We would love

to hear from you. Call Lion Joyce Bonitz 330-635-0331

or Lion Dee Grabowski 330-725-0687.

“I HAVE A dREAM”CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

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A Lovely Story by Medina Meadows Resident, Judy Siwik

By: JUDY SIWIK | Resident, Medina Meadows

Judy with Anitra Redlefsen and her

therapy dog Cucciolo at

Medina Meadows.

Far right photo shows Anitra and Cucciolo dressed as angels during

Halloween visiting Judy and other

residents atMedina Meadows.

WHAT TO ExPECT UPON RETURNING TO MCdLMedina County District Library seeks to enrich lives in our com-munity while being committed to the health and safety of our public and staff. For this reason, MCDL will implement the fol-lowing measures per state and local health guidelines:

Six-foot minimum distance between all individuals or the mini-mum required by the Ohio Dept. of Health (ODH). Visual indi-cators and signage posted in high traffic areas demonstrating a six-foot distance.

Staff will not report to work and the public should refrain from entering the library if showing the following COVID-19 symp-toms in the last 72 hours: cough, fever, respiratory illness or difficulty breathing.

Clear, protective, counter shields installed at transaction desks between staff and public where appropriate/possible.

Sanitization of shared surfaces by professional cleaning service daily with additional sanitation provided by staff, hourly as needed, to high-touch areas.

Returned materials quarantined for minimum of 72 hours before substantial contact with staff.

Public encouraged to use self check out stations instead of interacting with staff, when possible.

Payment by credit card or online is encouraged.

Employees are required to wear masks. Staff may supply their own masks or choose to wear one provided by the library.

Staff will self-monitor their temperatures prior to reporting for work and stay home if over 100.4 degrees.

Adequate supply of cleaning products, masks, and gloves will be available to staff. Staff required to perform thorough hand washing for at least 20 seconds per ODH guidelines; Glove use is optional but available for staff as needed/requested.

Staff will clean workstations before and after use.

MCDL strongly advises members of the public refrain from entering buildings if you or a member of your household has been ill or has a temperature. We strongly encourage the public to wear their own masks in compliance with ODH guidelines.

This Safety Statement is available at mcdl.info/content/public-health-information.

LIBRARY NEWS

• Medicare Supplemental Plans• Advantage Plans• Part D Rx Plans• Dental & Vision Plans• Long Term Care

CONTACT Mark Herwick

1324 PeArl rOAd / BruNswiCk(330) 225-3100 / (330) 725-3100www.HOMesTeAdiNs.COM

CUSTOM INSURANCE PLANS FOR SENIORS

Just like Martin Luther King, I Have A Dream. The setting of my story is in South Carolina. In my dream, I can only imagine living on several acres of lime green grass. As I continue my dream in a deep slumber, once again I can picture big tall trees on my land that I hold so dear. In addition, God must hold many weddings in South Carolina. The reason I say this is because He drapes His trees with faded gray Spanish moss. In my mind’s eye it looks like veils. Dark shadows from the trees above lay across the land that I love.

In the very back of the land that I bought, I will have an English Tudor home built just for me. It will have four pillars to support the roof. Furthermore, my house will have a structure called a copula placed on the roof as a symbol of war times. The purpose of the copula was a watch tower to look out for enemy soldiers coming through. People could see from miles around. I also want an attic window facing the front. A winding driveway will be made that will lead up to my house. I will call it my highway to heaven. Finally, to build a home like this would take some artistic skill. Upon completion, it will be the home of my dreams. In the summer, the sun will be God smiling down on me. With all the trees I will have plenty of shade. To my surprise, a tree house is hidden among the leaves. The final description of the landscape surrounding my home is the Rose A Sharon that I had planted.

I am slowly waking up from my dream. God has called upon me to meet Him at the gates of heaven. This is where my new home will be that I described so vividly. My Heavenly Father has blessed me with two new legs with which to walk and run. Once again I will be able to live inde-pendently without an aide to help with my every move. I can now help other people by the ton. But most of all, I will be reunited with my mother whom I hold so dear. As I take her by the hand and ask her to dance, I will hold her in an everlasting and warm embrace.


CORRECTING YOURRETIREMENT COURSE


784 Medina Road, Suite 101 // Medina, OH 44256 T 330.239.1904 // O 888.317.8958 // F 330.239.2435

[email protected] raymondjames.com/clausmeyerCFP Board owns the CFP® marks in the United States.

© 2019 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. 19-BR3FC-0047 TA11/19

LIFE WELL PLANNED.

Specializing in: Financial Planning • Retirement Planning

Long Term Care • Investment Management

Simplifying the complexities of wealth management and retirement.

CLAUS MEYER, CFP®, RICP®Financial Advisor

CLAUS MEYER

By: CLAUS MEYER, Certified Financial Planner, Retirement Income Certified Professional with Raymond James

TM

TM

You’ve got options if your best-laid income plans veer off track.You saved decisively and proactively, invested pru-dently and accumulated a nest egg you’re proud of. Now, you’re ready to enjoy a retirement filled with free-dom, new experiences and fond memories. But even the best-laid plans can go awry. Consider these common blind spots related to retire-ment savings withdrawals.

BLINd SPOT: FRAMEWORK

LACKING FINESSECreating a sound retirement withdrawal strategy is no easy feat. It requires struc-turing your income streams to cover the expected costs of housing, food, healthcare, entertainment, transportation and more for an unknown pe-riod of time, often two to three decades.

Unfortunately, many new re-tirees find they spend more than their withdrawal strate-gy allows; others realize later that their plan doesn’t use the full power of their various in-come streams.

The FixCoordinate with your financial and tax advisors to structure your retirement income in a way that maximizes expect-ed cash flow while minimizing

taxes. And if overspending is the main reason your with-drawal strategy is off course, consider drafting a spending policy statement (SPS) with the help of your advisor.

Similar to an investment policy statement, an SPS documents your long-term spending goals. It serves as a reminder to avoid actions that could throw off your fu-ture plans. By putting these intentions in writing and re-visiting them regularly with your advisor, you’ll be better able to manage spending ex-pectations and evaluate your options when new situations arise.

BLINd SPOT: IGNORING THE SMALL STUFF

Overspending, particularly on discretionary items, can slow-ly chip away at your savings and eventually disrupt your long-term projections.

The FixOne option is to curtail your costs – perhaps with the help of an SPS, described above. Cutting back doesn’t have to be painful. It could mean forgoing your daily latte in favor of homebrew or host-ing potlucks instead of dinner

parties. A little discipline can help you bring your spending back in line with your plan.

BLINd SPOT: BEING TOO

CONSISTENTMany retirees craft their re-tirement strategy around withdrawing a percentage of their total portfolio each year, increasing that amount to ac-count for inflation. Under this formula, a $1 million portfo-lio and 4% withdrawal rate would provide pretax income of $40,000 in year one and, assuming inflation runs 3% annually, $41,200 in year two, $42,436 in year three and upward from there.* Howev-er, if your retirement assets decline in value over several years while the amount you withdraw is rising, there could be monetary trouble later on.

The FixHelp to avoid this issue by working with your advisor an-nually to set a fixed withdraw-al percentage based on the year-end value of your port-folio. This tactic causes some years to be flush while others are leaner, but you’ll have the confidence of knowing you’re not negatively affecting future plans with today’s spending.

Alternately, you and your advi-sor can consider establishing

a “floor” – an amount that covers your basic needs and can be withdrawn in any mar-ket environment – enabling discretionary spending to be adjusted based on your port-folio’s performance.

BLINd SPOT: FUzzY ON TAx

EFFICIENCYRetirees often underestimate the effect an inefficient with-drawal plan has on what they pay in taxes. Many even avoid withdrawing from tax-favored retirement accounts for as long as possible, seeing 72 as

the earliest they’ll want to draw from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s to avoid paying the ensuing income tax bill. Un-fortunately, by that time, the balances in those accounts may be large enough that your required minimum distri-butions may push you into the next highest tax bracket.

The FixSince withdrawing from re-tirement accounts can begin as early as 59½ without pen-alty – and sometimes earlier


From: ANTHONY COLEMAN, Certified Senior Advisor

under special rules – consid-er withdrawal strategies with your advisor and tax profes-sional that could keep you from paying higher tax rates on your income in the future.Establishing multiple sourc-es of retirement income also gives you the option of with-drawing the money as tax-effi-ciently as possible, especially helpful when an unexpected expense crops up.

BLINd SPOT: FORGETTING THE

LONGEVITY FACTORThanks to advances in medi-cine, better understanding of diet and ever-evolving tech-nology, we’re living longer than generations before us. While that’s a good thing, planning fastidiously for po-tential long-term care needs is an often overlooked as-pect of a comprehensive re-tirement withdrawal strategy. Consider this: the 2019 Gen-worth Cost of Care Survey cited the national median cost of a private nursing home room as $8,516 per month, and currently, some care costs are rising at nearly dou-ble the rate of U.S. inflation.

CORRECTING YOURRETIREMENT COURSE

Raymond James financial advisors do not provide legal, or tax advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions. There is no assurance any investment strategy will meet its goals or be profitable. In-vesting involves risk, and investors may incur a profit or a loss. Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts may be subject to income taxes, and prior to age 59 1/2 a 10% federal penalty tax may apply. Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee a profit nor protect against a loss. Raymond James is not affiliated with Janus Henderson Investors and Fidelity.

Your retirement as a whole could be affected if you, like so many, find you require in-creased or specialized care as you age and your plan can’t accommodate the add-ed expense.

The FixRein in the unknown by cre-ating a specific funding plan with your advisor. Consid-er long-term care funding options such as traditional long-term care insurance or life insurance with long-term care payout riders, as well as asset-based long-term care contracts. Keep in mind that you should be planning for long-term care years be-fore you’ll ever need it. If you wait past your 40s and 50s, affordable policies may no longer be an option for you. Now is also a good time to bolster your emergency fund, so you’ll be best prepared for whatever the future holds.

Though modern retirement has a lot of moving parts, proper planning and a willing-ness to make course correc-tions can create a retirement defined by independence and new beginnings.


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*This is a hypothetical example for illustration purpose only and does not repre-sent an actual investment.Sources: genworth.com; marketwatch.com; fool.com; money.usnews.com; kiplinger.com

Investing involves risk, and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Raymond James financial advisors do not render advice on tax matters. You should discuss any tax matters with the appropriate professional. Every in-vestor’s situation is unique, and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment or withdrawal decision. The cost and availability of Long Term Care insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company.

©2020 CarePatrol Franchise Systems, LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated. CarePatrol is an equal opportunity employer.

Anthony and Angela Coleman 440-387-5180

NCOhio.CarePatrol.com

Call us today to discuss your needs

We help families find

Independent Living, Assisted

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CarePatrol is the nation’s largest senior placement orga-nization that helps families find independent living, assist-ed living, memory care, in-home care and nursing homes. We are professionals who have earned a National Certi-fied Senior Advisor Certification (CSA) and because of our experience and superior training we are able to help our clients find the safest option and offer peace of mind for the entire family.

We understand that not all communities are created equal, some are better equipped to care for your loved ones needs. You can trust CarePatrol because care options in our net-work go through our rigid screening process, which includes evaluating the care and violation history of each facility.

Our advisors do not give random lists of communities to families. Instead, we educate our families on the commu-nities we highly recommend based on your loved one’s care needs, budget, and location preference in order for our families to make an informed decision.

Next, we accompany families on tours to help alleviate any stress of not knowing what questions to ask and to en-sure our families feel comfortable with their decision. After your loved one transitions into their new home, we follow up with the family to confirm everything is going well.

Our advisors can also offer guidance regarding state or federal funding options that can help pay for assisted liv-ing and education is offered regarding the Veterans Aid and Attendance program for qualifying veterans. Finding care is the top priority, but our advisors can refer the family to a variety of senior care professionals including: Elder law attorneys, financial planners, realtors, and moving companies. If we can be of service, please reach out to us at 216-308-4003.

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From: The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities

- helping families succeed -

Helping with everything from early intervention and education opportunities

for children to employment and community inclusive living for adults.

Medina Countyboard of developmental disabilities

330-725-7751 | www.mcbdd.org

Connecting to love ones is im-portant to everyone. Finding new ways to talk and interact with those you love while still maintaining social distancing measures may require some creativity and, at times, a little bit of technology. When your loved one has special needs there are still ways you can reach out and be a part of their life.

MAINTAIN FREqUENT CONTACT

Each day try and have a brief video chat with your loved one. You don’t need a special service to connect online. Use any free video chat service, such as FaceTime, Zoom, Google Hangout, Skype or Facebook. Frequent phone calls and letters are also great ways to connect with your grandchild if you do not have access to video chatting through a computer or smart phone. Consider setting aside a specific time each day of week for your call.

CREATE A PHOTO JOURNAL

Create a photo book of your day or week to share with them. This allows them to al-ways have you close and see what you are doing when you are away from them. Share photos and stories of your life. Create a special video

5 WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED TO THOSE YOU LOVEmessage on your phone and email or text it to your loved ones for later viewing.

ENTER YOUR GRANd-CHILd’S WORLd

Learn as much as you can about their subjects of inter-est. This may be difficult at times, especially if their cur-rent obsession is something you may not understand or do not enjoy. Remember this: When you enter their world, they may be more open to joining your world. You never know, you may be surprised

that you also thoroughly en-joy their world too.

SENd A CARE PACKAGE

Put together care packag-es full of items your loved one will enjoy, particular to their interests. The care packages do not have to be elaborate, but it’s import-ant that you do something. Your loved one will remem-ber these expressions of your love for them, even if you’re unable to see them as often as you would like.

SHARE A SPECIAL ROUTINE OR RITUAL

Create or share a specific rou-tine for you and your grand-child with special needs. Anytime they see you, they can look forward to these rou-tines and rituals. These do not have to be linked directly to their interests, as they will change over time, but must be something that you and your grandchild both enjoy.

Perhaps a funny joke or a song at the beginning or at the end of phone calls. Try reading a story to your grand-child either over the phone or on video chat.

For more information about ways to connect to people with developmental disabilities, visit the Medina County Board of DD website at www.mcbdd.org or call 330-725-7751.


As a Dave Ramsey Preferred Financial Coach I can offer you a complimentary review of your financial situation and provide guidance and assistance to help you reach your goals. If you are worried about you financial future I can provide Personal Financial Coaching following the Dave Ramsey proven systems. It is never too late to take control of your money.

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HOME HELP

By: LORI SCHWARZ, Realtor, Keller Williams Elevate

A mortgage is one of the big-gest single debts you’re likely to willingly take on. As such, being able to properly man-age your mortgage is very important. With so many op-tions when it comes to loans, repayment and refinancing, it can all get a bit confusing. One point in particular that you might hear a lot of talk about is prepaying your mortgage.

Should you prepay your mortgage? Should you focus on other things first? Before rushing into prepayment, make sure you have all of the information first. We’ll start by looking at exactly what mort-gage prepayment is and how it works.

WHAT IS MORTGAGE PREPAYMENT?

As the name suggests, mort-gage prepayment is the act of paying some or all of your mortgage principal before it’s actually due. This can take a number of forms, from paying a higher amount than the ac-tual payment that’s due each month to making additional payments in months where you have money to spare. Some homeowners even make a single large additional payment every year after get-ting a tax return. Regardless of the specific form that pre-payment takes, the end re-sult is the same: More of your outstanding mortgage bal-ance gets paid off, resulting

in a decrease in both the amount that you still owe and the amount that interest can be applied to.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PREPAYING?

There are several benefits to prepaying your mortgage, regardless of how often the payments are made. Consid-er the following and how they might apply to your mortgage situation:

n Faster repayment of the mortgage loann Decreased cost of the mortgage over timen Equity is accrued at a faster raten Prepayment reduces principal, making it easier to qualify for refinancing

Essentially, prepayment gives you more control over your loan and helps you to save money, build equity and pay off the loan faster. Because you’re paying it down at a faster rate, you’ll likely have an easier time refinancing for a better interest rate and loan terms down the road as well. And since the prepayment is optional, you can always skip prepayments and simply pay the monthly payment due if money is tight. Because of this, many people choose to incorporate prepay-ment plans into their overall preparations for retirement.

ARE THERE ANY dOWNSIdES?

While there are definitely benefits to prepaying your mortgage, there are poten-tial downsides as well. Some mortgages, especially those with adjustable rates, are de-signed to not allow prepay-ments; if you attempt to pre-pay on the mortgage, this can trigger a penalty fee. Addition-ally, some lenders only accept prepayments in certain forms and will apply any other mon-ey received as simply an ear-ly payment against the next month (which means that the money will go toward interest and principal and not just your principal loan balance.) At-tempting to prepay when you have significant debt else-where or don’t have a safety net built up for yourself isn’t a good idea, either; your mort-gage likely has a lower inter-est rate than most if not all of your other debts, so you may be better off paying them off and building up savings and retirement funds first before you start worrying about pre-paying a mortgage.

SHOULd YOU PREPAY YOUR MORTGAGE?

Whether or not you should prepay your mortgage de-pends on a number of factors. You should consider the type of mortgage you have, how much your monthly mortgage payments are and what your

interest rate looks like. You should also take a look at your overall finances and how well prepared you are for emergencies and retirement; it’s possible that your mon-ey would be better off going elsewhere at the moment. Even if prepayments seem feasible and affordable, make sure that your lender accepts prepayments without penalty and that you know how they prefer to receive prepay-ments. Those extra payments won’t do much good if your lender simply applies them

against interest or charges you a penalty fee because prepayments aren’t allowed by your loan.

MAKING THE RIGHT dECISION

Deciding whether or not to prepay your mortgage is a big decision. If you’re not comfortable making it alone, let HomeKeepr help you find a mortgage expert who’ll as-sist you in weighing all of the pros and cons. Sign up today and find the advisor you need based on recommendations from the people you trust.

HANDS READER SPOTLIGHTJohanna Perrino - Living in The SpotlightBy: ANGELA HUSTON, Contributing Columnist for MedinaCountyLife.com



“We work with incredible people who can help you receive the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit for Assisted Living”

– Dan Ihrig LNHA, Owner/Managing Partner and Army Veteran –

Plum CreekA Senior Assisted Living Community

330-220-4900891 Marks Road | Brunswickwww.PlumCreekSeniorLiving.comHonoring all who served

On June 1, Akron born and raised Johanna Perrino, 55, celebrated 28 years work-ing at WCTV, a decision she said changed her life. “I start-ed working in a city I’d never heard much about, except that it was ‘out in the country’ and they had a big parade ev-ery year.” Since then, her life became centered around the Wadsworth community, her job, her volunteer activities, and her friends.

Perrino attended Catholic grade school (less than 100 students), then proudly grad-uated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in 1983. “I’m thankful for such a great educational experience there, and will forever be part of the Fighting Irish family.”

In 1988, Perrino earned a BA in Communications/TV Pro-duction from The University of Akron, where she was a mem-ber of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and the Omicron Del-ta Kappa Leadership Fraterni-ty. In 2002, also from Akron, she earned a Master of Busi-ness Administration (MBA)with a focus in Marketing.

Perrino’s first job was working for Warner Amex Cable (now Spectrum) as a telemarketer, when cable was just coming into the area. The experience taught her good communi-cation and customer service skills, and led to a promotion as sales trainer.

After graduating in 1988, while at (now called) Time Warner, Perrino was transferred to the

Advertising Sales Department as the programming director. A college internship result-ed in a position with WAKC-TV23, an ABC affiliate station in Akron, working in television production and news as a video editor, graphics design-er, master control, audio and camera operator.

“Funny fact: when I was hired at WAKC-TV23, I was hired for the midnight to 8 a.m. shift on Friday and Saturday nights, starting at a whopping $4.50 an hour. Quite the so-cial-life-killer for a 23-year-old, and not much money, but I was so excited to get my foot in the door of a real TV station, I didn’t care.”

She was soon promoted to news production for the eve-ning news broadcasts, which meant better hours and a tad more money. Although being employed both places - full-time by Time Warner, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and part-time at WAKC-TV23, 6:30-11:30 p.m., this certified aerobics instructor managed to teach all over the

Akron area in that tiny time slot between shifts.

In 1992, Perrino was hired as the Facilitator/Trainer for WCTV; she is now Opera-tions and Community Rela-tions Coordinator. “I tried to connect with every non-prof-it, community organization, school administration, and local government represen-tatives to show them how they could use the station to promote their activities. My goal was to increase pro-gramming, get more people involved in the facility and to give community members a voice.” Perrino’s goal for

WCTV continues to be to stay relevant and of value to the community.

“When I began in 1992, less than 200 programs were produced per year. We have grown this number to nearly 2,000 new programs in 2019 - over 150 programs per month.” Perrino handles day-to-day scheduling and facil-itating of studio and remote productions, social media, marketing, public relations, community outreach, website maintenance, and training of community members in pro-duction skills. She directs, produces, edits, hosts, and is

a community liaison between WCTV and local organiza-tions, businesses, govern-ment and media. All WCTV programming is available for on-demand viewing. “Just this year we have over 30,000 views on WatchWCTV.com; that’s over 200 per day!”

“There’s nothing typical about programming or productions at WCTV. That’s what I love most about my job - it’s dif-ferent every day, constantly changing.” A number of un-usual experiences, humor-ous and otherwise, have kept

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>>

things interesting, such as the scary time Perrino was run-ning a camera atop 10 feet of metal scaffolding when a thunderstorm with lightning was rolling in, or the day a crocodile got out of its con-tainer and wandered around as they were recording a show.

In addition to her role at WCTV, Perrino is very in-volved in the community. Among other things, she cur-rently serves on the Board of Directors for the Wadsworth Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors for Main Street Wadsworth, and is a member of the Wad-sworth Older Adults Foun-dation Professional Friends. She is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Medina Coun-ty, and was Publicity Chair of the Wadsworth Bicenten-nial Executive Committee.

She has served on the Board and as Fundraising Chair of Hospice of Wadsworth-Rit-tman, on the board and as Conference Planning Chair of the Alliance for Communi-ty Media, and served on the Medina County Career Cen-ter Advisory Committee for Multi-Media Program. Perrino volunteers with fundraising efforts for One of a Kind Pets Rescue and Pay It Forward for Pets, is a licensed realtor and a Mary Kay consultant.

Perrino’s efforts have been rewarded. In 2014, she was named the Rosie Award’s Business Employee of the Year, and has received sever-al video competition awards (national and regional) from the Alliance for Community Media. In 2018, Perrino was awarded the Ohio Realtors

President’s Sales Club Award of Achievement, attained by only 10 percent of Ohio Re-altors.

Somehow Perrino manages to find time for her favorite pastimes: travel, local the-ater, the beach, watching re-ality TV (“yes, I’m hooked”), and especially cooking and baking for her family and friends. “I’m definitely a ‘food-ie’. When I traveled to Europe a few years ago, many of my pictures were of the wonder-ful meals we were served. Of course, being of Italian heritage (100%), my favorite place was Italy, but I also en-joyed the sights and flavors of Spain, France, Greece, and Switzerland.”

Professionally, one of Per-rino’s proudest accomplish-ments is the growth and ex-citement created around the WCTV Clapper Awards, a yearly presentation of awards to the producers of the best programming on WCTV. In 1991, there were six catego-ries and 20 people attending. In 2019, more than 20 cate-gories and nearly 90 awards were presented, with about 150 people attending.

Perrino is proud of the way the staff has adapted to the Coronavirus, working remote-ly since mid-March. “Our staff has really come together in order to successfully work apart. Programming has con-tinued and we’ve even added new shows.”

Perrino has no children, but feels blessed to have a beau-tiful 91-year-old mother, two sisters and a brother, and to be “Aunt Jo” to nine nieces and nephews and 10 great

nieces and nephews who “re-ally are a joy and fill my heart with so much love.”

First among those Perrino thanks for helping her get ahead are her parents, who gave her such a strong work ethic. Others who have had an influence on her include: Lucy Sondles, one of the first producers she met at WCTV who set an example of what she could strive to be; Homer Baldwin, WCTV’s first public access producer, and a great teacher; and John Madding and John Barnard, two of the greatest co-workers a person could have.

“I have had an incredible op-portunity to meet and work with so many wonderful, smart, influential and memo-rable people in my 28 years. Each and every one of them has made an impact on me, I’m grateful to have known them.”

“I came from a television background where I was sur-rounded by video of mostly bad things. Now I come to this TV studio where we are doing shows about happy things - no shootings, death, drugs, kidnapping, no bloody body parts to edit out - just warm and fuzzy shows about polka music, high school sports, concerts, plays, inter-views of interesting people and so much more.” She says it’s true: ‘Get paid to do some-thing you love, and you will never work a day in your life’.

“I feel so fortunate to have found a job that I love, sur-rounded by people I enjoy working with and call my friends. When you have a pos-itive attitude and enjoy your work, I believe others enjoy

and support what you do, and I’m so grateful for that. I hope thats what shines through when people talk with me.”

Perrino has been instrumen-tal in presenting a warm and welcome panorama of life in

MEDINA COUNTYAUDITOR’S OFFICE

Mike Kovack, [email protected]

144 N. Broadway Street | Medina, OH 44256Tel: (330) 725–9754 Toll Free: (844) 722–3800 ext. 9754

www.MedinaCountyAuditor.org

the Wadsworth community. Retirement? “I know I would miss my job, but we’ll see what happens.”

HEALTH &WELLNESS

Simple Stretches forSciatica Pain Relief


What is the Sciatic Nerve?Sciatic nerve pain can be so excruciating and debilitating that you don’t even want to get off the couch. Common causes of sciatica can include a ruptured disk, a narrowing of the spine canal (called spinal stenosis), and injury.

Sciatica pain can occur for a variety of reasons. Identifying what doesn’t move is the first step toward solving the problem. Often, the most problematic body parts are the lower back and hips.

That the best way to alleviate most sciatica pain is to do any controlled stretch that can externally rotate the hip to provide some relief. (NOTE: The HANDS Foundation or Helping HANDS Newspaper is not endorsing or advocating the stretches seen here. Consult your doctor or take precautions before performing any stretches or exercises to prevent other possible injuries.)

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When life gets stressful or frustrating, a pretty com-mon physical response is teeth-grinding. Unfortunate-ly, it can do a lot of damage if it becomes a habit, and it can even happen while we’re asleep. Chronic teeth grind-ing is called bruxism.

THE CAUSES OF BRUxISM

Teeth grinding during the day is sometimes the result of stress, while nighttime brux-ism can be associated with snoring or sleep apnea. How-ever, not everyone dealing with stress or a sleep disor-der has bruxism, and not ev-eryone with bruxism will also have stress or a sleep disor-der. Missing or poorly aligned teeth (including bad bites) can also make bruxism more likely.

Aside from these factors, age also plays a role. Children

are actually more likely to grind their teeth than adults. Prescription drugs (partic-ularly antidepressants) can increase the likelihood of grinding, as can tobacco or alcohol use. Bruxism can also run in families, and it can be associated with disorders like GERD, ADHD, and Parkin-son’s disease.

INdICATORS OF A TEETH GRINdING

HABITIn many cases, a person with bruxism might not even be

aware of how often they grind their teeth. This is especially true of people with sleep brux-ism. Catching the grinding in the act isn’t the only way to know it’s happening, though.

There are several clear in-dicators, including short-ened, worn down teeth with flattened chewing surfac-es, damage like chips and cracks in the teeth, exposed dentin (the yellow bony tis-sue layer beneath the enam-el), tooth loss, jaw soreness (in sleep bruxism, the jaw is

more sore in the morning, while daytime bruxism leaves the jaw sore by evening), fre-quent headaches, and even overdeveloped jaw muscles.

CAN BRUxISM BE TREATEd?

Treatment for bruxism can vary depending on whether the grinding happens during the waking or sleeping hours. Sometimes the focus is on minimizing damage to the teeth, and sometimes the focus is on discovering the cause of the bruxism and ad-dressing it. If it has to do with a bad bite or alignment prob-lems, orthodontic treatment may fix the problem. A cus-tom mouthguard can protect teeth from further damage by providing a cushion to the chewing surfaces.

Behavioral therapy and relax-ation can also help. Habit-re-versal techniques can help make patients more aware of when they are grinding so that it is easier to stop. Ob-viously this strategy is more useful for daytime bruxism.

For people who have brux-ism as the result of stress or anxiety, relaxation techniques such as massages, calm-ing music, warm baths, a full night’s sleep, deep breathing, and yoga can help manage the stress.

LET’S GRINd BRUx-ISM TO A HALT!

If you’ve shown any of the signs of bruxism or are ex-periencing any of the symp-toms, schedule a dental ap-pointment so that it can be diagnosed and treatment can start. The longer brux-ism goes untreated, the more damage it can do to the teeth, so the earlier it gets diag-nosed, the better!

Let’s keep those teeth healthy together!


General Corporate/Business | Banking | Real EstateLitigation | Employment Law | Labor Law | Oil & Gas Law

Elder Law/Estate Planning | Trust & Probate

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Contact Ann Salek, esq. – elder law and certified specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law.

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When to Worry AboutCONSTIPATION

Roughly 42 million Americans struggle with constipation, accounting for nearly 2 billion dollars in emergency room care annually. You probably already know that irregular bowel movements are usual-ly no cause for concern. But what about if the problem be-comes chronic or particularly intense? At what point do you contact your doctor about constipation?

WHEN TO SEE A dOCTOR

Constipation is usually noth-ing to worry about. But on occasion, constipation can be a symptom of a more se-rious condition. Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, lupus, thy-roid disease, and countless other conditions can produce chronic constipation. For de-ciding when to see a doc-tor for constipation, a good rule of thumb is about three weeks. Your visit can help en-sure some kind of underlying condition isn’t at fault.

But when is constipation an emergency? You’ll want to skip the waiting period if you

occur if the muscles respon-sible for contracting your in-testines are too slow to push stool from the body. A seden-tary lifestyle, a poor diet, and inadequate fluid intake are the source of most cases.

Most gas is caused by swal-lowed air and digested food. In the case of swallowed air, chewing gum, eating quickly, and using a drinking straw can all lead to gas. In the case of your diet, gas is the result of bacteria fermenting undigested carbohydrates within your digestive tract. That’s why food our bodies aren’t good at digesting, like food with high-fiber content, tend to produce gas.

ESCAPING CONSTIPATION

Luckily, the most common causes of constipation are easy to fix. You can start by cutting back on caffeine, and be certain you’re drink-ing enough water. Then add fiber to your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In the interests of comfort, you may want to add the fiber gradually, giving the body more time to adapt. And as always, be sure to get the amount of exercise recom-mended by your doctor.

Changing your diet and exer-cise habits can be tough, but don’t take the risk of toughing it out through constipation. Unchecked constipation can lead to rectal prolapse, hem-orrhoids, and similar serious complications. You don’t have to suffer through excessive gas and constipation. Even small lifestyle changes can go a long way to solving the problem.

notice blood in your stool, go a week without us-ing the re-stroom, have never been constipated before, or are losing weight unintention-ally. While it’s not com-mon, consti-pation can be caused by intestinal b l o c k a g e .

Severe abdominal pain, vom-iting, inability to pass gas, and severe bloating may suggest a bowel obstruction. These are signs of a constipation emergency.

PREPARING TO TALK TO YOUR dOCTOR

Your doctor may ask ques-tions about your about your diet, eating habits, stool consistency, bowel consis-tency, and when the con-stipation started. You can provide better answers by taking observation of these things in the time leading up to seeing your doctor.

For most people, the best treatment for chronic con-stipation is diet and lifestyle changes, but some medica-tions can help. Depending on the source of the problem, doc-tors occasionally prescribe blood pressure medications, iron supplements, anticon-vulsants, and pain relievers.

CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION

Constipation is usually the re-sult of a person not drinking enough water. But it can also

Did you know that you can submit a Homestead application year-round? The Homestead Exemption Program lowers res-idential property taxes for all seniors and qualifying disabled individuals who own their own homes and have resided there since January 1st of the year applying if the household Ohio Adjusted Gross Income is $33,600 or less. It shields $25,000 worth of the market value of the home from local property tax-es. Example: the owner of a $100,000 home eligible for the program would be billed as if the home was worth $75,000. Call the Medina County Auditor’s Office today at 330-725-9754 and start saving!

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PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT

We have all heard horror sto-ries about someone’s iden-tity being stolen and bank accounts being emptied, charges being made on cred-it cards and even real es-tate being transferred out of someone’s name and being sold. Here are a few tips on preventing these disasters.

Always protect your personal information. Sounds obvious, but don’t carry your social se-curity card with you as this is the key to identity theft. Also, don’t give your social securi-ty number to anyone unless there is a legitimate reason, like opening a new bank or in-vestment account or getting a credit check.

Always try to protect your documents. This means shred your sensitive trash. If you don’t have a shredder, The Medina County Health Department has protected your health since 1918 and has been nationally accredited since 2015. Services are partially supported

by your property tax health levy. Equal opportunity provider. This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $650,000 with a portion nanced with non-governmental sources. The contents are

those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the ocial views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA,HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Health Center

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be on the look out for a com-munity shred day where you can take a limited number of documents for shredding for free. Also, don’t leave out-going mail with personal in-formation in our mailbox for pick up. Drop it in the mailbox yourself or at the post office.

Always be vigilant against tricks. Never, never provide your personal information to anyone in response to an un-solicited request. Be aware, for example, that the Social Security Administration will never contact you by phone. Don’t reply to unsolicited emails from unknown send-ers and don’t open their at-tachments.

Protect your “digital world” as best you can. This means use strong passwords. It is recommended that you use passwords with at least twelve characters. Try to use differ-ent passwords for your var-ious online accounts. There are also password manage-ment programs out there to help protect your passwords.

You might want to check your credit report. You are al-lowed four free reports each year. The credit reporting bureaus are Experian, Equi-fax, Trans Union and Innovis.

What do you do if you be-come a victim of identity theft? There are several steps I’d advise you take.

1. Freeze all four credit reports.

2. Call your local police and file a report.

3. Call the Social Security Administration’s fraud hotline. (800-269-0271).

4. Contact the Internal Revenue Service.

5. Notify any institution that has your money (banks, investment companies, etc.) and certainly contact your financial advisors.

6. Notify your medical insurance providers.

7. Review carefully all of your recent account statements for unauthor- ized activity. Then report anything suspicious to the business where the activity occurred.

RomanceTrueRon & Beth Kilchenman


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Ron (70) and Beth(68) Kilchenman have known each other a long time. They met at their church, St. John’s Church of Christ in Dover, Ohio, where they sang in the youth choir; Beth was an alto and Ron a baritone. The cou-ple, born and raised in Dover, dated all through their years as students at Dover High School.

They continued dating in col-lege at Bowling Green State University, occasionally dating others briefly. Both graduated from BGSU, Beth (1973) with a BS in Education, and Ron (1971) with a BS in Journal-ism. Beth went on to earn a Masters of Education degree from Kent State.

Ron and Beth married July 14, 1973. They have no chil-dren but are very close to Beth’s sister’s now-grown children: Eddie, Robbie, and Beth Ellen. All three were in their wedding 47 years ago as ring bearers and flower girl.

Ron and Beth have always been actively involved in many service-oriented com-munity pursuits. Beth spent 12 years as an English/Jour-nalism teacher at Stow High School (1974-1986) before leaving the field of educa-tion to begin a lengthy career with the American Red Cross (1986-2014).

During that 28-year period she served in various capac-ities: Blood Services Director at Portage County Chapter

in Ravenna, Ohio; Region-al Donor Resources Repre-sentative at Northern Ohio Red Cross Blood Services in Cleveland, Ohio; Direc-tor of Donor Resources and Marketing at South Carolina Blood Services in Columbia, South Carolina; and finally, Executive Director of the Me-dina County Chapter in Medi-na, Ohio.

Beth retired from the Red Cross in 2014, worked part-time as Community Rela-tions Representative for the Medina County Auditor until September, 2019, and then retired permanently.

Since Ron’s graduation from Bowling Green in 1971, he, too, has had a variety of po-sitions in the journalism field, beginning as a sports writer at the Times-Reporter News-paper in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Other positions includ-ed: Public Relations Director for the Ohio EPA in Bowling Green, Ohio; and editor of the Norton Pride newspaper in Norton, Ohio. In addition, he worked as an academic advisor at Kent State Uni-versity, but his greatest love was working for Big Brothers and Sisters of Portage Coun-ty as their Associate Director in charge of Public Relations and Financial Development before he retired in 2006.

As a retiree, Ron enjoys reading, but he also loves volunteering at the Soprema Senior Center in Wadsworth, which he has done many

years. He helps with weekly Bingo, two monthly Caregiver luncheons, and the month-ly movie. He loves following high school, college, and pro-fessional sports. Beth says he has been going through ma-jor withdrawal without his be-loved senior center activities and sports.

Retiree Beth walks about two and a half miles every day, works out, and regularly at-tends Silver Sneakers class-es at the Wadsworth YMCA; she serves on the Y’s Adviso-ry Board. Other involvements include serving on the Medina County Health Center Board of Directors, serving as Vice President of the Wadsworth Sorosis Club, and serving as the President of the Akron Area Alumnae Group of Gam-ma Phi Beta Sorority.

They shared that they have a wonderful group of local friends with whom they go out to eat, play cards, and travel ... and Ron and Beth do love to travel.

Besides sharing the enjoy-ment of going on bus trips, cross country trips, and cruis-es with their local friends, they make regular trips to visit close friends they made while living in Columbia, South Car-olina. Every fall Beth and her women friends from there en-joy a beach trip to Pawley’s Island. Together, Beth and Ron drive down to Columbia every spring to spend time


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with friends at Garden City Beach.

In addition to the beaches of South Carolina, their favorite travel destinations are Ber-muda, the Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland), San Fran-cisco, Florida beaches (Key West, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island), Nashville, Tucson, and Phoenix. For many years watched Indians’ spring train-ing games in Tucson and Goodyear.

High on her list of impres-sive highlights was the time Beth went zip lining at Hock-ing Hills, which was on her

RomanceTrueCONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

s

>> bucket list. For Ron, it is the many years he played and coached slo-pitch softball in Hartville and Akron, which in-cluded going to Fort Wayne, Indiana and Dublin, Ohio for annual Labor Day weekend tournaments. “We moved back to Ohio in 1995 because the Indians were finally win-ning!” (among other reasons, of course) -- that year Beth was named Executive Direc-tor of the Medina Red Cross.

Ron and Beth continue to accomplish their goals while setting many ambitious new ones. Ron wants to live to age 90 and travel with friends from the Wadsworth Senior

Center. He still wants to visit Panama City and Amelia Is-land, Florida, the Parker Pub-lic Library in Parker, Arizona (one of his pet charities to which he donates), and Jack-son, California. Beth wants to visit New Mexico, Hawaii, England, Ireland, Paris, and Wales.

A significant immediate goal is to get through the current crisis in the world. “We both want to be healthy and safe as we go through the COVID-19 pandemic and be able to go back to our normal lives.”

Danbury of Brunswick offers resort-style independent living, assisted living and memory care, all in an ide-al location. Our exceptional and specially trained staff partner with each resident in nurturing their mind, body, and soul.

Danbury in Brunswick is surrounded by natural beauty for the pleasure of our residents and guests. Stunning views can be seen from everywhere in the community. Come relax in the movie theater any night of the week. Our food is restaurant style and is served that way too! Stop into the bistro whenever you’re hungry or hangout with other residents at our pub.

Danbury in Brunswick boasts a 24-hour on site licensed nursing staff and care companions. Housekeeping is one less worry as we provide a weekly cleaning service and linen services. Give us a call at 330-460-4244 or visit our website at DanburySeniorLiving.com

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Aging & Disability Resource Center: The starting point for information, assistance & counseling.

Family Caregiver Support Program: Information, respite, counseling & other services.

Older Americans Act Programs: Community-based meal sites & home delivered meals.

PASSPORT Medicaid Waiver Program: Long-term support with in-home services to older adults.

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NEWS AROUND TOWNAlternative Farmers Market Offers a New Choice for Produce in Medina

Shoppers looking for farm-fresh local produce now have two viable options, right in the city of Medina.

In addition to the Main Street Medina-sponsored Farmers Market on the Square, there is now a Farmers Market of Medina County, with more than 40 vendors, at VFW Post 5137, located at 3916 Pearl Road (U.S. 42).

Both markets operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sat-urday; both markets special-ize in fresh produce or meat grown near Medina or food items produced nearby.

According to Market Manag-er Nancy Romans, formerly of the market on the square and now of the VFW market, many of the vendors have moved to the VFW site from the square.

Vendors at the VFW location offer knife sharpening, tem-porary tattoos, pies, pasta, cookies, chemical-free pro-duce, dog treats, popcorn, jerky and early summer pro-duce, such as lettuce, beets,

squash and strawberries -- all sold from tents comfortably distanced from one another.

Jim Aylsworth of Oak Ridge Farm in Medina was selling honey and home-produced jams and jellies. His tent dis-played a large, glass-sided working beehive that allowed shoppers to view the activity of a substantial group of bees showing that “busy as a bee” is an accurate description.

Aylsworth began keeping bees in 2009 and now has 35 hives all over the county, one of them in his grandson’s back yard. Luke Webb, the grandson, was helping with his grandfather’s sales and answering questions about the hive.

A large barn at the rear of the property held several more vendors, in addition to a kitch-en offering hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches and assorted beverages.

Two VFW members were selling gun raffle tickets and answering questions about the VFW. They explained that

the VFW -- Veterans of For-eign Wars -- is a private club for former United States mil-itary service personnel who have served in a conflict on foreign soil.

In addition to hosting social events, the group offers out-reach to veterans who need financial help and they help homeless veterans with food or temporary housing.

Because they rent out the hall for private events, the veter-ans are raising money to build a commercial kitchen within the barn. They are hosting bingo nights, a fishing derby and regular dinners. Their usual Lenten fish fries were interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

By: MARY JANE BREWER, Reprinted with permission from cleveland.com and the Sun News

Beekeeper and honey producer Jim Alylsworth and his grandson Luke Webb are among the vendors at the new Farmers Market of Medina County, at VFW Post 5137 on Pearl Road in Medina.

Not sure how to find the new Farmers Market of Medina County? Just look for the helicopter at VFW Post 5137, located at 3916 Pearl Road.

Quigley, an Irish wolfhound, rests in the shade of his master’s

tent at the Farmers Market of Medina County.

Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell. An inventive flash-back to the music world of the late 1960’s: sex, drugs, and rock and roll through the eyes of a fictional Brit-ish pop band. Readers new to David Mitchell’s work will appreciate his eclectic style.

330-725-0588www.mcdl.info

By: MARY OLSON, Readers’ Advisory Librarian

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. In 1940, Odile is a young woman in Paris, working at her be-loved American Library, when the Nazi occupation begins. Bravely joining the Resistance, Odile hopes for an outcome that, sadly, doesn’t come. In 1983, Lily is a rural Montanan teen-ager intrigued by her elder-ly neighbor and the stories of her younger days. This past-and-present novel centers on friendship, loy-alty, and a secret from the past that threatens both.

Hieroglyphics by Jill McCork-le. Lil and Frank, married for 50 years, have retired in North Carolina near where Frank grew up. When Lil be-gins sifting through her many years of diaries, preparing their family story to leave for their grown children, Frank is motivated to visit his child-hood home where Shelley, a single mother, is now raising her own son. Lil plans on in-cluding events the couple’s children doesn’t know about.

The End of the Day by Bill Clegg. The author introduces us to five distinct characters, separated by geography, whose connection is grad-ually revealed through the course of the story. This nov-el is about secrets, legacy, choices and their unintended consequences over a six-ty-year time frame.


Some Titles to Consider!

SUMMERTIME READING!

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Desiree and Stella, identical twins, grew up in a small, southern, black com-munity where they were told their lighter skin promised a better future. The twins ran away when they were 16. Now, years later, Desiree still lives in Mallard with her daughter, who is black, while Stella has married a white man and has never revealed her black heritage to him or to their daughter.

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi. This novel, in-spired by the author’s trip to her native India with her mother, is set in 1950s Jaipur, a city at a crossroads in its history. Seventeen-year-old Lakshmi has escaped her abusive husband and has forged a life for herself creating sought-after henna designs for women of the upper class. But when her husband appears one day, accompa-nied by a sister she never knew, Lakshmi is forced to reconcile the freedom she has forged and a past from which she walked away.


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The Rehabilitation Center at Medina Meadows Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation accommodates guests in spacious private suites. As your partner, our staff provides the care that is essential for your speedy recovery and return home. We understand that to reach your goal you need well-qualified therapists and staff. In our rehabilitation center, physical, occupational and speech therapy are delivered by our certified professionals. Together with your medical provider, our rehabilitation team promotes a holistic approach to healing, with the goal of returning you to your home and quickly as possible.

Documents

Hepl ing HANDS - daslos-studios.com · JULY / AUGUST 2020 A Publication of the HANDS Foundation MORE INFO ON PAGE 3 HANDS Foundation Fundraiser to be Held at The Oaks - Chippewa Lake