November/December 2020 First Edition Issue Four
DISCOVER
our great lake city on our Great Lake coast! Simply hover your phone's camera over the code, then follow the link
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STATIONS WITH A
LOCAL LOCAL
Oberlin, Ohio
HISTORY
Sharing a familiar story with another family-owned media company, this was WOBL's first broadcast on Christmas Eve 1971: "Hello. This is Harry Wilber from radio station WOBL, Oberlin, Ohio. With this, our premiere day of broadcasting, we wish you Season's Greetings. On this eventful day, I would like to pledge this station's dedication to broadcasting in the public's interest, convenience, and necessity. Lorain, Ohio
We here at WOBL will do everything possible for the good of our listening area. We appreciate your patience and goodwill and look forward to your continued interest and support. Thank you."
Vacation Rentals at
Lakeview Beach
Reserve your getaway today!
At The Shipyards
for tickets and more information, visit thesummermarket.com
CONTENTS
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03 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 20 24 26 32 35 36 40
Creating a Brighter Future From Our Family to Yours Safely Enjoy Life by the Water Awaken History: LPLS Empower Our Youth A Year on Main Street, USA Nonprofit Spotlight: Mexican Mutual Roads-Rails-n-Sales A Reflection of the Year Take Our Jewel on the Go An LPD Spotlight A Royal Look at Lorain International Healthy New Development A Local Spotlight: Unexpected Friendship What's Cooking?
41 42
A Collaboration between LPLS and United Way An Intro and History of LFD
44 48 49
We Remain Titan Strong Seasons Greetings to All Holiday Lights in the Park with Santa
Contributors Content Yazmin Maldonado Madison Maniaci Valerie Gonzalez Jason Russ Fred Lozano City of Lorain Lorain Police Department Lorain Fire Department Mexican Mutual Society Lorain County Health & Dentistry Lorain Lighthouse Foundation Lorain City Schools Main Street Lorain Lorain Historical Society Lorain Public Library System Lorain County Metro Parks National Safe Boating Council
Photography Jason Russ Madison Maniaci Valerie Gonzalez * Rey Carrion Sydney Kornegay Gary L. Schaefer Lorain International Festival Association Main Street Lorain Lorain Fire Department Lorain County Health & Dentistry Lorain County Metro Parks Lorain Public Library System Lorain Historical Society
Lead Photographer Jen Navarro
Editors T.J. Heidler Kim Obbey
Editor in Chief Brooke Fenner All photos have been taken by Jen Navarro, Navarro Photography, unless otherwise noted. (*) Cover photo artist
Published by Proudly Printed By Lorain Local Magazine | page 2
From Our Family to Yours, As the year begins to come to a close, we reflect on the events and memories of 2020. Everyone has felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another. Our students ended one school year and began the next differently than ever before; businesses faced closures and alterations to their daily schedules like never before. Families faced challenges presented by both of these things working together—for many, in a way less than harmoniously. In sum, 2020 has been one heck of a year, to say the very least. But as the leaves fall from the trees and the days become shorter and shorter, a sense of nostalgia always seems to set in. The season tends to bring memories of yesteryear, both recent and what now feels to be an eternity ago. With that nostalgia, a natural reflection ensues. Throughout this issue, we hope you get that sense. But if we have learned nothing else about the people of Lorain, it is that they persevere. We know we have said it before. The members of our community set their minds to something, and they follow through until the end. Business owners and residents overcome obstacles every day, even during a worldwide pandemic. That resiliency is what keeps this city going, continually building on the past and looking forward to the brighter days ahead. We hope you take a second to sit back, enjoy the moment, and be thankful for all of life's beauty. There is not always the outcome or plan that you may have initially thought, but the way we handle the situation at hand is what makes all the difference. If we have learned nothing else about the people of Lorain, it is that they persevere. They set their minds to something, and they follow through to the end. We have said this before, and we continue to see it. Business owners and residents alike overcome obstacles every day, even during a worldwide pandemic. That resiliency is what keeps this city going, continually building on the past and looking forward to the brighter days ahead. As we head into the winter months here in our great lake city on our Great Lake coast, continuing with us are the mask mandates, social distancing requirements, and hand sanitizer around every corner. While there are still uncertainties around us, the ability for each of us to help safeguard our future is still needed. Using the mentality that our community knows so well: Lorain, we are in this together. The future of our city and world is heading into a new season. But if we stick together, we can see it through to spring— and with it will come new beginnings and sunnier days.
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We want to thank you for your continuous support and belief in our family-owned and locally-operated publication. We also want to welcome you to be a part of it. If there is something you would like to see featured or a section you would like to see added, please do not hesitate to let us know. Lorain Local is your magazine. Let us know what you would like it to be. We are here and will remain here for you. Thank you to everyone who helps make this possible, as we would not be here without you. We hope you have a safe and cheerful holiday season, and we will see you all next year. Stay Well,
Lorain Local Magazine | page 4
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Lorain Local Magazine | page 6
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Awaken History:
Lorain Public Library System
Postcard of Carnegie Public Library, 10th Street, Lorain. Photos courtesy of Lorain Historical Society
The Lorain Public Library Association was incorporated on April 22, 1901, and operated in rented quarters for a period. In 1902 the Library trustees received a Carnegie Foundation grant providing $30,000 to construct a library building in Lorain. The cornerstone for the new Library on 10th Street, now home to Lorain Historical Society, was laid on August 19, 1903. The Carnegie Library building was outgrown in the 1940s. In 1946, Lorain city voters approved a special levy to build the present Main Library building at 6th Street and Reid Avenue. Construction was completed in 1957.
An Expanded Main Library Building
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In 1983, the Main Library building became "tight at the seams." Lorain Public Library applied for, and was granted, a $456,000 Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) grant from The State Library of Ohio. The Lorain Public Library System Board of Trustees authorized the erection of a twostory addition to the Main Library and the remodeling and carpeting of most sections of the existing building. The addition was completed in 1985. The addition added approximately 17,000 square feet to the building to bring the size of the building to approximately 61,000 square feet. The patron parking lot area was also expanded at that time and again in 1998. In 1997, a computer resources room was created that centralized word processing and Internet access computers for patron use.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 8
Now, the Main Library building is again bursting at the seams and is busier than ever.
The Lorain Public Library System has been committed to having a strong central resource library to support the growing branch libraries and outreach services. Thus, the Main Library provides direct service to the city of Lorain and surrounding areas through several public service departments. The Main Library building also houses the library system's administrative and technology offices, public relations office, technology services, and outreach services provided through Books by Mail, and the Project LITE literacy program. Lorain Public Library celebrated its 100th birthday in 2001 with the addition of a child-scaled model of the Lorain Lighthouse to the Children's area and a wall mural depicting the city's Lake Erie shore. The Library continues to increase its technology resources for the public including a computer resources room with over three dozen public Internet access computers and free Wi-Fi Internet access. The Lorain community has been very supportive of library services. The citizens have passed operating levies every five years to supplement library support received through the state's general tax revenue. The most recent operating levy was passed in 2016 and will be up for renewal in 2021. The funds from the levy go towards providing the staff, materials, and technology for the Main Library and South Lorain branches.
Lorain Public Library System is a city school district and county extension library system. It's funding presently comes from a combination of state funding and local operating levies, voted on by the residents of the communities served by our library locations. For more information, please visit lorainpubliclibrary.org, and be sure to check out "Birth of Illumination: First Hundred Years of the Lorain Public Library System," by Kelly Boyer Sagert.
Soon to be celebrating 120 years!
Lorain Local Magazine | page 9
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An Expanded Main Library Building
by Yazmin Maldonado
Lorain is experiencing a modern-day renaissance. Across town, several businesses have opened, entrepreneurs are buying up storefronts, and more and more people are putting their faith in the community. Our time has been long overdue, the City of Lorain has been asking for a change, and it seems that the time is upon us. How do we take ownership, how do we encourage one another, and most importantly, how do we protect and empower those in the community who need it most?
"IN EVERY COMMUNITY, THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE. IN EVERY NATION, THERE ARE WOUNDS TO HEAL. IN EVERY HEART, THERE IS THE POWER TO DO IT.� – MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
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In August of 2020, the tragic shooting of a young boy at Oakwood Park in South Lorain left the community tremendously hurt and in outrage. Within a week of the heartbreaking moment that took the life of 14-year-old Denzyl Williams, City leaders came together to respond. The press conference led by 6th Ward Councilman Rey Carrion, 3rd Ward Councilwoman Pamela Carter, and City of Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley raised the question: How can we (collectively) support our youth? The press conference intended to open up the dialogue, establish an essence of respect between all citizens, and truly understand the needs of the people. It was a deeper level of connecting; it was an opportunity to be heard and to listen. The result was the development of The Citizens in Action Committee. Lorain Local Magazine | page 10 Photos captured by Mike Ciu, Studio Q Photography
To empower someone means to grant them the authority or power to do something. The Citizens in Action would not operate as a top-down organization. Instead, it would adapt using an Asset Based Community Development plan, in which actions would be community-driven. This strategy provides an opportunity to emphasize the citizens and what they communicate they need in order to thrive, succeed, and overcome.
The outcome of the first Citizens in Action Committee meeting was a plan to Empower Our Youth, Empower Lorain. The plan, which addressed its goal as an action plan created with community input, addressed the youth's needs in our community, calling for citizens to be the change agent for the city they love and to inspire kids through mentorship and community centers and additional community programs. During the first two sessions, City leaders realized that the currently planned projects didn't align with the community's needs. They replaced the plan to build a picnic shelter in Oakwood Park with a plan to add a place for kids to feel safe, after-school programs, and security cameras in the parks. The youth's input directly drove these changes in focus, and their voices were heard loud and clear. Within a little over a month, the first portable security camera—tied into the Lorain Police Department—had been placed at Oakwood Park by the Friends of South Lorain. "This system, in addition to the increased patrol coverage in the park, will assist our efforts to restore public peace and safety," Rey Carrion shared. The development of change is in no way close to over; in many ways, it has just begun. The concerns of our youth still need to be heard and acted upon urgently.
“As we look toward the future, we want a community that is fully engaged at all levels. The youth has an impact on our community, and we can empower them to be the next leaders.”- Rey Carrion Now, it is our opportunity to stand for tomorrow’s leaders; to empower them to share their thoughts and let their voices be heard and resound. For more information on the Citizens in Action Committee and to find out ways to get involved, please contact Councilman Rey Carrion at (440) 787-1179 or Councilwoman Pamela Carter at (440) 201-9366.
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#CitizensinAction
Lorain Local Magazine | page 11
Attendees listen to thoughts shared by our youth Sept. 2 at St.Francis Cabrini Parish. Photo by Debora Bradley
Photos courtesy of Main Street Lorain
Main Street Lorain's Year One Accomplishments A year ago, the newly formed Main Street Lorain Committee vowed to the four core fundamentals of economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization. As the group believed in the transformation of downtown Lorain, they adopted the pillars of success for Main Street Lorain. "I've been a part of many committees and organizations, but none as dedicated and with as much passion to make a difference as the Main Street Lorain board," said Main Street Lorain President Kurt Hernon and owner of Speak of the Devil. "The group hit the ground running and even through COVID have found ways to make a difference and help make Lorain a better place." The installation of the sidewalks and streetscapes set the groundwork in the beginning. Since then, Main Street Lorain has been able to achieve: Formed Main Street Lorain; launched Facebook and Instagram pages Held Small Business Saturday downtown cookie walk Offered Home for the Holidays free downtown movie event Started the application process for the 501(c)(3) Welcomed the new Ariel Broadway Hotel & Event Center; launched website mainstreetlorainohio.org Attended lots of ZOOM Meetings Organized Downtown Beautification Project with almost 60 pots and hundreds of flowers Hired Marketing Consultant Dan Crandall Created Comeback Kits for local businesses to help welcome back guests with safety measures as a top priority; Distributed new Main Street Lorain decals to all members to place on their front doors Board approved mission and vision statements: Our Mission
Our Vision
To promote collaboration and celebration as a means of making downtown Lorain vibrant and accessible to residents and visitors of all ages
Main Street Lorain aspires to a new vision for the city of Lorain: strong in collaboration, rich in history and diversity, economically thriving, and welcoming to all
Announced and started selling Inaugural Holiday Ornament
of the holiday ornament completed with almost 500 orders; approved the 2020 Winter Beautification Project and the 2021 calendar of events
Hernon commended the Main Street Team for showing the very best amid a worldwide pandemic. While he related the past year to more of a roller coaster ride than climbing a mountain, he said he would not want to have it any other way.
"I cannot wait to see what year two has in store for Main Street Lorain. I can tell you—we'll be ready!" For more information, visit www.facebook.com/mainstreetlorain. Main Street Lorain is the heart and soul of the International City—best known for the picturesque Lorain Lighthouse and, now, beautiful streetscapes. Enjoy the views!
Lorain Local Magazine | page 13
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Worked with Genesis House for the domestic violence awareness campaign; Pre-orders
It is a great honor and privilege to thank and recognize all Mexican immigrants who came before us. They were truly the dreamers from Mexico, a not so distant country, recovering from the Mexican Revolution, 1911-1920. For some, it was an opportunity to escape retaliation for taking an opposing side in the fighting. For many, it was an employment opportunity at the National Tube Company. Lorain offered a safe and better life for their families, just as it had provided for other immigrants, such as the Italians, Slovenians, Croatians, Serbs, Poles, Macedonians, Hungarians.
Jose Ramirez enjoying himself as a member
That first wave of Mexican immigrants was not afraid of the 3,000-mile journey from their homeland, bringing their families and relatives to Lorain in the early 1920s. Ohio's first Hispanic principal Mr. Frank Jacinto stated that the majority arrived in Lorain in 1923. The majority were of the working class from the ranches and fields. Some were skilled laborers, but very few were business, educational, or medical professionals.
The Mexican immigrants gave back to their new community their sweat, toil, and tears so they could call Lorain their home. On November 20, 1928, the State of Ohio chartered the Mexican Mutual Benefit Society. Their by-laws stated that they would assist Mexican families who came to Lorain by providing educational and bi-lingual classes, translation services, sick and medical benefits, and assistance in understanding the laws. They did not forget their beginnings; they continued to speak Spanish but also sent their children to school to learn English with the thought of bettering their family's future through education. Parades and fiestas celebrated the Mexican holidays Cinco de Mayo and the September 16 Independence. They organized baseball teams and Folklรณrico dance groups and had an orchestra director brought in from Mexico to teach the children music. Primarily, they did not forget their Catholic Faith and their devotion to La Virgen de Guadalupe.
Members Tony & Jamie Leibas sit at the bar awaiting drinks
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT Fast forward to today, 92 years later, second, third, fourth, and fifth generations are making a difference as educators; administrators; elected officials; medical professionals; skilled and semi-skilled laborers; business owners; safety and law enforcement officers; attorneys; and judges. Those immigrants' families are hardworking, law-abiding citizens who are still striving to make Lorain a better place to live and work and should receive applause. The Society has survived through good times and bad, celebrating in the rich culture it represents. Some of the hardest times have been most recently. Just as the Society's building has physically declined, requiring extensive repairs, so has its membership that continues to decline in numbers. The key to the Pete & Maria Avalos enjoying the weather and refreshments outside during Society's future success needs growing our the annual Coalition for Hispanic/Latino Issues and Progress membership with younger folks willing and able to carry on on our our heritage heritage traditions traditionspassed passedon and learned from our older members and parents. The Society has on and learned encouraged its members from ourtoolder makemembers tamales for andthe holidays and assist with the International Festival. While numbers parents. we dwindle, Thecontinually Society sponsor has encouraged the Cinco de its Mayo Parade second only to the International Parade and the Little members Queen Celebration. to make tamales It is imperative for the holidays that the andSociety's nonprofit arm awards scholarships to the active members' assist with children of Mexican the International descent. These Festival. awards While are essential as the scholarships continue to provide support and ensure numbers our youthdwindle, have the we opportunities continuallytosponsor becomethe more aware of the Hispanic heritage and assist them in getting one step Cinco to closer detheir Mayo goals. Parade second only to the International Parade and the Little Queen Celebration. It is imperative that the Society's nonprofit arm awards scholarships to the active members' children of Mexican descent. These awards are essential as the scholarships We hope you will find an interest in the Society as a place to gather and join us in continuing the cultural events that continue to provide support and ensure our have sustained the Mexican Mutual Society through the years. Membership is only $10 per year, and it is open to the youth have the opportunities to become more general public. Regular hours of operation are Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. aware of the Hispanic heritage and assist them However, current COVID-19 State mandates are restricting hours between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on those days. in getting one step closer to their goals.
Joel Arredondo (El Presidente) & Jose Ramirez flip and serve food for CHIP
Lorain Local Magazine | page 15 Lupe Christansen mixes and serves drinks to members at the club bar
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If you are interested in gaining membership, please visit during the hours listed above, or call (440) 277-7375.
ROADS-RAILS-N-SALES An event at Black River Landing supporting Lorain's Caboose
A new experience took place this fall at Black River Landing, bringing in spectators and participants traveling from all over Northeast Ohio and beyond. The success of the first Roads-Rails-n-Sales event, benefitting Lorain's Caboose C-3855, has positioned itself to become an annual tradition here in Lorain and one of the only events of its kind in the Midwest. The Lorain Caboose Committee knew their original Hobo Stew Cookoff event was out of the question due to everchanging COVID-19 restrictions. But despite a limited planning timeframe, committee members thought carefully about what would safely draw in a crowd and raise the most awareness of the city's newest historical addition.
Caboose C-3855 is a C26A class model and represents a piece of Lorain's railroad history. There were fewer than 100 of this style built, and fewer still exist today. This specific caboose formerly serviced the city of Lorain on CSX Transportation trains, and currently, its committee is raising funds for its restoration to return it to its glory. Its location conveniently located at Black River Landing South provides more than 14 acres of space for nearly any event type. This area was once a thriving Baltimore & Ohio Railroad railyard that saw millions of tons of coal, iron ore, and taconite pass through it to and from ships. Caboose Committee Chairman Gary Schaefer expressed how the committee wanted to bring an event to celebrate rail history yet work around every health and safety restriction currently in place.
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Two committee members formerly worked on this caboose before its decommissioning, and the focus of any event would always remain on this historic piece of rail history. But as one Caboose Committee member suggested, why not have a car show? As another suggested, what about a flea market? Schaefer commented that this event turned out to be the making of a perfect storm, bringing not one or two pieces to the picture but three different components into one event.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 17
On the morning of Roads-Rails-n-Sales, residents living close to downtown flooded to social media, asking where all the classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles were heading. The first 200 registered vehicles for the car show segment received goodie bags from Hagerty Insurance filled with over a dozen donated items, even though there were not enough that day for every participant. In all, the event more than doubled the committee's original expectations, with over 300 vehicles registered in attendance that day. The flea market portion featured a variety of vendors and food trucks from surrounding communities. WIXY1260Online was the event MC for the day, and they awarded the winning cars' trophies that were proudly sponsored by Achieve Credit Union. Along with a tent for the event's raffles, 50/50, and merchandise sales, Cruisin' Times Magazine had a booth set up overlooking the grounds and helped promote the car show segment in their issues leading up to the event date.
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 18
With the focal point of the event surrounding the caboose, Operation Lifesaver had a booth set up promoting railroad safety for adults and children alike. Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit organization and nationally recognized leader of rail safety education. The gentlemen assisting with the booth were very eager to test visitor knowledge of both train history and safety, and they appeared very impressed when people displayed their awareness. Overall, the event was a success for the Caboose and displayed how events can still occur during the challenges we continue to face.
"As an event goes, it was fantastic," Schaefer said after the dust had settled from the day. "We had some first-time issues, but that is to be expected." He shared how the committee plans to hold the event again next year in September, and everyone involved hopes to make this an ongoing addition to our yearly events schedule. Schaefer also revealed that they recently received a grant from the Lorain County Commissioners to help with the caboose's ongoing restoration projects. The plan is to use the funds generated from the event and the grant to strip the caboose's exterior paint and primer, apply a new coat of paint and lettering, and push the caboose into its permanent location near the Transportation Center at 421 Black River Lane. Once there, the restoration will then move on to the interior, thanks to additional funding support.
Upon completion, Schaefer said, "Lorain Caboose Number 3855 will not be just another pretty face; it will have civic, historical, and educational purposes for everyone to enjoy." The Lorain Caboose Committee, a subcommittee of the Lorain Growth Corporation Tourism Council, a 501(c)(3) organization, would like to thank everyone who helped to pull this first event together and would like to thank these additional event and restoration sponsors: NMRA MCR Division 4 "The North Coast Division" Great Lakes Benefits & Wealth Management Raymond Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Lorain Growth Corporation Nielsen Jewelers Achieve Credit Union Janasko Insurance Lorain Port Authority Joel Arredondo First Federal Bank If you would like to discover ways to help support Lorain's Caboose or learn more about its history and stay up to date on future developments, please visit loraincaboose.org. Also, be sure to check out the holiday lights displayed on the caboose this year along with the outdoor viewing of the International Trees & Trains Display at the Transportation Center beginning November 28 and running Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through December 27.
FOOD & MORE
A Look Back on the Year for Local Businesses How Our Lorain Community Persevered
Throughout the year, businesses and organizations worldwide have felt a tremendous strain with the numerous restrictions put in place. The food and beverage industry took an incredibly hard hit, and local bars and eateries faced the difficult decision to resume operations in an adapted way or stay closed indefinitely. As the months progressed, that uncertainty appeared to level off—only to receive a new set of guidelines, seemingly just moments later. Dating back to our premiere issue, we have shared how some of our establishments overcame those initial difficulties. Still, we would like to reflect on the year and commend everyone behind the companies and organizations in our city that have persevered through it all.
BorikĂŠn Juke Joint at 401 Broadway Ave.
Three Star Restaurant at 1806 E. 28th St.
Bascule Brewery & Public House at 1397 Colorado Ave.
FOOD & MORE
Broadway Streetscape Sign at Fourth St. and Broadway Ave.
The newly-designed Broadway Avenue Streetscape set the stage for new businesses to come to our downtown business district. However, many new establishments began to open just as the world started to shut down. Some of the bars and eateries have only recently received their liquor licenses from the State, with those licenses initially expected early this past spring. The new Ariel Broadway Hotel and Event Center faced a temporary closure shortly after their grand opening. The hotel also houses various other businesses and organizations, and they ultimately experienced that same closure soon after they opened their doors.
Dodie's Dockside, Lorain's first Italian-influenced coastal fare dining, sits inside the hotel's main floor. The owners had been preparing to open the same week of the ultimate shutdown in March. However, due to the closures, those plans experienced a delay. Though these new establishments have encountered significant hurdles to overcome, they are not unique in their challenges this year; our oldest companies and organizations have also felt the strain in 2020.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 21
Dodie's Dockside inside Ariel Broadway Hotel & Event Center at 301 Broadway Ave.
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Ariel Broadway Hotel & Event Center at 301 Broadway Ave.
FOOD & MORE
Some of our most seasoned businesses trekked ahead while putting a new twist on their methods of delivering their services to their most loyal customers. Speak of the Devil and their former in-house kitchen, SMASH, got creative and offered drive-through food and drink pickup through the alley adjacent to their building on Fifth Street. Nearby Brew & Stew temporarily moved their coffeehouse to their newer Broadway Mary's location, only a couple of blocks south on Broadway Avenue. Early in the year, Fashion Designer Jevon Terance switched to making face masks instead of designing a wedding gown for his fianceĂŠ. Local Chef Joe Adorno with BorikĂŠn Juke Joint expanded from dine-in and delivery options alone to providing meals to a nearby homeless shelter.
Photo by A Lorain Local from May/June 2020 Issue at Speak of the Devil at 201 W. Fifth St.
There was even an uptick in grocery delivery services this year.
Photo by A Lorain Local from May/June 2020 Issue at Speak of the Devil at 201 W. Fifth St.
Photos by Sydney Kornegay from May/June 2020 Issue at Jevon Terance at 625 Broadway Ave.
FOOD & MORE
The flexibility and creative thinking displayed by businesses throughout 2020 have helped these establishments survive. Now that we will be entering a new year, the industry-specific challenges will remain. What the future holds is still unknown. Our restaurants, bars, and other businesses have recently made difficult decisions, but the guests and patrons of these establishments are a significant factor in whether they remain tomorrow. There is growth happening on all sides of town, and it is with your help that it will continue. To the guests and visitors of our local businesses, thank you for choosing to support Lorain establishments. The revival taking place in our city is thanks to you. Please keep up your generous support!
The Shipyard's Event Center at 500 Shipyard Way.
Overlooking Lorain downtown business district from Ariel Broadway Hotel & Event Center at 301 Broadway Ave.
The Lorain Lighthouse Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) taxexempt, nonprofit charitable foundation incorporated on December 26, 1989. The mission is to spearhead the preservation of the Lorain Lighthouse and to maintain the history and integrity of Lorain's waterfront.
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Lorain Lighthouse License Plates Now Available The Lorain Lighthouse Foundation has commissioned a license plate that can be placed on the front of your car (Ohio recently passed legislation to not require front plates). The plates sell for $20 and can be purchased by calling Carolyn at 440-960-2301 or Ron at 440-282-7137.
Photos by Valerie Gonzalez
There is a harsh reality that our Lorain Police Officers—and other uniformed officers around the country—are currently facing a stigma due to bad apples found in units throughout the world.
Our officers here in Lorain—they are good people.
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With this knowledge, the idea culminated to show their human side and attempt to reduce the tried dehumanization currently spreading across mainstream media. Quite often, we negate an officer's humanity when we focus on the uniform and the sense of authority it evokes. Yet, there is far more to an officer than his badge and ability to hand out tickets. Presented to you now is an introduction to one of these people.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 27
& & Conducted and condensed by Valerie Gonzalez
Brent Payne grew up in Elyria, Ohio with his father and younger brother. After his parents split up and with his dad working long hours as a single parent, he spent most of his time growing up at his grandmother's house. While Brent has a great respect and much appreciation for his grandmother, his admiration toward two other members of his family is ultimately what led him to become a police officer.
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Throughout this interview, the hope is that the voice of a man with a deep, caring passion in his heart echoes through the pages. As can hopefully be seen, this was not a mere career choice, but rather an identity that began to develop as far back as his childhood. Hopefully, the following interview is eye-opening as it is telling the story of a man, not just a police officer. From the time spent getting to know Brent Payne, what was found is that there is no defining line between the job title and the man. While it was presumed each area of his life was separable, quite the opposite was discovered. Lorain Local Magazine | page 28
Who is your biggest inspiration in life?
That has to be my brother. He's a year and a half younger than me, but I look up to him a lot. I know many people probably find that odd, but I always have. He's been a paramedic for about 18 years, and I always thought that was really cool. He started working as a Lorain Police Officer in 2005, and I started trying to come over here beginning then. Now, we've worked on patrol teams together. He was one of our K9 units, but about four years ago, he got seriously hurt in the line of duty. He's back to work now, but it was an injury that many people wouldn't come back from either by choice or just because of the severity of the injury. But he fought for over three years, and he's now back to work full-duty as one of our narcotics detectives. He has continued to fight through the pain and complications with the injury, and I look up to him for that; he went through a lot but didn't give up. Who influenced your choice to become a police officer?
What are your hobbies or interests outside of the job?
I like tennis shoes, and I have a shoe habit; I buy a lot of shoes. I also try to go to the gym as often as I can. I try to stay in shape, not because of the job, but just because I'm getting older. Everyone has to watch their health. I also love tattoos. My arms have my children's birth month flowers, and I have some skulls mixed in since those interest me, too.
What does the badge represent to you?
It's an honor to wear the badge. The number one thing: the badge is a symbol of trust in the community. The community is who you work for; those people have to trust you, especially in the climate we're in nationwide. Unfortunately, there are officers out there that have not honored that, and we have to deal with that. One bad apple makes us all look bad. If your community doesn't trust you as a police officer, you're going to have many complications along the way. It also extends to how you conduct yourself while on and off duty. No matter what, if you're a police officer, you're an officer 24 hours per day. Doing stupid things off duty in the community ruins that trust. Lorain Local Magazine | page 29
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That's going to come from our father. Back in the 70s, he became an officer, and it's all my brother and I grew up around. It was the only thing that interested me. If you ask me to change the oil in a car, it's not going to happen; I don't have those skills. It's not that my dad didn't teach us, I just didn't care. I knew from a very young age that being a police officer was all I wanted to do. I saw my dad get ready for work every day, and as odd as this sounds, I can remember the sound of him tying his patent leather shoes; he wore those shiny shoes back then. My dad also had a take-home cruiser as a sheriff's deputy. Seeing it parked in the driveway, going out and playing in it, and helping him wash and clean it—it was a big aspect of my childhood. I went on a field trip in the third grade and wore my dad's uniform shirt with his badge on it and everything. It was huge on me—and I got in trouble for wearing it—but I knew then this was what I wanted to do; it's the only thing I've ever wanted to do.
What are some of the most distinctive moments during your career that have stuck with you?
There will always be memories and things that stick out to me. I've been through some pretty hairy situations. Being a police officer, you see things that make you laugh, make you cry, and that you won't forget. I have had all three of those. One of the wildest things was in 2015 involving a suicidal person who ended up driving a car into the lake after a long chase. When we first arrived on the scene, the person exited the house with a gun pointed at their head. When we were close enough, I saw the look in their eyes, and I realized how big the gun was. The person got in their car, sped off, led us on a long chase, and ended up launching their vehicle off of a cliff in someone's backyard into the lake. The person remained in the car while it submerged but eventually got out and started swimming the wrong way—away from shore. The water temperature was around 34 degrees, and the person was having difficulty staying afloat. So my brother, another officer, and I didn't hesitate to jump in and pull the person to safety. Beyond being suicidal, the person was intoxicated but survived with only a broken leg. That's probably the wildest and most memorable. But the toughest side is when we deal with children. It's hard with adults, but victims of a crime or victims of a horrendous event involving kids—those will always stay with you. One time, my brother and I arrived on the scene of a house fire that was fully engulfed in flames. I remember how big the fire was because I'd never seen a fire shooting out into the middle of a road before. Once we got on the scene, another officer walked over to us with something in a blanket. As it turned out, there was a severely burned child in that blanket. My brother—again, a medic—tried to help the child before an ambulance arrived. After heading to the hospital with the child, we returned to the scene. Something that will stay with me forever is that there were tiny, bloody footprints all around the street from where the child must have been trying to look for someone to help. I will remember those footprints for the rest of my life.
Do you think police officers can detach themselves from work?
I think we can; I do a pretty good job of detaching from it. I mean, it's always in my head that I am a police officer. But being able to leave work at the door usually comes with time.
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With memories like that, what encourages you to go to work every day?
Do you have people who offer you support?
The drive to help people. I know it sounds cliché, but we really do get into this line of work to make a difference, to protect. If you've heard the term sheepdogs, police officers are commonly referred to as that. We protect the sheep from the wolves, the innocent from the people out there to take from you; to do harm to you; to steal from you—all those types of things. Those are the things that drive me to go to work every day.
My brother is a big one. I'm usually a closed-off person who doesn't talk a lot; I have always had walls built up around me. My kids' presence and love support me. Family, in general, is good support. Lieutenant Reinhardt, within the Department, has been helpful for job-related things —as have my other teammates who I have routinely worked with over the past several years. We break up into patrol teams, and a lot of us stick together. Those guys and girls are a huge support; we all go through the same thing.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 30
So you create a support network with your coworkers?
Oh, yes! We had an incident the other night where an officer was shot at who's on my patrol team. First and foremost, everyone wanted to make sure he was OK before we did anything else. I'm sure he heard someone ask if he was OK so many times that it got agitating, but we want to be there for each other. My motto is: my guys go home, and then me. Those guys have that same motto. There's a huge camaraderie among us, and the goal is that we all go home at the end of the night. There is a built-in support structure within our patrol teams. What do you feel is the defining line between the side of society that wants to live in peace and the side that wants to create chaos?
In this climate, it's tough. But I know that there are plenty of good people out there. Ninety-nine percent of the people that we deal with are law-abiding, police-supporting, good citizens. It's the one percent that we deal with 99-percent of the time that don't want to follow the rules and want to do whatever they want to create chaos and however you want to put it. I go to work to make a difference—to stop those types of people from stealing from you or stealing from your mother, breaking into your car or house, the drug dealers. There are so many things that drive me and so many other police officers to continue going out and doing the job despite the climate we are in or knowing that when we walk from our homes each day, that could be the last time we walk out that door. You have to have no fear. You just have to go in and do your job. I have a total of 21 years in this line of work. Still, I have a lot of time ahead of me, and I can't picture myself doing anything else.
Throughout the interview, I got to know a man who has spent 21 years making abnormal normal. The man has a quiet strength, an assuring presence, and a wealth of experience as a police officer. Like many officers I have known, he has placed a sort of barrier around himself—a kind of detachment; one that lets them operate without emotion, and I now see why this is.
It's not a role I would be eager to take on; I like my simple, safe, and easy existence. I enjoy walking in the park and having tea while sitting on my front porch. I now know why I can have my safe and comfortable world with much deeper clarity: because someone with a uniform and badge is out there protecting it. It's been very illuminating to view this perspective of what it is to be a police officer. I can say that I feel more certain and confident in my community, knowing there are people like Brent, who are the line of demarcation. I applaud and give my most heartfelt thank you to our Lorain Police Department. As a citizen of Lorain, I am very proud and grateful for our Lorain Police Officers. Thank you, and God bless you. Lorain Local Magazine | page 31
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Not many of us walk around with a gun on our hip and a badge on our chest. We don't expect to face confrontation every day, and in truth, most of us avoid it as much as we can. Not Officer Payne and the rest of the officers on this force. Confrontation is their daily life. Diffusing societal bombs is their bread and butter.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
An Inside Look at
Lorain International Festival from a
Perspective
by Madison Maniaci
Madison Maniaci:
2017 Lorain International Italian Queen Lorain International Association Executive Board (2017– Present) The Lorain International Festival has always been my favorite part of summer. I looked forward to attending this annual event and spending time with neighbors, friends, and family, bonding over our favorite home-cooked ethnic dishes. Every June, my family and I arrived early to get in line for the chicken paprikash bowl at the Hungarian booth.
Lorain International Festival Queen 2017, Madison Maniaci
Since I was young, I always felt a sense of community when attending the event. We all marveled at the princesses wearing their colorful costumes and singing along to traditional ethnic songs. No other festival in Ohio offers an experience quite like ours, and that is why I wanted to be a part of the celebration of our city’s unique backgrounds. I have always been passionate about my heritage, and every year, I look forward to celebrating ethnic traditions for the holidays. These memories led me to become an Italian princess in 2017.
Looking back at joining the Lorain International Association, I have many memorable experiences since I first started my journey. I have been able to build relationships and learn more about my culture as well as others. I spent time volunteering at Murray Ridge Center, Loco Yak’s Annual Black River Clean-Up, and Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio’s Harvest for Hunger community-wide campaign, learning more about my community along the way. I learned the importance of my heritage and how we should show pride in how we celebrate life differently. Earning the title of Queen taught me all about that, and it taught me to spread my love for our International City everywhere I go.
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I fondly remember the night I was crowned Queen. A proud feeling flushed over me as organizers awarded me a sash and sparkling crown. Over the next year, I spoke about our festival on the news, threw the first pitch at a Lake Erie Crushers baseball game, and spoke for the Lorain City Council president during a council meeting. I represented Lorain throughout Ohio at numerous festivals and events, educating attendees on our city’s importance. No city is quite like our diverse town, making it extremely special to those who visit the festival. Today I volunteer as an LIA committee member serving on the executive board. The International Festival was a perfect fit for me. Since I joined, I have continued to build wonderful relationships with people of different ethnic backgrounds who all share a love of our diverse city. Lorain Local Magazine | page 32 Lorain International Festival Queen 2017, Madison Maniaci with court
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Natalie Foster:
2008 Lorain International Mexican Queen Lorain International Festival Pageant Chair (2008-Present) Natalie Foster began helping out at the Mexican food booth when she was only five years old. “I used to help out with my family at the booth; I was the little girl handing out napkins and drinks to everyone,” she said. Each year, Natalie attended all of the festivities with her family and watched every pageant, admiring all of the princesses dressed in their native costumes. During her queenship, she grew to understand leadership, which carried into her other roles with the International Festival.
“It was a natural progression for me to start helping out on the LIA committee first as a parade chair and shortly after working with the Princess Committee.”
Lorain International Festival Queen 2008, Natalie Foster
Natalie has held numerous positions with the LIA, including the role of vice president. “My favorite experience would have to be meeting the new princesses each year and watching their growth throughout the different volunteer events we hold up until pageant night,” she said. “It makes me so happy to see all of the girls each year, gaining a sense of leadership and love for their heritage.” Natalie now holds the title of pageant chair and continues to work with the LIA festival committee.
Alena Aguayo:
2019-2021 Lorain International Puerto Rican Queen
“My favorite part of the festival is seeing firsthand the cultural differences that are so proudly celebrated each year. During these times, more than ever, our city serves as an exemplary model of what our country should embrace, and this reminds me of how proud I am to be from Lorain!” Alena is currently the longest-running Queen in LIA history since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 33
Lorain International Festival Queen 2019, Alena Aguayo with court
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Alena Aguayo became Queen of the International Festival in 2019 and represented her Puerto Rican heritage.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Gerry Sifter:
Lorain International Association Committee Member (1979 – Present) Gerry Sifter started working with the Lorain International Festival in 1979 when Charlotte Zakowski, one of the organization's founders, approached her. Gerry worked on the committee for a year before becoming a member of the princess pageant committee. In 1985, she served as the pageant chairman alongside her cochair Pauleen Garcia. She later served as vice president of the LIA in 1995 and president in 1997. After her presidency, her work continued as the head of souvenirs at the festival and special events held for the committee members. She also holds the important task as leader of the Sunshine Committee, providing flowers to those who have recently passed or are going through a hard time. Gerry has continued to show her support for the festival each year because she wants to keep Lorain International alive, she shared.
“There are so many heartfelt stories to share during the festival. People tell me, But this keeps me going. I come home and can’t wait to tell my husband all of my stories.” Gerry is the longest-running committee member with 41 years underway. Many vendors know her well, and they sneak her to the back of their tents for her favorite foods. She has attended many of the past Queens’ weddings and supports current princesses in the pageant each year. “I go to the pageant, and all of the past princesses approach me and say, oh my gosh, she’s still living? Give me a hug!” She’s proud to see younger people getting involved in the pageant and wishes to see more young people getting involved to uphold the tradition. She hopes that her Slovenian and Polish heritage will continue to be represented in festivals to come.
Lorain County Health & Dentistry (LCH&D), a not-for-profit community health center and the county‛s largest safety-net provider, offers a broad range of medical, dental, eye care, and behavioral health services and has added COVID-19 testing to its list of services to people of Lorain County, and surrounding counties, regardless of ability to pay. Did you know? LCH&D purchased the vacant building immediately adjacent to 1205 Broadway Avenue. We will use this building for drivethru testing for COVID-19, flu, RSV and Strep when renovations are completed. It will replace curbside COVID-19 testing. Operating seven sites in Lorain, Elyria and Oberlin, LCH&D offers both onsite and Telehealth visits. For more information, please call (440) 240-1655. We are constantly striving to do more, serve more, offer more. It’s part of who we are.
Photos by Jason Russ
AN UNLiKELY CROSSiNG OF PATHS: How two long roads of grief led to an unexpected blessing of friendship
by Jason Russ
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The sun had not quite risen over the eastern sky as I drove into the nearby Ridge Hill Memorial Park one quiet Sunday morning in July. People come in here for many reasons every day throughout the year. Some come to mourn, others to bury a loved one. Still, others come to remember and reminisce. In a beautiful park like this, people find serenity, solace, remorse, sadness, anguish. But for some amid deep loss, the dawn of new life through an unexpected friendship would come as a gift on these peaceful, hallowed grounds.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 36
For Lorain-native Sylvester Jeffries, Sr., his journey to this place began 48 years ago when he met a young lady named Mamie through a mutual friend. He and Mamie, whom he referred to as Niela, were just teenagers then. They were quick to fall in love, get married, and start a family as Sylvester found work at the Lorain Ford Plant. In those early years, Sylvester struggled with alcohol abuse. After 15 years and many chances and ultimatums failing, Niela took the drastic step of divorcing Sylvester to protect herself, her kids, and somehow manage to help her husband. On that first day alone, Sylvester looked in the mirror and didn't like what he saw. He understood all he had lost in light of what little he had gained.
Sylvester Jeffries, Sr., with beloved wife Niela (Mamie)
Reality hit, and he fell to his knees for forgiveness. Three years later, after pursuing his faith and staying connected with Niela, the couple had a second wedding day with plenty of joy and gratitude to spare. In total, they would be together 47 years before illness and lung issues would take the life of his sweet Niela—who always said she was blessed no matter how difficult life got. June 21, 2019, was the day she returned home. Sylvester picked out a spot at Ridge Hill near a young tree and not too far from a water feature in a less developed end of the park. "God told me that this was the spot," he said about choosing this location.
After the funeral concluded and the grave marker was placed, Sylvester realized that he forgot to add one thing that marked her life with all the touches of her personality he had tried to remember.
SO, HE WENT TO A STORE, PiCKED UP A PERMANENT MARKER, AND ON ALL FOUR SiDES OF GRAVE, SYLVESTER WROTE DOWN THE TRUNK, "I AM BLESSED," iN HONOR OF NiELA'S ViCTORiOUS SPiRiT AND HER FiRM ROOT iN FAiTH.
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For Sylvester, it wasn't just an act of remembrance; it was an act of obedience. It had to be written—for Niela, for himself.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 37
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THE YOUNG TREE THAT OVERSHADOWED HER
A LOCAL SPOTLIGHT For David Hall, Sr., his journey to this place began 53 years earlier with a young lady named Nancy, whom he called Nan. They met in junior high school and married at 17. As their family grew, David settled into a long-term job at Dell Lumber, driving the truck and making deliveries. With every challenge they would face as a family, Nan would always say, "God will take care of that; I'm gonna start praying." Over and over again, David would witness the miracle and power found in Nan's prayer life. He shared that she kept a running list of people’s names for whom she prayed every day, the list filling three full notebook pages. "Even at the end of her health struggles, when she couldn't even lay down, I'd wake up in the night, and there'd she be—praying. If anybody needed prayer, they'd call my wife," David shared. On April 17, 2020, lung issues and congestive heart failure would end up taking the life of his dear Nan. Now the task at hand would be finding a spot to lay her to rest. Along with his children, David would walk the grounds of Ridge Hill, trying to find just the right spot; One that was not too wet, not too crowded, yet peaceful and purposeful. As David walked, he asked God to lead. He came upon a more sparse and quiet area of the park near a water feature and felt confirmation that this was the spot.
David Hall, Sr., with his beloved wife Nan (Nancy)
As he looked around and began to share this with his kids, it was all confirmed in three words: "I am blessed," written on a tree nearby.
"KiDS! THiS iS THE SPOT WHERE MOM'S GONNA BE LAiD," DAViD DECLARED. It was Sunday, May 10, that Sylvester would happen upon the Hall family gathering to look at the spot chosen for Nancy. Of all days, this was Mother's Day and the first meeting of two men who lost their children's mother and who were about to discover the gift of something new. As introductions were made, David's grandson recognized Sylvester from a work connection with the grandson's father. David described their interaction that day as a family reunion. l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol
From that day forward, the two men found that the other was either soon to arrive or already there whenever one of them would be there for a daily visit—a kinship formed in the moments and days that followed. The men's immediate bond took the form of hours of conversations full of memories of the past and gratitude for the present.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 38
Sylvester said, "You can't write a script like this! I spent a year out here alone, and then God brought Dave to provide me some comfort."
David interjected, "We have an agreement—whoever goes home first, the other will take care of their graves."
As the sun rose through the trees at Ridge Hill and onto the faces of the grave plots of Nan and Niela, I heard stories about two amazing women who were bonded in their faith, husbands, and family; in their love of making meals and desserts that blessed others; in their lives as prayer warriors, despite circumstances; and in their desire to serve their churches while being a blessing to other people. It was not through their life but rather their death that these two women would bring two men into a brotherhood; One where Sylvester says that iron sharpens iron. As I sat and talked with these two widowers, I was in awe of something special that's so true in the world we live—out of death, new life can amazingly spring forth.
OUT OF DESOLATiON AND DESPAiR, HOPE AND JOY CAN EMERGE UNEXPECTEDLY. Truly with David and Sylvester, I don't see the things that divide them; but rather bring them together. One thing you can count on when you face the sunset and the night gets cold and dark, lonely and uncertain: the dawn is coming. Take heart, and don't be afraid, for you are not alone.
The doors of Lorain Public Library System may have been closed for a period this year, but that did not stop the team from cooking up some exciting new areas to discover once everyone returned. LPLS expanded culinary initiatives with virtual classes in the new Culinary Literacy Center at the Main Library and the South branch received the addition of a Charlie Cart. The Culinary Literacy Center is essentially a demo kitchen with a classroom setting complete with a Bosch stove, microwave, restaurant-grade refrigerator, and prep area. The Charlie Carts are a kitchen on wheels with over 170 pieces of cooking equipment on board, including a Vitamix blender, convection oven, and electric griddle. These additions were inspired by the Culinary Literacy Center in the Free Library of Philadelphia, whose website states: “Food and cooking present many opportunities to advance literacy: reading a recipe and understanding the vocabulary of the ingredients and cooking tools, knowing the math of measurements and how to scale a recipe up or down, studying the science of cooking and growing food, understanding the connection between our health and the food that we eat, and exploring culture and history through cuisine.� Another new addition to the Main Library is the Create Space, which premiered recently, thanks in part to The Nord Family Foundation. The Create Space offers equipment that helps spark personal creativity in a way not formerly possible. This area includes sewing machines, Cricuts, laminators, 3D printers, a Dremel Maker Kit, and photo editing and printing accessories. LPLS provides many of the materials needed to complete projects of varying complexity, but projects can utilize outside materials, as well. The Create Space is available to visitors ages 13 and up, with an adult accompaniment required with users aged 13 to 17 years. Guests must complete a Create Space User Agreement and Waiver and provide a valid state-issued photo I.D. card before using the space; those under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign on their behalf. Failure to abide by all applicable policies and procedures will result in suspension or loss of Create Space privileges.
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The Create Space will be open during library operating hours, but projects must conclude 30 minutes before the building closes. Reservations for both the equipment and the room are currently required. The use of this room and equipment is limited to two hours per day, but users may request additional time by speaking with a staff member. To make a reservation, please call (440) 244-1192. For more information, please visit https://www.lorainpubliclibrary.org.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 40
LPLS Announces Collaboration with United Way of Greater Lorain County Lorain Public Library System is also pleased to announce a collaboration with United Way of Greater Lorain County to offer an additional resource for local job seekers via the United Way’s Initiative:
COLLECT>SORT>DELIVER COLLECT>SORT>DELIVER Through this initiative, attire is made available to those in need appropriate to be worn to an interview. Whether a job seeker only needs a pair of professional-looking pants or needs an entire outfit, clothes and shoes in various sizes and colors—for both men and women—are available. “The library has always been a great place to find resources to help people search for employment, and this is just taking it to the next level and providing one more resource, says Susan Spivey, Manager of the Main Library in Lorain. “Now that you have the knowledge and skills to get the job, add in a little confidence and style!” To see a sample list of currently available inventory, visit LorainPublicLibrary.org, and go to the “For Job Seekers” page under “Using the Library.” If you are looking for a size that isn’t listed, please inquire, and we can check availability. Once a patron chooses, requests, and picks up the clothes from either the Main Library or South Lorain Branch, they can keep them. Due to safety concerns, clothes are not available to be tried on in advance. If someone receives an item that does not fit, they can pass it on to a friend or family member and request an alternate item from the available inventory. “To overcome challenges, sometimes small items make a big difference. With the help of community members cleaning out their closets, we’re proud to partner with the Lorain Public Library to provide high-quality work clothes as another resource for job seekers, giving folks a boost of confidence as they take the next step in their career,” says Ashley Renée Hampson, Marketing & Engagement Director at United Way of Greater Lorain County.
For those interested in donating to this initiative, please contact Norma Sánchez, United Way’s Volunteer Engagement Manager norma.sanchez@uwloraincounty.org, or call their office at 440-277-6530. Donations of clean, gently used clothes, shoes, work boots, and scrubs that do not have any stains or tears are accepted at the United Way offices, 642 Broadway in Lorain, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They also take donated books, school supplies, and menstrual products for families in need in Lorain County.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 41
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“The distribution of work clothes is a part of United Way’s Collect > Sort > Deliver Impact Initiative, which also makes books, school supplies, and menstrual products available to families in need.”
Lorain's firefighters have been protecting the lives, property, and living environment of the citizens of Lorain, Ohio, since 1883.
Our firefighters are trained and equipped to play a key role in an integrated envelope of safety services protecting Lorain's most important resource—its citizens. We provide multiple services, including:
Lorain's former fire house, now location of Lorain Income Tax Department. Photo courtesy of Lorain Professional Firefighter's Local 267.
Alarm Board / Dispatch Operations Arson Investigation Confined Space Rescue Fire Safety Education Fire Safety Inspections Fire Suppression Hazardous Material Response Medical Response: First Responders/EMTs Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rescue Natural Disasters Rope Rescue Team
To protect the lives, property, and environment of the public by providing multiple firefighting related and emergency response services.
To protect the community from the perils of fire, natural disasters, and accidents involving people and the environment; to provide a medical response as first responders.
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Photo courtesey of Lorain Professional Firefighter's Local 267.
The Lorain Fire Department has played a vital role in our city's past, and we look forward to playing an even greater role in its exciting future. Lorain Local Magazine | page 42
Lorain's first fire company was formed on March 22, 1883. It was composed of four men from the village. The village council provided the men with one hand-pulled hose reel as the only fire apparatus. This first company was named the Eagle Company. As the village grew, so did the fire department, with a second company being formed in 1895. They called themselves the Tiger Hose Company. This was one year before Lorain became large enough to become a city. A third company was formed in 1896. This company was located in the steel plant district and was called the Tom L. Johnson Company. In 1899, the fire chief became the first paid firefighter.
Photo courtesy of City of Lorain Fire Department.
Company Number 4 was formed to protect the east side of Lorain in 1900. Over the next ten years, the Lorain Fire Department would become a paid service staffed with professional firefighters. A total of seven fire stations would exist. In 1912, the city purchased its first motorized fire apparatus, a Seagrave truck. This was quickly followed by a hook and ladder truck in 1912. Additional motorized equipment would follow. In 1919, the city installed a Gamewell Alarm System, which remained in service until 2002. Progress resulted in the replacement of the department's horses. The horses of Company Number 1 were replaced first, followed by Stations 4, 5, 6, 7, and finally 8, in 1929.
A majority of fires with fatalities occur during the night when people are sleeping. People will often never wake or wake after it is already too late. A working detector can sound the alarm to alert you when it detects smoke.
Installation Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and near every sleeping area. Because smoke will rise, it is recommended that you place your detector on the ceiling when possible. Try to avoid placing your detector near heating vents, cooking areas, and bathroom and ceiling fans.
Photo courtesy of City of Lorain Fire Department.
Today, the department consists of four fire stations. Central Fire Station at Broadway Avenue and West 14th Street, Company Number 4 responds to the east side, Company Number 3 protects the south side, and Company Number 7 responds to the west side's emergencies. The Lorain Fire Department continues to adapt and change, implementing new training and equipment as it becomes available, allowing us to serve better and protect the citizens and businesses of Lorain, Ohio.
Test your detector monthly, replacing your battery if it doesn't sound. If your detector still doesn't sound with a new battery, replace the detector. A good habit is to change your batteries in the spring and fall when you set your clocks ahead and back. If your detector starts to beep intermittently, immediately change your battery.
Cleaning Your Detector Vacuum or dust your detector at least every six months. Do not use cleaning products like ammonia or bleach. Never get the inside of the detector wet.
Final Safety Note Always remember: If an emergency should occur, dial 9-1-1 as soon as you have safely removed yourself from the situation.
For more information about Lorain's Fire Department and to learn more about Local 267, please visit lorain-fire.com.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 43
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Test Your Detector
Information from Lorain City Schools
PHASE 2 UPDATES
The COVID-19 pandemic is raging on, and Lorain City Schools has been recognized across the state for its proactive planning and supports to keep our children and community safe during this unprecedented time. The district’s “Open with Care” plan has three phases:
Phase 1 | Remote for All
Phase 2 | Parent Choice
Phase 3 | In-Person Instruction
Phase I Remote Learning has been in place for all 5,858 students since school began on September 8. This effort includes: Providing an iPad or Laptop to every student, and connecting homes in need of internet to Spectrum service; Expanding free meal distribution from 8 to 36 locations throughout the community, with distributions occurring Tuesdays and Thursdays twice a day—bus stop distributions occur in the afternoon, and families can pick up meals from Larkmoor Elementary, Washington Elementary and Southview Middle between 4:00-6:00 p.m.; Connecting with families to update their contact information and connect them to community resources and supports, if needed; Delivering online instruction through Google Meet, Zoom and Seesaw applications, with staff participating in ongoing peer-led professional development to share best practices and learn new tools to keep students engaged online. Lorain Schools administrators, teachers, staff and community partners are now deep into planning for Phase 2 “Parent Choice,” which provides families with the options of continuing with remote learning or participating in in-school instruction. The Phase 2 team has been busy visiting in-person school districts in the area to learn what’s working, what isn’t, and what they recommend moving forward. The team is also developing model schools within the district with close guidance from Lorain County Public Health and Mercy Health of Lorain. These model schools are Garfield Elementary and Palm Elementary, which are being set up with new signage, plexiglass barriers, hand sanitizer stations and everything needed to ensure physical distancing of students and staff while in school. Video of how schools will be set up will soon be shared with families for their input so that the district can make any needed additional adjustments. Once the in-person school plan and mitigation strategies have been shared with all families, the district will then survey families to learn which option they plan to participate in when Phase 2 begins—either in-person instruction or remaining remote. Lorain City Schools will announce the start date for Phase 2 one month in advance so that families and staff can plan and prepare. Families with a new address, phone number of email address need to provide that information to the district so that it can contact them with critical updates. To do so, call your child’s school or the Registration Department at (440) 830-4055.
LORAIN SCHOOLS ISSUE 17 RENEWAL
Residents in the Lorain City School District voted on a ballot issue for the November 3rd election. Issue 17 is a RENEWAL and WILL NOT RAISES TAXES for voters in the city of Lorain. Residents in the Lorain City School District have done so much to support their kids and families since the pandemic began, and it has made a world of difference. The Lorain community has ensured our kids have been fed, marched with them during the peaceful race protests, and provided critical supports during remote learning—supports that have benefitted their education and their families' well-being. This kind of support is what our city is all about, and Lorain’s children have noticed. By helping them through this extraordinary time, you are growing Lorain’s next generation of helpers. Issue 17 is a continuation of your support. This renewal does not raise taxes by extending an existing operating levy that provides our kids with quality teachers, instructional supports, and programming to bridge the gap that poverty creates. Passage of Issue 17 ensures our students and teachers continue to have access to critical technology and remote learning supports, right when it is needed most. While CARES ACT funding provided some cushion, it didn't cover all of the added expenses of getting a computer into the hands of every child, and internet in every home to ensure our kids continue to learn during the pandemic.
• Professional Development for our staff to teach and communicate in an entirely new way: virtually, and online through technologies that are new to many of us; • COVID-safe environments with plexiglass barriers, new signage, increased sanitation and ventilation to get our kids and teachers together back in our classrooms, safely; • Family engagement and outreach to ensure our students and families have all of the support they need to be successful in a virtual environment; • Wraparound services such as medical, dental and mental health supports; and • Supports and programming for families who speak Spanish. FAILURE of Issue 17 would have required drastic cuts to teachers, instructional aides and instructional materials—all of which are critically needed by our schools. Especially now. Again, Issue 17 is a RENEWAL and DOES NOT INCREASE TAXES. You can learn more at lorainschoolsrenewal.org or facebook.com/LorainSchoolsRenewal.
Lorain Local Magazine | page 45
l a c ol ni a r ol e h t @ | m o c .l a c ol ni a r ol
As we all know, this is an extraordinary time requiring extraordinary efforts from all of us. Our schools desperately need this funding to continue critical programming and supports, including:
Lorain City Schools Begins FREE COVID-19 Testing
A group of community partners have rallied together to make sure Lorain’s children and families are safer when we return to in-person learning—including when our children participate in close-proximity sports and activities. This new initiative is a joint effort by the Lorain City Schools, Lorain County Public Health, Mercy Health of Lorain and Case Western Reserve University to provide COVID-19 testing to our staff and students. This testing is being provided at NO COST to the district or families. The donor has asked to remain anonymous. According to Lorain Schools CEO Dr. Jeff Graham, COVID-19 testing in Lorain is critical to help our schools not only to assure they can react very quickly to any positive case and to assess their mitigation strategies, but to get a picture of school/community spread to inform them of future decisions. While there are helpful tools already being used to determine the prevalence of the coronavirus in Lorain County—such as the Ohio Public Health Advisory System which uses a color-coded system to communicate the severity of exposure and spread by county—county borders are an arbitrary way to determine these factors. The demographics of Lorain look very different from the demographics of the rest of the county—and our particular demographics are disproportionately affected by this virus. For instance, people who live in poverty, and racial and ethnic minorities are much more likely to contract, spread, be hospitalized and die from the virus. Lorain’s reality is different, and therefore Lorain’s approach must be different as well. The hope is that this expanded, localized testing initiative will give the Lorain City Schools a truer picture of the risk for contracting and spreading the coronavirus right here in Lorain. This information will also help the district to make the critical decision of when it’s appropriate to bring staff and students back into their buildings for in-person learning. Stay tuned to the district website at lorainschools.org for upcoming COVID-19 locations, dates and times.
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 46
LORAIN SCHOOLS PRESCHOOL "Where Learning Begins"
The Lorain City Schools is now enrolling children ages 3 and 4 for its Preschool program. Tuition is FREE All ten of our preschool programs earned the Ohio Department of Education's highest quality rating of 5 STARS through the Step Up to Quality program All of our teachers are certified, and have earned the designation of ”Highly Qualified” by the state Free field trips and programming are provided through our arts & culture partnership with Cleveland's University Circle Enroll Today by calling: (440) 830-4040
Lorain City Schools provides FREE, high-quality early childhood education to 3- and 4-year olds in the city of Lorain. Preschool classrooms are located in each of our ten elementary schools. Our goal to make preschool accessible to every family in Lorain, giving our youngest learners an early start at their neighborhood school. Our staff are experienced, highly qualified, and passionate about early childhood education, and they continue to hone their craft through regular professional learning experiences and ongoing coaching. We know that no two children learn exactly the same way, and our program is built to reflect and celebrate this reality. Our classrooms are integrated environments, where students of varying ages and developmental levels have the opportunity to interact and learn from one another. We also offer a variety of classroom models to meet students’ needs, including Head Start Collaborative classrooms and a duallanguage immersion program. Seats are limited and in high demand—call today to enroll your child: (440) 830-4040
Photos courtesy of Lorain City Schools
FROM TEAM LORAIN LOCAL
Enjoy the lighted decorations from the comfort of your vehicle and celebrate the season with a socially-distanced Santa and his elves at his workshop. Although you won’t be able to exit your vehicle to visit Santa in person, please write a letter to Santa, and his elves will be sure it gets into the North Pole mailbox. Santa will read some of the letters on our Facebook page!
Admission to this program is free, but we are asking visitors to bring one, nonperishable food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.
As
always,
Please
call
outdoor ahead
programs
the
day
of
are the
weather program
inclement weather or high wind advisories. information,
please
call
(440)
www.LorainCountyMetroParks.com
458-5121
dependent. in
case
of
For more or
visit
AT LAKEVIEW PARK
Experience
a
FREE
lakefront
drive-thru
lighted
holiday display at Lakeview Park! Enjoy classic holiday
scenes,
festive
dĂŠcor,
and
thousands
of
twinkling lights spanning this 26-acre park. Lights turn on at dusk and stay lit until 10 p.m. each night. We
hope
you
find
an
opportunity
cheerful and safe holiday activity!
to
enjoy
this