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t» Kathleen Litkovitz honored Page 2 Football ends with win Pi Amherst News-Tim n M O o O u_ X x c: m o o emu on r- oo 3> o < o "J Wednesday, November 5, 1997 Amherst, Ohio o X Squires attorney rebuts Anderson's comments by GLEN MILLER News-Times reporter A slonc laced Alan Anderson wasn't happy with the way cily council members decided to rebut his comments about their long time Cleveland bond counsel, Squires, Sanders and Dempsey. Dean Barry, a senior partner in the law firm, appeared before council Oct. 27 lo answer any questions aboul its management, and bond Counseling experience. His appearance was billed as a regular update of the firm's activities, although Anderson didn't sec it lhat way. "The mayor staged the entire thing," said Anderson following lhe meeting. Council member Nancy Brown, cily treasurer Kathleen Lilkovitz, safely service director Shcrrill McLoda and mayor John Higgins asked Barry questions concerning Squires, Sanders and Dcmpsey's function, lhe services provided and the experience of ils staff. Following the meeting, Anderson noted lhal few people on council asked questions. Most were asked by members of Higgins administrative staff, who were allegedly directed to do so by the mayor. "And, ihey asked questions ihey already knew the answers to," Anderson added. "It was all staged." The law director said lhe event was staged because of the election. Following, the meeting, Higgins said Barry was contacted because council members wanted lo clarify inaccurate statements aboul lhe law firm made by Anderson in mid-July. In July, Anderson filed a law suit over council's decision to appoint Squire, Sanders and Dempsey bond counsel for the sale of $5(X),(XK) in city hall renovation oonds. Anderson claimed state law gives him the authority to appoint a bond counsel. He preferred lhe Cleveland law firm of Calfce, Haller and Griswold. through which Anderson said lhe city could save an estimated 20 percent. During a heated discussion with council, he also questioned the experience of Squires, Sanders and Dempsey attorneys who handle bond counseling matters, according to Higgins. "There were a number of inaccuracies he voiced in his effort to have things his way lhat council wanted io clear up," the mayor added. Council member John Mishak said there was nothing unusual aboul having Barry appear before council. The firm has reported to council in previous years, he added. Barry said his linn docs business wilh virtually every city and village in Lorain Counly as public law clients. Il also serves as bond counsel for many others. A perturbed Anderson asked Barry who had asked him lo appear before council. "Council. I was contacted by the mayor," he replied. The law director also wanted to know the cost of Barry's appearance. "Nothing," he answered. "This is far too important to me lo even think about charging the city." As for its legal fees, Barry said they "arc in no way shape or form out of line" with those charged by most law firms in the area. City forced to do temporary fix-up by GLEN MILLER News-Times reporter City officials are preceding with plans to hall deterioration of cily hall until the law suit filed against [hem by law director Alan Anderson is .settled in a state court. Residential building inspector Ron Konowals has been asked to oversee work lhat involves making temporary repairs to lhe roof and scaling lhe 113-year-old building's bell tower. "We've got to do something to prevent further damage to ihis grand old lady," said mayor John Higgins. "I hale spending lhe money because I'd raihcr spend it lo make permanent repairs lhal will put il back into shape and full use." Plans to spend up to $500,000 to make permanent repairs have been put on hold by Anderson's suit challenging city council's July decision to name a bond counsel. The law director contends slate law give him lhe sole authority. Il seeks an injunction thai makes an ordinance naming the Cleveland law firm of Squire, Sanders and Dempsey bond counsel invalid. It also prohibits the expenditure of any money for the permanent repairs. Anderson is appealing a Lorain Counly Common Pleas Court's ruling in council's favor to lhe Ninth District Court of Appeals in Akron. Should he lose, Anderson has said he will appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court. No permanent repairs can be made until a final court decision is reached. Higgins said both he and council pould be criminally liable if they sign bond documents for permanent repairs. Temporary repairs are the city's only alternative and musl be made before winter sets in to prevent further leaks and damage lo lhe bell lower and interior of the unused second door, he added. Make-do repairs also have been made lo a 50-ycar-old furnace lhat was io have been part of the 8900,000 repair project. Severe roof leaks have developed in the roof valleys where old Hashing has become badly deteriorated. A temporary sealant needs to be placed over the valleys and the outside arches to the bell tower sealed wilh wood or plastic to prevent moisture from seeping inside and causing further damage. ' Konowals is determining the work lhat needs io be done, seeking possible contractors and getting cost estimates. Higgins said-he hopes lhe work can be done for under $10,000. Otherwise, it will require emergency council action and a lengthy public bidding process. II lhe temporary repairs cannot be made soon, Higgins said he fears the cily may have to rent office space al various locations should the building become uninhabitable. Shirley Young, one ot several volunteer teachers at Amherst's one room schoolhouse, dressed in 1890's clothing, prepares to call on a student during a special history day for Harris Elementary students. Young is a retired Powers Elementary School teacher. Volunteers are bringing Amherst's old one room schoolhouse to life Valeric Gerstenberger used to teach third graders at the Quigley Museum's century-old one-room school house by herself. These days, she is gelling some much needed help from some retirees like herself. A former Amherst school district librarian, Gerstenberger has enlisted the help of five women to help her teach the way life was during lhe I890i io more than 400 children from Amherst, Soulh Amherst, Wellington and Olmsted Falls. The school house is the historic grange hall on Milan Avenue. Four arc retired school teachers like her. The fifth, Vivienne Bickley, is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about history. Bul that comes natural for her. She is the former president of the Amherst Historical Society. The retired teachers are Shirley Young, Mary Ranck, Jeanne Smith and Elaine Breen. Swift and Young laughi at Powers Elementary School, Ranck at Harris Elementary School and Breen in Lorain. Gerstenberger has been leaching third graders from Harris since the special hislory lessons about life in 1890s began in irte uue-room saiooi house six years ago. * ,. But lhal was before she started getting calls from teachers in Wcl-" lington, Soulh Amherst and Olmsted Falls aboul lhe special history classes. Fifty students from these school districts arc enrolled in this year's program. They pay a S3 tuition fee. It is free to Amherst sludents. These days, it's gelling a bit too much lor her. She's 84 and wants to enjoy life. So, she trained the five new teachers to replace her in the classroom. The classes arc held throughout October. Each has about 25 children. She hasn't given up teaching though. She slill teaches home schooled children from anywhere in Lorain Counly. "Jusi because ihey arc taught al home, there's no reason for them nol to have the opportunity lo learn what school was like back in the 1890*8," Gerstenberger said. Gerstenberger laughi at Clear- view High School between 1942 and 1957 before becoming director of libraries for the Amhcrsl School District from 1957 lo 1980. "r didn't think this would get as big' and as popular as they (classes) arc_now. I can't possibly handle it all myself," she explained. "I used lo leach five days a week but that really lixik a big bite out of my time during October. I have other things I wani to do." Bickley comes every day whether she teaches or not just to help oul. There arc slates lo clean, a water bucket io Illl and a classroom to clean. Gerstenberger has passed on everything she knows about education in a one-room school house to the volunteer teachers. She learned the trade from her mother, the laic Ethel Eppley, who laughi in one room school houses throughout Lorain Count)' from many years. "It was different then. You didn't have one grade like wc do here, but the first through eighth grade," she added. "And, she did everything herself. Wc have help here." Like all Amhcrsl students, some children lour the Quigley Museum, although most outside of Amhcrsl just come to experience education in the 1890s in a one room school, she added. The sludents also get a short tour of the Cleveland Quarries. The old school was built 118 years ago bul was extensively remodeled several years ago by the ■ Amhcrsl Historical Society. I Reading program having a big impact at Shupe by ANITA OFFINEER News-Times correspondent Ezra Pound, a United States poet and critic born in 1885 once said, "With one day's reading a man may have the key in his hands." J.R. Lowell also said, "Have you ever rightly considered what the mere ability io read means? That is die key which admits us to the whole world of lhat of fancy and imagination? ...Thai il enables us to see with . the keenest eyes, hear wilh die finest ears, and listen lo the sweetest voices of all times?" With all of our modern technology, television, computers, VCR's and more, the art of reading may have deceased, bul its' importance has nol. To be able to read, as Arnold Bcnncll said, "is not lo amuse the hours of leisure; it is to ajvake oneself, ...to be alive, lo intensify one's capacity for pleasure, for sympathy, and for comprehension...It is lo change utterly one's relations with ihe world." Reading is a skill. The more it is done, the belter it becomes. Lack of reading practice is a major cause of low reading standards. The ability to read and comprehend is the fundamental skill for learning all subjects laughi in school. To promote reading for students who may not be high-inicnsity readers, and even for those who are, two Amhersl school icachcrs collaborated lo institute the Accelerated Reader Program for lilill and sixth grade Shupc Middle School students. Janis Trunzo, a Special Education teacher, and Diana Bcetler, a fifth grade teacher, worked on a grant proposal to fund the Accelerated Reader program. Beeder taught at a school in Georgia thai was just aboul to implement lhe program. Though Bcetler did not have an opportunity io work with lhe program in Georgia, she said all of the teachers using the program now just love il. The Accelerated Reader program utili/es the best in children's literature with the use of computers to promote a love of reading. Students chixisc books from a list of thousands of tides, read the book cover- lo-covcr, and then answer a muliiplc-choicc lest using the computer. The student earns poinis basal on factors such as length of the book, reading level, and number of correct answers. Books arc read al the student's own pace, and because the book list is so extensive, hesitant readers to the most voracious readers' needs can be satisfied. The Accelerated Reader program is nationally'recog- nized, and has been endorsed by the Institute for Academic Excellence. Several studies have proven ils effectiveness in promoting a love for reading. Studies have also shown that those who enjoy reading improve their ability to develop critical thinking skills such as evaluation, synthesis, analysis and application, important for every school subject. Shupe Middle School's Accelerated Reader can be networked, has CONTINUED on page 5 Joe Teets, a student at Shupe Middle School, works with the Accelerated Reading Program. The computer program is designed to encourage children to develop a love ot reading. b mam mm maawamamwm ^mmam
Object Description
Title | The Amherst news-times. (Amherst, Ohio), 1997-11-05 |
Place |
Amherst (Ohio) Lorain County (Ohio) |
Date of Original | 05-NOV-1997 |
Searchable Date | 1997-11-05 |
Collection | Amherst News-Times |
Submitting Institution | Amherst Public Library |
Rights | Online access is provided for research purposes only. For rights and reproduction requests or more information, go to http://www.ohiohistory.org/images/information |
Type | Text |
Format | newspapers |
LCCN | sn84028333 |
Description
Title | The Amherst news-times. (Amherst, Ohio), 1997-11-05 |
Place |
Amherst (Ohio) Lorain County (Ohio) |
Date of Original | 05-NOV-1997 |
Searchable Date | 1997-11-05 |
Submitting Institution | Amherst Public Library |
Rights | Online access is provided for research purposes only. For rights and reproduction requests or more information, go to http://www.ohiohistory.org/images/information |
Full Text | t» Kathleen Litkovitz honored Page 2 Football ends with win Pi Amherst News-Tim n M O o O u_ X x c: m o o emu on r- oo 3> o < o "J Wednesday, November 5, 1997 Amherst, Ohio o X Squires attorney rebuts Anderson's comments by GLEN MILLER News-Times reporter A slonc laced Alan Anderson wasn't happy with the way cily council members decided to rebut his comments about their long time Cleveland bond counsel, Squires, Sanders and Dempsey. Dean Barry, a senior partner in the law firm, appeared before council Oct. 27 lo answer any questions aboul its management, and bond Counseling experience. His appearance was billed as a regular update of the firm's activities, although Anderson didn't sec it lhat way. "The mayor staged the entire thing," said Anderson following lhe meeting. Council member Nancy Brown, cily treasurer Kathleen Lilkovitz, safely service director Shcrrill McLoda and mayor John Higgins asked Barry questions concerning Squires, Sanders and Dcmpsey's function, lhe services provided and the experience of ils staff. Following the meeting, Anderson noted lhal few people on council asked questions. Most were asked by members of Higgins administrative staff, who were allegedly directed to do so by the mayor. "And, ihey asked questions ihey already knew the answers to," Anderson added. "It was all staged." The law director said lhe event was staged because of the election. Following, the meeting, Higgins said Barry was contacted because council members wanted lo clarify inaccurate statements aboul lhe law firm made by Anderson in mid-July. In July, Anderson filed a law suit over council's decision to appoint Squire, Sanders and Dempsey bond counsel for the sale of $5(X),(XK) in city hall renovation oonds. Anderson claimed state law gives him the authority to appoint a bond counsel. He preferred lhe Cleveland law firm of Calfce, Haller and Griswold. through which Anderson said lhe city could save an estimated 20 percent. During a heated discussion with council, he also questioned the experience of Squires, Sanders and Dempsey attorneys who handle bond counseling matters, according to Higgins. "There were a number of inaccuracies he voiced in his effort to have things his way lhat council wanted io clear up," the mayor added. Council member John Mishak said there was nothing unusual aboul having Barry appear before council. The firm has reported to council in previous years, he added. Barry said his linn docs business wilh virtually every city and village in Lorain Counly as public law clients. Il also serves as bond counsel for many others. A perturbed Anderson asked Barry who had asked him lo appear before council. "Council. I was contacted by the mayor," he replied. The law director also wanted to know the cost of Barry's appearance. "Nothing," he answered. "This is far too important to me lo even think about charging the city." As for its legal fees, Barry said they "arc in no way shape or form out of line" with those charged by most law firms in the area. City forced to do temporary fix-up by GLEN MILLER News-Times reporter City officials are preceding with plans to hall deterioration of cily hall until the law suit filed against [hem by law director Alan Anderson is .settled in a state court. Residential building inspector Ron Konowals has been asked to oversee work lhat involves making temporary repairs to lhe roof and scaling lhe 113-year-old building's bell tower. "We've got to do something to prevent further damage to ihis grand old lady," said mayor John Higgins. "I hale spending lhe money because I'd raihcr spend it lo make permanent repairs lhal will put il back into shape and full use." Plans to spend up to $500,000 to make permanent repairs have been put on hold by Anderson's suit challenging city council's July decision to name a bond counsel. The law director contends slate law give him lhe sole authority. Il seeks an injunction thai makes an ordinance naming the Cleveland law firm of Squire, Sanders and Dempsey bond counsel invalid. It also prohibits the expenditure of any money for the permanent repairs. Anderson is appealing a Lorain Counly Common Pleas Court's ruling in council's favor to lhe Ninth District Court of Appeals in Akron. Should he lose, Anderson has said he will appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court. No permanent repairs can be made until a final court decision is reached. Higgins said both he and council pould be criminally liable if they sign bond documents for permanent repairs. Temporary repairs are the city's only alternative and musl be made before winter sets in to prevent further leaks and damage lo lhe bell lower and interior of the unused second door, he added. Make-do repairs also have been made lo a 50-ycar-old furnace lhat was io have been part of the 8900,000 repair project. Severe roof leaks have developed in the roof valleys where old Hashing has become badly deteriorated. A temporary sealant needs to be placed over the valleys and the outside arches to the bell tower sealed wilh wood or plastic to prevent moisture from seeping inside and causing further damage. ' Konowals is determining the work lhat needs io be done, seeking possible contractors and getting cost estimates. Higgins said-he hopes lhe work can be done for under $10,000. Otherwise, it will require emergency council action and a lengthy public bidding process. II lhe temporary repairs cannot be made soon, Higgins said he fears the cily may have to rent office space al various locations should the building become uninhabitable. Shirley Young, one ot several volunteer teachers at Amherst's one room schoolhouse, dressed in 1890's clothing, prepares to call on a student during a special history day for Harris Elementary students. Young is a retired Powers Elementary School teacher. Volunteers are bringing Amherst's old one room schoolhouse to life Valeric Gerstenberger used to teach third graders at the Quigley Museum's century-old one-room school house by herself. These days, she is gelling some much needed help from some retirees like herself. A former Amherst school district librarian, Gerstenberger has enlisted the help of five women to help her teach the way life was during lhe I890i io more than 400 children from Amherst, Soulh Amherst, Wellington and Olmsted Falls. The school house is the historic grange hall on Milan Avenue. Four arc retired school teachers like her. The fifth, Vivienne Bickley, is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about history. Bul that comes natural for her. She is the former president of the Amherst Historical Society. The retired teachers are Shirley Young, Mary Ranck, Jeanne Smith and Elaine Breen. Swift and Young laughi at Powers Elementary School, Ranck at Harris Elementary School and Breen in Lorain. Gerstenberger has been leaching third graders from Harris since the special hislory lessons about life in 1890s began in irte uue-room saiooi house six years ago. * ,. But lhal was before she started getting calls from teachers in Wcl-" lington, Soulh Amherst and Olmsted Falls aboul lhe special history classes. Fifty students from these school districts arc enrolled in this year's program. They pay a S3 tuition fee. It is free to Amherst sludents. These days, it's gelling a bit too much lor her. She's 84 and wants to enjoy life. So, she trained the five new teachers to replace her in the classroom. The classes arc held throughout October. Each has about 25 children. She hasn't given up teaching though. She slill teaches home schooled children from anywhere in Lorain Counly. "Jusi because ihey arc taught al home, there's no reason for them nol to have the opportunity lo learn what school was like back in the 1890*8," Gerstenberger said. Gerstenberger laughi at Clear- view High School between 1942 and 1957 before becoming director of libraries for the Amhcrsl School District from 1957 lo 1980. "r didn't think this would get as big' and as popular as they (classes) arc_now. I can't possibly handle it all myself," she explained. "I used lo leach five days a week but that really lixik a big bite out of my time during October. I have other things I wani to do." Bickley comes every day whether she teaches or not just to help oul. There arc slates lo clean, a water bucket io Illl and a classroom to clean. Gerstenberger has passed on everything she knows about education in a one-room school house to the volunteer teachers. She learned the trade from her mother, the laic Ethel Eppley, who laughi in one room school houses throughout Lorain Count)' from many years. "It was different then. You didn't have one grade like wc do here, but the first through eighth grade," she added. "And, she did everything herself. Wc have help here." Like all Amhcrsl students, some children lour the Quigley Museum, although most outside of Amhcrsl just come to experience education in the 1890s in a one room school, she added. The sludents also get a short tour of the Cleveland Quarries. The old school was built 118 years ago bul was extensively remodeled several years ago by the ■ Amhcrsl Historical Society. I Reading program having a big impact at Shupe by ANITA OFFINEER News-Times correspondent Ezra Pound, a United States poet and critic born in 1885 once said, "With one day's reading a man may have the key in his hands." J.R. Lowell also said, "Have you ever rightly considered what the mere ability io read means? That is die key which admits us to the whole world of lhat of fancy and imagination? ...Thai il enables us to see with . the keenest eyes, hear wilh die finest ears, and listen lo the sweetest voices of all times?" With all of our modern technology, television, computers, VCR's and more, the art of reading may have deceased, bul its' importance has nol. To be able to read, as Arnold Bcnncll said, "is not lo amuse the hours of leisure; it is to ajvake oneself, ...to be alive, lo intensify one's capacity for pleasure, for sympathy, and for comprehension...It is lo change utterly one's relations with ihe world." Reading is a skill. The more it is done, the belter it becomes. Lack of reading practice is a major cause of low reading standards. The ability to read and comprehend is the fundamental skill for learning all subjects laughi in school. To promote reading for students who may not be high-inicnsity readers, and even for those who are, two Amhersl school icachcrs collaborated lo institute the Accelerated Reader Program for lilill and sixth grade Shupc Middle School students. Janis Trunzo, a Special Education teacher, and Diana Bcetler, a fifth grade teacher, worked on a grant proposal to fund the Accelerated Reader program. Beeder taught at a school in Georgia thai was just aboul to implement lhe program. Though Bcetler did not have an opportunity io work with lhe program in Georgia, she said all of the teachers using the program now just love il. The Accelerated Reader program utili/es the best in children's literature with the use of computers to promote a love of reading. Students chixisc books from a list of thousands of tides, read the book cover- lo-covcr, and then answer a muliiplc-choicc lest using the computer. The student earns poinis basal on factors such as length of the book, reading level, and number of correct answers. Books arc read al the student's own pace, and because the book list is so extensive, hesitant readers to the most voracious readers' needs can be satisfied. The Accelerated Reader program is nationally'recog- nized, and has been endorsed by the Institute for Academic Excellence. Several studies have proven ils effectiveness in promoting a love for reading. Studies have also shown that those who enjoy reading improve their ability to develop critical thinking skills such as evaluation, synthesis, analysis and application, important for every school subject. Shupe Middle School's Accelerated Reader can be networked, has CONTINUED on page 5 Joe Teets, a student at Shupe Middle School, works with the Accelerated Reading Program. The computer program is designed to encourage children to develop a love ot reading. b mam mm maawamamwm ^mmam |
Format | newspapers |
LCCN | sn84028333 |
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