Wretched
are those
who are vindictive
and spiteful.

Pope Francis
May 2025 VOLUME 42 NUMBER 5



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A LEGACY LIVES ON

Many of you may remember Ralph and Jewell Reinhart who moved to Peninsula in 1930. After purchasing a farm on Stine Road, these "city kids" survived those first challenging years constantly learning agricultural and conservation methods in order to raise crops, plant orchards and protect their woodlands. As a teacher, Jewell spent most of her career teaching in the Hudson School District, while Ralph owned a water supply business. In their spare time they were heavily involved in the community, church and other civic functions, but they were always enthralled with nature. Ralph frequently entertained Jewell`s students on nature walks sharing his knowledge of the trees, flowers, how to tap for maple syrup and how to protect the land. For Arbor Day every year, they provided dogwood and redbud saplings free to students and the community to beautify the valley (some of which you can still see today). Fifty years ago, the Reinhart`s donated two arboretums-one to Woodridge Schools and one to Hudson Schools -as an outdoor learning lab for the students, with Ralph designing and planting the trees. During their life they received many community and conservation awards. This year, Arbor Day fell on April 25, 2025. Fittingly, the Hudson School District chose this day to rededicate the Reinhart Arboretum at the McDowell School. With the help of the Hudson Garden Club and School Board (along with arborist and local, Curt VanBlarcum) the Arboretum was returned to its original glory. Ralph and Jewell`s daughter, Dr. Jewell Reinhart Coburn, and her children attended the dedication ceremony along with local family members comprising four generations. In addition, family members, led by Jewell Coburn, wrote a book "The Life and Times/Family History of Ralph and Jewell Reinhart, Sr." of their life in the valley and contributions to our community, which is now available at the Peninsula Library. As their granddaughter, I can`t help but think they would be very proud that their legacy lives on.

ALT NAME
From left to right: Siu and Matthew Padrutt (with daughters Anna and Claire), James Coburn, Ashley Coburn, Jodi Reinhart Padrutt, Jewell Reinhart Coburn, Terry Padrutt, William Coburn, Sara Padrutt Candle, and Betty Reinhart

Jodi Reinhart Padrutt





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MEMORIAL DAY

The Memorial Day parade is scheduled for May 26, 2025.

Each year we mention veterans living in our community. If you are a veteran or know someone who is a veteran and would like to participate, please call Jerry Ritch and give him your name, branch of service, and war in which you may have served. 330-657-2015.

On May 26 at 9:30AM in the Township`s service garage Valley Fire will be providing doughnuts and coffee. While at the service garage, please consider stopping by the new location of the Peninsula Library Museum. The museum is on the ground level and you enter through the doors of the brick building.

There will be a brief service at the Memorial Grove at the Peninsula Library at 10:00AM. This service commemorates the service of former staff, board members, and friends of the Peninsula Library who have passed away.

We expect the band to arrive around 11:00AM. From here the parade goes up to Cedar Grove Cemetery for a short service.

For the Boston part of the parade, we will again start at the parking lot on Riverview Road at the south end of Boston Mills Ski Area. We are using the two driveways at the south end of their parking lot. There will be hot dogs, water, lemonade, and bakery for all. After a brief rest the parade will continue to Boston Cemetery for another service.





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BOSTON TOWNSHIP

WEBSITE: Visit our website at www.bostontownship.org to find up-to-date Township information. Contact numbers for the trustees: Amy Anderson: 330-687-9498, Randy Bergdorf: 330-655-5698, and Bill Clifton: 330-657-4032. Fiscal Officer: Pam Schneider at 330-657-2059; Road Department: Dave Krusinski at 330-657-2600; and Zoning: Mike Anderson at 234-900-9145.

Transitions: Boston Township Trustee Bill Clifton submitted his resignation at the end of March. The board voted to accept his resignation, with regret, at the meeting held April 9. On April 23, former Zoning Commission member Don Beal was appointed to fill out the remainder of Bill`s term which expires on December 31, 2025. Also, Zoning Commission member Marty Griffith submitted his resignation, which was accepted, with regret, at the meeting held on May 14. Marty, who served on the Zoning Commission for over four decades (many years as the Chair), also served the township for many years as one of the delegates to the Cuyahoga Valley Communities Council. The township would like to thank both gentlemen for their service to the community and wish them the best for the future.

Zoning Update: The revised zoning ordinance is now available for viewing on the township`s website. A link to the ordinance can be found in the box at the top of the homepage (bostontownship.org). Much appreciation for the tedious editing and reorganizing of the ordinance goes to Deputy Clerk Catherine Anson. Her meticulous attention to detail is greatly appreciated!

Road Department: The road department has begun mowing the township roads. Please drive with courtesy when you encounter them in your travels. This summer, road improvement work will be occurring on Whaley, Geoppert, Morris and Woodland.

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: Pam Schneider at 330–657–2059; Road Department: Dave Krusinski at 330–657–2600; and Zoning: Mike Anderson at 234–900–9145.





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VILLAGE OF PENINSULA

The Village Council would like to give a huge thank you to Boston Township Trustees for financially contributing to the paychecks of officers for the emergency road work that was completed off route 303.

The Village Council would also like to thank Chuck Hemming during his time as the Zoning Inspector. As of March 31, he has retired from over a decade of working for The Village. If you know of anyone who is interested in the part-time position of zoning inspector for The Village, please refer them to submit their resume to the Administrative Assistant at admin@villageofpeninsula-oh.gov.

A huge congratulations to the promotion of Officer Ted Troyer for the position of Sergeant and Officer Carol Rucker for the position of Corporal, effective April 13.

The Village Council approved the $77, 250.00 to OHM for 303 improvements. This was initiated by the Area Master Plan with potentially available grants.

Upcoming Meetings and Events:
BZA Meeting scheduled for April 22, 2025
Planning Commission Meeting tentatively scheduled for April 29, 2025
Check the website for meeting updates and other information to come!
Website: www.villageofpeninsula-oh.gov

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





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PENINSULA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

We invite you to join us for Sunday Services at 10:00AM both in-person and via Zoom. The Zoom meeting ID is 734 940 8017 and the password is Pumc1575.

At PUMC, all are welcome.

Our Loom Ministry is weaving mats for the unhoused—out of plastic grocery bags! They delivered ten mats to Akron Snow Angels and are well on their way to completing 1ten more! But we are running low on plastic grocery bags. These insulating mats are a great use of unwanted bags. If you can donate some, please place them in the blue bin by the side entrance of the church on the ramp on Main Street. Thank you. Check our website (PeninsulaM@twc.com) for more information.





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MOTHER OF SORROWS CATHOLIC CHURCH

HOLY MASS Residents and visitors are always welcome to participate in Holy Mass, celebrated on Saturdays at 5:00PM and Sundays at 9:30AM. If 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 330-657-2631. 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.

Faith and Fiction Book Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at 10:00AM for coffee with book talk beginning at 10:30AM. On June 11, we will be discussing The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. Everyone is welcome.

Pardon Our Dust. Thank you to everyone who helped with our Spring Clean-Up. Renovations and improvements continue to be made inside and out. We are humbled by the amount of support we have had. Feel free to drop by and ask for a tour. Stay tuned for further updates.





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To the Editors:

Where to even start? Well here goes… Rampfest 4-26-25. In the front yards of 1715 and 1719 Main Street trouble was a-brewin. 1715 is Bronson house, and 1719 is the `new address` for the stand-alone Bronson barn, a short-term rental (STR). Both are owned by a Rich Piekarski, a business man residing in Hudson, Ohio. A large tent was erected the day before the fest. Russo`s restaurant had been advertising that they would be serving some really interesting food at this location, during rampfest. I was across the street the day of the festival, till early afternoon. No Russo`s in sight. Around 1:00PM, or so, a large banner was raised announcing Bronson House Rampfest. I am friends with all the fellows from the Sunday morning foraging hikes who started all the hoop-la about ramps, and Mr. Piekarski, you ain`t one of them. That is Our history. Moving on… kegs arrived, and beer began to be dispensed --to the public. It doesn`t matter if the beer was sold, free, or suggested donation. It doesn`t matter if it was to benefit a charity, non-profit or Mr. Piekarski. According to the Division of Liquor Control, this beer situation was illegal, from beginning to end. Period. Let`s also address the issue of people wandering around our village with open containers of beer obtained from Bronson House Rampfest. Oh, and was anyone checking IDs? And yet also remember that this all happened in a residentially zoned part of town, with families on either side, and across the street. Mr. Piekarski has a history of STR violations, citing that he was `unaware` of the rules. He also owns the building the toy store is in, along with another STR on the second floor. We still can`t find any permit issued by Summit County Health Department pertaining to 1719 Main Street, the Bronson barn, as is required to operate a STR. We also are still waiting (as usual) on public records to look into other issues. The mayor and council members joke about perceived `loop-holes` they have approved to allow Mr. Piekarski to continue operating his STRS. Are you all still laughing? Update, council meeting 5-13-25: When Mayor Schneider was asked if Mr. Piekarski would be held accountable for his offenses, the mayor mentioned that just like a STR violation, it had to be reported at the time it happened. Since he was `unaware` of what happened, it is now a `he said – she said` thing. Really? Councilman Najeway suggested that the village send a letter to Mr. Piekarski, and also stated that Mr. Piekarski had been made `aware` of all the laws before the Bronson House `Beerfest.`

Mo Riggins





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PENINSULA LIBRARY FUNDING UPDATE

This state budget process has shifted to the Ohio Senate. Directors and trustees from the Ohio library community and staff at the Ohio Library Council have been testifying before various committees about adopting the library funding plan originally proposed by Governor DeWine. There will be a Senate version of the budget, likely a reconciliation version of the budget and then the final approval by the Governor. In all likelihood, we will be sending out further alerts that will request your assistance by contacting officials in Columbus.

Also, the Peninsula Library has annually applied to the State Library of Ohio for a grant to assist with the Summer Reading Club. We applied again this year and were notified that a grant in the amount of $984 had been awarded. The State Library receives the funding for these sub-grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency. The State Library sent out emails on April 1 notifying the grant recipients that the entire staff of the IMLS had been placed on administrative leave. There was no one available to process the grants. After a court challenge, the staff of IMLS returned to their jobs and promptly processed the grants. Additionally, our Friends of the Peninsula Library agreed to fund the Summer Reading program for an amount up to $2,000.

We are so grateful for your help this far as we work together to keep Ohio`s public libraries adequately funded.

Randy Bergdorf, Director





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HELP NEEDED

Former Peninsula resident Eric Conger is requesting photos of people and events to use in his play, "The Park," about a fictional town that is overtaken by a national park. He is particularly interested in images taken in Peninsula from 1920 to the present. These would be projected throughout the play to help the audience get a feel for life in the town. Shots of hayrides, kids jumping off the rocks at the Quarry, picking corn, picking strawberries, waiting for the bus, carnivals at the high school, a football game, the marching band, girl and boy scouts, Halloween decorations, the hill climb, etc. Anything that would help him show life in the town before the park. Amusing is always good, but serious, too: protests against the park, houses being bulldozed, moved, or vandalized, foam over the river, floods. Polaroids and black-and-whites are fine. Nothing needs to be high-resolution. He doesn`t need the actual pictures. Cellphone shots of them would be fine. They can be sent to him at ericconger82@gmail.com.





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PENINSULA LIVE 2025

Join us on Friday, June 6 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM.
Located on Mill Street behind the Winking Lizard

Live Music by Wishgarden
Beer and Wine – Food - Vendors
There are still some vendor spots available for all three events
Please reach out to admin@villageofpeninsula-oh.gov

Looking forward to another great summer!





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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

The Peninsula Library invites patrons of all ages to "Color Our World" during this year`s Summer Reading Club for all ages.
Kick off the festivities at Sign-Up Day on Tuesday, May 27 (during business hours). Come register, pick up your reading/activity kit, and paint our jumbo coloring page. Summer Reading Club 2025 is supported by the State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Additional funds are provided by the Friends of the Peninsula Library.

Children`s Program for Ages three to eleven.
Read or be read to throughout the summer and record your time on the provided reading log. For every hour of reading, earn a Scratch-Off ticket for a mystery prize. For ten hours read, redeem your reading log for a Grand Prize raffle ticket.
In addition, receive a Brag Tag for each week you attend an event at the library. Collect all seven tags to earn three additional entries for a Grand Prize.
Children and their guardians are invited to join us on Tuesdays at 10:30AM for Summer Reading Club Activities. Come learn about the Akron Zoo`s Animal Ambassadors, play yard games at the Carnival of Color, and create a variety of arts and crafts.
Save these dates to join the fun every week of the program:
June 3—Miss Allie`s Art Academy: How to Draw Your Favorite Characters.
June 10—Akron Zoo Mobile
June 17—Portrait Palooza (Messy Craft Day)
June 24—Lindsay Ward`s Color Mixing Workshop (Local Author/Illustrator Visit)
July 1—Carnival of Color (Outdoor Game Day)
July 8—Mini Masterpiece Painting
July 15—Peninsula`s Got Talent! Art Show Edition
Teens and Tweens Program – Ages 12-17
Teens and Tweens are invited to join us for Summer Reading Club activities on Thursdays at 11:00AM. Earn a Grand Prize raffle ticket every time you finish a book and fill out a reading slip.
Plus, receive a Brag Tag for each week you attend an event at the library. Collect all six tags to earn three additional entries for a Grand Prize!
Save these dates to join the fun every week of the program:
June 5—Canvas Book Tote Decorating
June 12—2D Animation 101
June 26—Photography Through Time
July 3—Public Art Creation
July 10—Alex Falcone`s Paper Collage Art Demo July 17—Happy Mini Trees: Bob Ross Painting and Bingo Party
Summer Reading Club for Adults 18+ May 30 to July 28
You`re never too old to join Summer Reading Club. This summer sign up for reading fun at the Peninsula Library. Just read or listen to books of your choice for chances to WIN prizes! Complete an activity sheet found in your Reading Bag Kit and turn it in at the library to select a prize from the Prize Basket. Complete the bookmark entry form and your name will be entered into a raffle to win grand prizes (gift cards to Peninsula Coffee House, Fishers Café and Suncrest Gardens). Attend one of the evening programs in June and July for an extra entry to one of the grand prizes.

Memorial Grove Service Monday, May 26 at 10:00AM SHARP
This memorial service commemorates the service of former staff, Board Members and Friends of the Peninsula Library. Please join us at 10:00AM SHARP at the library for a short memorial service to honor all those who have gone before us. To be remembered this year, Nina Alvis, Library Board 1980-1985 and Edna Ratner, Library Board, 1969-1974, 1977-1982, 1997-2002, and 2004-2006.

Beach Glass Crafting with Sue Luck Wednesday, June 25 6:00PM
Sue Luck, from Repurposing with a Purpose, returns to the Peninsula library for an evening of Beach Glass crafting! Using a variety of materials, we will make a scene in a small wooden box. All supplies will be provided. Reservations are required and there is a $10 fee (to cover supplies) for each wooden box you would like to make. Please stop at the front desk, call or email the library to make a reservation.





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TO THE PENINSULA COMMUNITY

The Peninsula Area Chamber of Commerce would like to apologize for an incident that occurred during our recent Ramp Up Event. It was brought to our attention that one of the vendors was distributing beer and accepting donations for this product without the appropriate paperwork. This activity was not communicated to us in advance, and it does not reflect the standards we hold for events in our Village. At our Chamber meeting on May 7, it was decided that next year additional wording will be added to the application which explains in detail no alcohol at vendor sites, and we will assign a member(s) to walk the event sites and make sure everyone is following the guidelines. Please mark your calendars to join us on September 20, 2025, for Music on the Porches.

PENINSULA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE





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WANT ADS AND SERVICES

ALEXANDER WATER: 330-923-0014.

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. Visit www.bluedogmodern.com. Email joe@bluedogmodern.com or call 330-701-9819.


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"

"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.


WANTED: Seeking an efficient and reliable housekeeper that is local to Peninsula. Position is on an as needed basis and could develop into a part-time position. No experience needed; training provided. Please call 330-657-2528 for more information.