Spring 2021 - Volume 6, Issue 2
A Message from Mayor David DiVencenzo Dear Village of Grafton Residents and Businesses, Spring has definitely sprung, and while flowers begin to emerge in-bloom, the fragrant trees reveal their seasonal scents and the community of Grafton, the one I love, is in full-stride, active, enthusiastic and encouraged. I want to thank personally all of the residents and business leaders who take the time when we meet Village of Grafton in public for the words of support and the Mayor David DiVencenzo actions of great charity and volunteerism they demonstrate. The Village of Grafton is home to the most compassionate and hard working individuals and organizations I have ever met, and when knit together, forms a strong fabric of family, love and community. It’s truly wonderful. While the Village promotes outdoor activities, including our upcoming and special fireworks display, which will take place on Saturday, July 3rd at dusk, we must all remember that the stark realities of the COVID-19 pandemic are still very real. We encourage you all to receive your vaccine. Please always check our website and the Lorain County Health Department’s website for updates on where you can receive your vaccines as well. Our state sees peaks and valleys in the total numbers of positive cases since our last correspondence, and though it may be tempting to relax our behaviors, I ask you to consider how your actions impact others around you. Practice social distancing. Wear a mask in all places where we are called to do so. Wash your hands frequently to kill harmful bacteria that leads to the spread of germs and sickness. As we continue turning the corner with the intent
A group of community supporters, along with Mayor David DiVencenzo, officially “cut the ribbon” to welcome Farmers Insurance to Downtown Grafton
to put this coronavirus behind us, please keep vigilant and remain dedicated to doing the things needed to be done. In the midst of all of this, Village staff and Council continue to maintain a focus on what things would look like postCOVID and continue looking toward fiscal sustainability, the continuation of our T.L.C.I. processes and downtown revitalization. As you know, the Village will always continue its investment in infrastructure. Speaking of infrastructure, the community will continue to see the beginning and advancements of several notable projects throughout the Village. The roads, sewers and sidewalks projects that are underway seek to improve walkability and connectivity throughout the Village. They will also make pedestrian-friendly inroads to our downtown area. In addition, continued emphasis on enhancing and upgrading park amenities will help improve areas for families and children to flourish and have fun. Finally, residents may see new upgrades at the waste water treatment facility with the addition of a new administrative office and equipment storage facility. The Village of Grafton is on-the-move. Stay tuned closely, or you may miss something big and exciting. I hope to see you in and around the community this summer. Be sure to pull me aside and say hello! I would love to meet you, share about your experiences over the last year, and visualize our shared future together in our Village. Have a safe and enjoyable summer! Mayor David M. DiVencenzo
Congratulations to Melissa and Lisa Janowski on this opening. You can read more about their business on Page 7.
www.VillageofGrafton.com
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Summer is on the way… at Centerra! • •
Hours: M-F 8:30a-6p Sat 9a-5p Sun 10a-3p
20lb Propane Refills- $10! Bring in your dog for a FREE 5lb bag of Exclusive or Infinia Dog Food! (1 per household please!) 20% off all planters and pots in our greenhouse! Sommer’s Suet, assorted flavors 75 cents each! Chicks are here! Carhartt clothing and hats 20% off
• • • •
Everything you need from
Propane Refills
backyard to barnyard
20lb grill tanks
9
$
• Pet food, treats, toys & leashes • Wild bird & wildlife feed & feeders • Equine feed, treats & supplies
Expires Nov 30, 2020. Restrictions may apply. Not valid with any other discounts. While supplies last. Must have coupon.
Early Spring: Feb-April
• Livestock feed
Late Spring: April-June
Summer: June-August
• Softener salt
NOW AVAILABLE! STEP 1
Fall: August-November
• IceChoose melters from & 5mshovels (covers 1,000 sq ft) or 15m (covers 15,000 sq ft)
• Pest deterents
and so much more!
Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food • •
Prevent problem grassy weeds like crabgrass Check us out ONLINE! Apply anytime between February and April (BEFORE Easter)
5m $
3499
15m $
6999
• Order online for pickup later @ shop.CenterraCoop.com • Follow us on Facebook Centerra Country Store Grafton
2 STEP 3 GRAFTON 717 STEP Erie St. 440-926-2281 Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
5m $
2
2899
15m $
5999
www.VillageofGrafton.com
Lawn Food with 2% Iron
5m $
2299
15m $
4599
5m $
STEP 4
Fall Lawn Food
2299
15m $
4599
Waste Water Treatment Administrative Office Building UNDER CONSTRUCTION! The Village of Grafton is excited to announce that the much anticipated construction of the new administrative office building at the Waste Water Treatment facility is officially underway. Beginning upon the break in the weather earlier this spring the outer shell consisting of bricks and cinder block walls is beginning to take shape. As the construction officially goes vertical, the community should know that when completed, the facility will be approximately 5,000 square feet in total size and shape. The Village is excited since this facility will be entirely dedicated to the needs and requirements of the waste water treatment department. Specifically, there will be state-of-the-art office amenities combined with accommodating maintenance amenities. A warehouse for equipment storage will also be included. Construction of a new facility is being done to essentially decommission the need for the old facility, which was a makeshift conversion of an old garage. The Village values the services provided by the treatment facility itself, along with the three members of its internal team. This accompanies water separation technology.
The new administrative office building takes shape as walls are being constructed right now!
Water Lines, Water Lines… An Important Update for Village Residents The Village of Grafton is always placing an emphasis on the long-term infrastructure needs of the community, making investments today that will blossom into real improvements to benefit today’s generation… and those in the future. One such project about which the community has read over the years is the Mechanic Street and Cook Street water main replacement project. This comprehensive capital improvement, when completed, will include the installation of all new lateral lines and fire hydrants along the corridor of construction. In fact, the scheduled completion time of this project should be before this publication hits mailboxes, anticipated for early May 2021. The Mechanic Street and Cook Street water main replacement project is the latest development in an effort by the Village to replace old water lines, some of which have been in service for 70 years. Incidentally, the Village began this project during the second week in March, and best of all, will finish under budget and ahead of schedule.
Village of Grafton Electric Project: Moving Forward with “Electrical Current” Speed! The necessary funding and financing for the electrical system improvements for the Village of Grafton have been acquired and finalized, and officials are excited about the future of this project. Overall, and when completed, the main substation modernization and communications system will be enhanced and improved to convert the overall electric transmission to a 12.47kV delivery, from a 4kV system. Why is this important to Grafton residents? Simply put, it allows the Village to transmit more power in a more efficient and more effective manner. The upgrade and enhancement will likewise increase the Village electric delivery reliability. It will also reduce the level of transformer inventory required by no longer having the need to stock 4kV transformers. While most may not see the value of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the work on our electrical capability, these needed upgrades will benefit our residents and our business! Stay charged!
www.VillageofGrafton.com
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2021 Summer Reading Program
June 6 - July 31 Adults/Teens/children Explore, borrow, and enjoy your Library from our new app today.
www.gmplibrary.org | 440-926-3317 4
www.VillageofGrafton.com
New Housing Opportunities in the Village of Grafton While new businesses continue relocating to town, a season of new residential development is being experienced within the Village of Grafton that has individuals and families looking at our community as an attractive place to relocate. Specifically, approximately 39 residential homes, courtesy of Shamrock Homes, are currently in the construction phases on the north side of town. In addition, Village officials have been apprised that the developer is planning to continue enhancing the housing stock in our community, and will be coming back to the Village for an extraordinary Phase 8 of this particular area of enhancement. This tells community leadership that the response has been quite positive to the developer’s housing product, and that more are interested in future homes. New housing sstock options are important to the Village of Grafton because it prompts a feeling of excitement and value. While Grafton leadership will always be Approximately 39 new homes are under construction mindful to keep the number of new houses under the threshold that would in the Fox Hollow neighborhood. change the community from Village status, and which we are currently wellunder, Grafton is proud to see people relocate from Summit and primarily Cuyahoga County. The Village sees those relocating looking to retire, along with young couples looking to raise their families. What are these individuals seeking? Apart from the outstanding community services, restaurants, and amenities, residents will also find lower taxes, a reduced cost of living and lower utility costs. Welcome to Grafton, newcomers!
Village Acquires New Bucket Truck, Enhancing In-House Team’s Ability to Serve YOU!
The Grafton team along with the new bucket truck, certain to enhance service for our residents!
The Village of Grafton is happy to report that it has obtained its new bucket truck as an additional piece of equipment that will expedite response times and our capability level to best serve our community. The truck that was ordered in the Spring of 2020 was a Ford-F550 with a variety of features. The addition of the second bucket truck allows more than one crew can work at a time. The additional truck will often minimize the amount of time taken to re-position only one truck. This should greatly improve service response and reduce the time required of most service calls. When fully expended, the bucket is capable of reaching 47-feet into various heights and hard-to-reach areas. The Grafton Village Power and Light bucket truck is also a 4-wheel drive vehicle that will also give Village workers access many of the lines we have in off-road locations. The purchase of the new bucket trucks considers the next 20 years of service to our wonderful residents and businesses. Thank you for your continued support!
Village Razes Structures on Public Land to Prepare Path for Future Innovation The Village of Grafton acquired additional property on Avon-Belden Road and recently razed two old farmhouses, to make way for a more useable vision of the land. One house required asbestos abatement. Demolition of both farmhouses was performed by a local contractor. Buildings had long been abandoned from use for a long, long time and over the last several years, were actually used for training exercises for public safety forces. Alas, once the structures had gotten to the point that the fire chief said they were no longer of adequate use, the Village acted quickly. The properties were purchased in 2018 and rezoned from residential to light industrial. The Village is considering future solar generation projects for this particular property. The Village of Grafton recently razed two farmhouses on Avon-Belden Road to make room for future Solar projects.
www.VillageofGrafton.com
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Remodeling • Additions • Barnes • Garages • Decks • Siding Windows • Doors • Creative Concrete • Concrete Foundations • Custom Homes
Josh Kazmierczak josh@kazmierczakconstruction.com 44421 Jones Road, Wellington, Ohio 44090
440-225-6024
Josh Kazmierczak
www.kazmierczakconstruction.com
“Buying Gold” Services
Offering 12 Months Financing
Fine Jewelry • Clocks & Watches The Kuhn’s Family
• Jewelry Repairs • Jewelry Appraisals Engraving • Clock & Watch Repairs
www.villagejewelryandrepair.com
©The Chronicle-Telegram
Downtown Grafton
954 Main St. Grafton, OH 44044 (440) 926-0500
44421 Jones Road, Wellington, Ohio 44090
440-225-6024 www.kazmierczakconstruction.com
geofGrafton.com
PRIVATE SECURITY
DIV. of KLINECT TV LLC.
Matthew A. Dukles
440-355-4616 K E Y S T O N E P O I N T E - E X CE L L E N CE I N P O S T H O S P I T A L A N D RE H A B I L I T A T I O N C A RE - S U P E RI O R O U T CO M E S
SALES~SERVICE~INSPECTIONS 891 Main St. Grafton Oh. 44044 24/7 Fire & Burglary Monitoring Services Commercial & Residential Security-Fire-CCTV-Sound-Telephone Systems
- L A RG E P RI V A T E RO O M S - H I G H L Y RA T E D B Y M E D I CA RE
440-926-2419
ademcomatt@klinecttv.com
www.privatesecurityalarms.com 6
383 Opportunity Drive, Lagrange, Ohio
www.VillageofGrafton.com
Fireworks on July 3rd to Demonstrate our Patriotism and Love for our Country The Village of Grafton will celebrate our Nation’s Birthday with a patriotic program of events, capped off by our annual fireworks celebration. Mayor DiVencenzo is currently hard at work raising funds and seeking sponsors for the glorious celebration, to which everyone in our community looks forward on a regular basis. Fireworks will begin on July 3rd at dusk. But that’s not all, as Village leaders are excited to announce that the day will kick-off with a parade, time to be determined (be sure to check the website) and other patriotic festivities. In addition, Village leaders and event organizers will feature a concert at the new amenities in Willow Park beginning at 6:30 pm and sponsored by the generous donation of Minnillo & Marshall General Dentists. Concert updates will be posted when available. If you are interested in making a donation towards the fireworks, please contact Village Hall. Thank you to all, and we look forward to seeing you soon, in the summer warmth to celebrate our nation’s birthday!
Be sure to join the community on July 3rd for our annual fireworks celebration.
State of the Village Will Be Held Sometime in August
Grafton’s annual State of the Village is being planned for August 2021. Keep on the lookout for more information!
The community of Grafton, residents and businesses alike, have come to expect and participate in Mayor David M. DiVencenzo’s State of the Village presentation. This year, Village Officials paused the event in Spring 2021 until the continued vaccination protocols were furthered and people felt safer and more comfortable. As of this publication, Village Officials are looking to sometime in August to present the 3rd annual State of the Village. Community members can expect an overall update of city operations, finances, development projects and more to be presented. In addition, the camaraderie built by bringing stakeholders of all sorts together makes this event one to anticipate. Be sure to check social media and the Village website for more information forthcoming on the annual State of the Village presentation to be held sometime in August.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT! The Opening of Farmers Insurance! The Village of Grafton is happy to announce that another new business, with some familiar faces, has officially opened in our Downtown corridor. Farmers Insurance, owned by partners…and sisters…Melissa and Lisa Janowski, formally opened their doors to serve the community in November 2020. Both licensed for insurance nearly a decade ago, in 2012, Melissa and Lisa spent the first part of their career working for different insurance agencies. It was in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, that the two siblings looked at each other, and decided to go out on their own. Thus far over the last several months, it’s been the best decision that they could have ever made. “I love working with my sister,” says Lisa, who enjoys the behind-the-scenes role of thoroughly analyzing options for their prospective clients. “And I love being involved with so many aspects of the community,” adds Melissa.
Melissa and Lisa Janowski opened Farmers Insurance in November 2020
Located specifically at 955 Main Street, the Sisters Janowski’s branch of Farmers Insurance can help you with just about everything, from home, auto, youth league baseball, boat, commercial, life, custom and classic car insurance and more. What makes Melissa and Lisa different is the personal touch, the willingness to make custom inquiries and packages and the care these sisters will give to your needs. Melissa and Lisa bring the charm of living in and around the community, a place where their children went to school, and the family-feel that Grafton has come to know. “ We actually care about taking care of you, we don’t want to just sell you a policy,” adds Lisa. “We want to review everything, and give you our care and service with no obligation and, even more, a better understanding of your insurance so that they know what is covered and what is not covered,” continues Melissa. “We want to be your insurance moms.” Both sisters have had kids in the Midview Schools. Melissa is proudly involved with the Kiwanis, the Key Club, and the Builders Club at the schools. They support our community, are invested in the Midview Schools, and surrounding schools, and are members of the VFW. When you have a moment, stop in and say hello to Melissa and Lisa. Since they promote other businesses in downtown Grafton, and are wonderful ambassadors for our fine community, you’ll make a new friend, perhaps have a new option for your insurance needs, and help the community grow! Congratulations, Melissa and Lisa! www.VillageofGrafton.com
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Upcoming Village Events DECEMBER Upcoming Village Upcoming VillageEvents Events
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Mayor Council at Large David DiVencenzo
dmdivencenzo@villageofgrafton.org
jastrah@villageofgrafton.org (440) 926-2401 opt. 5 dmdivencenzo@villageofgrafton.org
Jason Strah Matthew Dukles
Council Ward 1 at Large Jason Strah
jastrah@villageofgrafton.org
Ward 1
madukles@villageofgrafton.org
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Elizabeth (Liz) Sauer Rick Logue
John Lescher Lynette Kitts John Lescher 3 Ward 4 Ward 3
jflescher@villageofgrafton.org lmkitts@villageofgrafton.org jflescher@villageofgrafton.org
Lynette Kitts Lynette Amy Kitts Barnhart Ward 4 Clerk-Treasurer Ward 4
lmkitts@villageofgrafton.org lmkitts@villageofgrafton.org arbarnhart@villageofgrafton.org
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Amy Barnhart AmyPrice Barnhart Joe Clerk-Treasurer Clerk-Treasurer
(440) 926-2401 3 (440)opt. 926-2401 opt. 34 (440) 926-2401 opt. arbarnhart@villageofgrafton.org arbarnhart@villageofgrafton.org
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Joe Price (440) 926-2401 opt. 4 Joe Price (440) 926-2401 926-2401 opt. opt. 42 Lori Clark (440) Diana Kazmierczak Village Administrator jbprice@villageofgrafton.org
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madukles@villageofgrafton.org easauer@villageofgrafton.org
easauer@villageofgrafton.org
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jastrah@villageofgrafton.org madukles@villageofgrafton.org
Council at Large
Elizabeth (Liz) Sauer Ward 23 Ward 2
5:00 pm 4Our Lady Queen of S Peace S 5:00 pm Spaghetti 3 4Dinner Our Lady at Village Fireworks QueenHall of Parish Assemble at Dusk Willow Park Peace Spaghetti 11 Dinner at 10 Parish Hall
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(440) 926-2401 opt. 5
Non-Emergency Information David DiVencenzo 926-2401 opt. 5 Jason Strah Contact(440) Mayor
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Matthew Dukles Elizabeth (Liz) Sauer Matthew Dukles Ward 21
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Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 31st
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IMPORTANT: Correction Made to Calendar on Print Version of Newsletter.
easauer@villageofgrafton.org rlogue@villageofgrafton.org
(440) 926-2401 opt. 3
Village Administrator
jbprice@villageofgrafton.org
Village Administrator Village Secretary
jbprice@villageofgrafton.org laclark@villlageofgrafton.org djkazmierczak@villageofgrafton.org
Village Secretary
laclark@villlageofgrafton.org
Lori Clark Lori Clark Village Secretary Building
(440) 926-2401 opt. 2 (440) 926-2401 926-2401 opt. opt. 22 laclark@villlageofgrafton.org (440)
(440)opt. 926-1093 opt. 1 Building Utilities (440) 926-2401 2 (440) 926-2260 Utilities Streets (440) 926-1093 1 Building (440)opt. 926-2401 opt. 2 Streets Electric (440) 926-2260 (440) 926-2912 Utilities (440) 926-1093 opt. 1 Electric Sewer (440) 926-2912 (440) Streets (440) 926-2765 926-2260 Sewer Fire (non emergency) (440) 926-2765 (440) 926-2075 Electric (440) 926-2912 Fire (non emergency) (440) 926-2075 Police (440) Sewer (non emergency) (440) 926-2261 926-2765 Police (non emergency) (440) 926-2261
Fire (non emergency) www.VillageofGrafton.com Police (non emergency) www.VillageofGrafton.com www.VillageofGrafton.com
(440) 926-2075 (440) 926-2261