Lorain Local Magazine Edition One Issue One

May/June 2020 First Edition Issue One

Keeping Keeping Our Our Sights Sights Toward Toward the the Bright Bright Skies Skies Ahead Ahead

CONTENTS

03 Our Great Lake City on Our Great Lake Coast 05 A Message from Our Mayor 06 09 Recreational Boating Safety Tips

10 Lorain Port Authority Management & Events 12 Lorain Countyto Metro Parks:Lake Get Out 03 Welcome Our Great Cityand Explore

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05 Community A Message from the Top Jevon Terance Spotlight: 06 From Our Family to Yours Focus on NAMI 18 A 09 Recreational Boating Safety Tips &Happenings Philanthropist 10 Culinary Lorain PortWhiz Authority 12 Get Out & Explore Our Metro Parks Businesses Get Creative 16 An Essential Business 18 Spotlight on NAMI 28 Titan Strong as We End the School Year 22 Culinary Whiz & Philanthropist An EastDrives Sider's Perspective 24 Creativity Business 34 Health 26 Taking Lorain Forward Talk with Dr. Sam Salas, DC 27 37 A New Day for LorainResource Work-at-Home 28 We Are Titan Strong 38 Homeowners Incentives 3239 Developer An East Sider's Impression & Business Owner Incentives

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16

26 We Are Lorain Proud

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34 Helping Hands 40 A Glance Ahead 37 Working Together 42 Thank You, Lorain 38 Homeowner Incentives 39 Developer & Business Owner Incentives 40 What's Ahead

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For You, Lorain

Contributors Kelsey Leyva content Sydney Kornegay content & photography Katie Fenner content Lizzie Shultz content Brandon J. Wysocki content Stacey M. Crutcher content Fred Lozano content Jaclyn Bradley content & photography Dr. Sam Salas content Greg Ring content Jack Bradley content Eric Bonzar photography Kelly Boyer Sagert Content & photography Jen Navarro lead photographer TJ Heidler editor Brooke Fenner editor-in-Chief

A Publication By

Lorain Local Magazine | page 2

Welcome to Our Great Lake City on Our Great Lake Coast

From The Lorain Locals

For starters, our lighthouse is in the running for the best lighthouse on Lake Erie for the seventh year. Lake Erie Living Magazine publishes the viewer's choice "Best of Lake Erie" list each year, and our lighthouse has placed in the category of "Best Lighthouse" over the past six years.

We have the second-largest bascule bridge in the world, but when it opened to vehicle traffic in 1940, it was the world's largest. It is named The Charles Berry Bascule Bridge in honor of Lorain's own Corporal Charles J. Berry, USMC. He was awarded The Congressional Medal of Honor after losing his life at The Battle of Iwo Jima.

Lorain is home to over 50 nationalities of people, thus earning the title of "The International City." We celebrate our diversity in various ways, including a festival bringing everyone together - including those who become crowned royalty.

We have a theater that was the first theater in Ohio to show a speaking motion picture. It also has a chandelier that weighs nearly a ton, and it possesses a mighty Wurlitzer organ that is one of only seven others like it in the world.

We have The Mile-Long Pier that we just recently learned is only 2,349 feet long, even though we still like the name and think we will keep it.

Our city's oldest-standing grocery store houses the longest full-service meat counter in the United States and has been family-owned and operated since opening more than 90 years ago.

The things we just mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg of what makes Lorain so special.

This city has artists, entrepreneurs, service members, Pulitzer Prize winners, Super Bowl champions, and so many others that deserve the spotlight. We are here to give the spotlight to those people.

The people of Lorain are who make Lorain great. Our visitors help us thrive, and our locals are like the patchwork that makes our quilt so strong.

Lorain Local will be here to celebrate it all, and we could not be more excited. Thank you for your support!

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Lorain

is an awesome city. But, don't just take our word for it. Lorain Local Magazine is here to bring a spotlight to everything this great lake city on this Great Lake coast has to offer.

On This Memorial Day

Let Us Remember

and Always

and Let Us Honor

Those We Have Lost

But Will Never Forget

A Message from Our Mayor,

Photograph by Jaclyn Bradley

Jack Bradley

Congratulations to The Lorain Local on its premiere issue.

In this unprecedented time, it is important to remember all the things we have to be proud of.

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Lorain has always been a city of strength, resilience, and courage, and together, we will take the necessary steps to ensure continued growth.

Please stay safe, support local when you can, and remember to be Lorain Proud.

We Are All in This Together.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 5

OUR MESSAGE

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

By The Lorain Locals You have probably heard the saying "birds of a feather..." But, in this town, no truer words have been spoken. If you take a look around, it is hard to find someone who has not been giving his or her all in support of this Great Lake city and its people recently. Residents and business owners alike have come together and have been achieving greatness during a time of unprecedented difficulty.

This act of coming together is nothing new, really. Our community has always shown immense support for one another.

Whether attending Lorain International Festival or coming together to cheer on opposing sports teams, we continuously show unity even while demonstrating our diversity.

We have been facing unimaginablly challenging

times over the past couple of months, but even when faced with a

challenge, our community has persevered. While we all have been adapting new methods of living our day-to-day lives, we have been supporting each other through it all.

As we have ventured into uncharted waters, we have done so together. Our lives have been impacted in one way or another, but we have all faced it with the continued support of our community.

When the news began to spread about COVID-19, no one could have predicted what changes would occur in our city, let alone worldwide. Challenges no one expected to face began presenting themselves just as momentum began building in our recently revitalized city. The creative minds of new and existing small and large businesses joined forces bringing fresh ideas to formerly successful models. The adaptation has been able to keep them afloat even during these times of unpredictability leading into our tomorrows.

No one can know what the future holds for Lorain, but our team-like approach coupled with creative ideas and wheels in motion is what has and will always unite this city. It is what has brought us through tough times, and to the new period we are upon.

Alone, no one would be successful, and no business would survive. This community comes together in

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good times and in difficult ones, and as long as that never changes, Lorain will continue to see greatness.

Our promise is and will always be to show our support for and celebrate the city we call home. We believe in Lorain and are proud to be your neighbors.

Thank you for your support of our local, family-owned publication.

Stay well, Lorain Local Magazine | page 6

Help Support Our Jewel of the Port! ÂŽ

Help preserve this landmark for many years to come by supporting The Lorain Lighthouse Foundation.

Please consider purchasing a gift certificate to use in the future or becoming a member of The Friends of Lorain Lighthouse.

Visit www.LorainLighthouse.com for more information.

PROUDLY MADE AVAILABLE BY THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY, STATION LORAIN

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Know boating laws and regulations.

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PARK SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you find all of these things at Lakeview Park and the Black River Reservation?

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Something yellow Animal tracks (footprints) Two kinds of shells A tree that takes two people to put their arms around A wildflower A bird calling A small or large boat (Lakeview Park) Something fuzzy A shadow A spiderweb A nesting box for a bird to live in A pinecone or acorn Something bumpy 3 different trees A tree with a hole that could be used for an animal home A flat rock Something boats can use as a signal (Lakeview Park) Two kinds of sticks Two kinds of leaves A bridge over water A large cottonwood tree (Day's Dam) A place for animals to find water Something you think is beautiful

l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol Lorain Local Magazine | page 12

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS EDUCATION RESOURCES WWW.LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM/EDUCATION-RESOURCES

WHETHER LOOKING FOR RECREATION OR RELAXATION, LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. LEARN MORE AT LORAINCOUNTYMETROPARKS.COM. Lorain Local Magazine | page 13

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DISCOVER THE NATURAL BEAUTY NESTLED IN EVERY CORNER OF OUR INCREDIBLE CITY FROM STUNNING LAKE ERIE SUNSETS TO THE NORTH, THROUGH THE WONDERS OF THE BLACK RIVER VALLEY TO THE SOUTH, AND EVERYWHERE IN-BETWEEN.

STATIONS WITH A

LOCAL LOCAL

HISTORY TUNE IN TODAY!

720 Broadway 440-434-8001 unrulysalonspa.com

Jevon Terance: An Essential Business

By Sydney Kornegay

Jevon Terance thought he'd be making his fiancÊe’s wedding dress this spring. Instead, he's sewing face masks and

encouraging people to social distance in style.

"I originally didn't want to do masks, but then they sold out almost immediately," he said, as he sewed a string of Lorain-themed face coverings. The masks, which feature patterns ranging from the vibrant "Lorain Postcard" to the floral patterned "Grandma Mask," blend Terance's artistic vision with his entrepreneurial acumen.

"It took me about an hour to figure out how to make the first one. But, after I got the hang of it, I could start making them in batches of 50 or so."

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It's not the first time Terance has learned how to create something new. A self-taught designer, Terance's interest in fashion began during high school on the basketball court.

There, he drew inspiration from the shoes he played in and was often sketching new ideas for sneaker designs. After graduating, Terance taught himself to sew and started creating and selling clothing in his basement.

He launched his own brand while working full-time as a Treatment Specialist in a children's home. Starting in 2007, Terance began hosting fashion shows in Cleveland.

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"My parents were skeptical at first, wondering why I kept hosting all these shows in Cleveland but never made any money off of them."

However, Terance persisted, and by 2012, he had garnered enough of a following to open his first brick and mortar location as part of a Lorain small business incubator program.

Terance has had a boutique on Broadway ever since and has had his work featured in

New York and Paris Fashion Weeks.

Throughout his design career, Terance has blended his background in art and drawing with his sewing skills creating and printing his own materials. Many of these designs make overt references to his Lorain upbringing - such as the lighthouse print featuring the iconic local landmark or the postcard print, which resembles the Fifth Street mural.

Other materials and clothing designs are drawn from his passion for basketball. His black-and-white "11" dress suggests the lines and curves of a pair of Air Jordan shoes, while much of his fringe detailing is meant to emulate the movement found on a basketball court.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

"I even can find inspiration in a photograph," he said. "Once I was eating in a restaurant and was struck by the pattern of the tile on the floor. I took a photo, edited it, and used that for a new print."

While Terance's work has been featured in the international scene for over five years now, he says he's still very much rooted in Lorain. His willingness to adapt to changing business environments while also pushing creative boundaries has allowed him to carve out an essential niche in our city. l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol

Whether masks during a coronavirus crisis or creating a new line of street fashion for the FireFish Festival, Terance continually finds ways to make his products essential to the Lorain community.

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for residents affected by mental illness.

NAMI Lorain County is located right here in Lorain serving not only our local community but all surrounding communities throughout the county.

Working in conjunction with other Lorain resources including Gathering Hope House, The Nord Center and the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County, NAMI's outreach provides valuable programs for members of our community.

NAMI's mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with mental illness through providing their families and friends with educational opportunities, support groups and advocay in the public arena.

NAMI LISTENS & SUPPORTS

NAMI provides support groups for individuals and their loved ones led by trained individuals with shared experience. All sessions are currently being held through video conferencing.

NAMI ADVOCATES

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NAMI shapes national public policy for people with mental illness and their families and provides volunteer leaders with the tools, resources and skills necessary to save mental health in all states.

NAMI EDUCATES

NAMI's education programs ensure families, individuals and educators get the support and information they need surrounding mental health.

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NAMI FIGHTS STIGMA

NAMI encourages understanding and provides increased mental health awareness.

I'm Having a Lot of Stress or Anxiety Because of COVID-19. What Can I Do?

From NAMI's COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide

It’s common to feel stressed or anxious during this time. It may be especially hard for people who already manage feelings of anxiety or emotional distress.

Recognizing how you’re feeling can help you care for yourself, manage your stress and cope with difficult situations.

Even when you don’t have full control of a situation, there are things you can do.

Manage how you consume information

Follow healthy routines as much as possible

Be selective about how you consume news. It’s generally a good idea to stay engaged and informed. Having some limits on your news consumption can help:

Your daily habits and routines can help you feel more in control of your own well-being. Even simple actions can make a difference:

Set limits on when and for how long you consume news and information, including through social media. It may help you to choose a couple of fifteen-minute blocks each day when you will check news/social media and limit your news consumption to that time.

False information spreads very easily on social media and can have serious consequences for individual and public health. Always verify sources and make sure they are reputable, especially before sharing anything.

Find support over the phone

Make your bed Get dressed Connect with loved ones

Move your body Make time for breaks

If possible, take regular short breaks during work or between shifts. During these breaks, go outside and engage in physical activity if you can.

Do meaningful things with your free time When you can, do things that you enjoy and that help you relax.

Read or listen to an audiobook Learn a new skill Take an online course

Journal or write Play puzzles or games Try something new

Stay connected with others

There are non-crisis emotional support telephone services called warmlines that are staffed by volunteers and provide nonjudgemental listening in times of need. Some are available 24/7 and provide no-questions-asked support when you need it most.

Physical distancing (social distancing) can change how you usually interact with people you care about. Doing this is essential to lessening the impact of COVID-19. There are many ways you can build a feeling of connection, even if you can't see people in-person or go places you usually would:

Lorain's warmline is provided by The Nord Center and is available daily from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Stay connected with close friends and family via phone, email, social media messaging, and video calls.

Offer to help others if you can. Regularly call, text, or email with family and friends who may have more limited social contact - elderly people, those with disabilities, who live alone, who are quarantined, or are at high-risk because of chronic health conditions.

Share how you are feeling with people you trust.

Ask for help when you need it. Someone is here for you.

To be connected, please call 1-800-888-6161 and ask to be connected to the Warm Line.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, 1-800-888-6161 also connects to services available 24/7.

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Watching or listening to the same news constantly can increase stress. Reading can be an easier medium to control how much and what kind of information you are absorbing.

FOOD SPOTS

Culinary Whiz & Philanthropist

By Katie Fenner

While he is a philanthropist at heart, he is also a culinary whiz.

Borikén Joe has brought life back to the food scene of Lorain with his creative twists on fusion food.

A

midst the chaos of this uncertain time, there is one unsung hero in our community working hard to feed those hit by this health and economic crisis – Borikén Joe. Joe Adorno - AKA Borikén Joe - opened Borikén Juke Joint on Broadway Ave in October 2019, only a few months before the coronavirus pandemic began sweeping through the United States and forcing many small, non-essential businesses to close including many restaurants and bars. l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol

Familiar to adversity through his culinary travels across the world, Adorno is stepping up and doing what many of us wish we could do during these hard times. He has been working tirelessly to procure monetary and food donations from many vendors to supply warm meals to those in need.

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Tucked away in a basement, speakeasy-style setting, Borikén Juke Joint is a lively place to grab a juicy burger or some delicious ramen. Always offering new and exciting specials, Borikén Joe never disappoints!

Adorno spent many years traveling between the Bahamas and the States, and then he spent 15 years working his food truck in Hawaii. His culinary tour has finally made its way back to his hometown of Lorain, where he is proud to be bringing his heritage Puerto Rican flavors mixed with some cultural varieties from across the world.

FOOD SPOTS (This is the sign from Joe's food truck in Hawaii!)

Menu favorites like the Double Trouble Burger with 14 ounces of juicy beef cooked to perfection with a side of homemade chips, and the Gumbo with perfectly seasoned chicken, shrimp, garlic sausage and okra over fluffy white rice have become staples in many local diets. The Ramen Bowls are an ultimate favorite of the neighborhood, but like all of Joe's recipes, they are only available until they are gone.

Borikén Joe believes in quality over quantity, and you can certainly tell when you take your first bite!

Once things return to normal, Borikén Juke Joint is going to be the place to be with the hopes of bringing in exciting events and live music. It may be hard to find a seat, but Joe will surely make room for everyone.

Keep your spirits up and have hope that through all of this, we will come out stronger than before.

If anyone is interested in supporting Joe and keeping the warm meals coming for those in need, please reach out to him today by calling (440) 281-4048!

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One of Borikén Juke Joint's claims to fame is that it has a scratch kitchen, meaning all the ingredients used to create the meals are from fresh products. Adorno utilizes local and nearby foods as much as possible to give back to the community as well as provide fresh ingredients to his patrons. He frequently partners with Gateway Pharms to procure much of his produce, and Fligner's and Polansky's Meat Markets for meat.

FOOD SPOTS

Businesses Get Creative Despite State-Wide Restrictions When the news began to spread that restaurants and bars throughout the state of Ohio would be forced to close for an indefinite amount of time, businesses within our city got creative.

On all sides of town, shops came up with ways to not only keep customers coming in but to keep workers busy during the immediate slowdown never before felt.

Once dine-in-only bars and eateries, our city's favorite establishments have adjusted to new ways during hard times.

Speak of the Devil and their in-house kitchen, SMASH, would not let the restrictions stop them from delivering exceptional cocktails and pizza to their loyal customers.

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They devised a plan to offer hungry and thirsty patrons the ability to place orders in advance and then pick up those orders through a drive-through set up in the alley adjacent to the Speak of the Devil building.

The response to their first week of this setup left them sold out in less than two hours from the beginning of the presale and left more than two blocks worth of cars lined up awaiting orders.

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FOOD SPOTS

Other establishments like Brew & Stew and Broadway Mary's took measures to ensure experiences for their customers did not cease just because they were closed to dining-in.

Along with adjusting their service to provide carryout and delivery, Brew & Stew temporarily moved into the Broadway Mary's location while providing curbside pickup coupled with live music and DJ entertainment.

The Easter Bunny also made neighborhood deliveries for Broadway Mary's, and he was spotted by neighbors far and wide while bringing a smile to families all over town.

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If nothing else has been visible while Ohio's stay-at-home order has been in effect, the ability for our local businesses to overcome any obstacle they face is extremely apparent.

While no one can be sure what the future holds for any of us, the one certain thing is that together, we will make it through.

Keep up the great work, Lorain!

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TAKING LORAIN "Citizens don't join Lorain Proud. They are Lorain Proud!"

Lorain Proud

W h a t is it and c a n I j o i n ?

Five Areas of Focus In 2017, the idea for the movement culminated from a series of community charrettes, or meetings. Feedback was gathered from more than 50 community members that helped to identify five areas of focus that were important to the citizens of Lorain.

Lorain Proud is a grassroots movement of people who love Lorain and want to do their part to make it a great place to live, work, and play. Every time you volunteer your time to help a neighbor, pick up trash, or invest in your home and property, you are embodying what it is to be #LorainProud.

Active Transportation Arts, History & Culture Downtown/Broadway Redevelopment Lakefront/Waterfront Development Youth Engagement

We are here to act as a meeting post

If you have a story to tell, a picture you want to share, or a call to action

and a storyboard for those who want to

for positive change, let Lorain Proud be your platform. Aside from getting

show they are Lorain Proud, highlight

paid for your submissions, you have the chance of being published both

the positive work being done every day

online at lorainproud.com and in print right here in Lorain Local Magazine!

in our community and encourage others l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol

to join in on the fun.

We are looking for content created for the community by the community that meets these criteria:

What better way to do that than to put the

platforms

community

in

and

highlighting

the

hands

reward

what

#LorainProud?

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of

the

citizens

for

makes

Be a positive message that tells a story or informs readers about an initiative or activity within the city of Lorain

them Include an individual call to action or a way readers can contribute

FORWARD It’s a New Day for Lorain

By Brandon J. Wysocki

Anchored by a renovated hotel and revitalized by a new streetscape, downtown Broadway is experiencing exciting things.

Downtown has always had some gems – The Palace Theater

Like a beautiful sunrise, it’s a new day for Lorain

and The 530 Shop stand out to me – but recently, there has

and one that is in our hands to make better.

been a growing momentum. In the nearly 35 years that Lorain has been my home, I cannot recall anywhere near this many delightful options to eat, drink, shop, or entertain yourself downtown.

On top of that, we have some spectacular groups doing awesome things in and for our community. While some, such as the Mexican Mutual Society, have served our city for decades, others are newer but are also doing great things. Groups like the LoCo Yaks with their annual Black River Clean-Up event are complemented perfectly by Project Freshwater and Quick Picks.

Also noteworthy is a group called It Takes a Village that helps support our schools, students, and families.

There are many other wants and needs in this incredible city, but that doesn’t mean that the progress on other fronts cannot be supported and celebrated all the same. Indeed, what we are witnessing now could prove to be a catalyst, or at least the

this city.

Progress must start somewhere, even if it’s not exactly what, when, or how one may have wanted or expected. Ultimately, the diverse and industrious people have always been the heart of Lorain, and that will always be true. The success of our downtown revitalization and the city as a whole is up to us.

Concerns and criticisms are fair and even tremendously helpful, namely when presented and utilized constructively. However, in my experience, an unfavorable prognosis is often the first phase of a self-fulfilled prophecy much more than it is an inexorable truth.

The beautiful thing about an idea such as #LorainProud is that it’s fluid and flexible. If you’re not already in motion, you can take action so that you are. You can join or start a cause, support or work for an organization that represents you and your values, etc. In everyone and everything, there is always room for growth and improvement.

One of my favorite axioms is “The only constant is change.” Change can be difficult in several ways, but we can’t stop it. We can, however, help shape it. Lorain abounds with potential and wonderful people. The question I think we should all ask ourselves is, “What are we willing and able to do to help?”

Lorain is rising – if you don’t believe it is, then what are you going to do to change that? No one person or group has all the answers or abilities, nor is there only one “right” direction, but everyone can play a critical part in being Lorain Proud.

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starting point, for positive change and improvement throughout

We Are Lorain Titan Strong Titan Strong student photographs by Eric Bonzar

By Lorain City Schools CEO, Greg Ring

The 2019-2020 school year has been extraordinary, to say the least. Over the course of only a few short days, our schools went from looking forward to the arrival of spring and all the promise and celebration that it holds to being put on lock-down in our homes, restricted from the majority of our “normal” activities, wondering what our “new normal” will look like next. If we’ve been lucky, we’ve remained healthy, surrounded by family, and have enough necessities to go around.

If there’s one word to describe the Lorain community, it’s “resilient,” and while times such as this can be crippling in some areas of the country, we’ve seen the opposite. The people of Lorain have a long and proud reputation for pulling together in support of their children and their schools. The challenges surrounding COVID-19 have provided us with no exception.

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In the midst of so much change and chaos, we as a society have been given the great gift of time and reflection. This has been a challenging road for everyone involved, but we have much to celebrate as the school year comes to a close:

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PASSAGE OF ISSUE 13 | In November, the Lorain community passed a seven-year, 5.15-mill emergency levy with 3,722 votes in favor of the renewal. This support allows the Lorain City Schools to keep the necessities that allow us to provide a quality education for our children, including teachers, student supports, and instructional supplies.

UNITY & STRENGTH | This school year, our administrative and governing bodies came together in unity with members of the Board of Education and Academic Distress Commission meeting jointly for the first time. This level of collaboration has helped improve communication and focus as we all work together to serve our diverse population of more than 6,300 students and their families.

ACADEMIC GROWTH | Shared expectations continue to shape our success, with our strategic plan guiding the district’s decision-making process. The district’s overall grade on Ohio’s Local Report Card improved, most notably for our teachers’ abilities to meet the performance expectations for our most vulnerable students in English language arts, math, graduation, and English language proficiency.

REMOTE LEARNING | When Governor Mike DeWine ordered the closure of Ohio’s schools mid-March, our teachers and building leaders came together quickly to develop a plan to continue learning from home.

In just a few short weeks, our schools developed and distributed @Home Learning Paths to more than 4,300 PreK-8 students while delivering online learning to support course completion for students in grades 912. Special thanks to all who worked so closely with our senior class to ensure they have the technology and supports needed to graduate this spring! We anticipate 487 students to be eligible for their diploma this year!

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STRONG PARTNERSHIPS | This year, our district continued to be honored by mutually beneficial relationships among our community, local businesses, and our schools. This evolving group of interested individuals and organizations meets throughout the year to identify needs and connect community resources with our students and classrooms.

STUDENT MEAL DISTRIBUTION | Throughout our nation and beyond, many students go hungry when school is not in session. When COVID-19 concerns closed our schools, Aramark and our nutrition staff implemented an emergency meal distribution plan, which has since provided more than 57,000 meals to the children of our community. In addition, many of our employees and community members volunteered with Second Harvest Food Bank to distribute fresh produce and kitchen staples to families in our area. At the time of this writing, these efforts served nearly 4,000 people during the crisis.

Jen Navarro Photography

WRAPAROUND SERVICES | As Ohio’s stay-at-home order ground our economy to a halt, countless homes were hit with the loss of a paycheck, childcare, and/or health supports. At the same time, many families found themselves working from home and on the hunt for even the most basic home necessities, all while trying to ensure their children completed school assignments, and their homes were constantly sanitized. Our schools responded by calling student homes for wellness checks, and connecting families with community resources through handouts during meal distribution and on the district website and social media channels.

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Jen Navarro Photography

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020

They say that the true measure of humanity is best determined not during their moments of great triumph, but in moments of great challenge. And, time and again, Lorain reveals the quality of hearts and minds in all the ways we come together to care for our children.

Thank you to all who ensure the needs of our students, families, staff, and community continue to be met.

You are what #TitanStrong is all about.

Jen Navarro Photography

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While current circumstances prohibit congregating for ceremonies and activities such as prom, we won’t let COVID-19 interfere with celebrating our seniors as they deserve.

Plans are underway to hold a virtual graduation ceremony, which will be shared widely with our community. But so often, it’s also the little things that count. Our staff and community are already lined up to post yard signs at the homes of our seniors. And, slideshows and video compilations with senior photos, quotes, and remembrances are being created to preserve the experiences of our students during this unprecedented point in time. We hope our community will join us in celebrating when the time comes.

FAMILY

Falling in Love with a Great City

By Lizzie Shultz

As a self-proclaimed east sider, I could barely envision myself transplanting to the far western suburbs of Cleveland. I loved my multicultural haunts within the Cuyahoga and Chagrin Valleys like the close-knit, walkable neighborhoods, diverse restaurants that proudly claim the streets, and, of course, the highly-rated Metroparks. To me, the eastern suburbs of Cleveland have always been, to put it simply,

"where it's at."

I would be lying if I didn't admit I had some skepticism about venturing from the wellestablished town of Chagrin Falls to the socalled "rust belt" city of Lorain.

l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol Lorain Local Magazine | page 32

This city seemed to dissolve all too quickly while frequently taking picturesque lakeshore drives to the islands in the summer.

What I have come to find is that Lorain has incredible sunsets, a very welcoming yet laid-back community vibe, a rich industrial history, and very affordable amenities. With the Jet Express operating right out of Lorain Harbor, you are also only a short boat trip from visiting the islands or watching the Browns play in Cleveland.

These are only a few of the appealing features that led me to discover all that Lorain is and, most importantly, all that it's becoming!

FAMILY

As love would have it, I ultimately found myself transplanted to the other side of Cleveland. I was lucky to spend a few years in Vermilion's quaint harbor town before settling into our current dream home here in Lorain.

Over the past three years, we knew our expanding family would outgrow our home in Vermilion and realized we were unwilling to part from this perfect balance of idyllic lake life and affordability.

I can't say this was something I experienced while working for larger contract therapy companies in and around Cleveland, yet this is another excellent reason to be proud to live and work right here in Lorain.

Low housing prices and incentives combined with a lower cost of living are other impressive selling points for this city and what helps to make homeownership an attainable goal for many families, including mine.

The city of Lorain has experienced immense growth in the past few years. It's impossible not to feel the vibrancy while walking down the newly restored Broadway Streetscape. New restaurants, sports bars, coffee shops, and a beautiful boutique hotel seems to leave little left to desire.

From the Rockin' on the River concert series to numerous festivals situated along the scenic Black River, I wouldn't want to spend my summer or the rest of my life anywhere else. l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol

As an Occupational Therapy Practitioner, I typically have it made when it comes to finding a job in Northeast Ohio, regardless of what side of town I find myself living. As I began working here in Lorain, it was a breath of fresh air to find employers that hold high standards in patient care, outpatient therapy, and community outreach are a part of an integral part of this community.

From my family to yours, welcome to the city of Lorain.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 33

HEALTH TALK

A Local Lorain Resident Offers Helping Hands

By Dr. Sam Salas, DC

What is health? What makes a person healthy?

Why do some people catch a virus and feel ill while others seem to have little to no symptoms at all?

A healthy constitution consists of many things, including genetics, diet, exercise, stress, rest, and toxicity.

As far as toxicity is concerned, the avoidance of harmful chemicals is crucial to long-term health. This avoidance can be difficult in today's environment, which is why ensuring other areas are at optimal levels at all times.

I will cover toxicity, diet, and exercise more in-depth in the future. But, to quickly break it down, a proper diet consists of a variety of foods: foods that are preferably low in sugar content, that include a high content of leafy greens, vegetables, protein and nuts, and that limit starchy foods such as potatoes, cereals, and noodles. Specific values vary depending on one's body type, allergies, and exercise habits.

It is a good idea for some people to supplement their diets with nutrients depending on conditions they may have, but in general, there are a few that can help boost a person's immune system.

Vitamins C, D, and E are essential immune enhancers, and glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, and zinc provide powerful antioxidant protection to the body. By no means is this list allencompassing, but rather the building blocks that help maintain health.

Exercising for approximately 30 minutes per day, depending on intensity, can naturally enhance the body's immune response. Alternatively, too little or too much exercise can give the opposite effect and can hurt the immune system.

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Eight hours of sleep are also beneficial to maintain optimal health.

Inconsistencies as to when you sleep and wake and whether you are taking medications to fall asleep also play factors.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 34

HEALTH TALK

Pasteur theorized that the cause of diseases was exposure to microbes (germs) invading the body and its systems. This theory is the basis for pasteurization, antibiotics, and most medical intervention as far as an infection is concerned.

Bernard, on the other hand, theorized that just being exposed to a germ was not a significant factor. He believed that the state of the "milieu intériieur" (internal environment) is the main factor causing infection. In other words, host health is the determining factor as to whether a person will become ill.

What we see today with the COVID-19 pandemic is that some people get severely ill, while others display mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Why is this?

In 1991, there was a study conducted by Sheldon Cohen, Ph.D. and published in the New England Journal of Medicine that studied 394 individuals who had nasal drops administered that contained a slew of cold viruses and a coronavirus (not COVID-19). This study concluded that psychological stress posed an increased risk of acute infectious respiratory illness and increased rates of infection. They found that the main factor that allows people to become sick or recover quickly is stress.

Therefore, high levels of stress hormones in the body can be associated with immunocompromised responses in the body.

There is an article written by the associate editor of the Journal of American Osteopathic Association, Dr. Michael Patterson, Ph.D., titled, "Osteopathic Methods and the Great Flu Pandemic of 1917-1918." It outlines how medically-treated patients with influenza and pneumonia had an average of a six percent fatality rate. In contrast, patients having received treatment in the form of manipulative therapy, rest, and hydration had a death rate of only 0.5 percent.

Why is this important?

Remember, the Cohen study indicated that stress is a high contributing factor to reduced immune response. With what is going on in the world today, how can anyone lower stress levels?

Even before these events, we lived in a nonstop, highstress environment.

Fortunately, chiropractic manipulation is known to increase blood flow and reduce stress hormone levels in the body over time.

There is no guarantee that routine chiropractic adjustments will help your health or prevent or cure any disease or infection. But, because of how chiropractic care can affect hormones that influence stress levels, it should be utilized along with any medically necessary care.

Especially now, stay well! Keep up with social distancing, wear masks and gloves, and follow all of the current guidelines recommended by our local health department.

Please remember to eat properly, exercise, and get adjusted. Most of all, be safe!

Dr. Sam Salas, DC Chiropractic Physician Lorain Local Magazine | page 35

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There are two main theories regarding health that were suggested in the 1800s the germ theory of disease by Louis Pasteur and the terrain theory by Claude Bernard and Antoine Bechamp.

BIZ TALK

Helping Small Business Owners & Work-at-Home Parents Thrive During COVID-19 and Beyond

By Stacey M. Crutcher

In these economic times of uncertainty, such as the one we're currently living in, where can someone turn for good business advice? With so much content out there in the digital space, it has left many small business owners lost in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A hard economic time like this is one of the reasons I started my blog six years ago. I wanted to not only build a brand but also create a platform to educate, inspire, encourage, and motivate others. I wanted to create a place for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and work-at-home parents to rely on for solid advice.

As a business owner, you may have thought you had prepared for anything you could face. The reality is that no one can ever be fully prepared to handle or meet the demands of an economic crisis like we are facing, and this applies to families who work both inside and outside of the home.

Unfortunately for those families and many others, they are now facing the inevitability of getting laid off, or they are suddenly finding themselves working from home for the first time.

At least 46 States across the U.S. suddenly no longer considered some workers essential workers. This non-essential status led some of those families who operate a small business to reduce their hours of operation or close down altogether.

During trying times such as these, this is why it's so important as community leaders, small business owners, and members of the Lorain community to come together and show that we are Lorain Strong.

As a freelance blogger, I want to provide an online resource for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, those who have lost their job, and those who are merely curious about working from home. I want them to get the tips, tools, and local resources necessary to start, market, and continue managing a successful business from home and to thrive beyond COVID-19.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 37

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About the author: Stacey is a writer, author, freelance blogger, and publisher of the website Working from Home With Stacey, a business blog started in 2014. Initially tailored to the work-athome parent, the blog has evolved over the years and is now serving aspiring young entrepreneurs.

WFHWS is a place where small business owners, as well as work-at-home parents alike, can find a wealth of information on how to start, market, and manage a successful business from home. Stacey's inspiration for starting the blog was to not only educate but help people eliminate barriers when it came to earning income from home. Making money from home could be a choice or the result of various challenges such as adversity, an economic downturn, or a pandemic. She hopes that by sharing her experience, online tips, tools, and resources, she will make an impact by helping others around her to become more aware of their options – most importantly, educate others on how to start businesses of their own, and break down barriers when it comes to earning income from home." Stacey's mission statement is "to help encourage, motivate, and inspire our next generation of entrepreneurs to create a profitable online business from home." Her vision is to continuously grow and teach as she expands her platform to become the next online go-to source for business and marketing tips. She wants to provide an online culture for entrepreneurs of the future to exchange ideas and share their business expertise and knowledge not taught in school.

REAL ESTATE

Lorain Offers Economic Development Incentives to Homeowners An Ohio Community Reinvestment Area Program

Many people may not know that there are numerous incentives for homeowners to purchase property in the city of Lorain.

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One of these incentives is an economic development tool administered by local government that provides real property tax exemptions for property owners who renovate existing or construct new buildings within five designated Community Reinvestment Areas (CRA).

These designated areas are located throughout Lorain and are outlined above on the map.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 38

If you are interested in receiving more information, please contact the City of Lorain's Building, Housing & Planning Department.

It serves as the responsible department for the processing of CRA applications within the zones located throughout the city.

Any questions can be directed to Neighborhood Development Specialist, Drew Crawford at 440-204-2082 or Drew_Crawford@cityoflorain.org.

REAL ESTATE

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... And Developers & Business Owners

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COMING SOON

Fresh Ideas and New Contributors!

Don't worry. The current contributors will still be around.

Meet Kelly Boyer Sagert!

Kelly Boyer Sagert is a full-time freelance writer who has lived in Lorain since she was three months old. She has published 15 books, including Hidden History of Lorain County. She has also written multiple scripts for performed plays and published thousands of shorter pieces online and in print. She is also a member of the Emmy-Award-nominated

documentary,

Trail

Magic:

The Grandma Gatewood Story. You can find more information

at

her

at kbsagert@aol.com.

Welcome Rock Town Music Academy Jaclyn

Bradley,

the

international

singer/songwriter

featured on VH1, MTV, HGTV, Bravo and TLC, has decided to open Lorain Rock Town Music Academy on Broadway alongside a team of incredible musicians and teachers. A vibrant space will soon be emerging offering lessons in voice, piano and guitar. The academy will be showcasing their students in regular performances at local venues throughout the city, and they will hold l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol

master classes on topics such as songwriting, stage prescence and recording.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 40

website

and

can

contact

her

COMING SOON

More Sections Added!

Celebrating everything Lorain has to offer

LORAIN HAPPENINGS When scheduling becomes more concrete once again, this section will be highlighting events happening around our city. We need your help filling it, though, so please email us or connect with us on social media to let us know what's happening! Tag @thelorainlocal or use #lorainlocal across social media platforms.

ROCK BEAT We know our music is rockin', and with a new music academy about to open here in town, we thought it was a perfect addition to Lorain Local.

We also can't wait to attend our summer concerts at Black River Landing - or attend any event again, for that matter! With performances all across town, this section demanded a seat for the show.

Did you know Lorain has more than 20 different schools? This includes elementary, middle and high schools, preschools, and vocational and higher education institutions. We thought this would be a great outlet to showcase the hard work, determination, and fun that goes into being a student! But, students, we need your help! This is your area to shine, so send us your work for a chance to be included in the magazine!

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STUDENT SECTION

And that is just the start!

Be sure to check out our next issue, and be on the lookout for specials you will not want to miss!

Lorain Local Magazine | page 41

THANK YOU

A Look Ahead

at What to Expect in Future Issues

But First...

We know that we did not include everything nor everyone worth celebrating in this first issue. And, while some might view this as a bad thing, we are ok with it.

Our publication has adapted during this current pandemic, just like other residents and local businesses have. People, events, and establishments we had planned to include during this first issue are not involved like we had envisioned due to many factors surrounding the current state of our city.

Fortunately, we will publish future issues. We will include everyone who wants to be a part of Lorain Local, and we will continue celebrating everything this Great Lake city has to offer well into the future.

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As we settle into the new normal on the other side of the current restrictions and closures, we will be there to continue showcasing the positivity that exists within our city. Even during the previously unimaginable time we have been experiencing, there has remained an outpouring of greatness throughout the place we all call home.

Lorain Local Magazine | page 42

Though this first issue was not what we had pictured, it is so much more than we could have ever dreamed it would be.

To the people and organizations who made this first issue possible, wholeheartedly thank you. From an initial idea of around 20 pages to now more than 40, Lorain, you amaze us more and more by the day.

We are excited to be here as our city resumes and regains the momentum it was quickly building before COVID-19 started affecting our day-to-day lives.

As we began doing in the seemingly distant past, we are here to highlight the revival of a great lake city on a Great Lake coast.

Now, with a focus on a different revival, we will be here to capture and display the great things happening within our city limits.

If you want to see something in Lorain Local Magazine, let us know. This is your magazine, and we want it to be what you want it to be.

Let us know what you want to see featured by emailing connect@lorainlocal.com, and be sure to visit lorainlocal.com as we grow into the place to turn for everything happening in Lorain.

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Through Through unforeseen unforeseen times we we times persevere. persevere.

Together we are Lorain Locals.

A special thank you to Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio and the Ohio National Guard for their supportive efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and their continuous support every day.