Sept. 4, 2008 Edition

< GMN Expects to Discontinue Operation of Senior Services

by Arlean Selvy
Publisher
        “Costs are up, fuel is up and food is up,” said Gary Ricer,  executive director, GMN Tri-County CAC, which operates the county’s senior services.
        Ricer indicated to county commissioners, at their Aug. 26 meeting, that GMN will probably not operate Monroe County Senior Services after the end of the year. Ricer said the GMN auditor, R.D. Conley and Asso-ciates, has advised the GMN Board of Directors to “... consider an exit strategy for senior services in both Noble and Monroe counties.” Ac-cording to Ricer, the auditor has “pretty much demanded” GMN terminate contracts to operate senior services.
        GMN is currently operating the Monroe senior services on a contract basis with the county.
        With regard to the contract, Ricer said he is hoping GMN can continue operating the service until the end of the year. “Basically, it’s food and fuel that’s affecting the budget,” said the executive director, noting, “The funding sources will not increase their funding stream.”
        “The Board of County Com-missioners has always been committed to senior services,” said Commissioner John Pyles. “Now wheels are startin’ to spin on how we can keep it a viable program.”
        “I think it’s a travesty when our state and federal governments turn their back on the most vulnerable population in Ameri-ca, our senior citizens,” said Ricer.
        “Senior citizens are the wisdom of society and they’re taking the biggest hit,” said Ricer, noting the budget crunch.          
        He told commissioners the funding sources are not giving enough money to fund the program. “We hope to make it through the end of the year,” said Ricer, “But I don’t see county government running [the senior services program] any cheaper.”
        Ricer said GMN could consider “coming half-way” by keeping the Alzheimer program, homemaker/housekeeper, food commodity distribution and rural farmers market place. He noted however, that it is the congregate and home delivered meals that are hurting the budget.
        Pyles said commissioners will have to think of a way to keep the services operating.
        “I really don’t see it getting any better for you or for our entity,” said Ricer.
        Officials and Ricer will meet to discuss possible solutions to the financial problems.
        The county currently has a one-half mill levy for senior services. The levy generated $52,923.17 in 2007.
        Although Pyles mentioned asking voters for another half mill, the matter was not pursued. They agreed that placing a levy on the ballot at this time could be detrimental to other levies on the ballot. Ricer said county commissioners are legally liable and ultimately responsible as the local government to operate senior services.
        Pyles, wondering aloud, asked softly, “What are we going to do?”
        In other business:
        At the request of Spectra Energy and with the approval of Switzerland Township trustees, TR2182, off SR7 about two miles south of Powhatan Point, was vacated.
        Commissioners viewed the 528 feet of roadway during the morning session, and held a public hearing in the afternoon. No one appeared at the hearing to object.
        Concerning the flood mitigation program, Katrina Lent, RFG Associates of Zanesville, opened the sole bid received to raze two homes and a separate structure in Cameron.               
        The bid was from Ady & Sons Construction, Warren, in the amount of $15,000 and will be reviewed by the Zanesville firm.
        Structures to be razed were owned by Roger Ault and Sondra Chaney.
        County commissioners meet each Tuesday beginning at 9 a.m. at the courthouse.

< Incubator Opens at Midway

        Team Monroe’s first business incubator officially opened Aug. 28. “The goal is to stimulate business in the county,” said Hugh Hyre, chairman of Team Monroe’s incubator committee.             “We’re starting with a kitchen because that’s what we all know,” said Hyre. He made note that if it’s possible and worthwhile to citizens, with regard to time and travel, they’d like to open another kitchen incubator in another location.
        There are state requirements for the site, and rules and regulations to be followed by those who use the incubator facility. To date, a bakery license has been obtained as well as a preliminary canning license for items such jams, jellies and sauces and for packing dried goods.
        A certified kitchen manager is required for canning and Connie Morris recently underwent four days of intensive training to earn certification.
        Morris is pleased about the incubator. She traveled 90 miles to an incubator to prepare Confections by Connie. The Jacobsburg resident, who now has her own commercial kitchen, will produce at least some of her products at the Midway incubator.
                Economic-Workforce Devel-oper Tom Scott said the incubator represents something new. It offers a facility to those who need it. “If you are happy with what you use - tell people about it,” he said. “If you are unhappy - tell us so we can make it right.” Scott noted that within a year everyone will be pleased the business incubator is a reality.
        Team Monroe member Dan Greenlee noted a great need for private labels and an immediate need for co-packers. “The future is as soon as we can get started,” he said.
        Greenlee, who operates Malaga Greenhouse with his wife, Sue, reminded the group that people from outside Monroe County are interested in the facility. He said individuals from Belmont and other counties have expressed interest as have persons from West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
        “Having the incubator is an opportunity to employ people,  said Greenlee.
        Aaron Miller, owner of E’Delweiss (Beef) Farm near Beallsville, and member of the incubator committee, spoke briefly. “Monroe County has talent and ambition,” he said. “I’ve seen enthusiasm in Team Monroe. You have the ability to do something ... Just get up and get at it.”
        Hyre told those attending that after the kitchen is up and running, the incubator committee hopes to open a meat processing facility.
        The committee is currently doing preliminary work  on that project.
        “This is a county that could shine in this market,” said Hyre.
        Committee co-chair Joe Urbanek told attendees he met with a government representative who indicated there are grant monies available for the incubators. The representative, according to Urbanek, is willing to help write grants for Team Monroe.
        It was also noted the group will seek funding through the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
        The committee is seeking monetary  donations and information about where they may obtain a large upright freezer as well as other equipment, which can be used at the incubator site.
        It was reported a donation of lapidary equipment has been received.
        Lapidary equipment is used by a person who cuts, polishes and engraves precious stones.
        According to information given, each individual using the facility must have his own liability insurance if he/she is going to make and sell a product.
        It was noted that the success of the venture will depend on participation. “We need more and more participation,” said Scott.
        The application fee to use the kitchen is $20. The fee to use the kitchen  without using public utilities is $6 per hour. Those using the stove and other equipment will pay $8 per hour.
        Seated at the speakers table were Hugh and Jean Hyre, Joe Urbanek, Tom Scott, Dan and Sue Greenlee, Aaron and Charlene Miller and Ruthann Ridgeway.
        Officials attending the session included the county commissioners, John Pyles, Bill Thompson and ‘Sonny’ Block. County auditor Pandora Neuhart attended with interest in using the incubator facilities for her own products. Also attending was former Monroe County commissioner Mark Forni, executive director of farmland preservation.
        A tour of the facility, located in the former Midway school, was given. The incubator will have an office for computers, printers, copier and other office equipment; a storage room, a large room off the kitchen and, of course the certified kitchen, which features a 10-burner stove with two ovens. 
       

< Charlie’s Run Set for Oct. 4

        The 31st annual Woodsfield Run for Kids is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4. Charlie Kozles-ky, the race coordinator, is the only individual who has participated in all of the previous 30 Woodsfield events. His streak of participation is one of the longest of any ultra marathoner in North American and the world. The event itself is one of the longest continual ultra marathons in North America.
        The 30 previous Woodsfield Run for Kids has raised almost $500,000 for at least 10 different Children’s Hospitals throughout the country. Residents in the Woodsfield area need to be aware that all local contributions will be sent to the Columbus Children’s Hospital unless a donor specifies another hospital. All contributions will be used to defray the cost of the free and reduced cost that Children’s Hospital provides for the needy local children.
        Charlie will be joined this year by three other local entrants: Lori Michener, who has run the race nine previous times, will be joined by Chris Benedict and Tyler Graham. “I am very pleased to announce that Ruta Mazelis from Sher-rodsville will be participating for the 15th time and the energizer bun-ny, Dick Sand-ers from Buf-falo, N.Y., will be making his 25th appearance,” said Charlie.
        Jerry Bar-tram, formerly of Springfield, will be returning to competition after several years of health issues. “Jerry seems to be on the mend and wants to raise money for children,” said Charlie. These veteran participants will be joined by new runners, Tom Mays and Josh Powers. Charlie hopes to have about a dozen participants for this race and raise $20,000 for Children’s Hospital.
        The race organizer will begin contacting prospective pledges on Sept. 5 and will continue contacting individuals on weekends. Donations can be made payable to Children’s Hospital at 254 Brownstone Court, Westerville, OH 43081.

<Outdoor Classroom a Reality

by Martha Ackerman
Staff Writer

       

Clint Abbott, Beallsville High teacher and coach,  and Ryan Caldwell, BHS principal, are excited about the new outdoor classroom which is under construction. Employees from Century Mine spent over a month developing trails and a horseshoe pond.                         
Photos by Martha Ackerman

        The new outdoor classroom is under construction at Beallsville High School which includes a gazebo built in the center of the horseshoe pond. BHS teacher and coach Clint Abbott and principal Ryan Caldwell stand where the gazebo will be built. The natural springs will fill the pond.

The idea of a Beallsville Outdoor Classroom was resurrected last spring by Clint Abbott, Beallsville High teacher and coach, and BHS Principal Ryan Caldwell. They are very excited about the project and they have every reason to be.
        The enhancement plans include mulched walking trails, a 30’x40’ pavilion with running water, a wetland area, staged seating area and wildlife identification markers.
        “The original mastermind of the outdoor classroom project was Christy Burrow,” said Abbott. Burrow started cleaning up the area about three years ago, “but it never took off,” he said.
        This time the project is in full swing, but is in need of donations and community help to get it where the two men envision it to be. That vision is a beauty – the quiet, park-like setting, serene wooded area, a gazebo overlooking the pond, nature trails, flower beds and more. The entrances will be as elegant as possible.
        According to Caldwell, his uncle Don Headley used his dozer to make some trails. That was just the beginning.
        A request brought Century Mine employees and heavy equipment to the seven-acre area. The crew worked for over a month, noted Abbott. “We couldn’t have afforded what they did.”
        What did they do? There are trails running through the area and a large horseshoe pond which will be filled with the natural springs. The main trail extends peninsula-like into the center of the horseshoe pond. A gazebo is planned for that area. There is also a developed area where the pavilion will be built.
        What was originally a swamp can now be used after culverts were installed by the mining company.
        A lot of Century Mine’s employees are from the Bealls-ville area. According to John Murray, production geologist and son of Century Mine owner Bob Murray, the outdoor classroom is a good community service project.
        According to the Caldwell and Abbott, charcoal grills will be installed. The pavilion will be accessible for picnics, re-unions and other public events.
        The classroom will be available to classes kindergarten through grade 12. Brochure information notes, “The facility will be used for various activities, not only in math and science, but also language arts, visual arts and social studies. The interactive environment will give students an opportunity to learn through a hands-on medium.”
        An Outdoor Classroom Club has been formed with 30-35 students. According to Abbott, the group gets together Tuesday after school to work on the project. “Students who do not do well in the classroom thrive in this environment,” said Abbott. “They become the leaders. It’s amazing to see the transformation.”
        Teachers also use the outdoor classroom as an incentive to students, noted Abbott.
        The area is gated and locked for safety reasons. According to Abbott, children do not enter without supervision.
        Future fundraisers are being planned – a haunted trail and next spring an area across from the pond will be planted in pumpkins. Residents can enjoy picking out their pumpkins from the pumpkin patch.