SEPTEMBER 2020 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 8

PENINSULA GARDEN CLUB

Get by with a little help from our Friends

It has been a challenging year for many. Those who have been laid off, parents learning to homeschool, children missing their friends, small businesses struggling by with limited customers. In our small village we are fortunate to have several non-profits and charitable organizations that bring us music, history, the arts, and beauty, just to name a few. The Peninsula Home and Garden Club is one of those organizations with a mission to provide a memorial to all those that have passed in Peninsula and Boston Township, by decorating the Peninsula downtown bridge through summer, fall and winter.

Each year the Garden Club participates in several events to raise funds towards the cost of these seasonal decorations of summer flowers and American flags, fall cornstalks, pumpkins and bows, and winter holiday greens and luminaries. For 2020 we budgeted approximately $1400 to cover these costs. This year we have an added expense of replacing the signpost which holds the original Garden Club Memorial sign at an estimated cost of $350. As with many organizations, this year there has been little opportunity to participate in any sort of fund raisers. We are asking you, our Peninsula and Boston Township Friends, to consider a donation to support this year`s bridge decorations and the new signpost. Every little bit will help the Garden Club continue with our traditional decorations and service to our communities.

Donations can be made out to: Peninsula Home and Garden Club.
Please mail c/o Marilyn Hansen, 2381 Main St., Peninsula, OH 44264 The Peninsula Home and Garden Club
2020 — Celebrating our 85th year of service to Peninsula and Boston Township






Photos courtesy of Lois Unger

BOSTON TOWNSHIP

The township minutes are posted on our website at www.bostontownship.org and outside the fiscal office at the Boston Township Hall. Trustee meetings are the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Zoning commission meets the second Tuesday of the month and the Board of Zoning Appeals meets the fourth Tuesday of the month.

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 Bill Clifton: 330-657-4032. Fiscal Officer: Catherine Anson at 330-657-2059; Road Department: Dave Krusinski at 330-657-2600; and Zoning Inspector: John Schneider at 330-657-2601 or 234-900-9145.

Boston Township Voting: In consultation with the Summit County Board of Elections and to better address requirements to meet Covid-19 guidelines, voting for Boston Township residents will move from the community room upstairs where it has been held in the past to the Boston Township Trustees` meeting room on the lower level. This room can be arranged better for social distancing and provides one way in and one way out.

Road Department: A few years back, Volkswagen settled claims against the company by setting up the EPA Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund. From this fund, grants will be issued to communities upgrading and replacing old road equipment. The township voted to apply to this program and should we be successful, we will have the opportunity to purchase a new road department truck for only 30% of its regular cost. The township and the village have signed an agreement for the provision of salt this winter. The township will sell salt to the village at $79 per ton with a $3 per ton loading fee. Additionally, the township voted to extend the current agreement with the village for the rental of space at the township garage for an additional six months (with the option for further extensions) at the rate of $500 per month.

The last brush pick-up will be October 5, 2020. Leaf pick-up begins October 15, 2020 and ends December 15, 2020. Please do not place your leaves on the road. Place your leaves near the roadside allowing room for our machinery to operate safely. Keep leaves away from signs and posts and not in ditches.

Covid-19 Issues: The trustees voted to set up a CARES Act Fund account to handle money for Covid-related issues. From this fund, the trustees voted to purchase the necessary equipment to better facilitate virtual meetings for the trustees and the zoning boards. Also, the trustees approved a Covid-19 action plan for the township.

Police Levy: The township`s current police levy will be expiring at the end of 2020. The trustees voted to place the police levy on the November 3, 2020 ballot as a renewal levy. A renewal levy brings in the same amount of money for the township that the expiring levy generates and will not raise property taxes. The 7-mill, 5-year levy will generate $150,508 per year. For the owner of a home appraised at $100,000, the cost of the levy will be $211.92 per year. The Boston Township Police Levy will be listed as Issue #31 on the November 3rd ballot.

Zoning: The trustees voted to reappoint Linda Littler to the Zoning Commission for a five-year term expiring September 4, 2025. Also, both the Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals approved resolutions delaying hearings for zoning matters because of Covid-19 restrictions. Public meetings have been limited to only ten in attendance. With five board members, the zoning clerk, the solicitor, the trustees` zoning liaison and, when necessary, the court reporter, the attendees would already be at nine leaving very little room for applicants and others to testify. For matters as important as zoning hearings, the two boards did not feel that virtual meetings provided enough reliability.

PENINSULA COUNCIL

Peninsula Council
Village Council met in an Electronic Meeting Format for the Regular Council Session Via Zoom Meeting August 10, 2020.

July 13, 2020 Regular Council Meeting Minutes were not passed as all members had not yet read them. They will be presented at the September Regular Council Meeting for approval.

Council approved both the Proclamation- Village of Peninsula 2020 Award for Lifetime Service to Richard Fisher, Sr., and the Mayors selection of Ms. Karlyn Green, Board Member, and Mr. Kevin Kramer, Alternate Member, to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Council approved a one-year extension to the current Republic Waste Management contract.

Council passed Ordinance 14-2020 An Ordinance to approve current replacement pages to the Peninsula Codified Ordinances.

Council passed Resolution 17-2020 A Resolution authorizing the Village of Peninsula to participate in the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program.

Mayor Dan Schneider announced Summit County is working on the repairs to the bridge on Riverview Road.

Mayor Schneider reminds everyone brush pickup is the first Monday of the month from May through October. Branches are to be no longer than twelve feet and are to be stacked in neat piles with the cut ends facing the roadway, placed in the ditch area or curbside. Any twigs or branches shorter than four feet may be placed in containers to be dumped into the chipper. This service is to handle minor pruning or yard cleanup of reasonable volumes. Not tree removal.

Mayor Schneider also reminds everyone that if you are planning to remodel your home, new roof, install a fence or retaining wall you will need a building permit. Please call 330-657-2151 for more information.

2020 Census: Households have received official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail. We encourage you to respond as soon as you can. Accurate information directly affects the quality of life in your community.

Reminder to our residents, that it is your responsibility to keep your ditches and driveway culverts clear.

Peninsula Council
Village Council met in an Electronic Meeting Format for the Regular Council Session Via Zoom Meeting September 14, 2020.

The July 13, 2020 & August 10, 2020 Regular Council Meeting Minutes were passed along with the August 21, 2020 Special Council Meeting.

Council approved the Real Estate Lease in Richfield for equipment Winter Storage and the Lease Agreement for the Village Service department to continue to work at the Township Service Garage until March 31, 2021.

Council passed Resolution No. 18-2020 A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Boston Township for the purchase of Road Salt.

Council passed Resolution 19-2020 A Resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Summit County Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Fiscal Officer.

Mayor Dan Schneider stated Summit County now estimates opening the Riverview Road bridge on September 25, 2020.

Mayor Schneider reminds everyone brush pickup is the first Monday of the month from May through October. Branches are to be no longer than twelve feet and are to be stacked in neat piles with the cut ends facing the roadway, placed near the ditch area or curbside, not in the ditch. Any twigs or branches shorter than four feet may be placed in containers to be dumped into the chipper. This service is to handle minor pruning or yard cleanup of reasonable volumes. Not tree removal.

Leaf Pick Up is October 15, 2020 — December 15, 2020. Please do not place your leaves on the road. Place your leaves near the roadside allowing room for our machinery to operate safely. Keep leaves away from signs and posts. Keep leaves out of ditches, No sticks, twigs or brush. No garden trash or vines. LEAVES WILL NOT BE PICKED UP IF THESE GUIDES ARE NOT FOLLOWED.

Just a reminder, when mowing your lawn, please do not discharge the grass and debris clippings onto the road.

Mayor Schneider also reminds everyone that if you are planning to remodel your home, new roof, install a fence or retaining wall you will need a building permit. Please call 330-657-2151 for more information.

2020 Census: Households have received official Census Bureau mail with detail information on how to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail. We encourage you to respond as soon as you can. Accurate information directly affects the quality of life in your community.
Reminder to our residents, that it is your responsibility to keep your ditches and driveway culverts clear.

Upcoming Meetings:
Planning Commission September 28, 2020 at 7:00PM Pending Electronic Meeting Via Zoom
Council Meeting October 12, 2020 at 7:00PM Pending Electronic Meeting Via Zoom

Contact Phone Numbers:
Administrative Office 330-657-2151
Non-Emergency Police & Fire 330-657-2911

Check the Website: www.villageofpeninsula-oh.gov

Nancy Holdsworth, Administrative Assistant

PENINSULA PEDDLERS DAY

SATURDAY, OCT 3, 2020
10:00AM - 4:00PM

To have your location listed on the Peninsula Village Facebook page for Peddlers Day, please contact Pam Schneider. Call or text 330-592-2707 or email at Pam9963@aol.com. Please give your name and address if sending information. The township will have a handful of spaces available on the driveway off Main Street. These are on a first come first served basis. If interested call Amy at 330-657-2439.

PENINSULA LIBRARY NEWS

Peninsula Library Update and Programs info@peninsulalibrary.org or 330-657-2291.

When libraries reopened across Ohio, directors and boards of trustees were all tasked with formulating a plan that reflected the size and nature of the library, the risks to staffs and the public, and the limitations and accommodations of their various library buildings. Nearly all libraries started with "curbside only" services but the Peninsula Library took a half step ahead of curbside services and opened the library, but only giving access to our new vestibule. While we still offer to bring items out to our patrons while they wait in their cars (something we have always done, for example, for patrons recovering from surgery or for parents with sleeping kids), we are still utilizing the vestibule for most of our circulation of materials. In the Peninsula Library`s five-step plan to reopen, we are at the third step. Step 4, the provision of limited access inside the rest of the library (limits on the number of patrons at any one time, limits on the length of time allowed in the building, and limits on the types of services provided), and Step 5, the full resumption of pre-pandemic operations, are yet to be enacted. Currently the library is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00AM to 9:00PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. To reach the library, please call us at (330) 657-2665 or email us at info@peninsulalibrary.org. Please look for us on Facebook or visit our website for updated information (peninsulalibrary.org).

Take and Make Crafts for Kids and Adults: Each month this fall, the library will offer Take and Make Craft kits for kids and adults. These kits will be available the first Monday of the Month: October 5, November 2, and December 7.

Our fall library programs for adults and children will take place via Zoom. If you would like to participate, please email the library at info@peninsulalibrary.org and on the day of the program you will receive an email from us with the link to join Zoom. Please call at 330-657-2291 with any questions.

Classic Movie Night via ZOOM - 1st Thursday at 6:30PM
Join us on Zoom to talk about different types of classic movies each month.
October 1: Scary Movie Breakdown
November 5: Celebrating the Family
December 3: Holiday Movie Madness
Please note that none of the participants in our in-person Classic Film Nights are film historians or film critics. They are just a group of fans of classic films who enjoy talking about them. If you are interested in joining our Classic Film chats, please contact us in advance of the dates above by sending an email to info@peninsulalibrary.org or by calling the library at (330) 657-2665 so that an email invitation can be sent to you.

Tuesday Evening Book Club—ZOOM—2nd Tuesday at 6:30PM.
October 13—When We Were Vikings. By Andrew David MacDonald.
November 10—Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington`s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away. Young Readers Ed. By Erica Armstrong Dunbar

Wednesday Afternoon Book Club—ZOOM—4th Wednesday at 1:30PM
October 28— This Tender Land. By William Kent Krueger
November 18— The Henna Artist. Alka Joshi (note: This is the 3rd Wednesday due to Thanksgiving)

Peninsula Area Stone Quarries - September 28, 2020 7:00PM
Because our Cuyahoga Valley Historical Museum has been closed since March, we want to try to do a virtual local history program using Zoom. Since Zoom has a feature that allows the presenter to show to all watching what is on the presenter`s screen, we can show a PowerPoint presentation on the Peninsula Area Stone Quarries using this method. Join Library Director Randy Bergdorf as he discusses the history of quarrying in the community including the location of quarries, the life of the quarrymen, the products that were produced and how they were made, and what led to the eventual demise of stone quarrying in the area. If you are interested in joining this presentation, please contact us in advance of the date above by sending an email to info@peninsulalibrary.org or by calling the library at (330) 657-2665 so that an email invitation can be sent to you.

Retirement Series with Western Reserve Capital Management VIA ZOOM—6:30PM to 8:00PM—September 30, October 7 and October 14
Are you planning to retire or already retired? Do you have questions about where and how to invest your retirement assets in this environment of market volatility and uncertainty? Do you understand the new Roth IRA rules and how to take advantage of them? Do you know how to take income from your retirement assets without running out of money? Rather than entering retirement guessing the answers to life-changing financial questions, spend three focused hours with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. These intensive one-hour classes are designed to help you become financially aware in this complex and challenging environment. Investment Advisor, James C. Sexton III, CFP®, CFS Gage Paul CFP®, RICP®, EA, lead this series of classes concentrating on critical retirement and investment issues.

September 30 - Retirement Income Planning: Find Out How Much You Need. Don`t just assume you can retire, spend an hour with us and find out the facts. Are you prepared to retire or far from it? This class will take an in-depth look at some common and very costly mistakes retirees make with their investments.

October 7 - Your Retirement and Your IRA: Avoiding Costly Mistakes While Keeping More of Your Retirement Money. 2020 is here and the new IRA rules are in effect. Make sure you are aware of them and can take advantage. For most Americans, IRAs are their largest retirement asset. Don`t neglect this account, learn the proper way to transfer 401(k)s, 403(b)s, how to deal with IRA pension rollovers and the new ROTH Rules!

October 14 - Sound Investing for Retirees. Confused and in shock over this volatile market Are you second-guessing your investment strategy? As more and more people approach retirement, the need for a solid understanding of basic economic and investment concepts increases. Many Americans just don`t know how to invest their assets for income and which asset classes are safe for retirees. ?Questions about assets, stocks, bonds and more will be answered in this hour-long program.

BOSTON TOWNSHIP ZONING

If you are planning a garage or yard sale in Boston Township please refer to section 405.09 of the township zoning regulations. A permit is needed from the zoning inspector for these sales. There is no charge for the permit. Please contact John Schneider at 234-900-9145.

HAPPY RETIREMENT

Best wishes to Walter Bevan on his retirement from Peninsula Hardwoods. Walter has been a part of our community for over forty years.

He has been active at Peninsula United Methodist Church for more than twenty years. During that time, he has been part of almost every committee at PUMC, including singing in the choir, being chair of the Administrative Council and serving as Lay Leader. As chair of the worship committee, Walter assists with weekly worship services by preparing the altar and facilitating the seasonal decorations in the sanctuary. His commitment to the church goes beyond committee work. He plays an integral part in church activities that involve the community, such as the Candlelight Walk and the Election Day Dinner.

For several years Walter has taken part in the Memorial Day Parade in Boston blessing the community.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Special birthday wishes to Janice Schneider who celebrated 80 years on September 12.

VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT

VALLEY FIRE DISTRICT On September 1, 2020 Matt Levitt took the oath of office as a lieutenant for Valley Fire District.

Matt served on Valley Fire from 1999 to 2003 and returned in 2016. He is a firefighter/paramedic and is a member of the Summit County Technical Rescue Team. Matt also serves on the Brecksville Fire Department and the Cleveland Airport Fire Department. Matt and his family reside in Stow.


Pictured above: Assistant Chief Scott Duber, Lieutenant Matt Levitt, and Chief Charlie Riedel.

Valley Fire welcomed two new members to the department. Ryan Zapora is a firefighter/paramedic and is also on the Macedonia Fire Department. Ryan lives in Macedonia.

Lane Smith is a firefighter/EMT. He is a member of the Windham Fire Department and resides in Streetsboro.

CONDOLENCES

Ralph Myello passed away September 9, 2020 at the age of eighty-five. He is survived by wife, Peggy, daughter Joan Amato (Chris) and son, John (Chris), grandson Brandon Amato. Ralph was the son of the late Ralph and Katherine Myello.

PENINSULA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH



Sunday Worship: We are continuing to hold Sunday morning Worship Services in the church yard at 9:00AM throughout the fall. We are meeting under tents and practicing safety measures including wearing masks and keeping social distance. Please join us!

Bring your own lawn chair, if you are able. There will be hand sanitizer, gloves and masks available for those who need/want.

These are weather-permitting events, to be cancelled if raining/storming. Please note, there is no childcare during these services. Visit our website at PeninsulaUMC.org/upcoming-events/ for future updates and events.

All are welcome!

Election Day Dinner: We regret that we will not be able to host our Election Day Dinner this year due to COVID-19 safety concerns. We plan to continue our tradition on Election Day in 2021. In the meantime, we are requesting stories from the more than 80-year span of Election Day Dinners! Please e-mail (PeninsulaM@twc.com) or mail (PO Box 186) your fun facts, remembrances, photos and historical information. Stories can also be shared with Lynn (PUMC Secretary) at 330-931-9662. And thank you for being a part of this special community event over the years.

Honoring our Pets in October: The Peninsula United Methodist Church invites you to join us for our annual A.A.R.F. (Appreciation of Animal Rescue Facilities) event, held throughout the month of October. Donations can be placed in the plastic bins outside of the Main St. side entrance to the church from October 1 through 31. All donations will be delivered to local no-kill shelters.

Ideal donations include: dry cat and dog food, peanut butter, household bleach, liquid laundry detergent, disposable latex gloves, paper towels, Mr. Clean antibacterial soap, anti-bacterial Clorox wipes, dog treats, kitten milk replacement (KMR), scrub brushes, scoopable litter, office supplies (copy paper, pens, pencils, markers) and new or gently used space heaters/heating pads.

Checks can be made out to Peninsula United Methodist Church - please add "pet shelter donation" in the memo line and send your check to PUMC, PO Box 186, Peninsula, OH 44264.

Visit our website PeninsulaUMC.org to see photos from previous years` animal shelter visits. For questions or to volunteer with deliveries to shelters, contact Loretta Harland at 330-289-7278 or at LHarland1@yahoo.com.

PENINSULA POLICE DEPARTMENT

Our community is saddened by the August 4 resignation of Rob Havranek. We wish him well.

The following new officers have joined Peninsula Police Department:


Kailey Marie Kowalik is a recent graduate of the Akron University Police Academy and lives in Stow. She is employed as a records clerk for the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department.


Thomas Carlo is from Broadview Heights and a recent graduate of the Cuyahoga Community Police Academy. Tom is also a Marine.

A THOUGHT ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT

Hello, Boston Township and Peninsula.

I live in Hudson Estates now, the trailer park on Akron Cleveland Road. For the last three months my rent check has been significantly late, though the manager has not charged me a late charge. Actually, I thought she was not processing them timely. This month I investigated. I pay my bills through my bank`s bill pay. They mail the check three days prior to the payment date, to have them arrive on time. In August my check mailed to arrive on August 7th actually arrived August 24th. I read the news and know the post office is being overhauled. I am extremely anxious to have my vote count in November.

Based on my experience with my rent check, I called the Board of Elections to see if it is possible to know if an absentee ballot cast by mail has been received. The answer is NO. So, I put together a short list to ensure a ballot is counted in November.
Vote in person at your polling station on November 3.
Vote early in person at the Board of Elections and other stations beginning October 2.
Deliver your absentee ballot to the Board of Elections in person.
If you want to know your vote counts this year, I urge you not to rely on the postal service. You can visit the Summit County Board of Elections and read everything you ever want to know about voting, early voting and absentee voting:
https://www.summitcountyboe.gov/

Joanne Noragon

PENINSULA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Over the past few months the following residents have been welcomed to our community with Welcome Boxes:

Nick Janigan—Stanford Road
Amanda, Casey, and Michelle Weinstein—Main Street
Cheryl Williams and Family—Keenan Road
Saul Varga and Family—Barlow Road
Julie and William Cole—Stine Road
Ana and Dan Knezevic—Bronson Avenue
Denise Maruna—Main Street
Susan Giuffre—Main Street
Michelle, Steve, and Jack Backhurst—Main Street

LOOKING AHEAD:

The annual Candlelight Walk as we have known it in the past, will be different this year. Stay tuned for further information.

WANT AD

FOR SALE: Handwoven cotton dish towels from local weaver Joanne Noragon. Towels are all cotton, machine wash and dry. Size 17x22", a variety of colors. Contact me: Everythingoldisnew2019@gmail.com. To see and order: cuponthebus.blogspot.com. Choose the towel tab. To visit my studio and browse my stock, email me for an appointment.

SERVICES

From the Editors: Have you used any of these services? We are asking for your feedback in rating them from one to five with five being excellent.

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. YCN Rating 5 Star. Very good work, timely and good communications during the job.

COMPANION SERVICES: Are you a senior seeking senior companion services? Well, help is here. Call Kimberly for more details. 330-285-6962

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.

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.

CARPET, RUG, UPHOLSTERY & TILE CLEANING: Citrus-based green cleaning system. Safe for children and pets. No residue and dries in a few hours. Offer 20% discount includes moving couch and chairs. Contact Sandy or Jim Sadens at 330-657-2113 CitrusGreenClean.com Email us at sadens.jim@gmail.com.
YCN reader rating of 5, multiple community comments.

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: For all your pet sitting needs, contact Precious Pets Sitting Service at 216-701-4181. Providing visits, midday walks, and overnight service since 1997. Rates start $15/day, insured/bonded, Veterinary Technician.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Your photographer neighbor. www.KelleyWeitzelPhotography.com For all photography needs.

LICKITY-SPLIT: Firewood, tree cutting and wood splitting. Call Scott Ensign at 330-657-2462.

ALEXANDER WATER: 330-923-0014.

CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING: Award-winning custom picture framing since 1992, with framing consultations at your home or office, delivery and installation. Instruction with social media and marketing. Fine Art Services - Assisting artists, designers, corporate & residential clients in the selection, display and proper framing of art. 330-657-2228.
YCN reader rating of: 5 Star Rating! I have used Carolyn to frame, reframe, and repair all sorts of art for me and she does a professional job.
YCN reader rating of: 5 Star Rating! Wonderful work and very creative. Highly recommended.

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.

FOR SALE: End Tables and Coffee Tables. Eye-Catching, Locally Sourced Hardwoods. Handmade in Boston Township. Visit StudioJoe.us.