We must learn
to live together
as brothers
or perish together
as fools.

Martin Luther King Jr.
January 2026 VOLUME 43 NUMBER 1



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A BOSTON TOWNSHIP THANK YOU

Once again Boston Township sponsored the Community Christmas Bazaar on December 6. We had many local vendors, return vendors, and some new faces. An enormous thank you to Charlene Cooper and Nancy Shrader for all of your help. Thanks to Jerry Ritch, Maureen Downey, Gretchen Gallimore and Franca Hendryx for helping throughout the day. This year our raffle basket was in memory of Tom Germain who manned the raffle table for years. Township resident, Jerilyn McGuire, won the basket. Proceeds from the raffle went to the Heidi Lagasse scholarship at Woodridge and the Boston Township Hall Committee.

This was the twenty-eighth year the township sponsored the Share-A-Christmas program. Thank you to all who donated to the program. Special thanks to Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, Peninsula United Methodist Church, the Conservancy for the CVNP, Trapp Family Farms, and the Village of Peninsula for their help. Thank you to Terry Lumber and the Peninsula Library for again allowing us to place boxes for donations. Valley Fire held a Fill the Squad event at Costco. Thank you for assistance from Richard Smith, Brian Leising, Zach Heisa, Alex Zajac, and Chief Packard for providing their help. Delivery help was provided by Jeff Acomb, Lieutenant Nick Sebastian, Brian Leising, and Chief Mike Packard.

I feel the Share-A-Christmas program is one of the best things we do as a township. We are helping our neighbors. Along with trustees, Randy Bergdorf and Mike Anderson, we wish you a happy and healthy New Year.

Share-A- Christmas pictures below:

Share-A- Christmas crew
Pictured above: Charlene Cooper, Jerry Ritch, Randy Bergdorf, Gloria Ritch, Ray Hach, Dan and Joanne Palicka, in front Mark Anson. Not pictured Terry and Jodi Padrutt.

Share-A- Christmas delivery
Brian Leising on delivery

Share-A- Christmas products
Costco donations

Amy Anderson





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BOSTON TOWNSHIP

The Boston Township minutes are posted on our website at www.bostontownship.organd outside the office of the Fiscal Officer in the Boston Township Hall. Our meetings are not currently being covered by The West Side Leader. Additionally, The West Side Leader did not cover Boston Township candidates or issues for the recent election.

Zoning Update: As Zoning Inspector Mike Anderson was elected trustee, the township needed to find a replacement. At the meeting held January 14, Ruben Miller was hired as Zoning Inspector, Ruben is a retired police officer and a former Marine Corps reservist. Mike and Ruben will be working together to transition the zoning operations. To contact the Zoning Inspector, please leave a message at (330) 657-2601. Also, until further notice, the Zoning Commission will be having a work session at 5:30PM, prior to their regular meeting, on the second Tuesdays of each month. They are working with zoning consultant Fred Guerra on revisions to the resolution.

Don Beal: At the meeting held on December 10, Don Beal was recognized for his service as a trustee from April 23 to December 31, 2025 with the following proclamation:

Whereas, there was an unanticipated trustee vacancy as of April 9, 2025, and
Whereas, Don Beal had served the township for many years as a member of the Zoning Commission, and
Whereas, upon being asked to fill out the remainder of the unexpired term, Don Beal generously agreed to serve, and
Whereas, Don Beal was unanimously appointed Boston Township Trustee on April 23, 2025,
Therefore, on behalf of the citizens of Boston Township, we thank Don Beal for his continued service to Boston Township, given this tenth day of December 2025.

Don Beal


Thank you, Melissa!: For the tenth year in a row, Melissa Anderson has designed the Boston Township entry into the Mini Tree Display at the Peninsula Library. This event, which started in 2007, has featured many wonderfully decorated trees. But Melissa doesn`t just decorate a tree, she creates works of art, hand-sculpted and hand-painted with care. This year`s entry was a three-dimensional retelling of the Charles Dickens` classic, A Christmas Carol.

Don Beal


WEBSITE: Visit our Website at www.bostontownship.org to find up–to–date Township information. Contact numbers for the trustees: Amy Anderson: 330–657–2439, Randy Bergdorf: 330–655–5698, and Mike Anderson: 330–523–8802: 330–657–4032. Fiscal Officer: Pam Schneider at 330–657–2059; Road Department: Dave Krusinski at 330–657–2600; and Zoning: Ruben Miller at 234–900–9145 or 330–657–2601.





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VILLAGE OF PENINSULA

From the editors: The article below is being printed as written by Faith Dorton. It has not been edited.

The Village of Peninsula would like to again give a warm welcome to the newest Council members, Amy Frank-Hensley, Daniel Krachisnky, Moe Riggins and Jodi Padrutt.

The Village is happy to announce that the Ohio Department of Transportation has awarded $2,000,000 through the HSIP Systemic Safety Funding program for traffic, signal, and pedestrian improvements along SR 303 with the hopes of an additional $1,500,000 from Ohio Public Works Commission.

The wastewater project is moving forward for plans to break ground later this year.

Boston Township and Boston Heights is working to form the 6119 Valley Water District alongside the Village.

An ordinance was passed to increase uniform allowances for the Police and Service Department employees. The Service Department is still looking for a full-time team member. Inquiries can be emailed or called to Village Administrative office.

Statement of Condition of the Village Goals and Plans for the year will be included in the January 13, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Minutes once Council has approved the Minutes.

Upcoming Meetings and Events:
Planning Commission Meeting: January 26 at 7:00PM
Special Meeting of Council: January 27 at 7:00PM
Check the website for more information, and updates.

Contact Information:
Administrative Office: admin@villageofpeninsula-oh.gov : 330-657-2151
Non-Emergency Police & Fire 330-657-2911





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WE ARE WOODRIDGE

In case you missed it in the Beacon Journal earlier this year three sports writers chose the top ten moments in greater Akron school sports from 2025. Number one was Woodridge boys cross country team. The team won the division III state championship. Number three was wrestler Gavin Genovese who won the state championship 120- pound weight class. Number nine was Marissa Boone who won a silver in the 800-meter track and field meet. Congratulations to all of these athletes.

Cheer Youth Night was held on January 16, 2026 at the Woodridge Junior Varsity Basketball game. Roughly 70 young cheerleaders participated. Following the JV game, the varsity team dominated Ravenna 73-35

YOUTH NIGHT
YOUTH NIGHT

THE STUDENT SECTION
THE STUDENT SECTION





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COUNCIL CORNER

Hopefully this will become a monthly opinion piece, written by different members of our council per issue. We would like to offer a more personal take on our individual views of our meetings.

Through this process, the hope is that you will get to know us better, and will, at the very least be entertained.

The first meeting for our new council members was January 13, 2026.

We started to sort through the normal organizational requirements and made some headway, much more work to be done.

Some take-aways are, that God willing, the speed monitor that the village owns, might finally come out of storage and be put to use. This is one of those contraptions that when you drive by, it displays your speed. It also records this data over the course of several days. These have been found to help slow drivers down, so fingers crossed, for all our problem areas as it makes its way around town.

An amendment to our parking ordinance was sent back to the Planning Commission for more information and further work.

A well-deserved and much needed increase in the uniform allowance was approved for our police department and service department crew.

Many discussions were had, at times spirited, as we try to navigate how some past decisions came to be, for variances and other town business.

I, myself, was given a stern lesson from Mr. Najeway from the audience, about how some businesses in our village may put aside zoning and other Peninsula regulations when hosting a private event.

This promises to be a very revealing and thought provoking four years.

As everyone adjusts to our changes in leadership, I encourage all residents to attend and participate in our now, in the planning stages, bi-monthly meetings.

The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 at 7:00PM at the townhall.

If this edition doesn`t reach you in time, we are in planning, for the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 7:00PM at village townhall.

On the village website you will find contact emails for all council members. As of this writing it lists the previous council, but that should be corrected soon.

And as always, contact Faith Dorton at admin@villageofpeninsula-oh.gov to sign up for updates on all village meetings.

Thank you, and remember, We - Are Peninsula.

Moe Riggins





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PENINSULA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Sunday Worship
Our Sunday Worship Services take place each week at 10:00AM both in-person and via Zoom. The Zoom meeting ID is 734 940 8017 and the passcode is Pumc1575.

We welcome you to join us in worship and fellowship following the service!

Ash Wednesday
The Lenten Season begins with Ash Wednesday on February 18. Please join us for the 7:00PM service. Zoom link is listed above.

For more information about PUMC and upcoming events, please visit our website at PeninsulaUMC.org.





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MOTHER OF SORROWS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Mother of Sorrows celebrated the birth of Jesus with beauty and splendor. The church was decorated and welcomed many to worship. It was a wonderful sight to have our pews full.

Residents and visitors are always welcome to participate in Holy Mass, celebrated on Saturdays at 5:00 PM and Sundays at 9:30AM. When traveling, join us for Mass wherever you are via live-streamed Mass Saturdays at 5:00PM.

For information about our parish, becoming a Catholic or to inquire about baptisms or weddings, please contact Deacon Will Yoho at 330–620-0992. Office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 10:00AM to 2:00PM.

If you or someone you know is sick and would like to receive Holy Communion at home, email carolk4mos@gmail.com to set up a convenient time.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. On January 22 at 7:00PM, there will be a presentation by Ted Rusinoff, Chairman of the Board of The Exodus Road. The event is designed to educate, equip, and empower community members to recognize the signs of trafficking and learn how we can work together to protect the vulnerable. The international organization that he represents was established to fight modern-day slavery by partnering with law-enforcement to fight human trafficking and empower survivors on their journey to freedom.

Faith and Fiction Book Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at 10:00AM for coffee with book discussion beginning at 10:30AM. Contact Carol at carolk4mos@gmail.com for location. The book for February 11 is Reading Behind Bars by Jill Gruenwald. A true story of literature, law, and life as a prison librarian. Book club is open to all denominations. Please join us.

Join us February 11 at 8:45AM for Rosary followed by Mass. Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten Season. Mass will be held on February 18 at 7:00PM with distribution of ashes. Also, during Lent, join us for Stations of the Cross every Friday at 7:00PM beginning February 20.

Pardon Our Dust. We incurred significant water damage in our basement following a recent heavy rainfall. For the immediate future, we are relocating activities that are normally held in the lower level of the church. Until further notice, please call 330-657-2361 or contact MOS via email at mospeninsula@gmail.com to verify the locations.

Sancturary





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PENINSULA LIBRARY

Peninsula Library and Historical Society - 6105 Riverview Road. Please call the library to register for any of the following programs or for more information. PH: 330-657-2291 Email: info@peninsulalibrary.org

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Tuesday Evening Book Club 6:30PM
February 3 Kindred. by Octavia Butler.


Preschool Story Time Mondays and Thursdays 10:00AM
Preschool Story Hour is at 10:00AM on Mondays and Thursdays beginning the week of January 26. Miss Allie will share books, songs, dance and more. This program is for ages two and up along with a parent/guardian. Please call the library to register. See dates below:

Mondays:
January 26
February 2, 9, 23 (we will be closed for President`s Day on Feb 16)
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27

Thursdays:
January 29
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 12, 19, 26 (Miss Allie will be away March 5)
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Wednesday Afternoon Book Club 1:30PM
January 28 The Dictionary of Lost Words. by Pip Williams.
February 25 The Names. by Florence Knapp.
Beach Zen Garden Wednesday, January 28 6:30PM
Relax and create your own desk top Beach Zen garden with rocks, mini star fish and sand dollars, sea turtles, sand rake, shells and sand!
Reservations are requested. There is not a fee; however, donations are graciously accepted. Please call the library or email info@peninsulalibrary.org.

Kids Valentines Day Crafts Saturday, February 14 10:00AM to Noon.
Please join us for Valentine`s Day Kids` Crafts on Saturday, February 14. Crafting begins at 10:30AM and ends at noon. Please call, email, or visit the library to register. (For ages 3+ with a parent/guardian)





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CONDOLENCES

Klaczko

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Nancy J. Sneider, who passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025. Born on August 19, 1940, she was the daughter of Elmer and Lilliam (Karasck) Koudela. Proceeded in death by her husband, Murphy Sneider and her faithful companion of 25 years, Brett Clark, Stepson George Clark. Nancy is survived by her Stepson Joshua Clark (Sonya), Stepdaughter Brittany Codner (Jason), two grandchildren Jacob Clark, Ella Clark; and beloved Logan family with whom Nancy fulfilled her greatest calling to care for children.

Nancy was a kind and thoughtful woman known for her humble selfless nature, and love that touched the lives of many. She was a compassionate, loving caregiver with a heart of gold. She will be deeply missed by all who know her.

A private graveside service to be held in the spring.

    —   —   —         —   —   —    



Klaczko

Laura Ann Pruchnicki, 51, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, after a short battle with cancer.

Laura was born in Cleveland on October 10, 1974. She grew up in her family home on Oak Hill Road in Boston Township and was a proud 1993 graduate of Woodridge High School. She then continued her education at Ohio Northern University. There, she distinguished herself not only academically but also athletically as a Hall of Fame softball catcher-an honor that reflected her dedication and talent on the field. She went on to graduate in 1997 with her bachelor`s degree in Communications.

Laura is survived by her parents Robert (Patricia) Pruchnicki and Kathryn (Ron) Smotek; brothers Rob and Ron (Katherine) Pruchnicki and sister Kelly (Drew) Pruchnicki-Murray; niece Grace, Morgan god-daughter, nephews River and Nathan.

    —   —   —         —   —   —    



Klaczko

Dan Schneider, age 84, of Peninsula, passed away January 4, 2026. Beloved husband of Janice M. (nee Truxell); loving father of Daniel R. Jr. (Linda), the late Robert L., Pamela A., and John C. (Kathy); cherished grandfather of Nichole Sitz (Jeff), Danielle (Scott Clark), Courtney Smith (Daniel), Heather, Samantha Mahoney (Daelan), and Kyle; cherished great grandfather of Wyatt, Ava, Brayden, Josie, Skylar, and Presley; son of the late Mildred and Fred; brother of the late Diane Andexler. Daniel was longtime councilman (47 Years) for the Village of Peninsula and retired from the Ford Motor Company after 45 years.

Dan, "Grandpa" to many who knew him, had an immense amount of love for his family; there wasn`t anything he wouldn`t do for any of them. You could always expect him to answer the phone with a "howdy" or "helllooo" depending on who was calling. If the grandkids wanted to go to the casino, he was always willing to go and maybe even give them a little gambling money.

From spring to fall you could find him sitting in his rocker on the front porch watching the neighborhood. He could tell you everything that went on for the day, some people would say that he was nosey, but really, he was probably just looking to see who might need help or if someone walked down the street he would just say hello.

Dan was a great supporter of the Woodridge School District. He spent 60+ years helping and supporting the district. He also loved his hometown of Peninsula. He served on the Valley Fire Board and was a volunteer fireman for many years.

We ask that no flowers be bought, but instead you can make a donation to Woodridge Booster Club/softball at 4440 Quick Rd. Peninsula, OH 44264 or Venmo @woodridgeboosterclub, or make donations to Valley Firefighters Inc. at Valley Firefighters Inc 5297 Dogwood Dr., Peninsula, OH 44264 or Venmo @valleyfirefightersinc, in the memo please put Dan Schneider.

There will be a small service prior to the celebration of life at 12:30PM. Memorial visitation on January 25, 2026 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM at Woodridge High School, 4440 Quick Road.

www.ferfoliafuneralhomes.com.





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HELP ALEXIS AND HER FIGHT TO BEAT LEUKEMIA

Alexis Becker, a Valley Firefighter/Medic, has been working for the Valley Fire District for over two years. She also is a part-time police officer for the Village of Newburgh Heights for five years. Alexis has a deep passion for serving others, dedicating her life to protecting communities and helping people in times of need

Alexis is currently battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She is in and out of the hospital for weeks at a time for treatment. Purchasing a shirt for Alexis means giving hope to a brave young firefighter batting this cancer. Your generosity will help cover her medical treatments, ease the financial burden on her and her family, and give her the chance to focus on healing and living the full, healthy life she deserves. We are truly grateful for your kindness, and we want you to know that 100% of every donation will go directly to Alexis to support her fight against Leukemia.`

Firefighter Becker


You can purchase your donation shirt by scanning the QR code or by visiting www.shopvalleyfire.com.

orange ribbon    orange QR





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WANT ADS AND SERVICES

ALEXANDER WATER: 330-923-0014.

GARAGE DOORINSTALLATION AND REPAIR: Serving our area for over thirty years Rickenbacher Door will provide garage door installation and repairs, opener installation and repairs. The owner grew up on Stine Road and is a Woodridge graduate. This business is now in their second generation of the Rickenbacher family. Call 330-794-7962. Office 3499 State Road Suite D. Cuyahoga Falls 44223
YCN rating 5+. I have been using them for all of their 30 years. Last time I called they were at my home within thirty minutes


FREE: Free aged horse manure for your garden. Will load your truck. Richfield. Balogh`s horse boarding 330-659-4748.

MOVING & JUNK REMOVAL: Helping local residents with junk removal, furniture removal and/or assembly, and moving assistance without the big price tag. Same-day & weekend jobs are welcome. Call Brad to get your quote today! (216) 299-0422

SWEETPEAS PAINTING LLC: Call local resident Shannon Sneider for all your painting needs. 216-970-8705
YCN Rating 5 Star. I was recommended to Shannon by a friend. She came soon after I reached out. She gave me a very reasonable quote. She was very personable, thorough and did an excellent job. I would highly recommend her.
YCN Rating 5 star. Wonderful job. Finished early and under estimate.



HELP WANTED: Pierogies of Cleveland in Richfield. Cashiers and Cooks. Stop in between 10:00AM and 3:00PM, Monday through Friday for an interview. 330-659-4309 https://www.poconlinestore.com/careers

TRAVEL ADVISOR: I am a travel advisor specializing in Princess and Royal Caribbean cruises and Sandals, Beaches, and Apple resorts and I can help you plan your best vacation ever!!! Contact me at LindaFisher@InfiniteMomentsTravel.com or Facebook Linda at Infinite Moments Travel and we can get you traveling.

TREE TRIMMING: Tree trimming, storm clean-up, general clean-up. Call Tom the Tree Guy at 330-760-4105.

SONSHINE CLEANING SERVICE: Residential (including Apartments), Commercial, Offices, Floors, Walls, Windows, Bathrooms, etc. $10 off first cleaning and $10 off for every referral that uses us. Three hour minimum please. Please contact Claudia Norris at (440) 915-9957. Local references available.

LICENSED ELECTRICIAN- Peninsula resident. Great rates/Quick service. Call Steve at 330-310-1061. Ohio license #El22934.


REAL ESTATE SERVICES: Your hometown Real Estate agent, looking to buy or sell your home call us. Sylvia Tonhaeuser/ Robin Shrader Remax Trends 330-329-1851. No one knows Peninsula or Boston Township better.
YCN rating 5. She was excellent as a real estate agent, very considerate, good communication and very caring of the property

PROJECT FEEDING KIDS: Find the best prices for every essential service, both residential and commercial while helping feed children in the community. We work with top brands, such as DirecTv, Dish, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, gas, electric, and merchant services. Call Kelly at 330-203-9713.

SAWMILL SERVICE: From firewood to tree removal, all the way to decks, porches, & more. We do it all, give me a call! Wells Construction/S & S Sawmill, Seth, (330) 352-0210.
YCN reader rating of 5, reporter very pleased with services.

DOG TRAINING/SERVICES: Whether you need help training your dog or help getting your dog out while you`re away, call Tim Dent 4 Dogs, LLC (330) 212–1181 or email timdent4dogs@gmail.com. Reasonable rates.
YCN reader rating of 5.

FOR SALE: Contemporary Furniture. Handmade in Boston Township. Bar Stools, Counter Stools, Side Tables, Coffee Tables, and more. Joe Griffith. (330) 701-9819. www.bluedogmodern.com. joe@bluedogmodern.com.


NEED A HAND? CALL THE HANDYMAN! Bath resident, Joshua Kastelic 15+ years experience. Honest, Quality, On-Time 330-289-8181 thehandyman_can@rocketmail.com
YCN reader rating of 5, reporter has used this service multiple times.

PET SITTING IN YOUR HOME: Precious Pets Sitting Service at 216-701-4181, precpetstr@aol.com, preciouspetsohio.square.site. Providing visits, midday walks, and overnights since 1997, rates start $20/day, Insured/Bonded, Vet Tech.

PHYSICAL THERAPY: Looking to rehab an injury or need a body tune up to prevent aches and pain? We are a concierge physical therapy that comes directly to you, gets you feeling your best, and back to doing what you love to do. We don`t treat you like another number, we treat you like family! Amy McMillin, PT, Owner of Custom Care Rehab https://customcarerehab.com. 330-618-5703 "We Are Bringing the House Call Back to Medicine"


GRIZZLY GARAGE DOOR SERVICE: "We Protect Your Door Like You Protect Your Cubs" New Door Installs - Service and Repairs…Door Revamp Package -Spring Replacement New Garage Door Openers and Repairs. WHS 2008 AlumTyler Barnhart Owner call 330-635-5565.