Berea names new Police Chief

October 2014
Established in 1836
Message from Mayor Cyril Kleem
While most of us are
stocking up on Halloween candy and thinking
about the upcoming
Thanksgiving
and
Christmas
holidays,
hunger pantries are
gearing up for a very
busy season.
Berea supports two pantries – Berea Community Outreach, which is
operated by the city, and SCAN Hunger Pantry, a
private program run by volunteers that reaches
out to residents of those communities served by
Southwest General Health Center. Now is a critical time for both operations.
The number of clients served by pantries grows
each year, despite a recovering economy. Increasingly, those who apply to pantries for assistance are families with children and older, single
adults. Consider giving now to these necessary
programs, whether it’s a bag of groceries or a
cash donation. Right now is when pantries stock
their shelves for the winter holidays. Any help
we can give will be greatly appreciated.
For the holidays, SCAN has changed its hours. In
November, the SCAN Pantry will be open 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 14 and 4-7 p.m. on Nov.
21. In December, SCAN will be open 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 19.
SCAN is located at 85 S. Rocky River Drive next
to Mucklo Playground. Donations may be
dropped off during pantry hours or call
(440) 826-1127 to make other arrangements.
Berea Community Outreach is open noon to 4
p.m. on Thursdays. It is located at 91 S. Rocky
River Drive, next to SCAN. Call (440) 826-4891.
Donations may be dropped off during pantry
hours or at Berea City Hall.
Thank you to those who donate support to our
neighbors during the holidays and throughout the
year. And thank you to the volunteers who staff
the pantries and help those in need.
Like us on Facebook to stay
updated on Berea’s community
news and events.
Our page name is:
City of Berea, Ohio
Visit our website
www.cityofberea.org
Berea names new Police Chief
Sgt. Joseph Grecol was sworn in as the new
Berea police chief on Sept. 8.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to
lead one of the best police departments,” Grecol
said at his swearing-in ceremony at the Coe
Lake Gazebo.
“Being a police officer is one of the most noble
professions,” he said. “We want to serve the
community and we rededicate ourselves to that
today.”
Mayor Cyril Kleem said the three candidates for
the chief’s position were interviewed by citizen
panels and by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of
Police as well as by city officials. The consensus was that all three were very well-qualified.
“Dealing with the public is not easy,” Mayor
Kleem said. “We feel that the leadership skills
are in place – to be fair but strong.”
A Berea police officer since May 1993, Grecol
is a graduate of the Police Academy at the University of Akron. He has a bachelor of science
degree in psychology from Cleveland State
University.
Grecol is a member of the SWAT team of the
Southwest Enforcement Bureau where he is a
New Berea Police Chief Joseph Grecol’s family congratulates
him after his swearing-in ceremony at the Gazebo. With the
chief and his wife Karen are their children, Nicholas, Maria,
Michael, Christina, David, Anthony, Dominic, Gianna and
Joseph.
crisis negotiator. He also is a member of the OVI
Task Force and has been involved in the Safe
Kids Coalition through University Hospitals. He
has been a field training officer and trained other
police officers in dealing with active shooter
situations.
Grecol has been married for 24 years to his wife,
Karen. They have nine children and live in
Strongsville.
Grecol replaces Chief Mark Schultz, who retired
Aug. 29.
City, schools will share cost of lights at Groza complex
In a lease/purchase agreement OK’d by City
Council, Berea and the Berea City Schools will
share the costs of installing lights at the Groza
Athletic Complex behind the former Roehm
Middle School.
Berea and the school district will split the costs
50/50 with the city’s share being a bit more than
$77,000. The first payment is due in 2015. The
city does have the option of paying the total
amount in one lump sum or in installments. That
will be discussed during budget talks next year.
Mayor Cyril Kleem said he approached Berea
School Superintendent Michael Sheppard with
the idea of sharing the lighting expenses. Berea
recreation teams use the Groza Complex as does
the Lou Groza Youth Football League and other
community teams.
“We would like to expand our youth programming,” Mayor Kleem said. He said the city has
been working with the Cleveland Browns to
have adaptive football and baseball leagues for
handicapped youth. The kind of turf on Groza
Field is especially conducive to adaptive sports,
he said.
Adding lights also will allow the city to sponsor
tournaments and skill events. A lacrosse team is
also in the works. “There is a growing market
for such events,” the Mayor said. “They are
money-makers and can generate revenue.”
The lights will allow sporting events to proceed
in the fall and winter when the sun sets around 5
p.m.
“The cost is relatively inexpensive for the opportunity to expand,” the Mayor said.
The lights will be pointed away from the nearby
residential area. The lighting system is not similar to that used by BW’s Finnie Stadium. Instead, the Groza lights are smaller and closer to
the field.
The Berea City School District will pay the electric bill.
Monthly Berean
TIME CHANGE
Daylight Savings Time Ends
2 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 2
Turn clocks BACK one hour
Trick -or- Treat
Saturday, Nov. 1
6-8 p.m.
Bulk Trash Collection
Friday, Oct. 24
Bulk trash includes large items such as furniture, appliances, carpeting & any large objects that will not fit into the regular blue
trash container.
Freon must be removed from refrigerators &
freezers before being left for pickup.
Questions: Call Republic Services,
(800) 433-1309
SCAN PANTRY
Holiday Hours
Friday, Nov. 14: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 21: 4 - 7 p.m.
**
Friday, Dec. 12: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19: 4 - 7 p.m.
Call (440) 826-1127 for more information.
Page 2
NEWS BRIEFS
Children have 2 chances
to Trick or Treat
Children will have two opportunities to Trick or
Treat for Halloween in Berea. The Harvest Fest
on Saturday, Oct. 11 includes Trick-or-Treating
at downtown businesses from noon to 2 p.m.
Businesses taking part in Harvest Fest will be
located along Front Street, near the Triangle and
at the Parkway Shops. They will have signs in
their windows, welcoming children and parents.
Regular Trick-or-Treat Night will be 6-8 p.m.,
Saturday, Nov. 1, because of the high school
football game on Friday night, Oct. 31, Trick-orTreat was moved to Saturday for this year.
Deadline is Oct. 17 for Veterans Award
The deadline for submitting nominations for the
Col. William H. Beyer Commendation for Outstanding Military Service is Friday, Oct. 17. The
award will be presented by Berea City Council at
its meeting on Monday, Nov. 17. Council established the award earlier this year to recognize
local veterans. It is named after the first recipient, Marine Col. Bill Beyer, who was commander of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines reserve unit
based in Brook Park. Colonel Beyer passed away
in April.
The Col. Beyer Commendation will be presented
twice a year – at City Council meetings close to
the Memorial Day and Veterans Day holidays.
Nominations may be submitted by family members, friends and residents who want to recognize
a veteran for their service. The veteran need not
be a combat veteran. All ranks and branches of
the service are eligible.
Submit nominations to the Clerk of Council,
Alycia Esson, 11 Berea Commons, Berea, OH
44017 or e-mail [email protected]. Nomination forms are online at www.cityofberea.org
and in the Clerk of Council’s office at City Hall.
Classic cars win at
Mount Zion celebration
The Monthly Berean is published
monthly by the City of Berea and is distributed to residents, organizations and
businesses in Berea.
A Classic Car Show was part of the 95th Anniversary celebration for Mount Zion Baptist
Church Aug. 23-24. Winners were Bruce Hasta,
1st place; Emil Morad, 2nd place; and Hamilton
Mallett, 3rd place.
Mayor Cyril Kleem
Linda G. Kramer, editor
Megan Pochatek, design editor
City replaces tree lawn trees
To submit information, contact:
[email protected]
(440) 891-3316
Please submit stories and information
by the 10th of every month.
Working with the city’s Shade Tree Commission, Berea has replaced 78 trees throughout the
city – along Baker Street, Longfellow Drive,
Lindberg Boulevard and other areas. The trees
were planted by Meehan’s Landscaping at a cost
of $18,000. The Shade Tree Commission selected trees that will be minimally invasive, not in-
terfere with overhead electric lines and not have
deep root systems that would impact sewer and
water lines.
Unpaid water, sewer bills placed
on property taxes
The City of Berea has placed the unpaid water
and sewer bills for 703 parcels of land on the
county tax duplicate for collection. Since this
program was put in place in 1989, the city has
collected $10 million in bills and fines, said
Dana Kavander, city finance director. She cited a
91 percent collection rate using this system. For
2014, a total of $785,952 is owed the city in
unpaid water and sewer bills. The bills range
from $25 to $30,500 with the average unpaid bill
being a little over $1,000. Kavander said 64 percent of those parcels had been delinquent for
several years. Property owners with unpaid
water and sewer bills are charged an 18 percent
interest rate and a 20 percent penalty on the
amount owed. Those charges plus the amount of
the bill are placed on the land owner’s property
tax bill for collection. To avoid the penalties,
property owners can pay the bills at the Service
Department’s Water Billing Office, 400 Barrett
Road. Call the Water Billing Office at (440) 891
-3308.
Coe Lake pavilion will be moved
to Groza Field
As part of renovations to the Coe Lake area, the
Kiwanis Pavilion will be dismantled and moved
to the Groza Baseball Fields off Woodmere
Drive. Zerbe Construction of Mentor was awarded the contract with a bid of $152,767. The contract includes drainage improvements, installation and improvement of pathways and enhancement to the existing pavilion, which is in need of
roof repairs. Stone columns that match the concession area also will be installed. A new, larger
pavilion will be built at Coe Lake and relocated
to higher ground. In its current location, the pavilion was prone to flooding issues during heavy
rains.
Barrett Road water main work begins
Work on replacing the water line on Barrett
Road is under way. The lines will be replaced
from Nobottom Road to Rowan Drive and from
Park Place north to the city limits. The contractor is Fabrizi Trucking with a low bid of
$623,363. The project includes replacing the undersized 6-inch water line with an 8-inch line
with new house service lines, valves and fire hydrants. There also will be drainage improvements. Traffic will be maintained but delays can
be expected. A temporary traffic signal will be in
place. The first phase of the project should be
completed near the end of November.
Monthly Berean
Page 3
Road repairs signal
traffic changes
Wyleswood Drive
Because of road construction, traffic is permitted westbound only on Wyleswood from Beeler
to Crossbrook. Traffic headed north on Crossbrook can detour to eastbound on West Street,
turn south on Beeler and then west on Wyleswood. The detour will be in effect for approximately two months.
Banker turns welder to create art
When Habitat for Humanity asked Berea artist
Bonnie Forrest to create a sculpture for its ReStore in Cleveland, she launched into her largest
project yet.
A banker with US Bank in Strongsville, Forrest
learned welding a few years ago to create sculptures for friends and neighbors. Most of the
work was small – wind chimes, art pieces as
knickknacks. She also dabbled in pottery and
stained glass mosaics.
“I do it for fun,” Forrest said.
One of those neighbors is Matt Haren, director
of the ReStore, which sells new and used building materials. The proceeds help fund Habitat
for Humanity projects. Haren asked Forrest to
create a piece that encompassed the mission of
Habitat for Humanity, incorporated recycled
building materials and also reflected the generous donation of Rudy’s Hardware, which gave
its entire inventory to Habit for Humanity when
the store went out of business in Slavic Village.
“Wow,” Forrest said. “I wondered how I was
going to do all that.”
Traffic on Wyleswood Drive is one-way westbound
only while crews work on a total pavement reconstruction project. Sidewalks and driveway aprons will
be replaced as needed.
Beeler Drive
Traffic on Beeler Drive is limited to one-way
northbound from West Street to Lindberg
Boulevard while road repairs are under way for
the next four to six weeks. Detours are posted.
Traffic can proceed west on Lindberg to West,
turn east on West and then north on Beeler.
Contact the Berea Engineering Department at
(440) 826-5814 with any questions about road
construction or traffic detours.
Valley Parkway
The Cleveland Metroparks is closing portions
of Valley Parkway through the Rocky River
Reservation from Detroit Road to Barrett Road
and through the Mill Stream Run Reservation
from Bagley Road to South Quarry Lane for
road construction. The road will be closed only
during weekdays and be open at the close of
work each day and on weekends. The closures
will continue through the end of October.
Race Street
To accommodate arrival and dismissal times at
Grindstone Elementary School, Race Street is
open for one-way traffic eastbound between
Lynn/Fairwood Circle and Fair Street during
the hours of 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m.
on school days. The intersection of Lynn/
Fairwood Circle and Race remains open for
north and south traffic.
She did and the result was unveiled at a neighborhood reception on Pineview Drive. The party
was organized by neighbor and friend, Chris
Miles. “We want to show everyone what all the
flashes of light have been about,” Miles said.
The piece uses old wrenches and other tools and
highlights the street address from Rudy’s Hardware. The base of the sculpture contains the
Habitat motto, “Building Hope with Homes.”
The windows were donated by Joyce Windows.
For the other parts, “I dumpster dived,” Forrest
said.
The project took about 100 hours over 60 days,
she said. “I had to make the metal look soft.”
Haren said the sculpture will be displayed along
an aisle at the ReStore that features the items
donated by Rudy’s Hardware. “It will be a legacy piece,” he said. The ReStore is at 2110 W.
110th St. in Cleveland.
Forrest learned welding from neighbor Jim
Hlavin, who owns Martin Sheet Metal in Cleveland. “She was a great pupil and a fast learner,”
he said. She even brought other people into the
sessions. At one point, there were six or seven
other welder wannabes in his classes.
“It’s just a hobby,” Forrest says, but she is planning an exhibit at a gallery in Bath, Ohio.
Her husband Larry Szczepanski bought her the
welding equipment as a gift about 2 ½ years
ago. He wanted to encourage her creativity, he
said.
“Where many people see scrap metal, she sees a
butterfly,” he said.
BW HAPPENINGS
County Executive Candidate
Forum is Oct. 15
Baldwin Wallace University is hosting a forum
with Cuyahoga County executive candidates
Armond Budish and Jack Schron at 7 p.m. Oct.
15 in Gamble Auditorium of the Kulas Musical
Arts Building on Front Street. The forum will be
facilitated by the Greater Cleveland League of
Women Voters and is free.
For more information about all BW programs,
go to www.bw.edu.
Other October events include:
Romeo and Juliet: Oct. 8-11 and Oct. 15-18,
7:30 p.m.; Oct. 12, 2 p.m. William Allman Theatre. For tickets, go to www.bw.edu/tickets.
“Challenges & Opportunities in the New
World of Health Care”: Kamm Lecture Series,
5:15 p.m. Oct. 15, Akram Boutros, president and
CEO of the MetroHealth System. BW Center for
Innovation & Growth.
Jason Lanier: Enduring Questions, the Mark
Collier Lecture Series, 8 p.m. Oct. 22. Jason Lanier is a technology pioneer, composer, visual
artist, author and performer. Gamble Auditorium, Kulas Musical Arts Building.
BachHaus: Bluegrass, Broadway, The Beatles
and Bach, 8 p.m. Oct. 24. A new addition to the
Bach Festival. Faculty and students will perform
in a coffee house atmosphere. There is a charge
for this event. Proceeds will benefit the BW
Conservatory of Music. Fynette Kulas Music
Hall. For tickets, go to www.bw.edu/tickets.
Monthly Berean
Page 4
Nominations sought for
Grindstone Heritage Awards
The Berea Historical Society is accepting nominations for the Grindstone Heritage Awards,
which are given posthumously to outstanding
Berea citizens. Deadline for nominations is Oct.
8. The awards will be announced by Mayor
Cyril Kleem on Oct. 22.
Nominees must be deceased for at least five
years and have contributed significantly to the
community. Last year’s recipients were Tom
James, one of the founders of Price & James
Heating & Air Conditioning, and Leon M. Coe,
former mayor of Berea and after whom Coe
Lake is named.
Heritage Award winners’ names are engraved
on plaques in the Grindstone Heritage Park display near the Triangle.
Submit nominations to Berea Historical
Society, P.O. Box 173, Berea, OH 44017.
The ceremony will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct.
22 at the Mahler Museum, 118 E. Bridge St.
Grindstone Elementary honored as ‘school of excellence’
Grindstone Elementary School has been named
a National PTA School of Excellence. The
award is given to those schools and PTAs who
work together to enhance the educational experience for students and to involve families in the
process.
Grindstone PTA will host a “We’re Poppin’
With Excitement” program at 7 p.m., Thursday,
Oct. 23 to celebrate the award.
all families can attend school and PTA meetings. The blog is a way to help them engage
with the school whenever and wherever they
have the time.
In order to ensure that families are part of the
decision-making process and are up-to-date on
policies and procedures at the school, Grindstone PTA formed a PTA Advisory Board. The
12 members of the board include administrators,
teachers and eight parents and grandparents.
The group discusses issues such as student safety, curriculum and traffic concerns.
“Families need a way to become actively engaged in their child’s education and be an advocate not only for their child, but for all children,” said Heather Losneck, president of Grindstone PTA. “The PTA and school administration
can work together to give families a voice and
leverage the strengths that result from a community coming together.”
The Grindstone School of Excellence Committee also created a blog to increase families’ involvement and to help families feel connected to
the school. The blog features videos and articles
about the school, news on education in general
and National PTA programs and updates. Not
National PTA has presented Grindstone Elementary and Grindstone PTA with a National
PTA School of Excellence banner.
For more information about the School of Excellence program, visit PTA.org/excellence.
Mayor attends Cleveland Browns Alumni Weekend events
Every year, Mayor Cyril Kleem participates in
the activities of the Cleveland Browns alumni
weekend.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
“It’s always a lot of fun to play golf with some
of the Browns’ executives and the alumni. It’s a
great opportunity to reconnect with some old
friends and to make new ones,” Mayor Kleem
said.
The weekend of activities included a golf outing, a ceremony for two former players inducted as Browns’ legends and game day activities. This year, the Browns honored the 1954
and 1964 championship teams. Berea resident
Tony Dick organizes the annual alumni weekend as the manager of Alumni Relations for
the Browns.
5k run, 1-mile walk
8:30 a.m. registration
10 a.m. race start
To benefit Berea Animal Rescue Friends
1-mile walk:
Adults 15+:
$20 pre-registration
$25 day of race
Kids 14 and younger:
$10 pre-registration
$15 day of race
5k run:
Adults 15+
$25 pre-registration
$30 day of race
Kids 14 and younger:
$15 pre-registration
$20 day of race
Register at bereaanimalrescue.com/
registration
Mayor Cyril Kleem with members of the 1964 Browns Championship team: quarterback Dr.
Frank Ryan, linebacker Jim Houston, running back Jim Brown, offensive lineman Dick
Schafrath, and wide receiver Paul Warfield.
Monthly Berean
All Pro Dad keeps fathers
involved with kids
A top priority for Mike Biscaro is his children.
That’s why All Pro Dad is important to him and
the several hundred other fathers who are affiliated with the chapter at Grindstone Elementary
School.
All Pro Dad is a national non-profit with the aim
of keeping fathers connected with their children
and their schools, said Biscaro, who is team captain of the Grindstone chapter. “We help dads
get involved and spend time with their kids,” he
said.
The fathers meet for breakfast at Grindstone and
discuss what it means to be a good dad and talk
over parenting issues. They also plan activities
for their families. In the past, the group has
sponsored outings to athletic events, such as the
Browns and Indians games, and other activities,
like a trip to the zoo, that fathers can enjoy with
their children.
“We like to expand into more outside events,”
Biscaro said. “We’d like to give our time to the
community.” Most recently, All Pro Dad helped
assemble the new John Mucklo Playground
equipment.
Although the national organization reaches out
to families with children of all ages, the local
unit so far is focusing on grade school children.
Eventually, Biscaro said he’d like to see the
group involve dads at the intermediate and high
school level as well.
All Pro Dad is a segment of Families First,
which was founded by Mark Merrill, a Florida
attorney. Former NFL coach Tony Dungy is the
national spokesman. The group’s stated goal is
“to strengthen the family by establishing the
family as a top priority.”
The Berea chapter was started at the former
Smith School by Shawn Washburn, who also is
involved with the Lou Groza Youth Football
League. When Smith closed, the unit moved to
Grindstone when that school opened three years
ago.
Grindstone Elementary has about 800 students
and Biscaro said All Pro Dad attracts about 70 to
120 fathers to the breakfasts and another 200 are
on the mailing list. Biscaro himself has four sons
– three at Grindstone.
This year, Mayor Cyril Kleem became involved
with the organization. In May, the City sponsored an All Pro Dad “Night At The Rec”. All
Pro Dad was also given a $1,000 donation from
the City. The donation was given by the Mayor
from money he raises by preforming wedding
ceremonies.
To get the word out about the group and its
goals, the Grindstone chapter is hosting a fundraiser on Nov. 22 at Scoundrel’s Bar & Grille.
Tickets are $25 and are available online at
EventBrite. “We want people to know about us,”
Biscaro said. “With a bigger budget, we can do
more.”
Page 5
Algae in Coe Lake not a problem
When a toxic algae bloom caused the city of Toledo to issue a do-not-drink-the-water advisory,
concerns were raised about water quality in other areas of the state.
Could such a situation arise in Coe Lake – a secondary drinking water source for Berea? That’s
unlikely with the safeguards and testing standards in place here, Service Director Sandra
Vozar said.
The problems in the Toledo area were caused by
a perfect storm of circumstances, said Ken Yee,
Berea’s water plant superintendent. Those situations do not exist in Berea.
Fertilizers from thousands of farms in the
Maumee River Basin end up in the watershed
there. That is compounded by tons of animal
waste that also finds its way into the system.
Those wastes and chemicals feed blue/green algae. When that form of algae dies, it releases
toxins.
Not all algae are toxic, Yee explained. When
there is a fluorescent green film on the water,
chances are it’s algae that have a potential to be
toxic.
Berea is in an urban area with no large agricultural operations nearby. Excessive fertilizer runoff is not an issue, Yee said.
Berea takes several steps to prevent concerns
with water quality. The city has a contract with
Aqua Doc Lake & Pond Management to monitor
the lake for excessive weeds and algae. The
company removes weeds and applies a copper
sulfate algaecide if necessary. Aqua Doc visits
the lake every two weeks.
“Actually, we have more weeds than algae,” Yee
said. Some people mistake the two. What they
may be seeing is curly leaf pondweed, he said,
and Aqua Doc keeps that under control.
The Ohio EPA also keeps on eye on water quality. Water systems are required to report any suspected algae blooms.
Clean up after your pets
Dog owners are reminded to pick up any
“deposits” left by dogs during their daily walks.
According to the city codes, dog walkers must
remove any dog feces left on private or public
property. The dog owner also must have permission from the property owner before allowing the dog to defecate on the property and the
feces must be removed. Violation is a minor
misdemeanor and can be punished by a fine of
up to $150.
The fountain in the middle of Coe Lake helps to
keep the water aerated, Vozar said. Six aerators
at various points in the lake also add oxygen to
the water and water is frequently pumped from
one end to the other. “We want to keep the water moving,” Vozar said.
Residents may have noticed that the water levels
in Coe Lake are periodically lower this time of
year. That’s because some of the water is
drained and then replaced by water from the
Rocky River. “We want to keep that water as
fresh as possible,” Vozar said.
The addition of the Granular Activated Carbon
process at the water plant in 2010 helps remove
organics and also improves the taste. Removal
of sludge from the sludge pond also ensures
clean water.
“Our biggest challenge is salt,” Yee said. During
the winter, road salt from adjacent communities
runs off into the Rocky River – Berea’s primary
water source. When salt levels are high in the
river, the water plant switches to Coe Lake.
Vozar said Berea has been proactive for the past
decade in lake management to ensure water
quality. “City employees monitor the lake as do
many others, including fishermen, nature enthusiasts, park walkers as well as the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and water quality experts,” she said. “We’re always looking at it.”
Southwest General’s
New Pandrangi Tower
Community Open House
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11
For more information, go to
www.swgeneral.com
Monthly Berean
City will buy three
properties on the North End
The City of Berea has finalized plans to buy
three commercial properties on Front Street in
the North End of town.
Two of the properties – at 767 Front and 838
Front – have the same owner. The building at
767 Front St. houses Palker Automotive, an automobile repair shop. The owner has said he
needs to expand and is looking at another location, said Matt Madzy, the city’s economic development officer. That piece of land is the one
parcel the city does not own from Emerson to
North Rocky River Drive, Madzy said. Purchasing that lot will enable the city to more easily develop that area. The sale price on 767
Front is $250,000 with closing in 2015.
The second parcel at 838 Front is vacant. It
used to house an Enterprise Rent-a-Car franchise. The sale price is $200,000 with closing
later this year.
The third property is the former Mid-City Tire
Co. at 768 Front St. That building also is vacant. The sale price is $250,000 with half to be
paid this year and half in 2015.
The ordinances to approve the purchases were
unanimously approved by City Council on Sept.
15.
At the Library
Local author writes about a
spooky farmhouse
Living in a 100-year-old farmhouse offered
Christine Benedict an upclose appreciation of
strange noises and spooky occurrences. The experience led to her first novel, Anonymous. Benedict will be at the library at 2 p.m. on Sunday,
Oct. 20 to tell about life in a scary old house.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
As with all Berea Library programs, please call
(440)
234-5475
or
visit
www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register.
Ghost Stories of the Civil War: Historian Paul
Goebbel will share paranormal stories from Civil War locations. 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 6.
Thursday Evening Book Group: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd will be discussed. 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 9.
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale: Members preview, 5-7:45 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10. Open
to the public, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct.
11; and 1-3:15 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12.
Builders’ Club: Construct with LEGO bricks.
For children in grades 4-8. 10:30 a.m., Saturday,
Oct. 11.
Mayor, Berea police & fire enjoy picnic
with Guidestone students
visit with safety forces and to get to know them
better.
Lunch Bunch Book Club: Children in grades 3
-6 are invited to pack a lunch and talk about the
book, Funny by James Patterson. Noon, Saturday, Oct. 11.
Fall Perennial Exchange: Gardeners are invited to swap perennials, herbs, bulbs, flowers and
grasses. 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion Group:
Doc by Mary Doria Russell will be discussed. 2
p.m., Monday, Oct. 20.
At a Loss with Hearing?: Learn about the
warning signs, causes and prevention of hearing
loss as well as the latest technology and how it
can help. Free hearing screenings available. 7
p.m., Monday, Oct. 20.
The Sweet Side of Chemistry – Candy: As
part of National Chemistry Week, children in
grades 3-6 are invited to join in hands-on activities led by volunteers from the American Chemical Society. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Weekly Children’s Story Times: Sessions run
through Nov. 20. Call (440) 234-5475 or visit
www.cuyahogalibrary.org for specific times and
ages. Programs are available for children from
birth to age 5. Registration is not required for
weekly story times.
Southwest Community Nurses
Healthy Events
Know Your Numbers:
Cholesterol Screening
A cholesterol screening provides two numbers –
total cholesterol and glucose. Instant results. No
fasting required.
Cost $10
For a reservation, call the Southwest
Community Nurse Department
(440) 816-4037
9-11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2
Fire trucks, police cruisers and balloons were
the highlight of the fourth annual
OhioGuidestone picnic with local safety forces
and city officials.
The picnic began with games and the chance for
children to get to know Berea firefighters and
police officers. On hand were a fire truck, rescue squad and police car. Officers activated the
lights and sirens. The Guidestone students sat in
the vehicles and asked questions. Afterward,
officers and students released balloons with
wishes attached to them. Everyone enjoyed the
picnic cookout with the opportunity to sit and
**
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
One of the highlights of the picnic was the
chance to get up close and personal with a fire
truck. Here Firefighter/Paramedic Adam
Labuda visits with Guidestone students.
The American Cancer Society advises women
age 40 and older to have a mammogram screening every year. Visit the Community Nurse table
to learn more.
Also, free blood pressure checks.
8-11 a.m. Oct. 16
8-10 a.m. Oct. 28
Berea Recreation Center, 451 Front St.
Monthly Berean
Page 7
School, hospital issues on Nov. 4 ballot
The general election on Nov. 4 will see requests
for voters to approve the renewal of a Southwest
General Health Center levy and a new property
tax levy for the Berea City Schools. Also on the
ballot are candidates for U.S. Congress, Ohio
governor, statewide offices, the Ohio House and
Senate, Cuyahoga County Executive, County
Council, judicial seats and other issues.
Issue 16 is placed on the ballot by the City of
Berea on behalf of Southwest General Health
Center. It is the renewal of a five-year, 1-mill
levy for treatment of patients who do not have
health insurance or are otherwise unable to pay
for hospital services. The levy costs the owner
of a $100,000 home $6.36 a year in property
taxes. The levy was first passed in 1952. Since
this is a renewal, there will be no increase in
taxes. The levy also is on the ballot in Middleburg Heights, Olmsted Falls and Strongsville.
Issue 16 will appear on the ballot with
following wording:
PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL)
CITY OF BEREA
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for
passage.
A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the City of
Berea to supplement its general fund for the
purpose of making appropriations for hospitalization in and support of Southwest General
Health Center at a rate not exceeding 1 mill
for each dollar of valuation, which amounts to
10 cents for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five years, commencing in 2015, first
due in calendar year 2016.
Issue 2 is 3.9-mill operating levy for the Berea
City School District. This is an additional tax
and will cost of the owner of a $100,000 home
$136 a year in property taxes. This would be a
continuing levy. The money would be used for
operating expenses for the district, including
Cleveland Pops Holiday Concert
November 29, 2014
7 p.m.
Kulas Musical Arts Building
Baldwin Wallace University
Benefits: The Education Foundation
purchasing textbooks and buses and upgrading
classrooms to be compatible with new technology.
Issue 6 is a renewal of 1.2 mills and an increase
of 0.9 mills for Cuyahoga County Community
College. This is a countywide issue and would
provide for operating expenses for the school.
The levy would be in effect for 10 years.
For more information about candidates and issues, visit boe.cuyahogacounty.us.
Register to vote by Oct. 6
In order to vote in the Nov. 4 general election,
register with the Cuyahoga County Board of
elections by Oct. 6. New voters or those who
have moved or changed their names should return a Voter Registration Card on or before Oct.
6. Voter registration cards are available online
at www.443vote.com or by calling the Board of
Elections at (216) 443-8683. Cards are also
available at the Berea Library.
The Ohio Secretary of State has mailed Vote by
Mail ballot applications to all registered voters.
The applications also are available online at
www.443vote.com or at the Berea Library. The
applications must be received by the Board of
Elections by Nov. 1. Vote by Mail ballots will
be mailed to voters beginning on Sept. 30. They
must be returned to the Board of Elections by
Nov. 3 with proper postage attached. The envelopes are not postage-paid.
Election Day is Nov. 4. Polls will open at 6:30
a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. Voters can check on
their voting locations at www.443vote.com or
call the Voter Information Hot Line at (216)
443-8683.
Test smoke alarms
during Fire
Prevention Week
The theme for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11,
is “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test
Yours Every Month.”
The Berea Division of Fire reminds residents to
test the battery in smoke alarms by pressing and
holding the test button for several seconds. The
alarm should produce a loud noise.
To test whether the alarm will work during an
actual fire, use a small can of smoke alarm test
aerosol. The spray can is available in home improvement stores and on the Internet.
Every year, in recognition of Fire Prevention
Week, Berea firefighters invite all second-grade
students from Grindstone Elementary School,
St. Mary Catholic School and St. Adalbert
Academy to tour the Aluminum Cans for
Burned Children Fire Safety House. The students will learn about kitchen safety, the dangers of matches and lighters, dialing 911 in an
emergency, among other safety tips. At the end
of the tour, the children will practice a fire drill
from the safety house while it fills with simulated smoke that activates the smoke alarms.
For more information on Fire Prevention Week,
visit www.fpw.org.
John Mucklo Park to be
dedicated on Oct. 9
Vote by Mail applications can be obtained at:
http://boe.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/
votebymailapplication.aspx
The Berea City Club, Inc.
Clam Bake
Sunday, Oct. 19
Tony K’s
841 W. Bagley Rd.
$30 per person
Includes dinner and soft drinks
$75 Patron tickets
$50 General tickets
$25 Student tickets
(Choice of clambake with chicken or steak)
Tickets available at
www.EducationFoundationBerea.org
Or Berea City School District Administration
Building: 390 Fair St,.
Contact Kim at (216) 898-8270
[email protected]
Doors open at noon
Serving time: 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Game time: 1 p.m.
Browns -vs- Jaguars
Tickets are available from any Berea City Club member,
Tony K’s or Gene at Luna (113 Front St.)
The newly-renovated John Mucklo Park
next to the Berea Municipal Pool will be formally dedicated at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct.
9. The Mucklo family will take part. Members of the community are invited to attend.
John Mucklo, who died in 1977, was a
teacher and coach at Berea High School, a
Berea city councilman and founder of the
Berea Recreation Department.
City of Berea
11 Berea Commons
Berea, Ohio 44017
POSTAL PATRON
Free event! Fun for the entire family!
DAY
At McKelvey Park &
Downtown Berea
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. PAID
BEREA, OH
PERMIT #333
ECRWSS
At Coe Lake
NIGHT
Phone: (440) 826-5800
www.cityofberea.org
Upcoming Community Events
Games
Trick-or-Treat
Candy
Hay Maze
Jumpers
Prizes
Inflatable Slide
Popcorn
Pumpkin Patch
Face Painting
Magician &
Illusionist
Rick Smith Jr.
Outdoor Movie
Hay Ride
Crafts
Hay Maze
Glow Sticks
Campfire
Hot Chocolate
Popcorn
Apple Cider
Balloonist
Music
“Monsters University”
Oct. 4: BW Homecoming. Vs. Muskingum,
Game time 2 p.m., Finnie Stadium.
Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28: Genealogy Classes. Berea
Historical Society, 118 E. Bridge St., 7-9 p.m.
Fee is $25 for four classes. Taught by Amanda
Epperson, Ph.D. Register by calling (440) 2432541.
Shown on a 30’ inflatable
screen. Please bring your
own chair or blanket
Oct. 10: Berea-Midpark High School Homecoming. Vs. North Olmsted. 7 p.m., Finnie Stadium.
Oct. 11: Harvest Fest. Noon to 3 p.m. in downtown Berea. 6-9:30 p.m. at Coe Lake. Free.
Is your child riding safe?
Fun character & candy locations
Learn how to install your child’s car seat
or booster seat.
Oct. 12: Monster Mutt Dash. 5k run, 1-mile
walk to benefit Berea Animal Rescue
Friends.8:30 a.m. registration; 10 a.m. race start;
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Pet costume
contest. Howl-o-Ween after party.
Oct. 13: Columbus Day
3-6 p.m.
Parking lot behind City Hall
Ro
ck
yR
ive
rD
r.
SPONSORED BY:
Center St.
S. Rocky River Dr.
Park St.
Church St.
Mini
Pumpkin
Patch
Oct. 18: Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. To benefit health care costs for Berea postal carrier Jeff
Tyrone. Elks Lodge, 626 N. Rocky River Drive,
5-8 p.m., $15. Raffles, 50/50, bake sale, DJ,
dancing.
Oct. 22: Grindstone Heritage Awards. Presentation at the Berea Historical Society, 118 E.
Bridge St., 7 p.m. by Mayor Cyril Kleem.
Front St.
N.
Hay Maze
Jumpers &
Obstacle
Course
Berea
Triangle
Oct. 23: National PTA School of Excellence
Award celebration, Grindstone Elementary
School, 191 Race St., 7 p.m.
Oct. 25: Berea Historical Society Fall Sale. 9
a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mahler Museum, 118 E.
Bridge St. knick-knacks, dishes, books,etc.
McKelvey
Park
East Bridge St.
Magician,
Games & Prizes,
Crafts &
Inflatable Slide
Oct. 25: Rotary International End Polio Now
Day. Fundraiser at any northeast Ohio Bob Evans restaurant, open to close, Bob Evans will
donate 15 percent of sales when flier is presented, dine-in or carryout. Fliers available from any
Berea Rotary member or call (440) 234-5966.
Nov. 1: Trick or Treat. 6-8 p.m. in residential
areas throughout Berea.
Nov. 2: Daylight Savings Time Ends
For more information, please visit the special events page
at www.cityofberea.org or call Megan Pochatek at (440) 891-3316
Nov. 4: ELECTION DAY